AVB - The Formal One

[Rizban]

This thread is for Crafty Cultist and GM(s) only. Any others who read it will be fed to the beavers.

The inside of Pirner Outfitters is rather plain and simple. They sell many iron wares, such as pots, pans, and utensils, a few spices and basic food stuffs, and other necessities of daily life. However, fully half of the store is dedicated to adventuring supplies of all kinds. They do not, however, carry weapons or armor or enchanted items beyond the most simplistic gadgets.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth makes a breif survey of the goods on display before looking for the proprietor. He tries to get a feel for the qualit of the store's wares and how clean the shop is before he meets with whoever is in charge.

If the owner is not in sight, Malenth calls out in hopes of drawing them from a back room.

[Rizban]

That would be an Appraise check.
The store looks clean an orderly.

Hearing someone enter, the proprietor steps up to the counter as you are looking around. He's an older half-orc wearing a well-tailored business suit. His head is completely shaved, and a monocle dangles from his lapels where it swings from having just been dropped there.

"Well, hello! What may I do for you this afternoon?"

[Crafty Cultist]

OOC: Forgot to subscribe to the thread. I feel stupid:smallredface:

Appraise check:[roll0]

Well, at least they dress presentably.

Malenth moves to the counter to greet the old orc, offering him a hand shake.

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Malenth D'Everet, and I wish to inquire about the help wanted sign outside."

[Rizban]

The items appear to be of average or slightly higher than average quality.

"Good to meet you, Mr. D'Everet. My name is Scolt, just Scolt. Mother never did give me a last name."

He grins at that as if it's some really funny joke.

"Yes, the boss is hiring a couple of people. He's mostly looking for heavy lifters to do the loading and shipping, but I'm pretty sure that's not what you're looking for. I think there's a location or two that needs a sales rep, and he's always open to street merchants.

Why don't you tell me what you're looking for, and I'll see if I can't put in a good word for you."

[Crafty Cultist]

"Well Mr. Scolt, I'm honestly not too familiar with the day to day affairs of a business like this. Ideally I would like to find a job that suits my abilities. I'm good with people, I can spulpt and sing a little, and I'm a fully trained wizard. Do you think there would be a place at Pirner's for someone like me?"

[Rizban]

"Probably so. Anything you have in mind particular?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth tries to keep composed, not wanting to seem ignorant of the businesses of the common folk.

"Well, if you need representatives to meet with potential suppliers or negotiate agreements, I believe I would be capable. Or if there is a position within Pirner's where knowledge of magic is required, that would be good too."

[Rizban]

"I see... Well, I tell you what. I've got Mr. Pirner's card here somewhere with the address to the main office on it. Why don't I get that for you and send you over to meet with him? That's the only sure way to be hired anyway."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth gives a friendly nod and takes the card from Scolt.

"Thank you Mr. Scolt. I'll be sure to pay him a visit. Is there anything else I should know?"

[Rizban]

"Yeah, don't smart off to his bodyguards. They have no sense of humor. Also, go first thing in the morning. He hates being disturbed after lunch."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth smiles. "Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Good day."

Leaving the shop, Malenth decides to leave meeting Pirner till tommorrow, deciding to pay the other two stores a visit. It seemed a good idea to weigh his options before committing to a job. He heads for the store with the dancing hangman.

OOC: I'm assuming it's afternoon at the moment, what with the time spent gathering information.

[Rizban]

It's about 3 or 4 in the afternoon.

The Dancing Orc is a two-story timber and brick building. The customers are rather loud and rowdy but seem to instantly sober up and become respectful anytime they deal with the woman behind the bar. There are, at the moment, only four patrons.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth entered the building, eyeing his surroundings warily, obviously unused to this kind of environment. He approached the bartender hesitantly.

"Ah, Hello there. I was just wondering about the help wanted sign outside. What kind of opening did you have available."

[Rizban]

"Well hello, handsome. I was looking for an assistant barkeep so I didn't have to work all the time, but for a guy like you, I can think of a few other positions I'd like to get you into."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth looks flustered as he took a step back from the bar. "W-What do you mean? I don't think I'd do very well as a bartender..."

[Rizban]

The guys sitting at the bar laugh.

"I wasn't talking about being a bartender, now was I, boys?"

The two men start laughing even harder. The two sitting at a table on the far side of the room turn and stare, trying to figure out what's so funny.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth starts edging his way to the door, looking around nervously. "Ah... I don't think I'd be suitable for a place like this..."

[Rizban]

"You sure, hunny? Well, have a good one then. Come back anytime, day or night. And I do mean any time."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth exits the shop quickly and breathes a sigh of relief. He wasn't experienced in the ways of romance, and such a forceful approach was too much for him. Feeling weary, he nevertheless made his way towards the deep delvers den to try and see what other oportunities were available.

[Rizban]

Deep Delvers Den is a stone building, unlike the masonry buildings nearby. Inside, it looks like a natural cave with a bit of stone cutting applied to make it livable rather than the artificial structure it is. This quite obviously took a lot of talent to build.

The walls are lined with various tools and equipment used in spelunking, caving, and stonework.

As you enter, there are two dwarves at the counter, one behind, obviously to shop owner, and one in front. The two are arguing over something.

[Crafty Cultist]

Melenth approaches the counter quietly, trying not to interupt the two bickering dwarves so that he can hear what they're asking about. He tries not to appear as an eavesdropper, examining some of the spelunking equipment near the pair.

listen[roll0]

[Rizban]

The one is arguing that the rope he purchased here broke while trying to haul a large bag full of gold up out of a mine, causing him to lose it all. He demands the shopkeeper pay for the lost gold.

The shopkeeper insists that if the rope broke, then it is only due to the customer mistreating it. His ropes are quality and do not break. Still, if he insists, he'll refund the price of the rope, but he will NOT pay some arbitrary sum invented by the irate customer.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth tries not to draw attention to himself, waiting until the other customer has left the store before heading out into the street after them. In the meantime he looks over the shops wares in the manner of a window shopper.

[Rizban]

After about five minutes, the two come to an agreement, and the customer leaves with a new hempen rope at no charge.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth, waits a few seconds once the customer has left then follows him out of the shop. He then approaches him in the street.

"Excuse me sir, I couldn't help overhearing that you had some trouble retrieving goods from a mine. Might I inquire as to the details? I may be able to help."

diplomacy[roll0]

[Rizban]

"No! Tis my mine and my gold. Get thee gone from me, beggar!"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth sighs "If the mine were secure, one broken rope wouldn't be much of a setback. Wouldn't it be worth say... five percent to have someone on hand to make sure it doesn't happen again?"

[Rizban]

"I said get thee gone!"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth sighs again. "Very well. Good day to you sir."

Without waiting for a reply, he heads back to the shop to inquire about the opening there.

[Rizban]

The shopkeeper looks you up and down.

"I don't think you have what it takes. I'm hiring guards to escort a caravan up to the mountains in the east and back."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth nods. For now, low risk work seems like the way to go, and the idea of travelling rough through the mountains is not particularly appealing.

"Alright then. Sorry to bother you, my good sir."

Malenth leaves the shop and thinks about his next move. Pursuing the dwarf from the mine might have been a good move, but his earlier attempt at diplomacy meant that ship had sailed.

Not wnating to end his searching before nightfall, he heads back to the plaza to look for any noticeboards that might provide information.

[Rizban]

There is a job board posted on the side of the Sad Flint.

Most of the advertisements appear to be adventuring gigs of some sort, most in far away lands. A couple are looking for bodyguards. All of them appear to be combat related in some form, which makes sense considering that this is the Sad Flint.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth looks through the bodyguard openings, looking for reputable employers in particular.

Knowledge(local)[roll0]

[Rizban]

Almost all of them are minor merchants of no real notoriety or craftsmen of moderate skill. People with just enough money to worry but not enough to afford proper protection. None of the names really stand out any more than any others.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth writes down a few names for reference before calling it a day and heading for home, preparing to head to Pirner's tomorrow morning.

[Rizban]

You return to your room for the evening. The only noteworthy event is that you grow hungry.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth gets some bread to tide him over until morning, locks up the house and heads to bed.

OOC: Are there any special rules for skipping ahead in Aldhaven?

[Rizban]

Not really. You just have to make sure you have a place to eat and sleep if you're skipping the night or take penalties for not eating or sleeping.You awake refreshed.

[Crafty Cultist]

Getting up bright and early, Malenth prepares for the day ahead, making sure he looks as presentable as possible before heading for the address listed on the business card from Pirner's.

OOC:
I'm assuming I have a few days food in my house then. I'll probably have to restock every so often though.

[Rizban]

Sorry for the delay...
Pirner's office appears to be little more than a large warehouse with a sign on the front door indicating it as his office. The door is closed, and, if you try to one it, you find it locked.

[Crafty Cultist]

No problem

Checking his outfit to make sure he's looking his best, Malenth knocks on the door, looking around to get a measure of the area and appraising the state of the Pirner establishment.

[Rizban]

The warehouse appears to be to great shape, practically new. A Knowledge (architecture/engineering) check could reveal more.

A small panel at eye level slides open, and a pair of angry looking eyes glares at you a second before saying politely, "How may I help you, sir?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth put on his best friendly face. "Good morning! I've heard that Mr Pirner is hiring. I was redirected her from a shop in the market by a fellow named Scolt, and I'm hoping that some kind of interview can be arranged."

Happy Birthday, Rizban!

Untrained knowledge(architecture and engineering) check[roll0]
diplomacy check[roll1]

[Rizban]

Though you don't really know much about architecture, you can tell that the building's walls appears to be reinforced far more than a warehouse normally would be.

"You have identification?"

[Crafty Cultist]

OOC: Are ID papers common in aldhaven? I didn't list any on my character sheet, but since my character has lived in aldhaven all his life, can I assume he has some official documentation?

[Rizban]

Yes, you have citizenship identification papers and are likely to carry one on you at all times.

[Crafty Cultist]

"Identification... oh right!"

Malenth briefly ruffles through his pockets before finding his ID papers, presenting them to the eyes on the other side of the door.

"Here you are. Everything should be in order."

[Rizban]

He squints, looking at them rather intensely for a few seconds before closing the slot. Just enough time passes for you to grow uneasy before you hear a scraping sound and the clink of a large lock. The door opens to reveal a massive half-orc hunched just inside the doorway, apparently the owner of those eyes.

"Right this way, sir."

Inside, there is only a narrow hallway that runs along the outer wall, going left and right. The orc is blocking the right side, obviously indicating that you should go left...

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth nods to the orc as he enters the building, heading left down the hallway. He studies the walls as he checks himself once more, making sure his hair is neat and his clothes are presentable.

[Rizban]

The walls are covered with wood paneling, as is the ceiling. The floor is cobblestone. There are no markings or wall hangings anywhere in this hall.

After about 30 feet, you come to a closed door with a sign marked "OFFICE".

[Crafty Cultist]

Taking a deep breath, Malenth approaches the door and knocks on the door, trying to be loud enough to be heard, but not loud enough to seem rude.

[Rizban]

The orc behind you says, "Just go in."

[Crafty Cultist]

Hearing the orc behind him, Malenth makes his way through the door.

[Rizban]

When you enter the office, the orc closes the door behind you but stays out in the hall. A young female elf sits at a desk.

"How might I help you?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth glances around the room. "Hello there. I've heard that Pirner's is hiring and I was directed here by a man named Scolt. I was hoping that I could recieve an interview."

[Rizban]

"What are your credentials?"

[Crafty Cultist]

"I have some basic skill as a diplomat, knowledge of etiquette, and some simple sculpting ability. But my main skill is my magic. I'm a fully trained wizard, with a focus in pyromancy, though I am familiar with other magics too."

[Rizban]

"Is there a particular position for which you are applying? Something... specific that interests you?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth shifts his weight nervously, unsure about the day to day workings of the lower classes. "I was thinking maybe a representative or troubleshooter. If there is a position where a knowledge of magic is required, that would be great too."

[Rizban]

"I doubt you know enough about the company to represent us officially, but I'm sure Mr. Pirner would be interested in the latter, depending on just what kind of troubles you plan to shoot."

She smirks at her joke.

[Crafty Cultist]

"So do you think I could meet him? I'd like to get underway as soon as possible."

[Rizban]

Sorry for the delay. I've been dealing with a lot of personal stuff this past week."Mr. Pirner is a very busy man. If I decide you're worth his time, then you'll get to see him. Not before. There is so much more I need to know about you first. Tell me, what is it you're willing to do? Are you just looking for some cushy job where you can sit and tinker, or are you willing to get your hands dirty out in the city doing real work?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth lowers his head apologetically. "Sorry for getting ahead of myself. I'm prepared to be out and about, of course. I don't consider myself an expert when it comes to danger, but I can look after myself when there's trouble. I don't mind getting my hands a little dirty."

[Rizban]

"You fear committing yourself, don't you? I have yet to hear you volunteer anything I have not asked you to tell me. You don't strike me as anything special, but I'm sure we can find some minor job that will pay a decent wage. Unless there's something else, come back tomorrow, and I'll have an assignment for you."

[Crafty Cultist]

"I'm sorry if I seem hesitant. I'm afraid I'm not used to this kind of thing and didn't want to come of as impolite. I'll return tomorrow. Thank you for your time."

Malenth rises to leave.

[Rizban]

She returns to her work, ignoring you as if you aren't even there. The door behind you opens, the guard waiting to escort you out of the building.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth leaves the warehouse, then heads toward the town square, keeping an eye out along the way for any opportunity to make a little money.

[Rizban]

Without really knowing what he's looking for, he doesn't find much. Perhaps with a little more input, the DM will have a better idea of what to present to him...

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth wanders the streets, looking for arguments on the streets, suspicious figures, or people looking lost.

[Rizban]

I hope this is sufficient...No fewer than fifty people are currently traveling down this part of this road in one direction or another.

As you pass under a young oak tree, you hear a cat mewling from the branches.

Nearby, you see a woman of obvious wealth trying to look like she is poorer. She seems to be scanning the crowd for someone...

You notice a man trying to scrape a large poster that has been plastered on the wall of his shop. The poster advertises a play by a traveling acting troupe about a vicious beast. There is a showing this afternoon in a small theater not too far away.

Passing a narrow alley, you hear what seems to be faint, child-like sobs coming from the shadows. When you stop to listen, they seem to vanish, and you are unsure whether or not you actually heard anything.

Up ahead, in a narrower part of the street, two rival food vendors have setup their carts. More than half of their advertising shouts are insults against their rival.

You spot a child of about eight years old slinking through the crowd, working his way up and down the street several times.

A rather large rat pokes its head out of a sewer grate. Its eyes look far more intelligent than a rat ought. It looks around briefly then quickly disappears back into the sewer.

A tavern nearby has a sign in the window that reads "Drinking Contest Today Only! Cash Prizes!"

There is a wandering bard on the next street corner entertaining a group of children with a tale of a lone knight fighting a vicious red dragon.

You notice a large man carrying an armful of packages bump into a dwarf without seeing him. They trip over one another and both stumble to the ground. You hear something glass inside one of the packages shatter, and the two begin exchanging angry words.

A lone old man sits near an alley entrance on a dirty blanket. He holds his knees tight to his chest, rocking back and forth and muttering to himself about missing cheese. He is obviously homeless and possibly suffering from dementia. The way the townspeople ignore him, he must be a common sight in this area.

[Crafty Cultist]

Wow.. that is a lot of options.

Malenth approaches the "poor" woman scanning the crowd with his friendliest smile. "Excuse me Madam, but I couldn't help but notice your concern. Is there anyway in which I could be of assistance?"

diplomacy[roll0]

[Rizban]

There are a lot of things going on in Aldhaven. If you just want descriptions as you walk down the street, that's what you get. If you want, I could even give you a list of the buildings as you pass them...She scrutinizes you for a moment.

"Don't I know you?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth pauses for a second. How does she know who I am? Some function from before I lost everything? I didn't have a chance to attend many...

"I don't believe we've met. My name is Malenth D'everet, pleased to meet you."

[Rizban]

"Ah, yes, so we have met before. I'm... Sophia. Would you be willing to meet with me privately? I can't speak openly here."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth nods. "Very well. Lead on then, madam."

[Rizban]

She ducks into the tavern with the drinking contest, wordlessly drops a small bag of coin on the bartop, which the bartender silently pockets, and she quickly proceeds into a back room, glancing over her shoulder at the last moment to see if you're following.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth follows behind Sophia, trying not to look around so much as to appear nervous, but keeping his sword cane at the ready. He gives a small nod as Sophia looks at him and prepares to head into the back room.

[Rizban]

You nervously stand outside the back room after she has already gone inside. You begin to draw a curious glance or two from the other patrons...

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth moves briskly into the back room, closing the door behind him unless instructed otherwise.

[Rizban]

You find Sohpia fidgeting nervously on the other side of a large, round table.

"I thought you had changed your mind and left..."

Looking around nervously, she pulls back her hood to reveal long, blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Though not quite what you would call beautiful, she has a very striking appearance and is certainly far from ugly. You remember vaguely having met her, or someone who looks like her, several years ago before your family's run of bad luck, but you can't quite place just who she is without a good Knowledge check...

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth scans the room as he tries to place where he knows Sophia from. "With all this secrecy I'm assuming something precious is at stake. I hope I can help."

knowledge[roll0](+11 arcana, +8 local or nobility and royalty)

[Rizban]

You recognize Sophia as the wife of another minor noble, Viscount Theophil Hahn.

"My husband, Theophil. He has recently taken up with the priests of Pelor and is planning to join their ranks. To become a priest, he has to forfeit all his worldly possessions to the church! I'll be forced to live in a tiny room in the temple like an abbess and lose all my position in the court. I can't let him do this to us.

I need someone I can trust, someone like you. I wasn't looking for you specifically, but meeting you again is truly a godsend.

I need you to publicly disgrace him before the priests so that they won't accept him into the clergy. I know your house is down on your luck, but I also know your father wasn't entirely to blame. Help me, and I can pay you and give you information about the noble who engineered your father's downfall."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth thinks on Sophia's proposal for a moment. The Viscount might seek revenge for any embarrassment suffered, but if I keep my identity concealed, he probably wont have enough influence to sniff me out. His wife will probably want my involvement to stay secret too.

"Such information would be helpful... but at present I wouldn't have the resources to act on it. If you would be willing to provide me with a small amount of monetary assistance, I would be more than happy to aid you."

[Rizban]

She bites her lip and nods.

"H-How much do you want for doing this? I can't spend too much, or my husband will know I was behind it. The information about your house should be more than sufficient compensation though. You don't know who your enemies are, while I do."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth lowers his head respectfully. "Of course, I'm not expecting much money, just enough to pay my bills. I think eight hundred gold pieces would be plenty. Would that be acceptable, madam?"

diplomacy check[roll0]

[Rizban]

She sighs in relief.

"That's great. I can do that without raising any suspicion. Just... just don't make it appear he was with another woman or something. You have to do something that doesn't shame me as well and doesn't ruin our credibility as nobles. If you ruin things for us completely, I'll die before I tell you anything. Remember that."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth nods. "I understand. Is there anything you could tell me to aid in setting up such an embarrassment? Any businesses he frequents or taverns he patronizes? Are there times in his daily routine where he would be easily accessible? The more I know, the easier it will be for me to act."

[Rizban]

"I... honestly don't know that much about my husband's routine anymore. It used to be that he'd go to work, work hard in his office all day, take a quick lunch from one of the cart vendors nearby, finish work, then come home early to spend the evening with his family. He, of course, would take time away from this to deal with issues of the nobility, but, as his wife, I was usually involved in those endeavors.

Now, he spends as little time as possible at work and no time at all at home except to sleep. All his time is spent with the Pelorites doing gods know what! At this rate, we'll lose the business and our position whether he forfeits them or not!"

She get more and more emotional as she say this, and, by the end, you're not sure if she's about to cry or run out and strangle her husband to death herself.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth puts his hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "I promise, I'll do everything in my power to assist you."

Malenth waits for Sophia to regain her composure before continuing. "Does your husband eat dinner at home? and does he drink? I think I might have a way to create the kind of disgrace you're after."

[Rizban]

"Not anymore. He only eats with the priests, except when he rarely still eats lunch there at work. He doesn't drink alcohol at all anymore. That's one of the requirements of joining the clergy."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth thinks to himself before speaking. "Do you think you could get him to drink something? If we can knock him out as he heads to bed without him realizing our part in this, disgracing him in the eyes of the church shouldn't be too hard."

[Rizban]

"No, I can't be part of this. He can NOT know I was involved in any way. If you can't help me, then swear to secrecy, and I'll find someone else."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth sighs. "Okay, I understand. I guess I'll have to tail him for a while and see when he's vulnerable. Does he have much magic at his disposal? I mean, in terms of magic items and the like?"

[Rizban]

"He keeps a magic amulet on his person to warn him of immediate dangers, which he purchased from a man named Hagan Erbauer who has a shop in the Plaza. You can't get within thirty feet of Theophil now if you mean him any kind of harm without him instantly knowing about it. That's why I absolutely can NOT be involved in any way. I'm doing this for his, and our, own good, so I haven't triggered the amulet, but I just know that if I slip up at all that he'll know. I can't risk that."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I'll have to pay a visit to this Hagan Erbauer and see if I can find out what conditions trigger that amulet. Hopefully I'll be able to find a flaw in it's detecting abilities, or some way to misdirect it."

Malenth rises from his seat "Thank you for your time, Milady. Unless there's more you can tell me, I had best start investigating."

[Rizban]

She bids you farewell, disguises herself again, and ducks out a back door.

[Crafty Cultist]

Emerging from the back room, Malenth leaves the bar quickly and heads toward the Plaza, heading for the shop owned by this "Erbuaer".

[Rizban]

The shop sits on the north-west side of the Plaza on Mastiff's Road. A stout wooden door with elegant etching work opens into the shop. The sign hanging on the corner of the building has a picture of a bag of holding with rings, swords, and other magical items protruding from it and reads:

Erbauer's Enchanted Devices and Dynamos
Custom magical items, discount rates.
Accepts almost anything magical in trade.
Sizable discount to all new customers!


Inside is a small workshop, about twenty feet by forty feet. On entering, one does not find a true proper shop area, and there is often at least one apprentice working on something in the back area. A nymph minds the small counter which separates the small customer area from the workshop.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth removes his hat respectfully as he approaches the counter. "Pardon me miss, but I'm looking for Mr Erbauer. I've heard around town about some of his more specialized wares, and I was hoping to inquire as to the specifics. Is he in?"

[Rizban]

"I'm afraid not, but I am almost fully versed in his wares. Unless you are looking for something particularly obscure, I'm certain that I can assist you."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth smiles "Excellent. I've heard that Mr. Erbauer can create magic amulets that detect threats to the wearer. I was interesting in one, but I wanted to know exactly what would trigger such a charm. Would it react to anyone thinking unpleasant thoughts, or would they have to be about to attack the wearer?"

[Rizban]

"Ah, you're asking about our standard Amulet of Enemy Detection. That is one of our most popular pieces. You won't find a noble with coin to his name who doesn't wear one.

It is very discriminating and is able to judge intent quite readily. Merely thinking angry thoughts isn't enough to trigger it, but any move or specific intent to move does."

She goes into more detail (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/powers/detectHostileIntent.htm) if you ask.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I see. Thank you for your time. I'll have to think on it a bit more before I commit to a purchase, though. Have a nice day, madam."

Heading out of the store, Malenth once again heads off, this time towards the temple of Pelor that Viscount Hahn has been frequenting.

[Rizban]

After stopping to get directions, you manage to make your way to the Temple district without incident.

Entering the Temple District, you finds yourself just outside the*temple of Pelor, which is surrounded by a thick, circular outer wall. A sense of power seems to linger in the air. The large front door to the temple stands open, and can be seen from the gate in the outer wall, revealing a large statue of Pelor sitting cross legged with open arms, welcoming his children into the temple. A gold sun the size of a troll tops the temple.

Barely a block away stands a temple quite the opposite of the grand temple of Pelor. The modest temple of Bahamut is simple and avoids the baroque and heavy ornamentations of many of the other temples. It seems to be made of rather plain stone, though the inside of front door, which stands wide open, is inlaid with Bahamut's holy symbol, wrought in pure platinum, the only ornamentation visible on the temple.

The twin temples to Solaron and Minrhet are two blocks west and one north of Pelor. The one on the right features a bronze lantern-shaped building that seems to glow internally. The one on the left has a draconic theme, showing chromatic and metallic dragons working together. The buildings are connected by a spiral tower that mixes the two themes. Four small shrines are located, one each, at the four external corners of the buildings.

Not far away, a great library stands in the district, the main doors watched over by priestesses in dark emerald green robes.

Hundreds of large and small temples, shrines, and small statues line every street as far as the eye can see dedicated to all manner of gods, goddesses, and pantheons. You doubt if there is any deity without some form of representation in this city district.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth heads into the temple of Pelor, looking around the temple, mainly for the Viscount, but also to get a measure of the atmosphere and how open the temple is, as well as the security. He keeps and eye out for small alcoves where he could cast a spell unnoticed.

[Rizban]

You find yourself in a large, open air courtyard around the temple (http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/37716d3423a654bdbbb1b92b223a9cedc158e54c.pjpg) surrounded by the thick, circular outer wall. A sense of power seems to linger in the air. The large front door to the building stands open, revealing a large statue of Pelor sitting cross legged with open arms, welcoming his children into the temple.

The temple consists mainly of a large, open air courtyard with a large reflecting pool in front of the temple building itself. A number of trees, bushes, and various private areas dot the landscape for the worshipers to enjoy Pelor's light.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth looks around for a priest or acolyte he can glean some information from.

[Rizban]

There seem to be several around. The most readily available is probably the young man at the entrance to the courtyard welcoming petitioners.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth waits until the young man is free, then approaches him warmly. "Good day to you sir. I was wondering about the doctrine of the church of Pelor. Could you enlighten me?"

[Rizban]

"Certainly. What was it you wanted to know?"

[Crafty Cultist]

"I was wondering about the clergy, and what it takes to join them. Are there any criteria to join, or restrictions placed on those who do?"

[Rizban]

"It is quite simple really. You must dedicate yourself to the service of the Lord of Lights, donate a small tithe to his temples, keep his faith, and perform any assigned duties. We're quite accommodating really and accept any who are of good faith and character who desire to serve the Light. Indeed, most healers and beneficent clerics you meet in the world today are servants of the Bright One.

Are you already a cleric, or did you wish to begin training as one?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth shakes his head. "I'm afraid I'm not yet ready to commit. Such things are not to be done lightly, you understand, and I was hoping to learn more of the faith of Pelor before embracing such a path. What kind of path does Pelor lay out for his clergy?"

[Rizban]

"Path? I'm not sure what you mean. There is no explicit 'path' one is required to follow. Pelor is a loving and accepting deity above all others. There are tenets of the faith which must be followed, but there's no restrictive, absolute, single way to go about serving Pelor. Indeed, he asks different things of different people.

If you accept the following precepts and swear to abide by them, then that is all that is required of a Pelorite. First, all life comes from the sun. Light is strength to the weak and health to the infirm. Darkness is the unmaker, the evil one, and must be fought. Kindness, mercy, and compassion are the weapons of Pelor. Judgement is only what the dark calls upon itself.

Believe on these things, follow the requirements I have already explained, and you will be forever welcomed into his fold."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth gives the acolyte a warm smile. "Thank you, my good sir. I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Your time is much appreciated.

Bidding the priest farewell, Malenth heads toward the main building, hoping to gain entry.

[Rizban]

Another priest stands by the door holding a small box overlaid with gold leaf. A prominent holy symbol of Pelor adorns the front in bas-relief. This priest's robes are of obviously much higher quality and ornamentation that then simple yellow frocks of the man at the front gate.

"Welcome, pilgrim. I have not seen you before at the temple. How might I assist you?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth lowers his head respectfully. "Good day to you, sir. I was just admiring the temple. The way in which the architecture emphasizes the warmth and gentleness of the sun is quite remarkable. Tell me, are pilgrims allowed inside the main temple?"

diplomacy[roll0]

[Rizban]

He bounces the box slightly, making the faint clinking sound of coins.

"But of course! We have services throughout the day, but the next one won't be starting for another twenty minutes. If you'd like to get a good seat though, now is the time to enter."

[Crafty Cultist]

"I'm afraid I'm a little busy today. Maybe another time."

Malenth heads back into the courtyard and out through the temple's main gate then tries to circles the building as best he can, making sure he hasn't overlooked an entrance.

[Rizban]

The wall is thick, high, and immaculately smooth, corbelled out at the top to support a slightly overhanging roof to make scaling the wall that much more difficult.

There is but one entrance, the front gate.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth heads to the front entrance of the temple, and looks for a spot where he could wait without attracting to much attention.

[Rizban]

Being right on the main road in and out of the district, finding a place out of the way isn't too hard at all.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth finds somewhere out of the way and waits for the Viscount to emerge from the temple.

[Rizban]

You'll need a successful Knowledge (nobility and royalty) check to recall what he looks like. After all, you haven't gotten his description from anyone...

[Crafty Cultist]

knowledge(nobility and royalty)[roll0]

darn...

[Crafty Cultist]

Drawing a complete blank regarding the Viscount's appearance, Malenth sighs and heads off, hoping to find a government office or similar building that would show the viscount's residence on a map.

[Rizban]

You recall that almost all governmental buildings are within the Nobles' Quarter; however, there are a few offices just outside of it in Old Town. A knowledge check or gather info will be required to remember/find which ones.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth tries to recall the location of the offices, or find directions from a passerby should his memory fail again.

knowledge(local)[roll0]
gather information[roll1]

[Rizban]

You recall that the town hall and the office which processes residency and citizenship applications are both outside of the Nobles' Quarter but near that gate. You also recall that the port authority is temporarily located in a building just inside of the city walls rather than just outside of Dockside Gate as it used to be. You do recall at least one more governmental building in Old Town, but the specifics of it escape you at the moment.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth heads to the office near the nobles quarter.

[Rizban]

He arrives... at the... office... of things... that's there... at the place.
Um, which office now?

[Crafty Cultist]

OOC: Sorry for my vague discriptions

Malenth heads for the town hall, near the noble's quarter.

[Rizban]

The town hall is a large, two-story building near the gate into the Nobles' Quarter. The tall double doors on the front of the building stand open.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth heads inside the building and looks for an available clerk or similar official.

[Rizban]

Inside, you find yourself in a fairly large lobby with polished marble floors and a few benches along the walls. There also appear to be some sort of displays on the walls behind glass, most of which consist of small paintings accompanied by written texts.

There does not appear to be an centralized authority here that you can readily spot. There are several offices with small signs above the doors and a few hallways leading out of the main lobby.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth looks around for a secretary or similar functionary. Failing that, he takes a look at the sighs above the office doors, looking for someone who deals with city planning, traffic, or any other field that would require access to a map of the city.

[Rizban]

While looking around, he in fact finds a rather large map of the city painted as a kind of mural on one wall.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth examines the map, looking over the noble district for the viscount's estate. If it isn't displayed, He'll ask around for the exact address then use the map to locate it.

[Rizban]

Other than the palace and High Court, none of the estates are labeled. In fact, very few of the buildings are labeled at all. You notice names of streets, city gates, and districts as well as labels for most of the municipal buildings; however, privately owned building are drawn in but not labeled in any way.

Looking around the room, you see only five other people in the lobby area. Based on their dress, they are decidedly middle class but have no other obvious indication of their roles in society.

Two are sitting together on one bench whispering quietly. Another is sitting on another bench reading a book. One is examining a display on a wall. The last is wandering through the room looking at the name plates above the doors.

None of them appear to be employed here.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth sighs and approaches the pair whispering to each other. After trying to hear a few snippets of conversation as he approaches, he announces his presence.

"Excuse me. But do you know who I'd have to talk to to find out the address of an Aldhaven resident? I'm a little lost here."

Listen check to hear the couple talking[roll0]
diplomacy check[roll1]

[Rizban]

As you approach, they stop whispering. You do not manage to hear anything they are saying.

"Have you tried the clerk's office or maybe the city planner?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth smiles "Thank you. I'll be on my way."

He heads along the offices, looking for a city planner, or the clerk's office.

[Rizban]

The clerk's office is immediately obvious as the first door on the left. The city planner doesn't seem to be directly connected to the main lobby.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth heads for the clerk's office and knocks on the door, then awaits a reply.

[Rizban]

It is simply an open doorway.

Just inside the clerk's office is a long, shoulder high half wall stretching across the entire room from left to right, barring you from entering more than about five feet. There are four depressions cut into the wall which have been made into desks. Two of them have people seated behind them working, while the other two have signs which read "Next Window Please." A small sign on a pole near where you entered reads "Please wait until called."

As you are about to enter, another man is leaving. He brushes past you, almost bumping into you, and heads to the back of the building and down the stairs.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth approaches the now available clerk. "Good day. I'm trying to locate the residence of Viscount Theophil Hahn. There are matters I need to discuss with him."

[Rizban]

Sorry for the delay. I've been dealing with family members in the hospital.The clerk gives you a funny look.

"You're the second person to ask for directions in as many minutes. While we do handle record keeping and licenses, it is the Census Bureau downstairs that handles that kind of thing.

If you could tell me what this is about though, I can message them and make sure they have the records ready for you, Mr...."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth sighs and gives a weary smile. "To be honest, my family has fallen on hard times. I've heard of the viscounts work with the church of pelor, and I was hoping he might be willing to finance a loan."

bluff check[roll0]

[Rizban]

"I see... Well, good luck with that. If that falls through, feel free to check with one of the local banks. They're usually happy to give loans at reasonable rates. My husband and I took one out on the house we bought from the bank just down the road from here. They're really nice.

Anyway, I'll message ahead and make sure they have the information they can give you ready when you get there. Just head out of here, turn left, and take the stairs down. The office will be to your right."

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth smiles. "Sorry for the trouble, and thanks for your assistance."

He then heads downstairs, following the directions given by the clerk.

[Rizban]

The basement is almost as well appointed as the entry level. This area is little more than a wide hallway. The lack of windows and natural lighting make it feel much more claustrophobic. There are 5 doors on the wall opposite the stairs and 1 door at each end of the hall.
From left to right:

Committee Hearings
Committee Meeting Room 1
Committee Meeting Room 2
Emergency Responders' Bureau
Board of Health and Safety
Census Bureau
Office of Public Works


Assuming you go straight to the Census Bureau...

The Census Bureau reminds you of the Clerk's Office upstairs. It has a similar setup, except that there is only one desk for a worker to help the public. At the moment, the man who almost bumped into you is at the counter talking to the lady there; however, once again, he turns and leaves just as you enter, silently pushing past you and ignoring you completely.

Another worker approaches the woman at the desk, hands her a small envelope, and whispers in her ear before walking away.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth makes a note of the features of the man as he passes, before moving into the office. "Good day. I've been told you can direct me to the Hahn residence."

[Rizban]

"Ah, yes, I have your information here."

She hands you the envelope that you just saw her receive and smiles prettily at you.

"Is there anything else I can do to help you?"

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth chuckles. "I don't suppose you could tell me anything about the man who was just here. After bumping into him twice in a few minutes, I must admit I'm a little curious about what he was up to."

[Rizban]

"I can't legally tell you much. He was seeking to attain legal Residency, like so many these days."

[Crafty Cultist]

"I see. Thank you for your assistance, and I hope you have a nice day."

Exiting the office, Malenth scans the corridor briefly before opening the envelope.

[Rizban]

The envelope contains a small, handwritten piece of paper with the name "Hahn" written on it and an address in Old Town.

[Crafty Cultist]

Malenth heads for the exit, then makes his way to the address, eager to find out where his mark lives.