From Hunting for a Soecialty Shop


After leaving the shop, Mancini, Aoife, Oly, Kalima, Norman and the hunchbacked shopkeeper are in an alleyway about to split up...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:20, Thu 13 Oct 2022.

Besd ged a move on and nod sdand around

"Ok group. Let's go get paid. Oly, Ardenas, you don't have to go in, but will you at least watch our backs until we get there?"

Zure, nod dezerding you, juz don' like da place.

In reply to Oly (msg # 4):

"We still have the shopkeeper to deal with. Is he demonic, Kalima?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 5):

Sederic will move to ensure he does not think about leaving so soon...

"I don't think he's a demon.  More like he was working for them in exchange for something -- maybe looking like he did in there instead of this way, maybe more than that."

"Yes, the whole place seemed cloaked in some sort of illusion spell, making everything more appealing than it really is. I saw glimpses of its true appearance shortly before I left and it was nothing how it was when we first entered the shop."

Mancini began slowly walking towards the Haedereum. "Hey, shopkeep, what were they paying you in there?"

In reply to Mancini (msg # 8):

"What they paid me I could not spend. What wealth there was, could never leave the shop with me. What goods I had access to, I could only use to defend the shop. In a word, poorly, because I did not phrase my terms better."

"So, much like all the tales, then."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 10):

"There are many tales that are true, but far too many about men getting the better of demons. Many of them are not bright, but those among them who write contracts are smarter than they seem. It is true also that trading with them need not come at an eternal cost, although the willingness to trade can lead one on the path without a contract."

"We have those among men, too.  It seems it might be easier to write a contract for someone's ill than not."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 12):

"Ours is a purely voluntary organization.  Contracts are for those who desire powers and gifts beyond the scope of a simple trade. We encourage people to follow their desires to their natural conclusion."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Thu 23 Apr 2020.

"Even when those desires lead them to harm others?

"Surely none has the right to do that, unless to prevent harm to himself or someone else.  And the distinction between wrongful harm and harm done rightly must lie in who initiates aggression, and who has it forced on him."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 14):

"Most people's desires are selfish, and if followed to their natural conclusion, highly destructive. So what are you then? Human?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 15):

"Me? Yes. I am a man. Do what thou wilt is the whole of the law."

In reply to Johan Faustus (msg # 16):

"Then lets hand him over to the Haderaum and keep going with our search..."

"Seems to me I've heard a law similar to yours.  It was 'If it harm none, do what thou wilt.'  See the difference?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 18):

"Bah. He consorted with demons. Hand him over, get paid, find next target. Can we go do that now?"

"Human desires need to be controlled. Without order, it seems to me that society breaks into chaos and disorder, and with that, it becomes the tyrants, the madmen, and the demons who rule the society absolutely."

Mancini scowls at Faust. "Let's begin our trek to the Haedereum. Unless our special friend here has something of value to tell us...like the name of his employer."

12:11, Today: Mancini rolled 14 using 3d6.  Area knowledge Northport 15, quickest route.

Ardenas listens with interest for how the shopkeeper will reply to that.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 20):

"That part was an addendum, and not formalized by my employer's associates. Rather a bunch of moon worshippers  added that clause.
As to my employer,  he's been around for a long time, he is a man of wealth, and taste."

"Well, if I was not aware of the consequences of making a bargain with your employer, I would been keen to make his acquaintance. Perhaps I would still like to meet him, for curiosity's sake."

Mancini shrugged. "Yet I would never be so calloused as to indulge my curiosity at the expense of my friends and organization."

Ardenas frowns slightly.  "Cryptic hints, but no actual answer.  Seems that description could cover many people of power."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 24):

"If he does not want to talk, hand him over and stop wasting time..."

Ooc: Mancini passed a roll for the shortest route to the Haedereum from the current location. Any info please?

"I agree, Sederic.  Let him play games with the Hadereum and their truth magic.  Or, if he's blocked from speaking on certain subjects by other magic, let their spells compete against those on him."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 27):

Be about a fifteen minute walk through Artisan. The priest from the other group seems to know the same path.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:25, Thu 30 Apr 2020.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 27):

"Which does leave us with a question... where too from here?"

Mancini whispers the directions into Norman's ears and lets him lead the prisoner to the Haedereum by swordpoint. Mancini moves back behind Norman and the prisoner to be out of the way.

"You mean after the Hadereum?  If I were setting up a shop like the one we just closed, I'd probably have more than one.  Not just multiple entrances, but a whole separate shop."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 31):

"Maybe. But I doubt he would allow anyone from this plane there, even if he gets away from the Hades."

"I was thinking more along the lines of a completely independent shop, under another shopkeeper.  Eggs and baskets, so to speak."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 33):

The shopkeeper is moving slower and slower, and becoming frailer and more hunched over by the minute.

In reply to Johan Faustus (msg # 34):

"Looks like we might have to throw him on a cart. What deal did you make with the devil he is now collecting on?"

He looks around for a cart to hire.

"All the years you've been working for the ruin of good folk catching up with you?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 36):

"I thought I had them beaten, I wished to be immortal, and they added fine print that it only applied within the shop. I feel faint...."

Ashen, he begins to crumble into dust.

In reply to Johan Faustus (msg # 37):

"Well, looks like we will not be taking him anywhere. Guess we get to see who his boss is by the type of deal he made..."

"And now I wonder just how long he's been running that shop.  Centuries?  Longer?

"In the meantime, is there any point in continuing to the Hadereum now?  Or should be just pick up the next spoor?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 39):

The shopkeeper's robes collapse around a pile of dust.

The young cleric looks at the bundle Oly is holding.
"The Hadereum, as much as you despise them, would pay a bounty to destroy those items. If you don't wish to deal with them, I can colloect the bounty in your name. I suppose we should bring the remains, such as they are; the priests of Hades have a thing about burials."

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 40):

"Some of us were too busy killing a demon to grab rubbish."

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 40):

Oh, uh I dink I'll led Zpielgud have a look firzd, bud I may dake ya up on dad.

Nodwin kneels to examine the dust.
"Does anyone have a good container we can use for his remains?  I ave a pouch in my backpack we could use.  We should not leave him here, out of respect for the dead, but also out of respect for the living.  I don't know that the city folk would want to trample his remains around town.  I do not sense any evil on them, but I cannot say if they have magical residue."

OOC If no one else makes a move to provide a better container, Nodwin will open his backpack and look for an empty pouch.  Not sure how much dust a man disintegrates into.

Oly looks but can't find anything.

In reply to Oly (msg # 44):

Sederic does care enough to look. He offers to take the cloak...

In reply to Sederic (msg # 45):

Aoife is not big enough to carry a large container...

"I'm sorry, I have no containers with me but my belt pouch, full of various things.  I'll help with gathering the ashes, however."

Mancini has a small pouch that can hold ten pounds. After rearranging his items to empty the pouch, he offers it for use in disposal of the ashes.

"Despite the circumstances, I will still go to the Haedereum to give them an update about the shop and see if I can extract some money out of them."

In reply to Mancini (msg # 48):

The powdery remains could be swept into the clothing like a sack,  and weigh about twenty pounds all together.

"I'll carry that.  Whatever we might think of him, he was still a man, and wherever his spirit has gone, he deserves our respect."

Nodwin stands up, with a nod, and steps out of the way so Ardenas can do his work.

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 51):

Once the'd remains are gathered, you make your way to the Hadereum.


Did Oly offer his documents,  or are they being examined elsewhere?
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:57, Fri 08 May 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 52):

Msg 42; he's going to have Spielgud check them, he doesn't much trust the Hadereum.

In reply to Oly (msg # 53):

Got it. Pm me for that.

There is much bustling about at the Hadereum.  The purple clad acokyte at the entrance seems tired and irritated.

Mancini enters the Haedereum and instantly feels waves of icy goosebumps crawl up and down his arms and legs. He has never liked to be here, but swallows his dislike of the place and their obsession with death and seeks out Flavius.

Nodwin follows along with him, allowing room for Ardenas to carry the dust to which the shopkeeper has returned.

Ardenas is not a follower of Hades himself, but he's worked with them before.  He follows where he's led, carrying the cloak with the ashes.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 55):

"Master Mancini,  what can the oriesthood of Hades do for you today?"

"We have an update on the demon bookstore," Mancini replies. "First, it was, in fact, a conduit for demons to enter this dimension without the need of special summoning. The shop itself, while not outwardly demonic or evil, did spread chaos and evil through 'rebates'. Of course,there were still contracts for those who preferred that sort of thing."

Nodwin speaks up to add "We tried to being you the shopkeeper from the store, but it seems his contract expired, and he turned in to dust.  I'm just repeating what the group understands, Mancini knows far more about this than I do.  We did bring you his remains, if they might be useful to you."  He gestures at Ardenas, and steps out of the way so he can step forward.  As an addendum, he further offers "My group assisted Mancini with his work, as we were also drawn to the shop.  They did the heavy lifting, though."

[Private to GM: Nodwin is perhaps being too honest here, but...he does happen to have Truthfulness and Selfless on his sheet.]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Mon 11 May 2020.

"Nothing personal, but I am going to have to ask for evidence, of for someone to submit to Truthsayer."


A good persuasion roll of some kind may help your cause, Flavius sounds like he is being pressured.

"I  totally understand your position, Flavius and I agree that if a bunch of contractors of yours with what looks like a pile of dirt and a story about how the target of interest convienently turning to ash before being questioned, I'd want some more proof."

Mancini swallows hard before continuing. "Therefore, I agree to undergo the Truthsayer. And when it comes out that the events are as we have described, I'd love for you to explain to your superiors why you thought sowing outright discord with the Guild was such a smart idea."

19:45, Today: Mancini rolled 10 using 3d6.  Diplomacy (16).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Mon 11 May 2020.

Nodwin puts a hand on Mancini's shoulder, gently.  "I'm willing to take the Truthsayer in his place.  I do not lie as a matter of faith.  I do not fear the questions you might ask me.  Mancini may know more of the politics and magic, but I was there in the shop and can cover all of those details."


[Private to GM: Just missed the roll but that should not hurt him.  More selflessness and truthfulness.
08:40, Today: Secret Roll: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 12 using 3d6.  Diplomacy 11.]

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 63):

Your reputation for honesty proceeds you, and as a rankless member of the guild, your submission  does not insult the ranking members

In reply to Narrator (msg # 64):

"Of course, if you want some evidence that the shop also had portals to the lower plains, it is probably I that should be questioned, as only I actually passed through one such portal in pursuit of a demon. But I will only submit to that if I can be healed in return...before the event in case things go...pear-shaped."

In reply to Sederic (msg # 65):

"If your information is verifiable,  we can certainly see to that."

Questioning under truthsayer to occur, make a reaction roll at +2 each for your payouts.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Thu 14 May 2020.

Nodwin provides his testimony.

[Private to GM: Not sure if Truthfulness and Selfless play in to this, but I added the +2.
13:31, Today: Secret Roll: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 13 using 3d6+2.  Reaction +2 (plus Selfless, Truthfulness?).]

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 67):

The juniors get another deed of property, (2 more points of base) and $1000. Now for the rest...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 68):

Sederic provides his testimony, and also asks for a little cash if they like what is said...

[Private to GM: Reaction roll 12 unmodified. For reaction, higher is better right, so +2 is 14?]

In reply to Sederic (msg # 69):

As you are speaking on behalf of Mancini, (and his reaction bonii) Norman, Kalima, and Ardenas (Oly isnt present) you get a sack of cash, another $1500, and a temporary reaction bonus from the Hadereum

The cash amounts to slightly more than 2 days pay each.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:12, Fri 15 May 2020.

But Oly will expect his cut.

Mancini submits his testimony, adding details that may have been omitted by the others.

17:58, Today: Mancini rolled 10 using 3d6.  Reaction. (Add 6 in bonii to this)

In reply to Mancini (msg # 72):

The cash is raised by another $500.

So what was the monetary portion? I think I missed it somewhere.

In reply to Oly (msg # 74):

Cash reward for fighting demons, equal to a couple day's pay.

So $240 plus my cut of the $500?

In reply to Oly (msg # 76):

Oly needs to know about the extra cash before he can expect it! That extra $2000 is shared amoung the group of how many? Mancini, Sederic, Aoife, Nodwin and Kalima?

OOC Nodwin is Selfless.  He will take the $1000 for the Juniors, and no more.

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 78):

Is that cash not for those who went to the Haderaum to report, given specifically for the report? Oly and the Juniors are not here, with the exception of Nodwin. Therefore, unless I am missing something, the cash should be shared with those who actually came to give the report. The reward for destroying the shop is separate, is it not?

OOC The comment to Nodwin was $1000 and 2 points for the Juniors.  I assume that was earmarked for his group.

Exactly, by my reading there are two sets of moneys being doled out, both based on Reaction Rolls (Sederic and Nodwin's testimony rolls, Sederic getting a bump from Mancini):

The Juniors get 1000$.  Which is about double 1 days pay* for most of us at a base of 125 point Hirelings daily wage of 60$.

Kalima crew got $2000.  That's a bonus of 500$ (you can thank Mancini) and 1,500$ which is slightly more than 2 days pay* (1,200$) for 5 people, Sederic, Mancini, Norman, Kalima, and Ardenas (Oly isn't present) at a 250 point Hireling scale ($120/day).

So it sounds to me like the Hadereum isn't doling out a share for Oly for some reason (they might not automatically presume the Kalima crew has more people than are present?  Oly might be verboten around there, etc)...



* Which I suspect is the 'confusing' language about "days pay".  It's not separate, it's just a descriptor for the payout amounts.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Mon 18 May 2020.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 81):

Thus my question, as I assumed all income was contractually split.  So he sees $240. Does he see any of the money from the Hadereum? GM?
Does the contract bind here or no?

In reply to Oly (msg # 82):

If Mancini were to clarify how many people were in the group (Mancini, Ardenas, Aoife, Oly, Kalima, and a 125 pt share for Normanhe may not quite be counting Kalima as a full share, she has little need for these things)

In reply to Narrator (msg # 83):

And Sedric?

OOC Seems like we're in discussion here.  Any objection for Nodwin to head home?  The rest of his group looks to be waiting on him.

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 85):

Nodwin can head home. Having forgotten Sederic, let's retcon that to $2500

In reply to Narrator (msg # 86):

Sederic looks to see how much he is getting paid...

In reply to Sederic (msg # 87):

"So, Kalima, where to next? Can you detect any more demonic sources nearby? Gates or some such? Oh, and before I forget, please accept this shawl as a token of our friendship...I had it made for you on your last visit, but...was unable to give it to you."

In reply to Aoife (msg # 88):

"Thank you, this is lovely! Gates I cannot see, and here by the house of Pluton, I can sense no demons. There are more, I am sure of it."

In reply to Kalima (msg # 89):

"I am so glad you like it, and I got to give it to you! Which means we need to keep hunting. Do we have any further leads? Does the temple have any further leads?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 90):

The Acolyte sighs.  "Some of the unused temples that no longer haveactive clergy have been suborned by these cults, most recently the temple of Flora and Janus, which are being investigated.  Several of the cultists escaped, and may have gone elsewhere in the temple precincts, or back into the city. While the investigators removed the known leaders, that does not mean that there were not more cultists with the ability to summon outside agents.

Furthermore, it has been brought to our attention that the shop and its agents have been distributing instructions on how to summon demons. Those things need to be found and destroyed for the safety of all."

In reply to Acolyte Flavius (msg # 91):

"I see. So basically, rounding up cultists that might summon demons. How will we recognize them?"

"Wait, Aoife, the Plutocrat said something about finding and destroying instructions that had been distributed by that shop -- instructions that facilitate the summoning of demons."  Ardenas turns the Plutocrat.

"Was I correct in my understanding?  Do we have any idea how many such items there might be, or in what form, or who might have received them?  Or actually how to destroy them?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 93):

"Written documents can be burned. There are rumored to be brazen vessels that can facilitate summoning,  and ritual toolsas well. Any sort of written materials from the cults will be destroyed. We have in our services an ogre with a blessed maul to smash things, and what he cannot break, we ward and imprison. "

In reply to Acolyte Flavius (msg # 94):

"Or Kalima may have a way to destroy cursed items. All right, lets head to the libraries to check if there are more cursed texts there. Everyone ready to go? Any further advice, Acolyte?"

She moves to the door...

"I'll take that as a 'we don't know' concerning how many such items, both documents and tools, might be at large, then.  Do we have any idea, even, how long the shop was in operation?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 96):

"As near as we can tell, the current version of the shop has been active here for around six months, but we have records indicating that it has been here on a number of occasions,  over the last century, with outbreaks of this kind of chaos every generation.  As to "libraries " there are none public. The books in the Dismal Tower  belong to the sages, and an accursed volume was delivered to us by one of their guild. A number of prominent merchants and other noted figures of wealth maintain personal collections. You might try and see if some might be found in the market."

In reply to Acolyte Flavius (msg # 97):

"We probably need to work with the sages to check out their library if one has been found there already. Can you provide us with anything to help convince them to work with us? We can then check the market afterwards..."

After letting his people speak, he finally raises his hand. "You have forgotten the most important question in all of this," Mancini says with a chuckle. "How much is the Haedereum willing to pay us to deal with the demonic propoganda? While our recent adventures make us sympathetic to your issue, Flavius, you must realize the Guild has a lot to deal with these days."

23:22, Today: Mancini rolled 6 using 3d6.  Diplomacy (16).

In reply to Mancini (msg # 99):

The plutocrat sighs.
"The Hadereum will pay the equivalent value that the items would sell for on the open market. The sages all have tenure, and one already refuted seizure of an item that may have been pertinent, a heavily redacted book on demonological lore, physiogy, and psychology, written by a famous slayer of a few generations ago. The book was inspected, and had evidence of summoning specific  information being removed, although it still described ritual for the purposes or recognition and sigils for aid in rituals of banishment. "
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Fri 05 June 2020.

In reply to Acolyte Flavius (msg # 100):

"So you are suggesting they are not co-operative, and we need to get their co-operation..."

"The Dismal Tower must contain hundreds, if not thousands of books.  Likely a good many are written in obscure or ancient languages.  How are we to know if we actually run across something of interest?  And what about the items that have been sold about town, to random collectors, scholars, or power seekers?  How should we go about locating and identifying those?"

"Could Kalima be able to sense some sort of demonic residue? Barring that, could you maybe give us some sort of detector?"

In reply to Mancini (msg # 103):

"had we a detection device, I assure you, it would be in use. Detecing magic is learnable, detecting evil is a matter for holy warriors, priests, and demon slayers. Our champions are about now, one is below the city with a reclaimed temple, seeking to provide a base of operations for striking against the cults, and another is on temple hill, investigating corruption within the shrine of Flora and Janus.
Gaining access to the sages books requires membership in their brotherhood, elsewise you would sit accross from a screen while the sage speaks. Anything from or about demons or blasphemous things from beyond would be  what we seek to destroy, but it would have to be your own methods that find them. Brining provenance about the owner, and the owner thenselves, is of course a bonus to be rewarded."

Mancini thinks about the Acolytes words.  He reaches into the backpack and pulls out the wallet that he found in the bookshop. It was worthless to Mancini, other than a curiosity, but he decided to see if he could maybe put it to good use.

"I found this thing while  in the godforsaken demon shop. Would you like to take the abomination off my hands?"

In reply to Mancini (msg # 105):

The acolyte  gives him the eye
"How forthcoming  of you. Let me see... not evil... orherworldly, definitely  magical... let us see what is inside."
Gingerly he pulls the zipper, and finds a piece of sausage wrapped in  slightly greasy wax paper.

"Hmm. Not poisonous, the question would be first, what sort of meat, and seco dly, what sort of magic affects this. You found this in the shop? Someone must have been willing to do a lot to get this."

In reply to Acolyte Flavius (msg # 106):

"A magical piece of sausage???"

"More likely a pouch that keeps food from spoiling.  I've heard of such enchantments on things like jars and hampers, but not anything as small as that -- and such items are quite rare, from what I've heard."

He leaves the Guild and makes his way to the Triunist Church with his demonological objects to see if they will give him anything for them.

"So, Flavius, how much are you willing to part with for some demonic magical sausage?"

In reply to Kalima (msg # 110):

it is not demonic as far as I can tell. I have no ise for such a thing. Check with your guild."

He walks into the church looking for the clergy

In reply to Oly (msg # 112):

"Right. If that is not magical, then we should perhaps head off to see what other demonic items and books we can find."

"Indeed.  And perhaps we can keep that sausage in that wallet and watch to see if it spoils, as it normally would, or keeps longer than it ought to."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 114):

You head off, with necklace and wallet carefully stowed.  Necklace was never checked for magic, although Kalima sensed no taint.

Anybody in the Triunist Church ?  Oly starts looking at the various things around and estimates their value if melted down or sold as is.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 115):

Who had the necklace? Aoife was busy killing demons...

Ooc: I do, Aoife.

In reply to Oly (msg # 116):

There are a group of drunken pilgrims in and around the shrine of St. Pyr,  nd  number of goblins lined up for the confessionals,  while a few elderly winen are changing the flower arrangements.

Mancini heads to the Guild to get one of  them to check out the necklace for evil magics and to sell it before going to look for demonic pamphlets.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 120):

"Mancini,  what have you got for me today?"

Analyze magic from him, a guildsman with rank 4 will cost $160

Mancini presents the necklace as well as the required funds. "I found this in, let's just say, a less than desirable part of town, and wanted to make sure there weren't any curses or the like on it. What does your magics tell you, Speguild?"

In reply to Narrator (msg # 119):

Oly decides discretion is wise at this time  and ask one of the women changing flowers if the Priest is available. Ezcooze me bud is dere a Priezd here ?

In reply to Oly (msg # 123):

"Kalina, it would seem that the churches are best left to priests to investigate. You are good at guessing where to look for demonic crap...where would they try to put it, and we can go there..."

"If not the temples, and not the Dismal Tower, hmmm.  The marketplace in the Artisan district seems a likely place to try to distribute, um, little additions to legitimate books -- or less legitimate books disguised as the common sort.

"You can find almost anything over there."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 125):

As you head towardvthe marketplace, you notice an individual with a rod or mace wrapped in snakes... theology rolls please.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:44, Tue 16 June 2020.

In reply to Oly (msg # 123):

In the cathedral,  the woman first asks Oly to repeat himself, and then directs him towardsa goblin in a cassock.
"That would be Father Robards."

My Dankz...

He goes to Father Robards...  Fadder, I found deze dingz in a bad place and am dold dey iz bad ... zummon demonz an dingz ... woulda Church pay anydingz fer 'um?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 126):



Kalima recognizes the follower's deity.

15:14, Today: Kalima rolled 11 using 3d6.  Theology 12.

In reply to Kalima (msg # 129):

Aoife may as well, but she will ask Kalima if she knows it just in case.

[Private to GM: Rolled 1 under Theology (Druidic)]

Ardenas looks puzzled.

"Snakes on a staff?  Well, as long as they don't bite."

[Private to GM: 18:02, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 7 using 3d6.  Theology (default 5) to recognize deity connected with snake-wrapped staff.]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 131):

The god would be hermes

Respectfully addressing the stranger, Kalima asks,"Greetings. What brings a follower of Hermes to Northport?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:18, Thu 18 June 2020.

The stranger takes Kalima in for a long moment.

"Well, now I have seen everything," his voice is soft, but gravely.  "To answer straightly, my god, Hermes brought me here.  I have no idea why, but I hope it was that I might feast my eyes upon your divinity.  This old man could use such reward as this."

He reaches out to take her hand and kiss it, giving her a smile and sly wink as he does so.



OOC:  20:13, Today: Benny Morales rolled 13 using 3d6.  Sex Appeal 15.  Backing his blatherskite (complementary skill).

20:14, Today: Benny Morales rolled 14 using 3d6.  Acting 18.  Making sweet talk to an angel.  (Skill 14 + 3 Herme's Gift +1 Honest Face).  MoS +4.  Possibly as high as +5 if his Sex Appeal works.

[Private to GM: He is of course lying.  Hermes didn't bring him here, he came here fleeing the gangs/mafia in his home city knowing Northport was large enough to hide in.]

In reply to Kalima (msg # 133):

Sedric watches things carefully, but this is out of his business.

"You may rest assured, old man, that you have not seen everything.

"Your god sends you places without telling you why?  Typical."

In reply to Mancini (msg # 122):

"Whoever wears this jewelry will be the most interesting  person in the room; it casts a spell of Significance on the owner."

In reply to Oly (msg # 128):

The goblin priest looks aghast at Oly's offerings.
"Where did you find these horrors? We can offer you a blessing for helping us to destroy these things, and healing services as well. Let me gather the congregation  so that we can safely destroy these abominations. "

Yez, Da Hadereum givz money fer dem, bud I don' like dem much ... I dake yer deal.

In reply to Speilgud (msg # 137):

"That is most I interesting. Are there any side effects of curses for using the necklace?

In reply to Mancini (msg # 140):

"Not as I can tell, aside from making you feel important,  and feeding your vanity, I would guess. You would probably feel like a nobody if you took it off, so that might be an addictive thing for someone disposed that way."

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 134):
The demonslayer folds both sets of arms
"Little man, you mistake me for my distant cousins who are descended from gods of fertility. I am a daughter and servant of the Death Mother, drinker of demons and slayer of evil.  While deviltry is afoot, I am not free to ponder on such pleasantries. I assure you also, had you been with us an hour or two earlier, you would have seen sights stranger than I, although perhaps not so well dressed."

Ardenas watches the exchange, trying to make sense of this newcomer.

He nods agreement at Kalima's pronouncement.

In reply to Speilgud (msg # 141):

"Interesting." Mancini pockets the necklace, figuring it might be useful later on.

He grabs the sausage and wallet and hands it to Speilgud, along with another payment. "What can you tell me about it?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:11, Thu 18 June 2020.

"So you are free for such ponderables once the deviltry is dealt a final blow?  I could be persuaded to enlist in this cause!"

He smiles broadly and takes in Kalima's group.  "I see a motley crew for devil hunting. Do you all have need of a humble servant of Hermes down on his luck?"

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 145):

"As long as you remember why we are here..."

"Are you a priest, then?"

"Yes."  He looks momentarily surprised, and then gestures to the aspergillum* hanging from his belt, "Otherwise the priesthood of Hermes will be quite cross at me for carrying the symbol of the highest holy of The Lord of Commerce."



OOC:  * Narrator misdescribed it earlier, it's not a staff cadeacus, it's a short rod (like a one-handed mace length) aspergillum/caduceus.  However other than the holy relic hanging at his belt (and his innocent face) he looks like an old mercenary that's had a bad run of luck lately (worn leather armor, banged up shield, no pack, and a rather flat looking purse at his belt).

[Private to GM: They probably are upset that he's carrying it, whether or not he's already had to deal with them and prove he really is a Saint of Hermes or not is your choice.  He is not an 'ordained' priest by any stretch and barely knows the rituals.  More misdirection than outright lie, depending on one's definition of 'priest'.]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:46, Mon 22 June 2020.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 144):

This takes a whike. The Wallet has a cornocopia effect, the sausage is preserved. If the sausage (which looks half gone) is cut and the end is kept in the wallet, you should never run out of food... one slice at a tome."

"Thank you, Speguild. I best get back to my misfits. I shall be in touch when I have need of your services again."

On his way out, he asks his contact if there were any spotting of a dark skinned demigod. He surmises his group would be nearby.

16:35, Today: Mancini rolled 12 using 3d6.  Guild Contact 12(to find his group.in the city).

"I've seen lay worshipers carry holy symbols.  It's very common with the Triunists -- fully half of them carry crosses, if not more.

"Still, a priest of Hermes -- god of commerce, you say?  Does that mean you only heal those who pay you?"  Ardenas winks at the old man and smiles.

"I find it's best to sacrifice one coin when asking for a miracle rather than 'lose' two later.  Not that that is what happens, but coincidences, thievery, miscommunication, bad trades, seem to occur with a greater frequency when, eh... well you understand."  [Private to GM: Lie?  Does Hermes ask for coins, and if refused will come steal double later?  I don't know, Benny probably doesn't either, but it sounds good.  So, lie is "maybe".]

He fidgets dramatically for a moment.

"Depending on the wealth of the supplicant, I try to best figure the capacity to give.  For instance, last night Hermes granted me the ability to cure a young child of disease and blindness and bless her mother's cooking oil, which was all that was on hand, to allow her to anoint the home against further vicissitudes of happenstance for so long as the oil lasts, if she choses.  I requested she sacrifice twenty bits, five of which went to a blind beggar, ten bought radishes for a communal stew pot, three bought my breakfast this morn.  And so I am once again scrounging for lost coins between the pavers of merchant's square for my supper."

He sighs.  "Don't think that.  The high priests and I have different priorities, they look to the wealth of the church, I prefer to work among the people, spreading gifts of trade and touches of divinity where I can."  [Private to GM: He doesn't yet (unless you want it that way) have beef with the local church.  He just knows how churches run, and that he really doesn't know much about how to be a clergymen.  Better to be a Saint in the gutter than called a fraud in the high halls.  So, trutheriness:  Eh....]

"You won't see me looking down on you over that.  If more priests saw things your way, I might think more of priests in general.

"But you say Hermes grants you abilities to heal, beyond even the trivial healing of injuries one might as readily get from a vial of potion?"  He gestures to a vial hanging on his harness -- which, if you have a good eye, you might recognize as paut rather than healing.

"Trivial?  Do not disregard as trivial the amazing and miraculous abilities of the alchemist, merely because they are available in the market square here for you.  I have seen towns that would give over their last royals for the healing we carry with ease in our belts.  Well, maybe not paut, but you understand.  And yes, Hermes has filled me with his divinity and I can bring it forth in small ways in his service.  I can become a portion of his divinity, my touch becomes holy, I can cause wounds to travel from you to me, and I can heal myself rapidly.  Beyond that, if I properly bend my Lord's ear, he grants proper miracles, I have cured sickness, cripples, the blind, I have warded an entire ship against evil manifestations, sent undead back to Hades, and I even once tracked down a child's beloved lost doll that had been stolen by fairies.  That last one was very interesting.  Mostly though, I've tended the downtrodden, given them fleeting blessings of good fortune in commerce, or bulwarked them against coming catastrophes.  Unfortunately in those cases my Lord really does help only those who help themselves."

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 152):

"Indeed you do. So how much should I charge for protecting you then, and putting my life on the line to save yours, or at least to distract demons from attacking you? That should at least cover the cost of your healing..."

"If you feel that is necessary, though I would suspect whatever the standard arrangement you've worked under so far would suffice."  He looks back to Ardenas, "Does this group not operate under a contract?  Do you have a patron or is this bounty work?"

"At present, we are working under a commission from the Hadereum, originally to escort Kalima here around town.  That has grown into general hunting of demons and demonic leavings -- things like magical devices that corrupt the users, or books of arcane knowledge that leave out minor pieces of information that would keep summoned beings in the control of the summoner.

"Just the other day, we stumbled on a cult actually sacrificing a demon in an attempt to summon an eldritch horror into this world, perhaps even open a permanent portal to, well, somewhere else.

"In general, however, we've operated under an equal division of any loot we gain in the course of that work."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 157):

"Which does preclude charging each other for spells cast."

"I'm not a spellcaster, so that's not something that needs to be worried about." He gives Aoife a nod and wink, "As for charging fees, I've never worked with a group and was answering the question posed.  A share is all I'll ask, though some miracles may require actual sacrifice of some sort.  I've heard nasty stories of what the gods do to those who cheat them... though Hermes is more merry jester than vengeful Olympian.  If it looks like that may be the case, I'll try to warn you before making any such request in your names."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Mon 22 June 2020.

"You may rest assured I have no intention of cheating anyone, never mind a god or demon.  I've heard stories, too.

"So, obviously you aren't afraid of Kalima, here.  Are you capable of standing face to face with a demon, if necessary?"

"I don't know, I've never faced a demon.  However, I have spit in the face of death more times than I can count, and that was before coming into Hermes' grace."

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 161):

Manci i fi ds his way back to you with little difficulty, as Kalima's aura is visible quite clearly from a distance.

[Private to Benny Morales:the local church of commerce has a temple to Hermes as merchant, alms ate tossed in the fountain in the square on front. There is a shrine and gymnasium dedicated to Hermes the athlete, and a professional psychopomp traditionally acco.panies the newly dead to the Hadereum for burial. Those guys summon sparrows for a fee]

"Say, Mancini, we've run across this fellow who seems to enjoy Kalima's company.  Mancini, this is Benny.  Benny, Mancini.  Mancini is our nominal leader."

Oly, having received whatever blessing(s) and such from the Triune Church, heads back to find the group as well.

Benny nods and extends his hand to Mancini to shake, "It sounds like you're in need of a priest, as circumstance has it, I'm a priest in need of a job."

"I would be in fact be in need of a priest", he says, returning the handshake.  "Welcome aboard."

He slides back into the group unobtrusively.

"Hope you don't regret joining up, Benny.  The last place we investigated wound up collapsing behind us as we ran out the doors."

"Excellent!  Down to business, do you have a lead on the next nest of demonic taint to be rooted out?"

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 169):

"Mancini is the man in charge. We have a vague idea of what to look for...any thing demonic, and where. Pretty much anywhere..."

"That is a very broad net to cast.  How did you uncover the last problem spot?"

"We had a tip from Hadereum, about a floating dealer in magical what-nots.  Before that, we followed Kalima's nose, so to speak.  She can sniff out demonic presences, more or less."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 172):

"Speaking of which, can she find anything else now?"

In reply to Sederic (msg # 173):

"I can detect within a few yards, but not at range."

"Well... I could ask Hermes, Our Lord Tallier of Trade, buuuuut... I've found this works best when I request something specific, leave it too broadly open and Hermes will give a miracle that does what He thinks best serves the needs of the supplicant.  I mean, it'll always be that, but the more specific the request the narrow the field to go astray.  For instance are we hunting demons or demon worshippers?"

"Why don't we go to the area with all the lesser known deities here in Northport? Maybe we could spot something there, especially if Kalima is demonic sniffing."

"Didn't Flavius say there was already a group working on cleaning up Temple Hill?  Or do you mean the street on the edge of Artisan, where we found the Thuggees to help summon Kalima back?"

"I mean the side street. It's a great place to hide out and distribute literature without raising eyebrows."

"True.  Not to mention selling items like some of the stuff people came out of that last shop with.  The bazaar there is where we found the marigolds and that little statuette for the summoning.

"And some of the Hindi and Sahudese gods are hard to tell from demons, if you're not familiar with those pantheons."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 179):

The slayer squints her three eyes.
"The plutocrats would be quick to name many of the 9 million gods as being demons, based on appearances horns and tusks do not make a demon, paying allegiance to the lords of hell does, and that I can get a whiff of."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:11, Mon 29 June 2020.

"And if someone was naive or uninitiated, they might be easy to be manipulated into taking demonic info or secretly worshipping a demon."

16:15, Today: Mancini rolled 3 using 3d6.  Area knowledge Northport 15, quickest way to religion side street.

"Exactly, Kalima.  I've seen enough about the Sahudese deities when I was studying in the Gathering Chi Academy to know that a being with horns isn't always a devil -- and some devils have very little about their appearance to distinguish them."

He looks to Mancini.  "I doubt a true demon could pass among the priests and theologians of Little Sahud or the Thuggees and their neighbors -- but if they kept their wits about them, they might well pass as one of the Nine Million or the Court of Heaven for ordinary Aralaise folk."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 182):

"We have a destination then. Let's go..."

He gets ready to follow...

In reply to Sederic (msg # 183):

You head through the bustling artisinal district, and into the heavy smokes of Brazen Lane, where pewter and bronze are melted into trinkets. And household goods.
Some of these are religious items.

Ardenas gestures to take in the coals and smoke.

"This is the edge of the Hindi neighborhood.  The statuette we found in the market was probably cast in one of these foundries."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 185):

"If something demonic was melted down, it would loose all its powers. would it not?"

"I think you're right, but what if, instead, the putative demon infiltrator worked in one of these foundries and was infusing the goods after they were cast?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 187):

"Then Kalima would be able to detect the infiltrator, right?"

"If we get close enough, I suppose."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 189):

Sederic walks around looking carefully at what is available...

Benny just hangs loose, at the edge of the group, and mostly seems to be paying more attention to the group than their surroundings.

 The celestial close her lower eyes and opens her third.

"There is something evil afoot ahead, but the read is a little conflicted."

Mancini looks around the various stalls, seeing if something unusual can be spotted .

01:26, Today: Mancini rolled 12 using 3d6.  Observation 14.

In reply to Kalima (msg # 192):

"How can it be clarified?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 194):

There is a stall with Triunist trappings part way down the street. Someone is (badly) singing Amazing Grace.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 195):

"With singing like that, someone is emphasising the grace part, to be sure..." mutters Sederic as he wanders in that direction.

"This must be what the Triunists mean when they talk about raising a joyful noise."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 197):

You are startled to see that the singer is a horned man wearing a coarse robe, and a triunist symbol. He has vials of holy water in front of him, and prayer books.

Kalima narrows her eyes at him.

In reply to Aloysius the Undamned (msg # 198):

When Aoife notices him, she will ask

"Is it possible for those with mixed parentage to change? How can we tell?"

"He's no singer, but that doesn't make him evil.  On the other hand, that cross and a Triunist hymn don't make him holy, either.  Let's see what he's doing."

In reply to Aloysius the Undamned (msg # 198):

"You have the taint of the pit upon you. I care not for your kind, you are a plague upon this world!"

In reply to Kalima (msg # 201):

"Forgive me madame, How have I offended thee? I am but a poor servant of the Church of the One True Tripartate God, washed in the Holy Blood of the Archangel."

In reply to Aloysius the Undamned (msg # 202):

The celestial points her spear at the infernal, touching his chest. Whisps of black smoke arise from the tip where it touches him.
He swallows hard, and holds his hands apart while keeping eye contact.

In reply to Kalima (msg # 203):

"If you were truly washed in the blood of the archangel, why does her weapon cause such a reaction? It is attuned to only deal with evil, right Kalima?"

"She is a demon hunter -- it may be attuned less toward evil as such, and more toward things demonic.

"O Tripartite servant, is your appearance deceiving or are you descended from the Pit?  And if the latter, how came you to serve the Three in One?  Do you know Father Robards, the tall and mighty Bishop of Northport?"

Mancini weighs the Triune followers words, to see if there are any truth in them...

22:04, Today: Mancini rolled 13 using 3d6.  Detect Lies 13.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 204):

Kalima's weapon harms Demons, and those of demonic heritage.

"Father Robards, I would hsrdly call him tall, he is perhaps a span shorter than I."


His words ring true
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Mon 13 July 2020.

"Wait, hold up.  Lady," he addresses Kalima, "if your weapon is truly proof against those with demon blood, that alone may be what is being set off.  But I may be able to determine if he is of the vilest evil or not."  He turns to the young half-spirit, "If I may?"

He motions to to take the horned man's hands.

Ardenas cracks a smile.

"Can't blame me for checking you where I can.  Let's see what Benny has to say."

As he speaks, Ardenas reaches out and gently displaces Kalima's spear from the evangelist's chest, his silver knuckledusters on obvious display.

"As far as I can see, he is telling the truth. However, demons can make a lie seem like the truth. Let's find out if Benny can get some divine guidance on the matter."

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 208):

He extends his hands, which have scars in the center of his palms.
"You are Hermetic,  and I serve only the one, true, Tripartate God."

Ardenas looks puzzled.  "Where have I seen scars like those?"

Benny removes his gloves and folds the horned man's hands between his, praying, "Hermes, Lord of the coin and ledger, let me be your vessel, allow me to become a font for your holy divinity."




OOC:  Activating the Learned Prayer Holy Touch, Benny's touch is now the equivalent of Holy Water, all water he's carrying for the duration of the Prayer is Holy Water...

Mancini leans in close to Ardenas and asks, "Do you remember them from a previous adventure, or are they more of a curiosity to you?"

"I've seen scars like that somewhere."  Ardenas's brow furrows and he frowns in concentration -- then his face opens up.

"The idol in the Cathedral is painted as bleeding from wounds like those must have been, where it is nailed to a crossbeam!  I've only been there a couple times, most recently a couple weeks ago, when the trouble between the Urhaqui and goblins was picking up."

[Private to GM: 18:49, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 7 using 3d6.  Int (11) to recall seeing palm scars like those Aloysius carries.]

"Most interesting."

In reply to Mancini (msg # 216):

"Do they mean anything? Is he harming himself?"

"I'm not a Triunist, I was just in and out of the Cathedral that one day, asking Father Robards a couple questions and then literally dashing off, then coming back hours later to pick up my backpack that I'd left there to lighten my load.

"I mean, it must be some important detail to Triunists, to be to carefully depicted on their idol -- like images of Kali or Kalima having the right number of arms and eyes -- and it's obviously related to the nails and crossbeam, but I don't know what it signifies, and I haven't heard of living followers or priests having similar scars."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:01, Fri 17 July 2020.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 218):

The friar winces, his hands smoking between Benny's. He grits his teeth and prays, though he does not pull his hands away
"I shall not fear the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that walks at night. Blessed be the Lord of the three in all their glory!"
Blood drips from his hands.

Benny lifts his hands away, "I see you've made some mistakes.  Hopefully this turn is redemption and not deception."  He turns to Kalima, "Looks like it's this person you were smelling here," and the to Mancini, "Does the mandate extend to those of the blood, or only those that are pure infernal?  Through arguments could be made concerning this guy, as only true evil recoils from the touch of the holy, he may be one who made mistakes and is now trying to find his way back."

"Benny, how certain are you that the touch of Hermes, through you, would affect only  actual evil this way?  Might it, like Kalima's spear, have this effect because of the opposition of this man's origin to the sphere where Hermes resides, independent of the choices he has made in his life?

"I ask because every other demon we've seen since Kalima joined us has been violent and unhesitating in returning her animosity -- yet this man stood steady, both before her spear and as you tested him, despite what must have been terrible pain.

"No choice I might make, for instance to serve a god of fire, would ever erase the reaction of my flesh to that very fire I had sworn to serve; it is a physical vulnerability, and only specific magic could temporarily override it.  Similarly, I believe that this man has chosen to serve the Tripartite god, despite his fleshly reaction to the holy.

"My Master, Albreth the Blind, once told me that you learn more about a man by what he does, than by the color of his skin or the shape of his ears.  He was speaking, at the time, of Urhaqui, but might not the same principle apply to one born of demons?"

OOC:  Checking with the GM... gwythaint, by RAW Holy Touch shouldn't cause a baseline Infernal halfspirit to take damage, Benny isn't a Sanctified Area (or Holy Weapon).  His touch is like Holy Water and Holy Water requires a Weakness...  or is that changed and Benny's touch (and Holy Water) is devastating to Infernals?

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 222):

Retconning slightly, the man shows signs of exhaustion rather than fresh wounds from Benny's touch. The spear did injure him.

"So, what next?  Friar -- is that the right term?  Do you know of any demonic presences spreading chaos and evil hereabouts?

"We are under commission from the Hadereum to aid Mistress Kalima in hunting and destroying such.  We came to this Brazen Lane in search of demons and their followers, possibly distributing goods that carry the taint of the pits or tricking good people into their foul rituals."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 224):

"I book no truck with such  malefactors.  I suspect many in this alleyway of heresy or worse, but who am I  to judge another? There was a stall that was very popular, I think dedicated to The false gods of doorways and fertility  that was popular, as fertility cults often are, but I have not seen their people for days."

In reply to Aloysius the Undamned (msg # 225):

"Right. Anything more recent?"

"Hmm... I was just thinking that if our friend here appears demonic, but is inwardly good, what if we're looking for someone or something outwardly righteous, but inwardly evil?"

"You mean like that shopkeeper?  Or some of his customers?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 228):

"The proselytizers of I think the Process Church of the Last Judgement have been about, but I have no time for such heretics.  I understand sacramental wine, but they imbibe or smoke many things that can deprive a worshipper of reason."

In reply to Aloysius the Undamned (msg # 229):

"Please go on..."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Fri 24 July 2020.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 230):

"These heretics makes mockery of the Triunist Faith, and name Angels whose names I can speak without harm as instrumental to their rites... I  am not certain what tht means, but if I name some Angels and Saints in my prayers, it is especially exhausting,  perhaps because of their holiness. "

In reply to Aloysius the Undamned (msg # 231):

"If the Triunist god is all powerful, could he not make you holy? After all, a demon is just a fallen angel in your beliefs, right?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 232):

"I have been forgiven,  and may partake of the holy sacraments... yet my flesh is weak,  and until I die and am embraces in the glory, it takes its toll on me."

"So, am I correct in understanding, then, that the Process Church claim to worship the same god as the Triunists, but include beings Triunists would consider devils or demons among their saints?

"And 'Final Judgment' -- that reminds me of what those other cultists have spoken of, the ones who sacrificed a demon to summon something other..."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 234):

"That is an Abhorrent thing! I will pray for you!"

"We were fortunate to be able to slay it, whatever it was, when it had barely arrived on our plane."

Mancini wonders if this repented demon could be swayed to help the group locate the falsehoods of the cult....

"Does not your own scriptures say that faith without works is dead? I ask this not to offend you, as I can see you are in fact a holy man,. but we know very little about Triunist doctrine and humbly beseech you to come with us to inform us of any blasphemous texts or trinkets being distributed in the name of your God."

05:19, Today: Mancini rolled 6 using 3d6.  Diplomacy (16). Crit?

In reply to Mancini (msg # 237):

[Private to Mancini:Crit!]

"Let me pack my things, I will help you judge some of these wares "

Mancini nods. "We greatly appreciate the aid."

In reply to Mancini (msg # 239):

So we wait, some more patiently than others, for him to come back?

In reply to Aloysius the Undamned (msg # 238):

The onfernal friar sweeps his holy water, symbols and pamphlets into a bag. And hangs a sign that shows the cahedral with an arrow pointing at it.
"Ready

In reply to Aloysius the Undamned (msg # 241):

"Right. Who else here seems out of place. Oh, apart from the Leprechaun with her six armed Goddess friend..."

"Aoife, dear, you are no more out of place than a certain adventuring bureaucrat", he adds with a sly wink.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 243):

The i fernal friar leads you down the lane, and points at a stall that has a triangle with a cross within a circle painted on it.




occ:it looks like the deathly Hallows symbol, except with a crossbar at the top third of the circle.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 244):

Sederic will investigate the stall.

"Hello? What is for sale here?"

Ardenas stops directly in front of the painted symbol, tracing it in the air with a fingertip (which puts his silver knuckleduster on display).  Then he raises his other hand and makes little pointing gestures with both index fingers, as if trying to figure out the correct order of the segments.

"What symbol is this?"

Ooc: Are there any stalls nearby or is it just the faux Triunist one?

In reply to Mancini (msg # 247):

The nearest ones are selling brazen idols and painted mandalas of the 9 million gods, a recruiting station for the sisterhood of the axe, which has an assortment of runestones, and another Sahudese stall selling scrolls with red ribbons and cherrywood carvings of a cheerful ascended master.
Accross the way are a couple of Vejovians  passing out pamphlets advertising a rally against the injustices of the watch.


The symbol seems a variant of triunist symbolism, which often includes a trefoil entwined with a circle and or a triangle.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 248):

Specifically, what is the store with this strange symbol selling, if anything?

Mancini approaches one of the Vejoians to hear about their grievances.

"Good day. What seems to be the problem with the watch."

18:33, Today: Mancini rolled 10 using 3d6.  Diplomacy (16).

"Sorry, I should have been clearer.  Are you folk Triunists, fellows in faith with Father Robards?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 251):

The Vejovian replies"The anti proletariat policy of imposing indentured servitude upon the destitute is nothing more than class based slavery! And do you know that the watch ignores crines committed against persons of goblin or fey extraction? This systematic racist oppression must be defeated! Please come to our rally and stand for justice!"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 249):

The white clad friars at the stall are presenting pamphlets advertising their prayer meetings and also badmouthing Father Robards for addressing them as heretics, when they are the one true church of the divine and most holy trinity.

"Blessings of the three be with you, madame. How may we help you? Do you seek healing. Or refreshment of the spirit? A closer connection with the spiritual realm? All this can be yours if you embrace the true faith."

In reply to cultist (msg # 252):

Being Fey, Aoife does concede he has a point.

"That may be true, but just how do you hoe to bring about change?"

In reply to cultist (msg # 253):

"One true faiths worry me. Tell me more about why this is the true faith and the rest are not?"

In reply to cultist (msg # 252):

Ooc: what is the watch's relationship with the guild?

"I'm no theologian, but perhaps you can explain to me how it is that your faith is more true than that of Father Robards?  I have dealt with the Father, and he seems a fine being -- though so does Zeelzeel, who raises the Father's concern with his teachings to the kobolds."

In reply to Sederic (msg # 255):

"Our fairh embraces the creation of the universe, the joys of life within it, and the judgement of all to follow. Orhers forget that life is to be enjoyed. Or that we are to be judged for our excesses. Partake of our communion, and you can see the truth of the words of the Most High!"


The watch, while nominally reporting to the Hadereum, has been overeaching in attacking gambiling houses the guild has an interest in.

In reply to cultist (msg # 258):

"Yes, these watch act little more than thugs. I, too, am incensed by their treatment of goblin and fey folks."

Mancini motions to be handed several of the fliers. "I will also try getting more Guild support for the rally. However, that requires me to go find a few contacts. Would that be acceptable for your purposes?"

In reply to Ales Konstantin (msg # 259):

"Any bretheren who wish to stand against the authoritarian menace to our lives can certainly  join in the fight."

"Thank you."

Mancini turns to Aoife. "Would you like to come with me or would you like to investigate? Honestly, I think having someone there with me who could be oppressed by the watch (and a great member of the guild to boot!) helps me when I make the case to support the protests. But the decision is yours...."

In reply to Mancini (msg # 261):

She paused.

"I am here with Kalima, though I suppose there are no demons to fight here. What do you think, Kalima? Should we split into 2 groups, and perhaps have a better chance to find demonic work? Oppression of minorities is something the would approve of, so they may be involved..."

"I thought your remit was in bringing an end to demons and demonic incursions?  While I understand standing about somewhere that demonic influences might gather, why not just ask a deity where to look? It might take a miracle, but..." he winks.




OOC:  In case it hasn't crossed anyone's mind, you're hunting demonic items sold from a shop, that crossed a dimensional barrier... and have a Priest whose God is all about mercantilism (items sold from shops) and guiding people across dimensional barriers (psychopomp - though I get most Characters might not know this part of Hermes lore)...  Benny would have said something earlier but no one has yet mentioned that you're hunting demonic items sold from a shop.

"Mancini, our contract with the Hadereum is to search out demons and the goods they spread through the city -- especially anything that was sold through that movable shop.  The issues with the guard will still be here later -- and most likely are beyond our ability to correct, in any case."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 264):

"That is true. But is it likely that there could be something demonic behind this oppression? Benny, if you have any words of wisdom, by all means, ask your god."

"Oh, seeking demon sold goods?  That's something Hermes would definitely have opinions one... do we have a map of the city?"

"I grew up here, never needed one.  Come to that, I don't know that I've ever seen one more detailed than Temple District, Artisan, Red Light, Dockside, Little Sahud, Little Shevnia."  He gestures in the air, pointing to the various districts on an invisible map as he names them off.

"It's not that big a city."

Mancini pulls out his sketchbook, opening it to the various maps he made from memory. " Not perfect, but thes may help."

"Huh.  I could do it as a ledger if there a few blank pages..." he trails off a moment.  "Your choice, I can either ask Hermes to mark up a map of where these items are now, if we're really lucky or He feels particularly gracious, it might be an actively updating map.  Not likely though.  Or I can scribe a ledger of who purchased what.  That would actually be easier, also if they move around, we can be hunting people not going to a vague spot on a sketchy map.  And if they sold, traded, or lost the item, we can still discern if they were corrupted by the items.  Or if you think of something else."

"Who purchased what seems most productive.  Between the Guild and Hadereum, who collect the taxes, it's very likely anyone who doesn't have the same name as several other people can be found with a little leg work.

"And we could probably come up with an actual ledger around here, though I suspect a few blank sheets, a pen, and bottle of ink would fill the bill.  Sadly, I'm neither a scholar nor an artist.  Mancini?  You always seem to be making maps and taking notes.  Got any paper left?"

Mancini flips to some pages that are unused. 'Feel free to use as many as neccessary. If you need more, I can easily buy another one."

"This may take a few hours, is there somewhere that loud, obnoxious prayers won't unduly disturb others as well as give us some privacy?"

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 272):

"We may have to rent a room for that...what will we do in the meantime?"

"I have a base at the Guild. Benny can pray there, and in the meantime, I can get guild support for the rally.'

In reply to Mancini (msg # 274):

"I am not at all a fan of speicism, but is a big march through the streets really the best way to deal with it? Is in not more likely to inflame the situation?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 275):

"Excellent...a fight at last..."

"Rally?  Against the city guard?  Some of us just came from preventing a civil war, not two weeks ago."  Ardenas looks at Oly.  "Guild against the guard might be much worse than goblins against the Urhaqui.  Random violence and juggers attacking each other is nothing compared to heavily armed professionals mixing it up."

He frowns.  "I can't say I disagree about the guard playing favorites and just not doing their job -- but a rally by the oppressed groups, with Guild backing, seems like waving a string of sausage in front of a starving dog.  There has to be a way to approach that without it turning into a pitched battle."

Oly nods   Bad plan I dink

"I wonder who might be paying the guard to play favorites?"

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 279):

"Follow the cash trail, Benny, and you will find out. That is a much more productive use of our time I think..."

"I wouldn't have the slightest idea how to begin.  I just know that it's rare that organizations like guards would play favorites without money being involved.  Unless one of their leaders has a personal grudge with the Guild or it's gambling dens."

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 281):

"Can you track who is paying the Watch members large sums?"

"Hermes isn't the god of coins!  He is the god of merchants, and travelers, and traveling between the worlds.  Sometimes magic, I think."  He sighs and rubs at his stubbled chin.  "I don't know, maybe in the role of mediator, if there is a go between, Hermes would have caught wind if these dealings.  Of course, as a god, Hermes can do whatever he pleases, I just don't know that I have the sway to move him to act outside his arena.  I'll deal with this ledger first, then I'll reach out and see if the church knows anything.  If that's a bust, I'll try to talk Hermes into inspiring me with that knowledge... but I suspect it'll be another press-gang affair.  Hermes likes his pranks when I ask for odd things.  Completely normal things too sometimes."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Sat 22 Aug 2020.

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 283):

"Right. Better leave you to it then. So, what would a god consider a prank on a human..."

In reply to Sederic (msg # 284):

Sederic recalls a particular public servant who was respons for Vilgars being raided, who was involved with the guard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:49, Mon 24 Aug 2020.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 285):

Once back at the guild. Mancini spots Madeline ,one of Vilgar's operatives. She is likely to knoew where the rest of his crew is.

[Private to Narrator: Laurence Castile. Evain Kaliope, Francous Le Mert, Gaston Norral,Lepkur]

In reply to Madeline (msg # 286):

"Sederic, do you think these guys are involved in something demonic, or are they a distraction?"

Ardenas raises an eyebrow at Aoife's question.

Benny followed Mancini back to the Guild house, muttering a few prayers at people aling the way, a beggar or two, he stopped to say a few words for few some traveling merchants, nothing to inspiring, mostly brief prayers wishing them luck.

At the Guild, "I may have to look into joining this establishment.  The guard have been giving me the long stare lately what with my 'not quite vagrancy'.  I always have a place to sleep, it's just rarely the same place twice, and I think they're beginning to suspect that I'm itinerant."

[Private to GM: By the time they've reached the Guild, Benny has Herme's Gift active, +3 to a few social and thievery skills.

Also, the Guard haven't been giving Benny any looks.  He's a Charismatic Priest with an Honest Face, and while not posh, he doesn't look completely destitute and isn't out begging for alms.  He's just ginning up an excuse to join the Guild and can't help the lie.]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 287):

"Vilgar is not involved in anything demonic, I am pretty sure, but he may know something about who is behind the guard. But I doubt that would be demonic...more likely just criminal."

We back at the guild house now? I missed that bit...

In reply to Sederic (msg # 290):

See mssg 286

In reply to Narrator (msg # 291):

Who is actually leading this group? Mancini? Just a bit short on understanding where we are going and what we are actually doing...are we looking into the racism all of a sudden, or are we still looking for demonic activity?

OOC:  Pretty sure Mancini considers himself our leader.

Tracing the goods from Faust's movable shop is what Hadereum is paying us for.  Dealing with racism and the guards isn't likely to pay well, but if we're very lucky, and persistent, it might make Northport a better place to live (or it might turn into a civil war, city guards against those they consider inferior -- started to say "non-humans" but I seem to recall the guards have a sizable fraction of Urhaqui.

Ooc: Mancini is the leader only because he is the highest Guild representative. He technically probably be in the office doing paperwork, but someone has to check out the grunts, I mean things, on the ground. However, I have never envisioned Mancini as the kind of leader who pulls strict command, hence why Mancini often listens to ideas put forth by the group or let others take the lead. The idea about participating in the protests was intended to be open for you guys to assist or not as your character's precepts desired, and Mancini had several reasons to think it was a good idea. First, making Northport more inclusive. Second, helping cement Mancini with the Vejovians (allowing us to see if they are the ones peddling nefarious goods). Plus, if the Watch are the ones on the take, it deals a black eye to the Haedereum (without getting our hands directly dirty) and make the Guild look good at the same time. I thought we could have done both at the same time.)

OOC:  I figure gwythaint is just giving us a plethora of options to pursue.  Both Ardenas and Ollie have worked to improve the city for free in the past (Juggling the Juggas), and Mancini might just have disads relating to the Guild and his place in it (just a suspicion), in which case tossing out "Guards and Gamblers" makes for a nice foil for him (something to distract him from a paying gig) and might be something Ardenas and Ollie would be interested in (and any one else interested in either progressivism or improving the Guild's standing, or just easing the pressure on the Gamblers and maybe earning a reward).  Also, it presents a 'living world', more is going on than just our mission...

In reply to Benny Morales (msg # 295):

Occ things are living. Other threads are dealing with pieces of this, and Nodwin's original player chose Vejovis,  who it turns out is the god of healing and effectively  social justice, especially for slaves and serfs looking to be free. There are a number of "causes" in need of champions. And whether or not anyone picks up their banner, there will be background noise in the city, which is not a static place.

The guild would be less inclined to fight with the Watch, and more likely to fluff out the ranks of protesters while taking advantage of the Watch being busy. The Adveturers guild after all contains the membership of the disbanded Rogue's guild.

That is kind of how I saw it. This specism thing, though interesting, is unlikely of interest to Kalima and not likely a lot to do with our mission. Hence, Sederic, would only be interested for the perspective of getting into a fight for his sword...) and Aoife from the perspective that she is a leprechaun, but she is also keen to get paid, and has invited Kalima here for a reason, and that is not helping.

"I think it's reasonable to presume that if Vilgar were in with the demons, he'd be doing more to undermine things around here, and less to keep things running.  Regardless, we're under commission by Hadereum to trace down this demonic merchandise.  Whatever the guards are getting up to, we're most likely best served by avoiding their attention.

"I've got nothing against Vejovists; I grew up worshipping Vejovis, until I found the Buddha fit better with my chosen path.  I do, however, think our task will help them as much as anyone in the city."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 298):

"Yeah. Fun as a fight may be, I would be glad to join, but I want to get paid, too. Don't worry, Meikka, we will find something to smash. What? You just had a demon or two...never happy, are you?"

In reply to Sederic (msg # 299):

Benny was going to take some time to do a little automatic writing to fill the ledger, while that goes on, a quick check in and leveraging of intel could be in order. Kalima is here until the scourge is cleared, and right now, Benny is the key to that... Paolo the Pardoner has a high sanctity foom for rent, at the cost of a silver, although he would not be remiss to reduce the fee if you could change out a sack of copper he has.

Vilgar is a neutral rival who could be used tohelp Mancini in gaining votes for his own projects, as wellassomeo e with an active spy network whomight helpwirh rumorsof deviltry as well.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 300):

Right. Sederic knows of Vilgar, and suggests he approach him to find out any rumours he may have heard...

OOC: how big a sack of copper?

Mancini seeks out Paolo the pardoner to make the trade.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 303):

The pardoner, with his neclaces of assirted holy symbols, explains to Mancini
"I, uh, collect alms and sell religious articles...after a month, the small change becomes a little hard to move.  I have about two pounds of copper I would see reduced in size to something more manageable." ($500)

In reply to Sederic (msg # 301):

"How goes it, Sederic of the dancing sword?"

In reply to Vilgar (msg # 305):

"Very Good, Vilgar. I have a new crew now, and we have a more noble task. Hunting demon worshippers. How fare yourself?"

In reply to Sederic (msg # 306):

"Why don't you give some as alms or tithes?"

"Two pounds?  That's quite the bag.  I haven't that much silver with me, sad to say -- that would be, what, close to twenty-five francs?  I would be glad to help lighten your bag, however; I could change ten francs of it.  I spend more copper than silver in any case."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 308):
"I do give regularly to a number of concerns, however, carrying this much visible coin makes me a target for footpads. I like something more compact. I have a separate pouch for the alms I would dispense.Ten francs would be a good start"

In reply to Sederic (msg # 306):

"The arrangement I made with du Menteur have got my two concerns running, the halfing wrestling arena and another smaller fighting site next to a noodle house."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Fri 04 Sept 2020.

In reply to Vilgar (msg # 310):

"Neither of them are either particularly criminal, nor demonic. What do you know of watch turning  blind eye to folk killing or attacking non-humans?"

Ardenas reaches into his pouch and counts out ten silver francs into a geometric group on the table.

"I can understand not wanting to be a target.  I'm likely a less tempting one, especially with my friends around me."

In reply to Sederic (msg # 311):

"The watch only look to themselves, and those who they aspire to be, the bourgeoisie and petty nobles rather than ditchdiggers, adventurers, greenfolk, or feybloods. They are quick to tax you in ways that even some of the purple priests are not."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 312):

The pardoner stacks out 20 ten coin piles, and when they are to Ardenas' satisfaction,  sweeps the silver coins to himself.

In reply to Vilgar (msg # 313):

"Yes, Vilgar, but they have always been like that. Has there been any further things happening that are beyond the usual? Or any demonic activities you are aware of?"

Ardenas gathers up the farthings, one pile at a time, and transfers them to his purse, then looks around at the others.

"Doesn't anyone else have ten francs they can stand to change to copper, so this man need not be a target when we walks the town?"

I don't seem to have any Francs on me, but will offer five of these old Shevnian Silver coins for some of his coppers.
[not sure if these are the sme value of different... GMs call]

In reply to Oly (msg # 317):

They are worth $19 to the Aralaise, $20 to the Shevns.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 318):

"I only have 12 Gold and 3 silvers...you can borrow some, but I expect it all back."

In reply to Aoife (msg # 319):

"I only have 8 Gold and a couple of coppers, I like to travel light."

"A single royal and a franc would change the rest of the copper."

OOC: assuming I've got this correctly recorded with a royal worth just 4 francs, that is.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 321):

1 royal is a gold piece, right?

Normally a Prince, Princess, Queen or King

In reply to Oly (msg # 323):

"Got none of them, to be sure!"

OOC: yes, Aralaise gold coins are royals.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 325):

OOC: I know. But I answered the IC comment IC!

I should have enough to conduct the trade, Mancini says, pulling out his coin purse. He makes the exchange and sends the coins to his base.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 327):

With the coins exchanged, the pardoner tucks the smaller pouch of coins into his inner  shirt.

Benny, meanwhile has been enjoying the higher sanctity while communing with the divine...

Mancini sends word to inquire if Benny has learned anything from the most Venerable Hermes.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 329):

Is anyone doing any rumor gathering or discussing with outher ranking guildsfolk?

Still talking to Vilgar, waiting for confirmation he has nothing.

Benny having closeted himself off in the pardoner's sanctuary begins his hours long chanting, pleading, cajoling, and haggling with Hermes...



OOC:  Anyone listening in can make a Religious Ritual roll to realize Benny seems to be making some of this 'ritual' up as he goes along...

19:14, Today: Benny Morales rolled 9 using 3d6.  Religious Ritual 7.
Angling for an additional +1 to the Petitioning roll, didn't get it.  Takes Extra Time, +1 for ritual length x2.

19:16, Today: Benny Morales rolled 11 using 3d6.  Petitioning Roll 15 (Divine Favor 10 + 2 Holy Symbol + 1 Sanctity +2 Prayer Length 2hrs).  Taking Extra Time as above, total ritual length 4 hours.

19:24, Today: Benny Morales rolled 16 using 3d6+6.  Deity Reaction Roll +6 (+5 Divine Charisma +1 Sanctity).

So, at the end of 4 hours, Hermes was listening and has a Neutral to Very Good reaction (depends on how dangerous these cursed items are, if lives are at stake, if they aren't and this is deemed a "prayer of convenience", etc).