Thesing's page

He could lose his other arm and become the statue of Venus

The merc just decided on his own to take off? We hired him, not the other way around. Tillee takes a shot at his back as he takes off. Lol

Attack w/ crossbow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Can I hide in the shadows again to take an advantage point?

I'll step out of the shadows if there's no combat and the group doesn't split up.

You got that last post right?

Next round I'll hide in shadows, and my stealth is 20.

Dennis, initiative is 20

1d4 ⇒ 4

1d43 ⇒ 22

Dennis, can you see my last dice roll?

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

1d20 ⇒ 14

[dice]1d20

Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309

Andrew and Gunther Thesing

"Thesing, what now tha party tis outside an those within suffer without our countanceses!"

"Well let them suffer, I say!"

"My friend, you sure do have a unique way of talkin', but ah like it. Any more of that pipeweed?", Gunther adds as he wraps his arm around Andrew's shoulder.

Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309

Gunther Thesing

"Your assertion is correct about me Master Thesing, I act superior because I am superior. In time your grandchildren will take the same dignified airs, my wife and I will see to it. Your second assertion is also correct, this Scotsmans motives must be discovered. Now go, do as I ask you to do and all will be well between us".

Rafael turns back to the group of men you initially thought he was going to introduce you to when you first walked in this direction, he does not turn back to you.

What do you do?

I'll rejoin Andrew and enjoy a few drinks and some pipeweed with him

Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309

Gunther Thesing

"You would do well to remember Master Thesing that I do indeed have that kind of money. Mine is the oldest and richest family in Venice. I do not send you on an errand as a lackey but as a trusted advisor who seeks to bind his future to mine. If I am mistaken in this belief do inform me. If I am not mistaken, then do as I have bid you do. Perhaps this man will yield benefit for our families or perhaps you will discover his motivations are not pure. Either way, we will know more than we do now if you play your part correctly".

Upon hearing his words, Gunther realizes that Rafael is indeed correct. He takes a deep breath and exhales slowly, calming himself; his demeanor shifts from that of being defensive to being humbled.

"Rafael, you are right." Placing a hand upon his shoulder, Gunther continues. "Forgive me. My outlook regarding those who come from money is somewhat jaded and opinionated. Most are pompous and exude a holier-than-thou attitude, and I am afraid I have placed you in that category. I do not know you well enough to make such assumptions... and you certainly have every right to know who is attending this blessed gathering between our two families, as do I."

Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309

Gunther Thesing

Rafael replies smiling wickedly, "I find that gathering information on maniacs swinging swords at my parties to be a priority. Do you allow patrons at your Inn to brandish weapons without discerning who such people are? If so I must rethink the joining of our families. In exchange for this faux pas I would kindly ask that you speak with this Lord Andrew and discover his motivation for coming to this party specifically and why he is in the city generally. You are a barkeep, you are good at casually gathering information on people are you not?"

Offering a mock smile in return, Gunther's expression turns somewhat cold and annoyed at the arrogance that practically oozes from this man.

Leaning dangerously close, Gunther responds, "Rafael, take a good look at my face. Do you think I took kindly to the one who left me with this permanent reminder? And although I will provide you with some information on the man, make no mistake, I am not your spy nor your personal lackey."

Standing upright once again, he adds "You don't have that kind of money." Gunther then offers a wink and yet another mock smile.

Venice by Night - Sunday March 8, 1309

Gunther Thesing

Rafael leads you away from Jordan, Fiona and Xing to an area where several men sit though he takes a private table a few feet away from them.

"Before I make any introductions tell me what you know about the Scotsman you and your daughter have brought to this party".

In a hushed tone, Gunther conveys all he knows about the Scotsman, but also adds, "I honestly know fairly little about the man. We have just recently met. Why do you ask?"

Xing & Gunther & Andrew

Xing backs away from from Andrew and the men with the swords pushing the ladies back with her to keep them out of harms way.

"Can we all just talk about this instead of pulling sword?" she yells.

She shakes her head clearly upset.

Gunther's first instinct is to protect his family, but without a weapon there is little he can do but to place his large frame in front of them, using himself as a shield.

Xing & Gunther & Andrew

"Tha lady dost not approve, perhaps we should add brandy tah tha consumption an truely earn her ire!"

"Now yer talkin, friend.

Gunther bellows out a hearty laugh and playfully smacks his new comrade on the shoulder, nearly causing him to lose his step.

Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi

Loads a pipe and passes it to Gunther.....

Once the pipes are lit Andrew offers a toast of sorts

"To yer health an welfare."

Gunther raises the pipe towards Andrew, joining in his toast.

"And to yours as well, friend."

Gunther Thesing, Andrew the Hardy & Xing Shi

"It is not something I ordinarily partake in, but I s'pose since this is a special occassion I believe I will."

Gunther Thesing

In sheer awe, Gunther's eyes take in the visions of beauty standing before him.

"I cannot believe what I am seeing. You both are absolutely beautiful! I am the luckiest man in all of Venice, by far."

A slight tear wells up in Gunther's eye as he gazes at the two women that mean the world to him.

Clearing his throat, he attmpts to compose himself.

"Yes, help me get ready for this evening wife. Tonight is a very special evening, indeed.

Gunther Thesing

Do you want to do any further investigations or head home?

Just gather as much info as I could, then head back home.

Gunther Thesing

People ask you why you have such a strong interest in a man you did not know.

To anyone who asks, I simply tell them of the deaths that have occurred in his part of the city, and he is extremely worried for the welfare of his wife and daughter.

Gunther Thesing

You ask a few people in the area about the actual placement of the body and they are more than happy to gossip with you about it. Based upon the way the man was laying and the location of the church nearby it is obvious that whoever killed this man left him here to be found on purpose.

Speaking with some of the locals, Gunther attempts to gather as much information and eavesdrop on as much gossip as he can muster.

"So does anyone know who this person was? Was he with anyone? Who was the last person to see him?"

Gunther also checks around the ground and the vicinity for anything that may shed some light on what took place, or who was behind it.

What roll(s) do I need to make?

Gunther Thesing

Make another Intelligence+Investigation roll DC 5

Intelligence(2)+Investigation(1)

Gunther Thesing

You can exit and make an Intelligence+Investigation roll DC 6 to determine the area where the murder took place or you can head home. It is about 1 in the afternoon right now.

Intelligence(2)+Investigation(1)

Gunther Thesing

A third man chimes in, "Afraid we can't Signore, I hear it happened near the north side of the city if you wish to seek the location out".

"Indeed I would. Can you be a bit more specific as to where?"

Gunther takes a large portion of his meal into his mouth, rushing to finish, eager to head to the northern section of the city.

"In fact, I will even part with a few ducats if any of you fine gentlemen will accompany me along the way."

Taking a couple of coins from his pocket, Gunther leaves a tip on the table, takes one last mouthful of his meal and tips back the last of his drink.

Gunther Thesing

"Very good point. I can see how that would defy logic, but you must admit, there has to be a reasonable explanation behind it. Blood does not simply evaporate. Perhaps the blood was drained from the body, neatly bandaged to avoid leaving any kind of trail, and then the body was discarded where it was found. Only the killer and God himself can answer for certain."

Taking another large gulp from his tankard, he adds, "Do you gentlemen think you could show me where this happened? The more I hear about the goings-on in this city, the more I question myself as to whether or not I truly want to pack up my family and leave, or remain here to satisfy my curiosity."

Gunther Thesing

"The work of a man, you say?", Gunther replies with disbelief as he reaches for his tankard. "Surely you mean it was a wild beast. Predatory animals hunting their prey naturally go for the throat to subdue their kill."

After taking a deep drink, he continues.
"Let me play devil's advocate for a moment. Now let's say that the man was killed by someone. Are they certain that where they found the body was the exact location of where the man was attacked? I mean, you say there was not nearly enough blood at the scene, so perhaps the man was attacked elsewhere but his body was found in a different location then where the actual attack took place."

Gunther Thesing

The people talking about the murder are nearby, you can approach them if you wish.

Your food arrives as Matteo answers your question, he then runs off to tend to another customer while you eat and drink.

Gunther turns and reaches out to one of the people discussing the recent murder, attempting to stop them before they pass him.

"Excuse me, friends, I apologize but I could not help but overhear. Can you tell me what happened?"

Gunther Thesing

As you listen in you hear that there are rumors of yet another murder in the city just last night!

Your eavesdropping is interrupted by Matteo. "What a lucky foreigner you are! By the grace of God that is certainly good fortune. Interesting I have a friend of a friend who has a similar arrangement lined up for the next few weeks. I suppose there must be a great deal of trading going on in the city what with the war threatening to cause trading chaos the timing is terrible!"

Gunther lowers his head and leans towards Matteo to speak in lowers tones.

"Another murder? Who was it? What happened? Where did this one take place?"

Gunther Thesing

The man looks shocked at your quip, "Rat! Pigeon is my specialty! So tell me my friend why have you closed your doors?"

He turns to one of his wenches and orders a fine lunch for you.

"Pigeon, eh? You have certainly stepped up your game. This is quite a fine establishment."

Stretching his neck to look at a patron's plate, he replies in a hushed quip, "Ah yes, the feathers. I almost missed them."

Smirking he continues, "So tell me... Are they brought in special ordered, or do you simply go out back, throw handfulls of rice, and wait for the creatures to plummet to the ground?"

Gunther booms a hearty laugh as he nudges his comrade in his side with his elbow.

"Ah, but seriously my friend, business is fine. Greetings was recently reserved by a private party for a short while. Once their business has been concluded, things will be business as usual."

Turning in his seat, Gunther takes a quick look around the room to see any familiar faces, and also tries to listen in on nearby conversations.

Gunther Thesing

You head to another local tavern, Ubriaco Marinaio, where a friendly rival has a place, Matteo Catalano.

As you walk in he sees you and his eyes go wide. As you approach the bar he strides up to you, "Signore Thesing, have you come to acknowledge that my food is indeed better than that at Greetings?" he asks with a playful smile.

"Indeed! No one in all of Venice serves rat as well as you, my friend!" Gunther boasts playfully, then chuckles heartily as he throws his arm around Matteo's shoulders, leading them back to the bar.

"Besides, never let it be said that Gunther Thesing is not a charitable man." He smirks and they both laugh at their playful banter.

Gunther Thesing

Digesting the gossip he has just acquired, Gunther feels a pang in the pit of his stomach. Knowing that noone is home and he can't very well go to his own tavern, he decides to go down the road to his fellow competitor. A tall tankard and a hot meal always makes him feel at ease. Perhaps he'll stumble across some friends he can share a round or two with.

Gunther Thesing

Gunther Thesing

Actually, I'd like to have Gunther walk around town a bit, just to listen in on any gossip that may be going around. Maybe see what more he can learn of the status quo between The Pope and The Doge, and just Venice in general. Maybe learn anything more about the disappearances not too long ago.
Plus, I see him as being somewhat popular amongst the locals, being as he owns and runs Greetings, so he should be fairly known around town. Picture a young Vito Corleone walking through town, only not so well-respected or with as much clout.

Gunther Thesing

"Instead of slinging drinks and swapping tales you are picking up dirt here with us, plus you have had your doors closed for days".

"Well, Greetings has been closed lately because a private party has rented it for a while. I assure you, once their business has concluded greetings will be back open. In the meantime, it does not hurt to bring in some extra money. Keeps me outta trouble, too.

He nudges him with his elbow and gives a gutteral chuckle.

Gunther Thesing

One of the men responds grinning, "Don't know Signore Thesing, you sell your place?"

As you sift through the dirt and assist in placing it ina new crate you find, nothing. There is only dirt it is not being used to transport anything.

"Of course not." Gunther replies with a slight chuckle. "Why do you ask?", he adds, wondering with a bit of concern.

Gunther Thesing

"Agreed."

Crouching down, Gunther begins assisting the other workhands.

"So what is this nobleman transporting? What is with all the soil?"

Gunther Thesing

"I am sorry you had to see that Gunther, tell me what can I do for you? Still interested in a job? Looks like a could use a set of hands at the moment".

"Indeed I do, my friend. I can certainly use the extra income. Tell me what you need and I will get started right now. And who was that pompous ass, anyway?"

Gunther Thesing

Gunther heads over towards the fallen workhand, reaches down, and as they clasp forearms he pulls him up to his feet.

Speaking softly, Gunther comments, "I suggest you tend to salvaging what you can here."

Siezing the opportunity, Gunther turns briefly towards Filippo and gives him a reassuring look, then speaks to the nobleman.

"Good Sir, I apologize for the mishap. As you can see it is going to be rectified immediately. Rest assured your merchandise is in good hands and will furthermore be handled with the greatest of care."

Gunther Thesing

Finally you arrive at the wharf which your friend owns. In at port is a gorgeous ship and several crates are being unloaded from the ship as you look for Filippo, the wharf owner.

You see him speaking with a man who is well dressed though in a style from a far away place, Ottoman sensibilities if you are not mistaken. The man is pretty in a way that only a nobleman could be. Around him are a few retainers who watch the unloading process with a stern eye.

What do you do?

Casually yet cautiously as to not interrupt their conversation, Gunther makes his way towards Filippo. Upon approaching closer he yields and waits patiently about thirty feet away.

Catching Filippo's eye, Gunther gives a slight nod in acknowledgement, silently informing his friend that he is there to see him when he is available.

Thesing wrote:

Awesome character concept!! I love that!

Alessandro concept?

The free-running.