The Rosh Estate is a large house surrounded by several smaller buildings in the Gardens district. Numerous greenhouses, storage sheds and a large Carriage house set behind and to the side of the three story stone and brick Main House. The style and landscaping Is of a definite Avalonii Style the sculpted lawns decorated with small flower beds, tasteful sculpture, and peacocks and Frilled Scailmanders parading in stately dignity as the Gate man open the wrought Iron main gate for the arrivals.
  The guests are shown into a small sitting room off the large Oak and white granite main hall, on the patio outside tables have been set with fruit, breads and cheeses for a light breakfast as well as several decanters of steaming coffee and tea.
  Several individuals sit or stand in a loose circle around the table dressed in travelers gear, although of finer material and cut than most travelers wear. Some sporting obvious blades or sidearms. but all looking more like scholars more than adventurers. Ink stained fingers, spectacles,and the scholarly nature of their conversations marking them as most likely students or Experts in various fields rather than hardened travelers.

   At odds with the group a Pair of young women set aside from the group. One wearing a leather flyers Jacket and scarf, the other dressed in a simple dress carrying a small satchel and note book looking uncomfortable among the older associates.

Zi'ha'na walks in and scans the reception area and considers the refreshments offered.  He considers the coffee, sniffs at it, and then makes a clicking sound before pouring a cup of tea.  Sipping the tea he scans the assembled people.  He has come bearing more of his gear, unsure of the exact nature of the next step, but prudence was warranted so he had his small pistol and blade in his belt designed for the purpose of holding them.  It gave him no ease to have them, it just seemed appropriate given the company.  He deduced he would not draw attention amongst this group.  He had yet to see the others, so he took some of the smaller fruits and a piece of bread and began to walk the grounds inspecting the work and listening in on the conversations, asking several leading questions where his interests intersected.  He turns over the proposed conversations for value before moving towards the ladies to see if there was any interesting conversation.
[Private to The Creator:
As always Zi is listening for information regarding the expedition and in particular for information about any artifacts.  You rolled 19 using 1d20+5 ((14)) for gather info.
]

Alisdair walked into the room, his heavy, steel toe-capped army boots rapping loudly on the marble floor, and he winced a little inside at every step. He should have bought more formal shoes for this, but he had spent almost all of his remaining savings on his bed for the night. As he almost gave a sigh of relief as he reached the patio, his feet made mush less noise on the wood. He had all of his equipment with him, and his rifle was slung over his shoulder, with the remaining ammunition on a bandoleer around his waist. His revolver and trench knife were on his belt, each in their respective holsters, along with a small whet stone and a few revolver rounds. He had used up almost all his ammunition on his last job, and was relying almost entirely on Rosh's promise to provide them with bullets.

Looking around, he felt immediately out of place. His clothes were considerably more ragged than all of the other attendees, and he was clearly the only one with any real combat experience. Thought the food all looked good, and Al was once again starving, having not eaten anything since his meal the afternoon before, it was surrounded by scholars, who seemed completely engaged in a discussion, of what he couldn't tell. Looking around, and seeing neither Rosh nor Stark in the vicinity, he retreated to the grass, and, setting down his pack, sat down to wait for either of them to arrive.

The vanship landed smoothly outside the estate gates. Stark spent several minutes shutting and checking the airship before he hopped down and headed for the gates.

He was only a few minutes late, but it seemed that many folks had already arrived. Rosh had quite a gathering put together here. He headed right for the table, smelling the coffee. Good coffee was hard to get and this had a rich, strong scent. He squeezed in between two separate conversations and grabbed himself a cup of coffee. He looked around the room and the young lady in flight gear caught his eye. He headed over to them, gave them a shallow bow, and asked, "Good morning... couldn't help but notice the flight jacket. So what do you fly?"

  As the trio slip in at different times they are greeted with curious glances and a few polite introductions. The scholarly types seem to be unsure how to speak with adventurers. The obvious differences in stance, manner and dress making it easy to see who is seasoned and who is at best an occasional travelers.
   Zi'na'ha's inquiries are rewarded with a few comments on artifacts recovered by the Academy or the travelers. But nothing of major importance.  Scrolls, bits of ancient machinery. a Klank that no one has been able to activate or discover the power source that had once ran it.
  Any inquiry about the masks results in a polite changing of the subject due to the "Difficulties" the lady of the house is having.

  As Alistair Sat under a tree he feels something hit him in the head. the pit of a cherry that seems to have been picked clean. A second later another pit followed by a soft giggle. He glances up and a small dragon fly winged girl no taller than a foot hides among the cherry trees branches caught in the act of aiming another cherry pit as she chews on a mouth full of cherry looking as if she were eating them as fast as she could to provide her with ammunition for her prank.

  The two young ladies looked up the younger of the two shying away slightly as Stark Approached. The older woman Smiled as he asked about her aircraft. A fosch 430, it's not as new as the others but she handles like a bird. I'm flying the barge on this run though. Seems they don't think I have the experience to handle my fathers Fighter."

[Private to Zi'ha'na:     As Zi'na'ha approaches he over hears a whispered conversation between the two young ladies.

" He's not going to let it go...." the younger girl says.
" Of course he's not that mask would have made fathers name" The older woman replied looking as if she were slightly frustrated.
" But they will..." The girl stopped looking as if she were near to tears.
"Not with these new people around. they look like they can handle themselves." The older woman replied putting her hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "he'll get the masks back and he'll make sure Romis pays for what he did."]

"A 430, you say? Nice bird... a bit newer then my Dornier 120. She's old but she's a classic," he replied, "I think I flew a Fosch back in the day. It tended to drift left slightly when the rudder cable started to age and loosen. Did they correct that in the later models, like yours? Oh... how rude of me... I'm Stark, Stark Sanderson. Guess I'm the bloke your dad hired to fly the fighter... sorry about that."

Zi stops and considers the area one more time.  Seeing that Stark and Alisdair have arrived here as well he considers the implications.  He moves closer to Stark since they seem to have made it to the same location, and studies the two women during the conversation, but otherwise remains silent unless addressed.

Al rolled the pip briefly through his fingers, and looked up at the tiny female again.
"Reasonably efficient ammunition, given you choices, almost circular, so it flies better from a low velocity throw. Your technique lacks power though, have you considered using a blow pipe? It could considerably improve your range, power and accuracy."
The girl didn't seem too daunting physically, although he knew that the winged folk could be a real bugger to draw a bead on, and she had the cover of branches; all in all, she had a damned good position, should she choose to use it.

 " Ella Rosch." The woman stood up giving Stark a solid handshake instead of the dainty touch of fingertips normal for the ladies.I didn't know anyone was still flying those, they are good for long hauls and handy in a turning match, but most people can't keep them in the air now that they don't make parts for them anymore."
   And, Yeah they still want to slew left if you don't keep an eye on the cables.. It can be a pain when you are fifty hours from landfall when they decide to start acting up."

  This is my sister and, my best back seater, Dora."

  " I thought you said he'd be some red nosed pot gut, who smelled like old socks and whiskey?" Dora asked innocently as she sized Stark up and down.

---

" huh? bri na shido?" The sylph tilted her head looking at him curiously the grinned beaming with mischief as she aimed the pip and let it fly her tongue sticking out of one side of her mouth as she aimed at a nearby server and the ducked for cover leaving Alistair setting with the pip still in his hand when the servant turned around and shot him a hard look but didn't say anything.

---

  Sir, Master Rosch wished for you to join him in the study." A steward spoke up politely as he approached Zi'na'ha. then lead him to a small private study off from the patio. the room was small and tidy, but the shelves and bookcases were packed with small artifacts, trinkets and notebooks which would take a life time to assemble for most archeologists.

When Zi enters the room he starts to look over the bookcases and shelves and then stops and turns to the attendant.  "Thank you.  Will Master Rosch be long?"  He then turns back and scans the shelves, cataloging the long list of items as he moves.

[Private to The Creator: Zi will be scanning for any power signatures as he moves.]

Stark chuckled and ran his left hand through his hair. "Pleasure to meet you, Ella... and Dora. I don't believe I've quite ever smelled of socks before," he grinned, pointedly ignoring the whiskey part, "It can be a love-hate relationship with her, but I manage to keep 'er in the air. She does handle nicely if you keep a firm grip on her."

  " I apologize," Ella glared at her sister


   "well you did say that...he doesn't look like...." Dora stopped as her sister glared at her again and teased her by picking up a rock to throw at her. Then laughed at her own slip

." I was expecting some Taproom Baron. I'm glad they found someone who at least Knows a good ship when they get their hands on one." Ella shifted back the subject of aircraft with great relief it seemed.Motioning ot a low chair near their bench.
   " I Like the older designs, You can carry the tools you need to work on them in one bag. The new Hunters need someone from the Academy just replaced the catalyzer. I hope you don't mind flying one of the new birds Dad was a big fan of the Vohn Boche ships...It's bigger and tougher than the Hienkels and has a backseat gun. But they stagger like a drunken sow at low speeds."

---

 " Not long at all." Lord Rosch replied as he stepped in from the side room. Handing a small stack of parework to his assistant who nodded and headed off to handle some detail. "It's a small portion of the collection My favorite pieces. A few of them are fairly mundane but they all have a few traits I found fascinateing. "He picked up a small ceramic disc the stark white surface untouched by time and inscribed with complex formulae and odd inter twined geometric patterns. anding it to Zi'Na'Ha he offered him a magnifying glass. "Third Era Myconii, It is a disc from one of the Incantae Sichosii,"

[Private to Zi'ha'na: The piece is a portion of a religeous/arcane text. A DC 15  knowledge check will get you more details.

Several pieces of the collection are Ashantii, most are pieces of porcilien or jewelry only one has any energy signiture and it is a dormant low energy signature...but the item has some properties if properly activated.]

Stark chuckled and sat down, "Well, I was only expecting to find stodgey academics and trigger-happy armsmen on this trip... I am pleasantly surprised to find two interesting and attractive women involved and fliers no less."

As Ella steered the conversation towards matters flying, Stark participated with gusto listening and commenting. He mentioned his preference for the maneuverability of pure vanships but had flown other types too.

Al's eyes never left the tiny winged girl as she flitted between the tree's branches. The server's look of annoyance was totally lost on him. Slyphs were naturally good at hiding, and he hoped to learn something from watching the way she utilised the cover of the foliage.

Cutting just though this though process came Stark's voice, and glancing over he noticed that he was in conversation with the two women sitting by the tables, who looked considerably more prepared than the vast majority of the men. He would have to question them on their weapon choices later, but he was reasonably confident that they would be able to at least pull their own weight.

Zi reviews the information he knows.  Frowning at the text he considers other implications of the disc and hands it back while processing the information.  Turning to one of the items he addresses Lord Rosch. "May I axamine this peice?  It seems to be unique amonst this collection."

[Private to The Creator: 16:35, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 23 using 1d20+10. history.
16:34, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 7 using 1d20+4. Int roll.

Since Zi is not trained in religion I wasn't sure if a straight intel check would reveal anything.  I followed up that with a history for any relevant connections.  Ancient cultures could be subsituted if that is appropriate since the roll would be the same.  He then is making an inquiry rgarding the one item that seems to have a signature. ]

  " Well one of us is a bit trigger happy." Ella shot a teasing glance at the young girl who grinned impishly." I've flown a few older craft, my father always had a soft spot for the older models, and most of his friends in the Air Guard have an older vanship or Fliegers they fly."
  Ella went into a list of models she had flown, their quirks, and what she liked or disliked about them. Her preference did seem to be for lighter more nimble models with a slight roll of the eyes for the heavy armored Fliegers being flown by most militaries in the past few years.

  As Alistair watched and listened the sylph flitted down and landed next to him staring at the weapons and ammo he wore. She giggled and fluttered a shower of sparkles encasing her and then she stood there in full safari garb with an oversized pith helmet and comically large illusionary rifle over her shoulder. she shouldered the rifle and a flash of purple spoke and glitter erupted from the rifle a phantom cork bouncing off a nearby drinking glass which sent a shower of wine onto Stark's sleeve and leg.
Eep! The sylph yelped and hid behind Alistair arm, as she pointed at Him.

---

  In deed it is. Lord Rosch nodded setting down a piece he was looking at." It is part of a collection that was sadly broken up several years ago when it's owner came on bad times and had to sell off his collection"

  "I believe it was at one time a protective item though I can not for the life of me determine the exact nature of it's abilities, or the manner in which it was enchanted. But this is the norm for Ashantii artifacts.

He enjoyed speaking with the noble's daughters. They were an unexpected surprise both knowledgable and approachable. Quite unlike many nobles daughters he run across that were very full of their parents positions.

Stark raised an eyebrow and chuckled sadly at the pixie. "My daughter befriended a pixie long ago... They're like three year olds that never grow up. Mostly harmless," he said then looked down at himself, "but they can be hard on clothing."

Zi'ha'na takes the device in his hands and turns it over several times and considers the device.  "We have mush to learn about the artifacts.  You speak true."

[Private to The Creator: I am not sure what type of roll would be needed to determine the abilities of the artifacts.  Zi will examine the piece and see if he can determine it's properties.]

" My father was a hobbyist at best, he loved the look, and feel of artifacts and was fascinated by the history they represented" Rosch offered Zi'na'ha a small kit of tools, brushes, and lenses. Unfortunately neither he nor I have the specialized skills we needed to do an in depth study, and more formally trained scholars disregarded my fathers theories as foolish conjecture."
[Private to Zi'ha'na: okay
using you sensors you can make a

Investigate: DC 25
Ancient cultures DC 15: for +2 to investigate

By the way you have the most orginized char sheet I have ever seen...]

---

  " That is Zydii she's decided our family needs her special brand of entertainment." Ella laughed and wagged a finger at the sylph playfully. She seemed to notice something in Stark's voice and expression and offered him a soft slightly sad smile." Zydii first showed up when Dora here was in diapers.. they nearly tore the house down to the foundations on occasion."

   Dora smiled mischievously and then tried to look offended by the comment but seemed more proud of herself than anything. she gestured and a puff of blue sparkles streaked to Zydii forming an arrow that chased the flittering sylph around Alisdair as Dora made small guestures with her finger tip the arrow never quite over taking the dancing, darting fey.

  When Dora caught an odd question from Alisdair about her choice in guns she happily launched into a discusssion of machine guns, listing her prefference for them in order of capacity, power, and "fun" to shoot. she seemd to be rather entusiastic in her gunnery skils but a few moments of listening showed the girl had some knowledge of them.
   " Ella flies the vanship but I make sure those Black Diamond blackshirts don't knock us out of the sky... Of course she thinks I should be in school learning doilies, and ettiquette and how to be all girly... "

  " You keep us in the air...I seem to remember someone shooting out my starboard coil last time out." Ella teased" Father could never say no to her, and he never had a son so we sort of filled in. Mother was an adventerous sort in her youth, and she didn't object either. She actaully flew a Hammerwing for the Avariel Scouts back in The Kingdom..well before she met dad and then she was the Lady Of the House.

Though Alistair never particularly approved of choosing weapons by their 'fun' factor, he appreciated Dora's knowledge of rapid fire weaponry, especially since it was not his area of expertise. He continues to discuss the weaponry with her, taking in anything he can, and paying attention to anything she mentioned of which he was not previously aware.

"But what use are doilies in the real world? Better that you know how to defend yourself than how to stich."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Tue 20 Mar 2012.

Frowning, Zi turns the artifact over in his hands and blinks several times.  Finally turning back to Rosch "Though this peice is familiar, I have not been able to determine it's exact properties.  Tell me, what were your fathers theories regarding these artifacts?"

[Private to The Creator: 14:52, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 18 using 1d20+17. Investigate. (I can't f****ing beleive I rolled a 1!)
14:51, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 29 using 1d20+11. ancient cultures.  (Do I learn anything worthwhile with this roll?)]

Stark smiled and said, "Well, I think I'm in your camp, Ella, I'd rather be flying than shooting. I'm pleased that the barge will be piloted by someone competent. So, when do you think your father is going to get to the details of this venture?"

  " Oh I like to sew. Dora grinned." I just like things that go buddabuddabudda BOOM better." Dora grinned. miming firing a machine gun." I just don't like dresses that I could use for a prachute, setting in a room with old bitties trying to marry me off before I eaven meet some boring money counter. and Getting lectured about being a Proper young lady."
  And mom always made sure we both could take care of ourselfs...I can shot a pistol, fence, and if I have to run very very fast."

  " Jus dont ask her to cook."" Ella laughed. Motioning one of the servers to bring over a picture of some beverage and a tray of snadwhiches, and cheese." Flying is my favorite part of playing messenger for my father and his freinds. I don't think someone here quite understands how dangerous it is when we run into trouble yet...or that those bullets she fires off do more than make a loud noise."

---

" He believed that most ashantii artifacts were not a single item." Rosch explained as he took several items and began to piece them together removing a light harness from desk and fitting them to clips mounted on it." They did not assemble all the enchantments or empowerments into one item, so if seperated they appear non-fnctional and harmless but when placed in close proximity or assembled. Then the enchantment activates.
  He touched the piece he had offered Zi'na'ha. The harness flickered and a shimmer of light covered Roch's body then vanished the humm of ashantii energy signitures sound in the air.

Stark snorted and raised an eyebrow, "I hear you there. Are you registered with the Courier guild? Folks really don't have any idea what we go through out there. The skies are a dangerous place... but I love 'em. I wouldn't be doing anything else if you gave me a choice."

  " I registered two years ago. She produced a small copper disk engraved with her registry number and the guild seal." Ella shook her head slightly."" I run enough to keep my token, Most of them don't take me seriously as a pilot, "rich girl playing sky runner." I think was the last comment anyone had the nerve to say to my face." She gave a slight shrug again." Now i avoid the guild hall and just run for the University, fly ferry flights and spend a lot of time down in the Jurgen Shards spotting for the fishing fleet."

[Private to Stark Sanderson:
The Jurgen shards are legendary for the quality of the catch there. however the local wildlife is agressive and it's a haven for a faction of the Black Diamond.
   Think a floating Bering Sea...windy, lots of fog, large random shards and debris fields...gravel storms, Large aerial predators about the size and attitude of a great white Shark with a ranged electricl zap ability. the Fishing fleet has "Spotters" to track shoals of game fish, scout out debris fielsds and reefs, and protect the fleet from attack and keep the Local Black Diamonds from collecting extra fishing fees from the boats..

You've flown it a lot running parts to ships and carrying out injured sailors from the fleet...  It's a two star flight in good weather   In the Storm season when the Shards get disturbed and the local wildlife is spawning it's a four star without the Black Diamonds getting involved. The job is a strictly professional one, rookies and part timers avoid it like the plauge. However,If your Vanship is in good shape, and you have the fuel and ammo Vanship pilots can make a good living off the runs and spotter duty.
]

Stark's estimation of her piloting skills increased as she spoke. "That can be tricky flying on a good day... I'm impressed," he said, "And the place is a nightmare in Storm season."

He'd never met a woman like Ella before. She was cultured but a pilot, even a guild courier, and there was an adventurous streak that clearly came from their mother. He found himself liking her quite a bit even though they'd just met.

  to tell you the truth it scares the hell out of me most days." Ella laughed self conciously. Looking a bit sheepish as she ignored the dubious look from her younger sister." I just try to hold onto the ship, and not fly into anything. If it's shooting at I pour on the fuel and find somethere less crowded. Lucky for me Dora is back there and she puts enough lead in the air to get out and walk on."

"Your demonstration does much to promote your father's theories, why would others criticize the theory?" Zi'ha'na speaks as he examines the field that was erected by the artifact.

  " He can only demonstrate it with a handful of devices," Rosch replied his hesitation hinted that there was something else but he seemed to be holding back." I believe the masks he found may have been part of something more significant."
   He was not a formally trained archeologist. It was his personal passion and his education was spotty at best. So his findings are treated as conjecture and do not recieve serious consideration." He admitted bitterly after a slight pause. His tone indicating he seemed to find that fact distatasteful to discuss.

In reply to Ella Rosch (msg #27):

Stark smiled and said, "You do yourself an injustice, Ella. Bravery is overcoming your instincts to soil yourself and run screaming in the other direction. There's a reason they call those without any fear at all foolhardy. I think you're giving yourself too little credit. It takes a brave pilot to sail the skies of the Jurgen Shards. It takes a good one to keep going back."

In reply to The Creator (msg #23):

Al winced slightly at the girls impression of a machine gun. It seemed she had never really been on the receiving end of one; the noise was quite different when you were cowering behind cover hoping desperately that you would have time for a shot before they reloaded. Despite this, her enthusiasm for weaponry intrigued him; he had chosen the long rifle for it's accuracy and efficiency, a single shot was a single kill, no messing about with suppression fire; she had clearly chosen heavy weaponry because it fitted her temperament. It was a point of view he hadn't encountered much; he normally shot at machine gunners, rather than converse with them.

"I must confess I have never understood fencing. The endless repetition and protocol seems so far removed from real fighting as to render it a useless practice. Running, however, is always a useful skill, your mother, it would seem, has brought you up well."

There was a slight tremor in his voice as he spoke the last words, a tiny, momentary break in his calm façade, he attempted to turn it into a small cough, with a degree of success.

Zi’ha’na considers the words of Rosch before speaking.  “The relevance of your father’s profession shouldn’t matter to the nature of the artifacts.  The concept bears certain similarities to other studies and seems to be worth further investigation.  You say the masks may be part of something more significant.  What insight did your father pass on regarding those theories and what made him believe that their importance was greater than other artifacts?  This may also go towards motives in their theft and your fathers killers.  I am sure there are many groups, both known and secretive, that harbor designs for such artifacts.  If your father came across artifacts of even moderate import then there would be concern for his safety.”

  " During his examinations he discovered one of the masks was at best a poor imitation of a burial mask, a very old but non the less forgery. It had a smaller segemnt concealed within it." Rosch admitted hesitantly. "He didn't dare destroy the mask but he hoped a freind of his would be able to remove the segment without damaging the mask. How the assasians discovered this and knew where he was heading when he was murdered Is unknow, he told me only as he was leaving to meet Simon Rhando...who has vanished from the face of the realms..."
 

---

 " to tell you the truth the only reason I fly the Shards is for the view, there is a place off of The easering Fringe that is breathtaking, the gossim shoal below it and in the twilight of an eclips they glow all shades of blues, and greens, I could soar there and watch all day..." Ella grinned sheepishly admitting her somewhat "girly" secret.

---

  " I like to fence, but it's sort of dull. They get sort of upset if you jump on tables, or try to trick the other guy into letting you behind him...old fuddies, no snese of fun. I did manage to teach a cutpurse a few moves though... he though a girl with a walking stick was just going to hand over the Necklace her mom bought her for "Winters Deeping" Hmmmphhh" She looked rather comical as she jumped up into an en garde postion and did her best to look fierce. Sword Mistress Leanisa taught me a few tricks a girl should know.  ( OOC: Winters Deeping = roughly Christmass)

Stark could only smile and agree. There was nothing like the skies. Their breathtaking beauty and sudden dangers were the stuff of life itself. He felt more alive flying than ever he did on the ground. When he was up in the skies, he could forget what he'd buried in the ground below, even if only for a while.

"There are days when happiness can only be found in the skies," he said wistfully half to himself, "I've often thought there's more beauty above than can be found down here. It sometimes seems as if I'm just pacing time on ground waiting until I can reach once more for the skies... any skies."

" I don't think anyone who hasn't flown can imagine what it's like to be so far abovve it all." Ella smiled a little as she spoke." I wish I was flying the fighter on this one, but I guess I'll enjoy the ferry run, and less chance of having to hose Gadfly internals off the front of my Vanship."

Stark smiled and nodded. He turned to Valentine, "So, you seem pretty conversant with weaponry. Can you manage second seat on a fighter and gun down the bugs?"

In reply to Stark Sanderson (msg #36):

"I should be capable, yes, although I suspect that I shall be far outclassed by out new acquaintance here." He nodded towards Dora. "I'm assuming the fighter has it's own weapon platform, are you aware of what gun it uses?"

  Twin heavies Up front, and a single light on the back seat." Dora piped up. Talking excitedly about the Vanships weapons. The Heavies are Maxims, and the light is a MG-15, not much of a punch but it's pretty accurate and fires a lot faster than the Heavies."

   " The trick is to try and keep them from getting above you . they like to dive on you from above where the guns can't get to them. Gadflies aren't that tough but they are quick as a blink. Just hope you don't have to dance with a Broodfly, They are bigger, meaner and smarter. And, they shoot thoose icky barbs at you. If you don't get all the barb out they'll hatch into little gadfly squirmies...ewww and ewww." She paused lookig shepish as she seemed to realize she was talking way to fast and way too loud. She looked thoughtful for a second and then spoke a little less energeticly.

  "It's not all shooting though in the Back seat, you realy have to keep our eyes open. Pilots have thier hands full flying and trying not to fly into something big and hard. So you have to tell them where things are and spot targets for them... Or they might let something get behind you, or above you, or forget to dodge the jerk coming at you form the side.

"That explanation, if your father did not speak to anyone else, does cast considerable suspicion upon this Simon Rhando."  Zi stops to consider the pieces that are still displayed and then turns to Rosch again.  "Your collection, though small, is appreciable and I think you for the time to inspect them.  Perhaps we should discuss what you would need of me on this venture.  You have a unique collection of individuals on your lawn who seem to be about the business of shooting, flying, and what is to be assumed many scholars."

  " Well each serves a purpose." Rosch replied bluntly he did not seem embrarassed to admit he had motives to have each group around." The armsmen will secure our base and deal with any unforeseen threats. The Scholars are simply an excuse for me to leave the city without suspicion. we will go out to the nighboring islands and while they are investigating some odd behavior in the local flora we..You and I will go to a small house that Professor Rhando expressed some interest in purchasing recently."

  "I can't take any action openly while I am being bserved, it might lead to preemptive action by who ever killed my father...so I must practice patience and deception."

In reply to The Creator (msg #35):

Replying to both the Rosch sisters, he said, "When do you think that your father is going to make his presentation about the venture?"

"He's in his office with that archeologist he met yesterday" Ella replied with a slight frown." He might be a while if they start discussing, "The Theory" But I can introduce you and let you in on any details. Father has spent a week explaining the exipidition and why he needed a more experienced pilot and some solid reliable gun bearers."

"I would very much appreciate that. It would be useful to know exactly what is expected of me in this venture. The information afforded to me has been somewhat lacking."

Turning back to Dora, he bowed slightly,

"I must thank you for you information. As I mentioned, I am not too well acquainted with being on the trigger end of heavy weaponry, although I can attest to the firing rate and accuracy of the MG-15. The Maxim I don't believe I've ever encountered; I would be very grateful if you would give be a brief tutorial before we depart, it would be unfortunate to have to learn the limitations of the gun in a fire-fight.

"Then I am at your service when you require me.  Is there anything you require prior to leaving?  I look forward to meeting this Professor Rhando."

" I'd like you to examine my collection and see if there is anything I've missed among them. I'm not as learned in the history of the items as my father. Rosch smiled and indicated a door to the side of the room. The collection and my fathers study are at your disposal, I'd also like for you to review his notes and see if there is something that stands out to your educated eye.
  Once we leave I'll be counting on you to fill in any blanks in my limited expertise in artifacts and history...I will most happily compensate you well, and give you proper credit for any discoveries we make. I am more interested in bringing my fathers Killer to justice and proving his theories than gaining any credit myself....It's an affair of honor, one I will follow to the bitter end."

 " I'd be happy to!" Ella Dora grinned as she realized someo wnated to let her shoot." The Vanship is around back of the house, I can show you the guns any time you want."

  As the group begins to gather around the table deep in discussion three men step into the Back yard brushing past the doorman each one wears a long leather coat, and a wide brimmed hat. The seem to be insistant on gaining entry and the doorman seems to be intimidated by the rough looking street thugs.

Zi nods and moves towards the door he indicated.  "I will begin immediately.  If there is anything you need please let me know."  Zi enters the room and begins to review what he finds there.

In reply to Ella Rosch (msg #42):

Stark smiled and said, "Since he's busy, perhaps you could show me the vanship? I wanted to give her a good one over before I made up my mind about the job." Though clearly he was more than a little taken with Rosch's eldest and seemed to have more than half made up his mind already.

Alisdair turned around just in time to see the three men walk in. They didn't look anything like the rest of the people gathered her, other than himself, and they didn't look like they were looking for work.

Keeping his eyes on them, he tapped Dora on the shoulder and pointed towards them,
"Do you know those gentlemen? They seem to have given your doorman quite a stir."

Even as he was saying this his eyes were taking in the strategic properties of their location, looking for any decent cover and working out how they might best defend it.

" Certainly, It's parked around back in the carriage house, with the barge Ella smield and stood up giving Dora a glance. offering her hand politely to Stark she grabbed her shoulder bag and motioned in the direction of the back of the house." Maybe all of us can go take a look.

She paused afterward noticing the three men and frowning angrily as she saw them rough handle the doorman." Where is that damned Black Boot at?" She angrily mutterd referring to the university guards with rather unflattering slang.

   She reached into a pocket on her vest took out a small silver whistle and blew on it, no sound came from the simple looking tube as she gave it three quick blasts.
This message was last updated by the player at 11:19, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

  Dora gglanced to the doorway and became agitated " Nobody I know, but they wont be here long, Ella put the dogs on them." She muttered with a miscievous smile." The'll be running for the gate in a second."

Noticing the three men, Stark frowned and waited to see how things played out but his hand strayed toward his holster.

 Two klanks the size and rough shape of mastiffs barreled around the corner of the house, gears spinning and steam escaping fromt heir nostrils with each bound. One bounded toward the nearest door to the men, and a second loped across the yard to stand by Ella.
  Ella strolled forward with a determined stride toward the three intruders, her hand near a small satchel over her shoulder and the other motioning the Klank to follow her. as she approaced two of the men broke off to intercept her and the third simply strolled past the oddly inactive Klank by the door into the studies outer door.

  " Call the hound off ggirl or we'll have to put it down." One of the pair facing Ella ordered. his hand brushing open his coat to reveal a large machine pistol and a bronze badge marking him as a private detective."People this is none of your affair, Elias Rosch is under writ for fraud, theft of property, and the suspiscion of murdereing his father, he will be bound and delivered to a magistrate on Blenhiel Drift, do not interfere.!"

Private Detectives are ofthen used as bount hunters to retrieve fugatives from one island to another, the practice is a bit shady and often results in violence. Some agencies are little more than hired muscle and are not supported by local authorities in most cases."

---

  Mister Elias Rosch you are bound for fraud and theft, tturn over all artifacts in your possesion immeadiately and accompany us to Blenhiel Drift without resistence if you wish a fair hearing on the mattter." a tall dark skinned man ordered as he brust into the study his duster swept back to revel a badge and the heavy automatic pistol he held in his right hand." By writ I am enpowered to use force if you refuse to cooperate or interfere in recovery of stolen goods." when the man spotted Za'ni'ha his gun moved toward him as he seemed unsure of his presence or his involvement in his affairs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:44, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

  " Pardon me, I don't know any one in..." Lord Rosch began to speak moving away from his desk. He looked stunned when the mans gun shifted and fired twoice striking him in the chexst and side as he dove for cover. the mans weapon made little to no noise as it fired, and then turned toward Za as the mans eyes narrowed and focused on him.

 OOC: Zi'ha'na is the only one aware of the attack, outside the sound of the pistol is heavily muffled and will require a successful listen check to detect.

Zi'Ha'na I need an intitiative from you.

COmbat post format

Initiative
AC:
HP:
Health:
special abilites, maneuvers, or expenditure of Action points
intended actions
To hit rolls
Damage rolls for attacks or abilities used


07:51, Today: The Creator rolled 14 using 1d20. outside pair of intruders.
07:51, Today: The Creator rolled 5 using 1d20+1. initiative Lone intruder.

AC: Unknown
HP:unknown
health: Unknow
Intenteded attacks
Lone intruder: Zi'ha'na
Outside Pair: (Held actions}
07:51, Today: The Creator rolled 24 using 1d20+6. attack roll lone intruder.
07:52, Today: The Creator rolled 7 using 2d6. damage roll lone intruder .

07:52, Today: The Creator rolled 10 using 1d20+4. attack outside intruders ( held)
07:53, Today: The Creator rolled 9 using 2d6. damage held attacks.

NOTE Zi'ha'na Move action to find cover in office if you have a lower initiative than the attacker you can attempt a reflex roll to fid cover before he attacks.

Thise outside can take actions against the intruders if they succeed in a listen check dc12 to detect the muffled gunfire.

Zi’ha’na wasn’t sure the proper words used in such a situation, so his comment came out oddly when he see’s Rosch goes down.  “This is most unexpected.”  Fortunately his actions where much quicker than his words.  Before he even uttered a comment as he threw his hands forward and from his palms emitted a soft golden field of energy trapping the assailant in the doorway.  As loud as he can, punctuated by the sound of the barrier coming into existence, ZI’hi’na calls out to anyone else who can hear him, “A situation require immediate attention!”




Initiative: You rolled 8 using 1d20+2 ((6)).  I think this mean I go before them.
AC: 20
HP: 25/25
Health:28/28
special abilites, maneuvers, or expenditure of Action points
intended actions: Full attack: Barrier DR 4/-, 40 HP ability (5 energy)
Call for Help
To hit rolls; none
Damage rolls for attacks or abilities used: none

As I understand the situation this man is standing in the doorway with a gun drawn.  My action is to erect a barrier across the room in front of the gunman, separating Rosch and Zi from the gunman.  I assume the room is small enough that I can make the barrier across the room and floor to ceiling.  For effect, if possible, Zi will try and use the creation of the barrier to make a loud cracking sound as the energy comes into existence.  If I cannot isolate him this way, I will create a semi circular wall to contain him against the wall of the house.

13:07, Mon 09 Apr: Alisdair James Valentine rolled 12 using 1d20. Listen. 12:44, Today: Alisdair James Valentine rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

Initiative 23 (natural 20, yus!)
AC: 16
HP: 6
Health: 24
special abilites, maneuvers, or expenditure of Action points
intended actions: Draw rifle (from slung over shoulder), take a shot at the gentleman with the machine pistol
To hit rolls:12:57, 16 using 1d20+8 (attack + point blank shot)
Damage rolls for attacks: 13 using 2d12.


Though his attention had been occupied with the two men in-front of him, Alistair still heard the shot from inside. A silenced pistol meant that these men had not come here with the best of intentions. And now his employer was under attack.
There was only one correct way to respond to this.

Grabbing his rifle from his back, he levelled it at the man who had just threatened Ella, and pulled the trigger. The recoil on the gun was powerful, but he had long ago got used to it, and though it threw his shoulder back considerably, he managed to stay standing, despite his unprepared stance.

   A pair of loud cracks and the clatter of falling furniture and glassware came from the office distracting many of the gathered acedemics, the two Private Detectives glanced toward the room for a second looking confused by the sudden racket one man moved toward his side arm looking alarmed.
   Inside the office The Private detective looked at the barrier with a look of total confusion. the barer sealed him out of the room and blocked his line of fire. as well as made a bit of racket he didnt seem happy with at all.
  Seeing Lord Rosch on the floor and bleeding profusely he turned and Made to escape while he had the chance. Hiding his sidearm under his long coat he stormed away looking frustrated and worried.

   Out in the yard A sudden movemnt from Alisdair was almost unoticed untill his heavy rifle thundered and a bullet whined past Ell'a head striking the Anxious looking Detective square in the chest. His Jacket was not enough protection to stop even a small bullet, much less the heavy round that tore through it and out his back.
  The stunned man spun as if hit by a truck and fell to the ground his weapon landing near Dora's feet as the second man drew his pistol and tried to get around Ella to fire at Valentine.


Initiatives please

Stark swore and pulled his pistol out of its well-worn holster. He fired a shot at the other bounty hunter.

[OOC: Sorry for the delay out of town this weekend.
AC: 17
HP: 20
Health: 46

23:08, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 21 using 1d20+6. Initiative.
23:12, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Pistol Shot.
23:13, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 6 using 2d6. Damage

This message was last edited by the player at 18:47, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

Zi’ha’na looked at the man running and considered the barrier.  Thinking it would be better to leave it in place he turned and considered the body of Rosch.  Kneeling he looked at the blood pooling on the floor and the wound he had taken.  He possessed little knowledge of anatomy but knew leaking fluids were never the preferred state of operations for people.  Taking some of the clothes from Rosch he attempted to make a compress to halt the bleeding or at least reduce it.  Turning up the volume he calls out again to the courtyard.  “I require a doctor if one is available.” Zi hoped that in a courtyard of academics one of them studied medicine or had procured some of the arcane arts of healing to be utilized.

Initiative:  22
AC: 20
HP: 25/25
Health:28/28
special abilities in effect Barrier DR 4/-, 40 HP ability (5 energy) 4 rounds remaining
Intended actions: Heal check on Lord Rosch (3)
Call for Help
To hit rolls; none
Damage rolls for attacks or abilities used: none
This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Mon 16 Apr 2012.

Slamming down the massive barrel of the rifle, Alisdair flicked the spent shell casing into the air. Even as the massive case rang on the floor of the patio, he shoved a second shell into barrel and clicked the gun back together, levelling at the second thug.

Initiative 23
AC: 16
HP: 6
Health: 24
special abilites, maneuvers, or expenditure of Action points: N/A
intended actions: Reload rifle (move action), take a shot at the second thug
To hit rolls: 24 using 1d20+8
Damage: 14 using 2d12
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Fri 20 Apr 2012.

The garden errupted into confusion as everyone scrambled for cover away from the developing gun battle. Ella dove for cover scrambling for her satchel which lay out of reach.
   Zi"ha'na managed to get the fallen man onto his back and examine the wounds. The wound on his side bled freely but looked like a shallow gash in the skin. the bullet to the chest had been stopped by a light vest made of some fiber resulting in the man being knocked down and stunned by the impact rather than killed. the bleeding proved easy to stop but the Noble remained unable to do more than grown and mutter something as he lay flat on his back.

   Alisdairs shot rang out again echoing off the walls and sending the scholars flat on their faces as the heavy rifle spat a thumb sized round down range tearing into the second man's shoulder sending him to the ground, neither man was dead but they were both out of the fight after being hit with the massive rounds.

  Stark barely had time to take aim when the target he was aiming at was spun to the ground. almost on cue the third man appeared out of the office his weapon held low as he searched for a target, He spied Alisdair with his elepahnt gun and took aim. Switching targets Stark managed to hit the man as he took aim leaving a deep gash across his shoulder, but not stopping his from opening fire. His shot went wide pancaking against the wall and causing the now lone gunman in a very bad position.

   Dora shouted something and popped back up with the dropped machine pistol in her hands a stream of bullets walking their way toward the third man. sending the man diving for cover as the rounds tore up the manicured turf of the garden. An instant later a puff of sparkling dust and lght appeared over the man's head showiering him in a film that clung to his body and face and seemed to be cuasing the man to sneeze and cough, as well as curse angrily.

OOC
No injuries to freindlies
thug 1&2 down due to massive damage.
Thug three running for his lifde and dazed by pixie dust.
Initiatives Please

Zi'ha'na was intrigued to see the man was either paranoid or very prepared for the worst.  "It looks like today you will not die.  That is fortunate indeed.  Let's see if we can get some answers."  Zi allows the barrier to drop and moves out the patio door, raising his hand as he does so and considers the man who delivered the 'notice' earlier. "Surrender yourself and answer our questions or I will allow the man with the large caliber big game gun reduce you to pulp.  I believe the impact is sufficient to jelly some of your bones."  As Zi speaks the palm of his hand builds a steady white and blue nimbus collecting at the tips of his first two fingers.

Initiative: 20
AC: 20 (DR 2/-)
HP: 25/25
Health:28/28
special abilities
Intended actions: delay action - If he chooses not to surrender Zi will attack him with a beam attack.
Exploit Weakness 20:25, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Esxploit Weakness. Target is 15 - fail
To hit rolls: (if needed) Ranged Touch attack 22
Damage rolls for attacks or abilities used: 7 using 3d4. Electrical damage.

In reply to The Creator (msg #63):

Stark stood calmly where he was and moved profile to the last gunman. He raised his gun and fired another shot at the man.

[OOC:
07:26, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 4 using 2d6. Damage (if necessary).
07:25, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 11 using 1d20+8. Attack Roll.
07:24, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 22 using 1d20+6. Initiative. ]

Alisdair thumbed another massive bullet in the camber of his rifle and leveled it again, aiming directly at the remaining man's head. Hearing the shout from the house, he restrained his trigger finger just before shooting. Instead shouting to the fleeing man as he ran,
"These rounds are deigned to punch through inch-thick skin at long range. Your skull would prove no challenge. Stand down and surrender.

Initiative: 23
AC: 16 (DR 2/-)
HP: 6/6
Health:24/24
special abilities
Intended actions: Reload weapon, Ready action: shoot the bugger if he doesn't stop.
To hit rolls: 15 using 1d20+10
Damage rolls: 11 using 2d12
This message was last edited by the player at 11:36, Thu 26 Apr 2012.

  Bullets, pixie dust, a dozen witnesses, with the added encouragement of The stray shot from Stark. Not to mention the double threat of an elephant gun and unknown energies directed at him seemed to take the wind out of the man's sails.

  His side arm fell to the ground as the man raised his hands and sttod sneezeing coughing."He was going for a gun!" The man declared defensively." Summon the guard, and I'll present my claim to them."

   The crowd of scholars and students peeked up over the tables, and statues looking a bit shaken and more than a little frightened, by the sudden gun play. Ella stood up her face pale as she gripped a revolver in one hand and her satchel in the other. She wuickly hurried ot the office to check on her father.

  Dora stepped next to Alisdair murder in her teen eyes." Shoot him. Dad doesn't carry gun." the fairy appearing in the air above her, arms crossed and nodding angrily to reinforce Dora's statement.

"He's unarmed, Alisdair," said Stark. He moved towards the man, his gun still aimed at his chest and kicked away his firearm.

"Face the wall, punk," he growled, "You have restraints? Because if you were legitimate bounty hunters, you'd have restratints." He began to pat down the guy with one hand while pointing the gun at him with the other.

Zi looks at Dora, “Your father, I see.” He then turns back to the cowering man and lowers his arm to his side and produces two small metal balls, which he begins to spin around in his hand.  “Death of this man will not provide the answers we need.  I suspect your father will want some answers as well.”  Turning back to the gunman “I care not what the local authorities say, for now we will be sure to get the answers we want.”  Once Stark has him cuffed he continues “Alisdair, would you be willing to escort this man into the house under arms and make sure he doesn’t go anywhere?  We will need someone to check on the other two men and see if they are dead or not.  The authorities will be here soon investigating the sound of that cannon going off, so we will need to be quick about this.”  Turning back to Dora “Do not let your anger prevent us from getting the information we need from this man.”  As Stark and Alisdair take care of the detective Zi walks over and checks to see if the other two men are alive or dead, and then move to the house with the rest of the crew.

OOC: Heal checks: 9 & 3.  I am not very good at this “heal” thing.

" I'm not saying anything to anyone." The man declares defiantly. He regards starks question with a cold look, and a snort. But a wuick search reveals he isn't carrying any hand cuffs.

  His two companions though are carrying both leg irons and hand cuffs in their satchels. and to everyone's surpise they are both alive, though critically wounded, and comatose.

   As soon as the scene looks safe a couple of the students come to help the group. one manages to help Zi stop the bleeding and tend to their wounds. Altough it is likely they will be needing a hospital and more professional aid to tend to the wounds they have recieved.

Alisdair lowered his gun, then hoisted it back onto his shoulder, drawing his revolver as he did so.
"Stark's right, the man's unarmed. If we need to kill him we can do so are our leisure, but we need information from him first." he said, his voice and demeanour remaining as calm as ever as if the gunfight had not just happened. Looking back to Dora, he though for a second,
"And if your father is in the habit of not carrying a weapon on his person, might I suggest that he take this event as a reason to begin carrying one? It could prove useful, should he be attacked again."

Revolver leveled at the remaining thug, Valentine walked to stand over the two men he had dropped, noting that both were still breathing. He knelt briefly, retrieving their weapons from where they had fallen, noting their makes and capacities before walking over to where Stark had kicked the third man's gun, picking it up as well, and noting the silencer.

Edit: Nodding at the Zi's suggestion, he prodded the remaining man in the back with his revolver barrel.
"Make even the slightest move in the wrong direction and I shall permantently releive you of the burden of your kidneys. Get into the house."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:52, Thu 26 Apr 2012.

   " Okay but he better talk a LOT." Dora steamed and crossed her arms glaring at the man in an almost comical attempt to be intimidating."If dad's hurt I'm going to give him to the dogs to chew on."

When Zi gets back to the house he looks over the group.  “He claims he has a warrant for the arrest.  Can you provide the actual warrant that justifies you being here?”

"It's in my pocket, "The Detective sneers, still not impressed by the group. His foul mood, and lack of concern for his situation becoming a bit obvious." You fired on duly deputized Detectives, while serving a legitimate writ. If you want to see the outside of a Prison in your lifetime, you might think about giving me Rosch. Hand him over and make yourselves scarce and I'll let this slide."

The writ is in the mans jacket pocket and bears several signatures and seals from a nearby drift. The languages is fairly hard to make out and seems to be written by someone experienced in legal language.

OOC: Diplomacy DC 15, or Knowledge Civics DC 12, to verify the writ is valid.

Stark bound the man's hands behind his back with the discovered hand cuffs. He raised an eyebrow at Alisdairs words and said, "Son, not everyone knows how to use a firearm. Carrying a weapon invites its use. If he doesn't know how to use then he's more likely to get himself hurt than not. Violence begets violence and all that... hell, it's why he hires our sort."


"Let me take a look at that writ. I've seen the things before... delivered enough of 'em," he took a close look at the Writ.

[Stark Sanderson rolled 26 using 1d20+7. Writ Check (Diplomacy). ]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Thu 26 Apr 2012.

In reply to The Creator (msg #74):

Alisdair remained unfazed by the man's threats, keeping his gun trained on the man's chest.
"I've seen the insides of prisons before; they tend not to hold for long. If you were legally deputised to make an arrest, why walk in with a silenced pistol and fire upon an unarmed man? If you have legal authority then surely you should not fear discovery."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 12:20, Fri 27 Apr 2012.

  Starks examination of the writ reveals that it is valid, the seals and signatures are correct, and the language seems to be letter perfect. However the name, offense, and other things such as date, and name of the person empowered to execute the writ are filled in by hand where the rest of the writ is printed by machine.

   The Detective stands giving Alisdair a sneer as he replies to his threats. He seems confident that he is not in any legal difficulties as he stands bound and under armed guard. " I'm not worried, your freind can tell you my papers are good."

In reply to The Creator (msg #77):

[OOC: How unusual is that? What sort of jurisdiction would the writ have here?]

[Private to Stark Sanderson: the writ is suspicious, it seems to be pre written...which is not common. and from some past experiences you know some jurisdictions will lose blank writs for a small donation.

The writ is most likely just going to result in an investigation by the city guard, considering it's against a noble who has been assaulted in his own home. it's most likely they'll consider it a civil matter, Then fine and exile the detectives for Gross Assault, and Criminal Breach of Peace. ]

 Lord Rosch appeared assisted by Ella who was looking relieved until shelaid eyes on the Detective.

     " Your aim needs work."Lord Rosch commented as he dug the flattened slug out of his gentlemans vest." two shots at close range, without alerting the bystanders."

  I am sure the watch will be interested in your technique. It was the same pattern that was used by the killer of my father."

  Mister Valantine would you mind identifying the caliber and make of this bullet and the shell casings He left behind."


He handed over the flattened round and shell casings both belonged to the .45 caliber automatic the man had carried and the casings showed deep gougess from a cracked firing pin in the base of the shell.

In reply to The Creator (msg #79):

Alisdair took the slug and cartridge from Rosch's hand, and turned them over a couple of times, examining them for any factory markings or abnormal characteristics.
"Standard small-arms munition: pin-fire, low-velocity, high accuracy, high penetration, wide spread of force. Designed for taking down unarmoured human opponents with the minimum of fuss and effort. Common enough, but very effective."
He sniffed the cartridge briefly,
"Smells like a standard powder mix as well. The bullet seems fairly standard, but well chosen for a covert attack."

"Pretty unusual to see 'form' letter warrants. Not many of these turn out to be legal. Justifiable deniability and all that... a question comes up and signers seemed to find they misplaced a paper or two. Kind of leaves you lot in the lurch. Seems unlikely that any bonded deputies would come and gun down their target in the manner that you intended either. I think we'll hold onto you for the local constabulary and see if they buy your story as little as I do," he said holstering his pistol.

As the three others talk, Zi considers the situation as a whole.  Turning to Lord Rosch he begins.  "Would this be the same watch that handled the investigation into your fathers attack?  It may prove prudent to extract whatever information we can in the time we have remaining.  I see no reason that the attackers here shouldn't be given to the local watch, but not having read the report I do not have a clear sense of culpability.  This man's lack of concern may be from sheer bravado, or it could be because they have help from the local constabulary."

  " aren't you a clever bunch," the Gunman sniffed." You are wasting your time gentlemen. I don't have any plans on speaking to anyone but a lawyer. Who will have me out of jail and off this rock before you are finished giving your statements."

  The sound of heavy boots sounded as a flying squad of Guardsmen and a heavily armored klank burst into the garden weapons out and looking ready to shoot anything that looked hostile.

  " Who was firing, and what's the meaning of all this uproar?" A uniformed Sergeant asked roughly as he motioned ot the wounded men and the gunmen being held at gunpoint."Lord rosch do you need assistance?"

 " These men assaulted me and my guests, they calim to be Detectives but this one fired on me without provication." Lord Rosch replied handing over the silenced pistol and the spent shells.

 " I see." The Sergeant took the weapon and examined it." Are there any witnesses to this attack?"

"Yes Sergent, I was present at the time of the attack.  If you require I can corroborate the Lord's report.  I am Zi'ha'na, an archeologist and scholar.  I cannot provide witness to what happened outside the building, but I was present at the time this man came to the study." 

  All right, step over here and let's see what you have to say." The watchman nodded and escorted Zi'na'ha off to the side questioning him closely for a few moments. The other watch members hauled the wounded men away to the infirmary. and questioned guests as their Klank kept a ready watch it's guns still at the ready.
  After about fifteen minutes the guardsmen escorted the gunman away for questioning excused themselves and left the estate to recover. Lord Rosch excused himself and returned shortly after calling the Alisdair and Stark to him at the back of the house where the barge and the Vanship were housed in a large carriage house.

" Please accept my apologies for the violence. It seems perhaps I may need to leave the city for a while to allow these issues to be resolved."

  "If you are willing to come along we can leave by nightfall. My Physician has assured me with some rest my laceration will heal with minimal effort. And My team is more than willing to continue, although one or two may have decided excitement doesn't agree with them."

Alisdair shrugged,"Violence happens; that's why you hired me, is it not? I have everything I need to travel with me, though I may require some additional ammunition." He paused for a second, pondering whether or not to ask a further favour, then contiued, "If it is possible before we leave I would like a little practice using the heavy defensive guns on the ship. I am, unfortunately, unused to heavy weaponry, and I would like a little time to acclimatise myself to them."

Zi walked in the direction the watchman indicated and listened to his questions recalling any details for the law.

OOC - I am not sure if there is anything you need from me with the watch.

In reply to The Creator (msg #85):

"I'm in," Stark said simply. Normally, he wouldn't touch a commission like this with a ten foot pole but the thought of Ella and Dora in harm's way bothered him.

  Lord Rosch smiles as everyone agrees to join the group. I offer you some small repayment for defending my family." He added as he handed each man a small Leather wallet containing five hundred crowns in bank notes.

  " I'm sure Ella and Dora would be happy to assist you two in getting familiar with the Vanship." Lord Rosch glancced to his two daughters with a fatherly smile." Both are far too adventerous for my sanity, but they are both very talented in their own ways. Even if occasionally it involves having the vanship hosed off and spending a kings ransom in ammunition expenses."


  Now Mister Sandersen , I woul very much like to employ your Vanship in addition to the Opel, I understand you would be loathe to take it into combat, but I would like to have a second vanship on hand in case of mechnical problems."

   Mister Alisdair, I will make my work shop available to you and offer a few formula's I have perfected to affect various insect and plant species I have studied. They should be more than sufficeint to deal with anyting your man portable artillery cant deal with using conventional rounds."

  Si'Ha'na If you would please assist me I need ot examin the collection for some clues as to why anyone would be willing to kill me to aquire them. I plan on removing those pieces from the house to discourage any further attempts....I do not wish for my staff to be in danger over them in my absence."

  " Lord rosch speaks crisply and concisely as he adresses each man, his former military experience showing as he laid out what he had to say. The man smiled brightly at each of the men in thanks for their assistence. as he motioned to Zi and returned to his office.

Alisdair gave his employer a small bow,
"Thank you sir, it has been some time since I had access to proper chemical aparatus. I shall give it my attention as soon as I am able, and I would be most interested to see your compounds."

As Rosch walked away with Zi'ha'na, Al approached Dora,
"If we have only until nightfall, and if am to get any time in the chemical workshop, I will need to get some practice on the guns as soon as possible, when would you be able to assist me with that?"

Stark rasied an eyebrow and said, "That wasn't in the commission. It will cost extra but I'm willing to bring her along. Is there room on the cargo ship or will it be slung side or aft?"

  " I understand Mister Sandersen." Lord Rosch Paused and produced a second wallet from his jacket. <blue>"Your commision has been upgraded. I have signed replacement, repair, and personal injury cost bonds with the Couriers Guild."

  Your Vanship will be slingl loaded. Dora is rated for such duites with the Sky Guard, She was the pilot who carried equipemnt to the base camp, most of it sling loaded below this very craft."M/blue> Rosch nodded to stark.

OOC: Starks contract has been upgraded to a four star mission: which doubles his pay and includes insurance bonds.

Zi’Ha’Na heads in the direction that Lord Rosch indicated and begins to look over the items displayed until he enters the room, trying to determine anything unique amongst the collections he has so far.  He also examines the room for any details that might be over looked by the casual observer.  Perhaps there was something left here by the previous Lord that may have been missed.  It crosses Zi’s mind that perhaps the artifacts themselves are not the target, but something else that may have been left in connection with the artifacts.  Perhaps the goal in removing Lord Rosch would have been to allow a thorough search of the work area for something hidden.  With this in mind Zi start to walk slowly around the room.

OOC - Rolls for the room or inspecting the artifacts - whatever is appropriate
09:40, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 33 using 1d20+15. Investigate.
09:39, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 22 using 1d20+4. Search.
09:39, Today: Zi'ha'na rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:41, Mon 14 May 2012.

Stark nodded and said, "That should be fine. I would like to take 'er up before we head out, if possible, to get a feel for how she handles."

I'll let Ella take you up." Lord Rosch Nodded and motioned ot the Vanship." It's a forgiving design but it will suprise you from time to time."

He glanced toward dora and motioned toward the padlocked locker on the wall." If I turn you loose, do try not to use up all the ammunition stores. You may need them later."

   Ella climbs intot he back seat and pulls on her flying jacket and leather cap.She smiled and motioned to the front seat as she used the rear seat controls to power up the engines and lifting devices and adjust the fuel supply as the engines cughed, cracked and then came to life in a deep rumbling rumble.

---

Zi'na'ha has a large collection to work through the room is lined floor to cieling with racks display cases, and shadow boxes with numerous small artifacts, Journels, books, scrolls, and maps. In his search Zi notices that many of the books are neatly catalouged and in a very orderly arrangement. Until he notices a simple worn leather journel tucked into a shelf with a collection of expensive texts detailing the history of the Realms.

Not being able to pass up the out of place journal, Zi takes the worn book down and begins to look through it.

In reply to The Creator (msg #95):

Stark looked over the instrumentation as Ella warmed the engine up. He watched the balance of fluids and power as she did so, putting his hand on the dashboard to feel the vibrations of the engine. He wanted to get a feel for the craft. He laid a hand on the stick and put his feet to the pedals, testing the flaps and response. Having a basic feel he applied power the craft and felt the vanship begin to lurch into motion, raising up a foot or so over the ground. He nodded and looked around.

"Clear!" he shouted and looked around, then the vehicle leapt up and out into the skies. He smiled despite himself and the business at hand. This is what he truly lived for.


[OOC: Pilot - Take 10 (23 Total)]

The Vanship lifts and begins to slide forward, as warned the pedals feel a bit mushy at first but as he lifts the nose and rockets upward the sleek machine begins to respond crisply to his controls. the engines purring smoothly and the lifters responding quickly.
  The air space over the city is crowded with flyers ships and animals. a flitter cat streaks past the windscreen with a startled and angry Yowl as The Vanship interrupts it's chase of a pigeon. A Sky Guard flitter swoops in for a moment then the pilot who seemed to recognize the Vanship peeled away and returned to it's patrol.
  Once clear of the city, and it's traffic the Vanship is free to maneuver. a slight thump sounding as it passed out of the cities envelope and was now in the open skies. the machine was not as agile as Stark's but it seemed to have much more power and the weight and handling indicated it was heavier and better armored.
  Below them nothing but clouds and a few large shards of broken stone drifted and high above the Forge burned fiercely it's very edge eclipsed by a small island the looked to be surrounded by long strands of aerial plant, and a thick cloud of pollen and windsprit.

  The islands we're going to are down there." Ella shouts and points to a number of islands that are joined by massive ropes of vegetation and vines wide enough to drive a car across. several of the islands appear to be farmed but most are wild, and covered with thick tangled vegetation that hides the actual outline of the islands and seemed to join them into one large body of land.

---

Back in town Dora Hopped in a ground car and drove Alisdair across town to the Sky Guard garrison. and then led him to the firing range where guardsmen and civilians practiced with  wide variety of weapons. Dora whistled happily the Mg-15 of her shoulder as she motioned to several ammo can in the back seat of the car.
  " I only brought four cans, will that be enough?" She asked with a grin as she waited for Alisdair to grab the two thousand rounds of ammunition and follow her.

  The gun range was set up and ready. as Dora ran through the process of loading and arming the machine guns, repeating it a couple of times. her small delicate hands handling the weapon with practiced ease even if she physically had trouble hoisting the light machine gun around at times.

  A few bursts from the weapon were enough to show it had a blistering rate of fire and more accuracy than heavy machine guns. although it seemed to pull a little to the right and up when fired in more than a short bust.

---

  Zi finds the journal is written in a small neat script, and details numerous items in the collection that at first glance and even to his inspection seemed completely mundane and worthless as more than curios. the notes are clear concise, and separates actual observations and know fact from theories, personal observations, and conjecture in a clear manner.

  The wording and lack of references to previous finds, and theories is peculiar making it obvious to his eye that this is not the notes of a schooled archeologist or historian instead they are the notes of an outsider who avoids drawing conclusion based on previous work alone.
  A number of items have been sketched in both thier assembled state and broken down into their parts. with sections then joined into several partial assemblies.

  The notes indicate that the elder Lord Rosch had been convinced that the Asarii had used this technique to disguise their items and keep them hidden from theirves and or other people who might be given to theft or violence to obtain powerful devices from them.

Stark nodded and then called over his shoulder, "Let's see what she can do, eh?" He began to run the vanship through a series of military exercises. It had been a long time since he'd done such. It felt strange to be back in the cockpit of a ship meant for fighting. It brought back some dark memories that he'd thought he'd buried...

[Private to GM: 22:02, Today: Stark Sanderson rolled 27 using 1d20+13. Pilot Check. ]

Zi considers the information and files the knowledge away.  The theory is interesting, and the drawings seem to lend credit to his theories.  Zi looks through the notebook for any notes that are particular to the masks or make any reference to them.  Finally he takes out one of his own pads and several different writing implements and set them aside.  Then comparing some of the pictures and descriptions he walks around the collection seeing how many of the noted items are still in the collection and attempting to follow any instructions in the assembly as he tries to puzzle out the notebooks connections.

Between tests, Alisdair pulled out a small pad of paper and noted down all the peculiarities of the gun.

"So, fire in short bursts and aim slightly to the left of target. This is more accurate than I was expecting though, although I feel I shall still prefer the rifle."

" Take it easy in the turns, Shes got more power thn she's got rudder." Ella shouted over the wind rush and then let out a whoop of pure joy as Stark powered through an Immelman turn and then into severl snap rolls that pushed them both hard against thier safet straps.
  Stark could feel the extra mass of the armor and guns as he snapped back upright, the ship wanting to continue its roll, until he snapped the stick to bring it back into level flight.
  The machine was a pure bread machine definately not intended to be flown low and slow like most civilian flyers. And, like a high powered machine he noticed it drank fuel more rapidly than his vanship. Not an alarming rate but he could do the figures in his head and tell it had about a hundred miles less range than his lighter Vanship." You fly like an Ace!"

---

Zi made his notes and discovered a majority of th eitems were still in the coolection. a few notes and sketches of the masks were included in the journel but not more than a few mentions and a couple of quick sketches.
  The items came apart easily, and without damage, as intended it seemd. With some work he assembled what looked like a cerimonial shoulder guard which began to hum with arcane and divien energies as soon as it was completed. the signitures without a doubt pure Assarii enchantments. The energies were steady but it as obvious age and lack of long term care had weakened the devices. and many of it's intended functions seemed to be dormant needing to be re-energized by a skilled technomancer.

 

---

Pthhhppt, Dora teased as he mentioned his prefference for rifles. All that breathing, and watching the breeze, Yeah you can pick a gnat off at a hundred paces but it's soooooooo boring."

  " But you really did put the fear of the Creator into those guys in the garden, I didnt think that big thunder stick of your could be used up close like that.

  She held up one of the brass casings she had picked up fromt he yard. Hmmm .475, full brass, probably a 280 grain round with a hot charge behind it. Not something ya see in the shop down on Brassen way....you have to load them yourself or blow the breech out."
  She grined impishly as she displayed her technical knowledge." My fathers freind loads his huntin brass for him, puts those icky chemicals in the tip to really ruin a triffids day. He hates hunting animals, but he'll go on a triffid hunt about any time he can."

Zi considers the power signature emanating from the device, not positive if the power of a technomancer is different from his own.  Extending his hand he focus’s his own internal power reserves into the device, attempting to infuse the device with at least a little of his power.  Not sure of the result he steadily increases the power until he gets a reaction or it becomes obvious that his power is incompatible with the artifacts.  Zi makes his notes and continues to assemble various artifacts and tries to see if any are connected to a larger set.  Since he already has a shoulder guard, he looks first to see if he can build more of the ceremonial set.  Once he has assembled any sets that are alike he makes notes to compare them for missing parts and makes some supposition regarding the final assembly.  After that he calls for Lord Rosch and explains what he has found so far and inquires if there is anyone at the university that may be trustworthy to assist in repowering the items and assisting in the investigation.  He explains “If we are going to an isolated island we should have someone available who has the power and knowledge of technomancy.  There appears to be more than a passing connection between that discipline and these artifacts.”

OOC – I will keep working on transcribing the notes so that eventually there is a second copy. 

"You know your bullets, though I usually put a little less powder in when I make them myself; it reduces the recoil a little, and makes it a little more accurate. As for the close range shooting, it's tricky, but entirely possible if you get the drop on them. I feel the gun is rather wasted at short range, but I had little choice today." He pulled one of his few remaining bullets from his belt, tossing it over to the girl for inspection. "You have to make them full brass or you risk the entire shell detonating inside the chamber. I've seen people fire half-cases, but they were very well made, and I just don't have the skill. Besides, full cases do a lot more damage. You mentioned chemical mixtures though, I'd be very interested to investigate those, especially if we're to be facing off against them."

Stark smiled back at Ella and was enjoying just flying even if the thing had the characteristics of your typical brick.



"Hardly," he laughed back, "It's one thing to do this sort of stuff when you're just having fun. It's quite another when someone is trying to poke holes in you."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:49, Wed 06 June 2012.

         Lord Rosch followed Zi's work closely remaining silent and staying well out of the man's way as he worked. Occasionally offering an answer to a question or comment on a particular piece that Zi examined.

" That looks familiar, I believe my Father may have assembled it during his studies."

  I know of several Technomancers downtown. They are skilled, and among the more disciplined members of their craft, but I have never worked with a Technomancer closely. He paused looking thoughtful and then making a slightly embarrassed shrug of his shoulders. It may be my own personal prejudices toward the sort of person that becomes involved in such fields, but I do not know of any I would trust with such a delicate matter."

" Yes! It's always more fun without the tracers, and the pirate on your six, hot brass flying in your face, and your kid sister cursing like a drunken marine as she hammers away behind you....mostly its the tracers and the ones you cant see that make it not fun. Ella shouted over the wind stream smiling as she enjoyed the ride and pointed out sights along the way.

" Oh those things, Yeah dad is kind of secretive about his chemicals. I think he's afraid someone will put them to "bad use". Dora dug into her satchel and produced a clip of specially modified ammunition and offered it to Alisdair." This is one of his specials, he mixed it up form me when I nearly got...ummmm well when I had a problem with a young fellow who thought I was just a cute little girl who wouldn't put a big hole in him."

She produced a broom handle pistol with an extended magazine and loaded it. offering it to Alisdair.Thermite, magnesium, and some nitrates...at least that's what I remember of what he said.

"This is your expedition, and an area I am not proficient at. If you do not want a technomancer that is your choice, but we cannot power these devices without one, or some kind of engine that may be able to create a power source that it can convert.  The latter may be possible, but I am not familiar with any generator that produces the proper energy signature.  I suggest that we get some references and see if any fit our criteria.  I would lean towards an unknown assistant or low level professor so that they would hopefully have as few political connection as possible."

Autham turned one of the rounds from the pistol over in his hands, examining the metal work, feeling the weight, even sniffing it briefly.
"Facinating. I must see if I can persuade him to let me see the formula, or at least use some prepared mixture. This is rather well made, and I can imagine it would blow a sizeable hole in anything unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end. It seems to be constructed like a miniature artillery shell."
He looked up at Dora again,
"Would it be remiss of me to request to try this weapon out? I would very much like to see how well these bullets perform."

Stark was thuroughly enjoying himself, taking in the sights and sharing the skies with Ella. He was surprised when he noticed how much gas was left in the tank. Time and the vanship had flown for longer than he'd noticed. Not that he was near empty but he hadn't expected to use so much fuel. He banked the vanship in an Immelmann turn, reversing their direction and taking a more direct route back towards the mansion.

   " I will of course consider your advice." Lord Rosch nodded and began to make notes on his notepad." I will se if i can find a technomancer who has the skills we need." Lord rosch picked up the assembled item to examine it and seemed fascinated by the intricate detail of the etching and assembly of the device.

  Dora handed over the pistol and the special ammunition. the pistol was a bit heavier than it looked and had a selector switch on the side allowing it to fire more than single shots. The wieght also cancelled out the recoil as the pistol fired, and made it more accurate than it would seem at first.
  The rounds inpact and burst in bright flashes throwing off sparks and sets the target on fire almost instantly leaving the smoking target dummy smouldering wth a large hole in the chest and stomach.

  Returning to the landing field behind the coach house the Vanship settled to the ground and coughed slightly as it powered down and began to cool down. Ella climbed out of the rear seat and checked the engine and lifters quickly smiling as she shut off the feul valves and made several adjustments.
  " That was great, your not bad behind the stick" Ella offed a jug of water from the storage compartment and wiped at the dust that had built up around her goggles while skimming the shards." I can't wait for a chance to fly with you sometime, maybe run the narrows."

OOC: The narrows are a series of gaps, and faults, seperating three nearby islands joined by large roots, and land bridges.

Alisdair looked at the smoking dummy and raised an eyebrow.
"Impressive, these really do some damage."
He handed Dora her gun back with a slight bow,
"I believe I have seen all I need to, and I feel I have gained as much knowledge of the heavy guns as will be necessary for our first mission; although I would appreciate if you would continue my tuition when we have more time. I would very much like to head back to your father and request his assistance to fashion some bullets of my own, but first: what assistance do you require with putting away the guns?"

  Stark took the offered water and took a healthy chug before handing it back. "Your on," he said smiling, "I'm looking forward to it... but first we've got this little venture of your fathers to get out of the way." He began doing a physical walkaround of the craft after going through the post-flight checklist.

  "She moves like a tub but has plenty of power to spare," he muttered as he ran a hand down the body of the vanship, "... so recoil shouldn't be a factor."

  He straighted when they were done and offered an arm to Ella, "Shall we return to your father and find out what's left of the schedule and our departure?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Sun 24 June 2012.

Zi nods at his comments and then turns to continue examining the items he is looking at and the other different items and scribe the notes over.  He’ll annotate the copy of notes with his own understanding and make some sketches of how the various parts are assembled and their constituent parts, as well as any powers identified.