The day begins late for the inhabitants of Shadowshore who don't work at the docks, so it wasn't until mid morning that the common room of The Skinned Man started seeing its most dedicated and desperate customers trickle in. By that point Sasserine's hot equatorial sun had already started its relentless daily baking of the city, and was slowly turning the pools of water from the previous night's downpour into a steamy mist. The hot and humid atmosphere meant that the common from was uncomfortably warm by the time Logan arrived to hunt for breakfast, but he was used to it. This place had become a second home to him since he had started his 'professional' life in the one career path that the people of Shadowshore excelled in.

The barkeep greeted him with a non-committal grunt and set down what passed for breakfast in the tavern - a bowl of slops and a mug of small beer.


Small Beer - the nasty crud left at the bottom of the barrel of a beer. Cheap though...

Welcome to your mini adventure Logan! What are you up to this morning?
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:33, Mon 01 Dec 2014.

I'm sick and tired of being poor. I want a decent breakfast!

OOC: Then today is Logan's lucky day!

As Logan munched through his bitter breakfast, he saw a familiar figure enter the tavern. It was the small time crook with big dreams who insisted on calling himself 'Fartellamous' for some bizarre and unknown reason. Logan tried to supress a smile as he studied the garishly clad man, small time Fetellamous may be, but it was best not to get on his bad side. For all of his lack of statue in the greater underworld of Sasserine, Logan had to admit that he had a pudgy finger in most of the shady deals that went down in the Skinned Man - Fartellamous certainly did not lack ambition or a strong work ethic when it came to doing crime - but more importantly Logan owed him a lot of money which he was overdue on paying back. With a sinking heart, Logan saw that the fat man had seen him and was now walking over.

Fartellamous

Fraudulent and Flatulent - Fartellamous is a small time crook, pimp and loan-sharp with big time delusions of grandeur.

"Logan my dear boy!" the chubby man sighed as he eased himself into a chair opposite the rouge. "Here you are! Your mother said I would find you here." The mention of his mother made Logan feel a moment of unease. The fact that this untrustworthy and unscrupulous crook knew where he lived was reminder of just how much leverage he had over him. "How are you today? Are you ready to repay the loan I kindly made to you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Wed 03 Dec 2014.

"Oh, hi Farty! Just the man I was looking for! Of course I have your money. Not here, of course, I wouldn't bring that much money to a place like this. The money is, uhm, somewhere else. I just need a few days to, well, get them."

OOC: Sorry, chrome on the iPad won't let me choose colors for text...

Logan wonders if Farty will lend him some more. Preferably for a vacation, to be paid back after Farty's death.

"How's Mrs. Farty?"

Fartellamous’ face turned a funny colour as he gritted his teeth and hissed back, “The only reason you aren’t dead already is that you are potentially worth more to me alive, but you would do well to remember your place elf-boy. Otherwise I might decide that you are of more value to me working in the ‘Velvet Hatch’ than doing jobs out on the street.” Logan recognizes the name of the notorious brothel in Shadowshore that houses the most desperate and unfortunate of Sasserine’s citizens.

“Fortunately for both of us I have a job for you. One that will allow you to pay off some of your debt.” Fartellamous leans in closer to Logan across the table and lowers his voice. “It involves breaking into a house in the noble district, but I figure that your half-elf blood and boyish looks might actually be an asset in this case. Perhaps you have a better chance of succeeding here than a better thief.” The large man gets to his feet, a maneuver requiring several seconds to complete and some ominously creaking furniture. “Your new employer is waiting in one of the side rooms. Come along and I will introduce you.” Fartellamous sneers. “Unless you are still considering my other offer of employment at the Velvet Hatch.”

In reply to Fartellamous (msg # 7):

"All right," Logan says and gets up. "I'll do your dirty job! I'm curious to see who needs YOUR help with anything..."

Fartellamous glowered back at the half-elf as he led him through the common room, before finishing at the door of one of the private rooms. These rooms could be rented by the customers of the Skinned Man who needed to conduct more delicate business that could not be done in public.

“You will need to improve your manners if you want to survive your employment on this job. But that is up to you. The man’s name is Vorsh… maybe Mister Vorsh to you.” Fartellamous opened the door to the darkened room and almost pushed the rouge inside before following himself and closing the door.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:59, Fri 05 Dec 2014.

Logan stepped inside into the room and had to use his dark-sight to make out the contents. There was a table with three chairs around it, with a man sitting in one of the chairs.

“Goodmorning Logan,” said the figure while kicking back one of the chairs. “My name is Vorsh. Take a seat. I want to discuss a job with you.”

Logan used his vision to make out what he could about the man opposite him. He was definitely human, bearded, and not young. The half-elf wasn't sure but he thought he could see some sort of clerical robes underneath the man's cloak.


This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Fri 05 Dec 2014.

Logan could hear Fartellamous stumbling around behind him. Without the benefit of dark-sight the fat crook was struggling to find a seat for himself.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 13):

"Good morning, Mister Vorsh", Logan says and finds a chair. "What brings a holy man to a place like this?"

Vorsh seemed to pause a second. "Well, mister..." Logan could see the man screwing his face up before saying the next word. "...Fartellamous said you were sharp, I suppose I should have expected you to pick up on that so quickly Logan. But I think it would be best for you to forget it again just as fast."

Vorsh leaned back and studied the young half-elf. "I am here because I need some assistance. I am a collector of... certain magical items and I have learnt that such an item has come into the possession of a merchant in the noble district. I know that he will not sell it to me, in fact, he will not be ABLE to sell it if I am right about its power. So, you see, I need you to go and get it for me. Is this something within your power to do?"

In reply to Vorsh (msg # 15):

Logan wonders how Vorsh will be able to get the thing from him, but says nothing about it.

"Sounds interesting, Mr Vorsh. Tell me more about the house and the merchant. I won't bother asking about the item, because I know you will not tell me."

"I'll tell you enough about the item for you to identify it, and retrieve it without falling under its curse. It is a mithral rapier with a jewelled pummel and a single large ruby set in the hilt, but before you get ideas about just keeping it for youself," says the stern man, perhaps seeing Logan's eyes widen - mithral blades were very rare and could fetch a huge sum of money in the merchant's district - "You should understand that it is a very powerful item. If any part of your skin touches it you will come under its control."

"This blade was purchased by a nobleman called Hans Aubreck who lives somewhere in the noble district, you will have to find out exactly where yourself. I believe him to already be under the power of the weapon, so he will not surrender it easily."

Vorsh continues. "I know this is a challenging task. But if you complete it and return the rapier her before noon in two days time then I will repay all of your debt to Mister Fartellamous."

The fat thief cleared his throat. "The amount we agreed would pay of SOME of Logan's debt Mister Vorsh," Fartellamous corrected.

"ALL of his debt! I am paying well for this, more than double what the boy owes." Vorsh had hardly raised his voice, but Logan saw the thief pull back.

"Yes, if you insist," said Fartellamous. No doubt the old crook had been intending to take a larger cut for himself and keep Logan working for him a little longer.

"Oh, and one more thing Logan. You will be accompanied by a cleric of my order who will be keeping an eye on you, and who will report back to me if you are unable to complete the job. I hope you understand the need for this... insurance."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Sun 07 Dec 2014.

In reply to Vorsh (msg # 17):

"Now why would that be necessary? You either trust me to bring it to you or you don't. How can I be sure that fellow of yours isn't going to knock me down and run with the, uhm, item?"

Logan leans forward and says in a low voice: "And what about my fee? I need a guarantee that Farty will be off my back."

Logan leans back and says, just a little bit louder: "How am I supposed to forget you are a church man, when I have to babysit your cleric friend?"

Vorsh looked at Logan slyly. “Of course I don’t trust you. You are a thief Logan. And as to how to make sure that my helper doesn’t knock you on the head, I think you are more the expert in that department than me. Perhaps make the cleric walk in front of you, I really don’t care.”



Fartellamous made a small ‘Hmrph!’ when he heard Logan use his nickname. Vorsh ignored it and continued. “I guarantee that I will pay off the entirety of the balance of your debt to our mutual friend,” he nodded at the old thief.



Vorsh chuckled. “You are actually wider of the mark than you know with that guess. But I have an idea. If you succeed in delivering the sword to me at noon in two days time, then I will have a bag of fifty Sasserine golden crowns ready for you – and this will be a bonus in addition to what I give Mister Fartellamous.” The old warrior straightened. “Do we have a deal my tricky half-elf thief? If you are not interested I am sure I can find someone else down on the docks who will give it a shot.”

In reply to Vorsh (msg # 19):

"All right, Mr. Vorsh. I think we have a deal. Tell me more about this Hans Aubreck, and I'll be on my way."

Logan tries to do the math...

"I may be a thief, but I'm an honest thief. I have met many men from, uhm, legitimate trades who are not honest. Merchants, to mention the obvious."

"There is not much more to tell," says Vorsh. "I know he comes from a reputable merchant family that have lived in the noble district for generations, but they have fallen on bad luck as of late. To compensate that he has decided to dabble in the dark arts, but he is a rank amateur I believe. That angle shouldn't give any problems."

Vorsh stands up and pushes back his chair. "I must admit that I cannot even tell you where in the noble district his house is. The noble district is not an area I feel comfortable moving about in for various reasons."



"Well I am neither a thief nor a merchant," says Vorsh. "I give you my word that I will uphold my end of the bargain. My representative will be here tomorrow at noon. Please make sure that you are back here to give a report on your progress. I must be off now. I have other affairs to attend to." The grey haired man crossed the room and paused with his hand on the door.

"I do wish you good luck Logan. I will see you at noon the day after next. And remember! Do not touch the sword with bare flesh!" With that he raised his hood and disappeared into the common room, leaving Logan alone in the room with Fartellamous.

In reply to Vorsh (msg # 21):

"Well well, mister Fartellamous, looks like some people know how to appreciate talent! You tell me now, who is this guy Aubreck?"

”Oh, so it is Mister now, is it?” says Fartellamous, rising from his seat and walking towards the door. Now that the door is open and there is a little more light in the room, Logan notices that the fat thief has been sweating. “I honestly don’t know anything about this Aubreck, the noble district isn’t somewhere I am free to wander about in either. But there is one think a do know, little thief.” Fartellamous’ face twists into an ugly looking smile. “If you fail in this mission or try and cheat I have it on good authority that this Vorsh character will kill you. On the one hand that makes me sad because then I will never get my money back. On the other hand… I’m not that sad at all.” He then turns and walks out of the small side room, leaving Logan alone.

OK, here we go! You now have 24 hours to use your skills to prepare for the mission, then you have to come back here and pick up your babysitter. Then you have ½ day to do any other preparation, and then you need to do the robbery that night (assuming you want to do it at night!) and be back at the tavern by noon in two days’ time.

Just say what you want to do, and which skill you want to use to do it, then I will tell you what DC (difficulty class) it is. E.g.
Easy = 5
Average = 10
Tough = 15
Challenging = 20
Etc

Then, if you still want to try it, you roll a 1d20 and add your skill modifier. If you equal or exceed the DC, then you have passed, if you get less then you fail. I will then write the story to reflect how you did. Note that rolling a ‘1’ is not an automatic failure, and rolling a ‘20’ is not an automatic pass.

A few things you need to be aware off.
- The noble district is where the elite of Sasserine live. People from other districts are not allowed into this city quarter unless they have valid business there, but obviously many people do.
- The city watch in this district is the most well paid and resourced of the entire city, but they walk around in plain clothes, they do not wear uniforms. They try and blend in and find out what is going on before it becomes a problem.
- You can’t build a house in Sasserine without a building permit, which must include floor plans. These documents are held in Castle Teraknian.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 24):

Logan decides that first he must find out where this house even is, and as much as he can about Aubreck. He'll dress up as someone who works for a rich merchant and go to the merchants' district. Once there, he will - very discreetly - ask other merchants for direction. With the guard dressed up as anybody, he will ask people who stand out from the crowd.

He needs to take a closer look at the castle before he decides how to aquire the floor plans. Breaking in seems unlikely, and he's not rich enough to bribe his way in.

It’s only the noble district who have their guards wearing civilian clothes, all the other districts have uniforms, so there is no chance of accidentally asking a member of the watch for directions if you start in the Merchant district like you said. OK, that is a pretty simple disguise, and the merchants aren’t going to pay much attention to you. Make an easy disguise DC check (DC=5). Then make an easy bluff check (DC=5). Still want to try it?

The castle is on an island within the noble district, so you can have a look at it while checking out the Aubreck house.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 26):

Yes, I'll try.

06:13, Today: Logan rolled 12 using 1d20.
06:13, Today: Logan rolled 3 using 1d20.

I rolled the three first.

Sorry, I haven't got more time now. Need to be ready for work...

3 + 4 = disguise 7! I look like I want to. I pass the bluff check as well. 12 + whatever must be good enough!

Logan wanders off to the merchants district.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:02, Fri 12 Dec 2014.

Actually, your disguise skill modifier is only +3, or if you use the disguise kit you can get an additional +2. The disguise kit has 10 uses. Anyway, lets say you chose not to use it this time.

Logan goes home and puts on his finest outfit of clothes. Unfortunately these are not very fancy clothes at all, but fortunately the people down at the docks in the merchant district aren't going to be paying much attention to him, so they are good enough.

3+3=6 versus DC=5, so he passes, just! Maybe they just think he is a merchant, but not a rich merchant like you wanted :)

Day 1: 1100
The half-elf takes about half an hour to walk to the merchant district via the bridges so he can save the gold coin that a gondola would cost, and then pauses on the outskirts of the docks, trying to find the best person to ask. In the end, he needs to ask quite a few people as it turns out that the Aubreck property is neither rich nor well known - apparently very few deliveries are made to it. Most of the folks are quite rude and say that he should just go ask in the noble district, but of course that is what Logan is trying to avoid. Eventually he finds somebody who claims they made a delivery there a couple of months ago, and seems to remember that it was at the end of school street near the city walls. With at least a general idea of where the place is Logan sets off for the fanciest part of town. He wishes that he could use a gondola for the next trip, as now he has to spend over an hour walking through the Sunrise and Azure districts in the noon sun just to get to the noble district gates, but as he is flat broke, he has to walk!

He gets to the noble district gate and walks through without any problems.  It takes him only 30 minutes to find the Aubreck place. It is a pleasant looking three story stone house on the corner of School and Scarlet Streets.

You could try and peek in the windows and get an idea about the ground floor layout.
Castle Teraknian is also in the noble district, although on its own little island.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 28):

Logan tries to look through the windows, and he walks around the house to see it from all sides. Is there a back yard and so on?

Not for long, he doesn't want to be noticed or remembered.

Is there a place from where he can see the house without being seen?

Logan looks up and down the street, but it is totally empty. Very few people are foolish enough to walk around in the equatorial sun in the middle of the day, and Logan also wishes that he was back home at his Mum's place and taking a siesta. Seeing that the coast is clear, the rouge disappears down the alley between the Aubreck building and the next house. The little alley way actually goes all the way around the house so he is able to get a feel for what is on the ground floor. He also notices that the first and second floors don't go all the way around the house - it looks like there is some sort of central courtyard but he can't see that to confirm it.


Note: The second floor (the top floor) is not shown on this map.

Logan realises that finding one sword in a house this big is going to be challenging!

No, there isn't a public place nearby where he can inconspicuously wait and watch the house. The nearest non residential properties are a shrine to Boccub, the god of magic, Callisto's Needle (a tattoo parlor) and Blenak's Bazaar (a magic shop). None of these have line of sight to the Aureck house. Actually, the closest non residential property is the Noble Garrison which houses the city watch and plain clothes police - but considering what Logan is up to this probably isn't a good spot to hang out in :).

But because I am a kind DM...

As Logan is standing back out on the main street, feeling a little conspicuous and wondering what to do, he sees one of the back doors to the alley open. And old man exits with a big basket slung over his shoulder. With some sort of muttering to himself, the old man looks the door with a big metal key, and then walks up into School street, turning left (west).

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 30):

Logan decides to follow the man. He's trying to make up his mind whether it's best to talk to the man or to steal the key. He will do neither before he has seen where the man is going, and if he meets anyone.

If the old man is thirsty then maybe Logan can do both. He's still got a little gold left...

I thought you'd spent it all on equipment?

The old man trudged slowly downhill all the way to the bottom of School street where it ended at the High Market. Logan had been here before of course - he had visited every corner of the city at least once - but he had forgotten just how clean the whole district was compared to Shadowshore. And the High Market was no exception with neatly laid out stalls with brightly covered awnings in carefully managed rows. The old man walked straight through all the stalls without even looking at them. Logan followed at a distance, trying his best not to get distracted by all the different wares that were for sale. Most of it was just junk, fancy junk, but junk none the less.

The man emerged from the stalls and walked onto one of the piers poking out from the marketplace. Logan knew that this was where a majority of the food and produce was actually sold, on the piers and not in the market. This was because the district authorities wouldn't let the messy common merchants set up in the main square, even if they could afford the rates to rent a spot. This meant that the merchants were forced to bring their wares in by gondola or small boat, and then tie them up to one of the docks and do their best to sell from there. The water was often a chaotic mess of boats of all types, with merchants coming and going, and lots of double and triple berthing. But right now almost every boat had an awning or some sort of cover up to keep the hot afternoon sun off, and many people on the vessels were taking naps to escape the worst of the noon heat.

The old man went from boat to boat, walking up reluctant merchants when he had to, and haggling hard for vegetables and also a little meat. All of it went into the basket he now held over his back. Logan watched, being careful to remain at the end of the dock. The man was moving slowly, so Logan used the spare time to study Teraknian Castle which he could now see a short distance off, separated by a narrow channel. It was an impressive structure, several stories high and build out of a dark granite. Even from here he could see guards pacing up and down the walls. Yes, breaking in would be impossible, but maybe he could find another way to get the building plans?

Logan noticed the old man returning from his shopping, and made sure to blend into the High Market again before he passed. The man walked back through the stalls, slower this time, but paused just when he got to School street. The man looked up at the sun, as though trying to read the time, and then walked into a building on the corner. Logan looked up and saw a sign above it that read 'The Pearl and Parrot'. It was a tavern and inn. An expensive one.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 32):

Not it all. I've got 24 gp left. Should be enough for a few drinks.

Logan enters the inn and looks around to find the old man. Is he still alone? Is he sitting at a table? Is it a crowded place? Logan must decide where to sit and what to order.

I bet he's hungry

The interior of the tavern was very plush and upmarket. There were about a dozen tables of polished wood with four seats around each. The place was surprisingly busy considering that it was only about 1 o'clock. It seemed that this was a popular place to wait out the hot afternoon sun. Logan saw his mark at one of the tables near the front of the bar. The old was sitting at a table with three companions of similar age, chatting away happily.

"So, Mr. tavernkeeper, are you a betting man? I'll do a handstand for 60 seconds for a glass of wine!"

If Logan knows the name, then he'll use that instead of "tavernkeeper".
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Wed 17 Dec 2014.

The barkeep rubs his chin. "One whole minute, huh? And free standing, no touching a wall, right? Hmm, OK, you're on." Luckily for Logan it looks like it is a slow afternoon and the barkeep is in need of entertainment. The man turns to the other patrons of the Pearl and Parrot. "Listen up! I bet a glass of wine that this guy falls on his nose before he can hold a handstand for the count of sixty. What do you say!"

There is some good natured laughing at the silliness of it all, but most of the people in the tavern turn to watch - including the grey haired old man that Logan has been following around.

Hmm, a handstand for 60 seconds. I've seen the kids down at the gym do that and it doesn't look so hard. DC = 10.


No, this is noble district. There aren't many of Logan's 'type of people' in this part of town, and he doesn't know any names.

DC = 10? Ok, so I've got +8 in acrobatics, and I roll a d20, right?

Logan makes sure he isn't going to drop something.

21:06, Today: Logan rolled 5 using 1d20. Acrobatics check.

13 is more than 10!
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Wed 17 Dec 2014.

Yes, exactly. You pass with flying colours!

The barkeeper starts the count, but most of the bar has joined in by half way due to Logan playing up the difficulty a little and pretending to stumble around the room on this hands. By the time he gets to sixty the whole bar is counting along.

"Ha!" laughs the big bartender. "Funniest thing I've seen in weeks. That's worth a drink, wine or ale?" As he pours the drink he looks Logan up and down. "You know, for a merchant you have really good balance."

"Thank you Sir. Well, but it does impress the girls, so I like to practice whenever I've got a minute or two to spare. Next thing, I'll learn to juggle."

Logan wonders if juggling would have given him a free meal with the wine...

He looks around to see if he can sit down at the old man's table without it being too weird.

Actually, getting 13 on a DC 10 check isn't passing with flying colours, but is a pass.

The barkeep chuckles, and hands over a glass of wine.

Logan looks around. There isn't anyway of subtly joining the old man's table, so he'll just have to come right out and introduce himself. At least there is a pretty good vibe in the bar now thanks to his little trick.

Yeah, juggling is definitely worth a free meal. Logan will have to work on that for next time.

All right, Logan grabs the bull by the horns. (can you say that in English?)

Logan walks over to the old man's table.

"Mind if I join you, my good fellows?"

Logan starts to think of ways to steal the key.

Sure can!


The old man Logan has been following raises his tankard and exclaims, "Sure thing, young fella! That was a pretty funny stunt you pulled back there, pull up a chair and tell us where a fancy pants merchant like you learnt to walk on his hands like that!" The other three men at the table cheerfully make space for an extra seat and look at Logan expectantly. The rogue suddenly gets the feeling that excitement is a scare commodity around here.

In reply to Wilton (msg # 43):

"How I learned that? Well, back home there's a tradition amongst the young men to impress the girls with acrobatics. Good thing is that I can practice even if I've only got a minute!"

Wilton chuckles, "Well it has been a long time since I have had to worry about that!" From that point the afternoon fades away as Logan buys several rounds for the four men at the table and Wilton starts to talk more and more freely. Apparently he has worked for the Aubreck household for many years and is their head butler. In fact, he is now their only butler since most of the rest of the staff have been let go - only one housemaid, the cook and him are left - it seems that Hans Aubreck has fallen on hard times since his ship went down several years ago. Logan additionally learns the following points:

- there are no guards in the house, Hans Aubreck simply can't afford them
- Wilton is careful to look every external door after the evening meal using the key now in his pocket
- the servants sleep on the ground floor, Hans and his wife sleep on the first floor.
- There is a central courtyard, and Hans recently had a well dug in it. This is VERY unusual as there are almost no wells in Sasserine, other than a couple dug in each district for firefighting. The water that comes from wells is brackish and unhealthy to drink unless the well is dug very deep, anyway, since it rains almost every night people just drink rainwater. It is always clean and free.
- No-one but Hans is allowed in the central courtyard now. He says he needs his peace and quiet. He keeps the door to it locked, and even Wilton doesn't have the key.
- The well must have been deep as a lot of dirt was taken away. The work was done by a construction company based in Cudgel district.

With this information you are able to get a fair idea of what the ground floor looks like, so here is an updated map.



Wilton is shocked when after his fourth mug of ale he realises how late it is. He says he is going to be late back, and needs to deliver the food he has to the cook. With a sad farewell, he says goodbye to Logan and his friends, and rises to leave.

Logan will follow Wilton and try to pickpocket the key from him. Fall into him in a crowded place or something.

Is it possible to have a copy of the key made before the tavern closes?

If so, Logan will have a copy made and find some excuse to go back and leave the original at the tavern.

OOC: For a guy with contacts like Logan? Yeah, he definitely knows someone who can copy a key in a hurry - if Logan has the money for it. This is back in Shadowshore so Logan will have to use a gondola to get across the harbour quickly. The Pearl & Parrot closes late, so that shouldn't be a problem.

As for pickpocketing Wilton there are at least a couple of options.

- You can do it in the tavern. Admittedly, this is a public place, but at least the guys close by have had lots of drinks thanks to Logan's generosity and won't be observant. Wilton is also well 'liquored'.

- Wilton is carrying his heavy basket of food back home, and he is drunk. You can offer to help him and then after he has opened the door and you have put the stuff in the kitchen, you can try and get the key then.

- You could try and do it without the key, i.e. pick the lock tonight or climb over the roof with a grapple and get into the central courtyard.

Options, options, options. And you are welcome to add your own to the list. What do you want to do?

I thought about just climbing the roof anyway.

Logan offers Wilton to carry the basket, hoping he can get a look at the house (at least the kitchen) from the inside.

OK, here is a map of the roof to help you decide what to do.



The roof is lowest facing Azure street but that is also the busiest street. The side alleys are quiet but the roof is 35 ft high.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:23, Mon 22 Dec 2014.

The old man is grateful for the helping hand, especially as he is both late and a bit tipsy. They walk back along School Street together and he keeps up a constant chatter about his life in the Aubreck house. When they reach the house, he opens up the back door to the kitchen, and accepts Logan's offer to take the food inside. The rogue watches very carefully where the old man puts the key back in his jacket pocket, and when the moment comes to put the basket down he pretends to stumble and fall against Wilton.

OOC: OK, the moment of truth. If you still want to try and pick pocket Wilton two things must happen. First you must make a DC 15 'Sleight of Hand' check to get the keep off him. This would normally be DC 20 but you've made an excuse to bump into him. Then he gets a perception check against your roll to see if he notices. He'll be at -5 on this roll thanks to all the four mugs of ale you got him to drink.

Logan running in NPC mode...

19:18, Sat 03 Jan 2015: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Logan, rolled 19 using 1d20 ((19)).
Then +8 for Logan's sleight of hand skill modifier = 27, pretty impressive!

Wilton's perception check to see if he notices, +2 modifier, but at -5 thanks to the ale, so -3 overall

19:20, Sat 03 Jan 2015: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Wilton, rolled 9 using 1d20-3 ((12)).

Obviously he can't beat Logan's roll. OK, key stolen successfully!

Logan pretends to bump into the old man as he lowers the basket of food to the kitchen floor. "Opps!" exclaims Logan. "It appears that the ale at the Pearl and Parrot is just as good as I had heard, because I must have drunk more than I thought!" he says cheerfully as he pockets the back door key.

Wilton doesn't seem to notice and thanks Logan profusely as he the thief leaves the house and heads back out into the street. Once outside, Logan wastes no time and heads straight down to the noble district docks and catches a gondola over to Shadowshore. He gets a copy of the key made by a 'friend' he knows, then takes another gondola back to the noble district and the Aubreck house. He listens at the back door to make sure no-one is around, and then opens it an inch and slips his hand inside to insert the key into the other side of the lock. He closes the door and heads back to Shadowshore the long way, happy that he has a way into the house that won't get his new found friend into trouble.

Logan arrives back at his place (or rather the small two room dump he shares with his mother in Rubble Street) at about 1800, and has a quick bite to eat. He is eager to use the time he has left that day to scout out the area around the house and maybe obtain some floorplans or figure out more about this strange 'well' in the central garden. But the five tankards of good ale he has drunk have finally caught up with him and the day is now a pleasant temperature. He decides to lie down and take a quick nap to wait for darkness for doing anything more.

The half-elf wakes to the sound of the town bells sounding 11 o'clock in the morning and with the day's light streaming into his room. Cursing he pulls himself out of bed and heads down to The Skinned Man to get breakfast and meet his new partner in crime. As he walks towards the tavern he realises that Vorsh has not provided a description - how will he recognise the man who is going to be keeping an eye on him?

Celene gets to Shadowshore with no problems, and asks the first person she meets in the district, an old sailor with a gnarled face and a hunched back, where the Skinned Man is. He points her towards a large two storied, run-down building on the corner of two main streets with a leer and mutters something under his breath which sounds quite rude.

Celene first goes unconspiciously past the building, to look around, checking if it looks like it is under suveilance by anybody, and to see the layout - i.e. how many door, windows, bars on the windows, guards etc.

Celene does her best to be unobtrusive, but it is hard. For some reason she seems to be almost a tourist attraction in the neighbourhood with idle old people and street kids lining up to watch what she is doing. She still manages to do a full circuit of the tavern though. It has two back exits in addition to a goods delivery area and some shutters leading down to a cellar. Everything looks well protected with bars on every window, ground floor and first floor, and even bars on the doors. No guards are apparent though. By the time she has gone around once there are a dozen kids following behind her yelling out comments like "What are you doing here miss? Are you looking for someone miss?" For some reason they seem to be able to spot she isn't a local.

Celene wonders if she has forgotten some essential part of her disguise, or it's blatantly not fit for real life, it being only a theater costume?

Or perhaps she needs to perform the role better?


OOC: Sorry, did I presume too much in expecting the disguise from the theater to be appropriate? Is it simply a costume, and not a disguise?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Mon 05 Jan 2015.

Staring at the rowdy bunch of locals that have formed around her, Celene sees what the problem is. The clothes that were picked out in the opera house were a rich person's interpretation of what an ordinary person in this part of town might wear and are very much a costume and not a disguise. The locals are much dirtier, more ill mannered and just plan uglier than what she is used to in any other part of town. She gets the feeling that she should thank her lucky stars that she is here at noon and not close to sundown.

Logan is considered a good looking young fellow in this part of town and he has Charisma 9. Celene has charisma 18 and basically both a goddess and an object of fascination to them. At least until the sun goes down...

Celene sighs rejectedly.

She scouts the area for anywhere nearby where she quickly can get some plain clothes instead of her 'costume' - she will NOT go in looking like this. She ignores the local children and hope they drift off. For the moment, she scoops up a handful of dirt, smearing it lightly over her 'disguise' and face
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Tue 06 Jan 2015.

It now seems that the Skinned Man is the only place she CAN go into. At least, without pushing through the ever increasing crowd - does nobody in this damned district have a job to go to?! The questions are becoming more interrogatory, "Why are you here? Which district did you come form? Why are you so fancy?" There is no way she can slip down a quiet alley and try and add a bit of dirt and grim to make herself blend in more, the crowd of onlookers is too large now. It seems she will have to go into the tavern as she is - how bad can it be? It is the middle of the day, surely the place is almost empty except for this 'Logan' she must meet?

Celene will absolutely not go into the tavern as she is, it would be disatrous. This ridiculous charade must end first, then it's better he has to wait. Luckily she went in good time, and also fortunately the Skinned Man is not far from the gate to Cudgel, so she wades through the onlookers, and hurries there, ignoring everyone. She keeps looking for any shop or market with clothes on her way.

Celene beats a hasty retreat and heads back to the Cudgel district where she find some suitable clothes, and manages to negotiate to get changed in the back of the shop. Cursing Nylaria under her breath, she makes he way back to Shadowshore and the meeting point.

OOC: OK, she's wearing the right clothes now. Ready to go in?

Make that the right grimy clothes, and her entourage has disappeared, then yes.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:53, Wed 07 Jan 2015.

Celene climbs up the stone steps in front of the tavern and enters. If she was expecting any sort of relief from the noon tropical sun then she is instantly disappointed as the interior of the 'Skinned Man' has the heat and humidity of a sauna mingled with the stench of old sweat and cheap beer.

The interior of the common room was 30 square feet with numerous tables and chairs haphazardly scattered throughout, and a bar along the right hand wall. The patrons were the types that one would expect to be drinking in the middle of a working day - down and outers, savage looking types with poor clothes, rotting teeth, missing eyes and vacant gazes. A few of them were alert enough to look up at her as she entered though. The looks they gave her were not friendly.

She realised that she doesn't know anything about the man she is meant to meet other than his name. 'Logan'.

Logan enters the Skinned Man, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes.  The rogue was surprised how good he felt after the drinking yesterday.  "Maybe there is a reason to drink more than muck, after all...certainly leaves you feeling better the next day."  With a resigned sigh, the hungry young rogue sidles up to the bar, and orders a bowl of slops and some small beer to accompany.  With his meal in hand, he leaned over to the bartender, tapping his own mug. "How much of this stuff have you had today?  Are you still sober enough to notice what's going on here?"

Logan scans the room, looking for Vorsh's ally.

Celene goes for an empty table as far from any other patron as possible. She beckons for a barmaid if one show up alive and awake - if this place has any.


30 square feet? Are you seious? 6 feet x 6 feet, and how many tables were in there?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Wed 07 Jan 2015.

Umm, yeah. It is an Irish pub and they are all leprechauns.

Actually, I think I meant 30 feet square. i.e. each wall is 30 feet long, not that each wall is 4.48 feet.




As it turns out, this is not the sort of establishment that has barmaids, at least not during the day. The barkeeper grudgingly approaches Celene's table. He represents the typical qualities of the patrons of the bar in that he only has one eye, with the missing one hidden behind an enormous eyepatch, an entire mouth of rotting teeth and a stench that makes Celene's eyes water.

<space for Celene's request here - no matter what she says or does he does the following>

The bartender plonks a tankard down on the table and wipes out the inside with a grubby corner of his apron. Then he fills it with a murky liquid from a jug he is carrying and points to it. "Ale", he grunts. And then lumbers back to his bar.

If possible interjected before he leaves(?):

"How much do you want for this. "

And added in a lower voice:

"And should we make it an even silver if you discretely can point out Logan for me - now or when he comes in?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Thu 08 Jan 2015.

Logan eyes the obvious newcomer to the bard and approaches the table, smirking as he does so.  "Well, your clothes fit in well enough, miss.  Have to give you that.  Don't stand out nearly as much as Vorsh did.  But your manner, it's all wrong."  Logan laughs.  "Well, don't worry about it overmuch.  Hopefully, you'll never have to set foot in this cesspool again."

He stands by the table, and takes a swig of his small ale.  "Oh, I forgot myself.  Where are my manners?"  Logan makes an exaggerated bow.  "Logan, Half-Elf Bastard Son of Shadowshore, at your service."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Thu 08 Jan 2015.

Celene hisses between clenched teeth.

 "SIT down and don't make a scene. I didn't go to all this trouble to be discrete, just for you to blow it all up!

Now where can we sit and talk without being overheard?"

Logan laughed again.  "It's privacy you want, eh?  That can be arranged."  Logan holds out his hand for some coin.

Assuming Celene obliges...

Logan rents a private room from the bartender, and escorts Celene in.  Once settled, he turns to the woman again.  "So you're Vorsh's lackey.  I didn't know there were lookers like you in the holy orders or I would have given them a shot."  Logan holds up his hand.  "I know, I know, down to business.  What do you want to know?"

Celene hands over the cash needed for privacy (GM, how much?)

"Yes, just as much as you are. For whatever reason you are, i don't know, though i expect money to play a part in it?

But whatever your motivations, what i need to know is that you have a solid plan, and what it is, including that you have all the required information to carry it out. Let me hear it, we have until tonight to go over it before it is showtime."

30 sp for the room, 2sp for the ale... don't even worry about it!
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:04, Fri 09 Jan 2015.

Logan sits down and begins to sketch out what he has.  "Unfortunately, there's only so much I can tell you before we break in.  I think Aubreck's living above his means, and employs the bare minimum of servants, so luckily they'll be no guards.  But that means I wasn't able to get far inside the house without attracting attention, though I was able to make a copy of the key to back door, so we can get in without much fuss.  All of the servants sleep on the first floor, and the Aubrecks are upstairs, so I think we should be able to discretely enter via the kitchen and make our way upstairs - the stairwell is very close to the kitchen, and we won't even need to go past the servant's quarters."

Logan glances at Celene.  "With me so far?  I know all this plotting is terribly unseemly for one of the cloth, but nothing to be done about that.  I expect that Hans should have the weapon close by - Vorsh seemed to indicate it had some kind of control over the man."

The rogue smiles again.  "Now, there's one wrinkle.  Aubreck's just dug a rather large well in his central courtyard, and only he's allowed there.  Maybe that's got something to do with this rapier, but we'll have to see when we break in."  Logan coughs.  "Excuse me, I meant, gain access to to Aubreck's domicile by extra-legal maneuvers."

Celene smiles involuntarily at Logans antics - he may think himself more charming than he is, but he means well enough.

"well, first off your descriptions has assured me you are the right Logan i should meet, which is comforting.

I am somewhat worried that you have not been able to find out where the rapier is stored, and does not have a complete floor plan, but if you think this will be enough, then i am not competent to disagree - not my field of experience, as you imply. Are you saying we have enoug to go on in this?"

Logan shrugged.  "Look, nothing like this is ever perfect.  There's risks.  There's always risks.  But with no guards, a key to the house, and only a few servants at home, this should be an easy job.  I don't know why Vorsh wants this rapier, but I guarantee I'm giving it my best.  They payment he promised...."  Logan trailed off, closing his eyes for a moment, thinking about paying off his debt and being able to move his mother from Shadowshore.  Then he shook his head, returning his focus to the moment, his face a mask of determination.  "Well, nevermind that.  We need to get this done.  We will get it done."

"All right, your word is good enough for me. I have some general equipment, but do we need something in particular?

Reminds me, i have some holy watet vials for you, if it is of interest?"

OOC: Just let me know if you two want to follow up some more leads or go with what you have now...

Logan chuckles.  "Holy water?  You thinkin' we're going to find some vampires or something at the house?  I think I'll be fine."  The rogue pats his backpack.  "I've got everything I need in here.  If you can think of something that might help us..."  The thief trails off.  "Actually, there is one thing.  Your boss said we shouldn't touch the rapier.  We should have an extra bit of cloth, maybe just some rags or an old shirt to wrap around the sword.  Have anything like that?  I'm sure it won't be hard to find if you don't."

That's the only other thing Logan would want - just something to carry the rapier in so he doesn't have to touch it.

Celene shrugs with a light smile. "Well, Vorsh said that mr. Aubreck has included necromancy in his hobby activities, but if you happy with your old butterknife there then fine by me."

"As for covering the rapier, we have got what we need here". Celene pats her own backpack and winks. "I wouldn't trust simple cloth to stay tight and whole, so i brought a piece of tough leather and some string."

"The one thing that still worries me is we don't know where he keeps the blade. We could have to scour the entire place for hours! But in all honesty i have no idea how to find out beforehand.

The other thing you mention,this well he has made, is also an unknown. What could he use that for? Storing the rapier there sounds odd, but maybe... Maybe a connection to lower tunnels? Who could know? Perhaps the builders might know? I have a connection to a clerk in the city administration, who perhaps could get us the floor plans if they are essential, but i don't know what they could tell us of the well. What do you say?"

Logan shrugs.  "Vorsh also said he was an amateur.  I suppose it wouldn't hurt then."  Logan holds out his hand.  "I'll take some."

The young thief chuckles again.  "I think, if Aubreck's really trying to hide something, the plan's aren't going to show it.  Everyone knows then nobles have the city under their thumb.  What we might want to do is talk with the people who built it.  They're over in the Cudgel District.  Maybe we could go have a drink with them.  Or better yet, buy them a few drinks."

Logan stops and points at Celene.  "By which I mean you.  You buy them drinks.  If we can get them liquored up and talking, they might let all kinds of useful facts slip.  We can try that later this afternoon, perhaps.  If we find anything, adjust our plans.  Otherwise, proceed with the break-in."

He inspects the leather Celene has brought, and actually returns a genuine smile to her.  "Good thinking!"

Celene hands Logan five vials - in fact a fair treasure in trade value.

"You actually found the people who dug it? Good work! If that is true, it is a good plan, and i will buy a round...?" Celene peers expectantly at Logan.

OOC: So are we heading to 'Elusive Excavations' in the Cudgel district? If so, then I need an entrance strategy from you.

What is EE? Celene (nor I) have no clue, so she will just wait for logans reply, and then probably just follow his lead.

I dont think we want to enter the store, more find a local watering hole and question them there. Maybe we can stake out EE and tail the workers to a tavern when they leave. I guess start with the first part: travel to cudgel district and we'll investigate EE from the outside.

We're calling it EE now? Cool! Logan knows the name of the place (Elusive Excavations Inc) because Wilton told him in the Pearl & Parrot. At the time I didn't give a name, but just wrote that the 'work was done by a construction company based in Cudgel district' because I couldn't come up with anything that sounded interesting.

I'll post tomorrow morning when I have thought up a suitable setting.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:52, Sat 10 Jan 2015.

A plan where Logan spends all day in a tavern again. What a surprise!

Logan will be happy if all the action in Savage Tide takes place inside of a bar/tavern.  And there is a "Drunken Master" archetype for the monk.  I smell multiclass!

*Edit: Also, I really like the alliterative names.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:03, Sat 10 Jan 2015.

Actually Celene comes up with an alternative idea that doesn't require more drinking...

An excavation beneath noble district, and near the vaults beneath the temple of wee jaz, is a high enough risk to warrant their enquiry as to the job and reason, right? This could be handled talking with the EE boss, leaving interrogation of the workers in a tavern the second alternative if the first one fails? (If logan could make me a later disguise?)

All it requires is for Celene to have a sign of being the representative of the Magus. Would that be possible to get (gm)?

What do you say, logan?

Yeah, that could work. There is no way you're going to get a note from the high magus though, at least not at this crazy short notice.

Hm, a shame. It would require some sort of proof of connection with the temple, Celene is sure they would request such a proof. Then we will have to go for the drinking.

Unless we can make up such a proof?

Surely there are more ways of proving that you come from the temple of Wee Jas than just having a note from the High Magus... Celene lives there so she should know.

How about a forged note from the High Magus?  Would Logan be able to get that in Shadowshore?  My background feat helps me find Black Markets.

Yes , perhaps, but her PLAYER does not........?:-)

That is definitely possible.



Heh heh. But neither does your DUNGEON MASTER, so I am open to suggestions. Surely having the right clothes on will be a good start. The right religious symbols. The right attitude. A bit of paperwork. A good story about why you are asking questions. etc etc

ok, but wouldn't that take even longer than having the magus herself sign a scribbled note written by Celene?




Hm, yes clothes and symbols was what Celene would get at the temple, at the same time as getting a signed authorisation from the magus. Attitude and story she wolud 'bring herself' (what i had started a fragment of earlier)

Well, it is worth a shot I suppose. What are you proposing? Logan goes and finds the place while you get the props?

There's nothing wrong with Logan trying to get a forgery (if he can make it in time), while I go to the temple, in case I am unable to get the real thing (signature) from the Magus.

But basically Celene would go and ask the Magus for a short audience, where in she puts the blame om Vorsh's rogue (Sorry Logan, but it's for the cause! :-)) for not getting the info we need on the excavated well, but telling the Magus that Celene will get the info - if she could only get some sort of badge/stamp/signature etc. (whatever they use, they must use something) to show that she is a simple yet authorized clerk or similar to the temple of Wee Jaz, whereby she would simply talk sense with the excavator company, making them tell what they know about the well, for the sake of security (of the temple vault). Nothing illegal at all, but I don't expect Celene would already have such a badge/stamp - am I right?

And while at the temple, Celene would don a simple clerk-like robe of the temple. Would Celene, as an initiate, have some simple holy symbol, maybe not a fancy one like the clerics have, but enough to show her faith? Laymen wouldn't know the difference.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Sun 11 Jan 2015.

Okay, that sounds like a plan.  We split up, Logan tries to get the forgery, Celene tries to get the real deal, and we meet back at some known location in Cudgel district.  If Logan gets there with enough time to spare, he can also scout around EE.

OK then...

The dynamic duo split up with Celene heading back to the best part of town while Logan stays in Shadowshore and pays a visit to 'Mister' Fartellamous.

Celene initially finds it slow going in the temple of Wee Jas. As she had been instructed she enters via the servant's quarters and pays a few coppers to a potgirl to carry a short note to Magus Eseriel. Long minutes tick by with Celene waiting in the kitchen until she wonders if she should send another message, but finally Belinda appears with her usual smirk on her face. "If you will follow me please," she says with a grin on her face. At least she has the sense to be discrete about everything. Celene is led to a small storage room not too far from the kitchens, and Eseriel is waiting for her there. The Magus is not happy, but after Celene makes her case she grudgingly agrees to provide the necessary notarised letter. After a short "wait here" from Eseriel, the novice is left alone again for about an hour until Belinda returns with the document hidden between some folded laundry - this turns out to be the magus' ropes and holy symbol she needs to complete her disguise. Celene heads into the streets and is back at the Skinned Man at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Logan has troubles of a different kind in his mission. Fartellamous does indeed provide a contact with a forger, but it turns out that the man is so intoxicated that the document he produces looks like it has been done by a school child. The forger turns it over to Logan with a flourish and holds his hand out for payment. Logan has no choice but to pay - the two half-orcs on either side of the criminal make sure of that.

As if by magic, both of them are back in the tavern at 3 o'clock.

Logan, cross off the last of your gold. That is punishment for making do lots of writing. Hmm, that was probably more Celene's fault than yours, so I guess this is collective punishment.

Logan settled into the table across from Celene, throwing down his forged letter with a note of disgust.  "Ugh.  Sometimes, I suppose, you get what you pay for.  Any luck on your end?"  Logan slouched down, dejected.

Celene smiles empatheticly, showing the folded up authorisation. "Yes, it appears I had more luck, despite having to suffer another humiliation by my temple associates - I think this real letter will hold up better than the forgery".

"Let's look it over, and then get over there".

Celene and Logan looks over the letter to check that it should do the trick, and nothing is lacking for their purpose. Celene also checks the robe and holy symbol - which she really didn't expect the holy mother to lend her, but luck follows the prepared mind as Celene is fond of thinking.

"Did you get time to scout out the Excavator's? We have to be there well ahead of closing time and talk with the boss, in case we need to go to plan b - getting some workers drunk after hours"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Mon 12 Jan 2015.

Logan shakes his head sadly.  "No, the forger I knew was well in his cups, and took longer than I expected."  The rogue shrugged.  "One of the downsides of working with people in this neighborhood, I suppose."

What is the next step? Sounds like you are going to do some scouting?

If nothing seems amiss (#101), Logan and Celene hurries off. Suggested plan below

"Logan, how about we do a quick bypass of the place, just to have a look how big it is and such - i don't expect it to be illicit or dangerous in any way. If it seems likely it's more than a one or two person business, then I go in to talk to the owner, while you stake it out outside? Then if some workers go out, you can follow them and either if possible get them into a pre-arranged tavern, or just follow and hope they go to some inn or tavern, after which you can return to your stakeout by the shop, and get me along to the inn - if neccesary? If I finish before anyone leave, and i don't get what we came for, we'll just wait together. Is that a possible plan? Any Suggestions or alternatives?"

Logan nods at Celene's plan, then laughs.  "How did an acolyte get so good at planning things like this?  The church must be up to a lot that we don't know about."

Celene and Logan head off to Cudgel district - for Celene it is the second time that day - and start asking around to try and find where 'Elusive Excavations' is located. The first couple of people don't know, which is hardly surprising considering that it is not a prominent business, but eventually they narrow down their search to the eastern end of the low market. EE is located in the basement (of course!) of a three story stone house that also houses a bakery in the ground floor and a lawyers firm on the top two stories.

It is hard to learn much more about the firm. There isn't much to see from the outside other than a brass plaque and some ominous looking stairs leading downwards.

Here is a map of the general location. I have taken the liberty of marking on the nearest tavern for Logan (Bent Bertha's). If he does go in there please include a description of Bertha because I am intrigued as to what she is like!

Celene hesitates a bit, but then seems bound to responds. "Well, to be fair i am not an acolyte, i am only a novice in the order - but i hope to gain entry to the clerical ranks soon - if the Ruby Sorceress is satisfied with me."

"But even though my planning may be good enough, the carryonf out part is what worries me!"

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 106):

Celene fidges, and looks up and down the square.

"Okay, well, there is really not much to go on here. I will just have to dive in...

How about that tavern there, by the end of the square? Would that work for luring in someone, if need be? But let us this just works out as hoped for..."

Assuming Celene has already donned the robe and holy symbol, she heads for the porch down. She keeps her holy symbol visible, and then goes in search of the one in charge.

Logan tilts his head in amazement, almost sputtering at Celene.  "A novice?  Vorsh sent a novice?"  The rogue shook his head.  "Either you've got some amazing skills, or Vorsh is...."  Logan trailed off, then runs a hand through his hair in exasperation.  "Whatever.  He hired me to help, and I'm helping.  Who he wants to help is his own business."  Logan glanced around the square again, taking everything in, and sighed.  "Yes, that's a good start.  You investigate the builders, and I'll see what that tavern is like."

Logan strolls over to the end of the Low Market, taking in the tavern.  The sign features a half-orc eagerly upending a mug of ale into its mouth.  "Bertha?" Logan says to himself, and then walks in.  The tavern is mostly empty at this time of day, with most honest workers in Cudgel District putting in a few more hours of work before seeking a pint.  Logan casually walks up to the bar, where an enormous female half-orc is slouched, idly wiping a patch of the shiny wooden bar surface with a rag, and taking an occasional slug of liquid from a dented steel cup on the bar.

Logan walks up, leaning against the bar, and tries to give his best smile.  Bertha, I presume?"  He holds out his hand.  "But of course?  Who else could it be?  I'm thinking what this bar needs in the afternoon is a little pizzazz, a little pop.  Something to bring the people in for a good time."  Logan looks around, glancing at each empty table and then back at the half-orc, who sighs in response.

"Right, you've seen it all before.  I'm sure you've seen the capering fools, the dim-witted bards, idly strumming nonsense.  Well, I can offer you something more: illusions."  Logan shakes his head.  "But not magic.  No, I'm so trained, that my dextrous fingers can make things appear just like that!"  Logan snaps his fingers, and a caltrop appears in his hand.

Bertha grips the cup and squeezes, denting the sides further.

Logan smiles again.  "Ah!  The famous Bent Bertha!  I see now.  Well, how about...."  Logan makes a flourish, a distracting wave of his arm, leaning over the bar, and produces a silver from Bertha's pocket.  "Haha!  Betcha' don't see that everyday!"  Logan drops the coin on the bar, ending with a flourish.

Okay, so I'm making three checks: one, a diplomacy check to get on Bertha's good side, and two Sleight of Hand checks.  The first is just for producing an palm-sized object (caltrop, DC 10, which should work), and the second is for lifting a small object from a person (DC 20, which should also work.)  I hope you don't mind the interaction with Bertha, but I figure you have the more important response from her now.
21:22, Today: Logan rolled 10 using 1d20+4. Diplomacy.
21:22, Today: Logan rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Sleight of Hand.
21:23, Today: Logan rolled 25 using 1d20+8. Sleight of Hand.

Oh, so THAT is what a 'Bent Bertha' it! She must go through a lot of tankards.

It doesn't appear that Logan's capering has any success in adjusting her attitude, and Bertha remains resolutely 'unfriendly', although her eyes do widen slightly when the silver coin appears. The big half-orc lady slams a steel cup on the bar-top next to her own, and pours in some cheap smelling ale. "Funny elf boy drink with Bertha?" she grunts.

Well, you do have some time before Celene gets back...

The sorcerer heads down the stairs and pushes open the dark wooden door at the bottom. Inside is a small reception area with a young gnome sitting behind an expensive looking mahogany desk. The gnome has his feet up on the desk and is reading a small book entitled "Busty Gnome Warrior Princesses", and seems startled by her appearance. The book disappears into a drawer as if by magic, and the gnome gets to his feet. "Oh! Goodmorning, I mean afternoon madam! And welcome to Elusive Excavations. Do you have an appointment?"

Celene locks a cold stare on the little gnome, trying her best to act aloof yet not entirely unfriendly.

"Thank you. No. I come from the high temple of the Stern Lady, Wee Jaz, and I am here to talk with the manager of this place. If you are not the manager, and you take me to him, I will not interrupt your reading any further."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:43, Sat 17 Jan 2015.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 110):

Logan shrugs.  "Well, that's about what I could have hoped for.  Of course I'd like a drink!"  Logan picks up the steel cup, clinks Bertha's, and takes a hefty sip of the ale.  He tries to keep his expression neutral as the cheap liquor burns down his throat.  "Mmmm...that's a....um, tasty?  Yes, tasty drink."  Logan spends a few minutes in quiet, enjoying the liquor, as bad as it may be.

After he and Bertha have finished the round, he tries to steer her into giving some information.  "Say, Bertha, I bet you see all kinds come in here, especially from the local businesses.  Know anything about the people over at Elusive Excavations?  My friend is looking to hire them for a job, and I'm just wondering what the word on the street is about them.  I'm sure they'll say they do a great job, and will have a list of satisfied customers as long as my arm.  But what do you think of 'em?"

The half-orc grunts. "Funny gnome men work in EE. Funny gnome men make funny things." She refills his tankard with the speciality of the house... which appears to be rocket fuel. "You pay then drink," she says, pointing at his tankard which is now filled to the brim. She get another tankard for herself and also fills it.

Logan will have to continue drinking to get information, but will need to make a DC15 fortitude save after the drink or enter 'stage 1 inebriation'. :)

A look of sheer horror appears on the young gnome's face, and all the colour drains from his cheeks. "Oh no, no, no! You should have made an appointment," he says as he rises to his feet and straitens the small green waistcoat he is wearing. "I am just the junior draftsman's assistant. Everybody else is out drinking... I mean, celebrating the completion of a recent contract. You'll have to come back tomorrow, if you just give me your name and the purpose of your visit..."

Celene turns on her best sour, disappointed frown, and raises her voice slightly, while cutting off the gnome's plea for an appointment.

"You mean to say not even the manager is here? Everybody is out carrousing during the workday, and only you are left here to take care of business? Well, let us hope you are a competent draftsman's assistant, if you hope to have a job to do at this business after i leave. Meaning, if there is a business."

<OOC: any interuption from the gnome, or can Celene continue her ranting (more is on the way)? Should I make a roll, or is this simply roleplayed?>

Stop and make a role please. Make either a bluff or intimate roll, your choice.

Logan steeled his face and took a sip of the burning fluid.  "Interesting, Bertha.  What goes into this concoction?  I've tasted my share of liquor from around the city, and this certainly has a unique...er, bouquet.  Do the funny gnome men ever drink this?  What kinds of funny things do they say when they're drinking?"  Logan glanced around, looking for place to surreptitiously empty his mug if he needed to keep drinking.  While he enjoyed drinking, he probably needed to stay relatively sober to complete this job.

10:17, Today: Logan rolled 19 using 1d20. Fortitude Save.

Celene suddenly decided that this little fellow has it coming. Sitting here reading some sort of disgusting book, while supposed to be working. Apparently everybody was out getting drunk in the middle of the day. People just didn't care about doing their part to make this world turn properly around. Well, if they didn't care, she sure was going to tell them a thing or two. And that was going to be on this guy's head.

Intimidation successful! Please let us see how intimidating Celene can be!

That is a pass... For now...



"You like?" says Bertha in a surprised tone. "I make myself. I use well water, not rainwater. Water from ground taste better." She tops up his mug even though it is not yet half empty, and fills her own one again too.


Unfortunately there is no way of disposing of the drink without Bertha seeing. It looks like Logan will have to keep drinking if he wants Bertha to keep talking. "I don't understand gnome men. They talk about holes in ground." The lady half-orc leans in close enough that Logan can smell her breath - it appears to consist entirely of alcohol vapour. "Sometimes they make secret holes...Drink!"

DC17 fortitude save if you want to ask another question!

Seeing the gnome hesitate and stutter, Celenes confidence is bolstered, and she launches into one of her rantings about right and wrong, which she's been prone to flush over her juniors at the temple. Almost leaning over the little man, she fixes her stare on the gnome.

"I am here on behalf of the temple of Wee Jaz, our goddess of law and order in this city. It has come to our attention that an excavation has been carried out in the noble district - and hence  within reach of the temple grounds. An excavation YOU have carried out, WITHOUT alerting the High Temple to its nearness."

Always taking care not to outright lie - technically - she stretches her monologue to the limits. Feeling in fact quite righteous in lecturing the gnome about their obvious carelessness in their work, Celene is getting warmed up. Some people should have thought better!

"I am sure I do not have to tell you just how high a risk such an excavation is to the security and integrity of the vaults beneath the temple. Not to mention that you have chosen to work for a person who is under our scrutiny both for dabbling in the dark arts, which in your terms would be praying to the dead as well as devils and demons, AND conspiring against the city leaders.
THAT is why I am here to enquire into this digging, which you carried out under the grounds of Hans Aubreck.

Now, while I am sure that YOU are running a legitimate and lawful business, as you appreciate, some citizens have less noble motivations for the excavations you carry out.

Therefore it is imperitative that I aquire the building plans of your excavations, as well as ANY information on the use of the finished work you may have gained. I gather that your business here would like to be doing work for other customers in the future, in the noble district, or in this city for that matter? Then let's work on saving your little business before this scandal will bring Elusive Excavations crashing down, like an collapsing latrine.

Don't just stand there, get it now! Not tomorrow, not next week - Now!"

Logan sighed and steeled himself for another drink.  His eyebrows raise in response to Bertha's insight and the level of alcohol in his mug.  Finally, the rogue has girded his willpower and takes another deep draw from the mug, feeling the burning liquid hit his stomach and start to permeate his brain.  Logan takes a steadying breath, and then turns back to Bertha.  "Well, that's a well-kept secret, then."  The rogue stops, and titters slightly at his pun.  "And apparently it's stronger and better-tasting."  He shakes his head, trying to center his thoughts back to the job at hand.  "Secret holes, though?"  He leans in close, copying Bertha's posture.  "That's even more interesting.  What kinds of holes do they dig?  Where?  For someone?"

16:42, Today: Logan rolled 8 using 1d20. Fortitude Save.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:46, Tue 20 Jan 2015.

The poor gnome just stands there with his mouth wide open at the end of Celene's blistering monologue, like a little rabbit frozen in terror.



The gnome jumps, as if slapped. "Yes, alright, your grace... no, your excellency! Please, just one moment, I can find the records, I just need two minutes High Magus!" The gnome shoots from the room and heads down a short corridor. The novice can't see what he is doing, but there is the sound of papers and boxes being thrown around. After a few minutes the assistant to the junior draftsman returns clutching a fistful of papers, and spreads them out on the desk in front of her with shaking hands. "Madam! As you can see it is a small construction... merely thirty cubics! There is no way it could intrude upon the Wee Jas temple or come anywhere near the graveyard! This is very standard of the type of excavation we do for our clients - they use the extra space for storage, magical research... hobby rooms." The gnome looks up, to see if she is appeased.

Most interestingly to Celene there is a map of the entire excavation in the pile of papers. The rest of them are just technical engineering calculations and permits from the city.

Stage one inebriation entered! Actually, that is the good stage. Benefits only.


Logan can almost hear the sound of it whooshing over Bertha's head at high altitude.

Heh heh, nice one though. I would give an XP bonus... if I could be bothered.



Bertha leans in even closer. Maybe it is just the alcohol talking, but she isn't such a bad lass really. "The dig secret holes." She looks around the room surreptitiously and adds in a whisper. "For people in the city!"

You may have just exhausted Bertha's knowledge of the whole situation...

Logan slouches down, a little miffed, but not ultimately surprised that the bartender doesn't know all the secrets of the city.  After a few minutes more of conversing with Bertha, he gets up and slowly walks towards the window, keeping an eye out for Celene or the gnomes.

Bertha seems sad to loose his attention and says he is welcome back anytime.

Celene appears to glare intently at the papers for very long moments, leafing through them - all the while she does her very best to memorize all information in the papers. Then - she seems to relax her entire body, and let out a breath of relief, almost a sigh.

"My very good draftsman, you have filled me with relief. The threat, if this individual would gain access to either of those two areas you so correctly have guessed, was indescribable. I am now confident the temple and graveyard will be safe."

Her mood thus abruptly changed, she carries on to convince the young gnome to keep this all to himself, at least long enough to have concluded this nights business.

"However, you must understand, both for Sasserines sake, as well as your very own, that this person still is not to be trifled with. If word somehow should escape to him that someone has enquired about his excavation, I fear for the repercussions. Such knowledge must not escape, until we have gathered enough proof and brought him to justice. I hope you will agree with me on this.

To keep this as safe as possible, I will not even ask your name, but I will remember your courage to act on what you believed right to do. The temple of Wee Jaz will not forget this, and you have ensured the future of your company. Once this business has all been taken care of, you will gain your due credit for your act.

But, for your own sake, do go back and clear up what scatterings you may have caused down the corridor, so as not to incur any wrath upon you from your senior."

<response? A bluff check to make him believe the danger in telling anyone about this?>

As a side note, Celene noticed that the company actually got permits from the city, meaning that such drawings would also have been obtainable from the authorities. A good thing to know for another time. She tries to remember the names of the magistrate giving the permits, for later use.

No need for an additional bluff check, the young gnome is going to do his best to try and forget this ever happened...

"With that, I must leave you to carry on my task at hand, and you may carry on with your reading. My deepest respects, dear gnome."

Once outside, she now quickly tucks in the holy symbol, and hides deeper within the robe. She glances around for Logan. Again the sight and sounds of a market tempts her immensly, but she resists the urge to stroll that way. With so many people, someone may know her, and she is not prepared to answer why she's wearing the Magus' robe. Not seeing Logan around, she turns towards the agreed upon tavern, Bent Berthas.

Reaching the door, she enters the run-down place. Celene wonders why anyone would want to go and have a good time in a place like this. Maybe to oggle that brute of a woman in the bar, she wonders? She hurridly looks around, making sure not to get eye contact with anyone, and quickly goes to Logan where she sees him nod at her. He seems intoxicated...

"Well, your novice is back. I have the plans. He had a small complex built beneath his house - accesible through the well. I got the scematics, and I'll draw them up for you. How are you doing here?

"Oh, and regarding your question earlier: yes, I have other... skills. But at the same time, yes, Vorsh is ... As you so eloquently put it."

Celene does know how to carry a grudge, but having proved herself (at least in her own eyes), she now has the confidence to get a jibe back at Logan - but a cheeky smile lets him know they are okay. In fact, this test of her talents has bolstered her in their endeavor, making them more than okay. She's now committed to their mission, and looking forward to the next step.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Wed 21 Jan 2015.

Logan found himself smiling as Celene entered the tavern, possibility just as a result of Bertha's alcohol.  "I'm glad you got something useful.  The keep here," Logan nods his head in Bertha's direction, "knows a little about the gnomes, mainly that they did secret holes for people, but that's about it.  Oh, and how to make a really mean drink.  If you ever want to forgot your week, Bent Bertha can help you."  Logan tips back a little, and steadies himself on the table.  "I should be okay.  But getting information from a half-orc with a high alcohol tolerance isn't an easy thing."

Logan looks around the mostly-empty bar, and leans closer to Celene.  "Anything else we need, or just waiting for tonight?  I have the supplies- rope and such, if we need to investigate that well to find what we need."

Celene chuckles. "I hope you will, at least before tonight. But I think we have what we need. You agree?"

"But let's go it all over again one more time. I would hate for some cruxial detail to go unnoticed, if it could mean failure. Especially I would like to know what else you have gathered of information before we met this morning."

Celene goes over all the details she has gained on Aubreck and the house, both from Vorsh and Elusive Excavations. She describes the layout of the cellar as well as she can. She also urges Logan to explain all the information he has gleaned so far.

<do I need to pen it out, or is that fine?>

"Regarding the well, I did not see any notes on how to enter the complex through the well. Maybe he simply levitates. But yes, bring ropes, and we must see how we get down there."

No need to write it out, we'll say that Logan and Celene now know all the information that each of them has learnt about the heist. So what is the plan for this thieft?

Having gone as far as her own talents and experince would carry, Celene now felt rather uncertain. She now put the question to Logan, the expert in 'questionable visits'.

"Logan, I am fine with laying out the plans of the place, and getting the information we need, but when it comes to actually carrying it out, then I am completely lost. I hope you have a firm idea of what to do? Well, I fact I am guessing you have already figured it all out by yourself, right?"

Logan nodded.  "Like I said, we have a key to the place.  We'll wait to the house is asleep and sneak in.  The Aubrecks have fallen on hard times and only have a few servants, so there shouldn't be any guards.  I know where the stairs up are, so we'll check the bedrooms upstairs first.  Vorsh made it seem as though Hans keeps the weapon close to him.  If that's not where Hans is keeping the rapier, or if Hans isn't there, we can quickly check the rest of the upstairs, and then move to the courtyard and the mysterious hole.  I should be able to take care of the lock on the door, because Aubreck keeps that key close at hand and I wasn't able to copy it."

Sounds like a plan, what time do you go to the house?

A few hours after dark, I figure.  We can sneak into the back alleys, keep hidden, and observe the house until the lights are out, hopefully avoiding any patrols of the area.

Great! I'll post on that tomorrow.

Celene and Logan spend the next couple of hours in the tavern, making sure their plan is rock solid and just generally chatting. Bertha eyes Logan jealously the whole time.

After night has well and truly enveloped the city and the more reputable citizens have retired behind locked doors, the thief and the novice make their way into the noble district. They end their journey in the back alley behind the Aubreck mansion, and see that all of its lights are already extinguished. The house is still and dark, with only the distant rumble of the nightly thunder clouds to be heard.

You are in the back alley off School street, this is the alley with the back door into the kitchen that Logan used earlier.

Despite sweating and shaking from nervousness, Celene tries her best to be inconspicuous, and not turn her head at every sound or movement.

She does, however, check if they are being watched or followed.

13:03, Today: Celene rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Perception roll?

In a low voice she urges Logan to get it overwith, remembering though, to not mention his name in case someone still overheard.

"All right, lead the way, you know it best."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:34, Fri 23 Jan 2015.

Actually, I have to make those because you aren't allowed to know if you sucessd or fail.

OK, rolls made. Hmm, but I forgot to check the secret box so you can see the results anyway.


The pair of them listen carefully for a couple of minutes while they stay hidden in the shadows of the alley, but they don't hear any sign of anyone following them.

I am going to follow Logan's plan form earlier.

Logan opens the back door with the copy of the key he made earlier, and then they head inside to the kitchen as quietly as possible. It is dark inside the house, with only a occasional small window letting in moonlight.

The continue into the main hall, and following Logan's intuition the creep up the staircase to the first floor. Upstairs is just as quiet as below, and the same oppressive spirit sits on them as they move from room to room. Every single room is empty and quiet, although the main bedroom and upstairs study are very messy.

Despite conduting a search in all of the upstairs rooms, they find no trace of a sword or of a key.


Map of the manor showing what has been searched so far

In the shadows upstairs, Logan motions Celene over.  He leans and whispers "Well, it's a good thing we found out what we could about that well.  It seemed suspicious, and that seems like the next obvious thing to check if they're not in their rooms like proper people should be.  Unless you have any other ideas, let's sneak downstairs, and I'll have a look at opening the door."  Logan pats his theives' tools in his backpack, sending a metallic tinkle quietly ringing through the room.

The pair head downstairs and Logan guides them into the ground floor study. At the far side of the room is the door that leads out into the central garden, and the thief sets to work checking for traps and listening. Convinced that it is safe enough to work on, he starts getting his thieves' tools out of his backpack, but then pauses with a frown on his face...

Because this is only an intro adventure and I don't want to RP you two climbing across the roof!

The rouge tries the door and it is open!


Updated route

Logan frowns as the door easily pushes open.  He turns to Celene with a worried look on his face.  "I'm not sure if that's extraordinarily good luck or bad.  I'd heard that Aubreck always keeps this locked, with the key on his person.  No one else was to be allowed inside."  He looks both ways and sneaks in, making his way quickly across the garden to the well.  Moving fast, he pulls out his rope, securing it to the well, and, after a quick look down, lowers the rope to the bottom.  Checking his weapons and equipment were well secured, Logan scrambled up onto the well, preparing to descend.  He looks to Celene.  "Well, I don't have any preparations for this.  We get down there, investigate, get the weapon, and get out.  You want to watch me from above while I descend?  I can probably handle these," Logan pats his rapier and short sword, "better than you at close quarters."

Actually, Logan sees when he lowers the rope that there are metal rungs set into the wall of the well. But he can use the rope as well as these if he wants.

Also, one you are up close you can see that it doesn't even pretend to be a well - there is no bucket or signs of water. There is just a circular ring of bricks with a round metal hatch on top that was already open when you arrived. You can make out the floor of the room below you in the moonlight - it is about 20ft down.

Celene answers Logan in an anxious whisper.

"Uh, yes, that's a good idea. Good thinking. I'm sure you have more skill at wielding those. In fact, I haven't really got any training fighting with a weapon. You go first! But skip the rope if it's not needed, it'll only give us away if someone comes by. The rungs can't be slid into the wall or otherwise removed before our return climb, can they?"

"But - I'm afraid it's bad luck here. The door is unlocked, the lid open - he has got to be down there! Maybe even his wife, as she was not in the bedroom. But there's no turning back now, it's now or never.! But be quiet! I will cover you, and be right behind you!
This message was last edited by the player at 10:56, Sun 25 Jan 2015.

Logan looked down at the fake well, and stopped lower his rope, tucking it back into his pack.  "Guess I was just going through the motions with taking everything in,"  he admitted sheepishly.  Stowing the rope, the rogue clambered over the edge of the well and began to descend down into the patch of moonlight.

Logan reaches the bottom of the rungs without any difficulties - they are study and well spaced - in fact the whole structure appears to be well made with the walls being constructed of tightly knit bricks with mortar between them to keep most of the water out. Even so, the bottom of the well smells musty and is cooler and damper than the tropical air above.

Logan steps onto the floor of the basement and realises that it is VERY dark down there, and very quiet with the normal night sounds of the city gone. Even with his Elven heritage giving him improved eyesight, he can only see a few feet into the darkness that exists outside the little patch of moonlight he is standing in. As he turns to look up at Celene, he hears a noise that makes his skin crawl. Out in the darkness, there is the scrap of metal against stone as something moves on the other side of the room.

Both of you roll for initiative please! And please tell me that at least one of you have some torches with you! Celene can only see the square Logan is in, and dimly see the three squares adjacent to him. Logan can see the square he is in, and the three adjacent squares OK, all the others he can see dimly.


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:22, Sun 25 Jan 2015.

OOC: I assume Celene doesn't hear the sound nor realises Logans predicament about the light?

Celene sees Logan reach the bottom and look around him. As no other news seems forthcoming, she takes a last look around her for any undiscovered onlookers, and prepares to descend the rungs quickly and quietly.

Logan freezes as he hears a noise in the well.  His ears and eyes strain, trying to make out the detail, and his hands fumble in his backpack for a torch as he struggles to make out who or what is with him in the small room.  He looks up to the top of the well, hissing at Celene.  "Something's down here, but I can't see what.  Give me a second and I'll get a torch going."

09:40, Today: Logan rolled 13 using 1d20+4. Initiative.
Logan has 10 torches in his backpack.  I think retrieving a torch is a move action, lighting it would probably be a standard.  On the first round of combat, Logan would probably do that.

She hears the scrapping sound just as clearly as Logan does and is able to see even less than him. She is aware that things must be pretty dark down there even if he is a half-elf.


Hold that thought, see if you want to do that after you see what happens. You have rolled last for initiative.

Initiative is
Bad guy
Logan
Celene




Really? You will be giving your opponent an attack of opportunity if you do? I'll let you decide after this first round.

Before Logan can even get his backpack open, a shape bursts out of the shadows and claws at his neck with a frenzied attack. It's fingers manage to break past Logan's panicked defence and draw blood.


Oh no! It's a skeleton!

21:01, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Skeleton attack 1.
21:01, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 10 using 1d20+2. Skeleton attack 2.
21:02, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d4+2. Skeleton Damage.

Subtract 3 hp please.

Logan, your move, then Celene.

Updated map, is this too small?

At the prospect of the skeleton in front of him, Logan abandons all thought of light for the moment, instead drawing his weapons and counter-attacking the skeleton.

Free: 5' Step south
Move: Draw Rapier & Shortsword
Standard: Attack Skeleton with both weapons.  Definite miss with Rapier.  Possible hit with short sword?

16:18, Today: Logan rolled 1 using 1d6. Short Sword Damage.
16:17, Today: Logan rolled 14 using 1d20-2. Short Sword Attack.
16:17, Today: Logan rolled 6 using 1d20-2. Rapier Attack.

The map's small, but that's okay.  The bigger problem is that the skeleton's circle blends in with the floor pattern, making it really hard to see.

Celene is shocked by the sudden onslaught and violence. Trying her best not to panic she tries to see what happens down there, and thinks on how to help.

Can she see the skeleton? If she can't see it, she can't help, and will therefore descend, quickly instead of quietly (though not jumping, that'll just kill her), to help him at the bottom. How long will that take?

If she can see it, and she realises it's one of the undead, she will command Logan up in the corner, and bombard it with holy water vials (which fortunately is harmless to Logan, who's up close with it). There she can help, even if he should fall.

Exact actions pending, dependent on what's visible - and of course on if Logan kills it :-).
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Mon 26 Jan 2015.

Yes, she can see the skeleton, but he is in the ’dim light’ zone which means he has concealment against her. Therefore, if she makes a missile attack against it e.g. with a flask of holy water, there is a 20% chance the attack will miss and only the splash damage will get him. A successful hit i.e. concealment check passed and a successful hit roll made, then holy water will do 2d4 damage.

If she uses her ‘flame lance’ power then there is still a 20% chance that the spell will miss, but no attack roll is needed. This does 1d6+1. There is no chance that she will accidentally burn Logan.

No, don’t jump down! : )

I will post when I get home, but Logan didn’t manage to hit it, so it is up to you!

Logan swings desperately, but fails to connect with the skeleton.

The skeleton has AC 16/12/14. It also has DR 5/bludgeoning, so I am sorry Logan, but you are in for a tough time. Celene, your chance now.

Seeing Logan vanish into the darkness, Celene chokes with dread and almost screams at him. Peering into the gloom, she frantically commands him. "Logan, get back here! I need to see you to help! Get up tight in the corner!"

Recognising a glimpse of a skeletal arm, Celene scrambles to get out the holy water. Having them ready, she realises that she needs a better shot to use them, and hopes it gets beneath her. For the moment, she must attempt what she has hardly learned to do. Desperately trying to redo what she dreamt only last night, she stretches forth the palms of her hands, aiming for the shadowy form of the skeleton. The desperation helps her. She suddenly feels a boiling sensation through-out her body, welling up from her core and spilling into her limbs. A strained moan of pain escapes her, just as the flames escape her hands. Wave after wave flows down the well, narrowly clearing the bottom edge of the well, before singeing the bony figure. Alas, the creature was too far from the edge to be fully engulfed.


23:24, Today: Celene rolled 2 using 1d6+1. Flame lance damage.
23:23, Today: Celene rolled 24 using 1d100. Concealment: <20 miss, >21 hit.

---

Free : speak| Swft : | Move : Retrieve holy water vials (as many as possible) | Stnd : Flame Lance

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L1 Spells : Detect poison
              Daze
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (bonus 1/day)
              Light (Bonus 1/day)
              Prestidigitation (Bonus 1/day)
  L2 Spells : Charm person
              Sleep
  Abilities : Flame lance (6/7)

This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Tue 27 Jan 2015.

The jet of hot flame from Celene's palms splashes across the top of the skeleton, but much of it hits the ground either side of it as well. Clearly the young novice is having problems with controlling her new power.

The skeleton continues to claw at Logan's face, but this time the half-elf is better at fending off the blows.

18:42, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 15 using 1d20+2. Skeleton claw attack 1.
18:42, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 14 using 1d20+2. Skeleton claw attack 2.

Two misses, Logan, you're up


That circle should be red, as he is an enemy. I will change that next time I have to update the map.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:47, Wed 28 Jan 2015.

Logan attacks the skeleton again, his weak strikes easily dodged by the skeleton.  The rogue retreats into the corner, trying to hide himself against the skeleton's claws.  "It looks like you're having better luck with whatever that was than I am!  Try it again!"

12:48, Today: Logan rolled 1 using 1d20-2. Short Sword Attack.
12:48, Today: Logan rolled 12 using 1d20-2. Rapier Attack.

Celene's turn now.

Logan, sorry about the delay. Celene's player is negotiating with me on a proposed 'holy water cluster bomb attack'. That isn't described in the rule book...

Celene has procured 4 vials of holy water from her bag, holding them above her head. "Logan, sorry you have to be the bait, but please trust me. Else get up if you can safely!"

As Logan hugs the corner wall behind him, Celene holds her breath, hoping, praying to the Ruby Sorceress, that the creature will take the bait, and her plan will hold.


OOC: I believe the correct action terms are that I 'Ready' (standard action) for dropping the handful of vials, which is probably 'Attack (ranged)' (also a standard action), although she really just drops the load - no aiming or trying to hit, really. The trigger condition is that the skeleton enters the area (square) beneath the well opening.

---

Free : speak | Swft : | Move : Retrieve more HW vials | Stnd : Ready (for skeleton to enter area beneath well)

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L1 Spells : Detect poison
              Daze
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L2 Spells : Charm person
              Sleep
  Abilities : Flame lance (6/7)

This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Thu 29 Jan 2015.

The second after Celene raises the flasks of holy water over the top of the well the skeleton lunges at Logan. The novice does not hesitate in dropping all four bottles into the general area of the undead creature and they all fall to the floor and break. Although none of them hit directly, they manage to splash small amounts of holy water over the legs of the skeleton, and cause the bone to bubble and blister anywhere they make contact. The creature throws its fleshless head back as though giving a noiseless shreik and then collapses on the floor, leaving Logan backed into the corner and clinging to the first rung on the ladder.

Nice work! The skeleton only had 2 hp left so the splash damage was enough.

"Dear Goddess, that was terrifying. Holy Wee Jas, allow me to send thos undead back to you... and any other that we may come acroos down here."

"LOGAN! Are you all right? Was that the only one down there? If not, then get back up here! Else, i'll come down. Are you bleeding, should I look to your wounds?"

Logan doesn't even have the chance to breath a sigh of relief before there is a loud crash from the door next to him (the door on the eastern wall), and the door shudders so much that it is almost knocked off its hinges. A second latter there is another powerful hit from something on the other side of the door - something very big and strong is trying to get through.

Oh, it looks like the fun is just starting!

"Oh no, what was THAT? Logan?

Logan whirled, looking to the new threat.  "Uh...the skeleton scratched me.  I think I'm okay for now.  But something else is trying to get in down here!  What in the name of the gods was Aubreck doing?  I'm going to need your help, I think."  Logan moves to face the door, weapons at the ready.

Ready action: Attack if something dangerous comes through the door.

The door has a bar across it, locking it from Logan's side. Every time the door is hit, the bar bends a little more and is in danger of breaking in a few more seconds. What ever is on the other side is strong! Finally the bar breaks with a loud snapping noise and the door is flung open and a corpse-like figure bursts through. It is the animated body of what was a tall and strong middle aged lady, and is still wearing the remains of a floral dress.

Roll for initiative!

OOC: Gee, it's not my year for dice rolling.

[*] 20:04, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d20. Zombie initiative.

Well, I guess that zombies are meant to be slow.

What Logan sees


What Celene sees. Note: Celene can only see the square directly below her clearly, the other three are in dim light and there is a 20% miss chance.

Logan lost a split second starting as the zombie burst through the door, and then sprung into motion.  He jabbed at the zombie with his rapier, then stepped to the side, swinging his short sword in another futile attack.  Backing up, he called up to Celene.  "There's another one down here, in here now.  Not a skeleton...this one's more...meaty, I guess?"  Logan took a step back, leaving room for Celene to join.

Attack Zombie
Move: 5' west
21:20, Yesterday: Logan rolled 9 using 1d20-2. Short Sword Attack.
21:20, Yesterday: Logan rolled 7 using 1d20-2. Rapier Attack.
21:20, Yesterday: Logan rolled 12 using 1d20+4. Initiative.

OK, Logan has taken one step north. Celene, you still can't see the zombie from where you are, but you could climb down ten feet and take a standard action, abet a one handed action. If you climb down ten feet you will be able to see the zombie, but in dim light.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 174):

OOC: I think Logan took a step west...? (wrote so, anyway)

OOC: Alright, a one handed actions, but as I read the spell casting, they require one free hand at least, so can she do flame lance one handed (is it even a spell with somatic or verbal components, or is it an 'ability' without)?? If so, then:

Celene had once again found herself frozen in terror of violence and clamour, cowing from the sheer sound of battle below. All she could do was keep her distance and let others' be at the forefront, meekly aiding from safety. But the violence just wouldn't go away. Another abomination waded forth - and Logan was down there, alone, doing it for her as she couldn't. It was just  not fair. NO, this was not right, these wrecks of creatures were wrongful, and this would stop - NOW. And this was not just Logans job, it was up to her! Feeling wrath starting to boil throughout her, she abandoned caution, and swung over the well rim, taking the descent in strides. Spotting the foul carcass, she felt now an instant urge to realease her stored energy, ignoring the searing pain within. Flames roared forth...

"Logan, watch out, and don't let it get to you with those claws! Just fend for yourself."

quote:

15:14, Today: Celene rolled 3 using 1d6+1. Flame lance damage.
15:14, Today: Celene rolled 60 using 1d100. Concealment: <20 miss, >21 hit.

OOC: Else, she will need to retort to one of the holy water flasks she procured during the last round.

---

Free : Speak | Swft : | Move : 10' down the well | Stnd : Flame lance

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L1 Spells : Detect poison
              Daze
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L2 Spells : Charm person
              Sleep
  Abilities : Flame lance (5/7)

This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Sun 01 Feb 2015.

OOC: Yes, that is exactly right, she can use her 'flame lance' power one handed, just like she can spellcast one handed.

...flames roared forth and snaked across the front of the zombie, with most of the magic passing either side and being wasted. It seems that Celene would need to practice using the power one handed more often if she wanted to be effective using it that way.

The zombie lurched forward into the room and launched a series of clumsy attacks against the thief, but Logan parried them with his short sword.

17:45, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 11 using 1d20+4. zombie attack.

Logan's turn again.

Logan watched as Celene unleashed another magical attack on the zombie.  "Nice shot!  I'm glad you're halfway competent."  Logan skipped again, distracting the zombie with a flourish of his short sword as he drove the point of the rapier home into its chest.

12:00, Today: Logan rolled 10 using 1d20-2. Short Sword Attack.
12:00, Today: Logan rolled 17 using 1d20-2. Rapier Attack.
12:01, Today: Logan rolled 5 using 1d6. Rapier Damage.

Logan finally manages to break through the zombie's guard and land a good blow with his rapier - he pushes the slim blade into the zombie's body all the way almost up to the hilt and then pulls it back out again. The thief's joy quickly turns to surprise as the zombie doesn't even flinch from the blow. Apparently it's fleshy body is almost immune to such attacks.

OOC: Nice roleplaying there Logan! I'll give an XP reward - posthumously of course. Celene, your turn.

Hmm, true. He did write that he took a step 'back'. Well, same effect if he goes north...
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:30, Sun 01 Feb 2015.

Enraged by her own inability to properly aim her inate powers, Celene flings the flask she is holding at the creature, to free her hands for a better shot afterwards.

quote:

22:50, Today: Celene rolled 8 using 1d20. Ranged attack roll holy water.
22:50, Today: Celene rolled 72 using 1d100. dim light: <20 miss, >21 hit.

---

Free : | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : ranged attack with HW

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L1 Spells : Detect poison
              Daze
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L2 Spells : Charm person
              Sleep
  Abilities : Flame lance (5/7)

OOC: Huh? Was she holding a flask of holy water with one hand, onto the ladder with the other and using her free hand to fire her sorceress' flame lance ability? How many hands does she have?!

Celene's throw drops well short of her target and only manages to splash a few drops of holy water onto the zombie's feet. The creature meanwhile pushes easily past Logan's defence and takes a large bite out of his neck, causing hot blood to spray over the bottom rungs of the ladder. The rogue falls without even having a chance to cry out, and the zombie stands over him ready to finish dining.

20:49, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 23 using 1d20+4. Zombie attack.
20:52, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 8 using 1d4+4. zombie damage.

Logan drops to -2 hp! Your turn Celene. The (only) good news is that the zombie is now directly below you and can be seen clearly - it no longer has concealment.

Logan's momentary elation at his successful attack is quickly dashed when the zombie lurches forward and bites his neck.  As Logan feels his own hot blood spilling over him and the smell of copper in the air, his only thought is: Not fair!  I hit her!  At least I've got a cleric with me... then his thoughts began to fade as he loses consciousness.

Interestingly enough, I think this is the first time in Pathfinder I've had a character get to negative hit point.  I wonder if I'm been lucky or just reckless with Logan?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

"Logan, NOOO!"

Tears of both anger and shock starting to well in her eyes, Celene has more trouble aiming the flame lance that instantly soars from her hand.



OOC: sorry about the hands. She picked up the flask on the round she tossed the first ones (move action), but i didn't think about what she did when she climbed down. In a pocket? :-) Another darn miss though.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:48, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

Despite Celene’s power yet again being unfocused and mostly missing the zombie, the creature finally succumbs to the ‘death by a thousand cuts’ technique and falls to the ground with a final roar. Logan lies next to it, his blood quickly spilling out across the stone floor.

OOC: You guys were a little unlucky – your attack and damage rolls have been low – but it is first level, so the difference between full health and bleeding out is only ever one critical hit from a kobold away.

Logan, please make a DC10 constitution check with a -2 penalty to see if you can stabilize. If you fail lose another 1 hp.

Celene, after that it is your move. The basement is now quiet, except for Logan’s feeble attempts to breath, but still dark. You haven’t even seen the western wall of this first room yet, so you can’t be fully confident that the room is safe.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 185):

OOC: whatever hos Roll, Celene dies this.

Celene scrambles and leaps the last way down. Trusting in her hearing to warn her, she decides that Logans life comes before her uncertainty. She sees to the wounds immediately, trying her best to stabilise hi

What can Celenes heal skill do, before giving him a potion?

Logan fell into the blackness, and he could feel his life slipping away.  Yet, in the blackness, he clung to the feelings of the cold, damp floor beneath him, and the sticky blood coating his chest.  His features showed some of the struggle, his mouth turning down from a peaceful repose into a grimace of a struggle.

07:57, Today: Logan rolled 15 using 1d20-2. Constitution Check.
Logan stabilized, but is still unconscious.

In regards to healing skill: is this a "deadly wound"? Or what else is?

You can use the heal skill to 'apply first aid’, this will only take one round but it only lets you stabilize him i.e. he’ll stop loosing 1 hp each round. But he has already managed to do that himself, so not point to that.

Using the heal skill to ‘treat deadly wounds’ does let you restore some hp, but takes one hour to do! Not applicable here.

Or you can trickle a potion of healing down his throat, this will take 1 round and is your only option I think.

Well, unless you just let him die. If you do that you won’t need to share the treasure and to be honest, I sort of thought that was your plan after seeing how many rounds it took you to kill that zombie… ;)

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:03, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

Wellll, a tempting thought, but Celene decides she needs someone to carry all her loot out of here, so...

With all the care that she can muster, Celene holds the potion bottle to Logan's mouth, making sure every drop goes down. Now and then she peers up and always listens intently for any disturbance.

"Logan, please wake", she whispers.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:14, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

OK, roll for healing Celene. 1d8+1

OOC: Well, hardly a surprising roll..... :-)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:31, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

The last drop disappears down Logan's throat and Celene removes the bottle from his lips, but nothing happens for several seconds. Finally, the large wound on his neck closes over slightly and some colour returns to his face. The thief regains consciousness...

Congrats! You now have 1 hp Logan!

Logan's eyes flutter open, and he wakes up, hands immediately going to his neck.  He grimaces, still feeling the after-effects of the zombie's terrible bite and gags, thinking about the decaying flesh and teeth tearing into his throat again.  Slowly, the rogue gets to his feat.  "Ugh...thanks, Celene.  I would have been history without your help.  Maybe your Vorsh really knew what he was doing."

"Uhm, no, actually I don't think he did." Celene distratedly replies, as if contemplating something.

"But NOR DID YOU!" she then suddenly adds, sparked into a fury.

"LISTEN, you street urchin, you might think lightly of this, but this is NO LAUGHING MATTER! You could have gotten yourself killed down here! And, and.. leave me to deal with this matter alone!

So, when you get the chance to get back up safely, as I told you, you TAKE it! Remember that? Good, okay..."

Logan likely notices how Celene is shaking and quite wound up.

"And, he is not 'my' Vorsh. Not in a lifetime", she lightly adds. "Maybe he's your style, but not mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Tue 03 Feb 2015.

Calming down  somewhat, Celene asks, "now, lie back and rest awhile. Do you have a torch in your bag i can take?"

Expecting it to be alright, she pulls out a torch. Holding her hand around the top end, she whispers a short incantation. A ball of fire glows within, igniting the torch instantly. Holding it high, she surveys their surroundings.

Logan blanches at Celene's outburst and recoils, resting against the cold stone in the secret cellar.  "Sorry, I didn't mean to insult."  He cocks an eye at her comment about Vorsh, but chooses to say nothing else, settling for raising an eyebrow instead.  Given her leave, he relaxes to the floor again, not caring about the damp seeping through his pants.  He is about to nod at her request for a torch, but doesn't manage before Celene acts.  Logan manages one more pained grin.  "I hope I'm not rubbing off on you, Celene.  That was most...roguish."  Logan coughs once more and is quiet, watching Celene light the torch and inspect the room.

Celene lights a torch and the shadows are pushed back to reveal a room 40' long and 15' wide. The basement is walled with large blocks of grey stone with a white mortar in-between that is riddled with mould and moss, it seems that keeping the surrounding moisture out of the basement was beyond the abilities of EE Inc. There is a distinct smell in the basement - beyond the smell and dampness and moisture - that is hard to place... The closest match would perhaps be salted pork...

At the other end of the room is a peanut shaped wooden table with some sort of small tool or weapon on it. Beyond this is a statue of an imposing looking lady in a dark granite stone. The lady has her arms folded across her rather stout chest and is wearing a strange looking fur hat - not something that a Sasserine native would ever wear.

There is a door in the north wall, and the door the zombie used in the east wall. The eastern door is now busted and hanging off its hinges, revealing a corridor on the other side that stretches to the east. Open doors open off the corridor to the north and south, and it is possible to see from the first couple that the doors lead to small storage rooms or cells. Logan can just make out the last door to the north in the dim light, and notes that it is closed.

The basement is now still and silent. The zombie lies at the foot of the rungs leading up the well, and both the novice and the thief can confirm that it is definitely wearing a floral dress. Logan also notices from this angle that it is has some sort of necklace on.

Updated map

Celene bends down to take a closer look at the hopefully now completely dead zombie. She tries to think if that kind of dress looks familiar - could this be someone recognisable? Did the two of them see any similar dresses upstairs? Are all her features erased or charred, or can any distinctive marks be seen? How long has she been dead? And what of that necklace, has she seen or heard of that before? She quietly confers her thoughts and observations to Logan. "Do you make anything of this - or that strange smell, is that just from this corpse?". <Snif>.

"Besides her, we have to think of our next step. Should we press forward as soon as possible, or cover our backs by checking those cells behind us first, if any more surprises remain?"

Celenes smiles almost apologetically, when adding "I'm the cautious type, as you now might gather, so i'd vote for covering our backs."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Wed 04 Feb 2015.

OOC: Woah! I think someone watched a bit too much CSI Copenhagen tonight!

Celene studies the dress but it is just an average dress with polka dots on it, the sort of thing that was in fashion a few years ago in Sasserine if she remembers rightly. The zombies face is bloated and decayed, but even so she is sure it is not a face she has seen before, but there aren't any distinctive marks to help her recognise the person.

The novice is no expert, but this person has been dead... or rather, been a zombie for a while. More than a couple of days at least. The necklace looks nice enough, it is a series of white beads set on a simple cord. The sort of thing that city women wear if they can't afford pearls. Might be worth a few coins.


Ugh! The zombie stinks intensely of death and rotting meat! But no, it is not the source of the strange smell.

OOC: Hmm. In all of my years of D&D nobody has ever wanted to sniff a zombie before. Geez, are you going to lick it next Johannes?

OOC: Well excuuuuse me, (her) for being very observant! :-)

A chill of dread goes down Celene's neck as she realises who this lady might actually have been, but she has no sure way of knowing, yet...

The necklace may give a confirmation later, so she should take it along. The thought of taking it is just so revolting...

That smell... where's it coming from, she wonders.

OOC: Well, you ain't seen nothin' yet, then :-)

Logan's first awful thought at seeing the zombie was that perhaps it was Mrs. Aubreck.  But the fake pearls made that seem unlikely.  "Who do you suppose she was?  That necklace marks her as someone from the poorer end of town, I think.  But where'd she come from?  I hope the Aubrecks aren't abducting people and sacrificing them in a foul ritual..."  What had started as a jest became a serious possibility, Logan realized halfway through his vocal ramblings.  Slowly, the rogue got to his feet, staring around the chamber.  "I think we should see what's in this room first, then head to the east and investigate those cells.  If anything's down here, the noise from the zombie smashing in the door would have alerted them anyway."  He points to the object lying on the wooden table.  "Maybe that's what we're here to get.  Then we can just get out of here."  Logan stumbles over, keeping a wary out for traps as he goes.

16:46, Today: Logan rolled 10 using 1d20+9. Perception (For Traps).
Hmmm...well that won't be good.

"Yes, you're right... I just had the dreadful thought that it was his wife. And Vorsh said that Aubreck had fallen on hard times...." Celene shivers again, but moves on.



"Okay, let's check it out. But you're still badly hurt, and almost toppling over. Let me go at the front, but you guide me. How about having one of those useless holy water flasks ready?" Celene smiles mischeviously again, taking forth a dagger and a flask of her own. "Oh, and remember, if trouble comes, be ready to fall back. What I just did to get you back, I can't do again!"

"Okay, does it look safe? Can I approach the table and have a look at the thing?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:11, Thu 05 Feb 2015.

Logan slowly advanced, letting Celene take the lead, accepting a vial of holy water.  He stowed it, sheathed his swords, and drew his shortbow.  "I don't know if this is going to be any good against whatever else we find down here, but at least it'll let me keep my distance."  Logan absent-mindedly began to rub his neck, then stopped and, with an effort, lowered his hand to tap on his bow.  "I don't see anything up there, so it looks like we might be safe...for now, at least."

OOC: Actually, detect traps is something that I need to roll in secret since you aren't allowed to know if you succeed or fail... I will put the results in a private line to myself so you can see the results after the thread is archived - if you want to.

[Private to GM: 21:11, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 11 using 1d20+9. Secret roll for detect traps.
Too low to be useful, but there are no traps anyway.]

Trying to ignore the pain emanating from the still open wound on his neck, Logan does his best to scout out the area around the table for traps or anything else suspicious. Everything looks fine, so Celene moves in to take a closer look, with the thief following.

On top of the table is a rapier encrusted with dirt and a small amount of what looks like blood. It is difficult to see because the weapon is so dirty, but judging from the craftsmanship of the guard and pommel it is a valuable weapon. That said, the blade is definitely not made of mithral, and the pommel is plain steel with no ruby set in it.

The stone lady seems to stare down at you as you examine the blade, her unfriendly stern gaze not appearing very welcome.


The hilt is cleaner than the rest of the weapon...

"That's odd. It definately does not fit the description Vorsh gave - which he was very specifik about. But it's a rapier, just as what we're looking for, right? So, is it simply a decoy? No, they can't think a thief who has found his way down here that inept. But then what? Should we just leave it for now?"

Celene takes the opportunity to check both the rapier, statue and the table for any poison present - if that's possible with her detect poison? She casts multiple spells, checking all over. She saves her one detect magic for a while, yet.

Celene casts detect magic several times in order to check the rapier, the entire table on top and below, the statue and the surrounding area. Nothing shines with the tell-tail indication that poison is present.

OOC: I see that spell getting used a lot :P

After assuring no immediate poison present, Celene slowly reaches forward... then abruptly stops.

"Wait! Could this be another kind of ruse. I wonder if such a powerful weapon could not by itself change its appearance? Or Aubreck himself could! In order to lure us to touch it, thinking it harmless? Or else simply make us leave it be?"

While saying that, Celene fixes a stare at the statue, and raises her dagger, prepared if it should be Aubreck hiding under an illusion.

OOC: it was detect poison she cast earlier, not detect magic (I think it was just a typo by you, as you wrote poison later, but just making sure we're straight).

How do illusions work here? Can they be 'disbelieved', or...?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Fri 06 Feb 2015.

Opps, yes that was meant to be detect poison.

Pathfinder rules about illusions:

- if you don’t make an effort to study or disbelieve and illusions, then you don’t get a chance to save
- if you do study it, then the save is the normal spell save. i.e. DC = 10 + spell level + ability modifier. Your casting ability is charisma BTW.
- you get bonuses to the save if there is evidence that the illusion is not real for some reason

I’ll go ahead and make the rolls for both of you in secret.

Celene, and then a second later, also Logan, focus on the rapier and statue and watch them closely. There are no signs of shimmering or a haze that might indicate that what they see is an illusion.

Unable to contain his inner thief, Logan steps forward and grabs the rapier from it's resting place.  He closes his eyes and tenses for a possible trap.

Logan lifts the rapier from the table and... nothing happens. The thief tests the blade for balance and weight and quickly realises that it is a fine weapon despite the poor condition it is currently in.

OOC: Unless of course the evil sword has already possessed you and just wants you to think that you are fine...

Feeling a sense of relief wash over him, Logan smiles and swishes the blade around in the air, practicing a few quick feints and parries.  "Well, even if we can't find the blade Vorsh wants, this'll make a fine payment for the job."  He looks around the chamber and sighs.  "I suppose that means its time to explore the rest of these sodden chambers, though."

"Wha... Why, you just.. "

Finally finishing a sentence she wraps it up through clenched teeth: "how can you just DO that!?!"

"You had no IDEA what could happen! What are you going to do about the statue? Pilfer that too, huh?"

Remembering the statue, Celene glances towards it again, to see if any response to Logans action if forthcoming?

If not, she turns with a 'hrmf', and goes towards the cells in the east. "Alright, let's go check out these cells. Want to go first, you seem to be fine now?"

Despite her last comment, she takes the lead down the cell aisle, looking in the various cells or storages.


OOC: they make a fine couple, heh?

Logan sheathes his old rapier and holds the new one in his hand as they advance into the eastern end of the basement. The pass through the door that the zombie used, and explore the corridor and the rooms that branch from it. It doesn't take much time as the first five doors are open and just lead to small, empty rooms. Logan searches each of them but there are no secret doors or hidden treasures that he can find.

At the very end of the corridor the door to the north is closed. The unpleasant smell which they noticed earlier is very strong here.

They keep still, and listen for any sounds from within. Celene checks for any keyholes or other holes they can peer through, and whetherit opens inwards or out towards them.


"Do you want to check this one for signs of traps, Logan?"

Logan nods, and bends down in front of the door, inspecting it for hidden traps and trip wires.

Perception check, please?

OOC: Logan's perception check:

[Private to GM: 15:32, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Logan perception check smelly door. Door is not trapped...]

Celene inspects the door and sees that it does have a keyhole and that it opens inwards. She can't make out anything of the room inside because it is dark. When Logan does the same and tries to use his dark vision, he isn't able to make out anything inside either.

Logan also checks the door and isn't able to find any traps. The thief carefully tries the door handle and finds that the door is not locked. With a gentle movement he opens the door.

Behind the door is another small 5' square room, but this one is not empty. Inside are half a dozen fine hams strung from the ceiling, each bearing the mark of Sasserine's finest butcher. This is apparently the source of the strange salted meat smell.

OOC: They could be worth a few silver coins, although they are going to heavy to carry out...

"What, hams? Who on earth - what madman - would keep a cell full of hams in his secret vault with a zombie? Who, or what, are they for....? Logan?"

Logan stares at the hams hanging from the ceiling, momentarily silent.  A hundred thoughts flitted through the rogue's mind, but foremost was this: When we were starving in the gutters, this Aubreck fellow had this much food just hanging out in the cellar?  Silently, he nods at Celene.  "That's what I was thinking.  Why would you mix undead and...cured meats?  I thought we were going to be fighting a jerky zombie.  I'm glad to find it's just..."  Logan prods one of the hams with his new rapier.  "...just meat."  Logan shakes his head and shrugs.  "Maybe they're just crazy?"  Logan looks around.  "I guess the only way to go is back to where we came, and try that door on the north wall."

Assuming no objections from Celene, Logan will go there and once again inspect for traps.

The pair head back to the door in the north wall and repeat the process of Logan looking for traps, but this time there is no keyhole to try and peak through. The rogue states that the door looks safe, and then Celene opens it. On the other side is a short corridor leading ending in another door.

To the north they are able to hear two people speaking. One is a man’s voice, someone of considerable age judging from its rasping tone. The other is a woman’s voice, one that is deeper than normal but with a beautiful sonorous tone although cloaked in a heavy foreign accent.

“I won’t do it. I told you I can’t! Please, don’t make me even try,” says the man.

“Come now my friend,” answers the lady. “How do you know what if it iz impozzible until you at least try it? After coming thiz far and spending zo much time and effort, it seems a zhame to not at least try.” The lady’s dulcet voice is melodic and persuasive, but it appears that the man is not listening.

“No, no, NO! Frak you to hell! Please, no more!” answers the man.

OOC: Actions? You can keep listening or take action.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:30, Mon 09 Feb 2015.

Logan turns to look at Celene and whispers, "I think we should interrupt their little party, what do you think?"  Rapier at the ready, Logan advances to the northern door, ready to break into the room.

Updated map - not that it helps much

Celene replies hushed, "hold for a moment, rash one. We don't yet know what they are talking about, and we might never know if we interrupt. It might be important, and an additional few moments will tell us more?"

None the less, she prepares with her dagger in hand.

Celene wonders who the speakers are. The old man could be Aubreck, but who's steering him? Does the sword itself speak? It's a strange accent, sort of like a hizzing snake.

A soft choking noise comes from the next room and there is the sound of someone falling to the ground. A second later, the man’s voice continues speaking, but in a strange guttural language and in a halting manner as though every word is being forced out of his lips. For some reason that she cannot comprehend, Celene is able to understand the words although she has no idea what the language is.

[In a mysterious guttural language that only Celene can understand: “Oh dark forces from beyond the void. Beings of power, might and chaos. I call upon thee to break through the barrier between our two worlds and tear a doorway into this place. Bring your wrath and terror out into…”]

A deep low humming starts and fills the corridor with a slow base beat. It begins to slightly gain pace as they listen.

OOC: I’m not going to use the language function for everything because otherwise it gets boring for the players who can’t understand. Obviously I expect players to keep character knowledge and player knowledge separate.

So… want to hear more? :D

Celene's eyes suddenly jerks wide open at the gutteral language, and she just manages a short gasp before she forcible pushes Logan along through the door. At her mental call, a searing and soon familiar heat readily starts welling in her core. "We must stop them - now!"

Logan barely has time to react, as he stumbles through the door, managing to keep his rapier at the ready.  "What...why?  What did they say?" is all the rogue manages to say.

"Demon summoning", Celene mutters fiercly, as they quickly take the room in.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

The pair burst through the door and into the room beyond. The only illumination, besides Celene's torch, is from a slab of rock set into the floor that shines with a pulsating and swirling red light which is expanding as though opening into something. This is also the source of the low humming, which seems to come from the centre of the red light. There is a rough pentagram drawn out on the floor in a red fluid that looks like it might be dried blood.





There is only one person in the room, not two. An old man is on his knees to one side of the red swirling rock, chanting out a series of words in a strange guttural language in a voice that is almost screaming. The man looks pale and decrepit, as though he has not slept in days.



In his hand the old man holds a sword - and what a beautiful weapon it is! Just as Vorsh described it is a mithral blade with a ruby set in the hilt, but he had not described the exquisite workmanship that had been put into its making. It has an ornate guard and a blade that glistens in the torchlight with unmistakable perfection. Logan is no expert, but he suspects that he could get enough gold from selling it to buy half of Shadowshore.




This message was last edited by the GM at 19:18, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

As he takes in the scene in the room, Logan does a double take, and turns to face Celene for a moment.  "Was he talking with...the sword?"

Turning back to Aubreck, Logan draws his shortsword and yells: "Aubreck!  Stop this!  Put down the rapier!"  Looking worried, he prepares to knock Aubreck out.

If Aubreck keeps chanting, Logan will attempt to knock him.  (Non-Lethal damage)
14:32, Today: Logan rolled -2 using 1d20-4. Non-Lethal Attack .

Aubreck jerks in surprise and his chanting looses its pattern. The red light in the gate immediately fades, leaving Celene's torch as the only light in the room. The man falls to all fours and makes a choking noise as though he is having some sort of fit that is so strong he can't even breath. A second later his right hand shoots out with the sword still in it.

"Well hello little friendz. My name is Czarine Valor..." says a beautiful woman's alto voice that is the same as what Logan and Celene had heard before, and appears to be coming from the sword! "...and well done on interrupting this little charade. Your timing is good. I am afraid that old Aubreck here was never going to be up to the challenge of making the zeveral hours on incantations necezzary to properly open the gate - I really am done with thiz old fool! Zo you win. I zurrender myself to your good keeping."

Aubreck lowers his arm to the floor and opens his hand so that the hilt of the beautiful weapon is resting freely in his palm. His head is turned away and it would be easy to grab it before he could react.

This message was deleted by the player at 21:59, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

Logan allows Celene to act.  The young rogue has seen magic, but is unskilled in its use.  He eyes the humming, shining rock with particular distrust, glad that Celene is here to lend a hand.

Quickly, Logan sheaths his rapier, pulls out the leather from Celene's pack and holds it open, ready to catch the rapier.

---

Readied Action: Catch Rapier, wrap in leather.

---

HP: 1/9 |  AC: 17/14/13 | CMD: 14 | Saves: 0/6/2
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

OOC: oh crap, just spotted a mistake!! Mage hand can only lift nonmagical objects! Ok, new plan coming up!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

Celene puts a calming hand on Logans shoulder.

"Hold back, I'll try and pacify him properly."

Intrigued by the initiated ritual, Celene tries to determine what summoning Aubreck was attempting to cast.

Assuming Logan allows Celene to act, she intones an enchantment, while gesturing as if blowing something from her palm towards Aubreck, trying to finally grant the poor man some much needed sleep.

If this succeeds, she asks Logan,"Can you poke it away from him, and I'll take out what we brought to take it, and wrap it. Be careful!"

---

Free : Speak | Swft : | Move : | Stnd : Cast Sleep

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L1 Spells : Detect poison
              Daze
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L2 Spells : Charm person
  (2/3)       Sleep
  Abilities : Flame lance (4/7)

This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

Logan allows Celene to act.  The young rogue has seen magic, but is unskilled in its use.  He eyes the humming, shining rock with particular distrust, glad that Celene is here to lend a hand.

If Celene's sleep spell is sucessful, Logan inches forward, and uses his own rapier to knock the weapon from Aubreck's hand.  Quickly, Logan sheaths his rapier, pulls out the leather from Celene's pack and picks up Aubreck's rapier using the leather.  Moving quickly but carefully, the rogue wrap ups the rapier like a holiday present, tying it tightly with the rough string.

---

Readied Action: Catch Rapier, wrap in leather.

---

HP: 1/9 |  AC: 17/14/13 | CMD: 14 | Saves: 0/6/2
It doesn't matter too much if this isn't combat and you're not moving, but Sleep is actually a full-round spell.  I always forget that.

OOC: Huh? Too many rules details, overload... headache... :-)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Tue 10 Feb 2015.

Celene, what was the spellcasting check for? The DC of his save is 10 + spell level + ability modifier. In this case the DC = 10 + 1 + 4 = 15. Also, sleep is a level 1 spell, not level 2 like noted in your status bar.

15:17, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d20+3. Aubreck spell resist versus sleep.

As soon as Celene finishes casting her spell the old man slumps forward until he is resting on his stomach. His snores make it clear that the spell has been successful. Logan is ready to snatch up the blade, but to his surprise it flies up into the air until it is level with his head.

“Well my friendz, I see that you came prepared! There is no need to hide me away. Young man, young lady, take a ztep forward to carry me out of here. It will be zo much easier…” The blade continues to talk in its beautiful voice and the blade begins to flex from left to right in a slow motion while buzzing slightly. Both the thief and the novice begin to feel that the sword is making a lot of sence.

I need a DC14 will check from both of you please.

Logan swayed a little, considering the rapier's honeyed words.  He spared a quick glance to Celene, to make sure she was resisting the rapier's words.  "Czarine Valora, is it?  We're not going to fall for your tricks.  You might as well give yourself up, so we can do our job."  Without another word, Logan bolted forward, trying to catch the rapier in the leather.

---

Standard Action: Catch Rapier, wrap in leather.

---

HP: 1/9 |  AC: 17/14/13 | CMD: 14 | Saves: 0/6/2
09:36, Today: Logan rolled 20 using 1d20+2. Will Save.
So, is this an attack roll against the rapier?

No, if you both make the will save then it will be easy enough to catch the rapier - it isn't that agile and can't attack by itself. I see Logan saved, if Celene fails then you two will need to roll for iniative and see what happens first - Celene grabs it or Logan captures it.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 241):
Yeah, I was going to try to make a more complex post where I had conditional actions, but realized it might be easier if I just waited for Celene to post.

Celene slowly walks forward to the floating blade. "Your suggestion is very impressive, Czarine Valora, but we will take you on our terms." Celene tries to distract the rapier with her talking, long enough for Logan to jump it.

quote:

19:29, Wed 11 Feb 2015: Celene rolled 14 using 1d20+4 ((10)).

Whew...

The spell*craft* was to recognize the summoning taking place, e.g. what spell, what creature were they contacting etc.

---

Free : speak| Swft : | Move : | Stnd :

---

HP: 7/7 |  AC: 11/10/11 | CMD: 9 | Saves: 0/0/+4

Special Notes:

  (De)Buffs :
 Conditions :
  L0 Spells : Detect poison
              Daze (enchantment +1 DC)
              Flame Burst (special - as Acid Splash but a fire orb instead)
              Mage Hand
              Detect Magic (1/1)
              Light (1/1)
              Prestidigitation (1/1)
  L1 Spells : Charm person (enchantment +1 DC)
  (2/3)       Sleep (enchantment +1 DC)
  Abilities : Flame lance (4/7)

This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Wed 11 Feb 2015.

Well done! You guys are the A-team of mansion heists and intelligent weapon capture missions.

The sword barely has a chance to begin its speech before Logan jumps forward and grabs it with the leather. The sword tries to wriggle and shake itself free, but the rogue is far too quick for it.

"What?! No! What are you doing? You will regret thiz you little gutter-rat! And az for you blondie! I zill remember you. I'll kill zour mama. I'll kill zour papa..." The weapon seems to be very surprised that neither of you succumbed to its hypnotism power, and its accent grows stronger and stronger as it starts to panic. Logan continues to wrap it in layer upon layer of leather, being carefully to never make skin contact.

"I'll kill zour brother. I'll kill zour sister... I'll kill... MMMM.. mmmmm... mmmm..." its voice slowly becomes muffled and hidden as Logan finishes the wrapping. The sword continues to shake and wriggle in the giant leather sheath, but there is no way it is going to get free.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Wed 11 Feb 2015.

Despite Celene trying her best to recognise the incantation and apparatus used for the spell, she is unable to say what the spell is and what would have been summoned. She knows at least that it is something well above her current capabilities to cast.

"Good going Logan! We've got it! But it worries me greatly that the information we got beforehand was inacurate - it wasn't supposed to affect us other than by touch. What else may our 'patron' have misunderstood - or directly lied about?"

"Before we go, should we search this room for other items of interest? What has been going on here is without a doubt unlawful, and we may stem further crimes by removing anything aiding in these activities."

"Also, I would have liked to leave a clear warning to mr. Aubreck, that he ceases all his illicit activities. He should understand that we are giving him a second chance here, by not killing him outright. Of course we understand that he has been under the spell of the rapier, so he is in a way unaccountable, and the thoughts of what he has done is certainly going to haunt him, being more than enough punishment. Well, maybe he will understand this well enough himself."

Logan looked around the small chamber, and shivered as his gaze passed over the mysterious stone.  Slowly, he nodded.  "Uh, of course.  We should search the room.  And then get the frak out of here, as quickly as possible.  What's Vorsh doing?  Did he want to get us killed?!  This isn't any kind of simple heist.  Never mind the undead that tried to eat me.  That rapier tried to control us!  I felt it meddling around in my brain.  What if that had worked?  We'd be chained to its will, just like Aubreck was?  D'ya suppose it was the rapier that made him build this?  Maybe that thing," Logan points to the ruby obelisk, "was buried under here this entire time, and the rapier knew it."  Logan shivers again.  "This whole thing gives me the creeps.  I'm halfway tempted to just hire a boat and drop this rapier into the ocean a mile offshore.  I'm worried about anyone who has control of this thing."  Logan shakes his head.  "But I can't do that.  I've got too much.  If I do this, she'll be..."  Logan trails off, and turns from Celene, wiping a tear from his eye when he thinks she can't see him.  Then he clears his throat, his face a stoic mask again.  Turning back to Celene, he nods.  He starts, but his voice cracks and he has to clear his throat again.  "Okay.  Let's finish up here as fast as we can.  I never want to see this place again."

Perception check, please.  Looking around for anything unusual.  Else unusual, I guess.

Both Logan and Celene take a careful look around the room but don't find anything else of interest. It looks like it is time to head back to the surface...

Your intro adventure is done... You might have the chance to meet Hans Aubreck another day and ask him how this all happened, but until then it is back to the main storyline.

[Private to GM: 21:02, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 19 using 1d20+3. Celene Perception.
21:03, Today: Secret Roll: Dungeon Master rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Logan Perception.
]

Whew, alright!

So no afterplay, handing over the rapier, etc.? Afraid we'd dump it in the sea after all? :-)

Celene would have wanted to try and question the rapier about it's abilities, by goading it, saying "oh, your powers were impressive, I am a bit tempted, what else can you do...?" kind of thing. Would that get any respone?

Yes, there is that part of it still to go! So what are your intentions with the weapon? If you drop it in the habor then you don't get the reward!

Logan and Celene leave the sleeping Aubreck and head back up to the surface, with the novice being careful to help Logan since he is still in a very delicate state. They reach the small enclosed garden, and see that the moon has passed down below the roof level and out of sight – they have been below ground for longer than they thought. The escape back through the house goes fine, and Logan even remembers to lock the back door to the kitchen with his copy of the key. The pair turn away from the mansion, and start down the alleyway, with Celene helping the tired thief.

A shadow peels itself off from the darkness in the alleyway and stands before them,  longsword in hand. Logan reflexively pushes away from Celene and draws his rapier and short sword.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:55, Fri 13 Feb 2015.

“Put the rapier down boy, and you get to live. Fight it! I know Czarine Valora is hard to resist – believe I know it from firsthand experience! But take back control just for a second, put the sword down and you won’t get hurt.” Vorsh blocks the way out of the alley, wrapped in a dark cloak and with his sword ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Fri 13 Feb 2015.

Logan growled angrily at Vorsh: "Vorsh!  You knew everything about the sword?  You sent us in there without frakking telling us that could happen?  Maybe we could have been prepared for it trying to worm its way into our minds.  Or the undead?  Did you know about those, too?  Could have used some warning about a zombie trying to chew on my neck!"  Logan gestures at the marks on his neck.  He tosses the wrapped sword to Vorsh.  "Well it didn't work.  Despite your best efforts, that frakking sword didn't take control of us.  Can't say the same for old Aubreck, though.  But I'm sure you don't care about that."  Logan sneers.  "I'm just surprised you didn't care about Celene as well."  Logan takes a breath, and continues in a more even voice.  It's been great doing business with you.  I trust you'll tell Fartellamous my debt is finished?  After that, our business will be done."

At first Vorsh is suspicious, but lowers his sword when he realises that Logan truly is in control of himself. Being careful to keep his eyes on Logan and Celene, he slowly unwraps the leather bundle.

"mmmmm... mmmm... I'll kill zour dog. I'll kill zour next door neighbour... I'll kill... " Czarine Valora's voice becomes clearer as it is unwrapped, but then falls silent as it realises its situation. "No! It is not possible!" says the melodic voice of the rapier.

"Oh yes old friend!" snarls Vorsh. "IT IS POSSIBLE!" He pulls the leather bindings to one side and grabs the sword by its hilt...

...but there is no obvious sign of a contest of wills. "You see Czarine Valora, my mind is now my own and mine only!" With a victorious smirk, he places the unprotesting sword back in the leathers and makes sure it is firmly tired up. Only then does he give his attention to Celene and Logan.

"Thief! Yes, I knew a lot about the sword, although not everything. Yes, I knew there as a fair chance that it would be able to control one or both of you, even without touching it. That is why I am out here tonight, to make sure that it would not have the chance to escape. As for the undead, I warned you that there may be something of that nature in there. You made it out al right - that wound will soon heal and maybe you'll get a nice scar to impress the girls."

"You left Aubreck alive? Your decision, not mine, but I really don't think it is important either way."

"Celene? Is that what the cleric is called?" he says, looking at the young novice. "I care about her just as much as I care for you Logan! Ha! But do not fear. Yes, our business is done and I will pay off your debt to Mister Fartellamous and make it clear to him that if he causes you anymore trouble then he will have to answer to me."

The man tosses two potions to Celene, and then two small bags of coins to Logan. "Cleric! Give him one of these and he'll stop complaining. Your bonus payment is in the bags as agree."

OOC: Celene, those are 2 x cure moderate wounds potions 2d8+2 hp cured. The bages contain 50gp each as agreed.

Any last words for Vorsh?

Logan watches with horror as Vorsh pulls back the leathers, and is astonished at the sword's reactions.  He stews, waiting for his promised reward, the quickly checks the bags.  "Good luck with that fracking sword, Vorsh.  I hope it sees you well and I never have to cross paths with you or that bloody sword again."

Is that 100gp for me, or 50gp for each of us?

That's 50gp each.

Celene just watches Vorsch in a mixture of contempt and pity. He has obviously been through hell. And apparently, just apparently, come back.

With her newfound insight in his past, she ponders whether he truly will destroy the sword, or whether he intends to use it in some other way. Well, maybe she'll never know - maybe she'll know sooner than she cares for.

Watching Vorsh go, she goes to Logan. "Ok, it seems these potions may cure your wounds. But let's get you safe first. I don't want to have you die here, poisoned by a devious scoundrel. Where do you live?"

Is a sense motive on Vorsh' earlier statement, that he will destroy the rapier, possible?

OOC: A retrospective sense motive? He didn't say anything about what was going to do with it during this last encounter, so I guess you are trying to think back to last time you meet - and you did try a sense motive back then. You found him impossible to read at that point (his bluff was about 15 points ahead of your sense motive).



<Red>Are you going to walk him back through town with 1hp? It is quite far away, although if you could get a gondola from the high market that would save a lot of walking.

I should just add that you shouldn't feel obliged to follow him back home just for the storyline. We all know that Logan pretty much lives at the Skinned Man anyway...
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:01, Sun 15 Feb 2015.

Fair enough, the second best thing, if we are not keen on trusting Vorsh not to poison us, is to attempt to identy the potion through the use of spellcraft (with a detect magic) or perception (as I just read in the skill description). The last may probably still be dangerous if it is poison, so Celene will try spellcraft first, then Logan can try tasting it (perception).

Celene takes a good long look at the potions, sniffing the odour, and generally investigates them thoroughly, before casting her detect magic to aid her in identifying it.

22:25, Sun 15 Feb 2015: Celene rolled 23 using 1d20+7 ((16)).

Do I need to roll two separat rolls?

Edit: of course *I* know what they are, but Celene wouldn't trust Vorsh as far as she could throw him - which incidentially is not very far! So of course she will check the potions before using them.


This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Mon 16 Feb 2015.

Logan gives a weary smile to Celene as they start back towards Shadowshore.  He jingles his bag of gold.  "I think we have enough money to afford the gondola, anyway."  He takes a few weary steps, then stumbles, holding onto a building for support.  "Maybe we should wait until we can use that potion.  I'm starting to feel the events of the day.  I'm sure a good drink and I'll feel right, though."

OOC: This is a little out of order, but here are a few last words from Vorsh.

Vorsh turns to leave, but pauses to make one last comment. "Thank you to both of you. I know that my actions seem harsh, but I am fighting for the SOUL of this city so it is worth making a few sacrifices to reach my goal."

He stares at Celene. "And one last thing cleric. Be careful around Magus Eseriel and Nylaria Absalee. They are not good people, and do not have your best interests at heart."

Then he turns and is swallowed up by the night.

And the potions each heal 2d8+3 hp, not 2d8+2 like I said before.

Celene shudders. "Brr, that man gives me the shivers. On one side he seems genuinely sacrificing himself, his own conscience and soul, for this city and its' people - but who knows, he may be leading us all on. And even if he is not, who knows when 'the end justifies the means' no longer holds out - when his own cruel nature and actions become the greater evil?"

"As for my superiors he mentioned, it's hardly a surprise that they have their own agendas. The order of Wee Jas is well known for being full of selfcentered egomaniacs. I won't succumb to that, but he's of course right, I shouldn't be blind to it."

"Whatever, we can't do more now, although I think our futures will cross again. For the moment, these potions are in fact what he's promised. One of them will have you up and running again instantly. If you need it? And I think you do, your neighborhood is not trivial."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Tue 17 Feb 2015.

Logan nods to Celene and accepts the potion.  "Thanks for your help.  I would have been zombie chow in there.  If..."  Logan laughs.  "Well, if there's ever anything you  need, if you're lookin' for anyone in Shadowshore, let me know.  You've been to my favorite bar.  I'm sure you can find me there, or the 'keep will know where I am."

Celene tilts her head slightly to the side, looking at Logan. "Thank YOU Logan! Without you taking the brunt of the attacks, I'd have no chance to survive it mylself - let alone help you finish them off." With a smile she adds, "we make a good team."

Lowering her eyes, her mind going over this nights events, she mumbles "making it through a night like this is not just another days work for me. What we've been through won't just go away. You can count on me looking you up later - when we've gotten some rest - to have a drink and tell tall tales about it." Remembering the potion in Logans hand, she points at it, "now, bottoms up, although i'm sure you'd have liked something stronger to flush it down. Let me know how it tastes."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Thu 19 Feb 2015.