"I have a name" says Marik in response. "Revus Twindaggers, a rogue from the Last Laugh apparently kept an eye for a long time on one of those children, Terrem and wasn't seen for a month now..." says Marik. "I have a feeling finding Revus will lead us to the childrens. Ghelve, the makers of the locks also came into discussion. I think we should go talk to him, see if he somehow shared the key or the lock mechanism with somebody."

He paused and look at Rani.

"We should probably check out the docks too. If the poem is to be believed and given the implication of the Laugh, there is a good chance the children are hidden in the city underbelly, like the sewers or the docks. I could track them."

"Looks like you guys had better luck than me," Filimena pipes in. "I didn't really manage to figure out anything. Perhaps we should see this Ghelve person? Just so we can get to bottom this whole thing with the locks. Otherwise, the other two leads also sound promising."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 08:58, Sat 03 Sept 2016.

"Yes, let's start by paying Ghelve a visit." Marik leans in closer to them and speak softly, even though he knows the staff is elsewhere.

"Whatever we do, we are sure to draw attention from the Laugh on ourselves. A crippled elf on a panther, a seven-foot Dragonborn and a halfling makes a easy trail to follow. And be they responsible or not for the kidnappings, the Laugh won't take kindly to us meddling in their affairs, as Marcus said. Do any of you had previous dealing with the Laugh or an idea of what we're going against?"

"Nay, but I only arrived in town this morning,"

"This morning?" says the elf, slightly surprised. "Have you traveled here at the request of the church?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Mon 05 Sept 2016.

"Yes, In a manner of speaking. I was instructed by St. Fenwyn to travel here to provide aid to the church of St. Cuthbert."

 A cloud passes on Marik face at the mention of a second deity now being involved in this investigation. He listen and appear pensive. Once the priest is finished, he turns to Filimena.


"And you, Filimena? Any indication of what we are going against if the Laugh is involved?"

"While it is rare for Saints for different peoples to talk, it isn't unheard of." Ruphus offers as an explanation.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:52, Tue 06 Sept 2016.

OOC: Filimena spent a good part of her teenage years living on the streets, so if the Last Laugh are one of the biggest thieves guilds in the Gate, I'm thinking there's a chance she may have heard something of them. Can I do a history check to see?

As usual, since I'm on the opposite side of the world from you guys, I'll roll first. Ignore it if it's not appropriate.

22:57, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  History check on the Last Laugh.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Tue 06 Sept 2016.

OOC: That's 100% okay

[Private to Filimena the Gentle: Filimena has heard of the Last Laugh they are largest of the local thieves' guilds and by far the most prominent guild. They are identified by their face paint, half of the face is painted black, and the other white. Their headquarters are unknown. It is believed they have a generous benefactor. They have been recently begun minting their own coins (known as Jester coins). While these coins have been outlawed in Cauldron, they keep cropping up.]

Filimena crosses her arms, eyebrows knit. "Well, I've never had any dealings with the Laugh myself," she says, thinking. "But I have heard tell of them... You're right. It's unlikely we're going to escape their notice, especially if they're involved in the kidnappings somehow. They have a very strong presence in this city, and some say they have friends in high places as well."

She looks questioningly at Marik and Raszire. "You do know what they look like, don't you? They tend to go around in face paint, half the face black, the other white. If we can't avoid them, we might at least try to be aware of their presence, although I reckon if they know who we are and what we're doing, they'll be a bit more discreet."

"Having just recently had the Laugh take a swing at me ... feel like I'm well acquainted with them," the young priest says quietly as his hand reaches up and touches the bruise on his face without thinking about it. "Regardless, I know where Mr Ghelve's shop is, he quoted to replace the locks of the Church not too long ago and I dealt with him on the matter."

Marik appears a bit puzzled at this new bit of information.

"This...effectively gives us a very distinctive marking of their presence. And a very flamboyant and provocative one at that... Now, I am not familiar with the methods of the Laugh, but it appears to me as a good way to attract all the attention on low-levels members while the real threat operates from the shadows." says Marik, with the tone of someone who has seen this before. "Either that, or they feel confident enough in their power to assert their dominance openly...Both of which are not very appealing prospects."

 Marik look at the street by one of the windows.

“I trained to recognize and survive many beasts and foes that lurk in the shadows. But not here…not in these streets and cramped alleys. Not in these crowded marketplace and darkened taverns where words travel faster than arrows.” He pause and turn the head back to Ruhus and Filimena. “Ruphus, Filimena, both of your voices carries a weight of experience of these environments. Any advice on how to be discreet and avoid drawing attention going forward? Laugh or not, I want to know what happened to those children, but I’d rather not have to wage a full blown war against this city underworld if we can avoid it.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Wed 07 Sept 2016.

Filimena is momentarily taken aback by Marik's question. She's never had to think of anyone but herself before. So this is what it means to be a member of a party, she finds herself thinking.

"Well, we don't know yet how exactly the Laugh are involved. It's possible -- unlikely, I grant you, but possible -- that Twindaggers' interest in the boy Terrem is entirely coincidental," she answers, trying to sound like she knows what she's talking about. "We might find out more speaking to Ghelve first, and if it turns out they are involved... Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. What do Ruphus and Raszire say?

Ruphus looks at Marik for a moment, pondering the elf's question then his gaze shifts to Filimena as the halfling speaks. "I've had little to do with the Laugh, though I've heard of them before today. The riddle we have says the locks are the key which makes me think going to see Ghelve is the next step for you."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Thu 08 Sept 2016.

Marik refrain from saying something sarcastic to Ruphus about stating the obvious and instead turn his gaze toward the rest of the party. He thinks about setting off on his own before them. A single individual would attract less attention than a whole party. Besides, he doesn't know these people and nobody among them had showed so far any skills that could prove invaluable in this investigation. As a matter of fact, they would probably slow him down more than they could help him. It would be safer to go alone, like he usually do.

But something holds him. He had actually surprised himself in the last two days as being much more trustful than he is used to. Normally, he wouldn't talk to anybody, much less talk about his skills or revealing information. But there is something about these people, about this strange halfling woman and this towering dragonborn that inspire him to stay with them, maybe even to trust them. Was it the long years of solitude that made him eager for some socialization? Maybe...Maybe not. He doesn't know. But for the first time in years, he doesn't feel he needs to be overly defensive in his interactions with others. And he likes that...Yes, he would like to be part of a group.

"Let us be our on way, then. If I remember correctly, the riddle also implied these child could be sold at any moment, so time is of the essence." Marik says.

He pause and turn to make a movement toward Rani, before stopping as if he just remembered something and turn to Raszire.

"Oh, I forgot...Marielk'or" he says, in the complex and melodic tones of the Elvish language. He turns to the rest of the group."My name is Marielk'or", but you can call me "Marik" for short. It is what the humans call me by anyway." 

OOC: Just want to point out again that Marik opinions on your characters or their worth are entirely his own. But I gotta go with what he has seen so far. XD
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Thu 08 Sept 2016.

Raszire looks at the three, a wood elf, a halfling, a human and a dragonborn. Sounded much like the beginning of a really bad joke but hopefully the higher powers were not that easily amused.

"Very well friend Marik, but I suggest that we leave by the back door and use the streets and back alleys that are seldom used. The Laugh, if they are interested in us will expect us to follow the more direct and well used routes. In my short time here I have seen many shortcuts and side routes that would get us there much faster and with luck we can avoid the Laugh."

"That sounds like a sensible plan," Filimena opines. "Show we go then?"

Filimena feels excited in spite of herself. She's never worked with others before, and she's not entirely sure she likes it, but it's new, and it could be interesting. Also, it reminds her of when she was a child, and she and her brother Finneas used to go on little adventures together. It makes her sad to remember that she hasn't seen him in years. She doesn't even know if he's still alive. She quickly brushes the thought aside, however.

"That is a excellent suggestion. Let's go."

Marik follow the group through the back door and outside. As soon as he is out of the Orphanage, he hops effortlessly on Rani back, in a gesture practiced thousands of times.

"Ruphus, you are more familiar with these streets and the locals than any of us. While I have no doubts the shortcuts Raszire talk about exist, I think we could use some guidance on our way to Ghelve's shop on which ones to follow and which ones to avoid. Would you mind doing this for us before returning to the Church?"

OOC: Is is still raining?
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:40, Fri 09 Sept 2016.

Ruphus speaks briefly with the headmistress before heading to he back door. The young priest nods to Marik, "Of course, I can show you the way to the locksmith ... it is no trouble."

---

mood music
The rain has stopped and people are moving about as they might on any other day. Cobble stone streets glisten from the dampness left by the rain. Grey clouds block the sun and keep the port town cool. Ruphus takes the group the long way around. He heads towards the docks,  pausing at a cafe and a small church for a few minutes each before heading back into town proper.

After about an hour or so you find yourselves in a nicer district of town, with artisans shop lining the streets. A small turret dominates the facade of this two-story black stone building. Iron bars are embedded in the thick window frames. Beyond the turret's ground-floor windows you can see a lovely display of locks, from large to small, simple to complex. To the left of the turret, above a heavy oak door, swing a simple sign that reads GHELVE'S LOCKS


[Private to GM: 11:55, Today: Secret Roll: Jil rolled 25 using 1d20+9.]

OOC: As the group was making his way in the city, Marik took a minute to unwrap his bow from the cloth he use to protect it from the rain and left it to hang on Rani side by two small hooks crafted by the elf for this purpose on the saddle. It is a system Marik use when travelling to avoid putting the bow around his shoulders, but to keep it at hand should he need to draw it quickly when hunting.


Since I already acted today, I will leave the chance to the others to do something before saying anything else
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Fri 09 Sept 2016.

"Thank you, Ruphus." says Marik, a bit nervous, while facing the oak door. "Hum...You said you worked with Ghelve in the past...Any advice on how to proceed...What he's like when we meet him? Would it be preferable to...or maybe if you introduce us to him instead of just knocking on his door? Oh and...


OOC: I'll cut it in the sake of brevity, but Marik try somewhat awkwardly to ask Ruphus for some pointers on Ghelve's temperament and on what would be the best way in his opinion to get him to collaborate with them (and not scare him out of his mind by the vision of a dragonborn and a large panther waiting for him on his porch)

"From my dealings with Mr Ghelve, I believe him to be a  man who wishes to be respected above most anything else." Ruphus glances at the shop then back to the group, "I can make an introduce but at some point I won't be around to do so..."

OOC: Titan's Gate is a metropolitan seaport .. so having strange people/things happen.

"Yes, I get that (that Ruphus won't be around for long)... I'm not very familiar with the local culture or manners in the Common langage. Does Ghelve have a specific title he likes to be referred to? Or conversation subjects we should avoid?...I know, for one, that you humans can get very upset when we refer to your age or your very short lifespan. Are there others like this?" ask Marik.

"Mr Ghelve isn't human, rather a dwarf so talk of lifespan shouldn't bother him." Ruphus says looking slightly concerned.

"Let us go speak with him." The priest walks to the door and opens it, a bell rings with a dull clinking announcing someone entering the shop.

OOC: Moving to link to a message in this game