Besides my occupation here, which I mostly pursue because of my love for freedom and liberty, I run a small restaurant in the Downmarket District. It's called the Gryphon Plume.
"We should wait for the assembly perhaps, to see who comes, who goes, and who stands silently watching..."
The afternoon passes while you await the assembly to begin, since head chef Gobbletor keeps you supplied with snacks in all variations, the time passes fairly fast.
As the first blue wearing men and women arrive, Turodan takes one of them a step aside. They exchange some words before he leads the elderly man to your table.
This says Turodan introducing the newcomer is Advisor Tomae. Advisors stand above the assemblymen and normally have their meetings in the Common House, the temple of Cayden Cailean. Yet today he is here to hear what the assemblymen and women debate.
The old man leans forward and puts his hand forth to greet you one after another
It's a pleasure to meet you. I heard you support the Duskwardens in their investigations?
It's a pleasure to meet you. I heard you support the Duskwardens in their investigations?
Yes . . . nasty business, that. You think we'll hear anything but rumors here?
Turning to you, the old man grins
Rumors? Does not every truth start as a rumor? Since I know today's protocol I would suggest you follow me now and we can cut this short. Turodan told me, you were looking for Udunga Oleke, so I'll just bring you to him.
Advisor Tomae elbows a way for you through the crowd (and you are surprised how well he does that) and only moments later a small, skinny black man, his appearance nearly fragile, stands before you. After Tomae has told him who you are, the Garundi nods several times.
With a squeaky voice and a very broad smile, he then introduces himself
I'm Udunga, how can I help the Duskwardens?
"Well Met, Udunga! I am Kyren Tosscobble of the Wee Bluet Consortium. I am honored to meet you. We are investigating the death of the freed slaves and were wondering if you had any information that could help us in our investigation. I was wondering if you knew any common connection that these poor victims shared."
The Garundi's expression shows grief and woe as you come to speak of the horrific happenings
Their bodies now lie in the Godsmouth Ossuary and they are at peace...yet my soul burns with vengeance. I will help you as good as I can. Please follow me.
He drags through the crowd to a corner of the hall.
All killed people were former slaves, not children of slaves, I think this is important considering that more than 70% of the Bottoms population are only descendants of slaves. Furthermore all were from the Mwangi Expanse...which is overly odd, since only about thirty people at all from our rows are from the Expanse originally.
And have you seen the claw marks? I doubt a natural beast, like a tigre for example, would hunt only people with a common heritage.
Alcheringa remains quiet while the Elder speaks, continuing to note who is in the room.
"Kazam! This is very alarming indeed! I wonder, has anything been done to protect the remaining free original slaves? How many people here do you think are original Mwangi slaves. Also, I wonder if they all come from the same farm. . . ehrr . . . I mean the same slave lord. Forgive me for asking a plethora of questions, but I am highly motivated in this matter."
I'm not as comfortable in a social situation, and Kyren seems to be doing well enough . . . so I'm just hanging out and watching.
Torald follows interested Kyren's and Udunga's conversation. He doesn't interrupt Kyren owing to whose obviously belongship to these people.
During the delicious dinner, Bonzo and Donna are completely distracted by the copious amounts of food. Bonzo nods his head during the conversation, and at times mumbles, "Yes, yes of course," or "Quite! That's what I always say, eh, Donna?" but it is quite apparent to anyone who takes the time to look that the food has him completely captivated. He heaps a fifth helping onto his small plate and belches loudly, then blushes and turns his eyes downward, to the food.
After being introduced to Udunga, Bonzo is still overly satiated from dinner, but his curiosity spikes when they learn more of the investigation. "Mr. Udunga, sir, my name is Bonzo Rozer, and I have a question. At the crime scenes, has there ever been evidence of someone other than the big cat? As is visible with our partner Alcheringa, it is possible that the cat we are searching for is really only carrying out the dirty deeds of an even bigger threat. Also, I agree with Kyren, we should take immediate measures to guarantee the safety of all of the remaining freed slaves!"
Looking at Alcheringa and Blaze Udunga thinks about the implications the participation of a beast master could mean
Mhhh, in my homeland it's quite common that humans have animal companions or at least trained beasts that help during the hunt. In a city like Kaer Maga such a thing is rather rare, yet you are right, not impossible. I think there haven't been any human traces at the crime scens, yet, I doubt there have been thorough investigations.
As fast as I can I will try to contact all other people from the Mwangi Expanse...but, mhh, where do you think would be a safe heaven for them?
After a moment of thinking without a result, he answers Kyren's earlier question
I don't know anything about their former slave lord, actually I never thought about that; we have to check that immediately and ask the living ones. Will you follow me to the shrine, maybe some of them can be found there?
Bonzo throws his hands up frantically, crying, "You mean they're still out on the streets? We have no time to lose! For all we know, there is an upset cat prowling our alleys as we speak with a bad case of the munchies, searching for another innocent escaped slave to chow down!" He hesitates, considering the ridiculousness of the image he just painted, then continues, "Is there no place that the Fremen hold, where refugees could go into hiding? If not, then I'd offer up our good friend Kyren's cousin's place, but we'd probably need to have a word with him, first. What's most important, however, is to make sure no more innocents fall victim to another horrible murder."
Also agitated by the idea that all murders could be tied together that closely and that time is running out, Udunga suggests
Then we should act quickly. The idea to bring the prople out of this district sounds just great, we should try that, maybe the murderer...or monster, loses its mark then. Could one of you ask that friend of yours while the rest accompanies me to the shrine?
"I am happy to accompany you to the shrine, good sir. However, I have been engaged to perform for this illustrious group, and I dare not miss my performing debut!"
"Well, I'm afraid I don't know Bobo nearly well enough to explain to him why we're bringing a few dozen refugees into his tavern for a short stay. But I am more than willing to accompany you, Udunga, to that shrine you mention."
"Oh, don't worry about cousin Bobo. We'll be able to fit them in. My auntie Roloweena use to often say, 'Theres always room for one more, always room for one more!' This was fine until Auntie Rolo's house fell in, but the Revive looks like it is in much better shape than hers. I hear that skewed buildings are actually much more stable anyway. It has something to do with triangles and such. Just leave the persuading to me, my friends."
"Bobo won't have a problem with visitors at the Revive, we kind of own it since the last owner lost interest"
"Then we should be off to the shrine, quickly!" Bonzo checks his gear, making sure that everything he might need in an adventurous day's work is exactly where it needs to be, then claps his hands excitedly. "Let's go save some innocent people!" Donna nods her head in approval, flexing her claws in preparation.
Alcheringa pockets any fruit as he prepares to follow the half-pints.
"Hurry, hurry, hurry. Where's the fire? Safely in the fireplace, I say. I have waited around all afternoon, waiting for the moment, my chance to sing my song of freedom to these fine folks. Give me ten minutes and I will have a word with Turodan. Perhaps they will be ready shortly. Don't leave without me!" Kyren scurries off through the crowd, looking for the kind fremen who invited him to perform.
"Turodan, my friend, forgive the interruption, but Mr Udunga and the other wee bluets are interested in departing shortly. I was wondering at what point you planned on having me perform my selection for the fremen?"
Surprised Turodan answers
Oh, then we should move your performance up on tonight's protocol. Wait here for a minute.
Turodan climbs the central podium and strikes a bell.
It takes about a minute until the Fremens have all found a seat and await the meeting to begin.
Turodan, with his full bass voice, welcomes everyone and speaks a short prayer to Cayden Cailean. Then he introduces Kyren
By fate and love of liberty, Cayden has led to us a halfling with a special talent, a great performer and singer and like we are, a friend and supporter of democracy.
His introduction is answered by thunderous applause from the ranks; he waits until it ebbs off and then continues
Please dear fellow Fremen, welcome Kyren Tosscobble!
He makes room for you on the podium and seats himself in the front row.
Meanwhile Udunga and the rest of the party have already walked to the door and wait for Kyren to join them.
Kyren takes out his harp and begins tuning it up as he visits with the audience. He does his best to win them over with his charm and wit before he actually plays.
"I am playing on a 32 string harp made in dark mahogany by a Varisian harp maker named Gustovia Healy. . . This is actually a piece from Tian Xia called Tu-ning. . ." After he finishes tuning the harp, he introduces his piece.
I have travelled the lands far and wide and witnessed the harsh realities of slavery. I have seen the pain that a slave lord can bring to the innocent victims of slavery. However, I have also witnessed the tears of joy that hope can bring. Good Fremen, that is what you bring to this world. . . Hope! Hope that we can free this world from the shackles of slavery. I now wish to play for you my song of freedom. It is with great honor that I dedicate this piece to all of you, my friends."
Kyren sits down at his harp and before he plays, he clasps his hands together and draws upon as he casts aside all extraneous thoughts and focuses with remarkable concentration. As he begins to play, he enters his own inner world of music.
He begins to play the introductory melody and then he lets his voice sing.
My Freedom, my Freedom
You saved me
You tore my chain
You detached the knots
You released my pain
You fixed the dots
Thanks! thanks!
My Freedom, my Freedom
You’re my pendant
You’re my earrings
My Freedom, my Freedom
I feel you, I think about you
You accompany me, you’re at my side
My Freedom, my Freedom
I like to be your slave
Your slavery makes me Brave
My Freedom, my Freedom
Clearly you engrave
My responsibilities
Precisely you surround
My extremities
My Freedom, my Freedom
You’re my massive concept
My imperative impulse
My Freedom, my Freedom
I respire you, you inspire me!
When his piece comes to a close, he remains motionless as the sound of the last notes of his harp fade away into the silent hall. At last, he lets go of his concentration and lets his hands drop as he reenters reality back in the Broken Chain Link.
Alcheringa nods along happily, his Fey nature clearly at one with the singing and gentle musical notes.
"See Blaze, I told you that the Children of the Garden were more joyous than the always fearful Children of Man. They are quite amazing, but I wonder where they fit all the food?"
I'm not one for culture on a normal day, but even *I* can apprecaite a virtuoso performance.
"I respire you, you inspire me . . ." quite a turn of phrase!
After Kyren has ended, there is a moment of ultimate silence in the hall, then, like a cyclone, applause, yells and cheers comes up.
About a dozen Fremen storm the podium to congratulate him on his great piece of art and Turodan has severe problems to reach the now vanished halfling.
Kyren, Kyren? Are you somewhere under this pile of Fremen?
Beaming and joyful Turodan rescues the singer and escorts him through the crowd of new fans.
You really left an impression Mr. Tosscobble, that much is evident.
says Turodan and tries to drag you to the entrance.
As you reach the door Udunga seems also very impressed
That was a great song little friend, you really should write another one, once you have solved the murder series, which you will - I have no doubts, now that I have seen you with how much talent Shelyn has blessed you.
"Great song, Kyren!" Bonzo claps him on the back proudly. Donna says to the Halfling musician, once the group has quieted down a bit, "Your song made me want to dance, but then I broke this..." she holds up the pieces of a shattered chair she must have fallen over. "Sorry, Kyren, I hope I didn't ruin everything......" she seems legitimately broken up over the mishap, though it doesn't seem to have altered anyone else's mood.
Kyren wipes tears from his eyes as he is overwhelmed by the response of the Fremen. Thank you, my friends! Thank you. Now I must go and break some more shackles! Be well! Kyren quickly packs his harp into its soft padded case and slings it over his shoulder as he sentimentally reflects. "If only mom and pop were here to hear that one. Just wait until I tell them where I played! They will never believe it!" As Turodan kindly escorts the celebrity to the door, the little humbled halfling sincerely replies, "Turodan, my friend. I cannot thank you enough for giving me that opportunity. I will always remember this remakable moment that Shelyn has blessed me with. If you ever need me to play again, please send word. I can be found at the Revive for a Better Life in that crazy district with the wandering troll. Until then. . . Be Well!
As Kyren steps outside the door with the others, he lets out a big sigh of relief and says "Kazam! That was fun! Where to next?"
Udunga points down the street
Follow me!
You hurry down several narrow alleys and cross some larger streets until Udunga tells you
We are nearly there my friends, just down this alley and then...UGH
Udunga doubles over, a crossbow bolt in one eye socket.
Too late you realize that you just stumbled into an ambush - you have been surrounded by a band of thugs, some of them have positioned themselves on the rooftops, others are behind and in front of you in the alley.
Their leader, an ugly brute with a scar that runs from his left to his right ear shouts
Look at this freakshow! A halfling circus with a pink monster w.hore and a friggin cat!
Battle Mat
I emailed it simultaneously.
Round 1
Bonzo screams at Udunga's sudden, swift end, but is quick to react to the ambushers' presence. He grabs Donna and the two of them sprint south, down the alleyway, Donna screaming a battle cry as she runs, preparing to attack the closest thug. . Bonzo suddenly slows as Donna reaches the thugs, and throws up his hands in preparation for a spell.
The spell can also be used to create a greasy coating on an item. Material objects not in use are always affected by this spell, while an object wielded or employed by a creature requires its bearer to make a Reflex saving throw to avoid the effect. If the initial saving throw fails, the creature immediately drops the item. A saving throw must be made in each round that the creature attempts to pick up or use the greased item. A creature wearing greased armor or clothing gains a +10 circumstance bonus on Escape Artist checks and combat maneuver checks made to escape a grapple, and to their CMD to avoid being grappled.
Donna's Attack w/ Charge
Damage
I emailed it simultaneously.
adress is: add_meister@gmx.de
** spoiler omitted **
2) also let me know whether it's unreasonable to assume Vaughn had daggers drawn already, or if I was unarmed (I know I didn't specify ahead of time, so I'll accept "no" without argument . . .)
Round 1
Kyren stands at Alcheringa's side and then draws forth a surge of arcane power and releases to the thug on the roof. "Bolt be Free!"
@Kyren: damage roll please.
@Vaughn: resent
Magic Missile Damage:
Alcheringa and Blaze barge past their comrades towards the closing wall of enemies and move to engage the poor unortunate who appears to be leading thier advance.
Alcheringa
Attack -
Damage -
Blaze
Bite -
(Trip) - =CMD
Damage -
Claw -
Damage -
Claw -
Damage -
Rd 1 Initiative Order:
Alcheringa 24
Bonzo 21
Torald 16
Thugs 13
Kyren 11
Thorne 9
Vaughn 8
Alcherina, Blaze, Donna and Bonzo all storm forward and take the thug's boos down in a flurry of attacks. Two other thugs now stand in a pool of grease and one of the guys on the roof got hit by a magic missile.
The two thugs at the end of the alley look surprised, yet grim determination to revenger their leader's death fast exchanges this expression!
From the side, another thugs charges Thorne, shouting
Gimme da hat!
On the rooftops, one of the bandits reloads, while the other shoots at Kyren
But he slips and loses his balance (Critical Fumble Deck draw).
From behind the last remaining thug charges Torald with a greataxe in both hands!
I'll draw my bow (move action) and shoot (standard action) at the same thug Kyren hit with a magic missile.
Attack
aaaaand I wo't bother rolling damage on that one
I'll draw my bow (move action) and shoot (standard action) at the same thug Kyren hit with a magic missile.
Round 2
Kyren prepares to do his part by taking down the thug on the roof with an arcane blast he keeps up his sleeve. The halfling moves his hands precisely in the familiar somatic gestures that conjures forth a ball of acid. With the following words, he sends forth the orb hurling at the unsuspecting thug.
"Orb go splat!"
Ranged Touch Attack
Damage
Zyren, do you allow critical hits with ranged attack spells? If yes, then:
Ranged Touch Attack Critical Confirmation
Damage