Town Crier (MDM Jan) Monday July 22nd, 2002 1:54:27 PM
Drifting in on the mists of the New Wold up ahead, the urgent bell of the Town Crier is heard pealing in the streets. Lundy the Boomer brings news.
"Hear ye, hear ye!
A frantic search has begun for the Floating City - which is currently nowhere to be found! Did the City and its inhabitants drown beneath the lake? Was it destroyed in the cataclysm? Did the mysterious Teucri rescue their creation and take it with them? No one knows!
So far, there have been no survivors from the lake, and dives are taking place in an attempt to establish if the Big Float should now be renamed the Big Sink!
Reports from far and wide indicate widespread destruction and damage to buildings and structures all over the Wold! Miraculously - most people appear to have been left unharmed, and are beginning the enormous task of rebuilding what was damaged or lost!
Clerics all over the Wold are proclaiming the existence of new Gods! These Gods have been named the Gods of Testing! They are: - Marteaus, the God of Disease - Ga'al, the God of Domination - Caeroldra, the Goddess of Lust and Passion - Jancassis, the God of Revenge - Warrd, the God of Luck, and Chance - Gargul, the God of Life, Death, and Souls!
Temples and other places of worship are changing hands, being rebuilt, or being created to worship these new deities! It appears that two major pantheons how exist - the Gods of Testing, alongside that of Alemi, Domi, Flower, Pantheon, and Ffloy - the already established Gods of the Wold. Some say the God Gargul either belongs to both, or that he transcends them all!
Everything appears to be in a state of flux! There have been reports of new Sects being formed, and of strange abilities manifesting amongst the populace! Are these abilities a gift from the Gods? An appeasement for the Godwar, as some say? Or are they a curse, and something to be feared?
In Plateau City, some members of the high council have allegedly gone into hiding! Those who remain have released a statement, proclaiming they were misled, charmed into actions against their own natural will, and remember little of past events. They say they are drawing up an amnesty proposal for certain groups and organisations who are currently banned from the City as outlaws and renegades!
Sturtavent will be reinstated, and the council is at a loss as to explain why he was originally removed from office in the first place! A persistant rumour - that he merely had the wrong haircut, is just that - a rumour. In truth no one seems to know!
Elsewhere, news has arrived of a new eastern pass through the treacherous Scab, created by the upheavals and earthquakes of the Godwar! Adventurers are said to be already flocking toward the area, in search of new lands, new riches, enlightenment and knowledge!
Hear ye, gentlefolk! Take note of the bell - for there will be more!
OOC Interregnum as character sheets are updated
Kim (Bill T) Monday July 22nd, 2002 11:47:51 PM
Wow! To those here who enjoyed the endgame online - I'd love to hear your versions of how things went. Do any of you have copies of the transcripts?
As for our own little adventuring group - I'd like to see us pitching in to help rebuild Plateau City. Fix up our place more. Bill would like to get more books (of many kinds) for our library. And visit Shianna and her folks. See if Marcus has anything in mind for us - if he is again around.
Maybe pick up a few more properties around town. Have different disguises for different places.
Go on a subterranean crawl beneath the city. Get treasures! (Bill's cash flow has been really really tight for some time now. How 'bout the rest of you?)
Help Ferrak with his garden.
Draax (Stan) Tuesday July 23rd, 2002 10:26:12 AM
The online game was fun, I am sure it did not compare to the live version (you lucky dogs) but it was nice to get a feel for what happened and why it happened.
I could really go for the subterranean/dungeon crawl and treasure collecting adventures (hurting on cash also).
I think I have a copy of the 1st online game's transcript. I will send it to the group when I get home from work tonight.
Arien (Adam) Tuesday July 23rd, 2002 10:12:51 PM
Yeah a dungeon crawl would be nice but I'd also like to go get Balentyne if he's still around.
Todd (Rond) Tuesday July 23rd, 2002 10:59:08 PM
I'm finishing up a move this week and will do my best to comment where I can. I'm hoping I'm ready to go next week.
I think we need to go either on a dungeon crawl, or maybe clear out the countryside of any monsters that might have moved in. Maybe even go back to the Hamlet to clear out monsters or help re-establish the village or something.
Kim Tuesday July 23rd, 2002 11:35:25 PM
Oh, yeah! Go back to Windhorn Hamlet. Bill would like to see his family, and introduce the new folks he's met since coming to Plateau City to them. Pies for everyone!
It might be about time for another Ceremony of Renewal of the Sentinel.
Walter Wednesday July 24th, 2002 12:59:00 AM
Anything is fine with me. I'm still trying to figure out who Feng is. Until I get that down, it doesn't matter (to me) what we do.
Carl Wednesday July 24th, 2002 7:17:23 AM
Cash! Vast hordes of loot! Oodles of booty (the monetary kind)! Renik has been broke for longer than I care to remember. And I havn't played a dungeon crawl since I started playing in the Wold. So let's chase Balentyne into a secret Undercity beneath the streets of Plateau City filled with (very rich) monsters, and finally emerge into daylight at Windhorn Hamlet, just in time for magical ceremonies, destruction of evil new inhabitants, beating on Balentyne and pie for dinner.
Kim Wednesday July 24th, 2002 1:25:53 PM
Walter - Feng is a paladin. Does that help?
::ducking::
Walter Wednesday July 24th, 2002 2:19:04 PM
Actually that doesn't help. I know that he's a paladin and a force for good but thats about it. I guess I haven't been playing him long enough. I'll eventually figure him out.
DM Donna Friday July 26th, 2002 7:07:14 AM
I sense a recurring theme here:
LOOT...and lots of it. ;)
A couple of suggestions that also seem to have been put forth from more than one source:
1. Find out what Balentyne is up to these days. 2. Return to Windhorn Hamlet and see what's up there.
I'll see what I can do about combine all three into an adventure...heh heh heh.
Meanwhile, anyone who hasn't submitted an updated post YOA character sheet to me by Sunday will be holding up whatever module I have for the party (new adventure is supposed to start on Monday, fellas..!), so GET ME YOUR CS's A.S.A.P.!!!
Kim Friday July 26th, 2002 3:32:12 PM
Donna - I'll work on updating Bill's CS this weekend. It'll be similar to his pre-drain CS.
Adam Friday July 26th, 2002 8:46:55 PM
I'm redoing Arien's character sheet and am almost done. I'm just waiting for a response to a question from Jerry and then I can finish it up.
Hobbes Friday July 26th, 2002 10:26:16 PM
heya Donna,
my mannix email account has been down and will continue to be so for at least another week. Am trying to get my character updated. Sorry for the delay.
Did you get my private email about "things I'd like to see?". Never got a response from you.
that's it.
Matt
Walter Saturday July 27th, 2002 3:12:00 AM
I never thought that having a character immune to disease would be beneficial. With the new God of Disease, it might come in handy.
I've been thinking about things that Feng would be interested in. Considering his origion, Feng has an interest in the history of religion.
DM Donna Saturday July 27th, 2002 7:46:30 AM
Matt: no, I didn't get any email from you. Please resend.
I don't mind a few days' delay with your CS's, guys, if only because it will technically give me a bit more time to work on a module for you all. 8)
Carl Saturday July 27th, 2002 2:16:24 PM
Hi Donna, I'm on holiday until early August, so I won't be able to get you Renik's CS until then. I havn't spotted anything that will change for him though, so the last one I sent you should serve. Please mail me (crg_white@hotmail.com) if that's a problem.
Hobbes Saturday July 27th, 2002 7:56:55 PM
Resent
Walter Sunday July 28th, 2002 2:04:26 AM
Perhaps I'm mistaken, but I thought that Ga'al was an evil god? He sure acted that way before. Wouldn't that make Hobbes an evil priest?
DM Donna Sunday July 28th, 2002 7:17:41 AM
Carl: unfortunately, it's a problem. Look for the emails.
Matt: got it this time; thanks! I do believe I can work one or two of your requests into this upcoming module.
Walter: I do believe that Matt *meant* to type Gargul instead of Ga'al...otherwise there's gonna be some disappointment for him. ;)
Walter Sunday July 28th, 2002 2:36:22 PM
Thats good because I couldn't see Hobbes doing the things Ga'al priests do.
For the life of me, I don't know what you guys are talking about. I don't recall ever typing Ga''al. Perhaps I was typing in my sleep.
or else I'm a closet evil bastard.
Walter Sunday July 28th, 2002 7:25:17 PM
On the main link to this page, the winhorn hamlet caption has Hobbes listed as a priest of ga'al.
Hobbes Sunday July 28th, 2002 8:01:16 PM
oh, I see it now. Nope, that wasn't me that typed that. I don't have the power to change that paragraph.
Jerry perhaps?
Carl Monday July 29th, 2002 6:19:13 AM
Cayzle typed that paragraph from a post I sent him, so I may be the culprit here. Oops! Cayzle is the man we need to contact to make the change. I'd do it, but I'm on holiday and don't have access to my email addresses.
DM Donna Monday July 29th, 2002 7:10:41 AM
Well, we aren't starting the game back up again (yet)...I have yet to receive the latest, correctly formatted as per Jerry's request character sheets from everyone yet.
Do NOT make me name names..! ::DMly glare of doom::
;D
I'm still working on the module, anyhow--but DO try to hurry up with your CS's, people!
(Todd, Jerry informed me about your hard drive, so I know I'll have to wait for your CS.)
+++++
Now, I'd like you all to post your YEA's or NAY's:
1. Would you still like to see the Hamleteers remain as secret operatives of the Plateau City government?
2. Would you like to return to Windhorn Hamlet?
3. Would you like to swing on star...carry moonbeams home in a jar..?
4. Or would you rather be a pig..?
;D
Todd (Roger) Monday July 29th, 2002 8:14:02 AM
I thought we were developing as a nice look spy group inside the city. As we start to invest time in our business and buildings, it would be sad to lose them to continue on somewhere else, I think.
Kim Monday July 29th, 2002 9:02:16 AM
Yes, the spy business suits us. Bill still *would* like to have a visit back to Windhorn Hamlet, to check up on his family, and to participate in the Renewal Ceremony. But Plateau City is a fun place to be.
Stan (Draax) Monday July 29th, 2002 10:31:05 AM
I would like to keep the spy business going and spend some time back in Windhorn.
Hunting the SoDs is also a desire that Draax would like to pursue.
I do not care for swinging on a Star, but if the moonbeams in a jar are magical I could go for a jar full.
I think some of our guys already did the pig thing when we were looking for jobs, so I think I will pass on being a pig. :)
Kim Monday July 29th, 2002 4:13:40 PM
Games 1,3&5 have their sheets in. "C'mon, fellas, let's get all ours in," says Kim, who got his emailed off last night.
Web MDM Cayzle Monday July 29th, 2002 5:13:56 PM
You guys didn't really start yet, so I feel free to intrude. I just fixed the Ga'al/Gargul blooper on the front page. Sorry about that.
Any other changes you all want to that descriptive text? It now reads: This game features a brave band of heroes - half from Windhorn Hamlet, the balance from Plateau City. Employed by the capital of New Elenna to act as undercover agents, they perform missions deemed too sensitive for official government forces. Their work is secretive, often dangerous, and vital to city security. They are (with their undercover aliases) Arien (Tamosvar), Bill (Lake), Draax (Steps), Ferrak (Woofer), Renik (Gullion), and their leader, Rond (Roger). Recent additions to the group are Hobbes, priest of Gargul, and Feng, a paladin.
If so, please e-mail me at cayzle@yahoo.com, since it might be a month or three before I wander in here again!
DM Donna Tuesday July 30th, 2002 7:10:23 AM
Cayzle's description looks good.
Okay, guys, the spy biz will stay in this game, no problem. I'll see about letting you get news from WH at least.
I still need updated character sheets from the odd two or three of you. Get them to me as soon as you can, please.
Adam Tuesday July 30th, 2002 2:25:25 PM
Just finishing mine up now, and don't forget that Hobbes and Feng both need aliases now.
Shawn Tuesday July 30th, 2002 2:43:38 PM
Hey, um...don't wait on my character Donna. I'm not sure what to do with Ferrak as a Druid. I don't want to change his alignment. You said to discuss it on the list so here it goes.
While both good things and evil things happen in the natural world, the natural world is neither good nor evil.
Granted the nature of the Wold is magical, but until a month ago the 'Nature' of this Wold was assumed to be like our natural world. Now all of a sudden, at least to me, what it means to be a Druid in this Wold is a completely different concept.
I'm still not sure how I react to this new concept. In short, I don't know if I want to change Ferrak's alignment. Do I have to, if I want to continue playing Ferrak as a Druid?
I don't think everything is black and white/good and evil. I don't think Druids should be good or evil. I don't want Ferrak to be good or evil. I am just a player in someone elses Wold though, so how will this affect me.
I can't form a decision without discussion, I can't finish my sheet without knowing how this affects the beliefs of my character.
Sincerely, Shawn
P.S. Hey Walter, Feng as a Paladin is also a belief driven character. (like Gargul & Ferrak) Exploring what his beliefs are, will flush him out for you.
Walter Tuesday July 30th, 2002 4:05:59 PM
Feng has an alias. I added one to his character sheet. Though he is limited in what he can be. A human doesn't wield an orc-double axe. Not using the weapon would limit me in battle.
Matt (Hobbes) Tuesday July 30th, 2002 6:01:37 PM
answers to questions
1. sure as long as it sends us on cool adventures where I get to kick some undead (and otherwise) butt.
2. If that's where the adventure takes us but I have no real stock in the place. (was that where my initial starting place was? that was never established)
3. Um...after the "How do you solve a problem like Marteus?" issue, it'd be just as likely to catch a cloud and pin it down.
4. Polymorphin wizards?!?!? Bring it on!!!!!!!
Matt Tuesday July 30th, 2002 6:03:29 PM
Jerry and all, my mannix@vr.net account is dead. it may be resurrected in the future but for now it's dead. Remove it from your records.
My alias is Ivan, BTW. Carlyze if you are reading please add that to the description too.
Thanks much
Kim Wednesday July 31st, 2002 3:31:17 AM
Shawn - I always viewed Ferrak as being good in alignment. Somewhere between neutral to lightly chaotic on the law-chaos axis. Just keep playing him as you have. Likely neutral good (and that does NOT mean you have to have two shoes!) or chaotic good. I'd think more toward the former, but up to you.
I miss Ferrak!
To tell the truth, I never thought that it was balanced to sometimes support good, and sometimes support evil. I think of that approach more as a clean stream that gets polluted. True balance is to do what is right, to do what is good! Evil destroys harmony, and brings imbalance.
Okay, any tomato-throwers out there? :-)
CDM Jerry Wednesday July 31st, 2002 9:53:55 AM
Just saw your post Matt. Removing the addy.
Carl Wednesday July 31st, 2002 11:38:23 AM
I'd have to agree with Kim, Shawn. Changing to NG would not impact the roleplaying of Ferrak to ant great extent as far as I can see. I thought that was his alignment! Hope you are able to resolve this problem, because Ferrak is one of my favourite members of the team.
Matt Wednesday July 31st, 2002 1:42:52 PM
I would think of Ferrak as more Chaotic Good then Neutral Good, but that's just my perception. The whole neutral druid thing I never ever understood.
My expectation of Neutral types of druids would be hermits that live in the woods and do not want to itneract with people. Merlin would be an example of a Druid that was good aligned with a lot of chaos in him. (I'd call him druid/wizard). I could definitely see an evil druid. He wouldn't be anti-forest but he'd use the plants and animals for his evil purposes.
Like Kim said, tho, I don't think reclassifying yourself to a good alignment would change how you played, Ferrak. You already are perceived as a good character helping with good causes. It just depends on how much chaos you want to use in doing so. (and I'm getting my chaos perception from the brief time I've seen you....running off from the party to be alone,e tc)
Matt
Shawn Wednesday July 31st, 2002 4:11:58 PM
Here's the way I see it. An animal is neither good, nor evil, they just are. Druids are the same. Did you ever see a cat playing with a mouse until it was dead and then finally eat it? Is that evil? No. Now if a human did the same thing with a cat, we got something evil going on. Are vultures evil, are cute little fuzzy rabbits good? No.
I'm not sure I see Merlin as necessarily a 'good' character. He was concerned with the welfare of the land to be sure. But he certainly manipulated a lot of lives to get what he wanted, sometimes in not very nice ways. I'm sure Arthur's mother and father didn't think Merlin was a good guy.
Ferrak might have some good tendancies, but because he's a Druid/wolfboy it's hard for me to see him as actually 'good'. He's imprinted the rest of the group as a part of his pack, so he will defend the pack with his life, but if any of you guys started burning trees down...
Anyway since nobody has yet said that I have to change my alignment, I guess I won't. Think of Ferrak as Neutral with some good tendancies if you like, but I don't want to lose the dark feral instinct in him.
Like Yin & Yang, Whitefang/Darkfang.
Kim Wednesday July 31st, 2002 4:16:58 PM
Shawn - Unless I misheard, or am misremembering, Jerry said that all characters are to be of good alignment.
Donna - correct me if what I just wrote is mistaken.
DM Donna Wednesday July 31st, 2002 4:33:13 PM
Ahhhhh...a debate on the nature of good & evil. Woohoo! THIS will be interesting...
To address Kim's question first: Jerry's firm rule is that there are no Evil Player Characters in The Wold. As far as I know, he does not rule out Neutral characters (in the Good/Evil range.) However, I must admit to not having read the very latest texts just issued since the completion of the Endgame about the newest House Rules and DM guidelines (and the nature of Druids in The Wold)...I've been trying to get my own character and the BGC whipped into shape to focus on that at this time.
However, now that there seems to be a potentially major, thorny deal about it, I am going to have to MAKE the time to completely review all of the above. (oh, JOY!)
I won't render my own opinion until I've at least reviewed the House Rules and the newest Druid information...so, now, I'm off to do that.
DM Donna (again) Thursday August 1st, 2002 7:52:12 AM
Well, I just read the House Rules--it DOES say that only Good aligned characters are allowed. Jerry has also asked me to have Shawn contact him directly and voice his alignment perceptions off the board.
Okay...I'm working on the module and looking over the CS's, too.
Any questions and/or requests while I'm working on those..?
Kim Thursday August 1st, 2002 9:23:37 PM
Matt - is Hobbes all rarin' to go?
Have you heard the Blue Angels flying overhead today?
[For those outside of Seattle - the US Navy Blue Angels http://www.blueangels.com/ are rehearsing for the Seattle SeaFair Hydroplane Races flyover and aerobatics show. As their website says, "A Blue Angels air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines using F/A-18 Hornets. The pilots perform approximately 30 maneuvers during the aerial demonstration, which runs approximately an hour and 15 minutes."]
P.S.: If Appolo of Game 5 - the Aisildurian campaign (and a frequenter of the RWI) - is considered to be of 'good' alignment, then surely Ferrak is a saint! ;-)
Walter Thursday August 1st, 2002 11:09:04 PM
Being a participant of game 5, I know there has been one occasion where aligment was questioned. I never considered ferrak to be remotely close to evil. Appolo on the other hand is something else. Past discussion about tactics against the forces of Ga'al left me wondering as well.
Matt Friday August 2nd, 2002 1:28:36 AM
Yup... Hobbes is turned in and all rarin' to go! I don't think it's in Jerryformat (TM) but hopefully Donna (copyright 2002) can do that for me as I don't know what Jerryformat (TM) is. :)
I'm all excited about the new module....and I wouldn't "dare close my eyes". *nudge nudge Donna :) *
Kim Friday August 2nd, 2002 3:46:03 AM
On the other hand, when once a person sought to flatter Jesus of Nazareth by calling him 'good teacher,' Jesus asked him, "Why do you call me good? None is good but God alone."
By that standard, as the prophet says, "There is none good, no, not one."
I think what Jerry is striving for, though, is a world of heroic fantasy, in which we play the 'good guys,' working together in order to do justice, right wrongs, fix things, rescue people, solve problems, etc. As immoral (aka 'bad') friends tend to corrupt morals, he wants us not to be fellow corrupters, but fellow encouragers towards the good. He wants PCs who build each other up, not tear each other down.
Just thinking about Biblical characters - many who were believers were not uniformly righteous, nor always wise. Jacob deceived his father, and had plenty of darkness in his behavior. He was shrewd, but had redeeming qualities as well. Look at his sons - the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Shawn - while going for yin/yan, don't imagine that precludes Ferrak from working within the D&D 'good' alignment.
I think that 'good' people still do wrong things. But 'good' people also are willing to recognize, when faced with it, that they need to struggle with the evil that would rise up within them. It's a battle - a life-long battle. There are weapons available to gain an edge in that battle. And as one resists evil, one gains strength, and perseverance.
Looking at yin-yan - this is not necessarily a good evil thing. It's a male/female, hot/cold, strong/weak, bright/dark, chocolate/vanilla, soft/rough thing. Life has contrasts, and points of balance, and imbalance. Ecclesiastes chaper 3 offers a splendid listing of such. Some of you might remember the song, "Turn, turn, turn." It was taken straight from Eccles 3, but with the addition of the words 'turn, turn, turn'; the deletion of 'A time for war' before 'a time for peace' and the addition of 'I swear it's not too late.'
Ah, here it is:
There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn) Pete Seeger CD: Pete Seeger's Greatest Hits Words adapted from The Bible, Book of Ecclesiastes
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn) There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn) And a time for every purpose, under Heaven
A time to be born, a time to die A time to plant, a time to reap A time to kill, a time to heal A time to laugh, a time to weep
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn) There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn) And a time for every purpose, under Heaven
A time to build up, a time to break down A time to dance, a time to mourn A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn) There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn) And a time for every purpose, under Heaven
A time of love, a time of hate A time of war, a time of peace A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing
To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn) There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn) And a time for every purpose, under Heaven
A time to gain, a time to lose A time to rend, a time to sew A time to love, a time to hate A time for peace, I swear it's not too late
------
So, Shawn, is that yin-yan enough?
DM Donna Friday August 2nd, 2002 5:15:28 PM
Matt: you already had your CS in "Jerryformat" (which is simply listing all of your magic items together in their own area of the sheet--BESIDES listing where each item is located on the character.)
However, you MUST pick an alias for Hobbes, as he should have at least one alter-ego for doing the spy-biz thang that I'll be restarting soon.
Walter: oddly enough, you did NOT have your CS in "Jerryformat"...but since all Feng has in the way of magic items is his weapon, his set of bracers and his Hat of Disguise, it was easy enough for me to list them and send the CS on its way to Kent.
PLEASE NOTE: Your CS's are supposed to include all applicable updates to your characters--any magic items bought just before the YOA Endgame shut-down, plus the addition of the Endgame experience points that ALL player characters get regardless of whether or not they actually played in one of the Endgames.
I double-checked the Magic Item listings, but didn't double-check the XPs. I hope YOU all remembered to put them XPs in..!
Matt Friday August 2nd, 2002 9:19:49 PM
Aha! So you DON'T read my posts! I KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
If you do a search for the word "Ivan" you'll see that it occurs at least once on this page next to the words "My alias is".
I also had picked this and said it in-game in character while we were leaving the bed and bath. *snicker snicker* Oh, Donna, the truth is out now. :)
KIM, What are you saying that Chocolate is evil/!?!? that it and vanilla can never happen at the same time?!?!?!? That's a lie! I LOVE Chocolate swirl!
Todd Saturday August 3rd, 2002 12:23:20 AM
ummm. Did I miss something? I didn't hear anything about ep's for characters that didn't particpate in any endgame?!
Carl Saturday August 3rd, 2002 2:55:08 AM
Is Chocolate Evil? A question that has plagued scholars and philosophers down through the ages.
If I might just point out that Donna's DMing is fueled by a vast chocolate resevoir, immediately on tap 24-7, then I shall let you all draw your own conclusions.
;-)
DM Donna Saturday August 3rd, 2002 8:19:19 AM
Todd: yes, you must have missed something somewhere, unfortunately, because it was in either a post on the LNB board or in a Woldwide email sent by Jerry:
All PCs who became undead are considered to have participated in the final fight against Marteaus (the Endgame) whether or not the players were actually able to participate in online Endgames 1 or 2, or the live Endgame at the WoldCon. Thus all such PCs are entitled to add one-half of the XP difference between their current level and the next level now that the YOA story is finished.
For instance, my own PC--K'Nara Illutu of the Emerald Talons--was a Level 7 character before the end of YOA. I wound up playing Shirri the Hooded for the first online Endgame, though. Still, since K'Nara DID become undead for the Emerald Talons game, she was awarded 3500xp (half of the difference between level seven and level eight) for technically having been a part of the final battle--even though I RP'd Shirri for my part of the Endgame.
So it is with all of the Hamleteers--whether or not any of them were officially in any of the Endgames played, they all DID "bite the bullet" and became undead in hopes of defeating Marteaus, so each of them is entitled to their own XP award as stated above.
Kim Saturday August 3rd, 2002 10:01:06 AM
A simple way to calculate the 1/2 experience level XP award is this. Take your current level (just prior to becoming undead), and multiply by 500.
DM Donna Saturday August 3rd, 2002 10:25:58 AM
Matt: I looked all through the copy of Hobbes that you sent me (dated July 10th, by the way)...NOWHERE in the document does the phrase "Undercover Alias: Ivan" appear in it.
You ought to add that to your CS, along with a physical description of what Ivan is supposed to appear as (a half-elf merchant, an old human beggar, an elven mercenary, etc.)
Once more, I DO hope that EVERYone updated their CS's completely before sending them to me--by all rights, the entry under "Date Updated" SHOULD be after July 17, 2002.
Matt Saturday August 3rd, 2002 4:44:56 PM
Was there a difference between the XP award for characters that actually played in the online/in person game and the award for characters that just became undead but did not play? I still have to add my XP for this. Will do it Monday as my updated character is at work.
No Donna, ya got me. my alias isn't on my character sheet. Was just mention many times in these posts. Ah well. can't be perfect all the time. :) Will do that MOnday too.
Kim Sunday August 4th, 2002 3:49:02 PM
Apparently, from what Donna is saying, there is no difference - other than any extra xps those who played acquired via hero points. 1 hero point = Current Level * 50 experience points.
Walt Sunday August 4th, 2002 5:20:59 PM
I thought that hero points acquired in the endgame didn't give any exp.
Adam Sunday August 4th, 2002 11:20:54 PM
Are we going to start soon?
DM Donna Monday August 5th, 2002 6:57:14 AM
Adam: I have to put together the module for this game (I'm working on that even as we post here.) I also have to get all your CS's updated & approved before I'm allowed to start the game back up again...which is why I was reminding everyone about the importance of COMPLETELY UPDATING their CS's and then getting them to me.
Matt/Kim/Walter: as far as I know, ALL characters that became undead for the YOA and went to the Tree of Parting (or otherwise posted going to the Lands of the Dead) are entitled to the XP award of half the difference between their current level and the next level for their character--whether or not you were able to play that particular character in any of the Endgames (either online or at the WoldCon).
Hero points translated into XPs are considered spent once you make the conversion...you can only use a hero point once.
Kim Monday August 5th, 2002 11:32:04 AM
My understanding has always been that XPs WERE included with hero points, and that spending them (on the reroll of a die in a desperate situation, etc.) was in addition to the XPs granted for the hero point award.
Kim Monday August 5th, 2002 2:28:24 PM
This I just copied from the online House Rules:
"HERO POINTS ETC: When a PC performs an action that is heroic according to his class etc. during a session, the DM will award a hero point when experience is given out. The number of hero points a PC has cannot exceed his current level. These may be spent to re-roll any roll once, or combined to add 10% per hero point to percentile roles and +2 to d20 roles. Once used, they are gone until more are earned. Other role-playing points of various types may be given which aid in role-playing only. Each Hero Point also comes with an automatic (50xp X character level) bonus."
Carl d6=6 Monday August 5th, 2002 3:05:03 PM
Now I never knew that about Hero Points. Donna, Renik has just gone up a level! I'll get you his updated character sheet (again!) as soon as I possibly can.
Adam Monday August 5th, 2002 9:56:25 PM
Eh, I missed that too until recently. But I'm not upset about it, I'm not here to powergame and make the Uber-Arien and all that. I just want to have some fun and rules lawerying and math are two things I don't consider that fun so I never brought it up, although off the top of my head I figure that Arien would have gotten 900 exp for the Balentyne adventure. True that is 1/10th of what Arien needs for his next level but hey, like I said, it doesn't really matter to me.
Kim Tuesday August 6th, 2002 1:36:31 AM
Adam - Please apply them, anyhow. It is kind of tough on the DM to have (and Jerry frowns upon) a wide spread of levels among PCs in the same game. I'll wager that if you did not apply the Hero Point XP for that adventure, you also did not do so for earlier, or later adventures.
Donna, since we have at least a tiny bit of time available before we start here, would you have any problem having the players apply the XP rules for past hero points earned to their characters? I've kept up on this for Bill, so there would be no further adjustments XP-wise in that department for him.
Kim - ramblings Tuesday August 6th, 2002 6:11:43 PM
Shawn - How are things coming with you and Ferrak?
Although there are many elements in the definition that have merit, there are also aspects which are not true. The notion that there are no absolutes (though certainly popular in our time and place) makes of itself the sole absolute, and hence, is self-contradictory (which is an inherent part of yin-yan theory :-) ). There are, nevertheless, absolutes (though one might, for the time being, acknowledge them or reject them), immutable truths, eternal verities. This does not sit well with yin-yang proponents. Nor with moral relativists.
God is. God created all. Eternity is in his hand. To serve him is good. To reject him is evil. Stating these things may win me no popularity contest. Some may gainsay these propositions. But I maintain these absolutes. Not merely 'my truth'. But truth, sustained regardless of whether I or you maintain them or argue against them. And 'good' can be judged by its adherence to God-given principles.
In the beginning, all things in creation were deemed good by God. But when God's pinnacle of creation, man and woman, rebelled against the one negative command, sin and its consequences entered the world - including the loss of animal-kingdom wide friendship with humans. Now, as Paul wrote in Romans 8, 'All of creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God' and awaits the time when it will be 'set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.' In time, again, 'the lion will lie down with the lamb,' (and not with the lamb as a snack), and a child will handle a viper, yet not be harmed. The world awaits its full redemption. A return to the garden, as it were.
I know many feel uncomfortable discussing such. Please know I am not trying, at all, to be combative here. I just enjoy discourse about philosophy, and theology, about basic assumptions - which, though not intended as a threatening pastime, some people find threatening, as having one's worldview (or, sometimes, lack thereof) challenged can feel uncomfortable. That's why Socrates and Jesus and many other philosophers and prophets got into so much trouble.
Anyway, besides Ferrak, how is life, Shawn? And don't worry about responding to my discourse here. This is not an assignment. At least, not by me.
Walter Tuesday August 6th, 2002 10:55:02 PM
Since I joined after the undercover work got suspended. Can somebody tell me where our headquarters is? When missions don't pop up, what is it that we regularly do?
Kim Wednesday August 7th, 2002 12:37:22 PM
Walter - if you go to the Plateau City map, into the Rogue Quarter (which is toward the right side of the city map, just left of the Druid Quarter and Nightmare Quarter), look at the upper left side. Where it says 'River Road' there are several buildings. Count from the corner building on the far left upper side. The next building to the right is ours, and the adjacent one to its right. I refer to the two buildings closest to the 'R' in 'Riverside'.
Look beyond the fourth, bigger building, across the alley to the right. Just below the 'R' in 'Road' is a skinny building, paralleling the alley. That skinny thing is a three-storey tall brick building, formerly a wizard's cluttered research laboratory. It is now our research lab / library.
Our first building (counting from the left) used to be a rather nice private club. The second is a dwelling with a kitchen. I forget, at the moment, which of these two is the new business. Gotta look in the archives.
Ferrak has been working on a little garden plot. Bill has dug out a root cellar.
Some of the party members have dug a tunnel between the 2nd building and the third, brick building.
Kim Wednesday August 7th, 2002 7:44:52 PM
Here's the link for the main Plateau City map. Or, you can get there yourself by clicking on Duncan's Travel Agency, then on the 'New Elenna' part of the map, then on 'Plateau City'.
Once on the main map, just click on 'Rogue Quarter', and there you go!
Oh, and what do we usually do? There was a bit of a hiatus, but we're working, with the help of a female gnome, on setting up a trading establishment. Before that we worked for the Beer and Bath Inn.
DM Donna Thursday August 8th, 2002 7:00:10 AM
If it says you get the XPs with the HPts, then by all means add the XPs.
I'm trying to finish the module--the proposed adventure is meant to answer most of the questions that have been posed by our newer players as well as appeal to the spectrum of requests submitted by everyone.
I'm still waiting to hear from Kent about whether all your updated CS's are approved so that the game can continue...while trying to finish the module. Even though it hasn't been approved yet, I CAN tell you that this adventure will be helping to resolve whether you're still in the spy biz or not. 8)
((MDM Jan - OOC)) Friday August 9th, 2002 12:32:15 PM
((Forgive my interruption folks, I'm trying to contact Matt, and I'm having no luck via email.
Matt - if you see this - could you email me on phyrbalxl5@aol.com? We need to talk about your new Game 8 character. Merci beaucoup.))
:)
Matt Saturday August 10th, 2002 3:26:48 AM
Yeah Jan I'm here. Still working on it. GOt stuck and never got back to it. Will get it soon.
Kim Sunday August 11th, 2002 11:28:36 AM
Howdy
Walter Monday August 12th, 2002 1:25:46 AM
Hello all.
Adam Monday August 12th, 2002 5:12:59 PM
Greetings
Matt Monday August 12th, 2002 9:52:30 PM
Glug glug glug
DM Donna Tuesday August 13th, 2002 7:01:34 AM
Still waiting on the final approval for those character sheets you turned in...I think Jerry is going to end up having to do the approval, if only because Kent has recently posted that he is having computer problems.
Shawn Tuesday August 13th, 2002 12:54:58 PM
Hey Kim, I hear what your saying, but it's that kind of attitude that makes it o.k. to kill the godless "evil" people of the world in droves. I don't cotton to that. You believe you are absolutely right. You may in fact be, belief is a powerful thing. But if being righteous meens attacking "evil" on all levels at all times, I'd rather be wrong and just defend my "evil" friends and family to the best of my ability. That's what a wolf/dog would do, that's what Ferrak does. Hopefully there is a 'peaceful' balance in that.
Kim Wednesday August 14th, 2002 5:57:51 AM
Shawn,
Thanks for responding.
Actually, the kind of attitude that Jesus promoted did not seem, by and large, to encourage folks to go out and slaughter. Rather he taught:
"You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matthew 5:43-48 (RSV)
It is dangerous to reflexively equate faith with violence. Yes, there are faiths which promote violence, and others that promote peace. Where belief, or faith, is concerned, one must ask, 'What is the object of this faith?' If the object is valid, worthy, true, and trustworthy, the the faith is well grounded, and should product good fruit. If the object of faith is unworthy, false, a delusion, or twisted, then the faith is groundless, and deceitful. 'Faith' in and of itself has little merit - unless the object of the faith meets the criteria I mentioned. Many people believe many things. If the law of non-contradiction is valid (as logicians assert), then if you examine mutually contradictory beliefs, both cannot be right.
Regarding your notion: "But if being righteous meens attacking 'evil' on all levels at all times" - Well, this is not the definition of righteousness I've learned through reading the Bible. Biblical righteousness deals with right belief, right worship, having a right relationship with God. It deals with justice, humility, obedience, truth, love. It may be called upon from time to time to mete out justice. But I fail to see that it requires a relentless frontal attack on evil. It most certainly does not require the continual shedding of blood of 'evil ones' - or we all should be dead!
Paul, writing to the people of Corinth, talked to them of warfare - and made the point that a Christian's weapons are not of the physical sort:
The weapons we use in our fight are not the world's weapons but God's powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments; we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God. - 2 Corinthian 10:4-5 (TEV)
Paul wanted people to understand that, yes, we are in a battle. But it is a battle of the spirit, not of the flesh. It does not in general require that we walk around with swords, or their modern equivalents. Unless, as he writes to the Ephesians, it be the 'sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.'
The Bible pulls images from many aspects of life. The farmer. The vineyard. Running a race. Doing accounting. Paying taxes. Falling in love. Being born. Growing old. Eating, drinking. Laughing. Dancing. Suffering. Rejoicing. Weddings and banquets. Traveling. Building.
Its authors speak of good and honorable things. And of evil and detestable things. Evil men who do good. 'Good' men who do evil. It is not a book that whitewashes the truth. It presents its heroes with warts and all.
You want balance? Read the Bible. Not just a chapter here or there.
No, Shawn, the righteousness your argument portrays is a straw man - that is, an argument rendered false for failing accurately to describe that which it rejects. If you're going to reject something, make sure you understand what it is you reject, without resorting to an inaccurate portrayal. Best, accessible advice I could give is: Read the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Then see what you conclude about the main person those sources discuss. If you choose to do so, I'd suggest starting with Mark (if you like short and punchy), or Luke (if you'd like the best historian).
By the way, strong belief does not make me right. Nor anyone else. Again, look at the object of faith. If the object is valid, then the faith, if genuine, is valid. If the object is unreliable, then the faith, regardless of how sincere, is futile, misguided, false.
If Jesus of Nazareth was not raised from the dead, then my faith is misguided, and I am a fool, to be pitied, perhaps, but no one should share in my faith. However, if he was resurrected...
=========== [By the way, anybody may feel free to disagree with me, challenge what I say, or offer support, or what have you. I love a good discussion, and admire people who have the courage to discuss! Please note, too, that if I attack an argument, I do not, nor do I intend to, attack the person who advances an argument. This is not person x vs. person y. This is to talk about ideas, and, one hopes, to learn from each other.]
Rendezvous
Back To Life (DM Donna)yes...the game is officially restarted now. Wednesday August 14th, 2002 7:33:02 AM
The sun glows merrily in the bright blue sky of this lovely, fresh new Wold. Most of the devestation to the population of The Wold caused by Marteaus in his quest for godhood has been restored.
The Hamleteers find themselves in Plateau City--in the building that houses their private library. They are alive and well...and quite aware that, in order to maintain the new balance of The Wold, Marteaus has been granted his desire to be a god--a god of Testing. He is directly opposed by Alemi, his equal and opposite in the group that is now known as the gods of The Wold. Where Alemi promotes health and vigor, Marteaus represents the forces of disease and decay. Opposing forces for Good and Evil...but equal in power, that The Wold may continue to turn without fearing ultimate destruction.
There is a knock on the door of the house--a note is slipped under the door. It is sealed with the symbol of Marcus and reads simply:
Come immediately. Mechina
Mechina--ah, yes...Mechina Sprocket, the gnome lady who is Marcus' assistant, and the "owner" of that new shop, The Motley Lot. The Hamleteers know that she must need them for something important, and hurry over to the cover business for the operatives of Marcus.
Once the party arrives at the shop, one of the attendants shows them to the back office where the brunette gnome's nut-brown head is bent over a ledger that she is studying with a bit of a scowl on her face. Once Mechina becomes aware of the party's presence, however, she looks up with a grimace.
"Well, it appears that the City government has finally decided on a final tally of taxes owed by this business, as well as the amount that you lot owe Plateau City." she tells you. "According to my figures here, we're going to either need for you to sell one or the other of your two remaining properties...or we're going to lose all three to the City's tax coffers!"
The shock and dismay on the fellow operatives' faces makes Mechina nod with another bitter grimace.
"Yes, regardless of the Wold-shaking events that have started us off on a new Age," the gnome comments, "Plateau City will collect their taxes! However, there IS a way for us to get the matter of this group of taxes resolved without losing any property at all--neither yours nor this business that we really need to maintain, as it IS a perfect cover...
"You need to find Marcus and bring him back here."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday August 14th, 2002 11:35:35 AM
"Great to see you, Mechina. Isn't it great to be alive!" Bill greets the spy/business gnome. Then, as she goes over the news, he exclaims, "So, we've barely been in business for, I think, less than a month, and already we owe enough in taxes - what, four to six thousand gold pieces - to cost a building? My, my, that is a wonderful way to encourage new businesses. Overtax them in their first month. Have we even sold that much product? Of course, the taxes were figured under the interim regime." Then he sighs, "Ahh, death and taxes..."
"Find Marcus, eh? Sure!" Bill agrees, looking forward to something to do now that he is back from vacation.
Renik Wednesday August 14th, 2002 5:50:54 PM
"Agreed, we shall find him if he is alive to be found" comments the long haired rogue.
"Before all the troubles we contacted Marcus with a special coin. Draax, you carry it do you not? Now, the chaos of those last days before the... new dawn... makes accurate recolection difficult, but I seem to recall that we tried to contact him with it then, but failed. We must try again. Failing that, good Mechina, do you have any news of his whereabouts?"
He scratches his chin a moment and then his eyes brighten. "Perhaps we might aproach the High Priest of Alemi, Oratai. She was involved in our recruitment, and had close links with Marcus. Perhaps she might be able to assist us?"
Draax Wednesday August 14th, 2002 7:26:11 PM
Draax turns to Renik, "No, I do not have the coin, I believe Rond still has it, but I am not sure. I agree trying the coin would be a good starting point and if that does not give us a clue maybe one of your other suggestions will."
Ferrak Wednesday August 14th, 2002 10:33:46 PM
"Wherrre was he last? My brrother has smelled him." says Ferrak, as the feral gnome scratches Darkfang behind an ear. "We can find him."
Mechina Explains (DM Donna) Thursday August 15th, 2002 6:55:54 AM
The gnome female nods, closing the ledger and pushing it to a resting spot next to an ornate stylus-and-inkwell holder on top of her desk.
"Rond still has your Coin of Communication," she confirms, "But Marcus is maintaining silence, and so you cannot use it at the moment...
"...however, you CAN still find Marcus, because he made arrangements with me before he had to...take his brief vacation." Mechina says euphemistically. "Marcus always had this contingency plan--he was intelligent enough to have planned ahead should the occasion arise that he'd have to temporarily remove himself from the organization, you see...and, as we all know, the end of the Fourth Age forced that event." The tanned young gnome harrumphed.
"He told me that--should he ever voluntarily drop out of sight--that he would return on the first night that both moons are simultaneously new." Mechina's dark eyes glance around at each member of the party. "He said that I was to send his best operatives to rendezvous with him on midnight of that night. He is supposed to be at the northern gate of the Golden Arena at that time."
Feng Thursday August 15th, 2002 8:53:10 AM
The young and well groomed half-orc breaks his silence. "About these taxes, is there a way we can find out what they are for? I refuse to line a politicians pocket. However I believe that there is the chance the taxes are needed for a specific purpose. Perhaps some trouble that the city is keeping under wraps."
Hobbes Thursday August 15th, 2002 12:58:57 PM
From another room, the rustle of pages turning can be heard with an obvious clearing of the throat.
"Taxes are a necessity, fellows," utters a parched voice through the door as the book is heard closing, "They are but a small sacrifice to add to the greater good of such a society."
The cleric appears at the doorway to the room, a pair of half-moon spectacles on his nose which he carefully folds and places in a pouch.
"It is how the church has survived," he adds, coddling the book under his arm, "So we must rendezvous. Good. When do we leave, Miss Sprocket? I assume you want us in our...disguises."
He says this last word with just a touch of contempt.
Bill Troublefinder Thursday August 15th, 2002 2:18:34 PM
"Hmmm. I wonder if the ghosts and such still haunt Gladiator Park, after all that's happened," Bill ponders. "They seemed to like good food." He scratches his head, then says, "If there are spirits still there, perhaps we'd want to get there before dark, get set up with plenty of protections versus such incorporealities, then wait until midnight. What do you folks think?"
Concerning the taxes, Bill adds, "Well, Mechina, you said that finding Marcus may offer a third alternative to selling a building or closing up shop. I can think of a few additional alternatives, as well. By the way, do you have the figure the city is requesting? Our two adjacent buildings were 5,000 for our residence and 6,000 for the clubhouse - although we went for a time payment, so the total paid will eventually be 7,000. We paid 1,000 down, and every month 200 gold. Boy, that was - how long ago was that? Not quite a year, I think. The lab was 1,500."
Renik Thursday August 15th, 2002 6:30:22 PM
"Hobbes," grins the rogue, slapping the cleric on the back. "You are a card and no mistake! Taxes a necessity indeed! Who would have thought the heart of a comedian beat under such a dour exterior! You make me laugh my friend!" He grins mischievously at the bespectacled cleric.
"But seriously, friends, we must find a way to prevent our meagre funds from being further eroded. And if locating Marcus can aid us in that task, then let us find the man without delay! Ferrak, you are in tune with the natural Wold; when does the next double full moon fall?"
Arien Thursday August 15th, 2002 8:40:58 PM
"When are these taxes due? We might have a problem if we have to pay them before its time for Marcus to return. I would hate to have to sell the buildings after all we've done to make them home. Lets just hope that none of our or his enemies get to him before we can."
Draax Thursday August 15th, 2002 10:27:46 PM
Draax sits down as he listens to Mechina and the group. "I also wonder if the ghosts are still active. Maybe we should bring some food with us to be on the safe side."
Rond Thursday August 15th, 2002 10:45:12 PM
"Our monthly/annual taxes, are they more than what the shops are making right now? If we are pulling in more than the taxes, can we make a committment to pay over the year, or some such. Claiming that the end of the 4th age screwed up our accounting, or some such?"
More Explanations (DM Donna) Friday August 16th, 2002 3:50:47 PM
"The taxes ARE excessive and quite unfair," Mechina agrees with Feng and proceeds to address the subject that both Bill and Arien have commented on: "They're a holdover from the procedures approved by the City Council to raise money for the troops to protect Plateau City while the Dark Lord's forces were overrunning every area around us. The tax assessment has come in at unusually high rates because Baron Balentyne's recommendations on the assessment formula AND the improvements made to all three of the properties have increased their value. Plateau City charter says that, regardless of the original reason for the levy, any officially-recognized tax imposed upon any denizen or property of Plateau City MUST be paid. Only the Lord High Mayor can abate the responsibility--and only Marcus has access to Sturtavent. Thus we have to rendezvous with him and bring him safely back to our fold."
Mechina nudges the ledger towards Bill, who can read for himself the amount the tax collectors are claiming is owed for all three properties--the halfling nearly chokes at the amount!
"...and it's due in but three days." the brunette gnome adds. Ferrak's knowledge of the cycle of the moons of The Wold calculate that the next time both moons are full at roughly the same time will be a good 90 days from today.
"Now, as I said before," Mechina goes on, "Marcus should arrive at the north gate of the Golden Arena no later than midnight. Since it was the inherent evil of Marteaus that made Gladiator Park a dangerous haunt after sunset, there shouldn't be too much of a problem with the usual assortment of phantoms if you all get blessed by Brother Hobbes here before you enter the area." The temporary spymaster nods in Hobbes' direction.
"Regardless of the danger that may exist, however, you will rendezvous at the gate, and you will keep your eyes and ears peeled for someone who is complaining out loud about how dark it is. Marcus will utter the phrase: 'Only a native of The Abyss could see on a night such as this!' The counterphrase that you must use is: 'Or one without eyes.' Is that clear...?"
Renik Friday August 16th, 2002 4:56:25 PM
"As crystal, dear lady. We shall meet with our erstwhile boss tonight, and return with him here."
Turning to his companions Renik continues;
"I suggest we prepare ourselves for the night ahead. Work out a route to and from the pick up point, develop a contingency plan in case of trouble, and think on ways to ensure Marcus' safety as he travels back with us. Perhaps flight, or invisibility? Barkskin? Mage armour? Although Marteaus has been defeated I have no doubt his forces will be still at work in the city. Balentyne is still a powerful man, and I would think no friend of Marcus."
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=20 Friday August 16th, 2002 7:30:08 PM
After looking over the ledger (autohypnosis DC 20 to memorize - hmmm - he would have to spend more time looking at it to get it down cold, but at least he gets the main points), Bill looks up. "Well, I guess we are being taxed at the same rate as three well-populated castles and their lands around! Doesn't the Council fear a tax revolt by the citizens, by the merchants, at this? Bankrupt the ... where is this Balentyne now, anyhow?! Like to give him a piece of my ..." The halfling is approaching the point of huffing and puffing. Then, taking a deep breath and raising his finger in the air, he stops, and drops his hand. "Never mind."
Switching from the problem to the solution, Bill offers, "I can make him invisible, and help him to fly. There are a few charges left in my wand of levitation. I can make myself and maybe one other of us invisible. Ummm, I'm sure there's something else we can do." He scratches his head again, then notices his pants are particularly plaid today. He changes the color to a dark blue.
Feng Saturday August 17th, 2002 5:12:04 AM
Feng pulls out a rag and wipes down the surface of his double axe. Which is already sparkling clean. "Forgive my ignorance, but why is Marcus in hiding? If we provide a beneficial service to the city, why is he being sought?"
Arien Saturday August 17th, 2002 4:21:39 PM
Arien's eyes narrow at the mention of Balentyne and agrees wholeheartedly with Bill. "Well Bill I suspect that Balentyne will receive his comeuppance, even if we have to be the ones to deliver it to him. But first we must meet with Marcus and secure our base of operations before we can risk striking at the deserving Balentyne."
Draax Sunday August 18th, 2002 6:41:09 PM
Draax tries to answer Feng's question, "I guess you can say the main reason they were after Marcus was politics, he heard corrupted council members were going to try to assassinate him so he disappeared. Seeing how good Marcus was/is at his job of Spy Master it would be logical for corrupted members of the council to either try to buy him or eliminate him and I do not think Marcus can be brought. There may have been other reasons for his disappearance that I am not aware of. I think he disappeared to eliminate the ones that wanted him dead, but that is just my opinion or what I think I would have done if I was in his shoes."
Rond Sunday August 18th, 2002 10:18:42 PM
"Marcus felt that he was in danger, so he decided to disappear. For all we know he may still be in danger until things can settle down somewhat. But that's what our meeting with him should determine. I imagine that we should look for him in disguise."
Bill Troublefinder Monday August 19th, 2002 2:40:19 AM
"Feng, some of our own ears heard Balentyne and his cronies discuss the need to kill Marcus," the little psion adds to give their fairly new companion some context. "He's no fool whatsoever, despite the Baron's assessment of him as such. Balentyne is a Baron. And a moral fool. He keeps a mistress. Though I'll admit he has a reasonable amount of shrewdness. But anyone is a double fool, to my way of thinking, who worships Marteaus." Bill makes as though to spit something distasteful out of his mouth - not really spitting, but showing his distain for the one he just mentioned. "Boy, aren't I cheery today?" he asks. "Complain, complain, complain. Sorry, guys, Mechina."
Turning to the cleric of Gargul, he asks, "Well, brer Hobbes - since we know that our clever master'll arrive before midnight - you let us know the best time to give us your special blessing - then let's head to the park. Does anyone need to make a stop at the Catacombs, or such? Shall we travel in twos and threes, or all together? Or, do we wait for the blessing once we arrive?"
And to Rond, he says, "Let's first look for him in the dark. Oh, oh, you mean WE should be in disguise. Right?"
Evaluating blinkiness Meanwhile, Bill tries out his ring of blinking while in the relative safety of his house. He recalls that he had some problems with it recently, but, now that he knows that people again can teleport, desires to find out whether the void, which he touched on during the denouement to the Year of Ascension, is still there when he tries to blink. If there is a problem, he wonders how blink dogs, and displacer beasts, are faring these days.
It Was A Dark And Stormy Night*... (DM Donna)* ...okay, so there is NO storm--but it IS dark... Tuesday August 20th, 2002 5:14:21 PM
Bill's experimentation with his magic ring reveals that, yes, he still blinks, though he's darned if he can explain exactly how it's supposed to work in this new Wold.
Mechina confirms the explanation given to Feng by his fellow Hamleteers: Marcus knew that he was the target of a hit, and removed himself from the City in order to keep from being killed.
The time creeps by to the appointed hour, and the party makes its reasonable preparations for meeting with their long-absent boss at the North Gate of the Golden Arena...
(OOC: Please state your character's reasonable preparations in ONE post. If you post first and someone posts doing something that you think is nifty and you want to post again adding your own character's wish to emulate--too bad! One post per customer, period! However, if you have a suggestion for those party members who haven't posted yet, then they are free to accept the suggestion if they so choose.)
Feng Wednesday August 21st, 2002 10:55:38 AM
Something about this situation doesn't sit well with Feng. Meeting at the arena at this time of night. There would be trouble, there was no doubt in that. If Marcus got away clean then we wouldn't need to meet him. Either he knows he's being followed or suspects it. Feng grips his double axe tightly in one hand. His gaze constantly sweeps the area. He might not like being part orc, but darkvision has its advantages.
Bill Troublefinder d20+5=20 d20+3=9 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 1:19:01 PM
Bill heads out with his friends - whether with the whole group, or with a few of his companions, depending on how Rond wants to deploy - to the rendezvous site, himself invisible. As they draw near, he begins to fly. He waits in the air, next to the apex of the arch of the northern gate of the Golden Arena.
With psicrystal William, Bill informs his friends when and if he sees (Spot DC 9), hears (Listen DC 20), or otherwise senses anything germane and notable. Should he sense anything (or someone else alert him to the need), he activates elfsight, then his ability to detect psionics/magic.
Renik d20+15=27 d20+25=38 d20+17=31 d20+18=29 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 4:19:39 PM
Before leaving, Renik says,
"I have a suggestion. As soon as we rendezvous with Marcus and have established that it is indeed him (and not some impersonator or illusion) we should perform a switch; Bill makes Marcus invisible, and flies back to the safe house with him, whilst at the same moment someone (are any of you able to do this?) casts an illusion of Marcus, or transforms themselves into a copy of Marcus. If I am close when the switch is made I should be able to create a sufficient diversion to distract attention of any observers.
"Does this sound like a viable plan?
"Also, before you approach the gate, please allow me to scout the area first. I shall signal if everything looks clear."
Whatever decision is taken, Renik leaves with the party, but moves some way ahead, scouting their route. He keeps to the shadows, moving swiftly and silently through the night.
As he approaches the Northern Gate he slows, his movements becoming more cautious (Move Silent 27, Hide 38) as he attempts to scout the area for signs of hostiles (taking 10 on Listen and Spot checks, at 31 and 29 respectively).
Once he is entirely satisfied the area is safe he signals the others to move towards the rendezvous point.
Rond Wednesday August 21st, 2002 5:07:11 PM
"I'm thinking that Renik and Bill should be forward scouts for those of us that cannot move very silently. They should Scout out the area and then come back and let us know what they find. Can either of you two make some kind of animal noise? I'm looking for something that could be used to say all clear, or someone is about, or trouble.
Renik, your idea has merit. But what I'm thinking is that you and Bill stay hidden. I'll do my best to approach without being seen. Draax you Feng, and Arien approach in disguise and keep an eye out on the area. Draax, you make contact with Marcus. Make sure that he understands that the rest of the group is in the area and that we have a way to get him home without being noticed, hopefully. If Marcus thinks that he needs to go home secretly, then suggest that Marcus go to the privy behind one of the trees or some such. I'll then approach Marcus and use my hat of disguise to copy his disguise and then make him invisible if we can. Then you guys lead him off, and I'll leave the park and disappear somewhere, and catch up to you.
If there are any other ideas, let me know."
Rond will have no special preps other than to put on dark clothing and such to help with his movements through the park.
Draax Wednesday August 21st, 2002 8:45:25 PM
Draax sits as he listens to everyone's suggestions, turns to Rond to receive his orders, and then listen to any other suggestions (if any). "Sounds good to me. OK, I will make contact as soon a Marcus gives the signal. If the contact gives the wrong password or if it turns out to be a trap; I will stretch my arms over my head as if I am stretching. I am not sure how far the hidden guys will be away from us, so I figured a nonverbal signal would be best."
Draax changes to his Steps disguise before heading out.
Arien Thursday August 22nd, 2002 2:37:45 AM
"Sounds good to me, the problem is that if we see the trouble before you do, then we need a signal to warn you." Arien pauses a moment, trying to come up with a signal. "Perhaps a bird call not native to the area? I'm sure Ferrak could come up with a suitable call."
Hobbes Thursday August 22nd, 2002 3:41:34 AM
Hobbes is silent during the discussion, only wrinkling his mouth occasionally to show signs of thought. Quietly and efficiently he gathers his things and prepares to depart.
"May we who step out into the cold night," he intones as he reaches for the door leading outside, "go in the way as many have before, under your protection and guidance, Protector, Guide, and Overseer, Gargul Be with us!"
[Bless is now cast]
As the last word comes from his lips his features, his armor, his whole appearance begins to change even as he touches the door handle. As it creaks open the features solidify into that of the old beggar known as Ivan. He turns his hooded head back to the group, "Are we ready?" he eerily rasps.
Hobbes hangs back from the party, sticking close to the buildings on the way there. He nods to people he passes on the way. He silently studies doorways, hiding places, etc in case they might be watched, for his greatest fear is not the journey itself, but the reason the journey is made. For indeed if the master spy, he whom can slip in and out of the city like the wind through the mist, fears travel, then hope must be dim indeed the man.
Hobbes feels for his pouch of Ointment to make sure it is secure.
DM Donna Thursday August 22nd, 2002 6:37:28 AM
OOC: Since it can affect how this part of the adventure comes out, I will wait for posts from Kiki (Arien's familiar), Darkfang (Ferrak's companion) and William the psicrystal.
And Ferrak, too.
William the psicrystal Thursday August 22nd, 2002 10:28:58 AM 'Attend unto the vast wisdom of the great and noble Bill Troublefinder,' each person 'hears' telepathically. 'I, William, his humble psicrystal and faithful companion, can humble myself still further, and accompany our worthy leader, Ronderiadshel. Riding thence upon his shoulder, clinging by my ectoplasmic limbs, any words of warning or illumination from the mighty mental nomad, I shall relay to you. Speak aloud, and I shall hear, and then in turn tell good Bill the very words you say.'
Bill Troublefinder Thursday August 22nd, 2002 10:32:12 AM
The halfling winces at William's inflated reworking of what he told him.
Darkfang Thursday August 22nd, 2002 7:07:18 PM
Disguised as a guard dog, the wolf sits at his brothers feet waiting for the group to leave. Familiar with Marcus' scent the wolf looks forward to seeing his friend again.
Mystery Man (DM Donna) d20=20 d20=6 d20=19 Monday August 26th, 2002 6:11:28 AM
All of the caution exhibited by the Hamleteers results in a safe arrival at the site of the Golden Arena (Brother Hobbes' blessing keeps the ghosts and phantoms at bay nicely enough), and reconnoitering the area reveals nobody else in the area that anyone can see.
Midnight: Darkfang's head snaps up suddenly and the wolf immediately stands at full alert--a human man in the rough, common clothing of your average city dweller happens to walk hesitantly along the path. All of the party can hear him muttering:
"Only a native of The Abyss could see on a night such as this!"
Bill Troublefinder (Invisible, Flying) Monday August 26th, 2002 11:32:36 AM
Bill kicks in his elfsight so as to be able to see better in this dark place. He remains positioned next the apex of the archway at the north gate.
The invisible halfling considers the tone and timbre of the voice that gave the first half of the arranged signal. He gauges to see if it sounds at least somewhat like the Marcus he remembers. He waits a moment for another in the party to respond with the arranged response ('Or one without eyes'), so as not to give away his position.
Just in case it turns out this is a trap, he is on alert, ready to respond to hostile action.
Rond (hidden) Monday August 26th, 2002 7:48:22 PM
Rond watches Darkfang to see if he relaxes at all, since he saw through the last disguise.
Rond watches the shadows for fear of anyone else following or taking note of what's going on.
Darkfang Monday August 26th, 2002 9:35:38 PM
Darkfang snaps his head up quick as he catches Marcus' scent, he wags his tail and takes a step towards the common clothed individual and then quickly stops. Although Marcus' scent is coming from the individual the wolf is sure that this one is not the one that the he considers a member of its pack.
The hairs on the wolf begins to stand up as Darkfang jumps into an attacking stance and begins to growl while clearly showing his teeth. "Woof, Woof, (Not the one, he is not our brother)," the wolf says to his brother and anyone else that understands the language of the wolf.
Draax disguised as Steps d20+3=17 Monday August 26th, 2002 10:08:57 PM
Hearing the correct password, Draax smiles as he sees what he guesses to be Marcus in disguise. He move toward the individual ready to give the answering password, but just before he opens he mouth he notices Darkfang's reaction (Spot check DC 17, if needed). The half-elf raises his hands over his head as if he was stretching and gives a yawn before giving an answering password. "But only if they do not have eyes."
Draax realizes that he may alert the guy by giving the wrong password, but he also wants to see how bad the guy wants to make contact.
Feng Tuesday August 27th, 2002 4:28:40 AM
Feng watches the events unfold with an interested eye. Though not as intelligent as other species, animal instincts operate on a different level altogether. Even the best disguises can be foiled by the growl of a dog. Sometimes they just know. His right hand reaches back and unfastens his enchanted double axe. Gripping the staff Feng brings it around slowly. Just to be sure of who the mystery man is and who else may be watching from the shadows, Feng concentrates and tries to feel the particular vibe that Evil gives off.
OOC: Detect Evil
Suddenly..! (DM Donna) Tuesday August 27th, 2002 6:43:36 AM
Bill's keen ability to observe and compare tells him that the man approaching the north gate is a tall, thin human with dark hair, a neat beard and a limp--though it is impossible for the psionic to be 100% certain about how much he is seeing now is (or is not) part of a magic disguise effect.
Bill hears Darkfang's warning that this man is not Marcus, just as Draax notes and reacts to the wolf's guarded stance. Feng's spell detects no evil in the stranger, who turns and eagerly steps towards Draax.
"I've been sent to warn you that--" the man begins to tell the half-elf, then jerks to a halt, gasping and looking down at the crossbow bolt that has suddenly sprouted in the middle of his chest. He slumps to the ground at Draax's feet.
Bill--from his aerial vantage point--sees the sudden appearance of at least 2 people for every Hamleteer present. Aaaack! Formerly-invisible assassins have caught the party flatfooted!
(OOC: I'll be posting a diagram on DM Donna's Web Map Site (http://hometown.aol.com/donnlap/myhomepage/index.html) so that everyone can see where they are in comparison to the different positions from which the assassins emerge.)
DM Donna Wednesday August 28th, 2002 6:30:04 AM
Well, now I have a REAL problem that I'm just not 100% sure how to deal with:
My bitmap diagram of the combat round will NOT upload to my website.
I will try emailing you all the file...however, if memory serves, Matthew--who plays Hobbes--is currently without an email address, and so cannot get the map.
Please email me any of your suggestions as to how I can get Matthew a diagram of the battle site...post your PC's actions for this first round if you receive a legible map.
Walter (Feng) Wednesday August 28th, 2002 9:26:16 AM
No Map for me. I do have one question, When Feng detected Evil, did he detect any?
DM Donna: Hmmmm...I could have SWORN that I wrote it in the post...let's see...
"Bill hears Darkfang's warning that this man is not Marcus, just as Draax notes and reacts to the wolf's guarded stance. Feng's spell detects no evil in the stranger, who turns and eagerly steps towards Draax."
Looks to me like I *did* answer the question...however, if you're referring to the group of individuals who have Suddenly Appeared, well...let's just say that Feng's detection mode also "suddenly" starts tingling his spider-sense! ;D
Renik (Blessed) d20+14=31 d20+9=23 d8+6=9 d8+6=14 3d6(3+6+6)=15 3d6(2+1+3)=6 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 2:53:59 PM
Cursing silently to himself the Rogue takes aim at the nearest attacker (#1) and fires. Gods, but these guys are good! He had scoped the area carefully, and had not heard the slightest sound... (Listen 31 last post!)
Still, he remains concealed (Hide check 38 last post), and so is able to take the nearest attacker by surprise (Sneak Attack, Point Blank Shot, within 30 ft) as he unleashes his two arrows in rapid succession (hitting AC 31 and 23 for 24 and 20 HP).
As his arrows strike home he yells, "Someone get the injured man away from here FAST! And heal him!"
He glowers at the remaining two assassins facing him (#'s 2 and 3) and growls, "Just out of interest, you cowardly maggots, how much gold did it take to get you to throw away your worthless lives?"
Arien Wednesday August 28th, 2002 9:58:52 PM
With a gesture and a command Arien summons the power of his cloak and summons a Web into being around two of the assassins (13 and 14), anchoring the web in the two large trees on either side.
Steps (Draax) Wednesday August 28th, 2002 11:59:50 PM
Steps stands protectively over the mysterious stranger laying on the ground with the crossbow bolts in him. He know that the man is their best link to Marcus' whereabouts.
Darkfang Thursday August 29th, 2002 12:06:13 AM
Darkfang stands next to Ferrak, shifting positions while trying to guard every direction at the same time. The wolf waits for a command from his brother or for someone to threaten the druid before attacking.
Ferrak Thursday August 29th, 2002 12:23:44 AM
The gnome watches as the group is suddenly surrounded. The druid casts a spell that he hopes will help the party's current situation. Ferrak cast the spell ghost sound creating the illusionary sound of 12 to 16 men running towards the party from the north. From the north the group hears shouting in the common tongue, "HURRY MEN, IT WAS A TRAP. DO NOT LET ANY OF THE EVIL ONES GET AWAY ALIVE."
Bill Troublefinder (Blessed, Flying) d20+5=20 5d4(4+4+2+4+1)=15 Thursday August 29th, 2002 1:53:06 AM
Bill flies silently to a point 60' feet above the ground, not too far from the tree closest to 7, 8, and 15. At a point horizontally equidistant between assassins #7 and 8, and close to twenty feet above the height of the tip of the forty-foot tall tree (he's not directly above the tree, mind you), the halfling whispers.
His now suddenly visible eyes send forth a light wash of rainbow color. The whisper gains decibels with every foot it travels. As the cone of sound strikes the ground, as well as intersecting the bodies of those who appeared so suddenly, the whisper has become a powerful, bone-and-flesh-jarring roar. He has called to mind the lessons practiced with Professor Abulek, and pulled from within additional energy, so that the sonic damage is multiplied.
[Opponents #4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, and 16 are within the area of effect, although, from my measurement, 16 is half in, half out, and the cone just misses the fallen messenger. (See updated emailed map - 'Suddenly-Bill's new position.bmp'.) Damage is 15*1.5=22.5, round to 23. Save vs. DC 20 for half damage. 3rd-level psychic power cone of sound,, augmented with two measures of the feat fortify power.]
A branch, shaken by the force, breaks off and falls through the tree limbs below.
Feng Thursday August 29th, 2002 5:23:12 AM
Feng turns and looks at assassins 1,2,3, and 11. He speaks one word and his axe bursts into flames. The axe spins quickly through the air coming to a sudden stop in front of the half orc. He locks his gaze on the assassins. He stretches his open palm out and motions the assassins forward with four fingers.
OOC: The purpose of the detect evil was to see if I could use smite and if there were any invisible evil around.
DM Donna: ah, ha! Well, yes--the assassins are all evil. That's the only evil in the area, as Hobbes' Blessing has edged away the lesser ghosties of the park.
Combat Round 1 (DM Donna) d20=20 d20=9 d20=15 d20=5 d20=12 d20=1 d20=18 d20=17 d20=19 d20+4=7 d20+4=10 d20+4=23 d6=2 d20+4=10 d20+4=24 d20+4=6 d6=2 d20+4=24 d20+4=22 d20+4=9 d20+4=11 d20+4=17 d6=5 d6=4 d20=2 d20=2 d20=15 d20+4=9 d20+4=21 d6=5 Thursday August 29th, 2002 8:43:08 AM
Renik's decisive attack kills Assassin #1. Feng strides forward slightly, his large build and flaming double-orc axe--as well as his confident silent challenge--causing Assassins #2, 3 and 11 to stand and stare in intimidated shock for a moment.
Arien's Web snags Assassin 14, but #13 manages to backpedal fast enough to be free of the sticky stuff--albeit on the far side of the web.
Draax guards the fallen man.
Darkfang and Ferrak stand together as the sound of reinforcements approaching from the north suddenly swamp the field of battle.
Bill's Cone of Sound engulfs and fully damages Assassins 4,5,6,7,8,9 and 15...but now he's visible. The hobbit (and the sharp-eyed Renik, should he care to glare) sees that they are appearing to cry out in pain, but no sound issues forth from any of them.
Rond and Hobbes appear to be paralyzed with shock, as neither of them are moving. (Not anything magic--just that the players didn't post.)
The assassins recover from the Hamleteers' tactics and accomplish the following:
#1 dies.
#2 attempts to hit Renik with his longsword, but misses by a country mile.
#3 has a light crossbow in hand and fires it at Feng--as does #11. The second bolt nicks Feng for 2hpd.
4, 5, and 6 rush Ferrak and Darkfang and try to attack them with longswords. #5 manages to hit Ferrak for 2hpd, while the others miss.
Assassins 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 also sport light crossbows and they all take aim at Draax and the man lying on the ground. #7 and #8 hit Draax for a total of 9hpd. The other three bolts miss both Draax and the fallen stranger.
Assassin 13 begins running around the tree, intent on engaging Arien, it seems. #14 curses up a blue streak and struggles against the Web that holds him fast, but to no avail--he remains stuck.
Assassin 16 spots that the flying Bill was likely responsible for the sonic attack and warns #15 of the floating target--and both of them take aim at Bill with crossbows. #15 misses, but #16 hits Bill for 5hpd. They begin to reload their crossbows.
Rond d20+13=21 d20+13=22 d20+10=24 d20+5=19 2d6(5+2)+3=10 2d6(6+5)+3=14 Thursday August 29th, 2002 9:34:58 AM
Moving to intercept number 4, Rond does his best to surprise the threesome on Ferrak. (HS=21 MS=22)
Striking out with his Greatsword Rond does his best to score a hit on his opponent. (AC 24, 19 dam 10 and 14)
Once his surprise attack is complete he yells out, "Take cover in the trees, do not let them use the crossbows."
Arien (Blessed, +1 on attacks) d20+8=21 5d6(5+5+3+6+4)=23 Thursday August 29th, 2002 11:32:30 AM
"Why retreat when taking them down is a much better option?" Arien yells back before falling into a spell. At the climax of the spell he raises his hand and points at 9. A small orange bead discharges from the tip of Arien's finger and streaks through the melee and straight at 9 (ranged touch attack to make sure the spell got through). The bead strikes the assassin and explodes into a fireball, also engulfing the other two crossbowmen 8 and 10. (23 damage, reflex save vs dc 20)
Bill Troublefinder (Blessed, Flying 60' up, AC 22, HP less 5) d20+6=23 5d4(2+3+3+4+1)=13 Thursday August 29th, 2002 12:04:37 PM
Pleased that he managed to soften up the opposition a bit, yet smarting from the crossbow bolt that struck him, the metamind readjusts his position in the air, almost directly above #8 (still at 60' altitude), and lets loose another cone of sound. This one catches fully within the radius of the matter-shaking energy assassins #7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 16.
[Reflex save vs DC 23 (last round save should have been 21 - oops) for half damage, damage augmented by two apps of the fortify power feat, for 13*1.5=19.5, round to 20 hp damage, 10 hp if save.]
Renik (Blessed) d20+13=19 d6+5=9 Thursday August 29th, 2002 3:33:48 PM
With a ferocious grin the agile rogue sidesteps # 2's clumsy attack and draws both shortswords in one fluid, graceful movement.
"So little time left to live, my witless friend, and how do you choose to spend your final moments? In as woeful a display of swordsmanship as I have witnessed in a great many years. I feel for you, really I do."
His mocking words are accompanied by a lightning fast thrust aimed at the surly attacker's right shoulder (AC19 for 9HP).
Draax (Blessed, +1 on attacks) d20+10=25 d20+5=14 d6=6 d6=6 Friday August 30th, 2002 12:57:07 AM
Still standing over the downed stranger Draax cringes as he takes damage from the two crossbow bolts, he takes a peak at the man lying on the ground wondering if he is still alive.
Draax takes aim and fires two arrows at #12 (hitting AC 25 for 6dmg and AC 14 for 6dmg if hits)
Feng Friday August 30th, 2002 4:01:55 AM
As the first few seconds of the battle pass, Feng wonders what's really going on. The assassins had us by surprise and outnumbered by two to one. Yet their efforts are uncoordinated and sloppy. Since assassins are cowards, Feng moves forward to meet #11.
Darkfang d20+9=16 d6+5=8 d20+5=7 Friday August 30th, 2002 6:08:31 AM
Darkfang attacks assassin number 5 (hitting ac 16 for 8dmg if hit) if the wolf hits it will attempt to trip its opponent (rolled 7 for Str check).
Combat Round 2 (DM Donna) d20=19 d20=18 d20=16 d20=12 d20=16 d20=20 d20=11 d20+4=11 d20+4=19 d8=3 d20+4=9 d20+4=6 d20+4=8 d20+4=11 d20+4=17 d6=3 d20=9 d20+4=19 Friday August 30th, 2002 7:20:56 AM
Rond strikes down Assassin #4, slaying him instantly. (Ferrak is not hurt by the action.)
Arien's Fireball immediately fries Assassins 8, 9 and 10, even as Bill's second use of his Cone of Sound devastates the same area (and beyond). #7 lies dead on the ground, as does 15; numbers 12 and 16 are left standing--though just barely.
Renik's blows deal some damage to #2.
Draax's arrows cause #12 even more hurt but the assassin remains standing (albeit swaying on his feet). The prone stranger the Hamleteer is protecting is gasping and choking and just doesn't sound good.
Feng closes with #11.
Darkfang's jaws snap at air as the wily #5 assassin manages to evade the attack.
The assassins' half of the round:
#2 tries to hit Renik again, but the Hamleteer is far too agile.
#3 closes with Feng, his longsword slicing at the half-orc for 3hpd. #11's attack completely misses Feng.
Assassin 5's counterattack on Rond is pathetically wide; #6 fares no better with his attack against Darkfang.
Assassin 12 attempts to fire another crossbow bolt at Draax, but his injuries have made him too unsteady to hit his target.
Assassin 13, seeing Renik with his back to him, takes a shot at the charming rogue, who suffers 3hpd from the cowardly attack. His buddy #14 tries mightily to yank himself free of the Web once more, to no avail.
Assassin 16 targets Bill once more, but he misses.
Bill Troublefinder d20+6=16 5d4(2+4+4+1+4)=15 Friday August 30th, 2002 12:26:26 PM
The fireball caught him somewhat by surprise, as he feels the heat from it rising toward him. Bill one last time whispers, initiating yet another cone of sound. He fortifies it a little - but is just beginning to grow weary of doing the same thing, so does not put quite as much oomph into it. It catches #12 and #16 within its perimeter. The halfling thinks about what he is doing to these men, pretty much turning their flesh and organs into jelly, and feels a tinge of sorrow, or guilt. No time to sort it out now, though. Of course, they started it, with their crossbows and all...
[Damage 15*1.25=19.75, round to 20 hp. Reflex save for half damage (10 hp) vs DC 16.]
Steps (Draax) d8=8 Friday August 30th, 2002 1:48:42 PM
Seeing many of the assassins dead or severely hunting, Draax turns his attention to the dying stranger. Pulling a cure light wound potion from his pack Draax pours the content down the stranger's throat (restoring 8hp).
Darkfang (blessed +1 attack) d20+10=19 d6+5=11 d20+5=25 Friday August 30th, 2002 1:57:42 PM
Feeling the attack from assassin #6 the wolf switches its attack and tries to bite the assassin (hitting AC 19 for 11dmg). If Darkfang connects the wolf will try to trip #6 (str check 25, natural 20).
Feng d20+11=24 d20+6=17 d20+6=20 d8+6=13 d6=1 d8+6=14 d6=6 d8+6=12 d6=3 Friday August 30th, 2002 4:40:36 PM
Normally somebody with orc blood does not make a good Paladin. Too much anger and violence to follow a just path. Feng would be unique in this matter. It's times like these that all his bottled up anger get released upon an evil individual. Assassin #3 will have a few short moments to reflect on his life and how he's wasted it. Feng spins his double axe slicing into assassin #3. The assassin feels the pain from the axe and the burning agony of the would cautorizing almost instantly. [Hit AC 24 for 14, hit AC 17 for 20, and hit AC 20 for 15.]
Renik (Blessed) d20+12=26 d20+12=28 d6+5=9 3d6(2+5+4)=11 Friday August 30th, 2002 8:15:27 PM
Ignoring the sudden flaring pain of the crossbow bolt striking him in the back, Renik focuses all his energy on assassin 2.
He thrusts with his left sword, and it is only at the last possible moment that his attacker realises the blow was never intended to connect. Instead the rogue pivots suddenly on the ball of his left foot, slamming his right blade towards the would-be assassin's unprotected left flank.
(Feint (Bluff) 26, hits AC 28 for 20 HP (includes Sneak Attack damage as the feint denies the assassin his Dex nonus to AC. If the Sneak Attack fails, 9HP damage)
Ferrak (Blessed) d20+12=29 d20+7=22 2d6(1+6)+4=11 2d6(4+3)+4=11 Saturday August 31st, 2002 2:43:18 PM
The ferral gnome, his immediate target gone, turns his attention on the hoodlum attacking his brother (Assassin #6). Though it seems Darkfang is holding his own, Ferrak is swift to come to the wolf's aid.
Swinging his sickle with gusto, he wades into the attacker (AC 29 for 11 HP, AC 22 for 11 HP), with an inhuman howl. To those who understand the wolven tongue, it can roughly be translated as "The pack will feast on your bones!"
As the blade strikes home the attacker screams with a mixture of pain and horror; in the instant the wounds are inflicted they solidify into brutal gashes of ice. As the assassin backs desperately away from the wild-eyed druid the ice crystals shatter within the wounds, causing still further agony (Frost damage effect).
William the Psicrystal Saturday August 31st, 2002 2:49:38 PM
"So fall all the cowardly minions of evil who would challenge the might of the Windhorn Hamleteers!" peeps the tiny crystal, bouncing up and down on Rond's shoulder.
"Flee! Flee back to your darkling masters, there to tell of the day you were humbled by brave warriors, proud and true!"
Hobbes 2d8(7+8)+7=22 Saturday August 31st, 2002 9:14:20 PM
For a moment, something doesn't seem right. Hobbes looked around, seemingly in recognition. As if he's seen this scene before. A silent copse of trees in the distance and Hobbes sitting on a hill watching the sky, an eerie fog creeping up on the scene. When out of the mist, figures appeared, 2, no, 4, 7, 9! Rotted putrid figures with their flesh and bone revealed an eerie moan emitting from their lips. Unable to shout or even say a word he stood and threw the stone he had in his hand at one of them. It didn't react. It didn't even duck as the stone knocked its jaw loose from its skull. Then Hobbes was lifted from behind around the chest. He turns. It is his father grabbing him and running like the wind. He looked back. Those "things" still advance. The two arrive at the house and more are there. Hobbes is thrust within, pushed inside the stove, and locked inside. He sees through the cracks in the grate his father and mother closing and locking every door and window, but it does no good. The undead advance and bash their way in. The two fight them off with simple knives and chairs, but they are surrounded. The creatures strike and strike again. And again. Hobbes cries out to them as he sees his father fall. More and more creatures pile into the doorway. Hobbes pounds on the stove door trying to get out to help his parents. His mother is slashed from behind and bitten on the neck and .....
*BOOM*
The explosion of Arien's fireball breaks Hobbes daydream. He shakes his head, confused, as the players go about their daily business on the current set of ruffians. Hobbes grabs his scythe tighter and looks over to Draax. The mysterious stranger's body quivers on the ground. He ducks behind his companions and then, timing things right, he makes a dash toward the body. (Taking any hits he might invoke along the way). When he gets there he kneels over the body, completely shielding it with his own. Holding his eye symbol tightly he presses his gloved hand onto the wounds. A low gutteral tone emits from his mouth.
"Trck'se marm gak zortan! Arise and come with us! Quickly!" he says helping the man to a safe place. Hobbes makes certain to keep harm away from him, purposely blocking any shots to him.
[Cure Moderate WOunds, 22 HP on the stranger. Full Defense +7 to AC, standing between him and all bad guys he can see]
Combat Round 3 (DM Donna) d20=16 d20=17 d20+4=11 d20+4=8 d20+4=15 d20=1 Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 7:05:45 AM
The flying metamind has the satisfaction of seeing his two targets shudder and fall to the ground.
With the druid and his wolf double-teaming him, Assassin #6 is also lying on the ground, gurgling his last breath.
Feng slices and dices #3 into human sushi.
Renik's feint and sneak attack prove fatal for Assassin 2.
Draax's potion disappears down the throat of the stranger, reviving him somewhat. Draax can see he's a young man--in his early twenties at the most--with dark brown hair, a neatly-trimmed beard and green eyes that are rapidly losing their inner light of life in spite of the application of the magic potion.
Hobbes--being in full armor--is still too far away to be of help to the stranger yet...it will take one more round to reach Draax and the other man.
Assassin 5's swipe of his longsword misses Rond.
Feng's remaining foe (#11) runs at Hobbes to intercept the cleric, swinging his longsword, but missing Hobbes anyway. (Feng can take an attack of opportunity at #11 before doing any other actions in Round 4.)
Assassin 13 futilely fires at Renik, but can't accurately keep the agile rogue in his sights.
Assassin 14's latest attempt to wrestle free of the sticky Web fails.
Feng d20+13=28 d8+6=8 d6=1 Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 7:24:40 AM
Feng slashes Assassin #11 as he turns and runs. [Hit ac 28 for 9]. Looking about, most of the assassins are down, but one is hiding. Feng runs to #13.
Hobbes Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 11:57:25 AM
Hobbes ducks around the wide swing of the brute and makes his way around Draax to perform the actions listed previously.
Steps (Draax) d20+13=29 d8+7=15 Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 1:01:43 PM
Seeing the young man still struggling for his life, Draax looks around and notices Hobbes on his way with assassin #11 trying to run interference (if #11 survived Feng's attacks). Leaving his bow on the ground, the disguised half-elf pulls his sword and steps between the assassin and his friend. Draax swings at the assassin trying to kill him or at least pull his attention away from Hobbes (hit AC 29 for 15 dmg).
Darkfang d20+10=26 d6+5=8 d20+5=19 Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 1:19:37 PM
After teaming with his brother to finish off #6, the big wolf turns his attention to #5, While the assassin's attention is on Rond, Darkfang comes in low and sinks his teeth into his foe. (hits AC 26 for 8 dmg)
Rond d20+11=29 d20+11=31 d20+6=24 d20+6=22 2d6(3+4)+3=10 2d6(5+5)+3=13 2d6(2+5)+3=10 2d6(4+2)+3=9 Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 4:45:43 PM
Wanting to finish this quickly Rond darts in with two slashes of his sword. Slicking through the Bandit rather handily (both are crits for a hit) Rond does (23 and 19) 42 points of damage.
If the bandit falls down, Rond quickly steps back and takes a quick look around to see how the party is doing.
Ferrak Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 5:32:06 PM
Seeing that his lupine brother and the pack leader have matters well in hand, Ferrak turns towards assassin 13.
He growls dark words to the green, summoning the very power of nature herself.
As if in response to his clawing gestures, the tree beneath which the crossbow-wielding assassin stands begins to twist and sprout. It sends forth tendrils as thick as a man's wrist down towards the startled man, slipping over his shoulders as they attempt to bind his arms. Even as he witnesses the horrific sight of a tree come seemingly alive, the grass beneath his feet also begins to sprout at an alarming speed. In mere moments it has grown up around his ankles, weaving itself around his boots in an attempt to bind him fast.
(Entangle, DC 13)
Renik Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 5:40:27 PM
Renik rapidly scans the area for foes, seeing none within immediate range.
Instead he turns, dropping his swords as he draws his bow, aiming it squarely at the crossbowman (13).
"Yield and be spared, fight on and you shall surely join your companions in painful death!" he cries, hoping that the decimation of his compatriots, along with Ferrak's entangling plant growth and the sight of a half orc charging towards him wielding a blazing double axe will act as an impetus. It never hurts to have people to question.
"Drop your weapon! Drop it NOW, or you will be killed!"
Bill Troublefinder 5d4(2+1+4+4+4)=15 5d4(2+1+2+4+4)+6=19 d20+6=24 Wednesday September 4th, 2002 3:07:47 AM
The little guy flies over to a point about fifteen feet above the top of the tree between #13 and #14. Noting many pay attention to #13, Bill focuses on #14. This one last time, he directs a cone of sound, but at an angle, so as to avoid Arien, but catch only the webbed would-be assassin. Bill does not augment this cone - doing 15 hp damage to the man (Reflex save vs 24 for 8 hp). (Ignore 2nd roll - added +6 for what was supposed to be 1d20, not 5d4.)
[Donna - note Bill is at 55' altitude, rather than 60' as noted on the map I sent you earlier today.]
He is ready next to fly to the ground, and effect a stomp against #14, or something else appropriate, should he get out of the web and try to escape.
Combat Round 4 (DM Donna) d20=16 d20+4=18 d20=10 d20=8 Wednesday September 4th, 2002 8:42:48 AM
Feng and Draax drop Assassin #11.
Darkfang and Rond finish off Assassin 5.
Assassin 13 seems to dance out of the range of the lively plants of Ferrak's Entangle spell. When Renik issues his ultimatum, the evil fighter scoffs and takes aim at the rogue, but Renik doesn't even flinch as the bolt zooms harmlessly past his left shoulder.
The Webbed assassin--still stuck fast inside the sticky magic stuff--cannot avoid Bill's Cone of Sound, and suffers maximum damage. He continues to struggle against the confining strands, but is still imprisoned within the Web.
Hobbes reaches the stranger, but sees only the inevitability of the young man's impending appearance before the all-seeing Eye of Judgement. However, before the man departs The Wold, he does manage to rasp these words to the cleric:
"...warning...Balentyne..."
Then the poor sap gurgles his last.
Renik (Blessed) d20+14=27 d20+9=18 d8+5=6 d8+5=8 Wednesday September 4th, 2002 3:20:56 PM
"Die like the dog you are, then!" curses Renik, as he lets two arrows fly at the foolish assassin 13(AC 27 for 6 HP, AC 18 for 8 HP).
"Make sure we keep that webbed one alive!" he calls, anxious to have someone to question over this dark afair. It seems as though their contact has breathed his last, despite Hobbes' urgent ministrations.
Ferrak Wednesday September 4th, 2002 3:27:06 PM
It seems as though the battle is won. Calling to his brother to join him he moves towards the webbed assassin 14, making sure he keeps out of weapon range.
His lips curl back into a snarl as he brandishes his ice-cold sickle. "Give up, and I won't let the wolf feast on your black heart," he growls.
Darkfang Thursday September 5th, 2002 12:37:51 AM
Darkfang moves next to his brother staying just out of reach of the assassin in the web. The wolf gets into a ready to pounce stance as his shows his teeth displaying his most threatening snarl.
Steps (Draax) Thursday September 5th, 2002 1:10:46 AM
With no visible enemies in his immediate area Draax shakes his head sadly as he goes over by the dead stranger. Before picking his bow off of the ground the half-elf bends down and go through the stranger's items to see if the young man was carrying any clues on him.
Bill Troublefinder d20+3=16 d20+5=16 d20+5=13 Thursday September 5th, 2002 4:02:50 AM
Now that others attend to 13 and 14, Bill swoops down to check on the messenger. As he detects poison on the man (wisdom check 16, alchemical check 16 [ignore 3rd, accidental, roll] to try to discern type of poison), he also withdraws from his bag a neutralize poison potion. He quietly works around Draax. Should he discern the man has been poisoned, he then places a few drops where the crossbow bolt entered his body, and pours the balance down his throat.
Via William the psicrystal, Bill sends forth a telepathic message to all members of the party. "Finish off or tie up the two who are left. Search the others for clues and such.' "Hobbes - can you do anything for him?" The next round, he administers a potion of cure light wounds to the downed man. "Oh, Alemi, and Gargul, save ye this man's life, I beseech you."
Suddenly No More (DM Donna) d20=11 Thursday September 5th, 2002 7:17:49 AM
Renik's arrows end the life of the assassin they're aimed at.
Ferrak and Darkfang threaten the webbed assassin, but the man is strangely unintimidated, continuing to struggle vainly against the magic sticky stuff while grunting in Common: "...must...kill...or...die...trying..."
Draax checks out the body of the very dead stranger, finding very little on the young man: a dagger, some silver (about 15 coins) and an octagonal token of some kind. (OOC: Draax, make a Spot check versus DC15 to see that it must be a clue since there is "Elmo's Gaming Emporium" stamped into the metal.)
Bill's sword definitely detects the presence of poison in the stranger's remains...too bad that he couldn't get to the young man earlier. Hobbes can tell that this particular man's place is now in the lands of the dead--although he can also tell that this particular man's time to pass over was quite a bit earlier than it naturally would have occurred.
Hobbes Thursday September 5th, 2002 2:24:01 PM
Hobbes places a hand on Bill's shoulder and shakes his head, "Save your strength, friend. This man is beyond us. He is already in the lands of the dead," he says with a frown. "A month ago I would have thought this impossible but in a time where the gods themselves interfere with men. Either he has his own destiny in the lands of the dead or the assassin's hand is thus guided by a supreme evil force to concoct a poison that can take a breathing man from conscious and speaking to dead in 3 seconds and be completely immune to poison curatives. Either way Bill, it is beyond the ability of mortal man."
He looks around the site as the others finish off the interlopers. "Now then," he begins as he gently lifts the body of the stranger and carries it to a less visible and more comfortable place, under a tree perhaps, "I suggest we camp the night in case Marcus shows up and then return to the temple tomorrow so they can raise this poor soul." He looks around at any incredulous looks he might be receiving but replies, "It was not this boy's time. That much I am sure of. And I will fund his revival myself so you needn't worry. In the meantime, I shall build a nice fire," he says looking darkly back to the stranger, "I have some questions for our new deceased friend."
Renik d20+10=19 d6+4=5 Thursday September 5th, 2002 3:21:55 PM
Freeing his sap from his belt, Renik moves towards the struggling figure trapped in the webs and swings at him, attempting to knock the man out cold rather than kill him (AC 19 for 5 HP subdual damage).
"Try not to kill him!" he calls to his partners. "He seems to be under some sort of spell or hypnotic compulsion, but we must take him alive!"
Ferrak d8+4=9 Thursday September 5th, 2002 3:29:42 PM
Unsure of how best to deal with the thrashing assassin, Ferrak instead pulls back to ensure his brother is safe and well.
"Well fought, my brother!" he yaps cheerfully, feeling Darkfang's powerful body for signs of injury. "They were as lambs before the pack!"
If Ferrak finds that his brother is wounded he chants quietly over the wolf, a white glow emenating from his hands as the signs of battle fade and heal (casts Cure Light Wounds, healing 9 HP).
Feng Thursday September 5th, 2002 4:01:52 PM
With the battle over, Feng gathers the bodies of the assassins. As he does so, he empties their pockets and pools their possessions on the ground. Maybe they will get lucky and discover a clue of some kind.
Steps (Draax) d20+3=6 Thursday September 5th, 2002 6:43:57 PM
Draax looks at the items collected from the stranger and takes interest in the octagonal token with "Elmo's Gaming Emporium" stamped on it. Looking closely at the token Draax realizes that he does not have a clue to what it is (spot check 6). He wonders if someone else in the party might have an idea. He holds the coin up and says to any party member close to him. "Anyone has an idea of what this is?" He hands the metal to anyone that wants it.
The disguised half-elf goes over to give assistant with the assassin still caught in the web.
Bill Troublefinder d20+6=21 d20+10=22 d20+8=19 Friday September 6th, 2002 3:43:15 AM
Bill nevertheless finishes doing what he can to neutralize the poison insinuated into the poor man's body. "Thanks, Hobbes, for doing what you can. If you're planning to talk with him, or bring him back, I'm behind you on that. I just figure, if you have something like that planned, that making sure the toxin is dealt with first can only help. Shoot! I should o' kept some of the toxin, to analyze it later! Well, maybe some of 'em have some on 'em, anyways," he speculates, looking at the fallen bodies in the darkness.
"Just a minute," he says. He heads over to the webbed opponent. He goes to the far side of the webbing, then flies back up in the air. He withdraws a net from his pants pocket, and tosses it down over the top of the man (ranged touch attack, AC 21), entrapping him in the net. Following this, he pulls out a tanglefoot bag, and throws it forcefully downward, so that it bursts against the man and the net, really getting him nicely gummed up.
"All right. Somebody cut him out of the webbing - but not the net and goop." Once that is done, he wraps a silk rope around the man several times. [Use Rope 19, including +2 from silk rope.]
"Yeah, I suppose you still wanna kill us now," says the halfling to the bound man. He nods toward his friends, leaving the questioning of him to them. He returns to Draax.
"Hmmm. There's an Elmo in Windhorn Hamlet," Bill says as he takes a look at the coin Draax found. "His farm sits south of the graveyard, north of the Greensworth Plantation, and not too far from Edmond's Farm and Cobbler. Don't know about any gaming he might do. Probably a different Elmo, I suppose."
Rond Friday September 6th, 2002 4:36:51 AM
As the group finishes off the battle Rond comments to the group at large, " The comment to go into the trees had nothing to do with running away. Not knowing our foes were incompetent. Going into the trees was a way to neutralize the crossbows. I had no intention of retreating."
"I agree that we should stay here and see if there are any other messages throught the night. But having had Balentyne back into the picture, I suppose we have to go no further then to look right there. Here was working with the Marteus priest before the big hubbub. He seems to have gotten further along than we might have anticipated"
Aftermath (DM Donna) d20=15 d20=4 d20=16 d20=3 d20=2 d20=19 d20=1 d12=6 Friday September 6th, 2002 6:44:56 AM
The items taken from the stranger are glanced at by all; two or three of the party manage to recall that they have heard of Elmo's Gaming Emporium--it's a casino in the city.
Even as Bill suggests carefully cutting the only surviving assassin loose, Arien's spell reaches the end of its duration and dissolves into slightly-sticky liquid that oozes into the surrounding grass. The still-secure prisoner growls and grunts with his futile attempt to free himself.
From the assassins, Feng manages to pile up 16 crossbows, 16 small cases of bolts and 16 longswords--all in various states of repair, thanks to the various modes of attacks used on them. None of the remaining crossbow bolts appear to have anything coating them...apparently the assassins only had enough poison to use on the stranger.
Oddly enough, none of the assassins have any money or items that could possibly identify them in any way. (Even making a Spot check versus DC15 only reveals that their dark clothing is definitely "off the rack", run-of-the-mill working class duds.
Renik d20+2=19 d20+12=26 Friday September 6th, 2002 4:46:11 PM
Striding forward Renik glares into the ensnared man's eyes.
"You realise you are seconds away from bloody, toothsome death?" he says, peering at Ferrak and Darkfang, trying to suggest to the ferral druid that he play along with the ruse (Innuendo 19).
"My comrades here are not as civilised as I; they will rend you limb from limb if I allow it.
But I do not wish to see you die screaming in agony, my friend. Avoiding such a fate is a simple enough matter. All you need do is answer me some simple questions, and you may vanish into the night. If you wish it we can protect you. We care not for you or your companions; you are simply minions, tools of a greater foe.
I want to know who sent you. I want to know what your orders were, word for word. And I want to know where I can find the one who sent you.
Be under no illusion, my friend. If you do not cooperate fully, my companions here will feast upon your entrails, even as you watch. Do you understand?"
Ferrak takes some time to cotton on to Renik's plan, and looks at him blankly for a moment as the rogue explains what a pair of bloodthirsty savages he and his brother are.
Finally the penny drops, and he snarls savagely at the man in the net (intimidate 15). In guttural barks he says to Darkfang "Quick, my brother! Snarl and bare your fangs! We must make this scrawny fellow think we wish to eat him!"
Darkfang Sunday September 8th, 2002 3:58:49 PM
Darkfang gets in his most menacing attack stance and snarls while showing his sharp teeth. The big wolf stands beside its brother ready to attack the assassin if the need arises.
Steps (Draax) Sunday September 8th, 2002 4:36:49 PM
The disguised half-elf stands near the entangled assassin, but stays alert for any more visitors as he lets his eyes roam around area.
Arien Sunday September 8th, 2002 8:02:04 PM
Arien casts Detect Magic and studies the assassin to see if he has been enchanted.
Hobbes Monday September 9th, 2002 1:17:43 AM
Hobbes crosses his arms and begins mumbling, eyes fixed and point on the dead man's chest. He slowly begins walking around the body verying his chant. He slowly and gracefully extands his arms as a streaming blue light appears from them.
"Tot etu acoma", he utters and kneels over the head, his hands glowing softly and then he touches the head and presses his hands firmly over the hands and mouth. With a nod he pulls his hands away as [hopefully] he awaits for the jaw and face to move and start forming attentive patterns of speech. Looking toward Bill and Draax and the rest he indicates with a gesture that they should join him.
He then takes a step back and kindly but directly utters his questions.
"Now, son, speak... What about Balentyne were you warning us about?"
He awaits each answer before giving his next question but does not continue until the others come over.
WHen the others come over, he explains out of earshot of the corpse, "our friend is under the influence of a Speak With Dead spell. I can ask him up to three questions , one of which I have just asked. We need to figure out the other two. My thoughts are 'Who are you?', 'Who were those assassins?', and 'Where is Marcus?' but each of those might prove fruitless to ask this boy as he might not know. Anyone else have any ideas?"
Rond Monday September 9th, 2002 7:44:37 AM
Not realizing that Hobbes seems to move to his own drummer, Rond moves over to where the entangled assassin is currently being questioned. Noting that the rest of the group is currently participating or watching what is going on with the Assassin Rond decides to not interrupt Renik wih what he is doing.
Feng Monday September 9th, 2002 11:58:20 AM
After piling up the things, Feng walks over to the others. "The assassins used very plain and common equipment. No real clues as to their identity. Maybe the poison used to kill the man could tell us something."
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday September 10th, 2002 2:08:58 AM
"Perhaps not, 'Where is Marcus?' but rather, 'How might we contact Marcus?'" Bill suggests quietly to Hobbes. "I'll entrust the rest to you, good man. I have some looking about to do."
And to Feng, he explains, "Sorry, but I neutralized the poison - although someone more skilled in alchemy than I may yet learn something of it, I suppose."
Bill empowers himself to detect psionics & magic. He is specifically on the lookout for any invisible scrying little eyes or ears - anyone attempting to remotely view him and his friends. He flies in a search pattern, slowing down only should he detect something of interest in the air, along the walls, gates, ground, etc. If he can determine how the assassins arrived, as well, it is upon these things he narrows his focus.
Illusions Abound! (DM Donna) d20=20 d20=7 Tuesday September 10th, 2002 7:28:22 AM
Bill's instinct to Detect the different types of energy that may be present definitely turn up the strong auras of magic--around the living prisoner (as Arien's own Detect Magic confirms)...and around the "dead" stranger.
In fact, Bill's detection comes at the same time as Hobbes' sudden shock at seeing that the spell he's just cast--Speak With Dead--is NOT working! Together the two Hamleteers confer and simultaneously deduce that the stranger is not dead, but in a coma! Bill managed to neutralize the deadly poison before it could complete its work, but not before the stranger was out cold--and will remain out cold unless a very, very powerful counteracting magic is cast upon him.
The prisoner, meanwhile, is intimidated by Renik and Ferrak's tactics, but still feels constrained to break free of his bonds and attempt to attack them. (He still fails miserably at this task, however.) He is still quite conscious and able to answer questions put to him, though.
"I don't know where you can find the one who hired us," the lone assassin says through clenched teeth, "Horace was the one who got the gold and passed it out to us--" He nods his head towards one of the bodies (a half-elf with blackish/green hair.) "--as soon as each of us accepted the coins from him, though...it was as if we were suddenly obsessed--we HAD to kill all who came here at this time...or die...trying..."
Suddenly the man's eyes bulge unnaturally and a horrible scream is ripped from his throat. He tumbles forward and flops lifelessly to the ground, horrible black spittle foaming at his dead lips. Both Arien and Bill see the Magic aura about the assassin flare up briefly and then flicker out altogether.
Renik d20+25=37 d20+8=11 d20+7=11 Tuesday September 10th, 2002 5:13:56 PM
Renik shudders as the attacker dies an unnatural death. "There are dark forces at work here, my friends," he says as he turns from the body.
Approaching the others he says, "I suggest we get our contact to safety as quickly as possible. This kind of bodycount is sure to attract undue attention if we tary here overlong. Perhaps we can find a way to revive him, once we are returned..."
His thoughts return to Balentyne, and the party's last visit to his home. That would seem to be their next step, he ponders.
If the party decide to head back to base, Renik will fall behind, keeping to the shadows (Hide 37) and attempting to ensure they are not followed (Spot 11, Listen 11).
Ferrak Tuesday September 10th, 2002 5:17:54 PM
The Ferral gnome yaps to Darkfang;
"My brother, can you track the scent of these men back to their den?"
If Darkfang is able to track the attackers back to whence they came, Ferrak will join him, disguised as a hound.
Darkfang d20+5=18 Tuesday September 10th, 2002 10:31:13 PM
At his brother's request Darkfang sniffs around the now dead assassin and then around the area trying to find the assassin's scent on the ground that he is able to track (track 18).
Steps (Draax) d20+3=16 Tuesday September 10th, 2002 11:14:49 PM
Draax watches as the assassin suddenly dies in front of his eyes. The half-elf realizes that some type of controlling magic was involved in the assassins attacking the party and the assassin's sudden death. He wonders about the strength of the spell caster(s) involved and hopes that the party will have to confront them directly.
He does a quick search and inventory of the now dead assassin's belongings, being very careful to avoid touching the black spittle coming out of the dead man's mouth (spot check 16 if needed).
Rond Tuesday September 10th, 2002 11:51:54 PM
With the words of the dead assassin, Rond remembers some things from the group's earlier actions. "This seems to be some more work of Marteaus. I think we've seen some earlier work similar to this that is connected to this new evil. Like when that Elven father was kidnapping his little girl. I'm wondering whether we should go back and talk with the temple a little bit more and confirm whether this type of spell work is within the capabilities of a cleric of this new evil. Along with seeing if they can help out this stranger here."
Bill Troublefinder Wednesday September 11th, 2002 3:31:51 AM
Bill relays his observations to his friends. "Let's take Horace's remains with us."
After a pause he comes up to Draax, and also tugs on Feng's arm to get his attention. "Can one of you carry the fellow named Horace?" he asks, pointing to the dead half-elf with blackish/green hair. "He was apparently the intermediary between his fellow assassins and the one who hired them. He's kind o' big for me to handle, myself," explains the diminutive speaker. "But maybe someone back at the temple could get some more info outta him."
Feng Wednesday September 11th, 2002 2:02:35 PM
The burly half-orc slowly paces, taking everything in that just transpired. This isn't the first time that assassins have shown up. Feng himself infiltrated a group and helped stop them. The organization behind that attempt was far better than this one. This attack was pathetic. Even the numbers advantage didn't help their adversaries. It looked like whoever was behind this didn't know who they really were. Otherwise they would have used better personnel. What organization was new enough to not know who they were but still have the power to pull this thing off? Feng will have to find out.
Hobbes Thursday September 12th, 2002 2:44:46 AM
Hobbes quickly cleans and applies proper healing techniques to the wound after getting all the pieces of the bolt out. He places it in his pouch after removing it, then continues to heal the wound. He retrieves his extra cloak from his pack and wraps it around the stranger, then hefts him up. "I have this one. We must get him back to the temple quickly now. There's still a chance we can save him."
Back at the Black Cathedral (DM Donna) d20=7 d20=18 d20=17 d20=5 d20=19 d20=6 d20=19 Thursday September 12th, 2002 8:31:26 AM
Darkfang is pretty good about tracking...but, unfortunately, something else (a highly UNnatural something else!) is even better at circumventing the wolf's powerful abilities.
The bodies of Horace and the stranger are brought along to the new location of the Black Cathedral (it now occupies the building that used to house the worship-site for the Sisters of Disaster). The clerics there immediately see to both of them. Morphia is assigned to give you all the update on the pair:
"The strange man is in a coma," she tells you, "And we don't have an experienced enough cleric to help him out at the moment, as the patriarchs and matriarchs are in seclusion until the end of the month.
"However, Brother Hobbes," she tells Hobbes directly, "Our brethren were able to interview the assassin's spirit before he was dispatched to his ultimate destination--he says that he was hired by a hooded person whose gold blinded him to anything else except the directive to be at the Golden Arena at the appointed hour and to kill all who arrived there after speaking certain phrases... ummm... something about how dark it was tonight?... Well, anyway, other than saying that the gold he accepted had some kind of curse on it that geased him and all his comrades to accomplish that task or die in the effort, he wasn't much help. He couldn't even identify the figure, as the person was heavily robed and hooded and spoke with an extremely raspy voice."
(OOC: this IS about all the info any extended questioning would have gotten the Hamleteers anyhow, but if you have additional questions, email the DM.)
Rats! All the assassins are dead, the stranger is in a coma and will remain in one until well past the deadline for paying the taxes... and Marcus is still only-the-gods-know-where!
However, a spontaneous review of all that was done and discovered focuses once more on the one other clue that was discovered: the octagonal metal token from Elmo's Gaming Emporium.
Four of the party members seem to think that Elmo's would be a good place to start asking around about the tall, skinny stranger.
Feng Thursday September 12th, 2002 11:29:57 AM
"I'm sure that we will get attacked again. Still I think we should inquire about new players in town. Whoever is behind the attack didn't know us specifically. Otherwise the attack would have been deadlier. As you can recall I was able to listen to the planning behind one such assault. Our assassins were jokes. Not even a serious threat after their surprise wore off."
Renik Thursday September 12th, 2002 4:52:15 PM
"Agreed. But having failed this time we can be sure our hooded adversary, whoever he is, will be sending more deadly minions. We had best be on our guard.
As for this gaming token, well, Elmo's would seem like the place to start I suppose. There or Balentyne's residence again.
How about we visit the Emporium in disguise, in groups of twos or threes, purporting not to know one another? And if no clues are forthcoming there, then we pay monsiuer Balentyne another little visit."
Draax Thursday September 12th, 2002 6:22:21 PM
"I agree, Elmo's is the first place we should start and going separately in disguised groups is also an excellent idea. My question is, do we want to scout the place first or scout it as we look for the clues?"
Kim - Gargul's temple clarification (OOC) Friday September 13th, 2002 4:19:07 PM
Donna -
You wrote regarding the Black Cathedral, "(it now occupies the building that used to house the worship-site for the Sisters of Disaster)."
DM Donna: the followers of Gargul are now located at the temple site next to Sisters Square; as far as I know, the buildings on the site have yet to be remodeled.
However, the old location of the Black Cathedral is going to be taken over by another deity. As far as I know, that temple will retain its skull shape, but the CDM has not finalized that development yet.
Ferrak (temporary retirement) Saturday September 14th, 2002 11:49:05 AM
"I do not think this 'gaming emporium' will look kindly on me and my brother," Ferrak says. "Places like that make me nervous..."
"No, I shall not join you on this mission, my friends. I have put off a visit to my druidic master for too long, and my studies are suffering. Darkfang and I will rejoin you later, but for now it is time to return to the green."
The feral gnome looks torn between a longing for the peace of the trees, and a desire to remain with his compatriots.
"Come, 'Fang, make your farewells, it is time to go."
Bill Troublefinder Saturday September 14th, 2002 8:59:07 PM
The halfling looks to Ferrak as he tells of his plans to part for now. He reaches out to pet Darkfang, and scratch behind his ears. He hugs the wolf, and smells deeply of the fur along his shoulder. 'Find some good bones, Darkfang. Protect the gnome,' he barks out in the vulpine tongue.
He grasps the strong forearms of the similarly-statured druid. "Do well, Ferrak. We will miss you. I'll try to watch over your little garden. You keep the wand* I lent you." He reaches into his pants, and pulls out a wrapped object. "Here's a snack for the road." When Ferrak opens it, now or later, he will find a bread surprise, with cooked beef and mixed vegetables inside the round bread shell.
Once all have said their farewells to Ferrak, Bill says, "All right. Let's go to Elmo's." And he heads that direction.
* Wand of cure light wounds, about 40 charges left
Ferrak (Shawn) Sunday September 15th, 2002 3:05:45 PM
"Til again, we hunt alonggg the same trail... pack-mates," says the feral gnome as a good-bye.
Moving closer toward his brother, the two become one, and in a blur of motion they are gone.
(Chasing rabbits and racing the moon.)
Renik Sunday September 15th, 2002 4:14:23 PM
As Ferrak and Darkfang take their leave, Renik leans down and whispers to him,
"Don't be away too long, little brother. We need you here, and it won't be the same without you by our side."
Darkfang Sunday September 15th, 2002 7:19:52 PM
Darkfang says his goodbyes by licking each member on the face before leaving with his brother.
The Game is A-foot!
On to the Emporium (DM Donna) Monday September 16th, 2002 10:23:17 AM
The Hamleteers catch a quick forty winks and are able to go check out Elmo's Gaming Emporium the next day. It is late afternoon when the group arrives at the casino's location in the Trading Quarter (OOC: expect an email with the map of the casino's location.)
Elmo's Gaming Emporium is a casino/gaming establishment in the Trade Quarter; it's in the large, L-shaped building on the corner of Helm's Way and Sheila Street. It's a large, ornately-carved stone building that has bas-relief and statuary designed to convey a sense of excitement and hospitality. The Hamleteers can see that the joint is jumping, although it is also not so rowdy as to bother the merchant traffic going on in the Quarter, either.
The time of your visit is late afternoon, so there is a moderate volume of people going into the building via the front entrance (double doors that face west--the circular steps lead to them.) On the north side of the building is a public display of several creatures that are advertised to be part of Zigfreed & Roi's Showcase of Illusion show that Elmo's will be featuring tonight. The magical-forcefield-enclosed spaces have several dire lions, dire tigers and even a hippogriff! That must be some show!
There is also an employee entrance in the southernmost wall of the building (OOC: the "top" of the upside-down L). It's locked, though you've seen the odd person or two go up to the door and knock. A peephole is slid open from inside and the door is quickly opened to admit the recognized person.
These are the two obvious entrances into the casino.
Renik d20+10=23 Monday September 16th, 2002 4:16:07 PM
Before leaving the rogue spends a little time subtly altering his appearance. You would be hard pressed to point out exactly what it is he has changed about his appearance, but it is effective nonetheless (Disguise 23).
As they approach the building Renik says quietly "Well if it's all the same to you, boss, I'm for the front entrance. Perhaps we can visit the side route once we have gathered some information. Does anyone want to join me? My name's Nornan for this caper, by the way." You realise that even his voice is changed, rougher and more gutteral than his normally smooth tones.
He awaits their leader's decision about the best plan of action before teaming up with another party member, and entering the establishment chatting cheerfully.
Bill Troublefind... er, Barco, the lounge lizard d20+18=33 Monday September 16th, 2002 5:08:15 PM
Bill also makes adjustments to his attire and visage. From beneath a jaunty cap, curly hair and magnificent sideburns frame his now gnomish face, red-veined bulbous nose forming a countenanced bullseye.
"Barco - my name is Barco," he tells his friends. His backpack he leaves home, and rearranges what he brings in his capacious pants pockets. "Front door sounds fine to me, Nornan. That's a good way to go in to places, sometimes! Maybe we can build up our personal equity in a place such as this, know what I mean?"
Draax Monday September 16th, 2002 11:19:04 PM
Draax changes his appearance to a well groomed and dressed human male in his mid twenties. "Tonight my name will be Fenian Longshadow." The disguised half-elf waits for his assignment.
Feng Tuesday September 17th, 2002 12:22:31 AM
He watches as the others begin to hide who they are. Things like that never sat well with him. Sometimes it was necessary to lie about who and what he is, but that doesn't mean Feng likes it. It didn't take Feng long to make up his mind. "I will stay as I am."
Hobbes Tuesday September 17th, 2002 1:53:23 AM
"Half a moment," says Hobbes quietly, pondering the situation. As the others depart for the front entrance, Hobbes starts sidling to the other way casually walking to the alleyway near the employee entrance dressed as the near-sighted beggar Ivan. He waits in a secluded area not too far away but unnoticeable and watches the entrance.
He studies the way people enter, whether they have a secret tap on the door or say a certain thing, then, most importantly he watches for a reasonably good-looking MALE person to exit and deeply studies their features as they go by. Then, when the person is out of sight, he uses the hat of disguise to morph into that person and approaches the door, knocking on it and awaiting to be let in.
He does not speak, but rather grunts and coughs "yeses and no" answers, stating, "I forgot something." Only if he is confronted or stopped. Otherwise he will just wait to be let in... then proceed inside.
"This subterfuge skill is quite marvelous. It does have its advantages to the headache of beating information out of people. I must inform the clerics at the temple of its use," Hobbes smugly thinks to himself.
Entrez-Vous..? (DM Donna) Wednesday September 18th, 2002 7:55:58 AM
Those Hamleteers entering the casino with the rest of the customers find themselves in a sizeable, roughly rectangular chamber with the other wannabe gamblers. A courteous but attention-getting voice repeats over the murmurs of the crowd: "There IS a one gold piece cover charge to be admitted into Elmo's Gaming Emporium. Thank you."
Customers are lined up to go through a narrow doorway that is flanked by two pedestals upon which are what look like big, feathery balls of pink-white fluff. While you are waiting for your turn in the line, a bit of an event takes place:
A skinny, elderly human man steps up to the door. The half-orc bouncer asks: "You gottum any bad magic..?"
"NO, of course not!" the man says in an offended sort of tone.
"Okay--you go in!" the half-orc grunts, waving the customer through the door--but suddenly the two puffballs are yipping and yapping like killer Texas poodles! The bouncer yanks the customer back and--quite roughly--pats the guy down...and comes up with a ring that he waves at the closest puffball. The puffball goes nuts, snarling and yipping and showing some teeth. (No eyes or ears or nose--just a mouth with teeth!)
"AhHA! This is luckstone on ring--out! Out you gettum!" the bouncer growls, kicking the man in the butt. The man wants his ring back. The bouncer shows all his teeth in a smile that is NOT friendly.
"You wantum ring..? Okay--you gettum ring..!" The bouncer tosses the ring, but it falls short of the man. "Fluffy--Go GETTUM!!!" The bouncer points at the man--and one of the puffballs bounces off the pedestal and after the fleeing would-be cheater...all teeth and fluff! The pair disappear out the exit and out of sight.
"And don't gettum you back!" the half-orc yells after them. The bouncer goes on to the next customer, and--while that one assures the bouncer that they also do not have "bad magic", Fluffy bounces back in and onto its pedestal, burping.
Soon it is your turn to fork over your gold piece and be asked by the bouncer whether or not you all "gottum any bad magic..?" Fluffy and the other puffball take this opportunity to stir slightly, smacking their maws.
Meanwhile, the disguised Hobbes sees a half-elf male roughly his own height exit the back door of the casino. If Hobbes still intends to try to enter the casino through the back door, then he must make a Disguise check that will be compared to the NPC's skill to Spot the deception.
Hobbes d20+14=27 Wednesday September 18th, 2002 1:52:50 PM
Hobbes studies his target succinctly and with the hat's help is able to adjust his features to look like the half-elf. Through a little practice, he gets his walk correct and approaches the door...then knocks as he saw others knock before.
[Disguise check 27]
Renik d20+7=22 Wednesday September 18th, 2002 4:49:10 PM
Silently cursing his lack of foresight Renik approaches the bouncer and says smoothly "Greetings good sir! Now I do have in my possession two items that may (if one were to be harsh about it) be construed as "bad magic".
He displays his Gloves of Dexterity and Shades of Bluffing, though he gives no further details as to their natures.
"In truth it had entirely slipped my mind that these items (which I find convenient in my line of work) might prove unwelcome at your establishment. The fault is entirely mine, and I apologise humbly for it. Therefore I will be glad to seal them within this pouch, and swear upon my honour as a trader, guildsman and gentleman not to make use of them within your fair establishment, upon pain of ejection and permenant barring." (Bluff 22: Shades bonus not included!)
Should the bouncer insist upon holding the items at the door, Renik will begrudgingly agree, though he will ask for a reciept.
Draax (disguised as Fenian) Wednesday September 18th, 2002 8:24:18 PM
The disguised half-elven warrior steps up to the bouncer. "Bad magic? No bad magic here." Draax waits until he is given permission to enter.
Arien Thursday September 19th, 2002 2:49:49 AM
Arien pays the gold piece cover charge and proceeds to the bouncer. "I don't believe I have anything that would constitute bad magic. However if I do have something your two friends here would object to I would gladly seal it in a bag for the time that I am within this establishment."
((OOC: Well its official, my old computer is dead, thats why I've been missing since last Wednesday. So I've got a new, and better one now.))
Barco (Bill) Thursday September 19th, 2002 3:25:38 AM
As the gnome steps up, he says, "Waell, this is the first time I've been here. Got some magic. Don't know the rules. Tell me if it's good or bad. But if you send your furballs after me, nobody'll be happy. We unnerstand each other? You figure it's bad, I'll take it out. I aim to play by the rules - but I don't even know the rules, yet. 'kay?"
Admittance! (DM Donna) d20=19 Thursday September 19th, 2002 6:44:14 AM
At the front door, the half-orc bouncer eyes the disguised Renik as he presents the gloves and shades. The bouncer then eyes Fluffy and friend. Neither of the puffballs seem to react.
"Is okay--you gottum good magic," the bouncer says to Renik, "Bad magic changes odds--makes dice fall funny--stuffum like that. One gold piece and you go play."
Anyone making either a Knowledge (arcana) check or an Intelligence check versus DC10 instantly realizes that the "bad magic" being sought are items that can allow a person to cheat at the games being played in the casino...even those items that can shift the odds into a player's favor (like that luckstone ring the ousted man was trying to sneak inside.)
The bouncer uses the fuzzballs to scan for items like this--anyone who willingly submits to a search and possesses any items like this will have the items confiscated, but the bouncer does, indeed, issue receipts for the items. He also collects that one gold piece cover charge from each of you before allowing you through the door.
The Emporium is a nice, classy kind of establishment with wagering of all types allowed here. As you come in through the door, you can see there's a bar and a restaraunt area to your immediate right, as well as a bard platform where a band plays for the entertainment of all (it's located in the northeastern corner of the place.) And, of course, games of all kinds: dice, roulette, cards, "magic matchers" which resemble slot machines--there's even firebeetle races. The odds of winning any game vary with whatever the gamblers pick to play, but (being a casino, of course!) the odds always favor the house.
Meanwhile, in the rear:
Hobbes knocks on the door. The peephole opens and a pair of dark eyes blink at him.
"Farol..?" a gruff male voice asks. "What are doing back already." Hobbes coughs his readied answer, but the eyes stare at him for a long moment...then the sound of a bolt being shot back can be heard.
"Come on, ya puddin' head!" the darkskinned doorman beckons the disguised cleric inside. "You'd forget your head if'n it weren't attached to your shoulders!"
Hobbes is admitted into the space, which is a ten-foot-by-ten-foot room with only one other door. There's a tall stool next to the exit that Hobbes was just admitted through.
"Well, g'wan...I'm busy..!" the doorman growls, sitting on the stool once more and pulling out a scroll that he unfurls and begins reading with great interest.
Going through the other door will bring Hobbes into a very large, VERY busy kitchen. The kitchen is roughly 40 feet long by about 20 feet deep; there are double doors that lead directly north--probably to the dining area of the establishment. There is a wide single door that leads west. The single door is closer to the doorway that Hobbes now stands in.
Renik d20+8=22 Thursday September 19th, 2002 5:56:59 PM
Renik looks around, taking in the sights. Well, there is certainly money to be made here; and lost.
Well, they are here, he thinks to himself. Now what?
As he watches the bustle of activity he wonders if perhaps the token is a false lead. And yet it was the only thing the attackers had with them, other than their combat gear... it has to signify something...
He wanders over to a nearby game, and under the guise of sizing it up as a game to join he studies the tokens in play for signs of difference to the one they have (Spot 22). Perhaps it is a marker of some kind, a way of identifying...
A sudden thought pops into the rogue's head. Nudging his nearest companion he says in a low voice, "You don't think that token might be a pass to the back door, do you?"
Feng d20=17 Thursday September 19th, 2002 6:01:18 PM
Feng sees nothing of interest on the gaming floor. If they weren't here on business then he wouldn't be here at all. The burly half-orc makes his way over to the bar and takes a seat in the middle. He tries to ignore the sounds of gambling and concentrates on those talking around him. Hopefully any parties involved either ignore the half orc and speak of private matters in hushed tones [Listen check 17]. Or the second option is that somebody will recognize him and send some guys to deal with the situation.
Barco the Gnome (Bill) Thursday September 19th, 2002 9:28:16 PM
"Dunno, Nornan," Barco answers. "But I'm gonna try this wheel thingee." He finds a stool of suitable height, and joins in the roulette table, experimentally placing a gold piece on black for the next spin. He closes his eyes for a moment as the wheel and ball move in counterrotation.
'The messenger had the token. Perhaps his contact is here. Let's sit and learn before we take any action,' Renik (aka Nornan) 'hears' telepathically.
He opens his eyes to see where the ball lands.
Fenian (Draax) d20+3=17 Thursday September 19th, 2002 10:26:12 PM
In his guise as Fenian the human, Draax walks around the Emporium as if he is trying to decide which game to play. He tries to locate any exits other than the door they entered and also takes notice of the positions of the visible security in the place (spot check 17).
Roger d20+9=23 d20+9=14 Friday September 20th, 2002 2:26:20 PM
Doing his best to hide outside for the time being. Roger does his best just to watch the comings and goings of the patrons of the emporium.
(Hide 23 and Move Silently 14)
Casing the Casino (DM Donna) d2=1 d20+4=7 d20-4=10 Monday September 23rd, 2002 2:28:58 AM
From what Renik can tell, the token that he has is the same as the others that are being used for the majority of the games here--he can see that some of the patrons opt to feed their tokens into the magic matchers and pull the levers of the devices, while others place tokens on the various spaces near the roulette wheels.
Feng finds that the bartender is a bit busy with some patrons at one end of the bar, but one of the barmaids on duty comes over to him: a smiling halfling maid with curly red hair and sparkling green eyes.
"Greetings, sir!" she says in a sincere voice. "I'm Lacey--whatever food or drink you require is my pleasure to get for you..." She stands hopefully by him, expecting an order. All Feng overhears at the moment is people either discussing whether the cards are luckier than the dice and various "systems" about wagering.
Barco (Bill) finds that his gold is immediately exchanged for 10 tokens. Since the "gnome" leaves all of them there once the ball is in play, he is rewarded with another 10 because the roulette wheel comes up on 19 Black.
"Very good luck there, sir!" the spinner says, pushing 20 tokens Barco's way. "Will the winner let it ride, or take a chance on the 5-to-1 payoff for a lucky number..?"
The security people are many and easy for Fenian (Draax) to pick out of the crowd. They range from fighter types to a few spellcasters, but they aren't necessarily out of line for working in a classy casino.
Outside the front entrance of Elmo's, Roger notices that--as the day wanes--the influx of customers into the joint gets a bit heavier.
And--in the kitchen of the casino--one of the busy cooks nearly runs into the disguised Hobbes.
"Farol, move your lardbutt, willya?" the peeved help snaps. "I gotta get these nuts restocked!" The half-elf glares at Hobbes, expecting him to move. (OOC: failed to overcome Hobbes' Disguise check of 27.)
Barco the gnome (Bill T) d20+18=24 Monday September 23rd, 2002 2:42:02 PM
"I won? Bowko-wowko!" Barco pulls back fourteen tokens, and places four on the five-to-one payoff spot, and two on the green double-zero (32-to-1? or whatever). "I'm new at this, so I wanna go slow," he answers the spinner, memorizing his (or her) face as he looks up (Autohypnosis 24). He also takes the time as he plays to look around the room to see who else is there, and get a feel for the patterns of movement - who watches whom. He does so with an open, guileless face, as though marveling at the wonders of so many games to play. He steels himself to not let his eyes linger long on the halfling waitress he sees talking with Feng. Green eyes. Oh!
Feng Monday September 23rd, 2002 3:05:22 PM
Feng looks at the halfling, "Well Lacey I'd like some chicken and a pint of Ale." Feng reaches into a pouch and flips her a gold piece. "That should take care of everything."
Renik (Nornan) Monday September 23rd, 2002 3:17:33 PM
"Hey-heey! Wardd is with you tonight, Barco!" grins the disguised rogue, slapping Bill gently on the back.
He watches to see how the next bet goes with considerable interest.
Roger Tuesday September 24th, 2002 5:08:52 AM
Roger continues to watch from outside the emporium. Hoping that he might notice something that might help out with the current situation.
Hobbes d20+8=21 d20+8=14 Tuesday September 24th, 2002 6:03:50 AM
Hobbes (as Ferol) shrugs his shoulders with a dim look at the gruff bouncer and as the man turns his back and reads his scroll, Hobbes steals a glance at it as he turns to open the door. [21 Spot] He walks through and closes the door behind him. In the kitchen he drifts cautiously through as the half-elf trying to see anything or anyone that might be a connection to either Ferol or the poisoned man. [Spot 14] And indeed he almost runs into one of them. He grins apologetically and meekly steps out of the way of the nut-carrying halfelf.
"Hmmm, tis a good sign," Hobbes ponders, "This Ferol was either a stockperson like this one perhaps ...or a cook. I'll wander some more...now, could THAT be the employee's changing area?"
He steps aside of the halfelf, lightly smiling and politely nodding his head to him, then walks toward the wide single door to the left and goes on through.
Casino Night (DM Donna) d100=11 d100=15 d20=14 Tuesday September 24th, 2002 8:03:17 AM
Barco's observations note the spinner's face (human female), as well as very well-trained casino operators, but there is nothing dishonest about any of what he sees (as Renik's casing has also confirmed). The wheel spins--and stops on red 15. Oooo--and Barco's number had been red 11! The spinner commiserates with cheerful empathy as she rakes in the all the losing bets and congratulates those players who won as she pays out. Then she urges everyone to take another chance on this wheel of fortune--bet black or red, a specific number...or even on the 100-to-1 longshot of 00 coming up on the wheel..! Take a chance, take a chance...
"Today's special is roast chicken, sir," Lacey says, "Fresh from the spit--skin-crisp, medium or well done..?" The nimble halfling catches the gold piece in mid-air, grinning as she pockets the coin. (OOC: skin-crisp means that only the skin of the chicken is really cooked, the rest of the meat is practically raw.)
OUTSIDE: Roger sees that the flow of customers into the casino increases as the night grows older.
IN THE KITCHEN: The kitchen staff continues to scurry about the area, yelling and hollering orders for food and drinks and order's up and all manner of things while Hobbes slips off to that single door.
Hobbes finds himself in a relatively quieter part of the casino--definitely not part of the public areas. It's a long hallway that has four doors spaced down one side...there's an open doorway immediately opposite him that Hobbes can see leads to a large pantry/food storage area that obviously augments the kitchen. The other three doors--further down the hallway--all have wooden doors closed in the frames.
Feng Tuesday September 24th, 2002 6:21:34 PM
Feng thinks for a moment. "Medium will do. I'm not one to eat things almost raw or struggle through overcooked."
Fenian (Draax) Tuesday September 24th, 2002 10:24:54 PM
Fenian looks around the place not sure what he is looking for, but hopes that he will recognize a clue if one presents itself. Looking over at Barco playing one of the games of chance, the disguise warrior decides that he might as well do a little gambling before he starts looking out of place. He exchanges 2 gold pieces for tokens and walks over to one of the magic matchers and begins to put the tokens in the machine one token at a time. He waits until a waiter/waitress walks by and orders a drink. When his drink is brought to him Fenian says to the employee, "Are there any job openings in the Emporium and are they hiring. If they are, who do I need to talk to?"
Renik d20+2=3 Wednesday September 25th, 2002 5:51:37 AM
Renik looks around, but for the life of him acn't think of what to do next. (Int check 3 (nat 1!) This is just a dead end, he thinks to himself. Better by far that they concentrate on Balentyne.
He smiles as he recalls the previous breakins.
Hobbes Wednesday September 25th, 2002 9:07:26 PM
Hobbes walks down the hall casually and purposefully, checking each door as he passes it to see if anything (a sign perhaps) is written there to tell him where the doors lead. He does not go in any of them.
Roger Thursday September 26th, 2002 2:04:49 PM
Roger tries his best to see if any of the incoming patrons is either one of the two people that he thinks is connected with all this the priest or Lord Balentyne. Continuing to be discreet and moving around the gaming building Roger looks over the building for any little detail.
Barco (Bill) Thursday September 26th, 2002 7:20:24 PM
Barco lays a single token on #42. "Same odds as double aught, I assume?"
As he sits at the roulette table, he chats up the spinner a bit, asking her how long she's worked at Elmo's, and whether she oversees the other games. He asks for her recommendation for what else to play. He also gives a rough description of the fellow he claims let him know about Elmo's. "Didn't get his name, though. Sound familiar to you?" He described the facial features of the man they met next to the Golden Arena - without telling her anything about when, where or how he met him. "He a regular here, or somethin'? Maybe you don't know him. Say, who makes these roulette wheels, anyhow?" In his role as a gnome, Barco takes a decided interest in the construction of the wheel, looking underneath to see if that shows him anything. "This thing have ball bearings?" he inquires.
Still In The Casino (DM Donna) d100=96 d100=30 d20=3 Friday September 27th, 2002 7:21:20 AM
Lacey nods at Feng.
"Very good, sir--I'll be back in a jiffy..!" the pretty halfling waitress hustles off. It's only a few minutes later when she returns with a plate of roasted chicken (mmm! mmm! smells great with that herb rub on it!) and a metal tankard of ale, which she puts down in front of Feng with a smile and a query whether this would be all..?
Fenian's machine comes up with five matching unicorn heads, and the tokens come avalanching out into the jackpot receptacle at the bottom front of the machine--he now has 25 tokens! Instantly a pretty half-elf female casino aide appears and gives Fenian a large cup to hold his winnings, relaying the drink order to a wandering waiter and telling the winner that all applications for employment are accepted during the daytime hours--just go around to the back door of Elmo's, knock and tell the person who answers the door that you're looking for a job.
The spinner assures Barco that the odds for hitting 00 remain the same, and spins the wheel for a result of black 30. She commiserates with Barco and pays off the lucky few who bet on black. She has been at the casino for about a year; she started as a barmaid and worked her way to being the spinner at the wheel; so far she hasn't been assigned to oversee any of the other games yet.
When Barco describes the murdered stranger, the spinner's face grows thoughtful.
"You know--that sounds like one of the waiters here..." she says, "...but I don't know all of them very well these days--being a spinner now and all--but...hey, I bet Lacey can tell you about him--she's that redhead with the half-orc over there..." The spinner gestures toward where Feng is now being served his chicken and ale by the female halfling.
IN THE HALLWAY: Hobbes sees no signage or identifying marks on any of the doors, and the one furthest down the hall is the only one that isn't locked.
OUTSIDE: Roger continues to keep watch, but sees nobody that he can recognize, either friend or foe. The only thing he notices is that Hobbes is no longer hanging around in the back of the building.
Hobbes d20+8=23 Friday September 27th, 2002 8:11:38 PM
Hobbes casually enters each of the first two rooms mostly just to see what they are, paying particular attention to objects therein where employees might have left personal belongings. After that he goes back down the hall and, when the hall is devoid of people, knocks quietly on the locked door. (Loud enough for those inside to hear it).
If there is no answer, he waits for the hall to be clear again and then waves his hands quickly and succinctly uttering "Gog' Blunkam Da!" and in an instant he is transported inside the room on the other side of the door. Once inside, if it is dark he utters, "Sunnal Eiey!" and lights his holy symbol up keeping it on his chest in front of him as to block as much light as possible. He quickly scouts the room and its belongings.
[The first spell is dimension door, followed by light. Spot check 23 to see things I may want to see.]
Renik d20+12=31 Saturday September 28th, 2002 6:29:31 AM
Renik has all but given up hope when he hears Barco's line of questioning bear possible fruit. So their contact worked here?
Slipping on his shades he moves over to where Feng is being served and, not acknowledging that he knows the big half orc, flashes a dazzling white smile at the waitress.
"Excuse me my dear, ah, it's Lacey isn't it? A pleasure to make your acquaintance, dear lady." He bows and kisses her hand. "I wonder if you might be able to help me? It's regarding a fellow who I believe works here..." and he describes the stranger as best he is able.
He attempts to engage the halfling waitress in cheerful, flirtatious banter, keeping his motives vague, but attempting to extract as much information about the fellow as he is able from the waitress (Bluff (flirt) 31). His eyes never leave hers as she speaks.
Fenian (Draax) Sunday September 29th, 2002 7:13:57 PM
Fenian smiles at the half-elven casino aide, "Thank you for the cup, for relaying the drink order, and for the employment information. One more question and I will let you get back to work and I will see if this machine can bare more fruit and who knows, if it bares enough I might not have to enquire about that job (smiles). My question is, I know the place is called Elmo's, but who is the owner or is Elmo the name of the owner?"
He waits for an answer before going back to feeding the machine. He takes notice of how the employees move around the place and guesses what each employee's job might be. He wonders if the connection to the casino that they are looking for is Marcus' or Balentyne's. With all the money that passes through the place he can see the connection to Balentyne, but he is sure that Marcus had some extra income also. Fenian sighs as he realizes that without any proof all this speculating is getting him nowhere. He wonders if the others are getting any information.
Barco (Bill) d100=60 d100=26 d20+6=13 Monday September 30th, 2002 2:48:28 AM
Since Renik appears to be on a roll, Bill smiles inwardly. Barco lays down a bet to cover 56-60 and another one for 26-30, one token each. "One in twenty odds, each. Right?" he asks. Meanwhile, he works on eavesdropping on the Renik/Lacey conversation (listen 13).
The Jackpot That Counts (DM Donna) d20+3=5 d100=56 d20=4 d100=57 Monday September 30th, 2002 6:55:16 AM
Renik engages Lacey in flirtatious dialogue, and the experienced waitress finds herself smiling in spite of herself. She tells Renik that Tezo is a nice guy! He's polite to everyone (not just the tipping customers) and very reliable. He isn't at work tonight, though, which is very unusual. However, she DID have to cover for him about a month ago when he got a visit from his cousin Mark. Tezo begged Lacey to cover for him, left the casino for about an hour and came back. Ever since then, Tezo has been a lot less likely to join the staff for after-work gatherings. Perhaps his cousin Mark is proving to be more of a handful than Tezo can manage..?
(OOC: Marcus dropped out of sight about a month ago.)
The casino aide speaking to Fenian tells him that the original casino owner/operator was Elmo, but he died about three years ago or so, and now Mrs. Elmo owns the casino. She's insistent that everyone in the casino--customer and employee alike--must play fair and never cheat. The magic matcher doesn't match the next time that Fenian pulls the lever, however.
Barco's token on the 56-60 box returns 20 tokens as red 56 is the result of the next spin! And--sharp as the halfling spy's hearing may be--his Listen check does not overcome the DC25 that exists due to being at least 70 feet away in a noisy casino. He can see, however, that Lacey seems to be VERY cooperative with Renik, if the charmed smile on her face is anything to judge by.
IN THE BACK OF THE CASINO: (OOC: the previous post stated that two of the three doors are locked, while the door that was furthest away from Hobbes is the unlocked one. I'm assuming that Hobbes is going to open the unlocked door first.) The unlocked door leads to a small room (about fifteen feet square) that has four chairs lined up against a wall and a desk with a pretty young human woman sitting at it, next to which is a door opposite the one that Hobbes has just opened. She looks up from the paper she is scribing when Hobbes opens the door.
"Farol?" she asks, puzzled. "What are you still doing here? I thought you couldn't wait to get some sleep..?"
OUTSIDE THE CASINO: Roger can only see that the casino is still a very popular place for people to come, but no one person catches his eye.
Feng Monday September 30th, 2002 12:49:53 PM
Feng starts eating his roasted chicken. He devours the chicken, though neatly. Feng watches his surroundings for something interesting. He would probably have to wait for something to happen. If the man who hired the assasins was here, it would take time to deal with the situation. That's if he was here.
Arien Monday September 30th, 2002 3:29:55 PM
Arien listens in on Renik's conversation with the waitress from nearby, filing away the information for later. Arien wonders to himself about any connection of Mark to Marcus.
Renik d20+12=24 d20+4=8 Monday September 30th, 2002 5:35:39 PM
"Tezo is lucky man to have so fine a friend as you!" winks the rogue, though behind his smile he feels a sudden tug of guilt and sorrow, knowing Lacey's fine friend is dead.
He continues to chat in a friendly manner, gathering any other snippets that he can without attracting undue suspicion (Gather Info 8).
Kim OOC Monday September 30th, 2002 7:00:32 PM [OOC: Guys - remember - Tezo is technically not dead. He is in a coma. Hobbes & Bill discovered it, and Morphia confirmed it. -Kim]
(OOC: Oops! Good point Kim! Thanks! -Carl)
Fenian (Draax) Monday September 30th, 2002 9:46:01 PM
Feeling that he has gotten no imperative information, the disguised warrior decides to enjoy himself playing the game until it is time to go or he see something that catches his attention. He figures that maybe he will find out something when everyone puts their information together.
Barco (Bill) Tuesday October 1st, 2002 12:57:45 AM
"Hey-hey! Binko-winko!" Barco exults at hitting one of his bets. "Better quit this while I'm ahead. Thanks, dearie," he says to the spinner, leaving her a five token tip, and collecting the rest of his winnings, which he holds in the tail of the shirt he untucks.
He waddles over to join his friend Renik. "Hey, Nornan. Hi, mistress Lacey." His thumb points over his shoulder back in the general direction of the roulette table. "She told me your name. Call me Barco. 'M new here at Elmo's. Nice place." He jingles the shirt-held assemblage of gaming tokens to show Nornan. "Looky what I won here. Hit it big!" Then, returning his attention to Lacey, he asks, "Say, you got some of them salty potato fries here, with some of that saucy tomato dip? Could really go for somethin' like that right now. And a good gnomish yellow ale, if'n they're available. I think I can afford it tonight!" he cackles with delight.
Inside, he's thinking how much he'd rather meet Lacey as himself, rather than playing a gnomish rube. Ah, well. Then, quickly as he thinks this, he tells his psycrystal, William, that he is not to communicate this thought to anyone else. 'Understand, my brave little friend?'
When she is gone to take the order, Bill asks Renik telepathically, 'So, learn anything, Mr. Smooth?' He wonders if Renik is irritated at him for interrupting his pleasant conversation.
William the PsiCrystal Tuesday October 1st, 2002 9:10:06 AM
The little gem glows a gentle pink at Bill's thoughts.
"Never to be repeated! Of course, mighty Bill! Perish the thought!"
Is that an uncharacteristicaly mischievous undertone in William's telepathic voice?
Roger Tuesday October 1st, 2002 12:03:58 PM
Roger continues his scanning of the crowd and begins to relax a little bit. Knowing that it takes time to gather information, Roger wanders around a bit in the square, just to return every so many minutes in case he's needed.
Hobbes Tuesday October 1st, 2002 9:16:19 PM
[OOC: You are correct, Donna, I misread the post. I thought it said that only the last door was locked.]
As Hobbes is greeted by the female voice and her retort of sleeping, he blinks sleepily at the woman and nods. He then inquisitively looks toward the opposite door and points to it. He turns his head toward her, still pointing at the door inquisitively and lets out a big yawn.
He awaits her response.
Casino Conclusions (DM Donna) d100=69 d100=30 d100=91 d20=10 Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 6:59:56 AM
Renik continues to talk to Lacey, whose friendly responses yield even more information: Tezo lives in a rooming house provided by Mrs. Elmo, the casino's owner. Lacey gives clear directions to the modest building, which is actually only a couple of streets south of the casino itself. Tezo lives in Room 303.
Feng and Arien easily overhear this information for themselves. (And that chicken & ale are most excellent, by the way!)
Fenian loses another two tokens in the magic matcher, but the little windows in the machine match up five portraits of grapes on his third attempt, hooting until the casino aide comes over to reset the machine.
"Congratulations, sir," she says, presenting Fenian with a full wineskin, "You've won a container of Cinnamon Valley Merlot!"
Lacey beams Barco a genuine smile, nodding and fetching the potatoes-and-tangy-sauce combo for the garrulous gnome. The order (including the drink) comes to 1sp--the equivalent of one of Elmo's tokens.
OUTSIDE THE CASINO: Roger continues to cool his heels without any specific customers catching his attention.
IN THE BACK OF THE CASINO: The woman at the desk rolls her eyes at "Farol".
"Of course she's in!" the woman says in an exasperated voice. "But Hektre is with her, and they're going over last month's books...it's going to take them another hour at least..!" She shakes her sandy head and bends over her paper again, returning to her scribing.
"You oughtta wait until before your next shift--Mrs. Elmo is a lot more likely to be able to see you then..."
Renik Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 5:30:51 PM
Well, a solid lead perhaps? They have an address, perhaps a swift search of the comatose victim's property might turn up some more clues. Renik makes eye contact with Feng and Arien, and indicates that perhaps they have learned as much here as they can by glancing towards the door.
Hobbes Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 7:20:10 PM
Hobbes pulls his finger back sadly, shrugs. Resolved, he smiles politely, waves a hand bye to her and lets himself back out the door.
Back in the hall he breathes a sigh of relief, then makes his way to the first locked door in the hall. He knocks on it quickly and softly. If there is no answer, he goes to the other door with the same thing. If there is an answer at either door he will try to get in by miming he lost his key. After briefly discovering what's in the room he will leave it.
After that, Hobbes gets an idea. If he can't get into either room, he goes back through the kitchen nonchalantly and goes through the other door into the dining area and eventually into the casino. What he is looking for, or rather, WHO he is looking for, is Arien, but any of his companions or their recent disguises will do.
Fenian (Draax) Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 11:34:35 PM
Fenian smiles, showing genuine surprise at receiving the full wineskin as his winning. He looks around to see if the others are still about. He decides to wait 10 minutes after the last of his comrades leave before he departs himself.
Feng Thursday October 3rd, 2002 4:24:36 PM
Feng stands up and steps back away from the bar. He gives Lacey a polite nod before taking a walk around the casino. Appearing to be dissatisfied with the games, Feng leaves out the front. Once outside he walks away from the casino and looks for the others.
Arien Thursday October 3rd, 2002 4:38:49 PM
Arien replies to Renik with a minute nod of his head and also quickly glances towards the door. He quickly scans the crowd before casually getting up and heading for the door.
Roger Friday October 4th, 2002 5:27:45 AM
Roger hopes his companions are safe for the time being. Roger continues to mull over what could be going on with Marcus, Balentyne and the priest of Ga'al.
In Conclusion (DM Donna) Friday October 4th, 2002 7:06:12 AM
Renik manages to give everyone the high sign to depart--even Hobbes, who receives odd looks from various staff members for going out into the casino proper. Cashing in the assorted tokens, the party finds that each is redeemed for a silver piece. Once outside and in a relatively private area, everyone manages to compare notes and come up with their next destination: Tezo's room at the boarding house.
It is early evening by the time the Hamleteers arrive at the old clapboard building. The streetlights are aglow and there aren't nearly as many people about here as there were by Elmo's. Taking some time to observe the area, the party can tell that they can easily enter the building without raising suspicion at all.
Renik d20+15=18 d20+25=29 d20+5=10 Saturday October 5th, 2002 4:46:29 PM
"Well, my friends, everything seems to be safe. Unless anyone objects, I say we take a quick look around."
Assuming there are no objections the rogue makes his way into the building, ensuring as he does so that he is unheard and unobserved (Move Silent 18, Hide 29).
Once inside he scans the room quickly (Search 10), looking for anything that might offer a further clue as to the young man's relationship with Marcus, or any indication that others have beaten them to the search.
Not Seen, Not Heard...and Not Alone! (DM Donna) Sunday October 6th, 2002 6:54:12 AM
Renik manages to recon the location of Tezo's room--but he sees that there are several people inside Room 303...all of them dressed in dark clothes and ransacking the place!
(OOC: The door to Room 303 is open, revealing at least half a dozen people poking through the various containers and furnishings of the front 15'x15' room--there is another door opposite the entry door. It, too, is open and a ransacked bedroom can be glimpsed through it.)
Renik d20+15=30 d20+25=42 d20+7=19 d20+2=13 Sunday October 6th, 2002 4:19:15 PM
The rogue signals urgently to his companions. "My friends, someone has beaten us to it! Before we attack, let us think on this; this may present us with an opportunity to steal a march upon our enemies. We may learn more through subtlety and subterfuge than through combat. Let me attempt to observe them and find out what they are looking for before we attack. They may let some useful information slip. It might even prove beneficial to tail them back to their HQ? Boss, unless you have any objections I'll go in up front to gather intelligence. Come a-running if you hear me call out! I say attack them when they leave, if we attack at all. That way we can ambush them, and I'll be in a position to hit them from behind."
Assuming Rond and the others do not object, Renik slips away from the group, creeps up to the doorway, and attempts to get as close as possible to the black-clad burglars without being observed (Move Silent 30, Hide 42), slipping into the apartment itself if possible.
Once he has located a suitable hiding place (one which looks like it has already been searched!) he does his best to eavesdrop on the crooks, and determine exactly what it is they are looking for (Listen 19, Int 13).
Draax Monday October 7th, 2002 12:54:45 AM
Upon hearing Renik's report about the group ransacking the room, Draax's first instinct is to go in and attack them while the group has the advantage. Listening to the rogue's idea Draax remembers that the most important thing is to get information about Marcus. He also reminds himself that they have no idea who these guys are. He can guess that they are the bad guys, but breaking in and searching the room does not make the group evil, especially since the group beat him and his comrades to the punch.
Draax nods his head in agreement with Renik's plan and waits to see if it is approved. "Do we have the means to make you invisible? You might be able to get closer and maybe more information."
Hobbes Monday October 7th, 2002 2:11:15 AM
Hobbes remains behind at Elmo's trying to enlist Arien and Bill to assist him in seeing what's in the other locked doors. Some Invisibility and Lock-opening spells would surely help, he explains, trying not to seem obvious.
Rond Monday October 7th, 2002 4:01:07 AM
Looking at Bill briefly Rond softly comments, "Can William help out with this in any way? You know the usual stuff, and can he do anything to mark or follow these cutpurses?"
Barco (Bill) Monday October 7th, 2002 6:45:26 AM
When Hobbes asks Bill to stay behind at Elmo's, Barco declines. Telepathically, the disguised Hobbes 'hears' these words: 'I think it best we stick together. Happy to help you later on this, though. Let's go together now.'
"Yes, Rond. William, you'll stick with Rond for now, okay? I'll head in for surveillance with Renik, and you can relay what I'm telling you about to our friends outside. Capiche?" He gives William ectoplasmic limbs, so that, should the need arise, the psicrystal has his own motive power.
All within sixty feed of Rond, and therefore William, will be able to pick up on the psicrystal's telepathic news updates. That is, all in that area whom William chooses to tell.
Barco (Bill) disappears. (Invisibility.) Via William, people hear that Bill plans to join in the reconnaissance. He flies in, following Renik, but staying near the ceiling, in order to learn what the room ransackers are up to.
William the Psicrystal Monday October 7th, 2002 11:32:40 AM "Capiche, Mighty Bill. Prepare yourselves, stalwart companions!" pipes William. "I shall relay unto you the observations of the fearless Bill Troublefinder (Esq.) as he braves the very jaws of death for our noble cause! Is he not masterful? Is he not wise? Is he not... Sorry Mighty Bill, what was that? Oh. Well, if you insist..."
The crystal's eulogy comes to a sulky halt, as he awaits Bill's words to relay to the others.
The Conversation (DM Donna) Monday October 7th, 2002 2:15:17 PM
Hobbes is with the rest of the party, who are all just outside the boarding house except for Renik and Bill, who are each directly eavesdropping on the ransackers inside the building. The conversation they manage to overhear in spite of the fact that it is whispered has most of the mysterious people checking in with one specific guy. His reply is VERY interesting:
"...all clear..? Good! We can tell Balentyne that nobody can possibly find any clues about Marcus now! Let's go..!"
The group moves to exit the room and, presumably, the building itself...
Feng Monday October 7th, 2002 3:55:58 PM
The burly half-orc waits outside with the others, his axe gripped lightly in his hands. "It's good that we didn't attack. More than likely there was nothing in the apartment. Now maybe we can learn something from the men."
Arien Monday October 7th, 2002 4:55:57 PM
"Hmm, Balentyne again, I say we take out these guys and then disguise ourselves as them, go to Balentyne's home and then, when we get in;" Arien concludes his statement by simply punching one hand with the other lightly. "If that is suitable might I suggest we spread out a bit, after all this is a decent place to spring a trap, and I wouldn't want one of my spells to hit the wrong person. Also, we might want to have William relay our intentions to Bill and Renik. Being attacked from all sides at once should keep this quick, clean and quiet."
Renik Monday October 7th, 2002 5:00:43 PM
The Rogue grits his teeth. These hoods were not searching for clues; they were removing them! This is far, far worse than they thought; Marcus is obviously in the hands of Balentyne!
His mind works fast; if these men were removing evidence then perhaps they should attack now, try to get their hands on that evidence. If they manage to take out the whole team, they may even be able to use their identities to infiltrate the Baron's lair.
But if any should escape their attack, they are as good as handing Marcus his death sentence, assuming he isn't dead already. Perhaps following these men back to wherever they have Marcus holed up is a more prudent plan...
The decision rests with Rond, and he holds his position, awaiting orders.
Barco (Bill) (Invisible, Flying, & Blinking) Monday October 7th, 2002 5:54:21 PM
Bill mentally relays what he sees and hears to William, for him to pass on to those outside.
And he suggests telepathically to Renik, allowing William to transmit to the rest, "Let's get 'em on the stairs,' as they are up on the third floor [I assume - room 303 and all]. 'Renik and I'll take them from behind. You take them from below. Rond, whisper to William if this plan is a go.' He keeps his eyes and ears on the leader, and looks for Marcus-related evidence perhaps carried by one or more of the black-clad men.
Bill also starts blinking.
Draax Tuesday October 8th, 2002 1:36:07 AM
Draax stands ready as he looks at Rond to see if the team will go with the plan that was relayed telepathically or if Rond has a plan of his own.
Rond Tuesday October 8th, 2002 3:10:32 AM
He grinds his teeth as he realizes that the group is going to encounter Balentyne. Wondering at the gall of Balentyne, Rond is sure there is going to be a reckoning sometime in the future.
Rond nods his head at Barco's suggestion to hit the group from the steps. Hoping William picks up his thought Rond thinks, "Let's see if we can setup a complete ambush. Rond and Arien to intercept or hide at the base of the steps. Once we've been engaged by the exiting group, Barco and Renik come in from the behind. Once we see whether they have any other skills, everyone else come to the base of the steps." (ooc should be draax and feng)
"Any other ideas let me know via William while we set up."
Kim to all, OOC, re: telepathy Tuesday October 8th, 2002 3:22:43 AM [OOC: Todd, and all, Bill has explained before to Rond and the others that in order to communicate with William, you have to talk out loud. Rond does not possess telepathy, and William is not, save in the case of Bill, a mind reader. William's telepathic communication is bidirectional with Bill. The psicrystal can telepathically tell Rond & the others things - unidirectionally. To answer, they must speak aloud. Don't ask me how, but psicrystals can hear. That's why I had Bill saying via Wm, 'Rond, whisper to William if this plan is a go.' So, I'm going to assume Rond spoke, rather than attempting telepathy himself.]
Barco (Bill) (Invisible, Flying, & Blinking) - Tactical reply Tuesday October 8th, 2002 3:26:25 AM
Relayed via William: 'Rond, I'd like to take a bunch of the guys in back on the steps - just as the ones in the lead open the door. I need to shape my attack so I don't catch you in it. Oh, skills. Well, um, they are skilled at searching rooms and making a mess. All I can tell for sure right now.' He gives a physical description of the man who appears to be the leader.
Poof, Gone..! (DM Donna) Tuesday October 8th, 2002 6:23:33 AM
The surreptitious burglars group at the door that exits Room 303...and close the door. Bill sees the man everyone else was checking in with pull out some sort of scroll and read off a spell...(If Bill makes a Knowledge [Arcana/Psionics] check versus DC15, he realizes with a drop of his stoic halfling heart that the man's reading off a group Teleport spell!)
POOF!
The group is gone.
Renik Tuesday October 8th, 2002 3:03:52 PM
"No!"
As the group vanish Renik emerges from his hiding place, swords in hand. He swings furiously at the spot just vacated by his enemies, frustration getting the better of him.
"Now what? We have no way of tracking them, and they have taken any clues to Marcus' whereabouts with them. Curses!" He kicks at an overturned chair, then makes an effort to calm himself, rights it and sits down.
"Well, my friend," he says to the thin air, addressing his comments to the invisible Bill Troublefinder floating above him. "I think we only have one route left open to us. We must strike at Balentyne's home, as we did before. Only this time we do more than gather information. First we need to try and work out where they are holding Marcus. And then we need to put an end to Balentyne and his cronies once and for all."
Barco / Bill (Invisible, Flying, & Blinking) (Teleported, or Clairvoying/Clairauditing) d20+18=29 d20+18=33 Tuesday October 8th, 2002 6:10:54 PM
As he observes the group gathering together, keeping his eyes on the leader, when he sees him pull a scroll from his clothes, Bill swoops down to join in the group, invisibly snuggling in to a place within five feet of the reader. [Knowledge Arcana/Psionics 29 - Teleportation Circle, 9th level Sorcerer/Wizard spell.] [As there is no intent to cause harm, I don't believe any touch constitutes an attack, and therefore his invisibility should remain intact.]
If it worked If Bill's move is successful, and he is included in the teleportation, he will first make sure he clears away from the other men - heading vertical (with eyes up so he does not bounce his head against a ceiling), then off in whatever direction seems safest. He mentally communicates with William (if within one mile of the psicrystal) to let him know what's happened, and to describe his surroundings as he gets his bearings.
If it did not work If for some reason Bill did not teleport with the group, then he will write down the exact sounds (using his personal system of writing) he heard the leader make, perhaps finding in them a clue as to the destination of the teleporting group [Autohypnosis, memorize, DC 33]. "Just a sec', friend," he answers Renik.
And he will activate clairvoyance into Balentyne's house (with which he is familiar), to see if the men headed there - and if not, to see who may be home. If he sees them there, he adds clairaudience, to hear what they have to say. He passes on his descriptive running stream of consciousness to William.
Arien Wednesday October 9th, 2002 1:15:46 AM
Hearing Renik's shout of dismay, Arien rushes up the steps to see what happened. "Well," he remarks, "They were heading to Balentyne's but they didn't know about us. Given the reaction of the one ambusher before I would say that they were all going to die regardless so their presence isn't missed. Its entirely possible that Balentyne and his cronies aren't aware of just how close we are to him. So if we strike quickly and hard I believe we should catch him off guard, or at least not as prepared as he could be. I dislike fighting on an enemies home ground but I do like the thought of taking the fight to the scum. I say we go now and teach him what it means to mess with Plateau City and its inhabitants."
Farsight--it's a Good Thing (DM Donna) Wednesday October 9th, 2002 6:24:35 AM
Renik and Bill both try to act, but--alas!--the men in black disappear, leaving the Hamleteers behind them. Since the clever halfling has, indeed, visited Balentyne's estate before, his unique psychic gift allows him to confirm that the group has teleported itself into the large, ground-floor room that has the staircase that goes up to the upper story of the fancy house... but the burglars take the stairs going down into the basement level--the one part of the house that none of the Hamleteers have been in... yet.
Feng Wednesday October 9th, 2002 10:48:43 AM
As a newcomer to the group, Feng doesn't totally understand the situation. "These methods do detest me but I understand the importance of finding Marcus. Still who is this Balentyne and how did the situation just get worse?" The half orc pulls a comb out of his pocket and straightens his small beard. The few strands that fell out of place are put back in line with the others. Glancing down Feng brushes some dirt from his shoulder and straightens his clothes. What he really desires is a hot bath. With the short timetable to find Marcus, Feng wishes he could clean up. He can almost feel the grime spreading like a bad rash.
Rond Wednesday October 9th, 2002 11:52:06 AM
Meeting up with Renik and Bill after the party disappears, Rond hears what they have observed so far. As soon as they've reported Rond comments, "We should double check the room and make sure they've gotten all clues. Can any of our spell casters playback the last 30 minutes of action, in order to see what it was these thugs took? I wonder if the clergy could help us with this at all, whether we should send a runner to get some help with this, before everything goes dead here."
When Feng asks Rond responds, "Balentyne is a council member with questionable ethics. He's aligned himself with Mar... That one.... He was causing Marcus some trouble as far as we know, but we don't know what. Seems he's caused a whole lot more."
Renik d20+5=7 Wednesday October 9th, 2002 5:47:54 PM
"So they returned to Balentyne's home? Then we can be even more certain where to strike. I agree, Arien. Balentyne and his men almost certainly don't know we're on to them, and are likely to be feeling secure now that they've tidied up any loose ends here. If are going to strike we should do so now. The longer we delay the more chance there is that we will find Marcus dead."
That said, he sees the value in one last sweep of the property. He hunts through the upturned apartment, but his heart is not really in it (Search 7); he is thinking of the battle to come.
Draax d20+3=18 Wednesday October 9th, 2002 9:07:54 PM
Draax helps with the searching of the apartment (search 18). "Yeah, let's go after Balentyne before it is too late. I wonder if, what did you say his name was? Tezo, yeah that's it. I wonder if Tezo had a locker or something at the casino, if Balentyne doesn't lead us to Marcus, it would be worth a shot to check and see if Tezo left anything at his place of work."
Barco (Bill) Thursday October 10th, 2002 3:55:41 AM
Using his farsight, Bill attempts to follow the cleanup crew down the stairs to the basement level. He adjusts his point of view, looks down the stairs, adjusts his point of view to the furthest point he can see, takes advantage of the new vantage point, etc. - following them down the stairs, into the basement - where he looks around some more.
Into the Lions' Den (DM Donna) d20=18 d20=17 d20=17 d100=91 Thursday October 10th, 2002 9:41:05 AM
Bill is pretty sure that there's some kind of specialized field interfering with his psionic scrying, because as he attempts to follow the hirelings down the stairs, his vision fuzzes out.
It looks like the Hamleteers--now that they know where to go--are going to go in without seeing the basement level before they get there.
In spite of the follow-up search by the party, there are no longer any items or clues that suggest that anyone other than Tezo lived in Room 303, nor that Tezo may have been connected to any other employer other than Elmo's Gaming Emporium.
It's time to go beard the lion in its den. State whatever preparations your characters are making, and then pick up the posting at the rear entrance to the Balentyne estate, since the rolls I made for your group indicate that you lucky devils have evaded the guards, disarmed the alarm and even managed to open the door without being noticed by any of the patrols.
Renik d20+25=38 d20+15=35 d20+5=19 Thursday October 10th, 2002 4:52:20 PM
Before the adventurers make their move on Balentyne's HQ, Renik says,
"Well we need to prepare for this one. First off defensive magics certainly wouldn't hurt. If anyone can cast bless, or bull's strength, or cat's grace, anything to make us harder to hit and more capable of dishing out damage, or less vulnerable to enemy magic. I would be grateful for any spells that could be cast on me.
"Second, we need to keep the element of surprise. If anyone can cast a spell of silence over the area we attack first, that might help prevent the alarm being raised early. Play it sneaky until we encounter real opposition, then let rip.
"Third, assuming we clear the upper house without alerting those in the basement, we should make a sudden, devastating entrance, keep them on the back foot. If there is a cellar door perhaps use of a ring of the ram to blow it off its hinges, followed by area-affecting spells to soften up any defenders and a round of flashpellets and thunderstones, followed by a charge, all in rapid succession. That cellar entrance is a bottleneck, and if we don't get in quick we could be stuck there, fighting those below as well as a rearguard action against any guards coming from the rest of the house or grounds.
"The fact that the cellar is magically protected suggests that we are up against some pretty powerful wizardry; I say we target the magic users as a priority.
"And we need to have healing spells ready to roll; we may find Marcus in a pretty bad way, and we may get beaten up pretty badly too. Anyone who gets badly cut up, call out! It can be hard to keep track of these things in the heat of battle.
"Ooh, I just hope I reach that Marteaus-worshipping scum Balentyne first!"
Once the others manage to shut the voluble rogue up, he readies himself, checking armour and sharpening weapons. That done, he makes his way with the others, and is pleasantly surprised to find their entrance to the building is pretty much plain sailing. It's almost too quiet...
At the door Renik wraps himself in his cloak, seeming to sink into the shadows, and slips inside, scouting ahead carefully for any sign of enemy guards (Hide 38, Move Silent 35). He moves with almost preternatural stealth, checking as he goes that he does not set off any alarms or traps by mistake (Search 19).
Bill (Fly 90' 50 min., Prot fr Elements (fire) (60 pts) 50 min., Verve 9 rnds, Det. ps/magic 9 min. HP 55. AC 22) Friday October 11th, 2002 2:54:22 AM
"Well, Feng, you've been around town during the time that Baron Balentyne was given authority to levy taxes on the citizens of Plateau City, and to conscript whom he willed into military service," Bill begins to answer the half-orc servant of the Woldian gods. "You have heard from us that he served Marteaus. And you were around when Mechina told us some things about him. So you're not entirely unaware of him. But before you joined us, some of us here, and some others, investigated, at Marcus' behest, Balentyne's manse. In a nutshell, Balentyne was in cahoots with the Provost Marshall, and the - it goes without saying - evil priesthood of the cult of Marteaus, the Dark Lord. They expressed their distain for the 'commoner' blood of Marcus, spoke disrespectfully of him as the Lord High Mayor Sturtavent's 'lackey,' and plotted his demise. We informed Marcus of this. Marcus took steps to protect some of his sources, the mayor, and himself. He let us know he would be going incommunicado for a period of time. It appears as though his precautions may have saved him for a time, but it is unclear as to whether he is still somewhat safe, or has come into the clutches of the Baron.
He shows him his sketches of Balentyne's manse, updated with any furniture he observed in his most recent farsight glance. And shows him a sketch of the Baron's face, as well as that of the Marshall Prelate, "Just in case he's there, too." He lets his other friends see, in case any may need their memories refreshed.
"That is what we hope to uncover tonight. To shine light into dark places, good paladin," Bill says. "If you'd like more details, assuming we make it through the night, I can read from my journals to you. But for now, it's time to work. The Baron is a master manipulator and a politician. The bad variety. His policies have meant evil for this city. He tricked the poor and downtrodden into becoming sacrificial offerings on the altar of an evil godling, all so that he might himself gain power. Oh, yeah, and he keeps a mistress, whom he flatters, and gives paste jewelry to."
Bill prepares several bags of surprises, mixing in such things as tanglefoot bags, thunderstones, acid, alchemical fire, a big glob of cold spaghetti noodles, a separate thin bag with crushed dry noodles, water bladders, a tangle of rope, flash pellets, scentbreaker, a one pound bag of fine sifted flour, crumbled hard crusts of bread, a pouch of cayenne pepper, a vial of bacon grease, a cold tea-filled stoppered clay jug, some sunrods ... and the like. Some of the bags he places in the pockets of his pants of plenty, some in the bag of holding in his backpack. "Anybody want a bag? I like to put three to five different things in each bag. Then you hold from the bottom, pull the string that unties the bow, and swing it toward your targets. Wham! Blam! Whoosh!"
He clears some things out of his bag of holding, leaving some room in case the party finds it necessary or expedient to haul off something from the Baron's abode.
He lets his friends know he has a potion of ventriloquism, if anybody thinks that might be useful, and wants to carry it for this mission. He also offers a potion of neutralize poison. And a potion of cure moderate wounds. "Who can heal those that need it? I have four scrolls of cure light wounds for anyone who can read them effectively." He also says he has a few doses of antitoxin. "Drink it, and it'll help protect you for about an hour against some poisons." [+5 alchemical bonus to Fortitude saves vs. poison for one hour.]
"I've got a few charges left in this wand of levitation." the halfling adds. "Anybody want to be able to float up and down?" If any do (up to four), he levitates them (keeping one last charge in the wand if all four are used).
Bill warns his friends that he may lay down a grease spot at some point, "So watch your step."
"I might also use stomp to knock people on their keisters, or a cone of sound to rattle their bones."
He thinks a moment. "If need be, I can knock open a locked door."
Bill lets his friends know in advance the magic and psionics he plans to use. "So, Ari, if you want to throw a fireball, and I'm in the area, go ahead. Unless it will crisp the rest of our friends, or Marcus, if he's there."
"OK, William, are you ready? You can be the official tactical relay coordinator, if that's okay with Rond."
He consumes a potion of flying just prior to entering the grounds, followed by a potion of protection from elements (fire). He activates verve as they descend the stairs (+1 hit point for 10 rounds), and detect psionics/magic (duration up to 9 minutes, range 60').
Feng Friday October 11th, 2002 6:50:42 PM
"Do you think it would be possible for somebody to sneak inside? He must have servants doing all sorts of things." Feng removes his hat of disguise. "Marcus gave me this hat of disguise when I infiltrated the group of assassins. I'm not much of a stealth person. Though somebody may find this useful in a situation such as this. If somebody knows Balentyne enough they could look like him and act appropriate enough to fool the guards."
Anybody Home..? (DM Donna) Saturday October 12th, 2002 8:12:18 AM
Luck seems to be with the Hamleteers--they enter the Baron's house and advance into a richly-appointed parlor of sorts. Nobody else is about. They quickly sneak over to a large doorway (no door in it--it's just an open doorway) and see a grand staircase that goes up...and a set of stairs going down.
Bill lets the others know that this is the set of stairs he "saw" the ransacking crew descend before the anti-scrying magic kicked in.
Renik Saturday October 12th, 2002 12:15:17 PM
Renik whispers to the floating halfling "Bill, could you mentally scan the rest of the house for occupants? It would be good to eliminate any threat upstairs before we make our move on the basement."
Bill Troublefinder Sunday October 13th, 2002 2:38:04 AM 'You check the stairs, Renik, for traps and such, while I do as you suggest,' Bill relays to the party via William.
The halfling quickly clairvoys upstairs, then around the main floor. He passes on the salient points of what he sees through the Tactical Relay Coordinator (aka William), then prepares to descend the stairs, flying just a couple feet or so off the ground.
Not A Creature Is Stirring (DM Donna) d20=4 d20=10 d20=4 d20=18 Monday October 14th, 2002 6:49:29 AM
Bill sees that there are a handful of domestic personnel in their quarters in the top floor of the house--they are all sleeping.
Whatever the magical anti-scrying field/area happens to be will not allow for the halfling's attempts to see downstairs...apparently only physically going to do so will allow the Hamleteers to find out the layout of the basement level.
Renik's attempts to Detect Traps on the stairs and the door that leads into the basement (at the bottom of the stairs) reveal no devices, and the rogue's nimble digits easily open the lock on the door. All that remains is for the party to actually open the door and go through it.
Draax Monday October 14th, 2002 8:13:41 PM
Draax stands by, ready to enter when he is given a signal.
Barco (Bill) (Fly 90' 49 min., Prot fr Elements (fire) (60 pts) 48 min., Blinking, Verve 8 rnds, Elfsight 9 rnds, Det. ps/magic 9 min., HP 55+1. AC 26) d10=9 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 12:16:16 AM
Bill goes invisible. He begins to blink in and out, bouncing between the material plane and whatever other place it is now (used to be ethereal). It is now that Bill activates verve as they descend the stairs (+1 hit point for 10 rounds), followed by elfsight (low-light vision), and next by detect psionics/magic (duration up to 9 minutes, range 60'). He looks ahead at the door, seeing if magic is there. Unless it looks like some highly daunting magic, Bill gets next to the door, toward the top, tells all through William, 'I'm popping through - come on in,' and he blinks his way through to the other side (1-5 on d10 - he bumps something on the way through. 6-10 - he makes it through relatively unscathed, unless something unusual precludes his transpassage. Rolled a 9).
He hopes Renik, or Rond, or someone opens the door soon. In the interim, if he has made it through, he quietly looks about to see what, and whom, he might. If there is room to move forward, or off to one side, he does so, looking to travel as much distance as he can, if such seems reasonable to him once he sees the other side.
Renik Tuesday October 15th, 2002 3:07:42 AM
Renik draws his bow, notches an arrow, and nods to the others. "Right lads, here goes nothing! Get ready with those area spells, folks!" he grins, as he pushes (or pulls!) open the doorway, his arrow coming up swiftly to aim at any inside.
If no immediate targets are visible he moves quickly inside, making space for the others to pass.
Sneak, Sneak, Sneak... (DM Donna) d20=1 d20=9 d20=3 d20=1 d20=7 d20=19 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 6:13:59 AM
The party sees that there is an empty 15' square room beyond the doorway...there are items scattered about that would confirm that this is a typical sort of basement storage area (a few crates, the odd bag of fertilizer, etc...quick inspection reveals nothing remarkable about any of these things). There is no apparent way out, but your experience as secret operatives makes you 99% sure that there's a secret something somewhere in this place--and you're right!
An innocuous-looking cabinet in one corner swings away from the wall, revealing an obviously-manmade five-foot-wide, ten-foot-high tunnel. The tunnel is dark--and initial inspection shows it is longer than the limits of torchlight, lowlight vision and/or dark vision.
And it's VERY quiet, too.
Barco (Bill) (Fly 90' 48 min., Prot fr Elements (fire) (60 pts) 47 min., Invisible, Blinking, Verve 3 rnds, Elfsight 4 rnds, Det. ps/magic 9 min., HP 55+1. AC 26, 50% chance opponent's otherwise successful attacks against him will fail) Tuesday October 15th, 2002 10:12:58 AM
So, we go down the tunnel. Bill pulls out a sunrod, and activates it, handing it back to one of his friends. He flies down, looking for magic, and whatnot. His psicrystal goes with him.
Rond Tuesday October 15th, 2002 11:25:59 AM
Pulling the slippers of spider climbing out of his pack Rond whispers, "I still have the slippers that can be used by someone if needed." If no one wants to use the slippers, Rond will then put them on himself.
"Usual tactics. Bill ahead and communicate back with us. Renik follow up behind using your usual tactics, and we'll follow. Yell if you need us quickly."
Renik Tuesday October 15th, 2002 11:34:37 AM
"Aye aye skipper!" grins the rogue, and sets off after the halfling, keeping a close eye out for danger. He keeps his bow at the ready.
Feng Tuesday October 15th, 2002 1:22:37 PM
Feng draws his double axe and keeps it non-flammable. In close quarters he wouldn't want to set anybody on fire. As he follows the others through the tunnel Feng tries to sense any evil around him.
Draax Tuesday October 15th, 2002 4:37:38 PM
Draax draws his sword and readies his shield as he gets in line to follow Bill and Renik into Balentyne's lair.
Arien Wednesday October 16th, 2002 1:07:11 AM
Following suit, Arien readies his dagger and whispers to the others. "If we run into anyone down here, get out of the way, quick. I wouldn't want to hit any of you with a lightning bolt."
Hobbes Wednesday October 16th, 2002 12:53:55 PM
Hobbes sleaks in from behind not making a sound. He had been following at a slight distance behind the group as to watch for any traps or ambush situations. (He's getting mighty tired of those.) The strange thing is, his heavy armor does not make a sound as he travels, nor does the sound of breath come from him. The radiant glow of magic encompasses his holy symbol which has a Silence spell cast upon it which goes out ten feet. His disguise of the elf now drops as he realizes that this situation is quite important. He makes his way into the middle of the group to keep everyone nice and quiet as they make their way down the tunnel.
Suddenly..! (DM Donna) d20=5 d20=17 d20=3 d20=11 d20=4 d20=14 d20=13 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 7:01:18 PM
The Hamleteers enter the passageway and begin to stealthily make their way down its length. The light of the sunrod shows nothing out of the ordinary for a tunnel hewn from rock--but the sudden, ominous CLICK of...something immediately tips everyone off that you all must have missed something.
As though to underscore the atmosphere of ill luck, a sort of rumbling sounds begins to gain volume from far, far in front of Bill. The flying halfling estimates that it is the rumble of something big rolling towards the party...and that the party has maybe 20 seconds tops (three rounds) to do something about it.
Barco (Bill) (Fly 90' 48 min., Prot fr Elements (fire) (60 pts) 47 min., Invisible, Blinking, Verve 2 rnds, Elfsight 3 rnds, Det. ps/magic 9 min., HP 55+1. AC 26, 50% chance opponent's otherwise successful attacks against him will fail) Wednesday October 16th, 2002 10:28:49 PM 'Something big, and round, this way comes!' Bill broadcasts to all via William. 'Ideas?'
[will say a bit more later, but have to head out...]
Renik Thursday October 17th, 2002 4:22:31 AM
"Somebody cast Web across the tunnel! And any other blocking magics you have!" yells the rogue, turning and sprinting back down the passage, buying himself as much time as possible. Bill should be all right, he thinks; that Blinking ring of his should see him safely through. But if the rest of them can't stop, destroy or alter the object rolling towards them, they may not be so lucky...
...oops...almost forgot..! (DM Donna) Thursday October 17th, 2002 6:02:58 AM
Oh, yeah--that clicking sound presaged not only something big and heavy rolling your way...but also the door into the passageway closing and locking behind you...with no accessible openings into the lock of the door--and no doorknob on this side, either.
One round down...two to go...
Rond Thursday October 17th, 2002 2:13:16 PM
"Can we make any kind of pit, or other side stop that we could disappear into?"
"Barco, do you think any of your bags might be able to attempt to slow this down, since you are flying?"
Draax d20+1=19 Thursday October 17th, 2002 4:45:59 PM
Draax looks for any grooves or openings in the floor, walls, or ceiling (search check 19). He relays to Bill through William "How high is the thing, is there any room between it and the ceiling?"
Feng Thursday October 17th, 2002 5:32:34 PM
"It might be risky, but what about using the ring of the ram when the boulder comes into view? I'm pretty sure that the walls are sturdy enough. By the time we could make a big enough hole the boulder would be upon us."
Barco (Bill) (Fly 90' 48 min., Prot fr Elements (fire) (60 pts) 47 min., Invisible, Blinking, Verve 1 rnd, Elfsight 2 rnds, My light 80 min., Det. ps/mag 9 min., HP 55+1. AC 26, 50% chance opponents' attacks will fail) d20+4=17 Friday October 18th, 2002 2:21:36 AM
Since he detected no magic in his forward flight down - or, should one say, up (as a large object will hardly roll on an upwards incline) - the hallway, Bill figures the click was the result of tripping a mechanical device, rather than magical. He glances to see if there are grooves in the floor or indentations in the walls to indicate any prior passage of that which this way comes.
Bill activates what he calls my light, and twin points of light now fly through the air, marking the location of the otherwise invisible halfling (well, he would look like a gnome, if visible), and expanding the reach of his sight, as swiftly he flies toward the oncoming object. He reaches into his backpack and withdraws a large folded bundle, to which some short ropes are tied at the edges. He pulls out of his pants a sack containing two four pound tanglefoot bags, which he clasps in his teeth by the fabric at the top. He opens a few flaps of the folded bundle (a 15'x20' tarp when fully opened), then places within it a good-sized wooden spool, with 300' of silk rope wrapped about it. He flips the tarp flaps back over the rope, and lowers the sack to rest on the top.
Bill judges by sound the proximity of the approaching object, and reverses the course of his flight, so as to stay slightly ahead of the sphere, but allow it to gain on him, and only match pace when it is quite close. As he flies ahead of it, he carefully upends the sack so the two tanglefoot bags rest on top (Dex check 17). He then drops the tarp-covered spool of rope with the tanglefoot bags on the top, so that the massive object will roll on top of it, crushing and releasing the contents of the tanglefoot bags, and causing the whole mess to stick to the globe, and halt or slow its momentous passage.
Arien Friday October 18th, 2002 4:39:27 AM
Arien stands ready to either activate his ring or the magic of his cloak should Bill's measures prove to be not enough.
Hobbes d20+8=21 Friday October 18th, 2002 5:37:39 AM
The sudden click on the floor and behind disrupts Hobbes' train of thought. "What was that?" he wonders as he forgets to finish the casting of his Silence spell. He takes a step forward and peers downat the ground.
"Strange sounds about." Then the rumbling begins. He straightens up and peers forward, then behind him. "By Gargul's Scythe!" He begins searching his memory, clutching his memory for something suitable, while the others, shouting out suggestions disrupt and confuse him momentarily. THen he gets it.
"That's it!" he shouts as he starts running back down the corridor toward the door away from the rock. "Arien! Use your ring on the door! We've got to get back out. If we can't immediately see a latch or lever, bash our way out. If the boulder comes upon us too quickly I can move two light people up to 350 pounds away from it. So follow me and grab on."
On the run, he reaches the door and looks at it and around it. [Spot 21] and immediately begins bashing at it with his scythe. "Arien I will duck if ever you blast it."
Between a Rock and... (DM Donna) Friday October 18th, 2002 6:40:56 AM
Bill's inspired use of his tanglefoot bags save the day for the Hamleteers! The big boulder comes barreling down the passageway (which the party only now belatedly realizes is, indeed, sloped) and, miraculously, sticks fast in the gloppy, gluey stuff its own weight and impetus releases from the busted bags.
So now the party finds itself in a ten-foot high, ten-foot wide, and twenty-five foot (or so) long section of tunnel--one end blocked by the boulder that is now glued in place, and the other end sealed off by the door with no doorknob.
And it's now all quiet again.
Renik Friday October 18th, 2002 9:12:19 AM
"Well done, Bill!" laughs the relieved rogue, the humour of their predicament not lost on him. "Stuck between a rock and a hard place, eh?"
He does his best to crawl past the wedged boulder (Escape Artist roll to follow).
Barco (Bill). Whew! (Fly 90' 47 min., Prot fr Elements (fire) (60 pts) 46 min., Invisible, Blinking, Elfsight 10 rnds, Det. ps/mag 8 min., HP 55. AC 26, 50% chance opponents' attacks will fail) d10=5 d6=4 Friday October 18th, 2002 7:21:45 PM
'Barco' laughs at Renik's words, also feeling a sense of relief. 'Is everyone all right? Hobbes? Arien? Draax? Feng? Rond? William? Renik?'
He flies down to Rond, placing in his hand his psicrystal, William. "I may want William back, later, for he can help me in other ways, but for now he can ride with you, okay, chief?" he speaks quietly aloud. "That okay with you, good William?"
With 2'1" clearance between the side of the stone and the corner of the hallway, Bill has no problem whatsoever getting through. Shoot, there's even more space if a body hugs the stone. More than four feet from one point on the wall, with a tangent line kissing the side of the stone, to a point equidistant along the floor, along with over two feet depth at the deepest point.
It may be a bit of a squeeze for someone as large as Rond, but not impossible - as long as he takes his backpack off first before wiggling his way through. 'I'm glad there are no centaurs in the group, at least in this situation,' Bill relays to his friends telepathically. Bill flies through the left top gap, to see if anything was following the stone. If not, then he returns to the other side, goes to the locked door, blinks through to the other side, checks briefly to make sure all is quiet in the room, opens the door, and places a sack of fertilizer in the opening, so it can't shut again. 'Anybody want to bring one of these sacks of fertilizer along? Might come in handy. If not now, then Ferrak's garden could benefit.'
If the door were five feet thick, Bill would have been pinched by an attempt to rematerialize in solid matter (d10 for blink, rolled a 5). Since it is likely only a few inches thick, he makes it through without incident [unless DM Donna can think of a blinkin' incident - in which case, Bill will have taken 4 hp damage, but still gotten through - your call]. :-)
'All right, friends, one exit is available, our passage ahead is doable, let's get going. Of course, the element of surprise may have been forfeited - unless they figure no one is going to survive the stone of death!' So,' he says as he again passes to the other side of the boulder, 'Let's keep moving - quietly, if we can. I'll scout ahead a bit more. Maybe Renik and another person check for traps along the way.'
Bill drops his my light power, so as to lose the eye-centered beacons of light, and silently flies up the hallway, to learn what he might learn, and he kicks in another minute's worth of elfsight. He silently communicates whatever he may see up ahead, still scanning for magic as he goes. About every eighty to one hundred feet, he places a lighted sunrod carefully along the edge of the passageway.
Not So Fast..! (DM Donna) Saturday October 19th, 2002 7:46:32 AM
Apparently, the descriptive text of my previous post was not clear enough:
So now the party finds itself in a ten-foot high, ten-foot wide, and twenty-five foot (or so) long section of tunnel--one end blocked by the boulder that is now glued in place, and the other end sealed off by the door with no doorknob.
And it's now all quiet again.
The wiggle room on either side of the boulder is less than six inches, although the room at the top of the boulder may be as tall as eight inches.
Bill just might squeeze through the space on top--IF he were stripped to his skivvies and slathered in some kind of slippery substance. (If this is the option chosen, then the Escape Artist roll would be a mere 25, otherwise you'd have to roll a 30.)
It is impossible for Renik to squeeze through at all...he's simply too big.
The door with no knob is only a few inches thick, however.
And it's still quiet.
Feng Saturday October 19th, 2002 10:00:36 AM
Feng looks at the boulder and back the other way. "If we can get rid of the glue perhaps I can push the boulder back up the hallway."
Barco (Bill) Saturday October 19th, 2002 5:01:50 PM
"Oh, Feng, you don't want to push that thing back so far, do you? Wouldn't that make you all sweaty?" Bill asks out loud.
Bill blinks through the doorway, as mentioned above, opens the door, blocks it open with a bag of fertilizer, then goes to examine more closely the large object.
"Ah - I had assumed it was a spherical object coming down the hallway. But look - it's a big, smooth, cylindrical stone! Any ideas on busting it apart? Or getting around it?" Bill asks out loud.
"I do have one idea. I have this ring that allows me to pass through solid objects - just like I did through the door back there. Well, if they are not too thick. The thickest I've made it through so far is about twenty feet, but usually it's just five or ten feet. And if I don't make it, sometimes I end up on one side of the object, and sometimes on the side I started. Oh, and it hurts when I get pushed one way or another like that. Anyway, I could blink to the other side, and we can have a loop of rope we push in the little gap between the cylinder and the wall, and pass the ring back to you all on the other side - like on a clothesline, know what I mean? Then the next person blinks through to the far side, and we loop the ring back to the next person, and so on.
"Of course, if we get on the other side, do what we came to do, then find ourselves having to come back this way to get out - well, I just hope we're not in a hurry, being chased or something. Where's a stone-shaping dwarf when you need one, that's what I'd like to know. Any other ideas? We can sculpt the cylinder into a picture of us eating dinner, I suppose."
Another thought occurs to the halfling. "Say, I wonder if, when the cylinder gets to the end of the hallway, it drops down into a pit, or something. Anyone want to check to see if there's like a trap door or something there? Where was that click sound from, anyhow?"
Draax d20+1=19 Sunday October 20th, 2002 11:51:38 AM
Draax listens to the suggestions and like Feng's suggestion to push the bolder back the way it came, but is not sure if it could be done. Not being able to think of anything himself he decides to take Bill's advice to check the floor and walls for secret compartments or doors (search check 19)
Renik Sunday October 20th, 2002 1:35:56 PM
"Hey Bill, I like that plan; I've always wondered what that blinking is like. I'll go second with it, if that's OK with you"
Once the ring has been passed back Renik puts it on, and blinks through the boulder.
Arien d20+12=30 d20+10=28 Sunday October 20th, 2002 2:01:05 PM
While Bill and Renik are carrying out Bill's plan Arien also searches the area for any disguised passages or things of that sort.
(Search: 30 and Spot: 28)
Barco (Bill) d10=7 Sunday October 20th, 2002 10:17:45 PM
Bill starts the process by taking a 50' length of silk rope, tying one end to the other into a big, 24' loop (when stretched tight), flies up to the top of the cylinder, and pushes about twelve feet of it down the far side, having Renik (or someone) holding the near side bight of rope. Then, so that he'll have a minimal thickness of the stony cylinder to transverse, he backs up, then flies toward the peak of the cylinder, the top of his backpack just an inch or two below the ceiling. The lower part of his body will consequently pass through about a three foot length of the top of the cylinder. [Need to roll d10. 1-3 means he rematerializes in the stone, and gets 'kicked' out to one side or other of the cylinder, taking 1d6 damage.] [Rolled 7 - Bill gets through okay.]
The others, crossing down below, will have to pass through a thicker section. If one crawls on his belly, keeping his height to 1'5" or less, he will pass through 7' of stone. If ducking down and staying under 3' above the floor, that is 9' of stone to pass through. If one just walks or run through, if 5' tall or taller, that is ten feet thickness.
Here is a blinking success/failure table:
Thickness . Success . Failure . Landing Side . . . . . . . Fail damage . . 1 foot . . . 2-10 . . . 1 . . . . . 1:flip coin . . . . . . . . . . . . 1d6 . . 2 feet . . . 3-10 . . . 1-2 . . . 1:start 2:far side . . . . . . . . 1d6 . . 3 feet . . . 4-10 . . . 1-3 . . . 1:start 2:flip coin 3:far side . . 1d6 . . 4 feet . . . 5-10 . . . 1-4 . . . 1-2:start 3-4:far side . . . . . . 1d6 . . 5 feet . . . 6-10 . . . 1-5 . . . 1-2:start 3:flip coin 4-5:far side . 1d6 If more than five feet, first five feet must succeed to get through the next segment of five feet or less. If the first five feet do succeed, then, if you fail on the second five feet, then you do end up on the far side, but take 1d6 points of damage for every five feet you attempted to pass through. So if you attempt 6-10 feet, and fail on the second segment, you take 2d6 damage. Thickness . Success . Failure . Landing Side . Fail damage . . 6 feet . . . 2-10 . . . 1 . . . . . Far side . . . . . . 2d6 . . 7 feet . . . 3-10 . . . 1-2 . . . Far side . . . . . . 2d6 . . 8 feet . . . 4-10 . . . 1-3 . . . Far side . . . . . . 2d6 . . 9 feet . . . 5-10 . . . 1-4 . . . Far side . . . . . . 2d6 . .10 feet . . . 6-10 . . . 1-5 . . . Far side . . . . . . 2d6
For example, Rond belly-crawls through, rolls a 6 on d10, so makes it through the first 5'. Next he rolls a 1 on d10, so fails on the last 2' section, so rolls 2d6 to determine how much damage he takes - but does end up on the far side. If he failed on the first five feet, he would take 1d6 damage, and have to try again.
[OOC: Man, if anyone can come up with a better idea than Bill's, please put it forward. A lot of us could get hurt just getting through, and may have to do the whole thing in reverse on the way back. -Kim]
Suddenly (again!) (DM Donna) Monday October 21st, 2002 6:08:03 AM
Bill goes back and opens the door--revealing to the party that the boulder was, indeed, a big rolling cylinder, obviously designed to inflict maximum damage on whoever/whatever set off the trap in the passage.
Even as the Hamleteers regroup and plan anew--there is suddenly a very disorienting feeling that washes over everyone in the group! (OOC: everyone must make a Fort save versus DC10 or feel dizzy with nausea--natural 1 means your PC loses his lunch.)
Those who are not too dizzy by the unexpected teleportation that has just occurred whip out their weapons and look suspiciously around them, because now the party finds itself in the very center of a large, cavernous chamber which starts out as rather shadowy, but then brightens up magically, although to everyone in the party, the air looks kind of... shimmery. (OOC: everyone must now make a Will Save versus DC35. Those failing the save will find that none of their magic spell effects or psionic powers are working any longer. Items that are being used [blink ring, etc.] must make separate Will saves in order to remain operational [and they don't get any Will bonuses.] Anyone making a Spellcraft check versus DC15 will realize that the party is now enclosed in a specialized Sphere that not only renders magic & psionics useless--but is also a nearly-invisible Force Field.)
The sound of two hands clapping emanates from one corner, and a rotund, elegantly-dressed figure advances with a big, wide, triumphant grin on his face.
It's Balentyne.
"Congratulations!" he says rather jovially. "I was fairly certain that you'd never get here--but you've proven me wrong!"
Barco (Bill) d20+10=17 d20+12=16 d20+16=18 d20+12=28 d20+2=8 Monday October 21st, 2002 3:20:16 PM
[Not nauseated - made Fort save: 17; failed Will save versus demagicking: 16; he recognizes the force screened sphere - Spellcraft: 18; psicrystal 'William' failed Will save: 28; blink ring failed Will save: 8]
"Hey, it's the tax-and-spend Baron!" Barco says when he sees Balentyne. "How're tricks, m'lord? Thanks for the welcome mat-maker!"
Feng d20+10=19 d20=5 d20=16 d20=15 Monday October 21st, 2002 3:44:31 PM
[fort save 19, bracers of armor +1 save 5, ring of jumping save 16, +1 double ax save 15]
"I'm glad that I finally found you Balentyne. The gods wish to speak with you."
Renik d20+7=16 d20+12=13 d20+12=22 Monday October 21st, 2002 6:24:11 PM
The rogue crouches low, gritting his teeth against the disorienting effects of the magical transportation (Fort 16).
Sizing up his surroundings swiftly the rogue looks for somewhere to hide, but he is caught cold by Balantyne's dramatic entrance.
Instead he brings his bow up to aim squarely at the gloating Baron's face. Being ill-versed in matters magical, he does not realise that they are surrounded by a near-impenetrable sphere of force, and looses his arrow wildly and harmlessly against the barrier (AC13).
Realising the impossibility of direct confrontation the rogue stands, bows, and says, "Yes, my dear Baron, we've proven you wrong. And not for the last time either, I think you'll find. Savor your 'victory' while you can."
He smiles a sinister, knowing smile, wishing he was as confident as he sounds (Bluff 22).
Barco (Bill) Monday October 21st, 2002 6:49:05 PM
"Yep, a convenient anti-magic sphere with a force field perimeter," Barco says so as to alert the rest of his friends. "Been shopping? Gnomes are usually interested in such tricks."
Rond d20+9=21 d20+4=23 d20+4=5 Monday October 21st, 2002 7:18:58 PM
Not feeling the effects of the teleportation (fort save 23), Rond turns his attention on the clapping hands. (Failed will save and so did sword.)
"Hrumph" is about all Rond feels like saying as the initial introductions are given.
Draax d20+7=20 d20+2=15 Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 12:06:03 AM
Draax looks up at the source of the clapping and does not show the slightest bit of surprise at seeing Balentyne. The group seems to make a habit of playing right into their enemies' hands. He hopes that this trap has the same results as the other traps they stumbled into. He pulls his sword and points it into the ground using it a something to lean on as he waits to see what happens.
Insert Gladiator Salute Here (DM Donna) Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:02:40 AM
The expensively-dressed noble only grins at the sheer bravado of the Hamleteers "under glass".
"But you don't understand...I am genuinely glad to see you." he says insistently. "Although...I can't say the same for my employer, exactly..."
"What are you all DOING in there???" hollers a familiar voice. "Do you realize that you should be DEAD after waltzing right into this trap???" Another figure comes forward.
It's Marcus!
Renik d20+7=25 Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 12:12:58 PM
Renik somehow manages to keep his astonishment from his face at this turn of events (Bluff 25!).
"Ah, there you are, old fellow," he says calmly to Marcus, preening his goatee beard. "About time. Deactivate this thing will you? It makes me feel like a goldfish."
Inside, however, the rogue is bug-eyed with astonishmnet. How? Why? Where? Who? What? When? Balentyne and Marcus? But are they working with Prelate Marshall and Amelie the dwarf? Or against them? Is Balentyne a double agent? He desperately tries to arrange all the pieces of the puzzle in his head, all the while looking cool as a cucumber.
Barco (Bill) Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 12:35:24 PM
"Why, have we been an inconvenience to someone?" 'Barco' asks. "Unfinished business? So, you've been scamming us? Or, have we here an imposter?" he continues, with irony and a wink. As he talks, he approaches the edge of the sphere, reaching out and probing the force field. "And how did you all manage to teleport us into an area of antimagic, since such an area would be resistant to receiving teleportees? And contained it within a force sphere? Such awesome power. For little 'ol us? Why put forth such power to move us around, rather than kill us more directly, if it is our deaths you desire?" If he is able to get his hand through it, he'll try to step through. If not, he takes a silver piece from out his pouch, and sees what happens when he tosses it in an arc towards the outside of the shimmering field. "Oh, and I'm glad to see you in good health, sir, if you are the man you appear to be. We were worried. Say, since we are talking, could you relieve us of our excess tax burden, without relieving us of something too dear to us?"
Wh-wh-whaaaaaaaaaaaat..? (DM Donna) Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 6:03:46 PM
"Shut this damn thing off!" snaps Marcus to Balentyne, who waddles off to a corner and--a few seconds later--the force field is no more. All magic items and such return to normal, though all the protective spells that had been cast are now completely expended. The spymaster scowls at the entire party...and yet, you can all tell that he's more relieved at the sight of you than truly angry.
"Honestly--only the greenest of recruits would have fallen for that trap! I would have thought you knew better by now!" Marcus huffs.
And it IS Marcus. Yes, it truly is Marcus, hale, hearty and...under the protection of Balentyne, whom you all thought was an enemy of Plateau City.
"Balentyne is another double operative, much as I asked Bill, there, to be." Marcus explains brusquely. "It was on a need-to-know basis...I assigned you guys to give him a hard time so that the blasted Prelate for Marteaus would think Balentyne all the more genuine."
"It worked like a charm, I tell you!" the portly noble adds eagerly, an enthusiastic--nigh worshipping--look on his face as he beams at each of the Hamleteers. "Especially after you guys snuck into the house that first time! Prelate Marshall wouldn't let me into the Inner Sanctum of his horrid temple until after he confirmed that you all had ransacked my personal cache! Oh, the credibility that stunt brought me!"
"Fine, great--don't swoon over the theatrics, all right?" Marcus tells the man, then turns to the Hamleteers once more. "Balentyne's men discovered--too late--that Tezo walked into an ambush. How is he?"
Feng Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 6:53:27 PM
Feng stayed back and let the others attract all the attention. It was best that way. This situation didn't sit well with him. Concentrating, Feng searches for any evil in the area [detect evil]. Marcus could be scamming them still. Deception in the name of good still feels wrong to the Paladin. It's only a matter of time before you start deceiving yourself.
Draax Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:42:50 PM
Draax begins to openly laugh at the turn of events. Although he is not happy with Marcus at the moment, he cannot help but see how funny the situation is. He has been manipulated by the bad guys, manipulated by the good guys, manipulated by the bad guys that he thought were good and now manipulated by the good guys that he thought were bad. This life as an adventurer is not turning out to be everything he thought it would.
When he finally gets himself under control he answers Marcus' question, "Tezo was poisoned and is currently in a coma and is being looked after at Black Cathedral."
Barco / Bill Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 12:19:49 AM
"Hey, this is our first Crushing Cylinder encounter, sir!"
"Bill? Bill? Who's this Bill?" Barco asks. Then he laughs, and claps. "Well done, well done. Remind me never to play poker with you, sir. And oh, Baron Balentyne, we truly despised you. Well played, indeed! Now, about those taxes, m'lord..." he says with mock seriousness.
When Marcus asks after Tezo, and Draax answers, Bill nods his head, more somber now. "Who sent those incompetents after us, then? Sixteen men died trying to take Tezo - whom they thought was you, sir, I believe - and us. The only thing they did really 'right', from their perspective, was tagging the poor man with a poisoned crossbow bolt. We managed to neutralize the poison, somewhat, but he was unconscious by that time, and we have not been able to pull him out of it. The priests of more potent power are off somewhere, so could not treat him. Any ideas? I suggest we get to him as soon as possible, if you can think of some way to bring him around, sir, or know someone who might.
"Oh, and what's the Prelate Marshall up to these days?"
Renik Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 4:35:43 AM
"Not to mention his his charming dwarven companion Amelie. I must say, M, it's good to see you safe and well. So, now the enemy think you dead, or captured? What's the next step?"
The rogue saunters out of the well lit center of the chamber, unconciously gravitating towards the shadows.
All the Lingering Details (DM Donna) Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 7:02:00 AM
Yes, indeed--it IS rather odd to come to realize that the "evil" Baron Balentyne is actually one of the good guys. You have to admit that the man plays his role well. Feng, especially, as his ability to pinpoint evil turns up absolutely nothing in the area.
"I, myself, can do nothing about your specific tax situation," Balentyne tells Bill, "Not without blowing my cover."
"But I can--and will." adds Marcus. "I will get in touch with Mechina...excuse me for a moment..." The spymaster withdraws to a corner, pulls out a medallion and begins to have a conversation.
"And so the stalwart Marcus will be blamed by the evil powers for interfering with my dastardly plans for Plateau City once again." Balentyne muses, then turns his twinkling eyes towards the Hamleteers. "For the better part of two years have I been cultivating my 'scheming Baron' routine...and for all that time, Prelate Marshall still hasn't been caught doing anything that our laws can prosecute the man for. Often were the times that I wished that I was more of a fighter-type of spy, rather than a lowly mole--at least I could have dispatched the man." The chubby man sighs. "However...I'm NOT very physical. That's one of the reasons I'm glad that there is a group like you to watch my back. You get things done and provide me with extra cover so that--one of these days--we'll be able to stop Marshall and his sneaky, evil cult." Balentyne looks over at where Marcus is still talking with his medallion.
"I, personally, suspect that Mechina may have a mole of her own to worry about, though." the noble says soberly. "I was having dinner with the Prelate tonight when he was gloating about how he had his own personal rat in what was left of Marcus' office...then, when he went on to assure me that Marcus wouldn't live out the night, I almost choked on dessert! I had to risk blowing my cover to get Marcus out of danger. My men were too late to stop Tezo from making the rendezvous, but we did get Marcus over here before any of the Prelate's assassins could trace Tezo back to the boarding house. THAT was a close thing, I tell you..!"
Rond Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 1:07:54 PM
Caught a little dumbfounded by the recent relevations, Rond quickly adjusts to the new situation. Rond applauds Marcus in his head for having a neat way to hide without anyone really knowing the wiser.
Thinking about recent events Rond pipes up, "If there is another source of information for this Prelate, then should we not get out of the way, and allow you to establish the sphere again, just in case? Or is that particular trap now completely sprung and unavailable to be recast?"
Draax Thursday October 24th, 2002 12:48:08 AM
Draax waits for Rond's question to be answered before asking one of his own. He smiles while looking at Balentyne, "I am happy to see Marcus alive and well, but ya know I was really looking forward to killing you and it is a real disappointment to me to find out that you are one of the good guys. OK, so what do we do now?"
Arien Thursday October 24th, 2002 12:58:00 AM
It takes a moment for Arien to adjust to the fact that Balentyne was on their side. But once he does another thought comes to mind. "You say Mechina has a mole? Well perhaps we can use this to our advantage. We can arrange a trap of our own here. Make it look like you got away and that you are planning to meet us somewhere at a certain time. Then, we go this place and wait to see what happens. We can hope that once the person who sent those commoners after Tezo, whom they thought was you, failed, that this person will send some better minions; ones that know more about what's going on here."
Renik Thursday October 24th, 2002 4:54:31 AM
The rogue thinks on Arien's plan for a moment. "Yes, that might work... but then Marshall might twig that we know he knows, when we spring our trap, and the trail might lead back to Balantyne. Well, what are our instructions, M?"
Barco / Bill Thursday October 24th, 2002 5:24:14 AM
For once, Bill has nothing in particular to say. Mainly because he engages the power of clairaudience to listen in on Marcus' conversation with Mechina.
Feng Thursday October 24th, 2002 6:37:34 AM
All this deception doesn't sit well with Feng. Now more so than ever. "Misleading the enemy with false information is a sound tactical move but what is our specific goal? The Prelate's defeat, destruction, or annihilation?"
More Mole Discoveries (DM Donna) Thursday October 24th, 2002 8:23:16 AM
"Welllll..." Balentyne says thoughtfully, rubbing his double chin, "I waited until I'd seen the Prelate off before ordering my men to Tezo's...so I'm pretty sure that the cleric is still unaware of my double-spy status. I won't know for certain until the next time he wants to see me--the only way I can be sure that Prelate Marshall doesn't suspect that I'm a mole is that if I leave our meetings alive." The noble shrugs at Draax's follow-up question, grinning ruefully.
"I know--my public persona is just awful, isn't it?" the undercover operative admits. "Just about everyone I know is sucking up to me because they don't want taxes levied on their property or they're after some other favor. Anybody who's decent, however, simply wants to kill me." Balentyne sounds strangely proud of that fact--but then, again, you can understand that having people perceive what he's wishing for them to perceive means that he is very successfully pulling off his role.
Even as Bill begins to focus on Marcus' conversation over the medallion, the spymaster signs off and comes back over to the group.
"Mechina's caught one of her own assistants trying to retrieve a stuffed rat from her office." Marcus says. "Turns out that the thing is actually enchanted to be an audial scrying device...which is how those assassins got the info to set up the ambush in the park, I'll bet." The man takes up a cloak and dons it. "Let's go--I want to question this guy before something happens to him."
Balentyne shows you all to a secret exit--a tunnel that leads to the sewers, and from there the group treks to the area of the City that has The Motley Lot Import/Export Shop, where the tanned gnome female lets you all into the darkened place of business and leads you through the shop area to the office in back...
...where there are now about a dozen or so people. Two of them--burly fighters, to judge by their builds--stand guard over a slender half-elf sitting dejectedly between them. The other ten people look to be casting spells and using scrolls and other devices to scan the room. Mechina holds up her hand to the new arrivals, signalling for them to remain quiet and in the shadows for a moment.
"All clear, Mechina." one female elf says as she removes a pair of rhinestone-encrusted spectacles from her face. "No more unauthorized magic items in the vicinity."
"Thank you, then." the gnome replies. "You can all go home." The searchers nod and/or bow to Mechina and exit the building...leaving the two guards and the slightly-frightened half-elf.
"This is Davenport." Mechina introduces the seated male. "He was one of my own assistants. He was caught trying to retrieve a decoy rat that turned out to have the ability to eavesdrop on all things said in my office. I think he'd benefit from having to answer to the people he tried to have killed." The brunette nods at the party, giving the Hamleteers tacit permission to question the mole. Marcus also nods (should any of you look at him), confirming that the Hamleteers can ask what they wish of Davenport.
Renik d20+2=10 d20+2=15 d20+12=29 Thursday October 24th, 2002 12:10:22 PM
"So, you've been keeping tabs on us have you, Davenport? Passing information back to your blackhearted handlers, eh? Why'd you do it? What do they have on you? What threats did they use? Or were you just ensnared by the lure of easy money? Is that it Davenport? Was it greed, pure and simple?" (intimidate 10)
The rogue's flurry of opening questions are designed to get the half elf on the back foot, defensive. His target (hopefully) rattled, the spy-turned-interrogator turns to threats and fear tactics;
"It's going to go hard for you, Davenport. I'm sure you're aware of the penalty for what you've done. Alone, quietly, out of the public eye. You're going to die alone, unmourned, unloved. Do you have any family, Davenport? Do you have anyone who will wonder where you are? You'll simply vanish, and that will be the end of you, your dismembered body left to rot in an unmarked grave. Is that what you want, Davenport?" By the end he is leaning in close, yelling into the half-elf's face. (Intimidate 15)
He pauses. Having laid it on with the stick he switches to the carrot. Standing he says "Well, here and now you have a single, final chance. All is not yet lost. You can still save yourself. You answer my questions and those of my companions, and you will be treated leniently. Defy us and your end will be swift and painful. Not all of my companions are as nice as I am." (Bluff 29!)
He turns his back on the prisoner, trying to make eye contact with Feng. From what he knows of the half orc he will not like this one little bit. He tries to subtly signal "Wait! Let this play it's course!" before turning back and counting off on his fingers;
"First; who were you working for? All details, where you met, when, your contacts, how often you met, the time of your next planned meeting.
Second; any names you heard. Any snippet of conversation you remember. References to plans, people, dates, anything you remember.
Third; any passwords or methods of contacting your handlers. Codes used to indicate trouble, all clear, etc.
Now remember, Davenport, we can tell if you're lying. So you have two choices; tell us what you know and spare yourself, or die horribly, protecting men who care nothing for you or your "sacrifice". Trust me, Davenport, you would do well to talk."
Rond Thursday October 24th, 2002 2:24:13 PM
Not wanting to interrupt Renik's little performance, Rond gingerly walks over to Bill and gets his attention. Keeping his voice pitched low so that only Bill can hear, "Can a certain crystal help or add to this confusion?!" Smiling a little bit at Bill.
Bill Troublefinder d20+18=30 Thursday October 24th, 2002 7:40:27 PM
Bill changes out of his disguise after leaving Balentyne's, and before meeting the fellow who ratted on them.
As the group is introduced to Davenport, Bill pulls out a little portable writing desk, dips a pen in a bottle of ink (disappearing - will fade in about one hour), and begins writing. He thinks that Renik is doing a fine job, so he uses autohypnosis (Memorize DC 30) to focus on Davenport's responses to Renik's queries. He also draws a couple of quick sketches of the half elf - full face and profile.
'I'll see what I can do,' he sends to Rond.
Davenport telepathically 'hears' the following. 'I'm sorry we didn't know each other before this, Davenport. Just want you to know I'll be paying attention to your answers in more way than one. Truth is best, Davenport.' Bill's eyes glow with a silver light as he looks straight at the interrogee's chest, about where his heart should be. His eyes are glowing due to his activating clairvoyance - to watch the fellow from varying points of view.
Draax Friday October 25th, 2002 12:04:59 AM
Draax find a spot in the corner takes a seat and listens to the interrogation.
Feng Friday October 25th, 2002 12:35:59 AM
Feng shakes his head and leaves the room. If he stays, no doubt he will have to stop the others. He was all for justice, but this was far from it. Sadistic threats, carried out or not blur the line between good and evil. There are better ways to get the information but the road has been chosen. In the other room Feng uses the time to clean up. Traveling through the sewers leaves behind a noticable stench and grime. Utterly disgusting. He has no idea how the others can stand it.
Sing a Song of Sixpence (DM Donna) d20=1 d20=4 Friday October 25th, 2002 7:49:40 AM
Davenport, it turns out, has all the spinal strength of cooked noodles. The half-elf immediately starts blubbering about how he couldn't help it...the offer of money was just too tempting to refuse...it's not like Marcus actually cares about his operatives...
By the time Davenport is finished with his explanations (all of which are the truth from his rather warped perspective), the operatives left in the office hear a sob story about how a short person dressed in black (whose face always seemed to remain hidden) would always initiate contact with him, and pay him money, and even be concerned enough with Davenport to present the half-elf with a valuable medallion, see..?
Davenport holds up a silvery pendant--which immediately begins to chuckle rather evilly.
"This battle goes to you, spymaster...but the war isn't won just yet..." says a familiar voice that Bill recognizes as Prelate Marshall's. There is a flash of light--
--and Davenport is gone.
"MECHINA SPROCKET!" bellows Marcus. "You had ten people in here scanning for unauthorized magic items and you missed a Teleport charm???"
"I'm sorry, sir," the crestfallen gnome replies, "We detected that the rat was magic--but he'd been clutching it to his chest at the time, so we missed the necklace." Mechina obviously feels both ashamed and angry, because it was a stupid mistake to make.
"Well, I'm back now," Marcus says firmly, "So security slip-ups will be a thing of the past--right, Mechina..?"
"Yes, sir!" the gnome agrees fiercely.
+++++
The spymaster's return to his network heralds a special certificate that voids the tax due on The Motley Lot. The Hamleteers receive an identical certificate that applies to their two residential properties as well.
"You'll still be needing to pay the regular property tax on them, though," Marcus points out, "But that isn't levied until the end of the year." (And the two properties are taxed only 100gp altogether for THAT particular levy.)
Bill Troublefinder Sunday October 27th, 2002 6:31:55 AM
"Phooey!" exclaims Bill as Davenport disappears.
"What a relief," he says when Marcus informs the group of the tax situation.
Then he sits down, and writes out what has happened in the past day, in detail, as is his custom. Of course, it's in his own code so, aside from any sketches he includes, it's going to be pretty hard for anyone else to read.
Draax Sunday October 27th, 2002 9:27:32 AM
Draax shakes his head at the disappearance of Davenport, he thought Marcus' people were more competent than that. Then he smiles to himself as he remembers that his group is also considered to be Marcus' people. He would suspect that Davenport is probably dead since his benefit to his employer has ended, but with everyone playing these dual roles his real identity could be anything. He sighs and mentally adds Davenport to the list of people that he wants to kill, ironically he puts Davenport in the spot that was just vacated by Baron Balentyne.
Renik Sunday October 27th, 2002 6:00:41 PM
Renik spits a curse as Davenport vanishes, somewhat more colorful than Bill's.
"So, Marcus. It would seem we have a target. Unfortunately a dangerous and clever one who knows we are coming for him. Any suggestions would be welcome."
He smooths his hair, and tries to calm down. The adrenaline rush of the interrogation leaves him struggling to control his anger at their captive's escape and their enemy's brazen show of power.
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