Ardanto Valanto |
The Note:
The ring with a piece of parchment rolled inside. when rolled out it reads
chimera looks to sunrise
cyclops looks to sunset
medusa looks to sunrise
umber hulk looks to sunset
basilisk looks to sunrise
I knew the contents because i had read the spoiler tags before I joined the sign up
DM clue:
Forzakhad gets a far away look in his eye. He looks around the room walking from carving to carving. One he is done he speaks almost as in a trance. "Roper,Dragon,aboleth,ettin,spectator,gray render, and a spider. A chimira has 6 eyes a cyclops1 a medusa 2, umberhulk4 and a basilisk 2." with that he seems to come to himself and looks back toward the walls.
To Finn the walls seem to glow in sets of squares like something hidden by magic.
[/b]Room description[/b]
It's an octagonal room that is supported by a single large pillar with dozens of deep groves along its sides. The seven walls of this room each bear fantastically detailed bas-relief carvings of exotic monster in threatening poses. Starting at the wall immediately to the west of the entrance to the room and moving clockwise, the carvings depict a tentacled monster with a glaring red eye and a mouth full of teeth (ROPER 1 EYE SW), a looming dragon (DRAGON 2 EYES W), a fish-like creature with three eyes and four tentacles (ABOLETH 3 EYES NW), a two-headed giant wielding a pairs of immense clubs (ETTIN 4 EYES N), a spherical creature with 4 eyestalks and a bulging central eye over a drooling maw (SPECTATOR 5 EYES NE), a gorilla-like beast with a fanged maw and six eyes (GREY RENDER 6 EYES E) and finally a towering black spider with seven eyes (SPIDER 7 SE). Each monsters eyes consist of a glittering of red stone. The ceiling above is only ten feet high, with the now familiar eight-pointed star pattern radiating out from the grooved pillar. The arms of the star are black save the one pointing south toward the door is red.
My working out ramblings:
OPTION 1
1) sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
2) South is towards door, so Left is west and right is east.
3) Chimera has 6 eyes, no chimera picture but we have the Gorilla creature with 6 which is a on the East wall. SO by my calculations the first line is correct. The East arm of the pillar is pointing at it, do we press the eyes or something to trigger it?
4) Next move is to point the west arm at the roper, so move the pillar one "click" anti clock wise (from above)
5) Next line requires us to point the east arm at the dragon, so that is 3 more clicks anti clock wise (the red arm is pointing nortt now.
6) Forth line. West needs to point at the north wall, so two more clicks anti clock wise.
7) Final line is east line facing west wall, so another two clicks anti clockwise.
Unless I am completely barking up the wrong tree. The only other thing I could think of is it is a safe style number tumbler and the sunrise/sunset requires you to go anti clock wise and then clockwise the number of clicks.
OPTION 2-
Assuming sunrise means clockwise and sunset means anti-clockwise (viewed from above, reverse if you think the opposite).
1) 6 clicks clock wise.
2) 1 click anti clockwise
3) 2 Clicks clock wise
4) 4 Clicks anti clockwise
5) 2 Clicks clock wise
Any one want to chose one to try?
Finn |
Unless I am completely barking up the wrong tree. The only other thing I could think of is it is a safe style number tumbler and the sunrise/sunset requires you to go anti clock wise and then clockwise the number of clicks.
I'm guessing it's something like this (e.g. right 6, left 1, right 2, left 4, right 2).
Ardanto Valanto |
Then I say lets go for it.
Ardanto and Guard will do the twisting and the Captain can direct.
We will go for the first option first, if it is wrong or things start going pear shaped we will switch to the second way.
I will check the eyes of the statues to start to make sure they are not buttons.
I will take a 20 on my search/perception role, which is a total of 20.
[ooc]Can I take a 10 on any strength checks to "aid another" the Guard?[/occ]
Whisper. |
Whisper stands quiet and thoughtful for a while, letting te others look over the note before deciding. [smaller]"If the arrow points south, right of it is west, and left east. Sunrises in the east and sets in the west so sunrise is left, sunset is right. So that's 6 eyes left, 1 eye right, 2 eyes left, 4 eyes right and 2 eyes left. I think you need to move it that many positions in the direction given. I think"[smaller] She murmurs, not wanting to interupt the others as they try to work it out.
So so sorry for the absence!
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
As the last pillar movement is finished the room rumbles as five alcoves swing into view. As Lavina and the group make there way to the chest. Disappointment start to set in as the chest seem empty. Here and there a hand full of silver remains. You can see Lavina growing more distraught as you move from alcove to alcove, empty chest to empty chest.
In the last alcove you find a bit of hope. 3 chest seem to be filled with gold and gems. Another seems to be filled with ledgers and an iron box piled with documents.
As you wait Lavina seem to get hopeful with the ledgers. She has the group carry the chest back to the waiting coaches. On the way to her Manor she seems drawn the the papers in the iron box. It seems to be filled with maps of some place/ Jungles and coast lines fill the maps as do sketches of creatures, tree types and mountains. She holds up a small book.
"This is my mothers writing but I do not know the language" see seems silent and In thought much of the way home.
Once at the manor she has the group to carry the chest inside
Forzakhad |
"Guard, Ardanto? If you would carry the chest?" Frozakhad asks the two strongest of the group. Then he turns to Lady Vanderboren. "A lot of those chests were empty. Do you have any recollection, if your parents were embarking on a new and money consuming venture? Perhaps these notes can help?"
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
Lavina thanks every one for there time.She did not know of any such venture by her parents but will spend the next few days going over the ledgers. Now one could understand the book however Ithaniar thought the letting looks vaguely like elvish.
Lavina again thanks the group and tells you she will contact you if she needs you. In a few days at the most.
Daurros&Ardanto
Lavina takes you aside and offers you 50gp up front since you have not gotten paid.
Ok guys y'all have a few days of down time. Let me know how you wish to spend it.
Guard |
Guard thanks the Lady for the offered job and reassures her to be of service whenever he receives a call.
The warforged then goes back to his little shop and shortly thereafter the sound of smithery can be heard. But that did not last for long, as Guard remembered the book the Arnkins, the soldier he repaired the arm for, gave him.
Soon some passersby are looking iritated into the little workshop, as the warforged is standing there, carefully holding a book that is rather worn, appearently reading it, reciting it silently.
"The disciple is not above his master;
but every one that is perfect shall be as his master."
That brought him back to his surroundings, and the shop.
The warforged carefully puts the book away while thinking about what he read.
He goes back to his smithery, advertising himself to passerbyers, showing of his craftiness for a while, then reads some pages and after that, goes back to work.
Finn |
On the way out of the vault, Finn takes Whisper aside discreetly.
"Young lady, I was raised to know the value of a secret. But please -- if you have some information that will help us serve Lady Vanderboren better, I wish you would share it with me right away. There's no need to be shy. I won't bite." He smiles and tips the young girl a wink.
===========
While otherwise unoccupied, Finn returns to the arena. Mustering up his courage, he walks towards the blood-stained gladiator's area. The smell of honest sweat and the clang of weapons issues from within as the combatants practice.
Approaching the nearest gladiator, he asks: "Excuse me, but who do I talk to about becoming a fighter? I think I can handle my own in a fight and I'd like to earn some extra coin."
Whisper. |
On the way out of the vault, Finn takes Whisper aside discreetly.
"Young lady, I was raised to know the value of a secret. But please -- if you have some information that will help us serve Lady Vanderboren better, I wish you would share it with me right away. There's no need to be shy. I won't bite." He smiles and tips the young girl a wink.
Whisper blushes and avoids eye contact with Finn as he speaks with her, she had shared the information with Lavinia and had thought that was the right thing to do, she hadn't known if it was some sort of private message or not. Shy as ever she doesn't voice her thoughts however and instead gives a small nod. "Okay"
----
At a loss for what to do with herself in her free time she stops, watches and waits to see which direction the others head in before making up her own mind.
Daurros Erdai |
Keeper & Ardanto
I'm just going to deduct my monthly expenses from this payment (45gp).
Daurros turns to Ardanto, "A hard day's work deserves a hard night's fun, don't you agree?"
Unless Ardanto has other ideas or suggestions, Daurros will spend the next few days as normal ... drinking excessively until late and sleeping it off through most of the next day (preferably with a female companion, though Daurros usually relies on his friend for that, since he's not overly charming himself).
If Ardanto has a better plan or idea, Daurros will likely acquiesce, though a bit grudgingly.
EDIT:Finally, at one point, Daurros will take some time out to scribe a scroll of sleep.
Ardanto Valanto |
Daurros turns to Ardanto, "A hard day's work deserves a hard night's fun, don't you agree?"
Unless Ardanto has other ideas or suggestions, Daurros will spend the next few days as normal ... drinking excessively until late and sleeping it off through most of the next day (preferably with a female companion, though Daurros usually relies on his friend for that, since he's not overly charming himself).
If Ardanto has a better plan or idea, Daurros will likely acquiesce, though a bit grudgingly.
I am on the same expense account as Daurros, so I will take my cue from Daurros and knock off this months outgoings
"Daurros, I agree lets us celebrate in style, maybe some of our charming companions would care to join us?"
Ardanto lends an open invite to any of the group to come and share some down time with them at their lodgings.
Ardanto does his best to keep up the charade of carousing and merry making, but it should become apparent to Daurros that he is not drinking as heavily and any tryst he has end way before the bed room. He is also gone early most mornings returning to his companion around mid-day.
Should Daurros ask him why or follow him one morning please feel free to read the spoiler, the same goes for anyone else spending time around him.
Keeper:
Ardanto will spend increasing amounts of time making him self useful to the Lady, first on the pretence of being a body guard there to protect her, but later on running any errands or tasks she feels free to set him. Obviously if the lady asks me to get lost, I will oblige, but if she needs a shoulder to cry on he will also be there.
Whisper. |
Whisper joins Ardanto and Daurros, though only briefly as she quickly realises 'carousing and merry making' really aren't for her and at the first opportune moment she slips away without a word of goodbye back to her small home to spend time alone and to plan what good acts she can acheive with the money she is going to be paid for helping Lady Vanderboren.
Daurros Erdai |
"Daurros, I agree lets us celebrate in style, maybe some of our charming companions would care to join us?"
Ardanto lends an open invite to any of the group to come and share some down time with them at their lodgings.
Ardanto does his best to keep up the charade of carousing and merry making, but it should become apparent to Daurros that he is not drinking as heavily and any tryst he has end way before the bed room. He is also gone early most mornings returning to his companion around mid-day.
Should Daurros ask him why or follow him one morning please feel free to read the spoiler, the same goes for anyone else spending time around him.
Keeper:
** spoiler omitted **
It takes him a few days, but eventually Daurros does notice that he's been finishing the last few rounds by himself, lately. And though he typically sleeps too late to notice Ardanto leaving in the morning, one day he does catch him coming back in the afternoon.
"Jac ... Ardanto! You certainly look as though you've been busy, today. What business had you out and about?"
reads spoiler
"Ahhh ... I see. Yes, she is quite attractive, isn't she? Keep in mind, though, she is also our employer; as I have little else to fall back on right now, I would hate to see that jeopardized. I don't think it would be wise to add her to the long list of broken hearts the great Ardanto Valanto has left in his wake!" Daurros says with a smile, to show he's only half serious. "And besides, how could they write more plays about you if you were a settled family man?"
Ardanto Valanto |
It takes him a few days, but eventually Daurros does notice that he's been finishing the last few rounds by himself, lately. And though he typically sleeps too late to notice Ardanto leaving in the morning, one day he does catch him coming back in the afternoon.
"Jac ... Ardanto! You certainly look as though you've been busy, today. What business had you out and about?"
reads spoiler
"Ahhh ... I see. Yes, she is quite attractive, isn't she? Keep in mind, though, she is also our employer; as I have little else to fall back on right now, I would hate to see that jeopardized. I don't think it would be wise to add her to the long list of broken hearts the great Ardanto Valanto has left in his wake!" Daurros says with a smile, to show he's only half serious. "And besides, how could they write more plays about you if you were a settled family man?"
Ardanto chuckles, "my friend you know me too well, I am a sucker for a pretty lady with a sob story, she is a fine beauty, but I can't explain why I am so dammed attracted to her, if I didn't know better I would think she had slipped me one of those dodgy love potions, just like those witches on the island who turned our crew into pigs", he gets a wistful far away look in his eyes as he reminisces. Suddenly he looks alarmed "you don't think she has do you?".
Later after a good meal and a few beers Ardanto confesses "you do realise I think the Lady may be the reason her parents are missing?" "I can't explain why I find that such a turn on, maybe I like bad girls or could it be that I have overdosed on the innocent ones?"
Daurros Erdai |
Ardanto chuckles, "my friend you know me too well, I am a sucker for a pretty lady with a sob story, she is a fine beauty, but I can't explain why I am so dammed attracted to her, if I didn't know better I would think she had slipped me one of those dodgy love potions, just like those witches on the island who turned our crew into pigs", he gets a wistful far away look in his eyes as he reminisces. Suddenly he looks alarmed "you don't think she has do you?".Later after a good meal and a few beers Ardanto confesses "you do realise I think the Lady may be the reason her parents are missing?" "I can't explain why I find that such a turn on, maybe I like bad girls or could it be that I have overdosed on the innocent ones?"
Daurros laughs. "I doubt she slipped you anything, my friend. Nor do I think she's the reason her parents are gone. I may not be the best judge of character, but the 'maiden in distress' part seems real. For instance, what would her motivation be? Money? Seems to me that if she were the greedy type, her parents wouldn't have gone missing until AFTER she knew how to access the vault. And would she have brought all of us with her? Or offered us some payment up front? Granted, she seemed dismayed at how many of those chests were empty ... but then, I suppose anyone would if they opened their family's vault and found it far emptier than they anticipated."
Daurros takes anothe long pull from his beer. "No, I think she's on the up-and-up. But there's no denying some sort of black cloud hangs over her. I think your instincts that she may be in danger are correct. I just don't know in what way."
He finishes his beer. "So what do you say, a game of darts to see who buys the next round?"
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
Finn
"Oh, ho. Some one that wants to take's a swagger at th' arena a? Well ya gos up and talk to th' arena mas'er ia what ya do. Ya gos up th' stir right eh, and take eer a ummm left there ya gos down th' tunnl'll then yer gos bout's 6 or so doors down'er and gets to there traning and er sparring rooms. Ye find the arena mas'er there bouts. Names jerix ber're way"
The scared human had an accent unknown to Finn and it mix with the rough seafarer dialect of the city in a mish mash of hard concenets and rough shod words.
"Su' as day e'll taks ye own. Nofing like staring a man or beszt down under the look,zees of a filled arena. "
Finn |
Finn furrows his brow, trying to follow the pattern of conversation.
"Uh...up the stairs, take a left, down through the tunnel...I think I can find it. Thank you, friend. I hope you will see me in the winner's circle soon!"
Finn shakes the man's hand gratefully and tries to follow the incoherent salt's directions as best as he remembers. He gets lost once, resulting in a loud scolding from an arena guard, but eventually makes his way to the arena master's office.
He politely taps on the door and asks: "Sir, are you looking for new fighters? I would like to try my skill in the ring."
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
Guard
As they days moves on you see more and more costumer's unseen before and a few repeats. A few drop the line Arnkins said you do good work. More then one person sporting a limb of iron and wood makes there way into Guards shop.
On the 3rd day after the vault a pale man comes in. He walks with a limp, His skin seeming somewhat waxy and his hair not white just lacking in color. His limbs seem strong if somewhat twisted and his muscles seem somehow not right.
"You would be Guard would you not? I was a blacksmith once, before." He gets this far off look to his eyes. Like something of great sorrow passes before him.
Anyhow word is that you do good work, and that your getting more customers in. So I was wondering if you would need some help? I can work cheap, I haven't work as a blacksmith in a long time, but I just get the feeling that I need to. So here I am.
Guard |
"And I welcome you here. Yes, I am called Guard." he greets the man, before thinking: Maybe I can't change my name like that. People recognise me. They pass that name. Is it that why they say 'names have a power over you'?
Not having the time to think about that now, he turns his attention back to the pale man standing before him, speaking:
"You are right. Work has been increasing lately, thanks to Arnkins, I would believe, if you know him. It sure would be good to have help..." the warforged speaks, before thinking again. How do I go about that? Can I trust him? Will the customers accept his work as well as mine?
"Tell you what: Let me see you work with the hammer. Or, first tell me, what you are able to do. After that we will see, what we can agree to. How does that sound for you?" Guard says, after remembering something he read in the book Arnkins gave him:
'The Warrior knows that no man is an island.
He cannot fight alone; whatever his plan, he depends on other people. He needs to discuss his strategy, to ask for help, and, in moments of relaxation, to have someone with whom he can sit by the fire, someone he can regale with tales of battle.'
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
Guard
"Well, sir before I got involved in the war I did pot,pans, wagon yoks and wheels most."
He seem to get a dark look to his eyes that pass soon.
"after, I did armor, weapons, crossbow configurations and the like"
He looks down at his twisted limbs. "My arms are still strong, And if ya hand me that hammer and prong I can show ya my work"
He proceeds to beat , heat and fashion the metal, working it to his will. He hobbles from place to place in a slow limp movement yet seems to hit the metal with real force and power. As he works he chants a bit beneath his breath.The iron seems to almost mold to his will, forming, shaping becoming something.For hours he works relentlessly at the forge. When done he holds out three daggers. they seem keen and very well made, balanced also.
"They still need there hilts wrapped but here is my work"
sigh...forgot to post his name...It's kerinith
Guard |
"Nice work, I have to say. Those will sell well, ... Uh, I think you did not tell me your name.
And don't call me Sir. Guard does nicely." the warforged says, then falls silent to hear the man introduce himself, while thinking what he can offer him.
Another passage from the book Arnkins gave him comes to his mind:
'A worrior of the Light does not postpone making decisions.
He thinks a great deal before taking action. (...) He tries to remain calm and to analyse each step as if it were of supreme importance.
However, as soon as he has made a decision, the Warrior proceeds: He has no doubt about his choosen action, not deas he change direction if circumstances turn out differently from how he had imagined them.'
"So, what can I propose to you? How about I don't pay you, but rather let you use my equipment? You can sell your work on your own, get paid what you get from your customers.
Let's say you pay 4silver per week to use my forge. I can loan you some money or metal up front to get the business going if you don't have anything to pay for that now.
How does that sound for you, Kerinith?" Guard speaks, holding out his hand to seal the deal.
'If his decision is correct, he will win the battle, even if it lasts longer than expected. If his decision is wrong, he will be defeated and he will have to start all over again - only this time with more wisdom.
But once he has started, a warrior of the light perseveres until the end.'
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
Finn
A drawf is a well groomed, braided bread looks at Finn. " Well boy we always could use a good fight or two."
He walks over to Finn and seems to sum him up like a man looking to buy a horse.
" Well you look like ya may be able to handle a few simple fights. I tell ya want we'll put ya to the training yard for a few days and come next week's games we'll see what ya can do boy"
He moves to sit behind a old and well used desk. " Go find jerix's he'll be in the main area, he'll get ya squared away."
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
Ardanto
Lavina Seems happy to have the company, over the next three days. See sends you here and there seeming to accompany here to collect dept's and favored owed to her family. It seems her parents had a habit of doing dangerous favors for people and never collecting the dept. Still she does seem happy for the company
Daurros Erdai |
Would anyone else like to do anything over the next few ingame days. If not we'll move this on
Without his friend around as much as he used to be, "carousing and carrying on" just doesn't have the same joy it used to. He begins to grow restless, and hopes his new employer will have a job for him soon.
Nope. Daurros is ready to proceed! :-)
Guard |
Guard
"Well Guard that sounds fine indeed sir, I can start now if ya like"
With that he moves toward the furnaces with a fire all his own.
"Then we have an agreement."
After finishing some other work Guard goes out to get some materials for new projects. Coming back in the shop he asks Kerinith if anything happened, then goes to work on his own, starting work on a new weapon for himself.
It will be a masterwork Greatsword, once it is finished.
On his way through town he met up with his companions from Lady Vanderborns assembly, telling them that he would be glad to forge weapons or armor for them, if they need some. "At a special, reduced price, not to compare with common dealers" as the warforged stated it.
Finn |
" Well you look like ya may be able to handle a few simple fights. I tell ya want we'll put ya to the training yard for a few days and come next week's games we'll see what ya can do boy"He moves to sit behind a old and well used desk. " Go find jerix's he'll be in the main area, he'll get ya squared away."
Finn bows earnestly.
"Thank you, sir. I know you won't regret this."
Getting Jerix's description, he rushes down to the main area and seeks out Jerix. His mind spins with the possibilities of whom he might face. Perhaps a wolf... He fought one or two in his haphazard flight from the Demon Wastes; he survived, but with a few scars as reminders. After Osric's martial training, no doubt he would give a better performance now.
Daurros Erdai |
Ardanto is happy to continue when every one else finishes their parts.
I am having great difficulty accessing and postin here at the moment, is it just me?
Nope, site's been down most of this morning and yesterday; it would occasionally come up for a few minutes then go back down. I think Gary's on it though, and hopefully the worst is behind. See the "brokestore golem" thread under the website feedback area.
Finn |
Jerix discusses a training regimen with Finn and promises to find an opponent for him soon.
Training montage:
O.K., Finn is ready to move on now.
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
After a few days you are all summoned back to the manor house. Lavinia greets you all and once you are seated and kora pours you all some nice spiced tea, she speaks .
“Thank you all for coming. I have called you hear because, now that my financial problems are for the moment behind me I have another concern that worries me most dear. I want you to find my brother Vanthus.”
She takes a sip of her tea and seems to compose herself before going on.
“Growing up we were very close, since our parents were rarely around. We used to get into a bit of trouble together” He lips raise in a ghost of a smile, then to full life as she seems to recall past events. Then it’s gone “After one rather complex prank Involving an elixir of love and a water tower, all that came to an end. I was sent to the Thenalar Academy for young ladies for the next five years. Vanthus was shipped off to work in a plantation.”
Here expression changed yet again as if relieving found memories “When we returned home last year, I guess we both had changed. I like to think my time at Thenalar was well spent. I learned a great deal there and built contacts that will last a lifetime. Vanthus however seemed bitter, he no longer had time for me. He slept all day and spent his nights with associates of doubtful character. In time he moved out of the house all together, I believe he took up with a lover in the Azure district but I never knew any details.”
She seem to grow troubled, as if recalling unpleasant memories
“After are parents died he returned for a week to live at the manor, yet he was even less himself. Gone was his easy sense of humor I recalled so fondly to be replaced with a bitter cynicism and a morbid streak that gave me chills. We argued many times that week but on the last he struck me- I was shocked and for a moment I think he was as well. Then he was back to his new self, all scowls and menace. He gathered up his belonging as left-I haven’t seen him since.”
She seem in thought before she again speaks.
“I think something profound has happened to Vanthus to change him, But I do not know what. I think he has fallen in with a bad crowed, perhaps smugglers or thieves or sovereign forbid even killers.. I do not think it is to late to help him to bring him back to me, He is the only family I have left. I want you to find him and bring him home to me.”
Ardanto Valanto |
Ardanto's ears perk up as he listens to Lavina's latest task, here is something he is going to be good at, trawling bars for information, he thinks how he will get to combine work and pleasure and smiles and winks at Daurros.
"My lady, can I ask of you a few thing to aid us, firstly do you have a portrait of your brother or a likeness that we can use to aid in our search." he pauses in thought, "I know this may be difficult as he has been away for so long".
"Also, is there any more information you can think of, a name, a place, anything he mentioned that might point us in the right direction, the Azure district can be a difficult place to find some one who does not want to be found."
"Finally, if." he pauses to correct himself, "I mean, when, we find your brother, do you want us to bring him back by force if that is necessary, the possibility does exist that he may not want to return?".
He then turns and speaks to every one "Daurros and myself know the Azure district fairly well, in particular the bars and other places of entertainment, I think a plan may be to pretend we are fleecing the attractive but gullible Lady Vanderboren of her remaining wealth and see if he pops his head out to defend the family pride or fortune." "Unless any of you have a different plan?"
Daurros Erdai |
"An excellant plan, Ardanto! I believe we should proceed. Yet, at the same time, I think it would make sense if a few of us also tried to check the other districts, as well. See what they can turn up. After all, if he has fallen in with scoundrels and thieves, Shadowshore might be a fruitful searching ground. And the Champion's district as well, with the mercenary crowd that the area drags in." He turns to the other members of the group and asks, "Do any of you know either of these areas well?"
Daurros turns to Lavinia. "Of course, if you do have any suggestions as to where we could start looking, Lady Vanderboren, that would certainly help expedite matters."
Daurros will also try a Knowledge (Local) check, to see if any specific places might suggest themselves, or if he knows of anyone that might have this kind of information for sale.
Finn |
He then turns and speaks to every one "Daurros and myself know the Azure district fairly well, in particular the bars and other places of entertainment, I think a plan may be to pretend we are fleecing the attractive but gullible Lady Vanderboren of her remaining wealth and see if he pops his head out to defend the family pride or fortune." "Unless any of you have a different plan?"
Finn frowns. "I would be delighted to track down a scoundrel like this Vanthus, but that plan sounds rather complicated. But since I don't know anyone in town who would know where he's hiding, I can't think of anything better. Unless the local law might know who and where he is."
Daurros Erdai |
"We don't want to scare our quarry off, however. I would suggest tracking down his harlot first and then laying a trap for him at his love nest."
"Agreed that that would be the preferred course of action, IF we knew who she (he?) (Lavinia wasn't specific ...) was. Otherwise, we'd have to ask around about 'Vanthus Vanderboren's lover', and that would be just as likely to tip him off as asking directly about him.
"Perhaps we should just split into groups of a few and ask around the city. One or two individuals asking about him would be less likely to incure suspicion than a group of 7 would. Ardanto and I can look around the Azure district (and perhaps the Noble district as well), since we know those areas best. Anyone who has Shadowshore connections should check there, and if anyone who has friends in the Champion's district could ask around there. It would probably make sense not to ignore the others, either (although I doubt we'd find much in the Cudgel district; that could be last on the list).
"And for a cover story: we were hired by Lavinia Vanderboren to locate him, so that she could give him a portion of the money inherited from their parents. Stick close to the truth, in other words.
"That's my suggestion, in any event. I'm perfectly happy to go along with whatever the group decides."