"You have to look at the matter from all directions. First, attacking the Alabaster Lyceum was an act of precise military strategy. What other attack could have reduced the might of the republic so quickly and effectively?"

That had in no way been Salt's first thoughts on the matter. Or even his second. Not from a military aspect. No, it had taken the help of Elrohir and the others to begin to point him in that direction.

"I had been working with Guild Doors for quite awhile by that time, and the business had already managed to become one of the top investigative agencies in Emon. I was something of a specialist in the slum areas, managing to accomplish more than others who didn't frequent those parts of town as much. Whatever element was involved, at least the one that had directly done the dirty work, it would be entrenched in the slums somehow."

The old cleric's eyes took on an odd gleam as the nostalgia continued to flood through his mind. He took a long sip from his whiskey glass to help bring his thoughts back to the present moment.

"I didn't think that Seeker Assum even knew who I was in those days, much less asked for me to investigate by name. How foolish I was back then. That wiley old fox knew much more than the names of each and every person that had been asked to look into the matter. He knew exactly what he was doing and just what our findings would likely lead us into in the days ahead."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:15, Wed 19 Sept 2018.

[FIELDSET="[IMG]https://www.rpgcrossing.com/at...mp;d=1537415846[/IMG]"]

Marcus looks up blearily, but for once it appears to be lack of sleep dulling his senses rather than his normal drunken haze.  Perhaps his lack of funds had prevented him from reaching his usual state of oblivion, or possibly something else was occupying his time and attention.  He [/B][/FIELDSET][FIELDSET="OOC"][SPOILERBUTTON="Dashboard"]
HP: 6/6
Armor Class: 16
Saves: Str +3; Dex +3; Con +2; Int +1; Wis +1; Chr +6
Passive Perception: 11
Conditions: None

Default Weapon Attack & Damage: Quarterstaff: 1d20+5 1d6+3
Default Ranged Weapon Attack & Damage: Light Crossbow (range 80/320): 1d20+5 1d8
Default Spell Attack: Burning Hands: 1d20+6 3d6. (15 ft. cone, 1/2 dmg on Dex save)

[COLOR="Green"]Action Summary:[/COLOR]
Move Action:
Action:
Bonus Action:
[/SPOILERBUTTON]
[/FIELDSET]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:43, Fri 21 Sept 2018.

[FIELDSET="[IMG]https://www.rpgcrossing.com/at...mp;d=1537415846[/IMG]"]

There is something heartwarming about sitting in the local tavern and having a few drinks with a group of like-minded friends. No, that had to be the ale talking. Because amongst them all, they didn't have a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of. But that was the major reason that they had gathered, to find a way to collectively rectify that situation.

Guardy had nearly lifted his mug in salute to Aldos for suggesting that they find work at the docks. After all, Waterdeep was founded on port trade, so it had to be lucrative. But his mind suddenly clung onto a concept and Ariadne voiced the same concern. Working at the docks was one thing, but working on a ship was another matter entirely. A very labor intense matter.

It wasn't that Guardy didn't think he was strong and sturdy enough. He gauged his strength just a little beneath that if Aldos, and he wasn't about to get into an arm wrestling match to find out. No, it was the sure -footedness that was required. Guardy could see himself tangled in some rope with one foot in a mop bucket being dragged over the side and into the drink.

Speaking of drinks, this one sure was tasty. But if he bought another, he would have to skip out on breakfast the next morning. And his eating portions of late had been sparse enough. But it did taste good.

Didn't Sarc have a friend who was an old hand around the ships and docks alike? Seamonkey that was what Sarc called him. Would that fellow have his ear to the ground, or maybe it was his ear to the waves, about possible opportunities in that area? Maybe they could ask him. It would be really nice to help Sarc get back to distilling and distributing spirits. Some whiskey would sure go down fine right now.

Monsters with money Marcus was saying, and that caused Guardy to snort into his ale mug. His damned family was a bunch of monsters with money and so we're the other people they had dealt with that caused Guardy to be in this situation. He would show those bastards somehow, all of them.

One more chug and Guardy spoke up. "We are specialized. Maybe too specialized. But together we have the ability to be more diversified. There isn't much we can't handle, but we need some of that power that Marcus mentioned. Resources to set our things into play. If we have to go chasing monsters, let's do it."

That wasn't very helpful Guardy thought. All you did was echo what everyone else was saying. Guardy wrinkled his brow and once again tried to think of a plan to get them all out of this mess.



[/FIELDSET][FIELDSET="OOC"][SPOILERBUTTON="Dashboard"]
HP: 6/6
Armor Class: 16
Saves: Str +3; Dex +3; Con +2; Int +1; Wis +1; Chr +6
Passive Perception: 11
Conditions: None

Default Weapon Attack & Damage: Quarterstaff: 1d20+5 1d6+3
Default Ranged Weapon Attack & Damage: Light Crossbow (range 80/320): 1d20+5 1d8
Default Spell Attack: Burning Hands: 1d20+6 3d6. (15 ft. cone, 1/2 dmg on Dex save)

[COLOR="Green"]Action Summary:[/COLOR]
Move Action:
Action:
Bonus Action:
[/SPOILERBUTTON]
[/FIELDSET]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:31, Fri 21 Sept 2018.

. He looked to the two mud covered gents that were shivering at the inn's threashold. "Get yourself to the hearth gents before you catch your death of cold", Aereth called out as he poured them a glass of mead. "Looks like you'll be our last guests for the nite, no-one's getting in unless by the back door.", he stated, the thunder accentuating his words as the entire building shook from the blast.

----

”It’s a wild night indeed.” Pat said ”The wind’s ripping up trees out there. I’d advise that no one ventures out …” Pat’s voice trailed off as the bar-keep responded to the next call for his attention.

Pat and Lorcan made their way to as close to the fire as the crowd would allow, letting its heat warm their sodden clothes. Pat took in the scene. The bar was packed and in looked like there was something most the denizens had in common. The stood in familiar knots, joking as old friends. Some were in uniform, others sharing a similar custom of dress.

And then there was there was the odd table in the corner, near the red man-giant. Pat had noticed them the moment he burst in the door. There appeared to be a young girl dressed in finery dancing for an orc. He’d taken her as a professional girl seeking to entertain a travelling beast. He was surprised to see an orc so comfortable in this bar full of men. At home they hunted them for sport. But now he observed more closely he could see he’d got the dynamic wrong. The girl had assurance and control. She wasn’t trying to please, she was seeking amusement. And her clothes were fine, not the pretty fripperies set to attract. They reminded him of the clothes the Baron’s daughter wore that day she had stayed an evening in his keep and visited the villagers on market day.

But his limbs were exhausted following a hard days hike across the storm. He tried to find chairs and tables where he and Lorcan might rest, but no one was moving that night. Nothing came free. However he spotted an anonymous looking countryman standing eating by the bar. Well if I can’t stand, perhaps I can prop myself against the bar.. He turned to Lorcan.

”Well friend, I don’t think we’ll find a place to sit, so either we turn our packs into chairs, or we go prop ourselves up by that man over there.”. He pointed to the bar. ”I think I’d go for the bar. The stew looks tasty too.”

He made his way to he bar, turning to Grum

”Do you mind if we join you here?” he said depositing his goods on the floor and putting an elbow on the bar. ”The name’s Pat. Pleased to meet you.”. he held out his hand to shake ”Perhaps I can top up your drink?”

He turned to get the barkeep’s attention to get his attention order a round drinks and some food.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:58, Sun 23 Sept 2018.

"Thank you, thank you." Guardy nodded his gratitude to the innkeeper, both for the drink and the invitation to dry off by the fire. "I will be glad to pay to fix the door if needed."

A quick scan of the room told Lorcan who the majority of these people were. That is, at least who they were affiliated with according to the colors of their uniforms. This small army must have been a trade caravan for that particular House.


"Well friend," Pat was saying after forming his own opinion of the room. "I don’t think we’ll find a place to sit, so either we turn our packs into chairs, or we go prop ourselves up by that man over there.” He pointed to the bar. ”I think I’d go for the bar. The stew looks tasty too.”

"That's fine," Lorcan answered back, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Just be careful. All these armed guards are from House Charybdis, and they have a reputation for providing a final resolution to anyone they deem a threat."

Lorcan wasn't sure if Pat had heard him, because the huntsman was already making his way off in the direction that he had just indicated. Luckily the man in question was not dressed in the colors of House Charybdis.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:49, Sun 23 Sept 2018.

[FIELDSET="[IMG]https://www.rpgcrossing.com/at...mp;d=1537415846[/IMG]"]

Guardy couldn't hear what was being said at the table with Eliony, but he could see what was happening. Once he saw her be pushed, he prepared himself for a fight. What he didn't expect was that another fight had broken out at the next table before he even had a chance to stand.

Also, it looked like Eliony was using the new ruckus as a distraction to try and make a grab for the piece of paper that the men at the table had been studying. It looked like the grab attempt had come up a bit on the clumsy side.

Guardy hoped to use the nearby row to hide his own actions as well. As soon as Eliony started to step back toward the direction of their friends, Guardy began casting a Sleep Spell against the men at the table in hopes of preventing any reprisal.


[/FIELDSET][FIELDSET="OOC"][SPOILERBUTTON="Dashboard"]
HP: 6/6
Armor Class: 16
Saves: Str +3; Dex +3; Con +2; Int +1; Wis +1; Chr +6
Passive Perception: 11
Conditions: None

Default Weapon Attack & Damage: Quarterstaff: 1d20+5 1d6+3
Default Ranged Weapon Attack & Damage: Light Crossbow (range 80/320): 1d20+5 1d8
Default Spell Attack: Burning Hands: 1d20+6 3d6. (15 ft. cone, 1/2 dmg on Dex save)

[COLOR="Green"]Action Summary:[/COLOR]
Move Action:
Action: Cast Sleep Spell (range 90 ft., AOE - 20 ft.)
Bonus Action:
[/SPOILERBUTTON][SPOILERBUTTON="Dice Rolls"]
[dice="Initiative"]1d20+3[/dice]
[dice="Cast Sleep"]1d20+6[/dice]
[dice="Total HP Affected"]5d8[/dice]
[/SPOILERBUTTON]
[/FIELDSET]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:17, Mon 24 Sept 2018.

[FIELDSET="Ranging Forth"] [imgr="Lorcan Rood"]https://i.imgur.com/c50Y2cO.jpg[/imgr]

Life wasn't all hushed conversations by the campfire. They had been hired on to work and work they did. The role of a caravan guard was quite a bit more physically demanding than the role of a courier in most cases. When Lorcan wasn't on guard duty, he ranged along the caravan trying to help with the animals when he could.

Starting out, Lorcan didn't seem to have much luck with the animals. Oxen weren't exactly his specialty, and even the horses seemed a bit surly when Lorcan checked their hooves for pebbles or helped brush them down.

So instead of any real hands on help, Lorcan spend more time talking with the others who cared for the animals. He shared stories about his horse breeding family and tried hard to listen to any advice about taking care of the animals, especially from the old timers.

Lorcan did have a bit better luck in the area of hunting. He was certain that there must be deer in the area somewhere, and whenever he had the chance, Lorcan tried to track them. Even though the deer and any other larger game eluded him, Lorcan was able to bag quite a few fox squirrels on one outing.

Follow the white oak acorns and you will often find the best squirrels. Not only were the fox squirrels larger than their other cousins, but they had red fur and bushy tales made their skins useful. Pat would likely want to skin them personally and add the fur to his collection. Cooking wise, like most squirrels, they could be a bit greasy, so they were headed for the open spit instead of the frying pan.

Otherwise, Lorcan was social with anyone in the caravan who wanted to socialize, but he didn't make a nuisance of himself. When others were busy or things just reached an occasional quite lull throughout the train, Lorcan kept to himself and dreamed up scenarios for when they reached the capital.

[FIELDSET="Actions"]
[SPOILERBUTTON="Combat Mechanics"][SIZE="1"]
Initiative
Movement:
Free action:
Action:
Bonus action:
Reaction:
Applicable skills to your turn:
Link to Dice Rolls: [URL="https://www.rpgcrossing.com/showthread.php?p=8181239#post8181239"]Survival Roll/Hunting[/URL]

[URL="https://www.rpgcrossing.com/showthread.php?p=8181264#post8181264"]Animal Handling, Nature[/URL]
[/SIZE][/SPOILERBUTTON]

[/FIELDSET]

[/FIELDSET]

[FIELDSET="OOC"]
[SPOILERBUTTON="Description"][FIELDSET="A Well Heeled Gent"]
Physical Description:
Unlike many men who have followed the call as couriers, rangers, scouts, and other types of outriders, Lorcan doesn't look as if he has spent the past month living in a hole of dirt beneath the bushes. He doesn't look as if he has been living without the aid of a razor, a hair comb, or a bucket of clean water.

Instead, he looks as well groomed and as precise as a soldier on the parade grounds. His face is clean shaven and his hair is well trimmed and tidy. Lorcan likewise eschews wrapping himself in robes and cloaks with a hood eternally lifted to protect his face against the elements even on a clear spring day in a town full of friendly people unlike some others he has seen do. Perhaps they have something more to hide.

Lorcan prefers clothing that is well-fitted and not only serviceable but neatly pleasing to the eye. His style could be paramilitary, but in a congenial way. His black hair is allowed just enough length to add an element of lushness and his grey eyes often crinkle underneath like a wry smile.

Whenever Lorcan enters an area, it is always with a certain sense of presence. Not in a threatening or overbearing way. But through his body language, in a way that seems confident and capable, without being cocky or bullish. More like a sleek hound who looks ready to play.
[/FIELDSET][/SPOILERBUTTON]
[SPOILERBUTTON="STATS"][FIELDSET="Making Him Tick"][SIZE="1"]
[URL="https://www.rpgcrossing.com/profiler/view.php?id=77101"]Lorcan[/URL], Level 1  - Ranger (Courier) -
HP: 9/9, AC: 16
Initiative: +3, Speed: 30ft Senses: Passive Perception 14
Saving Throws: *Str +3, *Dex +3 , Con -1, Int +0, Wis +2,  Cha +2
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 16, Con 8, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 14
Weapons: Longsword: +3, 1d8+1 | Pike: +3 1d10+1 | Longbow: +5 1d8 Range 150/600
Special Abilities: ---
[/SIZE][/FIELDSET][/SPOILERBUTTON]
[/FIELDSET]
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:21, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

<quote Unwritten>
[FIELDSET="[IMG]https://www.rpgcrossing.com/at...mp;d=1537415846[/IMG]"]

Guardy jogged through the streets of Waterdeep to catch up with his friends. They were supposed to check out the Skewered Dragon for any signs of Volo's friend Floon. They were being well paid for the job and Guardy didn't want them to fail.

Guardy fell in line with the others, a bit surprised to see Salazar take the lead. He would have to remember to manage his time a little better. Guardy liked to try and shield mystical powerhouses of the group. Since this wasn't exactly a combat situation, Guardy thought it would be alright.


[/FIELDSET][FIELDSET="OOC"][SPOILERBUTTON="Dashboard"]
HP: 6/6
Armor Class: 16
Saves: Str +3; Dex +3; Con +2; Int +1; Wis +1; Chr +6
Passive Perception: 11
Conditions: None

Default Weapon Attack & Damage: Quarterstaff: 1d20+5 1d6+3
Default Ranged Weapon Attack & Damage: Light Crossbow (range 80/320): 1d20+5 1d8
Default Spell Attack: Burning Hands: 1d20+6 3d6. (15 ft. cone, 1/2 dmg on Dex save)

[COLOR="Green"]Action Summary:[/COLOR]
Move Action:
Action:  Catch up
Bonus Action:
[/SPOILERBUTTON][SPOILERBUTTON="Dice Rolls"]
[/SPOILERBUTTON]
[/FIELDSET]

[FIELDSET="[IMG]https://www.rpgcrossing.com/at...mp;d=1537415846[/IMG]"]

"Candle Lane, huh?" Guardy whispered as he looked down the dark street with apprehension. " I didn't know it was named that because all the light along the whole street is only as much as a single candle. "

Guardy forced his voice to go even lower, but not so low that the others couldn't hear him. " Do you really think that this might involve members of the Zhentarum? If they are the ones who kidnapped Floon, we might be in for more than we bargained for on this little mission. "


[/FIELDSET][FIELDSET="OOC"][SPOILERBUTTON="Dashboard"]
HP: 6/6
Armor Class: 16
Saves: Str +3; Dex +3; Con +2; Int +1; Wis +1; Chr +6
Passive Perception: 11
Conditions: None

Default Weapon Attack & Damage: Quarterstaff: 1d20+5 1d6+3
Default Ranged Weapon Attack & Damage: Light Crossbow (range 80/320): 1d20+5 1d8
Default Spell Attack: Burning Hands: 1d20+6 3d6. (15 ft. cone, 1/2 dmg on Dex save)

[COLOR="Green"]Action Summary:[/COLOR]
Move Action:
Action:  Catch up
Bonus Action:
[/SPOILERBUTTON][SPOILERBUTTON="Dice Rolls"]
[/SPOILERBUTTON]
[/FIELDSET]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:20, Fri 04 Jan 2019.