Dungeon Monkey |
I knew I should have taken Knowledge (dwarf)!
Tsun's face goes flat. "If they are sporting his symbol, I can guess what they are. Glorified knights-of-the-post. Be ready for trouble. The caravan master might not be in the mood for greasing palms."
Indeed there seems to be a bit of spirited discussion going on amongst the two parties.
events: 1d1000 ⇒ 335
The shouting goes up a notch and both side's seem to be resting hads on pommels. The tension is bad
"PAY OR TURN ABOUT!" One of the dwarves bellows at the caravan group
Dungeon Monkey |
Dungeon Monkey wrote:Myriana seemed pleased as she said "K meow, I can dow that. I'll see you there then!" With that she began to flounce off, as she smiled and waved at the elf. It didn't tale her long before she realized she hadn't a clue what she was going to do. After a moment she realized that Zad was gone and that she should make her way back to St. Cuthbert's to inform them that the pretty man wouldn't be returning. Resigned, now, to delivering bad news the catgirl turned her steps towards St Cuthbert's, her spirits suddenly flagged from happy and energetic to sad and worried.Corey smiles
"Don't worry about Snuggles. He'll be penned up for the party."
He ponders a bit at Myriana's question
"Well, it's an artist's salon, so anything avant garde or interpretive would go over well. It's a good opportunity to meet some of the luminaries in the Lazz School, and some factotums of the Sensates as well."
DAY 2 2AP-4AP FESTHALL DISTRICT-GREAT BAZAAR
Myriana travels back towards St. Cuthbert's. Her steps bring her along the Civic Festhall again, the seriously massive building casting a shadow over the street.
events: 1d1000 ⇒ 269
She passes Hell STreet and the shop she and Zad had just visited, then she heads along the streets towards the Great Gymnasium. On a whim she travels towards the Downwards edge of the ring towards Curlyfoot, planning to travel that forested section of Sigil before returning to the Great Bazaar.
Curlyfoot and The Forest were two small districts that lived cheek-and jowl in the Guildhall Ward along with Ghundharvel, a district given over to centauroid races. Together these three districts owned 90% of the extant trees in Sigil. Mighty magics were continually used to sweeten the air and soil of the area to allow for vegetation to flourish.
Myriana had walked through here before, and she found it soothing on her nerves, especially after Zad's disappearance and the incident with the large dog.
The quaint faux-country buildings and the crowds of sylvan creatures were relaxing after the smog and cold stone of the roads she has traveled before. She passes the Blue Toad Inn, an establishment run by halflings and home to some of the best-brewed ale in Sigil. She passes under the large dirigible that a man named Nittimer uses to give folks aerial tours.
As she passes through the outskirts of Ghundarvel she reaches the fringes of the Great Bazaar. There is a large central plaza, a sort of pseudopod of the Great Bazaar that stretches out into Ghundarvel and The Forest. The stalls here are concerned with sylvan crafts and food. Halfling merchants hawk pies and centaur vendors extol various exotic grasses.
She heads spinward into the main sprawl of stalls in the bazaar, heading to St. Cuthbert's. She arrives and smells the happy scents of cooking coming from the kitchens.
Dungeon Monkey |
Alye picks 'Outlands for the Cager' form the shelf and starts leafing through it, idly curious while she awaits the jarkman's return.
DAY 2, 3 AP. HIVE WARD-SLAAD'S FEATHER BOOKSHOP (SUBBASEMENT)
The tome is a sort of travelogue of the Outlands. It has chapters on some of the important realms and the various gate towns. There are also directions to the most well-known portals that exist there.
Someone has inked in quite a few annotations to the book. More info on portals, information on local inns, reputed monster lairs and the like.
Penska returns after a bit, with two young Xaositects in tow
"These two saw what went down with the Hardheads. They can lann you the straight chant."
The odd butterfly-winged printer glances at the book Alyse is reading.
"That's a fine copy you've picked up there. An adventurer named Percy Longshanks carried that all over the Outlands. One of my better pieces in my collection."
Tsun |
Tsun meanders over and stands by the rack of throwing spears. He stands akimbo, ready to grab one and throw at a moment's notice.
Sara Moyna |
OMG Congruence?! Like, what?! You cant just do that?!
Sara rushes forward, but before she can stop Congruence, he has already spoken up, and she ends up awkwardly standing next to the modron.
Dungeon Monkey |
Congruence strides up to the arguing parties and states in their firmest voice - which winds up sounding more mechanical and modron-esque than bold - "Is there a disagreement over the terms of passage?"
The dwarves manning the barricade look startled at this bold construct striding up
Congruence, do you have any intimidate/bluff/or other social skills to bring to this encounter?
Congruence |
Wasn't sure to start off with a roll or build up to it. Congruence is going to try and take charge and find a diplomatic solution - seems the best way to fulfill conditions of protecting the caravan and not killing non-evils. If that doesn't work, they may try something more intimidating if not too late. :)
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Hurm...
Myriana |
DAY 2 2AP-4AP FESTHALL DISTRICT-GREAT BAZAAR
Myriana travels back towards St. Cuthbert's. Her steps bring her along the Civic Festhall again, the seriously massive building casting a shadow over the street.
[dice=events]1d1000
She passes Hell STreet and the shop she and Zad had just visited, then she heads along the streets towards the Great Gymnasium. On a whim she travels towards the Downwards edge of the ring towards Curlyfoot, planning to travel that forested section of Sigil before returning to the Great Bazaar.
Curlyfoot and The Forest were two small districts that lived cheek-and jowl in the Guildhall Ward along with Ghundharvel, a district given over to centauroid races. Together these three districts owned 90% of the extant trees in Sigil. Mighty magics were continually used to sweeten the air and soil of the area to allow for vegetation to flourish.
Myriana had walked through here before, and she found it soothing on her nerves, especially after Zad's disappearance and...
Myriana paused under the trees and took a deep breath. The scent of fresh air, the plants, and life called to a very primitive part of her. It was times like this when she could feel truly relaxed and at peace. She found herself wondering if her parents were looking up at the sky on the world of her birth, if she had brothers and sisters she would never know? She always liked to imagine she could talk to them here, the family she never knew, and she proceeded to perform a ritual that had become something of a tradition when she came here.
Myriana went to her favorite tree, a great old one she couldn't even begin to reach her arms around, and began to climb. She took her time and eventually reached her usual perch. Laying back on the thick branch she looked through a small opening in the leaves at a small patch of sky and said, "Hi Mom, hi Dad," she paused as if listening to someone and then said, "I miss you too." Her words choked up a moment, they always did, and she waited until she had calmed herself before continuing, "I'm doing alright, I may have a couple of job offers as a dancer, and I'm going to perform at a gala, I hope it goes well." She spoke of the dancing with some excitement but quickly trailed off as her thoughts turned to those who were missing. "I made a couple of friends the last few days, but I'm afraid I lost them. I don't know where Anna went, and Zad's..." she trailed off as she thought of the fact she'd never see Zadkiel again, "I'm afraid he's gone forever. He angered some people and they took him. I know he won't live long and there's nothing I can do about it. It hurts you know."
Myriana trailed off as she began to sob a bit. She imagined her Mom holding her and comforting her, telling her it was alright, that she'd see her missing friends again. She knew that she wouldn't, that they were gone for good, but she could dream, just for a few a little while. Finally, after what seemed an eternity but could only truly be called a few minutes, Myriana shifted. She imagined hugging her parents and then said, "I've got to go now. I need to let St. Cuthbert's know what happened." She started to move and began climbing as she said, "Bye, I love you too." With that she made her way back down the tree and headed towards St. Cuthbert's once more.
Congruence |
Congruence looks at the dwarf, genuinely confused. "We are unaware of any speech capable suitcases present. We seek resolution to the benefit of all parties."
Realizing the dwarf has a very narrow conception of modrons, Congruence decides to attempt to leverage that angle. The modron stares blankly at the dwarf and in their most mechanical voice queries, "Were the terms of our passage previously agreed upon? Or were the terms being negotiated at this time? Are you designated as the negotiator for your party? Or are you just a talking suitcase as well?"
Congruence continues to stare at the dwarf, attempting to be as still as possible despite their worry and desire to draw their sword and defend the others.
Congruence |
"We were unaware that you are the junk collectors. That is a kind service that you offer us." Congruence then stops, and tilts their head/body, "Or is this term slang or type of vernacular? Humanoid speech patterns are very challenging to parse accurately."
Congruence does his best to maintain the cold, calculating true modron vibe, but is slipping. Although attempting to remain fixated on the leader, the modron glances at the other dwarves and at Travel Friend Sara. This was a mistake. Violence was not avoided, simply delayed. Now we are out in the open. We should never try negotiating again, it was a severe error! Congruence tries to size up the situation and devise a way to shield the caravan members long enough for them to retreat back. Congruence had to make sure they didn't fail at protecting them with their sword even if they failed to protect them with their words.
Almost forgot my Doubt drawback in the case of a failed skill check. ;)
Is the dwarf that Congruence is talking to one of the evil ones? Also, about how many dwarves are there?
Sara Moyna |
Sara observes the dwarfs once she has her giggles under control. She tries to sense ehat these dwarves would be most swayed with. Other then money of course. Diplomacy? Do they come off as cowards and would be easily intimidated?
sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Tollard Grimm |
Tollard appraises the two young Xaositects. "Thank you, sir," he says simply to the bookseller. "Do take a seat," he offers, headless of whether there are any decent seats to be had. His cloudy eyes look distant and mysterious, but he paints a smile on his lips. "We are friends. And we want to know exactly what occurred."
Dungeon Monkey |
The two young cutters drape themselves on a disreputable sofa
"Well, we was holding up the pavement* when we goggled * the Hardheads coming down the street. Now, we weren't up to no cross-trading*, but when you see a bunch of lobsters* heading your way you scraper*. Now they paid us no mind, and rushed right into this fine establishment. They tossed the place good and proper, and then pulled four cutters from the building hollering loud enough to wake up the Lady*"
Cant [spoiler]
- Holding up the pavement: Loitering/hanging out
- goggled: saw/noticed
- cross-trading: Shady/illegal business
- Lobsters: Mildly pejorative slang for Harmonium Movers
- Scarper: run away/escape
- loud enough to wake up the Lady: basically the same as 'yelling loud enough to wake the dead'
Alyse Shade |
Alyssa nods in agreement to Penska, puts the book back on the shelf, then sits and listens to Tollard question the two locals, along with their responses.
"So the Hardheads came directly this way?" She clarifies once the tale was told. "Did you see anyone rattle their bone boxes with 'em before that?"
Dungeon Monkey |
Penska frowns
"I didn't see anyone with them when they came in, but they didn't have any writ when they did. Or they didn't show one to me. They threatened to lock me up, and they were in a lather to find Rykos. They knew him by name. Fortunately he was already down here and those Hardheads couldn't suss out the hidden door"
Dungeon Monkey |
Sara observes the dwarfs once she has her giggles under control. She tries to sense ehat these dwarves would be most swayed with. Other then money of course. Diplomacy? Do they come off as cowards and would be easily intimidated?
[dice=sense motive]1d20 + 8
Sara senses that they are bluffing somewhat. There is a shiftiness in their bearing that seems to her to indicate that they are not as sure of things as they pretend to be
Sara Moyna |
Sara takes a few steps back, and whispers to Tsun.
"I think the dwarfs are mostly bluffing. Can you roll your muscles at them or something? I have the feeling they are not as sure of themselves as they pretend to be."
Alyse Shade |
One of the Xaositects speaks up
"I did see that bubber* Four-finger in the street. He wasn't talking to the lobsters, but he seemed powerful interested in the hubbub "
Cant ** spoiler omitted **
"Four-finger eh? What's the chant on that bubber? Any of you cutters know where we can find him?"
Tsun |
"I suppose I can try, but I don't see how well it will work. They have heavy armor and nasty weapons."
Tsun wanders up and listens to the conversation for a moment to gauge the situation.
Dungeon Monkey |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Dungeon Monkey wrote:"Four-finger eh? What's the chant on that bubber? Any of you cutters know where we can find him?"One of the Xaositects speaks up
"I did see that bubber* Four-finger in the street. He wasn't talking to the lobsters, but he seemed powerful interested in the hubbub "
Cant ** spoiler omitted **
"Oh, aye. You find him wandering the Marble District, doing the barmy barkle for the Clueless for spare stingers. I believe he keeps kip over at the empty lot behind the Doxy's Deight"
Cant:
- Barmy barkle: Crazy talk, interspersed with pleas for spare change
- stingers: silver coins
- keeps kip: squats/lives
Sara Moyna |
"I suppose I can try, but I don't see how well it will work. They have heavy armor and nasty weapons."
Tsun wanders up and listens to the conversation for a moment to gauge the situation.
"They worship the good of greed. So they are greedy, not dumb. If they can trick us in giving them the jink, they will. But fighting us would be a loss. Being injured, or worse, killed would mean they loose. If we can convince them we're not scared of them I bet they will leave us alone.
Sara looks at her scrawny arms. "I'm just not very intimidating you know. Not like you."Dungeon Monkey |
Tollard looks to Penska. "You ever had a problem with hardheads in this establishment before?"
Penska shrugs
"I haven't, but amny have had recently. Up until this past cycle they've mostly stayed clear of the Hive. Lately, they've been puoring into the Marble District. Soe of the tavern and brothel owners like having them around, they keep the cutpurses, cully bashers and knights of the post away. They even took over an old warehouse and started a chapterhouse. Now they are patrolling the area."
Penska frowns, his long antennae quivering with indignation
"Nowt good can come from more of the Hardheads about."
Dungeon Monkey |
Tsun wrote:"I suppose I can try, but I don't see how well it will work. They have heavy armor and nasty weapons."
Tsun wanders up and listens to the conversation for a moment to gauge the situation.
"They worship the good of greed. So they are greedy, not dumb. If they can trick us in giving them the jink, they will. But fighting us would be a loss. Being injured, or worse, killed would mean they loose. If we can convince them we're not scared of them I bet they will leave us alone.
Sara looks at her scrawny arms. "I'm just not very intimidating you know. Not like you."
The heads of the caravan have moved off, and have left some of the other guards at the barrier to keep an eye on the dwarves. They converse in low tones near the trio
Perception to hear what they say
Tsun |
Tsun wanders up to the dwarves.
He stands as tall and straight as he can then looks down at them, glowering. "Look, we know you're trying to shake us down. You didn't own this pass a few days ago and you certainly don't own it now. Try your scam on some Clueless, because we're not going to be peeled." He inches forward and folds his arms across his chest. "Now, sod off before we get upset. "
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Dungeon Monkey |
Tsun wanders up to the dwarves.
He stands as tall and straight as he can then looks down at them, glowering. "Look, we know you're trying to shake us down. You didn't own this pass a few days ago and you certainly don't own it now. Try your scam on some Clueless, because we're not going to be peeled." He inches forward and folds his arms across his chest. "Now, sod off before we get upset. "[dice=Intimidate]1d20+7
Crit intimidate!
The dwarves suddenly look very uncomfortable. They begin muttering amongst themselves
Perception DC12&Knowledge of dwarvish:
Dungeon Monkey |
[dice=perception]1d20 + 7
Congruence and Sara hear them chatting
Myriana |
I believe I am waiting on you great Monkey from Below.
Sara Moyna |
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Sara can hear the dwarved talking among themselves, but she doesnt understand a word they are saying.
sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
She does however study the dwarfs body language.
Myriana |
Whoops, I guess you did. I missed that when I made the last post. I think I got to emotional over what I wrote and overlooked the astron few lines.
Tsun |
"You heard me. Don't be daft. Scoot to the side. Git!" Tsun begins shooing them with his hands to move out of the way.
Dungeon Monkey |
The dwarves make a descision and turn towards the caravan
"All right, since you lot are being stubborn we'll let you by this one time"
They pull their barrier aside and vanish up into the higher slopes along the mountain pass.
The caravan resumes its journey to Ironridge without further incident. The town nestled in a high alpen valley with a large lake in the center. Several large dwarves fortresses stud the mountainside above the town.
The town itself is stone, with steep roofs. The air is decidedly chilly, and there is snow on the ground, a rare sight for the Cagers in the group. The caravan parks in a large open field and everyone gets busy unloading the goods.
After a few hours of setup, the light is dimming. The caravan master gives the trio liberty for five hours
"Be back for your guard shift"
Myriana |
Having finally reached St Cuthbert's Myriana made her way inside. Normally the smell of foo would perk her right up but the normally perky catgirl wasn't in the right mood for it. She made her way inside and headed towards the headmaster's office. It was time to deliver the bad news, that Zad was as good as dead, or worse. When she reached the headmaster's office she took a deep, calming breath, and knocked on the door.
Tsun |
Tsun stretches and knuckles his back. "Who's up for a hot meal? Let's find a good tavern and get some bread and stew." He looks over at Congruence. "Or... something else you would like. Iron shavings? Hot oil? I haven't actually seen you eat anything."
Sara Moyna |
After passing the blockade, Sara turns to Tsun. "You know, they were very afraid of you. You're of course a lot taller and you are very strong. But it seemed to be more then that..."
With the caravan going up the mountain, Sara stares at the snow. She had hear about it... but never seen it before.
"A hot meal would be great. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse." She looks at congruence. "Not literally, its a figure of speach Congruence."
"Also, was that 'snow' we saw? Can I touch it?"
Alyse Shade |
Tollard Grimm wrote:Tollard looks to Penska. "You ever had a problem with hardheads in this establishment before?"Penska shrugs
"I haven't, but amny have had recently. Up until this past cycle they've mostly stayed clear of the Hive. Lately, they've been puoring into the Marble District. Soe of the tavern and brothel owners like having them around, they keep the cutpurses, cully bashers and knights of the post away. They even took over an old warehouse and started a chapterhouse. Now they are patrolling the area."
Penska frowns, his long antennae quivering with indignation
"Nowt good can come from more of the Hardheads about."
“Yeah, you don’t need Hardheads in the Hive – that’s not balance,” agrees Alyse. “Well, hopefully the chant you’ve given us might help stop Rykos from getting scragged … if we can figure out how to use it. Say, how would we know Four Fingers if we saw him? Apart from having four fingers I suppose?”