Marcus Comes Calling (DM Donna) Monday February 4th, 2002 6:43:33 AM
A fortnight or so goes by after the infamous Love In of The One. Bill is quite interested to find out--through rumors and then confirmation by various contacts--that the green candies handed out by The One's followers during the festival had two mild magic effects: the first to draw together people who were like-minded or of compatible personality, the second was to temporarily render whomever consumed the candy sterile. The magic effects of the candy wore off after 24 hours, whether or not it was consumed.
The ex-Wizard's Lair has finally been completely searched and straightened out. The basement level of the place has a decent research library (good for arcane research of spells up to fourth level) on one side and a permanent alchemical laboratory on the other (good for the creation of arcane-type magic potions--if your party ever gets a PC who can brew divine magic potions, you'll need to get some more equipment and the specific ingredients for those potions.)
Ferrak is pleased to see the beginnings of various plants peeping up from the ground in the places where he worked. Darkfang is constantly offering to "water" them for his big brother. ;)
One morning the Hamleteers find that Marcus is calling on them again.
"I'm in the midst of requisitioning some personnel and funds to help create that cover business for you." he tells the party. "My department is getting a LOT of cooperation these days--the paranoia of the Council is such that they are looking for citizens who may be in league with Floating City. The Big Float's breakaway does NOT sit well with the majority of the Council." Marcus huffs before continuing:
"That being said, I have an assignment for you. There's a noble of the city that has come under suspicion--the Baron Balentyne. He's a human who's had his eye on getting a seat on the Council for the last...oh, I'd say at least two years, perhaps as long as four. He spreads his money and charm around, but the rest of the Council was just too popular to be defeated in election.
"Anyway, my preliminary investigation shows that Balentyne had been dealing with the Sons of Dread before--and now he's meeting with clerics from the temple of Marteaus. This wouldn't be that big a deal since one of the Council members openly dresses as a follower of the Dark Lord... but the good Baron's meetings have always taken place at night--and the Council member didn't know about them until he read my monthly security report." The spymaster pauses, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Not knowing about what was happening between the temple he's affiliated with and somebody else ALWAYS disturbs a politician, and so we come to your assignment..." Marcus says, "...you are to make a secret visit to Balentyne's residence in the Wealthy District--he lives at the end of Jewel's End--and see if you can't find out what the Baron is up to. Hard evidence is best, but eyewitness testimony is acceptable." The chief of Plateau City security stands up.
"As usual, you're supposed to avoid getting caught--I can help out in certain situations, but if you are caught by Balentyne's own forces, I doubt that the Baron is the type to report you to the City Guard--he has the personnel AND the personality to just imprison you under his house and torture whatever information you may have out of you... for fun." Marcus puts his cloak back on his shoulders. "Get whatever information you can as soon as you can, though you have until the end of the week--and remember that secrecy must be maintained! Good luck!"
Marcus pauses long enough for a last minute question, but must be off, so you will have one shot at any "fishin' for info" you may want to do with him.
Draax Monday February 4th, 2002 8:02:52 AM
Draax listens as Marcus instructs them on their new assignment. "My only questions are, what do we know about this Balentyne's security system? Does he have bodyguards, seen and/or unseen, wizards and/or clerics? And if we are put in a no win situation, can we kill him?"
K'isst Monday February 4th, 2002 11:50:18 AM
Eyes big, K'isst absorbs all this information carefully. She lets the others ask the questions.
"Go as me?"
She smiles suddenly.
"Or me?"
Renik Monday February 4th, 2002 6:04:47 PM
Renik stays quiet until Marcus leaves, then he shares everything he gleaned from his stakeout of the Baron's home with his companions. Patrols, traps, how he broke in last time, the works.
"Of course since my little visit, he may well have upped security. It wouldn't hurt to spend a couple of nights just observing the place again, to see if anything's changed."
K'isst # 2 ?shawn? Monday February 4th, 2002 6:46:47 PM
"Not all of us are as stealthy as you certainly must be, sneaky Zeke." says the beautiful warrior woman as she shifts in her armor. The noise that she makes as her powerfully muscled body flexes, makes her point clearly.
"Will it be possible for all of us to gain entrance, or is that even necessary?" she asks with a wink.
[Jerry: Yep I have K'isst now Shawn. Thanks.]
Ferrak Monday February 4th, 2002 6:48:49 PM
Taking notice of the point K'isst is illustrating with body language, Ferrak responds instinctively.
"Woof, WOOF!"
Bill Troublefinder Monday February 4th, 2002 8:06:28 PM
While Marcus is there, Bill asks, "Do you have a drawing of his place? And what Draax asked - except, I don't want to assassinate anybody," Bill says.
Arien Monday February 4th, 2002 10:15:40 PM
"Yeah a map of the place would be most useful. The best thing to do would to find the shortest distance to both his study and his personal room. Then the more stealthy of our group go in while the rest wait outside as backup. He's likely to keep any evidence of his dealings with Marteaus in a secret safe that would most likely be in one of the two places I mentioned."
Roger/Rond Tuesday February 5th, 2002 5:46:23 AM
Listening to Marcus, Rond sighs to himself. So much for straightforward type stuff. Considering his options for a few moments, Rond asks "For those that took it, the oath would keep the secrets, right? Can you tell us more about the council make up right now? Are there any communication rings that we can use for just our group?"
ooc: Bill had asked to get information about The Float. Rond will ask the question now, unless it was more appropriate that it be asked via the ring.
Making Plans Tuesday February 5th, 2002 6:53:55 AM
(OOC: Insofar as the characters are aware, Floating City has broken away and declared itself independent of Plateau City, ostensibly because they don't quite agree with PC's handling of A'tath & the PC City Council's paranoia about dragons... however, Marcus can and would add that it's more about how the Big Float's government is HIGHLY suspicious about how the City Council's majority is now in the sway of the newly-resurrected Cult Gods. How the resulting power struggle between the two city-states will ultimately turn out is anyone's guess.)
"All I can tell you is that Balentyne is a noble of this City," Marcus says before he leaves, "He has had at least two bodyguards and doubtless has several guarding his residence--a few night's worth of surveillance on your part should clear up most of the details on how many personnel he has and where they are stationed... that's the main reason why I said that I'd like the information as soon as possible, but that you lot have a week or so to gather the evidence--so you'd have the time to reconnoiter the property. Here's a map of the quarter he lives in--his house is colored green on the map..." The spymaster hands you a piece of vellum and then puts on a hat, suddenly looking about thirty years older.
"Oh--and, no--unless you have irrefutable evidence that Balentyne himself is a direct threat to the City, you do not have permission to do anything drastic. Your mission is try to get evidence for the City Council only." Marcus goes to the door and then stops, winking. "However--the same protection does not extend to those with whom he may be in league... just use your heads about it."
Then the "old man" leaves the building. The Hamleteers are now free to plan how they will conduct their surveillance over the time allotted to them.
(OOC: Two things: first, Marcus's time limit of "one week" doesn't necessarily mean you only have one week in real time--it means you have until the end of the current Scene to try to achieve your objective.
Renik Tuesday February 5th, 2002 8:36:40 AM
Renik grins at K'isst. "I agree, some are better suited to this than others. I would recommend no more than two or three, though if you folk wish it I will do it alone. If others come they must be the stealthiest, because the last thing we want to do is alert them to the fact that someone is taking an interest in them. I will go, and use the same tactics I did last time I checked the place out. Spend a night outside watching guard patterns and the like. Last time I got a great vantage point up a tree opposite the grounds. Then the following night I sneaked into the grounds for a closer look. Only after careful examination did I hit the place a couple of nights later.
Anyone who wishes to join me is welcome, but if stealth is not your thing we might consider some invisibility or silence magics. And for the reconnoitering work, I find the fewer the better. Much easier for one person to keep a low profile than a crowd."
Draax Tuesday February 5th, 2002 10:19:49 AM
Draax almost laughs at Ferrak's remarks to K'isst. He does not understand the dog language, but some things are all translated to the same meaning.
Listening to Marcus' last statements, Draax nods his head to signify that he understands. He smiles when Bill states his opinion about assassinating anyone. "Hopefully it will not come to killing everyone (pause) yet. I just wanted to know if the spymaster needed this guy alive or not."
Nodding in agreement with Renik's statements Draax says, "I agree that those of you trained in the ways of stealth should do most of the recon, but I hate just sitting around on my hands. I think I will see if Chenna can get some B&B discount coupons or special notifications for the nobles of the city. Her portable bubble tub and catering services should make the proposal seem legitimate. Myself and anyone else who wants to can deliver them to the nobles of the city including Balentyne. Hopefully this will give us a little daytime recon of his place close up or at least give us a reason for standing out in front of his place."
He waits to hear what the others have to say.
Arien Tuesday February 5th, 2002 8:35:30 PM
"I'm pretty sure I can go anywhere you can Renik. So I would say you, me and perhaps Ferrak and his brother there. They could act as lookouts, not many people pay attention to a pair of...dogs laying around at night."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday February 6th, 2002 2:17:29 AM
"Thank you for the map, sir. We will do our best."
After Marcus leaves, he looks at Renik. "You sneaked?" Bill begins stomping around the room, slapping his feet down heavily. At the same time, he places his left hand under his shirt, and beneath his armpit. He moves his right hand up and down, producing a rude noise from under his shirt. "HEY, RENIK, I CAN BE STEALTHY, TOO!" He bounces up onto the back of a couch, bumps his buns against the wall, and lands on the floor with as much of a *thunk* as he can produce.
Then he sits down on said couch, and more seriously answers Draax. "What you propose, Andraaxius, I toyed with, too. My only concern - and it's a great idea, mind you - is this. What if later Balentyne or one of his people put two and two together, and figure that someone from the Bed and Bath were involved in a ruse to spy upon them? Any suggestions to lessen the likelihood of that?" He punctuates his question with another arm fart.
As they discuss their plans, Bill T says, "Ronderiadshal - you asked about those who took oaths. You know, I didn't take the oath, because my father taught me not to take oaths. But I will do all I can to keep things secret, just like Marcus charged us to do. So far as I know, I haven't blabbed anything I wasn't supposed to. At least about what we've been doing for him and the city."
"Arien Slowblade - I might be able to get a preliminary map just by, well, just by taking a couple of dogs for a walk by his house! If I concentrate real hard, I can look into other places, without being right there. It's called clairvoyance. And I can listen in to places I'm not - that's clairaudience. But I can only do it for a while each day. Maybe for an hour and a half at most - but that long gives me a big headache. But six, seven minutes at a time, that's not too tough for me."
[If possible, Donna, you can take what Renik already knows, and add in some of Bill's mentioned remote reconnaisance, and let us know what we find for starters - then have us work as a group to make practical what we learn.]
Want this? "Say, Ferrak, I have here a ring of protection, +1," Bill tells his friend. "Is that something you'd be interested in? Or would you like me to go over some things we could trade in for it at the Catacombs? If we just sell it, it's worth about 2,000 gp, but they'll only give us a thousand, maybe eleven hundred, for it. If we trade it for other magic stuff, though, we can get pretty close to its full value - maybe 1,800 gp worth of other stuff. That'd buy some nice potions, or scrolls - like, you could buy some Bull's Strength scrolls for about 150 each. Or maybe a low-level wand, or two, or a cloak of resistance and bracers of armor, or a quiver of Ehlonna, or a brooch of shielding to protect you against magic missiles. A pearl of power, or goggles of minute seeing, or well - there's lots of fun things they have. Even a bag of tricks! I've been learning lots about magic stuff lately. Anyway, this ring is yours, whether you want to keep it, or trade it in, or sell it, or whatever." Bill holds the ring in the palm of his right hand, and offers it to Ferrak, his left hand supporting the gesture.
Shopping He communicates with all his companions, "I'm going to the Catacombs. Anything you want me to pick up for you? Not for free, of course, but I'd be happy to grab something if you don't have time. Oh! I do have this voucher, for any first level spell, arcane or divine, at the Catacombs. Except not the identify scroll. Nearly anything else. Any of you spell casters want me to pick up a new spell, or just a useful one on a scroll?"
Clubhouse business "Hey, friends - what if we use the clubhouse as the site of a business for our other cover? We live in the middle place, and we keep the wizard's building for research. Boy, it'd be great to get one of the hot tubs for our quarters. Are we going to get all confused, living three different lives at the same time? Speaking of that - say, K'isst, can you do a third version of you?"
K'isst Wednesday February 6th, 2002 5:17:14 AM
"Sounds good to me fellas. If the rest of us clod hoppers were to be waiting round the corner though, as a back up like, we might just save your sneaky skins." K'isst says as she cracks her knuckles to punctuate.
[Jerry: I will post for K'isst from now on. Thanks.]
Ferrak Wednesday February 6th, 2002 5:33:33 AM
"Thanks to you, my frriend." Ferrak says in all seriousness, accepting the ring offered by Bill. "This ggift honors me."
Looking to the others Ferrak says. "Darkfangg and I, will help as we can."
Roger/Rond Wednesday February 6th, 2002 5:47:44 AM
Rond listens to everything that is being said around the table. "Bill n Renik, I like your ideas. Here's what I'm thinking. Let's have Bill, Ferrak, and Darkfang go and investigate from outside. The rest of us will have come into viewing are outside the residence, just in case anything should happen. Ferrak. If there's anything that you and Darkfang can do to alter your appearance, just slightly, then do it. I don't want anyone to realize later, that you might have been standing outside. Then sometime later, like an hour or two, whatever's appropriate. I want Bill, Arien and I to enter the residence and check things out. I think the 3 of us can probably do a good job in there. We also might consider borrowing either K'isst's or Draax's Hat of Disguise. We can also throw in three slippers of spider climbing. (ooc Don't forget about our other gear. I'm not at home, and do not have the list with me just now.) With two hats, and Bill's abilities in disguise, we should be able to come up with something new. Whoever we borrow the hat from. I imagine Bill should be able to do some kind of disguise job, should you wish to have it done. Once again, everyone else would be hanging around outside, just in case. Might be boring, but you could also watch the outside, in order to see what routines you could see.
"Does anyone know of any way that the three of us could communicate with the outside crew, should something come up?"
Plots & Plans (DM Donna) Wednesday February 6th, 2002 6:49:43 AM
As the discussion about how to and who will recon the Baron's residence is bandied about, Darkfang speaks to Ferrak:
This pack is wise in observing the prey before going hunting, big brother, he says, scratching idly at an itch behind one ear, what was the alpha saying about us, though..? When Ferrak explains the concept of changing their appearances again, Darkfang's ears perk up.
Another clever tactic! These dullnosed bipeds depend entirely too much on their eyes, so that idea should work well, big brother! You know...there's a dog I keep seeing in the neighborhood...he looks like this...
Suddenly the scratching wolf shifts from wild lupine to rangy, almost comical Great Dane.
Will this do, big brother? asks the "new" Darkfang.
Draax Wednesday February 6th, 2002 9:39:47 PM
Draax listens to all the comments and plans. He replies to Bill's comments about his suggestion.
"Although I do not see anyway that they could prove the B&B's involvement, any good investigator would suspect the B&B and I keep forgetting that we cannot bring the B&B into our other world. Thanks for reminding me."
He listens to Rond's plan, but could not offer any suggestions about the communications problem.
Bill Troublefinder d2=1 d6=5 d2=2 Thursday February 7th, 2002 1:37:18 AM
"I am honored that you accept it, my friend," Bill replies, 100% serious, to Ferrak.
"Sounds okay, Rond. But, what is Renik supposed to do? I mean, he's already been there before, and everything."
Regarding means of communication, Bill shrugs his shoulders. "I can send a little message to someone inside their head, but they've gotta be within about fifty, fifty-five feet of me. And it's just one-way talking. Or, I could wave my arms around. How about a set of signals? If I scratch my head, that means, 'Hmmm, I wonder what I should do next?' If I draw a weapon, that means, 'Whoa - I'd better prepare to defend myself!' If I start running away real fast, that means, 'Uh-oh, trouble - let's scram!' Can you guys think of any other signals we can set up in advance?"
Watching Darkfang transform himself into a huge leggy beast, Bill laughs, then says, "Arf arf! Rrrruf ruff! G-rrruf. Yip yip yip! Woof." 'If my littlest brother saw you like that, he'd pee his pants and run away, Darkfang!'
As the discussion continues, Bill gets excited, then interrupts. "Oh! Oh! What kind of symbols is Marteaus using these days? I know he co-opted one of Gargul's symbols, and changed it a bit. If we're trying to find some evidence of the would-be Council member's ties with Marteus, let's make sure we all know what kinds of things to be looking for. Who can tell us all?"
"Hey, who can cast invisibility, or has potions or rings or wands or dust or whatever that'll do it for us?"
Bill also takes the time to teach everyone the command words for his wand of cure light wounds (41 charges left, cures 1d8+1, reroll 1's) and his wand of levitation (16 charges). He also explains how the green gem on his forehead (he doesn't wear it as Lake) helps his concentration (+10 to skill check), and explains the function of the ring of blinking, as well as telling his friends the command word to start it and stop it. He shows how he can use it to walk through a wall - but in doing so he takes 5 hp damage. "Ouch!" he says, rubbing his back. "Well, that happens sometimes, because you can't predict exactly when you're gonna pass all the way through a wall. The blinks are kinda random. Let me try it again." This time, he blinks, passing through a wall with no deleterious effects. He offers to let his friends try it, if they want to.
As well, he shows the team what's in the various pouches and bags he carries. From his bag of holding he extracts several items.
In Potion Bag #1 (hold up to 15 potion bottles): 1: Potion of Cure Serious Wounds (won in Loot 'n Booty, 11-19-01) 1: Potion of Ventriloquism 1: Potion of Water Breathing 3: Cure Light Wounds potions (1d8, reroll 1's) 1: Neutralize Poison potion 1: Vial with water from Seeing Pond in Druids' Grove 3: vials of Antitoxin 1: flask of Acid 1: flask of Holy Water 1: Potion of Intelligence (300gp) [DMG, p. 191] 1: Potion of Bull's Strength (300gp) [DMG, p. 191]
In Potion Bag #2: 1: Neutralize Poison potion 5: vials with colored water - one each yellow; red; green; blue; brown 2: vials with bacon grease 1: vial with cayenne pepper 1: vial with cinnamon powder 1: flask of Acid 2: flasks of Alchemist's Fire 2: flasks of Holy Water
In Potion Bag #3: 1: Potion of Flying (750gp) [DMG, p. 191] 1: Potion of Cure Serious Wounds 1: Potions of Protection from Elements (fire) (750gp) [DMG, p. 191] 4: Antitoxin vials
In 10 slot scroll bag #1 (bags are waterproof): 4: Cure Light Wounds scrolls
In 10 slot scroll bag #2: 2: Cure Light Wounds scrolls 1: Swarm Summoning scroll
"Now, most of this stuff I've bought, or won. A few things, like the Swarm Summoning scroll that Damocles left us, are party treasure that I'm carrying. If I have something you want to borrow or keep, just tell me. About a couple things I might say 'no' - but most things'd be just fine if someone else needs it. Also, if something happens to me, or if you just remember I've got a thing that'd be handy for you at some time - well, now you know what to ask for, eh?"
He pulls out a few more bags, each one a different color. "All right, this dark blue bag has, lessee," and he opens it, and looks up. "Okay there's only one antitoxin vial here (+5 alchemical bonus on Fortitude saves vs. poison for 1 hour). "Got more in that potion bag (#3)."
He also lists: 4 Acid; 4 Alchemist's Fire; 4 Holy Water; 7 Smokesticks; 28 Sunrods; 5 Thunderstones; 1 Tanglefoot bag ("Gotta pick up more of those"); 50 Tindertwigs; a Healer's Kit; a Magnifying Lens.
"Well, I got more, too, but I don't wanna bore you all to death. I'm sure you don't want to have an inventory of my pots and pans. But, there's a little friend I'd like to introduce you to." Bill reaches into his pants pocket, and pulls out a blue gem. "This here's what's called a psicrystal. Now, I don't quite know how to explain this, but he's quite a brave fellow, and he gives me advice, sometimes. Well, a while ago he surprised me by talking."
The halfling looks around. "Now, don't go asking yourselves if the hobbit's crazy. You already know the answer to that question," he says with a wink and a smile. He sets the gem down on a table, and talks to it. "Here're my friends. You already know them, somewhat. So, you want to introduce yourself?"
William's unveiling Thursday February 7th, 2002 2:15:32 AM
The gem sits there for a moment. Then, in a small, but clear voice, you hear, "William, I am called, for William is my name." You then realize that the sound of the voice is not passing through your ears, but rather seems to be entering your mind directly. In addition, the voice is reminiscent of Bill's own voice - as though passing through a filter? "An honor is it indeed to adventure in your august company. For I know you to be brave and worthy companions of the heroic Bill Troublefinder of Windhorn Hamlet. May each of you continue to show yourselves worthy of the name 'Adventurer!'" At this point, spidery legs--which look as if they are made of a viscous substance--extend from the bottom of the blue gem. It rises from the table, jumps to the floor, and proceeds to climb the drapes, walk across the ceiling, down the opposite wall, then climbs the leg of the table, and resumes the place where Bill first laid it. "At your service!" The gem, as it were, takes a bow.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday February 7th, 2002 2:17:08 AM
Bill blushes at the psicrystal's description of him. "Don't lay it on too thick, there, William." He obviously is embarrassed.
Renik Thursday February 7th, 2002 3:58:01 AM
Regarding the plan, Renik nods and rubs his chin as Rond lays out the details. "Sounds like a good set up, but I'd make a couple of points. First, I strongly reccomend that before all this goes down we spend a full day in exterior reconnaisance. I am happy to spend the night up that tree again, hidden in my cloak. I would prefer two or three, but if time is of the essence, perhaps that is not possible. It should make the actual incursion that much safer, particularly if Bill could join me and get a mental map of the building, and perhaps eavesdrop on the guards and even the Baron. We never know what we might learn.
Also, I'd like to be with the group that enters the building, though I'll bow to your judgement on that Rond. I've been there before, and that could be a valuable advantage. But I agree, Rond, we should try to keep that party small in number."
Renik can scarce believe Bill's inventory. "Great Gods, you're a walking treasure trove, Mr T! It's a good thing you're on our side!"
When he sees the gem he scratches the stubble on his chin. "Does this gem, um I'm sorry, I mean 'William', function at long range? And with your own mental abilities, like a familiar would? Your skills of clairvoyance and clairaudience would be mighty useful to the interior group, but if you could send William in your place that would help enormously. Then you could in two places at once! Is that possible?"
Ferrak Thursday February 7th, 2002 5:16:10 AM
Surprised at his foster brother's ability to change the illusion of the collar, Ferrak oggles Darkfang for a moment.
"Yes brother, um...nevermind." Scratching his mangy head, the feral gnome is still a bit stunned. Then, when Bill starts pulling all that stuff out of nowhere Ferrak bites his finger to make sure he isn't dreaming.
The smell of ?Bacon Grease? amongst all of the other alien smells sends Ferrak's olfactory system into overload and the wild wolf boy is reeling.
The last straw comes when William makes his introduction.
Ferrak goes to sit in the dog house for a while.
"wuf?"
Recon 1 (DM Donna) d100=62 Thursday February 7th, 2002 7:13:18 AM Don't you recall, big brother? Darkfang reminds Ferrak after indulging in some canine laughter over Bill's remark, The man with the collars said we may look like ANY of our kind--as long as the size difference is not to great. You can look like a different one, too.
The psicrystal's response to Bill's admonition is a VERY brief appearance of a very tiny tongue accompanied by the sound of a raspberry.
If nobody objects to Renik's offer to put Balentyne's residence under a night's surveillance, then this is what the rogue observes (go to DM Donna's Web Map Page, http://hometown.aol.com/donnlap/myhomepage/index.html to see the map Renik sketched out and shows to the party as he reveals those details that he's been able to see):
Renik shows the others the diagram of the house from the outside. There are a total of ten guards outside the house at night--seven of them stationed at the doors (drawn as little white squares on the map) and a trio of guards that walk the perimeter of the grounds. It usually takes the patrolling guards about six minutes to make it once around the estate.
The thinner lines delineated with slashes are the locations of windows on the ground floor.
The Baron's house has two stories, but only the central-most part of the house--the northern and southern parts of the house are single-story "wings". On the second story there are two large balconies--each one is located directly over a set of double doors (meaning there's front, easternmost balcony and a back, western balcony.) Renik figures that the balconies lead to private areas of the house, since there are NO guards on the balconies.
There are no trees up close to the house.
Renik is reasonably sure that nobody observed him casing the property.
K'isst Thursday February 7th, 2002 10:40:34 AM
K'isst looks strangely at Bill, as if to ask him silently where and more importantly how he obtained all this stuff.
Then she steps forward and takes 1 bull strength potion and 1 cure serious wounds. She pauses for his approval.
When "william" comes out, her hair stands on end and her trident comes into the ready position. She growls just for a moment and then withdraws from the group a bit looking withdrawn.
Bill Troublefinder d20+3=13 Thursday February 7th, 2002 12:12:18 PM
Bill is happy to give K'isst what she requests, and adds a potion of cure light wounds (1d8+1), and, if she would like, a vial of antitoxin, a flask of acid, a flask of alchemist's fire, a vial of holy water, a sunrod, and a thunderstone. He explains what each one is, and how it works. [See PH pp. 113-114.]
Provenance In answer to her unspoken question (sense motive 13), Bill asks, "You want to know where I got this stuff? Okay." He pulls the bag of holding out of his knapsack. "This was from the treasure that Atomos gave us. It's a bag that holds A LOT more than it looks like it should. And it's how I can carry so much stuff, not being very big and all. The gem of concentration, and this crystal ring," he points out on his finger, without further identifying it, "and, um, 'William', I made them myself. The wands I bought at the Catacombs - although the levitation one had already been half used up. Most of the scrolls, potions, and the type of extra stuff here," and he points to the additional items he offered K'isst, "I bought at the same place. Y'see, K'isst, when we got to Plateau City, after ridin' in these fancy carriages, we met the High Lord Mayor, and went before the Council. Well, they ended up giving us 10,000 gp each. I don't know what all my friends did with their money, but I spent a good chunk of it getting things I thought would be useful to help my friends, and to do the work that Marcus gave us to do. Oh, and there was an ioun stone from Atomos' gifts that helped heal you up, but kinda slow, but faster than you otherwise would. Well, I really liked it, but I traded it in, and got this here blink ring, and some more potions - like that there bull strength one you've got now - and also to help pay for the buildings we own now. Or mostly own, 'cause this one we're still making monthly payments on - the clubhouse and wizard's place are paid for. The ring I gave to Ferrak we got - I can't remember if that was from Atomos' stuff, or if we got it from one of the Sons of Dread." He scratches his head, trying to recall. "Oh, well, anyway, is that what you wanted to know? Ask me anything you want, K'isst."
By the balconies? The halfling lets his friends know that he has finally figured out how to fly. "I mention that because the balconies might be a good way in. With this wand of levitation, I can make it so you can float up and down. Now, if you have levitation going, and you get a running start, then, as you float up in the air, you'll keep moving the same direction horizontally as you were going before you left the ground. So, you figure it out right, and you can take a few quick steps toward where you want to head, then just float up, and float down to the spot you want to land. A good wind can blow you off course, though.
Detecting things "Now, one more thing is, if I'm concentratin', I can tell where there's magical and psychic stuff - auras, and maybe magic traps, and items. I've tried it out - I can see even through a few feet of dirt, but metal, if it's an inch thick or more, that seems to block it. Stone - maybe through ten, eleven inches, but not more'n a foot thick. One thing is, though, when I'm doing that, there's this sort of quiet, low-pitched hum you can hear. I'll show ya." Bill's eyes blink once, and in the instant they open, a rainbow wash of light flashes from them, and they glow like points of silver fire. Bill looks at his friends. The sound he described is evident, and just at the edge of perception, although its source is not discernible. After a few moments, he smiles. "Well, I'm not the only one here with magic items. Nice boots, K'isst." He ceases concentration, and his eyes return to normal. "I haven't figured out how to get rid of that hum, yet."
Show and Tell Finally, Bill concludes. "All this I'm showing you, I hope you'll keep to yourselves. But I was thinkin' that the more we know of each other, and what we can do, the more we can work as a team. I wouldn't tell my own mother some of the things I've told you. It'd scare her to death. But, even though we've been together for some time now, I sometimes feel like I don't know what all you're capable of."
Walking the Dogs If Ferrak and Darkfang are ready, Bill will 'walk the dogs', and use clairvoyance to work on mapping the interior of the Baron's abode. Once he has done initial light clairvoyance on the building from the street, he can go somewhere else, away from the Baron's residence, and pick up the clairvoyance (and switch to clairaudience, if he sees someone talking) from afar.
William Tells Thursday February 7th, 2002 2:11:56 PM
The psicrystal answers Renik's question himself, so that all can 'hear,' mentally. "I can speak with Bill across the city. But for you to hear, I have to be within 40 paces. He cannot yet see what I can see, nor hear what I can hear, but I can describe things to him, so that he then might perform valiant deeds, informed by wisdom."
Some of you may realize that 'paces' are relative to Bill's stride - about a foot and a half. So 40 paces translates to 60 feet.
Rond Thursday February 7th, 2002 3:19:47 PM
(ooc I think I had meant to put Bill, instead of Arien. But I wanted to acknowledge that Arien could be useful to such an endevor. Then I didn't proof read! Sae la vie! (sp?) ;) c'est la vie- Francophone Carl)
Responding to Renik's comments, "You are right. I think I had a slip of the tongue when I first proposed that. I think it should be Bill, Renik and I that go in. I can give immediate muscle support, should something go awry. Though I am a bit light of foot, also."
Rond smiles as Bill starts bringing his equipment out.
(ooc Last night didn't go as planned. Fell asleep. Most inopportune. No time tonight either. But I believe we still have applications of dust of disappearance.).
When Bill brings out William, Rond comments, "Bill, you seem to be a man of many things. Amongst other things, a man with many small packages. I think I may learn to fear a man with many small packages." At the end of that, Rond smiles at Bill.
After William's little spiel, Rond comments, "William, can you utilize Bill's talents, if you are with someone else? I'd really like to have Bill along for some of his talents. But if you can talk with him across the city. I'm think of having you come Renik, myself, or Arien, and keep Bill outside. Where we might be able to have Bill bring in re-enforcements, or to create a distraction." Looking at Bill, "Like throwing a block of cheese, or something."
Later...
Pulling K'isst aside," You seem different... somehow. Is there something I can help with?"
Renik Thursday February 7th, 2002 3:27:25 PM
Having broken into the building once before, Renik indicates those interior rooms he came across before.
"Um, thanks William. Yes, wise valiant deeds. Hmm. Where was I? Ah yes, Bill, you're right, the balconies are the key. Rond, I'll be glad to join you inside. Of course, after all this preparation I'm bound to trip over the hall carpet and fall down the stairs."
He goes on to describe how he got in last time (they may well have increased security on that route, if they found how I broke in), and whether the guard routine was the same (Donna? Could you fill in this info please? Thanks!)
Arien Thursday February 7th, 2002 4:05:39 PM
"Hey you're the boss Rond, whomever you choose is fine by me. However it would do well to remember that these are sensitive documents or what not that we are after and as such are likely to be under lock and key. So you might want someone along who can bypass those little annoyances as I doubt that carrying out a safe or lugging out a desk is really an option."
Arien paces a bit back and forth before stopping and facing the group again.
"Since we seem to be in a mood for revelations I suppose I have one to make as well." Arien's eyes go distant for a moment as he communicates with something and then he turns to Bill. "You may want to put William there in a safe, or at least out of reach place."
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the reason for them appeared. A small brown blur streaks into the room and up onto the table where it reveals itself to be a young, very excited ferret. "This my friends is Kiki, she and I met during my last trip to the Black Genie Center, and as you might imagine she is my familiar. I advise you to all keep your packs securely shut as she is extremely curious and loves to get into everything." As Arien speaks Kiki is bouncing about the table and chittering exictedly at all the new things, she is particularly interested in anything shiny and shows that by trying to scamper off with it.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday February 7th, 2002 10:57:02 PM
"I should get more cheese?" Bill asks Rond.
"Arien has a point. Now, I can unlock some things, but I can't disarm traps or such. He can do both. Right?"
Bill quickly rescues William from the table. He brings the psicrystal to sit upon his shoulder. Only then does he say, "Hi Kiki! Oooo - I like ferrets! Ch-cht e-e-e chk!" he says to her. "That means, 'want a snack?'" Bill explains. As a precaution, he places his hand over William should Kiki hop in his direction. With his other hand he rummages around in his bag of holding until he finds the cheese, and breaks off a little piece. He looks up at Arien. "Is it okay to give her a little piece?" he asks. If so, he holds the cheese on his flattened palm, his fingers taut, so that the ferret does not bite his hand or fingers, but the cheese only - he hopes. If Arien does not give the okay, then Bill hands the little bit of cheese over to Arien. "Ferrets love exploring tight little places."
"I wonder if Baron Balentyne has any connection to the Floating City?" Bill wonders as he enjoys Kiki's antics. "Isn't that one thing the Council is worried about?"
[BTW, no, Bill can't use William as a channel of his powers at a distance. Somewhere down the road, maybe. The psicrystal can see and hear, and can communicate empathically, telepathically, and verbally with Bill up to one mile away. But 'William' does not transfer the sights and sounds of his environment as might a microphone and camera.
BTW #2 - Carl - LOL re: Renik's reaction to William. Made me chuckle for a couple minutes!]
The Plot Thickens (DM Donna) Friday February 8th, 2002 7:10:48 AM
Renik thinks hard about the last time he broke into Balentyne's and compares it to this time around. It seems to the rogue that the noble only had four guards stationed outside the building before, and only one patrolling the perimeter--this time around Balentyne's literally doubled the guards on duty.
Sketching out a map from memory (OOC: the web map page has been updated to include this latest drawing), Renik tells the others about how he broke into the upper floor of the noble's residence: he snuck onto the grounds and scaled the side of the building using the Slippers of Spider Climbing. Entering the front balcony, the rogue found himself in a sumptuously-appointed upstairs parlor, beyond which was a corridor that led to a set of spiral stairs that led down to the ground floor. The stairway area had four hallways radiating from it--the one Renik traversed and three others. Renik chose to continue straight through to the back of the manse, reasoning that the master bedroom was likely to be the one with access to the other balcony.
Renik was correct--the large comfortable and very rich room was the master bedroom (complete with a hand-carved marble fireplace in one corner.) The items that he burgled from Balentyne all came from here--stashed conveniently in a large rolltop desk that had a laughable lock on it.
Darkfang sits straight up at the appearance of the little weasel, watching with interest as the sleek creature is surprised by the fact that the shiny William avoids her initial attempts at acquiring the psicrystal. There follows a rather comical game of tag as the weasel tries several times more to snatch the glowing gem, but William is just quick enough to stay barely out of the familiar's reach. Finally the game ends when William--just as Kiki is snatching at him once more--hops up on the weasel's nose, causing the animal to rear up, startled and cross-eyed. William blows an ectoplasmic raspberry, and then leaps from the surprised little mammal back onto Bill, scurrying onto the halfling's shoulder.
Kiki's paws scratch at her nose and the familiar whisks herself off to the shoulder of her own master, chittering her objections to not only having failed to acquire the glittery William, but having to suffer the indignity of the mobile psicrystal mock her so.
Bill's attempts at mapping the interior of the house are not successful, as the halfing doesn't have personal knowledge of the exact layout--not yet, anyway. (OOC: sorry, but secondhand info from somebody trying to remember details from what had originally been a minor break-in months ago just doesn't qualify for the prerequisite for clairvoyance.)[Donna, please recall that I wrote that Bill WENT TO the residence to look at the exterior himself, walking the dogs (or at least one dog) as a cover. So your comment about 'secondhand info' should not apply. See my email. -Thx, Kim]
(OOC: Feel free to use the weekend to firm up who, exactly, will be trying to break in, and who, exactly, will be on the outside as back up. I'll need the definitive assignment of party members before I post on Monday.)
Renik Friday February 8th, 2002 9:00:50 AM
Readying himself for the assault, Renik brainstorms some ideas.
"OK, so we need to get past the guard, up onto the balcony, and into the building. Each member of the break-in party will need to be able to scale the wall. Do you all still have slippers of spider climbing or flight abilities? If not Bill's levitation wand will come in handy.
"Also, with so many guards around a diversion might be a good idea. Perhaps we could we get Ferrak and Darkfang to start up a furious barking to the far side of the house. Hopefully the guards will investigate, finding only a dog fight, and that will increase our window of opportunity with regard to the three patrolling guards."
"Of course, if the exterior guard is beefed up there may well be additional security inside. More guards, or traps, perhaps magical alarms. It would be wise to have some incapacitating magics (Sleep, or some form of charm or hypnosis) that will create a minimum of noise. Also do we have any way of detecting magic as we go?"
"Arien, if you are highly skilled at locks and trap detection you will be a vital asset to the break in party."
(OOC: Perhaps it would be useful to see who has what relevant skills in order to decide who goes in and who acts as backup. Renik has Spider Climb, Move Silent 13, open lock 8, Search 4, Hide 23, Spot 7, Disable Device 4. AC 19 (plus dodge), 33 HP, +10 att bonus.)
"Also, what is the role of the backup party? How do we alert them if we get into trouble, and what exactly will they do if we do successfully warn them? Bear in mind that in capers such as this, it is usually far harder to get out than to get in. Perhaps we may need the guard distracted a second time on the way out, or engaged so that those within may escape if we are detected. Of course, let us hope it doesn't come to that."
K'isst Friday February 8th, 2002 10:05:54 AM
K'isst smiles at Rond. Then she kisses him quickly on the cheek. "Time."
She quickly pockets the items Bill offers turning to listen to each person as they offer their part of the plan.
She turns back to Rond who she heard is the leader of the group with such situations. "Now decision."
Ferrak Friday February 8th, 2002 10:15:27 PM 'Yes brother, I did forget. Also I have noticed that you are growing. Mother will be glad that you didn't remain the runt of the family.' Ferrak smiles at his brother.
The others also notice that Darkfang changing into the great big dog isn't difficult for Ferrak's foster brother. He seems to be filling out a bit. Not as lanky a wolf as before. Must be all the extra scraps at the B&B.
Ferrak looks ready, and addresses the others. "For this hunt, changed my nature ggifts."
(spells 1st lvl= Obscuring Mist, Entangle, and only one Cure Light Wounds. 2nd lvl= Barkskin, & Summon Nature's Ally II.)
"I can call other dogs to play with us. My friends, we will cause a, 'rukkus'," as Ferrak tries out a new word.
"Bill, my shield is ggood for quiet hunting." the feral gnome offers up his Darkwood shield. "Wood you like to use it?" he says tapping the 'earthy' smelling shield, aware of the pun, he gives a wink.
"I can also make someone's skin harder than this shield," he says looking at the others. (30 minutes) Arien-Renik-Rond or me for that matter? (AC 18 HP 58 Ferrak has slippers of spidery climbing.)
Arien Sunday February 10th, 2002 9:25:30 AM
"Thanks for offer Ferrak but I also have some protective spells so perhaps one of the others. As for traps detecting and the like I don't claim to be extremely skilled at it but I have yet to find one I couldn't disarm, the same goes for locks and opening them as well for that matter."
(OOC: Here is some of the relevant info for Arien. Cloak of the Arachnid, allows spider climbing; Spot:6, Search:12, Open Lock:10, Move Silently: 12, Hide:10, Disable Device:10. Oh and how do you do the italics in the post? Is it just like regular html with the brackets and whatnot?)
Draax Sunday February 10th, 2002 8:26:47 PM
Draax listens to all the preparation for the mission to enter Balentyne's residence. He sits along the wall waiting as a plan is formulated. While listening he remembers the sneak and hide potions that he has. "Hey since I never had to use these potions, maybe you should take the potions inside with you just in case you need them."
(OOC: Relevant info for Draax: AC 21, Extra Healing Potions, Healing Potion, Potion of water breathing (2), Potion of Bull strength, Potion Of Hide, Potion of Sneaking, Hat of disguise, Slippers of Spider Climbing.)
Bill Troublefinder Sunday February 10th, 2002 8:42:17 PM
Bill laughs at Ferrak's pun. "Thanks, friend, but I would not be very good at bearing such a circle of wood."
He lets his friends know about a few other items. "I picked up three scrolls of invisibility at the Catacombs. Who can read them? Also a flashpellet - throw it on something hard and it makes a real bright light, and those who see it, well, it makes it harder for them to see for a little while. Also bought glowpowder; healing salve - it's a kinda stinky green ointment, but helps with wounds (1d8); phantom ink (visible by firelight); phantom ink (visible by magic light); a couple of scentbreaker bags (they make it hard for people, or animals, to follow a scent - just in case, as Darkfang pointed out, there is someone there who uses his nose); suregrip - makes it easy to hold onto things. Got a couple more tanglefoot bags.
"And, after months of research, I finally got these cool pants from the Black Genie Center! They're called pants o' plenty, and these two side pockets can hold LOTS o' stuff! Like, maybe twenty pounds, each. If you ever try to put something in, and feel some resistance, though, stop trying to shove it in, otherwise the pocket might get wrecked, and you'll lose a bunch o' what's inside. That's the pocket's way of telling you, 'I'm all full now.'
"Rond, I'd be happy to come inside, or happy to create distractions outside. You just let me know, and I'll do what I can where you assign me. One thing that might be helpful inside, is, one of the skills I learned allows me to pretty perfectly memorize things I can see. 'Cause we're supposed to be gathering evidence, right? So, are we goin' tomorrow? Morning, noon, night?"
Rond Monday February 11th, 2002 1:29:09 AM
"Well... I'm thinking that the first time in, we should confirm the interior of the place, and make sure there aren't any new traps since the last time someone broke in." Rond looks askance at Renik. "We don't know what we're looking for, so we're probably going to need two nights, if we really want to be conservative.
"With everyone's input, I've thought some more on what I think we should do. I think it should be Renik, Arien, William and I to go into the residence. That's if William will allow himself to accompany one of us. This will then give the inside group the ability to talk with the outside group. It is sort of limiting, but I think it is better than nothing.
I'd like to go in under invisibility if we can. But I don't know if we have enough time to buy some more for the 2nd nights forays, if we have the funds.
If I recall, we should have the following gear spread out amongst the group:
5 Slippers of spider climb Cloak of Elvenkind Dust of illusion (start with 8 applications) 2 scrolls of dispel magic 2 scrolls of silence scroll of summon swarm.
Please let me know if I don't remember things right.
I'm thinking that if we needed a quick escape, that we could run to the windows, and Bill could zap us with the levitate wand, if it was needed. Also, if we get either Hats of Disguise on everyone, or Bill to do make up work. We should all be disguised when we go inside the building.
( html codes belong inside "[]" brackets. You can read up on it where the rules are posted, that same section. )
Bill Troublefinder d20+2=22 d20+2=16 d20+2=8 d20+17=27 Monday February 11th, 2002 2:41:51 AM
"Well, Rond, maybe one of the spell casters in the group can transcribe one of these invisibility scrolls into their spellbook, and memorize it," Bill suggests. "And what if some alarm is tripped, and we only get the one time?"
"Hey - I want you to know - I don't want anything bad to happen to William." The halfling, you can tell, speaks in earnest. "I can't replace him, and it would hurt me very badly if he were lost. So, take him, but be careful. William - if things get bad, try to hide, and I'll try to come in and rescue you." Bill spends some time with his psicrystal, telling him what a daring escapade this is, and asking him to describe to him what is going on and what he sees as well as possible, once inside. "And don't talk to anyone outside of our group, William."
Bill helps Rond with his disguise (22 - nat 20), and Renik with his (16 - decent), but really does a bad job of helping Arien (8). "Oops. You'd better start over." [If you want to do the disguises yourselves, but just with Bill assisting, roll yourselves, and add a +2 assist from Bill.)
Meanwhile, Bill carefully plans out what he wants to have in his pants pockets, and in his knapsack. He prepares a few aerial scatter-bombs as he has used before, with 3-5 items in each of several sacks.
Oh - Bill disguises himself as a gnome (but not Greener - he instead will be wearing very dark blue clothing) (disguise 27).
Bill is willing to cast levitate on one or more of the inside team members just before getting to the Baron's residence. He also, before handing psicrystal William over to Rond, takes advantage of the five power points stored in the psicrystal in order to activate the fly power upon himself. He suggests that he himself take the river approach, flying low along the banks (or so his head is just above wall level?), and ready to come up from behind if necessary - as well as to raise a ruckus back there, if the team needs to escape from the front.
Before The Caper (DM Donna) Monday February 11th, 2002 6:12:07 AM
(OOC: I'll be posting again later today with the results of your intended infiltration, but I'm using THIS post to nail down exactly WHO is going in and WHAT/HOW they'll be doing that.)
1. Rond, Arien and Renik will be going into the house, with William the psicrystal going along with them to use as a communication link between the interior party and the back-up party outside. (William is more than willing to go on this "foray of courageous adventure!")
2. How does the interior party plan to get into the house? Which floor & what location will be the point of entry? What items/spells will be used (and by whom) to aid them in their entry?
3. Exactly where will the back-up party be waiting for the interior party?
Like I said, I'll be posting later today, after all of the above questions are all answered.
Rond and group directions Monday February 11th, 2002 8:38:04 AM
"Unless someone disagrees, this is what I'm thinking now," Rond begins. "Let's do this all in one fell swoop.
"Interior will go in with invisibility, and levitate. Renik should lead the way with Arien following, and I'm bringing up the rear. Unless others have a better plan. I suggest that once we get inside the residence, we stay within physical touch of each other (saying that we'll have our hands on the shoulders of the person in front of us, or some such. I don't have any ideas of how to keep track of each other, other than that). My job is to watch for physical attacks. While Renik and Arien are checking for traps and such. William should stay perched on someone's shoulder, in order to stay invisible, if possible. I don't know if he sheds light or not.
"Renik seems to be the expert. ;) So he can figure out how to get into the house. We will be wearing slippers of spider climbing (Renik, Rond) or the robe of Arachnid (Arien).
"I'll let Bill, or someone else outside, decide what's going on there. Though I imagine they should take the scroll of summon swarm (19th lvl caster) with them."
Renik Monday February 11th, 2002 11:09:38 AM
Renik gives some ideas about how best to get to the building and inside.
The intruders, Renik suggests, should spider climb over the wall, remain still until the roaming guards pass, then spider climb up the south eastern most corner of the building (Bottom right on the first diagram), then spider climb onto the balcony, moving as silently as possible the whole way and checking for traps. He also suggests that, despite the invisibility, it cannot hurt to hide as they make their way in. On the off chance that someone can see through their magic, they will still have to spot them lurking in the shadows.
If it looks as if they are at risk of being discovered, or anything goes wrong, whoever carries William will signal to him (by tapping him?) to contact Bill and call for Ferrak's doggie diversion. Lots of noisy barking to distract the guards. No sense in using unless it is not needed...
If the party really get into trouble, then they will ask William to signal an evac. Basically "Come in and get us out!" This will of course be a very last resort.
Once on the balcony Arien and Renik will move to the window, check it for traps, then attempt to silently force entry. From then on in, Renik will be a silent scout, checking for traps, hiding and being quiet as he can as the three of them hunt for information.
K'isst Monday February 11th, 2002 1:05:03 PM
K'isst moves a couple of buildings down from the current location (Where are we?) and sits in a doorway pulling her hood over her head.
She thinks, ::When friends divide, friends die.::
She mutters, "Hate wait."
Where we are: Monday February 11th, 2002 1:27:00 PM
[Jerry: Go to DM Donna's Web Map Page, http://hometown.aol.com/donnlap/myhomepage/index.html to see the map Renik sketched out for the party. (Her page also shows, Jerry, where the three buildings are that the party has purchased in the Rogue Quarter). The location of the house in the Wealthy Quarter is the last one in the lower left-hand corner next to the river at the intersection of Mission Road and Jewel's End, with walls surrounding the manor. For escape on foot, there are two passages along Jewel's End into the Noble Quarter, one quite close to Balentyne's place, as well as the broader bridge near the start of Parade Road which leads after a stretch into the Merchant's Quarter. The map of the Wealthy Quarter is at http://www.woldiangames.com/maps/yrth/peninsula/newelenna/plateaucity/wealthy_quarter.htm - and the link to the general Plateau City map is at http://www.woldiangames.com/maps/yrth/peninsula/newelenna/plateaucity/main_plateau_city_map.htm -Kim]
Bill Troublefinder d20+16=22 d20+16=35 d20+16=25 d20+16=23 d20+16=31 d20+16=36 d20+16=34 d20+16=23 d20+16=29 d20+16=30 Monday February 11th, 2002 2:24:29 PM
"Hey, I'm NOT going to try to levitate invisible people!" declares Bill, "So let me cast this on you guys before we get to the manor. Look, Rond - you used that potion of flying before, when we rescued Shianna, so I know you know how to fly. Now I can touch you, and then you'll be able to fly for a little more than an hour (70 minutes, move 90, or up to 180 when descending). Renik and Arien will be able to levitate. That way, if you need to escape by air, they can hold on to you, and you can haul them through the air. Also, if you are levitating or flying, you're not as likely to cause floorboards to squeak. Here, let me tie a couple of coils of rope to you, with a loop in the end, so they have something to hang on to without having to hug you."
Bill (take 10 on use rope: dc 22 on first coil, dc 35 on second coil, place just behind left hip and right hip, respectively, when uncoiled, length of 12.5 feet each, knotted each three feet) fashions, if Rond and the others agree, the silk towing ropes. He also fashions one each for Renik (dc 25) and Arien (dc 23), at the back or front of their belts, as each prefers, taking his time to make sure he does it right. He offers levitation (it lasts 30 minutes) to Draax, K'isst, Ferrak and Darkfang as well, should they desire it, and the ropes, should they ask. (If you ask, consider it done - use rope rolls of 31, 36, 34, 23.) And he places a similar coil on his own waist, as well (dc 29).
"Okay, for those who are levitating, remember that if you are standing on something, and push off so you have some forward momentum, then until you land, you will tend to keep that same momentum. K'isst, with those boots of yours, you should be able to push off with pretty good speed. I like to use mine to get a good springy start when I levitate. Oh, you can move up or down as much as 20 feet each six seconds."
Suggestion: How about if Darkfang and Ferrak are in the front of the manor, and Bill, Draax, K'isst are in the back, just peeking over the wall? Come to think of it, Bill will tie a second loop of rope behind him, too (dc 30). That way, the 'dogs' can raise a ruckus in front, and the rest of the team can deal with things in the back. I can think of a variety of other tactics, as well, but time presses. The entangle spell Ferrak has memorized can help immobilize a bunch of guards, should they congregate in the front to deal with a disturbance, and if it looks as if things are going awry.
I think that it will be best if the inside team can get in and out undetected, and the rest of us don't have to 'raise a ruckus.' Fingers crossed.
"Oh, I have the summon swarm scroll, but don't think I have a ghost's chance of getting it to work right," the hobbit tells Rond.
Ferrak Monday February 11th, 2002 6:38:01 PM
"Sounds like a good plan, may the silver moon shine luck and not light on it." Ferrak who looks like a german sheperd now sits with Darkfang and explains their part of what is to come.
"We get the fun part, eh brother? Let's hope though that they don't need us."
Draax Monday February 11th, 2002 9:40:06 PM
Draax declines Bill's offer to levitate him, "No thanks Bill I feel better with my feet on the ground."
He checks his gear to ensure that he has everything that he thinks he will need. One thing does come to his mind that he needs to ask the group because he cannot remember if it was mentioned or not.
"Before we go I have one question, it may have already been covered, but I might not have been listening. Are we going to wait until Balentyne is out of his residence or does it not matter?"
Draax is ready to go no matter what the answer.
Bill T. to Draax Tuesday February 12th, 2002 1:40:39 AM
"Well, okay, Draax - but what if the rest of us escape over the river? I can't carry you, nor can Rond, if you're not light of feet. And you can keep those feet on the ground as much as you want. It just gives you an option not to, if need be." But Bill honors Draax's request.
[OOC: What's the weather like? Is a moon out? Clouds? Rain? etc. Are we going a couple hours before dawn, or late in the evening, or what?]
Breaking & Entering (DM Donna) d20=8 d20=2 d20=13 d20=10 d20=13 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 7:33:37 AM
Night falls and the Hamleteers break into two groups--the invisible trio infiltrating the house, and the others who are waiting outside the low stone wall that surrounds the estate near the roadway that leads northwards. (OOC: check out DM Donna's Web Map page to see what I mean.) The back-up group can see the front balcony from where they are.
The interior group sneaks over to the front of the house and carefully, quickly and efficiently gets up to the balcony--one of the guards directly below the balcony thinks he hears something, but his buddies convince him that he's just jittery because the Baron's guests are still here, and the man relaxes.
Renik, Arien and Rond (accompanied by William) go inside. The back-up party peek over the stone wall in time to see the balcony doors open and close. William lets Bill know that the interior party is now inside and they are--so far--undetected.
INTERIOR: Bill uses his psychic farsight to follow along with the party as they enter the upstairs drawing room--which is mercifully empty--and creep carefully down the hallway. William comments to Bill (via their telepathic link) that this party is acting less than heroic in HIS opinion... why not just march down to the bedroom and demand the evidence from the Baron?
Just outside the master bedroom door, however, Renik pauses and Rond knows why: they've both heard voices on the other side of the door. Renik whispers this to William (the psicrystal is on the rogue's shoulder) and places one ear to the wooden door, listening hard to the voices as they speak.
Voice 1 sounds imperious and commanding. Voice 2 sounds ingratiating and greedy. Both voices are male.
The dialogue:
Voice 1: ...are being recruited from all over the City--the fools are willingly coming forward for food, shelter, and gold...they suspect nothing practically to the point when they are brought before the altar.
Voice 2 (whiny): But only those who are truly dedicated to the Dark Lord's cause will receive otherworldly reward, yes..? Everyone else will be used and discarded!
Voice 1: You will be rewarded as you deserve, my dear Baron--just keep using your men to sweep the City for more sacrifices.
Voice 2 (obviously the Baron): I'm sure that I've confused Sturtavent's lapdog with my sudden concern for the poor and homeless, but he is only a fool who thinks only of the City--while my vision has expanded to the entire Wold!
There is laughter that can be correctly categorized as Evil that sounds from within.
Voice 1: Such a small mind in comparison to the glory of Marteaus. Ah, well--no matter. He has his uses, and will be discarded when he is useful no more.
Balentyne: I can't wait for THAT day! Self-righteous commoner... I heard that his wife ran off with some cleric of Alemi.
Voice 1: It's... getting late, and I have sacrifices that I must attend. Come, Amelie, we must go back to the temple. It's been a pleasure, my lord.
Balentyne: It has been MY pleasure, Prelate Marshall!
Footsteps approach the door... all three interior party members must make a Reflex save versus DC10 in order to move away from the door quickly and quietly so that they aren't accidently tripped over by the people exiting the master bedroom.
Meanwhile, Outside the House (DM Donna) d20=7 d20=6 d20=20 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 7:51:11 AM
Bill is using his Clairvoyance to follow the interior party's progress...just as he "sees" that the party has paused (OOC: he can't see the party, per se--they're invisible--but he can tell from William's communication with him that they've stopped outside the master bedroom door), William lets the halfling know that the party is eavesdropping on a conversation on the other side of the door. It appears to be a VERY incriminating conversation...
The DM has rolled a Listen check for the back-up group--it is 7 versus a DC15.
The DM has rolled a Hide check for the back-up group--it is 6.
The DM has rolled a Spot check of 20 for the two patrolling guards, who seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere, peering over the low stone wall the three people and two "dogs" are huddled next to, and demand to know what the hell YOU all are doing trespassing on the private property of his most noble Baron Balentyne???
Renik d20+8=27 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 11:09:44 AM
Renik takes a single silent step backwards so that his back is pressed against the far wall, well out of the way of the exiting conspirators. Human sacrifice eh? Typical of these loathsome swine. His hand drops unconsciously to the pommel of his dagger. For a fleeting instant he considers how fortunate it is that neither of his companions can see the expression on his face at this moment.
But he must remain calm. Now is not the time for confrontation. Remember what Marcus told them! If they can get out again without being detected, or better yet pick up some tangible proof of wrongdoing, and then get out without any sign they were ever there, so much the better. He hopes everything is going as well for the backup party.
Bill Troublefinder, as a gnome d20+7=25 3d4(3+2+4)=9 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 12:07:16 PM
Bill, disguised as a gnome, just sees Balentyne and Marshall as the door opens, when the guards interrupt where they sit. He turns his glance towards the two guards. His eyes shine silver. He brings his head up to the level of the inquisitors, and answers their question with a headache. The air in front of the 'gnome' ripples out in a 60 foot cone as his focused brain issues a Mind blast, DC 25. If a Will save fails, the recipients will be stunned for 9 rounds. Anybody beyond the two guards in the 5'x60'x60 cone will also need to make the same save.
[OOC: Guys inside - keep in mind that Renik & Arien can levitate, and Rond can fly. Folks outside - K'isst also can levitate, and Bill can fly. -Kim]
[CDM Jerry: Please do not post OOC comments during a battle situation. ::thwapping Kim on the head::]
[Kim answers: ::Thwapping Jerry back, gently :: I see no good or reasonable reason not to remind the possibly inattentive of pertinent information, battle or not. What I wrote was a clear fact. Some peoples' posts led me to believe it possible they had forgotten this was a fait accompli. Of this, I do not repent.]
Arien d20+10=28 d20+12=30 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 2:47:48 PM
Arien slips away from the door as silently as a ghost and keeps an eye on the Baron's guests, trying to memorize their faces so that he could recognize them again if he saw them out on the street. As he watches them his mind is working furiously over the conversation and he comes to the conclusion that the man they had been discussing was in fact Marcus. Arien's eyes narrow and he slowly strokes the hilt of his dagger as he wonders what would happen if Prelate woke up one day with a bad case of death.
(The second role is a voluntary move silently.)
Ferrak Tuesday February 12th, 2002 5:51:26 PM
(OOC Darkfang and I are on the other side of the building I thought. We were gonna cause the diversion away from the others. Is that right?) [Kim adds - yeah - I thought some of us would be on the river side, and the dogs on the street side.]
Ferrak acts like a dog in an ally picking through trash and sniffing wherever his nose takes him.
Draax Tuesday February 12th, 2002 10:11:36 PM
Surprised by the appearance of the guards, Draax's weapon hand automatically goes to his longsword. As he is about to say something, Bill hits the guards with his mind blast. Draax continues the motion of drawing his sword, but waits to see the result of Bill's action on the guards.
Bill T - contingent note Wednesday February 13th, 2002 1:18:39 AM
"Can you pull them over the wall?" Bill quietly asks K'isst and Draax and Ferrak. "And knock 'em on the head to make sure they stay out?" As usual, in a combat situation, he does not use the names of his friends.
[OOC: This, of course, if they are 'out' - that is, stunned. If not, since Draax offered no contingent action, would he have a chance to try knocking one up side the head with the flat of his blade? Or K'isst?]
If the two proximate guards are handled, Bill takes a moment to communicate telepathically with his psicrystal. "A true hero knows when to be discreet, for greater good can come by waiting for the best moment for action. We have quieted two guards out here."
Inside (DM Donna) d20+6=24 d20=14 d20=11 d20+4=7 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 6:15:06 AM
(OOC: since he didn't post, I rolled the Reflex save for Rond.)
Rond hastily moves away from the door, able to quickly and quietly withdraw as it opens and three people emerge from the room:
A portly human male with thinning black hair dressed in very fine clothing and good quality jewelry (Renik recognizes him as the Baron); a tall, thin human dressed in black robes and bearing the unholy symbol of Marteaus; and a stocky dwarven female in black armor painted with the unholy symbol of Marteaus.
As the trio passes the invisible infiltrators and descend the spiral staircase, there are two things that the party notices:
The female has a nasty-looking double-headed dwarven axe (it resembles an orc double axe only it is obviously sized for a dwarf) in a holder on her back...and the Baron has obligingly left the door to the master bedroom open.
None of the departing people seem to have heard anything unusual.
Outside (DM Donna) d20=20 d20=11 d20+5=7 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 6:58:10 AM
(OOC: you're right--I forgot that you had the "dogs" located in the front, with the people in the back; however, the only way to reach the back is to traverse the grounds. I'll grant that Bill, K'isst and Draax are on the southern side of the property, since they can see the entry point that the interior party used from there. I've adjusted the diagram on DM Donna's Web Map Site {http://hometown.aol.com/donnlap/myhomepage/index.html} accordingly. I don't recall anyone saying that anyone else was going to penetrate the estate grounds, however, besides those going into the house.)
Bill's Mind Blast stuns one of the guards--but not the other, who shouts a warning as he stabs at the gnome with the strange eyes. (OOC: hits AC7--which means he missed Bill completely.) The party hears answering shouts the sound of clamoring coming from the house.
Darkfang--sniffing around as the Great Dane dog--suddenly snaps to attention and growls to Ferrak:
Big Brother--I hear that the pack to the south has been discovered! What shall we do?
Ferrak d3=2 d20+6=16 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 8:34:37 AM
To answer his foster brother, the feral gnome starts a mystical druidic chant. Pulling some loam and mistletoe from his beltpouch Ferrak calls for help from mother nature.
Hearing his call, two dogs appear sitting next to Darkfang, heads cocked and quizical expression on each of their faces.
With the spell finished Ferrak jumps the closest one and starts making noise, barking and growling but not actually hurting the animal. Ferrak tries to convey to the dogs that he & Darkfang want to play rough, and aren't real threats. (Animal Empathy=16)
"WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!"
(Come on brother, let's rumble!)
Rond d20+9=27 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 8:57:49 AM
(ooc. Sorry about missing post).
Having navigated out of the way of the swinging door, Rond waits for the evil trio to make their way out of hearing distance. Once gone, Rond will wait to give the other two a chance to get through the door. Then he'll move into the bedroom, and take a position of watching for the Baron to return. (MS 27)
Rond thinks on what he has just seen. Prelate Marshall, a dwarf named Amelie and the Baron. Sounds as if the Baron has someone's interest. Too bad they're all fools for trusting in Marteaus.
Renik d20+4=18 d20+13=32 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 10:48:56 AM
Renik slips into the baron's room and looks hastily ouround. Time is of the essence! He hunts for any incriminating documents, moving as quietly as possible, whilst keeping an eye out for traps (Search 18, Move silent 32).
Bill Troublefinder d20+6=24 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 12:33:17 PM
Oh bother! He had hoped that things would remain quiet for a while. Bill tosses his net over the attacking guard (ranged touch attack AC 16, armor not included in guard's AC -note I had written this post before, and system froze as I attempted to save it, with an original roll of d20+6=16, so ignore 24 above), then ascends into the air, at first at a 45 degree angle up and back, then shifting to a 45 degree angle parallel to the wall, and toward the river (attaining a height of 45 feet). Bill activates his ring of blinking then. He refocuses his attention to the interior where the three, er, four, conduct their investigation. The guards below likely notice a flying gnome with two bright eyes, which commence to blink off and on, as the halfling's body alternates between the material and ethereal worlds. "How're things, William?" [Note - he's not trespassing on the Baron's property. He's trespassing on his neighbor's property, or airspace, at the boundary of the Noble Quarter.]
Arien d20+12=22 d20+12=26 d20+12=27 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 12:53:23 PM
Arien moves as quietly as possible into the master bedroom, and after a quick glance around, starts examining any desks or cabinets around the room, taking extra care to look for any secret compartments or traps.
(First roll is move silently, and I rolled two separate search rolls, one for any secret compartments and the second one for traps.)
K'isst d20+14=27 d20+9=17 d8+5=7 d8+5=6 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 7:43:36 PM
K'isst pivots and looks to see if Bill's net does the trick for the 2nd guy. Either way she attacks for subdual damage hitting AC 27 and AC 17 respectively for 7 and 6 hpd respectively. (-4 to dmg. when subduing p.134 PHB figured in.)
If the final guard is in the net, she with her 5' step, will move on top of the net to add her weight to the net's.
Draax d20+12=21 d20+7=24 d8+7=15 d8+7=11 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 10:50:21 PM
Draax joins K'isst in trying to subdue the non-stunned guard, attacking with the flat side of his blade. (hitting AC21 and AC24 for 15 and 11 dmg)
Happy Balentyne's Day - Inside (DM Donna) d20+8=15 d20+2=19 Thursday February 14th, 2002 6:15:10 AM
The richly-appointed room is quickly and thoroughly searched by the three invisible Hamleteers.
Renik, once again, finds the writing desk locked up, and, once again, manages to pick the lock (OOC: rolled the just-barely-makes-it Open Lock check of 15). Inside the locked drawer is a large, flat case that contains a really nice-looking ruby necklace--obviously meant to adorn the neck of a lady.
The papers on the desk appear to be the usual correspondence between a noble and those who manage his properties, but something about one of the pages catches Renik's eye (OOC: rolled an Intelligence check of 19), so he takes that particular letter.
Rond and Arien also poke through the room--and Arien yelps in surprise when it turns out that there's a secret compartment in the upper stones of the fireplace. Renik is surprised, too--his previous foray into this room hadn't revealed THAT little twist.
Inside the cubbyhole is a sheaf of papers that that the Hamleteers really don't have the time to completely peruse, but they all seem to be reports/updates on certain locations all around Plateau City... much like the letter that caught Renik's eye.
William lets Bill know that the interior trio are efficiently searching the room, and have found papers that may prove Baron Balentyne's perfidy.
Happy Balentyne's Day - Outside (DM Donna) d20=8 Thursday February 14th, 2002 6:26:45 AM All right, cousin, let's make this look good! barks Darkfang at the other new arrival, and the two canines begin a realistic mock-fight, complete with growling, keening and horrible-sounding "attacks" on each other.
The guard that Bill didn't stun is now tangled up in the net that's been tossed onto him--his buddy is standing there, stunned by the Mind Blast unleashed by the halfling. There are another four people rushing from the direction of the house towards the furiously-swearing, entangled mercenary--
--before anyone can calculate the time that it would take the four guards to reach the back-up group's location, the loud sound of a dogfight suddenly erupts from the direction of the main gate. Two of the approaching guards peel off to see what's up there, while the other two--who were coming from around the back of the house--continue to run towards the cursing guard as he fruitlessly attempts to untangle himself from the net.
It will take at least two rounds for the guards approaching Bill, K'isst and Draax to reach them; the guards who are heading for the dogfight will reach that site in one round.
K'isst d20+5=24 d20+18=33 d20+13=15 d8+5=10 d8+5=6 Thursday February 14th, 2002 10:14:57 AM
K'isst, spotting the incoming two guards, says, "Two incoming. We're spotted." She looks for a place to hide or run with the two soldiers that they have under control. She doesn't spot anything. [Nothing near according to map.]
"No escape."
She strikes for subdual at the netted soldier (+4 for netted, -4 dmg for subdual). She hits AC 33 and 15 for 10 and 6 points of dmg.
After her attack she turns to take the brunt of the two guards now approaching.
Renik Thursday February 14th, 2002 12:17:44 PM
Renik pockets the necklace and the papers, then moves to the doorway to keep a look out while the others finish searching the room. Once they are done he whispers to William "We are ready to leave. Are the backup party ready to create a diversion if needs be?"
Bill Troublefinder d20=13 d20=3 d20=8 d20=18 d100=46 Thursday February 14th, 2002 12:52:05 PM
As he surveys the scene, inside and out, Bill is pleased that his friends seem to have found some evidence. "Six of seven guards accounted for outside," he lets William know. "Suggest you leave with what you have. Fly out the back or north side. Two guards occupied in front with dogs, four on south with rest of us. Remember tow ropes on Rond. Pass it on, good William."
As he communicates this, the halfling has been flying horizontally toward an intercept point with the oncoming guards, and dropping to an altitude of 25 feet, as from his right pants pocket Bill extracts a 'bombadier bag', which he upends, shaking loose the contents as close to the onrushing guards as he can. Out drop a flashpellet (AC 13) (Reflex save vs DC 15 if within 10' radius, or be dazzled for one minute (10 rounds), with a -1 on attack rolls); a thin bladder of two quarts of water (AC 3) which bursts on impact; a thunderstone (AC 8) (those within a 10' radius make a Fortitude save or be deafened, with -4 initiative, and 20% chance to miscast and lose any spells - not that guards will be spellcasters); and a tanglefoot bag (AC 18, ranged touch, armor does not count for AC). If the gooey bag manages to get one of the two approaching guards, he will suffer a -2 penalty to attack rolls and a -4 penalty to effective Dexterity. He must make a Reflex save (DC 15) or be glued to the ground, unable to move. Even with a successful save, he can only move at half speed. [Rolled d100 - needed to roll over 20 in order for Bill's bombing run to have occurred in the material plane, rather than ethereal. Got a 46, so material it is.] In gnomish, Bill says, "Enjoy the party favors."
Ferrak (Round two of Summon Nature's Ally) Thursday February 14th, 2002 5:47:14 PM
Taking a moment from the ruckus, Ferrak casts another spell in preparation. His hands still moist from the last incantation, the feral gnome pulls out a piece of bark from an old oak tree. Gnawing on the wood the wild warrior gnome begins to glow ever so slightly. The glowing fades as his skin hardens. (New AC 21/23 with shield for 30 minutes)
"Come and get it," he whispers under his breath.
Arien Thursday February 14th, 2002 8:49:47 PM
Folding the papers that he found Arien stuffs them in a belt pouch and returns to the door. Once he gets a chance he whispers to the other two. "We should just grab onto those loops around Rond and fly back to the hideout. Have William tell Bill where we're going and to meet us there."
Draax Thursday February 14th, 2002 11:08:57 PM
Hearing K'isst's warning Draax looks up to see the oncoming guards. He thinks to himself, 'I guess it is time to leave.' As Draax takes a step backward he notices K'isst taking a step forward. The half-elf smiles as he moves up along side her giving them both enough room to use their weapons.
Using his hat of disguise, he shifts his appearance to look like an old man in pieced together armor. Keeping his shield raised the disguised fighter points his sword toward the ground leaning a little forward as if the sword feels heavy in his hand. In a low voice he say, "I guess the fun is not over yet."
Rond Thursday February 14th, 2002 11:58:42 PM
Finishing his search, Rond prepares to fly the others out. "Restore" he quickly whispers.
Fight and Flight (DM Donna) d20=10 d20=1 d20=6 d20=9 d20=5 d20=5 d20=10 d20=3 d20=9 d20=12 Friday February 15th, 2002 7:28:21 AM
Bill's patented bag wreaks havoc with the incoming reinforcements: one of them is deafened by the thunderstone, and--while instinctively clutching his head after the explosion--he runs right into the first reinforcement, who was quite effectively entangled by the tanglefoot bag.
Both guards fall flat on the faces as a result--the gooeyness of the tanglefoot solution additionally mucking with the second man, too.
The guards that are at the low wall are still entangled in the battle net and stunned by the Mind Blast. Now that the closest reinforcements are also effectively stopped, it is relatively easy for K'isst and Draax to run away by following the waterway northeast (hint, hint!)
The guards running up to the dogfight see that--well, that it's just a stupid dogfight.
"G'wan, ya mangy mutts!" one of the guards growls as both of them swipe half-heartedly at the animals, but the swords don't even come close (both rolled to hit AC5.)
Exiting the front of the house are the Prelate and Amelie the dwarf, escorted to the door by the Baron, who starts yelling at the two guards who are trying to scare off the fighting dogs.
The cleric and the dwarf look amused, but hastily exit out of the area, following Jewel's End as they go.
None of the remaining guards has an inkling of the invisible interior party's exit from the rear of the house. (OOC: I'm assuming that the interior party follows the advice that William hastily passed on to them from Bill.)
Renik d20+13=26 d20+23=25 d20+7=20 d20+3=5 Friday February 15th, 2002 8:50:48 AM
Renik takes in the scene as he heads out the back of the house and makes for the safety of the wall. Looks like sufficient confusion has been sown!
He spider climbs back over the wall, then once his two companions have joined him he whispers to William a message to pass on to Bill; "Okay, interior party out and safe, mission accomplished and heading for home. See you there, folks!"
Maintaining the invisibility Renik quietly heads back (Move silent 26, Hide 25) keeping an eye out for anyone who might somehow be following (Spot 20), and only once safely back does he get the papers and necklace out and examine them carefully (Int 5. Oops! Does anyone have Appraise for the necklace?)
Draax Friday February 15th, 2002 9:27:40 AM
Draax watches the charging guards fall flat on their faces. He sighs, shrugs his shoulders, and puts away his sword. "Oh well, another good fighting opportunity wasted." He turn to K'isst, "I guess now would be a good time to leave. I feel a power urge to run away by following the waterway." He begins to sprint in the northeast direction along the waterway.
William the psicrystal Friday February 15th, 2002 11:22:18 AM
The psicrystal passed along Bill's message to Renik, Rond and Arien. "So, will Renik and Arien take the ropes that the foresightful Bill prepared for you, to bravely fly through the sky, risking your very necks in such a bold maneuver?" William also asks Rond, "What did you mean when you said, 'Restore'?"
He enjoys the flight.
Renik Friday February 15th, 2002 11:31:20 AM
"Ah, no William" replies Renik to the crystal's question, thinking fast. "I shall not be flying, despite the wise and clever advance planning of the great and resouceful Bill Troublefinder. Instead I shall be bravely climbing down the sheer walls of the building, then risking life and limb in a hair-raising trek across enemy territory before climbing once more (with nary a thought for personal safety) over the exterior wall. That done, I shall return to our domicile, breast swollen in pride at a job well done, and an enemy seriously thwarted by the matchless brilliance of our noble band of fearless adventurers. That's not to say the rope wasn't a good idea. I take nothing away from the rope. Yay rope!"
Renik, were he visible at this point, would be looking a tad uncomfortable.
Bill Troublefinder d20+6=20 d20+18=32 Friday February 15th, 2002 11:37:52 AM
The halfling changes course, and swoops down by K'isst. "They are out, time to go home, Ferrak," he sends as a telepathic missive to the gnome. He ends the blinking as he drops a rope. "Take the end, if you want a ride," he whispers to K'isst. If she takes it, he tows her, flying toward, then along the river, until he finds a suitable place to come to a landing to return home by foot. If she declines, he does the same, but keeps his eyes (now non-shining, as he drops the far seeing power) out for his visible companions, wanting to ensure that all make it safely away.
Also, as it is still fresh in their minds, Bill asks William to have his friends repeat to him exactly what they heard - word for word if possible - as they eavesdropped at the door. With hindsight, he wishes he had switched to clairaudience, but the guards happened to interrupt at that moment. If William was able to himself hear the words of the men and dwarf woman, then Bill will get the psicrystal's report directly.
----- Back at the Ranch ----- Bill pulls out a fine magnifying lens, and examines the ruby necklace which Renik liberated [Appraise DC 20].
He says, "Rruff, woof woof, grrruff!" ('Well done, Ferrak, Darkfang.') And to Andraaxius and K'isst, "Good follow through, friends."
"So, exactly what did you find?" Bill asks of the interior team. "And exactly what did you hear them say? Try to mimic how they sounded, if you can." He writes down carefully what each reports, and, using autohypnosis (DC 32) memorizes what he hears them say.
He asks if he can take a look at the documents discovered. He takes out fresh parchment, and carefully copies each one, the copies of which he places in a scroll case, and hides in a safe place, along with a copy of a report of what his friends overheard.
"Rond," he suggests, "since, based on what you say, Marcus may be at risk, don't you suppose we should let him know immediately what we have learned?"
William to Renik Friday February 15th, 2002 12:03:58 PM "Ah, such a worthy companion you are. I shall deem you 'Renik the Bold'!" the psicrystal answers the nimble adventurer.
[OOC: LOL at your post, Carl!]
Rond Friday February 15th, 2002 12:11:51 PM
Forgettting about the psi crystal, Rond nearly jumps out of his shell when William speaks to him. Thinking to the psi crystal. "I was merely trying to remind Renik and Arien to restore the hide away places back to their original locked or secured position. I wanted as much time as we could get, before someone knew we were there."
Arien Friday February 15th, 2002 2:44:23 PM
Once the invisibility wears off Arien leans back in a chair and reads through to papers he found in the fireplace. He lets Renik and Rond recount the conversation while he is reading. Once done he'll pass the papers to Bill and generalize what he found there to the rest of the group.
K'isst Friday February 15th, 2002 3:47:32 PM
K'isst looks at Draax' retreating figure confused. "Power urge to run?" She looks at Draax, looks at her foe in the net and shrugs.
Then Bill offers the ride. "Ride a rope?" Trusting him, she grabs the rope.
...Somewhere over town there is a blood curdling scream...
William again asks Rond the same question. Friday February 15th, 2002 6:01:03 PM
William again asks Rond as they fly away, "What did you mean when you said, 'Restore', Ronderiadshal?"
As they fly along, presumably towing Arien, Rond and Arien hear him say, "You two are brave to fly like this. But Renik explained his way of escape. Oh! What risks he takes! This is an excellent group of adventurers. Most excellent, says William!" Yes, he refers to himself in the third person.
[OOC: Unless Rond can communicate telepathically somehow, he will have to speak aloud for William to understand him. The telepathy from the psicrystal to others, except for Bill, is one-way only. I assume that after the psicrystal repeats the question, Rond will realize this. Bill had mentioned it earlier.]
Ferrak Saturday February 16th, 2002 12:11:50 AM
The pack of dogs scatter when threatened by the big scary man. Two of them run away so fast that they seem to disappear into the night. Actually disappearing from this plane of existence, Ferrak barks a good-bye to them.
"I think I would have beat mine in a few more seconds. It looked like you were struggling there with yours though brother."
On the way home, Ferrak contimplates working on his garden project tonight. Scratching absently at his bark hard skin, the feral gnome is thinking about the termites that have infested his tool shed. On second thought, maybe tomorrow night would be better after all.
Rond Saturday February 16th, 2002 2:39:31 PM
"I was merely trying to remind Renik and Arien to restore the hide away places back to their original locked or secured position. I wanted as much time as we could get, before someone knew we were there."
William the psicrystal now understands Sunday February 17th, 2002 3:36:44 PM "I see now. What a lot of work for one word!" the psicrystal communicates to Rond on hearing this explanation. "I must learn this way, too." The notion of concision in speech is apparently new to William.
Aftermath (DM Donna) d20=10 d20=1 d20=6 Monday February 18th, 2002 6:36:54 AM I think I could have been a wolf accompanying a circus, big brother, if my performance was so good as to make YOU think that I was on the verge of losing... retorts Darkfang as the disguised duo race back to the headquarters of the Hamleteers.
None of the possible patrols that may have encountered any of the Hamleteers fleeing the Baron's estate run into any of the party--although there were a pair of tipsy nobles who swear they saw a screaming elven witch flying through the night sky. Both of the nobles are now members of Aledrinker's Anonymous.
Bill's examination of the necklace turns up that it is but a well-made paste imitation of ruby set in a brass-plated chain. Inside the box the necklace was in is a note:
My darling: you are as precious to me as the jewel within--same time & place next week!
With love from your Studmuffin
The necklace might fetch a gold piece or two if you tried selling it to a knowledgeable merchant (the appraise DC on it is 15.)
The papers that were taken are written in Common; they seem to pertain to how many supplies are needed to provide food and blankets to certain locations around the seedier quarters of Plateau City...ostensibly to feed and shelter the homeless and destitute.
Anyone perusing the papers for whatever may have snagged Renik's suspicions must make an Intelligence check versus DC18 to tumble to the fact that, although the reports speak of increasing numbers of people taking advantage of the free food and shelter, the amount of supplies needed does NOT significantly increase (and the sequence of the papers start at about two months before the death of Domi.)
Renik d20+3=11 Monday February 18th, 2002 8:15:10 AM
Renik examines the papers, but can't quite put his finger on what it is that rings alarm bells with him.
"Well, it's not as damning as I'd hoped, but something's not quite right here, I'm sure of it. We do have locations listed here, perhaps our next move should be to pose as down-and-outs, and try to infiltrate one or more of these places. See if it's perhaps a cover for some shadier activity? From what Balentyne was saying to his paymaster, I can't see him being the charitable type. Perhaps some tangible proof from one of these flophouses (or whatever), combined with this proof of Balentyne's involvement, will be sufficient to fully incriminate him."
He eyes the necklace carefully. "Paste, you say? I hate him more than ever!"
Arien d20+4=20 Monday February 18th, 2002 1:31:27 PM
"Maybe not Renik, but here's something odd. These papers show that Balentyne has been providing food and shelter the homeless for about two months now and that more and more people are coming there for help. Yet despite this increase in numbers there is no real increase in the amount of food sent or needed. So unless people are either eating a lot less or walking away from free help something is going on. Also remember the conversation we heard within Balentyne's? That priest of Marteaus was saying something about fools coming from all over the city for food, shelter and gold, and how they suspected nothing before being brought before the altar. Then he told the Baron to keep sweeping the city for more sacrifices."
Arien pauses a moment and continues in a subdued voice, "It sounds like to me that Balentyne and the temple of Marteaus are taking advantage of the homeless, converting those that they can and sacrificing those that won't convert. I say we have enough evidence here to satisfy Marcus, let's contact him and see what he wants us to do from here." As he speaks anger floods his voice and the next words come out as more of a growl than anything else, "And I hope it involves doing something permanent to Balentyne."
Bill Troublefinder - Report to Marcus Monday February 18th, 2002 7:52:42 PM
Bill's report to Marcus. He writes with invisible ink, the message discernible only when exposed to heat (as from the flame of a nearby candle). On the document in normal ink, he writes a shopping list of common foods, a few of them scratched out. At the bottom of the list it reads, "Don't forget the candle." The invisible message is woven between the visible writing.
After some planning, we visited the Baron's estate. Some entered. The rest remained outside. Overheard was the following conversation between the Prelate Marshall and Baron Balentyne:
===== Prelate Marshall: ...are being recruited from all over the City--the fools are willingly coming forward for food, shelter, and gold. They suspect nothing practically to the point when they are brought before the altar.
Baron Balentyne: But only those who are truly dedicated to the Dark Lord's cause will receive otherworldly reward, yes? Everyone else will be used and discarded!
Prelate Marshall: You will be rewarded as you deserve, my dear Baron--just keep using your men to sweep the City for more sacrifices.
Balentyne: I'm sure that I've confused Sturtavent's lapdog with my sudden concern for the poor and homeless, but he is only a fool who thinks only of the City--while my vision has expanded to the entire Wold!
Evil laughter ensues.
Prelate Marshall: Such a small mind in comparison to the glory of Marteaus. Ah, well--no matter. He has his uses, and will be discarded when he is useful no more.
Balentyne: I can't wait for THAT day! Self-righteous commoner... I heard that his wife ran off with some cleric of Alemi.
Prelate Marshall: It's... getting late, and I have sacrifices that I must attend. Come, Amelie, we must go back to the temple. It's been a pleasure, my lord.
Balentyne: It has been MY pleasure, Prelate Marshall!
===== [Bill includes here pen-and-ink sketches of the Baron, the Prelate, and the dwarf Amelie - in her black armor bearing the symbol of Marteaus, and her double-bladed axe - across the page as he saw them, although the word 'Cabbage' partially obscures Balentyne's face.] =====
My interpretation: The followers of Marteaus offer food, money and shelter to the poor, some of whom they then offer in sacrifice upon the altars dedicated to the Dark Lord. The men style you, Marcus, as 'Sturtavent's lapdog,' and put a slanderous bent to the sacrificial delivery by Qancis and Damocles of the Sons of Dread's cursed scroll maker back to its source for destruction. I wonder how they became aware of their joint destiny, however. They look upon you, sir, forgive me, as a tool to use, then discard.
My suggestion: We investigate, amass evidence, then reveal to the city at large the foul things that Marteaus' people are doing - and the roles of Baron Balentyne and others in the deception and murders of the downtrodden.
I dare say that, should we play our cards right, the Baron will indeed be rewarded as he deserves.
And please, burn this grocery list after reading, lest the food spoil. We await your guidance.
Bill reads the unsigned letter to his friends as he writes it (the letters remaining visible for about a minute after the ink touches the paper, then fading away), and asks how it sounds to them.
Rond Monday February 18th, 2002 8:42:47 PM
Listening to the others report, Rond responds, "I wonder if you might ask him whether using this kind of communications is good, or whether we should use the coin and report that way."
Draax Monday February 18th, 2002 9:56:38 PM
Draax listens to everyone's opinions and suggestions. He feels the same as Renik, that infiltration into one or more these places is a good idea. Marcus has always wanted proof and he believes that the spymaster will want to know exactly what they are doing with these recruits. Draax keeps his thoughts to himself and waits with the others for Marcus to let them know what the next step will be.
Bill Troublefinder answers Rond Monday February 18th, 2002 11:57:22 PM
"Oh, I thought we'd give it to him directly," Bill tells Rond when the group's leader expresses reservations about putting things in writing. "I just wanted to try the invisible ink I bought. You can ask him through the coin if he wants to see it. Also, infiltration sounds like one good way to approach things. We could also mingle among the poor folks, and ask if anyone has come up missing, lately. What do you think, K'isst?"
WH Phone Home..? (DM Donna) Tuesday February 19th, 2002 6:41:43 AM
While the party comes to the conclusion that Balentyne is definitely trying to pull something in conjunction with the temple of Marteaus, they still have to decide how to let Marcus know about it.
Darkfang, meanwhile, lets his big brother know that the druid's attempts to bring green spots to the inner City seem to actually be doing well.
Rond Tuesday February 19th, 2002 10:22:44 AM
Checking to make sure they are ready to report, Rond uses the coin and states, "Mission accomplished. Report available in writing. Need delivery instructions."
K'isst Tuesday February 19th, 2002 3:38:01 PM
Looking very white from the flight, K'isst says: "Can pose as homeless."
"See if they pick me?"
She frowns. "Hate Marteaus. He...." Anger clouds her visage as she refuses to speak further.
Prash d20+8=28 Tuesday February 19th, 2002 5:58:06 PM
A smell wafts through the room, that unmistakeable blend of stale booze and chronic BO. Sitting hunched in the corner is a bearded, scarred and filthy dropout. By his shabby storm cloak you guess him to be an old sailor, down on his luck, reduced to drunken begging. He clutches a bottle tightly in his left fist, and seems to be sleeping it off until;
"Yarallabunchafuggnmuffnshlaarrggbuggrit!"
the raggedy man erupts, waving his arms and rolling his bloodshot eyes wildly before subsiding into a stinky heap again.
The waistrel looks up with a grin and Renik says (for it is he), "Yup, I can do drop out! Meet my friend Prash, I've been saving him for a rainy day (Disguise 28, nat 20!). Remarkable what you can do with these disguise kits! Just a sprinkle of flour and mud for the cloak, soap for the eyes, the right fragrance, and suitable, easily applied makeup... Any suggestions for something to keep in my bottle? Alchemist's Fire, perhaps? I've heard that's what your discerning drunk is drinking down at the quayside these days."
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday February 19th, 2002 9:22:54 PM
The halfling shakes his head as K'isst speaks. "They might, K'isst, they might."
"We hate him, too. You were brave that day, and brilliant to have us rest in the rubble of the Temple of Wardd."
======
Bill laughs at Renik's latest disguise, holding his nose with thumb and forefinger.
======
After thinking things over a bit more, Bill writes up a report entitled, "Common herbs found growing in the cracks of Plateau City streets." He asks Ferrak for input. The hobbit thinks having a red herring to be an important part of spycraft, and imagines himself saying, 'Here is the report, sir, but for the life of me, I don't know what anybody would want with such drivel.'
Draax Tuesday February 19th, 2002 10:12:21 PM
Draax nods his head in agreement with K'isst's words. "I feel the same way about the dark one."
He laughs openly at Renik's new disguise. Clapping his hands Draax says, "Bravo, Bravo, great disguise Renik or should I say Prash. Now please could you go stand down wind and someone please open a window." Draax continues to laugh letting Renik know that he was only joking, but he does move a couple of feet away from his comrade.
Roger Willco! (DM Donna) Wednesday February 20th, 2002 6:06:12 AM
The voice over the magic coin responds: "A courier will come and get it within the hour. They'll have proper ID on them."
And, true to the pronouncement, there's a knock on the door less than an hour later. Standing on the doorstep is human female who is dressed like one of the official town criers.
"I've been retained as a courier," she says simply. "You have something for me..?"
Ferrak (Sorry, late with my phone bill. Sick or not sick they want their money. d20+5=15 Wednesday February 20th, 2002 6:39:41 AM
Making a list for Bill of the many herbs that he has noticed in this city, Ferrak hopes that a list scrawled in Druidic is o.k. (W-Lore=15)
{Yes Darkfang, I will bring the mother closer to us, if we must stay so far away from her.}
Renik Wednesday February 20th, 2002 10:11:24 AM
Renik goes for a very long wash, then returns and suggests that before they attempt an infiltration at one of the listed sites, perhaps a day and night of exterior surveillance would be a good idea. Perhaps it would give them some idea of what they were getting into. Perhaps they could do it in shifts. Certainly Ferrak, disguised as a dog, would be able to carry out the surveillance without arousing suspicion.
K'isst Wednesday February 20th, 2002 12:51:19 PM
K'isst turns to Renik. "Smells better now."
Then she wrinkles up her eyes and covers them. "But face still ugly!"
::she grins a broad infectious smile at him a few seconds later::
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=37 Wednesday February 20th, 2002 3:13:00 PM
"Oh, yes, just a moment. You have your identification?" Bill takes a look at the document, should she produce it. [Autohypnosis to memorize document, DC 37.] He places a blank parchment around the outside of the other two documents - the sidewalk herbs report, and the grocery list. He folds them a few times, wraps string around them, and seals the documents with wax. "Thank you, <insert name here>!" he says to her. (Bill uses whatever name was listed on the document.) After she leaves, he suggests that Renik and Arien follow her at a distance. He himself settles down to follow the lady with far sight (clairvoyance). He wants to know where she goes with the letter.
Rond Wednesday February 20th, 2002 6:51:18 PM
Rond is expecting a ring, or some other form of ID that is appropriate for Marcus. Since all others have had similar ID.
Draax Wednesday February 20th, 2002 10:10:31 PM
Draax keeps an eye on the courier and a throwing dagger in his hand until she shows the recognizable ID.
Arien Thursday February 21st, 2002 1:22:33 AM
Not going to the extreme of showing steel Arien does keep a keen eye on the courier.
Renik d20+23=42 Thursday February 21st, 2002 6:12:00 AM
Renik grins at K'isst's comments, and offers an elaborate bow.
"Sweet lady, compared to your beauty we are all but lumpen misshapen trolls. I can only thank Mittiri that I, rude and simple as I am, have been given the opportunity to gaze upon your divine countenance."
His eyes twinkle with a not altogether innocent expression.
He nods at Bill's suggestion (assuming the contact provides suitable ID), and tails the woman back to her base of operations, keeping well out of sight (Hide 42!)
Hey--That Ain't No Lady..! (DM Donna) d20+5=25 Thursday February 21st, 2002 6:29:46 AM
The town crier produces a signet ring that has Marcus's crest on it. Even as Bill hands her the "grocery list", however, Darkfang jumps to his feet and leaps at the "woman"--knocking her Hat of Disguise off as the wolf slobbers an enthusiastic greeting all over the face of--
Marcus.
"All right, already..!" the spymaster laughs, tussling with the wolf for a moment before pushing Darkfang away and picking up his hat. "Let me inside, then--you've blown my cover VERY effectively, thank you!" As he enters, however, it is very evident that he isn't in the least angry... rather, he seems pleased that Darkfang penetrated the disguise.
"You are all cautious and alert--" Marcus points out, "--which is very good. I came to get your report for myself to confirm the suspicions about Balentyne... and to ask you..."
Now the Plateau City Chief of Security looks a bit embarrassed.
"To ask you... if you've had any... strange dreams lately..?"
(OOC: everyone roll a d20. People who get the right number on the die will get an email from me because Marcus's unusual question will spark a memory in you.)
Ferrak (Can you botch a dream?) d20=1 Thursday February 21st, 2002 7:04:33 AM
Ferrak nods at Renik's suggestions, willing to help in any way he can.
When Darkfang uncovers Marcus masquerading as a woman, Ferrak is surprised that his brother was able to sniff him out through the perfume.
{Renik's BO was more pleasant to my nose, what do you say brother does Marcus have good smells?}
Renik d20=19 Thursday February 21st, 2002 9:31:15 AM
"Dreams? Other than those graced by the presence of the beauteous Lady K'isst, I assume." He winks at K'isst, and continues, rubbing the back of his neck "Let me think..."
Draax d20=4 Thursday February 21st, 2002 9:31:57 AM
When the disguised Marcus produces the signet ring Draax relaxes his guard and puts away his dagger. He is caught off guard when Darkfang unmasks Marcus' disguise. He noticed that Marcus used the same method of disguise as Draax likes to employ. Draax never realized his smell could blow his cover. He recalls their first meeting with Farrek and the gnome's reference to the coin that Marcus gave him had Marcus' scent on it. He starts to wonder if he could find anything mundane or magical that could hide his scent when Marcus's question brings him back to the moment. "Dream?"
K'isst d20+11=21 Thursday February 21st, 2002 12:27:40 PM
K'isst throws a pillow at Renik (d20+11=21) smacking him hard in the head.
Thin ignoring him as all beautiful women do, she turns to face Marcus. Gulping, she stands up unconsciously as if she might be in trouble, and assumes the position of Trog women about to be yelled at.
Bill Troublefinder d20=7 Thursday February 21st, 2002 12:48:56 PM
Remembering his first introduction to Darkfang, Bill is pleased to see Marcus win a similar reception. "He likes you, too, sir!" the little fellow remarks.
"Well, I had a dream where there were three pies before me on the table. A blueberry, a shepherd's pie, and a mixed berry. Well, I picked up a spoon, and..." then, noticing Marcus' face, he trails off. "Well, I guess it wasn't really a strange dream, at that. Let me think."
Rond d20=19 Thursday February 21st, 2002 4:42:59 PM
As Rond watches the proceedings with the scout, he contemplates where and what the group will do next. As he sees Darkfang move towards the courier, the hackles on the back of his neck start to rise. Thinking that the group could be in trouble, Rond prepares for action. When the hat tumbles off of Marcus's head he relaxes, then moves to aid in closing the door behind the spymaster.
As the spymaster asks his question, Rond ponders the last couple nights of sleeping....
Arien d20=15 Thursday February 21st, 2002 11:44:00 PM
"Hmm I can't recall for the moment any dreams out of the ordinary, but perhaps if I think a moment I will recall. But let me ask you something first, do you mean dreams or nightmares?"
Bill Troublefinder Monday February 25th, 2002 1:19:58 PM
As Bill waits to hear of any unusual dreams from his friends, he hands Marcus a candle and a tindertwig. "The grocery list is more interesting if you hold this a little ways underneath as you read," he tells the spymaster. "Don't worry about the crabgrass report."
K'isst Monday February 25th, 2002 2:44:19 PM
K'isst with nothing to do for the moment begins doing some furious pushups over near the corner.
Tirelessly she continues.
Draax Monday February 25th, 2002 10:08:16 PM
Not recalling any dreams, Draax waits to see if any of the others recall their dreams.
OOC: Thanks Shawn
Renik Tuesday February 26th, 2002 7:34:59 AM
Renik peers out of the window. Hmm, that's odd, he thinks; tumbleweed blowing down the street in the desolate wind...
Ferrak Tuesday February 26th, 2002 8:26:18 AM
"There's one for yourr list Bill."
Draax Tuesday February 26th, 2002 8:32:47 AM
Draax does his darndest to keep up with K'isst's impressive push up display.
three hundred ninety-five three hundred ninety-six three hundred ninety-seven three hundred ninety-eight three hundred ninety-nine
Arien Tuesday February 26th, 2002 9:36:32 AM
Arien's eyes go distant and he begins to speak, at first slowly as he remembers the dream and then with more confidence as he recalls it. "Ah yes, indeed I did have an odd dream. I am in a cold, dark place. A place of pure evil. Yet within that cold, evil place there is a spark of warmth and I head for it. When I reach the place of warmth, I find to my surprise none other than Damocles, and he looks horrible. He calls to me, telling me that he has but this one chance to reach me. He tells me that the scroll machine that we stole from the Sons of Dread can be used to unmake what it has made, to take back that which is the basis for the Dark Lord's power. He tells me that we must come and find him as he and Qancis are powerless there in that realm of evil. That to stop Marteaus from winning we must find the portal and come and get the machine. Then he begins to into the darkness and calls out one last time to come and get the machine or, as he puts it, as sure as bones break Marteaus will prevail."
Arien looks to Marcus and asks, "Is that perhaps the kind of dream you were talking about? Perhaps you had a similar sending from your wife?"
Renik Tuesday February 26th, 2002 11:15:08 AM
Renik looks at Arien with some discomfort. "Oh, do I not like the sound of this... If I'm reading you right Marcus you think this dream is a message? That we have to go into this realm of unspeakable evil to bring back that damned soul sucking printing press?"
He looks distinctly non-plussed, but then continues, "Well, I guess we have no choice, particularly if Damocles and your wife can be brought back too. Looks like the good Baron's nefarious activities will have to wait, unless you have another team you can put on it Marcus. I guess that only leaves one question. How do we find this portal?"
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