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At 2min per 5ft square, taking 20 won't be an option until we know if the guy's still here or not. :-(
Sorry about the silence, guys. I've been GMing two conventions and ended up making myself extremely sick. I'll try to get caught up tomorrow. Oh, and I don't think I'd had a high enough perception check to notice any secret doors, but I can always try again. Just let me know.
Dwarven:
"While the absence of light doesn't bother me, I have no way of seeing invisible creatures. Magic is a complete mystery to me." Initiative:
Still confused as to Ulrik and Vi's interest in this building, Rogar is slow to react. When Bast vanishes, his face hardens, and he draws his axe as he steps in front of River protectively.
What are those two doing? Rogar cautiously follows River into the house.
GM/Marcus/River: "Well, there's a religious text of some sort. I was thinking maybe the folks at the chapel could give us some information, because I can't make head or tail out of the language. The book's just a financial ledger, but I noticed that a large amount of poison's been delivered to the Burning Tavern. That's troubling....
"I think we should find Ulrik and Vironus and get back to town. We need some answers."
I agree, IejirIsk. I love f2f, but I'm much better at role-playing over a PbP. Something about the written word makes it easier to get in the characters' heads. I guess it's the gift/curse of the Introvert. Or maybe it's that I (like many gamers) have a negative CHA mod. :-)
Marcus/River: "I agree. We should share our findings with the others, and the quicker we find them, the less trouble they can get into."
Rogar responds to Marcus' question. "Aside from some maps and ledgers, there really isn't much here. I did find a note, however, but I'm unable to decipher it. Maybe you can do better?" He walks over and shows the note.
Dwarven: "And yet, I'd rather follow you, Marcus. It takes more than brash words to make a good leader. Much better to stay quiet and give good advice when needed. Hopefully the two of them will realize this in time."
Yeah, my S&S character has amnesia and didn't know he was an Undine - until the party got attacked by Reefclaws. That's when the swim speed/water breathing/shapechanging kicked in. The Undine-hating Ranger flipped out and tried to murder me. We're currently doing the Dread Pirate Roberts/Wesley thing: "Good night. Sweet dreams. I'll probably kill you in the morning." We'll see what happens encounter-wise. I wouldn't be surprised if Ulrik/Vi set off something. Of course, on the last foray into town, you and Marcus didn't get an interesting encounter (at least not that I'm aware of), so it is your turn....
@GM: This isn't the weirdest team dynamic I've seen. I just joined a Skull & Shackles campaign. One person's playing a Ranger (favored enemy: aquatic humanoids). I'm an Undine. ;-) On a different note, if Ulrik/Vironus want to read my latest spoilered comment, it's fine. It gives a good picture of Rogar's thoughts on their characters. Could be helpful in figuring out (ooc) how to continue molding and shaping our fledgling team of adventurers. :-)
Dwarven:
"What you say is true, River. Vironus is brave and an experienced fighter, but he's no soldier. Cindi's magical darkness completely shut him down yesterday. He needs to learn the value of caution. Ulrik is a mystery to me, I'll confess. He has the stubbornness and fervor of a neophyte Paladin but lacks basic common sense at times. Hopefully they won't get into too much trouble while they're off on their own." When they reach Cindi's house, Rogar looks around to make sure they're not being observed and enters. Once inside, he divides the structure into quadrants and begins searching for anything of interest.
While Ulrik and Vironus are talking, Rogar quietly says a few sentences to Marcus and River. Dwarven: "It seems we have two impulsive companions now. Well, they can do what they want. Unless you want to split up, I'll stay with you two."
Rogar gives Ulrik a confused look but says nothing for the moment.
"I'm also worried about splitting up again and think it's best that we all stay together. Safety in numbers, and all that. Additionally, Cindi was some sort of mage, and I wouldn't be surprised if her house holds arcane secrets. As I know nothing of magic, I think it best that River came with us. Her knowledge could prove vital. We can always check out the crates on our way out of town if need be."
Rogar frowns at Vironus. "Crates are crates. Nothing suspicious about them. I do agree with Ulrik though: yesterday, the Triumvir was supervising workers over there."
Yeah. Kind of odd. Maybe everyone's waiting for a scene change? As far as I know, we're all ready to enter Desnal.
"Well, of the two we've met so far, one's a politician, and the other tried to kill us. I'd say caution's definitely the best attribute for us."
Asking about Triumvir "They're sort of like mayors. Ruling counsel. At least, that's the impression I got." Mine in vision as trick vs. warning "That might very well be true, but the last thing we want to do right now is rush into something before we have any information. We should be getting close to Desnal, so lets see what we can learn about Cindi, the mine, the forest, and anything else that might come up. Even the local rumors could be helpful. We're getting pulled in many directions at once, so I vote for going slow and not rushing into something we're not prepared for."
Still half-groggy, Ulrik's question leaves Rogar completely at a loss, and he stares stupidly at him for a minute. "The Triumvir gave us the cart. You don't remember? She was that evil halfling who tried to kill us. ... ... ... Oh wait, wrong Triumvir. Sorry." Rogar looks embarrassed as he continues. "He seemed like a decent enough fellow - for a politician."
Memory Check (if needed):
Rogar sits quietly as River reads. He tries to keep an eye on the road, but nothing seems to be going on, and the rocking motion of the wagon helps him slowly start to nod off. River's question wakes him from a light doze. "Hmmm? Oh, no thank you. I'm hoping there's be no trouble, but we'll..." He breaks off upon hearing Vironus' words. "What in the world is he doing?" He stays in the wagon but makes sure his axe and shield are within easy reach. Perception to see what's going on: +2 if stone-related
Rogar walks out with River and Marcus. "That's what I was going to suggest, Marcus. I'm afraid I can't walk as fast as the rest of you, so the wagon's where I'll have to be, I'm afraid." Once in the wagon, Rogar sits opposite River so he can keep an eye out for anyone following them. He remains quiet, as he doesn't want to disturb River's meditations. Perception:
In Dwarven to River: "Are you all right coming with us, or would you prefer to stay here?"
Now to a serious topic, which of the abilities would you like for me to prepare today, I usually prepare the one to put people to sleep, like what happened in the tavern "Since you're unused to combat, I would recommend preparing something to protect yourself. Maybe healing and that invisible armor. I don't want to speak for the rest of us warriors, but I can take care of myself. Just stay behind me, and you'll be all right." Rogar puts a hand to his axe when Ulrik barges in, then relaxes once it's clear who he is. "Cindi's dead? How did this happen? Did the priests take her into the sunlight?" He thinks for a moment at Vi's suggestion. "I'd suggest the Villa. We were so worried about not attracting attention - " He grins at Ulrik. "- except for this one, that we never bothered to search Cinid's office. Maybe there's something there. The more diplomatic of us could do some asking around town, too. There had seemed to be some bad blood between Cindi and the other Triumvir, so maybe he can help us."
Rogar chuckles a bit at Vironus' brash words about saving River with his martial prowess. He interjects lightly, "Agile and strong you may be. A good fighter too, perhaps. But everything goes out the window when the lights go out. Or have you forgotten what happened yesterday? One person did the savin'. One person did the brash shouting bit. ... And person blundered about blindly in the dark." Rogar pauses for a moment to let that sink in, then calmly resumes speaking. "Skill at arms isn't everything; this is a very different place than the Arena you speak of so fondly. Sometimes a simple act of kindness can prove more powerful than the might of an army." He glances at River and smiles. "And don't be so quick to dismiss the lady. If she is in fact a spellcaster of sorts, she'll be stronger than both of us put together some day." He pauses for a bite of breakfast. "To answer River's question, I clearly speak the common tongue." Dwarven:
"Be patient with Vironus. He appears a good man, but seems to have had a sheltered life until now." "I also speak the language the Dwarves." Orcish:
"And I also speak the foul tongue of my kinslayers: the Orcs." "And I also speak the foul tongue of my kinslayers: the Orcs."
Rogar chuckles for a moment.
Dwarven:
"Well, he looks all nice and clean now. No worries, we're all worn out from the events of yesterday and were just making plans on what to do next." Rogar's face turns serious. "I'll go first, if that's all right. Not much to tell, really. I have a little experience with building things and am somewhat knowledgeable about engineering." His face darkens for a moment as he gestures to his burns and scars. "That was before this happened." He pauses for a moment, his eyes gazing at something far away. "But that was long ago. I fear I've forgotten much of that. Now, my talents lie mainly in a more warlike direction. I'm skilled with my shield and my axe, and I know how to take a hit. If there's fighting to be had, I'm the one you want to hide behind." Rogar pauses, then, almost as an afterthought, he adds one more bit of information. "I can also see in the dark. I never thought much of it, but as yesterday's events showed, it comes in handy sometimes."
Most definitely. The current pace is actually the norm for PbPs (at least based on the other three games I'm in). Weekends are particularly slow, so I wouldn't be too worried about this dying yet.
Rogar sleeps poorly again, his dreams full of the usual nightmares, and his thoughts filled with questions about the events of yesterday. When he wakes, he heads downstairs for some breakfast, arriving just as Ulrik is walking out the door. He grunts a curt greeting to Marcus and Vi as he walks to the bar to order some breakfast.
Rogar leans closer to River and lowers his voice.
Dwarven: "Marcus looks unwell. Is he going to be okay? Did something happen while you were out?"
I think we're waiting for things.
"That's what we were planning on doing tomorrow."
"The Triumvir had a talisman shaped like an Eye inside a Star. Maybe it's related?"
"We went to the Villa to see what information we could get from the Triumvir. Instead, she attacked us with strange magics. Fortunately, we were able to subdue her and bring her back here for questioning. She's currently in the local temple, being watched over by the priests. Vironus or Ulrik can explain better."
Dwarven: "Vironus was a very different person than we've seen thus far. He was being cautious and diplomatic and urged restraint during the brief combat. I'd suggest giving him a second chance, as there's apparently a saner side to him."
Rogar waits until Vironus is ready to leave before heading back to the tavern. He smiles when he sees Marcus and River and sits down with them. "Whew! What a day! Did you learn anything?"
"Agreed. It's late, we've had a busy day, and we definitely need to inform River and Marcus of our findings."
Rogar remains quiet and tries to stay out of everyone's way.
Rogar enters the temple with Vironus but hangs back quietly, trying not to get in the way of whatever healing's about to happen.
Rogar will gratefully accept the Triumvir's offer, procure a cheap cart, and return to the Villa.
"We'll be back soon. Try to stay out of trouble. If she wakes up, maybe you can get some information out of her while we're gone." With that, Rogar pulls his hood up, wipes the blood off of his axe, steps outside, and takes a look around.
Sense Motive "Very well. Ulrik, stay here with our unconscious friend and for the gods' sake, keep your fool mouth shut while we're gone. We've caused enough trouble already."
"Good point, Vironus. Ulrik, shut up and get back in here. Didn't you hear her calling for the guards a minute ago? You're going to get us killed."
@Vironus: "There are certain advantages to being a Dwarf." @Ulrik: "Do you recognize the holy symbol?"
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