Choose a character. This will be freeform / rp, but for mechanics purposes, assume 3rd level. Use any edition of D&D you want for creating your concept.

Races:
LA+0. So if you could play the race at level 1 in a given D&D game, you can choose it. Beyond that, I don't care.

Moneys:
400gp + basic magic armor + basic magic weapons + one misc common magic item of choice (so for example, the armor and weapon would amount to just being flat +1 enhancement bonus type items).

Start location will be the Pig's Delight Tavern in the great city of Hearth Hold. You are here because you are an adventurer who is looking to team up. Your last team either broke up, kicked you out, or got killed. Whatever the case, you had a team and now you don't.

Adventurers are relatively common, to where there is at least 3 adventuring teams in a given city at any point in time. Large cities might have as many as a dozen teams. This still means adventures are a minority (assuming 5-man teams, that is 15 people in an entire city of 10,000 or more).

The bulletin board has several quests on it (standard stuff like bandits on the road, cows mysteriously disappearing, and a missing nobleman), but none of them will do you any good unless you get teammates. Good luck.

OOC:  Asked Tim what inspired this thread.  He said this is attempt number 5 at running a "Generic D&D setting."  I feel the need to mention that in said generic D&D setting, Tim probably has certain expectations.  Expectations such as, "If a Tiefling PC enters a town of 10,000, they'll immediately assume he was the one who kidnapped the cows & nobleman.  And probably organized the bandits too.  Time to form a lynch mob."

The players expectations might be quite different when it comes to what counts for "generic D&D setting."  Player: "Really?  I thought showing up to town looking like Robo Satan while carrying a skull themed cannon on my shoulder wouldn't raise any eyebrows.  Didn't in the last game he was in.  Why are the streets deserted all of a sudden?"

I request that we nail down expectations up front rather than kill Tim's latest attempt before it has a chance to get off the ground.

Speaking of expectations, why didn't I expect to find this when searching for "Cyber Satan?"  http://orig04.deviantart.net/d...olloz111-d4pgnua.jpg

Elric enters Pig's Delight Tavern with his cloak and other dwarven styled clothing concealing much of his appearance. What can be seen of Elric's body appears to be armored with his right forearm being noticeably larger than the other as if he was wearing some form of heavier armor gauntlet on it. In addition to his backpack, he has a pavis shield, also known as an archer's shield since it can be planted into the ground to create cover from ranged attacks. At his side is a Warhammer with dwarven runes on it. Elric wears goggles that conceal his eyes and has light fabric covering much of his face.

By Elric's side is a strange four-legged creature that looks like an armored canine with a collar around its neck and a pack-saddle on his back with two large sacks attached to it.

The odd duo ignores any odd looks from others in the area as Elric heads to the adventurer bulletin board and mutters to himself, “Seems like we've gotten here before Khuridoth. We'll wait around here until he shows up, maybe try some of the ale while we wait.” Elric then heads over to a nearby table with a clear view of the board and sits down as the turns to Rush and commands, “Keep an eye out for Khuridoth and let me know when he arrives.”

Rush sits down on his hindquarters and nods as he replies, “Yes, sir.” as the Iron Defender then glances around, obviously waiting for Khuridoth to show up.

Elric chuckles at any odd looks Rush gets when people realize that the Iron Defender can speak, even if they don't realize what Rush is...it's not often you see a talking canine creature...Elric thinks the time and effort he put into crafting and enchanting that trinket of a collar to let Rush speak back when he and Rush were isolated patrolling the ancient depot he was assigned to guard may have what kept him from going insane since he had someone to speak with for all those years he was alone and underground....at least until Khuridoth and the other the dwarves found him when they dug into the now useless supply depot...after what supplies he didn't use to make Rush he either used up in defense of the depot against critters that attacked and then filling up the tunnels they left behind or the supplies simply decayed overtime...

  Unlike certain other characters on his players admittedly short list, Joe is a universal constant in all forms of DnD.  'Some guy with a bow' with a side of 'Human who somehow thrives in a forest more than Unnamed Elves'.

  Still, a talent for something isn't the same thing as enjoyment (Just ask Sir Not Appearing In This Campaign, Rhagar).  So while Joe could easily get by relegating himself to a glorified NPC woodsman as he has been for the past few years... Yeah, that's all the dangers of a fantasy setting wilderness, with ten times the boredom.

  Joe has only been sitting in the Pig's Delight for five whole minutes, and already a talking construct dog has shown up. So clearly he's got the right idea.  Though he has already lost his silent bet with himself Elric is a Thri-Kreen with a misshapen arm.

  OOC: Tempted to take advantage of '3rd lv. Any Edition' for soft 'Yes, I can cause status effects with arrows EVERY TIME' 4th ed flavor.  But I will probably settle for 5th ed logics for more broad strokes consistency and non-combat perks I give 5th ed Joe.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Tue 30 July 2019.

Considering the tall guy in dwarven armor with an iron defender companion, a gnome with a fairy on her shoulder parking her war dog outside ( https://i.pinimg.com/originals...5cbb7973d054e256.jpg ) hardly compares.  But she shares dwarven style armor in common with the weirdo at least.  ( https://www.deviantart.com/tim...Vale-group-304405068 )

Judging from all the many bandages stained with dry blood, the gnome could really use a healing potion.  But the angry frowns on hers and the fairy's faces keep most from being friendly toward them.

"Eren hates bar jokes," the fairy grumbles as the two enter.

The gnome just nods grimly and scans the patrons with a critical eye as if searching for an arch enemy.

A dwarf walks in, clearly clad in armor but also a tabard with a holy symbol of Moradin clearly shown on it. He looks about the room, spots Elric and nods to him. He glances at Kitau and spots the dwarven style armor. Clearly, the gnome has superior tastes. Then again, gnomes understand dwarves on a level most races don't. They are hard workers and can appreciate rock. So he affords her a nod, should she bother to look in his direction that is. "If ye want healing, lass, I can give it." he says in a baritone voice that almost seems to vibrate the bones.

He then walks over towards Elric. "Sorry for the holdup. Had to set someone straight on the way here."

Rush spots Khuridoth as the dwarf enters the room and softly says, “Khuridoth is here,” to Elric moments before the dwarf spots Elric.

Thus Elric is already looking at Khuridoth when the dwarf nods in Elric's direction. Elric motions to a nearby chair and answers, “It's not a problem. Was there a particular task you were wanting us to gather a team for?” Elric really doesn't care who Khuridoth had to deal with or why since odds are it will not matter to him.

  Offers of healing, seemingly good.  Talk of a job, seemingly good.  Of course it remains to be seen if they are the kind to try and declare healing comes out of future pay.  Which would be bad.  Because the dwarf would be too torn in half by a gnome to pay anyone after that.

  ...Nah, bandages are for your own blood!  The girl would have had to come in here covered in somebody else's blood to be that bad (probably).

  ooc: "yes, in a tragic war accident, Khuridoth lost his ability to stop casting thaumaturgy nonstop. That's why doors keep dramatically flying open when he walks past and he talks like someone turnd a megaphone to low volume"

<Nerd> The resonant frequencies of Kitau's bones are much higher than the baritone vocal range, so it would probably take a soprano to get her bones to vibrate. ;p  Her dog, on the other hand...</Nerd>

"Ruh!" the dog outside barks.

The gnome's eyes fix on the iron defender, and her fingers twitch nervously.  The fairy whispers in her ear.  She scoffs and turns her eyes to the dwarf, approaches, and nods.

The fairy folds his arms and declares, "Eren hates introductions."

Khuridoth looks down at the gnome and says, "Moradin's blessings upon ye, lass." He holds a hand up and Kitau's wounds all heal. Then he glances at Erin and grunts in response before looking at Elric while idly reaching to give Rush a bit of a head-scruffle. He wants a team for several reasons. He had just tasted adventuring only for his last team to retire. But now that he has seen the evils that plague the surface, he cannot stand by and allow it to continue. So he had made up his mind to find the most evil problems he can handle and tackle them until either he gets to old or jaded for the task... or the problems of this world amount to nothing more than a few bandits here and there. But he's not so optimistic. "Aye. Jarred the Jailer is an infamous slave trader, known for his hideous methods of subdual to those he captures. Rumor has it he is here. In this very city of Hearth Hold. I intend to find him, jail him, and give him reason to stop his evil activities forever."

A nervous waitress approaches and asks Khuridoth, "Welcome to the Pig's Delight... can I get you anything?"

Khuridoth says, "Aye. A sampling of all of your beverages, and an order of steak, please."

The waitress nods, then glances at Elric and Kitau, wondering if they will order. "...and you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:18, Thu 01 Aug 2019.

Rush wags his tail in response to Khuridoth giving him a 'head-scruffle' but remains silent.

Elric nods as he listens to Khuridoth and says, “That is assuming he'll come quietly, odds are he'll put up a fight and if lethal force is necessary I won't risk others by holding back against him. I doubt the threat of 'dynamite where the sun does not shine if he ever tries to continue such practices' would intimidate him... At least until he learned what dynamite does... then he'd probably soil himself. However, scum like him isn't worth actually following through on that threat. Dynamite isn't cheap to make. Better to just put a bullet through his eyes and be done with it.”

When Khuridoth orders food and drink, Elric turns to the waitress and politely says, “I would like a sampling of all your beverages and an order of fish,” as he places his own order.

Elric is quite pleased with the fact that while a Warforged does not need to eat or drink, they were designed to be able to eat and drink since it would make them unable to benefit from potions and other beneficial items that are ingested.

  Hmm, if they use 'hideous methods of subdual' they might be infamous for how bad at their job they are in collecting usable slaves.  Which means not only were they (probably) Immoral, but also Unprofessional!

  "That does tend to be an unmentioned until too late aspect to such jobs. It's all speeches about how much of a blight upon the land their mere existence is, then suddenly 'Whoa! We're not here to KILL the cannibal bandit!'"  Joe finishes his drink, and adds.  "I didn't get paid for that one."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:05, Fri 02 Aug 2019.

Kitau is visibly relieved upon receiving healing.  What's up with the sampling of drinks?  From both of them.

"Thanks," Kitau answers the dwarf, "Moradin's blessings back atcha."

"Eren hates ordering without a menu," the fairy grumbles.

Kitau looks at Eren, then to the waitress, expecting her to figure out they want a menu to order from.

She ponders the conversation about Jarred, but says nothing about her thoughts about, "Well technically it's not killing him if you remove his limbs before you arrest him."  What would his new name be?  Jarred the Injured?

"Yer welcome." Khuridoth answers Kitau.

The waitress points to the large menu board that is hanging over the bar. "There's the menu, hon."

The waitress gives Erin an endearing smile, showing how cute she thinks he is. That and she is admittedly pleased to see a fairy... rare sight for most.

The menu is relatively small, having about two or three choices of either soups, salads, meats, fish, or fruits. Also having eggs and such like, and about 5 selections of alcoholic beverages.

She then looks to Elric, "We have salmon or pike, do you have a preference?"

Khuridoth answers, "Just get both. Thanks." he looks at Elric. "I know ye prefer pike, so I'll have salmon."

He then turns to look at Joe. "Well if ye wanna be a part of the hunt, then c'mon over to my table!"

Khuridoth looks to Kitau. "That goes fer you too, lass. Have a seat."

Elric chuckles slightly, “You remember well, Khuridoth,” as Elric then turns to the waitress and confirms, “I do indeed prefer pike over salmon.”

  Joe expects it will be a pretty crowded table shortly, so heads on over before people of varying fractions of his size take the 3rd best seat (Clearly the 1st and 2nd best being reserved for the Dwarf and Robe Guy who obviously already know eachother).

  "Thanks, though I can wait on talking shop if you'd prefer a nice meal before elaborating on unpleasant business." The universe teeters on the brink of destruction as his player remembers to properly introduce a Darkthorne before everyone else has.  "I'm Joe, good to meet you."

The door to the tavern flies open with a loud crash. Light floods in like a tidal wave and crashes down upon any unexpected onlookers. Then, like the moon eclipsing the sun, a massive frame fills the doorway, plunging the tavern back into its original lighting.

The lumbering mass moves a bit on the spot as if adjusting something, before fully entering the establishment and shoving the door closed. As all eyes adjust to the onslaught of light changes they notice that the large being is clad in tattered tan linens. Obviously, they've seen a lot of wear and tear, and have likely not been washed in weeks. A white rope is wrapped around the hulk's waist, resting to the right (much like a pious monk). And a massive bulge splits the tunic at the top at a strange angle.

The word "sanctuary" is heard by all, as the large being pats the door apologetically.

As he turns to face the denizens of the inn all are alarmed by his unleveled gaze, misshapen head, and noticeable hump. A beaded necklace is now visible which sits awkwardly around his neck holding a holy symbol not ever seen before (a vertical and horizontal line of equal lengths intersecting like the lower case letter "t"). His toothy smile wipes away any misconceptions and it becomes clear that this giant man is more of a simpleton.

The monk ... cleric ... er ... traveler glances about the room before finding an empty table and flopping his girth onto the chair.
EDIT: As he sits there with a large goofy grin across his face as he looks about the room. When his gaze lands on the assembling group he waves his meaty hand at them, but otherwise pays zero attention to their business.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCC: Sanctuary will not be playing in this game. Tim has allowed me to create this character to make random appearance to add color to the game.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Thu 22 Aug 2019.

(( OOC: The conversation about pike or salmon reminded me of this silly song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eySRyvcyJ4o ))

---

Kitau is a little skeptical of the offer to join, but after giving it some thought she takes a seat in what might be considered the 4th best spot.  So far, the cleric and his pal haven't made a single mention of how to profit from hunting down Jarred the Jailer.  A good sign.  Compared to her last team...  Yes.  A very good sign.

"Kitau," she answers the introduction, figuring the fairy needs no introduction.

Eren may be a grumpy fairy, but he's still a fairy.  So he orders a cookie.

Kitau takes a look at the menu.  "Side of eggs."

At her size, a normal human-sized meal would take days to eat.

When the noisy hunchback bursts in, Kitau draws her weapons lightning fast.  Eren is startled, glares at the oaf, and whispers in Kitau's ear, "Eren hates sudden loud noises."

Kitau relaxes when she sees the man smile that goofy smile of his.

Khuridoth raises an eyebrow. At first glance, the guy looks like a dumb but strong oaf. A quick look around the room and based on the surprised expressions of the people in the room, Khuridoth figures out the guy isn't local.

A single cookie is brought to Eren. But its diameter is about half his height, so he has plenty to eat. Likewise, the side of eggs is brought to Kitau.

Shortly after, Khuridoth and Elric are served their fish orders and a tray of drink samples.

Khuridoth nods to Joe. Then to Kitau. Once again in that reverberating voice, Khuridoth speaks, "Well met, Joe, Kitau, and Eren. My name is Khuridoth. My companion here is Elric. Appreciate the offer, Joe. Unpleasant though it may be, I'd rather talk business. But since I already spoke of what I'm after, I don't have much else to add on the topic. Do any of you have experience or knowledge on the topic that could help us find this man sooner than later?"

He doesn't stare at Sanctuary or even look in his direction. But he keeps an eye on the man all the same, in case Sanctuary either needs help or is a threat.

Elric nods when Khuridoth introduces him and after the dwarf finishes speaking Elric points to  his Iron Defender and says, “And this faithful companion is Rush.”

The Iron Defender then speaks up, “Hello.” but otherwise remains sitting next to the table, although the Iron Defender does glance at Sanctuary for a bit when the stranger enters the inn and sits down.

Elric glances at Sanctuary for a moment upon being alerted by the noise and shifts his right arm to point at the large individual as it quickly shifts from a hand into a strange shape with three long tubes sticking out, before shaking his head as his right forearm reverts to being a hand as Elric turns back to the conversation at the table.

When he is brought his food and drink, Elric pays for his food and removes enough of his face mask to expose his mouth and chin saying, “I see no reason why we cannot discuss the mission while eating.” The exposed portion of Elric's face looks to be comprised of what seems to be wood, metal, and ceramic all melded together. As Elric begins to eat and drink he keeps an eye out to spot how people react to his face.

  Alas, Joe does not know ICly yet that someone in the party knows mending.  So the big guy's tattered look is probably going to last a bit longer.

  "Last few slavers I've gone after were of the sort that don't bother hiding.  Is he aware you are looking for them, or did they set up shop someplace where the locals don't approve but are still too scared to do anything about it?"

  Hmm, Not exactly a hidden blade, but Joe expects Elric's tube time has the same general intent... Oh and he's a golem man that likes fish.  That's entirely reasonable to Joe's wildly skewed world views.  Much like talking dogs of any variety.

If Mittens were here she'd be flipping out over the transforming hand cannon and talking metal dog.  But magical catgirl seemed a tad too fantastical for "classic D&D" story.  And well, she's got her hands full mocking an imp with her sock puppet right now anyway.

Kitau quietly noms on her eggs, listening to the men talk.  (Is that dwarf related to a grizzly?)  But she also stares in bewilderment at the transforming hand and talking dog.  She's only heard childish stories of great gnomish tinkerers of the past who made self-aware golems.  Maybe the legends were more true than she was led to believe.  But this is going beyond even the legends that the children of her home village are told at bedtime.

"I can track."

Eren's eyes go wide when he sees the huge cookie.  He'll never get used to seeing such wonders.  At last, nomming on the yummy cookie, he looks happy: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/be/2...6d784ce4b86ce982.jpg

Khuridoth answers Joe, "Slavery is technically illegal in this area. If he were brazen, the law would have to take him in themselves. But as long as he pays their fee and keeps low so that he doesn't make the law look bad, he is allowed to go free."

He nods to Kitau. "Useful skill. Wilderness tracking? Urban tracking? Or both? Come ta think of it... might need both."

The waitress glances at Kitau and then to Eren. "Can I pet you? I've never touched a fairy before..." she is intimidated by the metal dog, however, and would never ask to pet him.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Thu 03 Oct 2019.

Elric glances around as he continues to eat and drink while saying, “If we have someone that can track, then all we need is a trail that would lead us to the slaver as Khuridoth is right, the local law won't be any help as either he's managed to keep below notice somehow, or he's paid off the right people to where those in local law can't or won't act against him... Although we have to be careful that corrupt guards don't try and go after us for attempting to bring the slaver to justice... Those who are corrupt tend to not like losing their meal ticket.”

Rush simply sits next to Elric while keeping alert for any possible danger.

  The waitress should probably have lead with 'More cookies' bribery, but who knows maybe Erin likes headpats?

  "I suppose it will also depend on if they are taking a break, or actively doing business.  While we should hope it isn't the case, it would be easier to close in on them without directly raising suspicion if there happen to be people with more gold and less unwanted family members." Or same end result but seemingly more sympathetic 'We lost out son to the counterfeit gravel mines because were tricked into debt' sob stories.

Mention of urban tracking has Kitau looking a bit frustrated.  "Wilderness"

Maybe it's time to learn?

Eren broods from the question.  It's perfectly fine for a fellow fairy to pet another fairy, but to be asked that from a perfect stranger titan?  Even Kitau, who had saved his life, wouldn't ask that of him.

"Eren hates being pet."

Still... she brought a cookie.  "High five is fine."

He holds up his little hand for the waitress.

Eren's gesture seems to make the waitress's day because she high-fives him with a big smile. She's not stupid, though. She takes his dislike of being pet as a sign he's the type who doesn't like being called cute either, so she keeps those comments to herself.

Khuridoth says, "Aye, Elric has the right of it. So when we begin our search, be non-threatening to the guards and don't ask them about anything that has to do with slavery 'till we know the guard we're talking to is trustworthy."

Khuridoth says to Joe, "Good idea. And a good place to start." Villains do so love their supply of puppies to kick.

He looks at Kitau. "Thank ye, lass. I now know if we flush him out of the city, he won't be able to hide from us. But even without urban tracking specifically, I've seen wilderness tracking work wonders inside a city. As a group, we will find him and catch Jarred."

Khuridoth looks at Eren. "Having eyes in the sky will also be very handy, Eren."

Khuridoth finishes up eating. "Ready when ye all are."

OOC: Does Rush have the ability to track by scent? Not that the group has Jarred's scent yet, but if Rush has that ability, could come in handy later.

Elric finishes his meal and adjusts his outfit to conceal his face once more as he stands up as he says, “I'm ready.”

Rush gets up and speaks up, “Rush is ready.”

OOC: Rush does not have the scent ability.

  Joe wonders if Kitau's bigger problem is if she was like him, and was actually a Fighter That Dresses Like A Ranger instead of an actual ranger?

  "All set. Though it does occur to me we've all agreed to find and track this guy down, but never got around to asking what he looks like." It probably would have been part of the travel exposition, but this is the sort of thing he's gotten used to double checking.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:28, Mon 28 Oct 2019.

Yup.  This is absolutely the right group.  Not only is it, "We're ready," instead of, "Why don't we at least look for a more lucrative quest first?" but it's also, "What does he look like?" instead of, "Paid-for guards?  Never mind!  I've got enough trouble with the honest ones to risk this."  Nothing quite like finding a good team to relieve the survivor's guilt Kitau's feeling from the last one biting the dust.

Eren hated the last group.  But that's no shocker.  They were titans, and titans are nasty monsters that love to kill your fairy friends and family.  But these new titans seem like they aren't completely horrible.  And mini-titan Kitau, the only titan to have ever proved trustworthy and almost as passionate about killing titans, seems to agree.  Either way, it's an opportunity to kill more nasty titans and this evil Jarred they're protecting, so...

"Eren loves hunting Jarred."

Kitau nods and exits with the group, Eren riding in her backpack to watch her back.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:43, Fri 01 Nov 2019.

Khuridoth begins by following Joe's suggestion: Go looking for potential victims. People who would really be defenseless and who either don't have families, or whose families wouldn't miss them.

Despite the city being, well, a city, it is surprisingly easy to get over that initial hurdle of finding such specific individuals. Khuridoth goes from one tavern to another, disguising this as him tasting the different alcoholic beverages of each to compare them. Yes, he is doing that sincerely too, but that doesn't change the fact it is a good excuse to go around listening to what amounts to the rumor mills of civilization.

In the process, the team learns the following:

1) There are one or two outcasts who live in normal areas, but there is a whole area dedicated to housing just outcasts. Nobody cares when they go missing except fellow outcasts (and even then, "at least it wasn't me" is the attitude). And by nobody, we mean nobody. The guards barely give the place a second glance.

2) There are rumors of a string of missing people among the outcasts in their district. They are now traveling in "packs" and anyone who doesn't find a group to be with when out in daylight is considered "as good as gone".

3) There are also rumors of a series of murders. The murders are consistent: A slit femoral artery and missing fingers (usually the pinky of each hand), and a removed face.

Khuridoth raises an eyebrow at this. "Well that's... interesting."

Elric glances at the group as he considers the three 'facts' the group learns and is concerned that the outcasts are more afraid of disappearing during daylight than at night. “The murders are oddly specific in how someone is killed... but it would seem that any outcast alone in daylight disappears... so that could be the bait if we can fake a lone outsider. But would that lead to a kidnapper or a murderer?”

  "Even if that isn't related, we should probably look into that... Well, unless all the victims are assholes."  Alas, crazed vigilantes outside of your immediate party tend to be less than discerning with their targets.

  He looks over to Elric, and comments "Even if we weren't all heavily armed, I don't think any of us are naturally downtrodden enough to look like a target... Though not it for playing pretend victim, if we don't come up with any better ideas."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:32, Fri 15 Nov 2019.

Eren hates being a victim.  But he's not going to say this out loud.  Instead he's going to whisper to Kitau, "Eren will hate it if you volunteer and get killed."

Kitau skews her lips.  Looks at the others.  Imagines herself a villain and thinks on who looks like the target least likely to cause trouble.

"I'll do it."

Eren frowns and hides himself in her backpack to pout.

Khuridoth nods to Kitau. "You may appear to be easier prey than the rest of us, but I'm actually thinking we should all look the part. It's amazing what rollin' in the dirt, not wearing any visible armor or weaponry, and scraggling what hairs you have will do for your image as a victim. Especially if the one who has been doing the kidnappings has a partner or two. I'm sure people stealers are smart enough to realize an armed child is more potentially dangerous than most unarmed adults. So. We should all wear disguises that make us look like the people of this district."

Whatever the group agrees upon, the trap works pretty quickly. While Kitau is playing as bait, a man approaches her from behind. Joe is able to spot another man, presumably backup, hiding in the shadows.

Khuridoth waits for the man to make an actual move, or else it could be wasted and/or scare away the real kidnapper. Sure enough, though, the one sneaking up on Kitau goes to grab her from behind! Kitau can feel a cloth being taken to her mouth and nose!

Khuridoth charges in! The guy in the shadows seems ready to spring on Khuridoth! (feel free to describe how you guys take this guy and his backup down)

Out of the shadows springs a massive form. Even in the dim light anyone with a pair good eyes could easily tell the being was weilding a massive fish in two hands, like it qwas some sort of great club.

"Sanctuary!" The man cries and wildly seings the tuna, sweeping it in a left to right arc. It smacks an unsuspecting baddie in the back of the head with a thunderous, albeit wet, *schwack*. Fish parts go flying. And the stranger flees with nary a glance back.

Elric and Rush wear disguises to make Elric look like a cloaked outcast that conceals his face, while Rush is made to look like a filth covered canine where they 'hid' nearby with Khuridoth and spring into action when his dwarven friend rushes in to help Kitau with Rush charging in to directly assist Khuridoth while Elric hangs back slightly with his 'Repeating Shot Mixed-Use Gun' ready to fire at anyone trying to impede the group's efforts to apprehend the individual who tried to capture Kitau. Thus when the 'guy in shadows' tries to backup Kitau's assailant, Elric fires his the rifle barrel at the second individual aiming for a leg to hopefully impair the would be backup's ability to escape...“Surrender and you'll avoid further pain.. if you resist, you will regret it as you are outnumbered.”

  Ah, so that's it.  Sanctuary is this campaign's Mysterious Stranger perk... Okay, more like a heavily modded Mysterious Stranger perk.

  Joe fully expects Elric's shot to be fully accurate.  His own arrow aimed at the second jerk's second leg is more out of spite.  Which is why he times it to land after Elric says 'avoid', but before he says 'further pain', should Joe also not miss.

OOC: "Surrender and you'll avoid-*THUNK*further pain". It's cool, I'm unaligned. The more responsible younger brother of Chaotic Neutral.

Kitau had a plan.  Hobble along with hand hidden inside shirt like Napoleon to give the impression of being injured.  Easy target.  But held in the hidden hand is a set of brass knuckles.  Non-lethal when used against kneecaps or groins, the most likely targets for her to reach.

Eren had a plan too.  Death from above!  Even if he were spotted in his perch, most tend to confuse him with a dragonfly and pay him no mind.  But Kitau reminded him that the kidnappers need to be taken alive, so he'd have to use the blunt spines of his swords.  Eren hates having to use non-lethal damage.

But then surprise fish-wielding giant happens!  They're both so shocked by the unexpected help that they just stare in slack-jawed wonder.  The unlikely seafood weapon turned out to be a very effective non-lethal combat option.  What are the words?  What do you even say?  "Appreciate the backup, mysterious titanic fish-swordsman?"

"Um... thanks?" is all Kitau can finally get out.

She jumps at the sudden noise of Elric's rifle - a sound she's never heard before even for as much combat experience as she's had.  First an aquatic melee weapon, now a one-of-a-kind magical sonic weapon?  She half wonders if she actually died with her former team and this is what Limbo is like.

"Eren hates sudden loud noises."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Sun 24 Nov 2019.

Khuridoth raises an eyebrow at Sanctuary and waves as the man runs off. "I have this strange feeling like the gods have given us a gift. A very strange and unusual gift..."

The man are thusly apprehended and soon, questioned. They are very quick to spill information because of how afraid of the heroes they are. It is clear they are cowards and would sell out anyone to avoid inconvenience. But the group is now aware of where Jarred the Jailer is. He has been staying at the nearby Cargo Hub, where goods get delivered to and from Hearth Hold. Apparently, he gives enough of a cut to the people who work there that they let him sleep there in addition to not asking questions about his business.

Khuridoth says, "Catching him will be tricky. A place like that will have lots of people and places he can hide among and disappear the moment he suspects we're there to catch him. Ideas?"

Elric has no clue what to make of Sanctuary and decides to focus on the task at hand instead of trying to ponder why someone who might be insane does anything.

Elric states, “It is likely that Jarred the Jailer uses the Cargo Hub to transport people so when we do go there we also have to be ready to free and if necessary guard people Jarred has abducted. Not to mention Jarred might try to use them or others at the hub as hostages so we will need to act swiftly to prevent him from trying anything like that...But I do not know how to get past the guards without causing a destructive distraction which wouldn't exactly be legal. So I am open to a better suggestion for how to distract people that would hamper us in getting to Jarred without tipping Jarred off that we are after him.”

Elric would prefer to not deal with setting off a keg of gunpowder or something of the sort since it would make for a rather explosive distraction...which might harm anyone the group was looking to save.

  "Note to self, Eren hates the screams of pain from bandits and slavers." probably not quite what they meant, Joe.  Even if those are also sudden loud noises.

  "While it would be extra effort, it would also be Hilarious if we found out ahead of time where he escapes through, and then just let him run face first into an open crate.  Then have the workers on his payroll wheel it over to the slaves as part of their job ignoring muffled screams from shipping containers."

Joe is correct.  Eren does hate the screams of evil titans.  He prefers them to be silenced for good.

Kitau is feeling relieved to hear her allies tactical points.  Lighting the place on fire wasn't brought up as a good idea, for example.  Sooo much better than teaming up with murder hobos.

She thumbs at her fairy companion.  "He's tiny, sneaky, and can fly.  He can get past the guards, scope out the layout, find Jarred and any hostages, then report back to us."

The gnome is pretty darn sneaky in her own right.  But she would rather not have to stab herself to activate her invisibility when there's a less painful option available.

Khuridoth nods to Kitau and then looks at Erin. "Alright then. Let's get to the hub and see what Erin can find out."

Although it would make for a cool scene in a movie or tv show, Erin's scouting isn't RP'd because it would exclude the other players. So instead, the narrator reveals what he finds:

The warehouse looks like so:
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/81/a...8648f0d8b5c0b5cf.jpg

Most of it is boxes, barrels, and such like. But Erin does find the obvious human prisoners at the topmost level of the tallest building. Of the captives, there are currently eight men, eight women, and six children (four girls and two boys). While the children range in age from about five years old to ten years old, the adults are not all that old either, ranging from teenage to mid-twenties.

There are about four guards on the top level with the prisoners, four patrolling guards at the floor level of the warehouse, and two guards at the front door.

Elric taps his chin as he goes over what has been learned by Erin, “So we have to rescue 22 hostages and get them past 10 guards as once we rescue them stealth will be impossible. Naturally, the four guarding them will be dealt with before we can release them...that at worst leaves the remaining six to sneak them past...but if we go through the front doors those two guards would cause enough racket to alert the patrol which would give the guards by the hostages time to kill the hostages rather than risk them escaping... So we need to find a way to sneak past those two at the front door or bypass that entrance for another and then deal with the patrol without the guards at the top being alerted to them, or possibly bypassing the patrol to ambush the guards at top and then fight our way out. Hmm... Any suggestions? I don't see a way for us to pass ourselves off as a group with business in that building to be escorted in and then left relatively unattended while we do our business.”

Elric pets Rush's head while he ponders the situation since while he's good at making stuff, he's an Artificer, not a Rogue that would slip in and take out the guards like some super spy and then rescue the hostages and somehow end up making out with the prettiest lady among the hostages like in some sort of cheesy romance spy story...

OOC: Elric is no James Bond or similar type character...and he knows it.

  "If we were dealing with some bandit camp, then 'Execute a guard in front of them as an example, if they threaten the captives.' could work.  But we're in the middle of a civilization, so going full vigilante justice posturing would just put the captives at risk from people who are clearly certain they will get away with it even if caught."  Or quite possibly right for believing that.

  "The convoluted option would be buying all or most of the slaves for bargain bulk rates, getting them out, and then turning around to kick their asses and get our money back.  But really, Elric's idea of getting into a position where it's easier for them to run away like cowards than kill the captives out of spite when fighting us might be best.  But first..."

  He looks to Erin, "Did you see anyone who looks like the guy we're after in particular in there?  While it would be easier to clear the place out without an infamous slaver defending his business, it also means he'll have no reason to come back."

Oops! I forgot to mention! Yes, Jarred was in there, but he was in one of the ground floor buildings, discussing business with the person who seems to run the hub.

Eren is sure to relay this.

Kitau thinks on it.  If it were her alone, she'd probably prioritize killing Jarred.  Wait patiently for him to go to bed, sneak in, and quietly behead him in his sleep.  But plans like that wind up risking the victims' families being torn apart forever in the meantime.  And these heroes she's teamed up with probably aren't the kind to accept that kinda risk even if she were to argue that Jared's escape would mean more people suffer in the long run.  She looks over to Eren, expecting that he's of the same mind to prioritize killing Jared.

"If Jared tries to get away, I'll follow him," Eren offers.

Kitau slowly nods.

Khuridoth strokes his beard in thought and says, "If we go with Joe's idea, then after defeating our opponents, we can loot our money back. And with Eren assuring us he'll keep tabs on Jarred... I think this could work. The question now is who should be the one to deal with them and buy the slaves.. and do any of us know the street slang for such things so we don't just barge in there saying we're looking to buy slaves? While I'm proud to say I don't know the lingo, it unfortunately doesn't help us there..."

Elric listens to what the others say and when asked about the lingo, Elric shakes his head and says, “Unfortunately I don't know about such slang either. Although honestly, I would prefer to avoid convoluted solutions as odds are something would go wrong and thus I think a simpler plan would be better, but in this situation, I do not know what choice we have in the matter. It's not like we can just march up to the front door and ask to see Jared since we are guarding a message from a prospective client and be let through so we can negotiate with him on behalf of our employer. After all large sums of money tend to be guarded...plus guards would be necessary to transport the 'cargo'.... hmm actually I do not know if that is convoluted or not. Is it? After all, a reclusive client might send someone else to do the dirty work for them to avoid being incriminated if something went wrong.” As Elric rambles on a bit as he ponders and thinks out how Joe's idea could be implemented...

  Good thing we're not dealing with dice rolls or this would be Doomed By Statistics.  Instead we're dealing with natural capacity for rambling convincingly.

  "I mean, I prefer simple plans myself. You're usually stuck with that when your options are 'what should I stab them with'.  But trying to save a bunch of helpless people in the middle of danger tends to invite stupidity you pass off as heroism after the fact." Somewhere, a draconian rogue leaps off a tall structure thanking obscure fall damage rules.

  "Twenty two people sounds like a lot, until you think about it like a slaver and decide cramming them all in a single enclosed wagon is cheaper than their comfort.  So that and an extra wagon is the easy part, and will even make it easier to fight around them.  The hard part is deciding on an absurd but believable reason to be shopping for people bulk with no care for quality.  Like, 'Oh our boss has his heart set on this old kobold cave but there are just too many goddamned traps left for our schedule.  And it's cheaper to throw slaves at it than to hire and replace people to disarm them properly.'"

  He considers the group, and says "Gods help us that I'm probably gonna be the one doing the talking.  But at least we're all probably very good at looking bored about the suffering of others... Or just Angry At All times."  Don't mind the Gnome, she ALWAYS looks like she wants to start beating people to death with her tiny hands.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Sun 12 Jan 2020.

Kitau and Eren both shake their heads to the question of whether they know street slang.  They both know enough monster race lingo to be able to guess where's best to set the next trap, but that won't help here.  They quietly listen to the smarter ones hammer out the details of the plan.

Kitau has lots of feelings: https://tinyurl.com/td3pnb6

Khuridoth says, "Thanks for volunteering, Joe." then looks around at the team generically and says, "In a perfect world, we could completely close this. Figuring out who the corrupt officials are, exposing them, and all that rot. And when we capture Jarred and set the slaves free, the corrupt officials will act like they never knew Jarred and will be the ones congratulating us while the worst that happens to them is they lose the side bribe-money they have been getting. But as much as I wanna put them away, I came here for Jarred. Heck... a coward like him might squeal about which officials are corrupt anyway and we'll be that much closer to stopping the corruption. Just thinkin' out loud..."

He nods. "Alright. So Joe will initiate. I'm here to 'make sure the price is fair'. Eren won't even be seen with us because he'll be keeping watch over Jarred. Elric will be our 'enforcer' because he looks intimidating with that robe and mask. Kitau is our 'talent scout' who found out about Jarred and his operation in this city, but doesn't like to talk so she can't be questioned about how she found Jarred. This work for everyone?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Sun 19 Jan 2020.

Elric nods to Khuridoth and adds, “I can do that... not to mention many are intimidated by my favored weapon...” as he activates his ArmCannon to transform his hand into his Repeating Shot Mixed-Use Gun as he continues, “Plus Rush can also help in the intimidation department.”

Rush grins revealing his sharp metal teeth as he growls out slowly, “Intimidate.” as the canine Steel Defender looks ready to pounce on something.

  Qualified by default is a proud(?) tradition, so of course Joe's running with it.  "While it gets a point across, they may take it the wrong way if you show off your particular choice of weapons Elric.  Anyways, we're agreed with 'grab closed wagon first' and 'Kobold caves, totally' then?  I guess we might want to make up a name of who we are supposedly working for while we're at it."

Eren hates being intimidated.  But the metal dog is certainly succeeding in that department.  So he discreetly flies off to keep an eye on Jarred.

Kitau nods.  "Kalarel."

She follows along with the group to get a covered wagon.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Mon 27 Jan 2020.

For what it's worth, Joe, the zany puppet-wielding Mittens has lost count of the times she is the sane one / voice of reason in any given day of adventuring.

Khuridoth says, "I'm torn, Elric. On one hand, your weapon is so alien, most would see it and let their imaginations run wild as to what it does which can be scarier than knowing how deadly something is. On the other hand, Joe may be right. So we'll keep with Rush will growl if our 'client' steps out of line. When we meet Jarred, keep your weapon handy but hidden under your cloak."

He looks down at Rush and grins a grin much like a dwarf who just hacked an orcs to pieces. "Now that's a good dog."

Khuridoth follows with the group to fetch the covered wagon. That is easily enough obtained with gold and no need for plans there.

Meanwhile, Eren can see Jarred heading up to check on the slaves. The man addresses them and gives them a reminder of 'their place' and invites them to 'please step out of line' because he's bored and hasn't tortured a slave in a while. He genuinely tries to get any of them to be defiant, but one of the guards reminds him of HIS place. "Listen, Jarred... they are subdued. These people are money. Don't needlessly mess with the boss's money or your name will become mud quickly and then you'll be on the outs with the slaving business."

Jarred frowns, looking annoyed that his fun was taken away, but says "Fine. Spoil my fun..." before going back down and finding an animal to torture. He manages to catch a squirrel that he begins dissecting alive.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Wed 29 Jan 2020.

Elric nods to Khuridoth deactivates his ArmCannon since he can call it forth with a moment's notice but he does keep the option of having it activated under his cloak for a surprise if needed. The Warforged Battle Smith glances around as he follows the rest of the group in his attempt to appear to be the group's silent enforcer while keeping alert to what goes on around the group.

Rush continues to keep his intimidating appearance while sticking next to Elric as the Canine Steel Defender growls when appropriate for the group's cover.

  "Right, time to get this show on the road then." It's in a place with paved streets, it counts more literally than usual.

  Should there be no requests otherwise from others, assuming the next stop is Slaves R Us, Joe starts out with "I heard you can handle sales by the wagonload.  We intend to make that quite literal if your prices are right."

  OOC: <squirrel>"The term is vivisection, BLARGH"</squirrel>

Eren's face twists in disgust at Jarred.  It's too late for the squirrel, but it torments the fairy's nature to have to stay in hiding while the poor creature suffers.  But he remains vigilant.

Kitau nods in agreement with Khuridoth.  And though she doesn't want to admit it, she had no clue that that thing was a weapon until that loud noise happened.  So there's that.

When negotiations start, she hardens herself for the conversation, trying to keep the rage against these monsters down until the time is right.  Lots of practice with that.

The man shrugs and says, "We do. What would you like from us, sir? You got the coin, we can probably secure the goods."

Khuridoth has his arms folded to both look intimidating and non-threatening at the same time. After all, his hands are not on his weapons.

The guards in the room look bored like they've heard this conversation a thousand times before and have little to no interest. But the group is still dangerous looking, so they are ready to draw weapons at a moments notice. Albeit in a "sigh, if I have to" way that betrays they don't expect danger at all.

Meanwhile, as Erin is forced to listen to the heartwrenching screams of the squirrel, he sees another fairy approaching Jarred from behind. He is dressed in armor made out of acorn parts (after all, that has proven to be so hard even biggenses have a hard time crushing it) and has a thumbtack in his hands. He is setting the thumbtack on the spot Jarred is sitting, just shy of Jarred's butt so all Jarred would have to do is sit up again and he will get stabbed.

Elric remains silent and still with Rush by his side. Rush grows somewhat at the implication that they might not have the money as if such a comment was an insult to the steel skinned canine. Elric softly speaks as Rush growls, “Rush, he is just doing his job... he did not intend to insult us by suggesting that the group lack funds, nor is he impeding us... yet.”

The metal canine then growls out slowly, “So don't eat him if he continues to insult us?”

Elric shakes his head, and answers bluntly, “Not without my permission. And I have only given permission to eat those who attack us or imped the group's purpose for being here... And remember, no eating the cargo on our way back. I don't want that deducted from my wages.” As Elric gently rubs the top of Rush' head with his large right hand...which unknown to the guard, is ready to be transformed into its Mixed-Use gun form at a moment's notice.

Rush growls softly “Understood.”. Rush looks to the guard as if begging him to imped the group so the metal canine can pounce into action as Rush imitates the expression of a hungry wolf, at least as much as his metallic body can.

Elric figures it is best to not reveal to the guards that Rush actually doesn't eat... but he figures they don't need to realize that fact.

  The universal expression of 'This is my henchperson day, but you understand' is put to (maybe) good use here, as Joe continues on.  "Right, we've got a job where qualified employees cost too much and would take too long.  What we need is a wagonload of an untrained workforce in a hurry to help us find every last trap in a kobold ****hole our boss has taken a liking to. Why, it's a job so easy a kid could do it at least once. Isn't that nice?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Wed 12 Feb 2020.

Kitau was tense already, but now the cracks are showing.  Nose flaring, brow furrowing deeper, fists clenching tighter, veins in eyes turning red.  She's sure to not make eye contact with the guards lest they take it as a threat, but she's already planning out how to cut them down at the knees at the drop of a hat.

Meanwhile, Erin is torn.  On the one hand, this newcomer is putting the whole operation in jeopardy.  On the other, he really wanted to at least this much to Jarred himself and sooo can't blame the fairy.  He considers the possible outcomes.  Jarred blames the guards, the prank works in favor of the team.  Jarred suspects a prankster and searches.  Finds Erin.  Combat makes the plan fall apart.  Finds the newcomer.  Eren has to decide whether to attack Jarred to keep him from catching them.  Or maybe...  Eren assassinates Jarred with a very well-placed blade in an artery and another in his voice box.  Guards never hear a scream for help.  Too risky.  Too likely to end in disaster.

Erin sneaks to the chair to remove the tack, makes eye contact with the newcommer, and nudges his head toward cover to indicate that they should confer quietly behind cover.

The fairy looks very confused, but follows Erin, giving him a benefit of the doubt. He barely waits to be out of hearing range before angrily whispering with tears in his eyes, "That squirrel needs help. What gives?"

Meanwhile, the business man says, "Ah. I see... well at the moment, we have a small group. Twenty-two; eight men, eight women, six children. Men are 15 gold a piece. Women are 10 gold a piece. Children are 5 gold a piece. So if you're sure you want all of them, that would be 230 gold. We don't have bulk discounts."

Khuridoth manages to keep a straight face. And his dwarven physique is solid as stone, so nobody really sees his muscles tensing. But inside, he is quite angry.

The guards do seem slightly nervous about Rush. Good thing because he is distracting them from potentially noticing how aggro Kitau is.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:27, Wed 12 Feb 2020.

Elric remains silent as the businessman talks while Rush still has an 'I want to eat you' look on its metallic face. Elric glares at the guards and businessman while waiting, as he looks like he is starting to get annoyed with the delay...and glances to Khuridoth and Joe as he speaks up, “While I'll get paid either way make sure that the cargo isn't already at death's door. It would be kind of difficult to complete the job for our boss if they all die of hunger, disease, thirst, or previously sustained wounds before we even reach our destination. If they are wanting to be paid for merchandise unseen, it would indicate that their product is of inferior stock and useless to us... that is if it even really exists. Why waste money on something that is possibly too damaged to even walk twenty feet before keeling over dead? That is the problem with fleshy races... so fragile..and we shouldn't have to waste time nursing them back to health just to complete the boss' task for us. If they continue to delay us or try to get us to buy the product without even confirming its existence and condition...and thus its claimed value, are they volunteering to become Rush's next snack?” Elric sounds like he is starting to get annoyed with just standing around but isn't to the point where he'll give permission for Rush to 'eat' just yet.

Rush makes a sound that is halfway between a growl and a chuckle, “Tasty ... flesh.” as Rush looks between the guards and businessman as if trying to decide which one to eat first if he is given permission to eat them.

  Oh no, Elric is trying to shop like they want a lasting purchase instead of 'Haha throw the peasant at the room full of traps' disposable people.  Joe can't even be mad due to his own twisty straw logic about 'Standards > Morals'.

  "Oh my gods, we talked about this.  Today it doesn't matter if they have a limp or filth fever, we're here to clear out their stock.  Even if I do appreciate your eye for quality merchandise."

  He shrugs apologetically to the guards "Still, we are on a schedule.  How about I make it a nice round 250 and you can get yourselves a couple wine bottles to celebrate what good salesmen you are, if you help us get everything loaded within the hour." Free booze, AND  a 'rush' job they can still drag their feet on. Hopefully that gets through any bruised egos.

Kitau figures Elric was trying to be authentic by initiating a haggle to lower the price.  But Joe's approach is probably for the best.  The promise of extra pay for making things happen sooner is strong incentive to overlook anything suspicious.  She quietly takes out a strip of jerky and offers it to Rush.

Eren returns the look with an enraged look of his own. (( http://static3.wikia.nocookie...._kill_the_Titans.png ))

"Don't you think I know that?  But there's children upstairs, and my best friend in the other room, who'll all die if we try to rescue the squirrel.  Go watch over her.  The gnome with marigold hair.  She and her team are tricking these killers into handing over the prisoners."

While the guards are getting slightly nervous by Elric's threats, the salesman seems to be getting angered. He was considering upping the price, but Joe appeases the businessman. Money covers most offenses. "250 it is. Bring the merch out for our customers."

Khuridoth is quiet, doing the silent intimidation thing like Kitau.

Just as the fairy Erin was talking to is about to take off to watch over Kitau, some guard calls out, "Jarred! Jarred! Get the merch! All of it! We got a bulk buy."

He sighs and gets up to enter the building and its elevator.

The fairy quickly swoops in to help the squirrel. "I'll care for the squirrel since the jerk left."

Assuming Erin continues to watch Jarred, he sees Jarred take the slaves and load them up on the elevator several at a time. 5, 6, 5, 6. When Jarred brings the first group, the salesman explains: "This here is Jarred. He captured the ones we have in stock. He's bringing them in small groups because we simply can't fit 22 people on the lift all at once. The whole process should be done in 10 or 15 minutes."

Jarred eyes Kitau and says, "Is the gnome up for trade or sale?"

The salesman says, "Just get the rest of the merch, Jarred."

Things seem to be going smoothly as the people are being loaded onto the wagon. Assuming everyone keeps to their part of the act, soon, every "slave" is no longer on the premises.

Elric remains silent but keeps a close eye on the merchandise both to make sure the count is correct and to see that they are all in decent health. When Jarred talks about wanting to acquire Kitau as a slave, Elric is tempted to shoot him in the face right then and there but holds off and instead says to the salesman when Jarred is in the process of retrieving the second group, “Jarred seems like a wildcard... how do you keep him under control so he doesn't screw up business?”

Rush continues to glance back and forth between the guards and the salesman, and Jarred when he's present.

  "Jarod, my dear friend supplying me in my hour of employee need... Even if she died, she would find a way to kill me if I so much as thought about it." First impressions, or Metagame knowledge? You make the call!

  At Elric's understandable critique, Joe shrugs.  "You aren't as used to having to tell yourself 'The results are still worth the headache', and I hope you never will be.  Of course, you and your bark bark friend save me from headaches."

  While he's sure Elric, Kitau, and even Bark Bark friend have done so already.  Joe also kept count in his head to make sure 'All of the slaves' was indeed, ALL of the slaves scouted in case Jarod decided to keep some for himself... And not act like he noticed such a difference if so.

  Save the hostages you've got now and not the hostages you wish you had, etc etc.  Either way, Joe is (probably) going to be getting his gold back real soon.

Kitau was just about to offer 100 gold for the guards to look the other way for just 5 seconds.*  But things move along without her having to say a word - just the way she likes it.  Still, with Jarred here, where's Eren?  No.  Better not to look.  Find him and your eyes'll give away his location.  Even just looking will raise suspicion.  Trust that he's doing his part.

Eren just nodded to the other fairy and kept to his mission of watching over Jarred from the shadows.  The comment about Kitau's being up for sale was... weird.  Was there a special request for a gnome from another customer?  More reason to take him alive.

*(( Gotta love 4e melee ranger.  Low level character unloading 5 attacks in 1 round is a thing.  With all kinds of ways to deal extra damage as icing on top.  n.n ))
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Fri 21 Feb 2020.

The team is able to see that was every slave accounted for. Erin himself can see it was every slave accounted for and now all safely on the wagon. None of the slaves had anything worse than bruises on them.

Khuridoth cracks his knuckles. "Well then. Shall we?"

He takes a swing at Jarred, knocking the surprised man out with one punch. Because dwarf punch to cowardly guy whose only claim to fame is how he tortures helpless people.

The rest of the people present are surprised and take an entire second to begin leaping into action.

The barely contained PCs who have been holding back like wound up rubber bands, however, are a different story.

(Enjoy describing your battle! The only people in the room are the desk clerk - who is just a commoner, the unconscious Jarred, and the two guards who amount to level 1 fighters.)

As Khuridoth takes out Jarred with a surprise sucker-punch, Elric transforms his ArmCannon into its Mixed-Use Gun Form as he says, “Rush, incapacitate the clerk. If he tries to run or scream... rip his throat out.”

As the closer of the two guards notices what is going on the Guard exclaims, "What the..." and is cut off as Elric fires a cartridge round into the man's face...which jerks what is left of the man's head back a moment before the now corpse falls to the floor.

Simultaneously, Rush charges the Desk Clerk and pounces at him gripping the man's throat with the Steel Defender's metallic teeth which for some reason doesn't impair Rush's ability to speak as the constructed canine growls, “Make a sound or move... and I eat your throat... cooperate with us and I won't kill you.”

OOC: Funny enough the Cartridge Barrel in a Mixed-Use Gun does 2d6+dex (3) damage which averages to 7+3=10 which is the expected hit points for the average level 1 fighter (unless they get a constitution bonus which I don't expect these guards to have and Rush's average attack damage is enough to take out the commoner desk clerk. This leaves one more guard left for the party to deal with before the desk clerk can be interrogated, and possibly handed over to the proper authorities or otherwise dealt with. Note that Rush has not claimed anything about what anyone ELSE will do to the desk clerk.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Sat 22 Feb 2020.

  Insert Skyrim jokes here, as Joe underhands a dart through the remaining guard's knee... Hey, that's not an arrow!

  "If you would like to look more like your co-worker, scream for help now." He comments, while already watching the remaining entrances to this room for attentive guards that might rush charge in.

OOC: Short person knocks out taller person.  So, the reverse of this: https://youtu.be/cIkagvA2ZqI?t=203 ( Sadly couldn't find the Dwarf from Lodoss Wars knocking anyone out. )

Khuridoth must have hit Jarred so hard, the lower half of his legs fell off.  Kitau's weapons aren't even drawn, so she couldn't have had anything to do with it, right?  She applies tourniquets to the legs to stop the bleeding since he was supposed to be taken alive.

Eren was dramatically leaping into action to help with the combat, but got splattered with blood and brains.  Sure, Eren hates being splattered with gore, but there's more important things to tend to than complaining right now.  He flies over to the wagon and says, "The Dwarf is a cleric.  Anyone need a cure?"

We rescued all the people!  One of them was dying and passed away while we were busy interrogating the villains.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

The slaves are confused and horrified at the sight of a fairy covered in blood and brain matter. So they just cower at the sight of him and one says, "We're fine, master... we weren't complaining!"

Meanwhile, back in the office, Khuridoth says, "Good work. We have our main prize. In fact, given how smoothly this worked out, I'm considering we not even bother with the rest of the complex. We'll bring Jarred to the authorities publicly for all to see and just as publicly, report where we just rescued some slaves."

He then looks at Kitau and adds, "Since he can fly, I think Erin would be best for keeping an eye on things here to make sure none of them get away before the authorities arrive."

The guard on the ground, of course, complies and makes no sound.

Elric glances around to try and figure out where other guards would show up as he is ready to fire his Mixed-Use Gun Armcannon at any other hostile forces who show up.

Rush growls at the 'captured' Desk Clerk to be interrogated as Elric asks, “If we aren't going to clear this place out, then when we hand Jarred over to the authorities we should also hand over the clerk and the remaining guard as well. But it would probably be a smart move to find out what else is going on here so that we should tell the authorities...otherwise, they could get a rude surprise. So who wants to get that information out of the desk clerk and remaining guard...since if they aren't going to talk... does that mean Rush gets some lunch after all?”

  "Can your multitalented pal Rush drive the cart farther to safety while we deal with this, Elric?" Obviously Erin would be too short to reach the pedals, duh.

  "Though yea, as practical as it would be to quite while we are ahead, there could be more to this... or, you know. Convenient paperwork they haven't had time to dispose of yet. But that's too convenient to happen."

Hearing his name mentioned, Eren returns to the group to hear what's being said.

"Eren hates missing out on important conversations."

Kitau helps herself to the keys to the wagon (that presumably had a lock to prevent the "slaves" from escaping) while listening to the others.

"Are the city guard corrupt?  I don't want them helping themselves to any loot here either way, traps or no traps."

She unlocks the wagon and addresses the prisoners.  "Those guys are heroes.  They just risked themselves to rescue you.  You're free to go.  But I want someone to volunteer to stick around so they can tell the city guard what you saw happen."

Khuridoth nods to what everyone is saying. "Yeah. I was honestly hoping to save needless risk. But you all are right. We can't afford to let this place alone or risk the guards looting important evidence and sitting on it. Let's get on with it then."

He looks at Elric. "We'll knock them out and tie them up so we can question them about details of their operation later. Since we already have numbers, patrols, and layout, we don't need to interrogate them for the immediate."

Most of the slaves run away the moment they are told they can, but one man stays behind. "I'll be your witness." he says with fearless resolve.

Elric nods to Khuridoth and then signals to Rush to knock out the Desk Clerk as he then proceeds to shift his Repeating Shot Mixed-Use Gun Armcannon back into a hand as he two-hands his +1 Warhammer to knock out the remaining guard with a blow to the back of the head.

Elric then says, “Let's tie them up and put them in the wagon. If you wish I can leave Rush here to guard the wagon and make sure they don't cause trouble if they wake back up. And that no one makes off with the Wagon itself.”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:35, Tue 24 Mar 2020.

  Joe nods to the stubborn slave, "Allright then, tell me your name and you'll get a free knife."  Well, technically it wouldn't be free if he doesn't have it over until they answer a question.

  He comments to Khuridoth. "Usually I'm the sort of person to be saying 'well we got MOST of the hostages', but context is a wild ride." Joe, no. It's your Artificer Kyle who did that.

Kitau gives the brave prisoner a nod.  After he responds to Joe, as an offer of a little bit of revenge, she nudges her head for him to follow along then offers to help him haul slavers into the wagon.  Between hauls, Kitau pours some water into her mess kit's pan and plops a small bar of soap into it.  Eren takes the opportunity to wash off all the sticky blood.

The man who volunteered says, "My name's Guy." and accepts the knife.

He and Khuridoth help with tying people and putting them in the wagon. He answers Elric, "Leaving Rush to guard is a good idea. We can't afford for any to get away." He gives Rush a nod.

The fairy from earlier peaks over the edge of the pan and says, "Psst. You OK?"

Khuridoth looks down at the mutilated corpse. "What about this one? I feel like we could make use of him somehow. But I don't know. Probably best to just leave him there and fight like normal."

Elric instructs Rush to remain with the wagon and to guard it, to which Rush replies, “Understood.” Rush then begins to guard the wagon and those tied up within it.

Elric then looks to Khuridoth and says, “Unless you want the corpse as a meatshield or someone knows a necromantic spell or ritual that needs a corpse, I say we leave it and just clear out the building of hostiles by either subduing them or terminating them if it is too dangerous to try to subdue them. Also, it might be a good idea to disable traps to prevent the town's guard from being harmed by them. That is if we come across any.”

  Guy seems like a sensible dude.  "Unless you feel like being the one to do the heavy lifting Khuridoth, we should probably leave the bodies be rather than dramatically enter the next room brandishing the remains of co-workers they probably were not to fond of in the first place."

Talk of more combat has Kitau's fingers fidgeting near her weapons.  Looks like everything's been handled here, so she scouts ahead for traps and enemies.

Eren climbs out of the tiny tub and begins squeezing the water out of his clothes.  "Eren hates being wet."

He nods to the other guy then asks, "The squirrel?"

The fairy says, "The squirrel will live. So.. I don't recognize you and I thought I knew all the fairies in the area. I'm from a nearby fairy nest that oversees the happenings of this town. You?"

Khuridoth nods in agreement to Elric and Joe. "Right. Leave the body. Onward. From here forward, the priority is: 1) defend yourselves. 2) Do not let anyone escape. 3) Leave your opponents alive if possible."

With that, he marches on with the group and they come upon some of the patrolling guards. Khuridoth walks to them like he owns the place and then goes for a surprise attack!

Elric nods to Khuridoth and then starts to follow the dwarf in a manner that a bodyguard would with his Warhammer concealed under his cloak, so when Khuridoth goes for a surprise attack on the patrolling guards, Elric pulls off his own attempt at a surprise attack with his Warhammer. Elric hopes to least knock out one of the members of the patrol before an alarm can be sounded with a two-handed swing of his enchanted Warhammer.

  The squirrel will develop a thirst for revenge the likes of which small forest creatures have... seen constantly actually.  Even herbivores don't even need a reason to kill anything that crosses their path.

  Joe opts to shoot at the most out of the way thug, given that is one of the whole points of bringing a bow to a swordfight.

Eren looks relieved to hear that the squirrel will live.  When asked about his home, he gets a 1,000 yard stare.  "Eren hates that his home is gone."

Hmm.  Don't kill them, and make sure they don't escape.  To Kitau, that translates to, "Lop off the feet."  Shling!  Turns out gnome-sized kopesh does the job quite effectively.

Eren doesn't participate in the charge.  Instead he nudges his head to indicate the other fairy is invited to follow, then flies past the enemy to cut off any who try to escape.  Fairy sized swords are ready to find the eyes of any fleeing guards.

Khuridoth didn't care if these corrupt individuals lost limbs. There was jut about no way these guards didn't know they were enforcing broken laws and protecting those who break people. His rage seethed, but he had made up his mind to spare the lives of these villains for a purpose.

The fairy follows Eren and says, "Name's Pansy, by the way."

The guards are swiftly dealt with! Joe stops a far away guard from warning others. Elric downs the guard he introduced to his warhammer. Khuridoth takes out the guard he opened up the encounter with, and Kitau is able to cut two guards down to size!

They do scream in pain briefly before being KO-ed.

Khuridoth picks up his pace to be a jog as he looks for more guards!

Eren spots one who got behind the group and is staring at the downed guards as if weighing his options. Does he flee? Or stab the group in the back?

Pansy is currently not looking that direction, so he doesn't notice yet.

Elric remains quiet as he quickly falls into position to support Khuridoth in the search for more foes to deal with since until the alarm is sounded Elric decides risking his Repeating Mixed-Use Arm Cannon is a bad idea since the noise could alert others that something is going on if the sounds come from inside the building. Thus for the time being Elric is restricting himself to his magic Warhammer and his limited spell selection.

  Joe's not going to metagame to auto solve his perc checks.  Unless you count his player feeling this gives the surviving guard at least a sporting chance a metagame?

  Hah, just kidding.  Erin saw them, so he's already doomed.  Which means Joe has plenty of leeway to focus on making sure any 'surprise! I was hiding around a corner!' jumpscare bandits will be shot mid one-liner.  Though he'd prefer to have just been overly paranoid and it not even being a thing.

Eren knew quite a few people named after flowers.  Before the titans came and killed them all.  He offers Pansy the dainty pinky-promise "handshake" customary of fairy men.  When he notices the evil titan sneaking up on his friend's new team, Eren drops down from above and behind to jam his blades into the monster's neck, sharp ends pointed outward so that the momentum will pivot them outward toward the Adam's Apple.  This is Eren's favorite strike, and is effectively the same as an assassin's dagger to the voice box.

"Tweet."

Hearing the familiar signal, Kitau spins around and hurls a javelin at the guy out of reflex, leaping to the side to evade any potential counter-attacks.  Should the guy be dead at this point, the little gnome girl shoots an apologetic glance to Khuridoth.

Khuridoth looks at Kitau. "...what? I said 'if possible'. Good job."

Moving on, the group is able to dispense with what remains of the bad guys with few casualties. With the place dealt with, Khuridoth then turns to the group and sits down for a break. "Couldn't help but overhear we have a new friend. Pansy, is it?"

Pansy says, "Y... yeah. Sorry I wasn't much help."

Khuridoth says, "Help is help. Even a willingness to help is oft times evasive. Consider yourself of value for that alone. If you want to help, stick with us after this is over. But if you have responsibilities elsewhere, that too is well and good."

Khuridoth then looks back to the group. "This will be a lot of bad guys to haul off to prison. Thankfully, they gave us plenty of shackles to work with. A forced march won't be out of order, and the tougher ones can carry the ones too injured to walk." Such as the guy missing his feet. "Good work everyone. We rescued the captives and caught Jarred the Jailer. Alive. And took most of his cohorts. Alive. They will all live to regret what they did. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome."

Elric glances at Pansy when Khuridoth talks to the newcomer before turning to the dwarf and asking, “I was more focused on dealing with the patrolling guards, but before we leave here to drop the prisoners off with the local law, should we explore this place for evidence to make their job easier and possibly find a clue as to something to do next? Since right now after we turn Jarred in, I am not sure what our next step should be.”

  Joe didn't forget about the Guy named Guy, even if his player had to go back and check their name.

  "We're not really equipped to do much for you but the initial act of freedom.  So before everyone starts shouting over eachother when they realize that yes, we ARE letting them go.  What's the situation of recently taken from your homes vs homeless scooped off the streets?"

This is the part where the team members all scream, "Finders keepers!" then argue like a pack of jackals about how the loot is to be divvied up.  "No loot for the fairy.  Clearly it counts as your familiar or animal companion."  "Make sure to hide anything that was obviously stolen from the slaves or it'll be confiscated by the town guard."  "I killed twice as many as anyone else, so I should get a double share."  "Would you drop that, you kill-stealer!  You always focus on the weaklings to pad your kill count.  And blurting out your dumb idea is why we can't get a decent tank or healer!"  "Take that back!  I'm the best tank!  Those guys couldn't even scratch me!"  "Uh huh.  A real tank shields the rest of the team from the start of combat, rather than take half the fight lumbering into position for me to get in a sneak attack, at which point they know you're not much a threat and ignore you."  And on and on.

Kitau is finding it strange that none of her allies are concerning themselves with finding valuables to loot.  Will she become the team treasurer by default?  In any case, she does keep an eye out for valuable loot.  One thing she's learned from her former team: better gear means faster kills.

"You saved the squirrel," Eren reminds.

He's also pretty impressed that the guy isn't losing his lunch over all the death and dismemberment.  He's seen titans who can't handle that, let alone fairies.  He points at his eyes and flies above the rest of the team to be overwatch.

Pansy blushes at being commended, but nods quietly a "thank you".

Pansy joins Eren in the air. Once they are up high enough to not be heard, Pansy asks Eren, "How did you make friends with so many dangerous titans? Do you trust them?"

In answer to Joe, Guy says, "We were all homeless. The slavers know to kidnap people who won't be missed. Once you go after those who contribute to the economy, the authorities are forced to do something about you whether they want to or not."

In answer to Elric, Kjuridoth says, "Aye. We should all check this place over."

Unsurprisingly, the slavers mostly just had a stash of money they kept from their sales. Loot-wise, it is all mundane gear; weapons, armor, rope, picks, mess kit or two, stuff you would expect a bunch of people running a slave trade to have while still within the city limits.

However, since Kitau was keeping an eye out in particular, she does find a rather large* skull with magic runes carved into it. It was a lucky find since it was hiding in the water under the pier.

*The rune-covered skull is roughly twice the size of a human skull. Successful Nature check reveals it is in ogre skull

As the group discovers mostly mundane items, Elric suggests, “Given how most of these mundane items are of little use or value to us other than items to sell to someone willing to buy possibly stolen goods, I think we should hand at least a portion of them over to those we freed, as homeless tend to not have much and they probably lost everything they did have. Besides, it might get enough goodwill with them and the town to establish a few informants or contacts that could be handy in the future.”

However, upon noticing the rune-covered skill Kitau found, Elric recognizes it from what he knows of natural species. Elric then tells Kitau, “Interesting Ogre's skull you found there, with those runes carved into it that skull might have some sort of enchantment on it, give me a bit of time and I could ritually use detect magic on it and tomorrow could use identify on it, if needed.”

OOC: Elric is proficient in the nature skill although mostly for the herbal stuff it is useful for gathering plus it sometimes comes in handy for stuff like this.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Sun 08 Nov 2020.

  "This is probably the wrong advice Guy, but maybe if you call yourself a street gang instead of 'a bunch of homeless victims' it might scare off the people who think you are an easy target.  You certainly have a lot more knives and camping supplies than you did before, at least." The guards don't to anything about the street gangs kidnapping the homeless, so this plan is basically playing chicken with 'so therefore, they won't do anything about a street gang who ARE the homeless!'

  He looks over to Elric, and comments  "Okay when even reckless criminals are hiding the rune covered skull, it's either really bad news or surprisingly benign."  The second one is usually it's because of the ironic twist of smart criminals not wanting to mess with a spooky magical skull, so never getting around to confirming it was surprisingly harmless to the user.

Considering where it was found, Kitau figures the criminals didn't even know it was there.  She disagrees with Joe's plan for the homeless, but that's up to them to decide.  In her mind, they're probably calling themselves what they do for good reason.  If you're going to call yourself a gang, you'd better be ready to back it up.  And even Joe started with, "probably the wrong advise."

She hands the skull over to Elric, half expecting him to end up converting it into a creepy helmet for his already creepy dog.  Or for his already creepy self.  But Kitau's perfectly fine with a little bit of creepy-looking when on a hero that's worried for the well-being of homeless people.

Eren folds his arms and grumbles, "Eren hates trusting titans."

He points down at Kitau.  "That one saved Eren's life.  She chose to join the other titan-hunters.  We'll kill 'em if they try to cross us..."

He doesn't sound so sure about that last part.  2 gargantuan titans, 1 huge, and a huge metal dog vs 1 large titan and a fairy.  Not exactly an even fight.

"...more like escape.  The gnome can still turn invisible."

That Gnomes can turn invisible is common knowledge for fey, but Eren's not making any assumptions about Pansy not making assumptions about this particular gnome.

Khuridoth nods to Elric when he mentions about the loot. "Agreed."

Guy humbly says, "...thanks, sir..."

Pansy glances down at the bunch. "Gosh... the shortest one saved your life. Does this mean the smaller the titan, the closer to us they are? No, that can't be it... well how about joining me and visiting my friends when the titans go to sleep?"

Guy responds to Joe, "If we claimed to be a gang, the real gangs would take that as a challenge and kill us. We'd rather be kidnapped and enslaved than dead. Still..." he seems to be giving it a second thought.

Khuridoth looks the skull over. "Looks like we have our next quest. Find out what this skull is all about. And I think I know who can. There is a dwarf clan who specializes in ancient relics and such."

Elric turns to Joe and says “The skull could have been hidden for a number of reasons, ranging from someone wanted to keep it secret from the others due to no honor among thieves, or a previous tenant hide it and the criminals just didn't know about it, or it may have been hidden since its position might have provided some magical protection to the place. And until I ritually identify it tomorrow we won't know what magical properties it has.”

Elric then accepts the skull from Kitau and places it in a pouch after Khuridoth looks it over. Elric does this since it would be more creepy to go around holding the 'creepy skull'. However, Elric does consider placing the gem for a core of a Homunculus servant within the skull to incorporate the skull into a homunculus... but figures that would be tacky and most likely waste whatever it is the skull can do.

Elric then turns to Khuridoth and says, “Well in light of not having any other leads or other objectives to deal with, investigating this skull seems like a better idea than anything else I can think of right now.” Elric then heads over to Rush and pets the Steel Defender on the head before asking, “So should we head back to the tavern for the night and then look into that clan of dwarves who specialize in relics like this? By then I'd have been able to identify the skull. ”

  Small IS a closer size category to Tiny than Medium, so Pansy might be on to something.

  "I'm not exactly the magical expert, but isn't the whole point of rituals that it only takes a little bit of time now, instead of needing to wait until tomorrow?"  Look, Joe, maybe he's one of those casters who has to reshuffle his whole spell list each morning or something.

  "And yeah, I figured it wasn't the smartest idea, Guy.  I've just gotten used to being essentially a heavily armed hobo being considered socially acceptable as long as you call yourself something else." less people hire you if you outright call yourself a murder hobo instead of an 'adventurer'

Eren used to claim he hated the company of fairies.  Till he lost all contact with them.  Changed his perspective.  He nods to Pansy, accepting the invitation.

Kitau nods to Elric and follows along.  She turns a skeptical look to Joe describing himself as a heavily armed hobo.  Even the murder hobo team she used to run with didn't make any comparisons to the homeless since they could easily afford lodgings wherever.  Does a paladin with royal blood count as a hobo simply because while on her quest to save a town from enraged animals she camps in a malevolent sentient forest?  Probably only in Joe's mind.  Or maybe it's that she only has access to few hundred gold to spend instead of millions.  Kitau wonders at what point Joe will consider himself not a hobo.

Khuridoth grunts with a nod to Elric. "To the inn, then."

The group is able to get to the inn without issue. When the group sleeps, Pansy takes Eren to meet the local fairies. They are playful, but understanding that Eren's sleep cycle is more in sync with the diurnal titans. They explain to Eren that they have a secret delivery network, so if he needs to get word somewhere, he can contact them by checking the ceiling inside any postal building for a delivery fairy. He is warned not to tell any titans unless he is positive the titan is trustworthy since the network is secret for good reason.

When morning comes, breakfast is had and people give the group glances. Most give a smile with that glance. Some raise a glass in their direction. Some look indifferent, and a few give annoyed looks to the group. Khuridoth is sure to raise his glass to those who raised a glass at him. A manly nod to others. And paying no mind at all to the indifferent or annoyed ones.

Elric's identification will inform him the skull is capable of calling a certain kind of weather 1/month. It cannot be extreme like a hurricane or tornado, but from all accounts, it can summon rain, snow, clear skies, cloudy skies, winds, no matter where you are. So it would surely be a treasure worth a LOT in a land of drought. But it seems to have two other magical properties, both of which require the blood of a sacrificed victim:

1) The weather summoned can be amplified to any magnitude desired. OR
2) Attune a giant of choice to a vodoo doll so you can do whatever you desire to the attuned giant.

Upon ritually identifying the magical skull, Elric informs the group of what the ritual has revealed about the magical skull and gives his opinion on the item, “I can understand why it was hidden, the main effect can only be used once a month, and given who we got the skull from I wouldn't be surprised if they were perfectly willing to sacrifice a slave to boost the effect. Although I think the second boosted option to where it ties a specific giant to a voodoo doll to manipulate that giant is possibly even more disturbing. If it wasn't for how useful the basic version could be in a drought I'd say that this item needs to be destroyed, but it could save crops and lives if used properly... however, we would definitely have to make sure this thing isn't abused. This thing could cause a flood or it could cause a drought as easily as it could prevent such disasters. Let's not even mention what it could do with a sacrifice and cause tornados or other disasters. I really think we need to follow up on this skull if only to make sure that more of them aren't being abused... after all whoever made this skull could have made more, or worse things...”

  "Part of why I agreed it should be destroyed is how I would not be surprised if that 'safe' feature' is basically made wrong on purpose to encourage blood sacrifice. Once a month isn't nearly enough to deal with a drought or desert conditions.  So anyone desperate enough to call us selfish for destroying this thing, would have to be desperate enough to resort to blood sacrifice to get even mundane farming use out of it."

  Or, it could just be how so many who create magical items have no real sense of scale and err on the side of 'let the wizard throw a dragon into another dimension, but make sure a magical pocket watch that can only tell 'morning, evening, night' stops working outside of the material plane' insanity regardless.

Eren is terrible at hiding how grateful he is to be among his own kind again.  Then again, claiming that he hates being targeted by harmless pranks may encourage the fairies all the more.  He considers telling Kitau, but then again...


Soooo....  Yeah.  He's not telling.

The following morning, Kitau notes that half the team completely ignore the NPCs altogether, not just the rude ones.  She follows Khuridoth's example, raising her glass to those who offer the gesture, and gives a manly nod to others, and pretend to ignore the rest.  But she's watching out of the corner of her eye, ready with a hand axe to split the skull of any who should draw a weapon or wand.

Eren arrives at breakfast with the most outlandish face painting, such as twirly mustache, monocle, giant eyelashes, etc., but is apparently unaware.

"We destroy it, then," Kitau agrees, double-taking at Eren's face before returning to serious talk, asking Elric, "But will smashing it with a hammer make it explode?"

Khuridoth says, "Destroy... perhaps. But not without knowing its origins. Given where we found it, the object has likely been forgotten by those who might abuse its power."

Elric nods to Joe before turning to explain to Kitau, “Simply trying to smash it with a hammer won't work. This item was created via ritualistic means and will require such to safely dispose of it.. An alternative would be to find a means to drain the magic from it and then destroy it before the magic is restored but that approach is likely even more difficult to achieve unless you know of a spell caster on par with an Archmage that knows the relevant spells. And even if you do know such a person, getting them to cast their most powerful spells to dispose of the skull wouldn't be affordable. We are better off seeking more knowledge about the skull from Khuridoth's contacts before we try to destroy it. We may alternatively find a way to modify it to no longer be abusable or harmful while still being beneficial. ”

Elric then turns to Khuridoth and adds, “But it is possible for it to be discovered by those who would abuse it even if those who originally wanted to abuse it are no longer around... unfortunately trying to hide it away could in fact make someone curious enough to try to figure out what is being hidden away and why. Also trying to use it while just concealing how it could be abused would likely draw attention to it since weather altering items inherently can be misused. The fact that the base item is an ogre skull would definitely tip off some people that it might have a nefarious use. People don't enchant such skulls to be harmless trinkets. Well not unless they were doing it as an elaborate and expensive prank... but how many would have the means and resources for such a prank.”

OOC: While Elric may seem like he's ignoring some people, typically NPCs, from time to time, he is simply more focused on responding to those who are talking with him or speaking about things he needs to respond to.

  Joe is hardly surprised that evil items once more are overly complicated and expensive to so much as scratch, while people always go on about 'if you get a tear in it then it stops working!' for magic bags that just let you carry slightly more things in a bag.

  "Well, I guess there is also the fact our need to have it examined without being turned away in a pouty huff sadly relies on not making it too inconvenient to access or use for anyone who steals it."  They would probably make him carry it if they dunked it into a pot of molten lead or baked it into a clay brick anyways.

Kitau is impressed with Elric's knowledge on such things.  She nods to the group.

Drawing her polished dagger, she turns the flat of the blade to face Eren so he can see his reflection.

Eren's face turns red.  He begins trying to clean his face off.

Khuridoth strokes his beard in thought. "...I hate to admit it, but a relic like this designed to harm giants would be entirely too tempting for my people to keep instead of destroy. We will have to rely on contacts outside of my home. I have some folk I trust back home, aye, but they would be bothered to high heaven if word got out they knew anything about a magical weapon against giants."

He looks at Joe, Kitau, and also Eren. "If any of you have contacts you trust, I'd rather turn to them first before turning to my home."

(New pose order: Khuridoth, Joe, Kitau, Elric. Since Elric's home is also Khuridoth's home, he would likely have little to say until the other two spoke.)

  "I don't have a long term relationship with anyone conveniently learned in the arcane arts.  Anyone who probably could be bothered to remember me would want to avoid dealing with asking around about spooky skull knowledge anyways anyways."

Among the things Eren and Kitau have in common is the fact that monsters killed everyone they grew up with.  Since then, the only "contacts" they've made, if you can call it that, was a team of murder hobos.  They're dead now.

They both shake their heads in response to Khuridoth.

"Eren doesn't get what would be so bad about using it against giants."

Neither does Kitau, honestly.  She shrugs.

Elric nods to Khuridoth as the Warforged understands how dwarves weaponizing an 'anti-giant' magical item could backfire and cause a new major war with the various types of Giants teaming up to destroy the item and anyone who might have heard of it... or in other words everyone who isn't a giant.

Elric turns to Kitau and Eren and speaks up in response to Eren's comment, “Okay first off, Dwarves and Giants despise each other and at times groups of them go to war with each other at the drop of a hat. However, this skull could change the status quo... it could be enough of a threat to the normally fragmented and semi-solitary giants to get them to work together despite their normal differences with each other... and an army of giants of different types working together well the last race which faced such an army was the Dragons. And I don't think the dragons have replenished their population yet and it was thousands of years ago. Now I'd rather not be known as someone who inadvertently caused a war between giants and dwarves that dragged everyone else into the conflict as collateral damage and left the majority of people dead or crippled for life. Unfortunately, Khuridoth has better contacts than I do since I tend to just experiment and figure things out on my own, but this skull is a bit beyond my abilities given that it likely needs to be modified or failing that destroyed.”

Khuridoth manages to keep from sighing that he is literally the only person in the team with contacts. And he knows it isn't a non-dwarf thing because humans at least are highly social creatures. However, his eyes light up as if he got an idea. "Alright. I'm going home then. But none of us are to say anything about the skull on our way there or once we arrive. Our new mission is to find more contacts. Some of my friends had claimed to be friends with non-dwarves. At the time, I didn't think much of it other than interesting stories from my friends' ventures. But now it is critical I trace the steps of my merchant buddies. In the meantime, we must hide the item. It is radiating enough magic that if we keep it on our person, that will attract attention and have us followed. I say we hide it somewhere along the trail at a place we'll recognize."

  "Because the desperate and corrupt are lazy, and because dark sacrifice rules are often incredibly vague that means somebody would probably decide it is easier to round up fairies to sacrifice than it is to kill gnomes or dwarves." why appeal to logic when you can remind people about how low the bar to tragedy often is?

  Joe's contacts are not dead, but he doubts mere mortal problem sorts like 'drunken locksmith' or 'Pawn shop owner that refuses to buy magic items' are what Khuridoth is looking for.

  He also knows save throws against sighing when he sees it, "Look, if it bothers you that much I didn't suggest someone, then maybe we can see if a cobbler who is always wanting to cheap out on paying for animal hides has the answers you need.  But in the meantime, I'm perfectly willing to donate a beartrap as a rude surprise to anyone digging for magic skulls"

Eren folds his arms and pouts.  "Eren hates war.  And sacrifice rules."

Kitau nods.  She lets her consistent silence be the evidence that Khuridoth need not worry about her blabbing about dangerous magic items while the group travels.  She considers disguising the thing, but gives up on the idea because detect magic means you'd have to disguise it as a 1 meter block of stone for it to matter, and that's way to cumbersome for non-Minecraft people.

Elric listens to what the others are saying and looks to Joe and asks, “Do you have a local contact that can get us some sheets of lead or a box of lead since we could put the skull inside a box made of lead just larger than the skull to conceal the magic it radiates. Then we can either keep the box with us or bury it someplace as Khuridoth suggested. And if we do bury it I think some sort of booby trap would be ideal to help protect it in case someone does manage to dig it up.”

Elric then turns to Eren and Kitau and adds, “I think it is safe to say we all dislike war, and the only thing that should probably be sacrificed is the time it takes to make quality equipment and food, but that isn't the sort of sacrifice Eren dislikes. Unless for some reason you are having to sacrifice living beings to make food... wait is killing an animal to harvest the meat considered sacrificing the animal to end someone's hunger? So maybe that is a bad example...”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:46, Sun 03 Jan 2021.

Khuridoth looks to Joe. "Eh? Given the ringing endorsement you just gave the man, is he yet still someone you trust? I did specify that the contact be someone you trust for a reason."

  Joe is never quite jaded enough to cease being surprise when he becomes the most reasonable option by default.

  "I mean, Billamy Jimjohn is more of a 'trust them to pay back the ten gold they owe you' sort. Asking him to stash an evil skull dipped in lead for a while... But he could probably get us a bunch of lead in the first place."

Eren hates semantics.  But doesn't know the word.  So he folds his arms and pouts, thinking that of course a metal titan would be the kind to compare cooking to sacrifice....  Wait.  Can the metal titan even eat?!  Wow.  Eren would hate being unable to eat.

Kitau nods to the group, satisfied that the plan is coming together.

Seeing as Kitau and Eren have nothing to say in response to Elric's previous statement nodding from Kitau being the non-verbal response, Elric turns to Joe and states, “Well if you can get me the lead, I can coat the skull with it given a place to heat up the lead. Not sure I'd trust this contact of yours to hold onto the skull but getting the lead seems like a prudent thing to do."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:27, Tue 02 Feb 2021.

Khuridoth nods. "Seems a good first stop. Let's do that. Thank you, Joe."

(Fast forwarding)

The team has no issue getting to Joe's contact, getting the lead, and Elric coating the skull in said lead. It now looks like a lead skull and is pretty much undetectable.

However, even as the skull is finished, Khuridoth is sweating a lot and seems easily winded. It is soon discovered he is ill with a fever. (Also, to save the players the hassle, the skull has NOTHING to do with Khuridoth being ill)

  Billamy Jimjohn is pleased with the extra five gold from winning that bet with Joe over lead doorstops eventually being a sales hit.

  And then Dwarf was a sick man, but in the literal sense not the metaphorical insulting sense.

  Well it can't be lead poisoning because dwarves resist poison, unless Khuridoth was A CHANGELING THE WHOLE TIME!... Wait, nobody else is sick. False alarm.

  "Is this an old problem and the reason you are hiring help instead of cracking heads alone, Khuridoth?"

Kitau is worried for Khuridoth and if his forehead is within reach she'll dab it with a wet washcloth.  Didn't see any poisonous snakes bite him, so she does immediately assume its the skull's doing.

"We need to get that skull as far away from him as possible."

"Eren hates fevers," Eren comments, wondering since even the cleric wound up ill, if this is something that's impossible to treat, "I'll ask Pansy if he knows someone who can help."

If nobody objects, he flies off to the secret fairy postal nexus to ask around.

While Elric is concerned about Khuridoth falling ill, he doesn't bother repeating Joe's question since the answer should already be forthcoming. Instead, the warforged feels the need to clarify a misconception, “The skull is not the source of Khuridoth's illness, if it had the capacity to cause such harm I'd have learned about it from the Identify ritual. I agree with Eren's approach to finding someone who can cure the illness or at least treat it effectively.”

Khuridoth says, "Stupid illness..." and quietly pants from having spoken two words in a row. His lids fight to stay open. "...new... problem..." he answers Joe. "I... am sorry..." his eyes close and he becomes unresponsive (still breathing, just unconscious)

Erin is able to find the nearby postal area and just as he was told, there is a fairy there in the rafters above the desk. The fairy there listens to the message Erin has for Pansy and ponders. "Hrm... dunno from dwarven illnesses, but I think I know someone who does... I'll send the message along. I'd expect about 24 hours for an answer, but at least the answer should be something that can help your friend. But just in case it is deadly, take this and sprinkle it on him!"

The fairy hands Erin some kind of vial filled with dust (the vial is normal sized, so it is nearly as big as Erin). "It isn't an antidote, to be clear. It is magic stability dust! It keeps the person is exactly the state they were in when you applied the dust. Lasts about 24 hours."

  Joe only avoids his hand going to the hilts of his weapon in anticipation thanks to the wonders of quick draw allowing you to hide your sighing as you grasp your katana shortsword.

  "...Okay, so... he ISN'T transforming into a bloodthirsty weredrake or some other thing to be worth apologizing for being sick. Right."

  There is another awkward moment, after which he says "Good thing I got that wagon, I guess. I don't think Rush would want to drag this guy around."

Kitau was just as quick to draw her weapons when Joe did.  When the suspected danger has passed, she puts them away.

Eren thanks the fairy, returns with the vial, and begins to sprinkle it on Khuridoth a tiny bit at a time, starting with the nose.  He's hoping that maybe a sneeze will make him feel better?

Kitau gives him a, "what in the world is that pixie dust?" look.

Eren says, "Eren hates giving explanations.  Helpful fairy sent for an expert in Dwarven illnesses.  Might take a day.  This dust'll keep him from getting worse until then."

Kitau ohs and gives a thumbs-up.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

While Eric ponders what would be required to make that 'medical stabilizing dust', he figures it would be rude to inquire as it is probably some minor fairy secret like the poison some use on their tiny arrows.

Elric then turns to Joe and says, “While Rush wouldn't enjoy it, he could do it, but it will be far easier to just have Rush pull the wagon if we lack a beast of burden to pull it. Plus Rush could also guard both the wagon and Khuridoth. That is if we are forced to deal with something else while Khuridoth can't defend himself.”

The warforged battle smith then listens to Eren's explanation to Kitau and then asks Eren, “Did the helpful fairy inform you of how we'll be able to recognize the expert? It would be bad if a fake impersonated the expert to try to steal the skull or something else from us.”

A fairy flies over to the group. Once she confirms this is the group with Erin, she reports to Erin. "Oh it's terrible! The expert we thought to fetch for you got kidnapped! Why, I'm not sure, but the rumor is that the kidnappers were orcs and work for an orc tribe called the Jagged Spear."

The fairy glances to Elric. "I... can describe the expert to you. Her name is Shayock. She looks like a bear that walks on two legs, but is about the size of a gnome."

The fairy gives a description of the last place Shayock was seen and which direction the kidnappers were seen going.

'The poorly maintained spear' must have been declared too long a name for an Orc tribe.

"We you know how big the Jagger Spear tribe is? Everything from hundreds of orcs to a dozen of them wanting to make a name for themselves calls itself a tribe, kind of like everyone else really."

Kitau nods to Elric's plan to have Rush pull the wagon.  Added bonus that there will be no worry of the cart-pulling animal panic at the first sign of danger.

Eren blushed when asked how to recognize the expert.  He hates forgetting to ask important details.  But then the fairy messenger gives him something to hate more: orcs who kidnap your important medicine bear!  He and Kitau both grimace upon hearing the news, eager to spill Jagged Spear blood.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:07, Fri 19 Mar 2021.

Elric shakes his head and mutters, “Figures it wouldn't be as simple as waiting for the expert to reach us...well time to go rescue Shayock. After all we are against the clock as the dust that is stalling his condition won't last forever. And the longer we wait the harder it will be to track down the orcs and save Shayock.” as Elric makes sure Rush is securely harnessed to the wagon as Elric adds, “Since Khuridoth can't defend himself, you'll need to focus on keeping him safe and alive. Understood?”

Rush nods and replies, “Yes, pull cart and Protect Khuridoth.”

The fairy rolls her eyes upward in thought while tapping her chin with her finger. "Hmm.... well it is a community. But a sparse one. Dozens? I think? I do remember hearing the sound of a baby crying; you know, the "feed me" cry. But we don't get too close to that area to get a good look. We like our wings attached to our backs."

  "Well, can't blame you for that. Especially since now we even know where to look at all thanks to you." Not all fairies can be as bloodthirsty as Erin, after all. Only most of them.

  If Joe's assumptions are right, he hopes they can skip straight to the speeches about understanding and not have to deal with people stabbing eachother or even dying first.  Knowing their luck, it will be an EVIL BABY or something else as ridiculous as it is dangerous.

  "Thanks for dealing with the Kurikart, Rush... Please don't tell him I said that."

Great.  Orc baby.  Kitau is not liking the idea of getting stuck with having to raise an infant orc after the slaughter of the clan.  Everyone else will refuse, so... maybe she can trick the fairies into it.  But that's getting ahead of the question of how to take out a few dozen orcs.  Already a plan begins to form.  But more intel will be needed.

"Eren hates orcs," Captain Obvious proclaims, "But Eren isn't alone.  Let it be known that the slaver killers invite all orc haters to the party.  They can meet us 200 yards this side of the Jagged Spear camp.  Use bird call to announce yourself.  Equal share in the spoils to those who show up."

Elric ponders the situation and considers how the group can proceed without Khuridoth in fighting condition and decides upon, “So since we are down Khuridoth and Rush, since Rush will have to protect Khuridoth, I'll have to bring out my Homunculus Servant, while I'll have ready by the time we get where we are going. So once we get there, our best bet is to try to be somewhat stealthy, we'll need to know what sort of patrols and guard rotations they have going... we'll need a layout of the area, and where they are keeping Shayock since if we trip an alarm they might say 'surrender or Shayock dies'. Which we want to avoid. Fortunately, we have members of this group who can fly and are stealthy so they can observe and report back. My Homonculus servant can fly and attack at moderate ranges but is only mildly proficient in stealth but its better off as support than a lone scout. I can use some of my mixtures through it though which can help. But once we have an idea of where Shaylock is and how the guards are setup, we can quickly plan a route to preferably sneak in and get Shaylock out before they can try something. After Shaylock heals Khuridoth, we can finish off the remnants of this group of kidnappers if any survive our encounter since once we have Shaylock we can fight our way out if stealth fails, although our victory condition isn't killing them, it's getting ourselves and Shaylock safely to Khuridoth and Rush.”

Elric sighs as while he can plan things, he just prefers building, tinkering, and exploring over planning, which is one reason he likes leaving the planning to Khuridoth, but that isn't an option right now.

The fairy says, "I can spread the word to orc-haters, no problem."

She then listens to Elric and looks at the group. "Who knows? Maybe some orc haters will know the layout or know how to get the layout. But the question is, do you really have time for all that?"

She draws a very messy map and says, "If the orcs are here, you'll probably be coming from here... so I'll tell the orc haters to meet you there. Best way I can think of to get anyone come to help you while not wasting time."

  "I mean, while I was praising the virtues of an angry mob to the homeless in a city it is a whole different situation to shout 'Hey who hates muscular armed orcs? Show up if you like looting and pillaging'. Unless you would like to be the one to explain things if we end up not killing our way through a bunch of orcs before or after this rescue job."

  Of course, Joe's expectations of having to kill dozens of orcs with his tiny swords is based on how many people would want to show up and stand between him and the orcs for table scraps.  But hey, now it's kitau's problem if there isn't enough loot for people! That is a win./win for... probably someone on this plane of existence. maybe.

Kitau is grateful for a team who is willing to try and keep a rescue mission a rescue mission rather than a kill-all mission.  Which is what the last rescue mission wound up being, so...  Calling all orc-haters and loot lovers isn't something she's going to object to.  Kitau nods to the team and heads in the direction of the rendezvous point indicated on the messy map.

"Eren hates explaining things."

We're shocked.

Eren nods to the helpful fairy.  "Thanks!"

He then flies off to scout out the orc camp.

Elric does what prep work he can for the rescue mission while awaiting the results of the scouting and contacting possible allies that would either provide further information or assistance in some other fashion.

Upon scouting, Erin finds the orc camp has *exactly* 3 dozen orcs:
28 orc warriors (18 men and 10 women)
8 orc children ranging from infant to around 7 years old.

The walking, talking teddybear is very teddybear-like and Erin can see her doctoring one of the baby orcs. It seems the adults are all healthy and the kids are all sick.

The camp itself is pretty wide open for attack, if still swarming with mostly warriors. All of the warriors are armed with an axe, and 3 javelins.

  The only reason Joe is not surprised by this turn of events is because it does nothing in his mind to reduce the chances of 'and then a bunch of angry Orcs try to stab you if they see you snooping around'.

  "Right, how is Kuridoth holding up? Because this would be a lot easier if we had the time to wait until the bear healer was done with the sick orc kids." Yes, then for honorable warrior reasons the Orcs will let her go- "So that she doesn't start screaming she needs to stay and heal children like a healing healer who heals in the middle of trying to sneak her out of the camp".

  Option 2: Disguise Kuridoth as a orc baby, is still a work in progress he shall not mention for now.

Eren returns and reports.

"28 colossal titans.  1 axe and 3 javelins each.  8 lesser titans, armed with their fists and teeth - all sick.  The healer is being forced to treat the lesser titans."

Kitau rubs her chin in thought.  Now we know why an orc tribe would kidnap a little fluffmuffin rather than skin and eat her.  Even without the kids all being sick, there'd be absolutely no way to broker a deal with them to have their slave "waste her time on a filthy Dwarf."

She and Eren both look at Joe like he just sprouted eyestalks out of his face when he says he expects the healer to be concerned more about orc spawn than her own freedom.  Neither of them can think of even hearing a joke about such a thing, much less an example.  Oh no!  Don't rescue me yet!  I'm still trying to help this gelatinous cube digest me.  It is about to reproduce so it needs the nourishment.

"The dust only lasts 24 hours," Kitau answers darkly, "After that, who knows how long Kuridoth has?  If the healer gives us trouble, we knock her out and kill the orc spawn so there'll be no reason to delay."

She was hoping to avoid having to waste time slaughtering the entire tribe, but perhaps Joe knows something about fluffmuffin healers she doesn't.

Elric ponders the situation and then pulls out two bombs from one of his belt pouches and says, “Then we need a distraction.These two bombs can cause fires, and are light enough for a fairy to place in a preferably secluded spot where they wouldn't be noticed until after they detonate by lighting the fuse... so all that needs to be done is to get them to two different locations in the village that would be far from where the healer is and let them go off and start fires... the orcs will rush to put out the fires and thus not be between us and the healer, we then rush in, rescue the healer and get out. Preferably before the orcs can finish putting out the fires and notice our presence.”

Elric then turns to Eren and asks, “When you were scouting did you find a couple of locations that would fit our needs? There would have to be a lot of flammable materials at each location. Both would need to be far from where the healer is and be secluded enough no one will spot you placing the bomb and lighting the fuse in either location. I may have to adjust the length of the fuse to give you time to set both bombs and get away before they go off, so I'll need to know how far apart the two locations are and the bomb with the longer fuse will be the one you place first.”

Elric would prefer to not create a distraction in this manner, but he can't think of an alternative that didn't involve killing all the orcs within the timeframe the group has.

(Found a map for you all that is actually surprisingly close to what I imagined)
https://i.pinimg.com/originals...08cd56d305cef272.jpg

Erin knows the following about the above map:
-The healer is in the eastmost tent (it covers nine squares)
-The northwest tent belongs to the orc who seems to be in charge of this camp.
-The tent JUST east of that tent holds supplies.
-All the other tents are just living spaces for the families.
-There are two animal pens. One to the northeast, one to the southwest.
 (as seen on map)
-There are wheelbarrows strewn through the camp.
-There are three watchtowers (also as seen on the map)

Eren relays all this detail to the group.

Kitau ponders it.

  "The tiny bear is their priority, so I don't think there is any possible way the orcs would leave her conveniently unguarded if plan A is 'resort to arson', if anything it would make it more likely they keep more orcs with her than harmless distractions." Joe is only 1/4th concerned with 'it would also be wrong?' and doesn't care about 'Bombs are somehow the least destructive honest'. So expects he needs to highlight the cold and uncaring tactical flaws with the plan instead.

  "I have a much dumber sounding distraction that does not ask Eren to carry bombs as large as he is. Wait until a shift change-" because 'wait until dark' is less helpful dealing with people who all have darkvision "and have Eren release the animals from the southern pen. Which also means the Orcs won't have a reason to suspect or hunt him down like they would 'who caused this fire?'" Eren is violent but also very, very squishy.

  "Well, unless we just walk up and ask the orcs for help with our own sick guy only the bear can help right now. But I'm not optimistic enough to honestly suggest that right now."

OOC: Joe has the benefit of coming up with a plan based on info Elric didn't have yet when he suggested operation firecracker pranks.

Elric listens to Joe's plan and says, “Hmm, your plan should be easier to implement, although we can always fall back on using a bomb for a distraction if the animal stampede fails..”

Elric then rubs his chin with his free hand as he continues, "I also agree that just asking the orcs to let the healer go so he can help others wouldn't work since if they were reasonable, they wouldn't have kidnapped the healer in the first place.”

Elric ponders the best way to switch from an animal stampede to a fire distraction if the former fails to work...and puts the bombs away for the time being.

The plan goes swimmingly. When the animals are released during shift change, they technically ask for "all hands on deck", but one orc looks particularly confused on whether to help or go to a particular tent. He eyes the tent a few times, but then goes to help with gathering the animals.

The tent he was looking at appears to be abandoned, but thanks to Eren's intel, the group knows there is a chief-like orc inside that tent with an orc child and the teddybear medic.

Sneaking into the tent in the chaos was simple. And once the group does, they see what they knew they would. One male orc adult, one male orc child, and one teddybear. None of them notice the sneaky one(s) yet.