Shadows of the Past

[AlanBruce]

"Fire, Water, Air, and Earth
Shadow and Light, may you forever sleep
Most dire secret we must keep"


Chapter I: From All Walks of Life

It has been almost two years since you have retired from world traveling. From simple rat bashers in some old pantry cellar, to overthrowing the dreaded Nerullian apostles from wreaking havoc in the fair city of Veluna. Each of you has taken to different paths in life. One has retreated well underground, in an attempt to reconnect with his earthbound heritage in the city of Khedesh. Another has decided to fight his own demons by wrestling with the old gods of ale, errant in his path. Another has chosen the path of compassion and has taken to the roads, helping those less fortunate through his divine teachings. As for the last companion, his last rumored whereabouts have been as a "teacher" of sorts in the small duchy of JustCrown.


Khedesh and the Fossil King

Tradik, you find yourself in the main square. Thousands of proud dwarven warriors lift their weapons and mugs at the appearance of the new Paragon of Dwarvenkind. The old king sits on his stone throne, while the High Priest of Dumathoin rouses the crowd to a frenzied din.

"Long have we toiled beneath the earth! Do we not fare peril constantly from the machinations of the drow and the sinister ambitions of the illithids? Are we not tired of raising urgrosh and greataxe against them, day after day? We are! Dumathoin has spoken in my dreams. He has spoken of a champion, a worthy ruler, one who will unite the clans, move mountains and spread the doctrine of dwarvenkind above and below! Khedesh is but as tepping stone in declaring our independence from the underdark, my children! We shall rise, by blade and by honor, we shall rise! And it is he, King Ragrak, the Conqueror of the Depths who shall unite us in a brotherhood of stone the likes Oerth has never seen before!"

The air in the vast cavern has turned too heavy to bear all of a sudden, as the warriors clang their chests with their gauntlets and salute the old, silent dwarf king.


Unjust Proceedings

Tarith, it has been a few months since your arrival to the duchy of Justcrown. The city has been less than spectacular, and that is being generous. The Foaming Wench tavern has become your second home and a rag-tag band of rogues- self entitled the Ravens- your second family. Never have the Ravens seen someone with your abilities in the city. That has developed into a recent gold rush of profit. The ravens are amateurs, but so far, you have managed to stay the clumsy arm of the law away from them and you. Mostly because of your recent display of talents at an too legitimate ball held by the ruling noble of the city, duke Pottsdorff. Lately, however, you have noticed quite an increase in a so called "tourist tax". Normally, the city does not get such a wave of people. Sure, merchants and long lost residents return through the iron gates, however, this new sort of traveler is different. Talks around the Wench speak of "pilgrims" and the your ravens have whispered the mention of a "forest goddess" south of the city. Well into the woods.


A Rotten Foot

Bishop, you have wandered through many lands. And in each, your memories of Lia have become stronger. You have been in the trading outpost of Hammerbruck, a gnome town. Not to far from Hammerbruck lie the Giantshield Mountains, casting a shadow on the small trading post when the sun sets in the sky. Amidst your heavy drinking at the inn you have rented (and much to the innkeeper's disdain of you not buying drinks), the tale of woe of one such merchant, Gibbo Huddlepuck, has brought your attention. It would seem little Gibbo hasn't been around Hammerbruck for a long while and his caravan cannot use the old route through the mountains. A shortcut called Jottun's Foot, a stone giant reserve. Normally, the giants trade with the gnomes just fine. Further eavesdropping has revealed that trade ended abruptly a few years ago, with the arrival of a sole stone giant who has set shop outside town as a pottery maker. Strangers still is the fact that this giant has never been to town. Rarely seen, except when buyers go into his shop and that the last caravan that attempted to travel through Jottun's Foot never came back. When questioned, the giant artisan croaked the word "souless" and would answer no more questions.




Divine Deeds

Dantie, you have requested a leave from the Holy Temple of the Radiant One in the Free City of Greyhawk. Having been on the road for so long as an adventurer has instilled you a yearning to see more. This time, however, your travels won't take you to dungeons or dragon caves. You have decided to lead a caravan of like-minded neophytes under your care to aid those in need and spread Pelor's teachings. So far, the path has been gentle- healing the sick and wounded from run down hamlets, exorcising a haunted graveyard and lifting away the odd curse. At a well needed stop in the port city of Bludhaven, sailors reported the attacks of the "Sea Devil", a monster from the deeps that has apparently been responsible for the sinking of at least a dozen ships. A dwarven sailor mentioned his connections in the city of Khedesh and that he would see the monster's head on his wall- having lost three ships himself. Another group of white clad commoners have decided to take the long road inland to see the "goddess", who will likely enlighten their way and help them deal with this seaside malady. As far as your clerical teachings go, no gods have ever walked on Oerth.

[dantiesilva]

This is not my post I will edit it when I get an answer but do we start off separate, because that is what I get from reading this. And if so I take it we are all going to be doing quest on our way to Justcrown where two of the group are. Just making sure before I post, will change this once it is confirmed and replied to.

After hearing all these tales in the big port city Dantie decides to join the white clad commoners on their pilgrimage to see this so called goddess. After all it was not often that one heard of a god or goddess sending their avatar down to the material plane. Once he had decided this he and his group went with the commoners, providing them with their support as they went on their travels, after all an adventure was what he had been looking for. As well as spreading Pelors will, and he felt the shining one wanted him to investigate this new found goddess that walked among men.

[Archmage1]

Do we get an ooc thread?

[Qwertystop]

OOC:Not sure what to do. Unlike most of the others, my intro has nothing to look for, nothing to defend against, and not much to react to. I can't exactly start questioning the High Priest and the divinely-selected king in the middle of the town square, can I?
I join in the mass saluting.

[Allyzedl]

After looking around the bar Bishop walks up to the innkeeper, "Hey man, where'd Gibbo go? *hiccup* He was just ere the other day. He said he *hiccup* had something that might interest me."

Bishop them plops down into a chair next to the innkeeper.

[Archmage1]

Looking around at the wealth he has gathered over the last few months, Tarith feels that there is something missing: Adventure. He has not really done anything interesting for some time, since he explored that city, in fact. These tales of events in the forests excite him, and so, he heads out to investigate.

(to the Ravens)"Well, it has been fun, but if there is one thing I have learned over my life, it is to follow the adventure. There is something strange happening in the forests, and strange usually means risky and profitable. I will go and investigate, and see what is going on. You may see me again, or you may not. Good Luck"

[AlanBruce]

Tradik, you return to your house after the "coronation". This does not bode well for you. As an adventurer, you have seen many such cases of frenzied zealotry. They seldom end well. As you step into your house, you find a curious character sitting by the stone fireplace. It is certainly a female, dressed in leather armor and long, auburn hair. Her features are hard to tell because she wears a wooden mask, etched in old symbols. The woman does not look armed.

-"I was told you were defender of Khedesh. It would seem, however, that Khedesh has a new blade to protect it."

Tarith, you have barely managed to say your farewells to the Ravens, when a child wearing a ridiculously huge bonnet and a short cape approaches you.

-"Master Spellbane? This is for you, from Duke Pottsdorff". He hands you an envelope, looks at the ravens with nervous eyes and rushes out of the Wench. The envelope has Justcrown's royal seal. Cracking the wax seal and opening the vellum parchment reveals the following:

Maester Spellbane, You are once again summoned to perform your feats of extraordinary power at the Autumn Ball I shall be having in three days. I do hope this invitation finds you in good health, since I offer you double your usual fee for this event's performance. Please RSVP by sending a courier to my palazzo.


Bishop, you barely manage to open one eye and realize you are laying headfirst on your bed at the inn. The ale decanter firmly on your hand, as always, creating a pool on the wooden floor. The gnome trader, Gibbo, sits on a stool across teh room. He holds a small cup of ale (likely from your decanter) and sips it.

"You must be master J. The innkeeper told me you fought some brigands outside Hammerbruck a few days past- with your bare hands, while drinking. If that be the case, I may have a job for you. I am in dire need to cross Giantshield Mountains and restock at an outpost over there. The safest route will take me about a month, the fastest, a mere two weeks. I have been warned by the innkeeper not to cross Jottun's Foot, lest I never return. That's where you come in, my friend. Clear up whatever is in the vale pass and I will see you get aptly rewarded."


Dantie, you have decided to leave Bludhaven with the pilgrims to find out about this goddess. Your neophytes flock around with a myriad of questions.

"You always said the gods reside in realms beyond this one, father."

"Is the High temple in Free City aware of this?"

"Is it safe to escort these pilgrims? Much can be done here, father Silvia."

"The path to truth must be paved with accurate knowledge, priest"

This last statement has not been made by your neophytes, but by an elderly man. His robes are purple, tinged with gold, on his chest hags a heavy silver holy sumbol depicting an open eye inside a pentagram- A Boccobite.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop stands up and gathers himself.
"Please call me Bishop, the only person who called me J. was Lia."
As he starts to grovel Bishop then begins and finished a pint of ale.
"Suppose I don't have much to do in this town. And I'm always lookin' for some fun. Let's go."
Bishop walks over to Gibbo picks him up along with the stool he was sitting on, grabs his backpack and jumps out of the window. As they slowly fall to the ground, Bishop says, "Where are we going again?"



I'm assuming that the room was on the second floor.

[Archmage1]

Duke Pottsdorff, I hope that this reply finds you in good health. I am planning an expedition into the forests to the south to investigate these goddess rumors that are starting. If this investigation is completed within three days, I would be glad to entertain you once more, however, I can make no guarantees about my ability to be present.

After penning, and sealing the letter(somehow), Tarith asks the Ravens to see that it is delivered to the Duke, before resuming his preparations for his trip to the woods.

[dantiesilva]

With the tirade of question flowing at him and all of his flock trying to speak at once Dantie held up his hands for silence. And as far as I know it has not changed young ones. But as before where I came from in Greyhawk I fear that this so called goddess is really a demon in disguise. Do any of you remember the tales of what me and Saint Anthony did in Greyhawk? Then to the next question he thought for a moment. I am not quite sure, would you like to go their and inform them? If so then you have my blessing to leave, I will have the church send word to them to expect you and that you bring urgent news if that is what you wish. As for me, I must continue this trek, for I am one of the many who seeks to illuminate the truth and destroy corruption where ever it may hide or form it should take. Then to the one who was worried about the healing. You are correct, much can be done here, but if we ignore the fact that someone or something is claiming to be a goddess it may be to late when we choose to act. I will say this to all of you now. None of you have to join me. Many of you are still young and are no where close to finishing your studies, but for those of you who do join me I can guarantee this Pelor smiles down on those who stand up for those less fortunate then them selves and protects its flock. I will not stand idly by while my flock may be in danger. As my mentor taught me I shall teach those of you who chose to come with me. That even though we are not paladins, does not mean we can not smite those who wish this world ill and help heal those that we can and cure them of their aliments. If we can trust them is just as much of a question of if they can trust us. Trust is something that must be nurtured and built, it does not happen overnight. Did all of you trust the people who took you from your homes to the great church at first? I am sure you did not. I myself did not trust my mentor believe it or not, it was only later on I learned to trust in him.

As he hears a new voice join the questions he turns and bows his head to a priest of the wizard one. Indeed you are correct. But to pave the road it must first be cleared of all that would try to destroy it. But do you have anything that may help me along my quest, a word of advice perhaps. I have often been told that it is wise to come to the priest of the wizardly god when knowledge is sought. Could you shine light on this topic?

[roll0] Diplomacy check Along with [roll1] Gather information check

[Qwertystop]

A blade to protect it? I have seen nothing that would make him a protector rather than simply an opportunist, trickster, or usurper. I am sure that any skilled mage could send dreams to another, or simply see the dream and disguise himself accordingly.

Are you implying that you would desire my protection move to another person? Your appearance makes it doubtful that you would need it for yourself.

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: Gibbo has rarely a moment to react before you, the gnome and the stool fly out the second floor window and land on a pile of hay.

"We could've used the stairs, you know. At any rate, Mr. Bishop, Jottun's Foot is at most half a day's walking distance from here. I will stay here, I'm a merchant, not a fighter. It would be wise to ask the stone giant who has taken shop outside Hammerbruk. From what little I have gathered, he belongs to the tribe that resides in Jottun's Foot- maybe even the last one of them."

@Tarith: You have dispatched one of the Ravens to deliver your RSVP. A few minutes pass and the same Raven, a youth by the name of Oliver, comes rushing into your room, a crumpled piece of paper in his hands.

"Tarith! Check this out! No wonder the duke wants to pay you double!"

I have secured the mask, sire. As per your request. The temple of the Ruby Sorceress asked an arm and a leg for it, but it is here. I can guarantee you your Autumn Ball will be the likes nobody in Justcrown has ever attended to before. Whether the Ruby Mask of Wee Jas actually grants power, I would not know, nor would the Jasites tell. It is, however a piece of exquisite craftsmanship. Its value alone well worth the city itself, if I do say so myself. I am to understand you will take precautions regarding the Continental Thief?

A pleasure doing business with you,

Draen Skylarios

Oliver looks up at you, eyes wide opened. "The boys managed to snatch this before the mask was delivered, straight out of the bugger's pocket. I know you plan to leave town, but we could do one last act, eh?"


@Tradik: The woman stands up from the chair and walks towards you. She makes a bow.

"I am sorry to have been so rude to enter your home, Arbiter. I am Myriam and, like you, I seek to fix things. You travelled with mighty comrades before. I ask that you travel with them again. The rise of the Fossil King is but one of many that will begin to upset the Great Balance. Would you raise your urgrosh against him now? Unlikely. I can, however, assist you in finding at leads two of your wayward comrades. You may not trust my words, but it should not take a fool to realize that Khedesh is ready for war. A war that will have an impact so terrible upon Oerth, that you will live to regret your inaction."

Myriam takes out a piece of parchment, a quill, and a stone.

"You may use this to reach your friends. I am certain they have caught up to speed on other occurrences around the world. If you give me their names and descriptions, I can scribe them into the stone, allowing you to be with them. Again, you may sound skeptic, but would you rather consider the alternative?"


@Dantie: "I am Father Friederik", salutes the Boccobite. "If you and your flock would kindly follow me to the temple of the archmage, I may provide the guidance you seek."

[Qwertystop]

OOC: So we all adventured together before retiring? The "wayward friends" are the other PCs? Or are you asking me to invent NPCs?

If the former, I give her a description of Dantie.

[Allyzedl]

Sounds like a plan, any advice about the Jotton's Foot?

Bishop then heads off in the direction towards Hammerbruk, where the stone giant resides. He has forgotten about the stool and is still walking around while holding it.

[AlanBruce]

Hey, Qwertystop! Indeed, I may have neglected to mention you have all traveled together. The OOC thread is here, by the way: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=253635

@Tradik: Myriam writes the name of Dantie Silva and his physical description, as accurate as you give her, on the scroll. She then rubs the stone against the vellum, handing the stone, you see it has Dantie's name inscribed in a golden hue upon the stone.

"Place this stone upon your forehead and focus on the name and the person inscribed upon it. You shall be taken to this person immediately. Are you certain you only wish to provide one name?"

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: "All I know is the place is off-limits. No caravan will cross it. One did, I was told, but was never heard of. If anyone can provide further information, my best bet would be with the giant artisan. Be careful, though, I have heard that giant is quite dour- more so than his kin usually are." And with that, Gibbo returns to the inn.

You head out of Hammerbruk and indeed, just as told, you spot a large grey dome with a chute coming from the side. The dome produces much smoke and as you draw closer, the smell of cooking clay permeates the atmosphere. The large grey igloo has an enormous round entrance, yet not big enough for a stone giant. One would dare say, like a prison. As you stand in front of the artisan's workshop, a gangly, grey hand clutches the side of the entrance.

"Who comes here....". croaks a voice from within the shop.

[Allyzedl]

After drinking quite a bit on the way over he yells back at the voice.
I COMES HERE! WHO LIVES HERE? WHERE IS HERE AGAIN?

[Qwertystop]

I was considering who the other person should be...
<Gives description of Bishop>
Will this stone work more than once?

[Archmage1]

"I think we do indeed have one last thing to do. The only real question is whether to steal it at the ball, or steal it beforehand. I suspect that stealing it would be my last act here, however. If so, then let it be a good one. Do we still have that map I made of the house at the last ball? We might steal more than just the mask. Getting out may be interesting, though. I wish we could make a duplicate, but I don't think we have the time to do so."

OOCok. ok. I will follow the plothook.

[AlanBruce]

@Tradik: "Indeed, Arbiter. I may scribe two more names down on the stone. Give me their names and most accurate description. I see you have Dantie and now Bishop. Who will the third one be?"

@Bishop: "Human... you reek." Croaks the voice. "If you seek my wares, enter Kannoth's Kiln. That I may have something useful for you."

@Tarith: "So...what do I do with the RSVP, Tarith", asks Oliver waving the envelope in the air. As he's waving the invite in your face, an amazing voice is heard across the street, at the Foaming Wench. You have seen all kinds of performers at the tavern, yet this music is one fit for a royal dining hall, not a city like this.

[Archmage1]

"Burn it, Oliver. Either way, we will need to change the response. See if you can find that map. If not, I will need to scout the house beforehand. I will be investigating that most interesting music. I have not heard such music in a while."

Tarith heads towards the Foaming Wench to investigate the music.

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You leave the Ravens behind as they plan how to infiltrate the duke's palazzo. Dusk has fallen on Justcrown and the Foaming Wench flickers with candle light and and the din of laughter and mugs clashing against each other. However, as you cross the velvet drapes that separate the street from the tavern, you notice on center stage a most beautiful elven female. Her dark brown hair matches the color of autumn. Her eyes a bewitching amber and her skin as if carved by the finest chisel. She wears loose purple robes and dances barefoot on the wooden stage, with a company of bards playing the lute and pan pipes.

"She's something, isn't she?", nudges at you Otis, proud owner of the Wench. "Came here a few days ago. Apparently one of the duke's new favorites, if you know what I mean. Heard she'll be at the Autumn Ball. Damn rich folk. Pottsdorff dangles her in my nose for just one night and then will take her back to his palazzo. I could make a killing with her if she sang here an entire week!"

The maiden has everyone in what seems a fascinating trance as the flickering shadows cast by the candle light sway to her rhythm.

[dantiesilva]

Sorry took so long to reply ok here goes.

Well Father Friederik, if you believe that your fellow friend may help us on our travels I will happily oblige. Dantie says before looking to his acolytes. Come now my brothers and sisters so we can see what we may learn, for it seems even the gods are interested if their are so many of us who are gathering. Dantie said thinking back to his studies trying to remember if their were any phropicies he had read speaking of a end of days. After all their were many rumors going along, and they were scattered across the world, not just in one place like before, it seemed to large to all be connected by someone, or something from this plane of existence, if it was even tied together at all. While he followed Farther Friederik Dantie listened to the world around him and looked around trying to see if he saw anything out of the ordinary for the town.

Ok a lot of checks please bare with me.
[roll0] Knowledge history
[roll1] Knowledge religion
[roll2] Knowledge the planes
[roll3] Knowledge local
[roll4] Spot
[roll5] Listen Sorry for all the checks but I like knowing all I can about where I am, whats going on around me and such.

[Archmage1]

Hm... It would seem that she is involved in this somehow. I wonder if she is this continental thief mentioned in the letter. I will wait until she is done singing, and talk to her. A valuable treasure appears, and the duke gets a new favorite seems to be too coincidental. I wonder if she is some sort of shadow mage. Those shadows are behaving unusually.

[AlanBruce]

@Dantie: As you follow Father Friederik through the streets of Bludhaven, your mind races with information. This is what you have gathered:

- Bludhaven was established well over a three hundred years ago. It has had a rich history as a mercantile city. Receiving imports from the southern lands, mainly, the Sea of Sand.

- The church of Boccob and the order of Mouqol, god of enterprise, are the main faiths followed here. Boccobites treasure the knowledge brought forth from distant lands, especially in the form of items of power. Mouqolites have formed a strong presence in the city, mainly because so much trade and wealth can be gained here. Being a port city, a loose order dedicated to Fharlaghn has existed here in the last few decades. Known heads of church in Bludhaven include Matron Kamyra an aasimar, of the church of Mouqol and Father Friederik, of the Order of the Archmage. As for Fharlanghn's order, the current High Wanderer goes by the name of Servilis. Nobody has seen Servilis in awhile, however, true to Fharlahgnian doctrine.

- Although many prophecies abound in Oerth about the infamous "End Times", none have seen fruit. Be it because warriors of old foiled such a catastrophe or because many were simply a bard's pretentious tale. Bludhaven does sport a minimal relation to the Outer Planes, mainly because of the aasimar who rules one of the leading faiths in town. There has been speculation recently, however, that there may be a connection to an Elemental Plane in the Ocean of Storms. Such information would have to be verified more closely, however.

- Bludhaven is home to the Sealions, a navy endorsed by the Free City of Grehawk. Less governmental is Krell's Blades, a mercenary group that will lease its men for seafaring voyages protecting cargo against piracy.

- As you round the streets leading to the temple grounds, you notice a poster nailed to a board outside an inn. The artist in charge has drew a terrible depiction of a dragon eating a ship. The poster reads:


REWARD

10,000 platinum pieces

for the head of the Sea Devil

Inquire at the Drunk Locathah

-Standing by the poster, you notice a group of men in deep thought about the information on the board. "Krell lost another crew. His brother was on the ship, they say." Another one takes out his sword and and stabs the poster."I'm renting a ship and getting myself a sea devil...ohhh yeahhh!"

"We are here, father." Friederik stops before the great temple. A massive tower overlooking the sea. The symbol of Boccob has been ornately encrusted on the massive doorway, as if looking at everyone and everything.

"Your neophytes may wait in the common grounds. Shall we go to the observatory?"


@Tarith: The elf maiden finishes her performance to roaring applause and whistling. a drunk tries to get on stage before being pulled back by his friends at the table. Otis is quick to approach her with a glass of the best wine in the house. The elf bows, raises the glass and cheers, "To Justcrown! I love you, one and all. Thank you!" She then retreats to a reserved table with the two bards.

[Qwertystop]

I give a description of Tarith, and ask:
No, I mean can the stone be used to transport to each person more than once?

[Allyzedl]

Bishop stops drinking for a minute in order to remember why he is here. After entering the building he addresses the voice "Hello, people call me Bishop, and you are? What do you know about the Jottun's Foot and the Giantshield Mountains? Also, I heard you have some fine pottery, would you mind if I take a look?"

[dantiesilva]

As he remembers his studies he comes to realize that the man before him his the high priest Boccob, the great archmage of Bludhaven. But instead of saying something he choose to keep quite about this because he did not want his flock to ask to many questions of the archmage. The fact that he was offering his advice was already more then many could expect. He also remember the notable military forces here, both the one run by the government and the one that was run by its members.

As Dantie and his group rounded the corner he heard them all go silent behind them, which was an odd occurrence and so he turned to see a poster hanging up, and a group of men talking about the sea mother once again, this time though he learned that this Sea mother was a pirate of some sorts and from the bounty on her head it would appear a very good one at that, well good in the fact she did her job good. There was nothing good about piracy after all.

As they arrive at the great temple Dantie can not stop but stare at wounder at the temple that stood before him. He had read how tall it stood and how grand it looked, but he had never seen it before. It was like a beacon to all those in the sea where home was it seemed to him. If only Pelors light would shine at the top of this work of art, he was sure everyone would know Pelors greatness. When the archmage tells him to have his followers wait in the common area he simply bows before turning to them. All of you go now and help those in need. But stay close to the common grounds, so that when I come back I do not need to travel the whole city looking for my lost herd. and with that not leaving anyone of them in charge, hoping that they would come to an agreement peacefully he followed the arch,age up into the tower to the observatory.I hope you do not think me rude Farther Friederik for not revealing your stats and greeting you as such, but the new members of our church are full of questions and are always seeking to know why. I feared that you would have never been able to reveal why you have chosen to reveal yourself to a servant of Pelor like myself who has not even become a high ranking member of the church yet. Dantie said as they walked up the stairs. He was curious why the archmage had done it, and stayed aware of his surroundings because of this. When they arrived in the observatory he stayed quite and listened to what he was told.

[roll0] Spot [roll1] Listen

[Archmage1]

Tarith heads over to the reserved table, and looks at the elven bard, and starts talking.
"A fine performance. I think you are one of the best bards I have heard in a while. My name is Tarith, and it would seem that we will both be performing at an event in about three days."

[AlanBruce]

@Tradik: "Once you have used the name on the stone, Arbiter, this one will vanish. It is, sadly, a very limited item, however, those whose names have been scribed upon the stone may travel with you to the next person left on the stone. So I take it you want these three names inscribed? It is up to you who you will you visit first."

@Tarith: The two bards at the table put their mugs down and look at you with a scowl, whatever conversation they were having with the elf has been interrupted. The elf smiles at you and beckons, "Greetings, Tarith, and thank you. I hope you enjoyed the performance, Please take a seat with us. I'm Siren. These two are Ugg & Lee."

The bards look at Siren, faces red with embarrassment, excuse themselves from the table and go get more drinks.

"I do not know why Pottsdorff sends me amateurs for the show. I asked him to hire the best bards in the city. He did mention a magic show. Are you the performer? Are you a mage?" She leans closer to you, eyes wide opened.

@Bishop: "I'm Kannoth, little man. And this is my Kiln. If you seek my wares, say it so. I have much work to do, yes, much work to do...." The figure in the dark shuffles around his enclosed space and you can see the flickering light from the kiln barely making out a hunched silhouette inside the dome.

@Dantie: Dusk has already turned to night in Bludhaven. The boccobites are quick to use their cantrips to light the temple in an attempt to impress Father Friederik, who nods to a few, yet moves forward, up the spiraling staircase to the top of the tower. The observatory is a grand piece of machinery. Lenses of varying sizes surrounded the domed roof. Levers are scattered around the observatory to adjust the position of the lenses. In the middle of the room, a small pedestal with a crystal ball serves as focus for the entire room.

"I shall now peer through the veil, father", begins Friedrik. "Boccob's eye should allow me to grant you the guidance you seek. A goddess, you mentioned outside, yes?" The High Mage looks into the crystal ball. Shapes begin to manifest on the lenses around the room, shadowy figures and places start to form: A mist filled mountain. A raging sea. A lush, a busy city, a verdant forest. Then it all goes black. The whole place shudders and the lenses come crashing down. Father Friederik barely has a chance to avoid the shards.

"It is as I had suspected. This goddess you seek, Father. She is no divine creature. She is a demon. And a most foul one indeed. As a fellow man of the cloth, I would go with you. Alas, my tower and Bludhaven need me. If, however, you manage to reach the forest where I sensed her presence, kill the beast and bring proof here. The church of Boccob will reward you justly. Before it all came crashing down, I saw a city- Justcrown. Not too far from here. I have also heard that these so called "pilgrimages" are headed there. Maybe there is a connection from Justcrown to the goddess. I am afraid I can aid no more."

[Archmage1]

Hm... an assumed name. Probably used magical charms, as well as social ones. I will need to be wary.

"I am a mage of sorts, as are you. I have never seen such control over the shadows. And as for them, well, this city is not known for having exceptional bards. Give them something simple to do, and they will likely be able to do it. What brought you to the Dukes attention? Usually he recruits more locally."

[dantiesilva]

As Dantie is led up into the observatory he takes out a piece of paper and gets ready to scribble down notes for future reference, but when they enter the observatory he is almost taken aback by how magnificent it is. You have outdone yourself farther. Was all he got in before he had to begin scribing down notes as the archmage began to speak.When the lenses came crashing down Dantie new the outcome, but waited to be polite. Why if I may ask would the church of Boccob want proof of this creatures death? Have they forgotten my deeds in Greyhawk where it was I who stopped the masses from invading. Dantie was now starting to wounder if there were hidden motives behind what the archmage said, but he could not say anything for fear of making such an aquasation without proof. Well I shall be on my way to stop this demon priest, and shall bring back proof of its death. And with that he bowed before gettng ready to leave when with a bang his long time friend appears in the room as if by magic. So The great Arbitor has come to see an old friend. Dantie says with a smile as he looks at the dwarf and smiles.

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: Siren flirts with the candle on the table, waving her fingers around the flame. The shadows follow her lead momentarily before she takes her hand away and sips from her wine.

"It's nothing unusual, really. You learn a lot on the road. Pottsdorff is an eccentric man. He likes to collect valuables and flaunt them in front of his like-minded fellows. You could call me the jewel du jour. I was contacted by one of his men a few weeks ago, in Calydon, the elven woods north of here. As a mage yourself, I am eager to see what you can do at the Autumn Ball. Perhaps we could even..."

At that moment, the two bards return with a soldier in toll. The soldier bears the Pottssdorf family seal: a broad chested hyppogrif.

"Mistress Psiren. The Duke demands your presence."

Siren finishes her wine, frowns at the soldier and smiles back at you.

"I guess we shall continue our tete a tete in three days, Tarith. It was a pleasure."

The songstress leaves the Wench to roaring applause and hollering from the crowd.

[Allyzedl]

To Kannoth as I slowly walk closer to him to make out what Kannoth looks like. "
What do you know of Jottun's Foot?"


Spot check:

[roll0]

[Archmage1]

"I will enjoy seeing you there, My Lady", as the Siren goes to leave.

After she leaves, Bill returns to the tavern where he left the Ravens planning the raid on the Dukes place.
"Well, it would seem that we have competition for the theft. I suspect that the one with the lovely voice we all heard earlier may be a competitor. That means that we need to move sooner rather than later. Do we have a map, or will we need to get a new one. Additionally, does anyone know who Draen Skylarios is?"

[Qwertystop]

I use the stone to go to Dantie first, and explain the situation as I know it (King in my city, odd occurrences all over, person shows up in my house, etc.)

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: You manage to see a huge figure in the darkness that is the grey dome. The flickering fires of the kiln barely make out a hunched silhouette, hulking by the fire. A quick glimpse through the light allows you to notice that his hand is long and gangly, not knotted with muscles as other giants you have faced before. His body is covered in a rag tag cloak. His features barely noticeable except for one piercing orange eye. The giant shudders at your question and moves his bulk around the dome, facing you.

"Jottun's Foot was my home, human. I lived there with my tribe for many of your lifespans. We worshipped the stone and tilled the earth. Some even traded with the smaller kin that live in the nearby town. Life was fair and tranquil. Then... he came. The child from the void, as a fallen star, a death omen we should have foreseen. Guneska took him like a child, like his own. The child brought forth decay, withering. My brothers fell, one after another. When we rallied against him, most of us were already his. I can still see my brethren, falling to the void, to this...child. I ran. I wanted to stay and fight, but fear came upon me. As a penance, I have been tainted by the land I called home. No one can go in there now, human. Jottun's Foot is cursed, and forever shall it remain. Had I stayed, had I fought. Maybe Guneska would've..."

A deep whimper is heard from the cloaked giant. He turns his massive bulk back at the kiln.

"Leave now, little man. I have no need to relive events past."

@Tarith: You have left the Wench and are back in your study. The Ravens have a highly detailed map of the palazzo. Oliver has marked the entrances with red ink.

"So we have four ways in, Tarith. We can take the main door, the west and east doorways, which will be used for service entrance, or we could try sneaking in from the second floor, problem is getting to the wall, there aren't any adjacent buildings and Pottsdorff is likely to have the place heavily guarded. If we can round up some coin, we could just waltz in as staff for the ball. Bill's cousin's best friend has been hired as a waiter for the event. I'm sure we can bribe him. That's one inside already. As for Draen, I'll go dig up something. What do you mean about competition?"


@Tradik: Myriam scribes all three names on the stone, as per your request. "Remember what I told you, Arbiter. This is just a beginning of things to come, but if you act fast, it can be avoided. Now go, may the scales tip in your favor."

You place the stone to your forehead, focusing on Dantie Silva. Who he is and how you have travelled together for a decade. Soon, the stone apt. begins to shudder, as if Khedesh itself were being hit by an earthquake. The fireplace, the walls, even Myriam begin to dissolve as you feel a sudden jolt from your entire body. You see yourself flying at impossible speeds through stone and root, far above Khedesh, into the night sky. Your body becomes the whim of whatever magic is contained within the stone as you are propelled through space. You manage to grit your teeth as the sheer velocity pushes you through barriers of mountain and buildings. You manage to see an ocean. Buildings, Lights. A tower. Stairs. And when the roller coaster has settled. You find Dantie Silva helping an old robed man off the ground. The entire room is filled with glass shards. Both men stare at you with perplexity.

[Archmage1]

"Well, that is good news, and bad news. I would rather not get Bill's cousin's best friend into trouble if we can avoid it, however. How well lit is the area around the plaza, and exactly how well guarded. That reminds, me, I still need to RSVP to the invitation. After all, If we steal the mask, I may as well entertain the Duke for it. I don't think that the bard we all heard at the nearby tavern is what she seems. She could control the shadows, and only recently came to the attention of the duke. It strikes me as suspicious. She may be this continental thief mentioned in the letter Oliver stole."

Writes and seals a letter to the Duke
I would be honored to participate in your ball three days hence. I trust you will have a mage available?

"I think I will take this to the Duke myself. It will give me the opportunity to size up the guard force, as well as the lighting available."

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You walk through the night streets of Justcrown. The Foaming Wench is still lit, but the raucous isn't as strong. A few drunkards cross your path, as well as servant maidens retuning to their homes after a hard day's work. A few huddled beggars dressed in white catch your eye. They have squatted under a bridge and have lit a bonfire. They seem to be chanting something about a "goddess". As you reach Crown street, the duke's palazzo comes into view.

The imposing white building is two stories high. You count at least eight windows facing the front. Eight on the second floor, eight on the first. The building has an expanse of around 200ft. of grass and cobblestone pavement surrounding the house which in turn is protected by a 20ft wall. A line of fir trees mark the main passage upon passing the gate, which stops midway to the house into a giant fountain with a hippogryph motif. You notice two guards outside the gate, suited in plate mail and carrying halberds and a sword strapped to their belts.

"A late hour for guests, sir. What business have you here?" questions the guard.

[Archmage1]

As he approaches the gate, Tarith looks around, assessing the visibility of the area.
"To deliver a response to a request from the duke. May I enter to deliver the response to his steward?"

[AlanBruce]

@Dantie and Tradik: Father Friederik looks at his shattered observatory and later at the dwarf who has just crash-landed.

"What sorcery is this?! Who is this dwarf? Why have my wards not alerted me?"

The high priest looks at the Arbiter and and holds his holy symbol.

[dantiesilva]

Peace farther Fredrick, trust me when I say this dwarf has many tricks. Once he beat me at a game of chess, drunk to bout. Dantie laughed as he clasped his old friend on the back. But do tell me what manner of sorcery have you come across this time old friend digging in them old mines. Hows the family? Dantie ask as he then remembers that they are still in the archmages private study. I'm sorry maybe we should leave farther Frederik, thank you again for your help. Dantie calls out before running out the door and outside to where his disciples had a fire lit and a decent sized group of the homeless gathered around them. So I see everyone has been busy. It is nice to meet everyone, my name is Dantie. Dantie says first to his students and then to the homeless. And this is the great and mighty Tradik.

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith> One of the guards inspects the invitation. "Seems legit. I will escort you to the main door."

As you walk down the cobblestone path, you notice Pottsdorff has wasted no resources: You see at least two bowmen on the roof. On ground level a small squad of ten guards have been deployed around the garden, taking rounds patrolling the perimeter. Tall iron torches have been stuck on the ground every 40 feet or so, to provide illumination, the light inside the manor not withstanding. Two guards stand next to the main door to the palazzo.

"He's a guest for the ball, came to deliver his invi..." A screech is heard from within the building. Which alerts the guards to unsheathe their weapons. The screech later turns to laughter, relaxing their guard. The main door opens and a balding man dressed in fine clothing with a hawk nose and and high cheekbones greets you.

"Worry not, gentlemen. There is nothing to fear. The duke is simply having dinner with Mistress Siren." He looks at you. "Who do we have here?"

Roll a Will save

[Archmage1]

OOC: Will: [roll0] If Tarith succeeds, is he aware of the effect? is it single target? Sadly, almost certain failure. O well.

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: The man sizes you up before extending his hand. "I shall see your invitation is delivered. You could have sent a carrier pigeon, you know. Good night." The man closes the door and the guard escorts you back outside.

[Archmage1]

After seeing the guards inside the estate, Tarith tries to think of a way to avoid the guard's patrols.

*I could climb the wall, with a bit of preparation, but getting out will be tricky, even if I avoid the guards. A distraction would be good, as well as returning later, so that the guards are more tired.*

When he arrives back at the tavern, he relates what he saw to the other Ravens.

After saying what he saw, and describing the guard patrols, Tarith reveals the real shocker.

"It would seem that this Siren has beaten us inside, but she may be unable to acquire the mask tonight. however, I think that we need to make a move tonight. To get in, a distraction would be nice, but it will be needed to get out. I will climb the wall, and sneak into the house, find the vaults, and steal what I can. When I need the distraction, I will throw a sunrod over the wall. Hopefully, it will light on impact with the ground, if not, well, hope you have good eyes. When it does, throw the alchemists fire over the wall, it should be a distraction. I will need a bit of luck to avoid the patrols, but once in the house, I should be fine. Any comments?"

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: The Ravens are excited, you can tell. This would be the heist of the century. They could retire as wealthy thieves, or even run a guild of their own with the coin gathered. Then, it was Oliver who burst their bubble.

"Did you get to see the mask? I mean, I trust you can sweep the place inside quickly, but no one has seen the mask yet. It is ultimately your call, T."

[Archmage1]

"Unfortunately, Oliver is right. Re-reading the note, it would appear that this Draen Skylarios most likely has it. We need more information about him. Still, it was a good plan. We may still need it, otherwise, we will see if we can empty out the dukes vaults. I will try to remember if I have about him, but it is not exactly my strong suit."

Knowledge local check:[roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You delve deep into the local knowledge of Justcrown. Even with the information gained by the Ravens, Draen Skylarios acts as a valet of sorts to the Pottsdorff. Usually away from the city, Draen, is known for being a haughty noble with unwavering loyalty to the duke. What he can do, though, is sadly beyond your understanding.

[Archmage1]

ooc
Does he have a private home?

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: The Ravens do mention that Draen has a small manor not too far from Pottsdorff's palazzo, in Crown district.

"He's an easy target, T", exposes Oliver. "I took the note right out of him in broad daylight. Maybe he noticed later, or not. If you want, I can go and check his place out. We never took him for an art merchant, so we left his place alone. It's your call, of course."

[Morbis Meh]

Felix had been disturbed by the dark tidings, the forest had become his home and the fey had accepted him and his 'gift'. As he walked through the trees he looked for any signs of what had happened, trying to replay the events through his mind hoping to piece some scenario that could explain this atrocity. A dark voice in the back of his mind told him that it was some foul mage who was responsible... he didn't want to believe it but he couldn't shake the feeling. He stopped amidst the sand and ash and kneels down before the piles inspecting them for any signs. His hulking form blocking out the light from above, nowadays he didn't use his hat to hide this form and he rarely walked abound in his natural state, much more comfortable in the skin of some other creature. His massive claw reaches out and picks up a handful of ash, as he lets it run through his fingers sorrow and despair pierce his heart. Why here and why now?


so spot and search checks are in order I suppose
spot
search [roll1]
listen [roll]1s20+15

[Morbis Meh]

damn fat fingers!
listen [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Felix: The area seems to have been blasted by a sudden fire. Abilities like these have been seen by you throughout your years battling mages. The sand remains have not. Your keen hearing picks up a shuffling through the undergrowth and you see Sorine, dryad of the eastern trees walk towards you. Her gait is uneven as she approaches you. Worse still, the fey's usual vibrant skin tone has become grey and dessicated. Her hair is nearly gone as she shuffles her feet towards you and collpases at your feet. She looks up at you with teary eyes. Her face cracked and smelling of salt.

"Fe...Felix. The guardian...he's gone too far. I thought I could reason with him, but now another walks by his side. A man of shrouds and sand. They are killing the forest. Looking for her... Please Felix... warn Dinaron's Grove... I, I, can't feel the trees no more, Felix."

Tears run down Sorine's crusty face, causing her features to crack. The once cheerful and flirtatious dryad crumbles into sand and salt in your arms.

[Qwertystop]

I apologize for the sudden arrival, but...
I explain what had been happening, from the arrival of the new King to the point of my leaving.

[Morbis Meh]

Rage fills Felix, for a fleeting moment he moves towards the domain of the guardian but he stops. Respecting the final wishes of a dearly departed friend he instead goes towards the grove to give warning before wandering off to fave this new foe...

[AlanBruce]

@Felix: The stars shine bright above the fey forest as you make your way through the primeval undergrowth. In your beast form, you can sense the animals around the woods have gone quiet. The usual night predators are nowhere to be seen. Firefly-sized fey glow eerily around patches of blasted ground, as in mourning. After a few hours of travel, you reach Dinaron´s Grove.

The sacred grotto is untrackable due to ancient fey magic. Only those who have befriended the fey and shown their respect and protection for the forest are allowed to find a path. And even then, the capricious forest dwellers are reluctant to give away such information. It was told to you by Sorine that you were the second mortal to know of this location.

Dinaron´s Grove has changed since last you visited. The lush trees that encircled the place have lost their leaves and sprouted thorns- as if to repel an outside force. The fey sense your approach and the mighty trees unknot themselves, allowing you o barely pass in your human form. The view inside isn't any prettier.

The grand lagoon where the nymphs and dryads would swim and play has almost dried up. The sacred birch trees belonging to the fairest dryads have lost their color. Some of the tree fey cling to their trees, having accepted their fate. One approaches you.

"Greetings, Felix. You are the shapeshifter of the woods. Sorine has spoken highly of you. I am Uwellyn, of the western trees. Corruption has not yet reached that part, but it shall soon. Unless it is stopped. My sisters have spoken of the guardian- Old Balion is his name. Once a devout druid, Old Balion turned to a darker art. Fortunataely, the forest has many guardians, and they were able to keep Old Balion in check, remake what he unmade. Lately, though, rumors fly about a man of sand and salt who walks with Balion. The forest may not endure for long. We have pleaded with the ancient spirit of the woods and he has sent us guidance from above. I present you Azakiel."

A silver glow emanates from a corner of the grove and an elven woman with with raven hair and deep blue eyes comes into view. She wears an ornate breastplate with a celestial motif, not unlike those found at churches in cities.

[Archmage1]

"Well, since it would be easy to hit, it would make sense to do so. The mask may be there, but if it is not, there will probably be something confirming the masks location, as well as something that would be worth something. I think that time may be an issue, so I will go and take a look as well. If it seems simple enough, we will hit it then and there."

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: Most of the buildings in Justcrown are dark by now. The candles of the Foaming Wench are barely flickering before Otis turns out the last one and locks the door, echoing its click through the empty streets. A dog responds by howling at the full moon. The city sleeps peacefully under a starry night.

Time for the Ravens to fly.

You, Oliver, Bill, Cecile, and Basil prowl the cobblestone streets nonchalantly. The Ravens have learned much since you took them under your wing. Cecile surprised you a week ago by opening your door after reading a scroll. Oliver is a natural. The kid tried pickpocketing you, which would lead you to meeting his fellow Ravens. Bill is a sneaky fellow. You have seen that boy walk past a squad of soldiers without making a sound- while inside a barrel. Basil...isn't too bright. However, he packs quite a punch when it comes to using the sap. Judging by the deep cut marks on his training dummy, good with a blade as well. Not bad for a group of teens.

Skylarios' home is rather unimpressive, compared to the duke's palazzo. The two story manor is sandwiched between two houses, leaving a five foot breathing room between each house, forming an alley. The front of the house boasts a regular door framed by an arch and flanked by two windows. Above them, a balcony extends into from a double window. The lights are all out and a single guard has stopped by a light post a mere 20ft. away from the house, resting his body against it.

"Well T, what do we do?" Oliver and the rest hang by the shadows waiting for your signal.

[Archmage1]

"Now, we head on in. We need to get by the guard, and it should be easy. I will cast an illusion that the light went out. We then sneak by the guard, and enter the building. Does anyone else have any suggestions? Other than sneaking up to him, and hitting him over the head, which is a bit unreliable."

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: "Sounds like a plan. Cecile and Basil can take the left side of the house and climb the walls, using leverage from the adjacent house. Bill and I can take the right side. I'm thinking the balcony as an entrance. We can meet up there. Unless you want to try the front door."

[Archmage1]

"Yep. Lets do this. When the light goes out, get going. I will follow on the left."

Tarith casts Silent Image to mimic the light going dim->dim enough that it only illuminated 5ft.

Afterwards, he follows to the left, continuing to concentrate on his spell.

After everyone has sneaked past, Tarith allows the spell to lapse, mimicking the light flaring up again.

move silently[roll0] hide[roll1] concentration[roll2]

[dantiesilva]

After hearing his friend Tradik's word's and moving to a safe distance away from prying eyes he pulls out the journal he has been keeping notes in for the past decade, it explains what he has seen over this time, and the much more recent events that had just transpired and the prophecy that was told to him by Farther Fredrick. I think we need to get the gang back together if we are to stop whatever it is that is going on as your friend that gave you the stone said. Something big is happening in our world, and if we do not try to stop it, we may be to late. Then as an after thought he added I was thinking of sending word to my mentor about our findings with my disciples. If you do not mind waiting I would like to give them a message to be delivered to him while we are away so that my pupils stay safe, and he knows what is going on in the world and can perhaps grant us some help. After all Pelors light has always shined down on us in our times of need. Dantie said holding up his holy symbol of Pelor to the sky.

As he holds the holy symbol up into the sky he activates a light spell as praise to Pelor.

[Qwertystop]

All right. After you've sent that message, I shall bring us to Bishop.

[dantiesilva]

And with that Dantie goes over to his pupils and begins to explain. The farther you saw earlier told me many things. Some of which I can not reveal to you, it is up to the church of if you are ready or not to see the light of Pelor. Dantie says as he begins writing down everything that has happened today, when finished he hands it sealed in an envelope to his disciples. Take this to Saint Anthony and do not stop for anything or anyone, know that your lives are at stake, and this is a very important mission for you. Stay only at places loyal to the shining lord and his allies, and do not stop to do anything. Heal those while you are at the churches or shrines, but save your spells otherwise. The fate of my life rest in your hands. I must go now though to try and stop things from transpiring. Please do this for me and do not take your time. If I see you all again I shall reward you myself on the days you officially join our ranks with Pelors blessing. And with that Dantie bows to them before handing them the letter. May the morniglord watch over you, and the sun always shining down on you. and with that he once again joined Tradik I am ready friend.

[Morbis Meh]

Feliw bows low at the approach of the newcomer "You honour me my lady, how may I be of service? This forest is now my home and I wish nothing more than to protect it and its residents. I though my days as a mage hound were over and that I could spend my years in this forest peacefully but I suppose that was merely a pipe dream." He rises from his bow and slowly towers over the gathered beings. His eyes burned with a fire that had been absent these past few years but his voice was calm and serene as a tranquil pond. " Tell me, why has the guardian betrayed his vows to this forest and who is this newcomer? If this is indeed a rogue mage then I believe my particular talents will be more than useful in this incident."

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: The guard sees the light flicker above his head. ¨Damn it! Where's that flint?" He attempts to relight the candle on top. Ever the cautious guard, he turns both ways before raising his head up to fix the lightpost.

Spot #1D20#+1

The guard fails to notice five shadows sprinting silently into the sides of Draen's manor. The crenelated walls, along with the leverage from the adjacent houses, make the climb relatively easy for the Ravens. Basil sleps a little causing a small piece of worked stone to land on the grass below, but the guard is too intent on lighting his flint he doesn't even notice. The five of you stand, quite cramped, on the balcony.

"Figures", whispers Oliver. "It's locked."


@Dantie and Tradik: You hold your holy symbol to the night sky, intoning the ancient words of the Radiant One. A sphere of pure light surrounds everyone within your sight. The neophytes bow and silently pray. The pilgrims look in awe at the warm luminescence.

"Pelor has not abandoned us, father", approaches one of your neophytes. He hands you a scroll and quill. ¨We shall travel back to the High temple. If you have any message for the High Father, please write it here, that it shall be delivered promptly."

You write the message down, asking Saint Anthony to shed some light on the matter at hand. You watch the neophytes walk away, hopeful they will reach the capital safe.

Tradik, you place your gauntlet on Dantie's shoulder and place the stone on your forehead, focusing on Bishop, remembering that majestic kick to an ogre chieftain's jaw so many years ago. Immediately, both feel a shudder as Bludhaven begins to dissapera from view. Both rocket through mountain tops and valleys. At one point, you seem to descend on a misty pass through a giant mountain chain, only to have a force repel you away, as if swatting a fly. You take a sharp 90 degree angle and land on soft grass. In the distance, you can see the lights of a small town. Much closer, a great dome made of clay stands before you. Leaning against the massive doorway of the dome stands Bishop, back turned to you, his decanter gushing ale on the soil.

[dantiesilva]

Almost here you go [roll0] you replace the # symbol with the number in a spoiler

[Archmage1]

Tarith ends the Silent Image, making it seem as though some ember re-lit the lamp.

Afterwards, he takes a good look at the door, disabling any devices present, before he attempts to unlock it.

search[roll0] disable device [roll1] open lock[roll2] Can I take 10 on opening the lock instead, for 29?

[dantiesilva]

As Dantie feels like he is being pushed away when they go towards the mountain he sense that something dark and sinister is their. Could it be another demon? Dantie thought to himself as he continued on the ride until it came to an end.

Dantie landed roughly and rolled with his landing. When he got back up he looked and saw the dome with Bishiop standing next to it wounder what he is up to don't you. Dantie asked the dwarf.

[AlanBruce]

@Felix: Azakiel bows back. You can see that she belongs not to the forest, but somewhere else entirely, although her features would suggest a more evolved form of fey.

"Felix, the man responsible for this corruption is one called Old Balion. He once served as guardian to a being regarded as 'the goddess'. This being resides deep in the heart of the Fey Woods, in the hidden village of Swan's Rest. I have been told by my sylvan sisters that he has corrupted the land around him. His powers are much like those of a druid, yet darker, hostile. I do not know of this second man of sand and salt. For some reason, I am unable to track him, even with my sight. Listen well, shapeshifter. If you face Balion, do not rush him alone. I am bound to this grove until the Powers that Be call me back, so all I can grant is guidance. But heed my words, should you enter Swan's Rest. Should you meet this goddess, do not force her hand. I ask you leave her where she is. It is likely that Balion wishes to enter Swan's Rest. Please, Felix, protect these woods since I cannot and its former guardian has become insane."


@Tarith: The balcony door opens with a gentle click. The five of you enter Draen's manor.

You are in the main bedroom. An ornate mahogany bed with silk linen rests to the left. to the right, a writing desk with stacks of papers on it and six small drawers, three on each side. A door at the end of the room has been left opened. Oddly enough, a fine layer of dust has settled. Nobody has used this room in awhile. The Ravens are quick to search around.

"What a miser", groans Basil as he dangles a small pouch in his hand.

"Speak for yourself", flaunts Cecile as she shows an ivory figurine in the shape of an eastern dancer.

"Why would he leave unarmed?", questions Bill as he pulls a longsword from under the bed.

"T, check this out", Oliver hands you an old leather diary with the initials "D.S." embroidered on it. Skimming the pages, the following catches your eye, written about a month ago:

I believe age may be playing its cruel tricks on me. I could've sworn I saw myself last night as I closed my window, standing on the street. And he waved back! I have decided not to consult this with the duke, lest he believes I am unfit to serve the city. It may be time for me to discreetly leave and seek help elsewhere, maybe in Veluna. Or, may the gods forgive me, follow those filthy pilgrims into the accursed woods seeking "enlightenment" from some mad superstition. I do hope the duke manages without me.

[Archmage1]

ooc: Are there later entries in the diary?

"I don't think he left by choice. No one has slept here in a while, but I saw him at the dukes place just a few hours ago. I think that he was not imagining things. He may have been replaced by the double mentioned in his diary. Still, we should loot the house, seeing as we are here and all. We may as well split up, and explore. Get things of value, and see if the house has been lived in recently. Keep quiet. I will head downstairs, and see if there is a basement. Basil, you stick with Oliver, Cecile, you stick with Bill. You run into trouble, alert the others, if you are in danger, feel free to use noise."

Tarith casts Arcane Sight, and looks for magic before heading downstairs. He will collect magical items. He also pockets the diary.

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: OOC: that was the latest entry. Everything before details his everyday musings about the city. Nothing too relevant.

Your eyes glow blue and you focus your attention on the room and the Ravens. Bill's sword emits a faint glow.

You leave the Ravens upstairs to search the room more thoroughly, as well as the adjacent guest room. The stairwell, like the room you came in, is covered in a fine layer of dust. as you descend the creaking stairs, you notice a large portrait of Draen in his younger years. True to the man that greeted you at the duke's manor hours earlier, he sports a beaked nose and prominent cheekbones. The painting hangs above a fireplace. On the mantle, a statuette of a hippogriff made of opal looks at you fiercely. the fireplace has a cauldron in it. The rest of the room sports a long couch for three, a coffee table with a bowl on it and a spoon and two chairs, all of matching design. To the right of the fireplace is a door. To the left of the fireplace is the main door outside. The windows reflect the street light rather well- bright enough for you to see, dim enough to conceal you from that guard outside, should he choose to peek in. The closer you get to the fireplace, the more potent the smell of herbs fill the air. Someone has been cooking here.

[Morbis Meh]

Felix hears her words and nods solemnly "Very well... I shall take your words to heart but if I cannot facet his alone, I would need some method of contacting some acquaintances of mine... I can go myself but I am afraid I may not make it back in time, so would you have some way of contacting and locating them it would make this problem much simpler... If I am to protect this forest I need knowledge of my enemy, is there someone who knows more of the former guardian or of this newcomer? "

[AlanBruce]

@Felix: Azakiel looks at Uwellyn. The dryad ponders for awhile and then looks at you.

"There was a man from Swan's Rest who left the village. An esteemed bard by the name of Steiner Lacore. I was told that he was one of the goddess' guardians, versed in powerful arcane magic. Last my sisters saw him, he was headed for the city beyond the forest. The ones mortals call Justcrown. That was about sixty years ago, however. Your kind does not take time as well as the fey folk. Then again, it is said that those from Swan's Rest tend to have unnaturally long lifespans. I am sorry I cannot provide further assistance."

[Allyzedl]

After being asked to leave, Bishop does so and begins to head back towards town.


Spot check:
[roll0]
I'm going to assume that they aren't behind a bunch of trees or anything and wouldn't be that hard to notice.


Bishop then spots two figures in the grass. Being cautious Bishop readies the stool that he has been carrying around the entire time. As he gets closer the images become familiar to him. He notices that the two figures are his friends. He begins to run towards them, and jumps at them in an attempt to hug them.

[Allyzedl]

Jump check:
[roll0]



Bishop leaps into the air, and tackles his two friends in a hug. "Hey guys! What have you two been up to? It has been so long since we last saw each other. I think we should go buy some drinks to celebrate. I know of this place, it has the best ale in town!"

[Qwertystop]

"Ah, illogical as ever, I see," I say with a small smile. I then explain what's going on.

[dantiesilva]

A drinker now are we, and I thought the dwarf was bad enough. Now we got two drunks. Dantie laughed as he rubbed his shoulder after getting up of the ground. Then he got ready to hand Bishop the book that he kept his notes in but thought better of it, and instead told him his half of the story. So what are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere, will a stool in your hand to boot. Dantie said with a smile. As for the drinks, I believe we should wait until a more approprtiate time, we need to get the band back together as I'm sure you are partially aware of. The world is changing, and demons are invading once more. We were going to kill one now, but needed your expertise, as well as the others. Dantie said being diplomatic with him saying he was drunk at least in Danties eyes who had only on rare occasions touched a drink.

[roll0] Diplomacy And here is my character sheet because I do not know if anyone has seen it or not http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=437705

[Archmage1]

Well, do we have a squatter, or something else? The bedroom was not slept in, but someone has been cooking here, Tarith thinks, as he places the statue into his bag. He quietly moves over to the front door, checking to see if it is locked, before heading to the second door, and trying to identify stuff on the other side, looking through the cracks, and listening, before opening the door just enough to go through

listen[roll0] spot[roll1] move silently[roll2] hide[roll3]
OOC: Were there later entries in the Diary?

[Allyzedl]

Alright, sounds good. Where should we go from here? And if you do know, do you know how far away it is?

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You move close to the main door, twisting the knob just so slightly. Unlocked. You can see from the window the guard nodding his head against the lamp post. Further checking in the room reveals a safe behind the painting. The paintings frame and back have been covered in a thin sheet of lead.

Peeking through the second door reveals the kitchen. The place looks used, but clean. A large table is set in the middle, with a wooden plank on top and a butcher's knife stuck to it, used for cutting down meat. The brick oven opposite the room is cold, having seen no use. The cauldron that would be there is missing, having been moved to the living room. A large cupboard with spices stands to the left. To the right, a door leading outside the house sports some windows, letting in the moonlight. Beneath the large cooking table, you see a rectangular outline, about 5 x 3 ft.


@Dantie, Tradik & Bishop: After being almost hugged and tackled to death by the monk, the three of you follow Bishop towards the nearby town. Small in comparison to Khedesh or Bludhaven, Hammerbruk boasts a quaint atmosphere, even at this late hour. Most of the lights are out. Snoring can be heard from inside the many caravans parked along the streets. Bishop leads you to his inn, where a gnome sits on a table, puffing on his pipe. The gnome looks up at Bishop and waves.

"So, Master Bishop. Did you clean the place up?"

[Archmage1]

After finding the safe, Tarith looks at it with arcane sight, investigates it for traps, attempts to disarm any present, and tries to open it.
search[roll0] disable device[roll1] open lock[roll2]

[Allyzedl]

Bishop eagerly waves back at Gibbo, then presents him with the stool from his right hand.
"I brought your stool back, so you don't need to sit on the table. Perhaps we should discuss the situation over a game of cards and some ale? Oh and these are some people I know, we go way back.
What exactly did you mean when you asked did I clean it up?"

[Morbis Meh]

Felix nods and begins to change form, his thick muscular arms begin to grow down and feathers slowly form. Within moments he has changed into a massive bird and stands ready to depart. "I bid you farewell for the time being, I shall not be long and I will return with aid." He extends his massive wings and takes off into the sky heading toward the city. Within a mile of the city he reverts to his troll form but puts his magical hat on, making him appear like a very tall human.

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: Jackpot. Draen thought he would be able to prevent magical detection from anyone trying to pilfer his house. He should've considered a better locksmith and trapmaker. The thin needle is carefully retracted with your fingers back to its coiled position. The contents are as follows:

- a jeweled music box with the Justcrown insignia on it (a hippogryph)

- a pearl necklace

- a bloated pouch filled with gold coins

- 2 scrolls: one detects moderate divination, the other moderate transmutation

- 3 emeralds, 2 rubies, 1 topaz

- Next to the scrolls, you find a letter. It is not dated and its crumpled state would indicate it has been read many times over.

Draen,

I must ask that you stop insisting on my participation at the duke's festivities. You should be well aware that I am not of the patience for the likes of him and his crowd. I am grateful, however, that you have confided in me regarding your "paranoia". I am afraid your mind is not playing you tricks, old friend. I am too well versed in that which is and is not, sadly. In any event, these scrolls should provide you a measure of protection against this menace. If you see this double again, please make sure you use them immediately. I hope you are well, Draen. May the goddess watch over you.

Steiner L.


Upstairs you hear a fumble and a "thud". Immediately after you hear Basil whisper "My bad", followed by the sound of a slap to his scalp.


@Bishop: Gibbo jumps down from the table and takes the stool. He greets Tradik and Dantie, then looks at you.

"Jottun's Foot, Master Bishop. Is it safe now?"


@Felix: The tall rooftops of the city greet you from a distance. The sky is clear and starry, with a large full moon. The woods give part to a clearing that leads to a massive wooden gate. Atop the the gate stands a lone watchman with a torch. He looks at you, twice, hardly believing anyone may come from the forest.

"You there! what are you doing in the woods. Who are you?"

[Archmage1]

Interesting. And profitable. This pays for this outing, but now what else is here.
At Basil's fumble he winces, hoping that no one heard it.
He places the contents of the safe into his pack, before closing the safe, and replacing the painting. Tarith then heads into the kitchen, and investigates the box under the table.
Rolls for kitchen: hide[roll0] move silently[roll1] search[roll2] spot[roll3] listen[roll]1d20+14]/roll]
since I apparently epic fail at rolls, can I just take 10 on the listen, for 24?

[Allyzedl]

"Jottun's Foot is not safe, I talked to the giant that lives near the path and he told me that Jottun's Foot has been cursed by a creature of evil. I have yet to check it out for myself. Do you know anything about a child from the void or a creature that goes by Guneska?"

[Morbis Meh]

Felix looks at the guard and gives an amused smile "Who I am is of no importance, merely a small and insignificant detail. As for the forest it is my home and I am here to pay a visit to some old friends, nothing more. Do not worry I know my girth is somewhat astonishing but I assure you I am here on friendly term and only seek to go about my business in peace."

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You step into the kitchen and explore the area underneath the table. You realize it's a trap door. It has no lock, instead having two iron bars to push in and close it. As it stands now, the bars are opened, allowing for an easy entry.

@Bishop: Gibbo looks at the innkeeper after you ask. The innkeeper takes a drink from his mug and begins, "Guneska was one of the stone giant representatives. he would trade with us along with a few other jot tun from his tribe, but it was Guneska who actually handled the wares."

@Felix: The guard disappears from sight. You hear a door in the lower past of the gate unlocking. The guard opens it, torch held high to increase the light radius.

"Well, this is strange indeed.", begins the guard. "We have folk coming from the OTHER side of town to the forest. We have to charge them a tax to get in. I guess you get a free pass, stranger. Just don't cause any trouble, ok? Look for Anvil Street, the Foaming Wench should provide you with a room. Welcome to Justcrown."

[Archmage1]

Tarith, seeing the trap door, figures that it looks interesting, and therefore, should be opened. Quietly. Before heading down, he sends a message to Oliver, as well as loading his crossbow.
"Found a trapdoor in the kitchen downstairs. I am investigating it currently. Signs of current use. Should be interesting. Anything interesting Upstairs?"


hide[1d20+18]move silently[roll0]
(note that Oliver gets a 25 word reply)

[dantiesilva]

Dantie was not one to argue, so when Bishop began leading the way to a pub he just shock his head. Never changes indeed. He laughed as he took a seat by his friends. It is a plesser to meet you Gibbo my name is Dantie, and a cleric of the shining one. Dantie says happily. As he was offered a drink he put his hand up refusing the drink. I do not drink often, thank you anyways. Dantie said with a smile before turning to listen to the information being shared, writing it all down in his little book. It was after all information they could later use, definatly this part about the giants and this so called child of the void. Maybe that is what had hit them away from the mountains. They would learn soon, when Pelors shined his light on it they would know to go their. But first they had to take care of this goddess. We need to get to Justcrown Bishop. There are strange things going on their and the church would like me to investigate. From what I saw from a crystal ball I needed everyones help. So are you in Bishop?

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: "Basil nearly woke the guard outside, but he still nods, from what i can see through the window. Found diamond earrings, a bag of silver coins, and daggers."

You move the table only slightly and with utmost care, tracing a path of dust on the kitchen floor. The trap door opens with a frail creak, revealing stairs leading down into the dark.

[Archmage1]

Enjoying himself, Tarith quietly heads down the stairs.
hide[roll0]move silently[roll1]

[Morbis Meh]

Felix tips his hat at the guard "I thank you for the welcome sir and I shall not be any trouble, may you have an uneventful evening." Without hesitation Felix walks off towards the Foaming wench, not bother taking time to look around, merely content to get to where he needs to without drawing too much attention to himself.

[Allyzedl]

@Dantie "Sure where is Justcrown? How far away? And how do you suggest we travel there?"

[dantiesilva]

Dantie looks to Tradik Your rock still got some juice in it or are we huffing it. Either way you will have your answer Bishop. Who knows we may even get to celebrated as heroes for slaying this demon. Then as an after thought said We can challenge it to a battle of the stomics. You against it, whoever drinks the most wins. Dantie laughs knowing that hearing about alcohol would get his mind ready for battle and his throat thirsting for more ale.

[Qwertystop]

It has one more use, which will bring us to Tarith. Are we all ready?

[dantiesilva]

Dantie shakes his head, agreeing that he is ready and then turns to Bishop to see if he to is ready to leave.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop turns to Gibbo.
@Gibbo "If that is all, then I've got to head off. I'll be back when after I get more information that may be useful to the problems at Jottun's Foot."

Walking over to Tradik, Bishop gives him a thumbs up and says,
@Tradik "I haven't seen Tarith in years, let's go."

[Qwertystop]

We're off, then!

And with that, I activate the stone one last time.jk

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You go down the stairs in the basement. Pushing aside the cobwebs and staying yourbthroat from coughing due to a high concentration of dust and... is that lavender? There's a strong musk of lavender in the air.

The basement is a large sized cellar, about 60ft long by 30 ft. wide. Obstructing the space, divided evenly in three rows are wine cabinets.

OOC: Roll a Spot,Listen, and another Spot check

@Felix: The cobblestone streets are empty. All lights from the houses are out. The only light sources being the candle light from the street posts. The occasional howling of a dog can be heard in the distance- understandably so with a full moon. A couple of guards walk down the street escorting a local woman carrying a basket in her arms. They seem too busy flirting with her that they don't even pay attention to you. You finally reach a building with a a large wooden sign hanging on the side. "The Foaming Wench". The lights are out, but surely someone may be able to tend to late night guests.


@Tradik, Dantie, and Bishop: Dantie and Bishop place their hands on Tradik's shoulders. The dwarf places the stone upon his forehead and you watch Gibbo, the innkeeper and the entire inn begin to shudder out of view. Before you can attest what´s happening. You find yourself flying at astronomical speeds. Bishop, you manage to turn your head slightly down due to the immense friction, enough to see your decanter is still caught tight in your hands, spilling ale in the form of sharp slivers of alcohol. The three of you pass the giant mountain range, across a few patches of forest and i the distance, you can see the skyline of a city against moonlight. Diving faster and deeper into the city, you cross streets, alleys, rooftops and can see from above, as the journey halts for a mere second the top of a manor. The flight path plunges you deep into the house through the roof.

[Archmage1]

Hm... Looks like someone has been here. Nice cellar though.

OOC: spot [roll0] listen [roll1] spot [roll2]. Has it been 10 minutes game time since Tarith entered the house? if not, then there is still arcane sight in operation.

[dantiesilva]

Well that was something, much faster then my spells to do similar. Dantie said as he got his barrings and looked around, hmm dark house lights off and...no one around. He is your stone broken or something all i see is a kitchen Tradik, just because your hungry doesn't mean break into someones house. That thing must be broken or something. Dantie says as he begins looking around the area to see if he can find anything, he also keeps an ear out in case they woke anyone up in the house.

[roll0] Listen [roll1] Spot [roll2] Search

[Archmage1]

*Where did they come from? I have not seen them in years. Well, I guess we will see what is here, soon. They make a decent distraction, and if combat happens, well, they may be handy.*

Um... if you teleported to me, shouldn't you be in the cellars?

[Morbis Meh]

Felix knocks gently upon the wooden door, truth be told he didn't really need a room though a massive eagle resting atop a building was not the best way to remain subtle. He enjoys the silence of the evening but dislikes the stale odour of the city, he hoped he didn't have to waste too much time finding one of his companions...

[Allyzedl]

@Tradik "I don't know what you have been up to since I last saw you, but that was pretty cool. What do you call what you just did?"

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: OOC: Your Arcane Sight still has a few more juice left

You walk through the cellar. Draen has collected quite an assortment of fine wines. Some slots seem to be missing. At the end of the of the room, a lone candle and the smell of lavender permeates the area- but it still cannot hide the rotten smell.

Dran Skylarios lies dead on a corner. His eyes have been plucked off and his tongue removed. The scalp has been cu clean and brain residue clings to side of the skull. You hear the door leading down to the basement shut and the iron bars slide it shut.

@Dantie, Tradik, and Bishop: You land in a dusty kitchen. A table has been moved at an odd angle and a trap door can be seen, shut by two sliding iron bars. Light from the street can be seen from a door leading oustide. Another door has been opened, leading to what appears to be a living room. Suddenly, a youth clad in leather armor and a black cape holds a shaking had to the corner of the door from the living room. His expression is of confusion, as he looks at the three of you. His chest has been punctured where the heart ought to be. The kid turns pale, whimpers "Tarith?", and drops face down, dead.

[Archmage1]

*I wonder who killed him. And why they waited for a month before doing anything. Unless they did something.*
Tarith, hearing the door shut, realizes that he might be in a bit of trouble. However, remembering the door, he realizes that escape is unlikely from inside. He searches the room, and the corpse, looking for anything or anyone of interest. He also does so carefully, with no intent on revealing his position.
Listen[roll0] spot[roll1] move silently[roll2] hide [roll3] search[roll4]

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You hear some voices upstairs. Familar voices. Then you hear something hit the floor above you. Looking at the corpse, it seems to have been selectively eaten, almost as in a ritual fashion. You feel something stuck to your scabbard as you kneel by the corpse. When this was placed, you cannot tell. It´s a piece of paper with a short message:

Should've kept your pigeons in their cage, T.

Further search of the area reveals nothing more.

[Archmage1]

Tarith, realizing that he has been mousetrapped, heads to the trapdoor and attempts to open it. If that fails, he will bang on it.

disable device[roll0] search(secret switch)[roll1] spot[roll2] listen[roll3] open lock[roll4] strength check[roll5]

[Qwertystop]

I whisper "Not my doing, somebody gave me that stone. Nothing left in it now though..."

[AlanBruce]

@Tradik, Dantie & Bishop: You barely have a chance to recat at the boy on the ground, when upstairs a girl screams and is suddenly silenced. Loud bangs on the trap door are heard.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop upon hearing banging from the trap door begins drinking heavily and stumbles over to it. Barely able to speak he just manages to mumble out, "Watch out" before he pulls out a crowbar from his backpack and tries to bend the iron bars, then smash the trap door.



Bend Iron Bars strength check

[roll0]

Smash trap door strength check

[roll1]

[AlanBruce]

@Tradik, Dantie, Bishop, & Tarith: Bishop bends the iron bars with ease, followed by a single massive punch into the trap door, sending splinters and dust flying all over the kitchen. You manage to stay the full force of your fist as you see Tarith's face with his fist raised, ready to bang at the door.

[Allyzedl]

Slowly regaining his composure, Bishop puts the crowbar back into his backpack.

@Tarith "Tarith! It's been too long. Was that you that was banging on the trap door?"

[Archmage1]

How did they get here...

"Not important right now. I had 4 allies with me, they should be upstairs, and they are probably in trouble. Time for me to help."

Tarith sees Basil's corpse.

"We may be too late. Coming?"

Tarith puts the sword into his pack, before heading for the stairs.

[Allyzedl]

"Yeah I'm coming."
As Bishop begins the follow Tarith he grabs the table that was near the trap door and a chair and carries them in each hand as he follows Tarith upstairs.

[AlanBruce]

@Felix: After a few minutes knocking at the door, you hear footsteps from inside and a small slot opens on the door. You see a pair of drowsy eyes blinking twice, then moving their gaze up, sizing your figure. A key chain is heard dangling in nervous hands as the door finally props open. You see a middle aged, pot bellied man in a robe.

"Y..Yes, sir? How may I help you. I'm Otis, of the Wench."

@Bishop, Dantie, Tarith & Tradik: You head upstairs, Bishop carrying furniture in both hands. The top of the stairs greets you with lovely Cecile. A deep cut has been made on her back, her cold eyes looking at you in a grim farewell.

"Jump, Bill!", you hear Oliver yell from the main room. You can only hope they managed to get away.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop runs to where he heard the voice yell "Jump". "Who goes there?"

[Archmage1]

As does Tarith, hoping that they do indeed get away, and hoping to find what has been killing them.

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: You run towards the source of the voice. You see a splatter of blood trailing from the main room to the girl's body. In the main room, an open window reveals a balcony. A cloaked youth is setting himself for a jump as another one stands frozen in place.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop drops the chair and table, and charges and attempts to bull rush the cloaked figure that is frozen in place. Bishop staggers around any obstacles that are blocking his path.


Bull Rush Strength check, if needed

[roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: You drop the furniture and rush the cloaked figure as the other one makes the jump. The tackled figure's cloak lifts off with the force and you see it's a youth, a mere teen. His eyes dart around like mad, yet his body is as stiff as stone.

[Allyzedl]

Upon seeing that the youth is paralyzed, Bishop drops him, as he runs to the window Bishop shouts at Tarith, "I'll be right back" then jumps out of the window, attempting to follow the person that jumped out of it.



Jump check:

[roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: The jump is one worthy for the books. As you leap in the air, you catch the cloaked figure kneeling on the ground, laying on hos side and holding his leg. You land a few feet away from him. The cloaked youth takes out a short sword and points it at you.

"Stay back, old man! I can still gut you!"

[Qwertystop]

"Impulsive as ever... I suppose I'd better follow him. But first..."
I cast Dispelling Touch on the paralyzed boy.
Caster level check: [roll0]
In case you don't know how it works:
Touch-range targeted Dispel Magic. One caster level check. It tries to dispel effects starting from the one with the highest caster level, proceeding downward until it succeeds, at which point it stops. Doesn't work on carried magic items.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop pulls a ladder out of his backpack. Holds it in both hands, and walks up up to the youth, and stops around 10 ft. in front of him. Bishop then swings the ladder at the youth, attempting to disarm him of his shortsword.
"What were you doing in that house?"


Disarm attack roll, ladder vs. shortsword

[roll0]

[Morbis Meh]

Felix keeps his face stoic even though he is amused by the look on the man's face "Good evening, Master Otis, I am dreadfully sorry to bother you at such a late hour but I just arrived into town and in need of lodging The gate keeper recommended your establishment and here I am, though I am sure that you do not have a bed suitable to hold a man of my girth but do not worry I am used to sleeping on the ground due to extensive travelling so the floor is a perfectly acceptable option for me. I have coin to cover the full cost of a room and you need not worry about breakfast I will be out long before you have it ready.

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: You swing the ladder at the kid's sword. There is a brief struggle between steel and wood, but eventually the blade flies off the rogue's hand and lands spinning five feet away from him.

The kid winces in pain as he drags his body on the cobbled stone. "You just wait until Tarith gets you...unghhh! If I hadn't broken my leg...."


@Tradik: Placing your hand on the paralyzed kid causes you to delve into the arcane magic in him. A strong spell, yes. Good against brash rogues, but easy to lift. The young man's muscles loosen up and his face looks grim as he looks at you and the group.

"Thank you, sir. Tarith, we have to leave now!"

[Allyzedl]

Bishop puts the ladder back into his backpack. And addresses the youth on the ground.

"I know Tarith, he is an old friend. I do not mean you any harm, what happened to your leg? And why were you running away?"

[AlanBruce]

@Felix: Otis lets you in the Foaming Wench. The tables have the chairs on top of them for easy cleaning. A single candle has been lit along the way from the second floor. Snoring can be heard throughout the inn.

"Worry not, sir", begins Otis. "I believe we have a room that will...uhh..tailor your needs, sir."

Otis leads you to a room in the first floor. The room is humble, having two beds and a large ceramic bowl with a bucket of water next to it. He moves the beds together. "This should do it, sir. I hope you don't mind, uh. Being this late. You wouldn't mind paying half the fee up front? It's a mere gold piece for a week's stay."

@Bishop: "You know T?" starts the kid. "I broke my leg when I landed. Acted too fast, didn't plan ahead. I was running back to our place. If you help me up, I can give you the details, but I'd rather have Tarith be here for them."

[dantiesilva]

Sorry everyone was at work for the past 8 hours. Next time I do not post i give alan permission to control my character.

Dantie does not keep his eyes on the boys but instead looks around the building, it was fear that made these little ones move, not the walk of a killer. And because of this he silent prays to Pelor for his special skills of inquisition not to fail him. Detect thoughts spell and true seeing, if he sees anything he will first cast imprisonment on it. Dantie was never one to let the obvious get by him, he knew the look of the guilty, and so as he scanned the room he did not let a single speck of the room go unlooked over from his spot.

[roll0] Listen [roll1] Spot

[Archmage1]

"Ok, everyone down the ladder now. I think it is time to go back to the Wench. (climbs down the ladder)Bishop, do you think you can carry Oliver, the one with the broken leg. Once we get there, we need to talk. Time to move. We are dealing with something that is very hard to detect."

Once everyone is gathered up, he will look around, and guide everyone to the tavern.
spot[roll0]listen[roll1]

[AlanBruce]

@Dantie: You scan the room with your divine sight, attempting to find the culprit. Sadly, no man or beast hides within the shadows of the room.

[dantiesilva]

After detecting nothing in the immediate vicinity Dantie turns back to the others, his eyes shining as if from an inner light Let us move now, my abilities will only work for so long, and if we find this culprit before he gets away he will not be escaping easily. Dantie says as he follows Tarith's lead.

O what fun it is to be an inquisitor of pelor. XD O we have a bad guy, lets imprison him in an antimagic field until we find out what to do with him, and just in case he tries to escape lets put him in hell. XD O and keep in mind Pierce illusion : At 3rd level, the church inquisitor gains the supernatural ability to penetrate illusions and disguises at will. Whenever an inquisitor sees an illusion or disguise spell of any sort, he immediately makes a will save to see through it. The inquisitor need not interact with or touch the illusion, visual contact is enough to give the will save. so if they were in the room or if i pass them at anytime I get a will save to see them and with +16 its almost guaranteed to succeed.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop picks up Oliver and slings him over his shoulder, then goes over and picks up Oliver's shortsword off the ground. Bishop then proceeds to follow Tarith's lead, and drinks a gallon or two of ale from his decanter.

"Dantie what is with your eyes? They look so funny and so serious looking, we've all just been reunited after so many years, relax and enjoy it."

[dantiesilva]

At bishops comment he turns and smiles at his friend, It is ok my friend, this is Pelor's light shinning through me revealing all things that are trying to stay hidden from us. Then he looks at the two boys, You two will have much to say when we are back. Dantie says, not giving them a choice, he would find out what happened. Two people died, and yet the only people around were them. Something was going on and he would find out what soon enough.

[Morbis Meh]

Felix smiles warmly and reaches into his coin purse, producing 5 gold coins. He holds them out and says warmly "Take this as a token of gratitude, I am deeply sorry for disturbing you at such a late hour and you have been very kind to such an oddity as myself. This room is much more comfortable than a lot of places I have stayed."

[AlanBruce]

@Tradik, Bishop, Dantie & Tarith: You walk down the street with Bishop carrying Oliver. Bill walks at a slow pace, his face clearly in shock. You notice the lone guard has attracted a few of his comrades to the front of the Skylarios house. A few neighbors strat flocking around the guards asking questions, but thankfully, the shadows have been in your favor and you access your room at the Foaming Wench. Otis greets you at the door.

"Late night out, Tarith... by the gods! What's happened here? What happened to Oliver? Where's Cecile and Basil?"

@Felix: You have laid your massive bulk on the two bed. It's a soft mattress, but the feel of spring grass on your back during a full moon is incomparable. Right before you doze off, you hear the main door opening and a bunch of footsteps. Otis mentions a name you haven't heard in awhile: Tarith.

[dantiesilva]

Once they get in the building dantie goes to one of the tables and takes down all the chairs. Bishop put that one down here. Dantie says indicating a seat he had just put down. You to boy, sit. Dantie says looking at Bill as he stops taking out his medical supplies for a moment. When oliver is sitting down in the chair Dantie looks straight at him, This is going to hurt he is all he says before he tries setting the bone back in place.

[roll0] Heal check

Once he is done, he holds his hand up to his friends. Only one of you can be in this circle with me when I make it, and I find it only fare that it be Tarith saying it is one of his men, but in the end it is up to all of you to discuss. Just do not take long, I still need to heal him. And with that Dantie begins the casting of a spell that would make the whole area around the table a zone of truth that not a single lie could be said in. As he was doing this he had his ability to detect evil on making sure that their were no worshipers of evil in the nearby area. Once he was set and one of his friends had entered the circle he began, What are your names and where were you born.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop goes and puts Oliver down on a chair and hands him his shortsword, then addresses Otis, "Otis do you have a bed that I could use? I haven't slept in forever and am quite tired."

[Archmage1]

After the botched looting of Draens house, Tarith watches the shadows carefully as they head to the Wench, intending on not being ambushed on the way home. As they reach the Wench, Otis greets them

"Otis, Cecile and Basil are dead. We went to Draen Skylarios's house, which was much more risky that I had imagined. If I had known, I would never have brought them. These new ones are Bishop, Tradik, and Dantie (Tarith points out the people as he says their names), and how they got here, I don't know. There is something badly wrong here, and I think we will be in the middle of it."

(After Dantie does his thing, Tarith heads into the Zone of Truth)
I always hate these things, much harder to be evasive in them

"Dantie, before we get into who we are, I think we should start with what just happened. I will tell my story, and then you will tell your story. It all started yesterday, when the Duke sent me a message requesting me to attend the Autumn Ball that he will be hosting in three, no two days time. When I sent Oliver here to deliver my response, he managed to get a note from a Draen Skylarios, who was the Dukes steward. The note states that Draen had managed to procure the Mask of Wes Ja, which was very valuable, and would make the Autumn Ball a thing of legends. I went to check out the Duke's Palace, to see how difficult to rob it would be, which was fairly difficult, but there was not guarantee that the Mask was in the palace, so we headed to Draen's house, which looked much more inviting. We evaded the guard near the entrance, and got in undetected. However, oddly enough, it seemed that the upstairs had not been used in a while, which was unusual. We split up, as the house seemed abandoned, but when I got downstairs, I started seeing signs of habitation. I sent a message to Oliver, saying what I had found, and then I went into the basement, which was scented with lavender, and rot. In the cellar, I found Draen's corpse, with the top of its head removed, and the brain missing. At that point, the doors locked with those iron bars, and you apparently arrived. Outside of this, there is a skilled bard, calling herself Siren, who arrived in town recently, apparently found by the duke. She has control over shadows, which made me think that she is more somehow. She was also having dinner at the Duke's Palace when I dropped off a message to Draen, who is actually dead. I suspect that bad things are going to happen at the Autumn Ball, but what I can't say. Whatever those things were in the house, they are either really good at hiding, or have some way of concealing themselves from magic. My arcane sight saw nothing."

Here is the note that Oliver acquired:
I have secured the mask, sire. As per your request. The temple of the Ruby Sorceress asked an arm and a leg for it, but it is here. I can guarantee you your Autumn Ball will be the likes nobody in Justcrown has ever attended to before. Whether the Ruby Mask of Wee Jas actually grants power, I would not know, nor would the Jasites tell. It is, however a piece of exquisite craftsmanship. Its value alone well worth the city itself, if I do say so myself. I am to understand you will take precautions regarding the Continental Thief?

A pleasure doing business with you,

Draen Skylarios

[dantiesilva]

Dantie looks at Tarith with slight annoience. As you see neither one of them is tied up my friend, and though I would much enojy hearing what has been going on and filling you in on my story it is them I am questioning not you. I do not need magic to ask you questions, you are one of the few thiefs I can trust. No I'm asking them. For you see one was frozen in fear and the other jumpped out a window. They could have been under a mind effecting spell, which will be revealed to me if they were by my questions. And if they were not it will reveal what attacked them, and no mind effecting magic shall be able to stop them from telling me exactly what they saw. Then when he heard about this women named Siren he once again went into his mind looking through the knoweldge he had aquired over the years to see if he had heard of this one, after all bards were not unheard of, nor were peoples brains being eatten out which also worried him.

[roll0] Knowledge arcane [roll1] history [roll2] religion [roll3] the planes all these checks are to see if he has heard of anyone named Siren, or of a creature that eats people the way Tarith described.

[Archmage1]

"Fair enough. I figured that some background would be helpful. Since they are in a zone of truth, you should have no worries about my story affecting theirs, although they are trustworthy.
Oliver, What happened after we separated?"

[AlanBruce]

@Dantie: "SON OF A ....NRRRMMMMGHHH!", cries Oliver as you place the bone back in its place with a loud crack, tears filling his eyes and his hands clutching the chair with a firm grip. As the golden tracing of a sun disk on the tavern floor glows stronger, you assess your mind for any information Tarith has revealed:

- Having been brought up with divine teachings, and although you are versed in most magics shared by both clerics and arcanists, you have yet to know of any spell or ritual that involves the consumption of a man's brain.

- This does not mean, however, that certain cults and races do practice cannibalism in order to attain power.

- It may be quite possible that in the Nether regions, beyond the mortal veil, creatures of amoral and sinister agendas may practice these gruesome acts, mostly because of the cults in the Prime Material, who serve them in exchange for power.

Sadly, no information on a "Siren" can be glimpsed through your mind.

@Bishop: Otis cannot believe what he's seeing. Sure, he's seen his fair share of mages and priests come in- at working hours and a scuffle or two had to be stopped from time to time, but the blod-splattered floor and the golden circle illuminating the tavern keeps him shaky. He misses to acknowledge your initial question, then quickly turns around to you.

"Yes, of course, sir. But...uhhh. Our rooms are filled. Unless you'd want to share it with someone? He's a... rather tall fellow, but seems nice. I'm sure he won't mind sharing the room if you don't?"

@Dantie: Oliver looks at the priest and after composing himself on the chair, begins: I'm Oliver Hawthorne. I was brought up in a miller's household, but left a few years ago when mother died and father became a drunk. I took t the streets as a thief and met Cecile, Basil, and Bill. it would be after a few lucky pick pockets that we formed the Ravens."

Bill looks at the floor, the thoughts a few minutes ago heavy on his head. "I'm Bill Dander. My father's a local clerk. I visit him regularly, but our relationship has never been the best. I met Oliver a few years ago and he taught me the ways of the street- hiding, taking a few pieces of silver from a distracted pocket, stuff like that." His eyes get teary. ¨Cecile and I... we were planning on getting married next fall, if the heist went through and had the coin. We were going to ask you to be the best man, T."

@Tarith: Oliver looks at you and begins his report:

"You went downstairs to check the rest of the place. As you told us, we split into two groups. I took Basil with me to the guest room and Cecile and Bill stayed in the main room to see if there was more to be found. Basil tripped on an lump in the rug, causing him to stumble, but nothing out of place for him, you know. Then, it happened. You had taught us to keen up our sense of hearing and sight, and they were , T. But something was in the room with us, as still as the musky air. I saw Basil look at me in surprise as he was shoved into the hallway by an unseen force. Then, he clenched his teeth and his chest developed a lump. Before I had time to react, his heart jumped out of his chest! It splattered against the wall with amazing force, as if it didn't belong in Basil's chest. Cecile had been in the hallway at the time. She cried in horror before Bill and I saw a gush of blood from her side, dropping her instantly. At that moment, I ran for the balcony, seeing that as my quickest escape. As I dashed for the main room, I saw Bill, who had peered through the door to the hallway and had his sword readied. I just told him to run. That's when I jumped off the balcony. I thought the noise would've alerted you, T. I'm sorry.

Bill looks at you and adds. "When Cecile went down, I was ready to kill the bastard who did it, I was, T. But when I saw Basil looking at me, shuffling down the stairs with a confused look and an open chest and Cecile on a puddle of her own blood, I followed suit. It happened right before Oliver yelled at me to jump. My bones froze in place and I could smell lavender breath in my ear as someone whispered to me." At this point, a pool of water has formed underneath a very shaken Bill.

"Chirp chirp, little pigeon"

[Allyzedl]

"I don't mind sharing a room at all, I only need it to rest for 2 hours then I'll be fine." Bishop then follows Otis to the room where he can rest.

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: Otis leads you into a room in the back. "I will go get a mattress, sir. Our current guest needs both beds." You walk into the room and see a hulking figure of a man, stretched across two beds put together.

@Tarith: Your Arcane sight and sense of detection reveal nothing. It would seem Bill was relating the events transpired at the house, echoing the last words he heard from the unknown assassin.

[Archmage1]

If the pool of water under him was urine, you probably should have mentioned it. Deleting the previous post, as it was based on false information, and makes no sense.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop starts to drink from his decanter as he walks over towards the figure who is in his bed. Slurring, he yells at the man, "Hey! das my bed man, you don't need both."

[Archmage1]

"I think we need a plan to deal with this issue. We need to determine if this Siren is involved, and come up with a way to expose Draen as a copy. The trick will be if the Duke has been compromised."

[Morbis Meh]

Felix does not stir, he is sound asleep, a deep animalistic snore emits from him that is all.

[dantiesilva]

When there stories are over Darek goes over toBil and oliver and heals them both. So it seems this Siren has much to explain for, perhaps we should stay here for a few days to see who this person with lavander breath is. No doubt they will be at the party, and no doubt they will be trying to kill the duke, and replace him if they have not already, after all why else would you kill one of his servants if not to get in and kill another. Dantie says before adding, tommrow if someone can get the bodies I can try to ask Pelor to bring them back from his kingdom and return them to their bodies. I can not promise that they will return, but I will promise that I will try. After all no one deserves to have their love ripped from them at such a young age. And with that Dantie walks to the a side of the room and lays down to sleep on the floor.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop, getting angrier pulls out a flash pellet from his pocket and throws it into the man's face. As it hits the man's face it bursts into a bright flash of light.


Flash Pellet Fort save:
Fort DC 15 or be blinded for 1 round and dazzled for one round after that.
[roll0]

[Archmage1]

"The body was in the basement of Draens House, as I told you. Want to bet that there will be no body there when we get there later?"

While he is saying this, Tarith takes a good look around using Arcane Sight, examining his old companions, as well as the sword he grabbed from Basil's corpse.
spellcraft [roll0] I should get an idea of the power of magical items, like the sword

[Morbis Meh]

I doubt a flash pellet would work considering his eyes are shut and he is fast asleep... it might wake him up but I doubt it would blind him... also he autopasses his Fort save is over 15 and he also has steadfast determination. Have the DM rolls something to see if he wakes up XD

The sudden light doesn't phase the sleeping giant, he continues to softly snore away despite the near hostile attempts by the drunk and obviously agitated man.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop thinks to himself, after a few drinks, he must be dead since he isn't moving after getting in the face with, essentially a rock. He doesn't know he is still snoring, but he is definitely dead. Bishop then decides that he may as well help himself to the man's gear as the dead have no need for weapons. Bishop looks around the room and around the man looking for equipments and items.



Search check:

[roll0]
Since it isn't a pass/fail Bishop is going to keep searching until he finds a few things he likes.

[Archmage1]

OOC:
The drunk character still has the presence of mind to decide that the snoring guy is dead?

[Morbis Meh]

As soon as the drunkard lays a finger on the body of Felix a massive claw comes flying out at the thief.

He sleeps in his armor since it is light and has endurance and in wildshape he only has a ring, his armor, his hat, his amulet and his belt so you would have to climb on the bed then touch him which would definitely wake him up.

So here is the attack... rolled a one last time maybe I will get lucky and roll another... [roll0]
damage [roll1]

If it does hit well sorry...

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: The hulking creature beneath the sheets was, in fact, not dead. As you attempt to pilfer his belongings, a giant claw bursts forth from the linen, plunging itself into your stomach. At that moment, Otis comes in, dragging a mattress.

"Madness! What goes on here?! Tarith!!!"

@Tarith: Your arcane sight focuses on the blade Bill is holding. The invisible rune inscribed on the blade reveals moderate transmutation. Your companions all display a variety of powerful items. Tradik's urgrosh glows with utter brilliance one one end and seems to suck in light into a void from the other. Dantie's armor shines with golden brilliance, as does his mace.

A +2 longsword is in Bill's possession.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop jumps back after his is hit by the claw. As he begins to sober up Bishop says in shock, "I thought you were dead!"

[Archmage1]

Thinking about how to get the Duke to trust him, or at least get in range to see the Duke, to see if he has been enchanted somehow, or to identify the culprits, or to acquire the Mask of Wes Ja, Tarith is interrupted by Otis's call.

What now...

Tarith heads to the room.

After seeing what has happened, Tarith frowns, before starting to talk
"What are you two doing? Usually, foreplay involves a bit less blood. If you are trying to kill each other, you are making a good start. Either way, you should probably stop. Now. Bishop, you need to sober up a bit, it will reduce the bleeding somewhat. Dantie! It would seem that Bishop has been hurt by... Something. Otis, it will be fine. They are not continuing to fight, so It was probably an accident. Either way, it will not happen again, Right?"

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: Otis is positively spooked by the giant's claw retreating into the blanket. "Tarith, I can't draw much attention here! This is a legitimate business!". Whispering into your ear "You know you and the Ravens get a pass, but I can't have these shenanigans going on here!"

[Qwertystop]

Thanks for setting his leg, Dantie, that'll make this much easier.
I then look at Oliver and say:
Setting the leg isn't perfect. Can't put any weight on it 'til it heals, and that'll be a while. Most magic that could heal your leg all the way is pretty powerful, well beyond Dantie and completely inaccessible to me. On the other hand, not having as much magic as those who focus on it more, I've learned to improvise. This won't do much more than putting a cast on your leg, but you should be able to put a bit of weight on it. I don't want to do something unorthodox like this if you're unwilling to take a tiny risk, though. You want me to try?

[Archmage1]

"Otis, There is no real harm done, the guard need not get involved. A drunk adventurer managed to get himself hurt. Nothing all that unusual about that. So long as neither of them complain, there is no real problem."

Pick one: diplomacy [roll0] bluff [roll1]

[AlanBruce]

@Tradik: Oliver looks at Dantie, who has laid down on the floor to sleep. He looks at his bleeding leg and winces at the pain. Then he grits his teeth and looks at you.

"Go for it."

@Tarith: "Fine, fine." starts Otis as he goes up the stairs. "You have had a rough night. Sorry about the kids, Tarith. I'll have a nice warm breakfast for them in the morning. Just, please! Keep the noise down, ok?"

[Archmage1]

"Thank you, Otis."

[dantiesilva]

Sorry guys labtop was not connecting to internet while I was out.

Dantie had just started to fall asleep on the floor when he heard them calling for him. Silently he stood upo and walked up the stairs, What is it. Is all dantie gets out before he sees the wound. By pelors beard. Can we not leave you alone to play well with others for a second Bishop, now what did this to you? Dantie then looks around the room until he finds the sleeping man, looking at him closely because he senses magic on the man. While he looks around he holds his hand over Bishops stomach and uses his strongest magic on it to make sure it closes properly.

Danties ability to pierce illusions and shapechanging spells activates and gives him a will save to see through it. [roll0] Will save to see through the hats magic. Casts CCW for [roll1] damage. That should heal it up nicely.

Then to his friend the thief he adds. And I meant your friends bodies, not the man in the basements, I believe he has been dead to long for me to bring back. You see once someone has tasted the peace of the afterlife, sometimes it is hard to convince them to come back to our world.

[Archmage1]

"Ah. Thank you. I think that it is possible that those bodies will be left. Can we get the bodies now, possibly before something might happen to them. Would it be possible for you to cast a speak with dead on Draen's corpse, if it is still there? We might learn something."

[Morbis Meh]

Now sitting up Felix breathing quickly and tense looks at the man holding his stomach "Oh dear... that is an awful wound, my apologies... What a moment, Bishop? For crying out loud quit trying to rob me in my sleep, I swear you need to stop drinking, I thought by now you would have the sense not to wake me when I was sleeping! As for what I was doing Tarith, I was sleeping while Bishop was groping me, I didn't think he was that desperate. I thought that after 10 years you would realize 'Hey don't sneak up on Felix, the 500lb shapeshifter while he is sleeping' I sleep only a few hours a night so I am always, always a heavy sleeper... do I smell sulphur or am I having a stroke?"

[dantiesilva]

Anything dealing with such dark magic I have refused to use as a vow to Pelor. Anything dealing with commanding others to do my will and the darker arts are not things the shining one would offer me anyways. As for getting the bodies now... Dantie thinks for a moment before answering I think that as long as we do not draw to much attention it can be worked. Bishop will have to stay behind, and so someone will have to stay to watch him. If you can get what looks like our old friend to join us without killing you I think you may have the strength we need to bring the bodies back as well. As for stealth I must say I am not good at hiding, but I could fly into the house with you in tough, as long as we have a way out that is. Dantie says thinking over the situation. The biggest problem will be is if whatever killed them is still their. And if it is, if it has done the same thing to them that it has done to your man in the basement. Dantie is not against going to get the bodies, but he also does not want to go into this without an idea of what could happen.

My armor allows fly 1/day, and saying i rolled extremely high on my will save I think I would be able to see through the disguise. And yea not a neutral cleric Lawful good, so can not cast such spells.

[Archmage1]

"I think that the most important thing about this mission will be speed. I was unable to detect whatever did this, despite having my eyes on, and my ears and eyes open. We need to be able to get in, and out, without attracting too much notice. Felix, now that you are up, are you willing to go on a rescue mission, to retrieve the bodies of some of my friends? And, Dantie, I don't think that flying will be needed, but I could be wrong. My current plan for getting out involves running. Hopefully, the guards have decided to wait for daylight before moving into the house."

[Morbis Meh]

Disguise Check
[roll]1d20+26[roll]

[Morbis Meh]

Disguise Check
[roll0] nope you don't see through his disguise XD
also it's not a will save it is a spot check

[dantiesilva]

Its not a check you roll. Its the magic of the hat I am going against thus a caster level, something that unless you made the hat do not have. So it is a role the DM must make by the spell cast to make the item.

As long as you have an idea I am ok with it, but I must be back in time for sunrise to pray. is all Dantie says.

[Archmage1]

"We should be back before dawn, if we are fast. I could use some sleep as well. Shall we go?"

[dantiesilva]

Lets go, and hurry to. Dantie says as he lets Tarit lead him all the way back to the house, constantly looking around and listening to his surroundings.

[roll0] Spot [roll1] listen while they are on their way to the house.

[Morbis Meh]

My bad you do get a will save and the disguise check you had to beat was 28, but why is everyone treating my character as a stranger the OoC specifically states we all knew each other before hand... If you're all going to buddy buddy yourselves and leave me out fine I will back out of the game.

[Archmage1]

spotlisten[roll1d20+14activate arcane sight upon reaching the house.

[Archmage1]

Morbis, We have no intention of driving you out of the game. I was kinda hoping Felix would come along on the current objective to possibly resurrect some NPC's. How have we been driving you out?(Admittedly, probably should have asked what brought you here)

[AlanBruce]

Hide [roll0]

Move Silently [roll1]

@The party: You walk towards the Skylarios house. The sky is turning light pink as the dawn begins to break in. You know, Tarith, that the front door should be open.

[Qwertystop]

(This goes before Alan's most recent post. I think you lot are in a different time zone than me, from when you are posting)


All right then, Oliver... Mending! Now just be careful with it for a few weeks, okay? No hopping on that foot, big jumping, etcetera.

[dantiesilva]

There is one problem with your idea you are in a disguise, we know you in your true form so I do not know why you are acting like we should automatically know it is you. Everyone but me would have to beat your disguise check and have a reason to think it was a disguise. I have the magical power that automatically allows me to. I needed my number before I could say if it was you, and until you said it was you no one knew IC that it was you. Add in the fact that we have tried to incorporate you now twice, Bishop trying to sleep with you, and now me and Tarith trying to get you to go to the house with us. Its in the end up to you what you do, but do not try to blame it on anyone that we are acting like you are not part of the group. We just found you. As I'm sure you read the stone only had three names that could be put on it so in the end at the very least 1 person would have had to find their own way to the group. No ones fault that you are disguised because you wanted to play a troll my friend.

As we make our journey to the house Dantie looks to the sky, as you see the new day you look to the rogue. I will try to make this quick. Dantie says before he kneels in the middle of the street, looks around and then begins to pray. As he is praying he listens to all their surroundings. After a minute he stands back up Well that was not a proper day of prayer but Pelor understands, I feel can feel his power still inside me. and as proof he activates his ability to detect evil around them. Then he cast the spell eagle's splendor and used its power to make him able to make Pelor's might and vigorous circle to make sure they stayed at full health all day.

Spot [roll0] Listen [roll1] My detect evil goes out to 60ft. And my pierce magical illusions goes out to 100ft. I have 2 turn attempts left for the day all day we have fast healing 3. everyone thanks to Morbis Meh by the way.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop catches up with party, and in the process sobers up. "I may be of some help, while I may not subtle when drinking I can be pretty sneaky when I need to be. Also, I think that I am the fastest person here if speed is needed."

[Archmage1]

"It is not he fastest that I am worried about, it is the slowest. Still, we should all be alert for whatever it was to return."

spot[1d20+14[/roll] listen1d20++14

[Archmage1]

epic fail rolls try 2 [roll0] [roll1] Seriously? try 3 then

[Archmage1]

...[roll0] [roll1]

[Allyzedl]

"Who do you think the slowest person is? I can probably carry them if we are running away."

[dantiesilva]

We all know I am the slowest Bishop, don't you remember that time when someone tried sleeping with the mayors daughter and got caught. Dantie said laughing at old memories. But I can also fly away as long as I have not used it yet today. So as long as I do not need to fly in we should be good. Dantie says still trying to detect evil all around him as well as looking for any illusions or magical disguises. Felix can turn into whatever he wants so we know he can get away. Dantie says with a smile, So where will we meet up if we have to split up? After all I'm sure that the harder thing will be not getting caught and staying in a group.

[Archmage1]

"I think we will all be about the same speed, we will just need to be careful not to load anyone down too much. I figure we should meet back at the tavern, but if we split up, we should break down into groups of two, not one. If this thing is still out there, we would be less vulnerable. But we should wait to see the house before we finalize our plans."

[Allyzedl]

"I don't think that it would be a good idea for us to split up. Despite the risks, it would be safer if we stayed together."

[dantiesilva]

So what do you think Felix? Dantie asks their friend waiting to see his answer.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop looks toward Tarith, "So what's the plan?"

[Archmage1]

"Well, The plan at present is get to the house, and take a look around. Then either head inside, or make a new plan based on what we learn there."

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: You have reached the front steps of the house. The sky is already showing a golden lining. Pots and kettles can be heard bubbling in the houses next door. Tarith, you know you could enter through the front door or access the earlier attempt through the balcony.

Spot (1d20+23)[25]

Move Silently (1d20+26)[43]

Hide (1d20+26)[32]

[Archmage1]

"Ok. The entrance looks clear, except for the unknown, stealthy enemy. In that case, I would say that speed is critical. Shall we go for the front entrance? In, grab the bodies, and out. Try to be somewhat quiet, but I realize that it may not make much difference."

[Archmage1]

spot[roll0] listen [roll1] move silently [roll2] hide[roll3]

[Allyzedl]

"Let's just go in the front." Bishop unties a piece of cloth from his arm and hands it to Tarith, here use this to disguise yourself so that they don't recognize your face.


The piece of cloth is actually a hat of disguise

[Archmage1]

"My thanks for the offer, but with a bit of luck, I should be able to ensure that others do not recognize me."
He pulls up his hod, bathing his face in darkness, as well as changing his stance somewhat. He almost looks like a different person
disguise[roll0]
"How does that look?"

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You see no one as you walk in the door, confident, that in place, no one will see you. The area looks pretty much as you left it, except the bowl and spoon are gone from the table. As you look into the door leading to the kitchen, you notice this one has been shut, and Basil's body is gone.

@Bishop: You hand your hat to Dantie and move in through the door. Tarith seems to be nowhere in sight.

Roll a Spot to find him, if you wish

The kid's body is gone from the kitchen floor.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop starts to walk around, believing that trouble may be brewing begins to drink from his decanter, not enough to be drunk but enough to impair him. He then begins to look for the stairs and walks upstairs exploring the house.

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: You take a good swig from your decanter and head upstairs. The dead girl is gone from the top hallway and the two doors- the guestroom and main room are closed.

[Archmage1]

"Felix, they may have been moved down into the basement. Follow me to the kitchen. The entrance is there."

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You enter the kitchen and see that the table has been moved and the trap door blasted in, thanks to Bishop´s punch. Oddly enough, the smell of salt permeates the kitchen, well into the cellar below.

[Allyzedl]

Remembering the trap door in the kitchen, Bishop then heads downstairs and to the kitchen

[Archmage1]

Tarith waits for the others to come to his location, before commenting on the smell
"Last time this area smelled like lavender, rather that the salt it is like now. We almost certainly will have company when we head downstairs. Does anyone have an effective way to reveal a sneaking opponent that apparently has no magical items."

[Allyzedl]

Bishop holds his decanter over the trap door, and commands it to create ale as fast as it can. 30 gallons of ale pours into the basement every 6 seconds.


I don't remember what the restrictions on the decanter were, but it should have the same rules as a water one, in regards to dispensing quantity. Trying to fill the basement.

[Archmage1]

"Er... Bishop, you do realize that there is a large quantity of fine wines in that cellar, as well as possibly the two corpses we came to retrieve...
It may not be a good idea."

[Allyzedl]

"Alright, if you think so." Bishop takes his flask and starts downing the ale before putting it away. "Here goes nothing," Bishop says as the alcohol starts to take effect. Bishop then jumps down into the basement.


Bishop takes the full effect from 7 tankards of alcohol. Increasing his Con by 14 and taking his hp up to 144.

[dantiesilva]

Sorry everyone it is only us now. May it be a glorious battle

As Dantie follows Tanith to the basement he begins working on a spell that will trap anything evil in the basement, but let them move freely between the two floors. I do, no magic of any kind can get by my sight, nor can any evil get past my thoughts, we shall drown them it seems. Dantie says as he finishes the seal and then watches as Bishop begins pouring the ale down into the basement. Were there any hidden passages down their that you noticed? Because if their are what we are doing now will do little to stop whatever it is down there. and so he takes out his holy mace and waits to see what happens. The two bodies will float up, as for the wine...we have our good friend here that does not mind drinking it all up when you are done now do you. And look. Dantie says pointing to the floor that is starting to be covered in ale. Even those invisible will not be able to hide when there footsteps make puddles in the water. Dantie says, though Bishop had a good idea, they also didn't have the time to wait around. Just then he watched as Bishop jumped down into the hole. Oh if only you had as many braincells as you do guts. Dantie said as he stood at the front of the trap door.

I cast magic circle against Chaos and evil so nothing with either alignment can get through the trap door. With my detect thoughts having a range of 60ft. and my pierce illusions roll [roll0] to see through it if there is one in effect. Keeping in mind it works for spells that change shape as well. No movement left.

[dantiesilva]

Initiative [roll0] if battle is breaking out.

[Archmage1]

Tarith carefully follows Bishop down, keeping out of sight.
move silently[roll0] hide[roll1] spot [roll2] listen [roll3], and activate arcane sight, looking for any magical items or auras(if the hard to see things have any magical items, then I see the aura regardless of their hide :)

[Qwertystop]

I follow as well.

[Archmage1]

OOC I think that we should probably wait for Morbis to post before continuing, or assume that Felix headed down as well.

[AlanBruce]

Initiative: [roll0]

Hide: [roll1]

Move Silently: [roll2]

Spot: [roll3]

[Archmage1]

initiative[roll0] Looks like a 1 on the move silently check for the enemy

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You go down the wet stairs with Bishop and Tradik. Dantie has chosen to cast a spell on the trapdoor's entrance. You notice several auras. Strong ones too. The strongest is coming from the end of the basement, where you found Draen's body. Another seems to be skulking around the wine caskets to the left.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop looks around the basement, also scoping out any items in the room that may be used as weapons.


Init Roll:
[roll0]

[Qwertystop]

I go in carefully, looking around for any foes.
Spot: [roll0] minimum 9
Initiative: [roll1] minimum 6
Oh, don't forget my Level the Field. No ally within 15' can roll below 3, and no enemy within 15' can roll above 18. I'll mark my minimums after the rolls. So that would peg Bishop's initiative at 5.

[dantiesilva]

Dantie slowly follows the rest of them into the basement, mace in hand. As he gets to the bottom of the stairs he stops, being able to see the whole room from where he stands and also able to detect any evil if there were any in the room. Instead of looking around the room he looks to the floor where a small amount of ale covers it and looks around to see if there are any ripples out of place, using his detect evil ability and the ripples in the water as a kind of sonar to track anything that moves.

If anything does move he cast the spell Flame strike at it. [roll0] Reflex save for half damage. Spot check
[roll1] with the magic circle behind him protecting him from being attacked from behind, and his abilities to detect anything he is safe. O and everyone for the next 10 rounds your AC goes up by 4.

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: You see a figure at the end of the room. He is cloaked in white, tattered robes. The liquor dumped by Bishop's decanter seems to have crystalized into salt in 20ft. area before reaching him. A pile of salt lies on the ground before him, dissolving through the cracks on the floor. He turns around and looks at you. His attire would suggest a desert dweller. His face is covered by a turban with a dark opal embedded on it. His eyes glow an iridescent gold as he faces you.

"No loose ends..."

@Bishop:

Attack roll: [roll0] please confirm if it hit.

@Tarith:

Roll a will save

[Archmage1]

If the save is vs a spell [roll0] otherwise [roll1]
if it is a single target effect, and Tarith makes the save, absorb spell [roll2] (vs 11+cl)

[dantiesilva]

Add +2 to all everyone's will saves due to still being close enough for my aura of warding to be in effect around them.

Dantie not wanting the foe to escape before questioning lets loose a green bolt that goes flying across the room to hit the cloaked figure in the chest. Dimensional anchor 1d20+7 against touch AC Then begins to walk in to the fray with his Holy morningstar in hand.

Though I am not close enough to strike him I just want to remind everyone that my attacks deal 1d8+2d6+10 damage+ whatever role I get on my knowledge check that relates to this person alan will have to tell me which to use.
1d20+6 Knowledge Arcane
1d20+5 Knowledge history
1d20+14 Religion
1d20+9 The planes
1d20+1 Local

And I am also doing a spot check to see if I can determine what kind of creature it is. 1d20+4

[Qwertystop]

Loose ends? I think you're the one who needs to be snipped off. I hope you don't mind sharing!
Free action: Sight of the Balance. I can now see if anybody has any numerical bonuses.
Standard action: Shifting the Scales. I target the creepy salt guy, and transfer up to +3 of his bonuses to attack rolls to myself.
Move action: Friendly Arbitration, giving Bishop +4 to-hit out of the additional-bonus-pool, and taking 10 ft of his Fast Movement.

[dantiesilva]

Sorry everyone my roles didnt go through

Dimensional anchor [roll0] against touch AC

Though I am not close enough to strike him I just want to remind everyone that my attacks deal 1d8+2d6+10 damage+ whatever role I get on my knowledge check that relates to this person alan will have to tell me which to use.
[roll1] Knowledge Arcane
[roll2] Knowledge history
[roll3] Religion
[roll4] The planes
[roll5] Local

And I am also doing a spot check to see if I can determine what kind of creature it is. [roll6] Nice Ok everyone he can not get away for the next 10 minutes more then likely, I do not know what magic items he has so I could be wrong, plus spells. And my bonus from knowledge devotion should be around +5 if it is the right check at least, if not well then +1. If my spot check finds out what kind of creature it is my character will let everyone know as a free action.

[Archmage1]

(assuming the will save passed, or if it fails, it was not debilitating
Tarith, seeing the strange man in the basement, immediately realizes that he is involved in this, heads stealthily around behind the man, and attacks.

Since the basement has wine racks, I should be able to use those to hide behind, [roll0] and to move silently[roll1].
attack on the dagger: [roll2] damage[roll3] magebane(if applicable)[roll4] if I get a sneak attack, attempt to steal a 5th level spell [roll5]

[Allyzedl]

Bishop pulls a bell out of his backpack, holds it in both hands, and runs at the figure swinging the bell at him. As he swings the bell it rings, and it rings again upon hitting the target.

After attacking Bishop then moves back 30 ft. away from his target.



I'm assuming that whatever attack me is going to hurt, don't know what hit me, I just know that it was way above my AC. Also I am declaring this salt guy as my target for the purpose of my AC bonus vs. selected target.

Attack
(Minimum 21)

[roll0]

Damage

[roll1]

[roll2]

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: The man in white desert attire just stands there, smiling and motionless, confident in the outcome.

"A petty pelorite, a drunken fool, a dwarf, and a street rat. This is humiliating. Dispatch them quickly."

@Bishop and Tarith: A cloaked figure springs from the left side of the cellar. He wears a white, featureless mask. The bastard sword in his hand runs the monk through his flank, a flawless thrust.

[roll0] and sneak attack [roll1]

Bishop, if the single damage goes well beyond 50 hp, roll for massive damage.

@Tarith: After you watch Bishop gets skewered, the masked man looks at you. His features change, resembling a mass of flesh filled with eyes and mouths, slobbering their profusely as they burble the words: "Chirp, Chirp". This causes you to panick in terror and look for the closest route away from the basement.

@Dantie: You have heard of these creatures before. They aren't from anywhere near, that's for sure. They are a lich of sorts, but one made in the arid lands to the south. A terrible foe who can channel the destructive forces of the waste itself. One known to be impossible to kill.

@Tradik: The man has a few magical possessions on him. You are able to transfer some of the energy from his body to yours and redistribute accordingly.

[dantiesilva]

Get everyone out of here now. We stand no chance. Dantie says as he realizes what they are up against. Calling upon Pelors might itself he begins reciting the ancient scriptures of pelor.

Trying not only a turning attempt but a greater turning attempt. [roll0] turning attempt. [roll1] and because of greater turn undead so anything turned is automatically destroyed. Lets see what I get. Well we are in luck... Everything undead is destroyed with 12HD or less. Saying he is a lich what he has with him should be undead, if not, well I cast sanctuary as my move action so I can not be attacked. Everyone get behind that magic circle I put up they can not pass through it.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop feels hit, but not as much as he should because of his intoxication, and drinks another tankards worth of ale. Right after he drops the bell on the ground Bishop attempts to disarm the attacker of his bastard sword.


Massive damage roll:
(minimum 16 from Tradik's ability)
[roll0]

Disarm attempt:
(minimum 13)
[roll1]
The attacker also takes penalties of -2 atk from Tradiks ability

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: You move in, knowing too well your monastic studies won't allow you to get struck again attempting to disarm the attacker. The masked figure readies his sword and attempts to parry.

accounted for the -2 due to Tradik's ability.

@Dantie: The mighty light of Pelor surges through the shrouded monster, yet it seems to have no effect, as it dissipates harmlessly.

"You would dare attempt such a trick on ME, pelorite?"

Sensing a spell has been cast on him, the shrouded figure attempts to figure out was has been cast on him, and if possible, remove it.

Spellcraft [roll]1d20+18 versus DC 24

Concentration (Defensively) 1d20+16 versus DC 18

Dispel Check 1d20+13 versus DC 21

[AlanBruce]

Let's try those rolls again, sorry.

[roll0]

[roll1]

[roll2]

[Qwertystop]

I would agree with Dantie. Lively Step! And MOVE!

First, I cast Lively Step (2nd level spell to boost all our speeds by 10 feet as long as we only take move actions). Then, Friendly Arbitration, which is a move action, to reallocate our speeds to even it out. So, I have a pool of 74 speed to allocate. 30 from Bishop, 4 from the bonus to the pool, 40 from each of our Lively Step bonuses. 10 to me, 15 to Dantie, and we now all have 40 foot speed. Another 10 to each of us, and we all have 50 foot speed. 9 left in the pool. 5 of that will go to Bishop, and the last 4, assuming it will be rounded up, goes to me to make up for the fact that I just spent my entire round on speed-buffs instead of actually moving. So that's 50 speed for Dantie and Tarith, 55 for Bishop, 54 for me.

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: You strike the shrouded figure with your fist. The blow conects right into the creature's face. You feel a toughened leathery feel and realize no damage has been incurred.

"You would DARE lay your hands on me, filth?"

[Archmage1]

do the wards against chaos and evil block Tarith from running away? I will assume not

Tarith, realizing that they are screwed in this battle, runs away from the fight, climbing rapidly up the stairs, and out of the house

[AlanBruce]

@Tarith: You turn around after seeing the monstrous visage from the masked assailant and run up the stairs. You reach the kitchen and hear voices out in the street, the city folk have begun doing their daily chores, unaware of what transpires in the basement.

[Allyzedl]

Bishop picks up Tradik, throws a flask of alchemist's fire at the wall of wine closest to the masked figure, picks up Dantie and high tails it out of the house along with Tarith.

[AlanBruce]

@Bishop: You toss the flask at the cellar, the casket quickly catches on fire. AS you run up the stairs, you catch sight of Tarith, his face white with fear.

Downstairs, the masked killer prepares to go after you, sword in hand.

"Stop. They are a minor inconvenience. You know what to do next. I have a meeting with a goddess."

[dantiesilva]

Awww I could have killed him though only for him to be reborn lol.

Dantie was shocked that Pelors might did not destroy the creatures in front of him, but not surprised. I did dare and not only that my hands will be the ones that bring your destruction. Dantie says as he begins to runs up to him and grabs him infusing Pelors holy light into his skin. Go back to your master Orccus and let him know hes next. dantie said as holy light shots out from his hands.

[roll0] against touch AC Then using the spell cure critical wounds for [roll1] damage to the lich.

Once he is done though he feels Bishops arms around him, next thing he knew he was being dragged out of the house at a high rate of speed. Knowing the battle is over he calms down but is not happy.

[Qwertystop]

Needless to say, I run.

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: You are lead by Tarith through the back door to the Skylarios home. Bishop carries Dantie and Tradik under each arm. Dantie struggles to let be released and get back in the cellar, the burning mark on the shrouded figure´s face is but a temporary comfort.

As you walk through the back streets of Justcrown, the sun begins to rise anew. You can hear the folks indie their houses talking, cooking, some still snoring. You finally head through the back door to The Foaming Wench. A few patrons have sat down for their morning meals. In a corner, Oliver has his leg up in a cast on a chair, Bill sits opposite from them. Otis has been good to his word: a plate full of sausages, eggs, and biscuits drowned in hot gravy for each with a pitcher full of goats milk to down the comfort food. The two eat quietly, looking down.

"You're back, Tarith!", welcomes Otis. "The kids didn't much sleep last night. As a matter of fact, neither did you or your friends. Why don't you get a room at the Wench, gentlemen? Or would you rather have some breakfast?"

[Archmage1]

Calming down from his scare at the house, Tarith looks at the two kids, glad that they were ok. He was half afraid that whatever it was had gone after them.

"Otis, I think that that is a fine idea. We could all use a warm meal after what just happened, and a nap would do us good."

Tarith then heads over to Oliver and Bill.

"I am sorry about what happened. I brought us all in over our heads, and you paid the price, not me. We(Tarith gestures at the other adventurers as he says this) will find out what is going on, and see if we can't avenge Basil and Cecile. If we can recover their bodies, Dantie is willing to raise them as well. Be careful. This entire thing was a trap. Oliver, Draen knew you picked his pocket, and did nothing. I would be surprised if this was random. Until this is over, try to stick with crowds, as you are less likely to be attacked"

After Otis hands out the breakfasts, Tarith remembers the scrolls that he recovered from Draen's house.

"That did not go well. What were those things? I found a couple of scrolls and a note that suggests that they may be useful, but I can't read them currently. Can someone identify them? And my apologies for running. I am not sure what happened there."

[dantiesilva]

When dantie is finally put down it takes all his effort not to punch the drunk in the face. He could not hurt me, Pelor was with me, I could have destroyed that undead atrocity. Dantie said staring at Bishop. Now it roams free to kill again, if there is undead do not stop me from fighting, pelor shall always grant me his strength to destroy them, if you would have just gone outside the passageway you would have seen just that. Dantie said remembering the mans face having a piece ripped out of it by his hands. Then turning to Ottis and the boys Dantie only ahock his head. I am sorry, but it seems that the one who attacked your friends had his own. But I promise you as long as it is within my power I will bring them back.

As they all sit down and eat dantie cast a simple spell to purify all the food and drinks at the table they are sitting at, after what just happened he was paranoid, and then began to eat setting to the side a small portion as offering to Pelor. (yea I know corny but whatever) Do not worry, those who are undead wield massive capabilities over those of us who are still living, that is why after we separated I trained in arts to block my mind from such things. Then Dantie holds out his hand. May I? he asks as he takes the scrolls from Tarith's hand and begins to look them over. As he reads over the scrolls he listens to the conversation going on in the crowd and looks around to start to get to know people in the area.

Arcane [roll0] min 9
Religion [roll1] min 17
The planes [roll2] min 12
Listen [roll3] min 7
Spot [roll4] min7
Spellcraft [roll5] Min 13
Decipher script [roll6] min 4
Local [roll7] Min 4
Holy batman I got good rolls I definatly got info to share with all you when i get it from alan

[AlanBruce]

@Dantie: As you enjoy a side of biscuits and gravy, you take a look at the patrons who have begun filling the inn. Most come downstairs from their room. Others burst through the door and grab a chair before calling Otis for their meal. This is what you glean from the notes you have and what you have heard time ago regarding Justcrown:

- Justcrown is not a magocracy, but it does have a small school for the arcane arts. Silas' School of Sorcery (although many critique Silas, a wizard himself, he says the name has a nice ring to it). The school usually "rents out" apprentice mages for personal security, local divinations, or even festivities. It is known that Silas has a decent assortment of magical wares for sale, but few can fork out the price.

- Father Wilhelm of the Radiant Church of Pelor presides here as well as Mother Mathilda, Grand Inquisitor of the Church of St. Cuthbert. The pelorites have tried to maintain themselves away from fancy politics in the city, helping the weary travelers, especially now with an overflow of pilgrims into the city. Mother Mathilda has a more no nonsense take on things, attempting to police the duke whenever he he squanders tax payer's money on lavish balls for the elite, preferring a more secure city. Recently, a loose faith surrounding a "goddess" has formed among the pilgrims and some of the citizens.

- Apart from the divine present in the city with its churches, not much outsider activity is present in Justcrown. Vague rumors claim that there may be a gate to another plane in the heart of the Fey Woods, beyond the city. Such claims, however, are unconfirmed.

- As you wash down some your biscuits and gravy with a tall glass of fresh milk, you see a group of pilgrims at at table not too far fro yours. They all dress in white tunics with a badly stitched unicorn on them in gold color. The group has settled around the table with their food and seem to be chanting a short prayer about a "goddess of light".

- You look at Tarith´s scrolls. One is a Transmutation spell, written to make the one who reads it faster and nimbler- possibly to run away. The other says it should grant the ability to see the unseen.

Haste and True Seeing

- Nothing can be gleaned from the letter left to Draen.

- The Order of the Hyppogryph serves as the elite guards in the city, bearing the Duke´s seal. A lesser order of guards, basically trained are lead by captain Gunther Crass, who act as general police in the city. A renowned arcanist and talented musician, Steiner Lacore lives in the city as well, but few have seen him, having become a recluse. In opposition to the heavy guard orders in Justcrown, a band of rogues have established a niche in the shadows- The Ravens, lead by a scoundrel by the name of Tarith Spellbane.

[Allyzedl]

While Bishop doesn't need to eat, he can't keep himself from attempting to devour all the food in front of him. Bishop can't seem to concentrate on making plans with the others, he just isn't interested in magics. He decides to take a nap upstairs. As he enters the room he walks by what looks like a statue of his friend Felix, pets it on the head, then passes out in a bed while still wearing his backpack.

[dantiesilva]

As Dantie looks over the scrolls in front of him and goes through his vast amounts of knowledge he began to remember a few things about the city of Justcrown. and so share all the information he has gained with the group. I do not think it is a bad idea to go visit Silas the wizard, we could always sell him the scroll of true seeing if we have no use for it,and having a mage as a friend who creates magic items is always a good thing in my eyes.Also If we could I would like to go speak with Father Wilhelm and Mother Mathilda, perhaps they could shed some light on what has been going on around here. Plus I still need to see if my students made it to the holy city ok and delivered my message to Saint Anthony that way I can ask him for his advice on what we have learned. Once he is done talking he gets up and walks over to the group of people speaking of this " Goddess". Excuse me kind people but I could not help but notice you where the sign of Ehlonna yet your prayer is not one of them that I remember of hers. Nor is she the goddess of light, Pelor is the god of the great light in the sky. If I may be so bold could I ask who you are praying to? Dantie asked with a friendly smile on his face and biscuit crumbs in his blonde beard.

[roll0] Diplomacy check[min is 21] to try and turn them as friendly as possible with me. [roll1] Gather information [roll2] Sense motives [roll3] Listen to the soldiers as well as what the group in front of me tells me. If someone could go talk to the soldiers with a good diplomacy score and gather info score that would be great help.

When Dantie hears all that the villagers have to say he thanks them and says may pelors light always illuminate your path, and then goes back to the group and fills them in on what he has learned. Sorry about that, was kind of a spur of the moment thing, but they wore symbols that the last pilgrims I saw heading to see her did not so I was curious. Anyway, we should also try and find this Steiner Lacore, he was mentioned in the letter of living if not in the city somewhere close. Perhaps we should split into groups of two and try to search the city from one side to the other looking for him. Dantie says as he, just remembering he had the scrolls and the letter hands them back to Tarith.

[Qwertystop]

Just posting this in advance: Whoever goes to talk to the soldiers, I give them a +2 on their Sense Motive in exchange for a -2 on mine with Shared Knowledge. Then I use Friendly Arbitration to give them a +6 to Wisdom (2 from my mask, 4 from the extra bonus pool), which equates to an additional +3 to Sense Motive (and other Wisdom-based checks like Listen).

[Archmage1]

"Thank you Dantie for identifying the scrolls, they may come in handy. I can probably cast the scroll of haste, but the scroll of true seeing is a bit more unlikely. On the other hand, I can see magic, which is almost as good as true seeing."

After this, Tarith goes through the other things that he got from Draen's safe, checking them to see how valuable they are.

So checking the value of the items retrieved, including the magical sword that Basil picked up in the house.
10 checks. minimum of 12 on all of them.
music box [roll0]
pearl necklace [roll1]
emeraldx3 [roll2][roll3][roll4]
ruby x2 [roll5] [roll6]
topaz [roll7]
unidentified magic sword[roll8]
opal statue of a hippogrif[roll9]

[Qwertystop]

Don't forget the minimum roll of 3 on all those Appraise checks.

[dantiesilva]

So the minimum you can roll is 12, god i love that ability yet again your class is amazing, I can not wait until it reaches new heights.