Race for the Runecarved Key by Gm Poblano (Tier 5-6, Classic) (Inactive)

Game Master Gary Pepper

Where are the wagons' horses? If they were still hitched, I'd have another idea, but I doubt they would be...

"I am sorry, Joaquin, but you actually sound as if you don't care too much if innocent hired help is injured. I really do like the idea of using the grenades, particularly on the wagons. If they can sufficiently damage them, that should slow their ability to make it to Magnimar and their rendezvous. As for the gold, I suspect it's in the covered wagon."

Where are the wagons' horses? If they were still hitched, I'd have another idea, but I doubt they would be...

"I am sorry, Joaquin, but you actually sound as if you don't care too much if innocent hired help is injured. I really do like the idea of using the grenades, particularly on the wagons. If they can sufficiently damage them, that should slow their ability to make it to Magnimar and their rendezvous. As for the gold, I suspect it's in the covered wagon."

"Squeamish, Odo? That's the Aspis Consortium. They'd cut your throat for drinking money. Don't blather on about some high and mighty code either. I've seen paladins supporting slavery in Cheliax and it makes me sick. They're just another facet of evil oppression. We have our orders from Lady Sheila. If you didn't like them, why did you come?"

Joaquin looks at Odo with disgust on his face.

Redgar contemplates the information relayed via BC thoughtfully, whispering, Three quick questions, Daniel, if you could humour me:

c) did you/BC notice where the gold is stored?

Considering Joaquin's plan, Redgar whispers: I think I overheard Allen say that the Fog wouldn't just obscure sight; it might also capture our enemies minds? At least that's what I took away from the Discussion thread.

Rushing in 'bombs away' would be satisfying for a moment, but I wouldn't like to be the Aspis Agent that had to explain to her superiors that she mysteriously 'lost' the gold en route... .

Daniel shrugs as B.C. flits back into camp. He scratches the little guy's head and slips him a piece of jerky.

Whispering his answers to Redgar, "hard to say, probably asleep but that won't last long. No badges seen, but with the wheels so obviously adorned I expect they are all Aspis. Heh, he's a raptor not a niffler... but I doubt the gold would be kept in the ration cart."

At the growing argument about full out shock and awe vs. subtle theft he adds quitely, "either way, I'm not out for blood here. Non-lethal is the only way I'm going at this unless absolutely necessary to do something else." To match his words with actions he pulls out a blunt arrow, "anyone need some of these?"

"Squeamish, Odo? That's the Aspis Consortium. They'd cut your throat for drinking money. Don't blather on about some high and mighty code either. I've seen paladins supporting slavery in Cheliax and it makes me sick. They're just another facet of evil oppression. We have our orders from Lady Sheila. If you didn't like them, why did you come?"

Joaquin looks at Odo with disgust on his face.

"Tell you what, Joaquin. You don't presume to lecture a runaway slave about the evils of slavery in Cheliax and I won't lecture a champion of liberty on blindly following orders?"

"How long do you think your fog can hold them, Edgar? If we can keep them pacified, plant the grenades and light them just as we're ready to make off with the covered wagon, we might be able to minimize the bloodshed. The patrolling guard and the time it takes to get ready with the wagon would probably be our greatest difficulties."

Joaquin sneers at the halfling paladin.

"You squander opportunities to right wrongs while blindly following a code of so-called honor and you have the temerity to question me?"

"I got sumthen' that may be o'help. I can summon up an eye that can scout the camp unseen an such. I, at least, can see if'n I can find what wagon the money is in." If the party has no objections Anduris will set forth to conjure up

While the magics are in progress Daniel interjects to the argument, "I think we are losing track of what we are actually doing here. Firstly, we aren't engaging in banditry. We are to give the illusion of banditry to help stop a... mostly evil organization from doing much more dangerous evil things. Secondly, we also don't know if these are just hired guards or actual agents aware of what they are transporting. Depending on that answer, we actually have more options than kill and steal. So I say if the magic dohicky can't provide more information, we have Odo make an attempt to 'negotiate' with them to prevent their harm. I mean heck, if they are just hired thugs we can pay them triple from the gold stash and take the rest. I'm sure they would be happy with something like that. But if they decide a fight is the only option, the rest of us will be hidden for the ambush. Thoughts?"

"If it looks like banditry, it is, particularly to anyone the Aspis Consortium has hired for a routine job. That's why I've been advocating for avoiding excessive violence. If we can be clever and get away with the gold with little beyond property damage, that's a better option than lashing out with the sword. But if Anduris's magic fails to find the gold and give us a precise target, I am willing to attempt negotiations. If under the direction of the Aspis leadership, they respond with violence, then everyone's conscience is clear, a blow will have been struck, and hopefully we will have accomplished our mission."

By the way, I do own a war pony and although the canned text has us walking, I may have needed it to keep up with the taller folk. Riding in would be a little more impressive than just walking.

While B.C. was slinking about and Daniel was looking through his eyes the travelling Varisian party did not where any markers on there persons or carry any signs that they are Aspis Agents. The Wagon's themselves only have the adornment of the Aspis emblem.

The Northern most wagon is the one that has a large chest in the back. Nothing else is in the wagon.

Anduris holds his concentration his eyes glow every so slightly as he seems to be peering off into another location. Using his Minds eye and looking about the camp he further notices a large Chest in the covered wagon to the north. Narrowing his concentration and looking for any thing out of the ordinary you notice that the Chest itself has a strong school of Abjuration placed about it.

@Anduris: assumption is that you are also using your detect magic as well since you stated you are looking about for traps.

While the Argument concludes between Odo and Joaquin agreeing to disagree at this point the party is coming up with a fairly solid plan to secure the gold or otherwise stop it from reaching the Aspis Agents until after the auction has concluded.

I will post more in a bit, sorry for the split post

Redgar listens to the exchange between Odo and Joaquin, a frown deepening across his face.

His attention caught by Anduris' intervention, Redgar replies: Oh, thank you! Your aid is timely.

Turning back to the discussion, Redgar muises: Well said, Daniel.

Comrades, clearly you are both passionate about doing right. I won't presume to intrude upon a difference of opinion that is dear to your hearts, but I don't like wasting resources. I'd prefer it if you could at least save all your venom for the enemy.

If I understand the plan that's forming: if Anduris finds the gold, we attempt to ride off with it. If Anduris doesn't, we send Odo to attempt to negotiate with them. If the guards respond with violence, we respond as needed to secure the cargo we have been sent to retrieve? If so, this sounds good to me... .

Edit: Ninja'd by the GM! Know. Eng: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

"If all went perfectly, I could hold them entranced for just shy of a minute. " answers Edgar, adding "Though things rarely go perfectly, don't you agree?"

Quietly listening to his companions discussion a variety of possibilities, he smiles "Seems we have a number of options presenting themselves now. Though they likely deserve it, I'm not a fan of plotting their death. Pharasma will let us know when their time comes."

"I'm all for subterfuge, disabling their one cart and 'borrowing' the other. Something we'll have to eventually deal with is the Aspis markings on the wheel. Our subterfuge would all be for not if we rode an Aspis marked wagon to the lodge..."

Pausing to let the words sink it, he smiles. "I can cast the poisonous cloud twice though, if we need to. If for whatever reason it fails to function long enough, I have another cloud that could slow them down afterwards."

So, Anduris uses his protection from poison magic after I cast the euphoric cloud spell on the camp to steal the wagon with the gold. Meanwhile, we wait outside of the camp and deal with anyone we have to. Right? Still not clear on what we're doing about the guard.

Joaquin sheathes his bastard sword in disgust and strings his composite longbow. Pulling an arrow from his quiver, he looks for the sentry so he can keep track of him in case he needs to shoot him with an arrow.

"Should your plan which by the way will not look like banditry fail, I will shoot the sentry. If he is not a problem, then I will shoot one of the casters if they require ventilating. I certainly hope the lot of you are not so timid when battle is thrust upon you as will be ere this mission is over."

I'll have to keep an eye on him: fools sometimes rush in where Solars fear to tread. One crisis at a time. Deep breaths. Redgar resumes spinning the spheres.

Good question, Edgar. Daniel, do you think BC might be able to surreptitiously deliver this Smokestick near the patrolling guard?

If we are worried about the patrolling guard raising an alarm, I think we need to fascinate or charm or otherwise impair his judgment in some way? If we just want to buy us time and cause confusion, then we could simply throw down a smoke-stick or smoke pellet to obscure his vision?

Daniel responds quickly, "nope, but I could probably sneak up to him and do it... though I don't see how that would help us. He would just start raising the alarm and then move out of the smoke." He strings his bow as well and readies a blunt arrow. "I am planning on trying to get near the sentry and if need be knock him out."

"OK, Daniel, about we give you a few minutes to get into position so you can take out the guard as necessary. Then we get closer as quietly as we can. Edgar fogs the sleepers. Joaquin and I set up the grenades at the cage wagon to cause as much damage to it as possible. Redgar and Anduris head for the other wagon to steal it. And we all head back to town."

Odo sighs. "It's probably too complicated to work. But I'm willing to give it a go even if I end up in the thick of a fight."

"Aye, we give it ah try nice-like. Ah'figure we at least try to do it right, no death an all, so's we can all sleep better at night. O'course like yeh said things often go tah sour when there be to many hammers in tha forge if'n ya know what ah mean. 'Sides if they be will'en tah fight then its like ah said.."I never new an Aspis I didn't like...like tah smash in tha face that is. If someone would be want'en that scroll of resist poisons it should protect ye from Euphoric cloud he be think'en ah use'n. That way one o'us can slip in there while its going and grab the wagon and drive off. 'O'course there is a spell on the box in tha wagon that could be some sort'a alarm spell which may throw a rock in the bellows. Ahh, well its worth ah try anyway. Worst thing that happens is we have to teach some Aspis what bad choices they have made with their lives."

Daniel pulls a small rolled paper out of his pack and hands it to Anduris. "This (Delay Poison Scroll) is supposed to negate poison as well, now you can apply it to two who are going into the cloud. I'll try to keep the sentry from making an alarm and if unable, at least keep them busy. Good Luck all."

With that, he and B.C. slip off into the forest, hunting the scout.

Also, I get a +2 on initiative in this terrain (Forrest).

Once all are in position, Edgar smiles slyly and points a finger towards the camp.

"My mind...to yours...Pharasma will show you the path..." he mumbles. Suddenly a green cloud begins to form in the center of the camp. Quickly, quietly...it expands outward. In the blink of an eye, the green haze covers a 20ft radius.

"Go, now!" he urges, in little more than a whisper.

'X' marks the center - Green scribble is approximately the 20x20 area of the cloud. All within require a Fort DC 18 Save vs Fascinate - and has the concealment of standard clouds

Alright so here we go lets try out your plan of action. I will do it in two parts.

After your party gets into your respective positions ready to act The lone senrtry continues about his business scouting about. Daniel you can hear him muttering under his breath "Damn'ed Geed has it out fer me.".
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

The Scout hears nothing but the sounds of the owls hunting in the night.

Seeing as B.C. never left stealth it seems his original roll is fine.

Edgar begins casting his spell from a safe distance away form the camp his encantations fading into the nights sounds before it reaches the ears of those asleep about the fire. A large Fog formation envelopes the entire group, save the lone sentry outside the camp.

The slumbering varisian party all breath in deeply and you hear them all stiring about in camp as if they are having one of the best dreams they have every had.

Odo and Joaquin move in just outside of the clouds coverage area and begin to place the Iron Flame grenandes into the cavity of the wheel housing. They sit prepared to light the grenandes waiting for the whistle from Redgar.

Watching the most unlikly of pussy footing partners sneak into camp Redgar and Anduris move in to take the wagon with the chest. Surprising the Traveling party have not unhitched the horses as they prefered to be ready to go in an instance. Not very horse friendly.

Was going to ask for rolls from everyone but it seems that the entire camp is fascinated and the scout is completely oblivious to other happenings so Part two is a go!!

Hearing the Blue jay whistle from Redgar, Odo and Joaquin begin Lighting the grenandes which prove to be one of the easiest tasks either of them have ever perfromed. They also unhitch the horses attached to the covered wagon.

Fuse timer: 1d3 ⇒ 1

The fuse burning quick they make a b-line for the road preferring to meet with the rest of the party as they head towards town. Edgar hears the Blue Jays call so he and Allen start heading into the forest where they are able to blend in and circle back to the road to meet up with and ride the wagon back into town. Daniel feeling at home in this forested environment blends into the foliage so well that who knows if would have ever been there to begin with.

Redgar and Anduris pull hard on the reigns shouting out a "Yah!" and the Wagon jerks forward and then suddenly...."KABOOOMM!!!!" the grenandes do there dirty work and the front half of the covered wagon spliters to shreds. Just as they are rosuing from the fascinating dreams they had the Varsian's look about hacking and coughing wondering if they are in a dream or if the lead wagon really just went up in flames.

Within moments the Scout heads into the camp seeing only the partial wagon left in the camp decides it would be better to run away "Geed'll kill me." he says running like a made man away from the carnage.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

You all meet up at the designated spot you all agreed upon down the road quite aways and to ensure you are well out of ear shot you ride the wagon further down pulling off into a side road and...

What do you do now? you got an Aspis Wagon with a Heavy chest in the back.

Odo takes off his helm, running his fingers through his hair. ”Looks like we may be blessed by Desna tonight. I’ll be sure to sponsor a cage of swallowtails at the next festival to give my thanks.” He laughs in relief.

... Quiet... quiet... wait, where did Daniel go?...

Once the wagon and company are safely down the sideroad:

Good job everyone! Redgar jubilantly crows. That was one heck of a ride! Did you see the look on that Aspis mage's face when we thundered by? I can only imagine what sort of nightmare we must have seemed like!

Adrenaline and excitement slowly fading, Redgar's thoughts return to the practical problem of what to do next:

Our galavanting, and Joaquin's timely explosives, have hopefully shaken any immediate pursuit. I worry about magical detection or aid sent from the city to hunt for us, though. Do we want to try to ditch the wagon and chest here? If so, if any of you are skilled in avoiding wards and opening locks the subtle way, I could meanwhile assist with the dismantling/hiding of the wagon?

Alternatively, we could try to strip the Aspis symbols off of the cart and continue to ride on?

Redgar presumes that Bandits would ditch the cart and other marked goods ASAP, and head for the hills.

Daniel pipes up, looking over the cart and their trail. ”If we just keep going, they can easily follow. I could try to hide the trail, but a heavy cart and horses would make that almost useless. Plus we would be moving slower.”

He looks at Anduris, ”you said the chest had some kind of magic thingy on it, any guesses as to what that could be?”

Joaquin mopes disappointingly as there was no violence with sphincter-tightening moments of combat in which the lives of the participants hang in the balance.

"Perhaps we should see how much gold there is so that we can distribute it among ourselves and leave the rather conspicuous cart in the brush. We can strike out overland rather than follow the road which may be watched by others looking for this cart as well."

He smiles as an idea comes to mind.

"On second thought we could just ride in the cart and let them catch up so we can fight them. For that matter, we could wait for others to attack us so we can fight them too. The cart should be magnet for such a thing. Yes, let's serve as bait. We can get some fighting in before returning to Lady Sheila."

Anduris, smiling under his marginally kept beard, turns to the others. "Now that was one hell o'way ta punch 'em in tha nethers. Nice little trick there Edgar. That be bett'en kill'en 'em aye Odo?. Now tah see what be go'en on with that chest there. I be hope'en those tricksters didn't trick us."
Using his ability to detect magic and read energies from objects Anduris studies the chest more intently.

Smiling proudly, Edgar nods "I do what I can. I do think ditching the wagon would be wise, if we are able." Staring at the Aspis emblem, he frowns. "At the very least, we should get rid of that."

"You said there's magic on the chest? Could be a location beacon..."

Fluttering down next to Edgar, Allen pipes up. "Good thing I taught you that spell, eh Edgar?"

Turning his gaze from the witch to the chest and back, the avian shakes it's head. [b}"My counterpart here isn't known for...shall we say...large carrying capacity. Not sure how much help the weakling will be in hoisting that gold on foot."[/b]

We might as well use the wagon until we are nearly back to town. I don’t relish the idea of carrying so much gold, if we have chosen our wagons correctly. Let the wagon and horses do the work as long as possible. The emblems of the Aspis Consortium we can take off on the way with a brief stop.”

Urf. Ah, that's better. Redgar remarks as he takes advantage of the pause to stretch and limber his muscles. Especially his gold-carrying arms.

Lets see how much gold is inside this crate, and then figure out if we will have difficulty carrying it back? I have the feeling some of us might be well-suited to the task, in one way or another... . And we could still have the horses to aid us in this task, even if we ditch the rolling stock? Redgar suggests.

If the gold will slow us down, I say ditch the symbols and take the risk of staying with the wagon. If we can just take the horses and the gold to maintain our speed, lets do that. If we can just take the gold, I think that would be best of all to avoid unwanted attention?

Daniel muses an alternate option. "Worst case scenario we could just dump the whole chest into a river. It would at least complete the mission and keep the gold from being used at the auction. Could even mark the location and come back later for it."

He looks around at the possibly shocked faces, "hey now, I'm not saying we do that! I want to keep the gold too and we might even need it for the auction ourselves. I'm just saying, it's an option."

He backs down the path, "I'll keep an eye out for any pursuit, blue jay call if I see anything." With that he slips into the forest.

"Well, lets see whats on that chest before we get too rambunctious." states the man, as he eyes the chest.

Mumbling a short incantation, the which makes a circle with his thumb and middle finger. Peering through the circle, he mumbles to himself. "Hmmm...interesting...interesting indeed."

Cast Detect Magic
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

As you all begin to investigate the chest peering into the back you feel as if a magical ward has been tripped yet none of you are feeling any different. The environment around you also seems no different.

Anduris is able to diagnose the chest has an alarm spell placed about it. It appears to have been cast in a silent alarm to notify the one who cast it when anyone gets to close to it. Furthermore he knows that they have moved the wagon far outside of the area of operation and the alarm is falling upon deaf ears.

Opening the Chest all of you, except for Daniel and B.C., see something many of you have never set eyes on before. Inside the chest is not just a small sack full of gold but it is filled to the brim with gold bars. To many for all of you to carry on your own at this time.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Thinking among yourselves you are really only coming up with a few options you can either ditch the gold along the trail, give the location to one of Heidmarch's pathfinders stationed at her home to come retrieve it or you can do your best to disguise the wagon and ride into Magnimar and turn the gold in yourselves.

Options #1: To stash the gold need Survival, Know. Geography or similar Please.

Options #2: To disguise the wagon need, you guessed it, Disguise, Know. Engineering, Bluff, or Similar.

You have done an amazing job you guys at this encounter. Just need a few more rolls from you now to finish up first three to make similar rolls is the direction we are going.

Hmm. I'm hoping these heraldic hubcaps aren't integral to the mounting. Let's see...

Knowledge:Engineering: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"Well, the Dawn does bring new Light after all," Odo says, his eyes wide at the amount of wealth in the chest. "This should put a damper on the Aspis Consortium's ability to bid high at the auction. I can't imagine they'd be able to turn so much gold around in short order twice."

Odo doesn't have disguise skill, but he can help drive the wagon with his animal handling. Plus, he may be able to help talk past the gate, particularly for diplomacy.

Go for it Odo, roll diplomacy.

Daniel watches the group start tearing off the Aspis markers and planning to continue on to town. I'd rather just dump this stuff and sneak back to town, but I better at least try to help. He moves back over and pitches in.

K: Engineering: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Odo sincerely hopes driving a wagon to Magnimar in the middle of the night is unlikely to be as significant a problem as it would be driving into a major Chelaxian military town. To that end, he mulls over a conciliatory approach to any irritated watchmen, but begging the excuse that they have an urgent delivery to make and would prefer to be inside the city's limits rather than wait outside for the morning... for security's sake, of course.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

Watching his companions begin their work, Edgar ponders 'Would the Aspis have spies at the gate? Suddenly they lose a bunch of gold...the same night a large cache of it wanders into town...'

"Guys...I don't suppose any of you have a way to change the appearance of our 'cargo' as well?" Eyeing the chest, he smiles. "Perhaps if we dump our personal supplies on top, it'd help deter the appearance of marching in with massive amounts of gold?"

Without awaiting a response, the man pulls out a few gold bars and upends his haversack into the chest. Placing the bars in his bag once there's room, he sets to spreading his wands and scrolls over the top of the gold.

"Hows that look?" he asks, before setting to assist with the wagon.

Disguise Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Well, I think it'd look better if you actually covered the gold with your wares..." squawks Allen. Quickly he hops about shifting the equipment around to better cover the shiny coins.

"That looks better." he remarks. As they move about at their task, the Raven hops about between their companions refreshing guidance on them as often as possible.

Stealth (hide gold?), guidance: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 1 = 32

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

A white raven begins circling overhead. The bird is Sheila Heidmarch’s signal that you should wrap things up and head back to Heidmarch Manor with or without the Aspis Consortium’s gold.

In case it helps, once we are on the road, Redgar works on perfecting and delivering his "it isn't worth your time, move along" glare to try to deter anyone from becoming interested in our cart/belongings too closely.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

As you approach the guards at the main gate the eye your wagon warily wondering what a group of people like yourselves are doing so late at night traveling with a giant chest and it seems you have no travel papers either.

After a few back and forth attempts and one guard who sleepy eyed inspects your cart you are told.... You may pass but the captain of the watch eyes your group watching where you turn the wagon down the cobbled streets.

Congratulations you got the gold back to Heidmarch Manor in the Ivy District, but you notice everyone around you outside of the pathfinders seems to cautiously watch you and whisper to each other as you pass.

Frowning, Edgar mumbles "May as well have just fought them, screaming 'WE ARE PATHFINDERS'..."

Shaking his head, he looks to his companions. "Let us hope the others had better luck. Perhaps our humane ways will help in this conflict."

Daniel shrugs, “we did the mission, just not exactly as discretely as we hoped. Something to consider for our next job.”

***OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT***

Two hours before the auction is slated to begin, Sheila Heidmarch calls everyone back to the theater for another emergency briefing. She appears greatly agitated and her tenor is one of immediacy.

“My friends, we have little time and much work to do, so I’m going to make this simple. While you were dealing with the Aspis Consortium, my informants in the city investigated the individuals you reported on from last night’s gala. It seems a number of them have sufficient funds to jeopardize our efforts. In what little time remains, I need you to prevent as many of them from participating in the auction as possible. My agents will provide each of your groups with a mission brief. Once you complete the task, return here to inform us of the results, and we shall quickly set you upon another mission. Again, we need you to complete as many missions as you can before the auction starts. But remember to keep your efforts clandestine and try not to kill anyone important. We’re still trying to win the auction somewhat legally.”

It is the next morning you have had a chance to heal up if needed rest long enough to regain all daily abilities and spells

After Sheila Heidmarch gives her update on what investigations have taken place she leaves the main area then a dwarf, albeit the same dwarf whom collected all of you comes to your table and gives you all a look over. "I see you all are still alive. Good! now lets get down to it then. I have been looking over your jackets He lays down a few files some of you can see name written on them, displaying Odo The Bold, Daniel Thrace and Edgar Poe. The other files there you can only assume are the rest of the present company.
"Based on 'ur particular skill sets I can best guess you might be more accustom to tha fallowin' three missions of the eight Sheila has passed on to me to oversee. If ya happen ta complete the three before the auction you can try fer more if yer crazy enough." the Dwarf pulls out another folder opens it up and states the following "Lets see you can go collect a dept owed ta the society from a dead woman's estate. Word is the place is haunted, "Bah" that's ridiculous those investigators now how ta make me laugh. Alright! Next up seems like ol' Axetongue is running another competition o' his, usually has ya fight some exotic creature or toy around with it..."trailing of he mumbles "..Or does the bugger toy with you. No Matter, lets see oh yes third on me list is About Dr. Landis, seems he has come into a large amount of monies for this auction yet no one knows who is back'n 'im. Need ya ta try and find out who that is."

Three Choices 1) Recover a Debt from a Vacant 'Haunted' Estate, 2) Participate in a gladiatorial event or 3) Speak with Dr. Landis and Discover who is backing him.

"Since my fellows were willing to indulge my qualms with deploying violence against the caravan, I shall defer to their advice on this errand," Odo offers.

At the mention of the possible haunting Edgar exclaims, "NO! The dead must stay dead! We must ensure this is a fallacy at once!"

Grabbing his gear, he turns and starts for the door. A few paces away, he suddenly realizes no one is following him, not even Allen. "Uh...was there something else?" he asks sheepishly over his shoulder.

I vote for starting with #1. :-P But I'm ok with whatever

Rolling his eyes, Allen chuckles.

"He tends to get his underroos in a knot about the undead." advises the bird.