DM Zyren's Heart of Runes (Inactive)

Game Master Zyrenity

Harry is non-committal, waiting to see which way the copper drops.

Hah, that sounds like a really nasty monster! the mayor says light-heartedly But Dorkron, the leader of my personal guard would not be very happy to see me having any additional bodyguards. he gives you a slap on the shoulder and adds So, don't worry, my guards are professional killers...ahem...I mean, they know how to handle all kinds of dangers, heh.

"Uh, yes, I guess we'll see you tomorrow then. Anyway, still have to scrub the smell of blood and ash from my armor and air out the gnome you know how it is."

Is the loot dealt with yet? We need to sit down and seriously talk about how we're going to handle this particularly baddie. Have a few ideas but if you ahve any suggestions we can get together via PM.

Loot hasn't been dealt with as we are still winding up - from the tower to the library and the guard and no moments in between to sell off. I also reckon the Lamia is now just 'on our list' than direct threat, as masterminds don't usually come running out and suiciding themselves in a fit of pique, suspect she will show up somewhere else inconvenient instead.

"Very well, tomorrow it will be."

Celestra leaves with the others as the conversation wraps up.

"So do you think the mayor is hiding anything, or do you think he has a genuine mission for us to attend to?"

"Of course he is hiding something, probably a lot of things I'd reckon, quite often men in such positions are into all sorts of vices - Riddleport brothels and gambling dens were full of such pillars of community trawling for a little indulgence of their desires away from the prying eyes of their community. The real question is whether it is any of our business? If he wants to keep his secrets then he's entitled to em, reckon I don't ask him his and he don't ask me mine and we all remain friends"

"A mission? I'd reckon so, or he'd have just given us a bag of Gold Sails as thanks and put us on the first ship home"

Don't wanna jump the gun, are you ready to advance to the mayor's breakfast or are you still exchanging pms?

All quiet on the Western Front, I think its a taken the Lamia is someone elses problem for the time being and we are being hired to go do something else

Just contemplating our lamia proble you can move on without me. I'm looking to build a shopping list. The good news for perdition is that it will involve lots of fire.

Harry heads out for a short wander with Perdition, soon enough he is back with several bags of coin.

"My merchant friend was happy to see me again"

Scythe +1 2318/1159
Cloak of Elvenkind 2500/1250
Collection of Works 1200
An array of sea charts
A painting of a strange city built entirely of ice
A filigreed and illustrated book titled The Syrpent’s Tane: Faery Tales of the Eldest
Coin 480gp

Net: 4089.
Allocation: Ailetha/Celestra/Karlan/Perdition = 808gp each.
Harry Purchases Cloak (-432)

Spellbook & Ironbriar Journal held (unless journal is being handed to the Guard)

I would like to take the painting to the library - after we have finished breakfast with the Lord-Mayor. With all the strange Thassilon stuff, I wonder whether it is a picture of an ancient city. Also, I would like to carefully examine the sea charts to determine whether they are current, or also old and somehow tied to Thassilon.

Sool, then its gets sold, so that all works. Pretty sure we checked it for plot devices though

Don't forget, Ailetha is fixated on knowledge - and all this Thassilon stuff really interests her. Every step we take has more of it, so she is sure that everything ties together. Anything that does not look modern she is going to go over with a fine toothed comb until she is sure there is nothing else to be gained from it.

Thats why I didn't sell it before, thought it might be plot related etc...but as we have now wrapped up and I am comfortable that the earlier answers were right I figured the stuff is just 'interest material only'

Most likely you are right, but it is worth checking once more in case we missed anything. Only takes one or two posts/rolls and then you can sell away.

No worries, assume it all happens by retcon and we can move forwards :)

Yeah, this is the dimension of retcon :)

The next morning is bright and cloudless, above Magnimar is a firmament of perfect light-blue.
Together you walk to the villa of the lord mayor, a white building with high walls, right on the cliff overlooking half of the city.
The mayor receives you in his garden which is full of colourful, exotic plants and a band of monkeys...A tower loaded with guards
watches over the place and you can see the light reflexes on their helmets and armours.

The Lord Mayor sits at the end of a large table loaded with various exotic foods. He is paying only minimal attention to the various documents his assistant next to him hands him. It is clear that the
assistant is completely in charge.

The assistant is a short-haired woman wearing a finely crafted leather armour, a rapier is dangling from her belt. The large frown lines on her forehead hint at the fact that her job isn't always easy.

As soon as the mayor spots you, he rises and shouts - with his mouth full - The Sandpoint Silencers! Welcome welcome!

Harry just smiles back in greeting, this sort of affair is for Sir Karlan to speak to, so he doesn't presume to really get involved.

Instead Harry's attention seems a bit fixed on the assistant...

Within moments, that all too familiar Harry grin is fixed upon his face and the party well knows that by now all the cogs are turning in his mind as he starts working out how to pull off this latest 'heist'.

Ailetha steps forward and curtsies.

It is an honor to be invited M'lord Mayor.

While she does this, she is keeping a keen eye out for any strange motions or facial expressions from the Lord-Mayor or his assistant.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Indeed, we are happy to be of service, but first, do you have a little refreshment that we could enjoy? It can be a little hot working around this town."

Harry continues watching the assistant, waiting for a means of entry...

Harry continues watching the assistant, waiting for a means of entry...

Ailetha quickly pulls out her book of Magnimarian laws to assure that Harry's intended method of entry is legal..

"Um, Saviors actually. The silencers are a shoanti gang by the docks of sandpoint. Odd name really for a bunch of kids." Karlan says calmly. "I suppose we should get down to business. It's going to be a very busy day for us as you can imagine. Lots of paperwork to fill out, letters to write, equipment to account for that sort of thing I'm sure you understand."

Question how many months has it been since the start of the AP?

I think about 4 months, it's fall now.

The mayor keeps on stuffing fruits into his mouth and is soon distracted by some very large crimson grapes...his assistant however comes to business quickly

Thank you Ser Karlan, I'm Media Zando, the lord mayor's right hand and we would like to send you on a very important mission. There is a keep called Fort Rannick built to repel giant attacks from the mountains. It is guarded by a band of rangers, the Order of the Black arrow...very experienced soldiers. Since recently however, we haven't heard anything from them and fear for the worst. Now we would like to send you there to investigate if something is wrong at the fort.

Yes! That is my plan! the mayor bellows and some of the grapes nearly hit Harry...

Umm...we can pay you 300gp for provisions...maybe more if you find out what happened. Media adds.

We're now officially in part three of the AP - Hook Mountain Masacre. Everyone level up!

Woohoo - leveling party. Hmmm, seems we sort of skipped the final big baddie battle. Why am guessing everybody jumping off the roof was not in the script for the end of the second AP. Lol.

Yeah, most parties just die there :)

Ok all, any thoughts on my new 2nd level spell. I am thinking possibilities are:
Versatile Weapon - allows weapons to bypass piercing, silver, cold iron, slashing and bludgeoning DR
Invisibility
Rage
Mirror Image
Steal Voice
Summon Swarm

Or any other thoughts.

HP: 1d8 ⇒ 8

"Hello, Media, seems I got a bit of grape on my tunic just a moment ago...very impressive role you have here, you must be very gifted...don't suppose yuo get much time to just unwind...hey I'm a bit new in this City and seems I have a rather perilous journey to depart on in the morning, perhaps you could show me a few of the finer places..."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 = 25 (+1 Charming Trait)

He beams his broad smile, oh how it shines.

Harry decides the high point of his trip to Magnimar will be "the time when he bedrolled the Mayors Assistant..."

Invisibility or Gallant Inspiration. Read the last oen to see what it does. We need invisibility though as a group so we can make more use of our scouts. I think this last AP kicked our asses because soemtime after the house we stopped having Kanyk/Harry blaze the trail.

Karlan furrows his brows. "Is this not a job better suited for regular army scouts m'lord? We're, quite frankly, guardsmen. You speak of military reconnaissance best done by skilled rangers on horseback."

Hey harry theres a spellbook in the unclaimed items part. Can't we simply sell that off here?

Invisibility it is then.

Up to you though, they're both really good spells.

Media seems confused for a moment, she is obviously not used to flirtatious vibes during business meetings.

Ah...you must be mr. Harry Handsome then, I guess... as soon as Karlan has spoken, she is relieved to change the topic quickly Mayor Deverin has assured us that you have combined talents that exceed that what a group of soldiers could do. But you're right, we don't want to press-gang you into that missions, if you have any kinds of misgivings or objections, we can easily look for a different group of adventurers.

she is obviously used to such situations and states her opinion very matter-of-factly.

Harry looks a little frustrated for the briefest moment as his progress almost derails, but switches it all straight back on...

"Hey no ones pressuring anyone into anything, we're all adults here with our eyes wide open... the idea is just very new and I think some of us were considering a bit of rest and recovery before getting up to more wild adventures, I was certainly looking forward to a bit of an unwind... but seems I might only be in town this one day after all...sometimes it just takes a moment or two to get used to an idea eh? I'm sure after we have a few drinks we can spend a bit of time massaging some details eh?"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 + 1 = 27

A flicker of interest in media's eyes shows Harry that the not so direct approach could be the right one...

That Mr. Handsome is only reasonable. I heard of the toils you went through and the mayor and I surely accept a delay of one or two days you need for relaxation. Why don't we just meet again here in two days? she closes the ledger and hands the mayor another banana he devours like he was a tie-wearing gorilla...

mhm banana...

"Well then, Miss Media, perhaps you'd be so kind as to show a stranger around this fine City you have here, no doubt a person in a position as esteemed as yours might know where all the hidden gems of Magnimar are to be found."

Harry sticks to a polite formality, he knows the mark is too well guarded to ransack right now, he needs to get the defences down first...

As I mentioned in the OOC, if Karlan or Harry want to buy any weapons or armor, I can give them a +1. Takes 1 day and only costs 500 gp. I assume that I will be able to find an armor for any necessary equipment, maybe even the garrison's if it is available. Weapons will cost 1000, but I can do that in 1 day as well by increasing the DC by 5. I think I can give weapons/armor a +2, but it obviously costs more and takes more time.

Karlan sighed. Between Harry's quest to delve into unseen depths and the trained mayor this was turning into a tiresome morning. "Two days should be sufficient that will give us ample opportunity to gear up for the trip and make any necessary arrangements if your assisstant can work up some details for us, such as the last disposition of the fort, numbers and all that, that should be all we'll need to fix whatever troubles are ahead. Thank you for your time m'lord mayor."

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Harry seems to miss Karlans tired sigh, after all, Harry is always too bust moving forward to really look around.

Sense Motive 1d20+8

Harry seems to miss Karlans tired sigh, after all, Harry is always too bust moving forward to really look around.

Hmmm, is that supposed to be "too busty" or "too busy" - either one is possible with the right inference for Harry.

The mayor smiles but is unable to answer with his mouth full of cherries, he just nods and tries to smile. ´Media rolls her eyes, sighs, rises and walks over to you.

Ser Karlan, I will compile every piece of information I can get my hands on. I have no doubt that you will spend two nice days in our fine city and find some relaxation as well. I heard the Dryad Grove is a very cosy establishment, especially in the evening hours. this she says looking at Harry, but without changing her tone or looking especially friendly...

"Very well. Sir Karlan, do we have provisions requiring purchase? Perhaps we should lay in our supplies and then begin a little rest and recovery, Thumper seems to be acting a little strange and I might take him for a long walk to catch some air and exercise so will purchase our wares while I am out"

Ironically, the L1 Companion has 2 Str less than a stock dog. Go figure!

No other pressing activities

Does anyone know what happened to Bilbo? If Perdition is around and can take Invisibility as a replacement for something else (Pyrotechnics), then I can take Galant Inspiration (which is right up Ailetha's alley).

Or, DMZZ - could we buy a CL3 Wand of Invisibility with like 10 charges?

He had fried PC, but looked like he was doing busy army stuff anyway. I can RC him for the time being. not so worried about invis for the time being - Harry has a decent Sneak, good Perception, and isn't actually worried about creatures running at him :p

I've got boatload s of shopping to do if someone hasn't looked at my post in the discussion yet I suggest they do I'll go ahead and toss in 300 of that (coverin harry's share as well since he currently doesn't have much money) can we get more from the rest so our boss smashing kit can be complete? Also have to sit down and play out how I'm switching armor and weapon and see what I need to get crafted I think I'll need soemthing from celestra as well. Going to work out the math and make some diplomacy rolls. I'm about to make some armorer and weaponsmiths day.

Karlan smiles. "Well we better get going. Busy day ahead of us. C'mon harry. Business first."

Since as a Bard, feats are not quite as critical as a fighter or a rogue, I was thinking about taking Combat Expertise next level and then Butterfly's Sting at level 9. I suppose I could pick up 1 level of Fighter next level to get it next level is another option. Then, if I Keen my rapier, I will have a 15-20 crit range and the ability to pass the crit to Harry or Karlan for substantial damage.

Then I will be a really annoying bard.

@ Karlan, let me know what my share is. I am also sure that Celestra would have no problem paying her share. DMHW is on vacation for several weeks and has been posting infrequently, but might not see this. I will pay her share until she gets back to keep everything even.

Also, I think that I will switch to Galant Inspiration. I really like the spell - and it is instantaneous, real nice in the right circumstance.

@DMZZ - could I use Galant Inspiration to help with a crit confirm? It says attacks and skill checks, not sure whether a crit confirm is an attack or not.

Post 5001! I win a kewpie doll!

"Righto Sir Karlan, was thinking about what you said too, you know there was alot of truth in what you said... a man has to stand for something, and whilst we wont ever see eye to eye on everything we certainly both know injustice and unfairness when we see it, reckon setting things to right is something we can both agree on."

"Yeah I'll try follow the Knightly code as best as I can, but you can take the boy out of roguishness, but you cant take the rogue out of the boy. Reckon I'd make a good advance guard or scout"

@Ailetha: A critical threat confirmation roll is an attack roll, so yes, you can.

Media calls a servant who leads you out of the manor and back into the streets of Magnimar. This will surely be one of the last very sunny days of the year and besides your shopping plans you have a day off!

Who does what and where?

Harry doesn't really have many plans, but the time off is welcomed.

The pace has been pretty hectic over the last while, and the relaxed moment gives Harry a while to think more deeply on who he is, and what exactly he stands for.

Always one to give respect and stick to solid principles (as contentious as some people might happen to find them) Harry recognises that he has nonetheless adhered to them, principles that have at their heart matters of loyalty, the need to stand staunch, to be fearless in the face of nastiness, and the need for some sort of agreed set of social rules or laws to be maintained... whilst laws aren't always perfect, they still allow the average person some protections and the freedom to pursue a living without fear of armed thugs simply taking it all away.

The more he thought of the Knights of Ozem the more he realises that he had a commonality with their views overall, he just wasn't as taken with the good for goodness sake views of the paladins and all that Iomedian business.

Despite all that, 'Harry is as Harry is', and always will be, so he finds his feet eventually lead him to the Dryad Grove in the evening hours...

If anyone wants any armor or weapons crafted, let me know.

Having some free time, Ailetha wanders the city listening for rumors, and spreading some of her own. Eventually, as always seems to happen with her, her feet lead her to the library where she researches this Fort Rannick and the giants in the area. Searching for an local customs that the giants might have and what tactics they are know for. Also, she wants to find out which Runelord controlled this area and whether they used giants as servants or troops or in any other capacity.

Take 20 on Knowledge(history) - 20 + 10 = 30 <-- Lore Master