Guudwyn shakes his head in agreement, then nods at Xanros in explanation that this is his expertise and he should lead. Then speaking softly, "We should also make tracks back to the cart maker. We still have not examined the cart, and we now have a body and a witness to consider."
Guudwyn is at a loss. In a crime filled place like this, Xanros's action was self-defense. Especially after seeing Boeler's wounds. But now the dilemma is, what to do with the body? This was a new problem for Guudwyn. None of his training prepared him for this.
Xanros looks at Gimble "I know you are magical energy is used up until you rest but I agree with Guudwyn we need to talk to the wagon maker before he disappears."
Xanros looks at Gimble "I know you are magical energy is used up until you rest but I agree with Guudwyn we need to talk to the wagon maker before he disappears."
Amazing as it is to believe despite over 350 posts in one day, it is still only about 3-4pm gametime. the storm makes it seem later though. :)
"We have to destroy the body. I would suggest acid. I can prepare several spells in the morning that will allow me to create a small amount of acid. I will begin to prepare new spells now and in eight hours or so I should be able to cast the requisite spells to destroy the body." I say and then go back to a chair and attempt to fall to sleep.
Xanros watches the gnome sit down and quickly fall asleep. "Wells I guess he is staying here. If no one have any objections I will head up stairs and checkout whats above us."
Xanros starts out the door and then turns around. "I know this will probably make you two nervous but does anyone know how to pick a lock we might need to get into a room up there?"
"Unfortunately, my dear friend, I am unable to help with opening of locks. What I can do, however, is ask Heironeous to reveal any magic that might be hidden from our mortal eyes in these items you've found."
"I would like to accompany you, Xanros, to the upstairs if I may. I am feeling fully healed after eating this fine meal and would like to learn all I can about this place. Perhaps, after that, we should begin our investigation of the newest of the guards."
"I will stay here and keep watch over our resting friend. I fear I will only get in the way on a mission of stealth. When you return, should we meet with the guards or would it be prudent to meet with the wagon maker first?"
After Rasmus is finished his spell, Guudwyn also examines the items. He pays close attention to the marking on the signet ring and the intricate designwork on the hilt of the shortsword.
....... the guards or would it be prudent to meet with the wagon maker first?"
Xanros looks at Guudwyn "Either we will find nothing up stairs or our spy is up there in which case you will hear us I hope. We will be back and then I think we should head over to the wagon maker. Boeler I think you have had enough fun for today so if you want to stay and rest while we are up stairs that would be good."
Xanros starts out the door "Wells Rasmus lets see what we can find."
"I will stand in the hallway with the door slightly ajar. This way I will be able to keep an eye on the room and have a better chance of hearing you if I am needed. Also, If you do find our sneak, try to flush him my way and our little spy will be trapped."
"What I can do, however, is ask Heironeous to reveal any magic that might be hidden from our mortal eyes in these items you've found."
Rasmus looks down at the items before him and moves his hands slightly in a prayerful gesture. His forehead creases slightly as he focuses to see the glowing auras which might indicate the presence of mystical properties. It appears that the large, jagged looking dagger (treated as shortsword but can do piercing or slashing) and the well-woven chain shirt are not magical, but simply masterwork. The armband proves both to be made of solid gold polished to a bright shine and magical as, of course, is the potion. The ring is also nonmagical.
Concentrating for a few moments longer, Rasmus is able to determine that both items (armband and potion) are of faint (1-5th caster level) strength. He notices dampened blue and green flickers that would indicate the school of transmutation for the armband but is unable to accomplish the same goal for the potion.
"After Rasmus is finished his spell, Guudwyn also examines the items. He pays close attention to the marking on the signet ring and the intricate designwork on the hilt of the shortsword.
Examining the items more closely, Guudwyn finds the shortsword to be of fine quality intricately woven, but nonspecific designs. The signet ring is as described before, a target pierced by a dagger. It is clearly sized for a larger hand. On the inside there are specks of blood and a small bit of skin. From a successful heal check, Guudwyn is able to determine that these are not from today, but rather at least 2 days old.
For Guudwyn
....... the guards or would it be prudent to meet with the wagon maker first?"
Xanros looks at Guudwyn "Either we will find nothing up stairs or our spy is up there in which case you will hear us I hope. We will be back and then I think we should head over to the wagon maker. Boeler I think you have had enough fun for today so if you want to stay and rest while we are up stairs that would be good."
Xanros starts out the door "Wells Rasmus lets see what we can find."
Xanros and Rasmus step into the hallway and look around. They see no obvious stairs to another level.
"Hey Boeler, how would you feel if we hoisted you up there to take a look?" Guudwyn looks above referencing the illusory ceiling.
After looking around for a way up to the top floor Xanros returned to the room.
"Hey Boeler, how would you feel if we hoisted you up there to take a look?" Guudwyn looks above referencing the illusory ceiling.
Xanros looks to Guudwyn and Rasmus "First off if one of us goes up there can either of you two heal us if we get our head caved in half way up?"
"The Invincible One has allowed me to see the magic inherent in these items. The armband posesses some as well as the potion, I do not know their exact power however. One of us could try the band on or we could wait until we could have someone with more power than I tell us exactly what they are."
"As for searching the building, I believe we should take a precursory search around this floor and the one above. If we don't see anything too suspicious, we should be off quickly to the scene of your attack. We should make an attempt to clear up this mess as soon as possible and find out more from the wagon maker. We wanted to interview him initially anyway. Let's kill two birds with one stone. Does anyone have any other ideas?"
Rasmus stands near Xanros and Guudwyn, looking back through the doorway at the others. He feels tense due to the attack at the shop but is excited at the prospect of action. Eyeing Boeler, he hopes that his small friend will recover from his wounds but knows that with Heironeous' blessing, given through Guudwyn, he will live to see another day, even if it is in this wretched town. Rasmus smiles and clenches his fists thinking of the challenges to come.
Xanros looks to Guudwyn and Rasmus "First off if one of us goes up there can either of you two heal us if we get our head caved in half way up?"
“Alas, Heironeous’s blessing on me is almost spent for the day. You are right though , in such a tight, potentially dangerous area, an inspection would not be wise. I do agree with Rasmus that we should make haste to the wagon maker. After examining the markings on the ring more closely, I am able to recall a rumor that past through Crag regarding Barren Falls a few years ago. I fear we may have opened up the dragon’s mouth. The markings on the ring display the sign of the Evening Stars, a group we now know to be more than rumor. The rumor also states that they are well-organized and led by an individual known only as Nightstar.”
Then Guudwyn goes on to say, “I believe we have an obligation to protect the wagon maker. We also still need to look at Sureblood’s wagon compartment. Heironeous demands action, I must provide. If Boeler feels the need to rest, maybe he can watch over our resting friend, and the three of us make haste. What say you?”
"I must also mention that the ring, as Boeler mentioned, was not made for this man. He could have been an imposter. More likely though, considering the blood and dead skin on its interior, he killed the original owner to move up in the ranks of this band of rogues."
"With a rogue group already tailing us, perhaps it is best to move quickly to the wagon maker. Not only will our movements be watched by stealthy bandits, but they may have already sent more of their kind to attack the owner. We should make haste and leave directly!"
As Rasmus says this to his fellows, he is already walking through the doorway barely looking back to see if anyone is following him. His red eyes seem to darken as his resolve grows.
Xanros looks up at the ceiling one last time 'Well who ever is up there is either gone or ready to cut one of us in half if we climb up there. Later tonight maybe.'
Xanros follow Rasmus out of the room and down stairs to the inns common room. "We will have to cautious because there is a good chance that someone might be waiting for us to return."
Before leaving, Guudwyn looks at the Gnome and Halfling. "Coming or Staying?" Then he shuts the door behind him and follows Xanros and Rasmus.
Xanros follow Rasmus out of the room and down stairs to the inns common room. "We will have to cautious because there is a good chance that someone might be waiting for us to return."
"I think we need to be on our guard at ALL times in this city from now on. Keep your eyes peeled...."
Rsmus leads the small group out of the inn door and into the street towards the wagonmaker. His red eyes look over every passerby as a potential foe.
Boeler tries to get out of sight by staying behind the taller people.
He walks forward eagerly awaiting what he might see.
As the group (Rasmus, Boeler, Guudwyn, and Xanros) leave their sleeping companion (Gimble) back at the inn and exit into the night, they are forcefully reminded of the ferocious storm raging outside. What seemed from inside to be a gentle rain in fact remains a windy downpour. Immediately soaked upon exiting the building, the companions head once more to the wagonmaker's shop. They attempt to discern whether they are followed and see noone but have little confidence due to the conditions. It would be very easy for a lone figure to hide in or sneak through the shadows on this darkened afternoon. Yet another ominous crack of thunder startles them somewhat as their presence is lit up by the accompanying lightning burst.
Despite the sense of unease and discomfort that harries them, the group reaches the wagonmaker's unmolested. When they arrive they find the front door locked but after knocking a still very upset looking Gosten Gibblegotter answers the door and reluctantly motions you into the shop. He closes the door behind you, but does not relock it. As you look around you notice that nearly every sign of a scuffle has been eliminated--at least in this area where the counter resides.
For Xanros
Gosten steps back behind his counter and considers the group. As he does, his expression seems to be turning from uncertainty once again to anger and he begins to speak, "Why? Why did you have to come here? And then come back? What give you the right to disrupt my business and possibly end my life? How could you do such a thing?" Finally, recognizing there are those whom he does not recognize, he centers on them for a moment. Indignantly, he asks, "And who may I ask are you?" he looks back to the others, specifically Xanros and continues, "You bring more miscreants and troublemakers to my place of business? What, here to sack the place in full now are you?"
He finally pauses for breath, allowing an opportunity for someone to interrupt him if they wish. As he does, he pulls out a rag and wipes his sweaty brow with it.
"We are here to help you out of this mess. These are my companions Rasmus, Guudwyn, and you have met Boeler" Xanros points to each in turn. "I will let Guudwyn or Rasmus talk to you since both of them are better at this than I."
Xanros turns to the group "I will take a look around." Xanros silently stalks around the shop interior
“Master Gibblegotter,” Guudwyn looks at the man and starts with an attempted comforting tone. “You have been through quite an ordeal. Please understand that when my companions intervened they had good intentions. I cannot change time and make this go away, but maybe we can help each other.” Guudwyn then put his hands on the man’s shoulders, “First, I must understand what your conflict with the man was about. Please be honest and forthcoming with all information. This is a critical stage in the events that will no doubt unfold in the near future. We need to know what the argument was about that had the man threatening you. Also, we need to know who he was working for. We need to know what we are up against.”
Guudwyn then drops his hands, looks at his companions, then back to Master Gibblegotter, “Trust us. We need to help each other right now.” Guudwyn then pauses slightly before he continues, “I have one more question. Where is Master Sureblood’s cart?”
Rasmus wipes the rain from his shoulders, careful not to make a large puddle in the shop. Smiling, he speaks softly to the worried owner, "What my good friend says is quite correct. What has been done is done and now it behooves us all to clean this up expeditiously."
Rasmus looks around the shop surprised to see no signs of a tussle. He catches a glimpse of Boeler who is soaked in his monk attire. The scene reminds him of the time the nun he and Jean called 'Sister Shorty' accidentally fell into the water trough from which the horses drank. He smiles widely at the first good humor he's felt since entering this devil's playground of a city.
Xanros turns to the group "I will take a look around." Xanros silently stalks around the shop interior
Xanros looks carefully aroound the counter area and, seeing nothing amiss, gently opens the saloon type doors leading to the wagon repair area. As he does, he hears some heavy breathing from the other side and an overweight man with tufts of scraggly hair and a wagon repair tool that could be used as a weapon rounds the corner saying in a loud, aggressive voice, "Now you see here: You all need to leave us..." His voice trails off as he sees the formidable group before him. The fight seems to drain slightly from him and he continues in a less aggressive, but still loud voice, "ummm...alone. Yeah, you came here and caused trouble for us honest laborers. And now ya gone and got us involved in this here murder--and right on Gosten's property dagnabbit! What have you got to say for yourselves? What (his eyes glisten at this for a moment) compensation can you offer poor hardworkin' folks like us?" As you get a closer look you notice that his two top front teeth are missing. When he speaks, bits of spit spew forth in the direction he is aiming. When he doesn't, his tongue seems content to repeatedly explore the area as he were a kid just leaving the dentist. From what you were told earlier it is easy to conclude that this must be Toothless Tommy, the owner of Toothless' Tack-n-Saddle just up the street. You could surmise that Gosten went for help when you left..or maybe Toothless simply showed up.
Xanros notices nothing else unusual about the place. Nothing seems to have really changed in the time he and his friends have been gone. That said, the concern in Gosten's voice seems quite real.
Rasmus wipes the rain from his shoulders, careful not to make a large puddle in the shop. Smiling, he speaks softly to the worried owner, "What my good friend says is quite correct. What has been done is done and now it behooves us all to clean this up expeditiously."
Gosten looks at his friend and then at you and says, "That there's Toothless. He ain't much for thinkin', but he's good with his hands and a good friend. Come out of there Toothless'. I may not like these people overly much, but maybe they can help." Toothless (if allowed), will set down his weapon, grumble a bit, and come over to stand by his friend. Then Gosten looks back at the party and asks, "What is it then, that you propose to do? It's not like there are any great body dump sites around. And with the local law enforcement we could be in a heap of trouble real quick if we're found out. These situations seem to be ones that give the priests an excuse to sacrifice someone. And that's not to mention the pain, the Stars will bring down. Well, what do you suggest?"
Guudwyn looks at the pair in front of him. They are obviously scared and out of options. “Please gentleman, we must keep a clear head on our shoulders. We currently have a friend of ours preparing magic to destroy the body, thus leaving no evidence. Now, this is not an appealing option, but it is a good one. Another option would be to load the body onto a cart, hide it, and take it out of town for burial. This option would require your equipment and help. We would need to know the best way out of town that would not cause suspicion, and a suitable destination. And, we still need to know who exactly we are dealing with, and what caused these unfortunate circumstances.” Guudwyn looks at his companions to throw other options that they might have in mind. He then turns back around and says, “It is very important that we also find Master Sureblood’s cart.”
"Also, who are The Stars and why were they harassing you so? Please, gentlemen, be assured that we do not intend to do you any harm, I guarantee that it is not in any of our natures to do so, we merely want to right any wrong that has been done here."
I'm still up for continuing the game whenever the DM returns to us.
Guudwyn will come out of retirement if needed.