I sit quietly while Johannes does the talking and listen closely. I pay close attention to Alldyde to try to sense his true motives and feelings. I sit eerily still, almost in a meditation trying to gather my thoughts and determine our best plan for escape.

[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Herr Johannes; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: 01:00, Today: Secret Roll:
Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Spot check, to see where our gear is.

Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Spot check, equipment of Alldyde and pirates he is with.

Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 14 using 1d20+5. Sense motive, Alldyde.]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:07, Tue 14 July 2015.

In reply to Mikael Vaeltaja (msg # 124):

Trapper sat still, knees to the pavement. Thinking his own dark little thoughts. Why they had been brought before Alldyde himself, the ranger could not say. Instead he just glared a the pirate lord, and a the men surrounding him. Trapper knew that the time to flee would be later. A single sillable as bright as daylight crossed his mind. Zin. Although he could not put all his faith in the man. For all he knew he could be dead. Or have no idea they got captured. Or booked it because fuck loyalty. He was a sellsword after all. Now here he was, trapped with a dottling aristocrat, a clumsy priest, a little chained up sneak, a grumpy dwarf, a rampaging paladin, a woman who was way out of his league, and the godsdamn pirate lord of Herrod himself. The little puppet master and string puller. Needless to say, the Half Orc was not happy. As the Paladin tries to convince the pirate lord to trade information for their release briefly closes his eyes, unbelieving that Alldyde will go for it, having all the leverage. There is nothing to be said here.

Dwalin stands in silence observing his captors

, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 8 using 1d20+7. Knowledge adventure .
06:58, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 21 using 1d20+7. Knowledge adventure .
06:58, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Knowledge adventure .
06:58, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 15 using 1d20+7. Knowledge adventure .

Alldyde patiently listened to Herr Johannes' proposition. His face remained impassive, even grim, while doing so, narrowing his eyes on Herr Johannes. The coldness of both his demeanor and those dark eyes sent unnerving chills through the party. When Herr Johannes had finished speaking, Alldyde did not immediately respond but remained silent, contemplating. After a few moments passed, Alldyde finally spoke, "I have thoroughly considered your proposal, and have decided on a counter-offer." He glanced over his shoulder where the mob of pirates watched attentively, waiting, and in the most casual tone uttered the following: "Hang him."

"What?" Herr Johannes cried in response. At Alldyde's terse command, four men instantly sprang from the mob and seized Herr Johannes by the arms and dragged him forth. The party of prisoners was stunned, and dismayed at their inability to move or aid him. Herr Johannes wriggled in his shackles against the men who were restraining his shoulders and legs; with cruel efficiency, they dragged him from the room and into the far hall. Herr Johannes' grunts of struggling changed to holy verses of wrath and fury, and, following the sound of a distant door slamming shut, the sound of his voice ceased entirely.

[Private to not Herr Johannes: "You can always tell who's going to be a problem right away," said Alldyde as he turned back toward the prisoners, having calmly watched the previous scene. "Now, where was I?" At the end of the row, Imbellem stuttered an incoherent word, aghast, while the rest of the party was momentarily stunned. "Ah yes," said Alldyde as he resumed his stream of thought. "Who are you?"

Alldyde slowly paced before the row of prisoners, making a careful study of their faces. No one hastened to speak. After reaching the end of the line, Allyde took at step back from them. His eyes remained fixed on them, pensive, as he spoke aloud, "Gage." "Sir?" the large, tattooed pirate replied, stepping forth from the mob of pirates. "What do you think? Any ideas?" Alldyde asked. From Alldyde's expression, one could tell he had already made a few conclusions; he seemed now to be testing his officer. Gage seemed slightly nervous, but he responded promptly, "If I were to make a guess sir, I'd say they have something to do with that girl who was snooping around here a few days back." "Very probable," Alldyde corroborated. This reply put Gage at ease.

Alldyde continued, "That was Elora, one of Kelden Delcor's stooges. Maybe we didn't give her enough of that Kniju Powder." "We gave her quite a lot sir," Gage commented. "That girl left a babbling idiot." Alldyde took a moment to think. "Hmm. Maybe its not as effective as we thought then. Those witch doctors on Noanatu exaggerate. We've used that, what, twice now? And twice they've retained some of their memory." Alldyde lightly chuckled at a private joke. "Heh – we got that stupid powder so no one would come looking for a dead body, keep attention off us, but we still keep getting fools down here. Egh. I suppose it doesn't matter at this point anymore."

He gazed at each face among the party of prisoners. His voice grew cold once more. Stolid, he spoke directly to them, "Now, you know the question. You can either speak, or I cut off your fingers. Your choice."]

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer: Dwalin
Knowledge Adventure ~ Both Barnett and Gage are of Overpowering difficulty. Barnett appears to be a Rogue/Fighter mix while Gage is a pure fighter. The former appears adept at moving around a battle, while the latter focuses on hitting hard, very hard. However, Alldyde is a mystery. Who or what he is is entirely unknown, but his difficult is nonetheless Impossible.]

[Private to Mikael Vaeltaja: Mikael
Spot ~ Your gear is nowhere to be seen.
Sense Motive ~ It's difficult to tell what this man is thinking, but there is a strange hunger for power in his eyes.]

[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Imbellem
Spot ~ You gear is nowhere to be seen.
Knowledge Local ~ You've haven't heard of Alldyde, save from the whispers of Elora.
Sense Motive ~ There was a strange mix of reactions to the news of Jacqueline's parentage amongst the pirates. Some smirked, knowing a cruel fate might await her. Some were surprised, not knowing what to think. And others, including Barnett, appeared shocked in another, indiscernible way.]

[Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: Jacqueline
Spot ~ Your gear is nowhere to be seen.
Knowledge Local ~ In the past, you've heard Alldyde's name before among the streets. He was apparently a high-ranking pirate among the pirates of Herrod. But beyond this, you new little of him, nor can you imagine how he attained his current position. There was something very unusual concerning him, something unseen.
Sense Motive ~ When the pirates heard you were the daughter of Red Jack, there was a strange mixture of reactions. Some smirked, leading you to think there was a cruel fate awaiting you. Others seemed simply shocked, that they could never have imagined Red Jack had any living family, nor how to feel about it if he did. But in a handful, you saw something else – a kind of awe. Even in Barnett's face, you saw that strange shock, and, maybe, a tinge of regret and sorrow.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:38, Fri 17 July 2015.

Woah woah...
[Private to not Herr Johannes: "Woah woah hang on, no!" Imbellem shouted as they dragged Johannes to a far room and closed the door with a rather disheartening thump. Should the situation be different, he would have pointed out the fact that he made a rather impressive and accidental pun. "This is my fault just wait let me explain!" The cold eyes of the pirate lord looked nonchalantly toward the cleric. "Mister Ad... Adil... Adderall..." Imbellems mind was frantic, he simply could not remember the sinister mans name, "Mister pirate lord-sir!" He finished babbling. "Excuse Johannes' words, he simply wanted our safety, please refrain from punishing him. Im the reason we are here in the first place." His voice slowed down as he continued speaking and now had the lords attention.

  "I would have had no idea who you were if you didnt present yourself as a Pirate Lord, Ive only been here a short time, im new to the area, but you are right; the reason we are here is indeed because of Elora. I uh..." Imbellems voice trailed off and he became slightly embarrassed, "She um... Caught my fancy I suppose. That may be why I noticed how wrong something was. The harder i pressed, the more i realized something was wrong. She told us that this place could help her, so I proposed we come here so i could try to help her. I had no idea what this place was, I was simply pulling these fellows along for the ride as I tried to impress a fine woman. Selfish of me, and unfair to them, They shouldnt have to pay for this. We had no idea what this seemingly common warehouse when we set out, the presence of pirates was a surprise to us all, and simply fought in self-defense... for the loss of your men I apologize, sincerely." Imbellem spoke and the room was silent, making him feel slightly more on edge.

  "This is my fault, if anyone needs to be hung its me, please let them go, its not their fault." a small jingle could be heard behind the clerics back. "Oh also if i may-ALLDYDE!" He shouted as he remembered the pirates name, "Im sorry sir, im not used to these situations... Im very nervous... Please dont remove any fingers... Ive grown rather fond of mine. My name is Imbellem Teuri, and the man you tooks name is Herr Johannes. I wont speak for the others but please consider my words. If any punishment need be dished out, let me take the blame and let them go. It was my own blind selfish thoughts that led us here... Dont hang him, hes a good man. All be it rather bold and stubborn... but a good man who only meant well for the rest of us." The cleric looked up though his messy hair up at the frightening man.

 

"also if you could not punish me, or any of us at all... That would be swell I think" he added with a painfully nervous chuckle.

]

[Private to DM Ryan: Imbellem Tueri rolled 11. Diplomacy check, reason with Alldyde]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:38, Fri 17 July 2015.

Jacqueline said...
[Private to not Herr Johannes:"Lord Alldyde," Jacqueline said dryly, rubbing her neck cautiously. "This is Mikael," she gestured to the elf, and then to Adwonus, "Trapper, and Dwalin," she next nodded to the quieted dwarf. Imbellem she glared at for a moment as a warning to calm down. "Lastly, Imbellem. There are your introductions... So.. Some nerve you have in pushing us around. Especially if this has anything to do with something you seek of us." She glares at the pirates around her, the fierceness of blood searing through her veins. "If you dare hurt Johannes, the friend you took..." She swallowed, regaining her voice a little more. "Well, you don't want to see me unhappy."

(Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 17 using 1d20. Intimidate Check.)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:37, Fri 17 July 2015.

[Private to not Herr Johannes: Lanterns flickered around the edge of the chamber, illuminating the underground warehouse as bright as day. On the periphery, a man could be seen walking alongside the walls and changing out the wicks and oil. Not that the party noticed, for their attention was fixated on Alldyde, the Pirate Lord, and the mob of men encircling them. Most of the pirates stood while a few others sat on crates, however, their eyes ubiquitously remained glued on the prisoners. The party had been shackled and forced to kneel, and their knees ached severely on the hard, stone floor.

Moments after Herr Johannes had been dragged away, possibly to his death, Imbellem burst into a kind of plea. His nervous explanations and apologies almost surprised the pirates, even causing several to laugh. Alldyde stood before him and listened. When Imbellem had finished, Gage spoke, "You hear that boys? Sounds like the lad's in love." There was a low chuckling among the pirates. "He's not in love," countered Alldyde. The chuckling stopped, not wishing to show disrespect.  Alldyde looked at Imbellem as he spoke. "Love is something built, with depth. If you're new, you likely met the girl while she was mindless, which means your infatuation is entirely superficial. That's not love. 'Caught your fancy' was the phrase he used – that's better." "Aye Sir," Gage agreed, obligated to do so. It was strange, for that was the first time that the party detected a trace of passion in Allyde's speech, which was otherwise stolid and cold. Imbellem gazed upward at the Pirate Lord and anxiously muttered, "That- that was some pretty sage advice, er, observation, or something like that." Alldyde smirked. "You're a pathetic one. You may live yet. Or not. I have yet to decide. Your companion's fate, however, is certain."

Upon hearing this, Jacqueline spoke up, making a curt introduction and finally a tacit threat. When she was finished she saw, to her satisfaction, more than a few nervous glances between pirates among the mob, no doubt because of who she was, and who she might know. Alldyde, who remained unmoved, approached her and smiled. "You're bold. More bold than your father Red Jack ever was that's for sure." Alldyde spoke loudly as he continued, "Did you know that under Red Jack, the pirates of Herrod became the weakest they had ever been? When we rose to power, more than 50 damn years ago, we were gods of this duchy. There wasn't a thing anyone did without our say so. But over the last 20 years, the city of Herrod has been growing faster than ever, with more businesses than we dare count. Where we used to have a monopoly and complete control, other men started to slip in, men like Celus Larlben, who would push out our holdings at every turn. Truly, the age of pirate rule was facing death, one that was gradual and slow and certain. Even that wretched Duke Steyus started to ignore us, thinking he could make demands of us! US! All under Red Jack's reign." As Alldyde spoke, Jacqueline was confused as to why he would take the time to explain all this to her, for Alldyde did not seem like the type to lecture needlessly. But then she realized that it wasn't for her sake he was speaking – he was speaking for the sake of his men, the pirates! Her attempt at intimidation must've hit a nerve, for now, Alldyde was going to great lengths to counter it, to remind his men where they stand and why.

He continued, "It's because Red Jack was so weak that we fell so far from our former status. He was not fit to be Pirate Lord, to do what was necessary. But I am." He glared with unnerving intensity at Jacqueline, "Unlike him, I have a plan. One that will not only put us on top again, but that will keep us in power, forever."

Alldyde suddenly gestured to his men, "Take them away to the cells. And make sure they're comfortable. We wouldn't want them to feel ...mistreated." The party of prisoners hardly had time to turn their heads before sacks were shoved over them from behind, and, once again, the world went dark...]

[Private to Herr Johannes: After a moment of prayer, Herr Johannes stood and grasped the bars of his cell; they were cold to the touch this far underground. He and Buddy were confined in what was truly a metal cage, built into the stone walls of the Pirate Complex. He shook the bars and door, but the didn't move even slightly. Still, he refused to lose hope.

Herr Johannes spoke to Buddy, mentioning some ideas of escape. Buddy listened and replied, "You mean wrestle them down when they come for us?" He shook his head. "It'd be hard. And there are worse things getting hung ya know. That might lead to one of them. And if you're thinking of fighting out of here, then you definitely will die this day. If we ever got out, it'd have to be by stealth – slip through the halls and out the nearest exit! And for goodness sake, don't get caught." When Herr Johannes mentioned the drop, Buddy chuckled, "Well that explains the delay. Hah! Ol' Gin is one of the mechanics, lazy bastard; for once I'm glad he'd so lazy. Well, I at least I know I have an hour or two left, and with decent company." Buddy lounged back on the wooden bench and rested his head. He closed his eyes but continued speaking, "There are worse ways to go. I know cause I've seen quite a few. At least a hanging is quick, if it snaps the neck like it should. And the body don't look too bad after."

Suddenly, Buddy sat up on the edge of the bench and perked his head. "What is it?" Herr Johannes asked. "I hear something," said Buddy. "Some folks are coming. And there's a lot of them too..."


Spot & Listen ~ You don't roll these.
Knowledge Adventure ~ Buddy is a Fighter and Rogue of Challenging difficulty. He appears very adept at moving around the battlefield and being mobile. His skinny arms depict a swordsman focus on hitting the right places rather than hard.
Search ~ Between the stone and iron, you don't find much of interest at the moment, but your time was cut short by the approaching footsteps.
Knowledge History ~ It was around 50 years ago when the first pirate declared himself a Pirate Lord and openly in control of a duchy. Of the eight duchies that comprise Perdane, Herrod was undoubtedly one of the first. No doubt the Aqueducts beneath the docks served as an early hideout, before the pirates became the powerful organizations they are today; and it grew as their wealth increased. (to learn more, see: Lore – Perdane!)]


For a few minutes, they felt themselves naked. Their clothes were stripped away and, still blind, were forced to don new garments: a roughspun shirt and trousers. Jacqueline grieved when they none-too-softly removed the pins from her hair; however, the status of who she was must have had some effect, for they afforded her more leniency than the others. A couple pirates bickered at one point. "Take 'er shoes." "Nah, you. You 'eard 'er. I don't want to be on Jack's bad end if 'e e'er comes back." "Don't be craven!" "Well, let's see you!" "Er, uh, egh. Forget it. She's a woman, she can 'ave shoes for pity's sake." So, whereas the rest of the party became barefoot, Jacqueline alone kept her shoes – and the bootknife therein...

With forceful prods and pushes, the prisoners were guided through the halls of the pirate complex, which took an incredibly long time. They couldn't keep track of how long they had been walking, but their feet had become sore by the end; this place was massive. Finally, after hearing the unlocking of several doors, they ceased moving. The bags on their heads were lifted off, and, after seeing where they were, briefly wished they were back on. It was a prison.

In a long, stone room, four cells made of iron bars stood, built into the walls. Of the many pirates who escorted them, one slid open a door to the largest cell. The shackles of the prisoner were removed one by one, and they were immediately shoved into the cell. When the last of their party was inside, the barred-door slid shut and was locked. The pirates chuckled as they departed. And then they were gone.

Adwonus leaned on the bars, looking grouchy, while Dwalin sat on the single wooden bench inside. Mikael rested against the stone wall, "I sure wonder what happened to Herr Johannes." "I'm over here," Herr Johannes replied. The jolt of lightning shot through the party as they realized the cell next to them was occupied by two figures! One was a man with black, ragged hair, with a goatee and mustache of the same color, while the other was Herr Johannes! He had also been stripped to plain clothes and barefoot, looking in similar condition to themselves.

Jacqueline cried out with joy, "Johannes! Your not dead!" "No, I'm not." Herr Johannes replied. "And I'm determined to keep it that way."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:36, Fri 17 July 2015.

[...contingent messages from earlier..]

"Here, let me show you..." Pyrra said.

Jacqueline gathered her guard, but watched. She had little else but to trust her inmates. If they tried anything here, well... they'd all die together. Hoping it was a key, or some kind of means of a map, she awaited.

[Private to Herr Johannes:
21:56, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Reflex Save.
22:11, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Sense Motive. Pyrra. NATURAL 20.
22:11, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 17 using 1d20+5. Knowledge Local. Buddy.]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:13, Tue 21 July 2015.

This last statement from the all too foreign elf woman sent a cold shiver down the clerics spine as flashbacks to a crumpled, seemingly dead Jacqueline from earlier flashed in his head and played on repeat. He saw the blood pool so clearly in his mind, it was as if were happening before him again. Being behind his rogue friend and slightly taller, his messy almost 'crazy' hair seemed to only expose his eyes, which were fixed upon Pyrra, watching her every move. He moved closer to Jacqueline, extending branded hand toward her arm and awaited Pyrras next move, eyes locked and glare so sharp it could almost be used to cut though the iron bars that held them. He watched his friend die once, and was not about to allow it to happen again.

[Should a blade be pulled, Imbellem pulls Jacqueline back behind him and raises arms to defend, should it be harmless, he releases a sigh of relief.]

[Private to DM Ryan: Pyrra is now on Imbellems watch list, because of both Mikael and Jacqueline, and I would like a constant spot check rolled on her to keep an eye on her. Imbellem now has an overprotective outlook toward Jacqueline and tries his best to keep her in sight at all times, to keep her from danger as much as possible, even at risk of his own health.

2 other knowledge rolls, but I can't copy paste nice on my phone... 13 dungeneering and 4 local on the powder

Imbellem Tueri rolled 16 Sense motive Pyrra, strange or malicious intent.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 9 Sense motive Buddy.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 14 Knowledge local Buddy]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:56, Tue 21 July 2015.

In reply to Imbellem Tueri (msg # 132):

Trapper pricked up his ears at Pyrra's words. He grinned a little, waiting for what she had to show him.

I think back on the events that have happened with Alldyde's response to my offer.

"Well, you all have to give me credit, I may have been sent here, but I told Alldyde nothing. {grins slyly}

Anyways...

Wait, what do you have Pyrra? A weapon? A key?!

Is it the letter I found on that yellow coat? It seemed to go missing strangely, perhaps I dropped it, though unlikely. Did anyone pick it up by chance?"

My statement comes without accusation, but more of a matter of fact, even an offer, to give her an out, even if she did take it. [Private to GM: If she took it, she could use my offered excuse to not fall from our good graces for now.]

"You know, I just realized, Trapper, have you and Pyrra been friends a while?"

[Private to DM Ryan: My calmness is in no way laziness. On the contrary, I am poised to shout a warning to my friends, and insults and accusations if she were to draw on them, such as 'Why was Adwonus working with you at the same time we were contracted as his partners?! Why were you the one to kill Larlben, when we did not even know you were our ally?!' It is a calculated move. If she attacks, the statement of my knowledge may throw her off.]

"Oh, and yeah Buddy, try to keep it among those we trust. Jaqcueline is not lying, she is his daughter. The veritable princess of the pirates you might say. She would be a great person to dethrone Alldyde the usurper! Don't you agree? One day, we will see..." I say this last phrase with a raised eyebrow

I consider about the powder mentioned for a moment as well.
[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja: {all knowledge checks that apply that I have.
Knowledge Religion, Nobility/Royalty, History, Adventure, Arcona.
I am rolling the arcana, the others I was not sure if they apply even, leaving that up to you Ryan
00:41, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Knowledge (Arcana), on powder mentioned; MQ.}]

"Does anyone have any other ideas about this powder or the people who make it or the plans of Alldyde? Like if Alldyde is not making an effort for the Lordship, then what? Trapper, did you have any insight on this? I know you had some hunch about this before, seems like it is being confirmed>"

[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:
{ORDERS: Dwalin - roll a knowledge adventure on Buddy and Pyrra if you can.
To all with applicable skills please:
Knowledge local on Buddy, Sense motive on Pyrra...}]

{Can people with the appropriate skills/knowledges applicable make checks on Alldyde and his plans- but especially the powder he mentioned and the people Buddy mentioned.}

[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja: 1]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:44, Tue 21 July 2015.

Prison chat

I stand against the wall, thinking on everything we have learned. In particular thinking of Alldyde's intentions and what he could possibly be planning. "Alldyde might not want to be the Duke, perhaps he just wants to make sure that the Duke is something that he can control. He would be in power without a lot of the politics." I think to myself, "Whatever his plans may be, we need to get out of here.

I look to Imbellem, trying to come up with some kind of plan. "Imbellem, you think you'd be able to pull off a smoke screen? That'd give us the kind of cover we would need to get out of here."

Dwalin suddenly wakes up from his nap."I guess the past few hours really took it out of me. So what is our best bet for getting out of here" He also notices the new face among them and studies him

05:12, Today: Dwalin Grayhammer rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Knowledge adventure .
This message was last edited by the player at 09:12, Tue 21 July 2015.

Herr Johannes grasped the iron bars of the cell which separated him from his friends. He wondered how far they were underground now, and if the streets of the Bazaar above had come to life yet. "It must be close to dawn by now."

The imprisoned party conversed between their cells. They were alone in this elongated, stone room, and they had no idea when (or if) the pirates would return for them soon. But although they were burdened by uncertainty, they didn't lose hope. They spoke of escape.

Buddy sniggered at the ideas, but it was a not a disparaging laugh; it was the laugh of despair, of a man who had already lost hope. He was a man who had accepted death. "Not much chance of getting out of here," he began. His black hair was ragged, and the stubble of a beard had crudely mixed with what was once a mustache and goatee. He must've been in here for at least a few days. "I'm the best thief this side of Perdane, but even I can't pick the locks. Right now, we're somewhere under the north side of the Bazaar; it's hard to say since this room is far from any of the exits. The base is a labyrinth, since it was built on the old Aqueducts, though some parts are used a lot more than others. Unless someone comes and just hands us the key – like that's going to happen – I don't see a real chance of escape. Maybe, just maybe, you can escape when you're at the noose where you could make a dive for the sewers (where they dump the bodys after), but then of course, there's the rope around your neck..."

Buddy laid back down on a wooden bench in the cell he shared with Herr Johannes and closed his eyes. He wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Herr Johannes took a deep breath, his face stern, and said, "Well, I have no intention of giving up. The Lord will see us through this. I know it."

They continued speaking, on what they had seen and heard, and it wasn't until Jacqueline spoke of her identity that Buddy opened his eyes again. He looked at her without getting up. "Well, I never... I've heard the tale of Red Jack's family and how they died. And frankly, I'm not sure if I believe you are who you say you are. All that was before my time. But if it's true, your father was one hell of a guy." He closed his eyes once more.

As they continued speaking once again, Pyrra stood in the shadows of the cell, not participating until the very end. She was contemplating matters heavily; if she was to escape this prison, she was determined to figure it out on her own. Finally she mentioned that she had slipped something into the prison, and the party gave her their utmost attention. She spoke to Adwonus, "Trapper, can you stand in front of me a second." Adwonus stepped between her and the party. After a moment, she walked from behind him with a small cylinder-shaped thing in her hand. With delicate fingers, she unrolled it, into an envelope – the same envelope they had earlier found on the yellow-coated pirate!

"Needless to say, I took it from you," she said Herr Johannes without making the effort to lie. "But if I hadn't, we wouldn't have it now." As she spoke, Imbellem leaned toward Mikael and whispered in his ear, "Where was she keeping that?" "Whatever you do, don't ask," Mikael whispered back. The party gathered closer to her; Herr Johannes pressed his face against the bars, trying to get a closer look from his own cell.

Pyrra opened the envelope and pulled out a letter from within. She handed it to Adwonus. "Now, let's see what this has say..."





[Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: Jacqueline
Sense Motive ~ She doesn't appear to have an ulterior motive beyond her own, which is to see what the letter says while she has the chance. You can tell that the contents of the letter caused her some serious distress, even though her expression remained the same; she see's that she is failing... You see fear.
Knowledge Local ~ You heard of Buddy! He's well known among the circles of thieves and street-dwellers as a pirate and thief. Rumor has it he can break into most any place, being able to make expert use of walls and objects. Apparently an iron cage is an exception to that.]

[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Imbellem
Sense Motive ~ She doesn't appear to have an ulterior motive beyond her own, which is to see what the letter says while she has the chance.
Knowledge Local ~ You heard of Buddy! He's well known among the circles of thieves and street-dwellers as a pirate and thief. Rumor has it he can break into most any place, being able to make expert use of walls and objects. Apparently an iron cage is an exception to that.]

[Private to Herr Johannes: Herr Johannes
Knowledge Arcana ~ You haven't heard of Kniju Powder before, but then, you aren't too familiar with the strange and savage cultures of Noanatu.
Knowledge Nobility/Royalty – 18 ~ The Hilitas family is an old and very large noble family spread across East Perdane. They have so many branches and distant cousins that it'd be difficult to keep track of who's who.]

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer: Dwalin
Knowledge Adventure ~ You can tell Buddy is a Fighter/Rogue of Challenging Difficulty. Based on his thin figure, he undoubtedly focus on being very mobile and using a light weapon. He seems adept at moving in very difficult situations, having many skill tricks up his sleeve.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:31, Tue 21 July 2015.

     After listening to Buddy I respond to him and the group.
I would think, in order to escape, we would not wait to jump until we had the rope around our neck. It would be quite important to jump before that point. Oh, and Jacqueline is telling the truth about whose daughter she is. But anyways...

Dwalin, can you tell how deep we are? Can you tell how thick these walls are. I know Dwarves have sort of a sense about being underground.

     After considering some of my background studies about things spoken of and contained in the letter, I inform the group of my discoveries. "Unfortunately, I don't recall Kniju Powder in any of my recent studies of the arcane. However, I do remember the noble family mentioned in that letter. They might have been the perfect family for Alldyde to have selected. They are a large family with many distant cousins and relatives spread across east of Perdane. The family has been around for a long time and are so numerous and spread out that it would be difficult to keep track of who is who."

"Well, it seems Alldyde is definitely well informed, better informed than most I would guess. This does answer alot of my questions though, yet brings up many more questions, the next step in the process I suppose... {Questions like:}
Hmm, final delivery... I consider to myself, what does this mean?
Do you think the warehouse mentioned is the same one we almost burned down?
It sounds like this has been going on for months?!
Well, I am glad we can say that we made sure this man failed Alldyde, hehe. I take satisfaction in that, even with our lot here. I nod and grin at the realization of our, perhaps minor, but none the less definite, 'wrench' we threw into Alldydes plans. "Hehe, glad to mess up Alldyde's plans, even if only a little.

I would like to highlight briefly to you all that the letter itself specifies that Kelden is unaware that the pirates are behind this.

quote:

'it''s still critical that Delcor doesn't realize where his arms and funding come from.'

I still wonder why he would be doing this for Kelden though. It makes me really consider what you said Adwonus, that this might be inorder to wear both parties down for his final move. But what would that move be, publicly take the Lordship? If not that, then what?

Oh and Pyrra, I dont appreciate you stealing the letter, but I do appreciate your candidness in that. And, it is a good thing that we have it now, for us all to read."

I consider further to myself. "Oh, Adwonus and Pyrra, on a separate note, I have some info you would be interested to hear about. However, first, I want to know how long you have been working with Pyrra and what her role was when you joined us at the meeting with Rielle. You were apparently working together, with your constant disappearance and with what happened at the Larlben's. Was Steyus behind Biff's murder and the inn burning down?"

[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja: "Well, I am glad guys, we could do what we did to help, taking that yellow coated fiend out.  And, remember Taisiya? Ever wonder where she is now? She might be our way out of this."]

"Buddy," Jacqueline stated cautiously. "What if I could pick these locks and help you out of here..? I learned from my father, as a girl..." Any stir of hope from this man may help them escape. But a man without hope could mean the death of all near him. "I learned from Red Jack, himself."

She smiled, never truly quivering in hope.

In reply to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde (msg # 140):

Trapper stood still in the cell, back against the stones, arms crossed. He wanted to speak, and lay it all out for a moment. "The note proves it. Pirates fund the rebels, the Rebs blunder around thinking their makin' a difference for the "little man". They weaken the city's defenses, both sides are left in a pile o' shambles. Pirates will seize control. If the town's wrecked enough, it won't matter if the pirates go public or not. Even if people hate em, they'll be nothin' they can do bout it cos they we're too busy slittin eachother's throats like idiots. Or the rats could make a new governement and run it entirely in secret. Make some kinda fake beacon of hope fer the people to follow while they pull his little strngs.I got no regrets now at cuttin that Llarbin bastard, one less tool for Aldyde, whether he knew it or not. And No, Steyus wasn't responsible for the fire and Biff. That wouldn't make a lick o sense. Why send us to find a guy he's goin' to murder. I heard the Rebels say it was the Llarbin's who burned down the Inn. Chew on that one for a moment if ya want. Me and P here have been workin' for a couple o' years together. We were in Steyus's employ long before you came into the picture.  I'm still fightin' for the city. I think the rebs got no idea what's goin on, and I know Delcor ain't the rightful heir. He's a poor sport. King picked Steyus to be duke over him, seein' as there was no heir. And he'll throw bodies at the city watch till he gets what he wants. But none o this matters right now. We can talk all we want when we get the hell out of here. We might be able to trust ol buddy. But we can't put all our eggs in one basket. If he gets skewered, or screws us over, we need another way out. I know I ain't on the hangman's list, but Pirate boy and Palladin man here are, so we gotta get outta here fast. Jaq, I'm thinkin' you find somethin' thin and open those locks. Or you Pyyra. I ain't got the talents for that sorta thing. And I know the dwarf doesn't either. " He finished, looking around the cell. Before speaking again. "Look, if we're able to get these doors open, we gotta be thinkin' straight. No revenge bullshit," his eyes flashed towards Herr, "We ain't here to kill. We certanly don't got the gear nor manpower to be doin' damage, unless it's real quiet like. We need to have movin quick and quiet and out of here. If we can find our gear, great. But like I said before, you can't buy yer life back. I can see in the dark, don't know bout the rest of ya, but if we can knock out the torches, I'm thinkin' I can lead us out if we move hand in hand. Any other ideas, spit em out. And Paladin, what do you got that I want to know?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Fri 24 July 2015.

Dwalin tries to get a sense for how deep we are underground."Your right about me not having the skills to open that door. Also, what did end up happening to that girl who was with us a few days ago?"

Torchlight provided the only source of warmth in the underground cells. But the torches were gradually dimming, and the prisoners did not know if the pirates would return to replace them, or let the prisoners sit in complete blackness. Jacqueline leaned against the chill iron bars and spoke to Buddy, trying to uplift his spirits; she professed she could pick the locks for him. Buddy smiled and said, "Do that and I'll marry ya." Jacqueline chuckled in reply, simply pleased to see him make a joke.

Dwalin placed his hands on the stone wall. Honestly, it felt good being underground again, Dwalin confided in himself; he only wished it were under different circumstances. "No more the thirty feet below. And nothing but dirt I reckon beyond this wall." Droplets of water condensed on the stone, dampening Dwalin's hand. It was humid down here.

Adwonus and Herr Johannes discussed what they had learned, and what they suspected might be. Herr Johannes posed a certain question to Adwonus, "Was Steyus behind Biff's murder and the inn burning down?" Still lounging on his bench, Buddy broke in. "Hah! Biff, I remember that guy." "You do?" inquired Herr Johannes, his curiosity peaked. "Sure. He was a real nosy fella I remember. It bothered Alldyde a hell of a lot. But that Biff finally made the mistake to come snooping down here a couple months back; he was the first to get his memory scrambled. Seemed to work and they let him go, but it kinda didn't, cause he'd still send his little spies around these parts. Course, it wasn't till Larlben and Delcor tried to make peace that Alldyde sent some guys to do him in." "So pirates were to blame!" Jacqueline exclaimed. Buddy continued, "Yea. I remember the orders: kill Biff and get whatever notes he had that might lead 'em to us. Though to be honest, I don't recall them planning to set fire to anything. So I don't know what happened with that."

As they pondered the small piece of information they had gained, they heard the clear sound of a door some distance away. Buddy shot up, sitting on the edge of the bench. "That's the first door. They're coming. And they're probably coming for me." He stood and hastened to the iron bars of his cell, his eyes fixated on Jacqueline. "Girl, Jacqueline right? Give me your knife." Jacqueline hesitated to respond. He continued, "I know it's a lot to ask. But with that, there's a chance I can cut my ropes and get away at the noose. If I get out, I promise I'll do what I can to help you guys get out too." He held his arm into the other cell, palm upward. "Please." There was a clicking sound at the door...
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:25, Fri 24 July 2015.

Imbellem bonked his head on the iron bars, struggling with his own thoughts as well as trying to absorb what he just heard in the letter that Pyrra stole earlier.

He shot a quick look at the elf woman and the trapper, "Pyrra, Adwonus, do either of you have a knife? If Jacqueline hands over her blade, we'll be completely defenseless." He then looked at Jacqueline and said in a whisper, "Im sure you know his skills of lockpicking, ive only been here a short time and even ive heard of this guy, if he is as good at breaking into things as ive heard, then we would most defiantly need him alive. He could help us greatly, I believe he his telling the truth and would advise you hand it to him quickly. If he escapes, he could help us all out, as well as collect our things and perhaps anything else we can get out hands on. It is ultimately up to you, that is just my suggestion."


After a moment of studying the pirate in the cell adjacent to them, Imbellem released his almost white-knuckle grip on the bars and turned around in the small room, looking at his prison for the first time, noticing the only resting place was the small wooden structure where Dwalin had fallen asleep. Creeping past almost elbow distance spacing in the cramped cell, he made his way next to the unconcious dwarf. Its funny, if you hadnt known beforehand that dwarves had fallen asleep, you could easily mistake them for dead. Quietly sitting next to the slumbering man the cleric said softly, "Not to be rude, but if anyone in this area is going to be meeting their demise anytime soon, I would personally like to speak to the one receiving their souls. Excuse me for a while as I meditate on the word, seeing as I may also soon to meet our maker." Looking over to Buddy, they made eye contact, "I will put it a good word for you sir, good luck." After saying these words, Imbellem sat up straight, closed his eyes, took a deep breath and slowly began to fall into a deep meditative state.

That is until dwalin, sharp snore and shift in movement caused his head to fall on the occupied clerics arm. A swift but gentle shoulder motion and the dwarf was back against the wall... for a moment. Finding the priests arm more comfortable than the wall, Dwalin was once again resting his head against Imbellems arm and snoring loudly. The cleric let out a swift sudden exhale in a chuckle and shook his head, eyes still closed,



[Imbellem goes in a state of mediation for as long as possible to regain a select single, or few miracles until interrupted.]

[Private to DM Ryan: (ever cautious of Pyrra, he keeps her movements closely monitored without drawing attention to himself)
Imbellem Tueri rolled 10 Sense motive Buddy. Honor his word?]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:26, Sat 25 July 2015.

In reply to Imbellem Tueri (msg # 144):
Trapper looked at the pirate checking his words and mannerisms.

19:41, Fri 24 July 2015: Adwonus Swillman rolled 15 using 1d20+4 ((11)).

Lady Jacqueline bit her lip, pondering the choice she was about to make. "Okay," she murmured, handing him the knife. They had little else to depend on, and trusting his judgment, he seemed to know a way out. She kept her ears and eyes out.

[Private to Herr Johannes:
16:50, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Listen Check.

16:50, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Spot Check.]

Just before Jacqueline posted... {I think we literally posted at the same time}

Upon the sound of men approaching, my demeanor immediately changes. I consider quickly Buddy's words. I speak quickly and quietly to the group, but most directly to Jacqueline and then Buddy.
     "We don't have much time. I say give him the knife, I mean who else is scheduled for the noose other than him and I, right? The way I see it, he has a much better chance than I, at slight of handing that knife in and his noose off than I do.  I think it is the most likely option to get a message for aide out.  If Buddy is really for Red Jack, then I think we can trust him.
     Buddy, we are counting on you.  We are depending on you, Red Jack is depending on you, his daughter Jacqueline is depending on you.  You can do this."

Earlier, before we heard the men coming, I conversed about our new information from Buddy. "Aha, so then it was the Pirates behind it! I knew it! No wonder it always seemed like everytime we would make a step forward some unseen force would make a step against us. It was the pirates all along. The strange thing was it seemed to be against multiple forces, against Steyus, against Kelden, against Larlben. Then again some of that was other forces...
     Hmm, regardless, I think the fire was an unintended consequence of the fighting that was brought about by Biff's murder.
     Well Adwonus, I think that confirms it. It was definitely not Steyus. I thought with Pyrra and all there might have been a second group... any ways, now I will tell you about what I mentioned. You remember the girl we bumped into at that Inn? Well, turns out that she..."
     As we just begin to hear the men coming I quickly whisper to Adwonus before the subject changes to that of the knife, "I will tell you the rest of the info I mentioned earlier but it will have wait for now with the guards coming! It is much too sensitive for them to hear. I assure you, it could jeopardize things for us."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:14, Mon 27 July 2015.

I listen to buddy closely and watch him as he asks for the dagger. I try to determine if he is really on our side with all of this or if he is going to turn against us.

01:39, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 7 using 1d20+5. Sense motive, Buddy

I turn to Imbellem and whisper, "Any idea on this guy? Can we trust him? I can't tell."