Fortune CoCT's page

If I post as Valandil Ancalime, it is still Fortune. Val is another character I play in a RotRL game that moved over here from RPOL when we changed DM's a couple of weeks ago. He is my default posting name, and I may forget.

I have been keeping an eye on the game and your accounts "recent posts", as we both thought you were a great DM. A couple of weeks ago we decided to switch to RPOL and continued the game. It's been slow though, so we are just now going to meet Devargo. We have also introduced a 3rd character, another RL friend of ours is playing a elf pal/sor(celestial) cousin. The player has a...unique....way of looking at things. If you wish to see more before you make a decision, I can give you the name of the game on RPOL.

If you wish to continue the game we could continue from where we left off and let you introduce the new character in your own way. Let me know what you think and if you ed more info.

Perhaps we could talk about this on the old ooc discussion thread;

http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/community/gaming/playByPostDiscussion/ tarlanesCotCT&page=1#0

I'll go there and write an update.

CotCT group maybe still being about

Glad to see you are back and doing better. Are you interested in starting the game back up? We could talk about it.

Sad to hear you are sick, but glad to hear it's not life threatening. Get well soon and my prayers will be with you. We will keep an eye on this game waiting for your return. It's a good game and you're a great DM.

I pray that nothing serious happened to you. Hopefully it is work or vacation or something.

Heard from Pat, work got busy (getting an order out on time). Should have a post for him soon.
There is also a post on page 8- look back please.

With that said, he collects his winnings, gives a sp to the dealer (if there is one) and says, "I'll be around with my head in the clouds." With that they head over to the House of Clouds to look around.

No, as much as Fortune would like to, he isn't going to indulge in his carnal appetite. I have something else planned. Mwahaahaa...

haven't heard from Pat in a coup of days, he is probably sick. 1 of his little girls was sick over the weekend.
Vudrani, I thought I should recognize it.

"Let's say I represent some people who could make him richer with little effort or risk on his part. How, is for Devargo's ears only."

What is a vudrani?

Fortune realizes he is attracting attention and his first instinct is to quit, but then he has an idea. He will go to 1 of the Vudrani and say "I have a business proposition for Devargo, if he's interested." Then he will go back and continue playing (and hopefully winning).

Fortune doesn't normally cheat, he sees that as taking away from Desna. Though his luck domain power is not considered cheating (as that is from Desna). But he will continue to use his skill at reading people.

No problem, we have assumed you are posting from work and people have computer problems. Mine got a virus last week as I was changing anti-virus programs. I think hacking should be a capital crime, whose with me<raises hand>....ok maybe not.

To a nearby guard, nodding at the man going overboard, "So, what did he do? So I don't do the same thing."

Then I will bet a gp worth (5 sp each, how does that compare with the other players?) on a couple of games, giving us a chance to look around. I'll play it straight, Fortune doesn't cheat unless there is a specific reason to do so.

We are assuming we left the dogs at the Academy.

Fortune will proceed to the Twin Tigers and look around. He bets a few sp while he scopes out the ships layout.

Shadowleaf will follow Fortune and keep a nervous eye out. Being this close to so much prey makes him vulnerable and on edge.

Maybe I am just expecting more from the skill. It's not a major issue, let me think about it and I'll get back to you.

Fortune looks around at the revelry in disgust. While he is willing to let people make their own choices, it saddens him to see them throw them away on addictive drugs, rigged gambling and other activities that don't solve any problems. Hopefully what him and his fa...Shadowleaf do here will make a difference.

I will continue this, but have run out of time. Also, need to talk with Pat. Will post on sat or sun. Have a wonderful Valentines day.

I just meant a Sense Motive in general (about Vencarlo, about Grau's story...), I can take 10 and get hunches. It's just that I am invested heavily in Sense Motive (my halfelf feat) and am thinking maybe I should have put it into Diplomacy instead. Maybe you are giving me the benefit of having a +11 to this skill, but I am having trouble seeing it.

Fortune and Sl will try to contact Ishani of Vudrani and get 1 of our gold bars. We want the actual bar. Then we will take it to Eels End and try to fence it. We figure the hard part is going to be getting past any flunkies to see the boss and fencing a gold bar with the royal seal just might be our ticket in.

We will change our appearance before we go to Eels End. Not really trying to disguise ourselves, just changing clothes (local stuff that says criminal). Sl is going to wear Fortunes Bladed Scarf. We want to present ourselves as criminals.

I'm posting both per checks.
Do I pickup any clues with Sense Motive (+11)?
So how much gold was in the bag?

Fortune per = 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Shadowleaf per = 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Fortune will nod to Creeida, "Ok, that makes sense. We will do our best." Then, after a brief consultation with Shadowleaf, he will also give her a bow and say to Vencarlo, "We would like to take you up on your offer."

On the trip to the Academy Fortune will bring up a few subjects;

The money from Amin Jalento, "He insisted that it was mine, so you can keep it as his tuition. Desna provides my needs."

Grau, Fortune will delicately tell Vencarlo what is going on at All the Worlds Meats and what they know about Grau. "I am all for a person's business being private, but I would like to know if his private business is going to impact the good that is being done there and I would like to help him if possible. Is there anything you can tell us about what drove him to the bottle?"

In General;
What he thinks about the situation facing Korvosa?
Does he know any wizards who might be interested in trading spells or maybe some scrolls?

Talked with Pat, the plan is to go spend the night at the Academy. Go by Eels End and scout it from afar 1st, before getting in close.

"You both seem to know Cheliax better than I, what sort of illicit goings-on are we too look for, or rather, are there any that we might think would get him in trouble, but won't. Cheliax is a different culture, so they might see drug use, for example, as normal and no big deal. Do you understand what I am asking? Are we trying to get him in trouble with Cheliax or Korvosa?"

Fortune looks thoughtful, "I think most could learn much outside their mansions", I know I did. After a pause, "So, what are Ambassador Amprei's known vices? What kind of vice businesses does Devargo run on his ships? Does Devargo have any enemies?" He will look in the bag.

To Verik;
Fortune just shrugs, "If that is your choice, but it is a sad you feel that way." And that's all Fortune has to say to him.

Fortune will shake his hand, "I've heard about you, but I only believe half of it." He smiles the turns serious, "We have been meaning to stop by and meet you, but haven't had the time. Did Amin Jalento get to your place safely? He seemed quite insistent on going.

About this Ambassador, go to Eel's End and find information and proof, check."

This is for after we get done talking with Cressida and Vencarlo, but I wanted to put it in now so I don't forget.
Before we leave I would also like to stop by and talk with Verik. Tell him that we have gotten some people to continue his work and that Grau is involved.

Fortune get's up feeling much better, "Ok, let's get going, we don't want to keep the general Lady waiting."

I might be spotty for a few days, I'm having computer virus issues.

"Thanks, be well. We will stop by if we can." We will head back to our room to nap and study until evening. Fortune will see if he can help out with Purify food/water and we will hunt for dog food (rats and such) on the way.

Shadowleaf enters with some food, but doesn't say anything, leaving it to Fortune to introduce him.

Fortune smiles, "This is Shadowleaf. Sabrinna, yes we've met briefly. Poison you say. The king was old and would have died soon, so I guess someone was tired of waiting. Anyway, I think a good meal will do you good. We have important business to get to or we would be helping out here. If you need anything, you can leave us a message at the Citadel or with Theandra Darklight who owns the Three Rings Tavern in the Five Corners district." Unless he has more to share we introduce him to the healers and then return to our room at the Three Rings Tavern to nap and study until evening.

Fortune mentally thanks Zellara, then in reply to Grau "You neatly told me what I asked, and at the same time, told me nothing at all. Pretty impressive for a man just waking up from being drunk. Keep your secrets if you want, while I am curious, I will not pry further. Your business is your own. I will say this, I don't know you well enough to have faith or not. But I see you reflected in the lives of those around you, and they appear to have hope for you, so I will to."

Looking at the cards Fortune comments "love, spite, revenge and loss" hmmm, "but with a future of shielding the poor. Perhaps helping others will help you out of this pit of self pity you have dug. So if you are willing to help, I will introduce you to the men you will be helping." But then with a curious look, as if he just thought of something, "Unless there is more to this story, I don't see how your failings had anything to do with the King's death."

Fortune smiles, "Monks aren't the only ones who meditate and pray, and I am not the monkly type. And as to your problem, the symptom is obvious, but what is the underling disease. Sometimes it's hard to tell as the symptoms are very similar. I can treat the symptoms if I don't know, but it is better to treat the disease.

Your symptom is obvious, you are trying to drown a pain in drink. But what is the pain?

We could have a long deep discussion and eventually get to the heart of the problem, but we don't really have the time. This city is tearing itself apart and innocent people are dying. So I am just going to lay my cards on the table." And he lays the Harrow deck on the table to see what kind of reaction it gets. Then he picks them up and trys to use them like he saw Zellara do(maybe she can start teaching me how).I think next level I will put a point into Prof:Fortuneteller

"Sorry, sometimes my sense of humor gets out of hand." Taking a deep breath while shuffling the cards, "Have a seat, and a drink if you must. I started looking for you for purely selfish reason, I need your help and Ishani thought you could help. But as we searched, everybody we met spoke highly of you, but in the past tense. You have many friends. Then we found a drunken bum. I still need your help, but I would also like to help you get back to where you once were, before you crawled into a bottle." Fortune starts to deal out the cards, "1- you were a member of Vencarlo's academy. 2- you left under a cloud at the same time as Sabrinna. Coincidence? I think not. 3- You started drinking enough that the Guard let you go. 4- The King's death pushed you over the edge and you have been falling down drunk ever since. 5- You still have many friends and people who respect you."

He finishes laying out the cards. "Don't rush me, I'm new at this." While he examines the lay out he will brief him on the situation here and that they need a strong presence to control the crowds (being sure to include the, "It may not last long, but let's do what good we can while it does").

"I am a cleric of Desna and anything you tell me can stay just between us if that is your wish. If it your wish, you can drink yourself into a stupor, I will not stop you. But I would like you to consider doing a good deed instead. So tell me, why did you leave, what are you running away from and can I help?"

Before sleeping, Fortune will heal SL. After a nights sleep, Fortune feels much better. So when Grau wakes up he is ready with some bottles of water that taste and smell like the real thing, but have no alcohol. While Fortune talks, Sl is cooking a little of the meat in the next room.

While Grau is blindly reaching for a bottle, Fortune will be in a corner, unarmed, praying and using Hypnotism (suggestion; "tell me your problem"). Unless, in my characters magical expertise, "I am your friend" or "I'm trying to help you" is usually more effective to get people to talk?

After casting the spell Fortune will get up and get a bottle for him. "As a healer, I should tell you that more ale doesn't really cure a hangover. Do you remember me? I am Fortune, a friend of Ishani and a cleric of Desna. You have a lot of friends and we are all concerned about you. Why don't you tell me your problem and let me see if I can help you."

The goal of this plan is to get him thinking without alcohol befuddling his brain.

Fortune thinks, This is going to be harder than I thought. In reply, "No, I'm not Neffi, I'm a friend of Ishani. Just eat and I'll be right back." Fortune goes to the bartender, "Wow, I need a bottle of what he's drinking, plus a couple of the same bottles with just water. I also need to know who's in charge in here." while the bartender gets his order, Fortune will mutter his plan to SL.

The Plan;
0- use Prestidigitation to make the water look/taste like the actual drink
1- have SL(who will be drinking water) get Grau falling asleep drunk.
2- take him to the Butcher shop
3- when he wakes up, talk with him when he is sober
4- at least we will be there with the healers the next morning

I want to find whoever is "in charge" and talk with them so they realize we aren't trying to hurt their friend. He is well liked and if we start messing with him, we are likely to be forcibly ejected from this place. While I want to fly, I don't want to learn here.

While SL is getting him drunk, Fortune will try to find out as much about Grau as possible.

Shadowleaf;
After securing the dogs with rope, don't want to start anything around a bunch of off-duty guards, Shadowleaf will enter and order a drink. When the price is quoted, Shadowleaf fishes around like he is looking for enough cash before pulling out just enough. Don't want to appear rich. He then takes a place watching Fortunes back.

Fortune;
We will have message spells up as usual (Fortune, SL and Vallis) and Vallis will be left outside with the dogs. Seeing SL enter, Fortune takes the 2 bowls and goes over to Grau. He sits down and just starts chatting with the man, "Man, you look terrible, have some gruel. No, you don't know me, but we both have a mutual friend, Ishani. He was concerned about you and thought maybe I could help you out. Tell me, what's wrong? I'm usually a good listener."

While traveling around the city we will look for garbage and such to use purify food/water. We also look for rats and other vermin to feed to the dogs.

Weary with little energy for words, Fortune looks at SL and nods. Letting SL, secure the dogs Fortune enters and looks around for Grau. If he sees him he approaches, otherwise he orders some food (enough for 2) and asks around.

To Ishani; "I can understand their concern. I may disagree with it, but I do understand."

When we recruit the healers; Fortune will share a possible theory, "It may well be that the benefactor providing the animals may quit at a moments notice. It may be a plot with an unknown goal, they may run out of money or animals, or the messenger who delivers them could get killed. Let's just do as much as we can, be it 1 day or many days. I am trying to find a man named Grau to provide some muscle for crowd control."

Fortune and SL will head to the Shoreline Drinkhall, carefully scouting out the place before approaching.

Fortune smiles, "Thanks, it's been several years since I spent any time on these streets and I was sure you would know more people than I do." We will take the names of the healers and herbalists, and start looking for Grau while also making contact with them.

Fortune will write a note addressed to "Ishani of Vudrani" and have Vallis the Raven (with a message spell on) fly it in (upto a window if there is one, otherwise up to a guard). The note reads, "Ishani, we need to talk with you, urgent. Tell Vallis which window, I can use a message spell for contact. Fortune".

Vallis speaks common and can use my skill in diplomacy(+5-2chr)= +3

If he can be contacted, we will ask him if he knows people who could be trusted to hand out food, but with the ability to control crowds.

In response to SL fortune says "If it isn't edible to start with, I don't think my magic will make it so and while some parts might be useful, I doubt if it is worth the time and effort of harvesting them. Let's just continue on with our current mission, ok?"

SL shrugs "Well, it's certainly not edible now. But it seems a shame to waste something we worked so hard to kill". He recalls his masters command, "You kill it, you eat" and shudders. He mutters, "Not this time sir."

He lifts 1 arm and sniffs at his armor, "You have anything that will clean this off."

Fortune smiles, "Yes". He uses prestidigitation to clean up his father. During this time the dogs start shaking their heads and doing dog stuff. Sl looks at the smelly dogs, "You might want to keep that going." So as they leave Fortune will use his magic to clean the dogs as well. "Is there anything dogs won't roll in?" Sl's one word answer, "Soap."

We continue toward our destination to look for assistance in keeping the meat handout process going.

We have a friend in our RL gaming group who is obnoxiously lucky. This must be what he feels like, 2 20's and a 17...wow.

Fortune gives it some thought...are Otyugh edible? Are there any parts useable for magical purposes?

know:arcana +8

If the celestial dog is still around he will dismiss with a "Thank you" in celestial. Fortune will breath a sigh of relief, "Thank you, yes we seem to be just fine. It just came up out of the ground and surprised us." With a look from SL (a raised eyebrow), "Ok, it surprised me. Hey I was looking for falling debris." Fortune will cast clw on SL, 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Fortune feels a sense of relief as Shadowleaf escapes the monsters grasp. He pulls out the wand and hits the otyugh with 3 magic missles;
3d4 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3, 2) + 3 = 12

The dogs attack; shouldn't the dogs be +3/5(flank); 1d6+3 dam
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 211d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

For Shadowleaf;

with 2 weapons, SL steps forward 5' and attacks
kukri
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 191d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d6 ⇒ 6
dagger
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 151d4 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 41d6 ⇒ 1

No problem, life first, game 2nd.

Fortune watches as the monster grabs Shadowleaf and he almost breaks his spell...almost. But his will is strong and he completes his spell, only to immediately start on another (5' diagonal step to c17), using grease on SL armor to let him slip free from the tentacle.

The Celestial Dog attacks (with smite evil), giving flanking bonus to the other side; +1 dam if evil
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 81d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

It looks like the best bet is for Fortune to wait (if he has to) and let the dogs move forward to attack, then step back 5' and start casting the celestial dog on the other side.

It looks like SL will need to tumble 1d20 +8=18 to the other side and attack from there, flanking with the dogs.

Thanks for the map, it really helps. I run a RotRL on another site and play in several games, and I have noticed a distinct lack of tactical thinking in PBP.

Fortune had heard of the monsters in the sewers, but had never seen one. He mentally tries to remember what he knows. (know arcana/local +8; otherwise I doubt if planes/religion/nobility would help.) But while he thinks, he acts.

A-If SL can flank with the dogs:
He moves behind SL and gives him a "bit of luck" for the next round

B-If SL can't flank with the dogs:
He takes a (5') step back and starts summoning a celestial dog to flank with SL.

Ahhh...I've seen the front cover of this module...

1d20+4, 1d20+0 &#8594; ([6, 4], [10, 0]),

looks like 10 perception
and 10 initiative

Distractedly, Fortune looks around instead of down. Oops.

The summary is fine, thanks.

We will wrap up a few cuts to take back to our hostess at the Inn.

Sl will ask him Verik "Thats a mighty fine dagger, trade?" as he takes out his own mw dagger and Verik's silver one. "You won't need it where you are going and someone has to keep the do-gooder alive" inclining his head at Fortune. Fortune will ask, "Would you like us to do something with these nice weapons? Family, church, the Guard?"

I assume this is done in a back and forth style. Fortune won't just say this all in 1 breath, but I'm trying to move forward a little quicker.
When called in, Fortune wakes himself up from the half doze he was in. Shadowleaf may be used to being up all night, but Fortune likes a good nights sleep. When asked for a report; "There is a lady behind his desertion, but he has had trouble of some sort with clerics of Desna before, so he wouldn't tell us who she was. We do have a lead. The farmer who brings in the animals gets a messenger with gold on a weekly basis. We could try to track this down. Or, I have some spells that might make Verik more friendly, though I don't know how you feel about such magic. I believe he was motivated by a desire to help the poor and didn't know about his men's mercenary work."

Also, "Before, we ran into an odd situation..," tells her about the marketplace (Sabriyya), though glossing over the guards stationed there, and asks her opinion.

Fortune ask when they will be brought before the judge (we want to be there), and will leave a signed note for the magistrate for both Verik and Karralo, basically "They didn't resist capture and leniency should be considered." Just in case we aren't there when they are brought before the judge.

Finishing with the interview, yawning "Sorry, unless you have a critically urgent job, we have some business to arrange and will be back tomorrow morning to see if you need any more help."

We would like to arrange for a few people to take over this enterprise (distributing food to the poor). Maybe through contacts with the Innkeeper, cleric of Desna, Ishani of Vudrani, the church of Sarenrae or maybe Vencarlo Orisini (still want to meet him) . I don't mean for those people to do it, but maybe they know people who could.

It took so long to drag even the little info we got out of him (even after a 16+maxed out diplomacy skill) that I don't see it being worth the effort at this time. And I was expecting more combat with the men so I didn't memorize a charm person or hypnotism spell.
Our plan;
SL will tie him up and Fortune will continue to chat with him (seeking to use sense motive- please handwave this), while SL will search him (taking anything dangerous or cool looking) and both upstairs rooms.
Vallis continues to keep watch.
When SL is done he goes downstairs with his 2 dogs and slaughters the pigs and starts to butcher them. While he isn't a butcher, he is a hunter and that should suffice.
When the farmer shows up, Fortune will greet him and try to subtly pump him for information while SL secures Verik even more (gagging him - unless I can get an oath (that I can believe) from Verik to not run away or cry out) before joining Fortune. When the farmer leaves, Vallis the Raven will follow him, meeting us back at the Citadel around noon.
In the morning we will open the store with Fortune(as just a guy, no holy symbol evident) in front doling out the meat while SL continues to butcher the animals.
After closing, we escort Verik to the Citadel, giving him the chance (at the end) to walk in unchained and turn himself in (perhaps preserving some of his honor).
Probably try to take a nap before following Vallis to track down this mysterious benefactor.
Feel free to handwave much of this plan.

Shadowleaf will tie him up with rope through the manacles, attached to the feet. He will growl, "Deserters I can tolerate, mutineers, just be quite and I won't have to put you to sleep. By the way, whats in that blood pool anyway."

Fortune frowns, "Didn't mom ever teach you, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. He's not going to give us any trouble."

SL looks at Fortune and then back at Verik and with a pained expression, "Please tell me what's in the blood pool."

Probably the holidays or something.

"I could lie, since that is apparently what you expect one of my faith to do. But I won't. We are going to tie you up. Then we are going to meet your delivery and try to get the information from them. We will replace you in handing out todays meat. If we are satisfied that it is on the up and up and not some sinister plot, I can make arrangements for someone to take over for you.
You are going to be returned to the guard and they will deal with you. If you don't give us grief I will report how you cooperated and were unaware of your men's activities. I love freedom, but the riots are hurting people and need to be stopped, quickly. Your desertion has caused others to desert as well and has harmed the Guards ability to control the situation with a minimum of oppression and violence."

Fortune merely stares him in the eye, "Every man is entitled to his own opinion and since I don't know the facts of this event I really don't have an opinion on your story. I believe that you believe it. But it doesn't really concern me at this time. What does is this situation. I wanted to trust you. I wanted to help you because I believe in what you are doing here and I really didn't want it to come to this point, but basically I can't trust you anymore. Your anger makes you a liability."

SL will put his dagger away and get out some manacles. He will move over pickup the dagger before putting the manacles on and sitting Verik back down with a "sit". While SL is securing the prisoner, Fortune will check in with Vallis the raven and renew the message spell.

I will assume this surrender is genuine and that Vallis is ok. If it's a ruse, ignore the rest.
Fortune will sit back down and continue talking to Verik, with Sl to the side, "I'm truly sorry it had to come to this." He pauses a bit, collecting his thoughts, "If you are so convinced that you are right about your men and this situation, why are you so defensive and trying to drown your troubles with booze? Those are not the actions of someone who is assured of what they are doing. Those are the actions of someone who is conflicted.

What do you have against my Goddess anyway? What has made you so bitter?"

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Fortune will shake his head, "I heard that you were an honorable man who just wanted to do the right thing, not some drunken sot. No wonder they chose you, you're a drunken stubborn fool.

I wanted to give you the chance to prove that your contacts have no evil motives or at least retain your personal honor by turning yourself in. But all I get is you questioning my motives. Well sir, I am not the one who broke his oath to the guard and deserted them in their time of need, encouraging others to do the same. But I am out of patience and you are out of time. Surrender now or we will be forced to take you into custody the hard way. The problem is, dogs are hard to control and you will suffer pain. I regret that, but the choice is yours."

This conversation is obviously not going anywhere...If he doesn't immediately (if his next action or words are anything but an act of..) surrender, Fortune will give Sl a "Bit of Luck" and order the dogs to attack.

"Then why was my friend able to hire them to go kill a man. That's where we caught them, at this phantom target's location. That is truth, I can vouch for this personally. But I imagine you put more faith in Mr. Booze. You know I'm right and that is why you are grasping at straws. Where is your honor? Help us out and we will do our best to help you."

I assume he is wearing his guard uniform since that is in the picture.
Wow, 26 doesn't work, maybe i can get some modifiers from this post.
Do I get anything from Sense Motive +11

Fortune keeps playing cards, "What, you didn't know? They were taking money to hurt and kill people and had to be stopped. So we captured them and took them in." He says this casually, then stops and looks Verik straight in the eye, "You didn't even know your men were mercenary killers, so what else don't you know? Question, why are your benefactors doing things so secretly? They could have gone to one of the good temples and gotten assistance. So why you, why here?" Fortune will indicate his holy symbol, "I serve the Lady of Dreams and I like serving others, feeding the hungry and doing so without credit. I understand that. But I also understand that sometimes evil wears a generous face and it is often hard to see." Keeping his hands in plain sight, Fortune will stand up and move to a window (away from Verik), "Those people need what you provide, but at what cost? I will tell you what I think. You want to do good, you want to be a hero and you saw this city descending into chaos. So when a chance to help came along, you didn't even think and jumped at it. You're still wearing your uniform, so you still see yourself as a force for order and righteousness, not like your men who were mercenary cut throats. That is why we didn't just burst in and attack, you deserved a chance to explain yourself. I don't care that you deserted the Guard in their time of need. But I do care if this is a setup hiding an evil purpose. So quit wasting my time and talk, otherwise we can't help you."

Fortune thinks he can use all the luck he can get for this.

Will use a bit of luck on the diplomacy roll
Got a "Server Error", so you may roll(twice) for me, +10(I think I had cologne on+2, +1 guidance, +7 skill)
If SL can aid me with his mere presence, he will

Fortune shuffles the cards for a moment before dealing them both hands. "Actually, I would like to hear your story. Yes, we are technically here to bring you in, but I understand you are helping to feed people. I like that. It would be a shame to stop. Tell me, how did you get started? Whose idea was it? Just start at the begining and when you get to the end, stop." He basically ignores the dagger.

Shadowleaf will make sure the door is unlocked.

Fortune will contact Vallis the Raven with the message spell, "count to 10(trying to time it to happen as I open the door), fly over and peck on the window, then go watch the back door." Then he comes up the stairs (casting guidance) and moves to the door, grabbing the cards as he goes by the table. Opening the door he walks in with Rufus, but otherwise with no weapons in hand. Shadowleaf will stay in the doorway, with only a dagger held casually in 1 hand. Fortune says in a serious manner, "Verik, we need to talk." Unless Verik attacks, Fortune will go over to the table, sits down and starts shuffling the cards, "Have a seat".

Verik was described as wanting to be a hero, so we are operating on the assumption he is somewhat of a "good" guy. Though we are suspicious of the motives of his "contacts".

While Fortune stays below with the dogs, SL sneaks upstairs looking out for squeaky stairs and such.

Fortune will think, Maybe Desna will help and he gives SL a bit of luck. Together they will search the 1st floor Fortune will attempt to Aid Another while the dogs are set to guard the entry points. Rufus to the outside and Sl's old dog at the stairs. SL will keep the new dog with him.

Go ahead and roll, once for my Aid Another(+4 percep) and twice (using a "Bit of Luck" and +1 for Guidance) for Shadowleaf(+8 percep/+10 with aid).