After changing color the stones slowly slide into the boulder, making a terrible scratching noise, and then reappear in their original spots.
For Mynis's second attempt he does the following moves of the stones:
|O|O|O|O|W|O|O|
----------------------
|O|O|O|B|O|O|O|
----------------------
|W|B|*2O|*1O|W|B|W|
----------------------
|O|O|O|*2W|*1B|O|O|
~~~~~~~~~~~
* 1 to place 1, 2 to place 2, in that order please
Mynis-
A large circle lights up on the top half of the door on the far side of the room.
Mynis approaches and attempts to open the door with the circle of light.
Mynis-
The door has no visible handle or any type or opening mechanism. The shining globe on the top half of the globe glows unnaturally, but there is no sign of the source of the light. After searching the door thoroughly you notice that there is a second, hardly noticeable circle on the bottom half of the door which looks like it can be lit up like the top half.
Feeling as though he has missed something, Mynis returns to the puzzle laden bolder. This time inspecting it further.
Mynis-
”Light contains dark, dark contains light, both will bring a change, and the world will mature. With two moves of light, and one move of dark, create a world in which, only light can persist”
Mynis moves the stones as follows.
______________
|O|1O3|O|O|O|O|O|
----------------------
|O|B|O|1W|O|O|O|
----------------------
|O|B|B|2B|O|O|O|
----------------------
|O|W|B|B|2O|O3|O|
~~~~~~~~~~~
1 then 2 then 3
The man notices his wife as soon as you arrive and makes towards her, leaving his cart behind.
I move the cart to be somewhat out of the way of other people but within earshot of the podium, if it isn't already. I'd like to be able to hear and see what people have to say, but also want to stay near the cart until the man returns.
Preferably, I'd like to be close enough I could shout to the podium easily enough and ask a question while the group was still there, though in a group of 100 or so, I doubt that'd be a problem from any location. Still, if getting closer was easy, I'd like to pull the cart, still keeping it out of the way, and myself closer.
During any speech, if the crowd gets excited and the Lord is trying to calm them down, I'd like to assist him () in doing so.
I'm currently using the following system. Please let me know if you'd like a change:
General text: actions and such. "normal things"
Bold: Direct speech (as opposed to indirect "I talk to X about...")
Italics: Thoughts to self and other things to explain motivation
: OOC remarks that are still about the character (note earlier reference to diplomacy checks and the like)
Spoiler: OOC remarks that are also out-of-game, like this little explanation here. Also useful for "secret" stuff, but that hasn't really come up yet, and I don't see Al-Godón as big on secrets, generally.
The crowd will complain but die down on its own, so there probably isn't a great need in pacifying them. Letting people get their complaining out in the open will hopefully help them calm down. Dispursing them, even nicely, may cause those same complaints to fester.
I make sure the merchant can see his cart or is otherwise near it and then will wander towards the kids, trying to not run if possible but still try to gradually close.
()
"Children, I heard you talk about the murderer and that you were going to catch them yourselves. I am a knight of the holy Order of Aster but am fairly new to town. We may be able to help each other. I too would like to stop the murderer. The town watch isn't going to want kids involving themselves, but I know that it's people like you that know the most about what is really going on around town. Would you like to team up?
The town watch isn't likely to look kindly on kids taking risks, but kids, being kids, are likely to get themselves into trouble anyway. If I work with them I can get useful info and also keep them being productive while taking fewer risks. Left undirected they may walk into something unsafe. With help, I can give them tasks that will keep them involved without putting themselves in as much danger. This seems like the best way to protect a group that may rush ahead thoughtlessly.
Assuming they accept, or at least want to hear more...
Let's first adjurn to my room. We can talk there without getting you kids into trouble. First, though, we should check in with your parents and let them know not to worry. They will hopefully be more lenient if you're staying at a priest's home with a knight working with (protecting) you.
I'll track down parents in the crowd and speak with them. Anyone who I can't convince with diplomacy, I'll agree with and try then to diplomacy that individual child to remain with their parents. I won't mention that they want to track down the murderer, but will explain my overall thoughts (see thoughts above) to them if they push and want to know what they'll be doing in the house. If they snuck out alone they'd be in far greater risk. The parents should be assured that the kids will all be escorted home at night.
Mynis-
After moving all the stones you notice that the black piece in the middle is still black. The stones slowly slide into the boulder with a loud screeching and reappear in their original positions.
Which black piece in the middle?
After moving all the stones you notice that the black piece in the middle is still black. The stones slowly slide into the boulder with a loud screeching and reappear in their original positions.
Mynis makes another attempt at the puzzle as follows.
|O|1O|O|O|O|O|O|
----------------------
|O|B|O2|1W|O|O|O|
----------------------
|O|B3|B2|B|O|O|O|
----------------------
|O|W|B|B|O3|O|O|
~~~~~~~~~~~
1 then 2 then 3
”So you’re a knight, eh? I’m Morris and ‘is is my gang.”The boy sticks his stubby thumb into his chest as he introduces himself and then directs the dirty digit over his shoulder towards the other boys to indicate his friends.
”You can ‘elp us if you want, but you ‘ave to share all the money we find with us. Oh, ‘n’ we can’t be telling out parents about ‘is. It might affect out i’vestigation. Agreed?”
This may not have been such a good idea...
"I think we could work this out. I'm afraid that chasing down a murderer may not involve that much money. For instance, if we find gold with the murderer, we may need to give it to the town as evidence. That said, anything that doesn't need to be evidence, and if there's any reward I think we could split. If you want people, especially your parents, to not know about it, I can collect the reward on our behalf and split it afterwards. As someone sworn to protect , I have one additional condition. If it looks like a fight may break out, you'll do EXACTLY what I say. If anyone is going to get hurt catching this person, it should be me - I don't want you risking harm any more than you have to."
Assuming there's some agreement, we'll try to find somewhere private to talk.
"So, let's start by finding out what information we have. Once we have that, I can talk to some of the guards and see what they know and we'll come back and see what we can connect. The guard will be more open talking to me than they would to a bunch of kids."
Mynis-
As you place the last stone all the stone turns to white and the second globe on the far door lights up. The stones start to slowly screech their way into the boulder as before. Suddenly the boulder is not there anymore. The screeching sound has also disappeared. Everything has gone black in the room, but more than that. The space that used to be occupied by the boulder is now empty space and your torch has disappeared. In every direction all you can see is blackness. Suddenly you feel a tugging on your fingers and toes as if someone is trying to remove something.
Mynis flexes his fingers and wiggles his toes. "Enough is enough." Myins muses. "These are tests more befitting of a magus that a swordsman like myself. I think its high time to take my leave of this place."
Mynis moves carefully in the darkness. Drawing his dagger, once again, as he goes. Having reached a wall he follows along it, useing his free right hand, till he comes to one of the three door. Fumbling around in the darkness he tries his best to open the door. "I wonder which door this is? Will it take me deeper into this accursed place, or is it freedom that I will find behind it?"
Mynis-
Your legs aches more than it did a few moments ago and the wetness of your blood seems more real now. A gruff man with greased back hair is standing over you with his face only inches from your own. Two other men are at your feet removing some sort of apparatus with no sign of gentleness while another man, or almost a man as he looks as if he is at most 15 years of age, complains about damaging "it". The gruff man's severe eyes peer from one of your eyes to the other as if looking for something. Suddenly he grunts in an apparent sign of approval and says,"Eh boy! Welcome back to the reality. Some things have changed since you've been gone."
"Excuse me good sirs. My name is Myins Morne. Who might you be?" Mynis waits expectantly for an answer and after their reply he say, "Well met. Does any man here know who or what has wounded me?"
Mynis then takes a moment to look for and retrieves his weapons and armor if they can be found.
"Don't be worried, you are not a suspect. Nash here witnessed a good bit of the conflict and you were asleep for it. Now we would like to escort you back to town to keep you safe and so we can continue our investigation.
"Thank you Mr. Capstal, But an escort will hardly be necessary. Give me but a moment to field dress this and redon my things and I will be able to look after myself." Mynis then adds as an afterthought, "Thanks to my special training of course."
After cleaning his wound, and refitting his gear in their usual arrangements, Mynis sets off tword town proper. "Time to find myself a nice stiff drink and a room for the night."
Al-Godón-
As you mention the danger involved the children all take on a wide eyed look of realization. When you finish Morris, the obvious leader of the gang, looks over his shoulder towards his counterparts who all nod in agreement. Turning back to you he say,
"'kay! Sounds good to us. 'ow you mind getting i'formation mister... What's your name?"
Whew! Maybe this won't turn out as horribly as I'm now imagining!
The best way to get information is to act like you belong. Having a little information already can really help with that. I know you all know a little about what's going on. I've been out of town for the last couple of weeks so have less knowledge of what's going on. If you go over what you know, I can take that to the town watch. They already know me and, as a Knight of Aster I'm going to be questioned less than, say, you would be. I'll use the information you give me to help ask better questions. When I get what information I can from them, I'll come back and we can compare notes and see what the best plan is from there.
I'll wait to make sure we're on the same page. Kids being who they are, aren't likely to be content with "wait here", so I'll add:
While I'm at the watch, you can split up into a couple of smaller groups and blend in with the people. By looking at you, I'm sure you're already good at that. Try to overhear conversations and see if anything suspicious comes up. Be careful though - don't do anything alone, and don't confront anyone. This is just covert reconnaissance. When I get back from the watch, and you get back from around town we should be able to put together a better picture of what we want to do to catch this person.
Mynis-
Xander eyes you carefully when you refuse the accompaniment back to the town proper but says nothing until you are dressed and ready to go. As you move to leave he calls out to you.
"I hope you wouldn't mind if my deputy here and Nash went with you back to the town proper? Lord Chinilvur would like to have a word with both of you."
"No problem at all sir. As long as I can grab a quick bite somewhere. I feel as If I haven't eaten or had a good drink in days. Come to think of it, how long was I incapacitated by this contraption?"
Al-Godón-
Morris listens to your plan with a surprising amount of interest for a boy around the age of eleven. After you finish he immediately turns around and divides the other boys into two groups of three and tells them to come back to the town center with any information in an hour. One of the boys, probably the youngest at around eight, complains that he is in his older brother's group, but quickly is made to keep quiet with a shove by his brother and a few stern words from Morris about the group's pecking order. After the minor altercation the six other boys take off in different directions and Morris turns back to you.
"'kay Mister Knight, I'm ready t' go. Which of the militiamen are you going to talk to first?"
Getting a little frustrated with this kid, but it's mud I stepped in...
You see, when I said I needed to go over anything you and your pals knew before talking to the militia, I meant simply, I need to know what you and your pals already know before I go talking to the militia. With a little info that you already have, I can use it to get even more information from the militia.
After a pause...
So, to answer your question, *you* are the first person I need to talk to. What have you heard already around town about this murderer?
Al-Godón-
Morris scratches his head as you explain your intentions so him with a dumbfounded look on his face.
"Ooooooh..."
He begins to rub his chin with his thumb and forefinger contemplating to himself. After a few moments he takes on a look of realization and starts talking excitedly.
"Kynum was out gettin' some water at the far well for his mum earlier today because if he goes to the town well Sharese always tries to kiss him. Well, that's what he tells us anyway. More likely she just beats the snot out of him when he tries to kiss her. 'nyway, he says he saw a dark man ridin' around outside town. Think that's him?"
We don't really know anything yet about who it may be, but can't eliminate anything either. Have you heard anything about the murders themselves? Maybe who was killed, or how? This may give us some clues as well.
"That'll have to wait. Let's get going if you are both ready. Lord Chinilvur is waiting for us and I have a lot of work to do today."
"Ready, willing, and able. Let us be off."
Nash, looking a little hangared, steps forward and begins talking excitedly."I'd say around two hours. It was amazing though! I thought you were done in by the Cavern of Wind, but... Wow! Flying across the room like that! Maybe, when this all gets sorted out, we can have another try?"
"Perhaps, it seems an odd form of training for a warrior however. I seemed more befitting of a magus or priest. I'm not sure I fully understand the benefit of such a device. One can ponder riddles and trade philosophy here in the real world. One need not visit some imitation reality to do so. On the other hand perhaps I was but interrupted before I learned anything of value."
"I obviously don't remember him, and all we take with us of those who have passed is that memory. There must have been something of this man that intrigued me. Something inspirational enough to allow him to muck with my mind. I can't help but feel I have lost for not being able to remember him. Will my memory of him return, or will I have to accept that there will be no remembrance of him and his unique ideas?"
I left the farm about a month ago, in a whirl of enthusiasm that left very little room for planning or packing. The days since have been both better and harder than I imagined. My money is nearly all gone; I've slept in inns, flophouses, under carts and under trees. I've bought meals, sung for dinner, stolen wine and cheese, and begged for bread.
And now I've been thrown out of Kront's second worst tavern. The arrangement of an evening singing in return for thin stew and a place by the fire seems to be over; apparently the regulars don't like songs from Uthmere.
Ah well, life on the fabled streets of Kront. So this is what the locals consider a big town. Savages! Oh well, it's not Thesk, but this seems like a place where a man could make some silver. Maybe make himself a name too. Just please lets not get stuck here forever.
***
As you head off towards the market a large group of men pour out from the Lord's manor. You hear a gruff voice behind you bark out orders.
"Leon, Damvis head to the center of town and gather the people there as quickly as possible. You two head with me, we are heading up to the tower. The rest of you wait for the Lord and keep him safe."
The voice belongs to a large man with jet black hair, greased into place, and a set of severe eyes that look as if they have never smiled. His large frame is covered by a chain shirt and a longsword is attatched at each hip, although one looks as if it is in dire need of repair. He is well known in town as Xander Capstal, head of the local militia. He storms off towards the city gate with two strong backed young men following him. Two inept looking guards, apparently Leon and Damvis, run past you and start calling out to the surrounding people.
"Town Meeting in the center of town! Everyone to the market! The Lord Chinilvur requires everyone's presence!"
Well now, this sounds interesting. I drift along with the flow of people pressing into the marketplace. Prompted by the rumbling in my belly, I take advantage of the crowds to swipe a late breakfast from a distracted stallkeeper. I watch curiously as...
Lord Chinilvur makes his appearance. He climbs the podium, which is only about two feet tall and only sets his head a little over that of the crowd. The lord of Kront is smallish in stature, much skinnier than the average resident, and height, but dons clothes much akin to that of the residents. The podium is flanked by four town militia as he ascends the podium. The men scan the crowd with scrutiny as if looking for someone in particular. After taking the podium Lord Chinilvur spares no time addressing the crowd.“Kront residents hear me! There are reports of an attack up at the tower and the militia is currently looking into these reports. For now I request everyone who lives here in Kront to return home and wait further instruction. For those of you from outside of the walls, I want you to stay here in the center of town and wait.”
The lord turns to descend but a man, obviously a fisher as he has a long string of silver fish strung over his shoulder, calls out to him.
”Eh! Those of us from outside the walls all have family waiting for us as ‘ome. We can’t we wastin’ the day here in Kront if we expect to get them fed.”
A few yells and a general grumble from the crowd backs the man’s words of displeasure. Lord Chinilvur slowly turns, looking at the man as if he was expecting complaints, and addresses him in the sternest of tones.
”The doors of the town are already being shut so you have no other recourse. We hope once we get an idea of the situation we can re-open the gates and let you return home. There is no negotiation in this.”
The lord quickly turns and descends before any more complaints can be raised and starts off towards his home accompanied by the four militiamen. Half the crowd starts to move out of the town center while the other have turns to their neighbors to start a mass complaint. The children who were on the cart run off down a street yelling about how they will find the murderer.
An attack! Must be serious if they're closing the town gates. I wonder... something serious might have a serious reward attached. How can I find out more? Ignoring the babbling brats, I move towards the Lord's manor. Perhaps I can find an open window, and get close enough to hear what's going on.
Al-Godón-
"None of us really knew anything about the murder except that we think was up at the tower...."
Well, let's start there, then. You take your crew around town in a couple of smaller groups. Just listen to people and watch. You'll be much better at blending in than I would be. See if you see anything odd or overhear anything. Don't engage anyone though - we don't want to get anyone hurt! Let's meet back here in two hours. I'll head up to the tower and see who I can talk to.
Once the kids are ready to go, I head towards the tower trying to catch the gaze of any militia folks. If I come across anyone with any authority...
Hello good sir, as a Knight of the holy Order of the Aster, I would like to offer my hand in helping you restore peace to this town. How may I be of service?
If I don't come across anyone high enough, I'll just keep going to the tower.
Al-Godón and Mynis-
Xander steps forward with his hand extended in friendship. A large smile has come across his face.
"So you ARE back in town! Lord Chinilvur was just mentioning how much better off we'd be if you were back. I am Xander Capstal, head of the militia here in Kront. I assume you'd be Al-Godón? I guess you've heard by now. That ol' Gnome finally got it up at the tower, but now I've to clean up the mess. Would you be willing to come and meet with Lord Chinilvur about this matter? Your expertise would be greatly appreciated."
As Xander addresses this Man, Al-dodon, Mynis reaches into his tunic and pulls out his flask of spirits. After taking a pull off of it he hands it to Nash. After Nash has had a swallow or two Mynis extends his hand to politely ask for its return.
Xander, smile once again gone from his face at the mention of his work, looks back towards Mynis and Nash to see if they are ready to continue onward towards the lord's manor.
Because Xander is on duty, and assuming a church knight wouldn't want any, the dusky skinned warrior re-stoppers his flask and stows it away, then waits patiently as the two men finish up their greetings.
Xander steps forward with his hand extended in friendship.
Al-Godón is quick to offer a hand in return.
"So you ARE back in town! Lord Chinilvur was just mentioning how much better off we'd be if you were back. I am Xander Capstal, head of the militia here in Kront. I assume you'd be Al-Godón? I guess you've heard by now. That ol' Gnome finally got it up at the tower, but now I've to clean up the mess. Would you be willing to come and meet with Lord Chinilvur about this matter? Your expertise would be greatly appreciated."
But of course. The Order of Aster would be happy to assist in anything that is bringing this sort of stress to the locals here.
Xander, smile once again gone from his face at the mention of his work, looks back towards Mynis and Nash to see if they are ready to continue onward towards the lord's manor.
Al-Godón leans towards Mynis and Nash and offers a hand.
Greetings good men. I assume you are here to help with this as well. I know not your capacity here, but if this man is looking for this much outside help, it must be something quite unusual. This is usually such a quiet town.
With that, Al-Godón falls in behind Xander.
Because Xander is on duty, and assuming a church knight wouldn't want any, the dusky skinned warrior re-stoppers his flask and stows it away, then waits patiently as the two men finish up their greetings.
Al-Godón eyes the flask and smiles at the gesture. While he may refuse it because he's in an official capacity, his countenance shows that he isn't forbidden the drink when relaxing.
Al-Godón remembers an old church friend who was fond of saying, "Crops of all varieties are a gift from Lathander, and his blessing extend to all forms of food and drink that can be made from them ... as long as moderation is observed." Al-Godón remembers this same person's usual lack of that same moderation and smiles at the memory.
Al-Godón pulls Xander aside to speak with him privately and explains the situation about the kids.
It may seem unusual, but I spoke with a handful of local kids who were planning to track down this murderer themselves. I spoke with them and tried to give them some direction. At that age, being told "no" usually just causes them to sneak behind the back of authority, and keeping these kids visible to me seemed like a better way of keeping them safe. They are less likely to do something rash and unpredictable than if they have someone they feel is on their side. I'd like to keep them at least partially involved so I can keep an eye on them. If you don't feel it's appropriate, I can go speak with them.
Rolan-
Arriving at the lord's manor you see the building is only one story, but judging by the ground based windows there is an extensive basement. The front of the house opens onto a large street giving little to no cover, but the right sides of the house are only ten feet from the nearest house.
The front door is flanked by two militia men who take turns spitting and talking. They seem only slightly interested in their duties as there is no one on the streets at the moment.
For a moment I imagine just walking up to the militia men, introducing myself, and offering to help. Then I imagine their derisive response. Still,even a scruffy vagabond like me might be able to help; even if the militia would never see it. I just need to find out what's going on first.
I stroll down the right hand side of the manor, looking as though I'm just heading home. As soon as I'm round the corner, out of the guards' eyeline, I start moving slowly and quietly. I tell myself I'm just looking for a window to listen at, but if I find one open then I'll give in to the temptation to have a little look inside.
If I'm spotted or challenged by anyone official, I bluff:
Sorry sir. I heard there were murderers on the loose and I felt sure that only Lord Chinilvur could protect us. Please, where can I go that is safe?
But of course. The Order of Aster would be happy to assist in anything that is bringing this sort of stress to the locals here.Al-Godón leans towards Mynis and Nash and offers a hand.
Mynis takes the hand in a firm but friendly grip. He nods his head and intones,"Chruch knight".
Greetings good men. I assume you are here to help with this as well. I know not your capacity here, but if this man is looking for this much outside help, it must be something quite unusual. This is usually such a quiet town.With that, Al-Godón falls in behind Xander.
"Sorry sir, no request to that effect has been made. I am here as a witness only. Although I don't know how much help I will be in this regard. Not only was I incapacitated at the time, but my memories of events, facts, and even the layout of the room prior, are also sketchy at best."
Rolan-
The guards only take marginal notice of your presence as you pass. The right side of the house has two first floor windows and a chimney outing made of crude clay bricks. The first window has a piece of furniture pushed up against the window blocking all view of the room, but the second you can clearly see into. It is a kitchen with two cooks, one female and one male, scurrying around preparing supper. They take no notice of the window and you are not seen.
The back of the house opens up onto another street, but not as ofter used as the one you arrived on. From where you are there seems to be no one on the street at the moment.
Supper sounds good, but that's not what I'm here for. I doubt the cooks will be discussing murders, bounties, or rewards. I'll take the quiet street as a good opportunity to explore the back of the house.
Any more promising windows round here?