Going to See Lucius Friday June 19th, 2009 7:31:02 PM
As the group moves into the city and follows the direction to the watch office,, they see throngs of people moving too and fro through the oppressive cold, soot and darkness. Even though it's the middle of the day, it seems like midnight. Moreover, the group quickly becomes covered in black smudge and soot from the black snow that rains down from heaven. The only light comes from everbright lanterns on street corners, as the sun has been completely blocked by the sooty sky.
The PC's quickly realize that this black soot will begin causing problems if they stay outside too long. (Every hour you're outdoors, DC 15 Fortitude or 1d6 non lethal dmg from inhaling the soot)
Most people ignore the party, handling their own business and moving quickly indoors. A few scattered gangs see the party but when they come near and see a group of armed PC's, they look for easier prey. Most business are shut down, as few people will come out in the toxic atmosphere. As they near the watch's HQ, they see various prophets claiming that the time of reckoning is near. These wild-haired, soot caked prophets of doom call for all to bow down and accept the inevitable.
The explosions continue from the SW district, and it appears that the fire is still spreading. The group remembers that that district holds many foundries, magic supply shops, chemical factories and various other business that are incredibly flammable. It's sort of the rundown part of Tharn, but it is odd that the fire is still spreading. Worse, the group hears more stories about rampant looting and riots in the SW district. Or at least more than the normal nefarious activity that happens in the SW district.
As the group pools their memories and knowledge, they remember hearing that the city is generally calm and has a formidable group of mages who protect against outside dangers and maintain peace and order. Various PC's stop passerby's and they are told of recent murders in Tharn, and the apparent inability of the watch to solve them and find the killer(s). The fire is a commonly discussed issue, of course, and the bitterly cold weather is in everyone's minds. However, most people stop only for a moment, due to the horrible, bitter cold and no one is in the mood to answer questions.
Speck hears nothing of any circus and most people look at him like he belongs in an asylum.
As they near Lucius' office, they see guards standing outside, shivering in the cold. As they get closer, they notice that these seem to be reserve officers, and a passerby mentions that most of the regular officers are fighting the fire and trying to stop the riots and looting.
(OOC = The snowfall, blizzard conditions and environmental situation cause: 1. all outdoor Spot, Listen and Search checks to take a -8 penalty, 2. Ranged attacks are impossible. 3. Every hour you're outside, take another DC 15 check or take another 1d6 non-lethal dmg from the extreme cold. If you have the survival skill, there could be a bonus (see pg 83 PH))
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 Friday June 19th, 2009 10:51:19 PM
Speck is dispondent that the people don't seem to know anything about the circus. What kind of life do they live anyway. The crowd size seemed to be decent enough during their performances... what short memories they have... Well, he circus must have left right after he did. That was some months ago. Six, maybe seven months ago?
"Cough... Hack! Murders? What sort of murders? Who...cough...spit... were murdered?" But the hustle and bustle keep jostling the hafling around and he gets no answer.
"Dimwits!" He exclaims as he scuttles next to the liontaur.
The appearance of gangs in the streets only anger Speck the more. "This was a decent place to live", he manages to say despite the soot. He even hopes a gang dares to approach them, he's sure he could find out more from them than from the regular citizenry. But their mission to find th HQ presses them on and any info gathering will have to wait.
As the 'prophets' wail out doom, Speck mutters "Pathetic. Just simple pathetic. Why don't they just put a towl over their heads and shut up."
However the soot, the cold, and not having had anything to eat but dracomorph goo all day spurs his little feet onward to the headquarters. Hopefully they'll be let in, and hopefully it'll be warm inside, and hopefully his snack in his backpack is unsoiled.
Lucky AC18 HP46 d20+8=17 ; d20+13=18 ; Saturday June 20th, 2009 10:36:56 AM
"Old Man! Old Man!" Lucky calls out to Cedric as the sooty snow flies. "You didn't get to be so old without learning something about Survival, I bet! What should we do about this weather? Maybe cover our mouths? Move a little slower?"
[OOC: Lucky is using Aid Another to boost Cedric's Survival check, should he choose to make one. Lucky has a +7 on Survival checks, and he pumps a luck point to bring that to +8. His roll to aid another is 17. Cedric gains a +2 on his Survival check (which can help others, per the skill), and Lucky gains a Luck Point back.]
"I say, we should push to the heart of the conflagration! Probably it is some magical source, or an elemental, maybe in the burning ruins of the mages' lab. An elemental named Lucius, is my guess, based on the title of the DM post."
"Come, lackeys! Follow your Captain onwards, at a prudent rate for these weather conditions, into the heart of danger!"
[OOC Note: Although Lucky is here proposing just blindly going into the heart of the fire, wherever that is, he will actually go wherever the majority of the party wants to go, whether on to see this Captain Luscious or wherever.]
New roll for AC for the next time I need one: 18
Luck Points: 5
Spells Chosen (Not picked randomly seeing as Lucky is not as yet on a new Luck Quest): Not adjusted by going up a level! But everything else is!
0: Light, Purify Food and Drink, Guidance x2, Read Magic 1: Hide from Undead, Obscuring Mist, Bless, Sanctuary, Entropic Shield 2: Sound Burst, Inflict Moderate Wounds, Remove Paralysis, Aid 3: Bestow Curse, Mon Sum III, Magic Circle vs Law
Marcasthai AC 19 HP 64/84 (SteveK) d20+12=31 ; d20+11=15 d20+11=16 Sunday June 21st, 2009 11:33:14 AM
Marcas bends his head against the soot smacking his eyes and nose and ignores the cold. Marching ahead, he only pauses to allow Lucky to get in the lead.
"I am not a Lackey", he rumbles, but there is no force or heat in the words. The minotaur has already learned that Lucky niether means it nor will likely remember any correction.
"More questions will be answered at Lucius the Captain", he tells his friends, "don't waste time *ah-CHOO* standing out here in the soot.
At the reserves guarding the door, he gives a confident snort and rises to his full height. "We are here to speak with Captain Lucius. Be kind and do not bar our way." .................
Intimidate: 31 Fort vs soot: 15 v 15 pass Fort vs cold: 16 v 15 pass
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 d20+4=18 ; Sunday June 21st, 2009 9:29:32 PM
Forgot my DC15 Fort check. Here it is: d20+4=18. good for now...
Cedric AC 16 HP 66/66 - | Character Sheet d20+8=24 ; d20+19=23 ; d20+10=11 ; d6=6 ; Monday June 22nd, 2009 7:56:43 AM
Cedric slows the party down a bit, and instructs them on how to protect themselves against the cold. Unfortunately he spends so much time tending to the needs of others he neglects his own safety.
OOC: Just to be clear that's 2 saves an hour? One vs Soot and one vs Blizzard? 6 non lethal damage Buffs: Longstrider, Delay Poison, Greater Magic Fang (all extended)
Fort save vs soot: 24 Passed
Survival check to boost save vs blizzard: 23 (Entire party gains +2 to blizzard save if they move at 1/2 speed) Blizzard save: failed, 6 non lethal damage
Going to See Lucius Monday June 22nd, 2009 10:49:30 AM
(OOC = Per Cedric's Q, yes, 2 saves/hr for 6 non lethal. I'm not going to be real picky on these, since I assume you'll be going in and out of buildings as much as possible. I just wanted to make sure that if you were involved in something lengthy, that you knew the effects of the environment.)
Waiting on others to post...
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 d20+4=15 ; Monday June 22nd, 2009 2:17:03 PM
OOC: didn't do the cold check since I thought we were going inside. But since we've been outside since the beginning, here it is.
DC15 Fort cold d20+4=15! (whew!)
Mithrik Monday June 22nd, 2009 7:37:06 PM
OOC: You guys aren't waiting for me, are you?
Mithrik Monday June 22nd, 2009 8:29:47 PM
Through the soot and snow a stooped figure appears from the Captain's building and approaches the party with his floppy hat pulled over his eyes and his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his colorful robe. As he draws near the figure pushes his hat back to reveal an old, craggy face and a long white beard. A pipe sticks out from his white mustache and pumps smoke into the already sooty air as the man draws close enough for the party to see his twinkling green eyes which give Lucky a wink. The old man crouches down before the party's leader and speaks in a raspy yet soothing voice.
"Hey there, kid, welcome to Tharn. Oh, and look, another kid," the man says looking at Speck. "What are children such as yourself doing in a place like this? Don't you know its dangerous as the dickens out here?" The old coot seems to take in the other party members with a stern look. "You are most irresponsible guardians! If I wasn't so busy I'd have a mind to teach you all a lesson. Unfortunately I have bigger fish to fry. Come with me to see Captain Lucius and we'll get these kids some hot cocoa." With that the man turns to hobble back to the Captain's building, takes a few steps and looks over his shoulder. "By the way, the names Mithrik. Mithrek the Mischievous."
Kgosi Bhoku | AC17 | HP26/26 | Mage Armor | (Drew) Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 4:30:10 AM
The ashen snow falls from the abundance of fires in the area and as each takes step after step the sound of hot, dry ash grating against the packed snow makes for an eerie dirge to march to. The wemic watches the others and raises a doubtful eyebrow to some of the more bizarre things that is being said.
Kgosi nods in agreement with the minotaur's words and continues trudging through the streets looking for Captain Lucius. A few moments later the group encounters a curmudgeonly old man with a dapper hat and a scolding outlook.
"What makes one as weathered as you so busy during a devolution such as this, Mischievous?"
Marcasthai AC 19 HP 64/84 (SteveK) Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 9:44:49 AM
Marcas is covered in goo from the monster which makes the soot stick to his fur, clothes, and armor even more. He comes to a full stop as the mage admonishes the group. Looking from old human to Lucky to Speck, his eyes blink rapidly until he lets out a snort.
Then a guffaw.
And then the ever serious Marcas is holding his sides and slapping his knee while laughing his horns off! The only thing that stops the great warrior is that he has to breathe. And in sucking in the sooty air, he spasms in a fit of coughing chortles.
Wiping tears from his eyes, he waves his friends inside and follows this man called Mithrik.
Lucky AC18 HP46 Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 10:35:22 AM
"Hey! I like hot cocoa!" shouts Lucky. "Mister Magic sir, please lead us on!"
Lucky enters, beckoning any still left behind.
"That sure is nice of you," he calls ahead to Mithrik. "But I hope you have enough for everybody!"
Mithrik AC 14 HP 25/25 Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 1:27:58 PM
On his way back to the Captain's building, Mithrik briefly turns to address the liontaur.
"It is important for one as wizened as I to remain busy so as not to convalesce during this rough patch. You see, my shop was amongst those destroyed by that confounded conflagration. The way I figure it, I can manage to afford mice for my snake and tobacco for my pipe as long as I find some sort of gainful employment with the guard. Now if you don't mind we must get inside, I only stepped out into this mess to smoke my pipe."
Going to See Lucius Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 3:24:38 PM
(OOC = Everyone please say hello to our new player, if you haven't yet. Ryan Gray has joined us...)
The assembled group, including a new arrival, move into the building. The guards nod at them, but say little else. They're too busy staying warm...
Inside the watch HQ, things are loud and busy. People are rushing too and fro and the group hears snatches of conversation about the weather, the continuing fire, deaths, murders, looting, etc. Most of the people they see are members of the watch and like the guards, they look utterly exhausted. Many haven't bathed in days, and they're covered in soot and dirt from the combination of snow and ash that lies everywhere. At least the inside is shielding them from the bitter weather and several fireplaces are burning, providing sufficient heat to warm the party up.
Lucius isn't too hard to find, since most people are either entering or leaving his office. Once the way is clear, the group is led in by his assistant. He is a middle aged man with a toughened look about him. His eyes are red from both the smoke and exhaustion. Clearly, he's been working to both fight fires and keeping things organized here at the HQ. His is balding, and has a few scars on his face. He's a man that has seen battle before, and is the one voice of reason in the sea of chaos that surrounds him. On the wall next to him is a battered set of leather armor, a sword and a shield.
Looking up from a pile of paper, he asks in a brisk and terse manner , "Yes, what do you want? I don't recognize you so who are you and why are you in my city?"
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 d20+11=15 ; Tuesday June 23rd, 2009 10:19:31 PM
A rhyme floats through Specks mind and eases out into the room.
"Hot Cocoa and Cheeze. Hot Cocoa and Cheeze. We will work for Hot Cocoa and Cheeze!"
He bows and steps back, a big smile on his face.
Diplomacy d20+11=15
Marcasthai AC 19 HP 64/84 (SteveK) Wednesday June 24th, 2009 10:15:45 AM
Soot and goo covered with a small coating of frost, Marcas is still wheezing from the laughter but moments before. His appearance is even less impressive by the tear marks down his bovine head, but the armor, polearm, and 8 and a half feet of standing minotaur makes up for a lot.
"We killed two dragon-men and a dragon-chaos-monster just outside of town. Two innocents were killed by the monsters before we could end thier lives. We are here to stop more monsters from killing people in the town."
Marcas wheezes again and snorts. "Where can we be of your best service?"
Cedric AC 16 HP 66/66 - | Character Sheet Wednesday June 24th, 2009 12:17:53 PM
Cedric remains quite, content to let the groups leaders speak. He absentmindedly strokes the holy symbol he wears, thinking of the deaths that have come today.
Lucky jumps to the front and bows low. "We are the Knights of the Disadvantaged, and we are here to fight fires and save innocent lives! I am Leftenant Lucky, leader by acclimation of this company, and we are here to help!"
Lucky bows, and adds, "Please, no applause. We do this out of the goodness and charity of our hearts. And for the reward that is the gratitude of the people."
"So, let us stop here for a bit of Hot Cocoa, and you can tell us more, and then we can get to work."
Diplomacy 25 - Nat 20!
Mithrik AC 14 HP 25/25 Wednesday June 24th, 2009 3:59:59 PM
Mithrik raps Speck on the head as he joins the others.
"Silence, kid, you'll have your beverage in good time, and I said nothing of cheese."
The Mischievous One's old hairy ears seem to perk up at the mention of the Knights of the Disadvantaged and a smile crosses his face.
"Lucius, I would like, with your permission, to join with this kid's party. I've always considered myself something of a protector of the downtrodden as you doubtlessly know, and with my shop burned to the ground I have nothing else to do. My services, and those of Maar, will be put to much better use with these Knights."
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 d20+11=29 ; Wednesday June 24th, 2009 5:40:24 PM
"Ouch!" "Wh... no cheeze? What's a good cup of cocoa gonna do with out cheeze? Gotta have da cheeze! It just don't taste right without a hunk of cheeze floating in the middle."
Then he takes a bow, in the same manner as Lucky, and says,
"The town of Tharn was seen from afar A pillar of smoke sending the folk away, away
Thus yonder we came to extiguish the flame and find out who to blame and gain a load of fame!"
With that he casts Prestidigitation in the form of small flame balls being extiguished in a puff of smoke and the sounds of clapping and cheering in the background wiht a few 'Hurraahs' thrown in.
Perform d20+11=29!
An office Visit Wednesday June 24th, 2009 8:17:40 PM
As the group responds in a variety of ways, including some that leave Lucius speechless and wondering if the mental health institute has lost some inmates, he responds, "Well, um... OK. So you're the ones who fought off that ambush on the way into town. I'm glad you were willing to help out, as that thing, whatever it was, has been terrorizing caravans for months and every group we've sent to fight it hasn't returned..."
"We can definitely use your help, as all of our resources are stretched to the breaking point fighting off the fires. We've sent our wizards, military and members of the watch to help keep them under control and at least stop them from spreading any further."
He pauses, thinks for a moment, and says, "Well, since you seem like an experienced bunch (looking at Speck and Lucky as if he's not sure whether or not to include them), maybe you could help us."
He reaches into his desk and pulls out a copy of the latest town paper. He opens it up and says, "fWe have what could be a serial murderer operating in our town. Weeks ago, anonymous tales of grisly murder began arriving at the Tharn Inquisitive. Hair raising and horrific, these letters gained wide readership, similiar to murder mysteries that you may have read from time to time. However, the 'fans' delight soon turned to dread as they realized that these were actually true stories and related to real crimes."
"Over the last two weeks, two people have been killed brutally. The killer, called the Raven, has been busy. His first week, titled "Tales in Blood" ended with the torture and death of a professor of literature at Morgrave University. His drained husk was found at his desk, his epitaph scrawled in his own extracted blood. "Demise of the Cowardly Shifter," the second letter, concluded with the death of a spinleless beasthunter named Mange. Hs body was found in an abandoned silver shop named Shining Star silver, where the killer poured molten silver over his head, freezing his face into a silent scream."
He pauses to catch his breath, and wipe the sweat (both from fear and exhaustion) and continues, "This Raven sends his tales to the Inquisitive piecemeal in six fragments, each offering clues to his identity and that of his prey. Each fragment describes the stalking of his 'muse' and preparations for their demise. The sixth and final fragment culminates in the story's climax, yielding the blood-soaked details of the victim's grisly end. So far, his attacks seem random and we haven't found any pattern to the killing or clues to his identity, other than what's in the old letters."
"To be honest, we're barely keeping up with the fires and we don't have the manpower to fight the Raven. Worse, we received the first fragment of his next letter, named, "Stars of Darkness." It's going in today's paper and I have a copy of it here. If you would be willing, I'll deputize each of you and then you can search with the proper authority. No one should trouble you as long as you have your insignas."
The letter reads, "Stars in the Darkness: Part 1. All light and magic, she twinkles to the cries of brutes and simpletons. She is their dream and the star by which they set their course across the uncharted waters of the Thunder. For one night they are hers before death finds them in a dusty tomb or a giant's embrace. Her body, outlined by the quicksilver gleam, strikes them harder than a titan's hammer. The shining silhouette of a goddess. (New paragraph) When the lights go out she is alone. The long walk home through biting wind and bleak snow leaves her cold and empty. There is no one waiting for her. Or so she thinks. She is no more alone than a star in the night. Darkness surrounds her. I wait in the gloom. I'll hold her close. Hold every part of her close." - Quoth the Raven.
Mithrik AC 14 HP 25/25 Wednesday June 24th, 2009 9:42:21 PM
Mithrik's smile vanishes as Lucius recounts the Raven's latest exploits. Being a resident of Tharn, the Mischievous One had been following the Raven story and was familiar with the mystery author's killing spree.
Mithrik looks over the newest letter and puts in his two cents after passing it on.
"If this pretentious whipper-snapper is hinting at the identity of his next victim, I'd say that hes referring to some sort of dancer or maybe even a harlot. In what part of town could one find the service of such a lady?" The old wizard looks sheepish for a moment and adds, "I don't know where to pick up a hooker. I'm an honest business owner. Or at least I was."
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 Wednesday June 24th, 2009 10:24:32 PM
"Oi! She's a performer," Speck blurts out. "A dancer or singer. People come from miles away to see her perform for one night. The light shines on her as she performs. When the performance is over, the lights go out, everyone dies, she is alone. Although, I must admit, she sounds like a deadly performer."
"Er, something like that."
Marcasthai AC 19 HP 64/84 (SteveK) Thursday June 25th, 2009 11:32:10 AM
The big, dirty minotaur looks at Lucky before nodding. "We will take your insignias as deputies. Yet we need to know the limits of our authority. Search, chase, and question anywhere? Can we pull weapons, aye, and bloody them in need? Can we kill this Raven or does it have to be a live capture?"
As to the story, Marcas blinks and absently brings a hand over his shoulder to bring the white cat down to pet; it helps him think. The others seem to have good ideas, and they will have to follow, but one word nags at his brain until...
"Is there water in the town called Thunder?", he wonders, asking Lucius and Mithrik. "This seems the only Name in the story."
Lucky AC18 HP46 d20+5=12 ; Thursday June 25th, 2009 2:50:10 PM
Lucky listens intently to the clues, although you might not know it given his nervous habit of cracking his own knuckles.
"What's this 'quicksilver gleam'? What's this 'shining silhouette of a goddess'?" Lucky says. He tries to remember his book learning on gods to see if that rings a bell. [Know Religion check 12]
"Any way, you are most welcome, Old Timer," he says to Mithrik. "We could use a local in our work hereabouts."
He bows and thanks Lucius for the deputy badges and asks him to let the group know right away if any more letters are found.
An office Visit Thursday June 25th, 2009 4:59:20 PM
(OOC = I need some skill checks please on whatever you're trying to figure out, decipher, etc....
Mithrik or Speck, maybe a perform check and/or a knowledge check?)
Kgosi Bhoku | AC17 | HP26/26 | Mage Armor | (Drew) d20+6=15 ; d20+1=2 ; Thursday June 25th, 2009 5:17:39 PM
Kgosi seems completely perplexed by such riddles and his face feebly tries to hide such. As he rereads the page over and over his eyes seem to go blurry and after a few moments he shakes his head. He attempts to recall anything he has read from dusty tomes or exquisitely illuminated manuscripts*.
"I hate riddles" says the wemic coolly and with a trace of venom deep in his voice. His eyes grow hazy once more as he searches deeply for any information.
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 d20+8=25 ; Thursday June 25th, 2009 7:38:56 PM
OOC: good question, Perform or Bardic Knowledge... hmm... even though his Perform check is higher, I believe this type of thing, puzzles or riddles, fall in the Bardic Knowledge category.
Bardic Knowledge d20+8=25! (Yesssss!)
Mithrik AC 14 HP 25/25 d20+10=13 ; d20+16=21 ; Friday June 26th, 2009 7:48:29 AM
Mithrik racks his brains trying to figure out what part of town the letter refers to while also looking for more subtle clues hidden within the text.
Knowledge(Local): 13 Decipher Script: 21
Cedric AC 16 HP 66/66 - | Character Sheet d20+19=36 ; Friday June 26th, 2009 12:19:07 PM
Cedric ponders the meaning of the prose. He wracks his brain to find some connection to the natural world, some location, event or anything that might fit whats being described.
OOC: Knowledge Nature: 36
An office Visit Friday June 26th, 2009 9:09:20 PM
As the group compares notes, they realize that this is probably related to some sort of dancing or drinking establishment. After a few moments, Speck remembers a bar named, "Glitterdust" that may be a potential place that this letter refers to. Mithrick knows how to get there, incidently, as he has a few friends that tend to visit there frequently... It's in a seedy part of town, down in the Eastern portion...
An office Visit Saturday June 27th, 2009 8:49:44 AM
In reply to Marcas, Lucius adds, "Yes, you have the authority to ask questions and take people into custody in order to bring them here and interrogate them if you have a justifiable reason. If you need to do a search of someone's personal property, however, you must come and get my permission, as we have specific laws regarding checking people's homes.
Mithrik AC 14 HP 25/25 Saturday June 27th, 2009 7:04:27 PM
After ascertaining the location of the Glitterdust Bar and being given badges and instructions by Lucius, Mithrik begins to devise a plan.
"This letter makes it sound as if this Raven has seen the lady in question perform before. Unless he was aided by some magic akin to my own, somebody must have noticed him. You should discreetly show your badges to the management and ask if the performer mentioned in the letter has any admirers. I'll see if any of my patrons who also frequent the Glitterdust have noticed anyone suspicious. If we need somebody tailed or access to a restricted area, my companion Maar will prove invaluable."
As he mentions Maar, a gold snake with M shaped red markings down it's back slithers its way out of Mithrik's voluminous sleeve and rests on the illusionist's hand.
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 Sunday June 28th, 2009 12:23:55 AM
Speck pipes in, "Perhaps us little boys should be the ones to be the first to scope the place out. Anyone watching won't take notice of us. But if we all go at once, we are bound to attract attention."
Marcasthai AC 19 HP 64/84 (SteveK) Sunday June 28th, 2009 10:22:04 PM
Marcas nods when accepting his deputy's badge. "Let it be as you say", he tells Lucius. And then he follows the others to this "Glitterdust" place.
Being a minotaur of little imagination, he doesn't really know what to expect, but he does nod slowly over Speck's suggestion. "Having us come in at different times, some of us may better be able to get some information.", he says. "I should be part of the group who comes in as deputies and shows the badges. My presence would be memorable in any case."
Cedric AC 16 HP 66/66 - | Character Sheet Monday June 29th, 2009 7:56:22 AM
"I have always been a bit of a wanderer and I get along well enough with people. I'll go in a smaller group if that's the plan."
Cedric places the badge in his belt pouch, and makes his way to the bar with the advance group.
Lucky AC18 HP46 Monday June 29th, 2009 11:32:58 AM
Lucky grins and looks the group up and down. "Ready to dash off, my boys?" he asks. "Well, it is good that your leader" -- here he pokes his own chest with his thumb -- "is a more mature and responsible fellow, not one to dash off on a whim in pursuit of farragoes of moonshine."
"Settle yourselves down a moment. Let's not run off on a half-cooked scheme. Good Captain Luscious here has said himself that the killer sends six letters before each of his crimes, and this is but the first. Clearly, we have a little time before the enemy strikes, unless we scare him into action with heavy handed acts by scary new deputies." Here Lucky pokes his thumb at Marcasthai.
"Tonight we should be discreet. Remember, we fought and killed a dragon-thing today. We cannot go off to fight again tonight."
"Our more subtle members should fan out and Gather Information, staying away from this Glitterdust establishment. Our more dramatic members should make a big to-do of themselves in some other tavern, making a splash as heroes and dragon-killers. This gives them a most convenient -- and true! -- cover story for why they are here. Thus the criminal will not be put off by the arrival of such formidable fighters in the vicinity. Oh, and hide those new badges! No one wants to talk to the long arm of the law." He looks at the liontaur and the minotaur. "And neither to the long tail of the law nor the longhorn of the law."
"Speck, you and me can do some gathering of news. Our size will be helpful."
"K-Ghostly, maybe you can cast your invisibility spell on me and Speck if you have any left. Speck first."
"Sir John, Marks-On-Thighs, and K-Ghostly, you guys have to find an inn, leave word here at the station where it is, and then go there and whoop it up. Tell the story of the dragon fight, mentioning mostly just yourselves. Brag a little. Pay a bard to sing a song of your victory. Buy drinks for everybody!"
"Old Men!" Here Lucky looks at Cedric and Mithrik. "You two are old and not very heroic-looking. Plus you can use disguises. Go around and see what you can hear. Maybe gather some info, but first of all, be discreet. Just get a feel for the town. Find out what you can. Come back before the cold and smoke do you in! Come here to the station, find out where the party is bedding down, and go back there."
[OOC: Cedric, you might get good info in the form of a stray dog, say, or a bird. Maybe you can Speak with Animals to find out something -- ask the town rats if they have heard or seen this killer, for example. Maybe you can summon an air elemental to get a look around from the air. Or a fire elemental to find out why this fire is lasting so darned long. Mithrik, you can wander around invisibly and keep eyes and ears open.]
"We will all gather at the inn that our most heroic members find, between midnight and one. We'll compare notes, then heal and rest up for the morning. Questions? Comments?"
"And remember, when we are split up, it is safety first. If there is any danger, RUN! Do not fight. We do not want to tip our hand. Stay alert, keep away from danger. Okay?"
An office Visit Monday June 29th, 2009 2:23:50 PM
OOC = Holding for you to decide what to do... It sounds like there are several plans on the table...
1. Go to the bar and flash badges 2. Split up and do several things (Lucky's plan) 3. Scope the place out first...
Let me know what you all decide so I know which way to move forward... _______________________________________
Sir John nods at the various suggestions and says, "Those all sound like reasonable ideas. I'll follow whatever you all desire, but if I had to pick, I'd go with scoping it out first before starting any commotions, etc."
"We can't cork the genie after we rub the lamp," says Lucky. "We should start with the least intrusive action and then work our way up. First scope out the town, rest and recover spells. Then, tomorrow, scope out the Glitterdust. And then flash those badges if nothing better has come up."
Mithrik AC 14 HP 25/25 Monday June 29th, 2009 5:28:51 PM
"Hmm, maybe the kid is right. Let us split up. I will venture out on my own and question some of my old friends in town. Some of my customers were academics and intellectuals and might have clues or theories concerning the Raven's true identity. Tomorrow we can hit up the Glitterdust in style if no new clues point us in another direction."
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 Monday June 29th, 2009 6:53:58 PM
"I like the leader's plan," Speck says, "'cause it was mostly mine anyway," he mutters under his breath. "You and I, Lucky, need to do to the Glitterdust and find out their performance schedule. We can get some info from the ticket seller. If we do it right, we can sneak around the place and make a note of the building, with its windows and doors, and who goes in and where. Service entrance, performer's entrance, and so forth."
"Just a little hot cocoa and I'm ready to go," stashing his badge in a pocket. "The cheeze will have to wait, I guess."
Marcasthai AC 19 HP 64/84 (SteveK) d20=11 ; Monday June 29th, 2009 8:42:05 PM
Marcas rolls his eyes at the halflings irreverance, but doesn't press the point; he knows how Lucky is! Even though, he stares at Lucky hard. "It makes battlesense to look at the target area without drawing attention to ourselves. And I will take rest at an inn and tell of our battle on the road, that is heroic. But I will not lie. If the question is asked, I will tell we have been deputized."
Marcas will wait until Sir John and the liontaur are ready before moving out. He will ask Mithrik to name a couple of good inns, and then find room for them all in one of them.
The rest of the night for the minotaur is spent eating well, drinking only two or three glasses of minotaur-sized dark wine, and telling the story of the dragon-men being cut down by Marcas much like a battle report.
Perform: 11
Cedric AC 20 HP 66/66 - |Riding Dog| Character Sheet d20+15=20 ; d20+15=19 ; d20+17=27 ; Tuesday June 30th, 2009 1:52:06 PM
"I'll see what I can find out." Cedric says with a grin. Out of sight of anyone but the party, he shifts into the form of a large chocolate Labrador. He ventures out into the city, being as unobtrusive as possible.
Spot:20 Listen:19 Survival check to look for tracks: 27
Mithrik AC 14 HP 25/25 Tuesday June 30th, 2009 2:07:10 PM
Mithrik heads out alone to look up some of his former customers. The old wizard hopes that his more eccentric patrons are awake at this hour.
An office Visit Tuesday June 30th, 2009 2:25:40 PM
Lucius recommends a nearby inn, and says, "That's where most of the marshals or visiting troops stay when they're in town. You should be safe there, as no one messes with any visitors." He gives quick directions to the inn, which happens to be just down the street from the watch office. When the group checks in, the hotel maid leads them to a comfortable room on the 2nd floor. It's a standard suite that will hold the entire party. However, the mounts must be kept outside in a secure barn, where guards are also on duty.
Those seeking information from old friends or former customers find out some interesting facts about the current entertainment. Supposedly, there is a dancer named Mordreia that is quite the popular attraction. She is a beautiful elven dancer, who has a star tattooed on her forehead. Her act includes twirling and dancing, and everyone who sees her is enthralled by her beauty and style.
Others say that the bouncer (Urusk) and his support staff (at the bar) are not the friendliest ogre and hobgoblins and even deputies can't expect much more than a grunt or two in response to questions. They have no compunction against busting a few heads open if people don't keep themselves in line.
The remainder of the information only verifies what Lucius has told the group regarding the continuing fires, the panic in the streets, the oppressive snow and ice, and the recent series of murders.
Speck (and whomever joins him) discover that Mordreia is performing for the next several nights at the bar. A mix of people are seen entering and exiting the bar, from well dressed nobles to ruffians in rags. She's an equal opportunity performer.
Marcasthai AC 19 HP 64/84 (SteveK) Tuesday June 30th, 2009 3:31:33 PM
Marcas is as good as his word. He goes to the room and takes about an hour to clean himself up, washing his tabbard, combing out his fur, scrubbing his face and hands, polishing his armor.
Once more presentable, the minotaur moves to the common room, his breastplate gleaming silver underneath the purple tabbard. "Wine. Good wine. And beef stew", he orders for his evening meal in his quiet, deep voice.
And then he gets a little louder. "I am thirsty and hungry after slaying three dragons today!"
Speck AC18/19 HP:26/26 d20+11=19 ; d20+11=15 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=13 ; Tuesday June 30th, 2009 10:28:33 PM
Fort DC15 vs cold d20+4= 22 Fort DC15 vs soot d20+4=13 (fail, take subdual damage)
Speck asks to see the manager and ask permision to perform and earn some coin. He explains that he is a performer as well and to prove the point he goes into a short stanza of a popular ancient ballad.
Perform d20+11=19
Diplomacy d20+11=15
He explains that if he didn't perform well, it was because of the soot and he would do better inside and asks to be taken to the dressing rooms where he could prepare better.
OOC: if he gains entrance, he will note all details of the building's hallways and rooms as they travel through to learn his way around.
Kgosi Bhoku | AC17 | HP26/26 | Mage Armor | (Drew) d20+2=16 ; Wednesday July 1st, 2009 12:52:28 AM
Kgosi cannot believe the whirlwind that is the group he fought along side of this very afternoon. There is rambunctiousness and grit and piss and vinegar all in one bundle of entropy and he cannot help but be sucked into the centripetal forces. Kgosi washes just as his distant kin does and then heads to the bar where the possible future victim is to perform. He scans the place, wondering if there would be a nice balcony seat or if the establishment is all one level for the performance section [spot=16].
After finding out where the best out-of-the-way seat is, the wemic does his best to be separated from the others and begins chatting it up with anyone offering an inviting glance or nod. He inquires about the dancer for the evening as well as the news on the local 'gangs' on the street as well as asking of any personal theories on the events of the past few days.
Lucky AC18 HP46 d20+11=28 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+9=27 ; d20+10=20 ; d20-3=5 ; Wednesday July 1st, 2009 6:24:12 AM
Lucky follows Speck and Kgosi to the Glitterdust Inn.
"I command idiots!" he mutters as the subgroup nears the establishment. Before entering the place, he takes the chance to stand square in front of both SPECK and KGOSI, saying firmly --
"What part of obeying the leader do you two cretins not understand! We're ALL going to come back here tomorrow! Tonight we're supposed to check out the REST of the city! This is great, just great. Now the killer will get tipped off and our quest will likely fail. Good work, well done, way to go!"
Lucky steps back and lets these two follow or not, as they wish. He goes to other taverns, sneaks around, listens, and otherwise tries to gather info without being too conspicuous about it. If Kgosi follows him, Lucky says, "Kitty, you're supposed to go revel it up with Sir John and Marks On Thighs." If Speck follows him, he will attempt to aid the bard in his gathering.
Move Silent 28 Hide 24 Spot 27 Listen 20 Gather Info (untrained) 5 -- not even good enough to aid another!
Lucky will get back to the tavern by midnight.
Marcasthai AC 19 HP 64/84 (SteveK) Wednesday July 1st, 2009 12:46:48 PM clarification: Marcas is going to the inn recommended by Lucius to groom, eat, and rest. He is NOT going even to the neighborhood where the "Glitterdust" and dancer is supposed to be.
LOG ON