Dark Tower

Game Master brvheart

Well the place has Malicia's room (unless someone decides he wants to spend the night with her), 4 single rooms and 2 rooms with 4 bunks each. Vashalla is taking one of the singles, one of the 4 bunk rooms is taken by the other 3 dervishes. I figure the two ladies would take a single each and Lucky does not know you yet and he was already here - leaving a 4 bunk room and the common room with the dervish guards and drovers.

Pays the fee for a room and ale.
moves close to Ratel. ::quietly to Ratel'Somethings off here, that barkeep has stone teeth"
moves to an out of the way corner. Do they have any food here?

Yeah I'd thought we be sharing a room, us guys I mean

Turning to the other half elf, he raises an eyebrow at her 'accidental pilgrimage' comment. Resisting the urge to explain that a pilgrimage cannot be entered into accidentally, he sipped his ale again, swirling the dark heavy hops brew around in his mouth. Almost spewing the ale out when she followed up her claim of being a guard with 'yup that's what I do.'

Swallowing the ale in his mouth as he sets down the ale, he leans around the table, looking her up and down. Trying not to sound condescending he asks Tal'ariel, "Which do you find more effective against the local gnolls, the dagger or the sap?"

Tal'ariel blushes and looks away, caught in an obvious lie. Right, holy man. Serious fellow. "Um, the dagger?" she replies eventually. "It's a nice dagger." Of respectable quality, even if she used it more for cutting food than enemies. "I know where to stick it to do real damage." Knowing was so much different than doing.

"But the more important thing is that I know magic. I can slow them down and let folks like you get them! Usually I'm working with others, but I'm not sure what happened to my traveling companion." That was absolutely true. Where was that tall, dark, handsome fella she had been with? She starts looking around.

The bartender tells Rufo to bring you all bowls of hearty stew. "Meal comes with the room. Notice my purty teeth, huh? I got turned to stone by a cockatrice once. The teeth never turned back."

After you all eat as you wish and drink or not, anyone else doing anything before bed? Slim is already in bed.

Iz-dubar also retires for the night. Performing his evening ablutions and prayers before getting into bed.

I guess me and Tal will share a room and take 4 hrs shifts to keep watch, also cast alarm spell. That way we don't get surprised

Tal can cast Alarm also. We can have one going in each room.

Chuckling at Tal'ariel's response, Ratel raised an eyebrow when she started talking about magic. When she was done speaking, he pointed at the quiver. "I figured you'd say you shot them with the bow, but magic is good too." Raising an eyebrow he was about to ask her who she was looking for when Rufo showed up with a bowl of soup.

As Thoron neared and quietly commented about the bartender's teeth, Ratel paused and looked up at the man. Chuckling as the fellow yelled across the room about a cockatrice, wondered if it had something to do with none of the people aging also. Shaking his head, thinking about the 'evil' servants of Mitra, Ratel answered Thoron softly. "I don't know about the teeth but I do think there's something unusual going on."

Taking three gold coins out of the smaller pouch he wears on his belt, he laid them on the table, "That should cover room and board." He looked around the inn seeing the number of people, he looked at Thoron and asks, "Do you know if we've secured a room or are we sleeping in the common room with the drovers?"

Ratel is not doing anything else before going to bed

"Oh, that thing?" she says, looking at her shortbow leaned up along a wall. "I mostly carry that to look more elven. Although real elven bows are bigger."

She accepts some soup and gives up on looking around. She felt really confused about what she was looking for anyway. The stone teeth seem extremely weird to her, who ever heard of such a thing? Another reason not to trust these folk.

She then looks to Princess Ciri. "Your Highness, would you be willing to trade some spell knowledge with me? I think you probably know a lot more than me, but I'm happy to offer what I can."

My spellbook, in case any of it is useful:
2nd (3+1/day): Glitterdust, Mirror Image, See Invisibility, Web
1st (4+1/day): Alarm, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Grease, Identify, Mage Armor, True Strike, Vanish

You four guys have a room across from the two ladies upstairs. I will make it morning if nothing else is happening. Ciri was reading a book for her "watch". She can make me a Fort Save.

yes, happy to share, maybe tomorrow as we have time, but at the moment I need a bath and clean clothes.

midnight save vs falling asleep: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

apparently Zireael goes to sleep with me, wierd, and the cat did too. We slept through the night.

in the morning, go outside to look for the caravan, they wouldn't leave without us, would they? Grab a sausage and bread, Grab Ratel, saddle the horses and head down to the caravan to help.

At 7AM, you all wake up very refreshed. You come downstairs after the casters have prepared spells, about 8. The dervishes left early and are no longer present.

You inquire about the caravan and the residents tell you that they left in the middle of the night. If you go out to where the caravan was there is no sign of it anywhere in sight.

get to the site and look for tracks and sighs of where they went, casting detect magic and looking for my arcane mark I left to lead us back to where we left them, BTW I also arcane marked all the horse's. It's generally useful to remember where you parked.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

You find the spot where you left the wagons, but they are gone.

The warpriest woke early to begin his prayers. He knelt facing the rising sun and quietly performed his morning devotions. Once he was done he hated for a blessing of protection from the heat of the day.

Later, at the site of the missing caravan he wondered why they would leave without their guards and could only conclude, Foul play! He too searched for clues, Does anyone see a trace of the caravan?

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21

Concerned he approached Ratel, pulled him aside and asked discreetly, ”Do you think the disciples of Set had a hand in this?”

cast endure elements on self

Tal wakes up, memorizes her spells, and is excited for the day. It felt like she hadn't rested that well in ages.

Her excitement quickly changes to panic when she finds out that the dervishes they had been guarding were gone. Along with the supposed caravan. "Oh crud, they just ditched us? What is wrong with these people? What are we gonna do now?!"

Follow Tracks

To find tracks or to follow them for 1 mile requires a successful Survival check. You must make another Survival check every time the tracks become difficult to follow. If you are not trained in this skill, you can make untrained checks to find tracks, but you can follow them only if the DC for the task is 10 or lower. Alternatively, you can use the Perception skill to find a footprint or similar sign of a creature’s passage using the same DCs, but you can’t use Perception to follow tracks, even if someone else has already found them.

Looking up from his gardening seeing the pirate captain in a panic, "Another mysterious disappearance!"

Later, at the site of the missing caravan he wondered why they would leave without their guards and could only conclude, Foul play!

The guards are gone also and the drovers. None of the dervishes are anywhere to be seen.

Quote:

Later, at the site of the missing caravan he wondered why they would leave without their guards and could only conclude, Foul play!

The guards are gone also and the drovers. None of the dervishes are anywhere to be seen.

I meant us. We were also guards (I think or at least I felt like one).

Edit: Just double checked we were definitely hired as guards for 1gp a day. That rascal Mumchandar absconded without paying us!

Jim slept well, untroubled by dreams and woke early. Upon hearing of the disappearance of the caravan he remarked, "Well isn't that just swell! Seems we're stuck here for the duration, hope you're all enjoying our new neighbours! Anyway I wonder what happened to the caravan, I hope they're OK..."

Getting a real Diablo vibe from this. Narrator: The caravan was not OK.

What made us sleep so soundly that we would wouldn't hear a bunch of hung over half exhausted guys getting up at 5am after carousing until midnight, was it something in the drink, something in the food, our familiars even slept and didn't see anything, they didn't drink or eat what we did. NO, definitely foul play, they must have been taken, leaving without supplies, buried in sand and broken, think here. Someone mentioned strange things, evil acolytes pretending to serve a good god, warnings about the serpent god, maybe, our dervish friends were taken, to a secret temple to a serpent god for sacrifice, and we have to save them???

last night
Chuckling at Tal'ariel's comment about the bow, Ratel pictured elves he's met in his travels, she was right, they did carry longer bows. Finishing his stew and the last of his ale, he excused himself and joined the other male members of the guard in the cramped room. Having been used to sharing a room with his brothers, he quickly fell asleep.

This morning
hearing Iz-dubar wake early and leave the room, Ratel assumed the warpriest was going outside to perform his devotions with the rising sun. Nodding approvingly Ratel dozed back off until the hubbub about the caravan being gone woke him. Taking a few moments to don his gear and collect his rucksack and pole arm, he headed to the greatroom, meeting the warpriest there, Ratel shrugged, as he went outside, "I've no idea, but there does seem to be something afoot."

Hearing the elf girls concern and slims frustration, he moved closer as she described the conditions of their leaving. Asking her softly, Can you tell if magic was used?"

Realizing the local prefect had spoken up from his gardening, Elek approached the older man, "Sahib, there have been other disappearances?"

Are many of the other locals about?

You are correct, the party members were each hired as additional guards. I was more referring to the 20 2nd and 3rd level mercenaries of which a dozen were still guarding the caravan with Moram Infidel Bane. While the paladin made no bones about not wanting any of you with the caravan is it likely a paladin with run out on his charges without paying them? Most of the dervishes had become grateful that you were around especially after the scorpions.
And fyi, the dervishes were not carousing until midnight. They were asleep around 8 like the party. Them getting up and out early at least makes some sense.

Are many of the other locals about?

Not very many at this hour. The acolytes are no where to be seen this morning.

Can you tell if magic was used?"

A detect magic revealed nothing.

Cornelius responds to Ratel as he takes a break from gardening, "Oh, yes a few. We get very few visitors here, but none of them seem to leave they just seem to disappear."

One of the few people you do see is Rufo tending to the previous night's trash.

'That is so unlike the usual actions, running off and not paying us I mean

I take it there's no signs of blood or a fight that's obvious?

goes to groom and feed the mounts

Jim overheard the conversation with Cornelius and asked, "These people who vanished, does any sign of them ever turn up? Some of their possession or the like?"

"Hmm, come to think of it, Avvakris’s Trade Monopoly does tend to get some exotic merchandise around the same time...." Cornelius ruffles his brow trying to think.

Rufo shuffles over to the closest party member, "I would not be talkin so loud here. There be spies everywhere. Meet me at the tailor shop V-9 in 20 minutes."

Felix was trying to organise a small game of dice during the evening, but alas most people were to exhausted and not yet drunk enough to be easy pickings. A mug of dwarven ale and a stew was enough for him and he went for an somewhat early night.
The next morning the ruckus for the missing caravan was strange, especially as they left in the middle of the night. Not a common occurance, quite the contrary.

Standing at the corner he was twirling a coin around his knuckles.
"Yo mateys, whats the matter? Did ya miss your captain and are stranded here?"

With Slim and Cornelius
Noticing 'Slim' approaching Ratel raises an eyebrow as the Prefect answered. Nodding, he resists the urge to point towards the tailor shop. "we will meet you there in twenty minutes."

As the old man leaves, Ratel turns to 'Slim' "We should gather the others and have them join us. I don't think anyone should leave alone."

Responding to Felix
Realizing the half orc he'd noticed the night before approaching, Ratel recognized by his speech that he was not a local. Smiling at the half orcs question. "Perchance Sahib, our employer seems to have left without us."

He extends his hand, "I am Ratel Dier humble servant of 'he who shines upon us with justice'."

As they draw near enough to shake hands, Ratel, speaks much softer. "We believe there was foul play and that anyone not from here, may be in danger. We are meeting with the Prefect of the temple, a man who is not a native that we befriended last night. He has warned us there are spies and has asked us to meet with him privately. Would you be willing to join us?"

As Felix calls out, Tal'ariel does a double-take.

"Wait--Lucky Gits? Is that you? How did you--and I--" Tal walks up to the half-orc, grabbing his arms to make sure he would look right at her. "We were on shore. I was having a good time at the tavern, dancing with a tall, dark, and handsome man. Maybe having one or five too many drinks. Having a really good time. Next thing I remember, I'm here. What the hell happened? And aren't we also stranded here?"

She turns back to the others. "He's with me. And he's very good with his sword," she says, gesturing to the longsword at his side.

"Must be a coincidence." replied Jim deadpan to the Prefect. He was however getting somewhat alarmed so he nodded to Ratel when out of earshot and murmured a reply, "Agreed, something peculiar is going on and I get the feeling visitors don't last long around here as a rule."

comes back from tending horses.

Brvheart are all the horses still at the stables? And is there anyone stirring besides the party right now?

Meeting Felix

"You know him?" Jim was surprised but glad the half orc seemed to be a friend of Tal'ariel's. "Small world! Glad to have you aboard. Can't say you've picked the nicest town, the locals are a bit... Well I don't know exactly, but people have a habit of disappearing round here by all accounts. Probably best not to go anywhere alone..."

heading over to the tailor shop to see what Rufus has for us, whose following

Earlier with Slim
Moving with 'Slim' till they were out of earshot, Ratel nodded, "Those of us who are 'visitors' must stay together."
I'm going to assume that Rufo spoke to the both of us

Meeting Tal'ariel's friend
Raising an eyebrow as Tal'ariel interrupts his introduction, Ratel watches as she latches on to the man's arm. Pausing, as she describes the situation causing their separation and points towards the man's hip. Blinking, trying to keep a straight face, while she was declaring the half orc named 'Lucky Gits' who is 'very good with his sword.'

Clearing his throat, he briefly looks towards where the girl was pointing, then up to the half orcs face, then back to the girl. Forcing himself to keep a straight face, he blinks again Turning back to 'Lucky Gits'. "A Pleasure to meet you Sahib."

Chuckling at 'Slims observations Ratel nodded towards the tailor shop, lowering his voice. "We are to meet Rufo in a few minutes to discuss the disappearance of our companions. Please help me tell the others." Waiting long enough for the girl and her friend to nod, he moved away to speak with a few others.

now
Seeing Thoron exiting the stables, Ratel moved near, speaking softy, [smaller]The prefect said that these disappearances are common. Rufo said there are spies everywhere and asked us to meet him at the tailor shop in a few minutes." Making sure the cleric understood, Ratel began to look for the princess.

Thoron, all the horses are still there.

This is where Rufo lives and is empty except for a make shift bed, a small chest and a pile of clothes.

Rufo speaks to you, "You'ze need to be careful around heer. Avvakris and his men intend to capture all you'ze guys and sacrifice yas to Set. Everyone werks for him except old Cornelius, Beldar and me. I am only alive 'cus I do all the dirty work no one else wants to do."

Also I will arcane mark anyone's stuff that wants it including yourselves too, Anything or anyone you don't want lost or stolen, I mark all my possessions, my horse and my sword. Living things have to renew the mark every month but it let's me scrye or decerne it's location.

Arcane Mark
Duration: permanent
Saving Throw: none
Spell Resistance: no
The writing can be visible or invisible. If an invisible mark is made, a detect magic spell causes it to glow and be visible, though not necessarily understandable. See invisibility, true seeing, a gem of seeing, or a robe of eyes likewise allows the user to see an invisible arcane mark. A read magic spell reveals the words, if any. The mark cannot be dispelled. If an arcane mark is placed on a living being, the effect gradually fades in about a month. Arcane mark must be cast on an object prior to casting instant summons on the same object (see that spell description for details).

seeing the party heading out I'll follow along. frowns at Rufo's information.
"that's not good, do you know about where the do the sacrifices at?
"Ciri I might take you up on that, only things that I'd hate to loose are weapons and the haversack.

"Freya would not be happy about people being sacrificed to Set, if people have to die she'd prefer they die in battle.'

I touch all your weapons and your haversack, and your shoulder with a visible mark in the shape of your holy symbol

"Oh, that thing?" she says, looking at her shortbow leaned up along a wall. "I mostly carry that to look more elven. Although real elven bows are bigger."

She accepts some soup and gives up on looking around. She felt really confused about what she was looking for anyway. The stone teeth seem extremely weird to her, who ever heard of such a thing? Another reason not to trust these folk.

She then looks to Princess Ciri. "Your Highness, would you be willing to trade some spell knowledge with me? I think you probably know a lot more than me, but I'm happy to offer what I can."

My spellbook, in case any of it is useful:
2nd (3+1/day): Glitterdust, Mirror Image, See Invisibility, Web
1st (4+1/day): Alarm, Enlarge Person, Feather Fall, Grease, Identify, Mage Armor, True Strike, Vanish

My spellbook:

All zero levels
Acid splash, arcane mark, Bleed, dancing light, Daze, det magic,
Detect poison, disrupt undead, drench, flare, ghost sound, light, mage hand, mending, message, open/close, prestidigitaton, ray of frost, read magic, resistance, scriveners chant, touch of fatigue.

1st Alarm, charm person, identify, mage armor, magic missile, moment of greatness, blurred movement, burning hands, erase, expeditious retreat, feather fall, jump, liberating command, mirror strike, mount, ray of enfeeblement, snowball, shield, shocking grasp, sleep, stone shield, stunning barrier, touch of the sea, true strike, unerring weapon, unseen servant, vanish.

2nd Acid Arrow, Alter Self, Bears endurance, blood armor, blur, bulls strength, false, life, fire breath, glitterdust, knock, life pact, mirror image, resist energy, scorching ray, share memory, spider climb,

3rd Arcane sight, daylight, Dispel Magic, displacement, fireball, fly, haste, invisibility sphere, lightning bolt, protection from energy, sands of time, slow, tiny hut, vampiric touch, versatile weapon.

Iz-dubar listed to Rufo’s warning and asked, “Who is this Avvakris and how does he exert so much control over this town.”

Jim frowned, and asked Rufo "I've heard a lot of talk of folk disappearing, did they all fall victim to the cult of Set? Also aren't you taking a huge risk by talking to us? Perhaps you'd better show us some of your wears, if we buy a few maybe you can explain our presence here as mere customers..."

Pleased to see that his fellow guards and the princess had made it to the meeting, Ratel nods approvingly seeing the two sailors, traveling together, had as well. As the others asked questions of Rufo, Ratiel noted the other two people who were not servants of Set; Cornelius and Beldar. Rufo had explained why he was aloud to live, and Cornelius had probably been sent by Mitra's church and if he disappeared the would investigate. But why was Beldar permitted to live. Turning his attention to the other information Avvakris served Set, a long time enemy of Mitra and they were performing human sacrifices, an utter abomination.

As the questions and answers came to and end, Ratel turned to Rufo, "Thank you for your help Rufo Sahib. We will not forget it. If you need our help, just ask." Looking at the others, he nodded towards the door, "Iz-dubar and myself were told of a potential hiding place." He looked towards Rufo, giving a slight smile, he did not want to endanger Rufo or Cornelius mentioning the tunnel to the tower in front of the bartender. "I shall point it out to you all once we leave the tailor shop"

Grabbing the Ratels Hand and giving it a firm shake, Felix introduces himself."I am Felix Season, but all my friends call my Lucky, or Lucky Gits. So far all the ships I sailed reached the harbor and with a decent cargo for sale."
But then Tal'ariel approached him and he gave her a firm hug. "What happened, well I was throwing the knuckles and having some real tar... I mean some easy pickings. I saw you having a good time and then you two went upstairs. I thought, good for you and threw a Captains Cargo."

Hearing his old comrades words about his swordmanship Felix winks wis his hand. "I know that the pointy end goes towards the enemy!"

When he hears the other mention the dangers of the town he shrugs.
"Well one stays not lucky if one does stupid things."

"Wares? Oh, dis used to be the tailor shop. It now Rufo's home. There no wares heer. Rufo exclaims, Lucky man knows. Rufo usually hide during day. Tunnels, yes. Rufo know secret way to tunnels. He grabs a rag and blows his nose. "Be care of Avvakris's daughter in tunnels. She rat queen. Avvakris big mucky muck with Set. He merchant and owns most of village. He over at inn eatin' breakfast. Lamb chops Rufo hears."