Ekuur, who had come up a bit, watches the direction the bakers head off to. He doesn't want them to get out of sight, and will interject before they go too far, "Yes, Lieutennant. Might it be possible for us to speak with the two bakers before your men take them away to the Gatehouse?"
diplomacy
Justin relaxes noticeably.
"Pleasure to meet a fellow magus. I'm Justin. Justin Case. And you would be correct. We have been trailing these Khaasta from Sigil." Justin responds smoothly.
Ekuur, who had come up a bit, watches the direction the bakers head off to. He doesn't want them to get out of sight, and will interject before they go too far, "Yes, Lieutennant. Might it be possible for us to speak with the two bakers before your men take them away to the Gatehouse?"
diplomacy 1d20+5
Lt. Lugo nods
"A moment with those two Corporal."
He turns to Ekuur
"By all means, I would like to hear some more as well. Particularly if they are still in possesion of any of this 'beauty potion'."
He turns to Justin and bows slightly.
"Always a pleasure to meet a fellow practicioner. If you are following these lizard rogues, make sure to be wary. I have dealt with their kind before, worse than goblins for stealing, slaving and general deviltry. Never show your back to one or shake their hand."
The two bakers are brought foreward again.
"Answer truthfully these cutter's and my questions and we shall see if we can ameliorate your indemnitities for this fracas."
The two bakers are brought forward again."Answer truthfully these cutter's and my questions and we shall see if we can ameliorate your indemnitities for this fracas."
Isaac mutters under his breath.
"And you Primes say I talk barmy...""Right. Did yeh see which direction them Skinks headed off? How many was there? Did any have a look like they was the Guv'ner? Were they hoofin' it or did they have mounts?"
The two bakers are brought forward again."Answer truthfully these cutter's and my questions and we shall see if we can ameliorate your indemnitities for this fracas."
Isaac mutters under his breath.
"And you Primes say I talk barmy...""Right. Did yeh see which direction them Skinks headed off? How many was there? Did any have a look like they was the Guv'ner? Were they hoofin' it or did they have mounts?"
"Do you know what direction the Khaasta you bought the potions from headed? How many of them were there, and did any of them look like they were the leader? Were they on foot or mounted?" she translated smoothly as she walked up behind Issac.
"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to offend you, Isaac. But Sigil cant is about as clear as mud to those who aren't used to it," she said with a wry smile. "It took me a month to not have to ask you what you meant every conversation."
She smiled encouragingly at the bakers. "We really would appreciate any help you can give us in finding these creatures before they hurt anyone else."
The male baker pipes up
"Yeh, they was on big lizards fer mounts. We met them outside the walls an' they contracted for some traveling hardtack. I overheard them sayin' they was headed for the Forest of the Norns."
Lt. Lugo interjects
"That's about a good three week's travel down out of the mountains here, into the Celtic powers' realms. My guess is they are headed to Ygdrassil. There's a portal in that forest somewhere."
The male baker resumes.
"I think one was in charge, they called him 'toilmaster' and he hit the others and their servants frequently."
Lt Lugo asks
"Do you have more of this potion?"
The baker shakes his head
"Nah. We figured it was the big market day today, if we could charm the crowd we could sell out our wares."
He gestures back to the market plaza, still in chaos
"Instead our cart got tipped over an' all our breads and pies trampled. Those lizards sold us a beholder in a bag."
Justin nods with a half smile to Lt Lugo.
"Yess,... We've noticed that about them. I'm glad it wasn't only MY first impressions!"
He frowns as he hears the bakers tale.
"You got lucky." He tells the bakers. "It's fortunate that the potion ONLY made you highly beautiful. It could just as easily have turned you into a hag. I recommend only buying magics from vendors you know and trust in the future. Remember, Even with magic, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!"
He rubs his stubbled cheek as he turns back to the group.
"Three weeks to this forest you say Lt? Perhaps we've time after all,... Isaac! What would we need to be able to catch up to them if they are mounted? We can hope that they are only traveling normally, and not in a hurry because they think someones following them. We need to catch up to them before they reach another portal!"
"I'll give yeh three clues, cutter. It eats hay, it runs quick and it turns out fuel for yer fire for less than a green, so long as yeh don't mind the stench."
Sense motive on the bakers:
"I'll give yeh three clues, cutter. It eats hay, it runs quick and it turns out fuel for yer fire for less than a green, so long as yeh don't mind the stench."
Sense motive on the bakers:1d20+1
Ekuur looks at Isaac strangely. "You have Inix's here?"
Ekuur looks at Isaac strangely. "You have Inix's here?""I'll give yeh three clues, cutter. It eats hay, it runs quick and it turns out fuel for yer fire for less than a green, so long as yeh don't mind the stench."
Sense motive on the bakers:1d20+1
"I was sayin' horses, cutter, but mayhap we do. What's an Inix look like?"
"How long ago was it since you bought the potion from the lizards?" Merle asks continueing the questioning
"How long ago was it since you bought the potion from the lizards?" Merle asks continueing the questioning
"Day before last. They looked to be in a hurry, an' they grabbed the bread we had on hand and gave us the potion as payment. It looked magical enough."
The group gets the feeling Ser Baker isn't the fluffiest roll in the basket ..
Lt. Lugo looks at the party
"Following them would be easy enough in the mountains, but once they get to the fields of Tír na nÓg it will be hard to keep track of their travels. 'Tis a changeable fey realm, home to many of the most puissant Celtic powers. Some say the Well of Urd that the Norns guard is shared by Birgit as well."
"How long ago was it since you bought the potion from the lizards?" Merle asks continueing the questioning"Day before last. They looked to be in a hurry, an' they grabbed the bread we had on hand and gave us the potion as payment. It looked magical enough."
The group gets the feeling Ser Baker isn't the fluffiest roll in the basket ..
Lt. Lugo looks at the party
"Following them would be easy enough in the mountains, but once they get to the fields of Tír na nÓg it will be hard to keep track of their travels. 'Tis a changeable fey realm, home to many of the most puissant Celtic powers. Some say the Well of Urd that the Norns guard is shared by Birgit as well."
"Would it be possible to catch up to them before they reach that Tir place?"
"Great, more fairy crap."
Drazek mutters not quite under his breath.
"Would it be possible to catch up to them before they reach that Tir place?"
Lt. Lugo looks at Merle
"My young feline, I have absolutely no idea. You have to remember, the Outlands isn't the Prime Material. Distances change, realms shift, even in the most lawful lands. When I said three weeks to the Forest of the Norns, that could mean two to four weeks. The physical constraints of this plane are mutable, often changed at the whims of the powers that dwell here or the Rilmani, who act as Agents of the Balance."
"I think we best not delay, then. My thanks, Lt. Lugo, for your help and allowances. You have been very kind. Unless my friends have more questions to ask, though, I suggest we depart immediately."
Lt. Lugo looks at Merle"My young feline, I have absolutely no idea. You have to remember, the Outlands isn't the Prime Material. Distances change, realms shift, even in the most lawful lands. When I said three weeks to the Forest of the Norns, that could mean two to four weeks. The physical constraints of this plane are mutable, often changed at the whims of the powers that dwell here or the Rilmani, who act as Agents of the Balance."
Merle nods at the Lieutenants words "I don't suppose there is any chance of us finding one of those Rilmani see if they can help us out?"
Bethany looks at Drazek and whispers, "Fey? Aren't they related to Avariel and Elves? Just what we need. Dark Avariel can be alright sometimes, but the others just don't sit right with me getting up on their podiums all the time looking down on the other races."
"Do you know anything about this Celtic Pantheon he's going on about?"
A slow smile creases Drazek's stubbled face and the twinkle in his eye reminds Bethany that he is far more well educated than he lets on.
"Yeah, I know exactly what they're yammerin' about."
He leans closer, whispering what he knows to the woman who has come to share more than his bed.
Oh and read the OOC Thread... lol ;)
Justin smirks at Isaac's reply, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Heh. I spend so much time trying to get used to everything that's possible in Sigil, I almost forget that some of these portals lead to plenty of places that are almost like home!" He shakes his head.
"Thank you for your assistance Lt. I appreciate it. BUt Merle's right. If we are going to have a chance to catch these Khaasta we need to get moving. Um, IS there a chance that we might be able to contact the Rilmani? Or are we better off trying not to be noticed by them or the Powers in the area? And do you happen to know of a good place where we can buy or rent horses for a journey?" He adds with a wry smirk.
"I don't know why we can't just fly after them," Bethany mumbles under her breath.
Drazek's K(Religion) :
The Land of Youth is rumored to be a pleasant, verdant place, stocked with many petitioners. There are no cities, since the Celtic gods prefer small villages to crowded towns. The petitioners are rumored to be friendly but distant, mostly content to live a simple farming existance until they can merge with the realm or be reborn to the Prime. They are noted by travellers to be very strict about neutrality, and are not as helpful to people as some would like.
Antagonizing the people or the realm is very dangerous as it can lead to the summoning of Cerunnos and his Wild Hunt. Since the Wild Hunt can be summoned by any aggreived party in the realm (who lives there as a power or petitioner) it is wise to stay on their good side.
It is also wise to avoid the Bloody Fields if possible. This warground is located on the Outlands, although it is similar to the fields of Valhalla where the spirits of battle-hungry petitioners fight all day and then rise again from 'death' to drink and feast the night away. It is ruled by The Queen of Ghosts, also known as The Morrigan or the Crow Goddess. Her four warrior-queen proxies Macha, Mab, Neman and Badb fight intricate battles with their armies, playing alliance, attack and betrayal like a four-way wargame through eternity. Although the petitioners here rise up after being slain, travelers aren't so lucky...
Justin smirks at Isaac's reply, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Heh. I spend so much time trying to get used to everything that's possible in Sigil, I almost forget that some of these portals lead to plenty of places that are almost like home!" He shakes his head.
"Thank you for your assistance Lt. I appreciate it. BUt Merle's right. If we are going to have a chance to catch these Khaasta we need to get moving. Um, IS there a chance that we might be able to contact the Rilmani? Or are we better off trying not to be noticed by them or the Powers in the area? And do you happen to know of a good place where we can buy or rent horses for a journey?" He adds with a wry smirk.
Lt. Lugo smiles ruefully.
"Oh, there are Rilmani about, and you can approach them. I doubt they'd help you unfortunately. One of the aggrivating things about the Agents of Balance is that they are always wary of giving aid, as this can have unintended effects to their main duty, ergo, The Balance. Still, if the Khaasta have caused enough dissonance, you might be able to enlist their aid, I just wouldn't bet on it."
He points a slender finger towards the market square where a semblance of normality is being restored.
"There's a stables there, but I will warn you that horseflesh is rather dear out here. I know you are in a hurry, but a set of donkeys might work better on the roads leading to Tír na nÓg. The mountain passes are well-kept in this realm, thanks to our many dwarven petitioner craftsmen, but once you emerge from the shadow of the Dwarvish Mountain the way will become more difficult."
Justin grins back at the guards-mage. "Thank you Again Lt. That little tip may just save us a lot of trouble on the trip. Not to mention a very sore backside, I haven't ridden in, it feels like years! And it may have been, I lose track." He says, offering his hand to Luge to shake.
Justin also offers the Lt a card, (He actually made a few with Amanuesis during his last TEENSY bit of down time!) with his name on it, as well as the name 'Silver Rose Company' and the company's office address in Sigil embossed on it.
"If you ever need anything, give us a message. I'll be glad to return the favor!" Justin smiles.
Lt. Lugo takes Justin's proferred card and bows again
"A pleasure. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some bakers to castigate."
The troop of watchmen and their mournful-lloking prisoners head off towards the wall.
"Show o' hands, cutters: who's ridden a sodding donkey? 'tween growin' up on Yggdrasil and calling kip in Sigil, I ain't had much need fer pack animals and the like."
Isaac's hands remain at his sides.
"We could also pack some of us into a wagon or somethin', but that might could cause problems in the mountains."
"Show o' hands, cutters: who's ridden a sodding donkey? 'tween growin' up on Yggdrasil and calling kip in Sigil, I ain't had much need fer pack animals and the like."
Isaac's hands remain at his sides.
"We could also pack some of us into a wagon or somethin', but that might could cause problems in the mountains."
"I've always walked or ridden in a wagon when I traveled. I've never actually ridden a horse or a donkey or anything of that sort. I tried once, but it, er, ran away with me. I....I think they're kind of scary."
"Too much gear would slow as down though," Karrin says, whist nibbling on her never ending rations, "let's get some food, rope, and some other essentials and get going."
Justin hands remain down like Isaac's.
"I ridden a horse before, although it's been a while. But never a donkey. It wasn't,... classy." He says with a smirk. "Although I hear they are a touch temperamental? Is that right? I was just hoping to have SOMEthing to make this chase not wear new blisters on my bootheels. Ah well, if you think we can make as good or better time without them, I guess we should get moving." He says resignedly.
"Probably spend the extra time we made on taking care of the animals anyway. My kingdom for a Phantom Mount spell." He grumbles good naturedly as they look for a place to buy travel supplies.
"No, no don-kees. Mekillots and Inix, yes, but no 'don-kees'."
The marketplace where the recent riot occured is well-stocked with travelling provisions of all kinds. The town is accoustomed to provisioning caravans and the like on their way to other realms. Pretty much anything within reason can be bought at standard prices.
As the group wanders about, checking out the merchandise, an athletic female half-elf approaches them. She is pretty in a fit way, with raven-black hair in a long braid at the back and skin the color of weak tea. Her almond eyes are a rich shade of brown and framed with long lashes. She is dressed in what looks to be traveling clothes of a good quality covered with a warm voluminous cloak.
"Excuse me cutters," She says in a rich contrallo voice "I couldn't help but notice you were involved with that riot earlier. I had an associate who was injured, do you know what happened?"
"Some wonky magical potions got into the wrong hands," Karrin says, with a dismissive wave of her hand, "something silly like that."
Merle stands at the back silently relieved they had decided not to take mounts. "So do we have any idea how were going to catch up to them?" Merle asks the others as they get prepared.
"Some wonky magical potions got into the wrong hands," Karrin says, with a dismissive wave of her hand, "something silly like that."
The woman looks thoughtful
"Must have been a trig potion to do all that! Thanks for the information!"
She walks off into the crowd
"A Trig potion eh?" Karrin says with a fiendish smile, her sharp devilish teeth fully visible, "I think that's what we call in this business a lead."
"A Trig potion eh?" Karrin says with a fiendish smile, her sharp devilish teeth fully visible, "I think that's what we call in this business a lead."
The half-elf stops and laughs
"Nah, I meant 'trig' as in 'powerful' or 'potent', cutter. Maybe someone got a hold of Hanali's spring water."
The woman waves and resumes walking.
"Doubt we'll scrag 'em without mounts ourselves, but I reckon we're better off not risking a broken neck. If yeh tumble to absorbin' some local color the slow way, cutters, I'll get some cold weather clothes for the mountains, though I don't reckon they're gonna drive too hard through there, bein' lizards an' all. Mayhap we should also figure how the dark o' them potions so I can keep from takin' a shine for any more fishwives."
Isaac grins.
"Heh. I ran with a Chaosman for a few cycles that really did 'absorb the local color'. Berk got himself hipped on Limbo and came out a Chaosman and with chameleon skin. We worked a few jobs with another crew o' cutters, but one day I just peered about he was sodding gone. Might well o' been standing right next to me fer all I could ken."
Ekuur listens to Isaac, and just nods. Anyone looking into his eyes, though, realizes he only got maybe half of what he said.
Ekuur listens to Isaac, and just nods. Anyone looking into his eyes, though, realizes he only got maybe half of what he said.
Once Merle finishes getting prepared she waits for the others by the gate.
Bethany is waiting impatiently next to Drazek for everyone to be ready. "Are we done here or is there more to find before we go?"
Isaac grabs himself some warm clothes in case the trail leads into the mountains and starts looking outside the walls for the khaasta's tracks.
Survival (tracking):
Isaac grabs himself some warm clothes in case the trail leads into the mountains and starts looking outside the walls for the khaasta's tracks.
Survival (tracking): 1d20+10
Issac heads outside the town's thick walls. The road outside leads off into several different directions. One path is fronted by a stelae saying Tír na nÓg 500 mi. Considering what Lt. Lugo said, Issac assumes that this is just an estimate.
There are plenty of tracks leading all about, the area outside the gate is trampled pretty well. Issac does spot a few partial tracks made by some sort of reptilian headed down the track to Tír na nÓg. They aren't fresh, but they are deep.
Merle tries to help Isaac out with the tracking
Aid another
Drazek joins the others outside, Bethany in tow as the trackers do their thing.