Random Banter Friends [3.5]

[ZombyWoof]

It is around noon on the 7th day of Kaythorn, and for the various reasons that follow you like footsteps as you go about your daily business you find yourselves outside of a tavern. "The Pregnant Mare," the sign reads for those of you will the skill to distinguish letters in Illuskan, and for the rest there is simply the symbol of a horse and a tankard of ale... and the glowing rumors of the fine quality of its bread and entertainment. From the inside of the tavern you hear an enchanting music that seems calling, beaconing to you to enter...


Cast:

Blue Ghost as Blue (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=294565)
Eruantion as Harrenden (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=294587)
Eaglex16 as Kieran (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=294861)
LaZodiac as Aya Zoe (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=294940)
Strawberries as Taja Backlog (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=294893)
Zaydos as Aujir (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=294858)
Ranger Mattos as Mathlon (http://www.coyotecode.net/profiler/view.php?id=10733)


Out of Character Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10912723#post10912723)
Recruitment Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10912714#post10912714)

Date: 7th of Kaythorn
Time: 12:00 pm

[ZombyWoof]

Man I hate the dice system sometimes. DM ONLY! NO PEEKING!

Will Saves:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

Preform Check:
[roll7]

[LaZodiac]

Ok, lets see. Hope I'm doing this right...

I enter the inn, an air of seriousness around me. I go to the barman. "Afternoon, friend. Have you a place for one of the cloth? I wish to stay a while, before I'm off to find a shrine."

[EagleX16]

Kieran wanders the street, guided by the same sense that had led him so many other places. Today, he was taken to yet another tavern in yet another city. But today felt different. He didn't know why.
Barkeep. White wine please.

[Zaydos]

Weary from the trek north across the Sword Coast, Aujir is more than pleased to see a tavern, he walks in his wide-brimmed hat in his hand. He approaches the bar and sitting down by it looks towards the barkeep, A dark ale, good sir. Travel has parched my throat, and worn my feet thin.

[ZombyWoof]

Oh as you check in do you think I could get initiative rolls? I need to know who gets to the door of the tavern first... also you won't be making it inside :smallwink: At least not quite yet.

[Zaydos]

Rolls
Initiative: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1] +3 more if in bright light
Listen: [roll2]
Familiar
Spot: [roll3]
Listen: [roll4]

[LaZodiac]

Initiatve woo

[roll0]

[Eruantion]

I walk in to the bar and hoist myself up onto the barstool, which is nearly as tall as I am. "You know, you should make these a bit lower, for us smaller folk," I suggest helpfully.

Initiative Roll
[roll0]

[Ranger Mattos]

Mathlon walks into the tavern, listening intently for the sound of the music.

Initiative: [roll0]

[EagleX16]

[roll0]

Kieran looks around at the people around him. The old paranoia of strangers began to kick in.

[Blue Ghost]

The blue-robed wizard smiles as he enters the tavern. Somehow, he has a good feeling about today.


Initiative: [roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

As Aujir steps forward to enter the tavern, the music suddenly stops. Immediately, he finds that the doors swing wide open and out comes flying a medium sized man!


Aujir, could you roll a reflex save and a strength check please?

DM Only:

[roll0]



The rest of you can only stand and gawk from the outside of the tavern, amazed at this... incident.


Spot checks please! EDIT: Except for Zaydos.

[ZombyWoof]

DM only (mumble grumble)

[roll0]

[LaZodiac]

Spot check, as requested.

[roll0]

[Blue Ghost]

The wizard peers into the building, trying to catch a glimpse of what's going on. Not that he expects to be able to see anything.


Spot check: [roll0]
(Would have taken the Inattentive flaw if I could. Would fit me very well.)

[Eruantion]

I jump back from the door, surprised at this sudden projectile.

Spot Check:
[roll0]

[Zaydos]

Aujir tries to twist out of the way.

Rolls
Reflex: [roll0]
Strength: [roll1]

[ZombyWoof]

Amazingly you manage to slide to the side just in time: the man in armor goes a small ways past you and lands face-first on the deck in front of the tavern.

Zaydos Only:

Ok. You don't recognize the symbol.
http://www.wpclipart.com/signs_symbol/stars/stars_2/many_pointed_star.png
This is; however, the image though it is very faded and it is only because of the bright light, your familiar's skill, and your close proximity that you were able to see it.

You can't think of anything it would be connected to, the closest you can think of is http://www.clker.com/cliparts/7/d/b/0/1206581163640552416Anonymous_compass_rose_2.svg.me d.png this symbol for the Master Mariner's Guild, a guild of merchant marines based in Waterdeep. You vaguely remember them since they're so prominent along the Sword Coast, virtually every succesfull merchant who dares go along the waterways is a member of this group.

[LaZodiac]

I reach down and help the guy up. "Afternoon sir. Pray tell, what's going on in there?"

[ZombyWoof]

The man brushes himself off and stands up, pushing your hands off of him. "How dare you put your hands on me!" he snarls. "Don't you know who I am? Well we'll teach you some respect, whelp!

[Blue Ghost]

Seeing the commotion, the blue-robed wizard walks over calmly, standing by Zoe's side. He smiles amiably at the girl and at the man on the floor, but doesn't say anything yet.

[LaZodiac]

"Hold your tongue, sir. I want only to assit, not garner your wrath." I reply, geniualy shocked he'd be so rude.

[EagleX16]

Damn idiot I pull my longsword a little from its sheath, ready for just about anything to happen.

[ZombyWoof]

As you respond to him, 5 human men exit the bar. Two of them level crossbows at Aye and two of them draw swords. A half-orc wearing nothing but brown robes steps out and roughly says, "Hold your men." At a gesture from the third human, the other two lower their swords and crossbows, though they keep them at hand. The half-orc turns to the man you helped up and growls something in Orcish.

For those of you who know Orcish:

What shall we do about them Master?

[Ranger Mattos]

Spot: [roll0]

Malthos quietly walks up to the others. He doesn't recognize the man any more than Zoe does, but keeps his mouth shut for now.

[LaZodiac]

If possible, I'd like to use Detect Evil on the guy and his half orc friend here. While doing so, I ask "What's all the commotion? I wish no trouble, just to help your friend up, and to go in for some drinks"

[EagleX16]

Kieran stands off to the side a little, watching the scene unfold before him. His own sword is mere inches away from leaving the sheath. Sword number two he has in grip, but hasn't pulled yet. He's on his toes.

[ZombyWoof]

For Zodiac:

You detect no evil auras.

[Eruantion]

I back away from the conflict before me, hand lingering over the hilt of my sword, should the need arise that I use it.

[EagleX16]

Kieran shuffles forward a bit to get a better look at the man who had been on the ground. He's been around Waterdeep before and knows a little bit about the goings-on here. Maybe he recognizes the man
knowledge(local) roll [roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

@Eagle:

OMG It's the (thought to be deceased and ex-lord of the city) Traitor KERRIGAN! (http://forgottenrealms.wikia.com/wiki/Kerrigan)

Wait... but why's he wearing armor? Kerrigan is a wizard! *shrug.*

[Zaydos]

Aujir steps back away from the conflict, and says, There's no need for violence here. A peaceful solution is almost always the best solution.

[LaZodiac]

Since they do not answer my question, I shrug and turn to walk away.

[ZombyWoof]

Um we're about to enter combat, I'm waiting for Strawberries to check in.

[LaZodiac]

Ok, sorry, I didn't know that.

[Strawberries]

Taja had wandered in the city of Waterdeep for no better reason that she had never seen it, and had heard only great tales about it, and had approached the inn for no better reason than wanting a drink. She stops short from entering when the man comes flying past the door, but doesn't walk away, instead looking at the scene with an interested expression. A black and white cat is close to her feet.

[roll0]

Uhm...what else do I have to roll?

[ZombyWoof]

"Teach them all a lesson," the man Aye tried to help up growls as he walks off to the side. At a signal, the men attack!


Spot, my dear aggregate accessory fruit!

DM only:

Thieves: [roll0]
Thugs : [roll1]
Lt. Guy: [roll2]
Zhorg : [roll3]


Next post will contain the initiative order and the map.

[ZombyWoof]

Map: (be advised image is VERY large)

http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp116/superglucose/Map2.png


Locations and Initiative Order (updated as round progresses, bolded person is acting):

Aujir N-14
Taja
Kieran
Thug1 N-11
Thug2 N-15
Harranden
Half-Orc M-13
Mathlon
Aya N-11
Blue
Lt. Guy M-14
Thief1 M-11
Thief2 M-15
DefenestratedGuy M-17

If I don't have a position marked for you that means you need to pick a position. On the map.

EDIT: If one of you has the time and skill to add units to this map, feel free :smallbiggrin: I'm not very good with GIMP. Or if you know of a program I can use that would be awesome too :smallbiggrin:

[LaZodiac]

I'mma cartographer, I'll do it. Won't post the map untill the other people confirm where they are on the map though. Easier that way. Probably.

EDIT: Here is your map. Warning, big probably.



http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1912/battlemap.png

People not on the map still need to be placed.

Protip: BlueMage, Mattos, if you have the information to join my hamachi and Maptools server, you can go there to look at the map better. Hint Hint.

[Zaydos]

Aujir quickly steps back away from the conflict, muttering words of power as his fingers fly out in arcane gestures. Even as he sees the effects of his spell he empathically urges his familiar to move forward and attack.

Free: 5-ft step back to O-13
Standard: Cast Sleep centered on the intersection of squares M-14, M-15, N-14, and N-15. That should mean it covers squares M 13-16, N 13-16, L 14-15 (although line of effect to some of these squares may be blocked; there's a wall between it and 15 which should block it and I'm not sure about the door), and O 14-15. Will Save DC 14.

Dyx (hawk familiar):
Move: move from back to P-13, turn 45, move to Q-12, turn 45 degrees, move to Q-11, turn 45 degrees, move to P-10, turn 45 degrees, move to O-10, move to N-10. This uses half of its maximum fly speed in forward movement, which is also the minimum required to keep it from crashing.
Standard: Talons [roll0]; damage on a hit [roll1].

Hope I did everything in a satisfactory manner.

[Ranger Mattos]

Mathlon stands at P11.

[LaZodiac]

Zaydos, N-10 is currently in use. As such, I'm going to put him on N-9 because that puts him where you probably intended to put him anyway. Oh, and just so you know, your attacking Thug 1. So now you know what the Thug sprites are, hooray.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9442/battlemapo.png

Taja's(Strawberries') turn.

[Blue Ghost]

Blue sighs to Zoe. What is this, a senseless barroom brawl? Let's try to take care of these guys without too much bloodshed. And I have just the right spell to do it.

(Currently at O-11.)

[Zaydos]

Zaydos, N-10 is currently in use. As such, I'm going to put him on N-9 because that puts him where you probably intended to put him anyway.

Hawks are tiny sized and therefore can share spaces with Medium-sized creatures, and can only attack creatures occupying the same space as they are. It's one of those funny things that you don't encounter unless you're the DM or use familiars.

[LaZodiac]

Ah, right. Forgot that Zaydos, because familiars aren't used for attacking in 4e.

Also, thanks Blue Ghost, it has been notified.Not going to update the map just forthat though. Next move I will though.

[ZombyWoof]

Sleep is a 1round cast, so it'll come into play next round


As a free action the Half-Orc responds to your casting of a spell and growls, "Caster!"

Strawberries, you're up!

EDIT: Kieran, you may go after her as well.

[EagleX16]

I am in M10. I take one look at the weapons in hostile hands and start to swing at Thief 1. Things just got serious.
[roll0] for longsword. If hit [roll1]. Shortsword[roll2] If hit [roll3] for damage

OOC: ah dammit. sorry I jumped the gun on that. Nobody had gone in a while and I just sorta....did. I apologize. Go ahead with any action that's supposed to be before me and then do mine. I feel like an idiot now:P

[LaZodiac]

OOC: It's ok, your turn is right after Strawberries, who is up next. She's in the EU from my understanding, so we can give her some leeway.

[Strawberries]

((OOC: Italy, actually. Sorry, but I don't post from work, and I just got back home. This is a crazy week.))

Taja hangs back, uncertain ((O13)), but as the men attack she quickly moves her hands, casting a spell at the one nearet to her.

Casting flare (Save dc 13), on the bandit at N15.

[Eruantion]

((OOC: Just thought it might be useful to know I'm standing at O-15))

[ZombyWoof]

DM Only:

Will Save: [roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

Eagle, if you could do me a favor and confirm the crit on that I'd be much obliged. I need to know if he's downed or dead :smallwink:

After a brilliant flash of light hits the thug's face, he, unphased, turns to attack the sorcerer casting sleep standing right next to him!

Attack : [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Confirm : [roll2]
If Crit : [roll3]

[EagleX16]

Crit roll [roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

Seeing the casting Aujir swiftly and easily avoid the attack, Thug2 hops down off the railing and runs into a flanking position with his buddy. Aya Zoe takes the opportunity to swing at the man running past her, as does Mathlon!

DM Only:

If not downed by the attacks of opportunity...
Attack : [roll0]
Damage : [roll1]
Confirm : [roll2]
If Crit : [roll3]

[ZombyWoof]

Sorry, sorry, y'all are flatfooted, no AoOs.

I need Aujir to make a DC 14 Concentration check or lose the spell.

The surprisingly nimble thug hups down and moves around easily, delivering a nice long slash across Aujir's back! Meanwhile, Kieran's first blade is easily dodged by the thief he is fighting... but his dodge finds him directly in the path of the shortsword stroke that followed. Kieran impales the man's stomach and runs him throw, dropping him to the ground... bleeding profusely but still breathing.

(It is now Harranden's turn)

[Eruantion]

Surprised at the thug's agility and aggression, I draw my sword and thrust as he leaps over the rail.

[roll0]. If hit, [roll1]

[ZombyWoof]

You don't get an attack of opportunity since he's already long gone and you were flatfooted.

[Eruantion]

Ah, dang. I was a bit confused by that.
I move twenty feet back and draw my bow.

((OOC: I can do that, right?))

[ZombyWoof]

Sure thing! Just tell me what square you wanna be in so I can have Mistress Cartographer LaZodiac put you on :smallwink:


EDIT: And yeah, the AOO thing was my bad. I forgot y'all were flatfooted.

[ZombyWoof]

The half-orc growls as he notices the second caster. Taking a five foot step to the side he starts grabbing at Taja, hoping to pull her onto the porch.

DM Only:

Flurried grapple attempts:

Attack : [roll0]
Grapple: [roll1]

Attack : [roll2]
Grapple: [roll3]

[ZombyWoof]

The half-orc succeeds on grabbing Taja up onto the porch and pins her, covering her mouth with his hands.

[ZombyWoof]

And I forgot the attack of opportunity on Harandan from the thug.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

Confirm:[roll2]
Crit: [roll3]

[LaZodiac]

Ok, I do the equivilent of shifting in 3.5e (just moving one square) down to N-12, and I yell at the stupid half orc dude "Get your hands off her!" and I attack him with a Smite Evil Power Attack with my battleaxe.

Roll
Roll assumes he is evil. If not, take off 3 to attack.
[roll0]

Assuming I hit, I inflict..
[roll1]

Updated Map
http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/1912/battlemap.png

Blue, it is your turn.

[Blue Ghost]

Sorry about this, folks.
The wizard focuses arcane energy in his staff, sending forth a burst of multicolored light into the crowd of thugs.

(Move and cast color spray. If Zoe successfully took out the dude at N13, move to N13 and catch the dudes at N14, M15, and M16 in the cone. Otherwise, move to O12 and catch N13, N14, and M15. Leaving the saves and effects to DM.)

[ZombyWoof]

The half-orc grunts from being hit by Zoe's axe, though he does not loosen his grip.

I'll need a will save from Taja.


DM only:

Will Save Half-Orc: [roll0]
Will Save Thug : [roll1]

[ZombyWoof]

However thanks to the brilliant blast from Blue, the half-orc falls unconscious as does the thug that was flanking Aujir. They both crumble to the ground!

The lieutenant; however, steps forward to hit Taja Blacklog as she is on the ground after being wrestled by the half orc!

Attack : +4 if also unconscious
Damage: [roll1]
Confirm : [roll2] +4 if also unconscious
Damage: [roll3]


The thief's action is going to be based on whether or not Taja passes her save. If Taja succeeds, he shoots at Aujir. Otherwise he shoots at Taja.

If Taja saves:
Attack : [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
Confirm : [roll6]
Crit : [roll7]


If Taja fails:
Attack : [roll8]
Damage: [roll]1d6+1d8
Confirm: [roll9]
Crit : [roll10]


Meanwhile, Thief2 bleeds after that savage blow.

Stabilization: [roll11] (91-100 stabilizes)

[ZombyWoof]

EDIT: It doesn't matter if she saved or not.

Taja takes a massive blow from the man above her, a strong slash cutting open her neck a bit. She crumbles, unmoving after the blow. Meanwhile the remaining crossbowman takes a shot at Aujir, missing wildly.

We're back at the top! Aujir, if you pass your dc 14 concentration check you may place your Sleep spell now.

[Zaydos]

Concentration [roll0]

I'm honestly trying to figure out who is still conscious before I place it.

Edit: Guess that didn't matter. Is there a place I can 5-ft step to not be threatened by enemies?

[LaZodiac]

Zaydos, Thug 2 Thief 2 Halforc and and Taja are unconcious. Will post map after next person's turn, probably.

[Zaydos]

Will hold my action till my familiar can take a total defense action and move back to me landing on my shoulder (using 15 spaces to move up to M-8 then to M-7 then to N-6 and looping back to me). I will then take a 5-ft step away from enemies (N-15?) and cast Mage Armor sharing it with my familiar.

If I can't move out of being adjacent to enemies I'll attempt to cast on the defensive [roll0].

[ZombyWoof]

Zodi can you post the map now so Zay can see what he needs to do?

[LaZodiac]

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/5956/battlemaps.png

There is your map by the way.

[Zaydos]

I will then take a 5-ft step to O-13 and take a total defense action to gain +4 to AC.
My familiar will take a total defense action and move back to me landing on my shoulder (using 14 spaces to move up to M-8 then to M-7 then to N-6 and looping back to me).

[ZombyWoof]

Kieran is up!

[Strawberries]

Uhm... am I dead? And do you still need some roll from me?

[ZombyWoof]

You are unconscious at -4 can you roll d% to stabilize please?

[EagleX16]

After watching Aujir, his impromptu comrade, fall to the ground, Kieran turns to the other thief standing by him. With a yell he swings again, hoping to cut a swathe towards Aujir.

Still in M10(unless the thief has moved. Then I'm following him to wherever he went.) Longsword [roll0] If hit damage[roll1]. Shortsword [roll2] If hit damage[roll3]

[ZombyWoof]

Actually that thief is down, the thief with the red X over it is still up. LaZodiac messed up :smalltongue:

[LaZodiac]

Yha, sorry about that.

[Strawberries]

[roll0] (stabilizes at 1-10)

[Eruantion]

I draw an arrow and fire at the thug next to Aujir (P-14).


[roll0] If hit, [roll1]

[Ranger Mattos]

My turn seems to have been skipped...

Who is still up that I can shoot at?

[ZombyWoof]

Actually moving and drawing your bow is your turn. Next level you'll be able to move and draw in the same action :smallwink:


The remaining thug drops his sword and shield and runs away, muttering something about not being paid enough for this crap.

[Ranger Mattos]

You can draw a weapon as a free action while moving if you have a BAB of 1. Which, as a ranger, I do.

[ZombyWoof]

I *thought* you were a ranger... :smallredface: Must have looked at someone else's sheet. You can go ahead and take an extra shot at the guy who's still here, the Lieutenant. I apologize profusely!

[Ranger Mattos]

OOC: Eh, don't worry about it.

Mathlon carefully aims at the Lieutenant before shooting.

[roll0]
damage: [roll1]

[ZombyWoof]

THUNK! The arrow plants directly in the man's chest, and he lets out an audible "UGH."

[LaZodiac]

I move down to M-13 and I'm going attack the Lt with power attack.

Attack!
[roll0]

Damage!
[roll1]

Lets hope I hit.

[Eruantion]

I take aim at the lieutenant and send an arrow whistling towards him.


[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[EagleX16]

If he still happens to be alive I run up and take a slice at the Lt.

[roll0] if hit[roll1]
[roll2] if hit [roll3]

[EagleX16]

Checking Crit for shortsword [roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

The Lt. drops at the first blow.

[EagleX16]

((OOC: who does that even leave left to fight? Or is that everyone?)) Kieran, satisfied that he killed the man, turns, looking for anyone else that could cause harm to his newly acquired comrades.

[ZombyWoof]

Left conscious (one of the thugs and the half-orc were blinded by the force of Blue's spell) is the man who was thrown out of the bar. He is still standing in the corner and while he has yet to act he does appear to have grown less... emotive... as the battle goes on.

I believe it is Blue's turn.

[Blue Ghost]

The wizard draws his crossbow and loads a bolt, training it on the man. Although you and your men attacked an innocent traveler for no reason, we mean you no harm. Are you going to surrender?

(Draw crossbow and load it. That's all.)

[Eruantion]

I move up next to Aujir with my bow still out and glance worriedly at Taja. "Um, I don't know how important this is to any of you... but she's bleeding pretty heavily."

[ZombyWoof]

The man draws his sword and advances on you. "I suppose if you need a job done right, you'll have to do it yourselves, eh? I'll teach you to insult the guild!" As he advances upon you the doors suddenly swing open and a tall man with long brown hair holding a lute. He says in a silky voice, I don't think you should inflict yourseful upon these people. Then he smiles at you. Collect the spoils of your battle. I am sure they have something in their pockets. Oh, and one more thing!

DM Only:

[roll0]


There is a flash of light and you find yourself fully healed. Come inside if you wish for a job offer. I am sure the guards can see to clearing up this mess.

[EagleX16]

Kieran breathes a sigh of relief and sheaths his blades. He bends down to his most recent victim, the Lt., and rummages through his pockets, looking for anything of value.

Search Check [roll0]

[Eruantion]

I replace my bow and check to make sure Taja gets to her feet. "It's a good thing he showed up," I tell her. "I wasn't sure if you were going to make it."

[Strawberries]

The woman with the cat slowly gets up, looking around to see if the battle is over. "What happened?"

[ZombyWoof]

You were attacked by a man and his henches claiming to be a new thieve's guild in our great city. It's not very rare for upstarts like him to come around... though it is rare for them to be as succesful as he has been, at least so far. Then the man turns into the bar and says, I have one last song to preform. If you would be so kind, after you are finished gathering their coin and weapons (just recompense, I feel, for their assault), to come inside and see me about a job?

DM Only:

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]


EDIT: Those of you who have ranks in Spellcraft may attempt 2 spellcraft checks. Either way, I'll post the loot in the OOC thread. If anyone would like to roll search checks to see if they get to the loot, *ahem* faster, feel free :smallwink:

[Blue Ghost]

Blue nods toward the man, grinning from ear to ear. Thank you, sir! I hate to think what would have happened if you hadn't gotten to us in time. Though I don't know if it's right to leave those guys here, thugs they may be...

Spellcraft checks!
First one: [roll0]
Second: [roll1]

[Strawberries]

"A job, eh? What sort?"

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Zaydos]

I agree, would it not be best to take these thugs to the proper authorities?

Spellcraft:
[roll0]
[roll1]

[ZombyWoof]

The authorities will be here in time.

[Eruantion]

I rifle through the nearest thief's pockets. "A job? I might be interested."

Search Check
[roll0]

[EagleX16]

Count me in. Money's always nice.

((OOC: I guess I'll take my share of money from the loot. But I'm set on weapons. Let someone who really needs it take that longbow.))

[Ranger Mattos]

"Well, for me, at least, it would depend on the nature of the job in question," Mathlon says. He does not stop to rummage through the thugs' pockets.

[Zaydos]

We might as well take their weapons, they won't be needing them and would only put them to ill-use, Aujir says.

[ZombyWoof]

As you guys walk into the bar, you notice that the tables around are full up (all of the Ls on the map are chairs) but the bar in conspicuously empty. As the man who intervened picks up his lute to play, an odd hush falls over the crowd. He begins playing his tune.

I need will saves.

EDIT: btw at least one of you is picking up the weapons.

[EagleX16]

rolling will save [roll0]

[Blue Ghost]

Blue listens with rapt attention to the man's song.

Will save:

[roll0]

[Zaydos]

Aujir's
[roll0], +2 if it's a sleep or paralysis effect.

Dyx's
[roll1]

[LaZodiac]

OOC: I'll pick up all the heavy ****, apparently I'm good at this.

I walk into the bar, suitably bothered by the whole mess. Rolling my Will Save, and specificly going to Strawberries's character and asking if she's alright.

[roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

Anyone who doesn't get a natural 20 is fascinated by the bard's song. After it's over there is tremendous applause as the bard swings by the bar (which had the only empty seats) and looks at you seven. So, he says turning to Aujir. I take it you are the leader of this merry band, perhaps? I have a job for you, if you are interested.

[LaZodiac]

I take this time to use Detect Evil on him again. Can never be to sure.

EDIT: Specificly, I want to determine if he or his instrument are evil. That song unerves me.

[Zaydos]

I'm sorry but I think you're mistaken. I am unable to speak for the others here, as we had never met before the altercation outside, and I could not be counted their leader. I will, however, listen to your proposition.

[Strawberries]

[roll0]

"Yes, yes. I'm alright" the sorceress answers Aya "Blasted country, tho, if you can't even drink a beer without being attacked, I'm Taja, by the way." She points to the cat, who sits smugly licking his paws "This is Wiskey."

She laughs as Aujir is indicated as leader "I'm afraid I've never seen him in my life. But hells, I'm listening."

[LaZodiac]

"I must admit, I'm new to this country as well" I laugh, and turn back to my drink. I also continue to use Detect Evil, though I mention this mostly as a reminder.

[ZombyWoof]

Actually you love that song. But your detect evil does not reveal him to be evil at all. I am in need of couriers to deliver a small platinum... ingot. It is located at the shop of Melvin the Wizard in the Docks ward. I will pay you handsomly for its swift return!

[Zaydos]

Will we be given some sign, or token, to show this wizard so that he knows we are the proper couriers? Aujir asks cautiously.

[ZombyWoof]

Ah, yes... he pulls out a scroll and reads from it, and a mark appears on the back of your hand. It is a highly styalized letter "M."He will know that as me.

[Zaydos]

So we travel across town to the docks, meet this Melvin, get the platinum 'ingot' and return. Surely there is something that complicates matters? If we are to perform this duty, would it not be best to tell us what dangers might assail us during it's completion?

[ZombyWoof]

The bard shrugs at you. That's about it. You are headed to the dock district. There are thieves there who might find themselves enamored of a platinum ingot and attempt to steal it. It's fairly typical to hire guards when transporting a valuable object. He smiles at Taja, flashing her a toothy grin, before turning back to you. I think you've read too many stories, my friend. Not every ingot is a magical McGuffin which holds the key to the lordship of the city! Sometimes a staff of some value is just a staff of some value.

He then pulls out his bag and, with a wave of his hand, separates the gold into seven equal piles of 50gp each. If you will partake of this for me, you will receive 50 gold now, and 50 gold on the safe delivery of my platinum.

[EagleX16]

Money is on the table. Kieran takes one look at it and decides.
"So the docks are where?"

[Ranger Mattos]

"I would be willing to help, although I'm not sure about the others," Mathlon says after listening quietly.

Will - [roll0]

[Eruantion]

"I'll be willing to help. There's no catch, though? I don't wish to accuse you, but I also don't want to be caught with stolen goods."

Will Save: [roll0]

[Strawberries]

Taja laughs "Now, then, if there was a catch, do you think he'd come tell it to us?" She eyes the money with detachment, as she seems much more interested to the man and the other people in the group. "I may go. May. I had nothing better to do, anyway" she answers.

[Eruantion]

"He seems like an honest guy," I reply, "He'd tell us if there was anything that would hinder us." I sit on a barstool and glance at the M on the back of Aujir's hand. "Judging by that mark, though, it seems he may have predicted our cooperation."

((OOC: @v Fixed ))

[ZombyWoof]

the mark is only on aujir.
That mark is easy enough to remove. But I do appear to have found myself a happy band! Now if you don't mind, my actual band appears to be tired in the light of our noon performance and we're up again at four! The man heads back to the stage and gathers a couple of people milling by it. They exit through the back alley without another word to you.

[LaZodiac]

"If anything, he predicted his cooperation. Anyway, so long as his goal is just, I shall accompany you" I respond, having already taken the gold meant for me.

[Blue Ghost]

Blue nods. I have nothing else to do at the moment, anyway, and this would be a good opportunity for me to make some acquaintances here in Waterdeep. I will accept the task. When shall we set out?

[EagleX16]

"As long as there's profit and a chance I might get to hurt some baddies, I could care less when we left." Kieran picks up the coins and turns to the others. "I guess I haven't properly introduced myself. I'm Kieran, from Nesme."

[Blue Ghost]

Blue smiles and shakes Kieran's hand. I was formerly an apprentice at the Hosttower of the Arcane. My friends call me Blue.

[Eruantion]

"If the gentleman seems so ready to group us, I suppose I shouldn't be against our allegiance," I turn to look at the rest of the group. "I'm Harrenden, from Esmeltaran."

[Zaydos]

Aujir takes his gold hesitantly, a bad feeling still in his guy. I am Aujir, a sorcerer from the lands south of here, north of the river Chionthar. His hand moves to the hawk on his shoulder, And this is Dyx my friend and faithful companion. If we are to perform this duty let us perform it speedily. The sooner it is over the better.

[LaZodiac]

"Then let us be going, then. I am Aya Zoe, of Moradin." and I start to exit the building.

[EagleX16]

Kieran follows. "Wait, a human that follows Moradin? What did I miss here?"

[LaZodiac]

"I was raised by Dwarves. Orphaned at a young age. Simple, really"

[Blue Ghost]

I once knew an elf that followed Moradin. Never hung around to hear the whole story, but it's a noble aspiration. He sighs. Perhaps he will come to bring a lasting peace between the elves and dwarves.

[Eruantion]

I snatch up my gold and hop off the stool, hoping not to be left behind by my taller acquaintances.

[Ranger Mattos]

"I am Mathlon," the quiet elf says to the others. "Charmed to meet you." He shakes the hand of everyone who offers.

No, you don't get to know where he's from. Shrouded in mystery and all that.

[LaZodiac]

"I to hope for a peace. Though I fear it may never come. So long as there are Drow. At any rate, greetings Mathlon." and I shake your hand.

DM Only
I also use detect evil on any elves, though I think Mathlon is the only one.

[ZombyWoof]

I'm going to assume you all move on together.

As you guys enter the dock district you notice that the town houses of the merchant quarter give way to apartment complexes and boarding houses which appear shabbier and shabbier, until you get to the ACTUAL dock district which seems to consist of warehouses, halfwayhouses, and whorehouses in approximately that order of frequency.

Finding the shop of Melvin is a bit rough but eventually you find it, but when you push on the door you hear a horrible "creeeeeaaaaaaak" as the rusty hinges complain. Behind the counter at the far end you see the tip of a very pointy and red hat move very rapidly from a back room to the counter, and an extremely gaunt and silly looking gnome hops into view, obviously standing on a footstool.

"Well hello there," he says in a poindexter voice. "I'm Melvin, and this is my shop. Is there something I can do you for?"

[Strawberries]

"Hello" Taja answers, genially enough "We have been sent for a...ah, delivery. ". She gestures at Aujir, inviting him or any of the others to elaborate.

[Zaydos]

We have been sent to pick up a platinum "ingot" Aujir says, We have been given this, he raises his marked hand, As a sign that we are the authorized couriers.

[ZombyWoof]

Ah, yes, right this way. Melvin leads you to the corner of his shop and to a small chest. He opens it up and then gasps. It's been stolen!

[Eruantion]

"Stolen?" I ask, "Melvin, how long have you had the ingot with you?"

[ZombyWoof]

Since last evening. I sent a Sending immediately to Maiq and he said he would send someone by to pick it up today.

[Eruantion]

"Has anyone been in here near that box, other than you?" I feel a sense of mistrust towards the gnome.

Sense Motive Check: [roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

Clearly. The gnome says, impatient and annoyed. I have no idea who!

DM Only:

[roll0]

Eruantion only:

He appears to be telling the truth.

[EagleX16]

Kieran pinches the bridge of his nose and tilts his head down. "Ugh. Great. Something simple just got complicated. Wonderful. Is nothing easy anymore?"

Throwing a sense motive check out as well. Something sparks me as odd about this entire situation. [roll0]

EDIT:....I think my guy's an idiot. I really do. He probably thinks he himself swallowed it now.

[LaZodiac]

"Who could want to steal a simple ingot of silver? Unless it's not simple, I take it." I ask.

[Eruantion]

"No offense, but it is platinum," I politely correct Aya. "And this isn't exactly a wealthy district," I whisper, to avoid offending Melvin.

[Blue Ghost]

Blue remains quiet, though he does appear concerned.


Sense Motive check: [roll0]

[LaZodiac]

OOC: Yha, my bad, I forgot XP

"I know it's a down trodden place, but I do think it might be more then Platinum involved in this. Mel, tell us about the ingot" I request, slightly embarresed I got the type wrong.

[Zaydos]

Maiq said it was a platinum ingot, but can you describe what it looked like, and what it did? Aujir says.

Might as well throw a Sense Motive check out there [roll0]

OOC: Ninja'd.

[EagleX16]

"The halfling speaks sense, I guess," I whisper towards the group, "but I still don't think that the gnome is telling us everything. That's my gut feeling."

Since I can't roll a bloody skill roll well, why not try another one? I'm going to roll some gather information to see if I notice anything weird about the room we are in. [roll0]

EDIT: FUUUUU......I vote my guy never rolls skill checks ever again. Let's stay with the stabby-stabby and less fail.

[Eruantion]

OOC: Thank god, Blue finally got a good sense motive.
"However," I respond, "being a poor district, Melvin might could use a little extra padding in his pocket. I feel like we should investigate this before we go on a thief hunt."

[ZombyWoof]

@Eagle & Aujir:

You think he's probably pocketed the ingot and is just lying to you through his teeth.

@Blue:

The gnome appears very distressed... almost exactly how you'd expect someone who just found out they'd been robbed. And considering your wizard's training and the condition of the rest of the items around the shop, it's not entirely unsurprising that nothing else was taken: there are just a few grubby wands lying around that may not even be magical, and some scrolls with random smatterings on them that could be arcane script, or could be fraudulent.

The most likely scenario seems to be that the gnome genuinely was robbed by someone who had an "in" and knew what to grab.

It's a chunk of platinum about as big as two human fists put together.Melvin says, then points at the empty chest This is where I keep some of my supplies... and I figured it would be safe! It's off and in the corner in this unassuming chest... only someone who knew that I kept anything of value there would've thought to look! He runs into the back and you hear a loud moan come from the back room.

[LaZodiac]

I rush into the back room, drawing my axe just in case. "Good sir, are you alright!" I shout.

[Blue Ghost]

What's wrong? Has something else been stolen?
Blue starts after the gnome.

[Eruantion]

I run after the rest of the party, hand on my sword. "What's going on?"

[EagleX16]

Kieran follows the blue wizard and the paladin, unsheathing both blades as he enters the room.

[ZombyWoof]

That chunk of platinum was my only sale in the past month... and to top it all off I left my wandcrafting diamonds in that chest as well! He looks at you pleading, Is there... anything you guys can do to help me get my diamonds back?

[LaZodiac]

"Yes, there is something we can do. But we need information, first. Tell us who you know of that could have a motive for doing this? What is the platinum like. Why do you just leave diamonds back here at home?" I ask, growing slighly frustrated at this gnome. I also roll for sense motive, because why not.

EDIT: The roller isn't working god dangit. I put in the info and it wouldn't roll.

[ZombyWoof]

The gnome snaps at you. Because I work with my diamonds HERE not at home. Why would I need diamonds at home if I'm making my magic items here at my shop? Afterwords he sighs, And as for why they'd steal it... they are diamonds and platinum. They're worth quite a bit! As for what the platinum is like? It's shiny and platinum colored. Then he mutters to himself, Mystra help me I'm surrounded by them...

[Zaydos]

How many diamonds, worth how much? Aujir asks, If we're going to recover them we'll need to know that much. Also who would have known that you kept your valuables within that chest?

[ZombyWoof]

Melvin seems to think, No one should know, and it's about two thousand gold pieces worth of diamonds. I don't know who could have known that I keep my materials in that particular chest!

[LaZodiac]

"Well, sorry. I thought you lived her. And I'm looking for specifics, I may of been raised by Dwarves but I don't actually know what an ingot is." I say, trying to not sound so annoyed now. And I'm going to try and roll again T_T

[roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

It... looks like an ingot. Melville looks at you very confusedly.

@Zodiac:

He appears to be very irritated by talking to you, and he also seems distressed at his missing stuff.

[ZombyWoof]

It... looks like an ingot. Melville looks at you very confusedly.

@Zodiac:

He appears to be very irritated by talking to you, and he also seems distressed at his missing stuff.

[Blue Ghost]

No one at all? Well, do you know if anyone would have known about the ingot?

[Strawberries]

Taja takes pity of Melville "A bar of shiny metal" she explains Gold, usually, or platinum. She looks at Aja, amused "You appear to have been raised by very strange dwarfes, if you don't mind me saying."

[ZombyWoof]

N... no... the Gnome says. Except maybe the ones who delivered it? But I mean those are just the merchants who I ordered the ingot from, and they wouldn't know where it was... just that I had it in my possession.

[EagleX16]

"Who were the merchants that delivered it to you? Maybe if we know the name we can at least have a lead, because right now you're not giving us much to work with."

[Eruantion]

I step forward and try to take a calm demeanor with the gnome, hoping our height similarity may help him relax. "Sir, is there anyone- anyone at all, whether friends or business partners or whatever- who knows about your diamonds or platinum, and the location of your business?"

Gather Information:
[roll0]

[ZombyWoof]

If I could give you more to work with I would. The merchant's name was Grimbold and he was based out of Neverwinter. I'm sure he's long gone by now.

[LaZodiac]

While Eruantion (I forgot your character's name, sorry) I'm going to walk over you two and check the chest. Had enough of this gnome screwing around with us.

Assuming I need to search, here is a search roll.

[roll0]

[EagleX16]

Kieran stalks off, putting his blades away and joining Aya in searching around for any sign of clues.

[roll0]

EDIT: I f#%^ing hate skills. I despise them. Kill me with a rusty fork. I think I'm now wearing the chest as a hat.

[ZombyWoof]

@Zodi:

You don't find anything of interest at all.


@Eagle

You think you've found something interesting, and you pull on it will all your might. Turns out it was your toe.

Why don't you go ahead and make a Spot check from your new vantage point?


Suddenly in the corner you hear a soft "fwump." When you come out you notice that Kieran is on his back holding his shoe in his hands.

[Ranger Mattos]

Mathlon continues listening silently, although he does smirk and slightly snort at Kieran's antics.

[ZombyWoof]

Halfling! You look like you're a sneaky fellow. Perhaps you could look around the chest and see if my thief left behind anything?

[Eruantion]

"I suppose that's not a problem." I duck my head in the chest and search around.

Search Check:
[roll0]

OOC: LaLa, my name's Harrenden. Just for future reference :smallwink:

[LaZodiac]

OOC: Ok,thanks Eruantion. I'll try to remember it. Also, thank you for not being blind and stupid like me and Kieran here.

[EagleX16]

Throwing his shoe in utter frustration, Kieran rises to his feet. For the hell of it he decides to take one last look around...maybe this time he'll do a handstand?

Spot Check [roll0]

[Zaydos]

Aujir takes a look around, empathically instructing his familiar to do likewise.

Spot: [roll0] I'm assuming the illumination is bright and not shadowy. If the illumination in the room is shadowy I'll use Dancing Lights to provide better lighting.
Search [roll1]

Dyx:
Spot: [roll2]
Search: [roll3]

OOC: My familiar is unobservant. And I can't wait till I can talk to it.

[Strawberries]

Taja shakes her head at her companions' clumsy attempt at an investigation "Come on, Wiskey, let's see if we find something" she tells her cat, turning around to look as well

[roll0]

[Zaydos]

Harrenden, did you find something? Aujir asks, his and his hawk's heads turning in unison to look at the halfling.

[Eruantion]

"I'm... not sure." I say, looking closer at the piece of cloth.

Knowledge (Local): [roll0]
Knowledge (Royalty and Nobility): [roll1]

[EagleX16]

Kieran, humbled by his failed attempt at doing anything skillful, walks over and calmly stands next to the halfling opening the chest. Maybe here he won't fail at anything.

[Eruantion]

I smile at Kieran amicably before I continue. "Melvin, do you know anything about the Mariner's Guild?" I ask, rubbing the cloth between my fingers.

[ZombyWoof]

Melvin shrugs. What's there to know? It's run by Ohrl Cassalanter's son, Caladorn. There are some rumors that he's a Lord of the City but they're fairly easily discounted based on Caladorn's current disposition. Why do you ask?

[LaZodiac]

"Assuming I understand the situation right, we've found evidence that the Mariner's Guild might of stole your diamonds, and possibly your bar of platinum. Where would we find this guild?" I ask.

[ZombyWoof]

But the Mariner's Guild is a very upstanding group of individuals... why would they steal my diamonds? Melvin looks very confused.

(P.S. you passed a guild office on your way up to his shop. It was the one building that didn't look like crap.)

[LaZodiac]

"We don't know why. That's why we're going to find out" I assure him, and motion that we should leave to go to the Mariner's Guild.

[ZombyWoof]

And you plan to march into the most reputible guild of merchant marines in the area... and accuse them of stealing my diamonds? Don't you dare! Melvin almost shouts at this point. Do you understand how awful this would be for business? Besides, why do you think the Master Mariners are involved? What proof do you have?

[Eruantion]

"The proof," I declare loudly, "is this scrap of cloak I found in your trunk, which matches those which the guild wears. And only a fool would think of so blatantly accusing such a powerful group of theft. We need a plan."

[Zaydos]

But it's not quite the same. The design has been modified, added to. It matches those of the men we fought earlier, though. So this may be a thieves' guild that has its vile roots in the Mariner's Guild.

[ZombyWoof]

A... thieve's guild? Melvin looks at you oddly. I suppose they do tend to prop up occasionally, but there hasn't been any serious organized crime in Waterdeep since... well... well before I arrived! He seems to think about it for a moment, and then says, Though now that I think about it, the grandson of Ohrl Cassalantar's was running with some shady people before his accident.

[EagleX16]

"Tell us everything you know about him and his family. He might be behind it as well."

[ZombyWoof]

Melvin actually falls over laughing. Lord Ohrl... stealing from me?

[EagleX16]

"You have to keep your options open. And remember, I want to know about the son, not the noble. Children of the rich can get out of hand quickly, and Daddy can always cover their hindquarters. And family history might help.

[ZombyWoof]

Melvin abruptly stops laughing. Caladorn? I suppose if you suspect him. All I know is I do not want my name mentioned in this at all. If he finds out I'm accusing him of theft, which, by the by, I am not, I'll be ruined. He looks again at his empty chest, and then sighs, Well... more ruined.

[Eruantion]

"Wait!" I cry, with sudden revelation. "Melvin, how much gold were those diamonds worth?"

[Blue Ghost]

Blue ponders the revelation. Melvin, what does Caladorn look like?

[ZombyWoof]

About two thousand. Why? Turning to Blue he looks with surprise. Haven't been here long, have you? He's your typical human, maybe a bit taller than most. Certainly more handsome than most!

[Blue Ghost]

About two thousand. Why? Turning to Blue he looks with surprise. Haven't been here long, have you? He's your typical human, maybe a bit taller than most. Certainly more handsome than most!

Blue is not amused, but he tries to keep his patience. What I meant was, any distinguishing features? Hair color? Eye color? How does he usually dress?

[Eruantion]

"Oh, I just had an idea." I turn to Blue. "Two thousand gold worth of diamonds isn't near enough for a resurrection, is it?"

[ZombyWoof]

Nothing really distinguishing... and he usually goes around wearing what the nobles generally wear.

[EagleX16]

"That helped us find your diamonds exactly zero percent. There's got to be something unique about him. Who does he spend his time with? Where does he spend his time? What type of activities does he engage in?"

Kieran was growing impatient.

[Blue Ghost]

"Oh, I just had an idea." I turn to Blue. "Two thousand gold worth of diamonds isn't near enough for a resurrection, is it?"

Blue shakes his head. Five thousand is required. But even if it was the requisite amount, how can we tell if the diamonds are to be used for a resurrection? It would seem quite natural for someone to steal them out of sheer avarice.

[ZombyWoof]

"That helped us find your diamonds exactly zero percent. There's got to be something unique about him. Who does he spend his time with? Where does he spend his time? What type of activities does he engage in?"

Kieran was growing impatient.

Melvin looks at you. He's one of the most famous citizens of Waterdeep. He spends his time with advisors in guild halls making negotiations and discussing policy for his guild. I tell you now that there is no way Cassalanter is involved in the theft of my diamonds! If the symbol on the cloth looks like the symbol of the Master Mariner's Guild, maybe you should speak with them about known thefts of supplies? It's more likely that someone stole the material from the Guild and modified it to their own ends than an illustrious and well-respected guild is stealing from small-time merchants as myself.

[EagleX16]

This gnome is so damn oblivious....
"Fine. I guess if no one objects, maybe we should at least talk to the Mariners' Guild. That's the only lead he's giving us right now."

[LaZodiac]

"That's fine with me. Let's go"

[Eruantion]

"Because, Blue, Caladorn doesn't need them for anything else. He's a member of a well-respected noble family, he's wealthy, and he controls a powerful guild in a powerful city. The only thing he doesn't have is his son, who died in a terrible accident." I turn to Kieran, "There are holes in that logic, though. Kieran's right, our next step should be to go to the Guild."

[Blue Ghost]

Blue nods. Without any leads, I believe the Guild should be the place to go. Let's try not to get in too far over our heads, though. We must not incur the wrath of the Guild needlessly.

[Strawberries]

Taja shrugs "Count me in"

[ZombyWoof]

Would you guys prefer to go to the local guildhouse or are you going to go to the main guildhouse and try to speak to Caladorn himself?

[EagleX16]

I vote local. We can always work our way up to the big fish later. But if I think like a thief I want a place easily accessible to me after the crime. Hence local. But if we go main I'll still play along:P

[LaZodiac]

OOC: Yha, I agree. Start small, work our way up

[Eruantion]

"To the local guild we go, then." I say, pocketing the cloak scrap.

[Ranger Mattos]

Mathlon nods. "Which way to the local guild?"

[EagleX16]

"Let's go. This gnome isn't going to give us any more help. The sooner we find these diamonds and this ingot the better."

[Strawberries]

"Local guild it is, then. Why do I foresee troubles?" Taja bands down to scratch her cat behind the ears. Worst comes to worst, this'll be another city to give a wide berth to in the future she thinks, grinning.

[ZombyWoof]

When you guys enter the local guildhall a woman behind a desk waves you over. She has a very bored look on her face and doesn't even meet your eyes, preferring instead to fixate on the handbill on her desk. Names? she asks in an extremely grating voice. There is a loud smacking as she's obviously chewing on something and not bothering to close her mouth.

[EagleX16]

"My name is none of your business. I'm looking for something. Show her the cloth scrap we found, please."

[Eruantion]

I stretch to reach over the counter, holding up the scrap of cloak. "A gnome we know found this scrap of cloth in his shop, and we realized it belongs to one of your guild members. Could you perhaps identify anyone with a recently damaged cloak?"

[ZombyWoof]

The receptionist looks up at you, obviously irritated. Look honey, she drawls, I don't know about any damaged cloaks. I'm just a secretary. It's my job to keep a ledger on who comes in and who goes out. Do you have an appointment with a guild representative or not?

[EagleX16]

"Who are the representitives and how could we get a chance to speak with them? We have something...important to find out."

[ZombyWoof]

I'll let you in to speak with Representative Goldfield now. She steps up and walks you guys into the office of a moderately fat human. Sir Goldfield, these people apparently have a complain to lodge against the Guild.

Ah, Goldfield says, Is there something I can help you gentlemen and ladies with? That will be all Irene. He gestures at two chairs in front of his desk saying, Please ladies, sit down! while Irene leaves the room.

[EagleX16]

"We have something to show you, Mr. Goldfield. We were hired by a man to retrieve a certain item of his from a local merchant. When we arrived, the merchant discovered that both the item in question and his own diamonds were missing from his chest that only he has knowledge of. Within the chest we found a scrap of cloth with what appears to a modified Mariner's Guild emblem. Do you know anything of this?"

gonna throw a sense motive check as well. [roll0]

[Eruantion]

I step forward and slide the cloak scrap onto the man's desk. "You wouldn't know of anyone who may have defected from the Guild, would you?"

[ZombyWoof]

The man looks calmly between you two before responding carefully.

I assure you that we have had nothing to do with your missing diamonds. While this scrap of cloak does bear a mark that resembles our own, one may notice that it is not our mark though it is clearly modified.

DM Only:

Seriously? Do none of them remember the threat made by the guy after the first combat? :smallconfused:

@Eagle:

As far as you can tell he is being completely honest.

[Zaydos]

It does seem like if thieves are using your insignia, even a modified version, it would be of concern to your guild though, the damage it could do to your reputation could be, I would not in your case say grave but, unfortunate.

[ZombyWoof]

Truth be told there are plenty of upstart groups using modified versions of various guild symbols almost weekly around these parts. I'm surprised there's one doing it now. Do you know who they are so we can keep a look out for them?

[Blue Ghost]

We did encounter several thieves earlier who bore the symbol.
Blue goes on to describe their physical appearance as best he can.
(There wasn't that much specifically given to work with, but it's reasonable to assume that we remember what they look like, right?)

[ZombyWoof]

If you've already encountered thieves using this symbol, why are you here looking for them? If I were you I'd be looking out on the streets for clues. We haven't been robbed in quite some time.

[Zaydos]

We thought that you might be concerned about the misuse of your symbol. We also thought that you might have more information about them, because reports such as these would surely reach the ears of your guild as a precaution against defamation.

[ZombyWoof]

Still stoic, Goldfield almost seems to smile at this. It's not as though our symbol is particularly unique. And since most of our business is with well-established merchants, the risk of defamation because of a few scraps of clothing left by upstart thieves in small-scale shops is... nearly zero. I'm afraid I simply do not have any more information for you.

[LaZodiac]

"Out of curiosity, do you know a bard named Maiq? Also, do you know about the incident Maiq had outside the inn he works at, assuming he works at that same place all the time? Because we believe that incident is involved somehow"

Side note, I do not sit down when he offers, and I use Detect Evil on him because I don't trust him as far as Blue can throw him, and I think he has negative strength.

[ZombyWoof]

I've heard of Maiq, but I don't know about any incidents outside of bars. A barfight? That hardly seems like news. Nor have I ever seen him preform.

[LaZodiac]

"I'd say it's important. The fighters involved with this bar fight were a band of thieves, which threatened us after we beat them. I am led to believe these thieves are the ones using this same modification of your logo. I think it might be of interest, that's all"

[ZombyWoof]

I'm sorry, Goldfield says, did you come here to converse about a barfight you were in and an unfortunate theft of property? Or do you have a complaint? I'm a very busy man and I *do* have other engagements to make today...

[LaZodiac]

"Apology accepted. I do have one small complaint though. You aren't paying much attention. If you dismiss these smaller guilds for too long, it might come back to bite you." and I leave, going to wait outside the building for everyone else.

[EagleX16]

"Well, here we are. Back exactly where we started. Something put me off about that guy, but he sounded honest. I just don't know where to go next."

[Eruantion]

I grab the cloak piece and leave the guildhouse. "I didn't care for him either, but I think he just thought himself to high and mighty to be bothered by our petty troubles. Perhaps we can go back to Melvin's? Maybe the thieves left a trail we didn't see..."

[EagleX16]

"I honestly don't know where to go from here. I guess we could try Melvin's again, but I think that we would've found a trail there before. It's worth a shot though. I am okay for whatever you all decide.''

[LaZodiac]

"Lets go to the guardhouse, or whever it is they put prisoners. I figure the thieves were jailed, let us ask them."