Jorlyn couldn't hide his grin when he came upon Squeak dissecting a piece of cake. As he walked past, he whistled in appreciation. "Ooh, apology cake. Remorseful AND delicious."
Seeking Lucina out, he sat down, gave her a warm smile, and said, "So what have you discovered about the nature of our foe, dark lady? Tell us how we may keep ourselves alive. Will the mirror thing help? Should I keep garlic in my pockets?"
Action 2
In keeping with the attitudes of the other diners, Jorlyn ignored the waitstaff, and focussed on his fellow diners. As conversation turned to Sharn, he said, "Ah, Sharn, a jewel among cities. I look forward to the days when I can make another visit. Though, with meals like this, I miss it less. Have you had the luxury of visiting the Chastogar Chettle’s Chocolaterie? Absolutely not to be missed."
Action 2:
"And the texture? Can you describe that?" Squeak was careful to ask only Bronwyn, so Lucina - on his other side - could concentrate on eating. The 'Forged sighed "I sometimes wish I could eat. It looks very enjoyable. Oh! What's that black dot - is that a raisin?"
Bronwyn had been thrilled to hear that people were dressing up for the evening meal. She once again dressed in her glammerweave dress and was happy that she was getting so many opportunities to wear such a beautiful dress. But really, she would wear it anyways regardless of occasion. She went clockwise around her plate giving Squeak her texture assessments. "Crunchy but in a good way, tender, smooth, mushy - but in a bad way, and rubbery. Can't say I'm excited about the rubbery one but it is seafood and some seafood is known to be kind of rubbery." She looked at the black dot with some disdain. "Even if that is a raisin, in my opinion, it still doesn't belong." She passes it to Vi/Jorlyn, "Prove that chivalry isn't dead and taste this for Squeak instead of me doing it."
Jorlyn took the fork with a flourish, and made a great show of sniffing it as if it were a fine wine, then putting it in his mouth, and rolling it around. "Hmmm....yes.....smooth, sweet, decidedly lacking in fecal matter. A raisin. Ollandra be praised."
Squeak deflated a little "I don't know. That seems a little... pedestrian."
Squeak deflated a little "I don't know. That seems a little... pedestrian."
Palisade glanced at unit Squeak in puzzlement. "Hesitant correction. Unit Squeak, they are sitting down. Surely sedenstrian would be a more appropriate term for the occasion?"
Lucina looked up at Joryln somewhat apprehensively. However, she relaxed slightly as he only asked about her vampire research. "Oh...Yes. Of course. Right..." She mumbled as she began hurriedly gather scattered notes from all around her hammock. "Maybe get the others?" she asked, "So I don't end up explaining it four times..."
She waited for the others to gather, before standing in front of them like a professor. "Ahem...Well...First I guess lets talk about vampiric abilities. A few we have already seen. They can summon creatures of the night, such as bats, rats and wolves. They also can bite and drain blood from victims as they do so...and those victims can come back as vampires...slaves to the will of the one who raised them..." Lucina looked a bit nervous as she spoke, "But...erm...of course I guess everyone already knows that...However, they have other abilities too. They see well in the dark. They can climb walls almost effortlessly. They can use their influence to command the weak willed to take actions they would never choose. They can also, shift into a bat or a wolf...or flee as a cloud of mist." Sighing, she continues. "...and that is not there only strengths. They are also all are far stronger than the average person. They awareness is heightened. They possess almost supernatural charm. There so strong that they almost cannot be harmed by anything other than magical silver weapons. They heal at a far more rapid rate than you or I. They also reap the benefit of their undeath. As such, manipulating their minds with magic is all but pointless and they are unbothered by attacks on their mortal flesh. Bleeding, disease, poison, sleep...death itself...they mean nothing to a vampire. They offer no threat."
She paced for a few moments as she let all the information sink in. "Still. Its is not without hope. For all their strengths, they have many exploitable weaknesses and tell tale signs. Turns out much of the mythos surrounding them is back up by solid evidence." She nodded to Joryln, "They do not cast reflections in a mirror...nor do they cast a shadow. In fact, they find mirrors, garlic and holy symbols all to be repellent...particularly the latter when strongly presented. They are unable to enter into any private home or dwelling, unless invited by someone with the authority to do so. They cannot enter direct sunlight or be immersed in running water. Both will destroy them quickly. Finally, if they are helpless in their coffin, a steak to the heart can keep them incapacitated until it is removed..."
She looked to the others and asked, "So...what do you think?"
Lucina sat quietly with the other, listening in as they discussed their food and not paying that much attention to waiting staff. Chiming in she said to Palisade, "I believe he means Pedestrian in the sense that it is dull and uninspired...Not in the people walking sense..."
"I believe he means Pedestrian in the sense that it is dull and uninspired...Not in the people walking sense..."
Palisade blinked its single eye as it considered the suggestion. "Thank you, companion Lucina Mindragus. That was a helpful clarification. This one will keep in mind the correct use of the word."
Action 2:
Bronwyn's eyes sparkled as conversation turned to gossip about the noble ladies of Karrnath. It was always fun to hear about what others thought they knew. "So what are the noble ladies of Karrnath keeping busy with nowadays? I've been away from home for what seems like an eternity and haven't always been able to keep up with the latest news."
Bronwyn tried to look dutifully interested in what Lucina was saying as the druid recited most of what the wizard had already learned in The Twelve. The professors definitely had made it sound more exciting than Lucina was managing but that wasn't completely surprising. However, she did have a couple of clarification questions. "So would he be able to enter any of the airship cabins? Technically they aren't a private home or dwelling because people just rent them for a time. And we haven't seen any evidence of a coffin for Lucan so is this imperative for every vampire? If he had had one in the carriage then we didn't find it and it doesn't seem like the thing you can just carry around."
"I believe he means Pedestrian in the sense that it is dull and uninspired...Not in the people walking sense..."Palisade blinked its single eye as it considered the suggestion. "Thank you, companion Lucina Mindragus. That was a helpful clarification. This one will keep in mind the correct use of the word."
Go ahead and take the daylight spell. You will need all the help you can get.
I intend to recap later this afternoon.
"Hard to know..." Lucina replied, "I believe he would need an invitation. However, a member of the crew's authority might be enough to allow him to enter any room. In fact, I am not certain that his invitation to the ship itself isn't enough permission to move freely throughout the ship. In fact the tome did mention that the ambiguity in the invitation rules are a fact often exploited by particularly shrewd vampires. Perhaps he will be restrained by these rules...but I think it would be safest to assume he may play them to his advantage..." Lucina continued to think, "As for the coffin...that is perplexing me as well. It is possible he has kept it far away...but that seems like a large risk for a trained spy..."
Turn 262 - Marcorium’s Treatise on Vampires
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Action 2
"I think we need to check out all the cabins. Perhaps tomorrow, during meal time, I can stay back and check out the rooms of the dwarves and the . If we find nothing hidden, and no coffin, then we can try to get into the other two rooms. Even just try knocking, bring a book, or a cake or something."
Squeak heard the disparaging remark, and turned to face the lady in question. Emulating Jorlyn's mannerisms he stepped forward, bowed politely, and held out his hand for the lady. 'Step 1: emulate human mating behaviour - male to female' "Madame, I am sure you are as perceptive as you are beautiful." in contrast to a Warforged's normal voice this was one deep, smooth. Even - alive. Words and inflections varied, suggesting a self deprecating humour 'Step two. Needless compliment to use herd-call.' "Sadly I find I must correct you. I was built for war, true, but I have been rebuilt since then as a chef, a physician and - I fancy - a gentleman." 'Step three; alay fear with humour and logic. Now what?' Squeak froze, still bowing, hand still outstretched for the lady's own soft digits, the force of etiquette gathering behind him like a storm..
"If such a thing existed it would have to be well hidden, and have been transported by cart. Possibly it could be an extra dimensional storage container? That would be logical." Squeak suggested.
"I might stop and buy cooking supplies. I understand garlic has gained recently in popularity. I would suggest OTHER PASSENGERS might also be PROVISIONING in such a town." Squeak noted to himself the need for eyebrows in order to convey information importance without increased volume.
Action 1:
“You haven’t heard? The ladies are using excessive dark eyeshadow underneath their eyes to portray themselves with what they are calling a ‘haunting look’.”
Bronwyn leaned forward in interest, "Well that sounds both fun and different from the normal fads that circulate within the nobles. Maybe I'll have to give it a try before I get home. It'll definitely be a surprise for my mother."
“No offense to you madam as I’m sure those two are well-trained if you take them out in public.”
Bronwyn smiled coldly at the woman as Squeak became a master of diplomacy. When he seemed unsure as to what to do next, she added, "See? Those are called manners. I know it must be difficult recognizing something one doesn't possess. It may appear as if they're well-trained but really it's called manners. Or in some circles, etiquette. You should really look into that, ma'am."
Action 1
Bronwyn smiled coldly at the woman as Squeak became a master of diplomacy. When he seemed unsure as to what to do next, she added, "See? Those are called manners. I know it must be difficult recognizing something one doesn't possess. It may appear as if they're well-trained but really it's called manners. Or in some circles, etiquette. You should really look into that, ma'am."
Palisade gazed in admiration at unit Squeak. That had been eloquent. It had been about to educate the overly decorated female that the teachings of the Creator-Goddess focused on building, not acts of destruction, and had been thinking if it had any pamphlets left to hand out before it remembered that for some bizarre reason religion was shunned as a topic of discussion.
Action 2
"If such a thing existed it would have to be well hidden, and have been transported by cart. Possibly it could be an extra dimensional storage container? That would be logical." Squeak suggested.
"Suggestion. Perhaps magic has been used to miniaturize the object for ease of transportation? Or perhaps the coffin is not available and the subject is accepting the risk that he will not be needing it to make his flight more manageable?"
"Further suggestion. Companion Vi Olaro. Your inherent abilities give you an excellent excuse for at least briefly visiting the rooms, under the guise of one of the staff. This one is assured we can come up with several valid reasons for entry, from cleaning to mistaken room service order to pest control inspection. The rest of us can engage in diversions to prevent other members of the crew from running into you during your infiltration."
Action 3:
“How are you holding up in the cargo hold? A least none
of you are sick.
Bronwyn smiled up at the Captain, "Thank you for your concern, Captain. It's not exactly the accommodations I'm used to but you've been most gracious in providing us with a place to stay being unexpected guests and all."
She became concerned at his next comment, "Is there an illness going around the ship that we should be aware of? I would hate to get sick during this journey."
Further suggestion. Companion Vi Olaro. Your inherent abilities give you an excellent excuse for at least briefly visiting the rooms, under the guise of one of the staff. This one is assured we can come up with several valid reasons for entry, from cleaning to mistaken room service order to pest control inspection. The rest of us can engage in diversions to prevent other members of the crew from running into you during your infiltration."
Bronwyn agreed with Palisade. "I can keep passengers busy with conversation. It also may be worthwhile to find out which passengers have a ticket all the way through to Karrnath. It would seem logical that Lucan wouldn't be one of the passengers getting off at one of the other stops."
Action 2:
Bronwyn considered everything suggested regarding the whereabouts of the coffin. "There definitely wasn't any coffin in the carriage before I lit it up. That leaves either no coffin - which seems like a huge risk, coffin miniaturized - which seems like using an awful lot of magic to reduce and enlarge the item daily, or the coffin being transported in an extradimensional space. To me, the last option seems most likely. If that is the case then maybe we have hope for stealing the coffin and holding it hostage."
Lucina also looks concerned about the illness. "Hmm...Yes..does it seem to be spreading? When last we heard only one person was sick...How many are sick? And what are their symptom?" This new put Lucina ill at ease. Perhaps she was being paranoid, but it would not be the first time she had encountered someone using disease as a weapon.
Action 2:
"Finding the coffin would be ideal. However it may be a challenge..." Lucina replied, "Of course it also means we must be careful if we are to bring him in alive. If he is out of range of his coffin, severe injuries will kill him."
This is what I have so far:
- learn more about passengers (where their final destination is)
- 'research' how to miniaturize a coffin
- arrive at first stop
Anything else? I thought I read something about Vi turning into some of the staff and actually going to the passengers cabins. Is this still on before arriving at the first stop? if so, I'll need more details...
IF the boards are cooperating with me later today, I will recap with the above unless I hear otherwise.
Questions?
Game on!
So. Many. Goblins.
Jorlyn decided to start with the woman who was afraid of heights. Making sure that the others were ready to intercept any actual staff, or the woman's roommate, he rearranged his features into that of a crew, and used the Sleeves to imitate their uniforms. Holding a tray of food he'd liberated from the dining room, he knocked on the door, calling out, "Room service!"
Lucina still frowned as the captain spoke of the ill passenger. "Still I would like to check on this old lady...You never know when a simple illness can be something more serious...Especially with her advanced age."
--
Lucina knocked on the old woman door a few times. "Ahem..." she spoke through the door. "I heard...you were..uh...sick...I have some medical experience...I thought I could help..."
You have met everyone except the half-elf who is afraid of heights and the sick old lady.
The gnome is one female and one male.
The dwarves are two males that represent the Banking Guild.
Lucina knocked on the old woman door a few times. "Ahem..." she spoke through the door. "I heard...you were..uh...sick...I have some medical experience...I thought I could help..."
There was no answer to the knocking...
Who was the half-elf passenger?
Yes, you have met him.
They are both from Sharn and in some sort of pilgrimage to Flamekeep.
Action 1:
Bronwyn smiled and waived goodbye to the crotchety woman. To the others she said, "I guess she's practicing her manners, 'if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all'. Good for her."
She focused back on the gnome couple. "So do you call Karrnath home? Is that why you know what the noble ladies are wearing there?" Bronwyn made fast friends with the female gnome They spent the next hour swapping gossip about Karrnath and Sharn. She quickly found out that they were only going as far as Flamekeep and of course Bronwyn showed the appropriate level of sadness that they wouldn't be together for the entire journey.
Action 3:
Bronwyn breathed a sigh of relief as the Captain explained what illness he was referring to. "Ah, air sickness. Some people should always keep their feet on solid ground. I must say that I much prefer the air as a means of travel."
After the Captain dismissed himself, Bronwyn went on a search of the ship for the elusive half-elf. She had learned about the dwarves when they were asking her about where she banked with her money and they were going all the way to Korth. The gnomes were quite pleasant but only going as far as Flamekeep. The wizard had decided to avoid the woman who didn't like 'forged but had found out from one of the crew that she was going to Korth because she was already complaining about the weather there and she hadn't arrived yet. This left the two half-elves, one of which Vi was going to check on. So Bronwyn decided to find the other and use Vi's mirror trick on trying to get a look.
Squeak approached Lucina "Did I do something wrong?" he asked quietly, afraid of provoking another outburst.
Squeak spoke up "I have manufactured some three does of a silver residue. It would only last until the first hit, but may be useful. So long as we are careful to keep the weapons sheathed the coating should last for months. If anyone has a magical weapon" he looked at ice "I am happy to coat them now."
"I have a plan for a device that acts as binoculars. One eye would be normal, one would be reflected twice through a mirror. I hypothesise that creatures with no reflection would be easy to spot." Squeak paused "Though I daresay it will be somewhat cumbersome, look strange and may impact on depth perception. I was thinking Palisade and I could try to build it."
Action 2
Squeak spoke up "I have manufactured some three does of a silver residue. It would only last until the first hit, but may be useful. So long as we are careful to keep the weapons sheathed the coating should last for months. If anyone has a magical weapon" he looked at ice "I am happy to coat them now."
"Suggestion. This one's hammer is already enchanted, and would benefit from one dose," Palisade said, pleased at unit Squeak's resourcefulness.
"I have a plan for a device that acts as binoculars. One eye would be normal, one would be reflected twice through a mirror. I hypothesise that creatures with no reflection would be easy to spot." Squeak paused "Though I daresay it will be somewhat cumbersome, look strange and may impact on depth perception. I was thinking Palisade and I could try to build it."
"This one will be pleased to assist you in the development of said device, assuming as have necessary components with us, or can acquire them during our next stop. Suggestion. We should priorize trying to locate our subject before our arrival in Starilaskur. Assuming he is indeed on this ship, he has to be aware of our presence and might seek to transfer to an alternate transport, unless speedy arrival to his destination is of the essence and worth the risk of traveling with us."
I'm giving another day given all the downtime we had lately.
I intend to recap tomorrow
Is everyone leveled up? Did you give me your current wealth?
I know I would check it but I was busy this past weekend.
Questions?
Game on!
"Um..." Lucina looked unsure what to say at Squeak. He thinks he did something wrong?...Well I guess I did yell at him...Ugh...How do I handle this without more people getting mad at me? "Er...Squeak...Well...No you didn't do anything wrong. Okay?!?" she grumbled. Darn it that probably still sounded angry... She cleared her throat and did her best to mellow her voice. "I have no complaints with your behavior Companion Squeak..."
Lucina knocked a few more times. "Uh...hello?" When it was clear no one was answering, she looked cautiously up and down the hallway, before trying the door handle.
Action 2
Jorlyn grinned widely as Squeak proposed his creations. "So, this stuff is like silversheen, but you can put it on now? That's great! Can you make more of it? Then we can all coat our weapons now, and then have more for mid-battle. Perhaps we can make some sort of temporary sheath filled with the stuff, so we can apply it quickly. Do you think that's possible?"
"Vampire detecting goggles! Amazing! Squeak, you are a testament to your species."
Action 4
Jorlyn swept into the room with a flourish, glancing into the silver platter in his hand, checking her reflection.
"In a matter of speaking. Your husband mentioned your delicate condition, and as he was in deep conversation with one of my friends, I took it upon myself to look in on you. I brought a little of everything. Please, fair lady, relieve my mind and tell me that you are not feeling terribly unwell."
Action 4
As the alarm was sounded Palisade wasted no time in briefly lowering an arm on Bronwyn’s shoulder while invoking a blessing of the Creator-Goddess that the ‘forged had only just discovered during a night of deep meditation. The perfect thing to help ensure the safety of the Lady d’Deneith during times of battle.
”Suggestion. We should do as the Captain suggests and remove you from danger,” Palisade said, drawing its shield and hammer. ”Protecting you inside the ship will be much easier than outside on the deck.”
"Agreed." Squeak declared "with luck we can use the deckhands as half-elf flesh shields for you."
"Yes I know you're sick...That's why I came to check on you..." Lucina said with a sigh, probably sounding grumpier than she intended to. Why did I think I could do this...
Moving back through the airship she tracked down some of the others. "The old lady isn't opening the door...She's probably just wanting to be left alone like the captain said...but if we are still worried she's suspicious...like she's Gertrude in hiding... I might need a friendlier voice to come with me...I don't think she...er...found my offer of assistance reassuring.
"Hmm..." Lucina mumbles as the warforged began mobilizing to get Bronwyn safe below deck. I wonder how strong their defenses are? Still...They might be right...It would be best to lie low if we can. Still, her concern stopped her from immediately rushing to safety. Instead, she glances around the area, seeing how many guards she can spot and how quickly they are mobilizing.
Action 4:
The 'forged began ushering Bronwyn below deck and she stopped dead in her tracks. "Shouldn't we offer to help? Although I'm sure that fire would not be welcomed on the airship."
"Actually" Squeak considered "This would be a perfect time for our quarry to ambush us. If we were engaged in defending the ship that might be enough to get the Captain to turn on them."
Action 2
Relieved to find that he wasn't facing Lucan, Jorlyn put the plate down and nodded. "Well, I am not much of one for flying, but I have been very satisfied by the safety of this ship thus far. I hope you enjoy your repast, and that the rest of your voyage passes peaceably."
Bowing, the handsome half-elf left her to her meal.
Action 4
Jorlyn was out of his chair, Ice in hand, before he'd even had a chance to think about it. Though he didn't show it the way Vi did, his nerves were frayed from all this guessing and wondering, and he welcomed a fight. "I'll join you," he said to the captain, "I'm a fair hand with a blade. Just put me someplace where I won't be in the way, and if we're boarded, I'll take care of a few of them."
I finally got around to updating PC sheets and loot and most of you are underwater with regards to WBL.
The sheet is here.
You need to 'spend' the following:
Bronwyn: 4,000 gp;
Lucina: 5,500 gp;
Palisade: 4,000 gp;
Squeak: 7,000 gp ; and
Vi: 0 gp.
Since we are on an airship (no shopping), please upgrade your current items with the money. For example, armor +1 upgrades to armor +2 for 3,000 gp.
Questions?
Game on!