After returning to either the Noble district or Shadowshore, the characters complete their various errands and clean themselves up as best they are able. As the sun sets, the fearsome four end up gathering outside the walls of the Toregson manor house, the early comers hesitating to go inside until the others have arrived. All in all, the party behaves more like they are going to storm the place rather than honoured guests.


Champion District Map

But when the last of them arrive (it's Logan - he's late of course), they finally make their way in through the imposing 20' foot gates that lead off the Avenue of Champions into to the estate grounds.

It quickly become clear that the Toregson's are a family who are proud of their heritage in the Sasserine arena. It also becomes clear that they like ornamentation... and lots of it. The grounds and the buildings are a mish-mash of a dozen different styles with the only common theme being that quantity is its own sort of quality, and you can never have enough sculptures of swords, shields and daggers.


Gargoyles above the main gate


Famous Toregson ancestors set in stone
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:49, Wed 11 Mar 2015.

The party are greeted by a servant who conscientiously checks their names against a list, and happily all four of them are on it. They are directed towards a path at one end of the garden which leads down to an underground grotto lit with torches. There are a large number of people already cramped into the underground space, probably nearly 100.



The party waits and makes small talk (feel free to fill that in) for what seems like a long time. Eventually a thickset man bursts into the grotto from a side door at the end.

"The wedding is off!" screams the man. He is dressed in an expensive yellow silk shirt covered by a white jacket tailored to resemble widely spaced chain mail. His large build and biceps the size of coconuts mark him out as a proud member of the Champion district's body building scene. A tattoo on his left arm which reads 'Amarilde Forever' suggest that he is probably the groom.



"Listen to me!" he screams over the muttering crowd. "I, Soren Toregson, do declare that my bride to be is a harlot and a tramp. I refuse to marry a woman that would spend the night before the wedding carousing in such an ill reputed establishment as 'The Mermaid's Secret!."

There is a multitude of gasps as the gladiator makes his accusation, followed by some howling from the side door opposite the one that Soren came through.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Fri 13 Mar 2015.

"It isn't true!" screams Amarilde as she bursts out of the door. "I swear it! I wasn't there, I have never been there. Please, why would you say such things my darling?" She goes to hold him, but Soren shoves her back, much to the dismay of Amarilde's family. Some of the well dressed Vanderboren men rush forward to intervene, followed a second later by some meaty looking blonde fellows that are surely Toregsons.

"I have two witnesses you wench!" exclaims the man. He pushes two young men forward, who begin to begin to tell their story while looking quite uncomfortable.

Groomsman 1: "Well, yeah, it's like this. Me and Robert were walking 'round Azure district..."

Groomsman 2: "Looking at the ships mind you..."

Groomsman 1: "Yeah, that right. Looking at the ships in the harbour. And then we see that woman that looks like Amarilde walking into the Mermaid's Secret. So we go in there after her..."

Groomsman 2: "Just to check it out. We've never been in there before mind you!..."

Groomsman 1: "Yeah, that's right. Just to see if it was really her, because that would have been right strange considering it was the night before the wedding. Well, strange any night actually. So anyway, we get in there...

Groomsman 2: "We didn't look at the dancing girls!..."

Groomsman 1: "Err. No, we were just looking for Miss Vanderboren. Anyway, we get in there and WOW, it is Amarilde. And she is dancing on the tables and all sort of crazy stuff and then she goes up into one of the rooms where you can get up to mischief with these other guys!"

Groomsman 2: "At least that's what we've heard the rooms are for, we ain't even been in them..."

Groomsman 1: "Ahhh.... Yeah, thanks Robert. We just heard the rooms are for that sort of thing. Anyway, she goes in one of the room and we were going to go in after her but then she came out after a few minutes anyway and... dance on the tables again and then she left."

Groomsman 2: "And then we left too, straight away!..."

Groomsman 1: "Yeeeah, we left pretty much straight away too. Anyway, it was definitely her because we were really close up and we heard her talk as well. So we came back and told Soren just now."

Groomsman 2: "And we aren't going back there again!...

Groomsman 1: "Oh shut up Robert..."

"There you have it!" screams Soren. He points a finger at Amarilde. "What do you say to that, you hussy! Two witnesses, man of unimpeachable good character. What do you say?"

Amarilde seems stunned. "It isn't possible. I was home alone last night, thinking about you. Please, just check it out. Go there and ask, I swear you will find a dozen people that can confirm I was never there."

Soren shakes his head. "I will not drag my family's good name through the mud going to a place like that, and neither will anybody else I know."

Amarilde looks out into the crowd. Searching for her saviour.

Alohan & Remmi found acceptance with Celene, Logan and Angati outside the Toregson manor while they waited to be herded inside. He spoke Nuari with Remmi in low tones, remarking how different the city was in the terms of architecture, cuisine, and customs. Needless to say, a wedding between Nuari man and woman was more festive -if not more violent. It was Nuari custom for a man to have as many wives as he can safely subdue, manage, and tolerate. The wedding itself was usually a light-hearted bout of pa uma where potential mates threw each other about in the name of good fun. Things often got ...heated... ending festivities prematurely as potential couples drifted off to carry on their pa uma in private. With foreign cultures continuing to influence the native people, unions between man and woman were becoming increasingly monogamous, for better or for worse. Of course, Nuari's older generation still boasted a harem of at most, three to four female wives. "I struggle to find one, let alone several' he thought to himself, listening to Remmi explain how tonight's wedding would differ.

Once inside, Alohan patiently waited for the accusations to cease. He was confused about the whole situation. Why wasn't Amarilde allowed to dance? Was she that terrible of a dancer? Was her husband so embarrassed by her lack of grace to end their nuptials? 'How silly,' he thought, 'to end a courtship over a woman's lack of rhythm.' And the concept of a man forbidding his wife to do anything was foreign to him. Any Nuari woman would no doubt set the man on his ass, no matter his girth.

It took Remmi's prodding for Alohan to recognize Amarilde was searching for him. He towered over most of those gathered but his decorated dark skin no doubt felt more comfortable in the grotto's darkened interior. He held up a hand, drawing her attention. His ko'u aloha needed him once more.

Amarilde practically sobs in gratitude. "Alohan Nuari. Yes! Thank you. I am sure that a man of your determination can clear this up in no time. Please, is anyone else willing to make sure my reputation is no sullied unfairly?"

Angati walked in with the others looking at the garish ornamentations of the house and fidgeted nervously until the groom made his appearance, she couldn't help whispering to Celene "Ahhh ! there you go... so she is not part of the setup, she is just really stupid the poor girl... anyway, at least it looks like she found a good match of wits in her groom", and she added, "well, like we like to say in my family, better that just one family goes to waste rather than two... lets keep these together", while mentally thinking 'and I am sure my mother and father might get some profit out of having the thorensons in debt'

So, seeing that, no one else seemed to go after Alohan, she just sighed and stepped in "I'll help too, I am rather inclined to think that the girl is innocent... someone already tried to ruin this wedding before...".

Feeling a strange reassurance by the company of those she had only known for so short a time, in the face of the utterly unknown world of nobility and their inner society, Celene entered the imposing mansion. She met the expected pomp and splendour, as well as the formal style and ritual manners of the upper class, so unlike the society of her upbringing. She at least had some years during her time at the temple to get accustomed to the nobles and their manners from the outside.

But this formal style and ritual abruptly ended with the awkward entrance of the groom, leaving a mud fight fitting any social layer.

Celene was halfway tempted to let this opéra comique run its own course, but she recognized the pattern in these accusations, leading to a disrupted wedding. Repeating Angatis sigh inwardly, she stepped up to stand beside Alohan and Angati. Adressed to Amarilde, but loud enough for everyone else, she stated, "I too will help. Not for your reputation or sake, but for justice. As this Lady stated, this wedding has been attempted disprupted by outsiders before, and I care not to see them succeed where they have so far been foiled."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

Logan had spent the party marveling at everything in the manor house/castle.  Even the gaudiest decoration seemed, to the poor half-eleven rogue, the be the height of wonder.  He kept mostly silent, not wanting to betray his origins or upbringing.  But when the commotion over Amarilde's supposed entertainment was brought to question, Logan had to suppress a laugh.  "The Mermaid's Secret?  They couldn't have picked a worse place to accuse her of being."  The rogue stops to consider.  "Well, maybe a few worse...there's this one place in Shadowshore where..."  Logan shakes his head.  "But that's not important.  I've been there, my lady, and can't believe someone would make that kind of accusation.  I'll work with these fine people here to help you."  Logan smiled, thinking of what kind of reward such a thing would bring to him, if the return of a wedding dress brought him so much wealth.

Amarilde smiled through her tears. "Thank you, all of you. I'm sure with your capable efforts my good name can be proven."

"Just one second!" exclaimed Soren. "These four are all part of YOUR party. How do I know that they will truthfully report back what they find? No. I need some people from my side who I know I can trust. Who will stand forward and do this task for the Toregsons?"

No-one immediately stepped forward. It appeared that few were willing to walk into the worse part of the Azure district at night, especially such a place of ill repute. Or maybe it was that no-one wanted to get involved in this interfamily feud that looked like it might end so poorly.

OOC. Kassius. You are technically a guest of the groom. Are you interested in helping?

Just went it looks like no-one else is going to speak up, a well dressed man in a purple robe and a silk shirt raises his voice. "And I, Victor Saint-Demain, Sasserine's mightiest sleuth will add his powers of deduction to rooting out the truth of this case."



There is a murmuring amongst the crowd as the man finishes his statement. Inquisitor Saint-Demain has achieved some impressive successes in solving tricky mysteries and hunting down some of Sasserine's most disturbing criminals. The man positively glows at the recognition and twirls the unusual cane that he caries in his hands.

"Yes. Yes. You can set your minds at ease. The truth will out tonight. Victor Saint-Demain guarantees it!" He pull his cap off his head and makes a deep bow to the assembled guests, then turns to the party.

"If the four of you would be so good, let us make haste to depart and return as soon as we can with the answers that are so desperately needed."

Kassius had been standing quietly in the background already uncomfortable in such fine clothes, but the screamed accusations make him even more nervous.

"Now, now, Soren, I'm sure everything will be sorted out," he assures his friend patting him on the shoulder uncertainly.

Soren nods his head. "Thank you old friend. With you and Mister Saint-Demain looking into this, I'm sure that the truth will be reported." He take a deep breath and sneers. "My family are going to retire to the manor house until you return. Please be swift, I want this matter resolved and this harlot out of here."

The grim barbarian then turns and marches back through the door he had used to enter, surrounded by his entourage. Amarilde collapses into a sobbing heap, her own family trying to support her.
This message was last updated by the player at 19:18, Mon 23 Mar 2015.

"Huh? Me? Ummm, OK, sure. Sure, anything to help," Kassius agrees in surprise.

Penny shakes her head sorrowfully. "What did you just volunteer yourself for, squirt? Well you'd better not expect any help from me, I have other plans..." Penny had been drinking heavily since they first arrived and even as Kassius watched, she downed a glass of strong Glantrian liqueur and wandered off to try and find a refill.

Angati looked at the group that had been formed... shifting her weight from one leg to the other, which made for a funny sight in her long and plain dress.

"So... Viktor, shouldn't we start by interrogating those ?" she said pointing in the direction of the two that had  testified as witnesses..

OOC: Sorry for my delay, really busy at work and with visits at home, they will be staying for next week also, and we will be out next weekend...
This message was last edited by the player at 11:43, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

Victor turns to regard Angati and smiles coyly. "Don't you worry my dear, I have a feeling that all of our questions will be answered at the 'Mermaid's Secret'. My inquisitor's experience tells me that we would only be wasting our time here - Amarilde will continue to deny being there and Soren's witnesses will not stop professing that they did see her. Let us get to Azure district and resolve this as quickly as possible."

OOC. Sorry Benigno, it might resemble a mystery/detective procedural, but it isn't. This is a dungeon crawl, abet with a little bit of fluff to kick it off.



No probs at all. I will be away on vacation from Friday also. Anyway, there are more important things to worry about in Tunisia at the moment anyway. :(

Logan nods.  "That's certainly one position to take.  We should see what the people at the Mermaid's Secret know of all these things."  Logan ponders a little longer.  "Of course, you're Soren's ally.  Maybe you're just trying to divert us from questioning the men, as you know their story will quickly fold."  The rogue shrugs.  "But if that's the case, it'll fold all the more quickly at the actual 'tavern' in question."  Logan smiles.  "To the Mermaid's Secret!"

With a nod, Celene agrees to the general wisdom of going to the scene of the 'crime'. In addition, she really has no clue how to conduct such an investigation, and is happy to follow along, and help how she may.

Kassius shakes his head in resignation as Soren storms off. "I guess I'm Soren's proxy in this matter, my name is Kassius by the way," he adds as introduction to the others.

Walking over the half-orc pats Amarilde awkwardly on the shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll get things sorted out somehow, though for the life of me I can't understand what you see in him," he says in an attempt to be comforting.

Angati nodded at Viktor and shrugged, both at the same time somehow. "You are the expert here, I heard people I trust talking very highly of your work.... let us go then" .

As Kassius joined in, he whispered to him, "They are made one for the other, trust me on that...." Then, louder she said, to him and Viktor "My name is Angati by the way, pleased to meet you".

Joining in on the general greetings and introductions, Celene gives a short bow - sne never learned to curtsey properly and actually finds it a sign of inferiority. "I am Celene, and also pleased to make your acquaintance. I am with the temple of Wee Jas, but I am not here on official business, as we all" - here Celene indicates Angati, Logan and Alohan - "in fact are here on a late-notice invitation from the bride."

"Well hello my lady!" says the dapper man. He removes his hat again and bows deeply before her, apparently not seeing the old cleric or the half-elf, he even manages to somehow not notice the huge bulk that is Alohan. "Always a pleasure to assist a member of the clergy!"







OOC: That's the attitude! If D&D has taught me one thing, it is that every mystery can be solved if you can just find the right guy to point a sword at, or push a sword through.

Victor chuckles. "Oh, you can trust me. I serve the mistress of truth above all others."

The well-dressed man pauses and eyes Logan up and down carefully. "But is that the patois of Shadowshore I recognise in your voice young half-elf?" he says with vowels so rounded that they would roll down a hill. "You must be a... creative fellow to have the money to mix with these folks. I hope it is honest business that you are involved with... or perhaps one day I will be forced to use my phenomenal powers of logic and deduction to bring you to justice! Ha!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Wed 25 Mar 2015.

Amarilde sniffs back tears. "Thank you. You are a good man. And don't worry about Soren. He will see reason once you have shown I am innocent. I know it!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Wed 25 Mar 2015.

Without further ado the party heads to the gondola waystation in Cudgel district  - Champion district is the only district to not border the great lagoon which the other inhabitants of Sasserine claim is a telling sign of their attitude - and board a gondola to Azure district.

Victor insists upon paying for the ride and then balances his ornate cane over one arm while producing a gold piece from his pocket with a flourish. He gives it to the boatman and tell him he can keep the chance as long as they make it across the estuary will 'all possible haste'. He then positions himself at the front of the vessel and stands with his back to the water so he can lecture the party.

"Now remember!" says the inquisitor firmly. "This is the Azure district we are going into and it is after dark! Yes, the Azure district is a functioning part of the city - not a hopeless warren of corruption like Shadowshore," says Victor as he looks pointedly at Logan. "But it is filled with salty sailor types and barely reformed pirates so be on your guard and do as I do!" The man produces a silk handkerchief from his pocket and dabs at the perspiration on his face.

The night is warm and humid, and the confusion of boats heading all different ways across the great lagoon gives a feeling of claustrophobia. One boat cuts just in front of the party's gondola and their gondolier must swerve to one side to avoid hitting it - your man mutters a stream of curses and Victor has to grab onto the gunwale to avoid falling overboard.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Wed 25 Mar 2015.

The party makes it to Azure without any other problems and Victor guides them through the small streets to find the establishment known as the 'Mermaid's Secret' - he claims that he has spent a lot of time in Azure 'working for charity', although he is vague about exactly what that means.



The Mermaid's Secret is actually well cared for compared to the surrounding buildings and is a large two story construction. The location is confirmed by a polished brass plate on a door with the words 'THE MERMAID'S SECRET' carefully engraved into it. The door is shut.

Logan hovered somewhere between respect and fear for Victor.  The man undoubtedly could pick up small clues, not that Logan's background in Shadowshore was difficult to determine.  The last thing the rogue wasn't was a bored noble with a penchant for investigation digging into his past.  Logan had, after all broken (or at least bent) quite a few laws.  Unfortunately, judges in Sasserine seemed to take a harsh view to potential perpetrators from Shadowshore.  Logan tried to laugh alongside Victor, brushing off the man's inquiries.  "Oh, I wasn't invited because of any great wealth.  I just happened to be in the right place to help Celene with a favor for Ms. Vanderboren."

But once back in his element among the lower-class elements of the city, Logan felt more confident.  He strode forward at the head of the party and smiled at the carved brass plate as though it were an old friend.  "Well, here she is.  Try not to judge the entire district by what we're likely to find inside."  With that, Logan opened the door.

Logan finds that the door is locked. There is a brass knocker under the sign.

Flustered by the unexpected.  Logan shakes his head and uses the brass knocker.  Trying to hide his surprise, he mutters "Of course, I always forget.  Who keeps a pub closed?

A small slot above the sign opens and a grotesque man looks through it down at Logan. The man eyes him up, and then despite Logan wearing his best clothes, sneers. "This is a private club. Members only." The slot slides shut.

"Dis be a lon' night," Alohan said, groaning inwardly. It had been the first time he spoke since leaving the manor -the big man wasn't much for talking tonight. The business with Amarilde and her betrothed had bothered him. Moments like that were baffling to the Nuari and the customs of Sasserine were becoming increasingly complex and nonsensical. Why fret over the woman's dance moves?

Furthermore, Alohan wasn't quite fond of their new accomplice. Not the silent half-orc of impressive girth but the sniveling inquisitor that never ceased speaking. Victor didn't bother treating him without any particular respect -not that he demanded any. The man didn't even bother to look at him. Alohan had little time for people such as he.

"Ya be having ideas, paniolo?" he asked, leaning in an whispering to Logan.

Angati did not really know anything about this kind of places so it was a bit difficult for her to try to think of any way of going in. She tried however to check the list of people she knew to try to think if any of them would fit as customers for this place.

Celene looked around at the others. "I am willing to give it a shot, if you want me to try?"

OOC: If Angati wants to try something first go ahead, otherwise:

If no one objects, Celene, still wearing her dress from the wedding, steps up to the door, and knocks gently. As the slot slides open, she sends a coy smile and gets proper eye contact with the man. "Please excuse us, my man was just trying to pave the way for me. I know a membership fee is pending, which we can settle right away." She wiggles her fancy purse in front of the door man. She also just happens to correct a fold in her dress, moving her hand down her side.

OOC: OK, make a bluff check at DC17 please (he is apparently a very perceptive bouncer)
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:08, Thu 26 Mar 2015.

OOC: yeah, not bad for a goon! :-)

Despite Celene best effort at distracting the doorman, he remains adamant that this is for members only.

OOC: Heh! That was a ridiculously high DC. I'll write up the next step when I get back.

"I, um, think it would, um, be wise to, uh, show the lady the respect she deserves," Kassius, mutters, obviously unconfortable in such situations.

Kassius rolled 4 using 1d20+1. Intimidate?


OOC: is Kibeti allowed to roam the street with him?

The grotesque man stares back at Celene, totally unmoved by her attempt at persuasion. "The performers' entrance is round the back, you should know that!" he says, rolling his eyes and moving to slide the slot closed again.

Kassius reaches up and puts his hand in the slot, stopping it from being slid shut.


OOC: Err, no, that isn't intimidating at all!

The man snarls, showing two large incisors either side of his mouth. He then shoves the slot closed, forcing Kassius to hurriedly jerk his hand back to avoid getting his fingers caught.

16:14, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d20+3. Intimidate against Kassius.
OOC: Well at least Kassius isn't intimidated.

"Oh please, this is painful to watch. The great fame of my extraordinary deeds is often a burden," says Victor as he presses the back of a wrist against his forehead. "But perhaps in this instance it can be put to good use!"

The daintily clad man steps forward and raps on the door with the hilt of his cane. The slot slides back again.

"It is I! Victor Saint-Demain, mightiest sleuth in this city of sails, and I demand entry in the name of truth and justice!"

The man behind the door nods, and a second later there is the sound of bolts being thrown back, followed by a squeak as the door swings open.

"Ah-ha!" chuckles Victor as he walks across the threshold. "My acclaim open doors as usual!"

Behind the door is a great big giant of a man nearly seven feet tall with an ugly scared face. It is clear that his heritage is not entirely human - if anything he looks part ogre - but he is dressed in a well-tailored black waist coat and matching pants. The bouncer smiles in welcome at the silk-clad inquisitor. "Welcome back Mister Saint-Demain. And so soon!" The bouncer gives Victor a small poke with his elbow and a lecherous looking leer. "And on dwarf night even... you sly devil you! Well, the non-members will need to sign in please Mister Saint-Demain. Rules are rules after all."

Angati had quite a bit of trouble following the conversation of the half ogre and Victor. Her experience about places such as this was reduced to second hand gossip, and so she did not think twice about signing in or anything, albeit of course under her role as a shrine acolyte. She was really curious to learn what she would discover inside, but felt a bit anxious about what the half ogre had said about coming so early... 'had something happened in the tavern that they were waiting for Viktor now ?'

The huge bouncer stares at Angati with surprise when she enters. "Madam, are you sure you wish to come in? You are not the typical... age group that this club caters for..."

Angati looked at the bouncer up and down, resting a bit longer on the bulge at his trousers, and couldn't bite her tongue quick enough before saying "Well, I guess you are not the typical ... size either... and there you are hm ?". It might have made for a great retort had she not blushed furiously.

"I will be fine, thank you" She said after she recovered herself somewhat... 'and, anyway, it might well be the only way I get to see certain things before I set my two feet in the grave' she thought bitterly.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:05, Fri 03 Apr 2015.

"What? Huh?!" stammers the bouncer, perhaps not sure if he has heard correctly. That was not the response he was expecting from such an elderly lady.

OOC: Heh heh. That post made me chuckle. There are hidden depths to Angati.



"Oh. OK madam." The bouncer makes way for Angati to sign in. He doesn't take a second look at her staff.

Feeling no need to further aggreviate Victors predicament, Celene simply giggles, while she signs into the guest book.

If Amarilde had in fact lied about being here, Celene guessed that she would at least not be stupid enough to have a full membership, if her presence here would spell such a disaster. Therefore, Celene tries to go over the pages of the guest sign-ins for Amarildes name. Or if any guests even signed in on the day in question - and if so, who.

Celene finds out that the open page of the book covers the last couple of days and is able to take a look at all of the names... It seems that not many people use their real names judging by the silly pseudonyms that are being used, and in fact most just make some sort of cross or mark to indicate that they have come in - the bouncer probably can't even read to check the book anyway.

Amarilde's name is not among the few names that are legible.

Alohan patiently waits for Celene to cease flipping through the book and moves in next to make his mark. He was well versed in Sasserine script but approached the book with the intention of using Nuari. Picking up the quill, Alohan dunked the tip into ink and leaned in over the ledger. 'Pua'a Laho,' he wrote, marking the words in elaborate royal script filled with typical flourishes and accents mandatory for all formal Nuari documents. He chuckled to himself, happy with the irony of it all. Remmi would be proud -Alohan rarely got to practice the formal alphabet especially now with his jaunt to Sasserine. His friend would be proud.

Satisfied, Alohan stepped back from the table and eyed his surroundings. He looked for unmanned exits, possible escape routes, and whatever detail that might get overlooked. One could never be too careful in such seedy environs. Once happy with his results, Alohan looked for the next important detail. Women.

"Heh. Pretty mark," grunted the bouncer approvingly.

Victor rolled his eyes. "Can we please hurry this up? I don't want to spend all night in here," he groaned, placing his hands on his hips impatiently.

"But we can make your normal table available Mister Saint-Demain," said the bouncer helpfully. "There is no need to leave early, just stay till closing like you normally do!"

Victor's checks coloured and he tried to answer, but just ended up stammering something incomprehensible and falling silent.

OOC: Refer to map in the 'Mermaid's Secret Map' thread.

Please note, Angati also notices that the small area that the bouncer is located in is warded by some powerful anti-magic signals - she realises it will not be possible to cast magic in the area marked blue on the map.

Logan signs in without incident, but the bouncer's eyes bulge when he saw Kassius try and bring Kibeti into the tavern. "Sir, you will have to keep your... giant albino panther... outside!"

Once that was sorted, and Kassius had signed the guest book, the bouncer opened the door into the main room. A wall of steamy heat hit the party and was joined by a pungent wave of stench consisting of sweat, pipe smoke, cooking meat, ale and the sickly-sweet smell of Zzonga juice. The 'Mermaid's Secret' was a large establishment with a common room 150ft north to south and 100 ft east to west. A dozen tables filled the room, each crowded with patrons loudly talking, eating, smoking, singing, chewing Zzonga, arm-wrestling... A surprising number of the patrons were dwarfs - about two thirds of them.

Along the northern wall was a bar with dwarfs and humans jostling two to three deep to get a drink. Harried staff were busy behind the bar taking orders and delivering large tankards of foamy ale to eager customers.



Besides the door they entered through, there was an exit behind the bar, although it looked like this lead into the kitchen. There was a mezzanine floor to the west and on this were half a dozen doors that looked like they led to private rooms. The railing on the mezzanine floor was filled with more customers looking down on the common room below.

At a pinch, Alohan gueseed that the windows might also be a viable exit points since they were on the ground floor. They were all painted black however so it was not possible to be sure.


The Islander studies the room and doesn't see a single woman until a dwarf spilling his ale on another dwarf spirals into a fight involving ten of the diminutive warriors, and opens up a gap in front of to the central stage. On top of this, two dwarven maidens writhe arrhythmically to the accompaniment of a set of drums and a lone bagpipe. The dancers are almost naked, their hairy bodies glistening with sweat as they continue to move, their dead gazes firmly locked on the ceiling and not on the baying crowd that surrounds them.

OOC: Well... it's 'Dwarf Night'

Walking to a table near the back of the room, Logan chuckled at the interaction between the bouncer and their esteemed guest.  "Well, Mr Saint-Demain, I see why you were so eager to accompany us.  Any ideas as to how to get started?"  Logan glanced around, then shrugged his shoulders, figuring in a room full of shouting, drunken dwarves it would be impossible to attract any sort of attention.  "I'm sure the good Ms. Vanderboren doesn't want word spread around here about her possible visit.  Or, at least more word spread around.  We could question the staff and patrons about a customer who looked like her."  Logan nodded his head towards the bouncer.  "Maybe even starting with your friend the bouncer over there."  Logan eyed the bar, with its gaggle of customers.  "Getting in a word in edgewise at the bar seems difficult."  The rogue looked again towards the...interesting display on the stage.  "And this being what it is, I doubt many people here are daily customers."

"Ah-ha! I have it!" exclaims Victor, as though he has come up with the solution to an intractable problem. "I have collected for charity in here, that is why they know me! I do a lot of work for charity you know, for the orphans..." It seems that he has nothing to contribute beyond that. If this mystery is to be solved then the party is going to have to do the leg work.

OOC: Who do you want to start with?

"Master Victor Saint-Demain's pet cat is perfectly tame and properly licensed," Kas lies blithely. "But if you want him to stay out here unattended...I'm sure...I mean I'm pretty sure he won't attack anyone if messed with...I think....and he probably won't scare too many customers away right" he adds injecting a tone of doubt in his voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:14, Wed 08 Apr 2015.

The feeling of helplessness was beginning to press on Alohan. The sweltering heat didn't bother him but the accompanying stench of dwarven and human body mass entwined with the thick smoke, tarty sweet, and rancid stench of drugs, booze, and food had left him a bit weak in the knees. He knew how to enjoy himself but Alohan was finding he was a bit claustrophobic. With only one clear exit from and what may or may not be windows, the native was yearning for the open sky.

He didn't have much to offer in the ways of investigating. While he respected Amarilde's wishes to absolve her of the accusations, Alohan did not even fully understand what the problem was nor how he would go about proving her innocence. The cultural differences were becoming increasingly difficult to manage. He recognized them but failed to find answers. Something wasn't proper with Amarilde being in a place like this although he could scarcely imagine why. Men lusting after women was natural. Granted, Alohan would prefer making love on the beach under a moon lit sky rather than a hole in the wall but to each their own.

As the noise pounded on his temples, Alohan approached Celene. He leaned in to her ear so as to be heard over the din. "Maybe we be askin' about last night specialty. Amarilde be a poor dwarf on dwarf night." the Native shuffled a bit, trying to find the words. "Me... dis not be me cup of colada. Be finding me ill suited in inquiring about oders."

Logan nods to Victor.  "Well, thanks for the help getting in.  It seems that all these people are very eager with their money, a splendid place to collect money for orphans."  Logan looks around the room again, passing over the display at the bar and the dance floor to settle back on the bouncer who has let them in.  "I think our best bet is starting with him.  He has to see everyone everyone coming in, right?"

Logan ventured back over to the enormous bouncer, trying to catch his eye.  "I'm here trying to settle a wager with my friends.  I bet a man like you has a mind like a steel trap for faces, with all you see coming in here, right?  There's a drink in it for you.  Our friend Victor is besotted with a woman he thinks he saw in here in the last few nights."  Logan glances at the mumbling man, making sure Victor doesn't catch the next bit.  "He was more than a little in his cups, and can't remember exactly where he saw her.  If I describe her for you, could you tell me if you've seen her here?"

The bouncer looks at the cat doubtfully. "Is that true Mister Saint-Demain?!"

The inquisitor is looking out across the bar floor, seemingly mesmerised by the slowly gyrating dancers. "But there is just... so... much... hair!" he says in a gagged voice. He shakes his head and half turns back to the bouncer. "What? Oh yes, yes, yes. It's all good."

The bouncer is hardly convinced. "That thing is going to scare a lot more customers if I let INSIDE, and are you sure it won't start biting people?"

OOC: If you really want the cat in the bar, then make a DC10 diplomacy check. A fail indicates that Kibeti is not permitted inside, a pass means he at least gets through the door. If Kassius wants to take the cat further than the entre (marked in blue) then he'll have to make a handle animal check at DC10 otherwise Kibeti will react to the noise and smells... in a way that causes problems.

The bouncer straightens up a little and smiles - it is not a pretty sight as his mouth is full of broken and crooked teeth. "I do my best young master. But yes, I pride myself on recognising all of the members. That is part of the job of being a good doorman."



Victor is still enraptured with the semi naked dwarven maidens on stage, watching with a face revealing both fascination and revulsion. He isn't paying attention.



"I will do my best although sometimes I fear that *cough cough* my memory needs assistance to awaken." The bouncer's face twists into a smug looking smile.

Celene strained to hear the islanders speech, and comprehend what he meant. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea. But I also think Logan is on to something, asking the bouncer. I must admit I feel pretty awkward in this place - I have never been anywhere nearly like this. In fact, I wish I was anywhere else." Taking in the sight of the crowded palace of lust and revel, she shuddered. "Let's see what Logan comes up with first - he's much more at home in a place like this. I think..." she added in a slight wonder. "Depending on what he finds out, I might try to find some regulars, and pursue your line of thought."

Logan gave the bouncer a knowing smile.  "Of course, of course.  A little something to help you remember."  Logan slid his hands into his belt pouch, feeling the coins slide through his fingers, trying not to think about just...giving away the money.  I bet this guy would talk if I took him into a back alley with a dagger at his kidney...  Logan recentered his thoughts, and tried to hide his grimace as he pulled out some coins and passed it to the bouncer.  "Of course, this is worth my friend's happiness."  Logan smiled, and took the bouncer's shoulder, turning him to face the wall, away from the patrons, no matter how enraptured in the dwarves they seemed to be.  "So the woman I'm asking about is..."  Logan described Amarilde.

Give 5gp to bouncer

Angati certainly got her share of 'world' like right on her face. As the male dwarf started dancing right in front of her as soon as she sat next to Viktor. It was all she could do not to gape nor giggle... the feeling was kind of mixed up, but she deffinetly didn't have her mind set on the matter at hand...

... or rather the matter at hand was entirely different.

Still, she saw Logan go back to the bouncer to make some enquiries, and decided to wait a bit before moving... also, her knees didn't feel so steady. She had not felt this nervous in all her life.

OOC: FYI, it was specifically last night that Amarilde was accused on being in here.

The bouncer smiles as the cash clinks into his hand, and then listens carefully to Logan's description, but before the thief gets too far the large man interrupts him. "Ohh! You mean 'All-the-way-Amy'! Why sure, she was in here last night - she's a regular. Mister Saint-Demain should have known that," says the bouncer as he glances back over his shoulder at the inquisitor, but Victor is distracted by the dancers on stage.

"Anyway, I definitely remember her being here last night, especially after the big commotion she caused **chuckle** well, I hope that helped young master. And I hope it was worth five gold crowns too *wink*"



OOC: This has been removed from your cash in the loot thread.

Logan smiles, despite the news.  "Thanks!  As I said, Mister Saint-Demain was quite in his cups last night.  Probably why he forgot!  I'll have to tell him the good news."  Logan quickly returns to the table.  "Well, the bouncer confirms that Lady Vanderboren was here last night.  In fact, he said she's a regular, and referred to her as 'All-the-way-Amy.'"  Logan's face flushes, and he turns his glance away from Celene and Angati, feeling suddenly conscious, despite their surroundings.  Logan tilted his head towards Victor.  "He even said she and Victor might be well-acquainted."  Logan leaned in front of Victor, blocking his view of the stage.  "Victor, what do you know about a woman who comes here who goes by the name 'All-the-way-Amy?"

Logan was being intentionally vague.  Figured it'd be better if the bouncer remembered Amarilde without too much prompting.  Well, better for discovery.  Obviously not for us or for Amarilde's wedding.

The empty seat next to Angati is taken by a grinning young man with curly brown hair and a wide bushy mustache. "Well hello there little grandma! What is a cutie like you doing in a place like this? Come to get some dwarf action?" The man chuckles at his own joke, and Angati hears it taken up by several other men behind him - apparently this young man is not here alone.

The man's teeth bare the tell tale red trace of Zzonga juice, and his breath smells like some other narcotics that Angati's sheltered upbringing has not exposed her to. "My name is Avner... Avner Meravanchi..." the young man pauses, as though for the name to have its desired effect. The Meravanchi's are the second family of the noble district and probably the richest family in the city. In addition to their wealth, they are famous for their corruption and debauched ways. Avner's eyes try to focus on Angati to see if there is any recognition, but the young noble is apparently finding it difficult to focus.

"Come on grandma," says Avner. "Let's go up and get a private room."

The guys behind the noble laugh. "Oh Avner, you're shocking mate! Leave the old lady alone!" says one of them, but this just makes Avner smirk and put his arm around Angati.



OOC: I don't have time to update the map tonight (or tomorrow night probably) but Angati is sitting in the table directly SE of the dancing platform, with Avner sitting next to her. The other guys - 3 or 4 of them - are clustered behind her and Avner. Victor has suddenly disappeared! :( The rest of the group are either in the entre (Logan talking to the bouncer, Kassius deciding what to do with his cat) or just outside it (Alohan & Celene). Alohan and Celene are talking to each other and haven't noticed Angati's plight yet.

"Wait, I remembered what the commotion was about!" The bouncer manages to catch Logan before he goes back to the table. "So Amy was in here being friendly like usual. Anyway, one of the other guests was chatting to her, but then he grabs her and drags her up to one of the private rooms while she is screaming at the top of her lungs. Of course I was up there like a shot! But before I could get to the door, Amy comes out and is all happy. She laughed it off and said it was just a joke. I was pretty peeved! She's a popular lass her and just about half the boys in the tavern were looking to break down the door and go and rescue her, so it caused a big disturbance. But she came out, and was back to her happy self. She danced on the tables a bit and then... jumped out the window! *chuckle* yeah, she's a strange girl."

He let's Logan return to the table, where he finds that Angati is dealing with a new friend...

"Well, the bouncer confirms that Lady Vanderboren was here last night.  In fact, he said she's a regular, and referred to her as 'All-the-way-Amy.'"  Logan's face flushes, and he turns his glance away from Celene and Angati, feeling suddenly conscious, despite their surroundings.  Logan tilted his head towards Victor.  "He even said she and Victor might be well-acquainted."  Logan leaned in front of Victor, blocking his view of the stage.  "Victor, what do you know about a woman who comes here who goes by the name 'All-the-way-Amy?"

OOC: Sorry, but the rest of that doesn't happy. At least, not until you've dealt with the Avner issue. And Alogan, Celene and Kassius aren't at the table. They are either still in the entre or close by.

Angati looked at Avner up and down, she knew her family and of their reputation, right at that minute there was very little she could recall that could be of use, but she searched frantically in her memories while she composed a face for the man.

She had to choose fast, either she made him a laugh stock in front of the cattle that followed him, or she made him look good... that was the main choice now. Given their needs it was probably best to make him look good in front of his peers, although it would take all her will not to make fun of his enormous teeth.

Loud enough to be heard by all she smiled and said "You are really kind, handsome and... may I say it, courageous to approach one such as me" she paused a little bit as she passed her hand over the hand that Avner had placed on her shoulder caressing it lightly with her nail.

"Kind, to worry about the needs of an older woman like myself, handsome because... well... its quite evident, and courageous, because, these decolorations" she said pointing for him at several spots that she had in her hand, and neck "well, its a clear symptom of a variety of Syphillis that is quite lethal... one such as yourself probably knows that, as you look bright enough to inform yourself before frequenting a place like this"...


12:09, Today: Angati rolled 22 using 1d20+3. Knowledge Local.
12:36, Today: Angati rolled 9 using 1d20+8. Bluff.

Alohan remained idle, hovering near Celene. She had made it clear she felt uncomfortable in this place, and while Alohan wasn't sure how to proceed he didn't mind such establishments. His people weren't as reserved as the mainlanders. With Celene's discomfort in mind, Alohan met any curious glances with obvious glares, hoping his sparsely dressed athletic form was enough to dissuade any potential suitors. His eyes drifted about the crowd, watching for something that might pose a threat. He was unaware of Angati's plight.

The native spotted Logan moving about the crowd, headed for a table. Alohan nudged Celene and pointed to the boy. "Let us be findin' what he be findin'" he hollered over the din, turning to lead Celene through the crowd.

Logan watches Angati, ready to step in if the older woman needs help, but curious to see how her lie plays out with Avner first.

Feeling her back covered by Alohans presence, Celene relaxed a bit. Not in a particular hurry, she agreed. "Yes, let's go and hear what he learned...." Her raised voice suddenly trailing off, as her gaze on Logan, continued along his line of sight, spotting Angati. "Uh-huh, trouble brewing?" She hurried towards Logan, who seemed to hold back a moment, but watched the events.

OOC: Hmm... A tricky one. Well done on choosing a non-confrontational, although slightly yucky, way forward. I would award an XP bonus if... you know... I was tracking XP. But this NPC just isn't a reasonable guy so...

"Don't worry yourself grandma, I'll have our family cleric cast cure disease tomorrow morning. It won't be the first time," he says chuckling. Avner reaches out to grab Angati.

OOC: Refer to the battle map in the map thread to see where your characters are. Your opponents start with the initiative - Avner is the only one who moves and he uses it to attempt a grabble on Angati. She may make an AoO with her staff if she wishes.

When considering your responses, keep in mind the trouble you'll get into if you kill a noble in this town, especially one as important as a Meravanchi family member.

OOC: Just to be clear, I am only expecting an action from Angati here. The rest of you need to wait until the bad guys have had their first round.

Avner's AC is 11.

I am posting the combat directly in the new thread, I think it makes more sense... but just let me know if you want to move the AOO here...

Hi, cool post.

Actually, I was going to keep the other thread clear of anything but maps and keep the action in this thread. The reason being that the maps are quite large files and I was conscious that some people check rpol on their mobiles and have data charges. But I should have made that clear.

Don't worry, I will move it over using my GM powers when I post tonight. Let the bar brawl begin!!

Angati tried to block the man's movement with a quick hit of her staff to his arm, but the sudden move of the man took her by surprise and she missed his arm hitting the table making a loud clank as it hit the wood.

She frowned, it was clear that she had misread the guy, time for niceties was over, and now she could let her goddam tongue fly freely... she started with a loud cackle that was probably raised a pitch or two thanks to her own nervousness, and went on with a stream of swearing that would make a sailor blanch on a loud enough voice that would make it heard by as many people as possible... and with some luck the bouncer "Ahhhh so LittlePrick here is sad that  no man wants to play with him for fear he will peel their banana with those big teeth of his and looks for a feeble old woman to force huh ?"
OOC: Moved it myself... sorry for that :)

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : AoO Attack
[Private to DM:
I am only doing the AoO as instructed... no full actions.
08:21, Today: Angati rolled 5,7 using d20+1,1d6+1. AoO with Staff.]

---

HP: 11 |  AC: 11 | CMD : 11 | Saves: 2/1/2

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 2/3 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Fear
  Abilities : Misfortune, Temporal Celerity

21:33, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20+2. Avner grapple.
16 vs Angati's CMD of 12, this is a success. Angati gains the grabbled condition.

Avner laughs and pins Angati's arms to her side so he can plant a kiss on her face



Avner's face flushed. "You should've watched your manners you old cow. Now we are going to make you pay!" The young noble looked at his colleagues. "Help me carry this crone upstairs. I'll teach her about bananas."

His friend looked confused. "What? Really?" but none the less grabbed Angati's feet and helped lift her up, while the other two chuckle and toast loudly.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Mon 20 Apr 2015.

Meanwhile the fight between the drunken dwarves has grown worse and now a dozen small bodies are flying around the tavern throwing drunken fists at each other. A small group of them crash towards the front door and take down the bouncer in a jumble of writhing bodies. The bouncer bellows and curses, and strikes out as he tries to climb to his feet - but it is clear that he is districted and will not be able to help with anything else going on in the bar for a couple of seconds.

If Angati wishes to try and break the grabble, Avner's CMD is 13. The map in the map thread is still correct since Avner and his friend have just stood up and not moved (they're taking their time).

When you post your response, just keep in mind that killing or seriously maiming a noble in this city would seriously damage your future life expectancy.

Round 1 - Party's Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11    <Grappled>
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>  <Grappled>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Grappled> (Helping lift Angati)
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:16, Mon 20 Apr 2015.

Logan hurries into action, watching with growing horror as the nobleman grabs Angati and starts to drag her away.  The young rogue runs forward, unsure of his action, but trusting something will happen.  He casually sweeps the leg of the chair behind the retreating noble, positioning it to trip up Avner and enable Agnati's escape.  That having been accomplished, he rises up to full (less than impressive height, and shouts at Avner, hoping to trip him up.  "Hey, there's plenty of women here who are here for exactly that!  Go find one of them and have your fun!  Leave this one alone.  She came in with us, not looking to be hauled away by the likes of you!"

Sleight of Hand: Surreptitiously place chair (treated as aid another for Agnati's escape attempt, perhaps?

16:46, Today: Logan rolled 7 using 1d20. Aid Another vs DC 10.
16:46, Today: Logan rolled 19 using 1d20+8. Sleight of Hand.

Fascinated at Logans dash and blindingly fast hands, Celene watches for a moment to see if his efforts prove succesful. In case they are not, she gets ready to aid in a more firm way. While keeping her eyes on the action, she asks if Alohan will back them up. "Alohan, they're in trouble. We shouldn't raise this to a fight, but perhaps the sheer sight of your size will deter them, if you stand in their way? Unless they are all off in a drugged stupor...." She hopes he doesn't take offense in her telling him what to do, but really has no resources left to check his response, her focus lost on the events around Angati.

OOC: Celene readies a spell (sleep). Condition: if Logans effort fail and/or he is attacked she will cast sleep, centered on Toft 2 (to avoid targeting Angati - that is a risk, right?? Well, we will wake you later, then :-))

---

Free : talk to Alohan| Swft : | Move : | Stnd : Ready spell casting

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : Detect poison
              Daze (enchantment +1 DC)
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L1 Spells : Charm person (enchantment +1 DC)
  (2/4)       Sleep (enchantment +1 DC)
  Abilities : Flame lance (7/7)

This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Tue 21 Apr 2015.

OOC: Sorry, but this is taking place on the same day as Barge End and you used both of your sleep spells there. Do you want to do somehting else with your standard action?

Angati tried to break free from the grapple, but Avner had her head held tight and try as she did, she not manage to get out of the tangle.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd :
[Private to DM: 08:51, Today: Angati rolled 5 using 1d20+1. Break Grapple DC 12.]

---

HP: 11 |  AC: 16 | CMD : 11 | Saves: 2/1/2

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions : Grappled
  L0 Spells : 4/4
  L1 Spells : 2/3 Cure Light Wounds, Protect from evil, Fear
  Abilities : Misfortune, Temporal Celerity

 OOC: equally sorry, you must be mistaking Celene for some riff-raff wizardy girly - this is a sorceress, and she has still two out of four spell slots left :-)

If no other objections, she still readies for casting sleep. Are the trigger conditions okay? (too specifik, or too vague?)

OOC: Damn. I forgot you were a cheaty sorceress. OK, point taken. Trigger condition is fine.

OK, we'll give Kassius and Alohan another 24 hours to post and then move on.

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:24, Tue 21 Apr 2015.

Alohan frowns at the situation in front of him. He couldn't sit by and have Angati be thrashed by those savages and he felt himself clenching his fists in frustration. But Alohan was in a cultural predicament. If the Native went about introducing those gentlemen to his fist then he would no doubt find himself at the short end of the legal pole. He was reminded of earlier when the constable of Shadowshore came close to imprisoning him and his new companions. Celene had done a fair job talking their way through the drunken officer but Alohan suspected this might be handled a bit differently.

Needless to say, Alohan was picking his way through the crowd even before Celene had finished her sentence. He came up next to Logan, making himself known. "Ya be hearing the boy. PUT HER DOWN," he screamed, pointing at the cowardly noble in a threatening manner. Unfortunately, the roaring ruckus around him ascended into a monstrous monotone that made Alohan's threatening words a meer fraction of what he was capable of.

---

19:41, Tue 21 Apr 2015: Alohan Nuari rolled 14 using 1d20+5 ((9)).

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd :

---

HP: 15/15 |  AC: 17/14/13 | CMD: 16 | Saves: +4/+3/0

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  Rage      : 6   |   6

This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Tue 21 Apr 2015.

Avner continues to hold the struggling Angati's hands and head, while one of his friends tries to hold her feet. The oracle is kicking and fighting, so it is no easy task.


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:58, Wed 22 Apr 2015.

The rakish noble laughed. "And who are you to tell us what to do, little gutter-rat? I must say that the standards in this club are really beginning to slip if they will let the likes of you Shadowshore scum into here!" Avner and his friend continue to back away with Angati pulled between them and bump into the chair that Logan has moved, but it doesn't cause them any problems.

OOC: Nice idea, but Angati failed by miles...


Avner actually jumps a little at the sound of Alohan's booming voice. Despite the noise and other distractions in the tavern, the islander's command has clearly shaken the man, and Avner drops Angati's head onto the floor with a thud.

Celene watches carefully, ready to start casting her strongest spell if Avner or one of his friends makes a threatening move.

Round 1 - End of Party's Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>  <Shaken - expires start of round 2 party>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Grappled> (Holding onto Angati)
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>


This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Wed 22 Apr 2015.

Round 2 - Enemy's Turn

"Well, the cliental in this place just gets worse and worse," says Avner as he looks at Alohan - there is a definite quiver in his voice despite his best efforts to sound tough. "Alright then you two. My lads and I are going to send you back to the Shadowshore and whatever island you come from in coffins. Right lads?" He voice quivers as he speaks, but it looks like he is still willing to act. He looks around at his friends. They look less than eager. "Come on!" he screams, pulling a dagger from a concealed pocket in his jacket and diving at Alohan...

22:03, Today: Avner Meravanchi rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Avner attacks Alohan.
I forgot the -2 for him being shaken so that was actually a '3' :D


...but the barbarian easily sidesteps the clumsy blow. Noble 1 curses and tries to maintain his grip on Angati. "Just stay down!" he pleads. Nobles 2 & 3 woop and both pick up wine bottles from their table, then proceed to attack Logan and Alohan...

22:06, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d20-2. Noble 3 versus Logan.
22:06, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d20-2. Noble 2 versus Alohan.

...but the bottle make poor weapons and they are unable to connect.

Celene starts casting her sleep spell.

Kassius is still in the entre figuring out if he should bring Kibeti in or not.

No map update - just use your imaginations!

Round 2 - End of Enemy's Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>  <Shaken - expires start of round 2 party>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Grappled> (Holding onto Angati)
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>

Round 2 - Start of Player's Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Grappled> (Holding onto Angati)
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>



Celene finishes casting her spell and releases it into the melee, catching the party's opponents and Angati in the effects.

OOC: Lowest HD effected first. Of the 5 people in the area of effect, 4 of the them have 1HD and Avner has more, so Angati and nobles 1-3 have to make saves. Celene's DC for sleep is 16 (?!)

22:20, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 8 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 6. Noble 1 Save.
22:20, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 19 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 17. Noble 2 Save.
22:23, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 20 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 18. Noble 2 save misfortune reroll.
Hee hee :D
22:20, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 3. Noble 3 Save.

The noble holding Angati down keeps pleading with her to just stay down... until a confused look appears on his face and he suddenly slumps on top of her, fast asleep. The noble attacking Logan also falls to the ground.

OOC: OK, party's turn. Angati is prone but free.

Yes, it's DC 16 - best of luck Angati! I'll try to improve my 'footer info', let me know if it gets too cluttered.

Does that mean that Celenes casting of sleep is finished (1 round -  my failt if you missed it, I think I should have written 'full round action', right?)? If so, she'll do the following:

Celene decides to shake up Avners resolve by dazing his last ally, while staying out of reach and sight of the aggressors. Knowing a coward-at-heart when she sees one, Celene is willing to bet Avner will fold at once if he's not backed by his shoulder-patting tag-alongs.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : Cast daze on noble 2/3?, DC15

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : (unlimited use - DC14)
              Detect poison
              Daze (enchantment +1 DC)
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L1 Spells : (1/4 - DC15)
              Charm person (enchantment +1 DC)
              Sleep (enchantment +1 DC)
  Abilities : Flame lance (7/7)

This message was last edited by the player at 21:34, Wed 22 Apr 2015.

OOC: Umm, I don't quite follow. So normally the actions of the party and the opponents would be interspaced based on their initiative rolls. Since we are playing in RPOL we have modified this and the members of each team take all their turns in one block before the other side can move.

Celene cast sleep in the previous round. Normally casting a spell is a standard action, but since sleep has a casting time of one round, she used a full-round action and then continued casting through the opponents turn, and then unleashed the spell just before her next turn started. I played this to the party's best advantage and put Celene at the front of the party's turn order.

The only tricky bit was that Celene delayed her action with a condition, so she actually started casting in the middle of the opponents turn. But I think we played it all correct.



20:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d20+2. Noble 2 save versus daze DC15.

The young noble screams out and almost drops the bottle that he is holding. He is distracted for a few seconds as he tries to process the flashes of white hot noise the Celene is projecting into his mind. Anver doesn't seem to notice as he continues swiping and Alohan with his dagger.

Alohan, Angati, Logan & Kassius still have their turns to take.

Round 2 - Middle of Player's Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping>
Noble 2  <Undamaged>  <Dazed - expires at start of next party's turn>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping>


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:20, Thu 23 Apr 2015.

Angati was about to start moving when slumber hit her like a rock, everything fading out in a fog.

22:32, Today: Angati rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Sleep Save vs DC16.
Conditions: Asleep

Alohan easily stepped aside the lazy thrust to bring his off hand around. He had intended to snatch the noble's wrist but ended slapping it aside. The act left himself vulnerable to repercussions but Alohan needed to not deal blood this day. If he could subdue the man, he might be able to convince him to vacate the premises without any loss of blood. Still, the Native's heart wasn't in it. He didn't enjoy dishing out punishment and he completely misjudged the man's ability to avoid his grasp.

---

20:49, Thu 23 Apr 2015: Alohan Nuari rolled 10 using 1d20+2 ((8)).
I provoke an AoO with my grapple attempt since he is armed and I am not.

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : attempt a grapple

---

HP: 15/15 |  AC: 17/14/13 | CMD: 16 | Saves: +4/+3/0

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  Rage      : 6   |   6

This message was last edited by the player at 00:59, Fri 24 Apr 2015.

As Alohan reaches in and tries to grapple with Avner, the nobleman takes the opportunity to swipe at him with his dagger. The islander easily blocks the blow.

11:02, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 12 using 1d20+2. Avner attacks Alohan.
OOC: OK, just Logan and Kassius to go in this round.

OOC: It's been two days, so I'm going to NPC Logan and Kassius.

Logan reaches out and tries to grab the remaining noble. The man is dazed from Celene's magic trick and is not able to strike back with his bottle, but strongly resists when he feels Logan's hands on him. The pair of them grapple for a few seconds until the young noble manages to shove Logan back.

20:13, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 9 using 1d20. Logan grapple versus noble 2.
OOC: At least there is no AoO since the man is dazed.

Kassius still dithers in the entre, torn over whether to bring his animal companion into the whirling maelstrom that has become the bar. Decisions, decisions...

Round 3 - Start of Enemy's Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>



Avner snarls and lunges out with his dagger again but Alohan jumps back at the last second and avoids the blade. The noble facing Logan throws his bottle to the floor and tries to get Logan in a headlock, but the thief pushes him back.

It looks like the bouncer is starting to win his battle against the numerous dwarves that are fighting on and against him.


20:19, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 12 using 1d20+2. Avner attacks Alohan.
20:21, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 7 using 1d20+2. Noble 2 grapples with Logan.

Round 3 - Start of Players' Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7  <Sleeping - expires start of players' round 8>
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of players' round 8>
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of players' round 8>


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:35, Fri 24 Apr 2015.

Logan snarls and back away as the noble tries to pin him.  The half-elf knows his strength is not in a purely physical contest, but he needs to help his allies.  Maybe some diplomacy?  "You know," the half-elf says, ducking under a wild haymaker, "It's not going to do much for your reputation if you're caught unconcisous in a place like this."  The half-elf laughs and jumps back a skip.  "Why don't we call a truce for now, and you and your friends can go find more willing..."  Logan pauses and leans to the side, avoiding another clumsy blow,Er, more willing partners elsewhere?"

14:52, Today: Logan rolled 18 using 1d20+4. Diplomacy.
Fighting Defensively.  (+2 AC)
AC: 19, CMD: +16

OOC: I think it's me the one who's asleep and not Celene... :)... anyway, Angati continues placidly asleep I'd guess....
This message was last edited by the player at 10:36, Sun 26 Apr 2015.

OOC: she would be happy to take a nap:-), but if not:

Frustrated that the noble fools ignores his hopeless situation, Celene now targets himself, hoping it will justle some sense into him. She considers wakng Angati, but dares not enter the fray to do so. She fortunately seems safe beneath the sleeping noble...

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : cast daze on Avner

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : (unlimited use - DC14)
              Detect poison
              Daze (enchantment +1 DC)
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L1 Spells : (1/4 - DC15)
              Charm person (enchantment +1 DC)
              Sleep (enchantment +1 DC)
  Abilities : Flame lance (7/7)

The boy of Shadowshore posed an excellent argument. Hopefully the man would see common sense. To encourage the proper action, Alohan wanted to disarm the man -give the noble plenty of time to consider his actions while posing little threat. But Alohan had never been taught proper hand-to- hand combat. The Prince was adept at throwing friends around in friendly game but lacked the subtle skill set required to disarm an opponent filled with malicious intent. Imagine his frustration when Alohan grabbed at the noble's wrist, only to find the man contort his way out of it.

Even now, the nobles poor attempt to skewer Alohan had angered him. He felt his inner burn begin to bubble to the surface. It was only a matter of time before Alohan lost control and pummeled the man to death.

---

11:37, Sun 26 Apr 2015: Alohan Nuari rolled 6 using 1d20-2 ((8)).
I provoke an AoO with my disarm attempt since he is armed and I am not. This is not taking into account Celene's daze. Curse this Dice Roller.

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : attempt a disarm

---

HP: 15/15 |  AC: 17/14/13 | CMD: 16 | Saves: +4/+3/0

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  Rage      : 6   |   6

This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Sun 26 Apr 2015.

OOC: Oh yeah, sorry, it was Angati. I always think that is the worse punishment in any game... missing your turn.

OK, processing your turns in the most beneficial order as usual.



The noble pauses for a second as Celene tries to push her way into his mind, but then just shakes his head and clears it. Maybe the Zzonga juice has reduced the higher order brain functions that the sorceress needs to access in order to make daze work?

19:40, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 17 using 1d20+2. Avner will save vs Daze DC15.
OOC: Or maybe he just rolled well for his save, that is another possible explanation.



OOC: Well, diplomacy is generally ineffective in combat, but this is a brawl, not a melee. And this guy didn't want to be dragged into this in the first place. And you are pretty much impossible for him to hit or grapple. And you did roll well.

The young noble backs off, panting heavily and red faced from the exertion of alternately trying to clobber the young half-elf with a wine bottle and throwing ineffective haymakers. "Well, yeah," says the young man. "I think you've been taught enough of a lesson." Then he disappears into the crowd, heading towards the exit.

OOC: That means only Avner is left.


OOC: Just to be clear, Logan was fighting and then talking to noble 2, whereas you are dealing with Avner. I will treat your actions as being against Avner.



Avner twists his way out of hit and then slices back at the islander's wrist - he misses by a hair's breath.


OOC: Promises, promises. I would settle for just seeing you make contact with the guy.


OOC: Daze turned out to not be an issue. Yeah, sometimes the Dice Roller just seems to give out long chains of low numbers - I read in the general discussions forum that this apparently means it is working properly(?!).

19:48, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 12 using 1d20+2. Avner AoO versus Alohan.


Kassius finally finishes his internal tug or war and makes a decision - he WILL bring Kibeti in! He turns around and notices the fray for the first time. My goodness! If only there was something he could do!
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:58, Sun 26 Apr 2015.

Round 4 - Start of Enemy's Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>



19:59, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 15 using 1d20+2. Avner attacks Alohan.
OOC: That's a hit I think since Alohan doesn't have his studded leather on. Please let me know if I am mistaken, but as I recall he is just wearing nice looking war paint?

Avner jumps forward, and more by luck than skill, manages to push the point of his dagger into Alohan's shoulder. "HA! Take that you savage! Superior Sasserine breeding always wins over barbarian brutality in the end!"

OOC: OK, changed since Alohan does have his leather vest on as is therefore AC17.

Avner jumps forward and nearly manages to push the point of his dagger into Alohan's shoulder, but the rough studded leather vest the islander is wearing absorbs the blow.


20:03, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d4. Avner damage with dagger.

Meanwhile, the bouncer kicks and punches the last few dwarves off himself and manages to climb to his knees. He looks angry.

Round 4 - Start of Players' Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 15/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>


This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Sun 26 Apr 2015.

Cursing herself for not putting focus enough into her spell, and seeing Alohan hurt as a result, Celene again attempts to daze that slimy brat.

OOC: as he was not dazed the last time, he is still susceptible (as per the spell description), right?

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : daze on Avner

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : (unlimited use - DC14)
              Detect poison
              Daze (enchantment +1 DC)
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L1 Spells : (1/4 - DC15)
              Charm person (enchantment +1 DC)
              Sleep (enchantment +1 DC)
  Abilities : Flame lance (7/7)

This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Sun 26 Apr 2015.

OOC: Sure. He made his saving throw so he wasn't 'dazed' so you can try and hit him again with it.

Alohan joins Celene in self-blaspheme, letting out a string of Nuari cuss words as the dagger bit into his vest. He attempted to grab at Avner's wrist, looking to bend the man's hand back in order to encourage him to drop the weapon. Yet again, the man was able to contort his body and slip from Alohan's grasp.

The curses continued.

---

19:39, Sun 26 Apr 2015: Alohan Nuari rolled 4 using 1d20-2 ((6))
I provoke an AoO with my grapple attempt since he is armed and I am not.

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : attempt a disarm

---

HP: 15/15 |  AC: 17/14/13 | CMD: 16 | Saves: +4/+3/0

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  Rage      : 6   |   6

This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Sun 26 Apr 2015.

Avner screws up his face as the static roars inside his head again. Scanning around the tavern he spots Celene chanting and looking at him. "Get out of my head WTICH!" he screams, and grins as he is able to block the sorceress yet again.

19:12, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Avner will save vs Daze DC15
This guy is a legend! Looks like Celene isn't so tough without Angati around to force rerolls, huh?



19:17, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Avner AoO versus Alohan.
Confirm the crit.
19:17, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Confirm the crit.
What are you complaining about Ron? The dice roller is working fine!
19:19, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2,1 using 1d4,1d4. Avner crit damage versus Alohan.
Bah, underwhelming.

Avner jumps forward, and more by luck than skill, manages to push the point of his dagger into Alohan's shoulder. "HA! Take that you savage! Superior Sasserine breeding always wins over barbarian brutality in the end!"

Yeah, even if the barbarian IS wearing his little leather vest!

Just Logan to go in this round now.

With only Avner left now, Logan sighs in relief.  When the noble plunges his dagger into Alohan's shoulder, the rogue instinctively goes for his rapier, but after a quick look around the room, the half-elf drops his hands and begins to circle around Avner instead.

"Alohan, let's take him at once."  Logan tries to flank Avner, distracting him and leaving him open for an attack from Alohan.

Standard Action: Aid Another.  Success.  Alohan gets a +2 to his next attack roll vs Avner.
Ah, natural 20!  Should have made an attack.
08:54, Today: Logan rolled 20 using 1d20. Aid Another.

Round 4 - End of Players' Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 12/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>



Round 5 - Start of Opponents' Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 12/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>



Avner ignores Logan's efforts to corral him into Alohan's grasp and attacks the islander again. He aims for the same shoulder, but this time the stiff leather vest is able to turn the blade aside.

The bouncer climbs to his feet and looks around, taking in the chaos around him. Although no-one in the party sees it, his gaze falls upon the small melee the party is taking part in.

OOC: I am calling time on this combat. This is the last round of combat - make it count!


19:42, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20+2. Avner attacks Alohan.
Hmm, that vest is coming in useful

Round 5 - Start of Players' Turn

Angati  HP: 11/11
Alohan  HP: 12/15
Celene  HP:  7/ 7  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Kassius HP:  8/ 8
Kibeti  HP: 11/11
Logan   HP:  9/ 9

Avner    <Undamaged>
Noble 1  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>
Noble 2  <Undamaged>
Noble 3  <Undamaged>  <Sleeping - expires start of player's round 8>


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:47, Tue 28 Apr 2015.

The man's words bit deeper than his knife. Alohan felt the rage billow up inside of him, coming to the surface like some inner magma. He was the Nuari Volcano and he was not a savage!

His ability to control himself was lost and Alohan felt himself burn hot. He growled with anger, clenched his fists. Logan's ability to pester Avner gave Alohan the time he needed. He brought his fist back and swung.

Alohan felt Avner's face give way to his knuckle. The power being the swing was enough. So he hoped. Feeling himself justified after the knife left a hole in him.

---

20:09, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Punching Avner.
20:10, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 5 using 1d3+3. Damage 1.
20:10, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 16 using 1d20+4. Confirm Crit on Avner.
20:11, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 4 using 1d3+3. Damage 2 (possible).
NOTE: I forgot to add Logan's +2 so my crit confirm should be an 18!
I provoke an AoO with my punch attempt since he is armed and I am not.
If 9 doesnt knock him the hell out, I quit!

Free : Begin Rage | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : attempt to punch

---

HP: 14/15 |  AC: 15/14/13 | CMD: 16 | Saves: +4/+3/0

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  Rage      : 5   |   6

Logan whooped as the islander landed a solid blow. Eyeing the bouncer and the noble, the Shadowshore ruffian figured he had one more chance to end the fight if Alohan's attack left the man standing.

If needed:
Punch.
22:44, Today: Logan rolled 10 using 1d20. Punch.
Swing and a miss!

OOC: Sorry for being late to the action!

Once Again attempting to unsettle the pathetic noble, Celene figures that having his head punched through his stomach will probably not help his resolve to withstand her magic.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : Daze Avner

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : (unlimited use - DC14)
              Detect poison
              Daze (enchantment +1 DC)
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L1 Spells : (1/4 - DC15)
              Charm person (enchantment +1 DC)
              Sleep (enchantment +1 DC)
  Abilities : Flame lance (7/7)

Having finally convinced Kibeti not to enter the fray indiscriminately mauling everyone with her savage claws, Kassius leaves the great cat in the doorway and rushes into the mix to punch the closest opponent.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : punch 21/3 damage
[Private to GM: Kassius rolled 4,6 using 1d20+2,1d4+2. confirm crit.
Kassius rolled 21,3 using 1d20+2,1d4+2. punch/cestus. ]

---

HP: 10/10  |  AC: 16/14/12 |  Saves: +4/+4/+2

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs : none
 Conditions : none
   Spells : (2/2) Cure Light Wounds, Entangle, Summon Nature's Ally
  Abilities : (1/1) Animal Focus


---

Companion : Evolved Companion (Pounce), Animal Focus (Bull, +2 Str)

For the third time Celene tries to push into Avner's mind, but this time she is successful. The man groans, and shoots a look of pure hatred at her as he clutches his head, momentarily unable to form a coherent thought.
14:33, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d20+2. Avner will save vs Daze DC15. .



OOC: He is dazed so it is all good.



OOC: Ha! It would have been enough, but since I want Kassius involved as well...

Logan grabs Avner from behind and holds his knife hand (OOC: The assist from the previous round)allowing Alohan to land punch after punch on the young nobles face. The man cries out as his nose seems to explode in a spray of red blood, the man drops his dagger and starts heading for the floor but then...



...which just happens to be Avner since he is the last man left standing. The already cowered noble is dropped to the ground by Kassius' blows to the head and neck, made even more powerful by the hunter's gauntleted fist. The man lands face down on the floor, red blood seeping into the floorboards.

OOC: That was 18 non-lethal points in all - total overkill!



As Avner falls over, Logan tries to punch him in the back of the head, but the man is falling so quickly he swings and misses.

The tavern seems to have regained some sense of order as the bouncer has recovered and has been joined by several other study men from behind the bar. They push out from the entre, throwing dwarves out through the front door if they are still fighting and generally settling the bar down. Victor returns from somewhere deep in the crowd surrounding the dancers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:37, Thu 30 Apr 2015.

"Good news my assistants! I found one of my sources and found out what happened the other night, apparently there was..." The man trails off as he takes in the crumpled shape of Avner's body slumped on the floor. "Good heavens. Is that one of the Meravanchi boys? He'd better not be dead. Whatever started it? You didn't try and pick his pocket did you Logan?"

Victor is about to continue when he spies the sleeping form of Angati on the floor. She is lying spread-eagled on the floor with a sleepy smile on her face, while one of Avner's companions is slumped on top of her, also magically asleep. "What. the. frac. IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!" he blurts out incredulously. "We are on a mission here. Please focus!"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Thu 30 Apr 2015.

Angati woke up, her groggyness disappearing in a flash as soon as she remembered what had been about to happen, getting up as soon as she could and thanking whoever it was that had woken her up. She looked around and breathed out deeply, "Thanks guys".

As Victor started talking she looked at him as if he was some kind of alien creature that had started talking all of the sudden... she smirked and moved over to where Avner's body was lying "Focus you say ?... lets see if I can get more focused than this" she said softly but quite angrily as she gave Avner's unconscious body a tremendous kick in his nuts. "Next time, go and try to rape your mother... ".
This message was last edited by the player at 08:20, Fri 01 May 2015.

Avner groans, but hardly moves. It is clear that he is incapacitated.

OOC: I'll put that down as one additional point of non-lethal damage then?

I'll post an update on Monday after the rest of the group have a chance to respond.

having gently roused Angati from her slumber, and letting her have her way with Avner, Celene turns to Victor. "We are focused, trying to avert more trouble. Not every one of us is accustomed to frequenting this place. Due to our lack of experience with this kind of crowd, incidents are bound to happen while we are here. So please focus, and tell us what you learned, now!"

Logan takes a few seconds to regain his breathing, and snaps his attention back to his allies.  After making sure Angati has recovered, he turns to regard Victor again.  "Actually, I found a few things from the bouncer.  He confirmed that a woman matching Lady Vanderboren's appearance was here last night.  In fact, he said that woman was a regular, and referred to her as 'All the Way Amy.'  He even said that you two might be well acquainted."

Logan pauses, waiting for Victor's response.

"Bah! Acquainted? My job is to mingle in as many different social circle as possible, from the pinnacle of the Dawn Council right down to the dives in your neck of the woods. I can't be expected to know every regular at every place I frequent!"



"Yes, apparently Miss Amarilde Vanderboren was seen her last night and there was some sort of problem. She was dragged into one of the 'private rooms' against he will - that one up there to the left," he says, pointing to the door on the mezzanine floor that was closest to the southern wall. "Before anyone could do anything she reappeared happy and said everything was fine. She continued on dancing and eventually left through a window! Anyway, I recommend that we explore this avenue of enquiry and do so before..."

The inquisitor pauses as he sees the bouncer approaching the party, accompanied by several other staff members. They are now armed with cudgels. The bouncer is staring at the bleeding remains of Avner and his two friends who are still sleeping on the floor, shaking his head in dismay. "Frac it," curses Victor. "Follow my lead and blame everything on the rogue, and you might just get out of this without a life sentence to 'Carver's Pit'." Everybody in the party recognises the name of the notorious prison/mine in the Hellfurnances where lift expectancy was said to be measured in months.

"What the frac happened here?" barks the bouncer, staring down at Avner. The huge man is bleeding from a large gash in his forehead.

OOC: Don't be shy. What exactly did happen here?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Mon 04 May 2015.

Angati clutched her womb and bent over a bit as she turned to look at the bouncer with a grimace of pain. "Ah... I was sitting there" she pointed at the now upturned chair on the floor, talking raggedly, "Just minding my own business when these men, lead by that one there, sat next to me".

"That one there... Avner, I think he said that he was, decided to have some fun with me, which I guess is perfectly understandable in a place like this, but I did not fancy him nor his lackeys, so I told him I was not interested. He continued to insist, and I said that I was under certain contagious illness that might be dangerous for them, but they just laughed it out, and grabbed me between two of them...". She paused there trying to collect her nerves, "I am not a naive young girl, and I didn't entice him in the least... but I would like to think that each woman, no matter how old she may be, can still choose for herself who she wants to lay with..."

She paused a bit and looked at the man with scorn "Anyway... when I saw myself carried away, I shouted, something about his manhood, needing to force himself on an old woman like me, with the aid of four others.... calls for that... anyway, he didnt like it and he punched me in the stomach, though I very much doubt he will be man enough to even recognise punching an old woman like me... anyway... I am old... I guess I lost conscience with his brutal hit, you must have seen me stand up just now.... but, but... anyway, none of you guys saw me ? I had thought it had been the local security that had saved me... but I don't know what happened since I lost conscience."

OOC: Make rolls as you see fit (Bluff or diplomacy at +8).... misfortune if needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:24, Tue 05 May 2015.

Wow, that is almost telling the truth. That's a novel approach - I thought you'd just blame the dwarfs! ;)

OK, I'll have a little think about it and post tonight. Everyone else: pls feel free to add if you want.

Logan looks at the unfortunate nobleman with a look of disdain, then shrugs and looks back at the bouncer.  "You saw me.  I was talking to you, and by the time I got over here, my friend was being attacked.  I just tried to help out."

The bouncer looks at Angati and screws up his face, trying to weigh up her story...

21:47, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 15 using 1d20+8. Angati bluff.
21:48, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d20-1. Bouncer sense motive.
Opps, should have been at +0, but that is still 14 and not enough

"Ahhhh!" the huge man exclaims, running a hand through his greasy hair. "And the night was going so well!" He turns to one of his collegues. "Run to Lord Meravanchi's residence and inform him that one of his sons have been involved in an altercation. And come back with a cleric for frac's sakes!"

He then looks back to the party. "I don't know the truth of what happened here but it would probably be best for all of you if you were gone before Lord Meravanchi's men arrive. If I know Master Avner he will be looking for revenge and he won't be sparing in handing it out."

The bouncer heads off into another part of the club to attempt to restore order.

"Well, that is that taken care off," says Victor. "I hope that none of you used your real names when you signed in! Anyway, let's be up to that private room and get to the bottom of this mystery. Are you with me?"

Alohan grins in remembrance of the ledger, still well aware that he may be identified simply by his looks. Yet he shrugged and turned to give Avner one last kick in the ribs as the bouncer began to drift into the crowd. "Dat be for me vest ya moe ipo." Satisfied, Alohan turned to Victor and Logan.

"Amarilde be a different Amarilde. People of me isles be practicing dark magicks. Making people not like demselves. Maybe Amarilde be victim of magiks herself. Making her forget and do de dings dat people be frownin' upon." He couldn't help put glimpse at Celene, having witnessed the lady bring the same magics down upon their common foe. He didn't understand the arts fully -his ignorance made him fearful.

"Thank you kindly sir, I know you are helping us as much as you possibly can..." she said to the bouncer, and then looking at Avner in the floor "I sure wish there was more that could be done not to let this happen to other women... but I guess it is what it is, and a noble's son... is still a noble's son".

She turned then to the others "I think we should hurry, we do not want to cause an inconvenience to this fine man".

OOC: Meaning to get on checking that room, not leaving...

The party follows Victor up to the mezzanine floor and to the first door. (OOC: This is the southern-most or bottom of the five private rooms marked on the map) Without hesistation, Victor uses the handle of his cane to knock loudly on the door. "Open up!" he barks. "In the name of truth!"

A series of crashes and bumps can then be heard from inside the room, and continue on for so many seconds that Victor knocks on the door again, even louder and more firmly. "Open up now!"

The door is finally yanked open and a young woman stands in the doorway. It is Amarilde Vanderboren!

"Great," exclaims the young noble sarcastically. She is wearing in a silky green party dress that is cressed and dirty. Her hair is greasy and unkept. "So you found me? Fine. What do you want?" she asks poutily.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:49, Wed 06 May 2015.

Logan stares at Amarilde.  "But I don't understand.  Why did you send us here, only to find you?  And how did you get here so fast, anyway?  None of this makes any sense."

The rogue shakes his head.  "Okay, let's go back to the beginning.  What's your name?  How long have you been here?  Were you here last night?"

Angati laughed a rich loud laugh, "That's a lovely case of 'le feu au cul'... let us hear you out, it ought to be entertaining".

OOC: "le feu au cul" = "ass is on fire" = "to be in one heck of a rush"? Cool! Crazily, French does exist in Mystara, it is known as Averoignese and originated on a world that was like medieval France except with small amounts of magic. Some of the magic users escaped and formed a principality in Glantri called Nouvelle Averoigne. Although native speakers are confined to that land, many of the nobility around the world speak it as a second language as it is considered a mark of sophistication and culture.

"Huh? What are you going on about old lady?" said Amarilde as she stared at Angati blankly. Although Averoignese was taught to all the children of the nobility in Sasserine, some made more effort to learn it than others.

Amarilde turned back to Logan. "I didn't send you here, what are you talking about?"




"My name is Amarilde Vanderboren you imbecille! <sigh> I was getting cold feet about the wedding so I hired an actress to impersonate me, and we switched places last night. I admit I may have taken things a little bit too far, but I am ready to face the music now. Come on then. Take me to Soren and I will tell him the truth. No doubt he will blather like a baby..."

OOC: "Le feu au cul" is to be in one heck of a rush as you said... but its used to say (for women I think mostly) you they have urgent sexual desires. Nymphomaniacs and the like. It literally means to have your ass on fire

"Never mind learning anything other than postures girl...." just how much she loved to play older when she was berating someone... it was about the only good thing that had come out of this... "at any rate that would explain why you were out of this room so quickly when they took you (or your double) here the other night hm?. Anyway, your double sent us here, when your groom cancelled your wedding because he had learned that you were a frequent player in this place, and she promised quite a hefty sum for each one of us, which I intend on cashing out, after been hit and almost raped here by that Avner fellow downstairs."

She clearly did not deserve the tiniest bit of pity, and she intended to have if nothing else her money... it might help her going.

"Now, let me say this to you quite clearly, given that you already have a double, you have a very easy way out of this mess, with your reputation intact, to make a good marriage, and even to continue with your private pleasures as long as you like..... that is of course, if we all keep silent about it, and we are all feeling pretty talkative right now... not only talkative girl... but pretty pissed... you see... maybe you fail to grasp it, but we now have two options in front of us, either help you, or screw you, both will take about the same amount of effort, but screwing you would give us the extra pleasure of not feeling like idiots and not being taken as such, in fact, this man here, works directly for your groom, and given that you have already accepted that you are Amarilde and not your double, it will take some convincing for him to betray his word and reputation."...

After a pause, as if thinking she added "And... girl.. even if you don't give a frack about the wedding, you do clearly care, about having your well, tended regularly... just how likely you think you are bound to be able to have your way, if this becomes a problem ?".

OOC:
09:21, Today: Angati rolled 25 using 1d20+8. Bluff.
If necessary Misfortune.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Thu 07 May 2015.

"Well, that was obviously the double that I hired who came out of this room. She was acting obvious so everybody would notice her/me leaving."



"Oh, the wedding in canceled?! That is a shame. Well, I'd better get back and sort out this mess. No doubt I will find somebody else to marry."



"Really?" the girl started looking attentive again. "That sounds good. How would that work?"



Amarilde screwed he face up in confusion. "Who?" she said, looking at the empty spot where Angati was gestering. Victor has disappeared! Again! Then she looks sour. "So I am meant to pay you guys? Frac that! Forget it! Come on, I said I am ready to go. Sigh. Let's get it over and done with."



OOC: Dude! You're not allowed to say fuck! You have to say frac!

"Oh really? Well, that is a shame." It seems there is just no getting through to this girl.



OOC: Are you even bluffing?! No roll needed. She believes you, she just doesn't seem to care.

Victor is gone again. After the door was answer he slowly backed out of the group to the rear, and must have wandered off somewhere. Percetion checks at CD-15 if you want to spot him.

Logan struggled to contain his emotions as the vapid woman in front of him continued to speak.  She just doesn't care.  Doesn't care how her actions affect anyone but herself?  The rogue shook his head, a final thought going through his mind.  Are we still going to get a reward for this?

Finally, the half-elf clears his throat.  "Why didn't you just talk this over with your fiance?  Tell him you were having cold feet?  Were you planning on having your double go through with the wedding?  What exactly was your plan there?  Or do you even care what happens to all these other people?"

By this point Angati, was seriously considering, just presenting this girl as the double to the rest of the world and having the actress take on the real Amarilde...  which made her think"So why were you even interested on recovering the dress when you had the perfect alibi to avoid getting married ?"...

... and who the hell had been with her in that room ?.

18:36, Today: Angati rolled 17 using 1d20. Perception.
Sorry about that, I fracked it back... hmmm dont we just prefer to set mature, give you the ages and not need to worry about this though ?.

"Soren is such a bore. All he thinks about is the gladiatorial games and drinking. I can't talk to him about anything!" Now that Logan thinks about it, Soren didn't look like the talkative type...



"I don't know! I guess I didn't really think the whole thing through. I suppose it was a crazy plan really <shrug> Look, I said I am sorry, let's just go."



Amarilde looks confused. "What people. You mean the wedding guests? Oh, you mean Soren and the actress, ehhh, whats-her-name. Ahh, I'm sure they'll be fine."



"What dress? Did something happen to the wedding dress? That would be a shame, but look, if it is something that has happened since last night then I don't know anything about it. I have been in here the whole time!"



Angati looks inside the room. It is small with old wallpaper falling off the walls painted an indecent shade of crimson, and with scarlet red carpet and lampshades. The room looks empty enough, just a double bed with a medium-sized trunk at the end, and a lit lamp. There isn't even a window - this wall of the tavern must join onto the side of another building.



OOC: Nice frakking. It is not about the mature rating, it is about immersion and the colour of the world. The world 'fuck' just hadn't been invented yet!

With a resigned slump, Amarilde walks about of the room onto the mezzanine floor and heads towards the exit.

OK, anybody else besides Angati (nice roll by the way Beni) want to make a perception check to try and spot Victor? DC 15 please.

Shaking his head, Logan followed Amarilde from the private room, looking around for Victor as he did so.  "Where'd he go," Logan muttered to himself.  "Staring at the dwarven women again?"

16:13, Today: Logan rolled 21 using 1d20+8. Perception.

Celene just stands in the back, befuddled at the strange behaviour and ethics of nobles. Despite her time at the temple in the Noble district, she now realises that this obscure dialogue and bizare behaviour is utterly beyond her. She is just starting to catch that Angati is equally obscure, and well versed in the ins and outs of nobility.

She just manages to move aside as Amarilde goes for the exit, and Victors disappearence has hardly registered with her.

But strange as this all is, Celene doesn't feel confident at all that everything is as it (now) seems. She worries that someone else is still pulling their strings, and she needs to be certain that at least this woman is who she now claims to be. Trying to be unnoticed, she mumbles a minor incantation.

OOC: Casts Detect Magic and focuses on Amarilde. If time allows, she changes focus to the room, and people in the area.

...and at the same time...



OOC: FYI, the party have not been in her room yet. The party was out on the mezzanine floor the whole time, although Angati has peaked her head inside.

Both Logan and Angati scan the tavern and manage to spot Victor in the crowd. The silk-clad man is heading through the entre and leaves the building as they watch. It looked like he was in a hurry.

The rogue and the oracle notice something else as well.

[Private to Angati: They hear the sound of a thump and muffled cries coming from within the room.]
[Private to Logan: They hear the sound of a thump and muffled cries coming from within the room.]

...at the same time...



Celene spends the first round of her detect magic spell carefully scanning Amarilde and then the crowd. She spots no sign of any magical auras at all.

...and then...

Rather than turning right and walking down the stairs, Amarilde suddenly leaps over the balustrade around the mezzanine floor and falls to the ground floor with her greasy hair trailing behind her. She tries to land on her feet in the middle of a large table, but slips on an ankle that twists painfully beneath her. Her momentum carries her down and she falls hard on her ass into a gigantic pile of dried and powdered Zzonga root that a group of dwarves were busy snorting. The diminutive men are frozen for a second as the expensive white powder billows out in a big wave and covers their sweaty faces and beards.

Their mouths hang wide open until the powder starts to settle, then the dwarf facing Amarilde twists his face up in rage and screams, "That cost us ten frakken thousand gold crowns you dirty wench! I'm gunna..." *CRACK!* The dwarf's response is cut short as Amarilde lashes out with a booted foot and connects with the ridge of the little man's nose, causing it to shatter and blood to splurt out. Amarilde wastes no time to scrambling to her feet and climbing over the top of the shrieking dwarf. The noble girl pushes the little man hard so he tips back on his chair to land with a thump on the floor, then she hits the ground and hobbles off in the direction of the exit.

As Amarilde makes her painful way through the tavern, she points back behind her towards the party. "Help! Help me please! Those people are trying to kidnap me!" The effect is not huge since few of the pub's patrons hear her, but a few dwarves look up at the party with hard looks on their faces.

As Amarilde heads past the spot where the bouncer is helping Avner to his feet, she jostles a dwarf and sends him spinning into two more diminutive miners who spill their drinks on each other who then start a fight with the next groups... The bouncer has just about restored order in the place when he looks up and sees things start spiralling out of control again. "Oh frac! Not again!" he pleads, but is then buried in a wave of small sweaty bodies as dwarves dogpile across him to get at each other.


19:40, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d20+5. Amarilde acrobatics DC10.
Ahh! For real?! Should've been DC 12 anyway.
19:42, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6. Amarilde non lethal damage.

So begins the Mermaid's Secret Chase Game. Here are the rules (assuming that the party want to chase her down).

• The party must get EIGHT point before Amarilde gets THREE points.
• This is an 'open skills challenge' with a DC of 12, so the party can get points by making skill checks against DC12.
• You can decide yourself which skill to use, you just need to write about how you use it (and it needs to be at least a little bit logical!)
• Remember to use Angati's misfortune, except Alohan who has already used it today.
• If the party get's to 8 points, they capture Amarilde. If she gets to 3 points first, then she makes it out of the door to freedom.
• Remember, no reward unless you return with her!
• Note that you can investigate the room (using your skills) instead of chasing after her and that also gives points.
• Be creative! Obstacles that you have overcome that might be used in skill checks are: the balustrade, getting through the crowd, furious zzonga-stoned dwarves, investigating the room, overcoming dwarves who are trying to help Amarilde, yelling at people to get out of the way...
• If you fail a skill check I will decide if there are (minor) consequences like maybe loosing a couple of HP's.

CURRENT SCORE
AMARILDE      0
PARTY         0


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:32, Fri 08 May 2015.

"I get de girl!" Alohan yelled, grabbing the banister. He hauled himself up and over, dropping down to the cluttered masses below. But in similar fashion, Alohan's graceful fall intercepted a drunken patron -the same patron the (false)Amrailde had savagely kicked. The native fell upon the man's shoulders, causing him to violently twist and impact the floor awkwardly. "Tukai..." he muttered, rolling off the dwarf. By the time he was able to gain his feet, his prey was already deep in the crowd. Cursing his misfortune, Alohan braced himself for what was to come.

---

14:53, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 11 using 1d20+7. Acrobatics.
14:58, Fri 08 May 2015: Alohan Nuari rolled 5 using 1d6 ((5)).
Failure: Whelp, the sucked.

Dude! So close. I feel your pain. NB that is non-lethal damage he has taken.


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND ONE
AMARILDE      0
PARTY         0

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN     <TURN TAKEN>   <MF USED>
ANGATI
CELENE
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:06, Fri 08 May 2015.

Without a second thought, Logan flings himself over the ballustrade in pursuit of Amarilde.  "I don't even know if you're the real noble or the fake one," the rogue calls out as he flies through the air, "but I'm going to catch you either way!"  Unlike his quarry, the half-elf spots the landing, tumbling over the table and into the empty spot left by the fallen dwarf, trying to plot a route through the rioting dwarves towards the exit.

16:36, Today: Logan rolled 24 using 1d20+8. Acrobatics vs DC12.

Well done.


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND ONE
AMARILDE      0/3
PARTY         1/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN     <TURN TAKEN>   <MF USED>
ANGATI
CELENE
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN      <TURN TAKEN>

This message was last edited by the GM at 10:18, Sat 09 May 2015.

Angati looked around, seeing that all his companions were busy in the pursuit of Amarilde or whomever that one was, she decided to check into the room that the woman was occupying. Before doing so though....

Angati shrieked like she had seen something terrible and pointed a finger to Amarilde "Ahhhhhh  Stop that woman there... there is a dead child here !!!!".... things were bound to get complicated later... that was for sure... but, well... they would have to worry about that later... and if the bi*** thought she could lie her way around... well, she still had to learn she had met her peer.


20:14, Today: Angati rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Bluff.
OOC: MF is a conscious decision from Angati, and I don't think she could do it with you guys out of her sight, much as she would love to... :) So profit while she is there looking if needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Sat 09 May 2015.

<Chuckle> Nice one!


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND ONE
AMARILDE      0/3
PARTY         2/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN     <TURN TAKEN>   <MF USED>
ANGATI     <TURN TAKEN>
CELENE
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN      <TURN TAKEN>

Wincing at Angatis shriek, Celene realises she cannot contribute anuthing meaningful to the chaos below, and she still feels something atrange is at the bottom of this. Maybe a clue is in Amarildes room?

Going in the door and quckly to the side to stay far from any nasty surprise behind it, she scans the room for any threats and obvious clues first, ready to warn or call in the others as needed.

Holding on to her spell, she ponders her findings. So this woman did not show any magic, excepts if it was a particularly veiled disguise. That confirmed that the woman seen leaving the Secret yesterday likely wore a disguise. And likely a magical one. Leaving through the window, she avoided the magic dead zone from ruining the disguise! Celene smirked, thinking herself clever for figuring that one out.

OOC: Oh, vanity is not only in the body...

08:15, Sun 10 May 2015: Celene rolled 13 using 1d20+3 ((10)). Perception dc12

This message was last edited by the player at 08:07, Sun 10 May 2015.

Celene looks around the room but sees no sign of any magical aura. There is very little space to hide anything in the dirty little room, and nothing useful is visible.



OOC:  :D Yeah, you're on the right track buddy.




Celene turns to leave but she stops abruptly when she hears a dull *thud* and a muffled cry coming from the trunk in the room. The small chest sits at the foot of the bed, and might just be large enough to have somebody inside it if they weren't too big.

OOC: So there is a problem with opening the chest. As to what that problem is and what skill is needed to get around it, that is up to you.


Kassius stands on the balcony, and sees that Kibeti is in the perfect position to stop Amarilde from getting away as the great cat is still positioned by the front door. Realising that he has no chance of giving a verbal command over the noisy ruckus being made below, he uses a complex series of hand signals to tell Kibeti to stand guard and not let anyone pass. Unfortunately the interdimentional albino super-cat is too busy licking its own ass clean and misses the whole thing.


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND ONE
AMARILDE      0/3
PARTY         3/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN     <TURN TAKEN>   <MF USED>
ANGATI     <TURN TAKEN>
CELENE     <TURN TAKEN>
KASSIUS    <TURN MISSED>
KIBETI     <TURN MISSED>
LOGAN      <TURN TAKEN>


<Next Round>

Meanwhile, Amarilde hobbles on her twisted ankle through the crowd towards the exit, hindered by a few of the patrons who have listened to Angati's cry from the mezzanine floor. She manages to weave her way through and almost reaches the entrée, but then a frustrated look flashes across he face and she turns with a snarl.

Logan is making good progress through the crowd, so Amarilde only has seconds to dash into a nearby thicket of warring dwarves. As she moves through them her skin moves like water and changes colour to a pale grey, then Amarilde seems to get smaller with each step. A couple of the dwarves notices, and cry out in shock, but before they can do much the creature has finished the transformation and a young female dwarf is what emerges from the other side of the dwarven group and climbs onto the stage with the other dancers. Those few dwarves not yet fighting greet her arrival with catcalls, and then add lewd sounding cries in their native tongue as Amarilde's now too big dress starts to fall away - the 'Amarilde dwarf' tries to clutch it to herself and looks around desperately for a way out that won't involve getting mauled by a horny dwarf.

OOC: Hmm, weird. Not at all what I planned... Maybe I should change this game to mature?! I promise things will calm down a bit once we leave this location.

21:48, Sun 10 May 2015: Dungeon Master rolled 34 using 1d20+21 ((13)).
No point in using MF on this one...


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND TWO
AMARILDE      1/3
PARTY         3/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN                    <MF USED>
ANGATI
CELENE
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:54, Sun 10 May 2015.

This message was deleted by the player at 10:02, Mon 11 May 2015.

In reply to Celene (msg # 150):
Oh, i forgot to say, you can't use the same skill twice in the challenge. So Celene can't use perception again. Got any other ideas? Maybe it isn't locked, just latched from the outside but there is a different problem?

Angati noticed a strange magic device that was probably used during the shows to better illuminate the dancer, it was shaped like a pivotant cone fixed to the hand guard at the mezzanine. Her smile was almost evil as she dashed to it. She quickly found the trick to it, after all it seemed to be made to be used by almost anyone...

With a grin, she focused the light of the cone on the fleeing female "Amarilde Dwarf" making her an easy target to be spotted by everyone becoming the 'star' of the moment.

08:33, Today: Angati rolled 15 using 1d20+8. Use magic Device.
I hope I am not getting too creative here... but not being able to use same skill twice, kind of forces one to.

I'd go help in the room Celene, but I think I am better here in case someone out here needs to use MisFortune.

OOC: Oh, that is evil :D  And no, in an open skills challenge pretty much anything goes, so that is a great post.

As the magical light pivots onto Amarilde-dwarf she freezes in terror, wondering why she has suddenly been picked out. The dwarves around her raise a cheer and some dwarves even stop fighting in order to watch. The bongo drummer, who had been faithfully maintaining a syncopated rhythm despite no-one paying any attention to him, pauses and then starts a staccato drum roll starting quiet and building in intensity. The bag-piper follows his lead and starts a gentle wailing on his instrument as the other dancers back off a little, happy to have a break.

"Waaaah!" wails Amarilde-dwarf. "I just want to get out of here!"


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND TWO
AMARILDE      1/3
PARTY         4/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN                    <MF USED>
ANGATI     <TURN TAKEN>
CELENE
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN

Of course - in the coffer. Celene starts forward to quickly open the latch. But wait, something's not right. If not for the dirty floor, all grimy and cluttered with soil, she wouldn't have noticed. But the trunk has been moved, first away from the bed, then back again. Why would anyone do that? And who - those foot tracks next to the chest are positively odd. A suspicion starts to grow in her head. Could it have been tampered with on the backside, as a simple means to avoid detection? She goes to get behind the coffer for a better look...

"Hold on in there, we'll get you out. But we just need to be careful", Celene comforts the prisoner."Can you hear me?"


11:32, Today: Celene rolled 15 using 1d20+4. Tracking (survival).

OOC: blatant overuse of skills, but hey, anything goes, eh? :-)
DC for indoor floor is normally 20, but since you pointed out how dirty it was, adding a bit of grime and dust make the DC12 more probable.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:54, Mon 11 May 2015.

OOC: I like it, but I do think it is mean that you have left it to me to decide exactely what Celene has found ;) Nice use of a secondary skill though.

Celene carefully looks between the side of the trunk and the wall, and sees that the side of the chest is actually a door on hinges that is held closed with some sort of latch. Maybe the big lid is just a decoy and is probably trapped!



A muffled cry answers Celene's question and the kicking inside the chest begins again, more vigourously this time.

OOC: I've left things a little open so there is something for Celene to do if she needs to roll again next round.


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND TWO
AMARILDE      1/3
PARTY         5/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN                    <MF USED>
ANGATI     <TURN TAKEN>
CELENE     <TURN TAKEN>
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN

This message was last edited by the GM at 10:36, Mon 11 May 2015.

Logan skids to a stop as Amarilde changes forms.  The half-elf quickly recovers his composure, watching as the woman he's chasing clambers up onto the stage.  "That's a neat trick," the rogue mumbles to himself.  "There's a few times that would have come in handy."  As the newest dancer start to draw attention, courtesy of Angati's light and the new music, Logan begins to work his way quickly around to the side of the stage nearest the exit, take care to hide himself from Amarilde's sight.  If she tries to make a break for the exit, Logan will be perfectly placed to intercept her.

10:23, Today: Logan rolled 16 using 1d20+8. Stealth.

OOC: Good plan...


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND TWO
AMARILDE      1/3
PARTY         6/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN                    <MF USED>
ANGATI     <TURN TAKEN>
CELENE     <TURN TAKEN>
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN      <TURN TAKEN>

"Get outta da way!" Alohan yelled, hobbling towards the stage. Coincidentally, the roar of the crowd erupted in cheers over the Amarilde-Dwarf and Alohan's pitiful attempt to move the crowd left him being shoulder by several envious dwarves making their way forward. His frustrations were mounting but at least his prey was in an equally unfortunate position. Yet if she wanted to flee via a window, Alohan would be hard pressed to give chace with the amount of dwarven mass between him and her.

---

20:30, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 6 using 1d20+5 Intimidate the Masses.
Failure: Whelp, the sucked even more.

OOC: Bad luck.

Kasssius curses as he realises that it is going to impossible to attract Kibeti's attention from where he is. The hunter sprints down the stairs and off in the direction of the cat.


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND TWO
AMARILDE      1/3
PARTY         6/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>
ALOHAN     <TURN TAKEN>   <MF USED>
ANGATI     <TURN TAKEN>
CELENE     <TURN TAKEN>
KASSIUS    <TURN MISSED>
KIBETI     <TURN MISSED>
LOGAN      <TURN TAKEN>


Meanwhile, Amarilde-dwarf is fixed in the spotlight and realises with a despairing moan that thanks to Angati's medling there is no way out now - too many dwarves have taken an interest in her. With a sigh she starts moving to the music while still clutching her oversized green dress to herself. She gains more confidence as she goes, and catches the beat.

Angati closes her eyes and concentrates, trying to sift through the multiple possibilities and pick out one where Amarilde fails. But it is not possible, every alternate that Angati sees has the young lady/demi-human performing this act well. Angati gives up, opens her eyes, and sees Amarilde dancing wildly on stage to the furious encouragment of the dwarven crowd.

10:01, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20+3. Amarilde-dwarf perform vs DC12.
10:01, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 23 using 1d20+3. MF Reroll.
OOC: Wow! That girl really knows how to dance! Now it is going to be tough for you to come up with scenarios where you get those two last points without pissing off a bunch of agro dwarves....



CURRENT SCORE - ROUND THREE
AMARILDE      2/3
PARTY         6/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>   <MF USED>
ALOHAN                    <MF USED>
ANGATI
CELENE
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN

OOC: Lol.. let's see how this works.

Damn the woman had resources... she danced way better than anyone else she had seen tonight... and she had all the attention of the dwarves....

A smile started forming on Angati's lips as she thought about the dwarves... an evil thought taking shape in her devious brain.... dwarfs really were a touchy lot who avoided like hell speaking about religion, and if anything they only talked about their Immortal Kagyar, patron of crafts and artisans to keep it safe.... anything to avoid talking of Abagvar, the Betrayer... now... imagine, dancing to it.

She happened to remember Abagvar's sigil from the boring religion lessons that she conducted at the Shrine... being amongst so many books had some advantages after all, so she picked up the make up she used to cover a bit of those crevices that some people called wrinkles, and drew with it the sigil on the projector lens... focusing it again on Amarilde.

She wouldn't even know what hit her.... problem was... with so many dwarves around... well, it might get out of control easily, but at this point, it had gotten to be somewhat personal.

OOC: 09:45, Today: Angati rolled 15 using 1d20+6. Knowledge religion.

OOC: Wow! Creative and extra points for name dropping in an Mystara immortal! Kagyar that is, not Abagvar, which I assume is one you took creative liberty with ;)

The dwarfs freeze as the dwarven rune of Abagvar, the great betrayer, appears super imposed as a dark shadow across the chest of the dancing Amarilde. The girl remains unaware and continues wiggling her body and ass to the beat, only understanding that something is wrong when the drummer and bag-piper slowly come to a halt. All the onlookers are starting at her in hushed silence, a stunned look on their faces as though they are unsure about how to respond to the blasphemy.


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND THREE
AMARILDE      2/3
PARTY         7/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>   <MF USED>
ALOHAN                    <MF USED>
ANGATI     <TURN TAKEN>
CELENE
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN

Angati, slowly moved away from the light in case someone turned to see who was conducting the business.

OOC: Yes, I took the liberty with the second one, I searched the internet, but not much came up with regards to dwarven religion in Mystara.

Sighing, Celene stared at the telltale signs of magic on the side of the chest. The obvious frontal lid was likely trapped by mundane means. This trunk was definitely not meant to be opened anytime soon. Seeing no chance at disabling a mechanical trap, Celene focused on her element - magic.

Her active spell aided her magical mastery in deciphering this enigma. With it, she came to a surprising conclusion: A wordcaster had been tampering with this chest.

Celene had been taught of these masters of the arcaic pure words of magic that had presumably been the origin of todays complex magical spells and effects. These word smiths were excedingly rare, and Celene had never tried word effects herself, as she, like so many others, found it too hard to grasp - but the possibilities intrigued her. The presence of a wordcaster, however, worried her. They were seen as a sign of ancient and often evil powers disturbing the newer civilised world...

Fortuitously, this trap appeared not to be deadly, but simply deterring. Beneath the overlaying obvious binding word, lay another word of dread, meant to fill any who tampered with the latch with uncontrolable terror.

Knowing this beforehand gave her a distinct advantage in fighting the effect. And time ran out soon, she had to try. Reaching for the latch, she held her breath.

OOC: a will saving throw at e.g. +4 for knowing the spell? Your call John.

quote:

13:28, Today: Celene rolled 18 using 1d20+7. Spellcraft on bound chest.

OOC: Since this is a skills challenge, making the spellcraft check is enough!

Celene realises at the last second that there must be some way to open this side door of the chest without triggering the rune - otherwise how would the owner of the trunk get their things in and out if the main lid was trapped? She studies the rune hard with the last moments of her detect magic spell and sees that the blue swirling rune doesn't cover all of the door - there is just enough space for her to slip her fingers in either side, and if she used the latch as a hinge rather than trying to unlatch it...

The sorceress is sucessfull in opening the side door and the head of a young lady, bound and gagged, flops out. It is Amarilde Vanderboren!! She is breathing heavily through the gag, and sweating heavily into some skimpy white cotton clothes which appear to be her underwear. She makes some groggy noises and looks up and Celene, a terrified look appearing her face.

OOC: Well done team Alohan! Celene gets the last point for a win! Now you just need to figure out some way to capture the imposter without the dwarves ripping her apart.


CURRENT SCORE - ROUND THREE
AMARILDE      2/3
PARTY         8/8

AMARILDE   <TURN TAKEN>   <MF USED>
ALOHAN                    <MF USED>
ANGATI     <TURN TAKEN>
CELENE     <TURN TAKEN>
KASSIUS
KIBETI
LOGAN

Unaware at what is happening outside - but confused at seeing the same woman here yet again - Celene figures that this must finally be the true miss Vanderboren. "Why is she so terrified? She shouldn't think me as a danger", Celene wonders in her own mind. Did the magical fear effect touch her, somehow? Or is it something else - Celene quickly turns her head, looking behind her for an ambush, her last spell power tense in her mind, ready to spring forth.

Assuming nothing threatening appears, Celene does her best to comfort her. "Be at ease, I'm here to free you. We are catching your captor and imposter as we speak." Celene then delicately removes the gag. "Please tell me what the last thing you remember is. And how far ahead of your wedding date with mr. Toregson this was."

While the woman hopefully gets a grip of herself and starts to reply, Celene moves on to remove the bonds.

OOC: edit, sorry, just realised we're still in turn order - can you just stall my post until my turn next round?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Tue 12 May 2015.

Logan strides confidently onto the stage.  He reaches up into the light of the magical spot, eclipsing the symbol of Abagvar with a shadow of a devouring moon, and with some more deft finger-work, transforms the shadow into that of Kagyar's rune once again.  Holding his pose, he awkwardly turns to face the rumbling crowd, make a bow that involves only his head.

"Just a reminder, my fellows, of how the Great Betrayer can be found anywhere, even in the places you least expect!  Be wary, for even a dancing girl..."  Logan reached out for the fake Amarilde's arm, spinning her, and dropping her too-large dress even lower across her frame, with expected results from the ogling dwarves.  "Even a pretty lass like her may not be what she seems!"  Logan spun the changeling again, dropping her into a dip.  As he brought her back up, he clasped her arm tight and brought her ear close to his face.  "Listen up," he whispered in a sharp tone. "You're leaving with us, and going to explain exactly what's going on, or we'll leave you for these dwarves."  Logan walked purposely offstage, dragging his captive with him, waving to the dwarves as he made for the exit.

13:50, Today: Logan rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Bluff.
13:50, Today: Logan rolled 9 using 1d20+8. Sleight of Hand.

And there's my bad rolls!

Celene sees no ambush being sprung and when she double checks the rune with the last of her detect magic spell she can see it has not been disturbed. The girl must be frightened for another reason.

OOC: Like being kidnapped by dopplegangers. That would do it...



Amarilde looks up at Celene, wild fear still in her tear streaked eyes, but she gives a gentle nod.



"Are you really not one of them? This isn't some sort of trick? <sob> Thanks be to the goddess! They kidnapped me last night, and have been holding me here since then. I don't even know how much time has passed... there's no window in the room. Please say I haven't missed the wedding! <sob>"



Naaaaah. The skills challenge is finished and we are back to the old fire at will style.

Shadow animals were never Logan's best trick as a child and Kagyar's symbol is a complex octagon with lots of wiggly bits in it. Logan's attempt to merge the shadows of his fingers with Angati's evil symbol turn it into more of a blob than anything else.

"Ehhh! What's that meant to be?" scowls one dwarf, tilting his head to one side. "A bunny rabbit?"

OOC: I am not sure what the DC for that would be, but it is more than 9!



"Oiy! What is the funny half-elf going on about?" mutters another dwarf.

"Yeah, just hurry up and get her kit off," shouts another. At least Logan's clumsy shadow animal show has distracted them from the symbol of Abagvar the mighty evil one.



"Booo!" "Get off the stage you daft elven twat."  "Booo!"  "I didn't come here for a religious lesson."  "Booo!"  "Take YOUR clothes off mate! Ha ha!" Objects start arcing over the top of the crowd and landing on the dancing stage. Bottles. Drinking mugs. Helmets. When the first hand axe sails over, Logan knows he's in trouble.

OOC: And likewise '11' is not enough to persuade a crowd of horny dwarves over to your side... Jeez, are you even TRYING?!




The crowd roars in appreciation and laughs at the show. Sure, it is a pretty crazy strip act, but anything that breaks up the monotony of the standard acts is a welcome relief.




"OK, OK! If you get me out of here alive and with my regenerated maidenhead intact you have a deal, buddy," grunts the small dwarven figure in a surprisingly deep voice. The Amarilde imposter makes no effort to resist Logan dragging him away, and this time the rogue is careful to keep a tight grip on the captive.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:45, Tue 12 May 2015.

Celene stares into the beyond for a second, while her mind wraps around the information. Looking back at the young woman, who in Celenes eyes now seems a very different, fragile and innocent girl from the brash and flirtatious wench she has so far known, she ask "So, I gather you have never seen me before?" Celene looks around for some clothes for the girl, finding some fairly decent scraps, and puts them around her far too obvious body.

"It appears several players have been trying to alter the events of today. Yes, today was the day of your marriage. But it is not finished yet, and from what I hear," Celene tilts her head while listening to the outburst outside, "I think my companions are in the process of securing our evidence. Come, raise your spirit again, and take comfort, people are fighting for you. Who was that goddess you gave thanks again?"

Getting a thought, she adds, "but others may still try to ruin your wedding. Say, do you know a man called Victor Saint-Demain?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Tue 12 May 2015.

Angati, entered in the room to see Celene with Amarilde, the real one... probably. "Oh, it figures they had several different mimics posing as Amarilde... " she said at Celene, as she knelt and helped Amarilde stand up... "Anything hurt that might need mending girl ?... by the way, my name is Angati... let's get you out of here as Celene says, we will let you know along the way to your home... do you know who else might be involved in this?, and why did they get you here though ? do you know ?"

The girl shakes her head. She clasps the clothes around her body gratefully.



"The goddess of justice, Wee Jas. And... isn't she also the goddess of love sometimes as well? <sob> I really need help with that too. But if the wedding isn't finished then there is still a chance to get there in time. Let's go!"



"The greatest sleuth in Sasserine? Is he on the case as well? Then I feel much better! No, I don't know him personally but I have read about him and the amazing mysteries that he has solved."



"No, they made me answer lots of questions and shoved me in that chest, but otherwise I am OK."

"Good to meet you Angati, I am Amarilde Vanderboren."

"But I don't want to go home! We need to go to my beloved's house where the wedding is going to be held and make sure he marries me! The right me, I mean. Let's go, right now please!"

Amarilde climbs to her feet and almost drags the two women out of the room, then down the stairs to the exit.

Meanwhile, Logan and Alohan push through the crowd towards the exit. As the half-elf goes past the bouncer, the brawly man grabs his shoulder. "Hey! Look, we don't appreciate people just getting up on the stage like that, well, not unless it is amateur night. But I think you have the beginnings of one hell of an act there! Come back next dwarf night with something a bit more polished and there'll be a first silver coins in it for you, al right?"

The pair finally manage to arrive at the entre, with their firmly escorted prisoner held between them.

The changling baulkes as they reach the threshold. "If we're going through that anti-magic zone then my true form will be revealed. Can't we go out the back way? Or though the window?" says the imposter in a deep barritone voice. Seeing the look on their faces the creature sighs, and travels across the area as quickly as possible. As soon as he takes a step into the polish floor marked with blue runes, the little dwarven maiden's skin begins to crawl and develop a grey sheen. She increases in size and within three steps the barbarian and the rogue are holding a tall, grey figure with elastic looking skin between them.

"Let's get out of here then!" exclaims the creature. "I will need a rest before I can shift again and I'll get torn apart if these dwarves see me. At least let me put on a cloak so I can blend in a bit."

Celene and Angati escort the real Amarilde out the same way. The young lady shys away from the tall doppleganger and needs a lot of convincing from the two spellcasters that everything is under control before she will go anywhere near the creature.

Kassius is waiting for them outside, still soothing Kibeti with a gentle patting. The party heads back to the gondola station and then sets out back towards the champion district and the groom's mansion. Victor is still no-where to be found.

"I am Vrinn by way," says the changling, offering his hand towards Alohan.

OOC: Whew. Long post again. But had to move things along and get the team back together. Now is the time to ask anything you like - the gondola ride will take as long as needed.

This message was last edited by the player at 10:29, Wed 13 May 2015.

Picking up on what Amarilde asks, Celene nods, "yes, the Goddess is also the protector of true and sanctified love, espcecially in those relationships that seem to be against all odds, and I think you qualify for this. I hope and pray for the just outcome of this evening, as I am sure Lady Eseriel will as she hears of this."

Changing the subject, she expands, "The reason that I mention this Saint-Demain is that he was with us up until a moment ago, yet he hurridly left before we got to you and your captor. I don't know - perhaps he drew some wrong conclusions, and left to report on this. Or he left to take credit for solving this prematurely, which is of no significant consequence. Or is it something else..." she trails off. Brushing away the concern, she adds, "either way, we will see this through, that is the most important thing."

"One thing, though. We, that is Alohan, Logan, Angati and I," Celene nodding to each at their mention, "have been emplyoed by you earlier this day, to save your marriage, while Kassius here was asked by your fiancee to see matters straightened. Only - you were not you, you were one of these changeling." Celene indicates the strange creature. "This would apparently mean that their plan was to carry out the wedding, not ruin it, as was tried earlier today. Perhaps their plan was to infiltrate the nobles of this city - perhaps they already have elsewhere?"

"Or am I overlooking something?" She looks around asking for the oppinions of her companions.

"Or should we pry the information from you? Alohan could easily crush your hand that you so eagerly offer him..." she asks pointedly towards the gray crature

OOC: any roll to get Vrinn talking, or is he already talkative?

quote:

13:27, Today: Celene rolled 20 using 1d20+4. Intimidate roll?

Yeah, dice roller just fine :-)

It is the creature that identifies itself as Vrinn that speaks up. For the first time Celene notices something funny about him - he only has one eye. The spot where the other eye should be is just a smooth mess of scar tissue, as though it has been burnt at some time in the past with fire or acid. The changling seems shy about it, and stares to one side of her as he answers so the ruined eye is hidden from view.

"We weren't trying to infiltrate the nobility! Just have a good time. This is our occupation in a way. The other changling is my life companion Trym. We travel to a city, find a good young target who is either wealthy or marrying into wealth, and then we take turns switching. We make sure to find somebody who enjoys the sort of lifestyle we like... Parties, drinking and hanging out... So that no-one notices any change of behaviour."

This message was last edited by the player at 12:05, Wed 13 May 2015.

Amarilde sobs. "What?! That isn't me!"

"Whatever baby," answers Vrinn.



OOC. Impressive.

Vrinn cowers under Celene's suddenly terrifying vissage. "Look! We weren't looking for any trouble! I swear that we were never going to hurt a hair on her head. We were planning on keeping her around for a couple of weeks to make sure we had all the info we needed and then we'd sell her into slavery."

The doppleganger takes in the disguised looks from the party and Amarilde's choked back sobs. "Oh come on. A pretty one like her would end up in some sultan's harem in the Emirates of Ylaruam in the blink of an eye. She'd have a great time."

Angati raised her gaze up from the channels, they were traversing "So it was not just having some fun... you wanted some info, so, what info was that and who was it for ?".

'[Language unknown: Ch Latareearrea]...' Alohan thought, involuntarily shuddering at Vrinn's revelation. On Nuari, legend has it that this tropical creature comes out of the rainforest to steal your identity. No one knows why they do it but Alohan could count several tales of these critters ruining the lives of others for no particular reason other than sport. But the Nuari had a way to distinguish who was of the Volcano and who wasn't -face changers were cool to the touch. Deathly cool. Nuari were, of course, warm, burning of an inner fire many have come to attribute to their volcanic upbringing.

It was this reason that Alohan avoided Vrinn's 'friendly' gesture. That, and he was afraid the creature would somehow be able to steal his face. Despite Celene's threat, Alohan did not take the face changer's hand. In fact, the only reason he didn't split the creature in two was his companions reluctance. Their need for information was priority in Alohan's mind. With Amarilde now safe in their possession, the could go back to the estate and....

'BY DE GODS, I KISSED ONE ON DE HAND!' The sudden realization made Alohan weak in the knees. His step faltered and for the first time, the native began to sweat in nervous anticipation. 'Did dis mean de[Language unknown: Vir Ermaprpa] had his face?' he asked himself. He looked to his companions for silent help but none were looking at the Native's mental breakdown. He had just hoped upon returning, the second face changer didn't look like himself. He would be hard pressed getting justice for himself in a place like Sasserine.

---

11:54, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 10 using 1d20. Untrained Knowledge (Errrthang)
Knowledge: I wanted to make some shit up about dobblegangers/face changers so here is a blanket roll. Also, please don't get any ideas from my post. It would be cruel and send this Native off the deep end, so to speak.

"Huh? Oh no, not information like that. I mean, sometimes people get suspicious and ask tricky questions like 'what was your best friend's name when you were five years old', then you need to go back to the mark and find out from them. It is just good business."

"<sob> you were going to ruin my life!" interjects Amarilde.

"Well no, we were just going to live your life," answers Vrinn smoothly. "At least until it got boring or too complex, then we would've moved on. And I don't know what you are complaining about, you nobles never appreciate how good you have it anyway."


The One-eyed Changling

OOC: What a good idea!



OOC: Ha! I had totally forgotten about that. Thanks for reminding me! From now to the end of the campaign you and Logan will be suspect since you both touched the doopleganger. Assuming he gets to live...


OOC: Super stuff. I am learning more and more about the Pearl Island of Nuari all the time and looking forward to going there.

Surely there must be more questions?

Logan considers everything the changeling has said, most of which makes sense.  Finally, the rogue clears his throat and speaks.  "But I don't understand one thing.  Why did Trym send us here to try and find out what happened at the Mermaid's Secret?  Surely she'd know that we'd discover you in your Amarilde disguise, and possibly even discover Amarilde herself."  The rogue paused, considering the situation more.  "Obviously, you wanted the wedding called off, right?  It'd be more fun to live Amarilde's life if you weren't married.  So, was all the commotion last night in The Mermaid's Secret a ploy to cancel the wedding, or was it simply you two getting carried away enjoying yourself?  Or just you enjoying yourself, Vrinn?  Worried that Trym was having too much fun being Amarilde while you were stuck here?"

Vrinn pauses in concentration for a second, then stares at Alohan with his one good eye. "[Language unknown:  Pre Olbe-iell]? That means 'face changer' in the tongue of the Pearl Islands, right? I always thought that was a funny name for us. You come from a beautiful country Alohan Nuari, I hope to visit it one day..."

If the changling is offended by the barbarians refusal to shake his hand he gives no sign of it, and merely sits on the bench in the gondola and watches the water slip by.



"*ahem*" interjects Vrinn. "He... technically we are all males..."



"First of all, I assume that it wasn't him that volunteered the place where I was staying? I take it that something went wrong? Trym and I have been doing this for so many years now that we have developed rules and contingency plans, and rule number one is behave naturally like your mark would. Since the real Amarilde would have tried to get a team to prove he innocence, so did he. Then he would have used the distraction to escape, and trusted that I could manage the same at my end." Vrinn looks sour. "And I should have gotten away. I still can't believe that you managed to catch me. But I am sure that Trym is long clear by now. <smile> He is the clever one."




"Ha! Shows what you know! Trym and I share the fun of being Amarilde fifty fifty. It was ME that you dealt with this morning at the dress shop!" The doppleganger turns back to Alohan. "Ha! You didn't know that it was me you kissed on the hand this morning, did you, LOVER BOY?! Trym and I switched after lunch. As for the wedding, we thought it would be interesting to go through with it. Amarilde would have gained status and wealth from being married into Soren's family, and that seem like more fun to us."

Amarilde quietly continued sobbing.

The gondola made good time and they arrived back at champions district before the clock had stuck eleven. With Vrinn under very careful guard, and the real Amarilde being support by Celene and Angati, they made their way back to the Toregson mansion and into the chapel.

I lot had clearly happened while they were away, because most of the guests were now crowded into the side room that had served as Amarilde's changing room, and members of the dawn guard had now joined them. The crowd parted with hushed tones as they saw the changling was with them, and the party get close to the front they begin to hear Victor Saint-Demain addressing the assembled guests with a showman's flair.

"That is it, ladies and gents. I caught this miserable beast trying to flee the scene of the crime through yonder window, but I managed to drag it to the ground. It pleaded for its pathetic evil life, but I pulled out my trusty cane sword..." The sleuth draws a slender sword out from the top of his fancy cane. "...and then thrust it into its heart! Oh you should have seen it cry out in terror. And now I will take up a quick donation for my favourite charity, the Dawnlight Orphanage in Sunrise district." The man takes off his dainty cap and doffs it to the crowd surrounding him. "Please give generously, and every little bit helps."


Note his cane sword... it doesn't look very easy to use, huh?

Vrinn screams as he finally reaches the front and sees his friend's lifeless body lying on the floor, surrounded by a puddle of crimson blood. "Why? Why did you do that? He would have surrendered!" The changling tries to lunge at the inquisitor, but two of the brawly guards step forward and hold him back. Victor is also quick to bring his sword up and keep the tip facing towards the doppleganger.

"Ah-ha! I see my trustworthy assistants are back with the other culprit. Very good! We can bring this one to trial or dispense justice now if it keeps struggling. Ha!" The dapper man does not appear to have even noticed Amarilde's return.

PM from Celene:

OOC: hmm, i'd have Celene make an argument for putting Victor before a judge (because he's so annoying) for killing without just cause which he just admitted to. But you might throw it back in her head, if the laws are different from what I expect, e.g. it may not apply to killing other creatures than human, elves, dwarves etc. (i.e. not doppelgangers). I would guess Celene would know, but would she? If she knows, can you please tell me? (and should this be in a public post instead?)?

Yeah, this is worth a separate response. It is not a crime to kill a monster. Monsters are everything that aren't in the following list: humans, demi-humans (including half-orcs), livestock, beasts of burden, pets... There are more legal repercussions from killing a dog than killing a monster - Victor has committed no crime.

OOC: Is the boat ride too far back to skip in? If so, just ignore.

Seeing the islander uncomfortable, Celene speaks up, making an educated guess. "Hey, Face changer. If you ever try to read MY mind, you'll regret it - for a very short time!" Celene tries to steel her mind against invasion in any way possible that she may have learned during her training.

Trying to put Vrinn a bit more off balance, she adds "so what happened there, one-eye?", pointed at his disfigured head.


OOC: As I don't know if she can use spellcraft when Vrinn concentrates, she just makes an educated guess - not really important, is it?

OOC: ok, no-one going in, so i'll give it a go.

Stepping forward, Celene adresses the dapper man. "While your heroism in killing that awful unarmed creature begging for mercy remains unquestioned, I would rather that you did NOT kill this last live evidence that we need to present to Soren Toregson for his arbitration regarding the wedding. I am sure you have not forgotten?" Turning her head towards Amarilde she continues, "but I am curious if you forgot to rescue Lady Amarilde from her imprisonment, since you left before we discovered her - or did you just find it unimportant?"

OOC: Sense motive (based on this evenings experience with the sleuth) to get a hunch if Victor really intends to give the donations to charity (the orphanage).

quote:

23:57, Today: Celene rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Sense motive.

So, is everyone else (npcs)as annoyed by him as Celene is(we are?)? Or are they in fact buying all that he's selling? He's not an official detective, is he?

Angati did not like Viktor, she had had her doubts before, but now, she definitely didn't care for the guy, it was not that he had killed it, it was all the lies he was dressing it all up with, and the smug sense that he was entouring himself with, that he had abandoned them without a word when they might have most needed him... the list went on...

But... the guy had his public, and it would be stupid to make an enemy out of someone like him. She put a hand on Celene's shoulder, and speaking softly to Viktor she said "Surely, you want us to discuss exactly what has happened, before any of us makes the mistake of doing or saying something that the other side would take personal offence on".

She paused a bit before going on for the public "We work for different parties he and us, surely you can see we need to share our information amongst ourselves before jumping to any conclusion. As much as we appreciate M. Viktors impressive methods and keen mind it would be a pity to share seemingly contradictory information when we can easily put everything together in 5 minutes.... so, if you would kindly excuse us for a minute"

"Oh, and please, do not touch that body, it may well prove a key element of the investigation", she said to the congregation to try to take Viktor away, try to avoid the mob from soiling the body of Vrinn's couple.

OOC: I imagine there should be no problem on moving to a separate room with Viktor for a minute. The idea there will be to actually reach an agreement. We hand him all the 'keen mind, that has figured everything out' credit, in exchange for letting us dispose of the corpse and let Vrinn leave.... I hope Celene will see that handing him over is just as much as slitting his throat right away.... in this conversation Amarilde ought to stay out. Our leverage to him will be his cowardice. We cannot touch his great reputation with regards to his keen mind, and we can even foster it... but we can surely put a tache on his reputation with regards to his cowardice, and nothing would be easier with Amarilde testifying more or less what we will want as it's been us that saved him... I'd say its Win-win.

Posting it OOC here so that you guys give your feedback or rp it out if you want... no need to have Angati going through it.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:42, Fri 15 May 2015.

OOC: sure, that's an avenue we can take, fine by me. I had in fact written another draft for Celenes dialogue where she trash-talked him to the sewers as a coward, but decided on a *little* more diplomacy (and between-the-lines sarcasm) :-) As she mentioned earlier, she figured he'd be back to take the credit prematurely, so she's not really surprised or in shock, just plain annoyed. But taking the absolute road of diplomacy and hide our feelings for the low-life (Victor) is certainly something she can do - if the rest of the party can contain their emotions? I am just not sure Victors giant ego will get in the way of ANY deal for a amiable solution..?

Regarding handing over Vrinn to the law, Celene is well aware that's pretty close to a certain death sentence. She is fine by that. Stealing someones life, and selling them off as a slave would certainly warrant that (in her world and mind). She just don't want some self-appointed judge-jury-executioner doing what HE thinks right. Problem is, letting Vrinn go would mean THEY (the party) just do what THEY think right instead, which amounts to the same. Had this been in the uncivilized wilds she would see no problem, but in the city the law should be adhered to in her mind. She was pretty truthful about wanting Vrinn to live simple to serve as evidence. But what do the other characters want to do about him? Do they care for him living?

Sure, we can go back a bit.



Celene thinks back carefully, but nothing that Vrinn is doing seems to be like spell-casting. It seems like he was just concentrating on the Nuari phrase and trying to remember what it meant.



Asking that question DOES throw the changling off balance. Vrinn rubs the smooth side of his face where his eye should be self consciously before explaining. "We got caught out in Darokin city and this happened to me... acid spell... I would get it fixed up but the cleric would need to see me in my true form, and if that happens then they would always try and lock me up or kill me!"



OOC: Not important.

Victor ignores her. He is still busy stalking through the crowd, receiving congratulations and taking donations.



OOC: Sure

The party pull back to another side room in the chapel and close the door. They still have Vrinn with them though, since otherwise the doppleganger would be wisked away by the watch.





OOC: I can desribe the whole legal system of Sasserine if required, but here is a little information about what will probably happen to Vrinn to help you make your decision. As a non-human / non-demi-human he has no rights and will not receive a court case. But he is unlikely to be put to death since he surrendered and has not taken a life himself - the most likely sentence is that he will be sent to Carver's Pit mine in the Hullfurnances where he will work until he dies. ANd considering the conditions in the mine that would probably not be so long from now!

Alohan continued to remain silent, but couldn't stop shuddering at the thought of the Face Changer stealing his identity. And the creature knew his language, increasing the chance that the creature could successfully step in as Prince Alohan Nuari. Furthermore, the thing could apparently read his mind! Tried as he might, Alohan couldn't help but think of his family, friends, even Remmi, giving more involuntary details to fuel the creatures fire.

At the manor, Alohan continued his silence. He looked for Remmi but didn't spot him, assuming his hoaloha went back to their meager Shadowshore holdings to catch up on sleep or something else bull and boring. He smirked at Celene and Angati's efforts to persuade Victor, knowing full well they'd fall on deft ears but happy in the knowledge his new companions had a shred of decency. These were peoples he could befriend, even if their relationship had been nothing but business and solving mysteries. He had hoped they'd have more to build a friendship on and they'd enjoy his companionship. Still, Victor was a coward. He might have some measure of prowess but Alohan could only look at the man with hostile indifference.

Alohan remained near Vrinn and the Dawn Guard. He didn't know what to do with himself so he remained protective and watchful. Yet Vrinn stealing his identity, sleeping with his women, and inheriting his throne haunted him. Part of him wanted the creature put to the sword, even if it wasn't in his nature.

---

20:17, Fri 15 May 2015: Alohan Nuari rolled 5 using 1d20 ((5)).
Perception: Whoops! I wanted to watch the crowd. Not knowledge (that was a carry over)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:27, Sat 16 May 2015.

OOC: I missed this earlier. Hmm, based on that roll...

Celene tries to detect if Victor is sincere about giving the money to charity, and he shows every sign that he is serious about using it to rebuild the 'Dawnlight Orphanage'.

Despite Victor not having any official status in the town, the people are lapping up his story of his brave slaying of the doppleganger and heap great praise upon him. Sasserine is a city starved of heroes... it appears Victor is about the best they've got.

OOC: Is there anything more to discuss? Vrinn will not be summarily executed if you hand him over to the Dawn Guard - they are the private police force of Castle Teraknian and the most trustworthy men in the city. The changling will most definitely be sent to the mines and put to work. Considering that he and his friend were going to send Amarilde into slavery, isn't that a just sentence as well as one that corresponds to the laws of the city?

Dungeon Master:

OOC: Is there anything more to discuss? Vrinn will not be summarily executed if you hand him over to the Dawn Guard - they are the private police force of Castle Teraknian and the most trustworthy men in the city. The changling will most definitely be sent to the mines and put to work. Considering that he and his friend were going to send Amarilde into slavery, isn't that a just sentence as well as one that corresponds to the laws of the city?

As mentioned earlier, that's fine by Celene. Not sure about Angati, while Alohan sounds indifferent. Haven't heard from Logan or Kassius.

Someone wanted to handle Victor more delicately, though....?</Red>
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Sat 16 May 2015.

Logan watches from the edge of the crowd, doing his best to blend in.  He's seen summary justice in Shadowshore, and knows how even the best people in the city can fall to savagery.  Years of seeing the worst of Sasserine has bred into the young half-elf both a deep sense of caution and a healthy knowledge for how cheap life can be.  The rogue does nothing but glower at Victor's antics.

Angati turned to the rest, "Let's recap, the only one hurt here has been Amarilde, and that dead guy out there... now, you want to handle this one here to the justice or to plain right kill it which amount to the same thing but only with some hard work in between." Anansi paused for a second, trying to collect her ideas "I'd say that given that Amarilde has been the only one hurt in all this, she should be the one deciding, and... if Vrinn would oblige (which I am pretty sure he would be inclined to do given the options, to serve her and she could bear taking it, it would make a GREAT addition onto her household... otherwise, else, if it's money we talk about to make amends to Amarilde, I am sure I could arrange for someone to make a payment in exchange for Vrinns life and service for a limited time".

[Private to GM: Angati sees a great benefit on having someone like Vrinn if he would stay loyal for a time, and he is sure a house like hers could very much profit from Vrinn and would be willing to pay... (Anonymously of course through me). And she really feels its not fair to give this guy to 'justice']
This message was last edited by the player at 08:34, Sun 17 May 2015.

"Whether Vrinn faces death or slavery is fine by me, as that seems just considering his deeds. However, your other idea is an interesting idea. Since Amarilde is the hurt part, and hardly can press legal charges to get compensation, as Vrinn is not liable nor protected within our laws, giving the victim this chance would seem fair. I can to either way."

Alohan tries to keep an eye on the crowd and spot any suspicious behavior, but it is impossible for him to focus. His mind keeps being pulled back to the thought of Vrinn stealing his identity and his throne. AND HIS WOMEN! The barbarian is effectively blind to everything else but his worry.

So to summarize, Angati wants to suggest to Amarilde that Vrinn enters her service or else enters someone else’s service and she gets the cash. Celene is fine with this idea. Logan is too busy shooting daggers from his eyes at Victor to be bothered, and Alohan’s mind is likewise on something else. Would one of the ladies like to take the lead in making the offer?

Angati walked over to Amarilde, "So... dear, it seems like everything can be fixed, and your wedding can happen without further incident, once your groom understands what has been the origin of this confusion"... she paused a bit before continuing "Now, it remains to be seen what to do with Vrinn... and... I beleive you hold the key to his future, and to a certain extent to yours... you see, I think you have three options open to you, two of which might be beneficial to you, and one that really will do nothing for your own benefit but which might be perfectly understandable, given how shaken you must be. Still, opportunities like these don't happen often... listen:"

"- You can either ask for justice to take Vrinn, which gains you nothing and will ultimately make him as dead as the other one there... or, in case he escapes might give him a reason to hate you and want to exact revenge on your family one way or another".
- Or you can maybe offer him to enter your household. This is risky, but potentially beneficial to you, and to him. He would be indebted to you, but you can probably work out a way to profit this in ways that few people ever get the chance... It is a risky thing and I also see that it requires a certain kind of stomach to have him in your household after all that has happened.
- There is a third option, which would be giving me a bit of time, to try to find someone who might want to give some money to you so that you don't press the charges towards him... in order for Vrinn to be indebted for a time to him." Angati used the masculine as if she had in mind a man for this, when she really was thinking about her sister, or even herself, to play the role of herself as she should be and not as she was now "This, is probably the safest path for you, it assures you that he has no specific reason to hate you, while keeping him appart, and you make something out of all this mess...".

"So, there you go... What do you think ?, please try to be pragmatical, after all, you are a noble, its not just about your pride, but also about your house's gain".

OOC: Ok, so ideally, if she takes the safer option with gain, I would talk to my sister, its a risky business, but if Vrinn learns enough about myself, he could pose as me with the younger figure, and my family could profit from that. I guess that they might be willing to pay to hide the fact of my curse, Vrinn could play a noble as he wanted in the beginning, and at the same time, he could probably have fun while promoting family interests...

Other than that, I forgot to ask Amerilde, and Vrinn, I do not know if its too late, but I would have asked them about the involvement of Amarilde's previous lover, and the robbery of her dress, if they could think of any reason that might have happened.

Angati and Celene go and find Amarilde. They are told she is in Soren's room, so the pair go and knock on the door and it is opened by the burly gladiator.

"So it is some of the heroes of the hour! How I am ever going to repay you for bringing back my Amarilde to me... the real one that is!... I will never know how to repay you all," the big man says as he returns to the sofa in the room and takes Amarilde back into his arms. It appears that things are well and the wedding is back on track. Amarilde has even retreived the wedding dress that Trym took off before his escape attempt (he was fortunately not wearing it when he was executed) and is now wearing it again.

When Angasti explains that she has an offer for the youn noble, Amarilde insists upon Soren being there to hear as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:02, Mon 18 May 2015.

"What?!" exclaims the young noble-lady. "Whatever gave you the idea that I would be willing to have that... thing... wandering the streets with the ability to imitate me at any moment of its choosing? Let alone having it serve in my house! That is absolutely crazy. No, I want it gone from the city. Either up to the mines or maybe executed, I am fine with either."




"Maybe so, but this is too much to ask. I know my family will be behind me whole-heartily in this decision. And that is the end of the matter." Soren tightens his grip on her to show that she has his full support.



Cool idea, actually I would've loved to incorporate that into the game because it would have led to some interesting plot points later on, but it just isn't gunna happen. I think you can all understand that Amarilde wants Vrinn gone forever. He is just too much of a risk.



Don't worry, but you will get another shot at asking Amarilde questions.

After Amarilde has heard Angati's proposals and selected 'option three', the bride and groom leave the side room and re-enter the main chapel where the guests were congregating again. The news that the wedding was back on and all was explained was greeted with cheers of joy and a huge wave of applause.

Then there is just the matter of Vrinn to decide. Amarilde faces her kidnapper one more time, Soren's arm protectively around her shoulder.

"You cannot be forgiven for what you have done. Maybe death right now is what you deserve, but I think the city should get some use out of you yet. You will be taken to the mines in the Hellfurnances and work there until you die." The crowd cheers again and Vrinn hangs his head in response.

The changling is led out by the dawn guard in heavy chains and with two men on either side. Victor waves him off, crowing to the about 'another mission accomplished' and 'case closed'.

As Vrinn was walked past Alohan, the doppelganger comes to a halt and stares at the Pearl Islander with his one good eye.

"Maybe I was wrong, but I thought we shared a moment there back at the dress shop Alohan Nuari. I look forward to seeing you again."

The guards roughly jerk him back into motion again. The changling calls back to Logan. "Hey thief! I bet you one hundred crowns that I can escape before I ever reach the mines. What do you think! Ha!"

Angati walked to Vrinn and whispered to him before he was taken "If you ever walk out and decide you want to be a noble around here... search me out, I might have a good proposal for you".

She then turned back to the rest and looked at Amarilde expectantly. There were payments to be settled, and she wanted to get rid of these people as soon as she could.

OOC: Meaning Amarilde, Viktor etc...

OOC: I'm going to move things along a little, but feel free to make a parting comment to Vrinn before he is carted off to the dungeons under Teraknian, if you want to.



Vrinn looks surprised, but then gives her a wink. "Well sure!" he says.

Once Vrinn has been moved on, the wedding gets back on track. Both and the bride and groom look happy as the ceremony is finished and the party moves on to one of the huge dinning halls inside the mansion.

Due to the wedding being called off earlier in the day, everything is chaotic as the guests file into the room. There is no seating plan so the party members have the opportunity to choose who they sit next to. Admittedly it is a bit of a 'B-list' crowd, but some of the characters might be interesting to share a meal with...

Amarilde Toregson (nee Vanderboren) - if you rush quickly enough you can claim a seat next to the blushing bride herself, and no-body could refuse you since you are the heroes of the day. Perhaps there are final questions to ask? Around payment? Does all of her story check out?

Victor Saint-Demain - the self proclaimed genius of Cudgel district and the city's most famous sleuth. Do you want to tell him what you think of his recent actions? Or maybe stroke his huge ego and try to make a useful ally?

Keltar Islaran - he is the habourmaster of the city and the head of the first family of the Azure district. He is sitting down one end of a table coughing phlegm up into a well-used handkerchief. Hmm, maybe not the most charming of dinner guests.

Rowyn Kellani - the only child of the second family of the Azure district, she is a successful businesswoman in her own right. Coming from one of the rougher districts, she has her 'ear to the ground' when it comes to the darker going-ons in Sasserine and might have heard about these 'Lotus Dragons'.

Nylaria Absalee - this enormous women is the manageress of the opera house and a former diva herself. She knows pretty much everyone in high society, so may be a good person ask about what the nobility are up to.

Diamondback - this is the Alphatian stiltwalker that Celene saw performing yesterday. She apparently takes her craft very seriously since she is still in a harlequin costume and wearing a small mask over white face paint.

Choose who you want to sit next to (first come first served!) and post it in below. I will make a separate thread for each conversation because I hate overlapping dialogues.

Celene has had her share of intrigue and action for now. She is most happy to avoid both the happy bride, and the annoying investigator. Nylaria she'll be filling in on it later. For now she just like to enjoy the evening and chat with some nice and normal people.

Seeing that no nice young men seem forthcoming, Keltar Islarian is simply not appealing, and a harlequin stiltwalker is way more freakish than anything this day (and an outsider too!), that slightly rough but still peaceful looking woman, Rowyn Kellani, gets a nod back as she acknowledges Celene. She walks towards her.

OK, thread created.

At dinner, Logan studiously avoided sitting next to Victor and Amarilde.  His feelings towards the former were quite evident already, and he had no more intention of dealing with the flighty newlywed, despite the fact that much of his opinion of her was derived from the activities of the changelings impersonating her.  Logan glanced around the room again, and finally sits next to the harbormaster.  Logan figured the hacking man would attract little other company, and the rogue was used to people suffering from all matters of minor ailments in Shadowshore.  Plus, the rogue did need more information about Sasserine's first families.

Angati did not really feel like talking at all, and that stilt walker seemed silent enough. She did not give a frak about the wedding now so she just walked over to the weird guy and sat down next to him with a nod of her head.

Threads created. BTW, Diamondback is a lady.

Don't worry, the conversations can be brief or long depending on how interesting we find them.

Alohan still tasted the bile in his mouth. He swallowed reflexively and looked at the arrangement of guests. He had to steal away for a bit. To collect himself. He had to get some fresh air to help settle his nerves. After the Face Changer's words, Alohan wasn't feeling proper. 'A moment' he thought to himself, mortified. 'We did NOT have a moment.' It took many minutes for the Nuari, to steady himself but he was finally ready for the night's festivities. He took a moment to smooth out his sutddly -albeit ripped and torn- leather vest before heading back inside.

Upon returning, Alohan discovered his companions now at separate tables. He felt alone. Where once he might have been able to sit next to Amarilde for the evening, the Face Changer had ruined such a prospect. In fact, he didn't really want to look at the bride, what for the hideous reminder of the Face Changer's existence. His relationship with Amarilde had been something of worth. Lies. It had been a rouse. <i>'and to think, I kissed it's hand'...

...The native took a moment to collect himself after his brief relapse. He looked at the assembled crowd without an idea of Sasserine customs. He felt a bit lost. Spotting Celene easy enough, Alohan had no qualms joining her and her new acquaintance. They hardly spoke but Alohan had come to appreciate the priest's arcane prowess. That was reason enough for Alohan to want to be around her.

---

If it isn't too late, shoulder Alohan into Celene and Rowyn's thread por favor.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Wed 20 May 2015.

Consider it done! It is a hard road to find the perfect woman, Alohan.