Planejammer Factions: Blue Party

[afroakuma]

Having just returned from a whirlwind first mission for your new guild, you find yourself in Ways & Means Plaza in Sigil's Market Ward. As your recruiter's untimely and rather gruesome death left him little time to discuss guild policy with you, a guild official is to give you a formal orientation.

The Plaza is vast and crowded with all manner of beings. Five of them, roughly as tall as humans and draped in pitch-black cloaks, huddle together in a nearby alley, with colored glows escaping the folds of fabric from time to time. A wanderer with a light-emitting head strides by, and you note that his cranium is separate from his body. Two oxlike creatures reeking of sulfur banter with a large, blue, six-armed worm. A being like a housecat with four giant arachnoid limbs glides down a main thoroughfare. Wings, horns, snouts, auras, reeks and tails of all manners assail your senses.

You've been given a letter containing directions to Radical Avenue and the Wayfinders' Guildhouse, where you are to meet with one Paumpa Sas.

[PId6]

Pharith

A golden-haired and golden-eyed man gawked around the market in confusion. The man would look like an ordinary human, and thus out of place, were it not for the large, feathered white wings spouting from his back. He dressed in simple green and brown clothing, the only weapons he carries being the longbow at his back and the dagger at his side. He warily stared at all the strange beings around him, occasionally looking openly hostile towards those he recognize as fiends, but otherwise just seems uncomfortable in this place.

Finally, after what seemed to be an eternity of wandering around this bizarre bazaar, he looked at his letter again and turned to the others and asked, "Am I the only one that feels like we're going in circles? I could have sworn I saw that tentacled guy three times now."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

At the back of the crew a towering figure is scanning his environment. His face, that features silver and gray scales here and there, shows a stern look as he is gauging every creature in their vicinity and lays a watchful eye on his companions every now and then. His weapons are all sheathed and his arms are folded over one another, enhancing his broad physique in an attempt to scare anyone with ill intentions away.

As the golden-haired man speaks his stern look breaks into a friendly smile. “I don’t know, Pharith, but I am sure that if we follow the directions we will get there.” A scaly hand with nails that would befit a predator reaches out to the document and points at it. “What does it say?”

[Yuki Akuma]

Natanael

The most normal-looking of the bunch - by far, in some cases - walks along ahead of the group, hands behind his head. He has short, brown hair, and - his only really unique feature - jet black eyes, which appear to glow, very faintly. "Neither of you has ever been to Sigil, hm? Didn't you know that the buildings move around?"

He peers over his shoulder, grinning. It's hard to tell if he's joking or not. "Oh, and... my winged friend, it's a bad idea to act openly hostile around fiends in this city. They aren't going to go harvest souls or anything here. They're not allowed. This is neutral territory."

[sum1won]

Lamech

A tall, almost radiant human appears to walk behind Nathaneal, dressed in armour of a celestial design.

I, myself have been here perhaps twice before. Perhaps three? No matter. It never fails to surprise. The worlds change much over time, and Sigil is one of the more unusual blessings I have found on them. Nevertheless, it is perhaps time to move on and meet this fellow.

[afroakuma]

You notice part of the crowd flowing around a tall, horned creature. Still more are giving a floating, shadowy orb with a long, whipping tail a wide berth. It's waved to in greeting by a pale humanoid with sharp incisors. Two gray-cloaked punters chivvy the crowd aside with sticks to make way for the movement of a pulpy orange sluglike creature with numerous protuberant ventricles coating its dorsal side.

A silver creature like a shark with five eyes swim-flies through the air coming next to your group. "You wouldn't happen to know the way to Bublin Hall, would you?" it asks, its jaws revealing a third, hinged bone riddled with vicious teeth.

[sum1won]

Lamech

Lamech turns to it and bows slightly.

I regret that I am not yet familiar with Bublin hall. We ourselves are but newly returning to meet a friend. My friend here may know more on how to find it, but I doubt it.

[afroakuma]

The shark-thing blinks its central eye at Lamech, then swmi-flies off to where another of its kind descends from over top of a building. The two jabber in a fluid language for a minute, then the newcomer turns to Lamech, opens its mouth and rattles its internal jaw at him. The first creature swats the second with its tail, and then the two swim-fly off.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

The tension in Gorrel's body lowers some as the creature flies off. "Well, that is a new way to say 'Allright, thank you anyway'. Let's put Bubble hall on our list of places to avoid."

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael

Nathanael watches the shark-esque... people for a moment, then laughs, shaking his head. He concentrates for a moment, closing his eyes...

[ooc: Manifest Know Direction and Location, to see if it'll help them find where they're headed...]

[PId6]

Pharith

Pharith looks as if he's trying to avoid staring at those... people, and failing. If possible, he looks even more uncomfortable than he did a moment ago, and slowly shifted as far away from the creature as possible without giving insult.

[afroakuma]

Nathanael
The calm, cool, female psionic voice would like to pleasantly inform you that you are:

At Ways & Means Plaza
Two streets away from Radical Avenue
Facing generally Splunge (mental image of whirling yellow sparks which collide stupidly into one another)
In the city of Sigil
On the plane of 404 Error

(results of know direction and location)

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael opens his eyes again, and the faint glowing in his eyes returns to normal. "Okay then. Two streets away. We're close, come on." And he starts walking!

[afroakuma]

Your party moves with the crowd, joining in the wake of a large minotaur. You pass a slick, iridescent puddle which moves around your feet like a lightning-fast serpent and see a duck merchant prodding at his deceased product with a dagger, looking quite paranoid. Down Bent Spoon Street, past the Spitting Giff tavern, steering clear of Elizinia's Emporium of Evil and Eatery as well as the Naughty Tentacle (both being protested by a few paladins), you avoid an angered golem and a sinister, male-looking marilith. Now on the Stellar Concourse, which runs down to the planedocks, you follow it to Radical Avenue.

The streets teem with life; four-armed giants, needle-nosed devils, beautiful men and women with exotic clothing and makeup. Here a giant praying mantis converses with a floating golden crystal; over there, a scorpion-tailed fiend is doing business with a curious mechanical creature like a cube with arms and wings.

[PId6]

Pharith

Pharith glanced around uncertainly, his face darkening at the sight of the fiend but otherwise looking moderately relieved at having arrived. "So this is Radical Avenue? Well, it's certainly... interesting." He looked around again, "So where's the guildhall?"

[afroakuma]

Pharith's question is answered as a number of indigo-robed beings rush towards a large building, releasing spells and magical devices. A humanoid in indigo armor charges forward and thrusts an unidentifiable weapon into the building, which gives a shudder - and then begins changing form, becoming a single beige, featureless muscle which extrudes pseudopods to escape the aggressors. As the once-building thunders off, with the indigo group in pursuit, the guildhall comes into view - a massive, sprawling structure resembling a tree festooned with towers, balconies, bazaars and plazas.

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael seems to take all this weirdness in stride. He never seems to be fazed by any of it, at any rate - then again, he's been to odder places in his time. He just shrugs, and points towards the guildhall. "We're almost there." He heads towards it!

[PId6]

Pharith

Pharith just stands there for a moment, his mouth wide open at the sight of whatever it was that just happened. That's certainly the weirdest thing he's ever saw in his life, though he has a nagging suspicion that he'll see plenty of things yet that are far stranger in the future. Shaking his head at the thought, he realizes that the party are already walking to the guildhall, and scurries off after them.

[afroakuma]

Your directions were to come to the public boardwalk, and as you approach you see a creature who could only be Paumpa Sas, the guild official you are to meet. Sas has an elongated face with a long, flat ducklike mouth and several expansive folds of blueish skin, like massive floppy ears, which fan out and flap lazily or dangle limply behind his head. He is waiting irritably on the boardwalk near the main public plaza outside of the guildhouse. A few miscellaneous creatures, possibly other guild initiates like yourselves, are waiting around him.

Nathanael
Oh come on, that was awesome, admit it. :smallcool:

Best of all, I did it using a legit D&D monster.

[PId6]

Pharith

Pharith looked at each of his companions, then hesitantly walked up to the guild official, "Uh, greetings, you must be Paumpa Sas? You're the one we're sent to look for. We're the new recruits, Pharith, Gorrel, Natanael, and Lamech. Our esteemed recruiter, er- met with a fateful end on our mission, unfortunately, so we're here both to express our condolences and to orient ourselves with the guild."

[afroakuma]

Sas turns away from addressing the large taurine creature in whose wake you came and regards Pharith with undisguised condescension. "I'm quite aware of why you are all gathered here. I don't need introductions, and I don't bend to impatient freelancers. You will wait until the designated time. Now go and busy yourselves with other things."

As he speaks, a white, conical creature with many slender insectoid legs spins its way over to Sas. It emits speech with a dry hum in the background. "Proctor, it is time for the new recruits to enter."

Sas casts a contemptuous glare over those assembled. Clearly, he feels that it is not time yet for some reason. However, he nods to the cone, which spins off.

"You will follow me inside for orientation."

[afroakuma]

Sas leads you inside the main pavilion, within which is a massive lobby teeming with adventurers, with flashes from transportation magics going off in every which way.

"This is the main lobby of the guild," says Sas. "Much of your sundry business with the Wayfinders will take place here. The public," he gestures around to various beings, "is permitted to enter this lobby, and it is here where they meet individual guild members, post contracts and charters and otherwise integrate themselves into guild functions."

"Now, this lobby plays host to most standard guild parties. You'll note the black and ivory sash guild members wear. To the right you will find our mercenary and security services; Euan Watarhme is the head of that department. Should you need to, you may retain the services of a guild security officer there."

The tour passes by the far wall, beyond Watarhme's hallway.

"Here we have the quartermaster's. The guild issues rations as required by the contract you serve, and may also issue other products as need be. Of course, you may make purchases yourself, but might I remind you that your guild membership does not entitle you to a discount here."

Passing the long lineups at the quartermaster's, the tour exits the lobby and begins ascending up the guildhall's core in a slow spiral.

"Our numerous departments and facilities branch off from this central area. We have festplazas, festhalls and private bazaars to hire, and the public auctioneers' is below as well. Our port- yes, what is it?" Paumpa Sas sighs, as one trembling humanoid raises a hand.

"The...er... 'facilities?'"

"Humanoid, four at the base of the stairs. Mind the basins, they connect to Water and Vacuum." Sas' ear flaps fan out broadly in irritation.

"To continue, there is a private tavern for guild members upstairs, as well as transitory quarters. As a member of the Wayfinders, you gain access to our exclusive bazaar."

You stop several levels up, at a waiting area with several chairs and other, more exotic supports, in a red carpeted antechamber fronting a massive pair of marble doors.

"Now then, you may wait here until Guildmaster Wey's orientation presentation. Are there any questions for me?"

[PId6]

Pharith

Pharith frowned at Sas's condescending tone, but didn't respond, simply walking back to his companions and waiting until they were led in. After the tour, an idea came to him, and he made a mischievous grin to himself before clearing his face of any obvious emotions. He gave a casual look at Sas, focusing his mind but trying not to make what he was doing too obvious.

As he watched, a small thundercloud formed over Sas's head. The cloud started raining heavily while letting lightning sparkle and making thundering noises. The cloud hovered exactly over Sas's body, straying not one inch away, and move with him wherever he goes. As soon as Sas notices it, the cloud would form into the shape of a duck, and start making continuous quacking noises loud enough to drown out whatever Sas says.

Use Minor Image SLA to make the thundercloud over Sas's head. No verbal or somatic components and it's DC 17 to disbelieve upon interaction.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

Gorrel follows the tour, listens and nods when appropriate. In between he looks around and gauges the other folk that joined. He also tries to get a feel for the atmosphere in the guildhouse: do people act as if there is a strong hierarchy and do people act in an open, friendly manner or is there a more distrustful atmosphere?

At the end of the tour he raises his claw. What is the policy concerning weapons within the guildhouse?

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael

The psionicist follows along with a bored expression, hands held behind his head. He's never liked long presentations - unless he's the one giving them, naturally. He makes note of the quartermaster, making a mental note to come back to check what he has to offer...

At the taking of questions, he raised one hand slightly. "Yes, hello. Are any areas of the guildhouse barred from extraplanar travel?"

[afroakuma]

Sas casts a dirty look around the group as he speaks, trying to roust out the culprit behind the illusion. Sighing, he continues along, with many in the group giving amused smirks - until one of them, a large, round fellow with an inflated neck, whips out a long, three-forked tongue, grabbing the illusion and yanking it into his mouth, humming contentedly. Several in the group give him sharp glares for ruining their fun. The portly creature looks rather sheepish.

"Ahem. Weapons are permitted in the guildhouse; there are far worse things being brought in, and of course some of us are simnply natural hazards. We ask, for the sake of politeness, that magical weapons of bane be registered with us and denatured while on the premises."

"Many areas of the guildhouse are barred to extraplanar travel. We also keep an extensive portal network on-site, and those that we don't have here we can usually locate for you. There are fees for the use of certain portals, of course, and for any portal keys you might require. Your guild membership gives you a discount on these."

[sum1won]

On seeing the roundish creature eat the illusion, Lamech steps around Gorrel to interpose the halfgiant between himself and the illusion-eater before calling attention to himself.

If you don't mind, on the way here, a handful of soldiers and mages in indigo attacked an ambulatory building. Are they some sort of regulatory group we should be concerned with?

[afroakuma]

Sas blinks his eyes, revealing yellow nyctatating membranes, before answering, "They are unaffiliated with the Guild."

[PId6]

Pharith

"So when do we get our next mission?" Pharith shouted from the back of the crowd, grinning inwardly at the prank he just committed.

[afroakuma]

Sas' eyes lock on to the direction from where Pharith's voice issued. "After your orientation and outfitting, you may return to the lobby to seek a contract or charter, or otherwise do as you please."

[afroakuma]

A sound from behind signals a glorious reprieve from the nasal squawking of Paumpa Sas. Turning, you see that the stone doors have opened, and the crowd of would-be fortune seekers slowly moves into the auditorium.

As you enter, you see a main podium with several smaller podiums, each manned by a different being, save the one at the center. When the crowd is settled, your hated tour guide walks up to the stage, formally introduces himself and then, perhaps sensing the general sentiment in the room, introduces the guildmaster, Avery Wey.

As Sas leaves the stage, the rear wall begins to convulse and ripple. Arcane lightnings and sparks dance across its surface. A rift, blazing with blue and prismatic light, widens the length and height of the wall, revealing a cloudy gray sky and the branches of a tree of fantastic size. The prow of a great ship comes through the portal, and a humanoid jumps down from it, stepping up to the podium to fair applause. He appears to be a human with tousled brown hair and wild blue eyes, wearing ivory and black with weapons stowed liberally around his person.

"Greetings, all! I am Avery Wey, the Guildmaster of the Wayfinders' Guild! Ten years ago, in the wake of the lich Vecna's attack on the city, I founded this guild to..."

Wey begins veering off into the history of the guild, but snaps back quickly enough when he senses the loss of interest in the room.

"Now then! The Wayfinders' Guild has obviously grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade, and we now maintain affiliations with the Sensates, the lillendi, the Indigardi and many local partners on Toril, on Krynn, on Oerth and the Rock of Bral. Our interests are both Prime and planar, and we reinforce this with a network of dedicated and hired portals, as well as our own fleet of spelljammers and planejammers."

"As members of the Guild, you will represent our diverse interest in your own fashion, taking the resources we offer and using them as an investment to provide a high-class service to individuals, communities, peoples and worlds. And yes," he smirks, "those individuals might be yourselves."

"For a nominal percentage, you will gain access to the services of the guild, both the material and the intangible. We have exclusive agreements with the mercane and arcane, as well as a sweeping contract to rent charter helms for spacegoing missions."

"In the Guild we follow simple rules, and you will follow them as well.

Rule 1: Maintain the Guild's image. We don't mind critique, but the public and those who hire you should look favorably upon guild services. We like return customers.

Rule 2: There is to be no killing within the Guildhouse or on guild premises. We enjoy a certain amount of autonomy within our domains, and we don't need to give the authorities a reason to come prying.

Rule 3: Do not engage in any reckless, dangerous or antagonistic release of supernatural forces within the Guildhouse or on guild premises. It makes a mess, and we don't like having to clean it up.

Rule 4: The Guild takes 10%.

Rule 5: Let me repeat this to make it perfectly clear: the Guild takes 10%.

Rule 6: Once you take on a mission, it's your commitment. If you can't handle it, then you'll have to arrange for the task to be done.

Rule 7: You do not speak for the Guild. You do not represent yourself as speaking for the Guild. You do not use your guild membership as a form of coercion or bargaining. We will know.

Now, the various departments, faculties and facilities maintain their own rules, fee schedules and all that sort of thing. You can deal with them directly; guild proctors staff most of our branches and can assist you with your needs.

You've all been recruited because you have something special - or because we couldn't find anyone better," he jokes, "and I hope that you'll find in your time with the Guild the same thing that we found in you.

"Are there any questions?

[PId6]

Pharith

Relieved that the intolerable Sas was no longer around, Pharith listened attentively to the Guildmaster's speech. Finally, when Wey asked for questions, Pharith raised his wing and spoke up, "Does the Guild take 10% of everything we find on our missions or just 10% of the reward money for each mission?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

Gorrel, considerate as he is, tries to make sure he is somewhere in the back of the room to avoid blocking others' view. With great attention he listens to the story, trying to memorize the rules word for word*. He decides the story is sound and he has no questions. When Phartih speaks up he thinks again and comes up with something he wonders about.

These contracts, ehm missions. Do we have any say in the making of agreements. Specifically on moral issues, for example...are we allowed to enter a clause, so to speak, that we cannot fulfill a mission if certain boundaries will have to be crossed in order to do so?


*Autohypnosis
DC15 to memorize the rules word for word [roll0]

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael listens boredly, tapping some rhythm against his leg and looking... well, thoroughly bored.

[afroakuma]

Wey smiles at Pharith's percentage question. "10% of anything we deem of value. If you get poisoned, cursed or infected with disease, we won't take 10% of that, I assure you." A few people chuckle. "However, our policies may actually work to your advantage, as the Guild is often a buyer for valuables that you have difficulty in selling. Guild appraisers will give you a fair price on items relevant to the Guild's business, and you may be entitled to a fee if a profitable transaction later arises."

He turns his attention to Gorrel's question. "We don't assign you contracts, charters or missions. You will choose them yourselves from the public offerings or from internal dispatches. Most of our parties negotiate firsthand with the client regarding the terms of the contract. We won't intercede for you."

Wey takes a few more questions, and then closes the orientation, bowing deeply to the crowd as he vanishes in a crackling swirl of light and mist.

The others on stage begin to depart, and a trio of guild proctors open the stone doors, leading you to be outfitted. You note with relief that none of them is Paumpa Sas.

Down the spiraling rampway, you arrive at a large room teeming with unusual creatures, as well as with several beings that look like fluorescent gnomes and a few tall, lanky, blue-skinned humanoids. The gnomes swarm over each of you in turn as you get to the front of the line.

"Here is your guild sash. You are to wear it or keep it on your person at all times." Each of you receives a black and ivory sash in your size.

"Four iron rations..."

"Letter-of-Service... please sign this..."

"Spyglasses..."

Each of you continues through the line, ending up at the other end fully outfitted and provisioned. A proctor leads you out into the main lobby and wishes you luck.

[PId6]

Pharith

When offered iron rations, Pharith waves them away, giving a quick "I've enough." As soon as the group is all gathered in the main lobby, Pharith speaks, "Well? Shall we go find us a contract? After all, we wouldn't want to keep those poisons, curses, and/or diseases waiting. The day is still young- erm, I think." He looks around the room. "So this is where we find posted contracts and potential clients?"

Spyglasses? :smallamused:

[afroakuma]

The various bureaus and pavilions of the main lobby teem with activity, but the focus seems to be a large bulletin board of sorts near the center.

Yes. Like mini-telescopes. You know. In case you're ever on some sort of vessel... :smallwink:

Although come to think of it, I should have issued spy glasses, too. :smallamused:

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael stares at Pharith for a few moments. "It's not as if they'll go bad. Take the damn rations. They'll come in handy when we find ourselves stranded somewhere with no ability to get anything to eat."

[afroakuma]

Are we curious about the bulletin board?

[Yuki Akuma]

We are roleplaying. Keep your afro on. :P

[PId6]

Pharith

"Hmm, good point. I guess there's no harm in carrying some, in case my everlasting rations doesn't stay true to its name." He goes to one of the gnome-things and this time takes the offered rations. As he walks back to the group, he notices the giant bulletin board that apparently everybody was focused on, and points it out. "I can hardly believe I haven't noticed that earlier," he mumbled, before drifting closer to take a look.

Wait, they're not spy glasses? Wow, I just assumed...

http://www.dictionary-of-matrix.com/images/f/f8/2agents-m12.jpg

[afroakuma]

Amidst numerous posters advertising service in the Blood War, various faction advertisements and several merchants' notices you see the assignment board, where many parties are removing postings to go make a contract while members of the public come by and post new ones.


Assignment Board



WANTED: Huyzur
We know Huyzur's been disrupting civic post services and causing minor mischief. Now it seems he's rallied other mephits to interfere with diplomatic movements on the lower planes. We're expecting a lot of unrest because of this miscreant. Find him and snap him in two.
Bounty: 10000 gp.


Needed - Adventurous, Hardy, Strong-Willed, Persistent, Raisable Interviewers!
Do you like to travel?

Do you like meeting new, exciting and unpredictable creatures?

Do you think you can stand up to savage mental bombardment?

Then sign on to track down and interview one of the mysterious, fascinating balseloths!

Fees to be negotiated based on raising requirements.

Charter of Recovery in the matter of the Merchant Jade
The spacefaring vessel Merchant Jade was lost two days ago outside Realmspace. Divinations reveal it to be scuttled, all crewmembers lost. The proprietor, Cerule Charters, has authorized a recovery salvage.

The proprietor desires the unconditional return without questions or examination of the Merchant Jade's spelljamming helm. Any other spoils found among the wreckage are forfeit to the salvagers.

Seeking Security Crew
Our survey team is set to explore the fifth planet of Rundaspace. As we are not familiar with the fauna of this planet, we seek additional forces to maintain our initial camp until we are firmly established. We will pay fees of 200 gold pieces per person per day once landed; provisioning and quarters will be supplied.


Hisan At-Jabb
Director of Rundaspace Exploration
Great Orrery Astrometrical Society


Urgent - Exotic Beast Required!!!!!
The peoples of Ethurgha have lost their god-beast and are attacking their neighbors in retribution. A new beast (or the old one) is needed to reinstate their religious leadership and quell the savage warring.

The fee will be in Yndavian scrolls, plus monetary recompense for expenses.


Planar Wizard Needed
A leaky portal from the Positive Energy Plane has been eluding the authorities deep in the Hive. Anyone capable of tracking down this rogue portal and dealing with any fallout that has already transpired should contact Witzen Dono, the local warden.


WANTED: Aver Walcris
The faithful of the deity Kelemvor request any available information, and if possible the detainment and safe transport, of Aver Walcris or any spiritual remnant thereof.

Bounty: 4000 gp.


To the Faithful of Zeus
Our great lord, Father of Gods and Men, requires aid in retrieving an important relic of the faith. This is a secret mission, to be undertaken for the glory and wonder of mighty Zeus. Please consult with Zethus, proxy of great Zeus in Olympus.


WANTED: Serge Hashramstrottler

Assessed for Seizure of Person for Treason and Kidnapping of the Crown Heir.

Last seen planeshifting away with the princess of Imphaphor after setting off the protective wards by teleporting into her room. His path was traced to Sigil and is believed to remain there.

Bounty: 12000 gp

Seeking a Procurement Crew
Archmage Ampotens seeks procurers to obtain esoteric arcane components for an experimental potion. Great haste would be preferred.


Wizardess Gysfyne
Tower Council of Arynchratus


Cash For Wands!!!
Tired of that old wand of gust of wind? Feel like having a bit more gold to spend? Why not come to Hevius Blohard's Apothecary and Arcane Quartermastery and sell that wand for gold GOLD GOLD!


WANTED: Darian Gatelock

Wanted for High Crimes against the City of Sigil as well as Petty Crimes, named here as Astral Arson, Common Arson, Assault upon a Planejamming Vessel, Sealing of the Lady's Doors, Theft, Robbery, Assault upon a Guilded Being, Assault upon Property of the City of Cigil, Magical Disruptions to Lawful Notices of Arrest, BlBlBlbgrrrUngrrhjksosi, Assault upon a Chartered Guild, Disruption of the Laddie's Doors, Murder, Theft again, Theft once more because, hey, I did it several times, Murder once more for the hell of it, Luring a Creature of the Astral Plane within the Confines of the City of Ciggle and Public Misconduct within the Sitty of Giggle

Gatelock is a renegade of the Wayfinders' Guild, known to have made off with a valuable relic destined for a very important buyer. His retrieval has not been possible via conventional divinations.


WANTED: The Mablight
The Mablight has made off with a copy of the protocols for an important private planejamming dock. We feel that he is planning to sell these protocols to a hostile purchaser. He has been traced to Silkspace, a sphere known to be dead to divination magic. We require that you slay the Mablight and return the protocols.

Bounty: 15000 gp.


Transporters Needed
A certain precious cargo of vital importance to the Blood War needs to be transported to a hidden location in Stygia. Several precautions will need to be taken at each step of the voyage, and no common portals may be used. Fees for transport will be generous.


- Incendius Frigidus


Convoy Investigation
The Effluvius Vintners of Ysgard have missed their last three shipments of wraith almonds. The problem appears to be in transportation. Track down whatever is disrupting delivery so smoked wines can once again flow from Ysgard.


Convoy Investigation
The Effluvius Vintners of Ysgard have missed their last three shipments of wraith almonds. The problem appears to be in transportation. Track down whatever is disrupting delivery so smoked wines can once again flow from Ysgard.


Seeking Upholders of Right and Goodness
The population of fallen celestials seems to have noticeably escalated in recent weeks. A group of bureaucrats and administrators from Elysium have discovered some trends that correlate to this problem that they feel are worth investigating.

[PId6]

Pharith

Pharith reads the bulletin entries to himself, occasionally mumbling aloud to himself as he reads. "Hmm, I like to travel. Exciting creatures? Sounds fun. Savage mental what? What's a balseloth? Nah... Merchant vessel, meh. New planet, too far. Ynarda-what scrolls? No idea what to do with planar stuff. Kelemvor, yech. Zeus? Never heard of him. Hmm, kidnapped princess..." Pharith finally turns back to his companions. "Do any of you have wands you don't need?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

Gorrel follows patiently. He tries to read the letter he is supposed to sign carefully, but things move too fast, too many things are being offered. By the time he is at the Assignment Board to read he starts to act uncomfortable. So much information and so little time and control. As he dislikes not being in control of his environment he, subconsciously, decides to divert his attention.

He starts to make sure his companions can read the board in peace, that nobody is in their way and starts to check his weapons for spots and rubs them clean. He glares at the board and starts mumble. "Security crew...I can do that. What about you guys? Upholders of right and goodness, what about that?". He looks at Lamech and apparently wants to say something, but remains silent. "I guess you guys pick something you think you are good at, and I will try to keep you from harm".

As he starts to feel he knows what to do again his face lightens and portrays two rows of sharp teeth as he smiles.

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael frowns, head tilting slightly to one side at the mention of "planar stuff". "You are aware that I'm a Planewalker... right?" He sighs slightly, waving a hand. "You guys pick. Just as long as it's something where we get to travel. That's why I joined the guild. I don't want to be cooped up in one place for too long..."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

Gorrel raises an eyebrow as he ponders on his companions' reactions.

"Let's get some system ito this. Nathanael wants to travel. I, and I am assuming Pharith as well, will want to be sure to not get into too murky business." He stands on his toes to look over the crowd. "Where is Lamech?"

"Hmm...what does that leave us with? I guess we are not the best suited team to track unknown people's whereabouts, so the 'wanteds' may not be our cup of tea, huh? The second and fourth there, he points at some assignments 'needed raisable interviewers' and the 'security crew' involve traveling and the unknown. 'Experimental potion'...nah...well, I guess we could help that person out? I like the one on the bottom too."

Does that narrow it down to a debateable amount? Gorrel peers at the others, hoping to have brought some order and direction to the conversation.

[PId6]

Pharith

"I guess we are Upholders of Right and Goodness..." he looks around the group, "...more or less, and that assignment does seem like it would involve travel. Well, assuming we don't have wands for sale..." he raises his eyebrows expectantly at the others, then sighs, "Since we don't have wands for sale, that seems to be our best bet. Any objections?"

[sum1won]

Lamech

Lamech, on hearing his name, hurries up from where he was elaborately tying the sash around his helm. Doing so without dropping his disguise was proving difficult.
He turned his head slowly at one of the phrases on the board. I can deal with hunting down some fallen... angels. I haven't done that for a long time. Mortals... are perhaps easier to deal with, though and healthier for my present state, yes? Perhaps the security crew would be better for now. An entirely new planet would be intriguing.

ooc: Sorry about the delay. I work 8-5, so sometimes i can't post until later in the day.

[afroakuma]

As you read the notices, a human accompanied by an elf, a golem and a minotaur are doing likewise. The human takes the Hashramstrottler wanted notice down.

[PId6]

Pharith

"Right and Goodness seems as right and good a choice as any," Pharith shrugged, and took the notice from the board. "Let's see where this leads us."

[afroakuma]

On the back of the listing, it requests that you contact Joybringer Pearl outside Majere's realm of Contemplation. No plane is listed.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

Gorrel has no idea what a joybringer is or where the realm of contemplation may be. "Fallen angels, well, that sounds far away, huh?" he says while nodding at Nathanael. "There is no fee mentioned, by the way. That is not a big problem for me because it sounds like we can solve a real problem here. In that case I would like to earn something the following mission...something shiny."

[PId6]

Pharith

Pharith reads the contact information and looks puzzled, "Majere's Realm of Contemplation? Never heard of it. And sounds like a rather boring plane too, but we'll see when we get there. Any of you know more about it?"

Knowledge: Religion or Arcana anyone?

[afroakuma]

Knowledge: Religion or Arcana anyone?

Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

[sum1won]

Lamech

I believe I may remember hearing something of that plane in my own travels. Or perhaps it was in a book I read once? It is difficult to recall.

[roll0] Knowledge Religion

[PId6]

Pharith

"Nathanael, since you're a Planewalker, perhaps you know something about this plane? Any idea how to get there?"

[afroakuma]

...since Lamech read the worst book ever. :smalltongue:

Or someone mummified his memory, too.

Don't feel bad, though. I sent Pink Party to find a moving street. :smallamused:

[sum1won]

Lamech continues, ploddingly. Being stored in a cave for several thousand years is terrible for anyone's memory, and he passes his hand over his face as he labors to dredge up anything useful.

Ah, yes. I believe the name has something to do with a vegetable or herb used in cooking.

ooc: It really does, to be honest. In a jillion or so degrees of separation, anyways. I can't even remember what book that snippet is from.

[PId6]

ooc: It really does, to be honest. In a jillion or so degrees of separation, anyways. I can't even remember what book that snippet is from.
I remember reading that in one of the Dragonlance books, I think Test of the Twins. I'll have to look it up.

[afroakuma]

I see that we're catching on out-of-character. :smallamused:

[PId6]

Marjoram

Oh, can we use the alternate cosmology where Raistlin won and became overgod? I prefer that one.

And where's our planewalker?

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

"Fallen celestials on the plane of ... vegetables?" Gorrel looks a bit surprised. He then looks at Nathanael in hope of an explanation.



Ok, the celestials tripped, hit their head and entered a coma. We should bring a priest :smallsmile:

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael

The planeswalker just looks confused for a moment, as he wracks his brains to make sense of all these things his companions are asking him. "I am not a mimir..."

Knowledge: the Planes! [roll0]

[afroakuma]

Nathanael
Though not a mimir, you do recall that some celestials on the plane of Elysium were referred to as Joybringers. :smallwink:

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael stretches a little bit. "So... if we're doing this 'Joybringers' thing, we're probably heading to Elysium." He hmms. "Good. It's been a while since I went there. It's nice."

[PId6]

Pharith

"Hmm, Elysium, I've always wanted to visit there. They told me so much about it..." A reminiscent look came over Pharith, but he quickly shook it off and resumed his professional tone again. "Anyway, how do we get there? I assume there's probably a portal for that, this being the City of Doors, but I couldn't find my way around this place if my coinpurse depended on it, as it does now. So, any ideas?"

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael peers at Pharith for a few more moments. "...Make your preparations. I have a way to get there. Meet me outside the guild hall in an hour, okay?"

[PId6]

Pharith

"Erm, okay," Pharith said, a little stunned by how fast that went. "Well, I've an hour to kill. Let's see... archery range or tavern?"

[afroakuma]

A stout guild proctor passes by and overhears Pharith and Nathanael. He stumps over.

"If you need to get somewhere via portal, the guild offers a variety of convenient portals and keys at good rates. We also have contacts throughout Sigil who can find you the most precise transport. Consider it."

With a greedy little smile he waddles off.

[Yuki Akuma]

Nathanael shrugs his shoulders. "I can step between planes at will with the power of my mind. Why would I possibly want to spend money for someone to help me do it the hard way?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

"Elysium..." Gorrel follows the conversation Pharith and Nathanael have with a wondering look in his eyes. "I didn't know people like us were even allowed there.....In my mind, it was always a place only those deserving it get to visit....I am probably mixing things up."

"One hour? Okay, I have nothing to do. I can do a bit of tavern."
Gorrel smiles.

[afroakuma]

Nathanael
Unless I'm mistaken, don't you have to manifest astral traveler on each other party member before even starting out with astral caravan? Won't this take, like, four hours?

[Yuki Akuma]

...You're right. I'm not sure how I missed that. Um. Not sure how to salvage this now. >.>

[afroakuma]

Guild psionicists? :smallwink:

There's a reason they think they can get away with charging you. It's cause they can. :smallamused:

[Yuki Akuma]

Psh! Nah. I'll just say the hour is for preparing and stuff, and then spend four hours manifesting Astral Traveller or whatever. :P

[afroakuma]

Ball's kind of in your court, guys. Do we want to play the hour or just timeskip to when you're all ready to go?

[PId6]

Pharith

Having little else to do and not familiar with his surroundings, Pharith finds a place to sit and rest his wings until the agreed-upon time.

*pressing fast-forward button*

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

Gorrel decides to have a small strawl through main hall of the guildhouse, glancing at all the shops and offices before he goes and joins Pharith.

FF!

[afroakuma]

Well, we've fast-forwarded.

You gather back after the requested time, only to wait yet again as Nathanael spends a further few hours linking you hand-to-hand and placing some kind of mental imprint upon you. When all is done, you are finally ready to set out.

[afroakuma]

Without further ado, Nathanael concentrates. As you maintain your linked hands, the city begins to ripple and sway, filling with a silvery light as it fades like fog clouds. The cloudy remnants of the city roll off behind you, revealing your location to be inside the twinkling, silvery void of the Astral Plane.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Gorrel

This place creeps me out...do we have to keep holding hands? I guess so...What if someone..thing attacks us? Where are we going anyway?

Gorrel looks somewhat distressed and uncertain as he eyes Nathanael. Let's get this over with, eh? Lamech, mind keeping an eye on our backs? I'll mind the front. Whereto, Nathanael?