OOC: I can't think sometimes(ADD), sorry if it doesn't sound great.

At the Council, you are directed to a higher ranking officer.  As you are showed into the room, he stands up.  The guard introduces you, then backs out, closing the door.

The guard captain looks you over.  "So, you're offering to look for the cause of these deaths, eh?  Well, it's about time somebody showed up.  Have a seat."  He sits down himself, then pulls out a stack of parchment.  "Alright, We don't have much information, but I will tell you what we do know.  There have been several mysterious deaths, all of them children.  They've been occurring in this general area," he slides a map forward, circling a small section(On the map, general area of Kuto's Well).  "There haven't been any anywhere else.  Just there.  As far as we know, they have all died in the middle of the night.  Do you have any questions?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:00, Thu 10 May 2007.

Quinlan leans forward, studying the map. How did they die? Where there any particular marks on them? How many of these deaths have been reported and where were the bodies found: in bed or outside of the home?

The guard shifts in his seat.  "That's part of the mystery.  There weren't any marks on them.  And they were all outside their homes.  Some of them didn't even live in this area."

“Familiar I am not with this area. What sort on neighborhood does it be? Slums, good homes, upper-class? In common do any of the families have? All tradesmen, merchants, all visit same temple or market? Are all children around same age? All girls, all boys? Same hair color, or eyes. Anything at all in common may you think of be great help.

I agree, that is vital information. From the map this looks like a merchant and traders area. What did your watchmen see?
Quinlan looks around, Perhaps one of them could show us around, point out where the children were found. Maybe something of importance can still be gained.

OOC: This is pretty tough coming up with info when I'm making most of it up on the spot. :P

"Yes, they are all the same age actually.  Five years old.  Why they would be out in the middle of the night, no one knows.  Well, the watchmen didn't see anything until morning, though obviously they were killed in the middle of the night.  Yes, I could get one of them to show you around where they were all found.  Oh, one other thing.  It's mostly a guess, but from the was the children were laying, I think they may have been moved there, to disguise a common point where they were all killed.  It's just my opinion, I could be wrong.  They could have lain down by themselves and died in their sleep."

How many children have fallen victim to this death?

He flips through the papers in front of him.  "In total?  Let's see...twelve so far."

Lifting an eyebrow to the questions and simple yet complex answers Gauge looks from each of the people talking.  When a small break is taken for drinking a glass of water and to take a breath the young man talks.  In a very shy manor voices a small opinion.  Perhaps, not to show disrespect to the dead, could we examine one or more of the bodies our selves, of course with a official, so that we may be able to see what has happened.  Perhaps even a high ranking cleric could be there to assist us.

He frowns and scratches his head.  "Well, you see, most of the families have taken them back.  I think we still have the most recent one or two, though, and we should be able to have a cleric accompany you."

That might be our best lead, let's do that!

"Question more, before we part. What span of time has there been between each death? Always same number of days, or each death happening sooner than the last?" the half-orc asks in concern.

Also, has there been any events, even completely unrelated, that you can think of, occuring more or less with the same frequency? The half-drow adds, Thefts, burglaries, disturbances, or just odd events? he suggests.

The guard thinks a moment.  "Well, they've all occurred six to eight days apart, but I doubt that means much.  I doesn't mean anything to me, I don't know about you.

"No, nothing more than the usual theft or two, nothing out of the ordinary."

Hmm, about a week apart then. How long since the last death? Quinlan asks, drearing the answer.

The guard grimaces.  "Six days."

"Not much time we have, stop these killings before another death we must," Raith vows solemnly.

Let's have a look at one of these unfortunate victims then...
Quinlan offers, hoping to get some headway before nightfall.

Hearing the conversation unfold brought more than a little righteous anger to Fyrenn,but he displayed none,instead listening closely to the questions and answers.

"Right this way."  The guard leads you out to a different room, where he talks with a higher ranking official for a minute.  Finally,  he turns around and leads you to a small temple of sorts, where you are met by one of the clerics.  "Over here."  He leads you over to a table where the child is nicely straightened out, and properly attired for burial.

Quinlan stiffens as they approach the child, feeling the rage swell from within. He forces himself to calm down and approaches the small body carefully. Hands and arms relaxed and hanging down his sides, he observes the child looking for anything out of the ordinary.

OOC: Quinlan rolls 22, spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:19, Sun 27 May 2007.

Quinlan looks closely at the body...


It is also to be noted that the eyes have a vague, empty look about them.

There is a slight scarring at the throat. Quinlan concludes after his examination of the child. Gauge, can you detect any magical presence here? It's a long shot, but to me it looks like the child might have been dazed or drugged before it was killed. If we could find out the cause of this, magical or mundane, it might be of help.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:36, Thu 07 June 2007.

Stepping over to the child and Quinlan the young man nods his head.  I will see what I can find out for us friend...  Concentrating for a moment the sorcerer soon rubs his hands together and touches his temples.  When his eyes reopen they are glowing a pale blue that over shadow the white in his eyes.  Looking over the room and the boy he points out anything that is magical and apears before his vision.

OOC: Cast Detect Magic...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:37, Fri 08 June 2007.

Some info for the searchers...

Quinlan takes a second look at the scar and snorts as he suddenly realizes what he's looking at.
It looks like the child's throat was slit, and that whoever did it healed the wound before leaving the body! Ritual sacrifice perhaps?

Quin there is a trace of magic all over the child, more so on the scar, but the auras are confusing to me and I can not tell you what kind of magic was used.  Perhaps we should go investigate the last spot that a child was found.  Gauge looks perplexed not being able to tell what kind of magic he is seeing...

PM

It is a good idea, if we're lucky there might still be trails left. Everyone agrees? Quinlan asks the gathered companions.

Guage nods in agreement ready to get the mystery solved and get a reward to send back to his family.

"Agreed," the silent half-orc voices, standing back up from his crouched position and indicating his readiness.

The guard captain looks at you for a moment.  "Well, if you're off to find the source of the problem, I could point you out the locations of all the deaths.  If you want, I could write them out on a map for you."

Looking at the map he shakes his head in disbeliefe at the number of children killed.  Raising an eyebrow Gauge looks at the locations carefully.  It seems friends that these murders are all in places that not many would walk come night fall.  More appear by Kuto's well as aposed to the other side of the main road.  Quin, since you seem more knowledgable of the area where would you suggest we look first?  Gauges ferret climbs out his pack and up to his shoulder.  Looking at the map if a creature could convey disgust everyone would almost think that it was.

This is my first visit to this town, I'm afraid. Still, I'd suggest we start by the well, and work out from there. We should still begin with the location of the latest victim.
Quinlan looks eager to leave and start the investigation, hoping to pick up tracks, if any are to be found.

OOC: I'm not on my home computer and can't look at the maps this week (slow connection).

OOC: Assuming no one else is still with us and we have directions to the newest death...

Gauge came around the last corner of the maze of streets and gave a sigh of reliefe when he saw the address.  That last turn five streets over even with the help of the map had gotten himself a bit lost.  Telling his new found friend "Q" as he refered to him in his journals he would soon be there was a mistake.  Not seeing his friend there he grined a bit and thought perhaps him and the others got lost as well.  Looking over the area Gauge took a moment and thought of the magical energies on the child he had seen and then the idea came to him to try the same thing again as he searched for any clues that may still be lurking around the area.  He hoped he didn't get jumped or anything of his items were to be taken before his friends showed up.

Hey Gauge, over here! Quinlan shouted over the din of the street life. He had no trouble finding the spot, but had wandered off as this and that had caught his attention.
So, let's have a look around shall we?!

18:42, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 9 using 1d20+3. Spot.
18:42, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Search.

Gauges eyes glew much like they did back in the morgue, "Q" would be able to tell from the same glow that he had summoned the magical energies for detecting magic in the area.  Ahoy there "Q" I thought, nay, I hoped I was not the only one who had gotten lost.  I am still doing my best to get used to city life from living out in the middle of nowhere for so long, where you may ask, well no where really, heh heh, oh well my sorry attempt to cheer the grim mood up.  You looking very dark tonight... Gauge kept looking around trying to make another minor joke and not really doing a good job he just hoped he didnt insult Quinlan with his dark tan...

Gauge's attempts to lighten the mood are interrupted by a cry from down the street.  Two youths approach the group, one apparently leading the other.  The lad in front, a mere boy really, waves at Gauge and Quinlan, crying again, "Ahoy!  Guv'nor here to see you," and points them out, quite unnecessarily, to his companion.

The said companion, not much older by his looks but with considerably more gravitas in his bearing, nods amiably, thanks his guide, and presses a small object into the urchin's palm (a coin?).  As the boy scampers off, the older youth turns to the group and approaches them.  When in comfortable speaking distance, he cups his hands together in a quaintly formal gesture of greeting and inclines his head.  "You must be master Fairfellow," he addresses the half-drow in a strangely resonant voice, almost too clear and pure to be the product of a human throat.  "And that would make you master Julius-Lee," he nods at Gauge.  "Greetings.  I am academician Garath Darkstar, and I understand you are engaged in a worthy endeavour, which I would fain seek your leave to join."

Sent by the town guard i presume. I found traces of blood and some tracks leading this way... To the well by the looks of it. You are more than welcome to join us for I fear there lies dangers ahead.

If we go to the well does that mean we must travel into the well as well?  That will just ruin my boots. setting his jaw he starts towards the well and shakes the new mans hand if he offers it so that he knows he wishes to be friendly.  I go by Gauge my friend, please don't call me Mr. Julius-Lee, thats my fathers name.  Smiling at the last bit he hoped the man understood the minor joke that is told many times in his hometown.

"Gauge, then.  Well met.  So, it is just us three?"  Garath's face grows reflective.  "My -" he pauses, abruptly.  "The caravan I accompanied into town will be dropping off some of its guards, a few of whom I know well from home.  Do you think it would make sense to offer employment to one of them, to help us balance between spell and sword?"

The academician shrugs, his mind clearly spinning in a different direction now.  "Traces of blood, and tracks leading to the well, you say?  The town guard showed me the map with the locations of these tragedies, and it does seem the well is at the center of things.  The guard also mentioned you had examined the bodies of one of the children."

Garath begins pacing up and down the street, arms folded behind his back and head lowered in thought.  "Was there blood on the poor waif's clothes?  I believe the guard mentioned the bodies were found unmarked, so it is a puzzle where the blood came from.  Also - are you sure there are no tracks leading back from the well to the site of the bodies?  The bodies must have somehow been placed in their final position after whatever horrors were visited on them down the well..."

Garath, I'm amazed at finding any tracks at all. This is a busy part of the city; a commercial district, and I don't expect to find much more no matter how much we look. The body had a faint marking as if the throat had been slit, and then someone had taken the trouble to heal the wound. There were also traces of magic, although I don't think Gauge was able to tell much more than that.

Heading towards the well, Quinlan continues. We expect the killer to strike again tonight.... The regularity of these killings makes me suspect the children have been sacrified by a cult or creature of some sort. This being a busy part of the city they would hardly be able to conduct such acts without the outmost secrecy. Hiding underground might be one way of avoiding attention.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:57, Tue 14 Aug 2007.

At the well Quinlans keen eyes have no trouble piercing the darkness below.

Garath's musings interrupted by Quinlan's urgency, he looks up at the half-drow.  "That soon?" he mutters softly.  "That does not leave us much time.  And yet... knowledge is so often the difference between a full grave and a full life.  Is there anything we can find out about these murderers before venturing into their lair?"

As Quinlan approaches the well, Garath falls silent, clearly contemplating the few scraps of information available.  After waiting for his comrade to scan the well-shaft for a few moments, the young scholar steps up to the well and peers down himself.

Agreed, but we are talking about the life of a child. We need to act on what we have, and that means investigating the well!

Since you have the better sight 'Q' should we climb or jump down?  I for one am not looking forward to trudging around in anothers poo or pee for that matter any more then is needed.  Gauge takes his jackets tails and ties them off to his legs so that the fabric would not drag anywhere on the sewer floor.  If they had to go into the water he was already counting the number of coins he had so he could buy new gear and get the soiled ones burned or washed really well by a launderer.  The thought of all that filth down there made Gauges face turn more then a few shades of green while he waited for a answer looking into the shadows with the others.

The academician seems a little flustered by Quinlan's urgency, but he quickly accedes to the half-drow's logic.

Noticing Gauge's discomfiture, he smiles reassuringly.  "Relax, Gauge.  'Tis a well, not an access point to the town's sewage system, if it even has one.  Think drinking water, not... effluvium."

Garath is making some sense, after all.

There is something down there, looks like an opening in the well wall. I could take a closer look...
Quinlan reaches for a bundle of rope in his back pack. The rope has a hook in one end that he fastens securely in the railing surrounding the well, he then peers down once more before deciding to let down the rope.
Shutting out the the din of the surrounding city Quinlan sharpens his senses as he tries to find an access down, as well as spotting possible dangers below.

12:23, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Listen.
12:23, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 15 using 1d20+6. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Thu 16 Aug 2007.

Well you can never be too sure in these 'proper' sections of town now can we.  Gods speed "Q".  Let us know what you see.  peering into the darkness Gauge has no idea what is past the shadows of the street lamps light, or even the moons radiance.  Looking over to Gareth from time to time to see if he can see anything more then himself for a clue as to how Quinlan is doing.

'Q' looks and listens.

The coast appears to be clear! Give me hand while I try to take a closer look.
Quinlan attaches a rope and hook securely to the side of the well, making sure that the rope falls down besides the perceived opening, and not right on top of it.
He then swings himself over the side and starts the descent.

12:58, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 27 using 1d20+7. Use rope.
12:58, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Climb.

OOC: Climbing using a rope and bracing against a wall (of a well) is DC5
This message was last edited by the player at 17:15, Thu 23 Aug 2007.

Looking down as the companion heads deeper into the darkness using the wall and rope to decend Gauge raises an eyebrow.  Let us know when its safe for us to climb down 'Q'  Glancing back towards the newcomer Gauge speaks softly more to him self then anyone in general.  _{You know I have never climed up or down a rope before in my life...}
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Fri 24 Aug 2007.

Q climbs down.


Take your time climbing down, I'm bringing in another player.

Garath, leaning lightly on the well's wall and looking down at Quinlan's receding figure, glances up at Gauge, mild surprise on his face.  "I admit, my own climbing skills can be best described as pathetic, but - never to have climbed a rope?  Even as a boy?  What kind of childhood have you had?"  The youth's tone holds curiosity, concern and sympathy in balance.

Still watching 'Q' travel downwards into the darkness Gauge kept a watchfull eye and spoke softly towards Garath.  Trees, houses, barns, carts I have climbed but never a rope.  Why is that so strange, I just never did it, I mean come on, look at my arms, do you really think I can pull my self up with just a rope?  Gauge rolls up his sleave closest to Garath as if to show a point.

Gauge's words are answered by a good-natured chuckle, as the academician rolls up one of his own sleeves, displaying pale skin stretched over rather modest musculature.  Letting his robe's sleeve fall back, Garath continues, "So, you grew up in a rural area, in the countryside?  I'm a city lad, myself.  No barns, but plenty of overhanging eaves, and garden walls, and other obstacles for which a rope would come in handy."

Quinlan takes another look, to see if there is nothing he missed at first glance before heading up the rope once more (take ten). Assuming nothing of note is found he says: "So, how shall we make it down? Gareth first, then I can lower Gauge using the well pulley, and finally climb down myself?"

12:34, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 19 using 1d20+6. Spot.

Q sees nothing more.

ummmm, how big is the opening you slid down on the rope to look at?  For that matter how does it even look other then being an opening?  I for one do not want to go down knowing less and less then its a opening you saw before.  Work with us 'Q'  Not being normally frightened he still was a bit aprehensive now knowing he may be stepping into the lair of whome ever is killing these kids and the somehow healing the wounds for less evidence.

"Very well, I shall descend first," Garath agrees.  "As a favor, Quinlan, since I am not a very able climber - call out the footholds for me, if you please, so I can better brace myself against the wall here."

The fair-haired human resettles his clothes into a more comfortable position around his joints, nimbly hoists himself onto the well's well and straddles it, one leg in and one leg out.  Before taking hold of the rope to begin his descent, he looks down at Gauge, standing by the well.  "Worry not, Gauge.  If I start screaming like a stuck pig, you'll have plenty of warning to vacate the area."  His gray eyes' gaze rests coolly on his fellow arcanist for a short moment, then Garath turns to the task of climbing down the well, scanning it as he descends.

OOC:  Quinlan, can you "aid another" to help Garath with his climb check?


OOC:
23:50, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 4 using 1d20. Listen.
23:49, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 2 using 1d20. Spot.

His jaw drops at the sly comment, and he stares at him with wide eyes.  Oh that is SO not reasuring.  You really know how to charm a man into following you dont you.  Looking to Quinlan for maybe a little moral suport he he points with his hand, as if to say can you believe what he just said.  Shaking his arms a bit and his head trying to get a reaction of any sort from the cool man that he is.

There's a tunnel on the side of the wall, i can go down first and hold down the rope. That way you can practically slide down. Try not to make too much noise.

Garath delays his descent until Quinlan has first reached the tunnel, and then follows Quinlan's instructions on using the rope to climb down.

OOC: 11:25, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Move Silently.

Nice try, if there's anything there, you're pretty sure it heard you.

Let's see if Gauge can find his way down as well...

OOC: C'mon Gauge, you can take ten and get down here without rolling for climbing. Do try to be quieter than Garath though.

OOC:  What does Garath see in the tunnel, once he arrives there?

14:22, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 9 using 1d20. Listen.
14:22, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 8 using 1d20. Spot.

Gauge takes a deep breath and pulls his legs over into the well.  Not being very strong of good at climbing he went very slow with the rope wraped around his arm.  After many minutes of listening for clues to where to step and for any strange sounds on the outside of the well he manages to get down to the entrance with the others.  Where are we going now 'Q'?  You have the better vision out of us three I believe so you should take the front.  Garath do you think we should light a torch?  Gauge whispers to his friends so as to not cause any more noise then is needed from him.

OOC: Take 10 on climb gives me a...10!
16:10, Today: Gauge Julius-Lee rolled 3 using 1d20+2. spot.
16:10, Today: Gauge Julius-Lee rolled 7 using 1d20+2. listen.
16:10, Today: Gauge Julius-Lee rolled 12 using 1d20+2. Move Silently.

Wait a while before lighting any torches, let me scout ahead first
Quinlans eyes glows a faint deep blue in the darkness, and his hood is pulled up over his white hair. Rapier in hand, he quietly slips away into the darkness ahead.

Keep an eye out for anything coming up or down the well! He whispers before setting off.

13:01, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 14 using 1d20+6. Spot.
13:01, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 6 using 1d20+4. Listen.
13:01, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 16 using 1d20+7. Move silently.

Q, roll reflex!

Dun dun dunnn!

20:07, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 23 using 1d20+10. Reflex save.

About twenty feet down the tunnel(everyone can at least kinda see this), Q stumbles and jumps back.  With an odd crunching and rumbling sound, a ten foot long section of the ten foot wide tunnel floor collapses, leaving a gaping chasm before you.  Obviously, this tunnel isn't quite stable.

Ouah! Quinlan quietly exclaims as he feel the floor give way under his feet. He stands still while the dust settles, covering his nose and mouth with his sleeve. As soon as it does he examines what is left of the tunnel around him, trying to decide if this was a trap or an accident.
He also strain his acute sense to hear if anything or anyone is on the way to investigate the source of the rucuss.

20:19, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Listen.
20:18, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Spot.

It might be your imagination, or it might be an echo, but you think you hear slight movement way down the tunnel.  Either way, it quickly stops.

Garath freezes as he sees Quinlan jump back, then holds out a warning hand to keep Gauge from stepping forward.  He prudently waits while the half-drow appears to listen to something; when Quinlan's stance relaxes a little, suggesting he is no longer scanning his surroundings, Garath calls to him in a low voice - "What happened?  What's ahead?"

Quinlan quietly heads back to the spellcasters.
The tunnel floor just gave in, we need to figure out a way to cross the chasm. It's about ten feet wide. I thought I heard some movement up ahead, but it couldn't have been close.
Quinlan takes a look at his companions.
I guess we could head back up and bring some boards with us down to lay out, that should help us. Trouble is I don't know if it's possible to proceed without risking another crash.

OOC: Warping back in time a little: adding this roll to the others right after the cavern floor collapsed:
23:06, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Search.

From what you can tell, the pit was there, but it would've held.  The collapse was helped along by a trap of some sort.

Looks like I walked into a trap... rookie mistake! Quinlan looks at his companions So, any suggestions for how to cross the chasm?

OOC: Does Quinlan have any idea of how deep the pit is?

Deeper than you can see.

"Thank goodness your... Elven reflexes kept you from tumbling into the pit!" Garath exclaims, hesitating a barely perceptible instant before his reference to Quinlan's non-human heritage.

Contemplating the ranger's question, he admits dolefully, "Truth be told, I don't think I could make that jump.  Boards then?  I would prefer not to resort to the Art, when we may need it in more dire straits later on..."

Nodding to the idea of boards Gauge places him self against the wall.  I will stay down here if thats ok, I will grab the boards you hand down and set them up as best as I can.

I don't like the idea of splitting up, and i'm totally against leaving anyone down here alone. Garath, do you think you can arrange the material we need?

"Oh, I can doubtless manage the procurement of a few wooden boards.  Whether I can manage the climbing up, and more importantly the climbing down - with the boards - is a more vexing question."

Garath ponders the conundrum a moment.  "I concur - we should not leave Gauge here, alone and in the dark."  He glances over at Gauge.  "I will stay here with Gauge if you'd lief, or all three of us can go obtain the materiel.  Your call."

I can go, just stay out of trouble while I'm gone!

With that, Quinlan grabs hold of the rope once more and quickly makes way to the surface to obtain the boards needed to cross the chasm.

Back on the street, Quinlan asks around for anyone willing to sell a couple of boards or a sturdy ladder, 15 feet long or so.

Q son finds someone willing to sell a good sturdy ladder, longer than usual.  It's 15 feet long, weighs about 30 pounds, and he's asking 1 silver for it.

My good man, you got yourself a deal! Quinlan replies. He pays the silver and heads back as quickly as carrying the ladder allows. At the well he pulls up the rope, ties the far end solidly to the ladder and begins to slowly lower it down to his waiting companions.

Garath quietly bids Gauge stay put as he hears the ladder banging its way down the well, then approaches the tunnel's opening and grasps the hefty wooden ladder when it comes into reach, pulling it into the tunnel.  Once it is safely lying on the tunnel's floor, the academician steps aside and waits for his companion to join him.

Quinlan feels the ladder being pulled in, then makes his way down the rope himself. He quietly lands on the tunnel floor and greets his mates with a wide grin. Signing to the others he asks them to help set the ladder over the chasm.

I will cross first, Quinlan whispers, I'll hold the ladder in place on the other side, and you will probably need some kind of light to cross safely. I have this ring of Feather Falling... does any of you want to borrow it? He continues. Quinlan will hand the ring over to anyone wanting it before continuing.
Using his superior skill, Quinlan quickly crosses the divide (OOC: I'm assuming a DC10 Balance check is in order?), and gets ready to help his mates.

10:30, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 16 using 1d20+9. Balance.
08:27, Yesterday: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 13 using 1d20+7. Move silently.

Waving aside the offers of both light and ring with murmured thanks, Garath carefully makes his way across the ladder, his feet stepping lightly on the sturdy wooden beams with nearly no sound.  Once across, he steps aside and turns to wait for Gauge.

OOC:
Balance: Take 10, modifier +2 (plus whatever modifier from Quinlan's aid), should get him across.
05:20, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 18 using 1d20+2. Move silently.

Gauge crosses the ladder...

OOC: Take 10 gives me a 12.

I hope we find an easier way up than this. quinlan says, drawing his rapier. Shall I try to find out what lies up ahead?

"Yes, that would be best," Garath agrees.  "Should we follow you?  How much distance to keep behind you?"

How far do you see using a lit torch? I guess that might work.

"Gauge?" Garath turns to his round-eared companion.  "I don't..."  He pauses slightly, then continues, though it appears he has changed what he was originally planning to say.  "I don't have a lot of experience using torches in the dark.  How far could you see by one's light?"

Gauge shrugs at the question and looks up a bit as he tries to think of the information he had learned in his short time traveling.  I my self am not sure, but I have heard tell from twenty to sixty feet out from the source, and roughly for a hour.  I would reckun it also depends on the situation you would be in.  In tunnels I would think we could see a bit further for the light would reflect off the walls.  Walking with the others he just kinda rambles on not knowing to keep silent in the tunnels.

Don't worry about the distance, just stay close enough that you can just see me and we should do alright!

Quinlan sets off into the dark, advancing slowly as he scans his surroundings for traps or ambushes, and keeps his ears open for any clues of approaching enemies.


11:19, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 15 using 1d20+7. Move silently.
11:19, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 11 using 1d20+4. Listen.
11:19, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 9 using 1d20+6. Spot.
11:19, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 6 using 1d20+4. Search.

As you move down the tunnel, you think you can hear movement ahead, some scraping and scuffling.  The tunnel opens up in about 40ft, into blackness.

Hearing the scuffling moving up the hallway Gauge pulls out his wand and tenderly points in the direction of the sounds.  With a small grin he smiles as he points towards the tunnel and if any of them look at him makes the hand gesture of a "Boom".  So that way he stays silent and doesnt give away where they are any more then they already have.

Garath's eyes widen a little as he sees Gauge's hand gesture.  He steps aside and politely signals for Gauge to pass him, so that Garath would not obstruct the wand's field of fire.  Falling into step a few feet behind Gauge, the academician keeps his eyes and ears open for any dangers.

OOC:
23:27, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 10 using 1d20. Listen.
23:27, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 17 using 1d20. Spot.
23:28, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 16 using 1d20+4. Search.

Quinlan quickly downs the content of a small flask (potion of Aid) before pulling out his dagger as well (off-hand weapon). He quietly creeps forward, trying to spot the source of the shuffling noise.

08:34, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 12 using 1d20+7. Move silently.
08:33, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 20 using 1d20+6. Spot.
08:33, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Listen.

Let me get some Init rolls while I work out what's going to happen.

09:07, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 5 using 1d20+4. Initiative.

Alerted by Quinlan's preparations for battle, Garath proceeds nervously, ready to react swiftly to any sign of trouble.

03:25, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Initiative.

With his little boom stick still at the ready he steps with caution around each rock, pebble, and skull they come across...

OOC:09:56, Today: Gauge Julius-Lee rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Init Roll.

Still working on it.  Got everything in place, but I don't have the baddie stats on me, so I can't start you off quite yet.  I'll need to know your marching order.

Something else really busy going on this weekend, I don't have time to think.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:44, Tue 16 Oct 2007.

With the tunnel extending quiet far ahead, Quinlan quickly exchanges his blades for his bow, notching an arrow and pulling back slightly on the string.

You are about 60ft from the end of the tunnel.  It opens up ahead.

Initiative, if you haven't already.  If you have, would you be so kind as to find it for me?

msgs #105, 106 and 107 above.

Or:
Quinlan 5
Gauge 6
Garath 22

At the sounds of scuffling ahead, Garath's ears perk.  "Heads up!  There's someone ahead!" he whispers urgently to Gauge and Quinlan.  As he continues to move forward, following Gauge, his hands and voice weave through the intricate steps of a spell.

Pretty much anyone can hear mutterings ahead.  A discussion?  Whispered commands?  Spellcasters?

Listen checks, and you just might be able to tell.

01:24, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 6 using 1d20. Listen.

Quinlan focuses on the voices heard up ahead, trying both to pinpoint their location and what they're saying.

08:26, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Listen. 

Ooo, you got lucky.  This is a reflex by the way.

Quinlan signs to his mates: Spellcasters. Two.

What you hear.
What you see.

PM

PM

PM

PM

PM

Just say what you want to do this round, I'll tell you what's next.

OOC:

Let me know when we reach the end of the round in which Garath cast a spell, and I'll post his actions for the next round.

OOC: I was waiting for the spellcasters to do their thing first, before rushing onward. Don't want to walk into a friendly area effect spell!

Quinlan whispers back: Shall I rush them?

Garath nods vigorously, making a quick slashing motion with his hands to indicate the appropriate course of action against the presumably-hostile spellcasters.

Garath, were you casting a spell before combat?  Or in preparation as you neared the end of the tunnel?

PM

As I recall,

*  We walk down the tunnel.

*  We hear scuffling.

*  Quinlan drinks potion, Gauge draws wand.

*  Garath steps aside to let Gauge go ahead with the wand.  Order:  Q, then Gauge, then Garath.

*  We continue carefully down the tunnel.  Garath rolls spot/search/listen.

*  Garath hears scuffling down the tunnel (listen check).

*  We all roll init.  Garath gets 22.

*  Garath casts spell on his turn, signals Quinlan that Quinlan can go forward, no AoE.

*  Other partymembers do... ??

OOC: You've got it right.

At this point, we are at Gauge's turn.  Where is he?

Moving forward with the others his wand in hand Gauge signals he is ready and set his jaw ready to say the command word to set the trigger into effect.  The moment he sees the spellcasters that "Q" mentioned he will let loose the spell stored with in the wand and hope that he him self isnt the target of a spell in retaliation.

Quinlan moves ahead.
If I am correct, you move ahead 30ft?
New round, Garath's turn.

PL:

PM

PL:

Two zombies, right at the end of the tunnel!
Without missing a beat Quinlan pulls back on the bowstring and lets the arrow loose at the undead.

12:32, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 4 using 1d8. damage.
12:31, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Bow attack.

Sorting things out, I have now decided this.  You hear the sound of hooded lanterns being opened, probably by magic.  The cave is flooded with light.  Now you can all see and I can get the map up.  Also, everyone has moved 30' forward, Q has shot since he said he would, and it's the start of a round.  Q's shot does no damage.  Let me know if it's incorrect.



C - circle
* - lantern

1 - zombie 1
2 - zombie 2
W - Wizard
C - Cleric

Q - Quinlan Fairfellow
D - Garath Darkstar
J - Gauge Julius-Lee

Garath 22
cler 18
Gauge 6
Quinlan 5
wiz 3
zomb 2

OOC:

How tall is the cavern?  How tall is the tunnel where the characters are currently?

tunnel-8ft
cavern-12ft

Quietly frustrated at not seeing the spellcasters themselves, Garath chants a few phrases of power, tugging at the Weave around him.  Swiftly his form reshapes itself into that of a small, winged creature - an ice mephit, hovering near the tunnel's ceiling.  Drawing his dagger, Garath surges forward, staying above and a little behind Quinlan and toward the side of the tunnel, leaving a clear path of fire for Gauge's wand.

OOC: I thought zombies had damage reduction vs slashing weapons, not piercing. Are these special zombies then?

OOC: Hm?  I must be misinterpreting it.  Is it versus one, or all but one?

The cleric finishes casting, and a shield-like field shimmers around the wizard.  He then raises his crossbow and fires at Q, but the bolt goes wide.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:05, Tue 13 Nov 2007.

Sorry, you're right and I'm wrong. The arrow does little damage to a zombie...

OOC: Did the wizard move? From the map I don't see how he can have line of fire. I'm only interested in order to plan my next move.

Yeah, he moved.  When the round ends, you'll have an updated map.

Gauge fires his wand at the cleric who just came into view.  The cleric looks a bit hurt.



C - circle
* - lantern

1 - zombie 1
2 - zombie 2
W - Wizard
C - Cleric

Q - Quinlan Fairfellow
D - Garath Darkstar
J - Gauge Julius-Lee

Garath 22
cler 18
Gauge 6
Quinlan 5  <----
wiz 3
zomb 2

Considering his options, Quinlan decides to try and finish off the cleric with a well-placed arrow. (OOC: Move to J15 before launching arrow)

13:36, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 28 using 1d20+10. Bow attack.
13:37, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 7 using 1d8+2. Damage. I'm assuming the cleric is human, otherwise drop the +2 damage
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Thu 06 Dec 2007.

The cleric looks really hut now.

The wizard finishes casting, and a force shield glimmers around himself.  He moves within sight of those in the tunnel(J9) and casts another spell, and a ray of ice shoots from his finger straight at Q, which hits straight on, though it doesn't hurt much(1 damage).

Zombies' turn now?

My bad.  The zombies, do not attack?  They look agitated.

His mystic chants now delivered in a mephit's scratchy voice, Garath calls forth yet again on the Weave.  A burst of light explodes silently about midway between the two enemy spellcasters, then swiftly expands to engulf them both in a cloud of glittering dust.

OOC:  Glitterdust, Will save DC 17 or blinded.

OOC: Yay! Gauge turn now, then it's sneak attack time (provided they fail their saves... evil grin)

OOC: You make an evil awesome team.  Just don't forget the zombies.  I'll get back to you on that tonight.

OOC: I'm too lazy to be nice...

Gauge snaps off another shot with his wand, only to be superiorly annoyed when it gets swallowed up by the shield.  Stowing the wand, he changes tactics, and contemplates his other possibilities.

OOC: Garath, unless you've delayed your actions, you're up!

Take out their meatshield! I should be able to hurt the wizard.

OOC:  Are the wizard and cleric blinded?

OOC: How would you know ;-)

My bad, forgot to roll saves for them o_o

I think a spellcaster can generally tell if the spell is successfully resisted.  (Not sure where I read that, I can look it up).

OOC: Roll the will saves please, we're all fired up here!

OOC: My net died on Monday, so I'm catching up still.  Don't blame me, blame Charter.

The cleric is blinded, the wizard is not.

"Very well.  Disable the arcanist," Garath agrees, nodding to Quinlan.  Swiftly, he begins casting another spell, a slightly longer one this time.

OOC:  Hail of Stone, full-round action.

Let's see what I can do about him then! Quinlan exclaims as he lets loose another arrow, aiming for the mage.

Attack to hit AC 17, Damage 9

*bump*

The arrow hits the wizard with a sickening thud, and his eyes go wide as he falls back, unconscious and bleeding.

More later tonight, hopefully.

The half-drow feels the rush as the battle rages on, the ferocity of his dark ancestry fueling his temper. "Tymora!" he exclaims as the wizard falls.

*bump*

That's one long night... I gotta get off now, but I'll be back on soon.

O_O I think we skipped the cleric's and wizard's turns?  Oh well, they're up again.  Looks like I'm finishing this faster than expected.

The spell the wizard was casting dies on his fingertips as he fall back, and the blinded cleric waves his arms and drops his weapon, calling out.  "I yield, I yield!"

Quinlan rushes forward, draws his two blades and somersaults (tumble, take ten) over the hapless zombies. He doesn^t stop until he^s a step away from the clreic, the tip of his rapier slightly pressed at the clreic^s throat.
Call of your goons first, then we can discuss what reason you might have for letting me spare you!

The zombies take a swipe at Q as he somersaults over, but they miss.  They both begin moving down the hall toward the Gauge and Garath.  As the cleric feels the tip of the sword, he obeys and barks out a command to the zombies in an incomprehensible language, and they back off and retreat to a corner, looking agitated.

The academician lets the spell die at his fingertips; his hands are surrounded for a moment by a light blue nimbus, which quickly fades.  The path to the chamber now clear, he vaults forward, gliding in on outstretched wings.

What is this place then?

Quinlan takes a quick look around, not wanting to let the cleric out of sight for more than an instant.

"It's a..."  The cleric falters.  "Well, a sort of hideout.  Listen, may I help my friend?  Before he dies?"

You may stabilize him and stop the bleeding. For now I prefer to have him unconscious. Quinlan lets the cleric approach the bleeding mage, but keeps the point of his rapier on the neck of the cleric and his dagger ready to puncture the divine casters abdomen.

Blast him and the mage if they try anything funny! Quinlan says at his two companions.

Garath lands a few feet away from the felled wizard.  With a nod to the half-drow, he bares his mephit's teeth at the cleric in a decidedly unfriendly smile.

The cleric hurries over to his companion, and performs some first aid, all the while nervously glancing at the party.  When the bleeding has stopped, and he's stable, he looks up.  "He'll live," he says, half to himself, with a note of relief in his voice.

Alright, start talking, and fast! What is this place and what happened to the children? The half-drow dresses himself up, his demeanor decidedly threatening and making no attempt to hide his dark heritage.

The cleric seems to shrink back away from Quinlan.  "This-this place-there's nothing special.  Us-my brother and I-were...were, trying to bring back our father.  Normal magic couldn't do it, so we needed something special."  He gestures at the strange circle in the center of the room.  "The blood of thirteen innocent children, taken at midnight, a week apart each, used to create the circle you see there."  You can see that there's a small portion incomplete, supposedly where the last child's blood would go.  "That, combined with a powerful incantation, could bring him back, as powerful as he was before.  We-we didn't expect adventurers to come charging down the tunnel."  He looks around at the lot of you, not awed by your power, but rather as one who looks at something not seen in a long time.

"Ah, so?" the mephit hisses.  "And who was your father, that you saw fit to slay..." Garath's voice breaks off and he looks at the heart-wrenching stains in the chamber's center.  When he turns to the cleric again, his tone is noticeable more aggressive. "To slay a dozen innocents, to shatter a dozen worlds to bring him back?!"

The cleric looked slightly abashed.  "He was Galvin the Great, a great defender of Phlan.  We thought that it would be better to take the life of thirteen children, in order that the rest of the city may live."

Knowledge: History or Knowledge: Local: Moonsea check from each of you.

10:01, Today: Garath Darkstar rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Knowledge (history).

21:51, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Knowledge (local).

Q, you know you're supposed to pick a region for your local knowledge?  Like Cormyr or Moonsea.  Oh well, either way...

Garath, you remember hearing about one Galvin the Great once.  He was supposed to be a great protector of Phlan.  However, he disappeared a while back, and hasn't been seen since.

"More likely, he would have strangled you in your cradles if he knew what you would become," the mephit spits out the words with barely-contained fury.  "Galvin was a protector of this city and its people, and this is how you seek to honor his memory?  By preying on the city's children?"

Garath turns around, and sees Gauge watching the proceedings, wand in hand.  "Quinlan, if you could tie these two, under Gauge's and my cover, we can haul them up the well-shaft, deliver them to the guard, then come back here and clean up."

Who told you to kill all these children in order to bring back your father? Did you really come up with that scheme yourselves?
Quinlan continues the questioning.

The boy(or young man) lowers his head, utterly abashed.  "No-one told us to.  When he disappeared, well, he's been gone for so long...  He went after some pirates, you see, and never came back, and we just wanted him back protecting the city..."

I still don't see where you got the idea to kill the children in order to summon your father. Trust me when I say that the city guards are going to ask the same!

The young man cringes as the implication hits him that his father might not actually be dead.  Stunned, he tries to speak once or twice, then falls silent.

Quinlan casts a glance at the ice Mephit Ready? he asks before lowering his weapons and pulling out a rope. Pushing the cleric to the ground face down he starts with him, carefully pinning his arms at his side and tying a blind-fold across his eyes. He then proceeds to the unconcious mage and ties him up in the same manner, only adding a sling across his ankles also to keep the legs together.
I'd like to search through this place before we hand them over to the guards. Just in case we don't miss anything important. Quinlan states.

08:47, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 8 using 1d20+7. Use rope (mage).
08:47, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Use rope.

Or is this a "take ten" situation?

Garath nods, "Ready."  Noting the ranger's actions, he adds, "Gag him?  Keep him from chanting any prayers to whatever dark god was willing to accept him."

Good thinking! Is there any other way out of here, or do we have to drag you both across the chasm and up the well? Quinlan asks the priest before gagging him.

The youth sighs, and doesn't resist.  "We'll go.  If you let me heal my brother, that would save you having to carry him," he suggests, though without much hope.

We'll find a way to get you up to the surface! Quinlan replies with an impish smile before searching the chamber for valuables or items of interest.

23:00, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 17 using 1d20+4. Search.

Are you searching the peeople? hint hint

Throughout the chamber you find many things of value.  This is where I said you'd get your birthday gifts, so have at them.

"Might also be a good idea to check they haven't hidden a knife on their person, or a wand they could somehow reach for," the mephit observes.  Noting that Quinlan is busy with his search of the chamber, he shrugs and begins searching the two captives himself, gesturing to Gauge to keep his wand - and attention - trained on them.

Returning from his tour around the chamber, carefully avoiding to disturb the bloody circle on the ground, Quinlan stuffs the loot in a sack and helps Garath with the prisoners, keeping a dagger in one hand.

You find on the persons, a total of 450gp, and on the cleric, a silver pendant set with a ruby hanging from a gold chain.

Gauge does whatever you want, his mind elsewhere.

We'll take the gold, to recompense the poor families you destroyed with your killings. I wonder how did you got the children down here? The city guard found no traces of the abductions. Guess that'll be something for you to discuss with the guard
Seeing that their work in the chamber is done, Quinlan gets ready to head out.

Garath, should you head up to the surface and get the city guards down here to help us with the prisoners? Tell them to bring a cleric too, to dispose of the icky ones! Quinlan nods towards the zombies.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:17, Fri 01 Feb 2008.

The academician nods.  "Will do.  I will be curious to learn where they learned that particularly gruesome ritual - and who taught them.  But that can wait for the official interrogation."

With a snap of its wings, the mephit launches itself out towards the well-shaft.  When Garath returns, he is back in human form and accompanied by as many guards as he could persuade to come back with him into the well.

Four guards have followed you down.  They take the two brothers, and escort them to the surface, where they lead them to the prison.  The captain looks them over, then says, "Death sentence for sure for you two."  "Please," the wizard begs, "one last request.  Find our father, wherever he may be.  Even if you just bring back his ashes, I want to see him again before I die."  The captain grunts, then turns to the 'heroes'(detectives?).  "Well, we should be able to furnish you with a decent reward for this.  How does 1000 gold between the three of you sound?"

For an evenings worth of work? That is most generous.

Before losing sight of the two culprits, Quinlan shouts a question at them: Where was he last seen?

"Well, considering the circumstances, you did perform a great service to this city."  The captain looks after him, then responds.  "We'll take care of figuring that out.  We'll let you know once we have enough information."

Garath is content to let Quinlan deal with the guards.  When they have gone, taking the two aspiring necromancers with them, he mutters a few words under his breath and starts scanning the room intently, also pausing to examine the ruby pendant.

OOC: detect magic.

Nope, nothing.  Probably just a holy symbol of some sort, of a family heirloom.  Just plain jewelry, though it looks expensive.

Garath hoists the pendant, letting it glimmer in the torchlight.  "Know any trusty gem merchants around these parts?"  He tosses the jewel to Quinlan.  "Here - best that you hold on to it until we get it appraised.  I already had one close call with a pickpocket in this city."

It's pretty and shiny, best keep it for a while! Quinlan catches the pendant and takes a good look at it, trying to see if there is anything else to be learned from it by a closer examination.

22:05, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 16 using 1d20+5. Search.
22:05, Today: Quinlan Fairfellow rolled 14 using 1d20+3. Appraise.

It looks to be worth about 1500gp.

OOC:  Is there somewhere in Phlan to sell it for that amount?  If so, Garath offers to split the proceeds evenly with Quin, and from his share gives 50 gp to an appropriate local church to say prayers for the souls of the murdered children.  (That should get a whole lot of prayers :))

Agreed.

By the looks of it, it was probably a family heirloom of some sort, found by some adventurer early in the family.  But yes, old Bront the merchant would probably buy it.  He could always find someone to sell it to with the kind of stuff he sells.

Translation: Tavern time!