Hysteresis Loops: The Gion Cover Up (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

"It is old... so very old..."

As Surana finishes her examination of the sword, she removes her hands carefully -- gingerly almost -- and returns them to her wine goblet. She looks thoughtful. "Long ago, this sword held numerous enchantments; what exactly, I cannot say... they are lost in the mists of time. As for the word, here, I have seen its like before, but I cannot remember where... some sort of designation of rank or status, perhaps. If you would accompany me, I believe we might find more information in a historical archive... if indeed any would permit us within at this hour."

I would love to, I have been seeking information on this for some time

Kyan: "Forgive my friend, he's always held a tight grip on his purse."

Roog chuckles and shakes his head "Eight silver is more than fair for two beds and a solid roof. You'll have dinner now or breakfast in the morning, but the girls aren't on the payroll as bedwarmers."

Surana,
It is approximately 9 pm. The library is most certainly closed. You do know of two people in the city who may have some documents that may prove useful. One is a member of the Arcanamirium, the other is a private, more eccentric historian.

Surana finishes her wine, gets to her feet, and motions for Krevek to follow. "Come... our time is limited by the lateness of the hour, and I will be unable to pursue this inquiry on the morrow."

Heading to the private historian's residence. Surana will ask for access to his library and for assistance in finding any documents related to ancient swords, sword enchantments, etc. (regardless of the document's language). She'll also ask Krevek to show the sword to the historian.

I understand, any assistance is appreciated Krevek follows Surana to the historians place, eager to learn all he can.

Tomorrow, you will be leaving with the loud one? I overheard a mention of danger, perhaps you have use of another sword in your journeys?

"Listening, were you?" Surana chuckles softly. "I would not decline your offer if it is your desire to accompany us, though if it is honor and glory you seek... you are unlikely to find it on this journey."

If there was anyone in this town that did not overhear the conversation then I would be surprised. He draws attention to himself. Krevek states casually, and yes, it was an offer, I have no ties to this place, it is knowledge that I seek and you are more opt to recognize it than I am. Perhaps my payment for the information I seek now, and along the way, will be the service of my sword.

At his words, Surana stops and gazes at Krevek. "The pursuit of knowledge is laudable in one so young, no less the recognition of obligation. What name do you hold?"

My name is Krevek, and I believe it possible that the mysteries of this sword may help me to understand the disappearance of my family.

"Then do I, Surana Vilyan Hukni, daughter of the Samsaran of old, hear your pledge, and accept it, and I will not forget it, nor fail to reward that which is freely given: fealty with love, valour with honor, oath-breaking with vengeance."

She continues to gaze at Krevek, as if waiting for the appropriate response.

I offer my services as a warrior, I will valiantly fight by your side Krevek says proudly, but yet unsure of himself In time I will learn, whether this endeavor has all the answers, or leads me to more questions, only time will tell.

and it is a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to getting to know you over the course of our journey

The next morning, Ryko rises from his rest and takes his meal in the den. "Well, Kyan, looks like we're going to have to go back there...what do you think about that witch? She seems a bit shifty to me."

"You think everyone is shifty. Let's just see what she can tell us before passing judgment, okay?"

Ryko frowns at Kyan's dig at him. "Oh come on. If she weren't a bit shady, why would she feel the need to hide her appearance from us? And seriously, what an in-your-face disguise! Blue skin? I feel that she didn't at least try to disguise herself and make it believable."

Kyan gets a far off look in his eyes and says, "There are far...stranger things on this world than that woman."

Krevek and Surana

Each of you get the distinct feeling that you're being followed as you walk the sparse, darkened streets toward the Wise Quarter of the city. During your conversation you notice a man has begun following you. Just as you notice, however, two other men walk out of an alley ahead of you.

They are both quite large and carrying vicious-looking clubs.

"Looks like we have some tourists, Kareb." one man says to the other.

Kareb: "They probably don't know 'bout the toll. HEY TOURISTS, pay the toll or you can't use our street!"

Looking back briefly, you notice the third man is carrying a crossbow.

Kyan and Ryko

Breakfast is actually quite good, considering your surroundings. Some bacon-like fish skin coupled with bread and cheese. A lone serving girl is sweeping up and no one else is in the room, save for Roog, who doesn't seem a morning person.

This does not look good, what do you think Krevek ask, his hand grasping the hilt of his sword.

Ryko sighs in frustration and pulls the shard out of his pocket, running his fingers over the cool blue surface and losing himself in thought. "It was my fault that this happened. My curiosity...that got him killed, and got you cursed. And for some reason, I walked away unscathed. The guilt of the survivor, huh?"

Ryko gets very quiet and slowly pockets the shard.

"Good evening to you, gentlemen." says Surana, in a solicitous voice with an undertone of warning. "Of what toll might you be speaking?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Bouncing back to the previous evening, since things are still happening then.

"Ryko, I feel like going for a walk to breath the night air of the city. Would you care to accompany me?"

Not sure if this is allowed, but the rules of a PBP are always kind of up in the air.

Ryko blinks and looks up at Kyan, worried. "What's wrong? Are you short of breath? Is it that mark on your chest again? Alright, let's go!"

Ryko stands up hurriedly, grabbing his jacket, bag, and a knife, and practically pushes Kyan out the door and into the city street.

"There we go. How's that? Are you feeling better? Do you need anything? Food, water? I think I've got a canteen in here somewhere...". He rustles around in his bag.

"I am fine. I just feel like going for a little walk. Let us see where our feet take us."

I'm starting to think that Kyan has more of an elven mindset than Ryko does. ;)

Krevek, angered by being accosting, taps his fingers on the hilt of his sword. do not do it, you are out numbered and have opponents on both sides he reminds himself and by Abadar keep your mouth shut and let the woman do the talking, but be prepared He looks over at Surana, looking for any sign on how to proceed, he also wonders how he let his guard down so badly as to not see a trio of thugs.

Ryko frowns, but nods and starts walking along with Kyan. The pair of them approach the Wise District and Ryko frowns and puts a hand out to stop Kyan. "Hold on. Something's going on over there."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"Huh? What's going on." Kyan squints while looking in the same direction as Ryko.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

"Good evening to you, gentlemen." says Surana, in a solicitous voice with an undertone of warning. "Of what toll might you be speaking?"

The man on your right, a large man, he is wide but not tall, turns his face slightly to the man on your left, who is short, and not at all impressive, in terms of being a street thug. The second man, looks first at Surana, then with no smile on his face, turns to the larger man. He is about to open his mouth to say something when another voice is heard from just behind these two men.

“A-here now, lads, what have I told you about troubling citizens?”

There is a sound from behind you, feet making haste, and in front of you the larger man frowns, closes his eyes, and mutters a curse under his breath. He turns, just slightly, and addresses the newcomer, “Now, Refan, it ain’t like that at all. You see we were just asking these good folks if they needed any help finding their way.”

The newcomer, Refan, comes close to the large man, and holds out a lantern, a small one, but it is good glass and shines brightly. He holds it up to the big man’s face and says, “Is that right?”

Refan pushes past the two street thugs and comes to stand about five feet in front of Surana and Krevek. He keeps his body turned, ready for anything, and you can see that he is a strong, tall, and well armed man. He wears a cloak that is fastened around his shoulders with the red and gold rope of a private guild of hired watchmen, the Rouge Guardsmen. The Rouge Guardsmen are authorized by the city watch to supplement the night patrols. The work pays forty silver pieces for an eight hour shift, and many people in the city hire on, on a temporary basis, to work for the Rouge Guardsmen.

You may make an untrained knowledge check, DC 10, for the chance that your characters might know this man, Refan, by name only.

“Be off then, kerab, Stewart, I don’t want to see you again tonight on my rounds,” Refan says to the two men, then follows up calling after them as they move off slowly, “and tell Bartleby that brandishing a loaded crossbow in the city will get him four days in the jail, and a fifty silver fine. And that’s if he is lucky not to be picked up by the Laurel Lamps or the Fiftyman Brigade!”

“Now,” Refan turns to Krevek and Surana, “Sorry for the trouble, sir, ma’am. It’s late, but if you’re meaning to be doing business at this hour, for just a few coppers, well within the city watch regulations, I can escort you wherever you need to go.” He looks at Krevek’s eyes, down to his sword, and back at his eyes and gives him a knowing smile that says, I can see you don’t need an armed escort. Then he turns to Surana, and when he tries to look into her eyes, he blushes, looks away quickly, and then shuffles his feet. “Miss, er, ma’am, I’ve seen you in this area before. Are you about visiting Madame Hollowell this evening? I’ve seen you come and go from her salon before. She has quiet the crowd there tonight, some actors, a few poets, and a man from the museum. I understand it’s someone’s birthday and they are having a quiet party.”

Meanwhile, back at the inn; Kyan has a restless dream. He is still awake, in his dream, and it is earlier in the evening. He asks Ryko if he can go out for a walk. The night air is cold, and the buildings seem to be menacing him. Suddenly, he awakes as Ryko is gently shaking his shoulders.

“Kyan, Kyan, wake up, you are moaning in your sleep. Is everything alright?”

Unless there is substantial opposition, I will be taking over Ryko as an NPC. Kyan – there is a possibility that you were trying to capitalize on information that your character would not have known, but let’s let it go for now, and call it a bad dream. Please be careful in the future and if you have questions on the way a player manages “player knowledge” versus “character knowledge” please ask about it in the discussion thread.

Both Surana and Krevek succeed in perception checks to spot Jimmy Jim as he tries to follow them, and there is a chance, untrained Knowledge Check DC 10, that Surana has seen this odd character around the city before, and krevek should make a second perception check, DC 14, to put together the memory of a man who fell off of his seat in the inn and the stranger he has spotted following them.

No objections here, GM. Does that mean you won't be recruiting any new players? I don't have a strong preference either way, just curious.

Knowledge (Local, untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 (for Refan)

Surana smiles at Refan's appearance, trying to hide her amusement at the thugs' discomfort, and again at the man's inability to meet her gaze. After their would-be assailants have gone, she inclines her head politely. "I thank you for your offer, Refan. I am in fact on my way to visit an acquaintance on Lilac Street; it is not far, and I am certain there are others in the city desirous of your... timely arrival. Good evening to you."

She smiles at him again, and turns to continue toward the historian's manor, expecting Krevek to follow.

Knowledge (Local, untrained): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 (for Jimmy Jim)

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Krevek nods to Refan, "Thank you for the assistance this evening, I prefer not to draw my sword unless it is absolutely necessary.

Kyan wakes with a start and looks around confused. "Gah!....What am I doing here? We went for a walk..."

Surana and Krevek move along, and Refan watches them for a few moments, then he moves down the street in the opposite direction.

Back at the Inn:

“No, Kyan, we turned in just a while ago. You were having another one of those dreams. I know you don’t like to talk about them, but let me just tell you that from the point of view of a casual observer, they are most peculiar. You were talking, moving your arms and legs, just slightly, and seemed to be confused. If you like I can go downstairs and fetch something strong, vodka or whiskey, maybe it will help you sleep,” Ryko says.

And back in the city:

Surana and Krevek walk northward along the street, turn right, and then go another block, then left onto a wide boulevard, Lilac Street. The buildings here are large, and on the left, a short distance down the street, is the home of a well known historian and patroness of the arts, Madame Lucille Hollowell. As they walk Krevek could swear he has seen the dark figure following them somewhere before, but he can’t put his finger on it. However, Surana recognizes the man’s gait and posture and immediately she knows that this is a man known as Jimmy Jim, and even though she has not made an effort to learn anything about this man, she has overheard others (scholars and experts working in the places she has visited) talk about his unusual arrival in the city. She knows that he appeared in some kind of, as yet, unexplained “pod”, that could not be examined fully before it dissolved into basic organic matter.

Lucille Hollowell is Half-Elven, or so it is rumored, and she is attractive for a woman her age, most people believe she is in her early sixties. She has silver-grey hair, large clear golden brown eyes, and a small straight, slightly turned up nose. She is fond of wearing a yellow beret, a symbol, she says, of her long marriage to a man who once served as a captain of the city watch, the Laurel Lanterns. His name was Javier, and he passed away over ten years ago. Many noble and wealthy men of the city have courted her, but she remains indifferent to romance and seems happy to pursue a life as a patroness of the arts and a local expert on ancient cultures.

As you approach her house you see many lanterns have been hung on poles driven into the ground on the lawn in front of her home. There are tables and chairs set up on the lawn and a gathering of about a dozen people are either sitting or standing around the tables. You hear the soft sounds of a quartet, or possibly a trio of stringed instruments playing a slow and light melody. Madame Hollowell is standing near the larger of three tables. She has a wine glass in one hand and with her other hand she is gesturing rapidly as she talks. You cannot hear her voice, but you can tell by her expression she is engaged in some tale or explanation that she is most interested in. The person she is talking too is a caretaker of antiquities, specifically old manuscripts, and Surana has dealt with this man before, casually, when she has visited the Antiquarium. Surana knows him as Mister Thornwhip. He is a human man, probably in his fifties with thick black hair but with a prominent receding hairline. He has a round face, and a thin, unpleasant sort of smile that makes one feel as if the man is always uncomfortable.

Jimmy Jim, are you still following this game, and these characters?

Upon seeing the gathering ahead looks at Surana, "Do you think that we can still get the answers tonight?"

Surana looks surprised when Krevek speaks, but her features relax at the question. Her melodious voice carries a hint of a smile in her response. "It is not the woman we require, Krevek, merely her expansive literary collection."

The woman approaches the house quietly, striding confidently across the grounds while trying to avoid the gathering. She approaches the front door of the house, and the sound of loud knocking can be heard on the front door, though Surana's hands do not near it.

She waits quietly for a servant to answer.

Krevek approaches the door with Surana. He stands behind and to her right, constantly looking around, the guardsman in him never at rest.

The door opens, and a middle age Halfling in formal attire greats you.

His name is Nathan, and he recognizes Surana immediately.

“Mistress Hukni it is wonderful to see you again. I didn’t know you were invited to Mister Abernathy’s birthday celebration. Is there something in the house you are looking for?” he says as he opens the door wide and gestures for you to come into the hall.

Smiling pleasantly, Surana greets Nathan. "Good evening, Nathan. It is not my custom to intrude so late, but I require information which I believe to be contained in the Madame's library. Would you be so good as to see that we are not disturbed?"

With that, she enters the house and proceeds to the library to search for information about the ancient runes.

Krevek follows Surana into the building. He remains silent and watchful.

Surana makes her way through the great house, followed closely by Krevek. It is a wonderfully decorated house, not ostentatious, but showing fine taste in art. Once they reach the library, Surana begins to wonder just where to begin.

You are going to have to rely on memory to find the particular volume that may hold some clue to the inscription on the sword. You have a good feeling you’ll remember the book as soon as you see it, and so you can apply a +2 circumstance bonus to the check. Let’s call this a Knowledge Local skill check with a DC of 10. If you fail the check you do not find the book, but realize you cannot remember where it is within a reasonable amount of time (half an hour). At this point you can choose to try and remain in the library all night, and eventually you will find the book, but it may require some diplomacy. If you succeed in the check, you find the book, but it takes you an hour. If you succeed by 5 or more you find it quickly, within fifteen minutes, and if you succeed by 10 or more you spot the book almost immediately. If you find the book, you will need to make a Skill Check, Linguistics, with a DC of 16 to either confirm that there is something to be learned about the inscription or not. I won’t give it away just yet, but if you fail the second check, the book’s use of language, though recognizable to you, is beyond your comprehension, meaning that you may see the word used in the book, but do not know how it is used.

Kevek, while Surana is searching the books in the library, you stay close but take in some of the paintings and small sculpture that decorate the library, make a perception check, please.

Kyan, you can try to go back to sleep, or stay awake, your choice, but I want you to know that I am not keeping you out of the game for any nefarious reason. Your time will come, and it is important.

Jimmy Jim this is your last call. If by Wednesday I have not heard from you, we may have to reconsider your participation. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help make this game more interesting and enjoyable for you.

Not be the academic type, the books are simply overwhelming to the warrior. Instead, staying near the woman krevek focuses on the wonderful artwork.

Perception:

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Just to clarify, DM, Jimmy Jim isn't participating in this game... but I asked those who weren't to forward you the PMs they received from Ghastlee, regardless.

Knowledge (Local, untrained; max DC 10): 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Whew, that was close!

Finally finding the book she wants, Surana pulls it down from the shelf and opens it, searching for information about the strange word.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
These dice...

Ah, okay that explains a lot. So just three active players, hmm, wonder if I should try to get another one or two?

As Surana pours through the book she struggles with the language. Her vocabulary is rusty, and the usage is antiquated, but she keeps turning pages, hoping, searching, her curiosity peeked to frenzy, when suddenly…

Krevek does not move more than fifteen feet from the exotic blue skinned woman, always turning his head to keep her in sight as he takes slow steps along the walls admiring the art. He passes a large painting. It is nearly six feet wide and four feet high, with a dark mahogany frame. The image is, what’s the word some people use, “Busy”. It is a court seen. Some king, or prince no doubt, is seated on a raised throne on the right of the painting, he is surrounded by courtiers and nobles, and in the center of the painting is a strange looking group of what appear to be elves, with green skin, and they are presenting something. It is a boring image, and as Krevek is about to move on something catches his eye. He steps back to the center of the painting, peers closely, and he can’t believe what he sees…

Krevek looks closer at the painting, he unsheathes his sword, comparing the script. Where is this place, who are these elves, I need to find them! Surana may know I must ask her

Krevek returns to the woman, "I think I may have found something, there is a painting over here."

Your call. A skill monkey might be nice, especially if there'll be traps or locks in our future.

Surana looks up as Krevek approaches. "A painting? Indeed, Lucille has many. I, too, have discovered something of import." She pauses, noting the page in case she needs to find it again, then closes the book and replaces it on the shelf. She appears extremely thoughtful, and somewhat surprised, though her voice retains its usual calm.

"The word's meaning is 'Dragon Slayer'. Now come, let us see what you have discovered."

Getting up, she waits for him to lead the way to what he wants to show her.

Krevek shows Surana the painting, making sure to point out the word displayed on the weapon.

"Dragon Slayer, interesting. Krevek reflects on what importance that may be and how the sword wound up with him. "Perhaps when we have more time the Elf clan depicted here may have more answer for us?"

"Perhaps... For now, it would be wise for us to return to the inn and rest."

Surana leads the way out of the library and back toward the inn where she's staying (more respectable than the inn where she met Kyan & Ryko), pausing to inform Nathan of their departure.

Krevek escorts the exotic woman to her inn,. "Thank you for your assistance this evening, tomorrow morning then?"

If no one has anything else they need to do before dawn, then, well, it is dawn of the next day.

Assuming no one has any specific questions, let’s say that the four of you meet for breakfast at the Quiet Lobster.

That works for me

Krevek, having slept so long the day before, has issues getting to sleep but eventually finds sleep knowing that tomorrow will most likely be an eventful day. He wakes, checks his pack, gets dressed and straps his sword on. He then proceeds downstairs to meet Surana. Once he gets down stairs he orders breakfast and takes a seat to wait for her to arrive.

No objections here.

Surana arrives at the Quiet Lobster at a respectable time, a small pack arranged gracefully under her cloak. Moving softly over to Krevek's table, she seats herself and waits for Kyan and Ryko to appear.

Good morning Surana, I was just about to order breakfast. With that he tries to get the attention of one of the serving women.