Lady Jacqueline rolled her eyes and thought sarcastically about Adwonus's accusation, Yes, coming from the man who so murdered a part of my family in his sleep, unarmed and helplessly asleep. She glared about, keeping herself withdrawn in silence for a while. We'll just let him think he's the oh-so-righteous one. Better not to answer a fool in his folly, this time.

[Private to DM Ryan: {00:09, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 19 using 1d20+8. Move Silently Check.
00:08, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Hide Check. Keeping out of sight of Adwonus.
00:08, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 23 using 1d20+8. Listen Check. General surrounding and anything that seems out of the ordinary.
00:07, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 21 using 1d20+8. Spot Check. General surrounding and anything that seems out of the ordinary.
00:06, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 25 using 1d20+8. Search Check. Watching out for anyone following us.}]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Fri 20 Feb 2015.

I consider answering Adwonus, he is so wrong, so proud, what good is it to spend my words uselessly. To explain myself would be to give weight to his words. I do have one thing to say to him however, "Adwonus, I appreciate the information and sincerity, but keep your guilt to yourself. Guilt is not our motivator. We aim to act, and do what is right. (As I perceive you aim to as well, but for that our perceptions of how to bring that about differ.) Do not so blindly justify your actions. You assume we will not seek to bring reason and order to this? If possible -we could pursue as we planned before: delay conflict in order to fight the pirates. But as soon as we agree to do that new information is brought up to change that plan? Are you sure that you are not the one being lied to? I do not seek to deceive you, I seek to do what appears to be the most right. I would hope we might fight evil on the same side. Without revealing your source, I have little reason to trust you. You have already kept so much from us, how can I so blindly believe this now? Why did you suddenly receive information to change the plans? Think about it. We are going to proceed on our present course. We will seek to end this bloodshed and do what would bring about the best outcome based upon what we know. I caution you to not blindly follow someone either. We will keep our eyes open, we will access information as we can verify it. We would rendezvous with you still at the inn as we planned, if you would still wish to, but I assume that is no longer the case. Had you even talked with Steyus yet?"

After hearing his reply, we can no longer delay and thus needs depart. "I pray my God orders your steps and bless you with peace. At this, we depart in peace." I make a slight bow after my benediction. "Alright Squad! Pack your gear and prepair to move out!" After I finish grabbing my effects, I depart with the squad in an informal formation. "Move out squad!"

As we walk further and come to our destination, I recognize it. {I speak as Ryan specified already}. "... You may be surprised Imbellem, but I agree with you, we do not know what is in this place for sure until we check. We need to verify it. This will also help access factually Adwonus claims- for truth or falsehood. I think I know just the method to do this as well. Mikael, Jacqueline, remember the last pirate inn we infiltrated? I think that was excellent preparation. We should dress the same way, prepair the same way. We need to cover all our gear in a cloak and our face with a veil, this parrot will help us look exactly like we fit in. Gird up your loins! Watch out for thieves! Keep your weapons ready- any that you can have drawn without raiding suspicion, do so. That means this quarter staff, my guisarme, your spear Mikael, we could also have someone carry the halbred. Put your gold in money belts if you have them, if not you may want to buy them. Usually are about 4 gold pieces, but worth every copper. Anything I am forgetting Mikael? Jaquecline?
     Remember when we go in you belong there, as in you act like you are meant to be there, when in doubt keep silent, dont get too much to drink. This is a quick recon to start with, then we access what to do from there.
     I need to know everyone is prepaired before we enter. Also, if you need more ammunition or a veil or a cloak, speak now so it can be purchased, then we will hep each other be disguised.
     Again keep your eyes and ears open to trouble."

{01:15, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 12 using 1d20+1. Listen Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.
01:15, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 8 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.}
This message was last edited by the player at 21:47, Sat 21 Feb 2015.

“So. . . pirate outfits! Good idea, right?” Imbellem looked around his companions for their consent, or at least a nod, completely unaware of how ridiculous the grin on his face was. They responded with a skeptical and somewhat awkward stare, uncertain what to make of the suggestion. Mikael spoke first, “Well, it’s not a totally awful idea.” “Right!?” Imbellem echoed enthusiastically. Then to the surprise of most the party, Herr Johannes commented, “It does have merit.” “Riiiight!?” Imbellem replied again, giddy with excitement that they were liking his plan. He eagerly looked to the rest of the party for confirmation, and they nodded in return. Dwalin simply shrugged his shoulders and said, “What the hell, why not?” One last time, Imbellem turned toward Johannes, “So, pirate outfits? This is a yes?” The paladin chuckled at the unhidden giddiness and answered, “Yes, we’ll give it a shot.” Imbellem jumped up in the air with a fist pump, “Woo! Pirate outfits!” “Shh!” Jacqueline hissed. “Quietly now. This is a stealth mission afterall.” Imbellem, catching himself in another eccentric moment, replied in a whisper, “Oh right. . . Woo! Pirate outfits!”

10 minutes later. . .

“How do I look?” Imbellem asked after exiting the general store and stepping back into the alley. The party ceased loitering around the corner and took a good look at what he’d purchased. Imbellem had wrapped his shaggy brown hair back in a dark green bandanna and replaced his heavy cloth garments with rugged beige trousers and a green shirt (to match his bandanna of course). He’d always had a rather un-priestlike appearance due to his poorly kept, shoulder-length hair, not to mention his demeanor. . . or his posture. . . or his clothes. . . or his speech. . . or most everything really. But the party was in shock at how much he looked like a pirate in his latest garb; if this was their first meeting, they’d have easily fallen for his disguise. “Impressive,” Johannes said. Jacqueline nodded in approval and added, “Not going to lie - you’d probably fool even me.” Imbellem grinned widely at what was perhaps the first compliment from Jacqueline. “But wipe that stupid smile off your face! Pirates don’t have goofy smiles.” she snapped. He immediately scrunched his expression into something more serious.

Johannes spoke, “Ok, go knock on the door and see what happens. If it works, we’ll join you shortly.” “Roger,” Imbellem replied with a salute. As he walked down the alley, Imbellem glanced back at his companions who watched from around the corner, heads peeking out from behind the building one over the other. Suddenly, he felt nervous. He cautiously stepped down the stairs alongside the alley, going beneath ground level and leading up to a hulking wooden door at the base. As he approached the door, Imbellem thought to himself, ‘Wait. How’d I get caught doing this? I’m not a master of stealth - I’m a priest!’ His hands did not wait for his head, and he knocked, startling his train of thought in the process. A wooden slothole at eye level that Imbellem hadn’t noticed slid open; a set of eyes stared through from the other side. “Name?” the voice asked plainly. “Imb- . . .” Imbellem started to say, “Im- Im- Imanuel. Yes, Imanuel.” The man on the other side was writing on something; Imbellem listened to the sound of quill on parchment for a moment. “Ok. . .” the voice finally said. “And ship name?” “Ship name?!” Imbellem’s eyes widened at a loss. “Erm. . . Uh. . . Bertrude! The Bertrude.” Imbellem inwardly laughed a moment, for Bertude was the name of a fat, old woman who used to live down the street from him as a child. She wasn’t a very nice person. “Hmm. . .” replied the voice behind the door, sounding as though it were flipping through a couple sheets of paper. Finally, it uttered, “Not on the list. Get lost.” The wooden slothole slammed shut, and that concluded the conversation.

Imbellem stood there for a moment taking everything in, and then meandered back to the party. When he reached the corner, they came out. “So how’d it go?” asked Mikael. “Could’ve gone worse,” Imbellem answered innocently. “So what happened?” Taisiya questioned. “Why didn’t you get in?” Imbellem shook his head and grimly stated, “I blame Bertrude.”

[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Pirate Outfit ~ 5 Silver Pieces.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Fri 20 Feb 2015.

The group all looked at eachother in confusion, "Who's Burtrude?" Dwalin finally asked. Imbellem quickly shook is head and waved his hand, "Not important - But we do have a little issue" he stated, causing everyone to lean forward. "They are much more organized than I anticipated," Imbellem continued in a whisper. "When you go down there, they ask for your name, and it sounds like they keep a record of everyone who goes in... And after they make record of your name, they ask for the name of the ship you belong too... Which is where I..." He stated as his voice began to trail off. "Point is:" he continued, snapping back to attention. "There's no way we can get in unless we know the name of a ship. And possibly crew members. Does anybody know the name of a pirate ship? You could give it a shot if you do. I could just play drunk." He said cracking a smile. "Works more often than you think when you need to get out a stupid mistake." Imbellem reaches for his stashed away items and puts on his armor over top of his new clothes, leaving the dark green bandanna tied around his neck, leaving for a flair of color as opposed to his overall drawl tan and brown colored armor and cloak.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Fri 20 Feb 2015.

" Well I don't know any names of ships. Why again do we have to go in there anyways. Why don't we just go find kelden"

Jacqueline bites her lip and glances at Johannes. "I know the names of some ships... And some names of former servants from when I was little." She shrugs and sighs. "But I don't know if they're still alive, or if the ship is still in its running condition..."

After Imbellum returns from his attempt to gain entry into the pirate cove, I motion the group to follow me to a store across the street. It is a bakery which also sells cheese. I greet the store keep working behind the front bar making bread. "Good day! Bakers dozen on bluberry muffins are ready and fresh!" The baker calls out. The subtle aroma of heavily buttered muffins freshly warm from the oven pervades your nasal airways. A warm scent, sweet, and homely. "We are just browsing, thanks for the offer though. We will let you know if we need any help." I smile as I thank him for his greeting. "Here, come with me to take a look at this cheese in the back." I speak to the group. Once we are alone I speak to the group quietly. The store is nearly deserted but for the baker and his helper. "We need to take another look at the map. And can someone draw the letter we found from the city guard we are to show Darus? We need to see when Steyus plans to attack again? Tomorrow morning if I am not mistaken? I think this pirate cove would be interesting to recon later or loot perhaps, but we have all the information we need for now. I propose that the symbol (or letter) 'P' on the map represents pirate. That means this shows the pirates bases and Larlben's estate, which makes sense. I think we should get a move on to the nearest next location on the map. The x here to the south looks the closest to me, and I think that circled area it connects to is likely the location of the base, if I had to guess. I think we move there at once. Again, like I said, check your ammunition and other stores. Are you all set if combat were to befall us when we left this building? If not, we need to get you ready ASAP. Next, with our previous assignment for Steyus and the importance of our mission, we may have people from Steyus after us. Adwonus and his elven lady friend may consider us their greatest threat, so they may be trailing us. I need everyone to keep their eyes and ears open for trouble at all times. {This means make a spot and listen check with every post, this way you have at least 1 check granted in your defense. Include it in your post public ally to our group do I can see it please :)} Also, does anyone know more about this pirate cove? {Do a knowledge local and any other knowledge check that would apply on it}. Alright, once the map is out away and the letter is safe, let's move out. {Ryan can you help us with the letter again? Like post its contents again?}. See my dice log for rolls, I can would post them but I had to do this from my phone our internet is down...

With disappointment, "Man, who knew pirates would actually show some organization." After joining Johannes and the rest in the back of the shop. "I agree with Johannes. We don't have the kind of time we need to gather enough information just to get inside of the place, let alone take action once we're inside."

I take a moment to check my gear. I grab my spear in my hand, "I for one am ready if we find ourselves in the thick of it though."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Mon 23 Feb 2015.

“Mmm, cinnamon,” Jacqueline murmured dreamily. The bakery had an atmosphere all its own, flooded with the scent of cinnamon, cooked fruits, and warm bread. Jacqueline scarcely paid attention to Johannes discussing their future plans as her eyes wandered over the sweetbreads. After a minute, the baker’s helper meandered over to the group with a tray of rolls, topped with a reddish powder. Just a boy no older than thirteen years, he said, “Hey, these rolls are from a couple days ago. I was just about to throw them out. Do you want them?” “Yes,” Dwalin replied almost instantly. Dwalin glanced back at the group and found their eyes also longingly fixated on the cake rolls. “Why thank you,” Johannes replied to the boy, and each of the party members grabbed a roll, quickly emptying it. Jacqueline took a large bite into hers, followed by a sound of delight. “Delicious!” And they were. They were a tad stale, but the inside was still soft and flavorful. The cake rolls were packed with chopped apricots and the reddish powder turned out to have a kind of maple flavor, probably the product of some exotic tree {Knowledge Nature Check Available}. Still nibbling on their sweetbreads, the party finished their discussions and proceeded to leave, not before Johannes called to the baker, “You’ve been very kind. We’ll be sure to come back some time.” “Take care,” he cheerfully replied, his hands too busy arranging fresh bread loaves on a wooden rack to wave {Purchasing Available}.

With no surprise to anyone, Dwalin was the first to finish his cake roll, reddish powder still lingering in his beard. “Dwalin!” Mikael jokingly exclaimed. “Don’t you know what the word ‘savor’ means?” Dwalin smiled beneath his facial hair and replied, “Nope.” There was laughter. The rest of the party ate and enjoyed their treats as they continued down the main walkway, heading toward the Twin Bridges. Johannes spoke as they walked, “Alright, so we’re heading toward the northernmost ‘X’ on the map, which is located in Lower Herrod. It’s not far. We’ll have to cross the north bridge, and then walk through Middle Island before crossing the south bridge. As you know, Middle Island connects the two.” “Sounds easy enough,” Imbellem said. “It’s the main crossing to reach Lower Herrod, and always full of traders and traffic.” “Yea,” Johannes commented, “It shouldn’t be a problem. The only thing that worries me is there’s a fortress tower of the City Guard's at the eastern tip of the island we should be mindful of. It also acts as the lighthouse after dark.” Imbellem swallowed the rest of his cake roll, leaving a wide grin. “True, but the main road through doesn’t really run by it. We should be fine.” “Yes, I agree,” Johannes responded.

After a few minutes, with their delicious snacks finished and feeling quite confident, the party reached the north bridge of the Twin Bridges. Both of the bridges were massive in their construction, one of the finest architectural achievements of the city and built over a century past. On immense pillars of sound stone, the bridge spanned over the first half of the bay. The arch was large enough that full-sized ships passed underneath it, continuing upstream and into the interior of Perdane. A beautiful, tripled-masted brigantine ship with white sails drifted underneath the center portion of the bridge as the party drew near. Mikael nudged Taisiya as they walked, “Hey, you haven’t said much. Are you alright?” Her gaze lingered on the ground, daydreaming; she was almost startled by Mikael. “Huh? Oh, I’m fine,” she replied after a moment of confusion. Mikael gave her a skeptical look, his elven eyes piercing. “Really,” she said, rather unconvincingly. Mikael shrugged and returned his attention forward. Another smaller ship was following the brigantine, an exotic felucca, a kind of ship often used by Olseeni traders. It disappeared beneath the breadth of the bridge. Just before the party stepped onto the bridge itself, surrounded by the traffic of other commoners and merchants, Taisiya froze in her tracks. Johannes noticed and asked, “What’s wrong?” She seemed unfocused and after a brief pause, said, “Guys, I have to leave.” This caught the attention of the others and they enclosed near her. “Huh? How come?” Johannes asked further. “It’s personal,” she replied vaguely, “Something I need to do while I’m still in Upper Herrod.” Johannes frowned; he disapproved of her going off on her own, but at the same time, he understood the weight personal affairs often had. “Ok,” he finally relented. “Do you remember the map? Do you know where to find us again?” She spoke, “Yes, I think so. The ‘X’ - I remember where it is. I promise I won’t take long. . . I think.” Taisiya started to leave when Jacqueline cried out, “Wait!” Taisiya paused, turning. Jacqueline approached and hugged her, “Take care of yourself, ok? Be back soon?” Taisiya shyly smiled, “Ok.” At that, she turned from the party and walked back into Upper Herrod, and then she was gone.

The party regrouped and continued across the bridge. As they got further over the bay, they could feel the cool sea breeze sweep over them, flowing unhindered from the open waters. The Bay of Andor always looked marvelous from this vantage, for one could view nearly all the docks of Herrod from here. The interior of the bay was filled with ships of all sizes and shapes, from all corners of the Isles. Marvelous. Not long after, they stepped onto Middle Island, which split the great river flowing from Perdane into two before merging with the bay and sea. Middle Island was a small town in its own way, crowded with businesses and shops that catered to the constant passing of traffic between Upper and Lower Herrod. A few blocks in, they walked onto the main road of the island which went perfectly straight from east to west, to both edges. At the very end of the eastern side, they could see the fortress tower. Thankfully, the road to the south bridge and Lower Herrod continued a short ways down. For the most part, the fortress tower watched over the bay itself, and the dock near it was reserved for the relatively few naval ships Herrod possessed. “Stop,” Jacqueline suddenly said, raising her hand. She glanced to the others and urgently hissed, “Over here! Quick!” Jacqueline dashed to the side of the road, followed by the others, and the party took shelter behind a building. Jacqueline peaked her head out, watching the road to the east. “What is it?” Johannes asked. “Look.” He moved beside her, and she pointed far down the road. It was Adwonus, and next to him, a tall elven woman in a dull purple cloak. The two were casually walking down the street some distance ahead of them, and drawing closer to the fortress tower. Then, they both disappeared inside through its gates. Jacqueline looked back at Johannes, “Well, we know where he is.” “Yea,” Johannes replied. “The question is, do we continue on to the ‘X’, or do we do something about it?”


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Mon 23 Feb 2015.

Imbellem sat for a moment in thought, leaning in the shadow against the wall in the middle of the group. "That was Adwanus?... And what about that lady? From what you told me before..." He said peeking his head around the corner, stepping on the toes of those next to him, "That that's more than likely the woman who helped him with an assassination of some sort right? This was before my time, so I don't know who that was, or what the intention was for the assassination. If they are following evil intentions..." Imbellem said, voice stern and unwavering. "They must be brought to justice. Besides, they could be working directly against us. He is in fact the one who gave you his information," he said with a nod to Herr Johannes, "I am indeed conflicted. Part of me wants to follow after them, and see what their part is... but that could be my own personal reason for bringing justice. It may be a waste of time to follow them when the X could be the answers we need..." Imbellem slowly walked back to his spot on the wall, floped against it and slowly slid to a seated position. "Its really up to you guys. Im afraid my hasty nature and anger would lead me down the wrong path as it has so many times before."

[Private to DM Ryan: 17:52, Today: Secret Roll: Imbellem Tueri rolled 24 using 1d20+5. Listen Check on surroundings for strangers.
17:52, Today: Secret Roll: Imbellem Tueri rolled 14 using 1d20+6. Spot Check on Surroundings for evesdroppers.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:53, Mon 23 Feb 2015.

I watch as Imbellem sits down and while facing him I take a moment to weigh the same options. Rubbing my chin with my free hand I mumble to myself. "I think Imbellem is right...". I put my hand back to my side and I say with more clarity, I think that pursuing Adwanus is more of a matter of personal justice and I don't believe it will get us anywhere. We need to focus on our task at hand, I fear we are already falling behind in our efforts to find Kelden and we can't afford anymore setbacks. I say we continue on to the X"

I take a step back to the wall and lean against it, waiting to see what the others think. I relax and put my hand inside a inner pocket in my robe. There's a piece of paper folded up and buried in the bottom. Taking it out I remember that I stuck in there as we left the castle. I stand back up away from the wall and say with delight, "Hey guys! I almost forgot I still have that letter we found. Heh, it was jammed in my pocket." I hold it out for the others to look at for a second time.


I take a look around, checking the surroundings and paying attention to Adwanus and the women he is with.

[17:58, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Spot Check, Situational Awareness, MQ. {As I look around, dust fills my eyes. :P}
17:58, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 21 using 1d20+7. Listen Check, Situational Awareness, MQ.]

After rubbing my eyes clean I walk over to Herr Johannes and speak quietly to him, [Private to Herr Johannes: "Do you think that Adwanus would conspire against us? I think we need to deal with him another day when we are not so pressed for time, but I do not want to ignore him either if he might be a direct threat to us. I didn't know him much personally though. Does he know where we are headed or any of our other plans?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:10, Wed 25 Feb 2015.

{22:22, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 19 using 1d20+3. Knowledge Nature. I wanna know about the little things! :P}

"Mother's in danger!" Jacqueline uttered under her breath hastily in response to the letter. She recalled her brother's sudden departure and realized that he might have gone to protect her and help her be on the move. After all, Corelia herself was not unfamiliar with keeping to the unknown and protecting herself. Her brother, too, had her spirit. Nothing seemed to distance them from being able to escape.

"That lady," said Jacqueline, changing the subject to the elven woman, "is an assassin." Her brow turned a little darkly. "And she needs to be slain, if we see her again." Hurt turned to anger. This woman had clearly assisted the half-orc in slaying her father-to-be figure, Larlben. "But you're right in keeping with our task. If they happen to get in our way, ...well," she chuckles, shaking her head slowly. "You'll have to pull me away from them to keep me focused. I will be taking her out before too long. You mark my words." She blinks hard and then clears her mind for a moment before looking to Johannes. "What say you?"

Her eyes widen again as she listens and watches everything.

{22:27, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Spot Check.
22:27, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Listen Check.

Yeah-ha! Natural 20!}
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Sat 28 Feb 2015.

"I will buy a roll before we go, thank you Mr. Baker." I hand the man the appropriate fee, {1 copper?} I take my roll and continue to chew on it while we walk.
     Upon Mikael's comment to Dwalin abut his lack of savoring I laugh heartily! That was a good joke.

As we continue to walk however, the tome changes rapidly from this laughter to tension. Taisiya has informed us she must take a leave of absence. I speak my mind to her. "You are sure you have to go? ...
     I sigh, and look down disappointed. "I will be honest with you Taisiya, I am displeased that you need to leave. I hope it is for a reason of importance so great that it is life and death, for I feel after our decision to pursue this objective it is of similar importance of life and death, not just a few, but many, even our lives- your fellow compatriots. However, if you must leave, you have no oath of fealty to me or to this cause so go. Please return as soon as you can, our best wishes go with you. We look forward to seeing you again when this matter is resolved."
     So it is true, Taisiya must leave, I thought she had been far to quiet lately. It saddens me greatly to see her go, even if only temporarily. I knew in my gut something was amiss. No matter, we must proceed with our objective. 'Mission first, people always...' I recall a line from the oath of a cadet in Vaterland, a familiar oath to an officer. After reciting it for 4 years or more one remembers it without trying.

We continue walking...

We are stopped suddenly by Jacqueline, her eagle eyes clearly having seen a threat- Adwonus and his elven assassin accomplice. I consider quickly what to do. My considerations change as I see them enter the tower. "I would hope they do not try to have Steyus attack on Kelden moved up due to the information Adwonus was so freely made aware of. I tell you, the Vaterland military would have never let such sensitive information out like that. It frustrates me." I growl.

     "Believe me Imbellum when I say, I want to see justice done, but now is not the time, they are in the tower and it will likely be swarming with guards. Infiltration would be too risky at this point, we must continue with our mission. We would want to catch them when we have a greater advantage anyways, that way we could choose to offer them surrender and if they refuse, deal justice, but not without honor.
      Here, I will tell you a piece of wisdom I have learned to explain. I used to sort of follow around people who caused me problems, seeing what they would do so that I might stop them or put out their fire. What I learned is, often by the time the fire is put out, much has already been burned. I saw this only allowed me to slow my adversary. So, what did I learn? Instead of following him, I must pursue my objective to cause (so to speak) fires for him to put out! I must seek my objective with diligence so as to cause my opponent to have to follow me! No longer do I follow and react to my opponent, I make him follow me, afraid at what thing I will do next before he can stop me." I grin smugly.

     "We are, in a sense, in a race to find Kelden, so we must proceed with that. Luckily Adwonus, may still be unaware specifically where we are going, but if the guard know where his secret base is, they may try to beat us there. Adwonus, and more so his elven accomplice and the agents of Steyus are threats and we must keep aware of them, but our primary mission is to get to Kelden ASAP. The entire revolution depends on this." I speak to the group.

     "I think Mikael said my thoughts exactly." I answer after his reply.
     After reading the letter: "Wait, Mikael, what happened to the letter about the threat from the attacking guards who discovered his secret base, do you have that letter still?"

I speak to Jacqueline in response to her statements and questions.
     "Jacqueline, you will wait for my go on the kill, but if we find them and confront them it will be your job to disappear so as to send an arrow through her heart from the shadows when I give the word. I can barely tolerate such wickedness as this elven assassin who considers her cause so just- the arrogance.
     Your family will be safe, and I would do what I can to see them properly restored, I cannot promise it, but they were wronged. When we depose Steyus, I think such injustice could be changed."

"Now we must move with expedition toward the x, we must get away from the sight of these adversaries, keep a look out, we make for the x. Move through the crowds as well as you can unseen, but we need to move more quickly than secretly, but lets slip away quietly now, before we are seen, then make greater haste. Lets move."

As we begin to move I ask the group, "Once again I need to confirm, does everyone have sufficient ammunition? Does anyone have worse armour or weapons than what we aquired from the city guard? I would caution us from wearing it just yet, but I think it would be fine if we only wore a single part of it, or more generic pieces, like the chest armour possibly. It would make for a good disguise however. Anyways, I need you to tell me your current gear status. I do not want us to be caught the least bit off guard as we were before, if we find ourself in combat."

{Everything we said in conversation that is sensitive (ie everything but buying rolls and joking) is defined already to be said only amongst ourselves and quietly}

{and everybody, if you have the skill, make a knowledge nature check :) }

{00:37, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 14 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Situational Awareness, MQ.
00:37, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Listen Check, Situational Awareness, MQ.}
This message was last edited by the player at 06:11, Sat 28 Feb 2015.

dwalin looks at the rolls And his stomach begins to growl. "I'll take one of those. it's been almost 10 minutes since I ate last" after he gets the roll he immediately stuffs it in his mouth while 5he others talk"I agree with you all. As much as I hate those with no honor, those who would kill their foe while they were asleep, we should continue our mission. Maybe next time we see them I could put my axe through her, and teach her how a true warrior fights." Dwalin has a look of disgust on his face as he says this.

With eyes cold as ice, Jacqueline watched Adwonus and his elven companion disappear into the fortress tower. Briefly, the party behind her debated whether to pursue him or not, but the consensus was clear - stick to the mission. Jacqueline could see the reason in this and her mind agreed, but her heart thought otherwise. Simply seeing that elven woman was enough to chill her thoughts and replace them with a vengeance that stirred deep. “Someday. . .” she darkly whispered to herself. Even as the party broke cover and walked back into the street, Jacqueline’s eyes lingered on the fortress tower far ahead, having daydreams of things to come. Her hands mindlessly caressed the hilt of her blade.

“This way,” Johannes motioned to the others, pointing to the highway south. Jacqueline seemed to snap out of a daze, and along with the others, followed Johannes. The fortress tower quickly vanished from sight. Walking at a slightly faster pace than before, intent a putting distance between themselves and whatever dangers lurked behind them, they passed through the remainder of Middle Island. Blending in with the traffic, they traveled behind a convoy of wagons for a few minutes. Suddenly, Dwalin let out a slight groan. Johannes glanced behind, “What is it?” Dwalin lifted his foot and shook something from the underside. “Horse dung,” he replied, his face scowling. Mikael chuckled and smirked, “That’s the city for ya.” Johannes lightly laughed as well and returned his attention to the fore while Dwalin scraped his boot against the ground.

Passing the wagons by, the party reached the south bridge ahead of them, and Lower Herrod was once again visible across the water. Buildings stretched across the horizon. Many more people lived in Lower Herrod than the Upper, for this side of the city was home to the Slums and the poor, not to mention the merchants of the Bazaar. The south bridge was identical in every way to its northern sibling; the name ‘Twin Bridges’ was well given. As they stepped onto the wide stone crossing, they received an even better view of Lower Herrod. The spires of a few churches and temples stood out from the mass of buildings. From here they could also clearly see the docks along the other coast, filled with ships come to port. The triple-masted brigantine the party had seen earlier was pulling into the pier ahead of them, just west of the bridge. Its decks were busy with sailors moving about like ants, climbing over the rigging and preparing to unload their cargo from foreign lands. Mikael watched them over the rail of the bridge as they walked, giving his eyes something to enjoy.

At last they stepped off the foot of the bridge and back down to the level of the city. And again, they were in Lower Herrod. It’d been some days since they’d been here, not since the fire. In between then and now, they’d experience the joy and tragedy of Larlben Manor and the battle for the guardpost. Although Lower Herrod was much the same since they’d left it, they themselves were quite different. The party had new faces, and some old faces were gone. And the others had grown - yes, they’ve grown. There was much to be done. Johannes then spoke, “We’ll go for the X just west of us. We haven’t been to that part of the city yet.” Silent, watchful, and secretly curious of what they might find, the group followed Johannes through an alley and onto a smaller city road. Indeed they hadn’t explored this party of the city, but then, it didn’t seem like there was much to see. Buildings around them were mostly residential, middle class homes and apartments by their appearance. When the road brought them near the pier, the residences were replaced by a few shipping warehouses, and they could once again see that brigantine ship through a layer of buildings. The crew were carrying crates down a ramp. Sailors had a busy life.

Continuing down the road a little farther, Johannes suddenly held out his hand for them to stop. The party waited while he pulled out the map and took a closer look. “It looks like. . .” Johannes said ponderously, “the X is a bit off the road, down this alley to the left I think.” Indeed on the left hand side was a common alleyway between two bulky apartment buildings. Imbellem peered down it, but nothing about it seemed special. He shrugged, “Let’s have a look.”

Warily, they crept into the alley, only wide enough for two people to stand side by side. Only a stone’s throw down, the alley stopped in a dead end with nothing there save a few piles of trash from the apartments and a circular sewer grate in the center. Imbellem threw his hands up and let them fall to his side. “There’s nothing here!” he exclaimed. Jacqueline walked past him, her eyes scanning furiously across the ground. She smirked, “Oh, I wouldn’t say that.” Jacqueline crouched down by the sewer grate and traced her finger around what looked like a footprint. Slipping her fingers beneath a latch, she lifted out the sewer grate, revealing a metal ladder which headed down into the Aqueducts. “I think this is exactly where we’re supposed to go,” she said calmly. She waved toward the others to follow, keeping her gaze downward. “Come on, let’s not waste any time.” Without another word, she hopped into the hole and slid down the ladder, disappearing from the surface. Johannes stepped beside the entrance and sniffed. “Smells like victory,” he said, remembering something past. Johannes smiled and called out to the others, “Come on guys. You’re not going to let a woman show up four men are you?” Then, he too climbed onto the ladder and lowered himself down.

It was dim inside the Aqueducts. Light peaked in through grates and small gaps to the surface which ambiently illuminated the tunnels, but they only did so much. Listening to the others climb down behind, Johannes looked around, Jacqueline already a few feet ahead doing the same. They were in a tunnel that seemed to follow the road above, going west to east. Flowing down the middle of the tunnel, just beneath the level of their feet, ran a river of dark-greenish water. The Aqueduct river wasn’t very wide, five feet at the most, and drifted at a gentle pace eastward. Darkness hid the farther ends of the tunnel, but if what they say about the Aqueducts is true, it’s not a place they’d want to explore thoughtlessly without risking being lost. Imbellem, whose hair had become disheveled again from the climb down, stepped beside Johannes, “So what are we looking for exactly?” Dwalin hopped off the ladder and turned. Immediately he answered for Johannes, “I’m pretty sure we’re looking for that.” They looked at Dwalin who was pointing across the river; on the other side, almost the same color as the grime-covered walls, was a single metal door. It was hardly a wonder they didn’t notice it at first, for it was old, rusted, and covered with the same fungus that seemed to grow everywhere. And what’s more, it had no handle at all - just a metallic rectangle that seemed almost randomly placed. “Jacqueline,” Johannes called to her. She looked back at the others. Johannes smiled a confident smile, “I think we found it!” {Hop over the River - Jump Check Required}.



Roleplaying Experience!
Dwalin: Gained 25 XP
Herr Johannes: Gained 70 XP
Lady Jacqueline: Gained 40 XP
Mikael: Gained 30 XP
Imbellem: Gained 62 XP


[Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde:
Knowledge Nature ~ The reddish powder came from the Coer Tree, which only grows on he neighboring jungle Isle of Noanatu. The dried and ground sap from the Coer is sweeter than any maple and often bought and sold by Olseeni traders enroute to Perdane. Living in a trade center like Herrod has its perks!
Spot & Listen ~ Watching Adwonus and his elven companion, you could’ve sworn that you locked eye contact with the elf, just for a moment. She might’ve seen you too. . .]

[Private to Imbellem Tueri:
Spot & Listen ~ Next to the wagons, you hear one of the traders talking a rock in his shoe that he can never seem to find! “Curse these cheap boots!”]

[Private to Mikael Vaeltaja:
Spot & Listen ~ “Ahh, I’ve got dust in my eye!” Mikael cried. He went to the nearest well to wash it out!]

[Private to Herr Johannes:
Spot & Listen ~ Looked clear.
Other ~ One roll in the stomach and another to spare! It’s going to be a delicious day.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:22, Sat 28 Feb 2015.

{Oh, goodness. The dreaded jump checks...

15:07, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 17 using 1d20+1. Jump Check.

Whew.}

Jacqueline took a running start to jump over the river, effortlessly landing in a crouch. She smirked and glanced over her shoulder behind her to see the boys catching up. For how long she knew them, they honestly felt like good friends. Honest, brave men unafraid of standing up for what was right. Standing up, she turns around and extends a hand out, in case anyone needed help over.

{As a +2 for anyone needing help! :D}
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Sat 28 Feb 2015.

In reply to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde (msg # 35):

Yeah. Bloody jump checks haha

15:37, Today: Imbellem Tueri rolled 2 using 1d20. Jump check

Nervously bobbing up and down, as if to psych himself up for the jump, preparing to grab Lady Jacquelines hand if necessary, Imbellem began to run up toward the gap that was flowing with water under them. Unfortunately, the pre-jumping bobbing caused his new green bandanna he had wrapped around his neck to loosen, and climb higher and higher on his face with each step he took. As he ran closer, the bandanna made a desperate leap, covering up Imbellems face, causing a muffled shout of horror as his hands raised to pull down the cloth from his eyes, but it was too late. The incredible timing of the bandannas attack on poor imbellem caused him to run straight over the edge, unable to even jump, falling with an incredible lack of grace toward the sewer water beneath him. A splash echos in the tunnels as ripples are all that remain of imbellem. All members of the party began to spring into action, to rescue the cleric when his head simply popped above the surface of the sewage water, obvious frown on his face as his bandanna was now lowered into its position on his neck. "Ah shit." Grumbled imbellem ironically as he embarrasingly stood up in the shallow sewage, looking down at himself as the liquid dripped off his arms and cascaded down from his hair. Looking up to his left, he noticed Dwalin in uproarious laughter, and Mikael and Johannas trying their best not to laugh as well. Looking to his right, he sees Lady Jacqueline, now withdrawing her assistive hand to him to not get any of the smell on her. "Nah its cool, i got this" Imbellem said, words dripping with a passive aggressive tone as well as sewage water. A sickening splat of his forearm was sounded as he grunted up the shoulder high wall and slipping his boots off the wall, currently unable to climb the wall, he splats his boots back into the water and looks at the group. "Okay," he proclaimed extending both arms outward from him sides and looking at all members of his party, "THAT could very well be the least graceful thing I've ever done. You should all be proud that you had a chance to witness it." he added with a smile. He waded his way halfway between the two jumping points and said with a sigh of acceptance, "While im here i suppose," he said as he began to hunch over, "If anybody needs a little help, You can hop off my back for an extra step. Im already filthy anyway, whats one more bootprint on my cloak," He added with a laugh. "Just so long as you help me out and allow me to leap into the nearest body of CLEAN water and wash myself off after this." Quickly darting a glare at Dwalin, probably the heaviest of all of them small, but large in his heavy iron armor, and then switched to more of a puppy-eyed expression as if to say 'please be careful'

To use the Imbellem Stepping-Stone offer (one time only) Roll for balance check

Imbellem jokingly splashed some of the rancid smelling liquid up to Mikael, which he easily avoided, causing his sassy remark to be quickly halted. The cleric laughed to himself

[Private to DM Ryan; Mikael Vaeltaja: Nice roll there buddy. Cmon in, the waters fine haha]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:22, Tue 03 Mar 2015.

Before Imbellem takes his jump, I turn towards him. "Well let's hope this goes better than your efforts with the pirate's door! Perhaps this entrance will be less... formidable."

I take a step back to witness Imbellem's jump over the river. As he tumbles into the water I grab my spear to hold my self up while I attempt to contain my laughter. Alas the sewer is filled with echos of splashing water and laughter. "Hah! Now I thought I had trouble with a little jump."

I regain my composure and stand back up straight. I look at the spear in my hands and a smirk creeps onto my face. "Hmm.. I have an idea." I say to myself. I walk back to where Imbellem started his run and check my belongings, making sure everything is secure and in place. "Now let me show you how it's really done!"

Spear in both hands. I spring out of a stand still and into a dash towards the edge of the water. Mere feet from the waters edge. I put down the end of my spear into the ground as I push myself off and jump into the air...

[19:12, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 6 using 1d20(+2 for synergy :D). Jump check.]

I land on the other side with just inches to spare. I stumble for one step forward, but quickly stand back up straight. Turning towards Imbellem with a smirk, "Heh, what did I tell ya!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Mon 02 Mar 2015.

Observing the others' success and failures reminds me of a certain extremely slippery board I call to remembrance. "Jacqueline! Maybe Taisiya left to retrieve a certain board that she knew would 'help' us cross this river." I chuckle to myself and wink at her recalling the old times adventuring in a certain other aqueduct. "For those of you who do not know, Jacqueline, Taisiya, and I adventured yesterday in an aqueduct. We were attempting to save someone caught in a chest. We had to cross a small aqueduct which proved to be far more difficult than necessary due to an extremely slippery board. It turned out to be some hooligan whose parrot seemed to like me better, when he made his hasty escape. That is where this guy, or perhaps girl, (I have to figure that out still) came from."
     I point to my parrot as I offer he or she some bits of bread and petting just behind it's head softly with my gloved hand. "Like me better, eh?" I say to my parrot friend feeding he or she some food. In reply my parrot says, "Like me better! Like me better!" I laugh, "Quick learner! that is for sure. I still have to name it. I was talking with Imbellem earlier about some possible names though. I think I may have come to a decision. It is between 'arcus pluvia' and 'iris caeli.' The first means rain bow, and the second rainbow, in Latin. There is more meaning behind it than that, but that is enough for now. Maybe I could combine them?"
     "You know, I will miss her (Taisiya). As I recall, I realize I do not know where she is from, did any of you hear where?" I ponder to myself a moment realizing this. "You know, if she is not from around here, this fight could be completely not her own. Perhaps that is why she left. She never signed up for this, she just sort of became embroiled in it. The problem is, I am not sure she can really just walk away from it. However this may explain the lack of commitment to the cause though. Either way, it is sad to see her go. I pray she will return quickly."

     "Anyways, it is time to get across this river, enough reminiscing for now." I smile. "Well, Imbellem, I will take the offer up, if you really do not mind, being walked on." I check my belt and pack, making sure each strap is secure and pouch closed. "Alright, Jacqueline, Mikael, be ready to catch me, or reach out a hand to help" I smile again. I take my quarterstaff and place it to the floor of the aqueduct next to Imbellem to further steady myself. I then gently take a step across using Imbellem as a stepping stone.

{07:46, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20+1. Balance Check, to cross aqueduct on Imbellem; MQ.}

"Aha! Success! Thank you Imbellem! Thank you Jacqueline for the hand. That was so much easier than before!" I laugh, glad that the crossing was complete. "Hmm, perhaps I should light a torch to see better." I draw a torch from my pack and light it. "There we go. Much better" I examine the door more closely, "Jacqueline, can you take a closer look at this? Does it look recently used?" I look for a slot that would open to view us. "Here we ought to check the map quickly, I think the number of marks may indicate the number of times to knock, but then again, this door may be far before the one we would need knock on. Here someone hold the torch while I get the map out to check." While someone holds the torch, I get out the map to check it.

     "Also, Dwalin, what do your Dwarf eyes see down here, up and down the tunnel? I think you can see better in the dark as a Dwarf, right?"

As always I stay aware of what is going on around us.

{07:13, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 10 using 1d20+1. Listen Check, Situational Awareness, MQ.
07:12, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 7 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Situational Awareness, MQ.}

sound track sort of like the sewer ;)
http://youtu.be/RU130x3LAbI?list=PLEAB09BECE883B4BF
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Tue 03 Mar 2015.

“Come on boys! What are you, scared?” Jacqueline teased from the other side of the sewer. Like an alley cat, she’d effortlessly leapt across and now stood smirking at back at the men. Although the sewer river moved at a gentle current, the dank and sour smell that rose from it caused some anxiety. The men looked at the water warily, at least, with the exception of one. Imbellem looked indignified at Jacqueline’s comment, “Who’s she calling scared!? I’ll show her.” Taking a few steps back, Imbellem started toward the river. For a moment, the others thought he was going to make it, that is, until his bandanna fell over his eyes and he stumbled headfirst into the sewage. Jacqueline immediately threw her things aside, preparing to dive after him, but Imbellem quickly popped out of the water’s surface. His soaked hair dripped heavily over his equally soaked clothing while standing up in the river to find it came up only to his waist. Wet strands of hair matted over his face; slowly, he lifted a hand and parted his bangs, revealing an embarrassed expression underneath. “Well. . . that could’ve gone better.” The group broke into loud laughter.

Mikael calmed his chuckling and said, “Please, let me show you how it’s done.” “Be my guest,” Imbellem replied, grinning as he wrung out his hair, still standing in the water. Mikael took a number of steps back until his heels touched the wall and then ran forward, pushing the end of his spear into the ground and launching himself across. One foot landed on the opposite edge, and the other dipped into the water behind him. “Waaoooaa,” Mikael cried out as he teetered on the edge, about to fall back straight into the sewage. Almost casually, Jacqueline reached out her hand and grabbed the neck of his shirt. Smirking, she said, “Hang on elf boy.” Not at all gently, she pulled him closer, and he stumbled onto land. Mikael swiftly stood up straight and wiped the look of panic off his face. “Aah, er, ahem - thanks, for the help,” he awkwardly said. Jacqueline rolled her eyes and lightly laughed, “Don’t mention it.”

Discretely shaking the water off his boot, Mikael then said to Imbellem, “Do you need a hand getting out of the sewer?” Imbellem shrugged, “Nah. Hey Johannes, Dwalin - come walk across. I can help you.” Imbellem clasped his fingers together and held the palms of his hands upward, forming a step to walk on. Johannes and Dwalin looked at each other skeptically. Finally Johannes said, “Well ok, if you think you can manage it.” Johannes made a wide step with his left foot onto Imbellem’s hands. “Oo oo oo, man you’re heavy,” Imbellem said as his face and voice tensed up. Johannes replied, “Are you alright? Can you-” “Yes, im fine,” Imbellem hastily insisted, “Just keep going!” Putting the rest of his weight down, Johannes stepped onto Imbellem’s hands and placed his right foot down safely on the other side, as easily as walking across the street. Johannes smiled as he joined the others, “Well! That was much easier!” “Yea, sure,” Imbellem moaned to himself while stretching his red fingers, Johannes’ bootprint still slightly visible.

“I’m next,” Dwalin uttered. Imbellem examined the heavy dwarf and his brass chain armor, thick shield, and solid metal waraxe. He gulped. “Can you handle it priest?” Dwalin asked curtly. Imbellem’s head moved in a bouncing motion, as though he was trying to shake no and nod at the same time. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Dwalin stepped onto Imbellem’s hands who made a high-pitched groan, like air escaping from a balloon. Dwalin placed a hand on the priest’s shoulder to support himself as Jacqueline and Mikael helped lift Dwalin from the other side. All three of their faces looked strained beneath the dwarf’s weight. Holding his companions’ arms, Dwalin walked onto the stone and next to Johannes. Dwalin nodded, “You’re right Johannes. That was easier.” Exhausted, Jacqueline and Mikael fell onto their backsides breathing heavily, and Imbellem heaved himself out of the water to collapse next to them. Mikael moaned a whisper to the others, “Dwarves sure are heavy.” “Tell me about it,” Jacqueline panted. All three stared up at the curved stone ceiling of the tunnel. Johannes walked next to them and leaned overhead, “What’s the matter? Tired? Come on, let’s not get lazy now!”

While the others rolled onto their stomachs and slowly picked themselves off the ground, Johannes approached the metal door. With no handle or latch, it was merely a large metal rectangle in the sewer, mysteriously so. “We’re close - I know it. Now, we need to figure out what we’re going to do about this door. . .”
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:30, Tue 03 Mar 2015.

Imbellem was struggling to crack all the joints in his arms after the feat with the heavy dwarf. Perhaps I overestimated myself... He thought to himself. Catching his breath and cracking his knuckles, he walked up to join the others who now stood near the large metal rectangle, looking around around its frame. "Well," he began as if to remind the others, "according to the map, this mark on the map had the 'X' as well as a single dash. Perhaps all we need to do is knock once? That is..." He said, voice trailing off as he put both hands behind his back and arched as far back as he could to readjust his spine. A harsh snap was heard and he exhaled in relief and stood up straight again. He continued, "We still have no idea whats in there or what would greet us if the door even did open." He then walked over to the door and pressed his ear on its cold side, to try to listen to whatever was within.

Imbellem Tueri rolled 15 using 1d20+5. Listen check on door to hear whatever may be inside.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Spot check on door

Watching the last of the group cross the water, "Well now that that's out of the way, what to do about this door." I take a few steps over to the giant block of metal and examine it closely, seeing if it has been opened recently or if there is anyway of forcing it open from the outside.

[11:02, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Search check, MQ.]

Considering Imbellems thoughts on the map and door, "It seems too easy if all we have to do is knock once. There's no way we could get that lucky. Perhaps we will still need the name of a pirate ship to be affiliated with. Hopefully this attempt goes a little bit better than at the pirate cove." Shooting a look at Imbellem, "Well if we need to pose as pirates, Imbellem sure smells like one now!"

[11:03, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 23 using 1d20+7. Listen Check, Situational Awareness, MQ.
11:03, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 7 using 1d20+3. Spot Check, Situational Awareness, MQ.]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:04, Thu 05 Mar 2015.

I consider to myself our next courses of action.

"Hmm, well lets see.
First I am going to need a search of the area next to the door for switches, in case the map was referencing a switch, when it said knock. {Search Check, Knowledge of Stone and Mechanics- Dwalin?, Knowledge Check?}
Tell me if you can tell where the hinges are and where that would be, and if they are something you could remove. Look for mechanical aspects. {Search check, Knowledge check?}
Also, tell me if you find a slot that would open to view our faces. {Search or Spot Check}
I am going to look at the map once more. Also, did anyone remember who had the other letter we were to give to Darus, the one about the attack? and if that person can get it out, please" {that is post it on the forum thread for all to read}.

I draw the map and look at it again, "Jah, appears to be one mark and a key at the bottom that would indicate that means 'knock.' The only thing that comes to mind is knocking on a door, unless you all have some other idea of what it means."

I then come to a realization about those papers. "Actually, I am likely carrying those papers. Hmm," I reach into my pouch and search for the letter, with a satisfied 'Aha!' I draw a paper from my pouch with the brooch from Larlben. Out comes the well rolled paper. As I unfurl it to read, a second paper falls onto the ground and I pick it up quickly before any water would touch it. I then proceed to read both.

"Aha, this is the letter I was talking about:"


"Hmm, and this other is of importance to remind us of again:"


"Lastly, it would be foolish to not knock on the door once. For it may be truly that simple. I would expect that it will not be pirates who would greet us, but Kelden's men. Hmm, well everyone prepare your weapons just to be safe, and I will knock on the door." { I hand the torch to Mikael right away. I then put away safely all the letters, papers and maps. When everyone is ready with their weapons drawn, I knock on the door ONCE loudly. I hold my guissarme and put my quarterstaff on my pack.}

"Oh, and one last thing, Imbellem, put on this Helm we got from the guards, and change from that hide armour to this studded leather we got, take this old Heavy shield as well. Those should all help your defense greatly."

Items TRANSFERRED to Imbellem

 [Private to Imbellem Tueri: {This should increase your land speed to 30ft instead of 20ft from armour check penalty, and increase your AC by 2, 1 from the helm completing your 5ths AC, 1 from the shield upgrade.}]

Of course, I stay aware during all of this.
{00:36, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 16 using 1d20+1. Listen Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.
00:36, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 2 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Situational Awareness; MQ.}
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Sat 07 Mar 2015.

Jacqueline leans a little away from Johannes staring into her face for his search check. "H-hello..." she murmured timidly. She also makes herself aware, unsure of how to respond at this point.

{01:32, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Search Check.
01:31, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 25 using 1d20+8. Listen Check.
01:31, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 19 using 1d20+8. Spot Check.}

Imbellem crouched by the metal door and placed his ear against it. The metal was cool to the touch. Suddenly Jacqueline realized what he was doing and grabbed his shoulder, “Woah there bud. I think I’d better do this one.” Seeing him trying to stealthily listen to anything was now associated with a certain event. Imbellem stood and defiantly exclaimed, “What! I can do it. In fact I already listened in and heard a skittering and squeaking sound. There’s definitely rats on the other side of the door.” Imbellem folded his arms and looked proud. Jacqueline looked at him, then down at his feet, then back at Imbellem. With a dry smile she said, “Well you’re half right. There’s a rat - but it’s behind you.” “Eek!” Imbellem jumped into the air and turned. Indeed there had been a fat sewer rat nibbling on Imbellem’s boot. Startled by Imbellem, it hastily scurried away down the tunnel.

Straightening himself out, Imbellem coughed and said to Jacqueline, “I suppose you can have a turn.” Silently smirking, she walked past him and listened to the door. Mikael stepped beside her. “Do you hear anything?” While speaking, he examined the stone around the door, looking for any clues. “Maybe,” she whispered. “People perhaps.” Mikael dragged his finger across the ground through lines of grime and dust, “It’s been opened recently too.” Meanwhile, Johannes stood behind them with his eyes fixed to the map, going over the hints and markings in his mind. The solution was there in plain sight. He murmured to himself, “It couldn’t be that easy. Could it?” Returning the map to his pack, Johannes approached behind Jacqueline and Mikael. “Stand aside. I have an idea.” They looked at each other and then made way. Johannes pulled out his quarterstaff. Once, and only once, he knocked the end against the metal door. Surprisingly, the sound resonated in the metal like a bell, resulting in a clear and unmistakable ring. The party waited in suspense.

Several moments passed. And then several more. Imbellem spoke, “Perhaps we did it wrong? Maybe there’s certain time of day? Or-” A loud screech of metal interrupted him as something turned behind the door. Then, the edge of the metal freed itself from the wall, and the entire door swung open. Someone spoke from inside, “Come on in brothers.”

With the door hanging open, the party could see it was a thick, solid piece of metal; on the inside was a large wheel-like handle. The party warily and frantically looked at one another. Johannes, feeling emboldened, was the first to step through and the others soon followed. Leaving the sewer tunnel behind them, they entered a square stone room with a trench of water in the center. The opposite, southern side of the room had five more smaller tunnels that shot in five directions. In the corner closest to the metal door was a makeshift table of crates and stools where two young men sat playing cards. A third man, who’d opened the door, was still standing. As the last of the party entered the room, the third man appeared confused and then suddenly alarmed, “Wait a minute. I don’t recognize you. . . Boys! I think we have intruders - get your swords!” The two men at the table hastily scrambled out of their stools and unsheathed their weapons. . .
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:52, Sat 07 Mar 2015.