[IC][D&D3.5]Eberron Adventures: Part 1

[Fan67]

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/3374/shardpanorama.jpg

Link to OOC Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?418139-OOC-D-amp-D3-5-Eberron-Adventures)

1. List of Characters


-----Name
-----Class/Race
-----CharaterSheet
-----Notes


-----OMG PONIES (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/member.php?45281-OMG-PONIES)
-----Warrior/Aquatic Human
-----Keith (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=218164)
-----


-----samduke (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/member.php?103733-samduke)
-----Artificer/Human
-----Edward (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=217449)
-----


-----ThorgrimThunder (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/member.php?109527-ThorgrimThunder)
-----Bard/Changeling
-----Fin (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=218956)
-----


-----Kaptin Keen (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/member.php?87346-Kaptin-Keen)
-----Rogue/Goblin
-----Rakash (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=219482)
-----



2. Possessions:
Keith:
Edward:
Fin:
Rakash:

3. Party Journal:

[Fan67]

Here will be:
a) General City Maps - done.
b) General Continent maps - done.
c)General world information about Eberron, Khorvaire, Breland, Sharn and University - pending.
d)Specific world information based on your rolls - pending.

1. Continent Map:
Map of Knorvaire (5mb) (http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/9259/dd35eberronmapkhorvaire.jpg)
Map of Breland (1.5mb) (http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/7726/brelandmap.jpg)

2. General City Maps:
Sharn:
A.MAPS:
Sharn Plateaus (http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/8924/sharnplateaus.png)
Lower Wards (http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/4650/2316336199683568df0cb.jpg)
Middle Wards (http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7030/2316337419399d73322fb.jpg)
Upper Wards (http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/5293/231714302231896e5630b.jpg) (Upper Wards Marked) (http://imageshack.com/a/img537/3933/iYs5w3.png)
Skyway (http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/8743/23163363458a7fe58389.jpg)
Progress Marks:

1 - Bloody Bridge
2 - Entrance to Breland Spire
3 - Jorasco Enclave

MORGRAVE UNIVERSITY LAYOUT:
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/2221/X8rCJ9.jpg

University consists of one Tower (Dalannan Tower) surrounded and connected with five spires, named after each of Five Nations (Clockwise Breland with Commons on top, Cyre, Karrnath, Aundair, and Thrane spire with Dezina Museum on top).

The most notable and used in daily student life are Breland Spire and Dalannan Tower.
Because of the War other spires are usually named after the structure which crowns it, instead of the give name:
Cyre spire - Aureon Spire (because of Aureon Hall)
Karrnath spire - Valdain Spire (because of Valdain Museum)
Aundair spire - Hadrill Spire (because of Hadrill Gardens on top)
Thrane spire - Dezina Spire (because of Dezina Museum)

The Upper Menthis parts of these towers are around 300 meters high give or take.
Because each level varies in height the actual number of levels in each spire and tower differs greatly.
Most populated and many-leveled is Breland spire, because of the numerous campus levels.

What is on the left side of the map - is inside the Breland spire. To the right Library - is the ground level of Aureon Spire, Vault is the ground level of Dalannan Tower in the district.
Basically every level is different building, usualy you need to go outside and climb or descent a level to get access to other levels of towers.
Stairs you see near the lower-left Lecture Hall and upper-right Lecture Hall can also be used to travel within the spire but usualy used by University personel or during academic year.

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/2221/X8rCJ9.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img912/5041/sqKqe5.jpg

Morgrave University:
Morgrave University owns most of the buildings in University District, even the ones not used for education.
The University itself fills Dalannan Tower, crowned by the enormous Lareth Hall(5).

1.The Bridge: A vast, covered bridge connects Breland Spire and (and The Commons(2)) to Dalannan Tower, lined with shops and stores. The only way to go between University towers without going to the "ground" level.
2.The Commons: Atop Breland Spire, this open air plaza has a great view of the other towers and the lower districts of the city. Food vendors come here daily, with a huge variety of foods.
3.Dezina Museum of Antiquities: Home to the first collection or artifacts from Xen'Dirk in Khorvaire. Deeper into Dalannan Tower are storage vaults where crates full of artifacts wait to be cataloged and added to displays.
4.Great Hall of Aureon: A grand temple to the god of knowledge and magic is an architectural marvel as well as a sacred place. Pilgrims from all over spend the night in the sacred hall, believing that great inspiration will come to them. Some of the greatest minds in Khorvaire's history claim to have gotten their inspiration after a night in The Great Hall. Merrix d'Cannith attributed the invention of the Creation Forges and the Warforged on such an event. It is also a concentrated collection of experts, wizards, sages, loremasters, bards, etc...
5.Lareth Hall: Houses the administrative and faculty offices. There is also a large chamber for the gynosphinx, Flamewind.
6.Morgrave University Library: On the "ground" level of Aureon Spire. This is the most extensive collection of books in all of Breland, though it's not much compared to the library at Korranberg. Those not associated with Morgrave must pay 1gp per day to conduct research in the library. (+6 circumstance bonus to Knowledge Checks concerning Sharn, +2 Knowledge Checks concerning anything else.)


B.Travel in Sharn:
Travel in Sharn can be unpredictable. Residents joke that it takes about an hour to get anywhere, whether it's just down three levels in the same tower or all the way across town. Of course skycoaches reduce the time dramatically compared to walking from place to place, and character who really know their way around (As well as characters who are willing to frequently ask for directions along the way) can get to their destinations more quickly than newcomers who refuse to display their ignorance.
Magic lifts move people vertically from the cogs to the upper-city. Mule drawn wagons carry loads across the suspended roads and skybridges that crisscross the city. Horses move among the towers either carrying riders or pulling carriages and many people walk whenever possible.

By Foot
Destination Travel Time
Destination in Same District 3d6 Minutes
Destination in Same Ward 6d6 Minutes
Destination in Adjacent Ward 3d6 X 5 Minutes
Destination farther than Adjacent Ward 6d6 X 5 Minutes

Skycoaches can be found at the Orien Lightning Rail station in Cogsgate (in Lower Tavick's Landing), ath the waterfront in Cliffside, and at the airship docks in Highest Towers (in Upper Central). Skycoaches can also be summoned from larger balconies on towers throughout the city.
Other ways to get around include soarsleds, and glidewings brought to the city by Talenta halflings living in Little Plains (in Middle Menthis). A few citizens ride more exotic flying mounts, ranging from griffons and hippogriffs to giant eagles and owls, but these are hard to stable in most areas of the city. (Skyway is the only ward with ample stable area for large flying mounts.)
Skycoach Fare is a standard rate of 1sp per mile throughout the city. Thus it is possible to get from Lower Tavick's Landing to Upper Dura, the most extreme distance, for 6 sp.

Flight
Destination in Same District 1d6 Minutes
Destination in Same Ward 2d6 Minutes
Destination in Adjacent Ward 1d6 X 5 Minutes
Destination farther than Adjacent Ward 2d6 X 5 Minutes

A party can reduce this time by one-half if one character makes a successful DC 15 Knowledge (Local) or Gather Information check.

3. General Word Information:
History:

Pre-History:

Before recorded history, before the "civilized" races strode the surface of the land, this world we know as Eberron was ruled by Dragons.
Today, sighting a Dragon away from their home on Argonnessen is a rare, and usually fatal, occurance. But once, they roamed the continents, flew the skies, and even swam the oceans. Their rule was absolute and no other creature dared to challenge them.

Not much is known of the Dragon Kingdoms. What little information we have comes from scrolls and histories found in the Giant ruins on Xen'drik. Giant scholars (see Ancient History for more on giants) apparently had a relationship with the Dragons of Argonnessen, before the Dragons became completely isolated from the outside world. Unfortunately, the continent of Xen'drik does not give up its secrets willingly.

What is known is that a great schizm occurred among the most powerful of the dragons. The Dragon Kingdoms were ruled at that time by three siblings: golden Siberys, black Khyber, and red Eberron. Khyber, hungry for power and wanting the throne for herself, first betrayed her brother Siberys and defeating him, tearing his body to pieces and throwing it into the heavens, where it can still be seen today as the Ring of Siberys.

But Eberron was not so easily fooled by her sister's treachery. In a terrible battle that laid waste to the landscape, the two Dragons and their combined forces clashed. It was said the gods themselves stopped to watch the spectacle. The tide of battle turned back and forth many times, with neither of the powerful creatures getting enough of an advantage to finish off the other.

Then Eberron toppled a mountain onto Kyhber, burying her deep in the earth. She knew her sister would not remain trapped for long, so to end the conflict she knew could lead to a civil war that would destroy the Dragons completely, Eberron sacrificed her own body to create a magical binding to keep Khyber in her prison of earth.

Age of Demons

-10,000,000 Khyber's fiendish offspring overrun the surface world, creating a hellish environment where rakshasas and night hangs rule supreme.
-1,500,000 Dragons leave Argonnessen to oppose their demonic overlords, allying with other draconic species, including the coutals.
-100,000 Couatls sacrifice most of their number to send the most powerful of the demon lords and the majority of fiends back to Khyber, where they are trapped for eternity. The Dragons return to Argonnessen.

Age of Giants

-80,000 The giants rise from the ruines of the Dragon-Fiend Wars to establish a vast and powerful civilization on the continent of Xen'drick. They enslave elves and drow, which has the inadvertent effect of pulling the first of the common races out of their primitive state.
-60,000 Dragons make contact with the giant kingdoms and begin to teach the giants how to use arcane magic. The elves watch and learn from their place at the giants' heels. The giants quickly master the arcane arts, creating wonders unequaled even in the modern day.
-40,000 The quori invade Xen'drik through a gate that connects Eberron to Dal Quor, the Plane of Dreams. After years of battle, the giants call upon the magic of the dragons to destroy the planar gate. This act results in a cataclysm that shakes Xen'drick to its core and plunges large chunks of the continent beneath the sea. The physical connection to Dal Quor is severed, perhaps forever.
-39,000 The remaining giant kingdoms never quite recover from the events of the quori invasion. Horrible curses and plagues sweep through the land, and the elves use this opportunity to rebel. In desperation, the giants again turn to the same magic they used to stop the quori. Before they can unleash such destruction a second time, the dragons attack. Giant civilization crumbles, the drow go into hiding in the Xen'drik countryside, and the elves flee to the continent of Aerenal.

Age of Monsters

-38,000 The giants revert to primitive monsters living in the ruins of their shattered civilizations as the dragons return to their secluded continent and the elves settle in Aerenal. Meanwhile, on Khorvaire, the first of the goblinoid kingdoms rises in the area that will one day become Breland and Darguun.
-30,000 Orc nations arise in western Khorvaire to compete with the goblinoid kingdoms.
-25,000 The Undying Court appears in Aerenal. First skirmish between the elves and the dragons, which sets a pattern of long periods of peace punctuated by short, devestating battles every few hundred years.
-16,000 The Dhakanni unite the goblinoid nations to create the greatest empire the goblins have ever known. The Gatekeepers appear among the orcs of western Khorvaire.
-12,000 The dwarves migrate from the Frostfell to the Ironroot Mountains.
-10,000 Aerenal elves establish a colony in what is now present-day Valenar. Peaceful coexistence doesn't last, and the elves come into conflict with the Dhakanni. The elves abandon the colony when another clash with the dragons threaten Aerenal.
-9,000 The Daelkyr War decimates the western reaches of Khorvaire.
-5,000 Weakened by the Daelkyr war, the Dhakanni Empire is shattered by infighting and civil strife, Eventually leading to the collapse of the goblinoid civilization.
-4,100 The greatpine Oalian is awakened.
-3,200 The Mark of Hospitality appears among halflings in the Talenta Plains. The Mark of Shadow and the Mark of Death appear among the elves of Aerenal.
-3,000 Lhazaar leads humans from Sarlona to the eastern shores of Khorvaire. The Mark of Healing appears among halflings of the Talenta Plains.
-2,800 The Mark of Scribing appears among the gnomes of Zilargo
-2,600 The Mark of Sentinel appears among humans of pre-Galifar Karrnath. House Vol, which carries the Mark of Death, is wiped out in Aerenal. Vol the lich is created. House Phiarlan leaves Aerenal to relocate among the humans of Khorvaire.
-2,500 The distict settlements that will become the Five Nations appear in central Khorvaire. The Mark of Making appears among humans of pre-Galifar Cyre. The Mark of Warding appears among the dwarves of the Mror Holds.
-2,000 Karrn the Conquerer establishes the nation of Karrnath, defeats the remaining goblinoid settlements, and unsuccessfully attempts to conquer the other four human nations. The Mark of Storm appears among half-elves of pre-Galifar Thrane.
-1,900 The Mark of Passage appears among humans of pre-Galifar Aundair.
-1,800 The Mark of Handling appears among humans in the Eldeen Reaches. Kalashtar reach Sarlona, fleeing Dal Quor and the presecution of the quori.
-1,500 Quori begin conquest of Sarlona. Second wave of humans reach Khorvaire's western shores. The Mark of Detection appears among half-elves of pre-Galifar Breland. The dragonmarked houses launch the War of the Mark to end threat of aberrant and mixed marks. The Twelve is established.
-1,043 Galifar I is born in Karrnath.
-1,022 Galifar assumes rulership of Karrnath.
-1,012 Galifar begins his campaign to unite the Five Nations.
-1,005 Galifar makes a deal with the dragonmarked houses, offering them neutral status in exchange for support in his campaign.
-1,000 The Mark of Finding appears among humans and half-orcs of the Shadow Marches.
1 YK (-998) Galifar I and his five heirs - Cyre, Karrn, Thrane, Aundair, and Brey - take control of the Five Nations and establish the Kingdom of Galifar.

Eberron History: Current History
1 YK (-998) Galifar I and his five heirs - Cyre, Karrn, Thrane, Aundair, and Brey - take control of the Five Nations and establish the Kingdom of Galifar.
15 YK Galifar I establishes the Arcane Congress.
28 YK Galifar-Lhazaar War, a decades-long conflict, begins.
32 YK The Five Nations of Galifar adopt the names of King Galifar's children as their own.
40 YK Galifar, now eighty-five years old, steps down and passes rulership of the kingdom to his oldest remaining heir, Cyre.
53 YK Galifar I dies.
106 YK House Kundarak is recognized by the established dragonmarked houses.
299 YK The Church of the Silver Flame is born.
347 YK House Lyrander takes possession of an island off the coast of Aundair to create Stormhome.
498 YK House Silvis discovers the Mark of Finding while exploring the Shadow Marches. House Tharashk is created shortly thereafter.
512 YK King Daroom orders the construction of the Starpeaks Observatory.
778 YK Medusas from Khyber take possession of Cazhaak Draal.
802 YK The Kingdom of Galifar, in cooperation with the dragonmarked houses, funds the upgrade of the trade city of Stormreach on the northern penninsula of Xen'drik.
811 YK First lightning rail connects Flamekeep and Fairhaven.
832 YK The inquisition to wipe out lycanthropes is launced by the Church of the Silver Flame. It lasts fity years and drives the species almost to extinction.
845 YK King Jarot begins a public works project to connect all of central Khorvaire via lightning rails. Within twenty years, lines connect the Five Nations, Zilargo, the Mror Holds, and the Talenta Plains.
878 YK House Deneith begins to provide clients with goblinoid mercenaries from the Darguun region.
894 YK King Jarot, the last ruler of Galifar, dies. Thalin of Thrane, Kaius of Karrnath, and Wroann of Breland reject the succession of Mishann of Cyre. Wrogan of Aundair backs Mishann's claim and the Last War begins.
896 YK Order of the Emerald Claw established.
910 YK Kaius II ascends the throne of Karrnath.
914 YK The Mror Holds declares its independence. Thalin of Thrane dies and the Church of the Silver Flame seizes control of the nation.
918 YK Unknown saboteurs destroy the Glass Tower of Sharn.
928 YK Ven ir'Kesslan leads settlers from the Five Nations to forge the nation of Q'barra.
956 YK Aerenal mercenaries annex southern Cyre and declare the sovereignty of the elf nation of Valenar.
958 YK The Eldeen Reaches declares itself an independent nation under the protection of the Wardens of the Wood and the guidence of the Great Druid Oalian.
961 YK Boranel becomes king of Breland.
962 YK Zilargo formally aligns with Breland
965 YK House Cannith perfects the modern-era warforged, living constructs designed to fight the Last War
969 YK Haruee leads the hobgoblin rebellion, and the nation of Darguun is born.
972 YK House Thuranni splits off from House Phiarlan.
976 YK Regent Moranna of Karrnath outlaws the Order of the Emerald Claw.
980 YK Queen Aurala's reign of Aundair begins.
986 YK A trio of hags known as the Daughters of Sora Kell arrive in Droaam with an army of trolls, ogres, and goblins.
987 YK King Boranel pulls settlers back and seals off the land west of the Graywall Mountains. The Daughters of Sora Kell delcare the sovereignty of the nation of Droaam.
990 YK The first elemental airships go into service for House Lyrandar.
991 YK Kaius III's rule of Karrnath begins.
993 YK Jaela Daran assumes power of the Keeper of the Silver Flame.
994 YK Cyre is destroyed; the Mournland is created.
996 YK The Treaty of Thronehold officially ends the Last War. The treaty officially recognizes the nations of Aundair, Breland, Thrane, Karrnath, the Talenta Plains, Zilargo, Q'barra, the Lhazaar Principalities, the Mror Holds, the Eldeen Reaches, Darguun, and Valenar. House Cannith is ordered to destroy all creation forges, the remaining warforged are granted the rights of sentient beings.
998 YK The start of the Campaign.

[Fan67]

Year: 998 YK (the 998th Year since the Kingdom of Galifar was founded)
Month: Nymm (Early summer)
Day: 20
Name of the Day: Far (Sixth day of the week)
Continent: Knorvaire
Country: Breland
Location: City of Sharn, somewhere in the Upper Wards (http://imageshack.com/a/img540/7148/BXSK0e.gif)
Time: Late evening

Silver Flame Protests at Morgrave University Enter Fourth Day

The ongoing religious protest against Provost Dannad Mourain entered its fourth day on Far. Angry worshipers of the Silver Flame called on Morgrave University to fire the controversial historian.

Several hundred protesters crammed into the Commons atop Breland Spire, alternating between hymns to the Silver Flame and a series of oratories that castigated Mourain for his views on the origin of the Church of the Silver Flame. The crowds are growing larger each day, displacing more and more of the students who use the open-air court to eat and study.

Mourain has drawn the ire of the Church of the Silver Flame for his authorship of an academic paper contending that the church is a theological descendant of a Xen'drik serpent cult. Mourain said that an exhaustive retranslation of the Serpentes Fragments reveals an ancient religion that mirrors the modern-day Church of the Silver Flame to "a degree that boggles the imagination."

High priest Yurik Rendrich, one of yesterday's protest speakers, called Mourain's paper heresy, incitement to hatred, and appallingly bad scholarship. "One way or another, the Silver Flame will burn away dross like Dannad Mourain," he told the cheering crowd. "This church isn't ascended from snakes - it is the living embodiment of creation's primal spark. All those whose souls have been touched by the Silver Flame know an everlasting truth that Mourain can't poison with his words."

With a full slate of orators scheduled for tomorrow, the protests at Morgrave University aren't likely to end anytime soon. The protestors have been peaceful for the most part, though scattered reports of fistfights between Silver Flame worshipers and university students have surfaced.

Each of the various sects and groups that make up the Church of the Silver Flame is vying with all the others to take a more prominent role in the Morgrave University protests. But the church leadership sounded a more cautious note on Far. Archierophant Ythana Morr said that the Church wasn't organizing the protests directly but would continue to monitor events at Morgrave University. She praised the faith and conviction of the protestors in a written statement yesterday. She didn't mention Mourain directly, referring only to only to "those beneath contempt, casting about in darkness and constricted by lies."

University chancellors refused comment on the protests or on Mourain's status with the university.

Most classes have been cancelled until further notice, but because it was not long before summer holidays, students mostly accepted this fact as a bliss.

It is your first day off.

The year was eventful, you met a lot of people. Everyone of you pursued very different agenda in the university, but somehow you managed to get along.
Because the celebration in the University was also cancelled due to ongoing protests, you decided to ramble a bit on the upper levels of Sharn's towers and find a fine looking establishment to celebrate on your own.

The weather was not welcoming.
Curtains of water fall from the sky as you traverse the labyrinthine walkways of Sharn.
The stone and wooden paths wind around and between the towers and spires high above the ground, forming a complex latticework that can be very confusing on evenings such as this.

The rain falls hard, running off higher walkways and balconies in drenching waves, making it difficult to see much more that a few feet ahead of you.
The distant glow of everbright lanterns, barely visible in the soaking gloom, does little to light the paths on this warm, wet evening.

The skybridge ahead spans the distance between platforms attached to the sides of two different towers - Dalannan Tower and the Kelsa Spire.
A body lies on the floor of the bridge, and you can see a mixture of rain and blood pooling around it.
You try to spot more details, but rain conceals most of the scene. Only when you come closer you notice small leather satchel lying near the body.

Map:
https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1436x955q90/673/fchOOj.jpg
Legend:
A1 - where you entered level
A2 - where you first noticed body
A3 - where are standing now
B - body
Rolls:

[roll0] - Keith spot
[roll1] - Edward spot
[roll2] - Fin spot
[roll3] - Rakash spot +1 = 9

[Kaptin Keen]

Rakash doesn't much notice the body lying in the street. This isn't because of any failing of his visual acuity, and only partially because the fate of random giants is of slightly secondary concern to him.

No, mostly, it's because his is distracted by the giant, void-like maw of the open sky above him, and deep and enduring misery of water pouring down for no good reason apparent to him. Why all the giant races chose to live life above gound is unfathomable to him.

However, as his eyes do drift in the direction of the body, one thought instantly clears his pondering upon the failings of the overworld.

... loot! thinks he, as he spots the inviting satchel on the ground.

[samduke]

Edward thinks why must it rain, such as it was he notices the body with a satchel on the ground, thinking to himself I wonder who or what could have done this, and yet not take the satchel, he will walk slightly to the side of the group.

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
"Well that can't be good"
Fin quickly looks around as he walks closer to the body and satchel.
"I guarantee this has something to do with those protests."
He bends down to take a closer look to see if he recognizes the dead person.


Spot and listen respectively to see if I notice anyone besides us near the body
[roll0]
[roll1]
Also INT check to see if I recognize this person
[roll2]

[Kaptin Keen]

Why do you think so? We're not exactly right around the corner from the university.

You see if the guy is alright or whatever - I'll check the lo .. the evidence.

Rakash is instinctively cautious. As he picks up the satchel, he ducks into the shadows, and checks the surroundings before seing what's inside.


Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]
Search (in case that become relevant): [roll2]
Move silently: [roll3]
Hide: [roll4]

[samduke]

spot check [roll0] to see if he notices Rakash wander off..

[Fan67]

Rakash and Fin came closer to the body, while Edward and Keith chose to keep their distance for a while or probably were little shocked.

The body lied face down on the bridge, so Fin tenderly turned it face up. The man was familiar to the changeling.
His name is professor Bonal Geldem from Morgrave University. He was the provost of the School of Pre-Galifar Studies, and Fin attended some of his lectures.
The elderly human person, his dress had Morgrave University heraldics at the chest, right where some kind of bladed weapon ran through his heart.
The wound was fresh, the man was stabbed less then a minute ago, but still he had already succumbed to wound before you reached him.

The satchel, obviously well made and stylish, is still holded by the dead man. Deadman's grasp is strong and it required slightly more effort from Rakash to get it.
He can feel some kind of book and papers inside, also probably a small glass vial and something big and round.
After grabbing the loot, Rakash turned back going to hide somewhere nearby.

Only Fin and Keith noticed the sounds of an approaching climber over the noise of the falling rain, but everything went so fast, he didn't have time to warn his friends.
The cloacked figure climbed over the nearest rails of the skybridge and jumped at Rakash with an axe in it's hand.
The athletic constitution of the attacker was obvious even cloaked. Something metal glistened from the uncovered parts of it's body, probably steel armor


Listed Checks:
Fin rolled himself
Rakash rolled himself
[roll0] Edward
[roll1] Keith

Initiative Checks:
[roll2] - Keith
[roll3] - Edward
[roll4] - Fin
[roll5] - Rakash
[roll6] - Attacker



Surprise round:
Attacker
Fin
Keith
First Round:
Rakash
Attacker
Edward
Fin
Keith

Map:

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/6526/X30I1m.jpg
Positions:
R,F,E,K - party members
A - attacker
B - body

[Fan67]

Rakash was completely unprepared for the assault. His attention was totally devoted to the loot possibilities.
The enemy caught him off-guard and stroke hard with his battleaxe.
The edge of the axe's blade touched the goblin's flesh, leaving long wound. Flesh didn't stop the strong swing and the axe hit the ground. The sound of the strike echoed from the nearby towers.


[roll0] - Attacker attack
[roll1] - Attacker damage

Rakash HP 4/8

Now Fin and Keith act. Then we proceed in initiative order.

[Kaptin Keen]

YIEARGH! screams Rakash, who considers physical confrontation the sort of thing evolution really should have rooted out ages ago. Then he immediately does what he considers evolutionarily sound in such situations - he runs!


Rakash's style of fighting is to find something - anything - to hide behind, and lie in ambush. So I see a bush there on the north side of the bridge. Rakash will tumble out, run to the bush, pop inside, roll hide, and if our friend sticks his head in, he gets a faceful of dagger. Hopefully with sneak attack, because Rakash simple doesn't last in a standup fight.

This is my standard array of tests:
Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]
Search (in case that become relevant): [roll2]
Move silently: [roll3]
Hide: [roll4]
Tumble: [roll5]

It is included here as demonstration. Basically, it shows how Rakash views the world. Any situation could turn into panicked flight at a moments notice. So for now, Tumble and Hide are the ones to pay attention to.

[OMG PONIES]

It had been a rough couple of days for Keith d'Deneith. First, there was the matter of eking out passing grades in Criminology and Pre-Galifar Studies. That would have been hard enough without the protests and everyone he knew asking him his position as both a Flamite and a student at Morgrave, but now not only had they stumbled across the dead body of a beloved professor, but now they were coming under direct attack? Keith sighed, even though adrenaline coursed through his veins at a real live chance to enforce the law.

"Halt!" he called out in the most authoritative voice he could muster as he drew closer to the attacker. "P-provoking physical violence is in violation of B-B-Brelish law. If you don't d-d-decist, I will be forced to enact a citizen's arrest under the authority of House D-D-Deneith. Should you continue, you'll have to go through m-m-me."

HP: 11/11
AC: 16 (15 flatfooted, 11 touch)
Conditions: none
Ongoing Buffs/Debuffs: none
Move action: draw net while moving adjacent to the attacker.
Move action: Use my Goad feat against the attacker (Will save DC 12 or I am the only creature it can make melee attacks against on its turn).
[roll0]

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
He could hardly believe his eyes. Not that he hadn't seen dead people before, but it had been years since someone he actually liked had died, much less been murdered. Looking up from the body he saw a shadowy figure wielding an axe come over the side of the bridge, bringing an axe down on poor Rakash.
"Look ou---"
Seeing the attacker Fin attempted to cry out, but too late to do any good. Knowing that the only thing he could do now was try and defend the little goblin, he draws a his dagger and slides his shield down his arm.


HP: 7
AC: 16
Touch: 12 Flat-Footed: 14


This is all I can do in the surprise round, he continues to be alert for any other newcomers.
[roll0] spot
[roll1] listen

[samduke]

*edited out by request

[Fan67]

The wounded goblin ran to the side of the bridge and dived into cover of the bush. Trail of blood quickly washed away by strengthening rain.
Touch of the sharp branches caused burst of pain, but Rakash endured it silently, watching the bloody bridge from the cover.

Watching his friend being wounded probably shaken Keith a bit. Human ran closer to the attacker, drawing the net and trying to persuade him to surrender.
The tall figure didn't seem to notice Keith, but with sharp metallic voice he said towards the bushes Rakash was hiding in: "You meatbag! You won't hide from me! Give me the bag or I will slaughter your friends!"


Rakash Hide 19 (rolled himself)
[roll0] Attacker Spot Check

[Fan67]

After he shouted, attacker weighted the axe in his hand and turned to Keith:"You scream now!"
Quick swing could decapitate Keith, but his reflexes saved him. The axe only hit the air and the rain drops as Keith quickly ducked.
"Argh! Give me the bag or you all DIE!" - the attacker seemed very surprised and enraged by Keith's agility. His stance changed a bit, as if he was preparing to something.


[roll0] Attacker attack
[roll1] Damage

Now Edward's turn (can't tell what he does from the post), then Fin and Keith

http://imageshack.com/a/img673/9636/i52c5s.jpg

[samduke]

HP: 7/7
AC: 12 (11 flatfooted, 10 touch)
Conditions: none
Ongoing Buffs/Debuffs: none


Free: Not my friends you don't!
Move: draw weapon
Standard: Fight Defensively

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
With the attacker focusing in the opposite direction, Fin decides now would be a good time to pay this fellow back in blood.



Take a free-5 diagonally to be directly across from Keith, and then stabbing (or attempting to) the attacker.
Standard Action: Attack[roll0] (+2 Flanking, +1 STR)
If it hits Damage [roll1]
Move Action: Spot [roll2] specifically do I notice anything about the attacker, or anyone else near us?


HP: 7
AC: 16
Touch: 12 Flat-Footed: 14

[Fan67]

Despite massive stature the attacker dodged the strike with grace, as if he was expecting it. The glancing hit of the blade made more sound than effect. There was definetly metal armor under the cloak.
Coming closer didn't help Fin to spot any features of his enemy. The hood and cloak covered all of the body, only leather gloves and battle axe were visible.

Fin looked around. Despite heavy rain he could see several windows opening at higher levels of other towers, and some people stared at the skybridge from above.
But apart from these distant observers, Fin didn't see any other activity.

[OMG PONIES]

"Threatening murder isn't a wise idea, sir," Keith chides the attacker. He takes a step back before tossing his net at the cloaked figure, hoping to entangle and incapacitate him before the mysterious assailant could harm his classmates further. Drawing his trident from his side, Keith asks his group, "is everyone okay?"

HP: 11/11
AC: 16 (15 flatfooted, 11 touch)
Conditions: none
Ongoing Buffs/Debuffs: none
Free action: 5 foot step back from attacker.
Standard action: throw net.
Move action: draw trident.
[roll0]
[roll1] total of...7 vs touch AC :smallannoyed:.

[samduke]

HP: 7/7
AC: 12 (11 flatfooted, 10 touch)
Conditions: none
Ongoing Buffs/Debuffs: none



Free: I am okay..
Move: to stand next to Keith
Standard: Fighting Defensively: To Hit [roll0] -Action point [roll1] -Damage[roll2]

[Kaptin Keen]

Rakash considers for a moment to simply throw the satchel over the side. Take that, unknown assailant.

But no. It might contain loot. So instead, he quickly hides it in the bush, folds up his cloak, and steps back out of the bush. He gets up onto the edge of the bridge, and walks toward the fight, whistling loudly to get the attackers attention.

Hey dimwit - I really don't hope this satchel was worth taking a life for. Least, it's useless to me. So I'm just gonna toss it. Bye bye, satchel.

With that, he drops the folded cloak.


HP: 4/8
AC: 17 (15 flatfooted, 13 touch)
Conditions: none
Ongoing Buffs/Debuffs: none


If it was so important, then why did you leave it next to the body anyways? Jeez, that's just so umprofessional.


Normal move towards the others, drop the cloak. I guess folding it up is a standard action, moving is a move action, and dropping it is a free action.

[Fan67]

Keith's thrown net was easily deflected with a swing of the axe. It fell on the wet pavement of the bridge, tangling itself into a complex clot.
The attention of the enemy was dragged to the bushes. He silently watched goblin moving to the edge for the bridge with leather ball in his hands.
"No, stop!" he shouted, but it was late - the "satchel", heavily soaked with rain, rapidly fell down through many levels of Sharn.
"Idiot! I will kill you for this!" - the loud roar echoed from the towers. Something similar to the bird jumped from under the hood and quickly flew upwards.

The sound of battle brought more spectators, and you heard people from the towers shouting:"Hey! Stop it!", "Call the Watch!", "Murder! They are murdering the man!".

The attacker quickly considered something, and then rushed towards the goblin.


Turn 2 started:
Rakash
Attacker
Edward
Fin
Keith

Because there is only sling and shiv in Rakash's inventory I assume he wears traveler's outfit.
[roll0]Rakash Hide
forgot to roll attacker's spot, but he is unable to notice DC20, so he failed anyway.
[roll1] Bluff Rakash
[roll2] Sense Motive Attacker

Fin & Keith can make AoO now.

[OMG PONIES]

"No!" Keith calls out to the spectators. "He may have killed our professor and wants to kill us! We're trying to subdue him for the Watch!" To prove his point, he strikes at the man with the side of his trident, hoping to knock the wind out of him rather than impaling him.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin

"Guys we might want to think about making a quick getaway, after we stop that guy going after Rakash of course."

[roll0] Attack
[roll1] possible confirm crit
[roll2] Possible Damage

HP: 7
AC: 16
Touch: 12 Flat-Footed: 14

[Fan67]

The enemy was quick and Fin hit only wet air.
Keith was more succesful, his trident hit hard into the stomach of running attacker. But he didn't seem to notice and continued his deadly charge towards Rakash... and jumped from the pavement over the small wall along the edge of the bridge.

Rakash noticed that the enemy tried to catch something during his fall, but apparently failed, because with loud scream he rapidly fell into the darkness of lower levels.
The goblin couldn't notice what he tried to grab or where did he fall.


[roll0] jump check attacker
[roll1] climb check attacker

[Fan67]

The rain was finaly stopping, you could notice people gathering at the sides of the bridge despite late hour. They watched the scene with awe. The whistles of the City Watch sounded very close. They are probably one level below you, it will take no more than half a minute (at best) before they arrive. It seemes now that they will come from the western stairs.


[roll0] Knowledge (Local) Rakash
[roll1] Spot Rakash
[roll2] Knowledge (Local) Fin
[roll3] Knowledge (Local) Edward
[roll4] Knowledge (Local) Keit

Private Messages sent to those who passed the check.

[Fan67]

Technical Rolls:
[roll0] Knowledge (Arcana) Fin
[roll1] Knowledge (Arcana) Edward



The combat is ended.
Everyone is awarded with 75xp

[Kaptin Keen]

Mweheheheh ... cackles Rakash, defeated by superior goblin intellect. Enjoy your slow descent, contemplating how you failed.

He looks around at his ... compatriots. To be fair, they actually fought to defend him. How strange.

... friends, he tastes the word - it feels strange, they are all giants after all - well fought, but this might be a good time to vacate the scene. It seems people have the wrong impression of what happened here.

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
"Agreed wholeheartedly! Let us be on our way at once. It sounds as if they are coming from the west, so any way but that."

In goblin
[COLOR="#008000"]"You didn't actually throw the bag over the ledge did you? Wherever you stashed it, it seems important."

[Kaptin Keen]

Rakash doesn't respond with words - but rather with a 'pssh' and a look of 'what do you take me for'?

He quickly ducks into the bush to retrieve the satchel, before following the others away.

[samduke]

I agree the watch are on their way we must get away from this place soon.

[OMG PONIES]

Keith shakes his head and sheathes his weapon. "No, we need to give our accounts to the Watch," he says matter-of-factly. He bends down to pick up his net and fold it back up. "If they think we're criminals, running would confirm that. The truth will set us free--and help find justice for the professor."

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
"Ugh, Keith... Fine, but I'm not confident that most people are fair minded enough to judge a goblin any way but by his skin. Rakash at least should get out of here, we can stay and talk to the watch.

Knowing that Keith's sense of duty wouldn't let him lie, or run, Fin decides that staying and manipulating the situation may actually be the best response.

"I know you don't want to stay anyway, I'll make sure they don't find out about the satchel, we will meet you back in our rooms as soon as we can get this sorted out."

[Kaptin Keen]

My staying here would propably get me in trouble, and it'd likely even cast suspicion on the rest of you. So yes, I'd better be away.


Keith, not to put too fine a point on it, but .... I am a criminal. While this particular crime isn't mine, and not my style, I really shouldn't be giving the watch any reasons for scrutiny. At the very least, I'm a loitering vagrant, and likely to be shunted off out of town or down into the lower wards.

With that, Rakash makes his exit, seeking the shadows where he is most comfortable, even when there is no apparent threat.

[samduke]

very well Keith we will stand with you come what may.

[OMG PONIES]

"Thank you all, friends," Keith says proudly as a smile beams on his face. It takes a moment for him to realize that the goblin is gone before Rakash's words even sink into the big man's head. "Wait, what did he say?" Keith asks as he looks around for the goblin. He looks around for the creature, but is unable to find him. Keith thinks he heard Rakash mention something about being a criminal, but that couldn't be right...he'd have to ask him more about it later, once he could find the goblin again.

[Fan67]

From shadow to shadow Rakash moved to the eastern part of the bridge and then to the ladder at the north. Moving a level down he could notice two more guards running and people comming up to witness the crime scene, so his friends will be surrounded soon.

Meanwhile other party members can see two males and a female, wearing the green-and-black studded leather of Sharn's City Watch, emerge from the darkness of the western stairs and quickly moved to the skybridge. The leader, a powerfully built bald dwarf with a close-cropped beard, steps forward, leveling his crossbow in your direction. The small ball of arcane light, hovering just above and behind his left shoulder, illuminates the area. To each side, a human male and female stand with halberds at the ready.

"Olladra's bloody nose!" - the Dwarf curses.-"By order of the Watch, drop your weapons and explain yourselves!"


[roll0] Spot
[roll1] Rakash Hide
http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1661/DYpq1S.jpg

K,F,E - party
G - guards
D - dwarf
C - civilian spectators

[Fan67]

[roll0] Rakash spot

[OMG PONIES]

Keith slowly places his weapons on the ground and holds up his empty hands. "My name is Keith d'Deneith," he says calmly. "We happened across the body of our professor on our way to the tavern. There was a satchel by his side, and a cloaked figure attacked us for it unprovoked. I responded with only nonlethal force in self-defense."

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
Places his weapon on the ground as well.
"Yes sir! It was as Keith says. Here we were strolling along, celebrating our success when we saw that." he says gesturing emphatically at the body.

"Then we came over to see if the fellow was indeed dead. I was about to call for you fine fellows myself when a cloaked figure came up over the side of the bridge and started attacking us. In fear for my life, and my friends, I attempted to strike back with my dagger. During the altercation the attacker said he wanted the satchel, and it went over the edge and then the fellow went after it. Something seemed off about him, but I'm not sure why, his voice was somewhat metallic. Anyway, that's about all that happened."


Bluff [roll0]
Obviously I didn't actually "lie" so hopefully I get some extra bonuses for this check.

[samduke]

Places his weapon on the ground as well
Sir, gesturing emphatically at the body, we happened across this poor soul, when we were attacked, we only fought to defend ourselves, then they went over the edge. gesturing at the bridge.

[Fan67]

The dwarf seemed to be slightly confused by Fin's speech, and watched him with incredulity, but while you were speaking, several witnesses from nearby shops and homes came forward to corroborate your story.
At the end the guard weighted his crossbow, pointed it down and said:

"Although you might have really wanted to help, I encourage you to leave such matters to the Watch... If you didn't take anything from the dead, you can show me your identification papers and leave, we may contact you later if additional information is required. And try not to get into any more troubles. Where is the satchel you said that guy was after?"



+2 Circumstance bonus on Diplomacy check
[roll0] Fin Diplomacy
[roll1] Edward Diplomacy
[roll2] Keith Diplomacy
[roll3] Sense Motive (+2 circumstance bonus)

Roll 20 vs Roll 1... you don't leave much space for conflict. :)

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
"Yes sir! I apologize for the inconvenience. Here are my papers."
Shows him his student ID
"The satchel went over around..." walks over and gestures where Rakash dropped the cloak...""...here. Well sir, we are truly sorry for the trouble here, but we really don't know anything else. Do you think we could head back to our rooms? This was quite a stressful encounter?"

Unless there is an objection Fin will head back to their rooms and meet up with Rakash.

[samduke]

Edward Shows his student ID as well, without saying anything unless it is required of him.

Unless there is an objection Edward will follow Fin back to their rooms.

[Fan67]

"Went over you say..." - Dwarf seemed to be very disappointed. "So you basically gave that guy what he wanted... Can't blame you, though..."
His fellow guards came back from questioning the locals and said something to the dwarf, who nodded in response.
"Well, your words are supported by the people, your papers are good, you can go about your business. If you remember something useful, contact the Watch and ask for sergeant Dolom, it's me. And try not to get into any more troubles." - the dwarf gave back your papers.

As the party traversed the walkways towards the lower levers of University District spires, you saw almost noone - few merchants pushed their carts presumably to deliver goods before dawn. The rain, which seemed to slack off, started again, not as heavy, but distant thunder announced that drizzle was just a harbinger of another upcoming storm.

You safely entered the campus level of the university spire. It was too late for someone to be awake and you reached the room of Rakash virtually unnoticed. It could hardly be named a room. Merely the storage space for brooms and buckets, elaborately redesigned to fit the needs of ascetic goblin.
Small pile of straw covered with simple sheets... small lantern hanging at the door was lit to make it more convenient for you.

Rakash was absent, but probably was following your since you entered the campus, because in a few moments he entered the room as well. It could barely contain that many people, only if you were standing.
The goblin was in a new set of traveling clothes, apparently taken from larger student and primitively adjusted to the proper size with knife alone.
His wound was not treated and you could notice small dots of blood starting to resurface from the slits and holes in his garment.

The satchel was with him.

[OMG PONIES]

"Wow," Keith beams, impressed by the goblin. "How did you find that satchel after it went over the edge? Wait a minute, shouldn't we give that to Sgt. Dolom as evidence in their investigation?"

[Kaptin Keen]

Thank you for your concern - no really, I'm fine. I'll heal, eventually. Hardly any pain to speak off.

Oh wait - sorry, you wanted to know about the satchel, not my health. Well ok, a mere lowly goblin is barely worth the notice of such esteemed giants. Right, well: In reply to your actual query, I can divulge the following - the satchel contains little of anything except writing materials and a conspicuously empty notebook.

Since that's a very insubstantial reason for first killing someone, then coming back to the scene for, I suggest there is more to it than that. Either .... an 'invisible ink' scenario, or something hidden in the binding? I can only guess, of course, but it is one of my professional obsessions to worry at stuff that doesn't make sense to me.

Now, regarding sgt. Colom, I see various avenues of reasoning to follow.

One: Can we be certain he has the means to decipher this, and actually find the culprit? This is our esteemed professor we're talking about - practically family.

Two: This is spoils of war, rightfully ours for defeating our enemy! Maybe we can share what information we find within with the watch, but by ancient tradition and justice, it belongs to us.

Three: It is not our duty as students and upstanding citizens - some of us, at least - to get to the bottom of this assault on us, our campus, our family and our university?

I feel the case is clear in all three cases. I say we keep the loo ... the evidence.

Deep within the crinkles, nooks and crannies of Rakash's twisted mind - there is a tiny politician screaming to get out.

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
"Keith, my friend, he's right! How can you worry about the satchel when he's still bleeding? Rakash, do you need a healer? Regarding the satchel though I completely agree with Rakash. We have a duty to do anything we can to help our poor professor find justice. Rakash do you mind if I take a look at the satchel and it's contents?"

[Kaptin Keen]

No, not at all - there's nothing I can do with it, otherwise I'd ... have um, already done it, naturally.

Rakash hands over the notebook. He also sets out the other things it contained, a few sheets of paper, inkwell and a quill.

[Fan67]

Inside the satchel Rakash found quills and inks, six blank sheets of fine paper, an apple and a journal.
The small journal, measuring about 3 inches by 6 inches and 1 inch thick, has a cover of dark brown leather with strands of mithral thread woven in a strange pattern. It bears no title, just the mithral-thread icon on the front page. Inside, every page is blank, but the sheets have a strange feel, they don't seem to be paper or leather, but something not readily identifiable.


Kaptin, please adjust your font color

[roll0] Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) Fin (Feat: Jack of all Trades)

[samduke]

Edward having stood nearby offering what assistance he could for Rakash, walks over to look at the small mithral thread woven journal, and takes a long hard look through it cover to cover.

[Kaptin Keen]

Rakash would very much appreciate some medical attention.

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
"Well gents we made it through that alright... Well reasonably alright... Well no one died. Let's see about getting you patched up Rakash. I think I've heard of someone around here, that could help."

appraise (do I know what this paper is?)[roll0]
Knowledge local (do I know anyone who might use this paper or who might know who uses it) [roll1]
Knowledge local (Is there a campus healer, or someone close that's not too expensive?) [roll2]

(Edit)
If I know of anyone, I will suggest we take Rakash.

(2nd edit by "paper" I actually mean mithral inscribed book.

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin

"Rakash, there is a healer in the Platinate Disctrict (Upper Wards). I seem to remember that they offer magical and non-magical healing. Lets head down there and get you patched up. Edward, Keith, do you want to come with us?

[Kaptin Keen]

That does sound tempting, but ... I have exactly 3 coppers, and old button and some lint, and healing is one of those commodities it's really hard to shoplift. Though I guess opportunity might present itself along the way.

[OMG PONIES]

When it came to talking about the satchel, Rakash sure did use a lot of words. Somewhere along the way, Keith got a little confused. Luckily, Fin was able to summarize and reminded Keith that they all had a duty to help the professor. Keith didn't have to follow a lot of words to understand the concept of "duty," as it had been ingrained in him from an early age. "Gee, you're right," Keith says, mystified. "Maybe we should just report it to Sgt Dolom after we're done if we can't help?"

The conversation soon turns to talk of Rakash's health, and Keith blushes when the others chide him for not caring about the goblin. "I do care about his health," Keith says sheepishly. He keeps in the conclusion to the sentence: but I've seen scratches three times worse than that. The human just has to remind himself that Deneith men are built of heartier stock than other humans, not to mention some of the smaller races.

"I'll come with you to Upper Platinate," Keith says quickly when Rakash starts talking about stealing. "And there will be no shoplifting, stealing, or pick-pocketing from the fine citizens of the Upper Wards. I'm sure we can pull together a collection to cover your treatment. I personally have 4 golds and 8 silvers; as much of that as we need for your treatment is yours. One day, perhaps I'll be able to heal you with a touch like the paladins among the Purified..." Keith's mind starts to drift as he daydreams about fighting evil in the name of the Silver Flame.

[roll0] to notice Rakash stealing if he DOES decide to do it anyway

[Kaptin Keen]

How can you be so heartless? If anyone can afford donating a bit to the health and wellbeing of their fellow goblin, it's the citizens of the upper wards. I'd never steal from the poor. Rakash mulls this for a moment, before adding Not unless I absolutely had to.

((Also, Rakash is missing half his health, and I think we're pretty safely past 'scratches' :p))

[samduke]

Edward walk over and helps tend to Rakash's wounds cleaning and binding them best as possible.

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
"Well let's head over there. No use getting Rakash any more clothes until we stop the bleeding."
"Incidentally, does anyone know anything about House Sivis?"

[Kaptin Keen]

House who?!

Rakash has been in human lands long enough to have picked up the public known major players - only he hasn't. He may well know that there are some halfling inns, and some gnome bankers, and some human artificers, but he seems all factions in terms of the loot they provide, and how hard it is to get your hands on it.

Also, as should be readily apparent, Rakash is not a succesful thief - but he is a dedicated one =)

[OMG PONIES]

How can you be so heartless? If anyone can afford donating a bit to the health and wellbeing of their fellow goblin, it's the citizens of the upper wards. I'd never steal from the poor. Rakash mulls this for a moment, before adding Not unless I absolutely had to.

Keith mulls over Rakash's words, thinking hard. His brow furrows. Unfurrows. Furrows again. The words form themselves slightly before the thoughts in his mind, and as a result Keith's speech is slow and halting. "You mean...there might...be a time...when you had to...break the law? Like when?" Rather than sounding skeptical, he is honestly curious.


Fin
"Well let's head over there. No use getting Rakash any more clothes until we stop the bleeding."
"Incidentally, does anyone know anything about House Sivis?"

"What's to know?" Keith asks innocently. "They take care of all the background checks and clearance forms for new hires of House Deneith. All that scribing sounds like a sentence to death by boredom if you ask me, but the gnomes seem to really like it."

[Kaptin Keen]

Keith - my guess is you never tried having green skin.

It works like this. Since I'm a goblin, there's basically no real job that anyone will let me do. So my options are limited. I can be a slave - or as close as makes any difference - in the lower wards. I can be the lowest of low-grade muscle for a gang. I can starve. Or I can steal.

I'm truly not cut out for heavy manual labor or paid-by-the-stabbing violence. So it's thief for me. The only time I didn't have to break the law was then I was a small gobling, living with my tribe in the caves.

That last sentence sounds sad, bereft - like life in the caves didn't end happily. But then, if it did, what would Rakash be doing in a human city.

[OMG PONIES]

Keith is quiet for a long moment before a thought comes over him. "What if I gave you a job?" he asked the goblin. "What if I paid you not to steal? You seem pretty smart; what if I paid you to tutor me?"

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin
"Hmmmm... Background checks and papers... Keith, I don't suppose you know anyone from house Sivis that does business with your family?"

Fin mostly ignores the moral debate going on between Keith and Rakash, mostly because, while Keith's rigid morality is not his style, he knows it's far better to convince others to give you their money than actively steal it.

[Kaptin Keen]

Rakash has to think deep on Keiths words. A job description of 'not stealing' - it just seems so ... inherently wrong!

I ... that's ... he begins, before finally getting his thoughts straight, Imagine if you were an artist, Keith. A great musician and composer, creating art that woulæd bring tears to the eyes of thousands. Right?

Now imagine someone came to you and asked you not to do this thing that nature made you great at - this single gift you have. Someone came, and said 'I will pay you to not make music anymore'.

My art is the redistribution of wealth. From the rich, to me - and through me, to the poor. Or sometimes, admittedly, to some other rich people. But you know - lets not get bogged down in the details of market mechanics.

I cannot in good conscience say yes, Keith - because if I did, I would be stealing your money. I wouldn't be able to keep my part of the bargain, see? I would still steal, because that is what I do. It's my only skill, Keith. All life has given me - the ability to hide, to get in and out, to move unseen and unheard.

But I'll make you a promise. I'll promise never to steal from you guys - and never to steal from anyone who don't have enough otherwise.

What a strangely difficult guy thinks Rakash, what could have happened to the poor guy to give him such twisted, rigid ideas?! Must be terrible for him.

[Fan67]

Edward approached Rakash while he was chatting with Keith.
He opened the shirt on the chest, looked at the wound. "The arteries and veins are intact, but couple ribs are broken." - he pressed at some point of the chest, and with a loud crack the rib returned to the proper position. After a sharp burst of pain Rakash felt relief - now it was much more comfortable to breathe. Edward drew small piece of cloth from his bag and pressed it over the wound, then tore part of his sleeve and made crude bandage.
"Not much more I can do...".

The goblin dressed up. He couldn't tell that he was fine, but at least his shirt stopped causing terrible ache with every move.

"...guys I wish I could follow you, but I am exhausted and need couple hours of good sleep to function. I will try to catch up with you tommorow. Take care" - Edward shook hands with all of you and walked out to his room.

Few minutes later you leaved Rakash's spacious abode on your way to Jorasco enclave.
It was more early morning than late night already, but still the campus was silent. Some students already left until the autumn comes, some moved to the higher levels, some were celebrating the end of the year at local taverns.
The calm desolate walkways of the campus were lit by the everbright lanterns and such a pieceful environment somehow very much reminded about the extreme encounter you had just a few hours ago. This and the drawing pain in the goblin's chest..

You were approaching the gates of the tower level when you saw human sized cloaked figure entering and walking towards you.
But as you were coming closer your noticed that it was a woman dressed in noble robes. Fin and Keith were familiar with her, it was Ingrid Vendellion, they visited Bonal Geldem's lectures and lessons together and sometimes she allowed Keith to write off from her at exams. You were not very close friends, Keith barely knew her, but Fin was on good terms since they both shared same passion in studiying history and both were intelligent enough to recognize each other's potential.
Rakash knew that she is from quite rich family and stole from her room sometimes.
It was strange that she was leaving couple gold coins near her bed every other week.
This richy girl-giant probably just didn't notice their disappearance. May be.

"What are you doing here that late?"- she asked lowering the hood and looking at your motley company.

[OMG PONIES]

Keith thought long and hard about Rakash's metaphor. To be honest, he thought long but nobody was quite sure how hard Keith could think--least of all Keith himself. Finally, he spoke: "What if maybe everyone was good at more than one thing? But, like, you only knew about one of them and the other was kind of a surprise?" The conversation doesn't last much longer, as the group is interrupted by the arrival of the cloaked figure.

"Hi, Ingrid," Keith said, as cheery and friendly as ever. "We're headed to Jorasco. Our friend Rakash got a little banged up earlier and needs some fixing."

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin was still trying to think of a good way to get house Sivis to reveal any secrets the journal may have without letting them read the message. So much so that he didn't notice the cloaked figure until it asked him a question.
"Miss Vendellion!"
Fin cuts a courtly bow
As Keith said we are headed to get Rakash here patched up. Much has happened this evening, one of our professors was murdered, and Rakash here nearly joined him. Poor professor Bonal Geldem."

[Kaptin Keen]

Rakash tries to time his greeting with Fins - deliberately getting it wrong.

Miss Vermill - Verdillion. Good eventide. Or good morrow, as the case might be. We might ask you the same. What brings your esteemed self to these dark and wet steets?

No harm can come from her thinking he has little to no clue who she is.

[Fan67]

"Professor Geldem is dead?!" - the fact had shaken Ingrid from her usual calmness. "What were this goblin doing with professor? What happened?" she looked tired, probably another all-nighter in the library.

She followed you to the Jorasco enclave while Fin described the events of the evening. He was not sure if it is appropriate to mention the journal, so he skipped that part, considering whether he wants to share it or not.

As you traveled from from University district (Upper Wards) to Platinate Disctrict (Upper Wards) you could see sun starting to rise. Highest towers already cought light, and it began it's descent upon the city. Still it was dark at your level and damn rain didn't seem to stop.
"I cannot believe he is dead, I met him only yesterday. He was very excited about progress in some research he conducted."

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7098/eberronjorascoenclave.png

As you entered the healing house, the gnome met you at the desk. He was looking rather sleepy, but applied convincing smile and tried to welcome you:
"Late customers! We are happy to serve you! Night services are twenty percent extra, but we offer summer discounts for magical healing if you order three spells or more to be casted. So, how may I help you?"

[Kaptin Keen]

Being slightly offended, but not really surprised at her words, Rakash replies:

Well, since the professor had no children of his own, I couldn't steal them and raise them as goblins - but I'd sneak into his room sometimes when he slept so I could steal his breath, and give him nightmares.

Say ... do you have any children?


She's not a terribly important npc, right? Cause Rakash's special flavor of personal charm can be slightly ... counterproductive =)

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin consoles Ingrid, taking her hand and patting it gently, "Geldem was a great professor, and he will be missed dearly. We have already spoken to the watch and they wanted to know anything about what could have led to this... Did he tell you what his progress was?"
Then leaning towards Rakash he whispers in goblin, "let's try not to scare her off until we find out what she knows"
He continues consoling Ingrid until they arrive at the Jorasco enclave.
After the gnome welcomes them he replies "kind sir, our friend here was attacked by a violent criminal in the streets. How much to have him healed?"

[Kaptin Keen]

Rakash whispers back Did you catch a whiff of her breath? It smells like summer - green grass and ripe fruit and sweet flowers. Do you know if she has any children?

Not quite happy with the level of drama in Fins presentation, he then turns to the gnome:

I was axed, good sir. We had come upon the scene of a terrible crime, and as we rushed to try and help, the assailant returned to plunder the remains of his victim. As we interposed, barring him from further defiling that poor soul, he swung at me with terrible force. He near cut me in half, I swear. Thankfully, one of my friends manage to stem the flow of blood, or I might never have made it here.

Sagging onto a nearby stool - or any similar implement to be found - clearly in great pain, he adds

Sadly, we are but poor students. We have little gold to pay you, sir, not if we're to also eat on the morrow. Yet if the wound festers, I may still be the second victim killed tonight. Oh woe betide the upstanding citizens of this fair city.


And yes - Rakash should have been on the stage. Bluff: [roll0]

Eh ... honestly, you can't blame a poor goblin for trying, right? Frankly the gods frown on those too lazy to try and wrangle free healing out of the world.

[ThorgrimThunder]

(Edit)Almost forgot to roll
Diplomacy to Ingrid to tell what she knows[roll0]
Diplomacy to gnome healer for a good price[roll1]

[OMG PONIES]

Keith looks to the floor, embarrassed at how much attention their group is drawing upon themselves.

[Fan67]

Ingrid gave Rakash several cold stares for his comments.
When Fin took her hand, she rose her eyebrow, apparently not welcoming that type of contact, but didn't free her from the grip.
"He was busy for the past weeks, I know that he found some pre-Galifar artifact and was working with someone outside University to locate another one with it. That study involved a lot of paperwork, his office ran out of space. So for almost a week I haven't seen him. Only once I ran into him yesterday. He was very excited, "I've found it!" he told to me before quickly retreating to his office... Do you think this murder is connected with his research? He was just harmless scientist, I cannot understand..."

In the healing house she was silently listening to your dialogue with the gnome, who was't particullary impressed neither by Fin nor by goblin. His welcomming smile was slowly drifting away from his face, he was actively struggling with urge to yawn. "That's sad news guys, but people get here mostly after some serious trouble, and everyone has a story, so no offence. Magical healing is ten golds, regular healing is 1 gold, and you will spend here a night or two, depending how deep is the wound. Bed and breakfast are included in the price for the first day, 5 silver per day afterwards. Dinner is 2 silver. Good news: for all staying two days or more on board - the dinner is only for 1 silver per two days. We offer very healthy diet, which will certainly benefit your body and refresh your spirit." - he gave up and yawned, covering his mouth with small hand. "If you want to accompany your friend, we have very good warforged masseurs who can provide both relaxing and sporty massage. A good end of the troublesome day!"



Rakash gets +2 circumstance bonus on bluff
[roll0] - say Ingrid sense motive vs Fin diplomacy
[roll1] - Gnome sense motive vs Rakash bluff (win by 5 to get discount, lose by 5 to get penalty) and Fin diplomacy

[Kaptin Keen]

Rakash pokes his tongue at Ingrid. You can pour scorn on him for being a thief - but not for being a goblin.

Aww - but our story is so good! It has everything, it could be a classic. Anyways, I see you're not amused, so I suppose we'll pay you for magical healing, if only because we don't have days to spend here. We have a murder investigation to get to.

Turning his attention back to Ingrid, he goes on:

Pre-Galifar, eh? We should propably have a look in his office. The watchmen will write this off as having to do with the current debacle, they won't do a full investigation. While I hate to be so mundane, I feel I should ask: Do you happen to have a key?

[ThorgrimThunder]

"Agreed, we need to take a look in his office as soon as we can. Do you happen to have a key Ingrid?"
Fin takes an appraising look at Rakash,
In goblin"Not that we technically need it I guess. I'm willing to contribute a few gold pieces to the Rakash get well fund."
In common "Well let's have the healing spell, then we can be about our business."

[OMG PONIES]

"We should be sure to ask the registrar's office," Keith says, clearly oblivious to the concept of flying under the radar. "I'm sure they'd be able to let us in."

[Fan67]

"Magical healing then... ten gold plus two gold extra, twelve please!" Fin graciously paid for the goblin.
And after financial questions were solved, the gnome asked to follow him up the stairs. On the next level he called another healer, halfling with the mark of healing, who spent some time fixing Rakash's bones and stitching cut to avoid scars. After these preparations he used his magical power to heal the wound. The power of his dragonmark made the wound glow with light, Rakash felt warmth touching his skin and flowing through his veins. It was ecstatic feeling. In a few seconds it was gone as well as the wound. Only few blood marks on the shirt left.

Apart from you there were no other visitors or patients in there so late. The beds on this level were empty.
After the healing process the halfling healer, who apparently was dragged out of his bed, yawned and walked way. Gnome waited until you dress yourself and then showed you the way to the exit. Afterwards he walked to his desk to continue napping.

So you are now all back in one piece, walking in the early morning somewhere at Platinate Disctrict on your way back to the University. Another day started...
It is two months before the next academic year.


Fin: -12 gold - paid for Cure Light Wounds

[roll0] Cure Light Wounds on Rakash

[Kaptin Keen]

Walking back to university, Rakash tangles with the idea of convincing Keith to leave the official channels out of it. The basic concept is simple: They might say no, and once you're asked, you can't really pick the lock and expect them not to guess who did it.

We should not have come here. Rakash speaks slowly, considering his words. It should have been obvious to us that our enemy knows more than we do. We should immediately have searched the professors office for any clues to why he was killed. I more than half expect it to be ransacked by the enemy once we get back.

For the same reason, I strongly suggest we skip the registrars office: We simply don't have the time. If the enemy doesn't already have the artifact Ingrid mentioned, they are sure to be coming for it.

He thoughtfully pokes his side, where the wound has magically disappeared.

Thanks, though - it really was rather painful. I feel so much better.

[Fan67]

"Agreed, we need to take a look in his office as soon as we can. Do you happen to have a key Ingrid?"


"Why would I have a key from his office? But I don't expect it to be locked at all. At least I never seen it locked during the day... never tried to break in at night, though..."

As the party traversed the walkways towards University District, you saw more and more people.
The rain stopped at last, but distant thunder announced that past drizzle was a harbinger of upcoming storm.

You just crossed the skybridge between the disctricts, and were approaching the university.
The provost's office was at the lower level of University District in Breland spire.
Without the mass of students carrying armloads of scrolls and books hustling to classes the area around University looked rather empty.

The gates to Breland spire were closed, may be because of the protests, may be it was just too late, you have't been here so early before, so you can only guess.
The entrance was guarded by two warforged, who showed no interest in your approach.


http://imageshack.com/a/img538/6416/dIlZu5.png

[Kaptin Keen]

"Why would I have a key from his office? But I don't expect it to be locked at all. At least I never seen it locked during the day... never tried to break in at night, though..."

You just seem to know him better than we do, I guess? Just on the off chance.

Rakash is anxious to get to the professors office, and beelines straight there. However, he also strongly suspects they aren't the only ones with business there, and he keeps alert for trouble.


Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]
Search: [roll2] - not relevant until we're actually inside, I guess

[Kaptin Keen]

Realising the guards haven't been posted there just to look pretty, he addresses them:

Good morrow, stalwart guardsmen. We left the grounds just a little while ago, and now urgently need to get back inside the university. Could you open the gate please?

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin is unusually quiet from the healers back to campus. Having friends who would risk their lives alongside his still feels unusual, and the price to patch them up is of little consequence, even if the healers double as extorters.
"Ingrid, it seems that you were much closer to professor Geldem than the rest of us, I was merely wondering if you may have had the key, as you do not we will proceed with alternative methods."
Fin then turns to Keith, "friend, we should talk to the registrar, unfortunately it is still quite early. I believe the registrars office does not open for another couple hours yet, and as Rakash has pointed out we may have delayed too long already. Remember that we are investigating a murder, we have no time to lose."
As they approach campus and Fin notices the guards he pauses slightly before approaching the gate with Rakash.
"Gentlemen, we are students here at Morgrave. Our friend here," gestures to Rakash, "was not feeling well and we had to take him to the healers in Platinate district. He is feeling much better, but now we need to return to our dorms for some much needed rest."


Diplomacy, please let us in:[roll0]
Bluff (hopefull with some circumstance bonuses) all we want to do is get back to our rooms:[roll1]

[OMG PONIES]

Keith considers the words of Rakash and Fin. Words again. The two of them sure used a lot, and they were really good at it! Keith makes a note to ask them later if they can help him learn some more. "I g-g-guess you're right," he stutters. "The registrar isn't open yet, but maybe we could talk to the st-st-steward Horace? He's responsible for maintaining the level so I know he has a k-key, and he could notify the registrar's office once they open to be sure there's an official log."

As they approach the gates, Keith lets the others talk. Secretly, he wonders if all the chatter is annoying to the warforged who are just trying to do their job. Keith was just going to walk up to the gates; the warforged would talk to him if they needed an explanation. Still, his smart friends seemed to know what they were doing so he left them to it.

[Fan67]

Guardians incuriously listened to Rakash and Fin then one of them spoke:"Just show your student papers and come in"
After Fin showed his id one of the warforged opened the gate with a key and closed it again after party entered.
You walked 50 feet long walkway to the plaza, surrounded by trees and bushes. The Bridge which connects upper levels of Breland spire and Dalannan tower casts large shadow, so the plaza receives very little sunlight during the day and requires numerous everblight lanterns hanging here and there to provide enough light.
In the middle of the plaza there is a small fountain 5 feet wide with a small statue on top. It is mainly used by students as a source of fresh water during hot days and currently not working.


[roll0] Warforged Spot check to notice Rakash is goblin vs DC10


I added Morgrave University Layout information in #2 post and in the OOC thread, if you have questions concerning where is what, ask in OOC thread, I will update information in #2 post of I IC thread. Because of the density and three-dimensioness of Sharn it is hard to describe everything, but I suppose your characters have visited only few levels of towers during the first years and the university's insides are not well-known yet.

[Fan67]

You turned left from the walkway and approached the plaza.
Now you need to decide where to go.

"We are almost there." - Ingrid pointed at the yellow door. "So, we just break in there or ask someone from the staff to assist us?"
Ingrid was visibly anxious, while you were walking from the gates she covered her face with the hood, then lowered it and after few steps put it on again.

You haven't seen anyone, it was sharp constrast to the usualy crowded appearance of the plaza.
Because of the shadowy illumination there weren't any birds or animals here, and without students' chatting and splashes of the fountain it was unnaturally silent here, such silence allowed you to hear distant city noises.
Sharn was waking up, and with each passing minute you felt the growing weight of the sleepless night.


[roll0] - Fin spot check
[roll1] - Fin listen check
[roll2] - Keith spot check
[roll3] - Keith listen check



http://imageshack.com/a/img905/650/eXzhIL.jpg
P - party position
Red line - your path
Stars - doors and gates, all of them are wooden
There are numerous windows which are covered with iron bars

[Kaptin Keen]

Guys! Don't look, but .... wait, who am I even kidding, that never works?!

Rakash points towards the bushes right in front of the party ...

Look! It's Vitriola, the Dread Enchantress!.

He then waits for the confused cries of 'what - but there is no one there' to subside, before adding,

No of course not. I didn't want you to look, but the guy who followed me from the murder scene just entered the study hall, right over there. And he points to the doors to the north - leading, no less, to the study hall.

What exactly can we do, he wonders, it's not like we can arrest him. We're not the guard, and even more so, we can't really accuse him of anything ... except being a shifty little gnome, or halfling or whatever.

[OMG PONIES]

"Do you think he's a student as well?" Keith asks. "If not, we could alert the guards."

[Kaptin Keen]

It would be hopelesly unprofessional of him to have no alibi for being here. I mean, I'm fairly convinced I can handle the guards, and I have no ... I wonder if Keith is dedicated enough to worry, if he finds out I'm basicaly squatting?! ... um, no, err, receipts for my tuition, I threw them all out by mistake. Yea.

I could try and follow him? But then if the professors office is locked, you guys need another way in.

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin tries not to be too obvious when looking around.
"The real question is: should we confront him, should we ignore him, or should we try to lose him? I think for now it may be best to ignore him. Most likely he won't attempt anything too deleterious while the guards are within earshot."
Fin mulls things over for a second. "Indeed if we proceed with our plan to search the professor's office, it may solve our problem for us: if we don't find anything, well then no worries, if we do, then we can decide how to handle our tail over there."

[Kaptin Keen]

Currently, he isn't tailing us. He went into the study hall - which is the opposite of where we're going. I want to know what he's doing, and who he works for.

[ThorgrimThunder]

"Valid point; however, should we delay looking in the professors room to find out? Assuming we go in there, unless we confront him, there won't be much we can do. if he's followed you this long, chances are he'll follow you more, I'm just saying I don't think we should get distracted from our main purpose. If you are really that interested in what he's doing, I think I should investigate, whilst you stay with the group to facilitate getting in where needed."

Fin waits until they are inside and out of sight from anyone, taking time to make sure they are unobserved. Once he is sure no one is close aside from the party, he will assume an alternate form. His new form will be female with mid-length curly blonde hair. Pretty, but not over the top. Average height, blue eyes.

"I doubt he will recognize me like this"
As long as no one objects, Fin will head to the study hall and tail the tail.

Disguise [roll0]

[Kaptin Keen]

Sweet Dark Powers, thinks Rakash as he sees the transformation, the possibilities. The scams I would pull if I could do that - it would be glorious.

Out loud he replies Alright - you follow the guy. But ... you don't know what he looks like. He's my size. I'm guessing gnome, because halflings are fat and jolly, while everyone knows gnomes are deceitful and vicious. He's cloaked, and adept at moving unseen and unheard.

Also, he's not a tail - at least, not currently. Being 'a tail' involves following someone - going where they do. Since this guy is going somewhere else, he can't be a tail. This confusion of terms is stressful for Rakash, but he keeps his mouth shut.


I guess that means we split up - a grand idea since the invention of roleplaying. Onwards, friends, to sudden death! =)

[OMG PONIES]

It would be hopelesly unprofessional of him to have no alibi for being here. I mean, I'm fairly convinced I can handle the guards, and I have no ... I wonder if Keith is dedicated enough to worry, if he finds out I'm basicaly squatting?! ... um, no, err, receipts for my tuition, I threw them all out by mistake. Yea.

"You should definitely visit the registrar first thing when they open, then," Keith says, naive to the deception. "They have a retired Sivis scribe in charge of the money, and she keeps perfect records. She can check for you and give you a new receipt."


"If you are really that interested in what he's doing, I think I should investigate, whilst you stay with the group to facilitate getting in where needed."

"No." Keith's voice is calm and conversational, yet strong and firm. "We stay together...especially if a murderer is after us. Whatever's in the professor's office will stay there, while this criminal is on the move. We confront him together and turn him into the guards. Always stick together."

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin thinks it over for a moment.
"I suppose Keith is right... Although in that case, since the stranger isn't currently following us, I think maybe we should proceed to the office first. Then we can confront him."
"Or turn the tables on him" this last part Fin says with a flutter of his newly lengthened lashes.

[Fan67]

The party quickly duck into the nearby door, driven by the cries of the goblin.
Ingrid was going to rush to Geldem's office, but stopped as if she ran into the wall when she saw Fin's transformation.
"What... what are you? Changeling? Doppelganger? Are you even Fin? What a nice party: licentious kleptomaniac goblin, shape changing abomination... Who are you, Keith? Demon? What a nice trick to lure me here... for what? You want me to help you find Geldem's secrets and then dump my body somewhere? Is professor even really dead?"

She is slowly moving backwards down the hallway.


Ingrid now standing 5ft from the door to Geldem's office

[Kaptin Keen]

I most emphatically beg your pardon? I happen to be a professional law breaker, yes, but only because society leaves me no other recourse. I assure you I'd be a barrister if society trusted my kind - or a watchman, if my size didn't put me in a distinct disadvantage among you giants. Plus there's still the trust issue. Do you even realise that my kind are slaves, here in Sharn, just a few hundred feet below our feet?

And I am here, at Morgrave, to better myself. Seeking, as it were, an exit from this lawless existance, it counts - it totally counts! I'm trying to better my thieving, and to become lawful in the sense that I wont ever get caught. Dark powers know I struggle!

Are you really so racist as to judge us on our races - rather than our intentions? All we want is to discover the professors enemies and expose them!


A spot roll is in order for that last bit - Rakash may be interested in exposing the professors enemies and so on .... but frankly, he's mostly in it for the loot. The bit about 'bettering himself'? He totally believes that to be true.

Bluff: [roll0]

Edit: Ok - the dark powers hate me. Why? I never did anything wrong! =(

[ThorgrimThunder]

"Oh dear! I'm sorry Ingrid, I thought you knew about my party gag gift? It's a hat of disguise."

Fin pauses a moment, lifting his hat off, and simultaneously transforming himself back into the Fin Ingrid knows.

See? Simple magic trick. 'Twas a gift last solstice from a friend back home. As for Rakash, of course he was a thief... He hasn't had many other opportunities, but that is why Keith and I are taking him under our wings. To give him that chance that he spoke of."

Fin prays that for once Keith will keep his mouth shut, realizing that Ingrid is a true bigot, who can't look past her humanity to see the good in other races, something that a changeling has no trouble with.


[roll0] bluff like hell

[Fan67]

Ingrid suspiciously watches goblin's monologue, slowly moving backwards, looking to the turn of the walkway, probably planing expeditious escape.
Fin's frills and quirks seem to relax her a little. She is obviously tense. "You scared me a little, Fin. No, you scared me A LOT. I think it's not a good time for such tricks... and where have you got this magic item? It costs a fortune! I hope Keith haven't got something to finish me off... I feel like my heart is going to explode." She attempted to smile.

While the frightened girl was trying to make sense out of this situation, she receded almost to the doorstep of the Geldem's office.
You notice small clouds of smoke fuming from beneath the door.


[roll0] Ingrid Sense Motive +5 circumstance bonus

[ThorgrimThunder]

"Well Ingrid, not to further stress you, and I'm happy to answer all your questions later, but for now, we need to get into that office."
Fin draws a knife, steps up to the door, and holds the back of his hand up to the latch.
If it feels cool he grabs the latch and flings the door open. (Or tries if it's locked.)
If it feels hot he will wrap his cloak several times around his hand before grabbing the latch.

[Fan67]

The handle of the wooden door, despite being metal, was cold to touch and Fin easily opened it.
Burst of smoke left the room and quickly ran to the nearby windows.
At the first room you can see parquet floor, solid wooden table with a lit candelabrum and several papers.
The massive chair is set at the table with a big wooden bookcase behind. The books seem to be intact.

The room was engulfed by smoke, but there were no sources of fire, except the peacefuly glowing candles. The cracking sounds of combustion were coming from the second room of the office.
The wooden door was ajar and when Fin opened it he witnessed a disaster. The room was covered with papers, books, parchments lying on the floor.
The big table was covered with scattered paperworks as well.

The fire must have started just a minute ago. There was a big candelabrum lying in the middle of the table, where the biggest fire was eating through the pile of documents.
But it doesn't seem that candle started the burning, because the room looked as if something exploded here, catching fires here and there around the room and wooden floor was smoldering as well.
The three windows at the corners of the room were covered by wooden jalousie, but still some smoke was finding it's way outside.


http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1980/kmTGvz.jpg
Letters - characters position
Wooden lines - doors
Blueish lines - windows (without glass - only metal bars)

The walkway from the gates had slight inclination upwards from the gates, so the windows must be around 10 feet from the ground, but you need to watch through them to guess more specificaly.

[Fan67]

Upon quick examination of the papers lying at his feet Fin noticed they are mostly schemes and maps of some sort, but he couldn't understand what exactly they are showing.


You can search the room at the rate of 1 square per turn, but you need to specify what are you looking for.
Every square got something in it: squares which are closer to the book shelves contain mostly books, other tiles contain similiarly equal amount of books, scrolls, papers, schemes and maps.
The fire is expanding slowly. Catching fire is possible, but DC is very low yet (Reflex save 5, increasing by 1 every round).
It will be more convenient if you state your actions per round in spoiler (or describe several rounds in one post), so I can keep track of smoke effects and fire expanding.

Smoke effects:
A character who breathes smoke must make a Fortitude save each round (DC 15, +1 per previous check) or spend that round choking and coughing.
A character who chokes for 2 consecutive rounds takes 1d6 points of nonlethal damage.
Smoke obscures vision, giving concealment (20% miss chance) to characters within it.
Holding Breath:
You can hold your breath for a number of rounds equal to twice her Constitution score, but you must make a DC 10 Constitution check every round in order to continue holding your breath and not inhale smoke. Each round, the DC increases by 1.
When the character finally fails her Constitution check, she inhales smoke and smoke effects come into play (fortitude safe or chocking).
You cannon efficiently hold your breath again, unless you leave smoked area and spend a round breathing outside.


[roll0] Fin Knowledge (achitecture and engineering) (Jack of all trades)

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin calls back to his comrades, "We've got a fire here, anyone have a good way of putting it out? We need to get as much here salvaged as we can either way."
As Fin says that, he moves into the room and begins trying to salvage some of the documents.


Fin will move to where the center of the fire is starting in the middle of the long table, and search those documents, saving anything that looks at all important. Holding his breath all the while.
Ref [roll0]

Can we hold our breath for CON score x2 before we make a CON check? Or do we have to make the check regardless, and the max we can hold it is CON x2. Although I believe Keith will have the ability to hold his breath twice as long as the rest of us, or possibly four times as long.

[ThorgrimThunder]

CON[roll0]
Search[roll1]

[OMG PONIES]

Fin calls back to his comrades, "We've got a fire here, anyone have a good way of putting it out? We need to get as much here salvaged as we can either way."
As Fin says that, he moves into the room and begins trying to salvage some of the documents.

"Stop, drop, and roll?" Keith says, more asking a question than providing any guidance. "Or water? My pack has a waterskin," the burly man offers, pulling a pouch from his bag that doesn't hold nearly enough water to put out the fire. "Either way, you should stand back," he says to Fin as he takes a big gasp and moves adjacent to the changeling, holding his breath as he draws near the smoke.

Move action: move adjacent to Fin
Standard action: draw waterskin
[roll0]

[Fan67]

The smell of the burning paper crawled into Fin's nose. The eyes started to tear the moment he opened them, but he struggled to this irritation. Under the candelabrum heaped the pile of schemes, plans, drawings, texts – partially burned to the different degree.
The changeling was unaware on what he was looking for. The clue, what might it be?

These schemes didn't tell anything, didn't ring a bell. These papers… are not coherent. Where the hell is this from? «…The Ironroot Mountains are a stretch of mountains along the western border of the Mror Holds. It is believed that the Ironroot Mountains have some of the richest mineral deposits in Khorvaire…» must be a page from «The Geology of Khorvaire». It makes no sense near the book «The foundation of Sharn».
«…this active volcano rumbles with magical energy. It lies within Mroranonhold, and the dwarves guard the site with jealous zeal. They believe it is a sacred place tied to the god Onatar, while scholars from Aundair believe that powerful dragonshards hum beneath the lava.» - must be the excerpt from some book about religion, then couple pages from «The Archaelogical Evidence of Dorasharn Architecture». Many other religious and geographic papers among countless schemes: «valve cluster A-102», «valve cluster F-070», «overflow discharge section A-13F», «interceptor section L-03i». And then carbon paper copy of a page from «Grease blockage formation during arid weather periods»…

The papers seem to be mixed up. Whether they mark the broad sphere of proferssor's interests or somebody deliberately tangled everything is unclear.
While Fin esteemed one paper, couple more were sacrificed to the fire. May be deciding the narrowing factor would ease the search here or among other piles… and that smoke... the throat is already getting sore.

[ThorgrimThunder]

Fin will stuff whatever he can easily place in his pack. Then he will move to the right 5' and search.

Fin wishes that he could say something to Keith, but he can't while holding his breath, hopefully Keith will save anything that he can, none of this makes any sense. Why would the professor be looking through all this garbage?

CON[roll0]
Ref[roll1]
Search[roll2]

[OMG PONIES]

Keith begins grabbing whatever papers he can, beginning with the ones that looked oldest or fanciest. While he didn't know much about anything important that could be found here, he knew that folks didn't often jot world-changing discoveries on a bar napkin. Keith doesn't pause to read anything; he'd leave the tough stuff to the other ones. Instead, he takes the easy job of charging into a burning room while holding his breath in order to salvage as much as possible before the room was consumed.

[roll0] for old or fancy-looking paper.

[Fan67]

Keith struggled to look through the papers under his feet. There were plenty, some of them burned, some of them were intact.
Most of them looked new or were copies made or written from other books.
The pages Keith looked through were meaningless, abstracts and excerpts from books without any bell-ringing references.
It was hard to withstand the blazing fumes, and Keith had almost prone to the sneeze, but gathered himself and suppresed the urge to cough.

Fin found the second burning pile was as mixed up as the first one. Many papers were from the books he already seen... And those endless schemes are everywhere. Numerous valve clusters and discharge sections, brach line 31,33 and 40, stabilization pond A and B...
"Lei d'Cannith was a skillful artificer. A dragonmarked heir, daughter of Aleisa and Talin d'Cannith. Lei studied the mystical arts in Sharn and Metrol. In year -938YK, her parents arranged for her betrothal to Hadran d'Cannith, but Lei's father insisted that she serve term in the military before her marriage. In year -935 she was excoriated from House Cannith; the reasons for this remain a mystery..." - must be from some house Cannith genealogy book. "The Depths - Is the generic name for everything that lies beneath the city's main plateau, excepting Cliffside and the Cogs far below. The upper levels give way to active and inactive sewers, some of which have their own inhabitants, as well as the mostly forgotten ruins of earlier settlements built long before the towers started to rise. Far below and accessed by well-maintained tunnels and shafts, the Cogs sit at the very base of Sharn and serve as an actively populated center of industry. In fact, the roots of modern Sharn's towers lie underground in some places, buried by the passing of centuries... - starts the book about Sharn's underground.
"...terrible quakes caused parts of the city to collapse, and rivers of lava flowed up from the fiery lake deep below. Those who escaped the flames were devoured by swarms of vermin, who were released from previously isolated caverns. The city had suffered greatly and was abandoned. For over five hundred years, superstitious folk shunned the ruined city, muttering about the curses. Those who visited the ruins before reconstruction began told about numerous smarms of vermin and insects dominating the ecology, mainly feeding on wondering mammals or each other. After passing centuries due yo the lack of the sources of nutrition the population of the pests shrinked to the level appropriate for repopulation of the city, whose location had considerable strategic and economic value, despite superstitions..." - might be from the book of Sharn's ecology.

Looking through all the papers takes too much time, without help or focus, fire will eat them faster, but the answer may be somewhere he haven't searched yet.
The smoke, the tensity - the brain was melting.

Ingrid after some hesitation, entered the room. She was more angry then afraid.
"Keith, move away! I want to see what's happening there!" she pushed big guy blocking the way. "Fin, what've you found?"

Rakash was idly standing in the walkway, his impudent tone washed away by fear. He was reluctant to dive into the burning room.
"I... will be on the lookout guys! If something happens, I'll let you know!"



http://imageshack.com/a/img633/1752/ZHTfrj.jpg

Searched squares contain documents from following fields:
1(Fin): Nature, History, Religion, Architercture and Engineering.
2(Fin): Nobility and Royality, Dungeoneering, Architecture and Engineering, Nature.
If you want to search more specificaly are you can roll one knowledge check per searched square. It is move action, so you can check two squares per turn.
OR
If you want search another pile, you can proceed with another search check. It is full-round action, so you can check one square per turn.

[ThorgrimThunder]

"Ingrid... I'm not sure exactly what I'm seeing, there is a lot of random excerpts from different books on Nature, History, Religion, quite a few about architecture & engineering. Quite a bit about what's underneath us, the depths and the cogs."

Fin tries to say all this without exhaling too much precious oxygen.

After barreling through his explanation Fin takes a step to the corner of the table, and frantically begins looking for anything to do with the history of the city and surrounding area.


Attempting to move 5' up and search the rest of the table. Specifically looking for things pertaining to history so I can search 2 squares.
CON [roll0]
Fort [roll1]
Ref [roll2]
Search [roll3]
Knowledge (History)[roll4]

[Fan67]

Ingrid looked at the door, frowned and tried to tell something to Keith, but inhaled too much smoke and started to cough.
Keith tried to concentrate and heard the strange sounds, as if small bell was dully and hollowly ringing outside. But there were no bells in the University district. The closest one he was aware of situated several districts away in the Silver Flame church. The ringing was highly irregular, occasional buzz followed by the series of quick booms.

Rakash peeked from the corner: "Uhm... guys, there is something happening outside, may be, I don't know, Keith should go and check?"

After exhaling Fin breathed the soot and smoke and barely resisted urge to cough. The tears streamed from his eyes in futile attempt to shield them from the acrid smoke. The vision blurred and it didn't help his concentration.
The search of next part of the table was even less fruitful, he could barely read what was on the papers he holded and after few moments changeling realized that he was just shifting papers from pile to pile.


<Ingrid didn't hold her breath so no CON check> - deleted
[roll1] - Ingrid Fort save
[roll2] - Keith Listen
[roll3] - Fin Listen
[roll4] - Ingrid Listen
[roll5] - Rakash Listen

[OMG PONIES]

Keith nods. "Good suggestion, Rakash," he says. "Everyone stay together, and stay behind me."

[ThorgrimThunder]

Damn Fin thinks to himself, it is hard to think with your head full of smoke. Let Keith handle anything requiring muscle, he needed to figure out this puzzle.
Struggling to clear his head of the vapors Fin will make one last effort to find something useful before heading out behind Keith.
Fin will stay where he's at and re-search the same squares, trying to make sense of what he's seeing.
CON [roll0]
Fort [roll1]
Ref [roll2]
Search [roll3]
Knowledge (history) [roll4]