Agents for Hire (Inactive)

Game Master Johnny_Panic

Warlock Bones pauses for a minute in Silverleaf's room. "Pardon me ma'am. Bit of an emergency I'm afraid. A boy's life hangs in the balance and all that. As much as I'd love to stay, I must make sure things get out of Seljak's way." He doffs his hat as he runs after Sel, shouting behind him, "Sorry about your door lock!"

He gets to Armory just as Seljak tips the seeds into the bag. "Well done Agent Root," Warlock Bones says wryly, "If it wasn't for your inability in regards to holding things, we'd all be dead right now. I will be sure to include this in my report, and advise our superiors that you be placed in charge of the newly created department of holding-onto-things-but-not-too-well. I can't imagine a more perfect candidate for the position."

He yells up the stairs, Khardon! Seeds in the bag! Can you check on Laz and the boy? We have a few messes that we need to sort out here."

Blinking a couple of times, Seljak watches as Agent Bones congratulates Agent Root. Wondering if there really was a new department, and if so, how he could be added to the list of folks that were told about new opportunities for promotion.

Letting the dream of promotion be set aside for more important things, Seljak wonders aloud. "I wonder if the little boy is safe." Firmly holding onto the neck of the bag he asks Agent Bones, "Should we take the bag back to Master Brooks?"

Agent Root is flabbergasted by all this until Eleonora Silverleaf shows up in a nightrobe with Master Brooks.

Eleonora says in a clear but commanding voice.

"Master Brooks please take ownership of that bag"

She looks at Agent Root.

"I am sorry Agent Root you counting must come second after this. Please leave us while I talk to Agent Bones and Seljak"

He leaves but begrudgingly and looks an evil look at Bones as he does.

Master Brooks takes the bag from you Seljat and leaves also in a bit of a rush.

Eleonora Silverleaf looks at you both.

"Go collect the others and meet me in my office in an hour. Master Brooks has filled me in on some of it, but I need to hear it from you. O and bring the boy."

Then she also leaves to head back to her office and her Bath.

The drow investigator's eyes welled with thankful tears. "I-I'd like to bring him back to Agency Manor to heal. Can he handle the journey back as I carry him?" Lazstrahd asked the cleric.

The Cleric shakes his head.

"It is best he stay here for a few days, he really is too weak to move"

"Hey Seljak! Look, a pile of weapons! See anything you like here?" Warlock Bones leans heavily on his cane as he looks wistfully at the small army that had been taken out of the bag of holding.

He pats Seljak on the arm. "You did good. I'm sure that you and Laz saved the boy's life. Think Ms. Silverleaf'll be too mad at us?"

Aghast, Seljak looks from Agent Bones to Agent Silverleaf, "He's just kidding ma'am, well be at your office in one hour." Breathing a sigh of relief as she leaves, Seljak feels his odd friend patting his arm.

Turning to Warlock he breaths a sigh of relief. "I hope so, Agent Bones, but I think I only did what any of us would." He looked at the door where she exited. "I doubt she too upset, I think she'll understand we did the best we could. Even if it interrupted her bath, we still saved the city and hopefully the boy."

I'm sure Khardon Dourstone made it to the room in time to here Eleonora Silverleaf orders

Turning to the veteran dwarf, "Agent Dourstone, I guess we should find Lazastrahd and the boy." He then heads to the nearest exit, intent on going to the temple to fetch Lazastrahd and the boy.

He turned back to Agent Dourstone, asking, "So if we become officers will we get offices with bathtubs?"

The Cleric shakes his head.

"It is best he stay here for a few days, he really is too weak to move"

Lazastrahd returned to his professional demeanor. "The boy is a 'person of interest' in an ongoing investigation. His life may still be in danger. What security does this temple have?"

"And perhaps we can have underlings barge in on us while we are bathing! Personally, I wouldn't have put the bathtub next to the door, but I'm no architect." Musing on the whole experience he says, "She's very pretty, but I do prefer that the ladies and gentlemen I enjoy the company of didn't just have their door broken down." Brightening, he turns back to Seljak, "If you just saved the city, that calls for a celebration tonight! A party perhaps, or at the very least a gala."

Lazastrahd
"We are a temple of healer knights and clerics, if evil walks in that door, they would find harm can come as well as healing. There a few safer places in the city my friend."

He says with a grim smile.

"You concern does you credit. By the looks of you, you are from the Agency. We have had a long understanding with the powers that be there. So have no fear. Come back tomorrow and the child should be much better."

He waves and two orderlies come over.

"Take this boy to the Child unit bed 5, I will be along shortly."

Then back to Lazastrahd

"Visiting hours are noon till three, come back then, Ask for cleric Wilhem I will be here. Now I must tend to others goodby"

He nods and walks over to a family that has just carried a woman in her 20s in.

=====

1 hour later.

As you get to her door, you see a carpenter just finishing off fixing it.

Ms Eleonora Silverleaf is sitting behind her desk reading a report, no doubt about you.

She looks up,

"Well then don't just stand there, report, how in the nine hells did you get hold of a just about to go off doomsday weapon?"

Warlock Bones is overwhelmed by a brief but powerful urge to blast the door off the hinges again. Nevertheless he manages to resist the temptation with masterful restraint.

"Khard? You wanna take this one? Laz? Or do you want me to?"

By the time Lazastrahd was able to make it back to Agency Manor, the drow had regained his composure completely. The drow Agent joined his team in the debriefing by Silverleaf.
"The drow boy died, despite my efforts, but the Irori priest were able to revive him. The geas was broken at the point of Death. He is currently under guard in the Irorian Temple."
Lazastrahd took a deep breath and continued. "I have decided to begin the process of making the boy my official ward. I would like him to live and learn in Agency Manor with me."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Khardon's face was flush from far too much running. It seemed like for every step the others took he had to take two. He was truly glad that they made it in time, but regretted trying to push himself to catch up. It was said that dwarves were dangerous over short distances.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"And as for the doomsday weapon, ye should be thanking Seljak here for running faster than a halfling to a buffet. As for how we got it? Eh, he got it in time. Best to let him explain.”

Shoot, ninja'd by Khardon, I think I'll leave it as is, reflecting Seljak's quirks.

Seeing Ms Silverleafs look up from her desk, Seljaks confidence melts a little. 'Our instructors told us when reporting list the events first. Once we've compiled all the facts we then asses opinions and solutions. Trying to keep a professional demeanor, Seljak can't help but smile when he hears the boy is still alive. He looks to Lazastrahd, wondering why he didn't bring the boy as instructed. 'I hope Lazastrahd doesn't get in trouble.'

As Lazastrahd finished explaining what happened to the lad, Seamus stood a little straighter and began to list the details of the events that lead up to them saving the city. "As we reported in our, um, report, we went to see a Mr Butterworth." He looks towards Khardon, "An old friend of Sar... Agent Dourstone, at the City Asylum to discuss the existence of the corps d'elite. Along with the other information he gave us, he told us a password for picking up things others have left. The password was 'Honey cake' and the cake shop belong to one Mrs Millent," He looked at the others to make sure he hadn't left anything out.

Nervous about continuing, Seljak cleared his throat, as Ms Silverleaf, rolled her hand indicating he should continue, "So, later continuing that portion of our investigation, we went to the shop. Khardon gave the password, and received the box of evil demon seed eggs while Agent Bones was kind enough to purchase pastries." He smiled remembering he pastries. "I had a lemon-iced, strawberry infused vanilla cupcake, a chocolate cupcake infused with coffee liquor covered with raspberry cream cheese icing and drizzled with chocolate Ganache, a pastries made with phyllo dough called..."

He looked at Ms Silverleaf, seeing the withering glare. He swallowed hard and looked to his friends, hoping one of them would pick up the narrative, "Then Agent Lazastrahd joined us having dropped of the little blind drow slave boy" His eyes widen, Putting his hands over his tusk filled mouth. "I left out the part where we found him." He looked at the others, Hoping they could repair his incomplete narrative.

Ms Silverleafs did indeed have a withering look on her face.

"Will someone please tell me what happened, step by step and with the facts, please. Let's keep out the food descriptions this time."

"Ahem." Lazastrahs stepped forward and pulled out his small notepad and read from it.

"After leaving an old friend of Senior Agent Khardon, we decided to investigate where the wax zombies were manufactured. On the way to the location, we discovered were were under surveillance, by a human maiden holding a basket. We ducked into a near alley to try to confront our tail, but she was gone, leaving her basket. Under closer inspection, the basket held a powerful knockout agent. For public safety, we escorted the hazard back The Manor for further investigation. After that, we continued to the address of of wax golem manufacturer in The Crafting District."

"While visiting Master Brooks, the drow boy was present. Once the box of seeds were opened in his presence, the powerful geas the boy was under began, violent convulsions leading to death. I quickly took the boy to the nearest temple, a temple of irori. Despite my and the cleric's best efforts, we could not fight the geas and the boy died. With the boy's death, the geas was lifted and the irorian was able to revive the boy. He is under guard and in critical care in the Irorian temple."

Closing his notebook, Lazastrahd looked around at the room, focusing back on Ms. Silverleaf. "I assume all went well here."

666th post, motherfookers!!

Hahah doing well lets get to 1000

She sits back.

"The girl who followed you was a 'flower' the eyes and ears of the Beggar king which means he is also a player in this game. He is always in it for the money so others knew of what Lord Helldrick was after. He may have even brokered the deal and wanted you out the way. Who knows he has been a thorn in our side for years and we are no closer to working out just who he is."

She looks at Lazastrahd

"I will grant you your request. You can take the child as a ward and he can stay here once well. I'll send two agents to stand over him while he recovers. BUT!"

She holds up a hand.

"There is a price. I have talked to Master Brooks and he says the best way to deal with these seeds to send them to his old master. The Great Wizard Elderwin. A very old elf in the green woods some 200 miles from here. The bad news is we can't risk transporting them by magic. So its horses all the way. And that is where you come in. Your to try and get out the city unseen and then make your way to Elderwin in the green foracsed. I will give you a day to get ready and here..."

She writes a chit,

"Take this to Miller and reeds bank, they will give you 8000 gold each with which to get what ever you need to get the job done. Mounts, cart what ever. I want you to make your way to Elderwin asap I'm I clear. Brook says he knows out to undo the drow seed magic and set the poor souls locked in them free. Right Anye questions?"

"Will we be able to borrow the bag of holding for use in transportation of said contraband?" Lazastrahd inquires.

She just says

"That is the plan Master Brooks plan, seems if they are not in that bag they may activate if someone dies close to the seeds. This would be a bad thing"

”Aye. I’ll go to the armory then. Get some more substantial armor for the journey. And a ring of sustenance. If there is enough in our supplies then I suggest all get one, or go out to purchase one if not. They allow the wearer to not have to eat or drink and reduces sleep needed to but two hours. Given that we have powerful enemies and will be transporting near priceless artifacts, this will be a wise investment.” The dwarf said, accepting the mission without a second thought.

Relieved that Lazastrahd had picked up the narrative, Seljak happily sat nodding in agreement with the fine Drow. Raising an eyebrow when Ms Silverleaf called the girl a flower, Seljak considered explaining that she had been carrying flowers, not that she was a flower. But remembering the glare she gave him he decided against it. Scratching his head, he thought he had heard of a Bower King but maybe it had been the Beggar King.

He smiles when Lazasrahd is permitted to adopt the child and leans move to his friend. "Let me know if you ever need a baby sitter. If I can't do it, my mom loves watching children."

As Ms Silverleaf speaks of going out of town, Seamus begins to wonder about what Helldrick was after in the underdark. When she asked if there were any questions, he paused, not sure if he should asked, and hoped one of the others would. When neither Lazastrahd or Khardon read his mind and asked his question for him, he raised a large hand holding one sausage sized finger up. "Um we have a day, should we check the underdark and find out why Helldrick was going down there?"

"I will have other agents on the case to locate lord Helldrick"

She leans back and folds her arms.

"But that is a very good question agent Kopile. The child should be recovered by the time you return. So that will be your next mission. For now, we can see why the workshop was warded, not to keep others put but to keep anything coming up in. So I will have it warded and close until you are back. I warn you, you may have to take the child with you if he knows anything about what is down there."

She looks you over,

"You have today to get what you need then tomorrow and sun up you leave. You have money, organize your selves. I will have Master Brooks give you the location of where you're going. Now if you don't mind I have other things to do."

Realizing they had been dismissed, Seljak began to shuffle out of the office through the newly repaired door. Looking at the others he asked, "Two hundred miles to the green woods." He scratched his head, "Should we buy horses to ride or a wagon or just walk?"

”Good question. I’d say a wagon. Let’s us sit in it, lie down, sleep…get out of the elements so long as it is covered. That and I’ve never rode a horse before.” The dwarf said. ”Cant imagine that falling off one will be any fun.”

"I agree. Hopefully we can leave Vigil undetected." Lazastrahd nods.

Knowledge (local, to find reputable, but discrete horse and wagon): 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 8 + (3) = 14

You know of a place Jumly and sons, A dwarf trader who has sells transport.

Mounts
vehicles

Time of year: Summer is coming to an end leaves are starting to fall off the trees, this is the time of year when you have winter storms rolling in. So expect bad weather.

As they leave the agency, talking about preparations, Seljak listens, trying to remember any lessons that might help. "I took care of ponies for my father my whole childhood, but I've never ridden a horse either. I think a wagon would be fine." Turning to Lazastrahd, "Maybe we should leave in separate groups." He thinks about what the instructors had told them about surveillance. "Maybe three groups. The first one going out of town then doubling back. The second one, the wagon with a driver and someone hidden in the back with the bag, then a third group bringing up the rear watching to see if the wagon was followed." He looks at the agents to see what they think. This plan assumes we still have at least four agents...

As the walk down the street towards 'Jumly and Sons' Seljak watches as a cool breeze spins and flutters fall colored leaves around a tree. "It will be winter by the time we get back. Probably too cold to be sleeping under the stars. I think I'll pack my winter coat and buy a tent." He starts to reach for his coin purse. "So a large covered wagon and a draft horse? That should be big enough for us to use." As they walk, Sejak scratches his head, wondering about the chance of getting attacked on the road. "We may need an animal that won't spook easy. My dad has a friend who adopts old war horses, I may be able to purchase one from him."

My recommendation, a large wagon: 100 gp. a heavy war horse (so we don't need to worry about it running off in combat) 300 gp. Seamus will also purchase a small tent 10 gp. cold weather outfit, 8 gp. and furs 12 gp. leaving him 400 gp. to contribute. What else do we need?

The map you have to the root shows good roads for about 80 miles, then lesser tracks, but a cart or wagon can make it up until about 20 miles where it ends at a village, from there is mount or foot for the last leg to the Wizards tower. High in some rocky hills.

Have a look at game info put some stuff in there

As you get the Jumly and Sons, a large yard and stables, with a number of Dwarfs and halflings working. Jumly himself comes out to greet you.
A tubby Dwarf of middle age, her red heir and beard braided with gold. When he smiles his gold teeth glint in the late summer sun.

"Welcome fellow Oathbound, Are you here to view my stock? I have a fine range of new and second-hand carts and carriages going at Crazy low prices this week, we have a sale 10% off all second-hand wares"

All Agents gain magical Guns and Shield marks on the palms of their hands when they swear their oath to the Agency.

"We would like to see what you have in second-hand covered carts and heavy horse to pull it", Lazastrahd stated.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Yes, yes fine sirs, this way"

He takes to a row of about 12 wagons and carts.

Kn Eng DC18 to know which is a good buy.

"Is it just me, or does she seem a little dismissive of the fact that we uncovered a huge conspiracy and saved the city?" Warlock Bones ponders as they leave. "I like her and all, and I get she's gotta look cool in front of her underlings, but you think she'd be a little bit nicer." He continues his musing. "Maybe she's just mad that we barged in on her bathing?"

"I'm rather partial to a nice wagon myself. Easier to sleep on the road and drive in shifts. I'll take the night watch!" Leaning over to Khardon, he says in a stage whisper, "Khard! You any good for figuring out which of these is the best chunk for our coin? I know we have guns, but we don't use bucks, so no bang for our buck saying yet... You've always had a better eye for these things you know?"

Warlock Bones follows after the dwarf, fiddling with his sleeves of many garments until he's happy with the shade of purple.

As the left the office
Raising an eyebrow at Agent Bones' observation, Seamus looks back to the newly set door. Shrugging. "I don't think it's a question of liking us. From what the instructors told us were supposed to maintain protocol in all situations. I think she's just trying to do that." he furrows his brow. realizing he was the guilty culprit. "But if anything would irritate a person it would be having your door knocked off it's hinges while bathing."

at the shop
Seeing he dwarfs palm, Seamus unconsciously inspected his own magical marks. He was still not quite used to them. As the group talked about wagons and horses, Seamus added. "We'd like a draft horse that won't startle in combat, maybe an animal that had a little training for it." He looked from one dwarf to the other, not wanting them to think he's a coward and would hide behind a horse. Quickly adding, "Not that we'd expect it to fight or anything."

engineering: 1d20 ⇒ 2

As they inspect the available vehicles Seljak really likes the one with the hole in the bed of the wagon. It must be so they can use the facilities easily while they are on the move.

The fat dwarf looks at you with a big toothy gold grin as
Seljak looks over a partially rusty and old Cart.

Knowledge (engineering, with Inspiration): 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (6) = 20
Lazastrahd comes behind the orc investigator and whispers, "The hole makes the wagon structurally unsound. Let's look over there."
The drow directs Seljak to another more sturdy wagon two rows over.

You don't post just a wagon but a full carriage

"Arr I see you found the odd one out, this was sold off as loot from a Vampire's keep. Not to everyone's tasts, you can have it for a song if you take it off my hands"

"It's perfect! I love it! Khardon, Sej, Laz, can we get it?" Warlock Bones begins gushing about the intricate nuances of the design, but after a while turns back to the Dwarf. "Are you sure you want to hear my singing though? I'm much more comfortable with a good joke or two."

Looks puzzled then smiles.

"Hahah funny, sir you can tell me any jokes you like, so long as you give me 600 gold for the carriage, add another 400 and I will add in the four horses that came with it."

Sense Motive with Inspiration: 1d20 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (11) + 12 + (5) = 28
Lazastrahd is wondering if that's a good deal.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 + 1d6 ⇒ (17) + 10 + (3) = 30

Khardon took the cigar out of his mouth and walked on over, running a hand through his beard as he did so. Speaking in Dwarven, he said dwarven ”Come now. We all are working on the same side here, aye? This involves Drow machinations, the fookers almost destroyed the ground beneath our very feet here. And if we don’t hurry they can likely do it again. Won’t be any horses if we don’t make haste. Help us out here, and I’m sure that Dranngvit would look kindly on any who helps settle a grudge against them pointy-eared raiders, aye?”

Looking from the experienced wagon with the portable facilities towards the dark carriage, Seamus scratches his head. "That doesn't seem to be very inconspicuous."

He looks from it to other wagons, knowing most wagons go about as fast as he can walk. "Does it go faster?"

He furrows his brow remembering how much food his dad had to take for the war pony. "If it needs four horses, will we be able to feed them all? It's a long trip."

Seljak, that is the OTHER thing Inns are for :)

Dwarfish

"Drow ya say, dem ^£*££^ can go £%£(£) £&^£ )*)*£&£&£^!!
Tell ye what lad, 20% just 800 gold and she is yours, nags an all"

The drow walks in the dwarf investigator's eyeline and silently nods.
Bluff (secret communication): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

”A deal. And if I can get me hands on them, I’ll put an extra bullet in them for ye as well.” Khardon said with a smile.

Lazastrahd pulls Khardon to the side to determine how much the drow needs to contribute to the transportation costs.
Lazastrahd is prepared to offer 50% (400gp).

The Fat old Dwarf spits in his hand and slaps it into Khardon.

"Done, 800 true all in, and I will throw in some tarp as well in case you need to cover it."

Then he turns to his sons.

"Lads get her ready and hitch up them black nags that came with it."

Soon your carriage is read, and he waves you off as you go.

Who has "drive Carriage" as a skill if no one I will let someone move some skill points into it from another skill

Is 'drive carriage a skill? might be a profession. I assumed 'handle animals' would be the go to skill

Thinking about the difference between taking care of one horse and taking care of four Seljak Furrows his brow as Khardon makes the deal. He looks from the dwarf back at the carriage. "We'll need a lot of hay for four horses. Do we know if there are inn's on the way? Or will we need to carry food for them?"

I forgot about the 'Keen recollection, the roll is for local or geography, whichever works best
knowledge: 1d20 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + (2) = 4 that's about par for the course