Field Marshall Croft pushes a wisp of metal grey hair off her face and nods. "I hear they found Verik's body on one of the ships at Eel's End. I'm guessing that was your handiwork?"

You are all once again seated around the table in the inner room of the Guard's headquarters. Croft looks exhausted as she listens to what you wish to tell her. Or at least more exhausted since the last time you saw her. The marshall waves her hand at a small chest. "I added a small bonus for dealing with Devargo. He's been a thorn in our paw for some time."

She lifts the cup in front of her and drinks some wine. "I'm impressed with your work. I wanted to kow if you would be willing to handle another matter for me. This one is...delicate. It has to do with the death of the King. It needs to be handled quickly. And quietly."

The timing of her request seems odd. Just a couple of hours ago you had ransacked the offices of All World's Meat. Someone had gotten there ahead of you. More than likely Malder's associates. They seem to have been looking for valuables. The shiny kind. They left behind the letters Malder had mentioned. Malder had spat and said, "Probably cos they can't read." He seemed upset that his croonies had beaten him to the punch in looting Verik's quarters.

The letters were from a Patience. You presume it may have been the same woman referred to in the letter you found in Devargo's cabin. Verik's letters contain mostly what you would expect. Odes of love. Salacious details. But there are some interesting comments on the royal family. The late King is referred to as a doddering old bag. The Queen as a scheming little social climber.

This Patience seems to have details of the royal family one would expect only a confidant to have. She comments on the Queen's choices in dress on such and such a particular day for example. From the quality of the paper and the fineness of the penmanship, you would guess Patience was a noble. 'Patience' however seems to be a nom de plume. None of you can recall ever hearing of a noble woman by that name.

There is one passage that does seem relevant. Patience writes ...the Queen continues to cast eyes on that Champion of hers. That Sabina is rumored to be quite the swordsman. I can only guess what kind of sword Sabina employs in her service to the Queen. Later in the same letter, Patience says, It is as I told you my Love. The Queen is furthering the interest of any woman her fancy catches. That awful Dospen woman was recently named Minister of the Exchequer. There were several men much more qualified. But the Queen believes in the supremacy of the female. I tell you. There is no future in service to the Royals. At least if you are a man.

You snap out of your woolgathering as Croft sets her cup down. "The King's killer has been named. Before he died, he commisioned a portrait. A young woman named Trinia Sabor won the commision. Apparently a guard at the palace confessed that this young woman engaged him in a plot to poison the King. I have some concerns." Croft scowls at the table top a moment. "This guard's confession was extracted under torture. And in a very public setting. Many nobles were present and word is already spreading throught the streets. Honestly, I don't know what the Queen is thinking. I already have reports of worked up citizens forming civic mobs to hunt this girl down. The girl will be lynched bfore she can stand trial. I have a problem with that. We don't need another series of riots. And the girl should stand in the docket to answer these charges. That is where you come in." She looks around the table at you. "Before this has a chance to get out of hand, I want you to find and apprehend Trinia Sabor. Bring her here. I'll make sure she stands trial."

Vaddis looks about the room at the others. "I will aid you, the others speak for themselves though."

---

---

Tarrov sat back in his chair, his face impassive as he listened to Kroft give her spiel.  He wasn’t too happy with what they had learned about the queen.  He didn’t really care about her sexual proclivities; gods knew he’d met all kinds in the entertainment business.  But it was never good when anyone in authority allowed those proclivities to affect their staffing decision, and that went double (or perhaps triple) for a royal.

And since their entire group was made up of men, it seemed doubtful that they’d have the kind of inside track to royal favor for which Tarrov had hoped.  He sighed.  Why can’t things ever be easy, he complained silently, allowing himself to indulge in a brief bout of self-pity.

He looked back at Kroft as she talked.  He wondered exactly how straightforward the Marshal was being with them, given what they now knew about the queen.  He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.  They needed to watch themselves, or they could end up in a precarious situation.  A very precarious situation indeed.

If they weren’t already there.

Tarrov didn’t like where things seemed to be heading.  A poisoned king.  An extracted confession.  And a girl on the run who might or might not have had anything to do with the poisoning at all.  A girl who might be torn to bits by an angry mob to further the inscrutable interests of nobles who had spread her name among the masses.  Tarrov drummed his fingers on the chair.  It offended his sense of justice.  Those in authority shouldn’t be allowed to abuse it like that.

Tarrov sat up.  “I’m in as well,” he said, nodding at Vaddis.  “But I think the rest of our group will be concerned with, how can I put this, remuneration.  What exactly is it you are offering for our services?”

OOC:  How much of a bonus are we talking here?
Also, what happened to Malder?  Did he take off for parts unknown, or . . . ?

---

---

Selvin listened carefully. His thoughts started going off in very different directions as he heard the words and thought back to the letters they had found. Things were very complicated. He restrained himself from shaking his head. He wasn't looking forward to being what amounted to cleanup crew for other peoples' mistakes but that seemed to be where they were heading with these jobs.

"I s'pose I'm in."


OOC: What happened to the psuedodragon btw?

Croft nods at the chest. "I understand about renummeration. As you'll see. There's two quad there. Bring me Trinia alive and you'll get another one just like it."

Fifteen hundred gold in coins is a fairly decent wage.

Croft nods. "This Trinia's supposed to be living in an upper floor flat in the Midlands. The mob activity is pretty thick around there. But my men have been keeping them under control. Just. If I send in a squad to find her and arrest her, we'll have a riot. Here's the address." She slides a slip of paper across the table. "Quick. Clean. Quiet. Any questions?"

To be clear: You just got paid 1500 gold for Verik. She's offering you nother 1500 for Trinia. Malder is holed up at All World's Meat. It wasn't a good idea for him to accompany you to Guard HQ after all. He is a deserter. And he needed the rest. He did just get run through. You can of course approach him for extra muscle.

Mejinko has been following your group since you left Eel's End. He did not accomapny you inside the Guard's Citadel. He will be making an appearance again soon.

Toke shook his head and eagerly grabbed his money. He pointed at his new hat and ring and regarded the party. "Perhaps we should get this stuff checked out first? Maybe sell off any excess weight we may have accumulated?" Before he left, he did have one final question for Croft. "After we're all said and done here, is all the reward we're getting monetary? I mean, don't get me wrong, the money's nice, but a nice cush job is even better."

"Thank you, that's 375 gp each for each job, if we succeed."

---

---

Tarrov picked up the paper as Kroft slid it across the table.  He briefly looked at the address, then back at the Marshal as he placed the note in his bandolier.  "I think we are on the same page.  Get in, get the girl, get out, and get her back here for trial."

The bard paused, drumming his fingers on the table.  "I have just one concern, Marshal.  I hope you don't mind my saying that, from the recent history you have described, it seems as if someone does not want this poor girl's story getting out.  Or at least that she is being set up to take the fall for whomever might be truly responsible for the king's untimely death."  He coughed delicately.  "I would hate to return her to your custody only to have her die there under mysterious circumstances.  I trust you've taken steps to ensure that will not occur?"

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Fri 18 Apr 2014.

Croft raises an eyebrow at Toke's question. "If you find one, lemme know. I'm afraid there's not going to be any cush jobs for some small amount of time to come..."

She frowns at Tarrov. "If you're asking will Trinia have an 'accident' while in my care...not if I can help it. She's like any other suspect. She gets her day in court. Even if I have to sit in front of her cell with a battle axe and take on all comers." She leans forward. "Let's get something straight. I. Enforce. The Law. And the Law says she gets her day in court. That tell you what ya need to know?"

Vaddis rises from his seat, puts his pack on and adjusts it, and nods his head to Croft, indicating he is ready to go.

Anyone else go anything for Kroft? And did you want to get the items identified on the way to Midlands?

Selvin gave a shrug of his shoulders. "I guess that's good enough for me." He looked at Tarrov to see if he had any concerns with that. It wasn't perfect, but at least if the woman was telling the truth it was the best they were likely to get. Aside from guarding Trinia themselves, that is.

---

---

"It does.  And I'll accept your word on that, Marshal."  Tarrov nodded as the woman forcefully defended her commitment to the rule of law.  He shot a glance to Selvin and gave him a slight shrug, as if to say this is what we have to work with, I guess.  "We'll get started immediately.  Hopefully we'll have the girl safely in your custody soon."  He gestured to the door.  "May I"

He rose from the table, received the Marshal's formal dismissal, and followed the others out of the room, thinking back on whatever he might have heard about Marshal Kroft and her reputation.

OOC:

15:19, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 16 using 1d20+7. Knowledge (Local) re: Marshal Kroft.

---

---

Toke left a bit disheartened. Being a well paid gopher was nice, really nice, but eventually there's going to come a time in which everything to do has been done, and that leaves poor old Toke without a job. He burned his bridges when he left for revenge and its not like he was making any more connections playing boyscout and killin' off competition.

Still a job was a job. It looked like the rest seemed a-okay with the current setup, and they seemed like decent folk so far. No need to rock the boat yet, specially when the waters just calmed down a bit. After all, this was a simple pick up/drop off, what's the worse that could happen?

Vaddis fell in line and followed the others out without a word at the moment.

Tarrov thinks over the matter while you all walk to the nearest purveyor of wonders.

The purveyor is a wise man, learned in the wonders of world of shadows. The sign on his shop says so.

He studies the ring. "Ah. This is a simple alteration magic. See the mark of the always sworling feather here? Just under the dragonfly's chin? It is useful if you take a tumble. Say off the side of a building. What? We live in Korvosa. People are always falling off buildings here. Wear this. You'll land fine. "

He pshaws the dust. "It just makes that which is invisible visible. I have a crate of this stuff."

He blinks at the hat. "Ah. Now this...this is a bit more interesting. I've seen a few like it before. But this is by far the best like it I've seen. See that stitching? You don't see stitching like that anymore. The magic here is a glamour. It will make you appear as other than you are. And it's much more powerful I think than most others of a like make. I know several actors who would kill for such a treasure. "

Ring of feather fall. Two doses dust of appearance. Masterwork hat of disguise. Double the effect and duration on the hat. You're welcome.

You stroll towards the Midlands, gnoshing on apples and roasted snake on a stick you bought from a street vendor. As you walk, the number of people on the street increases. By the time you come down the lane to the heart of the Midlands, it is like you are waltzing into a festival. It doesn't seem to be a festive type of festival though. There's no street performers. And everyone looks surly, drunk, and nasty. Croft was correct. The mood of the mob in these parts is pretty ragged.

There are people screaming at each other and you pass at least one brutal gang fight. One side said Trinia was a whore. The other side called her a gold digging trollop. No wonder they came to blows.

The address you have is a tall tenement building that sags to one side. Trinia's apartment is on the top floor. As you peer upwards, you see the usual suspension of rope bridges and clothes lines that marks the rooftop as part of the Shingles. The city above the city where the poorest and most desperate live beside chokers and imps under the glory of the open sky.

An old woman with a face that could halt a machete fight is sweeping the steps of the building's entry. She stops and swings the broom upwards, so she catches the haft of the broom in both hands. She scowls at you and says, "You don' live 'ere. Whaddya want?"

Vaddis prominently displays his holy symbol for the woman to see, while concealing it from the crowd. "We come on a mission of mercy mother, may we tend to the flock inside please? With your permission and aid of course," he says in a kind, flattering, and sincere way.

10:35, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 12 using 1d20+8. Diplomacy. Sadly, the dice gods are against me. Tarrov?

---

---

"Indeed, ma'am," said Tarrov, who was barely able to keep from grinning and rolling his eyes at Vaddis, "the church has sent us in mediate and perhaps resolve this terrible affair.  I am confident that we will be able to help both you and your tenants from experiencing the . . . more unfortunate effects of this angry crowd's fulmination."

The bard went on, sporting a serious mien.  "The church would prefer not to have a riot here; too many people would get hurt, yourself and your tenants foremost among them.  We would like to see what we can do about," Tarrov paused, "removing the cause of this crowd's unrest to a safer location."  He put his hands out, palms up, in a gesture of supplication.  "Helping people like this is what we do, and we're very good at it.  Please let us in before this," he jerked his head back towards the crowd, "gets any uglier than it already is."

OOC:

16:03, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 30 using 1d20+12. Bluff Check.

I've got your back, Vaddis.  ;)

---

---

This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Tue 22 Apr 2014.

The haggard crone smiles at Tarrov. "Well...you are a pretty man..." She scratches a wart on her chin. "You go. Jus' tell anyone that I put up a fight. I gotta reputation ta maintain ya know."

You walk inside. The building is no nonsense. A small foyer woth a few apartments off it. A stairwell leading to the upper floors. A man is walking down the stairs, carrying a box. He stops when he sees you and smiles after a moment. A very large, nervous looking grin. "WELL HELLO ARMED STRANGERS," he bellows for no particular reason. "HOW NICE TO SEE YOU HERE. WE LOVE ARMED STRANGERS AN' ALL."

Several children huddled at the landing of the second floor scamper up the stairs to the third.

Toke didn't quite care for the loud man. He gave the man a penetrating gaze hoping to find out if he was trying to warn their target. He then remembered who he was traveling with and was at a mental impasse. How did they treat would-be rats? Of course back in the gang the only good rat was a dead rat, but he had a feeling that his current associates felt differently. Perhaps he would just inform the group and precede to stay out of its way. This whole operation was Tarrov's and Vaddis' idea in the first place, he was just happy he was getting a full cut. They seemed to have a tenacious drive that reminded Toke of his academical life. Before he became Toke.

02:32, Today: Toke rolled 18 using 1d20. Sense Motive.

"WE ARE NOT STRANGERS, WE ARE FRIENDS COME TO HELP AN UNFORTUNATE TO ESCAPE THE MOB." Vaddis yells in response to let the girl know they meant her no harm. "Now please step aside, we mean her no harm, or would you rather the mod get her? You know it is only a matter of time until they get the nerve up to come for her."

Selvin let out a sigh when the man yelled up to warn Trinia. He jumped and winced simultaneously when Vaddis yelled back. He doubted that was going to help. He glanced at Tarrov. "We should likely cover exits at this point, yes? Or do we trust that she will instead by hidden by others upstairs and we must convince them?"

"If she just hides I'm sure we can find her, but if she goes for the rooftops, there is no 'covering the exits', she will be gone and at the mercy of whoever finds her." Vaddis replies. Vaddis then looks back at the man on the steps, "We really mean no harm. We are her only chance to survive this mess." Vaddis then looks at Tarrov in earnest!

09:36, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 9 using 1d20+8. Diplomacy. The dice fecking HATE ME!!!!

---

---

“Thank you, my dear lady.”  Tarrov smiled appreciatively.  “The gods bless you and yours.”  He winked.  “And we will be happy to maintain your reputation.  The legend of your fearsome resistance will become known far and wide, should we have anything to say about it.”  He paused.  “And we will!”

Tarrov raised a despairing eyebrow at the loud man, sighing in disappointment, then nodded along with Vaddis’ explanation of their intent.  “We really are here for her benefit, my good fellow, so you’re doing her no favors if your high-volume greeting was an encouragement for her to run for the exits.”  He tried not to grind his teeth in frustration.

He looked back as Selvin suggested covering the exits.  “Normally I’d agree, Selvin, but did you see the rope bridges and such leading to and from this building?  I don’t think there’s any way we can cover all of those, even if we were quick enough to get there before she did, which I doubt we are.  Especially given her superior knowledge of this building.  No, if she wants to get away, she probably will at least get out of the building, which I unfortunately don’t think will be very healthy for her.”

Since everyone was raising their voice, Tarrov decided he might as well get in on the act.  “Trinia!”  He spoke in his deep, sonorous, comforting performer’s baritone.  “We are here to rescue you!  We are your best and possibly only avenue of escape from this place.  The mob outside will not remain at bay forever, and taking chances outside on your own will be risky at best.  We can protect you.  Please, come out and let us do that.”

OOC:

23:48, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 31 using 1d20+12. Bluff Check.

Hopefully you can pick me up next time I’m rolling poorly, Vaddis.  :)

---

---

The old crone pokes her head in the doorway as Tarrov and Vaddis try to reason with the man. You all notice her giving him the hairy eyeball. He certainly notices it.

He sighs and shifts the box so it's under one arm. "Trinia's on tha third floor. She usually lays down a little spell when she goes out. Case anyone comes inta her room. She'll probably climb out her window, scoot over the ledge and shimmy up tha drainpipe to tha roof. That's what she said she'd do if anyone came. She'd disappear inta tha Shingles." He points at a door on the second floor landing. "That's my room. Tha west window actually leads out to tha fire escape. You can take that up to tha roof. If ya hurry, you should catch her there."

He seems sincere. Or at least too afraid of the crone to lie.

If you're going, I'll need an init roll please. Not for combat, but so I can track who's moving first in each round. Thanks.

---

---

Tarrov slapped the man on the shoulder.  "You made the right choice.  Trinia will benefit.  Thank you, sir."  He looked back at the crone and winked.  "And thank YOU, ma'am," he said, touching his forehead and giving her a slight bow and a sincere smile.

Then, with no further ado, he headed for the man's door, out the window, and up to see if he could rescue Trinia before the girl got herself into any more trouble.

OOC:

01:59, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Initiative.

---

---

07:39, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 17 using 1d20. Initiative.

Selvin always felt a little off when he didn't have his ally with him, but he couldn't have it with him all the time. And this was one of those times where he hadn't. He nodded his thanks to the man as they headed towards where he had indicated.

08:20, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 17 using 1d20+1. Initiative.

OOC - Selvin goes before Vaddis

This situation didn't seem like it would bode well for Toke's abilities but he would try to keep up best he could. He followed the rest of his party after the girl.

00:25, Today: Toke rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Initiative.

"Why are you all running?" asks Majenko. The psuedodragon has flown up beside Selvin  as you all mount what can only generously be called stairs. It is fortunate there really isn't a fire. The escape groans and sags in protest of just your group's weight. If there was an actual emergency, the whole thing would probably fall apart into splinters. There seems to be a lot of that going around Korvosa these days.

Vaddis and Selvin head up the final set of stairs from the fourth floor landing just as Tarrov reaches the fourth floor. Toke, being careful not to jiggle his various phails too much, is just leaving the third floor landing behind the bard.

The stairs head up to the southwest corner of the roof. The rope bridge you saw before is anchored midway down the western edge. A young woman...probably Trinia...is making her way across the bridge now to the far side. She is a very fit looking woman, maybe half elven, with short cropped blonde hair, fine strong legs, and a figure hourglasses could be modeled from. She's certainly the most attractive quarry you've had thus far.

She spies you at the same time and begins to bound across the bridge. The bridge shakes alarmingly.

Okay folks. This encounter as written in the book is not really PbP friendly. So I've modified it a bit to make it a little easier. Basically, it's a race. There are no maps.

Instead of worrying about movement rates and feet, we're going to measure everything in units. One unit is more or less your move score. You can move one unit and take one action a round. If you wish, you may forgo your action, hunker down, and pour on the speed, moving you ahead two units. Doing so however means you can not deal with any obstacle or complication that comes up. And oh yes. They will come up.

If you get tripped up by an obstacle, you do not advance that round. If a combat should occur, please keep in mind not all of you have to deal with it. I've altered the encounter tables to keep the combats short and manageable to one or two of you. It will be ya'lls call whether a combat needs more than one player. Trinia will also have to deal with any obstacles that come up as well. You can take damage from obstacles/complications. If you fall off a building and survive, you are out of the race. Unless you can come up with a way of rejoining it quickly.

You can of course use magic and ranged weapons. If you buff yourself to move faster, I'll award you additional Units at the end of each round. You may attack Trinia from a distance if you wish. Croft wants her alive, not undamaged. Assume each Unit between you and her is 25' in order to calculate ranges for spells or missles. Please keep in mind that 25' does not necessarily apply to running distance.

If you miss a post, I'll assume you move one Unit and take whatever action is needed to handle any obstacle.

Selvin, you can try to talk Majenko into helping you. Keep in mind he is a CR2 creature.

 You can use your action to shout at her/message her in order to try to reason with her. Fair warning. She is very, very scared.

I'm sure someone will come up with a plan I haven't thought of. Go nuts. Your job is to capture Trinia. However you do it, short of killing her, is fair game.

At the end of each round, I'll post the total numner of units everyone has moved. If/when any of your totals tie or exceed Trinia's, you may attack her/tackle her/whatever. If Trinia hits the magic number before any of you catch her, she escapes.

First complication: the rope bridge. It is sturdy enough but swaying madly. You can bound across by rolling a Reflex save or stop to steady it. Or what have you. I wouldn't recommend hunkering down....i.e. taking two Units....when crossing it.

Please post questions in the OOC thread. Sorry for the long post.

Standings at the end of round 0:

Toke-1 Unit -Location: Between third ad fourth floor landings on fire escape
Tarrov-2 Units- Location: Between fourth floor landing and roof
Selvin and Vaddis- 3 Units - On Roof, headed towards rope bridge
Trinia- 5 Units - Coming off rope bridge on the far side

Vaddis moves 1, or two units if necessary, to get to and on the bridge.

Selvin really really wished he had summoned his ally but it was too late for that as it took a full minute to do so. To the psuedodragon, he called up quietly, "We are running 'cause we need t'catch that girl up ahead without hurtin' her if we can. Wanna come with me?" He grinned widely, like it was going to be fun, which he thought it might be.

OOC: Stop to steady the rope bridge for Vaddis, and then moving across the rope bridge for 1 move. Not sure if it will take my whole round to steady or not.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:22, Sun 27 Apr 2014.

Vaddis, fair point. Below is a 'text map' of where we are. Assume one unit to move up the chain.

3rd floor landing-4th floor landing-roof-rope bridge-roof w/big hole-balance beam

Selvin lays his hands on each side of the rope bridge and pulls it, bringing he ropes taunt and steadying it. Vaddis hammers across the bridge like a well oiled steer. The paladin steps down onto the next roof as Selvin crosses. Tarrov and Toke put on a burst of speed. The bard is starting to cross the bridge as the alchemist jogs across the roof of the tenament.

Vaddis, you can see that the roof of this buildin has collapsed in the middle. A jagged canyon like fissure runs almost completely across it. Trinia has leapt over the fissure and is headed for a beam someone has laid from this roof to the next roof.

Obstacle: Cross the fissure. Roll and add your strength bonus to make it. Easy peasy.

Standings at the end of round 1:

Toke-3 Unit -Location: Roof of Tenament. Coming up to rope bridge
Tarrov-4 Units- Location: Crossing rope bridge
Selvin- 5 Units - Location: Crossing rope bridge ahead of Tarrov
Vaddis- 6 Units- Location: Jumping hole in roof w/ whole
Trinia- 7 Units - About to start on balance beam walk to roof #3

Selvin will follow after Vaddis and attempt to leap the hole in the roof once he finishes crossing the bridge. He doesn't look confident however.

08:38, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 5 using 1d20-1. Jumping? Me?

Toke noticed the group was starting to severely outpace him. He glanced reluctantly at his special pocket. Normally he wouldn't dream of taking GO without something to drink, as parched as it always made him feel, but this wasn't exactly a normal situation. He popped the chewable tablet into his mouth and let the chemicals take effect. He felt faster, much faster, like the wind was at his heels. He was also unnaturally thirsty, as was a detrimental side effect he had yet to phase out.

One thing at a time. He thought to himself. He figured the faster they got the girl, the faster he could get something to drink. He sped off trying to catch up.

Toke consumed 1 expeditious retreat.
Toke moved towards/across the rope bridge

Like a sleek, leather clad monkey about to leap to the next tree limb, Vaddis  comes to the edge of the hole. He steps down and is about to leap when the edge gives way and he tumbles down into the yawning pit. Selvin is so surprised by the paladn's fall he doesn't register the bit of floor he is stepping on crumbling and down the elf goes into the breech,

Tarrov,  maybe you sigh as you leap the pit. You risk a glance down and see your companions are unharmed. You land on the far side of the roof, pinwheeling your arms to remain standing, but make it. Ahead lies the beam of wood. Trinia is coming off the other side. The end point is a flat roof with several tents pitched on it. Squatters by the look of it, living in a shanty town on the Shingles. The beam you need to cross is wide. Should be easy enough.

Flat ginger beer with a side of lamp oil. That's what this brew tastes like Toke.  But as it burns it's way down your throat, you feel your legs begin to twitch. Before you can take a brath, you're off lie a shot. Before you know it, you're over the rope bridge and coming to the chasm. Time to jump.


Vaddis and Selvin, the hole isn't too deep. You can hoist yourselves out on the far side. You only hurt your dignities. 2 HP damage.

Toke, until your go go juice runs out, you may move 2 units a turn and take one action. You'll go three if you hunker down. Roll to jump the pit please.

Tarrov, make a reflex to cross the beam. It's suprisingly sturdy so unless you fumble it, you'll cross over to roof #3 just fine.


Standings at the end of round 2:

Toke-5 Units -Location: Jumping the pit on roof #2
Tarrov-7 Units- Location: Starting on the balance beam to cross to roof #3
Selvin- 6 Units - Location: In the pit
Vaddis- 6 Units- Location: In the pit
Trinia- 9 Units - Off the beam and running into the squatter's camp on roof #3

---

---

Well, this isn't ideal, Tarrov thought to himself as he leaped over the pit, sparing a brief glance to make sure Vaddis and Selvin hadn't been badly injured.  Reassured that the two were pretty much okay, he reset his sights on the fleeing girl.

She was going to get herself hurt.  How to get her to slow down?

Tarrov figured all the young woman might need was a nap.  As he ran after her, he chanted the magic word that would bring an arcanely-inspired slumber upon her.

"Somnus!"  He intoned.

He really hoped this was going to work.

OOC:

22:46, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 7 using 1d20+4. Reflex Save.

Well, it wasn't a fumble, lol.

I'm assuming she's within 130', which is the range on a Sleep spell.  Tarrov will move one unit and cast the spell.

---

---

Selvin grumbled a bit, trying not to blame Vaddis for being so heavy and making the floor give way on them. He scrambled up out of the pit on the side near the beam they needed to next cross.[

OOC: If Vaddis and Selvin can both easily make it out of the hole, then Selvin will also cross the beam. If not, then he will work with Vaddis to get them both out of the hole.

07:54, Today: Selvin Larst rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Reflex for beam.

Vaddis attempts to climb out of the hole when it is clear and the others have crossed over them! (Doesn't want to be halfway out and be jumped into by one of his own team.)

10:16, Today: Vaddis Sonaden rolled 19 using 1d20+3. strength check to climb out of hole.

Toke took a leap of faith, and an actual leap as he tried to jump over the pit.

21:40, Today: Toke rolled 13 using 1d20+2. Jump.
Toke moves 2 units.

Tarrov, perhaps you huffed when you shouldn't have. Trinia dives into a tent, but you doubt it's to take a nap.

Selvin and Vaddis,  as you pull yourselves out, Toke suddenly lands lightly on his feet between you. He rushes off, moving faster than either of you think you've seen him running before.


Text Map

Roof with Hole-Balance Beam-Tent City Roof

Tarrov is on the tent city roof. There are fifteen tents. Trinia ducked into tent #3. You reach the tent at the start of the next round.

Toke, roll a Reflex check. Don't fumble it and you will get across the beam just fine. You did see Trinia duck into the tent and will be there at the same time as Tarrov thanks to your go go juice. Assuming you do not fumble the balance beam and fall off, you may join Tarrov at the tent flap at the start of the next round.

Selvin and Vaddis, you will also cross the balance beam. Relfex save. Don't fumble and you'll make it fine. You will not be near the tent as you are just stepping ont the roof.


Standings at the end of round 3:

Toke- 8 Units -Location: Moving across the balance beam
Tarrov-9 Units- Location: Moving into the tent city
Selvin- 8 Units - Location: Balance Beam
Vaddis- 8 Units- Location: Balance Beam
Trinia- 9 Units - Ducked into tent #3

Wearing his armor, his 'balance' sucks. Vaddis falls from the beam to the ground below and lands with a sickening thud!

---

---

Tarrov ran up to the tent into which the girl had disappeared.  He was glad his performance training had included a lot of cardiovascular activity; she was definitely giving them a workout!

"Trinia," he said as he ducked into the tent, trying to talk the girl down from her terror, "we're here to help you.  We want to get you someplace safe.  We can PROTECT you.  That's why we're here!  That's what we do."

---

---

Selvin, you see Vaddis tilt sideways and fall. You wnce as he hits the side pf a building and bounces, landing heavily on  barrell of rainwater and a pimp named Lucious Lucious who was leaning against it.

Tarrov and Toke, you hear Trinia call from what sounds like the back of the tent. "I didn't kill him! And what's your protection gonna cost me? "

Vaddis. 16 points damage. Fortunately Lucious Lucious is soft.

Selvin, you arrive at the tent flap.

Tarrov, make  diplomacy or bluff check. Your call.

HP 20/36

Toke made it across the bridge and stood next to Tarrov. It seemed that Tarrov still wanted to try doing things the easy way, and Toke wasn't about to try to hinder that plan, so he stayed quiet for now.

09:39, Today: Toke rolled 18 using 1d20+5. Reflex for beam.
Whoops sorry about that, mixed up the names
This message was last edited by the player at 17:22, Fri 02 May 2014.

Selvin hesitates and makes sure that Vaddis appears to be moving still, if not uninjured. He winced but gave a nod as the other man started to slowly pick himself up. He waited for Tarrov to continue, knowing the bard was a better speaker.

OOC - Vaddis fell Toke, he's in the street below after landing on Luscious Lucius. You're beside either Selvin or Tarrov.

---

---

"Trinia," Tarrov said, trying to be as calm and reassuring as possible after having run what felt like halfway across the city after the girl.  "Our protection won't cost you anything."  He ducked into the tent and gave the girl a reassuring smile, holding his hands up, palms out.

"We certainly don't want to hurt you.  We want to KEEP you from being hurt.  We want to know what you saw, and we want to make sure everyone in Korvosa knows that you are not the one who killed the King."  He nodded, keeping eye contact with the girl, trying to project an aura of credibility.  "We want to see whoever IS responsible punished, and we know that's not you.  And we want to see the innocent go free, without having to worry about being torn apart by an angry mob.  And that IS you.  Innocent.  Am I right?"

He held out his hand.  "We want to help you.  Let us."

OOC:

11:55, Today: Tarrov Garrick rolled 25 using 1d20+12. Bluff Check.

---

---

The rustling sounds in the tent stop. For a moment everything is quiet. Then, from inside, comes a sob.

Pulling back the tent flap, you can see Trinia standing by the back of the tent, arms crossed across her chest, one hand on her mouth to try to stiffle the sounds of her weeping.

"I didn' do it." She wipes tears of her cheek with the back of her hand and takes a deep breath. "Doesn't matter if you don' believe me. It wasn't me. I just painted a portrait. He was...grabby. But I didn't sleep with him. All we did was talk. He told me abut growing up in the castle. I talked about growing up...well. Here." She waves to indicate all of the Shingles. "We both liked gingerbread. My Mom would make it sometimes. And he had like a whole kitchen full of cooks who made it for him. H gave mea gingerbread cookie when I was done. That was it. Someone said the Queen took the portrait I painted down from the wall it was hung on." She sighs and rubs her eyes. "I'm babbling. I didn't kill him. I don't know why everyone says I did. What am I suposed to do now?"

Vaddis, as you pick yourself up from the barrell-pimp wreckage, you notice a crowd has started to gather. They seem disappointed you're alive. Usually when someone falls from the Shingles, you get to go through their pockets for change.

Vaddis, you can go inside the building here and walk up the stairs to the roof.

Vaddis picks himself up off of the pimp and then looks to see if he is still alive. "Thank you for breaking my fall sir, I hope you aren't hurt too bad. Sorry, I've got to run!" Vaddis heads for the door of the neighboring building and begins climbing the steps.

---

---

Tarrov kept his hands up to indicate the harmlessness of his purpose, moving into the room towards the girl, then kneeling down and taking her hand.  "I know you didn't do it, Trinia.  I KNOW it.  But you can't stay on the run forever.  They'll find you, or the mobs will, and they won't be people who believe in you like I do."

He paused, a sad look on his face.  "This isn't fair for you.  I know that.  You shouldn't have to go through this.  But what you need to do now is take the course of action that is going to get you through to the other side, not only a free woman, but a free woman who isn't looking over her shoulder the rest of her life waiting for an assassin's knife or the cudgel of a royal partisan."

"That's why you should come with me and my friends.  We want to find out who really killed the king; we want to prove your innocence.  But that is difficult to do if you're running, and doubly difficult to do if you're dead.  They want to pin this crime on you.  Don't let them!  Come back with me.  I will guarantee your protection and guarantee that you get a fair trial.  You should know Marshal Kroft's reputation; she's concerned with justice, not railroading you."

He put one hand on top of the other, so that he was holding her one hand with both of his.  He looked at her, sincerity shining in his eyes.  "We're going to get you through this, Trinia.  A free woman.  But you have to let us."

---

---

Vaddis continues to climb the steps to the roof.

Trinia studies Tarrov  then laughs. "Wow. You're good. I thought I was somethin'. But you're over and above." She wipes her eyes. "But you're also right. I just don't wanna die for something I didn't do. Ya know?"

As Vaddis joins you all at the tent flap, she stands. "Okay. I'm in. But one question. How do we get outta here? There's mobs all over the place."

"I'd suggest going a few more buildings over via the roof tops, and wearing a cloak concealing yourself as best you can, then take the most direct route, avoiding the crowds when possible. We'll surround you to keep anyone from getting close enough to recognize you. Maybe carry a shield or something to disguise yourself even better? Thoughts?"

Selvin grinned widely at Trinia. "Ain't he, though? Been travelin' with him a bit an' he's a joy t'watch work sometimes." He let out a chuckle but then turned serious.

"Gents, do we have a minute for me t'summon up my friend? Or do we still need t'stay low-key?"

---

---

"Why thank you, milady."  Tarrov sketched a short bow in response to the girl's commentary.  "I do what I can."  He looked over at his companions.  "And this can't be much of a surprise," the young man grinned back at Selvin, "but I vote we stay low-key.  And I think I have just the thing to help us do it."  He reached into his pack and pulled out the recently-acquired Hat of Disguise.  "I think this will do nicely, don't you?"

The bard turned back to the frightened young woman.  "Okay, Trinia, we are going to get you out of here by just walking right out through the crowd.  How, you ask?"  He smiled and placed the cap on her head.  "By using this.  This hat has magic in it, and will allow us to alter your appearance until you look like someone very different from Trinia the Fugitive Painter.  Here, let me help you with it."

Tarrov worked with Trinia to disguise herself as a relatively non-descript, tough-looking older woman who might have been a mercenary third cousin to Field Marshal Kroft.  "There we go!"  Tarrov said, stepping back and admiring his handiwork.  "What do you gentlemen think?  I think we can just walk back out of here with no one the wiser."

---

---

Vaddis nodded his approval at the new look. "I'll still feel better if you walk in the middle too. No sense in taking any chances."

Toke nodded absentmindedly with Vaddis, his thoughts on Tarrov's previous words. He was never too sure of Tarrov's motives, as his silver tongue was hard to decipher. Toke hoped that Tarrov would stick to the plan and wasn't serious about the whole "finding out who really killed the king" thing. As much as he was a fan of extracurriculars, Toke felt that that job was best left to the lawmen of the area.

Croft frowns when you present Trinia. But then you take off the hat and she nods. "Well done. Novel solution. Alright Miss Trinia. Give me no trouble and you'll be well kept. " She waves at some guards to come and escort the prisoner. Trinia gives you all one backwards pleading glance, but puts up no resistance as she escorted from the room.

Croft watches her and then shakes her head. "Did sh say anything about what happened?"

Trinia said little of consequence on the walk over. She was hored to paint a portrait of the King, winning the bid after she submitted some sketches to the Court Secretary. The King was ill during the sittings. She had to come back several times and he seemed to be getting better as the weeks wore on. He at least got more grabby. But Trinia fended him off tactfully and he seemed fine with that. She hasn't been back to the palace in weeks.

Croft gestures for you to follow her. "Your timing is excellent. I already have another job for you."

She shows you back into the room you last meet her in. There are two elderly men standing there. Though neither of them look like the need help croswing the street.

Toke, Vaddis, and Tarrov know one of the men on sight, though none of you have met him in person. Selvin, you recognize the name. Vecarlo Orisini. The well known duelist. He runs a well known fencing school in Old Korvosa.

The other man you've never heard of, but he has the look of one of the Cinderlanders, the barbarian tribs who live in the wastes to the north. Relations between the City and the Cinderlanders have always been tense. The Chelaxians did drive them off this land to found Korvosa after all.

The old Cinderlander wears a charming shirt decorated with countless small bones. Mostly animal from the look of it. Mostly. A bearskin is draped like a cloak over his thin shoulders and a blood red raven is perched on top of his head. The Cinderlander's eyes are milky white from cataracts.

"You may know Vencarlo already. And this is Thousand Bones. A...priest for the Skon-Quah tribe." She gestures for you to be seated. "We've had a bit of an incident. Thousand Bones is here with a delegation from his people to try to work out our differences. During the riot however, a mob attacked one of his retinue. His grandson to be exact."

She nods at Thousand Bones. He speaks in a suprisingly deep baritone. "My people work very hard to understand your people. But it seems we only find more and more hatred and violence the harder we look. Cowards killed my Grandson on your streets. I do not blame you. But I am afraid my son and his kin are not so tolerant. They wish to return to the north and join the Sklar-Quah in rallying the tribes to war with you. This would not go well for either of us.

Our ways are not your ways. Amends can be made, but it must be done by your tribe."

Croft nods. "His grandson's body was stolen from the scene. We were able to track down the corpse thief. He sold the body to a necromancer named Rolith."

"I have spoken to the spirits. They have told me Gaekhen's body is under your boneyard. In a place called the Dead Warrens. The insult done was not in his being killed. But the body being taken so Gaekhen could not be returned to the Sun and the Sky. I could lead my warriors down to these Warrens and reclaim the body. But that would be taken as an act of agression by your government."

"It would be best if we handled this ourselves," Croft says. "It is only just."

Thousand Bones nods and says nothing else.

Croft leans over her desk and picks up a box. She sets it before Selvin. "For the last job. I will pay the same rate as before. With a bonus if you can be quick. The sooner we can return Gaekhen to his people, the sooner they can honor their dead."

"I believe Trinia to be innocent of the charges against her Marshall Croft. Is there any way I can render assistance in ascertaining who the true guilty party is, and also, if I can be of any aid to further assure her safeguard in the hard times she is about to face?" he says sincerely as way of reassuring her as they escort her out.

Vaddis nods at the conversation with Thousand Bones, never actually committing anything until he hears all.

Selvin smirked a bit at Croft's surprised and then pleased reaction to the disguised and then revealed Trinia. A job well done, he thought. But at Croft's question, he asked in return, "Did you want us to look into that? You had just asked us to retrieve her originally." He shrugged. "But she said she didn't do it." He spared it no more thought for the moment.

At the mention of another job, his eyebrows rose. This was getting to be a permanent position almost with no breaks.

His eyes narrowed a bit as he studied the two men they were shown, and he recognized the one's name. His eyes widened as he heard more and more. Barbarians! Riots! Necromancers! What were they being asked to get into? He was the opposite of excited about this latest job.

He thought for a moment and spoke slowly. "And...assuming we agree...if we find the body has been...desecrated or....animated...you want us to put it down and bring it back to you?" He couldn't think of a more diplomatic way to put that right then.

Croft shakes her head at Vaddis and Selvin's offers . "Thanks, but no. Let the courts do the work. It's what they're supposed to do." She mutters that last line under her breath.

---

Thousand Bones does not flinch at all at Selvin's words. "I hope it does not come to that, but deliver the body. If it...walks...put it down. But tell none of my people about it except myself. I will handle any necessary purifications."

Croft seems to sense the reluctance. "If you can get this one done quickly, there will be a bonus."

Vecarlo smiles. "I'm sure we can place our faith in these men. They have the look of fighters. And fighters never give up."

"My question is is the court going to be fair, or will they railroad an innocent to get a conviction and close the case?"

"I will reluctantly offer my services. It is nothing I relish, but this man needs our help for closure and a threat of necromancy needs to be quelled."

Croft shrugs her shoulders at Vaddis'  question. "We can hope. But I believe justice will be done. If it isn't...well. That would be a sorry world to live in."

---

Thousand Bones bows his head at the Paladin's acceptance. "Know that you have my thanks. And the thanks of my people."

He looks over at Croft. She walks forward and opens the door. "I need to show the ambassador out. Wait a moment. I'll return."

Vecarlo waits until the door is closed and walks over, picking up the wine bottle and holding it aloft. "Who's for a glass? Knowing Croft, she'll have a bottle or two of the good stuff hidden away. If we drink this dry, she'll have to uncork it."

He pours for any and all who want some and then seats himself at your table. "You guys have had it rough lately I take it."

Toke took a seat and helped himself to one of the drinks that Croft left out. He wasn't exactly a fan of working so hard without rest, but hey, pay is pay. He just hoped that after today he would be given at least a little R&R. Toke didn't care for the details of the next job; it sounded like he was going to have to get his hands quite dirty again. He cradled his drink and kept his head down and shrugged an answer. The past few days without his panacea had left him a bit more taciturn than usual.

---

---

Tarrov was troubled by Trinia’s situation.  He had to trust that Kroft would act according to her principles and see justice done, but he was afraid Trinia might see the business end of an assassin’s knife while in custody.  He figured he should say so.

“Marshal Kroft,” the bard said with his hand over his chest, fingers splayed, as he essayed a small bow, “it is our pleasure to help you, and by extension Korvosa.  Yet I am concerned about Trinia’s welfare.  I do not see how that frightened young woman would be able to pull off a royal assassination.  I find it very difficult to believe that she is part of some larger conspiracy, and even more difficult to believe that she had the initiative or will to dispatch the king on her own.”  He forged on, face grim.  “In my opinion, she is being set up as a patsy, and I imagine whoever was truly behind the king’s death would be happy to see Trinia killed.  I hope that you are planning to squirrel her away in a private cell whose location is known only to you and a few trusted lieutenants.”

His piece said, Tarrov followed the Marshal back inside, only to find his jaw dropping open in surprise.  Vencarlo Orsini.  The man was a legend.  His swordsmanship was reputedly unparalleled, and from the one exhibition duel Tarrov had been privileged to watch the man fight the reputation was well deserved. But what is he doing here?  He seemed as unconnected to the troubles currently plaguing Korvosa as it was possible for anyone to be.

The silver-haired young man sketched another bow towards the tribesman as he finished his tale of woe.  “I am very sorry for your loss, Thousand Bones.  And the art of necromancy is a desecration at any time.  The fact that one of those depraved practitioners of the dark arts has purloined your grandson’s remains?  It offends me, both as a right-thinking man and as a Korvosan.”  He nodded to Marshal Kroft.  “I would be happy to assist with the recovery of the young man’s remains.  War is rarely good for anyone.”

Tarrov looked around.  If no one else was going to ask the question, he might as well.  “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Master Orsini.”  He said, trying not to sound too much like a gushing fan.  “I was privileged to witness one of your exhibition duels and, well . . . your swordwork.  Astounding.”  The young man smiled.  “But how is it that you are involved in these matters?”

---

---

Vaddis accepts some wine from Orsini and sits at the table too. "What is your,...interest,..in this matter Master Orsini? Thank you for the wine by the way."

Selvin hesitated at the offer of wine but accepted finally. He took a small sip to start with. Wine wasn't something he was overly familiar with. He had liked to drink but to stretch his money, any alcohol he bought was usually ale. Besides, he wasn't looking to get drunk right now since they had another mission that needed to be done as soon as possible. He listened quietly as others began talking to the swordsman.

"That's a kind thing to say," Vencarlo nods a thanks at Tarrov, "There's better than me in Korvosa and the world. But I do what I can. To your health." He takes a swig than wipes his chin before answering the follow up questions. "Well. I'm sure you all know how it is. When yu live by the sword or spell or song, someone always seems to need your help. In this case it was Thousand Bones. I've had the chance to spend some time with him and his people since they arrived. He came to me after his grandson was killed, looking for advice. I thought of Croft and told him to meet us here at this time. I knew I could count on Croft. She always tries to do what's right."

He looks around the table and blinks. "What about yourselves? Has she been treating you right?"

"She has treated us fairly."

---

---

"And to yours!"  The young man returned the toast of a legend.

"I have no complaints either."  Tarrov dipped his head in accord with Vaddis' statement.  "But I'm concerned about what might happen given the recent . . . instability.  And I'm very concerned about the welfare of that poor accused girl we just brought in.  I think Kroft intends to keep her safe, but I'm unsure if she will be able to back up those intentions.  It seems to me that powers are at work here.  Powers that don't much care what happens to people who get in their way."

The bard waved his hand through the air, smiling as if to dismiss his own concerns.  "But who knows, those may just be the wild imagining of one raised on the dramatic."  He put his glass down and sat back in his chair.  "So, about this mission we've been given.  Is there anything you can add to what Kroft told us that you think might help?"

---

---

He watched first Vencarlo and then Tarrov, with a quick glance at Vaddis as well. He listened to the words flow from the first two like a river. He was glad Tarrov had found someone like himself, someone who liked to talk. Selvin grinned a bit and shrugged. "Fine so far, I suppose."

Vencarlo shakes his head. "Other than the Boneyards are a dangerous place, no. I would warn you to take care, but I don't think that's necessary. You seem a capable lot..." He looks you all over again and then picks up the wine bottle. "More? You mentioned an accused girl. Is it this Trinia people are so worked up about? I agree. It is troubling. There seems to be...I hate to put it like this...but forces at work as of late. And not for the good of the situation. I hear Mr. Kindness is no longer among us. Cheers on that account." He raises his glass to you all. "As for Kroft, she will do what she can to protect the girl. Don't doubt that. But...aye. What will happen at the trial...well. We shall see."

He finishes his glass and stands. "I also believe you did me a good turn. You helped one of my former students. A watch officer named Grau. You came upon him drunk and delivered him to his comrades during the midst of the riots. You have my thanks. Grau has been lost for quite some time. I understand yur kindness has had an effect on him. A good one. So don't despair. Even in the midst of this situation, there is hope. Ah, listen to me. I sound like some character in a bad play." He nods his head to you. "When this is done, come find me at my school. I keep better wine than Kroft does. And I keep plenty of purple potion bottles on hand." He grins at you all. "Be careful out there. Korvosa needs all the heros she can muster at this time..."

Great, Toke grumbled to himself, another talkative one. Toke hoped that Tarrov wasn't about to talk them into some kinda pro bono adventure, but Toke let the men speak. His eyes narrowed at the man's words. He didn't like all this hero talk, he didn't want to isolate what few contacts he had left by sounding like a goody-two-shoes. Still, at least the money supply didn't seem to be dwindling any time soon. Toke felt the weight of his pay in his pockets. If it wasn't for the ever present danger and the exhaustive hours, he would have kicked himself for not being a "hero" sooner.

Vaddis nods at what Orsini said but sits quietly in contemplation.

Vencarlo nods his goodbyes nd leaves through the door.

(Anybody want to do anything before we head to the Boneyard? If so post it. Otherwise, we'll move to the new thread tomorrow. Thanks.)