The party safely returns to Rotter for a couple days of rest and recuperation.  All hit points are restored and luck points regained.  PC specific activities are addressed below.

Elwood: Your trip to the Flyspamon temple is fruitful.  As a member of the Order of Pastafaria, your church elders are very interested in what you have discovered/learned about the activities beneath the hunting lodge.  Stopping the banditry is very much in line with Flyspamon's teachings.  Your superiors strongly suggest clearing out the hunting lodge would be looked upon favorably by the church and could lead to a promotion within the ranks.  You are still a lowly initiate within the Order (you lacked the political connections or wealth to rise quickly through traditional means -- adventuring will be the swiftest way to advance for you (if you decide to pursue such advancement)).  The church is unaware of Gloria, Queen of the Wood.  From your description of her and her followers, your superiors suspect they are shapeshifters.  Knuckles is happy to see you are still alive, but cannot be spared from his church duties to adventure at this time (OOC: I'd prefer not to have the party take on NPCs unless the party size drops.  6-7 PCs is a lot to manage in a PBP.).  You pick up a new light hammer without difficulty.

Dreya: Your quest for a healing potion continues.  The going rate today is 400 gp.  Perhaps your next foray into danger will be more profitable.

Seline: You easily acquire a replacement dagger.  You spend an evening at Crippled Dick's and pick up some information about Gloria.  Some off-duty caravan guards mention they didn't see any sign of the usual bandits in the wood on their last trip, but their caravan was stopped by Gloria and her minions.  She demanded a toll to pass through the woods.  The caravan master decided to pay since the toll was less than his typical losses to bandits.  The guards seem satisfied the Queen of the Wood has made the road a safer way to travel.

Cole: You ask around about Gloria, but get the best information by keeping your ears open at the Saucy Wench.  One of the bartenders tells you he has it on good authority Gloria is a demon witch who seduced the Mayor of Rotter with her demented sexual charms in order to get a land grant to the Wood.  She now owns the forest and it's just a matter of time until her evil spreads to the city.  The only way to protect yourself from her powers is to throw salt at her under the moonlight.

Anthony: You find excellent vegetables at Sweet Irene's, one of the classier inns in Rotter.  The respectable clientele do not disturb your studies.

Any other town business?

Hugh needs to roll up hit points now that he is 3rd level.

Where you go from here is up to the party.  Returning to the lodge is one obvious option.  Rotter is a bustling city.  You can easily learn about other adventuring opportunities if you want to check.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:47, Sun 08 Jan 2017.

Anthony invites the others to join him for breakfast at Sweet Irene's.

Once the others are gathered, he poses the question: "So, given we may not be able to hire help, I propose that we find another opportunity at this time and revisit the lodge later. When we have a bit more experience under our belt, we will be in better shape to un-do those orcs and their undead minions."

Hugh primarily spends his downtime recovering from battle. The foray to the hunters' lodge has taken a lot out of him. His activities consist of retaining the services of a doctor to have his wounds cleaned and bandaged, visiting a bath house and purchasing a new pair of loose trousers, long tunic and cloak to replace the ones that had been soiled and torn beyond repair.

Hugh arrives for breakfast clean and refreshed. In between bites from his plate of bread, dates, olives and cheese, Hugh responds to Anthony.

"True. We could delay our return to the lodge, but we do have the advantage of at least knowing what is, was, there. Should we delay long, the lay of the land may change considerably and that advantage, lost."

He sips from his mug of tea and adds, "The sooner we rid the town of Gloria's influence, the better. Evil does not go away by turning a blind eye to it."

OOC: 16:32, Today: Hugh rolled 7 using 1d12+1.  hit points.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Mon 09 Jan 2017.

Quite glad to consider avoiding that cabin, Dreya nods in affirmation from where she sits quietly picking at her plate of food.

Elwood briefs everyone on the discussions he had with the temple.  "I agree with Anthony that we should look to see if there are any other adventures we could undertake before returning to the lodge.  Although I've sworn to clearing out the lodge and ridding this area of that witch, getting a little more battle experience, and perhaps some useful magical devices before we return may be warranted.  Besides, there's no harm in just finding out what else is available.  As for the chamber below the lodge, they could lying in wait for our return.  Perhaps putting off returning for a few days may be in our favor - they may forget about us."

Dreya perks up, her focus turning from her plate of food to her traveling companions. "Maybe there is another entrance? And...we...could find it?"

Anthony cocks his head as he picks up a vegetable and munches. "I would love another entrance, but could there be one in the lodge? I am doubtful." He stops to pick a bit of rind from his teeth and await the others' responses.

Dreya's face scrunches up. "Not another one IN the cabin. Another one...somewhere else. Like a front door," she gestures to the main entrance to the Inn, "and a back entrance," she finishes, pointing toward a door in the back of the kitchen.

"This is interesting.  Any thoughts on how we could find this back door?"

Cocking her head to one side, Dreya turns her head to the cleric. "Asking the queen?"

"Searching for alternative entrances could prove fruitful."  Cole chimed in as he took a long swig of his coffee.  Black, no sugar, and bitter as hell.  "I am not certain how much this Queen can be trusted. If we were to speak with her, whatever she would deign to tell should be taken with a grain of salt.  Also, we may tip our hand if she is indeed the manipulator behind the evils of that lodge. She did want us to deliver those things to that lodge in the first place. Perhaps her whole intent had been knowing we would come upon that mess once we were down there and she would be rid of us and have our gold to boot. We could always scout the areas around that shack and keep our ears attuned to any rumors in town in regards to that lodge. You would be surprised what a few pints of ale does for loose lips.  Speaking of which, perhaps it's all hogwash, but we may want to stock up on some salt.  I heard it might be the only means of defeating this demon Witch.  But it could all be hogwash.  You never know."

(OOC: Cole will purchase a few bags of salt before leaving town.)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:46, Tue 10 Jan 2017.

"I'm not sure this Queen is inherently evil to be honest, she may be no different than a mayor of a town collecting coin for the use of the land she governs in order to take care of it. On the other hand she could be using a new found position of power for the purposes of extortion and be tempting to enslave the inhabitants with complete domination of the forest as her goal to utilize the resources for her own evil gain. "
Seline grows quiet for a second with a thoughtful look crossing her face.
Scratch that she is probably completely evil I think I have read in books how an evil spirit will take control of a forest. After taking control of the forest they supposedly drive out all the humans and Demi humans by extortion, followed by violence and murder if needed. After that they slowly start sapping the life force out of the woods killing off the woodland creatures and create a decaying breeding put for evil to sprout forth and gain a foothold."
Seline sits back having said her piece about the queen.
" Personally I'm curious to see what connections and relationship the town has developed with this supposed Queen, it may prove a valuable asset if we can take control of her, or usurp her that will give us a foothold in the city."
Seline looking around the table her eyes pausing just a brief moment on Hugh and Elwood quickly adds "for good of course"

Dreya: Although you were unsuccessful in finding a cheap healing potion, one younger potion monger (Jake) offers to sell you something called Boss Sauce.  It's a new potion that is supposed to temporarily make you extra-awesome.  The creator is looking for people to test it in the field.  Jake offers to sell it to you for 50 gp if you promise to return with feedback on how it works for you.  He tells you early testing has been impressive.

Edwood: Knuckles tells you he heard from one of the temple guards that Moira, one of the higher ups in the Flyspamon temple, is looking for some trustworthy couriers to deliver a package for her to a village a north of Rotter.  As far as Knuckles knows, the priestess is honorable, but she has a reputation for being power hungry and a little ruthless.

Cole: You have no problems picking up some salt over at Ed's General Store.  Do you tell the clerk why you are buying salt?

Seline: You have been keeping your eye on possible contacts with the various crime syndicates in Rotter.  One of them (Gnarls) approaches you on behalf of the Gambini crime family.  His bosses have noticed you and are impressed with your continued survival while adventuring.  Gnarls wants to know if you are interested in affiliating with the Gambinis.  How do you respond?

Anthony: How do you feel about Seline possibly joining one of the crime families?  What is Grizzled Ear's relationship like with the Gambinis?

Hugh: What rumors have you heard about possible adventuring opportunities?
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Tue 10 Jan 2017.

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 13):

Seline would reply "So long as I'm able to continue travelling with my companions, I haven't had this much fun, I would gratefully accept the offer"

In reply to Castle Keeper msg#13

Not in so many words, but Cole does ask what he has heard about stirrings going on in the woods and what the man knows about the lodge. Cole will try to pass it off as he stumbled upon these things passing his way into town and he is just curious about them. And he also asks if there are any leads on jobs for hire.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Tue 10 Jan 2017.

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 13):

Being rife with worldly naivete, which is odd to see in someone of her apparent 30...ish...probably younger... years of age, Dreya of course buys this potion!  And enthusiastically too!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Wed 11 Jan 2017.

While sitting around enjoying their after dinner drinks, Elwood mentions the opportunity he heard from Knuckles.  "As much as I dislike taking part in temple politics, being looked upon favorably by Priestess Moira would have it's advantages.  It seems like a small job, but success could lead to more challenging opportunities in the future."

OOC: I assume this delivery 'job' would include the entire group, or would it only involve Elwood?
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:37, Tue 10 Jan 2017.

Hugh has never really fancied himself as a mercenary. Though he has been trained in the Way of Longshadows and can hold his own in a scrap, he has never run in mercenary circles and finds the prospect of hiring himself out for coin, a commodity he finds no value in, less than satisfying. His time has always been spent long hours dedicated to honing his mind and body  to protect the weak and downtrodden, with precious few hours left over for idle town gossip or gambits to line one's coin purse.

If pressed on the matter, he explains he has heard whispers of a brute going by the name Oswald the Orphantaker, operating out of Rotter. Rumor is Oswald is preying on the young, homeless and unwanted as part of a slavers' ring looking to round up new prospects. "Or maybe it's for some other end," he admits, the rumors being exactly that.

Hugh acknowledges the party's reluctance to return to the lodge, given the outcome of their first foray and the unknowns of what or who Gloria is or isn't. Likewise, rumors of a ruffian rounding up the downtrodden for unknown purposes carries none of the financial or political incentives of ingratiating one's self to the cause of a local temple, so he too realizes this may fall on deaf ears. But it's all he has, so he offers it as a possible conversation point.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:47, Wed 11 Jan 2017.

Anthony catches wind of Seline's new connection through Grizzled Ear, who does work occasionally for the Gambinis. Anthony says nothing initially, rather willing to see how the situation plays out and if Seline's connection will impact him directly or not, or if it has downsides for Seline. This was not the time to be moralistic--but he was definitely skeptical of the long-time benefits for her or her friends.

He is far more enthusiastic when he hears about the situation with "Oswald the Orphantaker." "THIS, friends," he says with feeling, "is a matter worthy of our attention. I recommend we find this fellow and stop him from his depredations."

"This Oswald fellow sounds like a bad fellow. Now I can understand the want to stop him but let's not rush in wands ablaze."
Seline pauses to take a sip of coffee.
"If we are doing this because he is depraved and has a less than true moral compass, then we should look at his clients as well. He wouldn't get into this business unless there was something for him and clients to buy his product."

Elwood seeths with anger as he listens to Hugh.  "Forget that I mentioned Moira's request.  The eradication of slavers is more aligned with my vows to Flyspamon than being a simple courier.  Anthony, you could not be more correct."  To Seline he adds, "I prefer the direct approach.  We'll make him tell us about his clients.  At the very least, we'll probably uncover evidence about his clients, such as letters and other communications.  But we should use some caution in this pursuit.  No need to barge into another room filled with close to a score of orcs and zombies."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Wed 11 Jan 2017.

Anthony holds up his hand, long and willowy. A thoughtful look fills his young face. "I think there will be time for the direct approach, Elwood, but let's here Seline's idea. How do we go finding out who his buyers are and stopping them, Seline? Thoughts?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Wed 11 Jan 2017.

Dreya even seems to lose all appetite for what food remains on her plate, eyes flying up and gaze flitting around a bit wildly at the men and Seline sitting around the table. "Cages are bad! I...uh...I mean...no one...should suffer a cage. We should stop this if we can, even if there is no gold reward," she blurts, her last words flying from her tongue so quickly no one is certain she even took a breath during it all.

Seline looking around at her companions, taking note of Dreya's reaction.
"What if we posed as prospective clients or suppliers?" She asked.
"we could have one of us as bait, any volunteers?"

If the party wants to locate and/or stop the rumored Oswald, the Rotter Orphan's Guild would be a good place to start looking for leads.

Hugh listens carefully to his companions' points concerning the Orphantaker, measuring each on its own terms.

"We might try to gather information from the Orphan's Guild. Maybe a few questions will yield something more substantial than what we have now?" he offers.

"Do any of you have contacts among the shadier elements of the city? If so, maybe a dual approach may reveal a bigger picture?"

Taking a deep breath to calm down, Elwood says "I see your point, but I'm having a difficult time envisioning myself having a conversation with this Oswald which doesn't end with my mace embedded firmly and deeply in his skull."  With a sly grin he says "Why Silene, I think if there's anyone in this group who can convincingly portray someone who lacks a moral compass, it would be you my dear."

"I could speak with someone at the Orphan's Guild and perhaps see if they know anything about this Oswald."

OOC:  Is an orphan's guild some sort of charitable institution that cares for orphans?  If so, it would make sense for Elwood to speak to them.

Dreya blinks. "I'm not..." The druid tries again. "I'm not exactly sure what I should do? I don't know anyone except you guys. And Snarg, who is dead. And Sir Khaaven...also dead." Her brow furrows in thought. "Sir Lex is also probably dead. Yes, I just know you five. Maybe go along to talk to the Orphan's guild?" A sudden thought has Dreya brightening, and she sits a little straighter with a hopeful smile. "I am good at remembering stuff! Or I try to be."

Seline puts a hand to her chest, feigning embarrassment. "Oh,Elwood, that is a silver tongue you have there!  And with those broad shoulders… you are just so yummy." Seline exaggerates looking Elwood over top to bottom like she is taking stock of inventory. "But I do suppose you are right, compared to you and Hugh I'd imagine even saints question their own moral compass." Seline looks thoughtfully into her cup of coffee, continuing on in a more serious tone "I can inquire about our friend, I'm not sure we have the appearance or coin to show that we can be clients. I don't know the going rate for a slave having never participated in slave trade.  I find it deplorable myself.  There are plenty of other ways to get people to do things for you…  However, someone of my profession wouldn't be a kidnapper. "   Looking at each party member in turn, "We need to either find out how much a slave is if we want to proceed as a client or find ," Seline gags a bit like the next words coming from her mouth taste horrendous, " a sample product to show as goodwill. Either way, if I proceed alone it won't look as convincing, so I think if we chose either one of those options, Cole should accompany me."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Thu 12 Jan 2017.

Hugh shakes his head in response to Seline, "I agree. Seline posing as a slaver will be a hard sell to even the dullest of minds. Cole however," he says, looking at the man, "that would be believable. No offense to either of you," he says while looking at both.

Hugh further notes this is personal to him, because he himself was rescued from a life of bondage.

The Orphans Guild is really a glorified street gang made up of the city's juvenile riff-raff.  Dirty, impoverished guttersnipes are always underfoot in Rotter.  Most people ignore them so long as they aren't stealing.  The Beggars Guild frequently feuds with them leading to the occasional bloodshed.  Some of the various crime families watch the Orphans for recruitment purposes.

If Seline goes all-in with the Gambinis, they may be able to point her to an appropriate contact-orphan.  You could also step out onto the street and harass the first orphany-looking kid you see.  You are unaware of any official guild-hall, but the orphans must be sleeping somewhere.

Seline all of sudden looks up from her cup of coffee. "A thought just occurred to me!  What if we approach this as couriers for a potential buyer?  I am looking to set up new contacts underground and can act as Cole's contact point in Rotter.  Setting up a meeting between him and the slaver. That would give me a reason to go with and go armed as I want to “ensure” my charge’s meeting goes well as a botched job would directly affect my street cred.  I can imagine that it would also allow us to go in armed." Seline looks at Cole. "Any thoughts or reservations, Cole?  Being volunteered to accompany me on this wonderful adventure I want to make sure you are on board with this."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Thu 12 Jan 2017.

Silently, Cole stares into the dark liquid of his coffee cup.  Like that bitter, black liquid swirling in his cup, his insides are churning at hearing of the depravity of this slaver’s ring.  It wasn’t right to snatch anyone so young and condemn them to a life not of their choosing.  No child or person… his gaze drifts around the table as he takes in his companions expressions, lingers on Dreya’s downward cast eyes before finally settling back to Seline.  “You have my sword.  This Oswald and his blatant disregard for human life disgusts me,” Cole states, swiping the cup from off the table and takes a long swig, draining it of every last drop. “I agree that we do not have the monetary means to be convincing buyers.  However, couriers for a buyer, yes, I think that could work.”  Cole stares into the depths of the empty cup for a moment before setting it back atop the table top.  “But, I do have a thought.  I have always found the best way to learn about your enemy is to infiltrate their inner circle, join them if you will.  What’s the old saying," Cole ponders a moment before he leans over and rests his elbows on the table, "keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer?  Perhaps posing as slavers for hire would bear more fruit," he suggests.  "We might be given access to the inner workings, see and meet people couriers and buyers would not gain access to.  You’d be surprised what slapping on some different clothes can do to make us convincing slavers.  It’s just a thought, but whatever is decided, you can count on my sword.  I would also caution whichever path we choose, that the others of our group are hidden, close by so that if anything should “fall to the winds”, as they say, rescue isn’t too far out of reach.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:59, Fri 13 Jan 2017.

Anthony nods, taking a sip from his cup. "This is a marvelous plan. I can do the talking and pose as whatever you need. I am persuasive when required." He raises his cup and flashes a charming smile.

Slipping into silence, Dreya watches those around her as conversation about their next pursuit ebbs and wanes, details tossed out and considered or discarded as a new plan tries to unfurl its petals.  Voices rise in fervor before dipping again, drawing the eyes of strangers in the inn, questions and curiosities glittering in their depths.

Slavers are taking the young, those without families to protect them, from the streets of Rotter and selling them to unthinkable fates, and for what...all for profit of gold?  But Dreya had little to offer in information or skill to help their burgeoning plan bloom.

There...there was something she could do, however.  Though, the mere thought of it sent a cold bolt of fear knifing through her because so much could go wrong.  And yet...her hand drifts up and fingers the cool metal encircling her neck beneath the fur scarf she always makes sure is wrapped securely around the column of her throat even though she constantly keeps the hood of her cloak over her head.  And yet she had found the means,  escaped the confines of a cage before...

She could do so again.  And she would not let fear keep her sitting here silent when she could keep others free of slavery, of cages, of unthinkable fates or of having no freedom.

Hands tightening into white-knuckled fists, she realizes Seline's plan of posing as slavers is a sound one, though Dreya herself would never be able to pull off the role of a slaver. And her fighting skills were not exactly the stuff to give a role of charging in to the rescue merit.

She swallows the lump in her throat and forges ahead.

"I...I can be bait."

But the conversation around her doesn't break and those invested in arguing or detailing aspects of the forming plan didn't shift their focus, and Dreya realizes she must have spoke too quietly.

"I CAN BE BAIT!"

Anthony turns to Dreya. "That would be fine. We would then need to track you. Suggestions on how we follow you or track you?" He cocks his head, detached and curious.

Elwood looks at the emblem on his shield that matches his holy symbol worm around his neck. "If I'm to pose as one of the slavers,  I'll need to buy another shield and an old tunic to wear over my mail and amulet."  It is well known that Flyspamon strictly forbids the practice of slavery.

"So just to be clear,  the plan will be for Seline to use her contacts to set up a meeting with Oswald, then some of us to pose as fellow slavers, looking to join his group.  And Dreya? Is your role to be a slave we recently 'acquired'?  I'm sorry if I'm confused,  but there have been many plans proposed, and I probably shouldn't have had a third glass of wine. "

OOC I'll add a new shield and tunic and deduct the cost.

"If it helps your plan," Dreya answers the cleric.

Hugh listens as his companions discuss their plans and pledges his assistance, in whatever capacity he is needed.

"I simply want to help and will do whatever is needed," he adds in during a lull in the conversation.

Although the plan seems sound,  Elwood is still concerned.  The thought of Dreya, the companion who saved his life and whom he has vowed to protect, possibly being separated from them, armed only with her spells, filled him with dread.  Hearing Hugh's words, he looks at the quiet monk.  No armor, no weapons, still very deadly if the situation requires it.

"Hugh, would you be willing to join Dreya as one of our 'slaves'?  I for one would feel more comfortable knowing she won't be alone."

Hugh nods once in ascent and responds, "It will be done." Glancing at Dreya, "Our lot will be the same."

Anthony scratches his chin. "I see, I am clear now. I suppose that makes me one of the slavers, then, yes?"

Dreya lifts her gaze to Simply Elwoods, a small, relieved smile lifting the corners of her lips in gratitude for the suggestion.

Turning to the monk, she nods her head in affirmation before unclenching a fist and reaching for her goblet of chilled water, taking a sip.

Seline’s brows furrow as her face takes on a more serious look. “Not that this isn’t a bad plan but before we go through this I would like to take some time to reach out to my contacts before we go through with this. I am afraid that if I make contact and set up the meeting with this Oswald and he is protected by one of the crime syndicates I have connections with this subterfuge will work but once it is over we may have found ourselves in more trouble than we can handle.”
Aimlessly fidgeting with her empty cup “We may be on the side of justice but there are countless stories and examples when those on justice’s side went in unprepared and in the end didn’t come back out, and me personally I really enjoy the idea of continuing to live through this adventure.”
“Plus if we just remove this Oswald fellow it will more than likely create a vacuum which will be filled in by the next slum ball. So if we can go in with the backing of a crime family or make a grotesque example of him with no fear of repercussions from the underground that will provide a more permanent solution to this dilemma.”
Looking up from her glass, as a faint smile crosses Seline’s lips she adds in a much lighter tone and a giggle ”However I am looking forward to seeing Hugh as a “slave” all chained up and nowhere to go”

With the briefest of eye contact with Seline before glancing away, Hugh comments solemnly, "A life spent in bondage is nothing to laugh at, even if no offense is meant."

Though he rarely spoke willingly of those times, much of Hugh's adolescence had been under the yoke of a cruel master. Fortunately Hugh was blessed by the God of Sport and had eventually won his freedom through bloodshed in the pits of battle. Dark years those were and had fortune not shone on him, he would likely still be performing for the masses, the roar of the crowd drowning out his inner rage.

For the briefest of moments, Cole's gaze catches Dreya's before settling on Hugh.  "Well spoken, Hugh.  This business with the slavers is no laughing matter." Directing his next words to Elwood, Cole crosses his arms and leans back in his chair.  "Well, fearless leader, when shall we depart?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:37, Fri 13 Jan 2017.

Seline gets up as she is walker over to Hugh says "You are correct that there was no offense intended and I apologize if there was offense from my comment."
As Seline reaches Hugh she leans over to whisper in his ear so only he can hear
"
Standing back up Seline walks over to Dreya, placing a hand on her shoulder "My dear you are showing strength and great resolve volunteering to be bait, worry not for your knight in shining armor won't be far." With that Seline, ordering a cup of water returns to her seat silently.

"As Seline suggests, she'll first check to see if our little endeavour doesn't cause any unforseen consequences.  The rest of us will prepare for our charade.  Anthony will be the brains of our group and do most of the talking once Seline makes the proper introductions.  Dreya and Hugh should remain in our sights the entire time.  They're our 'merchandise',  and should remain in our care until payment is made. I think that will be the time we spring our trap."

Elwood remembers the lessons his mentor Brother Mallett taught about preparing for all contingencies.  "Dreya and Hugh, do either of you have a knife you can hide to use to cut any ropes used to bind you?  Maybe we can use some chain, but weaken some links with a metal file so you can easily break free when needed.  Dreya, I can keep your bow and quiver until you need them."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

"I have a dagger, but it is perhaps a little too large to hide in the folds of my clothes. I will purchase a smaller blade before we make our move."

Hugh further explains he will visit a tailor in the a destitue district to purchase a secondhand oversized slop, a pair of trousers and reed sandals. "To look the part," he suggests.

Given the fact he just spent several days attending to his hygene needs, the thought of getting into dirty and tattered, ill-fitting clothes is not altogether welcome. Still, they needed to make sure nothing looked out of place.

OOC: CK, I have deducted 2 gp for a knife, peasant's smock, trousers and reed sandals.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

Dreya just nods quietly, then passes her bow and quiver across the table to Simply Elwood.  Reaching down to each hip, she unsheathes her own two small daggers, and places them on the table before sliding those over as well.

Upon hearing Hugh mention different clothing, she glances down at her mismatched ensemble of armor.  "Um...should I buy simple clothes too?  I could go with Sir Hugh."  Then riffling in her backpack, she takes out two gold coins to place them on the table too.

Sending a look rife with meaning across the table at Elwood, Cole stretches out his hand and grabs up Dreya's proffered weapons. "I will hold these for Dreya." Packing the gear up and attaching it to his pack, save for the daggers, he sends the dark-haired druid a glance, sliding the two blades back to her.  "Keep these hidden.  You may need to use them if we can't get to you quick enough.  And I think your attire is fine as is, Dreya.  You already look like an urchin we picked up off the streets, maybe throw some dirt on your cheeks, to dull their shine."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

"I can try to slip one into my boot." Dreya then begins to try stuffing one of the daggers with its sheath into the taller boot on her right leg.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

Anthony nods. "Elwood, you summarized it well. I suggest that I play "bad cop" as the sadistic leader of the group while you, as a cleric, present yourself as the number-one man, the reasonable negotiator."

Elwood nods to Anthony at his suggestion.  "I might imply your magical powers are a bit more than they are, and those who have crossed you did not fare well."

Elwood then goes out on a shopping spree, buying a plain medium-sized wooden shield, an plain tunic, 20 feet of chain, 2 padlocks, a metal file, and a metal saw, a total 64 gp.  He then works with Hugh and Dreya, weakening links in the chain so they can come apart easily (cut one end of a link with the saw, then file a notch in the other end so it can open and close).  Their hands will be wrapped in chain, then secured by the padlocks, but this is only for show.  For each 'slave', there will be a couple of links that are altered, so they can quickly get out of their binds.  There's plenty of chain, so Elwood makes sure Hugh and Dreya practice several times.

"Cole and I will always be by your side.  You're valuable merchandise," he says with a wink, "so it would be expected that we wouldn't just hand you over."

To Cole he says "If things go south, I'll guard them, or lead them to someplace safe so they can quickly get out of their chains."  He then shows everyone where he'll keep the keys to the padlocks.  "In the heat of the moment, even the best plans go awry."  If the padlocks come with a set of two keys, he will give each spare to Hugh and Dreya to hide on their person.  Elwood scratches a mark on one padlock to distinguish the two locks, making sure that the two captives will have the correct key.

Although it is obvious fear and nervousness clouds her, Dreya continues to focus on the routine with the cleric that he shows her with the chains, over and over, until she gets it right. And then practices it more.

Speaking very little, she is siply trying to focus with quiet determination, even if this whole plan is as scary as a dragon swooping down on them all.

And when Simply Elwood asks her to show him the routine with the chains and locks yet again, she silently does so, hands moving with the memorized movements.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Sat 14 Jan 2017.

Seline watches the others as they continue working on the plan and the arrangements for a little while longer. Standing up and looking around at their surroundings she looks to see if there might have been anyone who overheard or eavesdropped on their plan.

Anthony looks a bit pleased at this but conceals it quickly.



Anthony turns to Seline, a bit concerned. "Now, I have to ask: who is your contact within the people you intend to have aid us? I know...some of those people and would know who we are dealing with."

Seline replies to Anthony's question "I do apologize, but I'm not at the point where I'm comfortable simply telling you my contact's information. If you would like to chat in private I would be willing to give you the name of family the contact is from and you can tell me if there are any in that family that you know I should watch out for."

Anthony bows slightly. "I understand the desire for discretion. Yes, let's discuss privately."

In reply to Anthony (msg # 59):

Seline observes Anthony's bow and response "I am not sure you understand it, but the respect you pay towards my desire for discretion as you eloquently articulated it does have my gratitude. Let us find a private location to discuss."

Seline: Gnarls is glad to hear you want to align yourself with the Gambinis.  He reassures you that your duties should not interfere with your adventuring.  Being part of the "family" carries certain obligations:

• You must submit to the authority of the head of the Family
• You must tithe 10% of loot recovered by you
• Any thieving operations within Rotter must be cleared by the Family in advance
• Any disputes with another member of the Gambini Family must be submitted to the Family for justice/resolution
• You must clear any action against non-Family thieves in advance (no one wants a crime war initiated by some gomer)
• From time to time the Family may call on you to perform a service

Membership has its privileges, of course:

• You have (at least limited) access to the Family's resources, including the Family's library of architectural plans to buildings in Rotter
• Legal protection in the event you are caught performing Family-sanctioned thieving in Rotter
• More violent protection in the event an outside thieving organization tries to squeeze you

If that is acceptable, you will be initiated in a blood magic ritual immediately.

Do you want to ask Gnarls about Oswald before committing?

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 61):

Seline would ask if there is any affiliation between Oswald and the Gambinis. If there was no affiliation Seline would participate in the blood magic ritual.

Gnarls has heard rumors of someone/something named Oswald stealing children, but doesn't know anything else about Oswald.  The Gambinis have no relationship with Oswald.  Slaving isn't something reputable crime families participate in.  Gnarls doesn't know of a way to contact Oswald, although he can pass a message up the food chain saying you are looking for contact information.

It should go without saying that it is expressly forbidden to talk about Family business to outsiders.

Is Seline still interested in joining?

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 63):

Seline does vow silence in regards to the Family business and is still interested in Joining.

Much blood is spilled and deeply secret oaths are taken.  Selene is part of the Family now.

As noted above, Gnarls doesn't have any specific information on this Oswald character.  Do you fill Gnarls in on why you want to locate Oswald?

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 65):

If Gnarls asks or presses for more information Seline would just advise Gnarls that she despises slavery and wanted to talk with him. She would also if able like to look through the families library to for any architectural plans for the Orphanage.

Rotter does not have an orphanage, although it certainly has orphans running around.  The poor little bastards are typically homeless.  Many of them have sought a family through the Orphans Guild.  The Guild does not have a formal guildhall, but it does occupy various abandoned buildings throughout the City.  The Gambinis could get you in touch with the leaders of the Orphan Guild if you would like.

Seline would very much like to get in touch with the Orphan's guild leader but before heading to meet up with the guild leader if there was time she would stop to visit the party and update them on where she is off to.

If we are staying the night in town while we wait for information and for our plan to kick off, Dreya will get a room at the Inn and try to get some rest before having to be marched around in chains. She os a bit of a ball of nervous energy right now.

So, in reality, she probably gets no sleep whatsoever, instead pacing the length of her rented room all night.

OOC-She will spend a gold coin or two to procure a room.