Lutor Messa's page

Hey folks. I've been wiped with a cold... then felt rough today. Now I'm awaiting a covid-19 test. I hope to catch up again soon.

Just a note. My rate of posting has gotten more erratic lately. It may remain that way for some weeks yet.

Lutor takes aim from his hiding place with its improvements suggested by Wesh.

He launches a tiny bolt of animated spider web, which flits between the approaching guards.

It then erupts to ensnare all that it can.

As many guards and horses as possible in webs in a 20-ft.-radius spread. Reflex Save DC 16 negates.

I'll be travelling this weekend and I won't be posting again until Monday at least.

Lutor chooses his hiding place carefully, trying to work out likely angles at which he might be seen.

@Cole: I'd appreciate assistance for Lutor. He does not have the greatest stealth or survival abilities!

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

... the dice have a strange sense of humour today. ;)

How much time is needed to ask about rumours?

I wouldn't mind getting a little more information if we can spare the time but effecting a rescue is the priority here.

I may not be able to post again until Saturday. Just a heads up.

An ambush makes sense to me.

I approve of both investigating 'Father' Donnigan and of hunting down the Captain and his men. But let us secure our potential ally first.

Ah okay.

Lutor listens, though not so not as keenly as he might.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Lutor will ask around about the singing stone men.

Rumour 1.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

*************

Knowledge Geography DC 20: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Knowledge Local DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18

Creating false leads is an excellent idea, Wesh. The more confusion we generate, the more difficult it will be to assess what happened or why. I would add that we should dismember the bodies for additional effect. Humanoid bodies can be surprisingly difficult to burn beyond recognition.

Lutor seeks out one of the others.

Who is closest?

**********************
"Greetings, Master Scaramore. I am ready to scribe if you are."

Lutor closes his spellbook with a great sense of satisfaction.

"That is quite enough for today. I shall return tomorrow. Thank you, Master Scaramore."

Apologies for the delay. Feel free to point out anything I need to catch up on that I've missed.

Is there now an opportunity to roll those spellcraft checks?

Lutor tries to verify whether Mama Guisseppe does indeed bring her delicious beef stew to the soldiery.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

I currently have an earache so my response time might be affected.

Good stuff.

That's the list assuming Lutor can only get straight swaps. I may purchase scrolls too.

I've seen that I posted in gameplay and not in discussion.

Any thoughts on that spell wishlist?

Lutor plans to allow copies of his 4x 1st level spells and 3x 2nd level spells in exchange for spells learned from this list, in the order below. The idea is to not draw attention to sleep as a big priority for him. "Protection from Evil" and "Life Pact" are clearly innocuous. After that, Sleep should appear the last resort of a man forced to violence. ;)

Protection from evil 1
Life pact 2
Sleep 1 <----
Blur 2
Cat's Grace 2
Comprehend languages 1
Unseen Servant 1
Mount 1

Any objections/comments?

Apologies for the delay on my end.

"I will swap spells with the good shopkeep, after a fine night's sleep. If I have time remaining afterwards, I will also pursue rumours. Though frankly I think I am better suited to focus on acquiring spells. Thus, I will bid you good luck and good night."

"No, but I know where to get that and several other useful spells for the cost of page and inks. Any objection to me spending the required funds?"

"This rookery is certainly one to render helpless. Where does he take his meals from?"

Lutor is fine with rest.

Lutor nods in approval at Wesh.

Well done to you, and your liver.

I'm lucky enough to have been able to move from the office to working from home.

Good luck, all.

This should be fun. :)

A dwarf was apparently caught picking a man's pockets. We could stir up tensions against the dwarves or perhaps use them to cause trouble. Or both.

Lutor overpays for drinks, and not just for himself.

Even rumour can be more valuable than a piece of shiny metal.

Diplomacy DC 5: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Rumour Mill: 1d20 ⇒ 6
Rumour Mill: 1d20 ⇒ 14

23g remaining

Is there any usable gold that I've overlooked? Lutor would have to leave without copying or buying much of anything as is.

I don't object either. Lutor will return in short order, detailing what scrolls and spells are available from the The Illuminated Scroll

A heads up. I'll be at a con for most of today and playing D&D for most of tomorrow.

I'll be able to post tomorrow evening.

I need to work out monies and important spells.

The Illuminated Scroll

My apologies, he has 10 1st level scrolls, and 6 2nd level. All scrolls can be purchased at normal price.

Master Scaramore takes out a case from behind his desk and opens it, carefully pulling out and setting several scrolls.

Level 1: Protection from evil, Mount, Unseen servant, Comprehend languages, True skill, Sleep, Memorize page, Ventriloquism, Magic Aura, Preserve

Level 2: Companion life link, Life pact, Admonishing ray, Blur, Cat’s grace, Bear’s endurance

Apologies for delay. This week has been tricky for me getting to update pbp.

@GM: Lutor would definitely like to study that spellbook.

"Jack" does his best to smile pleasantly at Scaramore's offer.

"That sounds eminently reasonable, Master Scaramore. I would be most happy to share such knowledge. I would still review your scrolls for reference."

If I get so much as one decent spell, that is a fine trade for me.

Lutor maintains as pleasant a tone as he can.

"Master Scaramore, I do not have a specific item in mind. With your leave, I would know what your range is, small or no."

At the tail end of breakfast

"Bill" replies:

I shall make the appropriate inquiries then, on behalf of my master. Assuming this wizard would be more likely to trust a servant than an independent-seeming potential rival.

***********************************

At The Illuminated Scroll

"Hello, Master Scaramore. I am Bill Cross, a practictioner of the magical arts in service to Master James Thomas. I would peruse your wares for material that may be of use to him."

Diplomacy to make a decent first impression: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

"Bill" adds his piece.

I am inclined to agree with Jack on this matter though I approve of the ingenuity of staging a suicide for the mid-term. This tunnel could net us a bounty of information and at least one potential ally. Not to mention opportunities for sabotage and chaos-generating disappearances.

"Yes. That.", "Bill" replies.

So, what transpired last night?

I may not be available to post at all tomorrow.

I think so too. Why induct anyone into our plans that we do not need to?

Lutor rouses slightly from his trance state, listening for threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

My own head cold has been delaying me.

Take care.

Once the crowd swells, Lutor is content easing his way with coin. He is, after all, of noble blood.

Diplomacy dc 5: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

However, his conpany either know nothing useful, or are too distracted by drinking to discuss such.

Satisfied with his examination, Lutor returns to the common room and seeks a quiet drink while awaiting the others.

Sounds entirely fair. I doubt I'll be available tomorrow and will be unavailable at times over Christmas.

An enjoyable holiday to all!

Take care GM.

Lutor decides to go to his room, unwilling to interact with the locals much more this day.

Besides, if the rooms have been tampered with, best to know now.

Perception to note any interference with the rooms: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Enjoy and thanks for the heads up!