J1 Entombed with the Pharaohs PBP

[Douena Trestleben]

Monty Haul wrote:

Douena's arrival causes something of a stir, a number of patrons calling out various suggestions as they watch the man in spectacles that Zerekias spoke to earlier hurry over to the gnome, his hands raised in a placating gesture.

"Good evening, madam, may I be of assistance?" he enquires politely, his voice low as he attempts to guide her towards the reception desk.

Douena lowers her voice slightly but not enough that she is inaudible to the table of the Chelish legionnaires. "Oh, yes," she cries gratefully. "Can you tell me if a man delivered a package here? It was for a woman traveling with a group of Chelaxians. It's really, really important! We need it for an important mission for the Pathfinder Society, and we were lucky to find it in the first place, but then that woman came in after us and had them change the delivery, and we've only just now found out, and we just have to get it back!" She turns on the puppy-dog eyes as she runs out of breath.

[Zerekias Tholtan]

Garai Neferotep wrote:

Garai grins wryly, "Your logic is sound little one, but in his case, I find the implementation quite difficult!"

LOL!

Zerekias walks into the Drunken Mummy, sits at an empty table, and waits.

[Monty Haul]

Douena Trestleben wrote:

Douena lowers her voice slightly but not enough that she is inaudible to the table of the Chelish legionnaires. "Oh, yes," she cries gratefully. "Can you tell me if a man delivered a package here? It was for a woman traveling with a group of Chelaxians. It's really, really important! We need it for an important mission for the Pathfinder Society, and we were lucky to find it in the first place, but then that woman came in after us and had them change the delivery, and we've only just now found out, and we just have to get it back!" She turns on the puppy-dog eyes as she runs out of breath.

The spectacled man frowns slightly, nodding with concern as he continues to motion you towards his alcove away from the centre of the room.

"Indeed, we did have someone making such a delivery," he confirms. "If there has been a theft, perhaps we should contact the city watch. Please, come with me and I will send someone to fetch them."

[Douena Trestleben]

Monty Haul wrote:

The spectacled man frowns slightly, nodding with concern as he continues to motion you towards his alcove away from the centre of the room.

"Indeed, we did have someone making such a delivery," he confirms. "If there has been a theft, perhaps we should contact the city watch. Please, come with me and I will send someone to fetch them."

Douena blinks for a moment, then eagerly accedes. "Yes!" she cries. "Thank you so much! That would be very helpful. And could you send someone to get the woman who accepted the delivery? We should have the evidence at hand, after all, to show the watch."

Dang crafty GMs. ;)

[Monty Haul]

Douena Trestleben wrote:

Douena blinks for a moment, then eagerly accedes. "Yes!" she cries. "Thank you so much! That would be very helpful. And could you send someone to get the woman who accepted the delivery? We should have the evidence at hand, after all, to show the watch."

"Well luckily for you, she isnt staying here - so the delivery never took place," he begins, then frowns to himself in thought, beckoning one of the guards from the stairwell over. "Would you be so good as to ask our guest in room 117 if he has a moment? Tell him there have been further developments in regards to the earlier delivery." he instructs. As the guard heads back up the stairs, Douena notices one of the legionaires has also gone to report, leaving his companions to watch her down in the main room. The elderly man also summons a serving boy and sends him in search of the nearest patrol.

"I'm sure we'll be able to sort this out soon enough," he smiles taking Douena by the arm and leading her towards the door beside the reception desk. "Please, let's wait in my office."

[Douena Trestleben]

Monty Haul wrote:

"Well luckily for you, she isnt staying here - so the delivery never took place," he begins, then frowns to himself in thought, beckoning one of the guards from the stairwell over. "Would you be so good as to ask our guest in room 117 if he has a moment? Tell him there have been further developments in regards to the earlier delivery." he instructs. As the guard heads back up the stairs, Douena notices one of the legionaires has also gone to report, leaving his companions to watch her down in the main room. The elderly man also summons a serving boy and sends him in search of the nearest patrol.

"I'm sure we'll be able to sort this out soon enough," he smiles taking Douena by the arm and leading her towards the door beside the reception desk. "Please, let's wait in my office."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" the little gnome gasps in delight. "That means there's still time to retrieve it and set everything right. How odd, though, that she should have given the wrong address! Did you happen to hear where the delivery man was going from here?"

As she lets herself be escorted toward the man's office, her little mind is whirring trying to find a way to extricate herself. Feeling the weight of the legionnaires' regard, she herself determines to keep a close eye on the foot of the stairwell. If any other member of the Chelaxian's party tries to sneak out to get to either Lonicera or Zerekias, they won't make it out this way without her causing a scene. As she enters the innkeeper's office, she quickly looks around for any other way out besides the door she just came in -- or anything else of interest.

Perception (1d20+11=14)

[Monty Haul]

Douena:

Spoiler:

There is one other door out of this room, heading towards the back of the hotel complex, probably towards the staff quarters. The room is neat and tidy with just a desk, a couple of chairs and a closed cupboard. The elderly clerk beckons for you to sit as he moves behind the desk to wait for the watch.

"I'm sure they won't be long," he comments. "There are always plenty of patrols about the Bazaar at this time of night."

Are you planning on waiting here until someone arrives? You can't see much of the main room from where you are.

Everyone else:

Spoiler:

Zerekias heads off to the drunken mummy as the others follow a short distance behind. It is getting quite late now and the main tavern is relatively quiet when you enter. Nonetheless, it will be a few more hours before the innkeeper closes his doors for the night.

What are the three of you planning now?

[Nevynxxx]

Monty Haul wrote:

Everyone else:

** spoiler omitted **

Spoiler:

Garai would get a table with Zerekias, and wait to see if anyone turns up...

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

Douena lingers near the doorway a moment before approaching the chair the inn keeper offered. As she turns her back toward the desk to begin climbing up the human-sized chair, she uses the opportunity to flick a finger toward the main room and whisper a few syllables under her breath casting ghost sound. From without comes the sound of a tray full of ale mugs crashing to the floor and the angry voice of a man berating the wait staff for ruining his clothing and demanding to see the management.

[Monty Haul]

Douena:

Spoiler:

The elderly man hurries towards the sound of the commotion, excusing himself as he leaves you in the office alone.

"I am terribly sorry," he apologises. "Please wait here. I'll be back shortly." With that, he returns to the main tavern, seeking the source of the noise.

[Monty Haul]

Everyone but Douena:

Spoiler:

The three of you find a table with a clear view of the tavern. Settling in to wait, the serving staff offer to bring you food and drink. Not as fine as that served at the Pharaoh's rest, nor what you have been receiving at the Pathfinders' lodge. Nonetheless it is relatively fresh and well cooked.

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

The instant the innkeeper is gone, Douena makes a dash for the other door. Assuming it isn't locked, she exits and closes it behind her, then starts looking around for a way out of the building -- or anything else of interest.

Perception (1d20+11=30)

[Zerekias Tholtan]

NOOOOOOOOOOO! NOT THE EVIL SPOILERS AGAIN!
GM, Garai, Elysia

Spoiler:

Zerekias takes them up on their offer. Trying to remember when it was the last time he ate. "Where's Trestleben?", he asks the others while paying for his meal.

[Joana]

Zerekias Tholtan wrote:

NOOOOOOOOOOO! NOT THE EVIL SPOILERS AGAIN!

Douena is quite good at splitting the party, isn't she? You know that vague background in her profile? I think somewhere in Varisia there's a group of adventurers sitting around a tavern looking at their watches, saying, "She said she had a plan and would be right back...."

[Nevynxxx]

Joana wrote:

Zerekias Tholtan wrote:

NOOOOOOOOOOO! NOT THE EVIL SPOILERS AGAIN!

Douena is quite good at splitting the party, isn't she? You know that vague background in her profile? I think somewhere in Varisia there's a group of adventurers sitting around a tavern looking at their watches, saying, "She said she had a plan and would be right back...."

lmao, they do kinda make my morning RSS feeds a pain, keep having to jump to the browser, but hey ho.

[Steve Geddes]

Quick straw poll on whether spoilers are worth the effort? This is basically my second PBP ever and I went with what it seemed like others did. When we play at the table we dont bother kicking people out of the room or anything when the party splits - I'm just as happy to abandon the spoilers if you'd prefer that.

[Nevynxxx]

Steve Geddes wrote:

Quick straw poll on whether spoilers are worth the effort? This is basically my second PBP ever and I went with what it seemed like others did. When we play at the table we dont bother kicking people out of the room or anything when the party splits - I'm just as happy to abandon the spoilers if you'd prefer that.

I'm happy either way, I actually quite like not knowing what the others are up to sometimes, I just wish thunderbird could show one post as HTML rather than either the whole page as HTML or the single post as Text....Bloody Apps :)

[Joana]

Steve Geddes wrote:

Quick straw poll on whether spoilers are worth the effort? This is basically my second PBP ever and I went with what it seemed like others did. When we play at the table we dont bother kicking people out of the room or anything when the party splits - I'm just as happy to abandon the spoilers if you'd prefer that.

As bored (and curious) as I get when we get a long stretch of spoilered posts that I can't read, I like using them. We really shouldn't know what the others are up to, and it keeps the anxiety level high not knowing if they're in trouble. We don't take people out of the room very much playing at the table, either, but the spoiler posts kind of make me wish we did. It would take the "Do this and this! ...oh, but my character's not there" out of it.

[Monty Haul]

Douena:

Spoiler:

You slip out of the other door and find yourself in a short corridor with a couple more doorways. One leads into the kitchens, relatively quiet now given the late hour. You spy a second door which seems to lead in the direction you want, stepping through to find yourself in a back alley. There is a kitchenhand here scrubbing out a large pot. He looks at you in surprise, but doesnt otherwise react as you emerge from the staff entrance.

Everyone else:

Spoiler:

Time passes. The tavern gradually empties as more and more people head home for the night. Soon there are only five other patrons, sitting in small, quiet groups as the staff begin to tidy and clean around you.

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

Douena waves at the kitchenhand cheerfully. "If they ask where I've gone, tell them I'm trying to retrieve my package," she tells him before slipping around the side of the building and looking for a good hiding place where she can see the front door -- and maybe eavesdrop on the chaos she unleashed in the inn.

Stealth 1d20+19=21
She's getting careless with a roll like that. :P

[Javell DeLeon]

Sorry. I'm kidding. It's really no big deal. It's a bit annoying, but it's really not that bad and it does make it more realistic and quite interesting.

[Douena Trestleben]

Sorry; forgot my Perception check in the last post and didn't get back in time to edit it.

Perception (1d20+11=16)

[Zerekias Tholtan]

Everyone but Douena

Spoiler:

Zerekias, getting restless from waiting so long, "Alright, Neferotep, Lyon, unless you all have a better idea, than just waiting around, I'm heading back to the lodge." Zerekias stands, pushes his chair back in, and continues, "We are losing to much time on these "rubbings" and we really need to get going. So unless you have something better planned, I'll be at the lodge, like I said. When Trestleben returns, come and get me and we'll leave. I'll tell you now, this wench isn't showing up tonight."

[Nevynxxx]

Zerekias Tholtan wrote:

Everyone but Douena

** spoiler omitted **

Spoiler:

"Indeed, it does look that way to myself too. This is not a good sign. I would also come back to the lodge though, we can leave a message with the staff for Douena."

[Monty Haul]

Douena:

Spoiler:

You find a shadowy place across the street and wait only a few moments before a patrol of Sothis guardsmen arrive, being led by a kitchenhand. As they enter the Pharaoh's Rest, Scepter emerges accompanied by Hrokon, the half-orc who was with him at the exhibitionary, and the halfling who was later arrested. The three of them make their way through the dark streets of Sothis, heading towards the Drunken Mummy.

When they reach the inn, they meet up with a dark haired Chelaxian woman in an alley a short distance away. She is wearing a hooded cloak and you only get a brief glimpse of her face, however you are fairly confident that it isnt Neferet. The four of them engage in a short, whispered conversation at the entrance to the alley, the woman and Scepter doing most of the talking as Hrokon and Xaven keep watch on the inn and the surrounding streets.

I'm assuming you'd want to tail them and rolled stealth/perception checks and so forth. You judge it would be extremely difficult to get close enough to eavesdrop unobserved.

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

Douena squints at the woman. The dock worker said fair hair and short ... but it was always difficult for the gnome to judge what Big people mean by "short." If this is Lonicera, then who is Neferet? And how had the woman known to meet the others here? Douena scowls. Instead of answers, she is only finding more questions. She shifts her feet, thinking of the lone Chelaxian back at the Pharoah's Rest -- and the possibility that he has the rubbings. Reluctantly, though, she settles into her hiding place to keep an eye on the magic-user and company. She assumes her party are inside the inn; she hopes they're prepared; but if she is needed, she stands ready to sweep in and save the day.

[Monty Haul]

I am sorry to say that I am going to have to abandon my PBP DMing obligations. It’s been pretty clear over the last few weeks that I am struggling to keep up in any satisfying way – I’ve just taken on another university course and that means about 40 hours of lectures I’m going to have to write in the next few months (plus setting exams, assignments and the dreaded marking obligations). Although I have time to check the boards – I just don’t have any creative headspace free to give the job what it deserves.

I would like to apologise to everyone who’s been playing – you’ve been very patient with a new PBP DM and I do feel bad, however limping along with at most one or two posts a week from the DM is unlikely to be very satisfying imo. All I can offer is a guaranteed spot for any of you who want it once things settle and I can get back into running PBP again (not likely until January, though).

[Javell DeLeon]

Hey, it's no problem. You do what you have to do. Just remember to not work yourself to hard, you'll burn out. I worked two jobs back when I was around 20 and that ain't no fun. Good luck Steve, and we'll be looking for you in January!:)

Steve

Spoiler:

Javell whispers quietly to Steve,"Douena's plans B thru G are still out there so, BE CAREFUL! Who knows what they might entail!") ;)

[Joana]

Monty Haul wrote:

I am sorry to say that I am going to have to abandon my PBP DMing obligations. It’s been pretty clear over the last few weeks that I am struggling to keep up in any satisfying way – I’ve just taken on another university course and that means about 40 hours of lectures I’m going to have to write in the next few months (plus setting exams, assignments and the dreaded marking obligations). Although I have time to check the boards – I just don’t have any creative headspace free to give the job what it deserves.

I would like to apologise to everyone who’s been playing – you’ve been very patient with a new PBP DM and I do feel bad, however limping along with at most one or two posts a week from the DM is unlikely to be very satisfying imo. All I can offer is a guaranteed spot for any of you who want it once things settle and I can get back into running PBP again (not likely until January, though).

*fingers in ears* LA-LA-LA-LA-LA! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!

*ahem* Just thought I'd catch this before it fell into the archives to say that if Steve has more time on his hands in January and if everyone else is still interested, I'd love to pick this one back up again. I adore Douena, and I have a funny line I've been waiting to use in the second day of her journal.

[Monty Haul]

Welcome back, everyone. I'll just move straight back into it and assume we're all up to date. Let's just agree to be forgiving if someone is a little vague on what's happened a moment ago, shall we?

Douena:

Spoiler:

After a brief discussion, the halfling Xaven leaves the group and saunters up to the doorway of the Drunken Mummy. When he reaches the tavern, he moves to one side and peers inside surreptitiously. The other three have moved back into the gloom of the alley, watching their companion, but being careful to stay well out of sight.

Everyone Else:

Spoiler:

As you are preparing to leave word with the tavern staff, I will need a perception roll from all of you.

[Garai Neferotep]

Spoiler:

Garai takes one last sweep around the room as he stands to move: Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

Douena carefully moves a bit closer to the three in the alley and settles into a hiding place where she hopes to overhear any conversation they might have.

Stealth (1d20+19=26)

Perception (1d20+13=18)

[Zerekias Tholtan]

Spoiler:

Perception=1d20+13=28

[PC-On-A-Stick]

All but Douena:

Spoiler:

Elysia's perception as the group prepares to leave:
1d20 ⇒ 10

[Monty Haul]

Zerekias:

Spoiler:

You notice the halfling, Xaven hidden just outside the doorway to the tavern. He has obviously been watching you, though you can't say for how long. Meeting your eyes, he gives you a mock salute and a wink as he moves out of sight into the street.

Douena:

Spoiler:

The three hidden in the alley remain quiet, watching their companion intently as he lurks near the doorway to the Drunken Mummy. As you look on, he is obviously spotted inside as he straightens up, gives a casual salute to someone inside and then hurries away from the doorway, headed back towards his waiting associates with a broad grin on his face.

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

Douena will continue eavesdropping to hear what the halfling might have to say Perception (if you need another roll) (1d20+13=33) but will meanwhile ready a shot with her crossbow at the half-orc if her companions come out of the inn and combat is joined.

[Zerekias Tholtan]

All but Douena

Spoiler:

Zerekias, noticing the halfling, speaks up, "Is that your little friend I see, Garai?" He points at the mocking miscreant, "I can run him down if you need me to?" He states matter-of-factly.

[Monty Haul]

Those Inside:

Spoiler:

Zerekias points out the halfling Xaven, lurking in the doorway to the Drunken Mummy. As he is spotted, he disappears into the night with a brief wave and a grin towards you.

Douena:

Spoiler:

Those in the alley are also ready for trouble, drawing weapons as they watch the tavern door intently.

[Nevynxxx]

Zerekias Tholtan wrote:

All but Douena

Spoiler:

Zerekias, noticing the halfling, speaks up, "Is that your little friend I see, Garai?" He points at the mocking miscreant, "I can run him down if you need me to?" He states matter-of-factly.

ABD:

"Indeed, it is. But it looks to me like the little villen is too quick for you my friend. Once I get my hands on him though, he will feel a knock to the head from my staff."

[Zerekias Tholtan]

All but D

Spoiler:

Zerekias shrugs, "Whatever." As he gathers himself to return to the lodge, "I'm guessing you'll get your chance, seeing how this vermin and his overgrown buddy, continue to dog this group."

I messed up and called you Garai. I had forgotten. I guess it has been a while. I'll get it right next time, Neferotep! ;)

[Nevynxxx]

Zerekias Tholtan wrote:

I messed up and called you Garai. I had forgotten. I guess it has been a while. I'll get it right next time, Neferotep! ;)

Hey, I forgot to use the right bleeding Avatar!

[Monty Haul]

Douena:

Spoiler:

The halfling rejoins his companions and the four of them confer briefly.

"It's them," he announces "and one of them has quite sharp eyes. I think I'm getting old!"

"What are they doing?" Scepter asks to which the halfling replies with a shrug before pointing to the woman in the cloak.

"Nothing. Just sitting there, waiting for Lonicera I guess."

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

Douena bites her lip in the darkness. Her stars are not yet aligned. She's eager to confront the woman but hesistant to do so on her own. Now, if it were only she and Lonicera! Keeping her crossbow aligned, she keeps eavesdropping. If the Chelaxians decide to confront the others, or if her friends come out of the inn to confront them, she'll be ready to shoot if battle is joined. On the other hand, if the Chelaxians go back the way they came, she'll remain hidden and follow. She remains certain that an opportunity will present itself, if she stays alert. Her goddess has never let her down before.

[Monty Haul]

Elysia, Garai and Zerekias emerge from the Drunken Mummy into the late night air. The streets are almost deserted and there is no sign of the halfing you spotted lurking outside the tavern a moment ago.

[Garai Neferotep]

Monty Haul wrote:

Elysia, Garai and Zerekias emerge from the Drunken Mummy into the late night air. The streets are almost deserted and there is no sign of the halfing you spotted lurking outside the tavern a moment ago.

Not spoilered?

All by D:

As garai steps out into the refreshingly cool night air, he slumps a little with the realisation that the halfling has gone. "Let us make our way back to the lodge as quickly as is possible. I did not like that little man's smile, and I begin to believe our meeting was waylayed."

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

Seeing her companions come out of the inn, the gnome perks up. With everyone together, she's sure they can handle the Chelish party. Can't have the bad guys getting the jump on her friends, though. Lowering her crossbow for the moment, she draws on the vestigial First World magic that flows through her veins and, pointing toward the entrance to the alley they're all skulking in, summons up four merry little balls of light that swirl and dance in an eye-catching way between the Chelaxians and the group outside the Drunken Mummy, lighting up the gloom like lanterns. casting dancing lights That ought to attract her friends' attention.

[Zerekias Tholtan]

All but D:

Spoiler:

Zerekias shrugs in response, "Probably." He pauses a moment then continues, "Not a bit surprised. Whaddaya expect from a Trestleben plan." He finishes with a raised eyebrow and his customary stone look.

[Monty Haul]

All but Douena:

Spoiler:

As you prepare to leave, there is an unexpected disturbance in the air a short distance away. As you watch the entrance to a nearby alley, you see four small balls of light coalesce and begin to spin and dance around one another. In the sudden glare, you clearly see the halfling lurking in the previously darkened alley - no doubt watching you. In the sudden light, he darts once more deeper into the gloom, muttering to somebody hidden further down the alley out of sight.

Douena:

Spoiler:

Feel free to read the above spoiler as well. From where you are, you can see all of the Chelaxians in the alley - however Garai, Elysia and Zerekias can only see Xaven.

As the light dances in the entrance to the alley, the halfling hidden there mutters a command to the rest of the group who all begin hurrying away into the night. He also slinks further down the alley, following his friends a short distance before squeezing himself down between a couple of barrels as he once more tries to hide from any pursuit. His companions leave him behind, turning a corner at the end of the alley and moving away into Sothis' tangled backstreets.

[Douena Trestleben]

DM:

Spoiler:

Douena gives an agonized look back at Garai and the others but isn't willing to give up on the Chelaxian woman yet. As she rounds the corner, the gnome moves stealthily to follow her.

Stealth & Perception checks
1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 291d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

The message board monster ate my original post, in which I rolled a 30 & a 14, Invisible Castle being down. If that Perception check isn't good enough for her to follow Lonicera, she'll turn back into the alley where the halfling is.

[Zerekias Tholtan]

All but D:

Spoiler:

"Looks like our little friend isn't exactly keen on leaving us be. Apparently, he wants us to follow him into his little trap. I'm just the guide, but if we need to go after him and beat the livin' dung out of him, I would have no problem with that. He is really starting to piss me off."