Team Dwarf/Gnome in Elves vs Dwarves -- ELVES KEEP OUT (Inactive)

Game Master Chainmail

[ooc]I can't read any of the spoilers, they won't "show". PM me a copy.

Kragg and Gallack

Gallak check your email/pm.

So no one's going to check up on the newbie? :P

Joan doesn't go into town at all. She finds the atmosphere too stifling. She warns Kragg and Nar about what lurks to the west and northwest of the city.

Other than that she spends most of the week avoiding Gallack and Magnum by sitting on the roof looking north.

Kragg:

Don't know if it would have made a difference with the apprentice what with that fantastic roll of two, ; ), but, Kib's Diplomacy Mod is actually +4 now, with his new Chr, and, as he picked up some tips on Diplomacy from Hon, Gallak and Nar, he'll be taking a rank in it next level, so it will be jumping up a fair bit. For now though, he's going to practice his human likeing skills.

With not too much else to occupy his time, Kib finds himself looking to the short, red-headed human more and more. Something about her seemed...familiar for reason. As crazy as it sounded, she actually kind of reminded him of Brask. Plus also the fact that she hadn't tried to push herself in on the group at all had gained her points with Kibibblepep.

Noticing that she had been spending most days alone by herself on the roof, Kib approaches her one time. Clearly awkward around the human woman, he stumbles a bit at first "Ah, hi. So, um, so yer human eh? Ah, ha ha, a course ye are, a course. Er, so how 'bout them Giants eh? Ye hate tha big @%#%!&'s too then?"

Despite his jumbled words, the sorcerer's smile and manner are still somewhat charming. It is obvious he is trying to push past his previous hatred of all things human and reach out to one of the 'former enemy', who just so happens to be a not entirely unattractive female.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Khazad decides to visit the dwarven deities shrine, in hopes that it will help him come to terms with slaying another dwarf - and with the part of him that still lingers on.

"Forgive me Torag, for I have sinned. I've taken the life of another dwarf, your creation such as myself. Magrim, I ask you to grant the soul I've sent to you fair judgement in the afterlife. Angradd, I ask you to cleanse my soul in your fire."

If donations are accepted, Khazad will leave 100gp in the temple.

The quarterfinals at the Battered shield.
@Hon: 3d20s initiative + N (where N is from 5 to -5), attack with quarterstaff, Acrobatics+2(dwarf)-N [faster you attack, harder to balance]

Tis the day before market day in Wheeltown.

@Khazad: At the shrine, both you and the axe feel that things have happened as they should. Your actions at the temple and the favor garnered with the old gods seems to satisfy the axe to a great extent. You meet a grizzled dwarf, he is praying to the old gods. He has had a rough time fighting in the Superstitious Mountains.

Nar introduces the dwarven expatriate community to you. Over one thousand dwarves ply their trade in Garrison and are quite well off. Most of them live in Dtown, a well constructed fortress at the top of a large hill. A few live amongst the humans.

The smiths of the town are highly respected, they work with the dwarves and many now worship the dwarven gods.

Khazad respectfully addresses the grizzled dwarf. "Greetings and well met! I have heard Superstitious Mountains have been overrun. Must have been hell of a battle. How did the dark dwarves gain advantage over you? Surely they must have employed some treachery they're infamous for?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (4) - 3 = 1
Oh well. Khazad is not too polite even when he's trying.

Sorry for the lack of posting, I wasn't getting any updates today in my campaigns tab.

With not too much else to occupy his time, Kib finds himself looking to the short, red-headed human more and more. Something about her seemed...familiar for reason. As crazy as it sounded, she actually kind of reminded him of Brask. Plus also the fact that she hadn't tried to push herself in on the group at all had gained her points with Kibibblepep.

Noticing that she had been spending most days alone by herself on the roof, Kib approaches her one time. Clearly awkward around the human woman, he stumbles a bit at first "Ah, hi. So, um, so yer human eh? Ah, ha ha, a course ye are, a course. Er, so how 'bout them Giants eh? Ye hate tha big @%#%!&'s too then?"

Despite his jumbled words, the sorcerer's smile and manner are still somewhat charming. It is obvious he is trying to push past his previous hatred of all things human and reach out to one of the 'former enemy', who just so happens to be a not entirely unattractive female.

"Kibibblepep, right? It wouldn't be the fist time someone's asked me that question. Some people here still think I'm a tall dwarf."

She cheers up a good bit. Whether from having someone to talk to or from the gnome's antics, she doesn't say or give any hint to if it's one or the other. At the mention of giants, however, her expression goes dark.

"I don't think there's a strong enough word to describe how I feel about giants." She shakes her head, and puts on a neutral expression. "Some memories are best left untouched."

She sits there for several silent and awkward moments before she speaks again.

"I heard that you are a craftsman that makes jewelry. Do you do commissions?"

Once Kragg heard about the Dwarven temple he would have join Khazad in attendance. Kragg would make sure that someone would be on guard when he is away.

Khazad, that a good result for a dwarf ;)

Nar waits for the reaction of the grizzled dwarf before intervening.

The grizzled dwarf looks at Khazad, "Son, I have boots older than you. I heard your group almost got us dwarves blacklisted. I am putting together my own expedition to the Superstitious Mountains. We sunk too much sweat and gold into that operation to give it up to the duergar."

"I told the others not to sell to you at cost. After seeing how much you bought, I think they realize now you are far from destitute. Don't *(^% it up for them here. The hardliner dwarves are what drove many to come here and make a good living."

Chainmail Numbers as requested:

Gallak, Pls read the Kragg spoiler. I will cut and paste to PM as well. It should explain quite a bit.

Hon will return from his city forays and take his turn guarding the party equipment and money while the others explore. He will spend this time to determine the security of warehouse. (Taking "20" +7 (or +9 with stone) since he has the watch.)a

Kragg and Gallak
The last I hope.

The jousting tournament the evening before a market day brings incredible crowds. Standing room only at the Battered Shield. Hon is one of eight jousters to make it to the quarterfinals.

His first two matches Hon strikes quickly and decisively knocking his opponent quickly into the water. Hon finds himself in the finals. During the finals Hon's balance eludes him, and although he strikes first, his old human opponent easily eludes Hon's blow and then knocks him into the pool of water.

Hon wins a silver helmet for second place and 50gp. He also gets his name on the wall of fame.

It is the evening before the festival, Hon is jousting at the Battered Shield, who is back at the warehouse?

Kragg will be staying at the compound and not joining 'Mighty Lowblow' at the joust. Kragg will provide money to someone else who is going to buy Hon a couple of 'special beers' though.

Hope everyone's Mother's day went well.

It did.

Joan stays at the compound, just sitting and listening to the conversations going on, and trying to glean any information about the others personalities and the interactions of the group.

Yes, as I player I know, but Joan doesn't and after the incident with Gallak, I don't think she's too eager to say anything unless addressed directly.

one is still a positive number, eh Nar? :)
"Well, our former leader expected the Society collectors to be more upfront about the tax. And to be honest, their ways ticked me off, too. But after spending several days in your city, I now see that the first impression was somewhat misleading. If the Society is what makes everything tick in this city, it's a mystery to me why wouldn't they become a legitimate power.
We are going out on an expedition soon, but we also considered striking at the duergar after we return. Perhaps we could join forces if the time allows?"
After Khazad is done at the temple, he will go and cheer for the Mighty LowBlow at the Battered Shield.

Gallak times his arrival at the Battered Shield well. "Mighty Lowblow" and his cohorts stagger singing from the raucous tavern directly into the path of the albino.
His bone-white eyebrows are creased in fury.
Mahhtah LOWBLOW? He spits.
Curse ye, and May yer beard thin ta' naught an' the citah hurr crumble ta' wee dust h'around ye. Ye h'are noo Dwarf worthah o' tha nahm.
Intimidate: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Hon is given free drinks on the house for the weekend, so he doesn't drink the special victory beer saved for him.

Magnum slaps Hon on the back, "Good run, you almost won it all. The balancing up there is difficult, and your opponent in the end was skilled."

Anyone else back at the warehouse with Joan and Kragg?

Kib also remains back at the warehouse. Although he is trying to change his opinions about the Society and humans in general, it is slow going. And no matter what, a traitor is still a traitor and, while he wouldn't have minded seeing Hon get his skull knocked about, he has no wish to cheer 'Mighty LoBlow' in anything.

EARLIER to Joan

Sense Motive:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Kib is aware that there is more going on with Joan's feelings about giants yhan she let's on, but decides not to pursue it at present.

Grabbing a spot of roof next to her, he sits as comfortably as he can and answers with genuine interest and pleasure [b]"Why yes! Yes indeed I do have some small skill in the jewelers craft. Did you have something specific in mind?

And thanks for the reminder! Chainmail I'm assuming Kib would have time to finish the rings by weeks end, yes?

@ Kib - Rings should be done by week end.

The boistereous group returns home. Magnum has composed a short drinking song.

"Mighly Low Blow Knocked the Men Down.

With hammer and hatchets and axes and all
With a yo ho! Blow the man down,
That served for good dwarves from icy north.
Give me some time to blow the man down."

Upon returning home the celebrants are excited by a night of revelry. Unfortunately the mood is spoiled when an inventory of the treasure stash comes up with some significant items missing. This spoils the early morning of market day.

I do not have the list of the items in the 'stash'.

Spade of Excavation
+2 icy burst dagger
I think the staff of earth and stone is back at dwarven hold as Kib said he could not use it yet and didn't want to carry it. I could be wrong on that point and if so it would be inteh stash as well. We weren't planning on selling it I know that for sure. Just not if we would have brought it along or not.
Also jewelry and gp
If we did not have to pay for items upfront then there will be more items please let me know.

All items were paid for up front, the staff was left behind.

The only items missing are the icy burst dagger and the spade. In the place of each of them is a long white feather.

Joan will tell you there has been series of burglaries committed over the years. The thief is known only as the feather as he leaves a feather behind.

Hon, after some research, discovers the feather is a thorn in side of the Society. He donates his 20% to local charities rather than give his money to the Society and is somewhat a popular character with the people. He steals from the nobility and people that cause problems in town to enhance his reputation.

"So if he doesn't like the Society so much, why wouldn't he steal from them instead of us, since we gave them nothing?" Khazad stands angry and befuzzled.
"Bah, this is the city of thieves, where everyone steals from the others. And the humans say we dwarves are greedy! Perhaps so, but at least we are upfront about our trade, not stealing and extorting left and right."

Grabbing a spot of roof next to her, he sits as comfortably as he can and answers with genuine interest and pleasure "Why yes! Yes indeed I do have some small skill in the jewelers craft. Did you have something specific in mind?"

"Could you make something that can help hold back my hair? With an engraving of a butterfly in it?"

After the Theft
"Wha-? HOW? How did I miss him!"

Joan looks pretty stunned at the revelation that the group was robbed.

You know very well how that happened you silly girl. You were too busy moping on the roof!

After Hon's research
"I hate this place."

During the morning of the big market, a delegation of dwarves arrives seeking Nar's blessing. Six elder dwarves and three humans in heavy armor are off to hunt some duergar in the mountains to the north.

The oldest one simply known as Thumper, is recognized by the dwarves that visited the old temple. "We'll be d*(^% if we sit by and let the dark dwarves steal our ore. They will not find dwarven land cheap. Once you've mined the good stuff, you can't go back to making steel."

Another agent arrives, a well groomed very short man with a waxed moustache and goatee in a coat of inlaid silver and tasteful jewels. He presents a ribbon wrapped scroll on a silver tray.

The letter reads: 'My dearest dwarves, my agent has three young charges, human boys in their late teens that need to be dropped off at any border outpost. If you are happening to traveling E or SE, please drop them off for me. My agent has a sack with 300 gold crowns to cover any inconvenience. Please RSVP with regrets.
Your noble admirer.'

Are you attending market day? a few more days until your items are completed.

Coming back after speaking to the Society reps regarding the theft by White Feather, chuckling intermittently"I suspect he is stealing only from those who can afford it. And the way you've been spending, word is we are flush with funds. Add in the high profile discussion Brask had with the golemkeeper, the very public terms of negotiated economic policy which has not restrained Mr Kib "Look at my Wand" Sparklepants from shopping; we can certainly afford the loss. As for stealing from the society, he probably is but they aren't admitting it.
Hon does an inventory of his gear, all attached to his backpack wondering if anything has been disturbed or removed.
Chainmail or anyone of the crew that decides to snoop within backpack

A bit of Retcon. The Sense Motive DC shoulda been set by my
Bluff 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Or
Intimidate1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

Depending on how your PC views mine, YMMV. :-)

Edit: Naturally once again, I roll high numbers against my own. Truly the Dice Gawds hate me.

Gallak, would you respond to this 'noble admirer' and tell him we're takin a different direction for the time bein. Perhaps later.

Nar, in your dealings with the Society and Garrison what do you know about the laws in the city? If someone is caught trespassin, what is the punishment? Looking at postin a sign 'Trespassers shot on sight'. Also want to know how much is it to purchase land and a building in Garrison. If we are goin to have a presence here trade, we need a spot of our own.

Hon, we announced to everyone we have wealth and are willin to spend it. Of course we're goin to have people come after our gear.
We have not paid for protection or anything else to the society other then the trade tax. I'll not go before them and look like I'm beggin for help from some human. We'll settle this on our own and take back either the items or his blood. Let people know that this will not be tolerated. Charity and help is one thing, stealing and 'givin to the poor' is another.

Kragg will attend the market day and pack all his goods with him. He wants to see this special occasion and look for the stolen equipment.

perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

NOW:
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Ha! Perfect!

Enraged but far from surprised as the traitorous Hon once again sides with anyone and everyone but his own kind, Kib barely restrains himself from going after him. Normally, he steers far away from any sort of political infighting or manoeuvring, but this time he feels he has to speak his peace. Dwarvish"Kragg, you know I ain't got nothing against you leading us. But I have to disagree with you on this one. Whether we like it or not, and whatever we want to call it, we did pay that protection money to the damn Society, just as they wanted us to. Now, I ain't all tight and chummy with them as some sorry excuse for a Dwarf is, but lately I've been led to believe that maybe they ain't as all bad as I first thought. Still though, the idea of them forcin' us to pay the protection money, or tribute, or tax or whatever you want to call, rankles me to no end. So, since we paid for it, I say we get our money's worth. And if that 'White Feather' is hurting them, I say we let him hurt them double by making them pay us for what he took. And to be honest, while I do want those items back, I have no mind to take it out of this White Feather's hide, should we manage to find him. For seems to me that there's very little checks and balances against the Society's power as it is, and it seems that this Whiet Feather may be providing the only damper on the Society's power that there is here in Garrison. So I say, if he's gonna keep sticking his thumb in the Society's eye, let him keep doing it. Well, that's it, I've said my peace." after which he stands there, arms crossed, shooting the occasional hostile glare at Hon.

Kib will also attend Market Day, all of his belonging now carried in his Handy Haversack, which is locked tight, one of his hands never leaving it.

During the morning of the big market, a delegation of dwarves arrives seeking Nar's blessing. Six elder dwarves and three humans in heavy armor are off to hunt some duergar in the mountains to the north.

The oldest one simply known as Thumper, is recognized by the dwarves that visited the old temple. "We'll be d*(^% if we sit by and let the dark dwarves steal our ore. They will not find dwarven land cheap. Once you've mined the good stuff, you can't go back to making steel."

Another agent arrives, a well groomed very short man with a waxed moustache and goatee in a coat of inlaid silver and tasteful jewels. He presents a ribbon wrapped scroll on a silver tray.

The letter reads: 'My dearest dwarves, my agent has three young charges, human boys in their late teens that need to be dropped off at any border outpost. If you are happening to traveling E or SE, please drop them off for me. My agent has a sack with 300 gold crowns to cover any inconvenience. Please RSVP with regrets.
Your noble admirer.'

Nar gives them their blessing:

"May Angradd fill your hearts with fire and passion to bring down your enemies. May Torag inspire you to make the right decisions in battle to gain victory. And may Magrim bring you back one day should you fall to once again bring glory to the dwarven people."

After the blessing

"Duergar, eh? I wouldn't mind thumping some of them. I have a bone to pick with them, see this scar? Was given to me by a duergar. Of course he no longer breathes, but as long as I have this scar, I have a burning hatred for them."

Magnum approaches the man, and is somewhat taken aback.

"Dark, is that you."

The man replies, "Yes, but you can call me Mr. Diggler Magnum. By the way, I heard you were dead. Killed by the knights or slashed by the most vicious of creatures."

Magnum explains, "Mr. Diggler here is a trusted agent. He has influence on the royal council. They preside over the agenda that sees the light of day. You have met the Society, the shadow organization that makes all the real decisions. You see why city politics here was not for me."

"We can hire him to complain about the thievery. He can fill out all the forms needed, get a hearing, and state our grievance."

The dandy speaks to Magnum, "These kids were like you once Magnum, they are free spirits deemed unsuited to an orderly world. They may last a day at the most on their own if events unfold as my employer predicts."

@Gallak The Feather is the most famous thief ever. No one has ever seen his face. Rumor has it, his real name is Kaiser Sose.

If that truly is what the tax was for, protection, then let us extort the law to its fullest and have the Society repay us for the stolen items. At the same time, if we can alert the White Feather that if he returns what he stole then we will hold no grudge and will be willing to work with him. If the items are returned, then the moneys from the Society will go to him and his efforts.

Magnum, what is the fees that your 'associate' charges to fill out the paperwork to get our money back?

After being questioned, Mr. Diggler states, "One hundred gold pieces should cover it. Typically the 20% covers the items purchased to loss. These items were registered, you have some paperwork or documentation for them? Your main complaint is against the Feather. If you sign a complaint, I think they may be glad to squeeze the Feather's confederates on your behalf to get some money after taking their fifth of course. They might even take your word for it."

"Most people don't file complaints against the Feather. If you do, I would recommend ceasing business in the area for a while."

"Heh, methinks the society's grip isn't as strong as they'd like it to be."

Dwarves ain' mos' people, and we didn't say we'd file compahnts aboot no' Feahar.
Gallak pulls at his beard ponderously.
Those feathers could have come from anywhere. Besides, we can't be expected to know about this feather.
I meant to specify the "noble admirer", but I'll roll for that now:
KnLocal Who is Noble Admirer: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

Mr. Diggler replies, "I can also act discreetly, my employer's identity is secret. I can file an anonymous claim against the Feather too."

@Gallak - No one uses 'Noble Admirer' as a monniker that you know.

File the complaint, but list it as an unknown assailant. As Gallak says, we don't know if it was actually this persona that performed the theft. It would not be good to bring such charges without better evidence. Heresay and circumstance dont make good for evidence.

While we are out shopping, Kragg will be looking for 2 specific items as well. The best lock he can find. We have 6 chests and Kragg wants to be able to secure them again if we so need to. Also a scroll of arcane lock. Depending on the cost he might buy a couple.

"Harumph..." Hon is done looking around the warehouse, having found nothing that indicates a breakin. Professional yet narsissic. Shrugging his shoulders, Hon states, "I would like to go into the marketplace to break fast. I'd like to get me some new duds, walk amongst the crowd, speak to the venders etc. You know, get a bit of culture and introduce myself to our Dwarven bretheren in town, if they are not too busy that is. Figure out what makes life so enticing away from the Hall, besides the variety of foods and brews. Why... I might even come across a couple of fans. Mighty LowBlow can't disappoint them; might be the highlight of thier life!"

Hon has walked over to the tapped "Dog" keg and is tipping it to get a better flow into his tankard. A hollow thumping follows as Hon sounds the keg for brew level.

As Kragg changes his stance on the robberies and makes some excellent suggestions Kib nods in satisfaction, grinning Dwarvish "We'll make a legendary leader out of you yet, boss."

Then continues to the group in general, as he picks up the feathers and pretends to examine them "Yes, yes, I agree. These feathers could have come from anywhere. Likely some birds that have made home up in the rafters. What we do know for sure though is that we paid protection tax and items were stolen despite that. I'm sure the Society wishes to keep it's customers happy after all, don't they?" he in unable to completely hide the tiny grin that lifts one corner of his mouth.

He then looks at the boys again, considering, before asking the agent and Magnum "How far our of our way North would we have to go to drop off these youths? 300 crowns is 300 crowns after all, and gaining the favour of a wealthy admirer in the town may not be a bad thing, if we intend to come back here some day"

@Joan:
Kib smiles as the short human shows her pleasure at the clasp, but his smile turns to a look of shock, offence and hurt and she proffers money for it "What? No! No, that...it..er...it do be a gift." She does manage to regain a small small on him though as she puts it in her hair and asks him how it looks. "Ah, looks lovely it does lass, if'n I do say so mi'self. N' if tha rumors about tha glass hold true, may be it provides some protection for ye 'gainst magics n' such."

@ Kib:

"Ah, then a very special gift it is. I'm sorry, I meant no offence."

She replaces the money in her purse. She looks like she is about to hug the gnome, but decides against it.

"I'll be sure to keep this and give it to any daughters I have when they come of age."

Present

"I'm not as familiar with the lands south of here as I am with those to the north, but Kib is right. Three hundred crowns is nothing to sneeze at."

As you head out on the cloudy day to market, you notice everyone you pass is headed to market. What started as an impromptu gypsy camp, has morphed into a trading area over 15 city blocks in size. The humans have truly reaped their peace dividend as the vendors sell items out of all forms of military transport including siege wagons and supply wagons. Many of the wheels have fallen off or just been removed, but the sea of wagons and wagon carcasses makes the name Wheeltown quite apt.

Deep fried boar in a secret sauce seems to be the most popular heavy food item. Light cakes in sweet sauces dusted with winter snow seem to be the more popular dessert item. Crafts abound in all forms. The dwarven smiths have a booth, but a sign advertises 'slight delays in all orders for this week'.

The city guard is out in force, keeping order. Every once in a while an accountant with a book can be seen putting notes in a book as he passes particularly crowded vendors. Kegs of three types of beer are selling like crazy from a single vendor: Beard of the Dog, Hair of the Dwarf and Low Blow Me Down.

There is a master alchemist selling mostly healing and curative remedies. There is a pavilion with arcane symbols on it and the white wizard has about ten of his 'wizards' taking orders and selling minor magic.

A group of scruffy humans in worn breastplates and furs are selling pelts of very large wolves. Joan informs you that these barbarians live on the edge of the human lands towards the east.

At about noon, a bright light in the sky is approaching and eventually and old man riding an old griffin arrive in the middle of the wizard pavilion. The white wizard himself has arrived and speaks while hovering suspended in midair, his voice amplified for all to hear.

"Your days of prosperity were won by the blood of your ancestors. A noble king rumored to be born in the saddle on a campaign of his mother and father unified a continent. Hordes of vicious goblins were defeated. Do not forget or be complacent. The gods measure us by the words we keep, the people we honor, and the strength of our character, not by what we buy."

It is clear his message is not a popular one, and the market returns to 'normal' after the quick speech. The popular sentiment is the old man has lost touch and times have passed him by.

What we make, makes us, Gallak replies to no one in particular.

In the past few days she's warmed up considerably to Kib. Talking about some of the adventures she's gone on and listening to the gnome return the favor, or talking about crafting jewelry. She is seen with her new hair clasp in her hair every waking moment. And today is no different.

But what we do, marks us. She thinks at Gallak's comment, but Joan keeps her thoughts to herself. She's still smarting a bit from his earlier comments about her "weak eyes" and the recent robbery did nothing to help that particular wound to her pride.

She doesn't have much money, but she still browses the stalls. She doesn't pay much attention to the wares being hawked, unless they happen to be bows, knives, or some other blade.

If asked about the clasp in her hair, she simple responds, "It's a gift from a friend, who happens to be an excellent craftsman."