In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 320):

"That...is not a terrible idea," Brennan replies. "Where would you be able to take me that is close, secure, and plausible? The goal being to wait until nightfall?"

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 321):

Titus taps his nose.

I know right....

Dunno where to take you, but if anyone does it will be Burke.  Geller is too stupid to pull something like this off.

Titus shakes off his Brennan disguise and looks pointedly at Deev.

Deev, you're to tell me if I every try anything this stupid again.

Since we don't seem to know exactly what the inquisitors are after or how to leverage that to our means I think we need to change the rules of the game.

How much time do we have left?

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 322):

we should still have a little more than an hour before I am missed

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 323):

Then I don't have any time to waste. 

Titus runs off in search of his underground connections.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 324):

Without too much trouble, Titus is able to slip out of the city and find his new 'friends' in the shantytown.

It takes almost all of the allotted time before Brennan is due back, but he sets up his hair-brained scheme.

OOC: It is up to Brennan to position himself such that the scheme can work.

OOC: I will want to know what Brennan takes with him on said scheme.

In reply to GM (msg # 325):

At the appointed time, Brennan sets off for the appointed place. He carries with him all of his inventory, as it needs to look like he is on his way to meet up with the Inquisitor as promised and it would look suspicious if he didn't have items like his purse, rucksack, or bow.

He assumes (or at least firmly hopes) that Titus has told his men not to break or steal his stuff during the kidnapping process. If Titus suggests that Brennan give a portion of his wealth or items to Titus for safe keeping prior to being snatched just in case Burke et al take a cut before delivery, he will abide by that suggestion.

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 326):

Brennan collects his things for travel, including the stolen Inquisition gear (OOC I presume that is included since you were supposed to have it).

Shortly before he is to meet with the Inquisitor, Brennan finds himself in a relatively secluded area between an outhouse and a weaver's hut.

A sudden shout catches his attention, and he turns about just in time to be grabbed around the middle by strong arms from another direction.  Instinctively, he gives a shout, but is cut off by a solid blow to the head.

Dazed, but not unconscious, Brennan is quickly hog-tied and yanked through the mud for some feet before being hoisted across two sets of broad shoulders.

"muhh..." he is able to get out before a hammy palm finds his face.

Brennan keeps quiet after that.

Titus, from his vantage point, is able to watch Brennan being carted away by four men and stashed in a random home at the edge of the town (within the city walls, the guards wouldn't let them wander out with a hostage).

Titus also notes at least one filthy urchin peeking out from an alley and then dash away.

In reply to GM (msg # 327):

"It is time," the Inquisitor notes pointedly to the Master of Arms.

"Your guards will now lock the city gates.  No entry or exit without my permission."

In reply to Inquisitor (msg # 328):

Titus smiles as he sees the orphan.  He then makes himself very visible dashing from Person to person asking if they have seen Brennan.  He adds details as he talks to people putting the idea in their heads.  Acting completely panicked, and slowly building up a web of a cult kidnapping out of a play.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 329):

It is not long before Titus is approached by a pair of city guards, and told to follow.

In reply to GM (msg # 330):

Have you seen Brennan?!

Titus asks bewildered as he follows them.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 331):

"No idea who that is," the guard admits.  "Master of Arms said to find you at once."

The guards heft their spears and lead Titus through the town to the small storehouse of the Master of Arms, indicating for him to enter while they remain outside.

In reply to GM (msg # 332):

The other Southron inspector.  He's disappeared.

Titus looking around for his new nemesis, large sacks of flour... enters the door.  He tiptoes into the room looking harried and looks around the room.

Have you seen Brennan?  I've been looking all over for him.  I've been hearing... disturbing... rumors. 

He asks quickly and with concern in his voice.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 333):

The guards shrug.  "None of my business what happens to him," one answers.

The pair wait at half-attention beside the door, leaving Titus to gaze about the inside of the small building.

There is a table, chairs, and some odd arms about the main room.  The secondary room is a small cell for keeping prisoners, but it is currently empty.

A 2-pound sack of flour sits under a stool beside the door.  Likely it is not planning anything, but Titus keeps his eye on in nonetheless.

Titus does not have to wait long before the sunlight is blocked by a figure dressed in white.

In reply to GM (msg # 334):

"You are Titus," the toneless voice drawls without hint of question.

"Take a seat.  I have questions for you."

In reply to Inquisitor (msg # 335):

Titus walks in and on realizing the figure is not Brennan he looks increasingly perturbed.

I have questions for you. 

He quips back.

What have you done with Brenan?  He has disappeared and I've been hearing... distressing rumors. 

Titus leans on a wall and looks around for any exits other than the door or features of the room that would provide a strategic advantage.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Sat 29 Dec 2018.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 336):

The room is extremely simple.  The back wall is covered in weapons and equipment, the center dominated by a large table.

There is one doorway out and no windows.  There is a metal grate covering a side portion (currently unlocked and ajar) to form a cell.

In reply to GM (msg # 337):

The Inquisitor ignores Titus' questions.

"You have traveled with Brennan for some time.  Do you know where he is now?"

OOC: naturally, there will be some dice involved if you don't want to answer truthfully.

In reply to Inquisitor (msg # 338):

Titus collects himself for the inquisitors benefit...

I have traveled with him for some time.  He was, convenient, and good for business.

I've been looking for him for nearly half an hour now.  I was going to say goodbye before he left for the citadel.  Nobody has seen him and I have been hearing rumors of violence, scarifice, and kidnapping. 

/OOC: I never tell anything but the truth.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 339):

"Brennan told you he was going to the citadel?  When?  How was he dressed?"

In reply to Inquisitor (msg # 340):

He told me that he was going to be leaving my group and traveling with you.  Tried to talk him out of it but....

Like I said, he was good for business, and good to have on the road, a great hunter.  I was sad to see him go but I'm not going to force someone to travel with me if they don't want to.

He shrugs.

He was dressed like... well... Brennan, in his standard traveling attire.  He requested to take some of the gear in our store... he left with a pretty decent sized sack... I haven't done exact inventory of what he had with him just yet. But looks like there may have been one of the swords and some other odds and ends, he moved like it was damn heavy though.


What do you want with him?

Also, I always heard Inquisitors travel with a Paladin, but so far I hear you're alone.

Where's your paladin?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Wed 02 Jan 2019.

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 341):

The Inquisitor remains silent for some time.

"You will remain here in custody until I have located Brennan.  In such time, if you can provide information, it will be looked upon as a favorable indication of your support."

The Inquisitor raises one arm slowly, pointing at the cell that makes up one portion of the room.

"Enter the cell and close the door behind you."

In reply to Inquisitor (msg # 342):

I will provide what information I am able.  I am certain you have heard of the strange happenings around this town?  Haven't you?

Sometimes stories are just stories... but these are the dangerous kind of story... one with a trail of bodies.

He studies the posture of the inquisitor for a moment as if he is looking through the mask... his lips part in a twist of a small smile.

I'm not the first one to say this to you am I?

There are things happening in this town that require an inquisitor, and its nothing to do with me, or Brennan.  I've tried to put pieces together but I lack knowledge... knowledge that you should have.  There is an opportunity for you to do good in this town and the way to go about it is not to arrest me.  Enlist me as an ally.

Titus cocks an eyebrow and shakes his head slowly back stiffening hackles raising as he is ordered into the cell.

Nuh uhn.

He harrumphs at the inquisitor.

I will not be locking myself in.  I will remain here peacefully if you ask it.
 Though I beg you while you are out on your daily business listen to the stories of this town.  There is more to those tales than idle chatter.  Speak to the Master at Arms regarding what has happened

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 343):

"You do lack knowledge," the Inquisitor agrees.

"You claim to have searched for Brennan and failed.  The opportunity is to provide me with any information you can, as you are the last to admit to seeing Brennan."

The Inquisitor steps back from the door and shuts it with Titus inside.

Titus will clearly hear him tell the guards to keep the door shut until he returns and open it for none other.

Although unseen, it is possible the Inquisitor is also employing a sack of flour.

In reply to Inquisitor (msg # 344):

...and people call me arrogant.

Titus mutters under his breath.

The last I spoke to him was when he was leaving the tavern, presumably to go meet you.  I had to go run an errand... and now the town is rife with rumors of kidnapping by some kind of cult.  There are strange goings on in this town, Inquisitor.

Titus recounts some of the rumors that were started.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:27, Thu 03 Jan 2019.