Count Ricci hadn't really provided much detail about the artifact he was searching for, only vague outlines. Ianaga shared as much as she could, struggling to recall what she had read in her notes. Studying simply did not come easy to her.
"I think we both have a knack with people, don't we?" This Altha seemed kinda nice. Very easy to be around. Ianaga had a feeling she might like her. "That's a good plan. You go ahead and talk to them, and I'll try to get more information if that did not prove fruitful."
Action 2:
Following the plan with Altha, Ianaga waited til well after Altha had finished her conversations with the servants and then tried her own conversations. She asked about recent visitors, his daily habits, which rooms he spent most of his time in, anything unusual.
Don't apologize! You make me feel that I've reprimanded you for something wrong.
I work with the assumptions that we're all here to have the best game possible and so we adjust along the way.
I know I always write 'Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?' when I post a turn recap and it gets kind of trite after a while but I mean it. If there's a way to improve the game for everyone, please let me know and I'll try to comply.
I'll start recapping now.
Game on!
”So... how does one go about this?”Balanders began reaching for the stirrups and saddle when the stable boy, Junior, came running out of the manor ”Some people just arrived, they are here to see you I think.”
Balanders looked at Altha ”Perhaps this adventure will have to wait, I hope there is no trouble inside. Best be ready for anything.”
So just a couple of other things that I adjust as I see them.
Balanders and Altha's ride happens during 'mid day' of Day 11 and the guests arrive during the morning of Day 12.
Earlier Agia was at Om's shop in the morning of Day 11 remembering how Dreithik had left when Dreithik would leave on Day 11 at noon.
Sometimes I catch these things. Other times I won't so bear with me and don't judge too harshly because this is NOT a novel.
Anyway, if you have any questions or if something is not clear, just ask me and I will just make it up help with the correct answer. :)
Game on!
Turn 053 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Action 1
Altha was somewhat frustrated when she gathered that night for dinner. The only useful tidbit of information her interviews had provided were that Salma had seen Tichronus staring at his desk with a glow on his face. It wasn't much to go on but Salma had proven to be a nice person, easy to talk to... and it was just that ease that made her wonder if the information could be trusted. A glow from the desk sounded innocuous but it was worth a look.
When they sat down for the meal, Altha waited for her chance to speak freely before she made her report. “It seems that the only bit I could turn up from interviews is a glow from the Baron's desk. I'm going to check that out after dinner, I think. The glow could be that heirloom we're looking for or it could be something else entirely, you never know with the Numenera. If nothing shows, I'll see if I can't dig up more dirt on him in town.”
“Anybody else turn up anything? Zyzyx?” The man had seemed like he was unimpressed with their group and she was keen to learn if his 'better' efforts had proven fruitful.
Action 2
Their discussion eventually shifted to the sitting room, where Altha was enjoying a large mug of some kind of strong, bitter tea. It was supposedly good for one's skin... with someone as flashy as Ianaga around, who also showed skill in social situations, Altha felt a little... competition. She'd never encountered someone who balanced being flashy and smooth before. The painted face, though, Altha could not be bothered to mimic. She had much more interested in getting her hands dirty with tinkering than with disarming people with looks alone.
When Junior ran in, flustered, Altha winced as the unexpected aura washed over her and followed but kept to the back of the group as they made their way to the stables.
As they left, Altha thought she saw a shadow move with them but as she continued to watch, nothing materialized and she moved on. Whatever it had been was probably a trick of the light with the way their shadows were cast from Junior's glow.
Balthus was scared. It was obvious to Altha as they entered the stables, the waves of fear quite distinct as they crashed against her awareness. Reflexively, the Nano pressed her hands to her forehead as she listened to him. "We should listen to him, he speaks true." She spoke when he finished, stepping up to him, "Where do you see them last? Are they all Gladiators?"
She looked to Balanders, "What does your friend look like? Maybe he was here if Tichronus summons Gladiators."
Action 2
As Malthus described disappearing gladiators, Balanders got a far-off look in his eye, as if remembering unpleasant times. When Altha asked Balanders to describe his friend, Balanders went on at length about his missing friend. Not only describing his appearance, but telling multiple stories about how they had become friends. Balanders was clearly upset about his missing friend, and the reminder that he might be nearby and in need was effecting the large man.
Balanders turned to Balthus, "Have you seen my friend? Have you seen Modou? Where could he have gone if you didn't see them leave? Where did Tichronus take them in the manor?"
As Balthus appears hesitant to share, Balanders got more irate, rising to full height and approaching closer than comfort to the man. Balanders grabbed the front of the man's shirt and re-asked, "Where did he take the Gladiators before they disappeared?"
Balanders doesn't know whether or not to trust Balthus, but noticed the nosy and concerned woman, Anthuria, that watched them leave the Manor and seemed concerned while they searched. While Balanders had his hand on Balthus' shirt, he stated "Don't think we didn't see that woman Anthuria keeping a close eye on us in the house. She saw you ask us out here and is probably watching us now even. What game are the two of you playing at? You clearly have the other three servants kept at bay, what do you two know about Tichronus? What is he doing out here?"
OOC - RE: Balanders & Altha Ride - Sorry I've been distracted this weekend and had limited time to read & post. I would like to write this exploration alongside input from Fabian & Altha. I can do so Monday or Tuesday at the latest. If GM has some insight that we might find from an exploration around the area, you could let us know and we could work it into the story when we have time to write something. I am assuming there is nothing so obvious like dead human bodies ala "The Most Dangerous Game" style hunting. Are there any hunting posts (Lodge, Blind, Feeder, Trail) we might find on a ride? Any OOC suggestions about what we might find inside?
Zyzyx returned to the party frustrated over the results of his search. As they sat together waiting for their dinner they discussed their results from the day. He was happy to hear the results of the interview. He had gone over the study so quickly he'd barely had time to search the desk.
Anybody else turn up anything? Zyzyx?
Altha asked. A hint of frustration and sarcasm in her voice. Zyzyx sighed. My searches were... uneventful. It seems that Tichronus is more organized then I had anticipated. But that lead is a promising start Altha. Zyzyx said with a half hearten grin. He sighed. Looking at his hands. I might have screwed the proverbial pooch on this one. I'm... sorry for coming on a little strong earlier. Leman said, looking up at Altha. I'm better with animals then people. But I really do mean what I said about the study. I'd like to join you in your search after dinner. <Action 2> As they made their way to the sitting room Zyzyx listened intently to the small talk and stories being passed around. On the whole it was nice but, it made him uncomfortable. His stories always tended to go over with a polite chuckle or a smile and nod. Not like Ianaga's. It wasn't that it upset him. Just made him uncomfortable. I cannot wait to get back to camp. He thought, as a young boy entered the room. The boy seemed, upset? Zyzyx stomach turned again. He was bad with adults. Worst with children.I seriously hope what we're searching for is in that office. The boy asked them to join him in the stables and everyone agreed. Zyzyx got up and followed behind them, not sure if comforting a child was really his strong suit. But the boy had asked to go to the stables and Zyzyx had been interested in seeing the types of creatures that the Baron kept. As they left he noticed and older women watching them go. Zyzyx waited till they were out of earshot and whispered to Ianaga. Watch yourself. I think the old woman may be on to us.
As they entered the stables the boy began spilling his story. Zyzyx listened and watched as Balandars described his friends and told stories of them. He had read about this of course in his report but had dismissed it. Gladiators die all the time. Or they are bought and sold. That's then end of it. But now, perhaps he had been mistaken. He could see that Balandars was getting visibly upset. As Balandars grabbed the boy Zyzyx started to reach out to stop him but waited. He could see that hurting the boy wasn't his intentions. Rax started to bark as Balanders yelled at the boy, but Zyzyx quickly quieted him. He would hold off for now. Maybe this interrogation tactic will prove fruitful. But readied himself should the giant man try anything to aggressive.
OOC: Balanders is roughing up Balthus, not the boy.
IC:
Balthus became uneasy at first and then right down scared. He pleaded with Balanders to stop, "I don't know where they go... just tryin' to help yee."
At this time, Junior started crying and jumped on Balanders' back, which the large gladiator did not even notice. "Stop it. Don't hurt him. Please."
Once Balanders calmed down some, Balthus trembled as he spoke, "I don't know fer sure. I just never seen 'em leave. That's all. And I don't know if your friend came here or not. Most of the time, the people come at night and I usually just stay outside in the stables."
He looked towards the main house, "And that old woman, she's just nosy. That's all."
OOC: I'll wait for Ianaga and Agia and hopefully recap later today.
Questions?
Game on!
Action 2
"I don't know fer sure. I just never seen 'em leave. That's all. And I don't know if your friend came here or not. Most of the time, the people come at night and I usually just stay outside in the stables."
Agia considered the new information."Well now, that let's us change our tactics a bit, don't it? Tha missing plate could be anywhere, but if the missing people are still somewhere on the grounds, there ought to be signs. Sounds, and if not that then probably... well... smells. Ya Seskii might be able to pick it up, Zikzik. If ya need something to get 'im on the scent of... 'carrion', I've got a dried out hand in my bag that might do the trick. It's old, and not strictly 'human', but it might be close enough."
"If there's lives on the lives on the line, I suggest we start getting a little rough. First off we should check the upper rooms, and if we can't get those locks open tha easy way we let Balanders go to work on 'em. I'd rather have to blow this town for a while than know that I let some folks die while I was living tha high life."
She turned to the still suspended Balthus. "And don't worry 'bout trying to stop us. Ya can't, and your boss is a fool if he expects ya to try. We can rough ya up gently so that it looks like ya fought hard, if it pleases ya."
Ianaga was restless at the dinner table, more toying with her food than eating it. She was itching to do something. Sword training, or drawing her verred in a more stylish manner. What she really wanted was to be at her uncle's theater and soak up all the excitement of the theater. Instead she got to speak to boring servants who seemed very intimidated and did exactly what a servant to a noble house should do: keep their mouths shut.
When Altha spoke and came up with the same story she had gotten from Salma, she smiled and nodded. "That's what she told me as well. Mind if I come along to have a look at the desk? I don't have a knack for finding things, but who knows, four eyes see more than two, right?"
Zyzyx' apology turned Ianaga's smile on him. "I am sure no one took offense, right? We're all just trying to do our best here."
Action 2:
The arrival of Junior and his request to join Balthus at the stable had Ianaga's full attention. She rushed out of the dining room, not paying attention to the others, and especially not the others. Yet despite the rush, Balanders was the first to get there, and it seemed he was getting angry. She kept a hand provocatively on her hip, ready to draw her verred if things got ugly.
"Don't you worry, good sir, we mean you no harm. There's no need to be scared at all. But there's also no need for you to be involved. You can stay out of it. I for one appreciate your warning. Might you be able to tell us where the guests that never leave usually stay at? Where does he do his business with them?"
Ianaga casually leaned against the stable wall, her verred still clearly visible, and she laid on the charm for Balthus, in an effort to calm him down and actually convince him to share more information. As Agia also talked to him in a convincing manner, she didn't push further and waited for the man's reaction. It was probably all a bit much.
OOC: BTW, the glowing desk is in Tichronus private chamber (the one that's locked).
I intend to recap later this evening.
Questions?
Game on!
OOC - RE: Balanders & Altha Ride - Sorry I've been distracted this weekend and had limited time to read & post. I would like to write this exploration alongside input from Fabian & Altha. I can do so Monday or Tuesday at the latest. If GM has some insight that we might find from an exploration around the area, you could let us know and we could work it into the story when we have time to write something. I am assuming there is nothing so obvious like dead human bodies ala "The Most Dangerous Game" style hunting. Are there any hunting posts (Lodge, Blind, Feeder, Trail) we might find on a ride? Any OOC suggestions about what we might find inside?
Turn 054 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Action 1
Altha watched as both Balthus and Balanders' emotions rose, feeding off each other's energies and shook her head, stepping in after Agia and Ianaga said their pieces. Gently, she laid a calming hand on both the stablemaster and the gladiator's forearms. ”I know you're upset, Balanders but Balthus is trying to help. I can sense it. He's not our enemy. And Balthus, I'm sorry we scared you and I know this is a lot of questions but please bear with us. What else do you know? How long do they stay around the house before they disappear? Does anyone come looking? Has Tichronus mentioned anything strange happening or experiments or trades? Where does he keep his sensitive documents?”
She smiled at Balthus, keeping her hand on his arm lightly, "Look at me, friend, don't worry about the others. Talk to me, I won't hurt you. When was the last time you saw a Gladiator, and when did they go missing? Anything you know, either of you know, will be helpful." Her gaze shifted to include Junior as well, gesturing for him to come close and join the conversation.
While Altha could read tempers, she could not read minds and she found herself wishing she could.
Action 1
Comfortable leaving the interrogation in the hands of her more tactful companions, Agia slowly migrated to the back of the room and struck up a conversation with the elusive Zyzyx.
"Looks like people ain't your speciality either, huh? Frankly all tha secrets and intrigue with these nobles make my head spin. How is it a wild-type like you got roped into this mess?"
Balanders felt Altha’s hand on his shoulder. Her reassuring tone cut through his anger and he realized what he was doing. He released his grip on Balthus and stepped back. ”I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get angry. I have many reasons to distrust Tichronus, but you have given me none to distrust you.”
Balanders said to the party ”If the gladiators went missing inside the house, then that is where we should be looking. I’ll pull those locked doors off their damn hinges and tear down every shelf and cabinet until we find those missing men and whatever Ricci needs.”
IC:
Balthus was clearly out of his league and was regretting having opened his mouth. "Listen, you'all I don't know much about what goes on inside the house. I'm an outside slave. I keep the stables and the animals and do some repairs."
He shrugged, "I dunno nothin' about no documents and the last time I saw someone come in and not leave was like two maybe three weeks ago. I don't know if he was a gladiator or not. he was kind of scrawny lookin'"
_________________________
OOC: I'll wait for the others to post but so far I have no definitive plan for tonight and that's OK. If that's the case, then I'll move things to tomorrow morning where a new situation will be presented.
Questions?
Game on!
Zyzyx looked at Agia. Hey. These day's a job's a job. Zyzyx said. But his lie was so paper thin that he knew she didn't believe him. as a matter of fact no one did. All eyes were on him. Had he spoke that loudly? But I may have bit off more then I can chew with this one. He said, pointing to Balanders, who had finally calmed down a hair. Anything to get the attention off of himself. That wasn't enough however, and they continued to look to him. Ahem. *Cough cough* No need to go around breaking down doors friend. I'll take care of the locks. Zyzyx glanced around the room. Well. Tonight then. I'll sneak into the office and see what I can find. Anyone wanting to join can. And with that, Zyzyx left the stable to stand outside with Rax. I cannot wait to get back to camp.
Ianaga nodded amicably when Altha started questioning Balthus more thoroughly. The interrogation was well in hand with the empathic nano. She chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully as their particular skills were overlapping quite a bit. At least Ianaga still had her strong arm.
She turned her head to curiously stare at Zyzyx' exclamation. "I hope you're better with the locks than weaving a tale," she chuckled, then offered "When we head back inside, I could specifically quiz the servants about the visitors, but personally, I think we'll have more luck with the rooms we haven't been able to investigate yet. If you don't mind, Zyzyx, I would come along to the office."
She pushed herself away from the stable wall, looking at the others to see if there were more suggestions before heading back inside.
Altha laughed lightly as Balanders declared his intent to rip the estate apart in his search, ”As effective as that might be, I think-” She was cut off by an abrupt interjection unrelated to the conversation at hand, and puzzled, looked to Zyzyx, smiling slightly as he fumbled and tried to shift attention away from himself.
His comment about taking care of locks, however, earned him a nod of agreement, ”Yes, see? Zyzyx can tinker with the locks and make it less obvious we've rifled through his things. No sense in indebting ourselves without reason, right?
Her attention shifted back to Balthus then and she moved closer to offer a reassuring hug, ”Thank you Balthus. You do a fine job of caring for your charges, they were a treat to learn to ride. I'm sorry we've caused such a fuss for you. If I can help you with something, you'll let me know right? If I can, I'll aid you in some way.” Altha's smile was broad, sincere, as she hoped she gave him confidence in exchange for his knowledge.
Action 2
With that, Altha departed, suggesting they gather in the sitting room or Tichronus' study to plan their next moves. Zyzyx had already declared his intent to jimmy the locks on the study... ”You take the study, Zyzyx, and I'll take his bedroom. I've got a few lockpicks, I'm sure I can try something. That way we'll be harder to stop. Agia? Balanders? Either of you want to back me up?” They had avoided the locked rooms so far... but, she felt, now was the time to cross that line. ”Anyone know where that busy body is? Or the girls? We'll have to make sure they don't spot us or stop us.”
She slid up alongside Zyzyx then and leaned over, speaking quietly, ”If you're good with locks, do you know anything about poisons? Maybe something to knock out the servants for the night? Just in case.” Altha had only his skill with lock picks to go on but that generally meant a... shadier skill set than, perhaps, hers or Ianaga's.
<Action>
Zyzyx joined them back in the sitting. Altha, who was apt to help in his attempts to break into the study, offered suggestions to the party. Her plan was to move that night. I agree. We move tonight. I appreciate your readiness. He turned to the group. What do you all think. This plan works? He rolled his hunting knife through his hands, shining the blade. Still embarrassed from the stable.
<Action2>
Zyzyx met Altha to discuss the plan for Tichronus' study. Altha suggested working on the bedroom while he broke into the study. Fine by me. If I am unsuccessful we can switch. Uh, not that you wont be just. If we're BOTH unsuccessful I... Uh... You get the point. Zyzyx sighed. His lack of charm did not seem to faze Altha however. "If you're good with locks, do you know anything about poisons? Maybe something to knock out the servants for the night? Just in case.” She asked. Zyzyx stopped to think. Well... If I had more time perhaps. But I'd be more apt for a job like that in the morning. If I had some Wild Herbs then maybe...
OOC: the men sleep in the stables and the women sleep in the kitchen.
I'll move the story along with the party trying to break in the locked bedrooms upstairs. You were told that one belonged to Tichronus and the other one to Dorial, the guy that hired you.
I intend to recap later today.
Questions?
Game on!
Balanders grunted his accord as the group proposed taking a more subtle approach. "I'll be ready with my crowbar if the locks prove beyond your skills."
"You said the older one has a whiff we're sniffing around? I'll try to find her and keep her very far away from the rooms you're trying to get into. I'd not be of help with the locks." Ianaga nodded approvingly about the plan, and then when everyone was ready to move, went to find Anthuria to keep her very very busy.
OOC: I'm assuming that this break-in will happen in the middle of the night (2-3:00 am) so Anthuria would be asleep unless something happens to wake her up.
Based on your posts above, I'll assume that Altha and Zyzyx will attempt to pick the locks and that Balanders will break down the door (very noisy) in case lock-picking fails.
Let me know otherwise.
Game on!
Turn 055 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, fail
, pass
RETRIES
, fail
, fail, GM intrusion
Balanders pushed into the room following the momentum of his crowbar. He scanned the room looking first for a general layout and then looking for drawers, chests, and any other hiding places.
If it is too dark to see, Balanders will close the door behind him - giving the other the opportunity to enter first. And then spark a torch.
Balanders pushed into the room following the momentum of his crowbar. He scanned the room looking first for a general layout and then looking for drawers, chests, and any other hiding places.
If it is too dark to see, Balanders will close the door behind him - giving the other the opportunity to enter first. And then spark a torch.
[dice=Search for Stuff, Especially Ricci's Dongle]1d20
FYI: Tichronus room was NOT opened, only Dorial's but you're welcome to search it. Just making sure the situation was clear.
Game on!
Balanders pushed into the room following the momentum of his crowbar. He scanned the room looking first for a general layout and then looking for drawers, chests, and any other hiding places.
If it is too dark to see, Balanders will close the door behind him - giving the other the opportunity to enter first. And then spark a torch.
[dice=Search for Stuff, Especially Ricci's Dongle]1d20
FYI: Tichronus room was NOT opened, only Dorial's but you're welcome to search it. Just making sure the situation was clear.
Game on!
Balanders grunted in disbelief when the door didn't budge. He inserted the crowbar into the crevice between the door and the frame and leveraged his weight into the door, trying again.
Balanders pushed past his companions and activated his Truth Glove, placing his hand against the skin of the Old Woman's arm. "Tell me woman, how do we open the door? What is inside? Where does Tichronus take his gladiator guests?! Where is Modou?!"
If it is too dark to see, Balanders will close the door behind him - giving the other the opportunity to enter first. And then spark a torch.
Search for Stuff, Especially Ricci's Dongle: 1d20 ⇒ 10 (from before)
OOC: I didn't try it because I stopped the action when the GM intrusion occurred and I had Balanders strike the door loud enough for people to wake up downstairs.
But you can certainly try to open it now.
Zyzyx cursed as the door rang out loudly. He stood up feeling somewhat defeated. So and so mentioned that she heard something. Zyzyx looked at Altha and Ianaga with apprehention on his face. Take care of it. Quick. He said sharply, the tention in his words palpable. There was no attempt at niceties in his words as he had dropped any attempt to be polite. It was time for action and now they had to move quickly. Cursing again he moved into what he assumed was Dorial's room and quickly began searching the place. %$&@. This is what I get for being cocky. Finally get an opprotunity to shine and what do you do... His thoughts went on like this as he entered theDorial's sleeping quarters. They were nice, with book shelves and a leather chair in the corner. It smelled of tanned leather. The chair did look new. What is that? Aneen? Espron? He quickly forgot this train of thought as he went to searching the room. Rax's nost quickly covering most of the room for any odd smells.
As the group continued searching Agia vaulted over the side of the stairs and onto the ground floor, rushing into the sitting room while she scrambled to come up with a convincing lie.
Seeing a shadowed form peering forward from the direction of the kitchen, she directed her whisper towards it, "Hey, I heard a strange sound from outside. Quit skulking, get some light, and follow me."
Ianaga followed Agia's lead, hoping that she would land softly enough not to be overheard specifically. She quickly moved over to the entrance to the foyer and started unbarring the door, opened it, and then quickly closed it again. "Is anybody up?", she hissed, moving towards the sitting room. "I wasn't able to sleep, bloody insomnia. Took a walk and definitely heard and saw something or someone out there. We should check the grounds, now!"
She looked filled with nervous energy, looking at Agia for help, and then focusing all her attention on whoever is up. "You'll help us, right?"
So this is what I have so far:
- Agia and Ianaga trying to convince whoever got up to go check out a noise outside.
- Zyzyx checking out Dorial's room; and
- Balanders trying to bust open the door the Tichronus room (which will make a lot of noise...).
I'll wait for Althat to post and roll some dice.
I intend to recap later tonight.
Questions?
Game on!
Altha cringed when the door didn't open as planned and alerted someone downstairs. They hadn't been able to drug the servants and now was on her way up. Cursing softly, the Nano made to move only to find both Agia and Ianaga moving to intercept what she could only presume to be Anthuria... She glanced up at Balanders then over at the retreating form of Zyzyx as he turned his attention to looting.
"Oh, for..." She held a hand up, "Let's trust that they have this handled. Hopefully they'll knock her out and be done with it. Let me try one more time before you wake the household. Deal?" Altha regarded Balanders evenly before bending to try once more. She hoped they could do this with some measure of subtlety.
Turn 056 is up.
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, fail
, pass, minor effect
, fail, retry
, fail
OOC:
After a couple of months playing the system, I must say that I am really enjoying. Not sure if you know, but I'm also running a couple of Pathfinder games on the site but this is different. A good kind of different.
The mechanics for GM intrusions, minor, and major effects is very interesting and allows for a more varied story.
A couple of things:
1) don't forget to point out any modifiers to the rolls you ask me to make if you're already doing so; and
2) if you do roll and get some sort of effect, please recommend what it should be, especially if it's a favorable effect.
Thoughts on game and/or mechanics?
For those that came from the other game where we had fight after fight, is this change of pace OK?
I'd like to know what you like/don't like so I can give you more of the same (the good part). :)
Game on!
The way Balanders busted through the door made Altha whistle lowly. He was going to be handy to have around... Chuckling, she darted in behind him, opening up her senses to the room, looking for anything mechanical or interesting before sitting down at Tichronus' desk. She ran a hand over the seam between the desk and the tablet thoughtfully... it wouldn't be dug out easily but if it had been placed there, it could be gotten out. ”Is this the tablet?” Her gaze rose to meet Zyzyx's as he entered the room. ”Anybody have something that'll create a decent seal or have strong suction? We can't pry it out, I don't think, but unless it's been bonded to the desk, we should be able to lift it out vertically...”
Experimentally, Altha tapped the screen lightly and waited for it to respond, quietly murmuring a greeting. ”Hello little one... what can you tell me...?”
”Anything else in here of interest? I don't think we have long before we should pull out... Any of the doodads on the wall worth anything?” She gestured at the walls as she worked, one ear peeled for the stairs if anybody came up after Ianaga and Agia had the last situation handled. They were still gone so that boded well...
When she was done with the tablet, Altha took a moment to scour the room as well before following the other two out. ”Might as well leave the room as normal as possible on first glance – how's the door? Not too damaged? I have some bonding agent if we need to repair it at all...” Altha held up her sprayer with a grin. ”Did you find anything in the other room Zyzyx?” She rather hoped something would turn up... and if not in the bedrooms then there had to be something in the study...
[dice=Perception/Observation on Desk/Tablet interface]1d20
No hidden button but you do determine that the next 'transmission' from the tablet will occur precisely in 2 days.
Action 1
The night air was cool, and it made an eerie sound as it whistled through the open pipe in front of the manor. Agia, Inanaga, and the servants plodded cautiously up the cylinder looking for signs of the 'noise', their feet making hollow tapping sounds with each step despite themselves.
It would be odd if they didn't find something, so Agia winked hard at Ianaga and dropped to the back of the group, hoping the new woman would see the gesture despite the flickering candle Athuria had fetched. While the others searched farther up, Agia turned to the side of the pipe and began to focus her powers.
Straining while desperately trying not to make a sound, Agia held her breath as she willed moisture in the air to condense upon the side of pipe in a rude symbol she had seen scrawled in some of the more unsavory taverns around town. The damp darkened the metal enough to look like a thin coat of wet paint in the flickering light, and hopefully the chilly temperature this time of year would keep it from evaporating quickly.
She finished just as she was not able to hold her breath any longer, and the ragged gasp caught the attention of the others. She waved her hand in the direction of the graffiti, hoping the shock of the rude symbol would keep anyone from asking why she was suddenly out of breath.
Action 3
When they'd regrouped in one of the bedrooms - it was a tad cramped so she was sitting on the floor against a wall - Altha waited a moment before speaking up, "We've got two days before anything else happens. We found the tablet but it's set in the desk pretty good. I fiddled with it and in two days, whatever it's transmitting, will report in 2 days' time. We might as well kill time until then and make like proper house sitters, I think."
She yawned hugely - it had to be the bitter hours of the night by now - and looked up, "Tichronus is a slaver, right? And the tablet-thing was supposedly used to organize trade caravans? It's possible he's trading the Gladiators away... I bet we'll see to whom when that report queues up." Altha smiled and met Balanders' gaze [b]"We'll find where your friend went, I bet. That'll at least be a solid lead to follow."
Altha yawned again, listening to the others' responses. Whatever they decided to do, she was going to sleep the rest of the night. As far as she was concerned, they only needed to play the waiting game now. She'd probably poke through the study again tomorrow or maybe go for another ride with Balanders... see if she couldn't talk Agia into learning too. It was odd, having to spend so much time in one spot after so many weeks of traveling on foot - you had to keep moving or you became relatively easy prey.
Had adventuring become so familiar with her that she was starting to feel cooped up? They'd been at the manor only a few days! She smiled to herself. She was starting to sound like Agia.
Action 1:
"Oh my goodness, would you look at that?" Quickly trying to pull attention away from Agia's gasp, Ianaga sounds outraged when she points at the graffiti. "Now that is just rude. I have no idea how they managed to leave this here, but we will have to investigate this in the morning. In fact, I will make this my personal mission! Of course the cowardly vandals fled now. It's a slap in the face of Lord Tichronus, isn't it? My, it shall have consequences!"
Before the servants can investigate the graffiti any further, Ianaga touches first Anthuria's, then Balthus' arm confidentially. "Please leave this to me. I am sorry that something like this disturbed your well-earned rest."
Action 2
Balanders grabbed the 40 Shin Purse out from under the bed, muttering "You owe me this much and more you slaver bastard." He looked over to see Altha whispering at the desk, and left her to investigate that portion of the room.
Balanders looked around for papers or documents that might reveal Tichronus' slaving activities at the Manor. Gathering up whatever he could find to peruse later.
Balanders also looked the weapons over, seeing if any of them were more than just ornamental. If so, he simply noted their presence in his memory and intended to grab them when he was finished with this housekeeping assignment.
After Altha and Balanders were done searching, Balanders repaired the door frame to the best of his abilities. He quietly worked with his chisel to scrape away any rough wooden parts and made the door look like it had not been broken in.
Action 3
Balanders split the Shins with his compatriots, each group member getting 8 shins. Balanders made it clear that he expected each person to take their share, ensuring that everyone was of one mind with regards to their loyalty to the group over the nobles.
Balanders threw down whatever documents and scraps he had gathered from Tichronus' room for the others to peruse, he then sat on a bed. "What did we find? Are we any closer to locating Modou? Is Ricci after that glowing tablet? Am I going to have to carry the whole desk out of this place for him?"
Action 3
Balanders split the Shins with his compatriots, each group member getting 8 shins. Balanders made it clear that he expected each person to take their share, ensuring that everyone was of one mind with regards to their loyalty to the group over the nobles.
Agia sorted through her share of the shins. She shook her head at most of them being mix-metal coins pressed with the head of what looked like a local noble, likely the Baron himself. She made a mental note to swap or spend them before leaving town. The bottom portion of the bag, however, held a small selection of black hexagons with flecks of gold that Agia found very shinny indeed and she tucked hers into her shinbag with some satisfaction.
...
"...We might as well kill time until then and make like proper house sitters, I think..."
"...We'll find where your friend went, I bet. That'll at least be a solid lead to follow."
Agia nodded, "Agreed, I hate sitting around, but we can't afford to make a move until we've found all we came for. We had a close call tonight, and the staff'll probably be more suspicious from here on. Stay on ya toes with ya eyes open, and we'll crack this yet."
"As for the desk, when the time comes I might be able to loosen the plate with my abilities. Wood can be shrunk and swollen without bustin' if ya get the temperature and moisture just right, and any glue or binding I know of loses its stick when it's chilly enough. No guarantees, though. Trees are scarce enough where I come from that the idea of building a whole desk out of one is still a bit strange, and if it's as fancy as ya say it might not even be made of the local stuff I can practice on."
Now that she'd spoken her piece, Agia yawned as well. Moments before the adrenaline had her wide awake, but Altha's sleepiness was contagious.
So it looks like no further actions for the rest of the night.
I'll wait for Zyzyx to post and recap tomorrow.
Questions?
Game on!
Zyzyx entered the room with a sack full of odds and ends. This'll probably catch 20 shins or so on the market. tossing the bag pnto the bed and leaning against the wall What did you find? He listened as they relayed their discoveries. Agreed. 2 day's time. with out another word he left the room. He had already reset his room. He would not notice the missing items till they were needed. Even then he'll have to convince himself he didn't loose it. His job was done so he was off to bed.
FYI, I'm going on vacation for the next 12 days. I won't be back home until Thursday June 16th. However, I should still have internet access and I do intend to keep the games going. I'll probably be posting in the mornings and nights but don't expect much during from me during the daytime. And don't be too concerned if you don't hear from me for a day or two.
Game on!