Take 20 Knowledge Local:20 + 10 = 30/Take 10 for 20 if I did already use the take 20. I THINK not but it's been a long day so not certain...just using it because it's probably the last chance today anyway
"I know just the place...not exactly a...inn, in the traditional way. But discreet. And out of the way.", Daria takes the lead, after the two junnkies had been dropped off in some safe location. I THINK there's little use taking them with us? We already did talk with them some more before heading off to sleep, right?
When they arrive at a back alley, at an entrance leading underground into an amalgam of night club, drug den, brothel and gambling joint:"Don't even ask how I know about this place. They have supposedly clean rooms, and they don't ask questions." I hope Charles has the sense to be discreet when he realizes I'm here with friends...
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
It's been a long night that's fer sure. Lead on Mia
Once the group settled into a little room, with one large bed, Daria locks the door from the inside, listening for a moment, then hopping on the bed and sitting on it.
"Okay, so, that was some weird stuff. Explains why Fever Dream Alley is rather empty. But does not seem to be a financially attractive business tactic, killing of your customer base. We do know that Greeley's Gang may be involved, and my ticket to him is through Kestrals street gang, so I'd appreciate if we take a look at that Witch House tomorrow. Tonight, we should get some rest, it's been a long day. Possibly sleep...or rest, in your case, Ophelia, over some of the things that happened, see if we can make sense of some of it. And how do the other deaths fit into it, and their distribution network...We look for answers, and find more questions...I sure hope we'll find out more, soon. Anybody got something to add?", she asks the others, before adding:"Also, not taking middle shift!" with an impish smile.
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
Isama shrugs. We just need to get evidence of how they're paying off the Guard as far as I'm concerned. If the witch house helps with that that's fine by me.
Female Construct (Clockwork) | Investigator 6 | Hp 26/33 | AC 18, Touch 13, FF 16 | CMD 20 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Per +15 | Init +6 | Active: See Invisible, Mutagen; 60m. Ablative Barrier 6h/30damage. Magic Circle against Evil 50min
"I have nothing more at the movement." Ophelia chimes in as she quickly explores the small room. "But I agree; a covert way of gaining intel would be valuable."
Rest -> Hope for no nightmares -> Help Kestral with Witch -> Use Kestral connections for info -> Plan next course of action.
The group sets up for the night in a reputably disreputable inn. Four to a room in the basement that somehow got left off the 'official' plan.
Ophelia and Isama:
DC 20 perception checks please
Later...
Mia stands just outside the witch house: Madame Carrington's Oneiromancy.
She stands in the still dissipating morning fog, just below a sign depicting a faded crescent moon. A cracked glass door stands closed. Through the door, faintly, can be seen waiting room adorned with fine furnishings.
A howl comes from the fog. Then another. And another.
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
Will:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8...aaand there we go-since I am standing there, all alone, I'll simply wait to find out what that failed save means before I react, I guess...
Mia twitches in her sleep. A moment later her legs spasm.
Mia:
The howls set off a flood of adrenaline. Without even knowing what you're doing you find yourself fleeing into the mist!
On and on you run... past a whirl of half-seen walls stretching up into white nothingness.
Finally one such wall stretches ahead of you - and you find yourself trapped! Trapped in the alley where the dream-ghost formed yesterday!
new will save, please
Diene:
You dream you are in a bakery. Out of the oven march gingerbread man after gingerbread man.
As they hit the ground they grow, turning into giant spider-people, dusted with shiver!
"Quick Diene - eat them! Before they grow!" pleads Mia.
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
Hey Ophelia Isama says worriedly pointing to Mia This ain't the same thing that happened to the addicts is it?
Female I have nothing witty to write. :/ Half Elf The other half's AWESOME! Barbarian (Urban Barbarian) 2/Monk (Kata Master) 4
Status:
HP 34/45 | AC 14 | T 14 | F 13 | CMD 24 | F +9 | R +5 | W +7 | Init +0 | Per +13 | Panache 2/2 | Rage 3/7 | Ki 4/4
GM:
"Alright, you could have been slightly more subtle about this being a dream. For starters, I'm in a bakery. For secondzies, they're transforming gingerbread men. For thirdzies, giant spider-people dusted with shiver. But the big one? The real mistake? Real Mia knows exactly how I solve problems, by punching them really hard. So, let's at least enjoy this!" Diene cracks her knuckles while she lectures whoever set this dream up, assuming there's some fancypants magic person trying to intimidate her. Well, time to do some intimidating back! Was her thought process, as she proceeded to attempt to smash all the giant spider-people with punches.
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
Isama has an idea. Dreams right.. nothing real.. Everything is willpower she mutters and then kneels to cast Owl's Wisdom on the obviously distressed Mia You think we should wake her?
Female Construct (Clockwork) | Investigator 6 | Hp 26/33 | AC 18, Touch 13, FF 16 | CMD 20 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Per +15 | Init +6 | Active: See Invisible, Mutagen; 60m. Ablative Barrier 6h/30damage. Magic Circle against Evil 50min
"It appears similar indeed." Ophelia nods and hurriedly goes trough her bag for the magic circle wand. Over her shoulder she continues as random tools and alchemical supplies are thrown everywhere. "Waking up helped me I think."
The howls stop - never a good time when a hunter goes silent. Shadows fill the entrance to the alleyway. Moving shadows, though nothing that casts them can be seen through the fog.
For no reason at all, Mia feels a sudden surge of common sense.
+4 Wis
Mia, knowledge planes DC 15:
Panicking calls? Shadows?
Shadow Hounds. Cruel outsiders that hunt in packs.
Diene:
More animate backed goods jump in, and the fight becomes an endless whirlwind of crumbs and punches. A disaster of donuts! A massacre of macaroons!
"Eat us!" they calll "EAT US!"
Ophelia and Isama:
Sounds fine. Next round.
Diene - somehow - cracks her knuckles in her sleep.
Mia is dripping with sweat now. Under her eyelids her eyes dash frantically from side to side.
I autosucceed at DC 20 and lower(22 if buffed) knowledge checks. Bardic ability to Take 10 on those - as in, I don't have to think on the topic. I can simply not roll for higher ones if you feel it's gamey since I know the DC, because I'd much prefer a baseline of reliable information over the chance to learn more -
Not being the best climber, Mia hurries into any crevice or niche that can be found, casting Ghost Sound to try and draw her pursuers attention to a point deeper in the alley, while trying to stay hidden.
Stealth:1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24 At least it's not spiders...
Female I have nothing witty to write. :/ Half Elf The other half's AWESOME! Barbarian (Urban Barbarian) 2/Monk (Kata Master) 4
Status:
HP 34/45 | AC 14 | T 14 | F 13 | CMD 24 | F +9 | R +5 | W +7 | Init +0 | Per +13 | Panache 2/2 | Rage 3/7 | Ki 4/4
GM:
"Nope, I can't hear you, lalala, look at me refusing you.. NYEEEHH." Diene figured she had made her point and jumped through a window, before taunting the confectionery congregation.
Female Construct (Clockwork) | Investigator 6 | Hp 26/33 | AC 18, Touch 13, FF 16 | CMD 20 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Per +15 | Init +6 | Active: See Invisible, Mutagen; 60m. Ablative Barrier 6h/30damage. Magic Circle against Evil 50min
@GM/Isama:
Turning back with the wand in hand Ophelia tries to assess the situation. Noticing that Daria doesn't seem to be improving - quite the opposite but at least she wasn't leaking smoke yet - she resolutely waved the wand around in the small room.
Inspiration:1d6 ⇒ 2Luckily you can use it after the roll!
At first nothing seems to happen but as Ophelia readjusts her grip with a barely noticeable frown the wand starts to glow. The clockwork quickly traces a circle around the beds, trying to keep an worried eye on Daria. "Diene seems to be doing better. We'll see if this helps!"
The shadows circle ever closer. You can hear them sniffing - they know you're nearby. One starts investigating the cracked wall a foot from your knee... and you wake up.
Diene:
Outside the window you find yourself on a street, where everyone is a cockatoo. Just giant cockatoos walking around in regular clothes.
Looking down you realise you're a cockatoo as well.
Mia wakes, seeing Ophelia and Isama, then mumbles:"Hu...what? My shift?" Rubbing her eyes, she adds:"Was an unpleasant dream, anyway.", before sitting up.
Female Construct (Clockwork) | Investigator 6 | Hp 26/33 | AC 18, Touch 13, FF 16 | CMD 20 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Per +15 | Init +6 | Active: See Invisible, Mutagen; 60m. Ablative Barrier 6h/30damage. Magic Circle against Evil 50min
@Mia, Isama, GM:
"You seem awake. Good!" Ophelia nodded and reached out with her free hand, holding her palm few inches from Daria's mouth. "Additionally you seem to be exhaling the correct amount." The clockwork withdraws from Mia to give her some space to wake up properly and to keep an closer eye on Diene. Over her shoulder she explains. "You appeared to be in significant distress. After the events today, we simply applied the wards again which seems to have worked. Diene is also displaying some strange signs. But, as far as we can tell, she seems to be enjoying it."
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
GM,Mia,Ophelia:
Yeah. I figger if the Magic Ward worked then there really was something wrong going on. We need to get to the bottom of this and soon.
Mia rubs her eyes, then looks up at the two, then over at Diene: "Just had a bad dream. Not a new theme, just a new locale...I...have had bad dreams since I arrived in Nex. Longer, actually."Ever since I turned them in, and had to flee. I was always afraid they would hound me, find me, take revenge...
Hopping down from the bed, Mia walks over to the corner of the room, scrambles on top of a chair, and splashes some cold water from a wash basin into her face. Then she comments, with a resigning smile:"And of course Diene enjoys it. She has no functioning sense of self-preservation."
Hopping back down from the chair, Mia walks over to her former resting place, re-dressing with her glamored armor:"I'm awake, and don't much care for more sleep, right now. If you want to, you can go to bed early, Isama."
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
GM,Mia,Ophelia:
Alright, if yer sure. Wake me up if it looks like I've got smoke coming out of my ears or somethin Isama beds down
Female Construct (Clockwork) | Investigator 6 | Hp 26/33 | AC 18, Touch 13, FF 16 | CMD 20 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Per +15 | Init +6 | Active: See Invisible, Mutagen; 60m. Ablative Barrier 6h/30damage. Magic Circle against Evil 50min
@GM, Mia, Isama:
"Will do." Ophelia assures Isama, while continuing to keep an eye on Diene. Still good. Sitting down across Mia Ophelia places the wand in her lap and indulges herself by speculating a little. "It seems unlikely that our current predicament would have manifested so early." the clockwork chimes softly, wanting to avoid disrupting those sleeping. "Though it would make sense for it to build on pre-existing events then create a whole new custom mindscape - I would theorize."
Sorry for the delay, I keep blocking on this - just going to skip to the next morning.
It is a tired group of guards who asemble the next morning. The Chef starts using the kitchen half an hour past dawn - all too easy to hear through the paper thin wall that seperates them.
The reason for the early start is revealed at breakfast. The first meal is comprehensive - bacon, eggs, sausages, lighlty toasted fresh bread, mushrooms, roast potatoes drizzled with melted butter, gravy and - wonder of wonders - coffee.
DC 10 Will to count as having recieved 8 hours of restful sleep. DC will increase with more poor night's sleep. Ophelia is immune. Sufficient caffiene allows one to avoid this save, but does risk addiction ;P
As the Nightmarket is only a few minutes walk from their temporary residence, the group has no issues getting there early enough to find good places to set up.
Please specify who is where - all I have at the moment is Mia. Precautions as well please.
Mia, in her guise as Lia, finds herself wandering past the Witch House. Kestrel's words run through her sleep-addled mind.
Quote:
"As for information... turns out Greeley wants some too. Wants to know something about the old witch 'round here - but she won't let me into her shop for love 'nor money, and she uses witchcraft to protect it. You want a job, let's see what you can find out 'bout her. You tell me, and you can keep half of what I get from greeley - and a place on my crew."
Madame Carrington's Onieromancy bears no sign, save that of a hanging wooden shingle depicting a faded cresent moon. Glints through the cracked glass door show hints at a darkened waiting room, once fine but now worn and faded by time.
The door is identical to that from her nightmare, and for a moment she hears the echo of a far howl - but it is just some stray calling to the butcher's b$$#@.
From where she stands she can just see the alley she fled to her in her nightmare.
Female Construct (Clockwork) | Investigator 6 | Hp 26/33 | AC 18, Touch 13, FF 16 | CMD 20 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Per +15 | Init +6 | Active: See Invisible, Mutagen; 60m. Ablative Barrier 6h/30damage. Magic Circle against Evil 50min
Unwilling to blow Mia's cover Ophelia suggests that the team should stay in close proximity to the witch's hut but not arrive or travel with the halfling. With this in mind she starts looking for a good spot to loiter in without raising too much suspicion, hopefully close enough to be able to quickly aid Mia should the need arrive.
The store next door is a bookshop. Potentially the group could wait there, and try to keep an ear out for trouble. Would mean potentially dropping some money, and loitering in the stacks near that wall.
Oh well, Oneiromancy seems weirdly fitting. Lets see what this lady knows about her stuff.
Refreshing Message one last time before getting ready to enter, Mia takes a look around. She was in her guise as Lia, but would drop it as she entered teh waiting room.
Kestrel had told her that the old witch used magic to protect her place...she may be able to see if her customers were glamered, and that was not a good start.
With a weird feeling rumbling in her stomach(just the breakfast...)(as she tells herself, not really believing it), she passes through the ominous archway from her dream, heading towards the waiting room.
I would probably go in as a regular customer, not telling her who I really am(sticking with the librarian, there), but being truthful about last night...and possible describing what happened yesterday as a dream scene from the night before(no details on the people). Her business IS with dreams, so anything she has to say or suggest in that regard may be helpful...
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
Will save 11 auto success
Isama sticks to the other two and watches Mia go into the shop.
Female Construct (Clockwork) | Investigator 6 | Hp 26/33 | AC 18, Touch 13, FF 16 | CMD 20 | Fort +3, Ref +8, Will +6 | Per +15 | Init +6 | Active: See Invisible, Mutagen; 60m. Ablative Barrier 6h/30damage. Magic Circle against Evil 50min
Book store!
The vantage point they found was a slam dunk success - at least as far as Ophelia was concerned. Watching people sleep would have been much more interesting if she had a few good books to entertain herself with (and if they didn't seem to risk spontaneously dying ...). And it was close enough to provide backup Mia would hopefully not need.
Female I have nothing witty to write. :/ Half Elf The other half's AWESOME! Barbarian (Urban Barbarian) 2/Monk (Kata Master) 4
Status:
HP 34/45 | AC 14 | T 14 | F 13 | CMD 24 | F +9 | R +5 | W +7 | Init +0 | Per +13 | Panache 2/2 | Rage 3/7 | Ki 4/4
Diene, still in her male disguise that she's been using for the whole of this vaguely criminal endeavor, displays her love of the book store, by resting her forehead on a shelf, then raising her head from it, and then continuing to repeat this strange ritual.
Diene, still in her male disguise that she's been using for the whole of this vaguely criminal endeavor, displays her love of the book store, by resting her forehead on a shelf, then raising her head from it, and then continuing to repeat this strange ritual.
Incarnation of the librarian speaking: "Hey, Mister, watch it with the headbutts. You break something, you buy it! Something fallen down counts as broken!"
Female I have nothing witty to write. :/ Half Elf The other half's AWESOME! Barbarian (Urban Barbarian) 2/Monk (Kata Master) 4
Status:
HP 34/45 | AC 14 | T 14 | F 13 | CMD 24 | F +9 | R +5 | W +7 | Init +0 | Per +13 | Panache 2/2 | Rage 3/7 | Ki 4/4
Daria "Mia" Hearth wrote:
Diene wrote:
Diene, still in her male disguise that she's been using for the whole of this vaguely criminal endeavor, displays her love of the book store, by resting her forehead on a shelf, then raising her head from it, and then continuing to repeat this strange ritual.
Incarnation of the librarian speaking: "Hey, Mister, watch it with the headbutts. You break something, you buy it! Something fallen down counts as broken!"
That's why she's doing it gently. Diene has experienced this before.
Human Urban Druid/6 | HP 34/39 | AC 23 T 13 FF 21 | F 6 R 5 W 12 (14) | Per +12 (14) | Init +6 | Special: Owl's wisdom 2 minutes, Barkskin 60 minutes, Long Strider 60 minutes, Spider climb 15 minutes
Isama's pretty neutral on the subject of books. She does start humming a tune and swaying from side to side to pass the time though.
Diene, still in her male disguise that she's been using for the whole of this vaguely criminal endeavor, displays her love of the book store, by resting her forehead on a shelf, then raising her head from it, and then continuing to repeat this strange ritual.
Incarnation of the librarian speaking: "Hey, Mister, watch it with the headbutts. You break something, you buy it! Something fallen down counts as broken!"
That's why she's doing it gently. Diene has experienced this before.
Mia suspected as much when her birthday gift was "101 ways to dress up your undead servants", which, while an amusing read(well, the illustrations were amusing, the text only moderately so), had little practical purpose.
The glass fronted door swings wide as Mia enters.
The room beyond reeks of class, style, and age. Above all that is the sweet smell of incense.
As Mia's eyes adjust to the gloom, all the light provided by the crackling hearth, various items catch her eyes.
Dark, purple velvet curtains over all the windows - leaving a pool of light around the door and the hearth.
Thick wool tapestries in dark red, purple, and green all but covering every wall. Drinking in the light.
A carpet of plush, dark fibre. Soft enough each step sinks further in than expected.
Finally, reclined on a chaise lounge that matches the armchairs, a crocheted blanket draped over her, a wax-white still female figure.
"Leave your shoes by the door dear, and come take a seat." the woman says, in a soft voice.
Mia takes of her shoes, feeling the soft fibres of the carpet with her toes for a moment. It was designed so that humans would already sink into the fibres, with her small frame, basically her whole feet were covered with carpet.
Proceeding slowly, Mia took a look at all the decorations...if anything, the woman knew how to set the stage - the ambience definitely was fitting for the profession.
When she reached the armchairs, Mia scrambled up onto one of the armchairs, sitting at the edge, letting her feet dangle down.
With the woman just watching, Mia thinks that she should explain herselft, but finds herself at a lack of words, and unsure how much to state, or wether to talk business before..., and simply settled for a :"I've had...bad dreams, recently. One of them brought me here.", adding ...literally, whatever that implies... in her mind as she remembers the door from her dreams.
