GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

So we are assuming we make it to breakfast?

Taka meets the others at the breakfast table.

"So we will start by visiting the merchant. If we are lucky they will still have the sword and we can go on with our travels. After we can ask around about a guide. This land is mountainous and rough. Someone that knows it will save us many hardships and time. Shall we go then."

He says while standing and stretching.

*Amused look* You do.

It wasn't too hard to locate Snaevald's home - and this early in the morning, a knock got you an answer from the man himself. He was a tall, white-haired Ulfen man, eyes still sharp despite his age. He stroked his beard a bit as he regarded the three of you. "Hmm, you're new. What brings you to this old merchant's home?" he inquired.

"May we come in and have a seat?" Taka ask.

Once in Taka tells the story and describes his grandfather from the vision. He then explains they are looking for the sword and a guide that could help them through these lands.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (15) + 19 = 34

Aleksson followed behind Taka, but said nothing. His examined the room they sat in as they spoke, examining any decorations the merchant had. Worried that me might begin to awkwardly stare, he avoided eye contact with Snaevald for the most part.

Well, it certainly seemed like Taka and the spirit he had bonded to had things well in hand. But Shutai gave aid where she could. "As you can imagine, speaking to such a weapon would help our mission immensely. Do you still have it in your possession, or can you tell us where it went?"

Diplomacy (Aid Another): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (18) + 14 = 32

As you started your story, the merchant beckoned you inside, then waved to some servants - it wasn't long before they brought out some crusty bread and rather excellent ale. "Ah, Suishen. Yes, I remember that purchase." he said. "Truth is, I'd actually love to sell it back to you... there's just one little problem." He gestured up towards the hearth, where an empty sword rack could be seen. "A few weeks ago, a band of masked, black-suited thieves broke in and stole it. I wasn't home then, but some of my servants were - poor men. Didn't stand a chance. Only one lived long enough for me to get home, and he said they were taking orders from a bigger fellow. I told the watch, but they didn't bother to do anything." he shook his head in disgust. "And after all the taxes I've paid, too."

"Since the three of you are so keen on the sword, I'd like to make you an offer. Truthfully, I never really cared that much for Suishen. It just spent five decades gathering dust up there - I tried using it in my youth, but it always felt wrong somehow, and I'm not so foolish as to try to force a magic sword to work for me. It never works out well. I don't have any children to leave it to, either... but the death of my servants makes me an aggrieved party in this matter, and by our traditions, I'm entitled to weregild from the thieves. That said, none has been offered... so I have every right to pursue blood vengeance against them. I'm a little too old to do that myself, but I am willing to appoint some proxies. My offer is simple, really. If you find out who committed this crime against me and exact vengeance to defend my honor and property rights, I'll allow you to take the sword as your well-earned prize. I can't promise it will like you any better than it liked me, but it's a fair trade, wouldn't you say?"

Shutai nodded. "That seems fair. Could you clarify for us what such a vengence would entail? I am afraid we are not natives."

Taka stands and nod.

"By my honor you will have your vengeance." He then looks to Shutai.

"It is blood vengeance. They will suffer loss as he has. They killed servants of his house and shed blood as shall we upon them if they do not return the blade. Black suited?" He thinks for a moment.

"Could be ninja? But here? Tell us do you have any enemies or any you think could have taken the sword?"

"A straightforward task. You'll find no quarrel from me."

Fynn nodded as Taka spoke. "It is good to see those raised outside of our lands understand. Yes - it is lifeblood that was lost, and so by lifeblood they will repay. For their crimes, their lives are forfeit - they showed no quarter, and should not receive any. You go not to commit murder, but to deliver vengeance and justice by the laws of our land. I'm afraid I don't know anything more of why they are or what they truly wanted - but then, they are sure to have concealed themselves from me. I sincerely hope the three of you have better luck."

Taka bows.

"Thank you Fynn-son. I believe we can make ourselves bait here. As outsiders if we ask around enough we are sure to draw attention. We need to keep the focus away from the Caravan and my sister. From now on when inquiring use my name. Let the enemy know the grandson of Rokuro Kaijitsu seeks the sword Suishen."

Taka stands ready to leave, but waits a moment making sure the others have no further questions for the merchant.

Basic plan keep asking about the sword but now ask about the men in black that stole it from Fynn as well. Poking our nose in business that is not ours. :)

Aleksson had no further questions; he'd been ready to leave since they arrived. Comfortable enough with words on the field of battle, he did not know how to act in polite company and was rather uncomfortable with it.

Aleksson had no further questions; he'd been ready to leave since they arrived. Fine enough with words on the field of battle, he did not know how to act in polite company and was rather uncomfortable with it.

Shutai nodded. "Blood for blood is reasonable." Or at least, it was reasonable enough. If they'd had to extend such a blood vengeance to the families of those they hunted, she would have turned him down flat.

It didn't look like you had any further questions for the merchant, and he seemed satisfied - well, aside from his insistence on filling your bellies before you left, anyway. Following that, you headed back into town - with a few different jobs to do. You still needed a guide, but you also needed to track down Suishen and the men that had taken it.

Looking at the others, Shutai asked, "Shall I hunt for a guide while you look for the people who took the blade? Or would you prefer to avoid splitting up?"

"The trail to Suishen will be fraught with a variety of challenges, some I imagine you'd handle better than Taka or I." Taking an apple from his backpack and biting in, Aleksson added, "Besides, a guide is little use until we're ready to leave - we could leave that for last."

[b]"I think we stay together. Aleksson is right. No reason to secure a guide until we are ready to leave. We can ask if there is a good one while we ask about the sword and the attack.

Going back and visiting the taverns Taka does just that. He will talk to all that will listen and ask of the sword and if any had seen any black garbed and hooded men moving about. Who would target the merchant and kill his servants. Being very blunt and very forward. Explaining the grandson of Rokuro Kaijitsu had returned for his family sword.

Gather information: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

It didn't take long after Taka had started questioning to hear rumors that someone was asking about him, too - and the rest of the group as well. Who you were, where you came from, where you were staying... details like that. Soon after, you noticed a higher-than-normal number of ravens perched on the rooftops wherever you went, an odd number of which seemed to be watching you.

The more immediate problem? Nobody seemed to have information on black-garbed men. If you were going to track them down, you might need to try another approach.

As the activities of the day come to an end Taka will sit down with his companions to have dinner.

"I have heard the rumors that there are now those here asking about us. One thing is certain we have made ourselves a target of interest. I will use magic to stay alert and stand guard tonight. Perhaps they will make a move against us. For now lets enjoy the food and a drink."

"Perhaps we should see if anyone else had an interest in the blade," Shutai added. "It might lead us to who stole it."

"Indeed. Quite a feat to track the blade without asking a soul about it. I would stay up as well - if any come for us at night, we'll be ready." Aleksson shrugged, "Then find rest come daylight, whatever happens."

Let me know when you're done talking. ^^/ There's no rush if you'd like to take some time and plan.

We have asked plenty of people about the blade. The multiple gather informations have been about the blade and my last one was about the whereabouts of it or who may have stolen it and the black garbed men.

"We have asked about the sword already, numerous times The people here are hiding something. All we can do now is where out our welcome as outsiders and make them come for us. Very well Aleksson my magic will allow both of us to stay awake but yet get rest. It also will allow my ancestor spirit to stay and provide aid. If nothing happens tonight we should look into the ravens and actively seek those that now are watching us."

Right, the way you worded your post didn't make me think that you asked about anyone else looking for the blade, just specifically the black-robed men.

"Tonight we ready ourselves. If you believe you've exhausted what ears have heard, Taka, perhaps we need should take another look at Snaevald's. Though time has passed, there could be a lead hidden there."

"We will see what leads we can find in the morning, but Snaevald may remember offers to buy the sword." Shutai wondered if the attack on the caravan was somehow related to this whole buisness.

Asking about the attack was certainly something you could do - about those who'd been hired, and those who might have done the hiring. As you headed upstairs, however, it became clear that events were continuing to move. At some point while you were out, Aleksson's room had been broken into and ransacked. A quick search showed that nothing seemed to be missing, but the search had clearly been thorough, judging by the total disarray of the room.

"We have caught the attention of someone, or something. Here Aleksson." Taka cast keep watch on both him and Aleksson.

"Now we can watch over Shutai. Come morning we can ask about the attacks. Did the attackers where any marks that identified themselves? I am trying to recall as nothing stood out at the time."

Yeah it is easy to loose concept of time of day in PbP so sometimes it is just easier to move along and progress and do more investigation the next day :)

"Yes." replied Aleksson curtly. Disturbed that someone had gained access to his room, he brushed past Taka and Shutai to head downstairs look for the innkeep. He spoke quietly and impatiently, "My room is chaos - someone searched my things. Who has come and gone since I was here last; tell me."

"Or perhaps there was some odd commotions or events outside as well?" Shutai followed Alekkson down the stairs. It seemed...possible, at least, that they could have used skill or magic to bypass entering the inn entirely.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

The innkeeper just stared at Aleksson. "What!?" he stood up from his place behind the bar. "Glida, watch the front for a bit!" he turned back to Aleksson and Shutai. "Show me. There was nothing but the usual traffic down here, but if someone's offended the property of one of my visitors... did they take anything?"

Raising and eyebrow behind the mask, Shutai was impressed by his righteous fury at the violation of his patron's belongings. Apparently, they had chosen the right inn.

Aleksson led the innkeep to his room. "Nothing is missing - however I believe them to have searched for something." He stared down at his feet, ashamed. "We must investigate futher, but... I fear our presence may have brought danger to your doorstep, and for that I am sorry..."

After another moment, he asked, "Shutai, shall we check outside? Would your magic be of use in our search for clues?"

Nodding her agreement, Shutai headed outside, examining the area for any sign of how they got in - magical or simply physical skill.

Perception+Detect Magic: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

A further search of the area turned up two things of interest. First, the window was still cracked a bit open... and there was a black feather on the floor. The Innkeeper, meanwhile, looked furious at the mess - and was already offering to let you change rooms to something more secure and inside, even to his own bedroom if need be.

"A black feather. This along with the ravens that seem to follow and watch can not be coincidence. Innkeeper one that uses ravens in this manner surely is known. Can you tell us anything or would there be one in the village that could?"

Shutai examined the feather, to make sure it wasn't magical or unusual. Not all Ravens were made equal. "It may also be something other than a calling card - a mage's familiar, used as a spy perhaps."

Perception+Detect Magic: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Aleksson noted his allies' theories and had eyes on the situation as well, despite that much had been found already. He told the innskeep, "Tomorrow I will accept a more secure room. Tonight, I wait to see if they return. Your concern has done much to put me at ease already. Thank you."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

The feather seemed to be rather mundane, and there was no sign of permanent or lingering magic with it - but it wasn't something that should have been here.

The Innkeeper, meanwhile, thought about Taka's question for a few moments, then shook his head. "Can't say I know of anyone like that." he answered. "You could ask around, though - someone might know who uses ravens around here."

So going to go on the assumption it is still early evening.

Taka nods.

"Thank you. We will."

He then looks to his companions.

"Come let us have a drink and ask around the inn. It can't hurt."

Taka heads back down He orders a pint of mead and begins to ask around about who would or does use ravens in such a manner.

Gather Information: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32

Shutai focused instead on the crime itself. Were such things common? Was there a robber band who were known for such daring daylight robberies? It seemed like something that would require skill and practice.

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

Without a knack for talking to folk, Aleksson decided to keep watch over their rooms at the inn while his allies were out. Only one of the three rooms had been searched, after all.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

As you started to ask around the common room, a drunk Ulfen man stood up and glared at you. "You're worried about hic bloody birds!? Yeah, that's a fine load of [bleep] after you poisoned my favorite hunting dog! I demand the hic weregild that is my right - fifty gold pieces and not a copper less, or I'll take it in blood right here and now!" What had started with faint bemusement quickly turned to silence across the room as everyone else quietly moved towards the edges of the room.

Shutai held up her hand. "Good master, we are new to the city. I am sorry to hear of your dog, but I can tell you that we would have no reason to harm your animal. We have been having our on troubles, and you can ask anyone in the inn that we have spent our time investigating. Come, let us top up your drink, and tell us your tale. I would like to hear how you found out we were supposed to be responsible for this."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Taka is taken back at the insult to his honor.

"You are drunk so I will over look your words this time. We are sorry for your loss, but as my friend said it was not us. Now pleas seat. Allow me to buy you another mug of mead and we will forget these words were spoken."

So Taka would be talking in a manner that would both be stern but still trying to convince him that fighting is not a good idea. so I will roll both diplomacy or intimidate

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Holy dice roller batman :)

Aleksson crept down the stairs to see what the commotion was.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28

The angry warrior didn't sound too convinced when Shutai spoke, but Taka's words were at least enough to get him to not immediately fly into a rage-fueled attack on you. "Of course you'd say it wasn't you!" the man retorted. "And you probably would've gotten away with it, too, if someone hadn't seen you do it and told me! "

The Ulfen man has moved from Hostile to Unfriendly.

Shutai nodded slightly. And hoped Taka wouldn't get angrier. "Friend, someone has lied to you. We are certainly a distinctive group," Shutai gestured to her mask, "But we have no reason to harm your hound, and our appearence means we would be fools to do so. We wish to do some business here, before moving on. Having a reputation for harming others would do us no good." Shutai gestured to the bar. "Come, choose a bottle and share a drink with us. Tell us what happened, and who told you. If you like, we will tell you our tale too."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Taka nods as Shutai has asked what he was thinking as well. He stands ready still to make sure the man accepts the offer.

Aleksson had considered drawing and readying his bow, but moved himself by the truth in Shutai's words, he doubted it would be necessary.