Xetovia [dice]1d20+6[/dice]
Erix [dice]1d20+5[/dice]
Gauntlet [dice]1d20+2[/dice]
Ama [dice] 1d20+1[/dice]
Pink – Eye [dice] 1d20+9[/dice]
Caelan [dice] 1d20+5[/dice]
Meridian [dice] 1d20+6[/dice]
Initiative Table I:
Xetovia [dice]1d20+2[/dice]
Erix [dice]1d20+4[/dice]
Gauntlet [dice]1d20+2[/dice]
Ama [dice] 1d20+2[/dice]
Pink – Eye [dice] 1d20[/dice]
Caelan [dice] 1d20+2[/dice]
Meridian [dice] 1d20+8[/dice]
My House Rules for Hero Points:
Hero Point Mechanics:
1) One permanent Hero Point may be used to avoid a final death scenario allowing a narrow cinematic escape,
2) One temporary Hero Point may be used if you are between -1 and -9 hit points to stabilize yourself to prevent further blood loss,
3) Temporary Hero Points may be expended to power Feats. These grant a lasting bonus for a one scene or one round duration depending on the feat description,
4) One temporary Hero Point grants a character a chance to supplement their d20 roll by 1d6 and add the result (whatever it was - no re-roll) to the d20 result,
Rhukaan Draal - The Streets - Twenty Seventh Day of Dravago
The Bugbears look to the Kobold who relaxes as the group appears to be willing to negotiate, they relax their grips on their weapons.
The Kobold grins, "You are wise beyond your years Human, this one is likely not worth it but he owes Snogg 140 gold, plus interest, which amounts to 180 gold".
Erix heaves a sigh of relief. "How much would you be willing to accept up front? As I said, we're on a recovery mission, so I don't have all much currently. Ya know, gotta buy supplies and such for an expedition."
Remaining quiet, Ama took notes on the exchange and manner of everyone involved, glad it was not going to turn into a fight— for now, at least. As the negotiations continued, she tried to gauge their moods. It was difficult to understand how someone could have ended up owing such an unsavory individual the amount of money that their guide did, but not outside the realm of possibility. Such as it was, her thoughts were more occupied with where they were going and what might be in store for them. To say that she was apprehensive was an understatement.
_____________________
Player note: Hold Portal, Alarm, Shield still to be scribed.
Warforged LN Magus (Mindblade) 5 | HP44/44 (DR4/-) | Speed 20ft | AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (CMD 18) | Fort +6 : Ref +4 : Will +5 |Psychic Pool 6pts/Day | Init +2, Perception +6 | Active: None
Eying the Kobold's curious looks, Gauntlet moves to remove the enchanted backpack and nods.
"I will check, it should not be a problem."
He then moves out of direct view BEHIND pink-eye so he can avoid the greedy eyes of the possible enemies, and carefully counts out the needed coin from their reserves.
He then fully closes the pack and puts it back on his back before presenting the 70 to Erix.
LN Human (Thrane) Female Vampire Hunter 2 ¦ HP: 15/20 ¦ 20' MV ¦ AC 16/TAC 12/FFAC 14 ¦ F+3 R+5 W+5 ¦ +2 Init ¦ +6 Perc ¦ Vamp.Might:2 min. (16 Str), SoF potion:1 min.
Once Gauntlet brings out the coins to give to Erix, Xetovia readily positions herself to block out any view from her side (basically, any part of viewing angle that was not yet blocked by Pink-Eye's imposing form) that the Kobolds or Bugbears may have had of the both of them while the 70 gold coins slowly gets counted and passed on to the d'Orien scion.
Keeping her lips closed in a taut, compressed position, the Silver Flame Vampire Hunter keeps a close and narrowed eye out for any signs of trouble that might yet befall this negotiation.
Rhukaan Draal - The Streets - Twenty Seventh Day of Dravago
Erix hands over the coin and the Kobold grins, "Looking forward to the rest Failin". He and the group of Bugbears stalk off.
Go ahead and shop in the Discussion read Recruitment thread off screen, I'll move us forward now.
After the shopping in the Bloody Market is compete, Failin leads you to a large stone outcropping in a secluded area not far from the Bloody Market. He rolls up his right sleeve to expose a dragonmark, touches the birthmark to the stone, and mutters a strange word. He steps back as the stone rumbles, and a strange covered wagon emerges from the rock wall. The four-wheeled vehicle has a canvas cover that encloses a large rear compartment, while an open bay at the front features a bench and foot well. The wagon appears to be made of wood, but an undulating pattern of constantly shifting rock, gem, and crystalline structures seem to overlay the wagon’s wooden frame.
"I appreciate what you did back there.
My land cart, Earth elemental powered. Get in. Time’s short. Long road ahead.”
Knowledge Nobility or Arcana DC 15:
That is indeed an Orien mark, a least dragonmark of passage.
Failin fits the land cart with various banners of safe passage. Then the trip to Rose Quarry begins.
The elemental bound to the land cart rumbles with a sound like Eberron itself stirring from an ancient sleep. The wheels slide partially into the earth itself, and then the land cart slides along without regard to broken ground or other natural obstacles.
Feel free to RP or ask Failin anything you think you may want to know from him. I will be slow this weekend as I will be away but will try to post if able.
The cart was providing one of the smoothest rides that Ama had ever been on, and she spent a good half-hour examining the cart to see how it worked. While she did not want to poke at it, she was mesmerized by the construction and function of the item. So distracted was she by the cart that she did have some curious questions about it for Failin, but they quickly became too technical for the casual user. Even still, the sound of her voice was a soothing, if curious sound.
Eventually relenting, she took the time to copy the scrolls that she had purchased into her spellbook, still impressed at the smooth ride that the cart gave. While she participated in conversations, her contributions were limited to short replies, somewhat distant as she focused on the copying that she was doing.
___________________________________
Previous checks had Alarm at 27 to scribe, and Hold Portal at 14. Have they been added to her spellbook? Spellcraft for Shield:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 Spellcraft for Hold Portal:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13(just in case)
K.(Arcana)@10= 17
Warforged LN Magus (Mindblade) 5 | HP44/44 (DR4/-) | Speed 20ft | AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (CMD 18) | Fort +6 : Ref +4 : Will +5 |Psychic Pool 6pts/Day | Init +2, Perception +6 | Active: None
Appreciating the efficiency of such a vehicle, Gauntlet realizes it was not going to be speedy having seen similar ones back in his army days. IN addition, the vehicle was obviously very surefooted and almost impossible to budge without some sort of major outside force involved. The best part: it could easily take his weight!
Climbing aboard easily, he settles in and cradles his crossbow for ease of use near the back, suspiciously keeping an eye out for anybody trying to follow the group. Since he needs no sleep, this was an easy thing to do and allowed the others to rest normally.
male Minotaur Cleric 5 Max hp 45/45, AC 16, ff 14, t 14, F +7, R +2, W +7; perc +12, sense motive +9
Pink Eye slides into the opposite side of the cart from gauntlet with a toothy smirk and a nod to balance the weight and then settles himself against the side and pulls out a large straw hat made special for himself to fit over the horns and give some shade for the head. He tips the hat down over his eyes and says always dreamed of a hat like this. Nice to afford dreams
Female Dragon-Touched (Brass) Warlock 4 [HP 40/40 | AC 18/13/15, Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5 | Init +8; Perception +10 | Spells: (4/5 | 3/3)]
Meridian quietly joins the others, curious where the road with them might lead. While they travel, she entertains herself by summoning a little of the fire that is hers to call, and shaping it into various animals and humanoid shapes in her open hands.
Twilight descends on Darguun as the land cart closes on Rose Quarry. The wall of dead-gray mist that forms the border of the Mournland can be seen in the distance. The sight seems to make Failin nervous and sad at the
same time. As the land cart crests a small rise in the land.
“Were you expecting company?”
Failin asks. A vast plateau, bounded to the west by a narrow canyon, stretches before you. The quarry extends for at least a mile, and the nearby village spreads across the plateau—at least, what’s left of it. Anything made of wood has been burned to cinders, leaving a handful of stone facades, rock foundations, and chimneys behind. Though warm weather surrounds you, the village appears covered in a layer of ice that glitters in the light of the rising moons.
You also notice another source of light. In the southern part of the village, a fire glows in a large pit, which is surrounded by four large tents. Figures move around this makeshift campsite.
Characters without low-light vision or darkvision receive a –4 penalty on the checks below.
Perception DC 15-19:
You count sixteen horses, two covered wagons, and seven human-shaped figures. The human shapes appear to be
wearing helmets and chainmail armor, judging by how the firelight reflects off their gear. None of the figures appears to be maintaining a watch. You also hear a hear a periodic ringing sound, like that of a pick striking stone or ice. This sound seems to be coming from the north end of the village, but nothing related to the noise can be seen.
Perception 20 or Above:
The helmets have a distinctive half-faceplate design. Much to your chagrin you also notice two skeletons standing in the shadows by one of the tents, as though on guard duty.
Warforged LN Magus (Mindblade) 5 | HP44/44 (DR4/-) | Speed 20ft | AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (CMD 18) | Fort +6 : Ref +4 : Will +5 |Psychic Pool 6pts/Day | Init +2, Perception +6 | Active: None
Perception:1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 3 - 4 = 15
"I only see a large group...and it almost sounds like someone is working an anvil made of ice. Skeletons? Are you sure? Then they are most likely Karnathi. What are they doing this far away from home? Could they be natives...so to speak? I've heard many of those that were here when the calamity happened were somehow forced into undeath..."
Female Dragon-Touched (Brass) Warlock 4 [HP 40/40 | AC 18/13/15, Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5 | Init +8; Perception +10 | Spells: (4/5 | 3/3)]
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11.
Meridian quenches her fire immediately upon seeing the destroyed town. Though she peers into the growing darkness, she sees little of note. "Isn't it a little warm for ice?"
LN Human (Thrane) Female Vampire Hunter 2 ¦ HP: 15/20 ¦ 20' MV ¦ AC 16/TAC 12/FFAC 14 ¦ F+3 R+5 W+5 ¦ +2 Init ¦ +6 Perc ¦ Vamp.Might:2 min. (16 Str), SoF potion:1 min.
Know:Arcana:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13.
When Failin reveals his elemental powered, horseless wagon to the party, Xetovia peers at the strange vehicle with some amount of trepidation and askance but will freely enter within it once all the others start to do so.
During the trip, at some point, Xetovia will ask Failin about what sort of hazards the party can expect from entering the rose quarry. Otherwise, she'll quietly watch Meridian's fire-show. Dol Durand seems to occupy itself by lightly tracing a random-seeming pattern along the interior of the wagon-side where Xetovia's sitting at; the pattern seems to match the movement of the undulating rocky exterior on the outside.
Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8.
Although Xetovia is unable to determine much of anything else besides the glowing firepits and tents, the mention of Karnathi skeletons from those in party who are better able to see puts the Thranish Vampire Hunter on high alert.
When Xetovia is able to do so, she'll activate her Detect Undead ability.
Meridian is correct, it is warm for ice so if there is ice, it is magical in nature.
Detect Undead activation noted, currently Xetovia is too far to have the spell detect anything as the range is 60'.
The group is entering from the south west up on the ridge which is 50' up. You will need Acrobatics checks to get down safely from the ridge side you are on with a Stealth check to do so quietly. There is a path around to the south that leads into the Quarry which no doubt this group took to get in with the horses and wagons. That way would require Stealth -5 as it is out in the open. If you wait until night falls completely, that -5 modifier disappears but the lighting will be pitch black for the non-humans.
Failin crosses his arms, "While I appreciate you all sticking your necks out for me, I'm not heading into some encampment with Undead about. I'll wait for you here until day break then I'll move back to a safer spot a mile back where any scouts will not notice me. After that I'll give you another day, if you scout and don't return I'm not waiting any longer".
Warforged LN Magus (Mindblade) 5 | HP44/44 (DR4/-) | Speed 20ft | AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (CMD 18) | Fort +6 : Ref +4 : Will +5 |Psychic Pool 6pts/Day | Init +2, Perception +6 | Active: None
Gauntlet gets down from his perch on the wagon-back, and checks his crossbow for damage.
"This is our destination? Correct? Then we need to check why these people are here. I do not think we can avoid them easily. If they are Karnathi, then they can be reasoned with. If they are Blood of Vol Or treasure hunters, anything is possible."
Moving to get the best vantage of their group and the surrounding area (and still hear the group speak), Gauntlet goes into 'search mode' acting as the group's watchman and guard until needed for something else.
There is a fair amount of fretting from Ama about the decision to find out who these individuals are. Pink-Eye did have a valid point, but provoking a fight seemed so... "last resort". "There's no other way around them, is there?", she asked with a tone of resignation that sounded like the sigh of the ocean at low tide. The cart had been amazing for copying the spells into her spellbook without the jostles and bumps that would have utterly ruined anything that she was trying to carefully copy.
The only magics that she had prepared were the one for reading scrolls from memory, the minor magic for light to read by, and the other minor multipurpose spell. That was going to be a problem if things became hostile. "I do not have much magic prepared", she admitted. "If we have time and information, I can have a little more magic to lend."
Squinting, she tried to look in the direction everyone else was, to see what was down there. Pink-Eye said skeletons, so she believed him. "Skeletons? Are there a lot of them?", she asked in a small voice.
________________________
Perception:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 I'll consider Shield and Alarm copied, with another check to be made for Hold Portal Disrupt Undead (0th), Shield (1st), Color Spray(1st), Magic Missile(1st) to be memorized in that order, if only a few can be memorized.
Gauntlet does not see anyone approaching their position no one at the camp below appears to be paying attention to anything outside of the ruined quarry itself.
Ama squints at the figures around the campfire now that her allies have pointed them out. She is able to spot that the insignia on the armored figures contain a green flame hand, clearly a mark of affiliation but to what or who?
Knowledge Nobility - Royalty DC 18:
This symbol is the Order of the Emerald Claw.
Ama has as much time as she needs to prepare unless the other PCs push forward.
LN Human (Thrane) Female Vampire Hunter 2 ¦ HP: 15/20 ¦ 20' MV ¦ AC 16/TAC 12/FFAC 14 ¦ F+3 R+5 W+5 ¦ +2 Init ¦ +6 Perc ¦ Vamp.Might:2 min. (16 Str), SoF potion:1 min.
Will take 10 on Know:Religion for information on the Blood of Vol at a 15 total. Otherwise, if there's no real rush forward, Xetovia will attempt to take 20 instead. ;)
Upon hearing mention of the Blood of Vol, Xetovia will add, "If they are truly foul worshipers of Vol, it might be for the best that I stay towards the back then? I doubt that ones such as they would be too welcoming of my faith...". After a brief pause though, Xetovia will hastily amend her words with, "Although if need be, I could hide my symbol of faith, if need be- may the Silver Flame forgive me for this."
If we were to try and parley, does this mean that we should go down the south path openly with no attempt at stealth during the daytime?
Female Dragon-Touched (Brass) Warlock 4 [HP 40/40 | AC 18/13/15, Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +5 | Init +8; Perception +10 | Spells: (4/5 | 3/3)]
If it comes to a fight, I can summon a mist to make it harder for them to shoot at us." Meridian stands ready to sneak, fight, or talk as the group decides.
male Minotaur Cleric 5 Max hp 45/45, AC 16, ff 14, t 14, F +7, R +2, W +7; perc +12, sense motive +9
Pink Eye looks from one group member to the other knowing Gauntlet and he have no chance at stealth and seperating the group is foolish so Pink Eye just starts walking right into the damn camp waving as he approaches saying
Hello to the camp. Looking for some folks here, wondering if you might be them?
The lead soldier chuckles, "You leading a 'Forged back into the Mournlands?
This place is closed, off limits, you'll have to enter the Mournlands another way. I've respect for your race, I've seen your ilk fight. You'll get one of us, at least, with that big weapon of yours but we'll get you and there's more of us.
Walk away, this is the only chance I'll give you".
Gauntlet, you see that the rest of the human guards are beginning to creep forward within ruins.
male Minotaur Cleric 5 Max hp 45/45, AC 16, ff 14, t 14, F +7, R +2, W +7; perc +12, sense motive +9
well if I was going to have to fight, I would kill you horribly so your men would see that smirk die with you. No fight today however. I shall as you say, find another way. Pink Eye will back out away from the soldiers and then turn and walk back to the group.
The soldier nods, "Yes, today is not a good day to die for either of us. Ware in the Mournlands, the place is less forgiving than I have been".
You see now more than were already pointed out Gauntlet, based on the number of horses, there may be up to 7 more here.
Pink-Eye returns to the group and relays the conversation. The Emerald Claw soldiers remain at the edge of the path on alert now that they know there are strangers about.
Warforged LN Magus (Mindblade) 5 | HP44/44 (DR4/-) | Speed 20ft | AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (CMD 18) | Fort +6 : Ref +4 : Will +5 |Psychic Pool 6pts/Day | Init +2, Perception +6 | Active: None
Gauntlet moves up to their guide, cradling his crossbow.
"Can the cart go around? This is not looking good. They may be treasure seekers who found a cache or are here for a specific reason, trying to dig whatever it is up. Either way, we can't go through without a fight it seems. If they really are Emerald Claw, I personally have no problem removing them from our path forcibly. The Claw are considered enemies of the state back in Sharn."
Failin approaches once more, "Perhaps I can assist you further, this is the Rose Quarry, do you seek to retrieve something here? I am sure that the Cannith wish you to be discreet but if you do not tell me more I've no way to be of any further use to you besides as a transporter".
Warforged LN Magus (Mindblade) 5 | HP44/44 (DR4/-) | Speed 20ft | AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (CMD 18) | Fort +6 : Ref +4 : Will +5 |Psychic Pool 6pts/Day | Init +2, Perception +6 | Active: None
Gauntlet nods.
"You make a good point Failin. However, we have been sworn to this adventure...you have not. You learn of our endeavor, then you are bound to it in a way. Our enemies become your enemies...which appear to be many. What say you all? Do we take Failin into our confidence? Other than his choice of loan sharks, he appears to be trustworthy in my opinion."
male Minotaur Cleric 5 Max hp 45/45, AC 16, ff 14, t 14, F +7, R +2, W +7; perc +12, sense motive +9
we have to find a thing past here and bring it back to this location where we are now. I do not think our employer wished us to trust others in what specifically we are doing. Pink Eye says shrugging
Failin nods to Pink-Eye, "I understand how you feel but your group appears a bit at a loss for what to do next. I get the sense I have a feeling as to the purpose of your visit here as it is clear your employer did not fill you in entirely in what this location was.
My help will not be free of course but considering your assistance in Rhukaan Draal I am disposed towards making a deal..."
male Minotaur Cleric 5 Max hp 45/45, AC 16, ff 14, t 14, F +7, R +2, W +7; perc +12, sense motive +9
Here is the reminder: In Rhukaan Draal, find a man named Failin in the Bloody Market. He can provide you with transport to Rose Quarry. From there, travel into
the Mournland to fi nd Whitehearth and the second schema. It is an adamantine plate in the shape of a diamond, about the size of a human’s palm. Once you have retrieved it, return to Rhukaan Draal, where I will meet you. Succeed, and I will see to it that you are well rewarded for your courage.
I posted that OOC, thanks for posting it IC Pink-Eye. In typical d'Cannith fashion, you have an assignment but because they are so secretive and vague, it is not clear why you needed to come to the Rose Quarry and what that has to do with Whitehearth. OOC, that is one of the functions of Failin, to provide you that link but no one asked him any questions on the ride over... :-)
"What have you got in mind? As you said, we bailed you out, so hopefully you'll keep that mind when negotiating." Erix counters, curious to see what the exile wanted.
Warforged LN Magus (Mindblade) 5 | HP44/44 (DR4/-) | Speed 20ft | AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (CMD 18) | Fort +6 : Ref +4 : Will +5 |Psychic Pool 6pts/Day | Init +2, Perception +6 | Active: None
Thinking quickly, Gauntlet adds to the conversation again.
"Would an equal percentage of anything valuable found in the Mournland, beyond our actual target goal, be of worth to you then Failin? We are reasonable people. Our final destination is a place called...Whitehearth. Have you heard of it?"
LN Human (Thrane) Female Vampire Hunter 2 ¦ HP: 15/20 ¦ 20' MV ¦ AC 16/TAC 12/FFAC 14 ¦ F+3 R+5 W+5 ¦ +2 Init ¦ +6 Perc ¦ Vamp.Might:2 min. (16 Str), SoF potion:1 min.
Xetovia, deciding that the others have things well in hand for bringing Failin up to speed as to the entire party's ultimate destination in the Mournlands, opts to wrack her brain in figuring out a method for dealing with the Emerald Claw in the unfortunate (but still unlikely) event that they might yet prove to be an obstacle.
What would be the likelihood of trying to get their gathered horses to "stampede" away instead of engaging in a headlong fight with the Emerald Claw? ;p
Failin pauses for a moment as Gauntlet speaks, "Tempting as that offer is, what I would prefer is an end to my exile. Use your contacts in House Cannith to get me back in the good graces of my former House and I'll tell you what I know about Whitehearth and why I suspect the Cannith sent you here first.
I'm not sure how we can negotiate this exactly but..."
---
Xetovia, the horses appear tethered so you would need to get down there and cut the reigns or untie them first but it's a good plan!
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Mason's Tower - The Broken Anvil
Lady d'Vown removes her ring and hands it to Beylinda, "This should be proof enough my dear. I will want that back of course.
I fear I know nothing about the watch Sergeant Dharrak I am sure if you ask around you will hear something about him.
Certainly Carduus, approach with whatever angle you believe to be the most expedient".
After Haqueton asks his question she pauses and looks at him intently and somewhat nervously, "It was. From what I understand he still functions though I doubt you would be able to see, her. Does this present a problem for you..."
Half-Elf Bloodrager | HP 15/22 | AC 19 (t12/ff19) | Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +3 | sense motive +0, perception +7 (low-light vision); +2 initiative
"Let's."
Taryn rises, nods to Lady d'Vown, and heads for the door. When the others join him in the street outside he adds, "I have no idea where any watch stations are in this city. Who'd like to lead the way?"
Init +2 | AC 17 | HP 14/14 | Saves: F+3/R+5/W+3| Perc +3 |
Dharrak follows his companions outside eager to start. Upon hearing Taryn's remarks he trys to recall the location of a watch station. "I think there is a watch station this way," he says with a shrug of his shoulders.
Hp 16/16 AC 18 / T 15 / FF 13 (-1 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2)
once the party is outside
before we go anywhere i would suggest, since we are going to be working with each other, it to give our different area of expertise, and possibly a leader to make the decision process easier. I'll start since i am the one who proposed. As i have said i am Beylinda, a student of the arcane, but don't let that fool you as i can quite defend myself with a blade. My area of expertise are general arcane knowledge as well as that of houses and nobility, and i do have a way with words as well. Alas i must confess that i know next to nothing about the city
Init +2 | AC 17 | HP 14/14 | Saves: F+3/R+5/W+3| Perc +3 |
Dharakk nods at Beylinda's suggestion, "Well said. You all should know me name but don't judge me on me looks," he cautions with what passes for a smile.
"By trade I be a finder of lost things and sometime bounty hunter. I can pop a lock or bash a head when necessary. He points a finger at his temple as he adds, "While I'm not from this city I be having a good memory for things and facts. plus I can be doing a bit of alchemy."
Medic/Miserable Bastard | NG Male Human Oracle 2 | HP: 22/22 | AC: 15 (T 10, FF 15) | CMB +1 / CMD: 11 | F +2, R +0, W +5 | Init +0 | Perception +3. Sense Motive +6 | Speed 30' | Channels 4/5 | Spells 1st: 3/5 | Hero Points: 8/6 | *Active effects: none
"My name's Carduus, like I told the Lady. I'm a medic; that is to say that I keep you all alive to do the fighting, the talking, or whatever else needs to be done."
"You can probably guess that I'm a sailor and chef by trade, but I am also experienced in the maintenance, construction, and use of firearms. If you don't know what they are, I'm good with a bow."
Half-Elf Bloodrager | HP 15/22 | AC 19 (t12/ff19) | Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +3 | sense motive +0, perception +7 (low-light vision); +2 initiative
"And I," the noticeably larger half-elf adds, "am Taryn d'Lyrandar of House Lyrandar. My storm mark gives me some small influence over the weather and lets me channel that energy into physical combat. I also usually have some skill at interacting with people, though it seems I'm still mastering the nuances of such conversations here in Sharn,"
I'll give Liberte' and Haqueton another day to check in for this scene as I agree it is important to get to know one another as you just started working together.
Dharakk, there are four Watch Stations in Sharn, the University District where the murder took place is probably the best place to start in locating the Journal.
Warforged (Male Gender Designation) Vigilante (Stalker) 1; HP 11/11; AC 17/T 11/ FF 16; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4; CMB +2, CMD 13; Per +5, Init +2; Spd 20 ft.;
Haqueton shrugs.
"I am Haqueton. Not Gears [here looks at Liberte] nor am I a tin can [looks at Rission]. I am merely a maker of armor and arms, though I can fight well enough..."
Haqueton pauses briefly.
"I am not well versed in the ways of Sharn, though I am...of...this place. I have little aptitude for leadership."
Init +2 | AC 17 | HP 14/14 | Saves: F+3/R+5/W+3| Perc +3 |
"Well met" Dharakk responds to his companions introductions. "Best place to start would be the watch station in the University District," he adds and leads the way to the watch station.
Half-Elf Bloodrager | HP 15/22 | AC 19 (t12/ff19) | Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +3 | sense motive +0, perception +7 (low-light vision); +2 initiative
Taryn participates in small talk along the way but mostly his attention is on the unfamiliar city. He tries especially to mentally note any landmarks they pass.
this city is big, and not laid out like a typical city... I better try to stay with Rission, or one of my new co-workers, for a while so I don't get lost; if I got turned around in here it might be weeks before I found that inn again, if I didn't wander into the wrong place and get killed first... is that what happened to you, Haldoth, did you get lost in this blasted maze?
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station
Within 30 minutes you are all standing before the Watch Station. It is adorned with flags flying the colors of both Sharn and the Kingdom of Breland. The station is a building which seems to have been designed to fit right into the architecture of this district, it could be another center for learning or housing if not for the two guardsmen standing outside of it's doors holding halberds at rapt attention. On the roof patrol two more guards holding crossbows eyes alert on the streets below.
The people who pass by appear to be students, professors, and the occasional tourist though you do see messengers flit to and fro as well.
What you do not see are people heading in and out of this building freely. Soon enough the streets clear either because of the time of day or because classes have started elsewhere close by. Only the seven of you and tourists are left.
Liberte' begins to get antsy and nods to the building, "I don't think I am too keen on the idea of headin' in that place folks..."
Medic/Miserable Bastard | NG Male Human Oracle 2 | HP: 22/22 | AC: 15 (T 10, FF 15) | CMB +1 / CMD: 11 | F +2, R +0, W +5 | Init +0 | Perception +3. Sense Motive +6 | Speed 30' | Channels 4/5 | Spells 1st: 3/5 | Hero Points: 8/6 | *Active effects: none
Crimes against common sense, certainly."Why don't you find someplace out here to make yourself comfortable and keep an eye out while we have a talk with the watch?" Carduus asks Liberte'. The last thing we need is for you to have a panic attack in the middle of the watch station."The last thing we need is someone trailing us, looking to score this symbol thing after we do all the leg-work."
Carduus flinches, as if surprised by his own words. Actually, that's not a bad point! If there are other interested parties, it'd be much easier and discreet to let us lead them right down into this mess, then dispose of us when we're weakened and claim this schema thing. That's what the Captain'd have done. Maybe this guy ain't the right pick for keepin' an eye out...
"Actually, Liberte', why don't you go get yourself a drink or something to take the edge off and meet up with us later?" Carduus pats the man on the shoulder, his patronizing grin mostly hidden by his bandages, though not his tone. "Off you go now."
After the man has left, Carduus speaks seriously again. "Posting someone on lookout nearby might not be a bad idea. We should start to get a feel for if anybody's keeping a tab on us, like this 'Lord of Blades' joker. If we have any competition that's smart enough, could be they're waiting for us to do their work for them."
Half-Elf Bloodrager | HP 15/22 | AC 19 (t12/ff19) | Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +3 | sense motive +0, perception +7 (low-light vision); +2 initiative
"Yes, excellent advise Carduus," Taryn echoes. As Liberte wanders off for the nearest bar and Dharakk sets himself up as a lookout, he approaches the guards and begins to make small talk.
diplomacy to make them like me/us:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 <facepalm>
Warforged (Male Gender Designation) Vigilante (Stalker) 1; HP 11/11; AC 17/T 11/ FF 16; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4; CMB +2, CMD 13; Per +5, Init +2; Spd 20 ft.;
"Nicely done Carduus. Now, let us see if we can request an interview with the warforged murderer."
Haqueton approaches the "front desk" and requests information regarding the whereabouts of the officers responsible for bringing in the recently captured Warforged.
"I may have insights pertaining to any ongoing investigation regarding the incarcerated Warforged murderer... [here indicates his own Warforged physiognomy] being of that persuasion - though not of the murderous bent - and having met an envoy of the Lord of Blades once before..."
Half-Elf Bloodrager | HP 15/22 | AC 19 (t12/ff19) | Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +3 | sense motive +0, perception +7 (low-light vision); +2 initiative
Walking away from another disastrous attempt at diplomacy, Taryn explains, "If we could win the ear of a watchman we might be able to get inside information that's not normally available to the public. And we have proof of ownership this time but might have other jobs in the future where we don't and an ally in the watch might be able to help then if we foster one now."
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station
Liberte' heads off to get a drink while the rest of you attempt to enter the Watch Station.
One of the guards posted outside of the station holds up his hand, "Sorry citizens, none but the Watch allowed beyond this point unless you have an official writ or an appointment to meet with someone".
Taryn tries to talk the man up and he shakes his head, "Sorry pal, I am on duty, if you want to get in you need to have what I said".
He shakes his head at both attempts by Rission and Haqueton, "The Watch has its own Warforged investigators and until this case is fully investigated no one, not even the family of the deceased can get any evidence back. Sorry, those are the rules".
What do you do? If you spend an hour locally and make a roll you can learn the following... or perhaps another idea!
Knowledge Local DC 15:
Sergeant Dolom is the Watch member that brought the case in, he was a member of the Brelish Army the 655th BSTU (Brelish Special Tactics Unit) “The Fire-Talons”. Perhaps that information can at least get you in front of one of the Investigators.
Hp 16/16 AC 18 / T 15 / FF 13 (-1 Perc; +4 Init; Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +2)
Beylinda step up to the guard and says
So you of you to says so. We are here to see Sergeant Dolom regarding a certan's professor murder case. We have been send by Lady d'Vown of House Cannith. And now that the murder case has been solved, or so we were told, she would like to recover a journal that was lent to the professor on her behalf. she says with a large smile
DM: tell me if you need me to make any social skill roll / or you can check on my char sheet and do it so that it speeds up the process
Warforged (Male Gender Designation) Vigilante (Stalker) 1; HP 11/11; AC 17/T 11/ FF 16; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4; CMB +2, CMD 13; Per +5, Init +2; Spd 20 ft.;
Kn. Local:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Haqueton pauses...or even freezes momentarily, then strikes a fairly stylised pose, as befits a Warforged attempting social intercourse to convey information informally.
"I know the Dolom you speak of - his deeds in the 655th precede him. I understand him to be a moderate and well-intentioned fellow."
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station
The guards look at each other and then back at Beylinda, "I suppose you and your lot will linger here until we retrieve him then? Very well, I will see if he is here and if he will agree to see you. For now step back citizen so as to not block our line of sight or the entrance to this watch station".
One of the guards, the quiet one, heads in. The other one eyes you no differently then he eyes any other passers by.
Within 15 minutes the guard and a male dwarf return, the dwarf steps into the street ad approaches you. "I am Sergeant Dolom, what can I do for you?"
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station
Ama
"Good luck, states Atiel"
After a short walk to the Watch Station you see that the dwarven Sergeant on duty from the night before, Dolom, is standing outside speaking with several colorful characters.
A man wrapped in bandages, a Warforged, a beautiful woman, and two half-elves. Do you approach or wait for him to complete his business?
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station
Dharakk, as you watch your fellows begin to interact with the dwarf, a lone woman begins to stride purposefully towards the Watch Station. Once she notices the dwarf with the rest of the group she pauses as if considering whether she should enter the building, or approach the group.
She appears harmless enough, a cleric or librarian by the looks of her.
Knowledge Local or Heraldry DC 17:
Her robes bear the mark of the Library of Sharn, a separate entity from the Library of the University of Morgrave.
There was a bit of a breath and an exhalation as the individual approached her, a missive of some sort in her right hand, and a larger ring set with a blue stone on the index finger of that hand. With the exhalation, she assumed a business-like attitude, and met his eyes evenly with a smile and a nod. "Good morning. I am here to speak with the Sergeant regarding a matter that occurred yesterday. This letter has been penned for him."
Warforged (Male Gender Designation) Vigilante (Stalker) 1; HP 11/11; AC 17/T 11/ FF 16; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4; CMB +2, CMD 13; Per +5, Init +2; Spd 20 ft.;
Haqueton is momentarily ummoxed, and given the interjection of this new personage and his lack of understanding of social grace or etiquette, decides to hang back.
Init +2 | AC 17 | HP 14/14 | Saves: F+3/R+5/W+3| Perc +3 |
Dharrak tries to return the smile the woman gives him but his protruding incisors make it look more like a scowl, "Sergeants busy right now lass."
He extents his meaty hand, "I be Dharakk, and I'd be happy to deliver your letter for you." He hurriedly continues, "Not that it be any of me business but what does the letter say?"
Ama's turned the letter so that the seal on it could be seen, and gave a small shrug with a bit of an amused smile. "Your offer to deliver this missive is kind, but I am willing to wait." That said, she stepped to the side and eyed the group that was talking to the Sergeant. "Your fellows?", she inquired, just to make polite conversation. 'Goodness knows I need the practice'
The offered hand was taken, shaken with a smile. "A pleasure Haqueton. I am Ama." She tried not to stare, she did, but the intricacies of Warforged always piqued her interest, in that they were as much of a person as any other, but she could appreciate excellent craftsmanship, and to craft something so well that it became someone.. Well, that was simply impressive. It was also impressive how the scrollwork differed, and the insights--
Failing to stifle a blush, she looked away and released his hand. "I was staring, I'm sorry."
Scene Clarification I: Ama approached the group which was being addressed by Dolom. Dharakk, who stood back from the group saw her interest and approached her when she was about 20' away. Haqueton has now separated from the main body of the group to speak to Ama and Dharakk.
Scene Clarification II: Beylinda, Rission, Taryn, and Carduus are all in a separate conversation with Dolom.
Sharn - City of Towers - 998 YK - the Eighth Day of Dravago - The Two Year Anniversary of the Treaty of Thronehold - Watch Station
Taryn speaks, "As my friend Rission told one of yon guardmen, excellent at their jobs by the way, we are here to claim an item of the deceased, fill out some paperwork, and be on our way. We have proof of ownership as well."
Dolom purses his lips, "There are lots of deceased in Sharn with lots of belongings, you'll have to narrow that down for me a bit lad".
Warforged (Male Gender Designation) Vigilante (Stalker) 1; HP 11/11; AC 17/T 11/ FF 16; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4; CMB +2, CMD 13; Per +5, Init +2; Spd 20 ft.;
Oh. I was under the impression Ama and Dolom were adjacent, as it were... Well, I guess Haqueton is not involved in the conversation with Dolom then...:)
Oh. I was under the impression Ama and Dolom were adjacent, as it were... Well, I guess Haqueton is not involved in the conversation with Dolom then...:)
Yeah, that's why I wanted to clarify. You can walk back over there if you wish to, nothing stopping you but you can't be in both conversations at once!
Warforged (Male Gender Designation) Vigilante (Stalker) 1; HP 11/11; AC 17/T 11/ FF 16; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +4; CMB +2, CMD 13; Per +5, Init +2; Spd 20 ft.;
After a moment, Haqueton bows slightly to Ama.
"With your grace, I return to my fellows and their conversation with Watchman Dolom. May your enquiries, and ours, prove illuminating."
Haqueton beams idiotically at Dharakk before turning on his heel and approaching his fellows.
"Master Dolom. Apologise for this most importune interruption. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Haqueton. This past night I was approached by a Warforged who professed to be an agent of one "Lord of Blades". Perhaps I and my fellows could be of assistance in your investigation?"
Medic/Miserable Bastard | NG Male Human Oracle 2 | HP: 22/22 | AC: 15 (T 10, FF 15) | CMB +1 / CMD: 11 | F +2, R +0, W +5 | Init +0 | Perception +3. Sense Motive +6 | Speed 30' | Channels 4/5 | Spells 1st: 3/5 | Hero Points: 8/6 | *Active effects: none
These people are making my head spin, and I know what we're here for!
Carduus clears his throat with a loud, phlegmy cough. "Sergeant. The corpse in question is Bonal Geldem's, killed last night. The item's a journal he had with him."
