Kallimakus
The interview had gone well. Or was, perhaps a formality. By the end of it, Sergeant Calgar had risen, shaken your hand, and told you to report to duty at dawn on Toilday. This was the day. Morning mists cover the streets, the streetlamps dimming or out in the early morning, their reserves spent for the night. Wooden buildings, often two storeys tall and overhaning the streets and narrow alleys, make up the majority of the city itself. Ground floors along main streets often host small businesses. Storefronts, workshops, cafes or restaurants in the better parts of the city. Alleyways often play host to the seedier establishments, bars, brothels and the like.

The city of Osteara is built along the eastern coast of the continent, along a sheltered river delta. The nearby coasts are lined with tall cliffs, making the port of Osteara the easiest way for seaborne trade to reach the realm of Sancour. The city plays host to foreigners, traders, and troublemakers in addition to the intractable local population, made up mostly of humans, dwarves and halflings. The dwarves largely live on their own, a crafters’ district that they begrudgingly share with other races. Near the ports are great markets where the main avenues of the city meet. On small islands in the river delta live the wealthiest citizens, trade princes and shipping barons that form the local aristocracy, hired boats ferrying them to and fro from the mainland.
On the Northern side of Osteara, one finds better-off residential areas, the central district and the governor’s palace, as well as the main watchhouse. It is there you will be headed. The craftsmen’s district is also located here, and the coastal area has been claimed for a shipyard.
The Southern side is more lawless, and hosts the main port, the markets and residential areas of the less wealthy. Near the edge of the city are outright slums.

The city has been walled in its history, but it has outgrown any such barriers. Outside the city itself lie satellite villages, logging camps and roadhouses that sometimes request Watch attention. There is also a mining town, mainly dwarven, along the Northern Coast Road.

 
 Spoiler: Introductions 
I'd like to learn a bit more about how your characters live. The watchhouse barracks is an option for any who join the watch. Housing is available on any of the districts, cheaper in the Southern side as divided by the river. I've got the city roughly mapped in my head, and hopefully translated into images in the future.
 
DarkTogashi
Rose awoke to the soft, golden rays of the morning sun streaming through the window of her cozy room at the Maiden's Hand Inn. She stretched her arms and blinked her bright green eyes sleepily, a serene smile gracing her lips. The world outside was beginning to stir, and it was a brand new day.

With a joyful spring in her step, Rose hopped out of bed and shuffled over to her small wooden dresser. She donned her attire for the day - a crisp white blouse that contrasted beautifully with her fiery red hair, a long green skirt that swayed gracefully with her every move, a crimson cloak that flowed behind her like a scarlet river, and a sturdy leather backpack slung over her shoulders.

After a quick look in the mirror to ensure her appearance was just right, Rose made her way downstairs to the inn's common area. The owner, William, was already behind the bar, polishing glasses and greeting patrons with his usual warm smile. He waved her over, and she joined him at the counter for a quick chat.

"Good morning, Rose," he said, pouring a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for her. "You're up bright and early today."

Rose nodded with a grin. " Yes, William! I have my first shift as a guardswoman today, and I don't want to be late. "

William chuckled. "You'll do great, I'm sure of it."

With a final sip of her juice, Rose bid farewell to her friend and left the inn. As she stepped out onto the cobblestone street, she spotted Todd, the half-orc brewer, on his way to work at the nearby brewery. She waved to him and received a friendly nod in return. Todd was a kind soul and always had a word of encouragement for Rose.

Turning the corner, she encountered Claire, the half-orc paladin, and Todd's wife, on her way back from patrolling the streets. Claire's strong presence and dedication to protecting the city's denizens always impressed Rose. She gave Claire a respectful nod, and Claire flashed a proud smile in return.

Rose's stomach grumbled, and she couldn't resist the delightful aroma wafting from Ms. Nim's gnome food cart. She stopped by and purchased a mouthwatering pastry, exchanging a few friendly words with the gnome before continuing on her way.

As Rose approached the river, she saw the ferry slowly making its way to the dock. She quickened her pace to catch it, the ferryman giving her a knowing smile as he extended a hand to help her on board. The gentle rocking of the boat as it crossed the river always filled Rose with a sense of tranquility.

Once on the other side, she strolled through the bustling market square, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds. Rose had always been fascinated by the various stalls and their wares. She paused briefly to admire a beautiful display of handcrafted jewelry and made a mental note to visit the vendor later.

With time to spare, Rose finally reached the watch house. She adjusted her cloak and straightened her posture, ready to begin her first shift as a guardswoman. As she entered the building, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her heart. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, and she was determined to face it with the same happiness and innocence that had always defined her.

With a deep breath, Rose greeted her fellow guards and stepped into her role, ready to protect the city and its people with all her heart.


 
 Spoiler: Spells 
Witch Spells memorized:
Level 0
-Grasp
-Message
-Stablelize

Level 1
-Command
-Charm Person
 
Dakrsidder
Having received the green light earlier in the day, Ingo spend the day at the market buying a ranged contraption and a few other things in addition to scavenging for random parts to put together an unorthodox missile with two separate mechanisms. Once he was satisfied, he made a beeline towards the alchemy shop as though he did have a bit of housing of his own, he didn’t spend much time there and it didn’t help that he didn’t own an alchemy lab of his own.

From there, he spent the whole night attempting different methods until one consistently triggered both mechanisms at once. It’s a noisy process and one he often implored, so those living nearby taken to wearing earplugs to sleep lest they be woken up by the sound of an explosion or shattered glass in the middle of the night. Once he’d finished with the missile, he hashed together a few formulae and set up a few missiles before telling Callisto, the shop owner, about his findings and grabbing a quick bite at a stall before setting out for duty.

 
 Spoiler: Formulae 
Creating 2 Instant Foam &amp; 1 Flash Powder while filling a bolt vial with one of each, leaving me with 1 Instant Foam

Gonna wait for more details before making any Assemblies
 
Athaleon
Garren went about his morning routine in the small flat his merchant friend Marik had set him up with. Humble dwellings, but he'd lived in much worse, and Garren wasn't the type to spend a lot of time sitting at home anyways. The place had a stout door and lock, at least, and the windows were barred against entry. There was space enough for his morning calisthenics, from which he had just finished washing up. A kettle on the small hearth boiled for his breakfast of tea and oats. He could pick up something more on his way out.

His new place was in the Southern district, but not that bad a neighborhood, considering. The building was old, and the other tenants could be raucous (though as usual, none were brave enough to give a man of Garren's size any hassle) but for Marik's purposes it was an excellent location: Just off a main street between Marik's own home and his warehouse and office, close to the main port and the city's largest market. It was a bit of a walk to get Northside though, and today that was where Garren was headed. Longer still if he skirted the Crafters' quarter, but he had to remind himself he didn't  have  to avoid it, much as he would have preferred to.

After he'd eaten and dressed, Garren stared a moment at his hammer and wondered whether to bring it with. He decided it couldn't hurt, especially if he was able to forego the big halberds most of the Watch usually carried. Not that he couldn't swing one with the best of them, but depending on what was required of him and how much leeway he had, he might try to avoid marking himself as a member of the Watch for anyone to see.
Frosty
Alexis is staying at a small, cheap room that she rents from the chirurgeon she apprentices for.  It is on the edge of the south side of the city, in the slums where some violent gangs are based out of.  Why live here?  True it's not the nicest of places to live, but the rent is affordable.  More importantly, it's in close proximity to the trouble hotspots.  Hotspots that Always tries to defuse with her gift of gab.

This morning, Ms. Heartwell has a different routine.  Having been reaccepted back into the watch, this morning instead of waking up early to prepare reagents and poultices, she prepares accordingly by double checking every strap and buckle.  Her scale mail and shield were scrubbed and cleaned late last night, and now gleam in the morning light shining through the window.  The young woman vows to make a good first impression, and is determined to make  a bigger difference inside and out this time around.

Once properly prepared with her longsword sheathed at her side, she walks downstairs via the cramped stairs leading down from the attic (where her room is) to the main room.   "Good morning, Mr. Puguet.  Sorry I won't be continuing my apprenticeship for now.  I do hope to put what you've taught me to good use, however.  Wish me luck in the watch!" 

Out the door she goes, walking confidently north towards where the main watch-house is!
TankLaser007
 Aidan’s eyes fluttered open. Dawn. He felt its coolness, it was a time familiar to him, a time of natural stillness and quiet – even in a city as boisterous as Osteara. It was as if the city itself had paused to take in a breath, to find its centre, before beginning the day ahead.

Dawn.  True  dawn. While most knew it only as the moment of the first rays, splayed fingers ruddy and bright, awash in gold and vibrant orange scattering the blue and violet of lingering night, Aidan, a life spent a mere stone’s throw from the sea knew what all sailors knew, what the watch before eight bells longed for, that alabaster cut across the silken black of sky and sea, an ever returning scar of the sun’s blade before the wound of daybreak sent ocean and air alike awash with the bloody red of the sun’s first light –  that  sliver of ivory, a crack in night’s ebon armour, that was dawn.

The druid sat up as he simultaneously pivoted, rotating to face the eastern wall where a small circular “door”the size of a porthole opened to a “balcony” barely two-and-a-half hands’ span wide, more of a ledge with a guard rail – an inheritance from Aisling, his older sister, who had lived in the attic room before him.

The modest apartment brimmed with signs of Aisling’s habitation, replete with scores of additions, improvements and modifications, from his industrious sister's ingenious hands. The small table that folded on hinges into the wall, a sink fed water from a cistern on the roof that collected rain, the many cupboards and shelves made of planks scavenged from old ships and drift wood.

Yet the jewel in the crown, the envy of all his siblings was the little stove built into the south west corner – its clever exhaust and venting system ran under the bed and around the room making it not only an easy way to make a quick snack or pot of tea without having to slog down several flights of stairs to Ma’s kitchen – but a perfect heater in the cosy room when winter’s chill set in.

Aidan stretched, grabbing his shirt from the bedpost he pulled it over his head, covering the intricate aqua and gold tattoos which spread from his back up his shoulders and down his arms. He washed his face, examining himself briefly in the polished brass mirror above the sink before pouring the remainder of yesterdays kettle, a spiced tea of his mother’s make, into a small flask.

He sent out to Bratóg,   come   and a cloak that hung next to the door slowly floated from the peg, drifting towards the halfling before settling over his shoulders. They would be going north-side today so perhaps something a bit more … flashy was in order. Another simple urge was sent,   reverse  , and Bratóg undulated, as the cloak turned itself inside out, revealing a rich violette coloured cloth with silver and gold embroidery. “  There  ,” Aidan said, brushing a bit of dust from his shoulder, “  now we look a bit more respectable.  ”

Nibble fingers tucked the flask into one of many concealed pockets as he strapped on his belt, and spats. He pried a well crafted trianglar shaped knife from one of the boards in the wall, and after a quick flip it too was swallowed by one of Aidan’s pockets.

The druid turned both his eyes and consciousness upward. There floating in the middle of room, concealed amongst the shadows was Ráthóir. The living embodiment of his oaths the seal of his covenant as an Anáilnabeatha Order Druid. He could sense the wild mind of his companion, their mind’s, in fact their very life essences, were bound together.

Ráthóir currently had only the feral cunning of any beast lacking the true intellect of a sentient being. While possessed of more agency than Bratóg, a mindless automaton, Ráthóir was not capable of truly thinking, conversing, offering council or comfort, as any companion might lend their friend, at least not  yet .

The halfling extended his hand and the tiny orb, drifted down into the outstretched palm. The druid exited the small door, ducking low through the circular opening out into the brisk chill of dawn’s breath, he heard the sea’s whisper and the ever rising hum of the  City . Aidan knelt on his precarious perch and opened his palms to the still black sky and the orb, comprised of some alien metal or stone, hovered before him, its two black eyes alight with flecks of fuchsia as they gazed into his own.

As one mind, they communed with the  City  expanding their unified thoughts and perception outward across sprawling Osteara from the bay to the docks, slithering through the shanties and slums to the great markets of south port, skipping across the islands of mansions and estates onwards through the avenues of industry, and commerce and skirting the enclaves of miners and foresters, farmers and outcasts from the outermost boundaries of Osteara to her heart at the high-seat of the governor’s palace.

Where others saw districts and borders the twin-minds of the druid and his companion saw a single entity, a living thing, the City Soul, its true essence. Just as the very life-force and consciousness of Aidan and Ráthóir were suspended between two forms yet intrinsically a singular soul, so too were all those in Osteara, stone the bone of her skeleton, the canals the veins, the rivers and water ways the blood, the wood her flesh – all one unified, inseparable being whose fate and wellbeing were sacred and intertwined.

Aidan exhaled, he could feel the cool of dawn surrendering to the warmth of day as the first sign of colour began to bleed out of the black ink of the ocean’s depth seeping from horizon to heavens. The halfling pricked his thumb on Bratóg’s clasp then swiped the bloodied digit above Ráthóir’s eyes, blessing him with the gift of intelect. A small turquoise and gold rune appeared on the orb, a lantern with a single illuminated eye held within, his magic’s mark. Each day the City Soul bestowed upon them its gifts, and each day Ráthóir was reborn anew.

Their communion finished, he sent, to the newly awakened mind through the link they shared,   Enough lazin’ about, time to make tracks, hop in now Rat .  The eyes of the orb narrowed in feigned insult, before the reply appeared in Aidan’s mind  That’s ‘Master Rat’ to you, you Oath Bound novice!’  The orb glided towards its master before being lost in the folds beneath Bratóg.   “Brat,”   the halfling said aloud as he walked towards the door, “  hood,”   and the cloak’s cowl rose to obscure the youthful child-like face of the druid as he made his way down the stairs and out into the stirring streets of the dockside slums on his way to the Watch House beneath an ever brightening sky, under which Osteara was born anew. 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Prepared Urban Druid spells: Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Charm Person and Obscuring Mist.
Spent 1 Spell Point to cast Bestow Intelligence on Bound  Companion using Exceptional Ally Feat
Kunai - Concealed DC: 19
Sling &amp; Bullets - Concealed DC: 21
Ráthóir - Concealed DC: 26
Draw Magic Count: 1 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence)
 
Palanan
Lying on doubled sacks in the cramped attic, with barely a hint of thin light before dawn, Häaben remembered the ugly dread of the morning before his first execution.

He hadn’t slept easily—had woken from comforting dreams to a chill slinking fear, curled on one side in his narrow bedroom in his master’s house, tension like twisting wire in his gut.  He had endured day after long day of waiting, the date sliding inexorably closer; and when he had woken in the deepest dark of that night, he lay drawn up first on one side and then the other, the dread seeping in a cold trickle through all his body, until he pulled himself upright and retched.

He had nearly fled that morning, long before dawn—the urge to escape suddenly greater than it had been since the first night his master had beaten him.

But he had seen it through, knowing that if he fled he would be pursued relentlessly, and no doubt hanged himself; and knowing also that he had been set this task by his family, to succeed at this, the only profession now open to him—to persist, to endure, to earn whatever scraps of respect he might eventually be given, and by that means take the first steps on the long, stony road to the rehabilitation of his family name.

It would be the work of lifetimes, his and his children’s and theirs after he was gone; it was all his parents had been able to hope for.

And so that morning he had not fled; he had followed his master to the wooden platform just outside the small village where they had journeyed.  He had endured the stares and sly contempt from the small crowd that gathered, and had earned the right to call himself journeyman in the trade he hated above all else.

Now…he lay on rough sacks upon rough wood, in the attic of a damp boarding-house within sight of the harbour of Osteara, beyond the reach of Sancour and its unfeeling magistrates.

Now there was no dread—only a different, lighter sort of nervousness, a mildly buzzing anticipation which held both echoes of fear and a hesitant stirring of excitement.

First day in the Watch: report at dawn, he had been told—and while he half-suspected a prank on the new recruit, he would be there nonetheless.  No time to find an excuse to visit Ryssi, however briefly; the apothecary wouldn’t be open for hours yet, and he needed to establish himself in a respectable position before he could dream of calling on her at her stepfather’s house.

He slipped up from the sacks, readied himself, lifted the long sword down from the roof-beam where he kept it.  In its leather traveling-sheath the distinctive rounded tip went unseen, though such a blade on such a youth drew attention regardless.

He found his stomach too twisted to think of food; so he managed a quick sip of the watered wine in his flask, straightened what he could of his clothing; and Jehan stepped into the thin predawn light, making his way through damp-cobbled streets to the watch-house and a new life within.
DarkTogashi
Edit: Seems I was a bit quick to post this. please ignore.
Kallimakus
Callisto waves goodbye to Ingo, yawning. Whenever the sorcerer got absorbed by his work left him sleeping poorly, the man too proud and stubborn to wear earplugs. He lived in perpetual fear of thieves, his pride extending to not paying protection money for the Chapra crew, local gang of thieves.

On his way to the watchhouse, Ingo overhears a snippet of conversation about the dwarves trying out a new kind of exploding powder for their mining. He reaches the watchhouse in time.


 


Garren’s relationship with the crafters notwithstanding, he makes his way to the guards without problem. Marik had been very supportive since the day came up. To him, Garren’s employment in the guard was just another piece of leverage to pull his business to a higher status. His cut-short hammer gets some attention from the morning commuters, and on crossing the Silver Bridge to the north side, he comes across a fine carriage escorted by four men-at-arms, bearing short swords and wearing a crest of the black rose. Working for one of the nobles or nouveau riche, no doubt, but he can’t recall who.

The destination is more inviting despite the early hour, the light still on, illuminating the shield that marks the guardhouse.


 


Alexis makes her way through the morning streets as the Sun rises, taking hurried steps and finding herself following a big man with an equally big hammer, who enters the guardhouse a bit ahead of her.


 


Aidan feels the power of the city beneath his feet and around him in the air, in the overhanging houses along the main street already filling with farmers bringing in their wares towards the market. No doubt thanks to the work of his guildmates and his own contribution, the City Soul rose as energized as ever, vibrant and full of life.


 


Jehan makes his way to the guardhouse across cobbled streets. He comes across a pair of drunkards who avoid him upon spotting the sword on his back. He is on time, reaching the guardhouse first among the newcomers.


 


On the street, Claire gives Rose a nod as well. “Giving guarding another chance?” she asks. The half-orc had never been shy that even at best of times the city guards could not live up to the ideals she strived for, but when they were on the right path, she could be counted as their ally.


 


Rose’s morning commute finds her the last of the new crop to arrive to the watchhouse, the sun having risen. She catches a level look from sergeant Calgar, properly shaved, showing his strong jawline, though the little cleanup didn’t quite manage to conquer his perpetually shabby look.
“I believe I instructed ‘at sunrise’ rather than ‘at the crack of eight-thirty’, Alleys.”

At the watchhouse, a few dozen guards are gathered, wearing worn chainshirts or battered breastplates, some leaning on halberds, others idly spinning or swinging truncheons. They gaze upon the newcomers.

“I’m not running this outfit to look good on the parade day” sergeant Calgar says. “By grace of the Hand I’m the one that’s left. The one in charge, until the governor names a new captain of the guard.” He turns to face the new recruits. “I gathered everyone here so that you’ll know the new faces. And new fish will know the old guard.”

Rose receives a few friendly nods from those she’d been on patrol with before, or who’d been assigned as backup.

“I’ll be brief.” Calgar says, walking before the new recruits. “You will be required to take part in drills each day. Learn to work together with the rest of us, and with each other. Walking the streets, doing patrols will not be the totality of your talents. You’re green. New. But you have potential that I wish to use. The city guard needs to be more than it has been.” His eyes drift to Rose, before moving on to the others.

The other guards offer a salute to the new recruits, and the brief gathering ends. Those ending their night shift head to rest, and those beginning theirs start dividing up.

“We’ll get you sorted. Badges, uniforms, arms and armour.” sergeant Calgar says. “And then you’ll need to take the oath. Do you have any questions before that?”
DarkTogashi
Rose hurriedly made her way through the bustling corridors of the watch house, her red hair bouncing with every step. She had lost track of time while preparing her spell components this morning, and now she was running late for the briefing. Her heart pounded in her chest as she finally reached the room where Sergeant Calgar was already addressing the other guards.

She cleared her throat nervously and approached the stern-looking sergeant. " I'm terribly sorry for being late, Sergeant Calgar, " Rose said, her voice barely above a whisper. " It won't happen again. " Rose quickly moved to find an empty spot among the other guards, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had always been punctual, and being late on her first day as a new recruit was not how she had envisioned starting her career as a witch guardswoman.

After the briefing concluded, Rose's shy nature didn't prevent her from waving at the guards she recognized, those familiar faces that had crossed her path during her as an auxiliary guard in the city. She offered them a small smile, feeling a bit more at ease knowing that there were friendly faces among her colleagues.

As Sergeant Calgar began organizing the new recruits into formation, Rose fell in line with the others. She was determined to make the most of this opportunity, to learn and grow as a witch guardswoman, and to prove herself despite her initial hiccup of tardiness. With her green eyes bright and full of determination, she looked forward to whatever challenges the day might bring and hoped to find her place within the ranks of the city's protectors.
Frosty
Alexis had a feeling that the large hammer man in front of her might be a fellow recruit.  She wonders what kind of that he is, and she hopes that he will do credit to the watch.    When she arrives at the watchhouse, she stops momentarily to take it all in again.  When she was last here, the captain was insufferable, arrogant, and mean.  The young woman hopes that captain has been assigned elsewhere or fired.  Walking in, she takes in some familiar sights.  A dozen guards wearing worn chainshirts or battered breastplates are around.  Some she recognize, and others she doesn’t but she can tell how tired they are all the same.

As the new recruits gather in front of sergeant Calgar, Alexis also notices the red-haired beauty next to her.    “Hmm, she’s not the usual sort to join the watch.  The situation in the city must be getting more desperate by the day.  We must turn things around…”   thinks Alexis as she brushes her blonde hair above her ear.

 “Sergeant Calgar, it is good to see you again.  I don’t see the ehh…good…captain around anymore.  I can’t say that I’ll miss him, but I do promise I’ll support you as best I can.  How have you been?"  says Alexis to the sergeant.  She also nods and gives small waves to the guards that she recognizes.   “Do you still have my old uniform?  I’ve gotten better armor since then, but I kind of miss the uniform itself.” 

The young woman of 22 years looks confident and comfortable.  Let’s hope it is more than just a front.
Dakrsidder
Hearing the mention of new exploding powder piqued Ingo’s interest as he’d been considering curating an explosive for a while. Unfortunately, even he came to the conclusion it wasn’t a good idea at least for time being, as even he wasn’t crazy enough try experimenting with them in his current circumstances. However, it was still something nice to think about as he walked through town.

When he reached the tower, he simply went in and stood in line where he was told and went through the notions, speaking or nodding as necessary, but otherwise was fairly quiet as he simply scanned the unfamiliar room. However, once some person came in tardy, Ingo noticed they were accompanied by a cat and mindlessly stared at said cat without a word.

As the sorting was about to happen, Ingo snapped back into focus and shook his head before taking what was necessary to get the process going.
Frosty
Alexis takes another look at the redhead.    "Wait...is that..."  
 "Hey Rose, is that you?  I didn't recognize you with the new hairdo!  It's been a month or two since we last met up hasn't it?  How did it go with clearing the cellar of dire rats?  I hope your cat here had a good time with that." 
DarkTogashi
Colas started to rub himself on Alexis's legs and meow.

" Um...Alexis? Right?"    Rose said. " It's... It's good to see you. I didn't expect to see you so...um.. soon. Or as part of the...um...Watch. I was running so late I...um... forgot to put my hair up "

Rose tucked a loose strand up behind one of her ears. Rose always kinda looked up to Alexis. She seemed so confident and sure of what she's doing. " Yeah...um...Lily and I cleared it out without...um...to much damage. How about yourself? I didn't think you...um...liked the watch."      
Frosty
 
 Originally Posted by DarkTogashi 
 Colas started to rub himself on Alexis's legs and meow.

" Um...Alexis? Right?"    Rose said. " It's... It's good to see you. I didn't expect to see you so...um.. soon. Or as part of the...um...Watch. I was running so late I...um... forgot to put my hair up "

Rose tucked a loose strand up behind one of her ears. Rose always kinda looked up to Alexis. She seemed so confident and sure of what she's doing. " Yeah...um...Lily and I cleared it out without...um...to much damage. How about yourself? I didn't think you...um...liked the watch."       
 

 "Yeah it's Alexis.  I wasn't expecting to see you join the guards either.  As for liking the guard..." 

Alexis snorts.   "I hated it so much last time I quit.  But, this time I think there's a chance it can be changed for the better.  At least the nasty captain is gone..." 
DarkTogashi
 
 Originally Posted by Frosty 
  "Yeah it's Alexis.  I wasn't expecting to see you join the guards either.  As for liking the guard..." 

Alexis snorts.   "I hated it so much last time I quit.  But, this time I think there's a chance it can be changed for the better.  At least the nasty captain is gone..."  
 

Rose takes off her green witches hat and starts playing with the brim. " The...um...last Captain recruited me. He seemed...um...very excited to have me as an...um...guard. But he...um...kept saying weirds things about...um...wanting us to install carpet and that he...um...wanted to touch my cat and a whole bunch of...um...other weird things. " A look of minor confusion crosses Rose's beautiful features. She really doesn't understand why men keep saying such weird things to her. " After hearing...um...about what he did I;m not...um... sad to see him gone. It did leave me an...um...auxiliary member of the watch...um...until now. "
TankLaser007
 
Aidan had a bemused look on his face, although it was doubtful any could see it, enshrouded as it was in the cavernous cowl of Bratóg. His eyes flicked quickly over the newcomers, those who would likely be in his patrol. They were all fairly easy to spot, lacking the uniforms of the watch, yet more so lacking the uniformity of well acquainted comrades.

You could always spot family, not by, the sprinkle of freckles or the the shape of the face, nor the crook of the nose or the colour of hair or eyes but by the ephemeral invisible ties of memories, experiences and a life shared. No, this lot he was now part of they were indeed green.

Green. He looked at the wide brimmed green hat in the hands of one of the women talking to … was that Alicia, Alex? He had seen the blond haired women before, in the company of a halfling woman, a member of the watch – and was that  Rose ? Lilly’s sister? It had been some time since he had seen Lilly, she used to frequent his uncle’s parlour quite a bit.

The halfling smiled to himself.  The City Provides  he thought, remembering the old adage. So himself, Rose,  Alexis , that was her name, an Elf, and a pair of men. Foreign looking. Aidan tilted his head as he looked at them, absent mindedly he rubbed his chin, he would have remembered seeing them before, especially the one with the broken hammer. Why were humans so bloody big. There was a movement which caught his attention from the corner of his eye, it was a cat weaving between the legs of Rose.

Aidan began to crouch down to call the cat when his train of thought was interrupted –  More Oaths...  Ráthóir intruded, playfully.

  Perhaps I’ll get another feral ball in the bargin.   the druid replied a smile on his face.

 You would be so lucky,  the resonant metallic voice replied in his mind.

  Stop yer gob, Rat, I’ve work here  , there was a mental sigh, like a psychic intake of breath before speech and then a defiant huff of assent.

Aidan approached the two talking women kneeling by the cat and extending his palm to the feline as he reached out towards it with feelings of friendship.

  “I’m Aidan,”   he said as much to the cat as the two women eyes still on the small furred beast.   Your sister Lilly, she knows my uncle, he owns a tattoo palour down on the docks, I may have met you once,   the halfling’s hood seem to slowly lower itself down unto his shoulders as he looked up at the two women,    “and your Mistress Alexis? I think I’ve seen you around before with Miss Gracie. I heard you quit the watch...”  
 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

  Wild Empathy  - (1d20+1)[ 10 ]  +5 (Cha+Druid Level) -4 Magical Beast
 
DarkTogashi
It takes a moment for Rose to recognize Aiden. It's been a almost been a year since she had met him. " Um...It's Good to see you again...um...Aiden. it's...um...been a while. Are you...um...still at you your...um...uncles? Lilly would like to know if he's well." "

Rose opens her fans and starts to fan herself. An decent observer would notice the fans metal frame. A good one would  notice the blade on the tips of each strut. A great one would notice her ease with it.
Kallimakus
Sergeant Calgar gives them a moment to catch up before calling them to attention. He walks at an easy pace to the back, to the armory. A set of keys unlocks the door, and inside are sets of chainmail and chainshirts, and surcoats in several sizes.
"I see some of you have come equipped." he says, nodding approvingly at Rosa, Jehan, Alexis and Garren. "Most of you conforming to the rules." he adds, looking at Jehan in particular. "Your position as members of the city guard offers you priviledges to use weapons, including lethal force if the circumstances call for it. I would prefer the watch not be run as a pack of roving murder squads as under captain Conrad, so try to keep that to a minimum."

He gives them some time to pick any gear they prefer.

"Some of you have talents better suited for more covert operations." he says, picking out six bronze shields from a display case, badges for the new recruits. "Things the guard has dabbled in rather too well, if you ask me."
A not so subtle reference to the corruption that has been rife within the watch. "Remember your oath and keep to it." he says, raising his hand, making a fist and placing it over his heart.


"I comma bracket bracket recruit's name end bracket comma do solemnly swear by bracket recruit's deity of choice end bracket to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the city of Osteara comma serve the public trust comma and defend the subjects of His slash Her bracket delete whichever is inappropriate end bracket Highness bracket name of reigning governor end bracket without fear comma favor comma or thought of personal safety semicolon to pursue evil-doers and protect the innocent comma laying down my life if necessary in the cause of said duty comma so help me bracket aforesaid deity end bracket period Hand Save the Governor period"

 
 Spoiler: Apologies 
 I could not resist. With punctuation not spelled out

I, [recruit's name], do solemnly swear by [recruit's deity of choice] to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the city of Ankh-Morpork, serve the public trust, and defend the subjects of His/Her [delete whichever is inappropriate] Majesty [name of reigning monarch] without fear, favor, or thought of personal safety; to pursue evil-doers and protect the innocent, laying down my life if necessary in the cause of said duty, so help me [aforesaid deity]. Gods Save the King/Queen [delete which is inappropriate].
 

 
 Spoiler: Gear 
You will be provided with a masterwork halberd, and either a suit of chainmail or a chainshirt. Besides this, you are also provided with a surcoat displaying the blue and white of Osteara.
 
DarkTogashi
Rose remove her hat, stands straight and put her hand over her heart and repeats after the Sargent.

" I comma bracket recruit's name end bracket comma do solemnly swear by bracket recruit's deity of choice end bracket to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the city of Osteara comma serve the public trust comma and defend the subjects of His slash Her bracket delete whichever is inappropriate end bracket Highness bracket name of reigning governor end bracket without fear comma favor comma or thought of personal safety semicolon to pursue evil-doers and protect the innocent comma laying down my life if necessary in the cause of said duty comma so help me bracket aforesaid deity end bracket period Hand Save the Governor period "

She hears  drunken meowing coming from her feet. Looking down she could swear Colast had a paw over his heart as well.
TankLaser007
 

Seemed simple enough the druid thought to himself, as oaths went this was pretty straight forward, leaving enough to interpretation without sacrificing the 'heart of duty' and they didn’t conflict with the binding of his Anáilnabeathan Oaths. Providing, that is, he didn’t have to don those ridiculous metal shirts or comically unwieldy halberds.

He took a breath, placed a fist over his chest in imitation of Sergeant Calgar and recited the oath,    “I, Aidan, do solemnly swear by Anamna-Cathrach to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the City of Osteara, serve the public trust, and defend the subjects of the Governor, without fear, favour, or thought of personal safety; to pursue evil-doers and protect the innocent, laying down my life, if  necessary , in the cause of said duty, so help me Anamna-Cathrach. Hand Save the Governor.”  

Aidan eyed the badges with curiosity, waiting until a moment another of the candidates were taking their oath he quickly, and quietly as possible, muttered the words of a simple spell while his free hand moved adroitly beneath the cover of his cloak companion. With the spell complete he examined the badges and surcoats for traces of any enchantments.
 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Cast  Detect Magic  and check the badges and surcoats for magic (and the immediate surroundings.)
 
Dakrsidder
Wanting to get over the boring stuff, Ingo took a surcoat and put a hand over his heart before repeats with with the Sergeant,  ”I, Ingo, do solemnly swear by the many divine pantheons to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the city of Ankh-Morpork, serve the public trust, and defend the subjects of the Governor without fear, favor, or thought of personal safety; to pursue evil-doers and protect the innocent, laying down my life if necessary in the cause of said duty, so help me deities. Hand Save the Governor.” 
Athaleon
Garren eyed one of the groups with curiosity. Something caught his ear, one of the women who said she'd been part of the Watch in the past. Other comments about a "nasty old Captain", and the Sergeant's own words about the Watch's desperately-needed reforms filled in some more for him. Before he could introduce himself to find out more, they all were called to collect their equipment and swear their oath, and Garren fell in with the rest.

 "I, Garren Iverson, do solemnly swear by... by Gorum to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the city of Osteara, serve the public trust, and defend the subjects of the Governor without fear, favor, or thought of personal safety; to pursue evil-doers and protect the innocent, laying down my life if necessary in the cause of said duty, so help me Gorum. Hand Save the Governor." 

It felt very strange to swear such an oath by Gorum, the god of battle. The very thought had made him pause mid-oath. Garren had been a fighting man his whole adult life, and while he'd never been religious, it had seemed to make sense to invoke Gorum to see him victorious through a scrap. Less so with each passing year though:  Gorum, help me beat down these wretches I've robbed, before they kill and rob  me. It had begun to ring hollow with the sheer absurdity of it. Yet he'd been put on the spot, and had scarcely spoken the name of any other deity in his life, let alone invoked one for aid or sworn an oath in their name.

He picked out his badge, a surcoat, and a chain shirt, the latter two being the largest they had on hand. After a moment's consideration, he declined the halberd. Not that he couldn't use one, but it would announce to all who could see him that he was with the Watch, and that may not always suit him—or his erstwhile friends. Those civilians who'd been permitted to wear weapons longer than the Armsreach Law allowed typically went for something handier than a polearm, something still usable indoors. The chain shirt was generic enough, and could in any case be hidden under clothing, as could his badge. The surcoat could always be left at home.

Garren held his new mail and tabard rolled up under one thickly muscled arm, and awaited the next step in their initiation.
Frosty
Alexis bends down to pet Colas.  Whenever he is around, it brightens Alexis's day.   "Who's a good kitty?  You are..."   She shows off her more unguarded side when around cute fuzzy animals.  Still, she straightens back up quickly enough as it is her turn to say the oath.  Having done this before, this is old hat for Ms. Heartwell.

 "I, Alexis Hepolamus Heartwell, do solemnly swear by Sarenrae to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the City of Osteara, serve the public trust, and defend the subjects of the Governor, without fear, favour, or thought of personal safety; to pursue evil-doers and protect the innocent, laying down my life, if necessary, in the cause of said duty, so help me Sarenrae. Goddess Save the Governor.”   She puts her hand back down, and then begins to look at the armor.  The chain mail seems sturdier than the scale mail she has, so she requisitions one of those.  The halberd is not her preferred weapon, but she'll take one as a backup in case her primary weapon is unavailable.  The badge is of course a given.

 "I do like the colors of the surcoat.  The armor I'll need to scrub the rust off of." 
DarkTogashi
Rose pick up a surcoat and a badge. The armor interfered with her magic and she'd probably hurt herself if she tried to use the weapon. " Not really my...um...colors but we're here to...um...fight crime not to look...um...good. "
Kallimakus
Calgar nods approvingly as he listens to the oaths, making note of the deities of those that stated them. His tough exterior cracks a bit watching Rose's pet Colast also vocalize on taking the oath. He smiles as the last oath is spoken, and hands out the badges. "You are now sworn guardsmen." he declares. "And you have that right, Alleys. Getting the job done comes first. Stopping crime. Catching criminals. Keeping the citizens safe."

Aidan spots no magic on the badges, nor on the sergeant, but there is an enchantment somewhere among the stored gear. A bit of focus allows him to hone in on one of the surcoats. The aura is not strong, but it's there.

Next, he hands each recruit a small book, marked on the cover with the symbol of a hand, each of the five fingers bearing a holy symbol. "As guards, you are empowered to carry and wield weapons without bowing to Armsreach, and employ magic the same. You are empowered to catch criminals, and pass summary judgement on minor crimes. For lesser crimes and above, we have-"

His words are interrupted by the sound of a distant whistle. A frown creases his brow, followed by a smile. "Looks like you'll be getting to work  sooner than though." he says, as another whistle sounds, then a third. "Get yourselves equipped. A badge at least."
DarkTogashi
Rose quickly dons her surcoat and attaches her badge to it. She puts her hair up in a messy bun so it can't be used against her in a fight. She wakens her drunk cat makes sure her spells are ready. With her fighting fan closed in one hand she turn to the Sargent. " Ready Sargent. What are...uh...our orders? "
TankLaser007
 
Well, isn’t  that  interesting …

Aidan took the surcoat that seemed to have the slight glimmer of magic lingering upon it, along with a badge, taking the book almost as an afterthought he stored it in a pocket for latter examination.   "Brat, off."  , he said lifting the cloak with one hand and letting it float on its own off to the side as he put on the blue and white guard’s coat with the other.

Once done he fastened the badge to the talbard and stepped next to Bratóg,   "On."  , he ordered stepping towards and into his cloak. It was then the sound of the whistle trilled and it was apparent they would be going out on their first official work as watchmen. Better to let the bigger folk take the lead, he thought moving to near to the large man, Garren, he had said during the oath. He looked like the type who could take care of himself and in whose “shadow” Aidan could easily go unnoticed.

  Let’s see if you know what you do.   he thought brushing his hand across the surcoat, as he whispered a quick prayer and traced a pattern of awakening upon the cloth. A sigil appeared on the cloth, a glowing turquoise icon of an eye in a lantern.

  ”So Sir… Sur. I’ll call you Sir Sur. What kind of magic is on you? Do you know what you do?”   he asked the newly sentient cloth in halfling, as he prepared to follow the rest out to uncover the reason for the alarm. 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Spend 1 Spell Point to Cast  Bestow Intelligence  on the magical surcoat. Languages granted: Common &amp; Halfling
Spell Points: 3 / 5
Draw Magic Count: 2 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence, Sir Sur - Bestow Intelligence)
 
Frosty
The armor Alexis picked up will have to wait.  For now, she just affixes the badge to herself.   "I am ready.  What type of trouble are we expecting, sir?" 

She watches with interest as the cloak comes to life.  The other recruits sure are diverse and wondrous!
Dakrsidder
Ingo throws on a surcoat over his hide shirt and attaches a badge to it. He also picks up his crossbow and checks it briefly before strapping it onto his back. Finally, he looks over his missiles in his quiver and attaches it to his side. When finished, he listens for more information as to whatever it was they’d be doing, although he eyes the new scene with curiosity in the meantime.
Athaleon
Garren pocketed his badge and finished throwing on his chain shirt. After a moment's hesitation, he put on his surcoat and grabbed a halberd as well. He'd be in among dozens of uniformed guards, with no way to hide his association with them. Trying to be inconspicuous among the crowd wasn't an option for him either. While waiting for further orders from the Sergeant, he looked over the other recruits to see if any needed help with their armor.
Kallimakus
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The surcoats are quite eye-catching in blue and white, announcing the presence of the city guard.

Wearing it isn't mandatory, which is why I tried to put an emphasis on 'a badge at least' but I might have been too subtle. I didn't mean to invalidate the ones that might have wanted to keep a lower profile.
 


Sergeant Calgar looks over the new recruits, turning to Rosa and Alexis. "We're about to find out. Three whistles signifies a major crime in progress." he says in a serious tone. "Officer needs assistance. Remember that."

He checks that everyone is ready before making to leave, donning a surcoat of his own.

 "Sir Sur..."  the surcoat says, replying in halfling.  "...Haven't had a name before. Or a voice... But purpose. I protect.  the voice sounds determined. Aidan feels understanding of the surcoat flow into his mind

 
 Spoiler: Sir Sur 
The surcoat can be activated once per day as a standard action to give a +1 Enhancement Bonus to armor worn by the surcoat's wearer. (Including ordinary clothes)
 


The sergeant leads the group through the streets, heading towards the river. They reach the scene. A pair of guards, one of whom is down. There's a handful of people around additionally.

"What happened?" Calgar demands from the remaining guard, kneeling down to check on the unconscious one, checking that he's still breathing.
"We caught a trade gone sour... Illicit I think, they attacked us, then scattered." the guard says.

 
 Spoiler: Crimescene 
I can provide more details on inquiry. For the moment, you can follow what's going on, use any skills you might think applicable from survival or perception to diplomacy, lore or knowledge. Or just explain what you want to try and achieve.
 
Dakrsidder
The moment he heard the situation, Ingo wordlessly got started on a contraption that could potentially be of use. He’s been fairly eager to finally throw something together, hence the speed at which to jumped to it after receiving more details. Of course, he had traps he could throw together in the middle of combat, but they aren’t as interesting to throw together and don’t scratch the itch.

As the contraption nears its completion, Ingo closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before putting it away and taking a more thorough look around, looking for where they went and possibly leftover clues as to what the trade may’ve been about.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
Assuming I managed to spend a minute throwing it together, I have a Color Spray assembly made

Afterwards, I’m starting up and concentrating on the Hypervision divination

 (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  Perception check #1
 (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  #2
 
Athaleon
  "How many, and where'd they go?"   Garren asked the guard straightforwardly, while he looked all around him to get his bearings and gather the mood of the crowd.

 
 Spoiler 

Some possible lines of inquiry:

- Perception:  (1d20+6)[ 9 ]    Are they making a commotion in the direction they ran?  

- Knowledge (Local):  (1d20+5)[ 9 ]    If I were on the run from this spot, where would  I  go to lose the heat?  

- Survival:  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]    They may have left tracks, if the ground's wet or whatnot.  

- Diplomacy:  (1d20+5)[ 10 ]    So much for trying not to look like a guard. If there's nothing else to point the way, we'll have to ask around for witnesses...  

- Intimidation:  (1d20+10)[ 20 ]    ...and they may need to be convinced to speak.  
 
Frosty
Alexis frowns as she sees the unconscious guard.  She hurries to the downed guard to check his condition.
Heal skill check:  (1d20+4)[ 19 ] 

Then, she asks the guard who is still up,  "Did you recall any sort of special markings?  I know many of the gangs in Osteara, so I may be able to identify the groups involved here." 
Lore (Osteara) check to recall information about gangs and affiliations, if any pertinent identifying info is given:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
DarkTogashi
Rose starts talking to any bystanders trying to get any information on who the perps were or where they went.

 
 Spoiler: Diplomacy Roll 


Rolling to gather information via Diplomacy
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
 
TankLaser007
 It was odd "being a guardsman" Aidan spent several moments watching the scene unfold. Seemed some sort f deal had soured and another watchman was caught up in the scuffle. Fair enough. He smiled at the how each of his new squad each took to action, Rose seemed at ease chatting up the lingering crowd, and Alexis quickly saw to the injured guard. Perhaps a comrade from her time in the watch? Garen, an intimating sight in his street clothes seemed much more commanding in his Osterian blue and whites and a giant pole axe in his hand.   "Well,"   he said to his growing menagerie of sentient objects,   "looks like we'll have to do a bit of work as well."   The druid *** watchman lazily made his way among the crowd looking for any familiar face who he could ask about what had happened ... and  why.  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

  Diplomacy Gather Information  - (1d20+15)[ 32 ] 
I got conflicting info on whether using skills always takes your standard action. IF it does in this case, then Sir Sur will loose his spark of sentience as it breaks my concentration.
 
Kallimakus
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Provided that Ingo didn't put on an armour, he could take the minute to whip up the Assembly, arriving at the tail end of the group.

Regarding Concentration and skills, I'm going to say that routine uses of skills like Diplomacy to gather information and Perception are generally move-equivalent actions. Attempts to influence folk (Bluff, or diplomacy/intimidate to influence attitude are generally standard-equivalent actions for the amount of time you need to put into them..
 


Alexis kneels next to the injured guard. He is unconscious, and seems stable. He could use some first aid, having taken wounds intended to put him to the ground. Not successfully, of course. The other guard, now faced with not only sergeant Calgar but Alexis and Garren
 "Did you recall any sort of special markings? I know many of the gangs in Osteara, so I may be able to identify the groups involved here."  Alexis asks.
"One of them... had a gang marking, I think. On his arm, like a ram's horn."
 
 Spoiler: Alexis 
Alexis does recognize that symbol. Twilight Horn. It's an older gang, once led by a tiefling called Traxiom. He was imprisoned for life, and the gang lost influence. Someone has picked it up, a desperate fellow that joined another outfit... Or Traxiom isn't as locked up as he's supposed to be.
 

 
 Spoiler: Garren 
Garren isn' familiar with the local gangs. He does, however, spot a few muddy prints coming from the direction of the river. Two pairs, probably disembarked from a barge or small boat. They continue due North-West for a bit, growing more faint. He could follow them, at least until the morning rush obscured them. If they went to the ground close by, they could be caught yet.
 


Rose and Aidan walk the crowd, asking around. Aidan focuses on a familiar face he's seen around in Cuttlefish Cave on occasion. An older half-elf, often found fishing, sharing big catches with the folks at the eatery. From his gear, he was setting to go towards the port before coming across this scene. Albard, the halfling recalls his name.
 
 Spoiler: Aidan 
With his diplomacy roll, he can ask the man as many questions he wants and expect an honest answer. We can either roleplay such a conversation in full or you can just ask the questions you might want to about what he saw.
 

Rose, as she asks around, manages to get a few conflicting reports, as well as people who arrived only to see folks running.
 
 Spoiler: Rose 
One witness, a woman says she was pushed over by one of the perpetrators, a human man, middle-aged with a shaven head and a tattoo.
A coachman says he saw a trio of men arrive to the area and wait around.
An elven man, some kind of scholar, says that he saw a conversation getting heated with five, definitely five, individuals, and then two guards mix in. A pair fled at once, dropping something. Three men overwhelmed the guards, picked up the dropped object, and fled towards the docks. None were elves, which he makes a point of. As to their actual races, he didn't pay attention.

Collating the information, she can surmise that the sellers fled one way, the buyers another, the latter towards the docks in the East.
 


Ingo examines the scene, focusing on the details and big picture, enhancing his senses to see more than normal.
 
 Spoiler: Ingo 
With his enhanced perception, he can pick out some flecks of blood on the ground, as well as muddy footprints headed in a northward direction. Medium and Small, from their size and stride.

Related to the blood, while the guard is bruised up, he doesn't have bleeding wounds.
 
Frosty
Alexis finishing binding the wounds on the guard, and then goes to share the information with her new squadmates.   "Hey, the guards described a symbol to me they saw.  I recognized the symbol as that of the gang "Twilight Horn."  Maybe symbol is now being used by another gang, or perhaps someone from the old gang is with another outfit.  Or...the previous leader, tiefling called Traxiom, who should be in jail, has broken out.  It's a lead we can work on.  What have you all found?" 
DarkTogashi
Rose returns to the group and and wait for Alexis finish before she shares what she learned. " There were...er...a few witnesses. From what they...um...said this is what I can...um...piece together.  First the sellers fled...um...one way, then the the buyers...uh...another, the latter towards the...um...docks in the East. Also might be an elf involved but that might be me reading to much into a statement. "
Dakrsidder
Ingo points his finger at the muddy footprint.  “There’s two different footprints heading northward; if the buyers went east, I’d be inclined to assume those are the sellers’ footprints. Assuming the sellers still have the item they were selling, I’d say it might be worth pursuing them first. However, there’s something odd about this.” 

He then walks towards some of the blood and points at it.  “The guard was beaten to unconsciousness, but I didn’t spot any signs of bleeding from him. This leads me to assume that it’s blood spilled due to the soured trade. Perhaps the buyers managed to muscle whatever it was they were buying from the sellers, but that seems absurd as that’d imply the sellers took no precautions to protect themselves in case of the trade going awry.” 
Athaleon
  "Folk take precautions and get beaten up anyway.   Garren grimaced with that statement, as though he knew it well from experience.   "I can follow these tracks northwest; could be they hid close by."   
  "Lots of us here. We could split up and follow both without much hassle,"   he suggested.

 
 Spoiler 

Not sure how many other guards and recruits came with the PCs and the Sergeant but it might be enough to split up without being spread thin.
 
TankLaser007
 
  “Albard!”  , the halfling had cried out seeing a familiar face. It had been some time since he’d seen the old half-elf, but as always he was a sight for sore eyes. He knew Albard was a canny sort, quick of wit, sharp of eye and ear and generous with those in need. And Aidan was very much in need this morning. Leaning in (and up) close he let fly a barrage of questions about the even in a manic high speed tirade, giving little thought as to if the half-elf was able to hear or keep up with the rapid fire queries. 
 
 Spoiler: Rapid Fire Questions 

 
 Did you see what happened? 
 Do you know who tussled with the guards? And Why? 
 Were they Locals? If so who are they, where do they frequent/live? 
 Did you see where everyone went? 
 Do you know what the fuss is about? 
 When are you planning on visiting again? I’ll have me ma make you some of those battered mussels you like. 
 How’s your family doing? 
 Does this uniform look good on me? 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Concentrating on Bestow Intelligence
Spell Points: 3 / 5
Draw Magic Count: 2 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence), (Sir Sur - Bestow Intelligence - Languages granted: Common &amp; Halfling)
 
Kallimakus
There weren't recruits besides you, so the numbers are few. "Can you take a sample of that blood?" sergeant Calgar asks Ingo, who pointed it out.

Albard looks down at the frantic halfling, able to keep up with his questions. "Let's see..." he says, words coming out in a slow drawl as was his habit. Sharp but not in a hurry, he was. "Did see what h'enned, yeah... Guards came up on these two groups... 'bout a few each. Two of 'em I've seen b'fore, plyin' the river by night and morn'. Reckon one's called Marg or somesuch. They left Northways. Other blokes went after the guards. Hey, like you!" he finishes with realization.
"I'll see if I catch a big'un today. Goes well with them mussels. Kids is grown up and workin hard. Nyx is expectin'" he beams.

As that discussion goes on, Calgar makes a judgement on the proceedings. "The sellers might be closer. And the trail won't last. I'll take two or three of you. If any of you can heal Harold, do so." he says, motioning to the guard. "If not, Jans will see to his partner. The rest should see any leads on the dockward group."

He strokes his chin, collating the rest of the information. "Twilight Horn had a hideaway at the junction of Fishmonger's Row and Bushel Street. If you lose the trail, that might be worth checking out. Cautiously. And that applies to all of you." he says, giving everyone a stern look.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Northbound group pursuing the sellers would include at least Garren and the sergeant. You can assign yourselves to  group or have the sergeant split you according to his whim.
 
Frosty
Alexis nods.   "As I know many of the gangs, I will head east to check out the dock and the Twilight Horn hideout.  Who else wants to come with me?" 
TankLaser007
 
  “Thanks Abard!”   Aidan says cheerfully to his friend,   “I think we have some raspberry and peppermint leaf in the the kitchen I’ll have ma wrap a bundle for Nyx,”   his face beaming with a wide smile.   “I better get back to ‘work,’”   he finishes with a wink before rushing over to kneel next to Harold.

  Sorry Sir Sur  , he thinks as he breaks his concentration to divert his energies into the fallen guard, the turquoise rune on the surcoat fades into bluish coloured mist and evaporates as the charm is broken, at the same time a soft golden light washes over Harold as the halfling druid touches him.

Aidan looks to Alexis,   “The docks eh?”   he says,   “I think I’ll go with you, mayhap we can swing by me Ma’s and grab a bite once we’ve finished.”    He nods in the direction of a half-elf,   “Albard there said there were two groups, ones that knocked Harold here, went off towards the docks.”  

He looks in the direction of the river then points to the neighbourhoods to the north,   “a pair of river rats it would seem, one named ‘Marg’ went north.”  

Aidan stands to look at Jans,   “If Calgar approves maybe you and Harold can after that lot, ones that tussled with you have the make of you, maybe be spooked if they see ya again.”  

He faces Calgar,   “With your leave sergeant, might we remove our uniforms?”   the druid asks running a hand over the blue and white talbard,   “so as to proceed with  discretion  and caution, no need to cause another tussle if we can avoid it.”  
  “Besides,”   he continues flipping the badge in the air and catching it before putting in a hidden pocket on his waist,   “we’ve our badges when the time comes.”    
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Spend a SP to use  Cure  from Life Sphere on Harold   Cure  - (1d8+1)[ 2 ] 
Spell Points: 2 / 5
Draw Magic Count: 1 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence)
 
Dakrsidder
Ingo nodded and went to bag up some of the blood on the scene as asked. However, at the mention of splitting up to pursue each of the leads, he just stands there indifferent. Considering he doesn’t particularly prefer the prospects of following either side, he just intends to see where there’s space left.
DarkTogashi
Seeing the two people she knows have teamed up it make sense for Rose to join them. " If you want a...um...third, I'd like to...um...join you. I can help with gathering information and well...um...I'm good at helping people. "
Athaleon
  "I'm followin' the tracks north. However we do this, at least one proper guard oughta go with the other bunch, given the Sarge wants to come with me,"   Garren pointed out. He seemed loath to take his eyes off the tracks he'd found, as if he might not be able to find them again if he looked away too long.
Kallimakus
Albard nods to Aidan. "Be seein' you" The druid heals Harold enough for the man to regain consciousness. He rubs his head, and Jans sees him to his feet.

Sergeant Calgar looks between the recruits, watching them split into teams, work at the problem. You get the impression that he is testing your mettle even now. To Aidan, he gives a nod of acknowledgement. "Jans. You're with the dock pursuit team. Follow them. In earshot. The rest of you. Plain clothes is fine. I figure having Jans out all resplendent is going to draw eyes away from you. Discreet. Ingo, you're with me. Garren, lead the way."


 


The Northern team follows Garren as he follows the trail. It grows a but faint along the next few streets, until he realizes that the trail doesn't continue past a cross of streets. He's sure he wouldn't miss it going on, so they must have gone left towards the west, or doubled towards the coast due east.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
A good time for Perception, or divination-type magic. Or perhaps Local or relevant lore.
 


 


Heading towards the East, potentially inconspicuously, are Aidan, Rose and Alexis, as well as the guard Jans. They have no trail, but there are some upset folk, and some mention to the guard that they saw some folks doing a runner, pointing the way. Do the other pursuers go forward before the guard, hang back and follow, or stick close together? Each could potentially have advantages.
Athaleon
  "Tracks fade here. Coulda gone left or right. Don't think they went straight across."   Garren looked around for more clues while he tried to recall what he could of the city's gangs.

 
 Spoiler 

Perception:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Knowledge (Local):  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 

If no clues and no other suggestions are forthcoming, Garren did hear Aidan refer to this lot as "river rats" so he would suggest going east, toward the water.
 
Dakrsidder
Seeing that the trail ends here, Ingo refocuses himself for a few seconds before feeling a dull pain. He then reopenes his eyes and looked around, hoping to find something, such as a hidden door or anything that might indicate where they may’ve disappeared to.

 
 Spoiler: Ooc 
Spending a spell point on Detect Secrets and concentrating as a standard action
 
Frosty
Alexis makes sure she has no guard insignia on, and then she moves ahead of the guard while pretending to just be heading in that direction by happenstance.
DarkTogashi
Rose removes all guard insignia. She keeps her badge in her belt pouch incase she needs it again. She dances near the group like a passing entertainer some time hold her hat out for donations. She tries to keep the crowds attention oh her and not the rest of the group.

 
 Spoiler 
Incase it's needed
Perform(dance)= (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
 
Kallimakus
Garren and sergeant Calgar wait for Ingo to perform his Divination, to the left and right. He gets a sense from the left. A concealed space, accessible through a trap door. The divination doesn't give him a sense if it's occupied, but he can get there, and once he sees it, his divination will let him know how to enter. About thirty feet towards the left on the street there's a small alcove. Easily missed without the divination is a bit of odd stonework. Pressing there would set the trapdoor to swing open and let into a small space between houses, hidden from the street.

"Nice work, recruit" sergeant Calgar says, putting a hand on his shoulder.


 


Near the docks, Rose, Alexis and Aidan are going incognito. moving a bit ahead of the properly geared guard, they are able to observe the crowds of people. The docks themselves are visible from the higher street, already busy.

On the street itself, the approaching guard draws attention, and reactions vary. Many simply watch. Others show contempt or even hostility. It's been a moment since the last person reported a group running past. They might have hidden away or slowed down to meld into the mass of people.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
This is the place to use Sense Motive, Perception, Local, or one other skill. Each PC should pick one skill to roll. I'll give a more detailed description of the crowds based on those results.
Rose won't need that Perform check (yet) but if it comes up I'll count it.
 
Frosty
Alexis relies on her knowledge of Osteara!

 (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
DarkTogashi
Rose roams the crowds talking to people as she dances. She tries to subtly gather answers about the men we're chasing.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
Rolling for Diplomacy - Gather Info  (1d20+8)[ 18 ] 
 
TankLaser007
 
Although new, the group dispersed, each playing a role contributing to the whole while seemingly independent. There seemed to be an unconscious understanding amongst them. Aidan smiled as everyone set to the task.

Aidan reached into a concealed pouch and removed Ráthóir,   Keep an eye out for anything unusual  , he sent, gently tossing Rat aloft where the small orb floated up, hovering above his master’s head and moving as he moved. The pair languidly slipped into the dimly lit shade beneath the eaves of the buildings and stalls over looking the docks and began scanning the crowd as they slowly walked. 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

The pair is trying to stick to the shadows and observe everyone without being noticed, or making it obvious, not trying to hide so much as trying to conceal what they’re doing.

  Perception – Aidan  - (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
  Stealth - Aidan  - (1d20+12)[ 22 ] 
  Perception – Rat  - (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
  Stealth - Rat  - (1d20+21)[ 41 ] 

Spell Points: 2 / 5
Draw Magic Count: 1 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence)
 
Athaleon
Garren grunted softly as he considered the space the trapdoor would open into.   "Tight quarters. I'll lead the way, if one of you can hold these."   He indicated his Watch-issued halberd and tabard, the former impossible to wield in an enclosed space and the latter giving a potential opponent more clothing to grip in a clinch.
Dakrsidder
 “Just a neat trick I was taught for these situations.”  Ingo thought back briefly, realizing its been a while since he’d last mooched food off of a certain someone.

When Garren asked about relieving himself of his issued weapons, Ingo warily took one to hold onto. He wasn’t sure if he could carry it along that well, but he tried anyway without a word and just followed behind.
Kallimakus
At the docks, the information gathering goes decently. Rose dances through the crowds, drawing eyes to herself, overhearing snippets of words. Many remark on her grace and looks, but her ears pick of something else.
"...just drift this way" a man says
"...busy gawking at the dancer..." another says. She spots people shifting through the crowd against its flow. Directly away from the guard.

Aidan and Ráthóir are hidden well, attentions of the common folk turned elsewhere, but they can't pick out any meaningful thread for now.
Alexis ponders, but at least in this locale she can't think of anything important. A block away there's a rather rough bar that's run by an ex-criminal called Ferest, but he's been on the straight and narrow for years. Unless that's what he  wanted  everyone to think. It's very distracting.


 


Sergeant Calgar takes charge of the surcoat from Garren. "We want to capture them for interrogation." he says firmly. The space would be cramped, unsuited for a long weapon like a halberd. "I'll make sure they don't escape, and clear some room. With a projected authority, he could clear a good portion of the street for a moment, if any action spilled over.

Garren was now without his uniform and guard-issue weapon. The suspects in the hideaway didn't know his association with the guard. He could play it either way. As for Ingo, he had a moment to set things up. Or he could deploy his contraption as soon as the trap door opened.
DarkTogashi
Rose switches to a swaying dance with her arms into the air. As she sways she points her arm to the thugs she's seen then then back to where she thinks her party is then back again. She hopes her comrades see what she's doing.

 
 Spoiler: Bluff Check 
Bluff to pass a secret message.
 (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 
 
Athaleon
 "No worries Sergeant."  Garren balled his fists tight enough to crack the knuckles, and made ready to throw open the hatch, with one last glance back to see if Ingo had any other tricks up his sleeve.
Dakrsidder
Seeing the glance, Ingo was left confused.  ”Hmm? You’d be mistaken if you’re expecting me to do something. Other than taking a glance for traps, I just intend to follow behind until there’s more data.”  
 
 Spoiler: Perception 
 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] 
Actually 25 forgot to add the +1
 
Frosty
Alexis whispers to the others.   "I don't see anything suspicious yet.  Let's continue to the  Twilight Horn hideaway at the junction of Fishmonger's Row and Bushel Street and see if it's still there.  Or I could go talk to an ex-con named Ferest first.  He runs a rough and tumble bar just a block away." 
TankLaser007
 

The young druid heard Alex’s whispered words as she non-nonchalantly passed by. Aidan focused his mind and gaze on Rose for a moment calling upon the innate abilities of his blood, forming a shielded connection with the red-haired witch.   “Rose, we can speak freely and none will be able to hear us. How’re things?”   Aidan slowly moved along the shadows keeping pace with Rose as she deftly wove through the crowd dancing,   “Let’s just keep moving with Alex.”   he finished as he thought about Ferest and the Twilight Horn. 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Have I heard of Ferest or the Twilight Horn
  Knowledge Local  - (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
 
 Spoiler: If related to Black Market or Contra Band 

  Knowledge Local  - (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
 Take better of two rolls due to Black Market Connections 
 

  Active Spells:  
Use Shield Speech SLA on Rose  Shield Speech ; Duration: 10 minutes
Bestow Intelligence on Rat; Duration: Until Next Rest

Spell Points: 2 / 5
Draw Magic Count: 1 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence)
 
Kallimakus
Ingo spots no traps about the entrance. He goes over the area and finds nothing threatening. He does hear rustle of movement from the space beyond, very faint.
"You took an oath." the sergeant says reproachfully.

Garren has the entryway sorted, and barges through the hatch. He catches a glimpse of the space, lit by a candle and holding two people, one of them a human, the other smaller, a gnome from his bright green hair and whiskers. The human seems fairly tough, his complexion tanned. A sailor or porter, maybe.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The space is 5 feet wide, and 15 deep. The closest space is empty, followed by the man, then gnome. A small candle provides enough light to see. Garren and Ingo have a Surprise Round.
 


 

 
 Spoiler: Aidan 
Ferest is an ex-criminal, turned over a new leaf for the most part. His knowledge of contraband is enough to know that the man doesn't traffic such things.
 


At the dockside, Aidan recalls a Ferest. Rose can hear his voice as well. With the reach of the spell, he isn't able to hide from her, but he is largely unnoticed by the crowd.

The people Rose spotted are now a bit more distant, just more people in the crowd.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The quarry are about 30 feet away. The crowds are considered difficult terrain unless some action is taken to scatter or direct them. Usually Diplomacy or Intimidate.
 
DarkTogashi
Rose stops dancing and starts to follow the people she had spotted. " I have eyes on possible suspects. In pursuit. I always want to say that! Wait I didn't send that last bit did i ?"
Athaleon
Garren had considered his approach. Anything short of a fast and violent (though less than lethal) resolution could turn the fight into a real furball, with himself in the wet center of it. Best to go in swinging, lay down the law—literally, for the first time in his life—and haul the suspects out to the Sergeant already tenderized.

As Garren sprang through the hatch he wasted no time in squaring up to throw a meaty fist at the burly sailor in front of him.

 
 Spoiler 

Rage and 5' Step to the human.

Standard Action: Attack with Unarmed Strike for Nonlethal Damage
 (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  to hit
 (1d4+6)[ 8 ]  Nonlethal Damage

If the attack hits: Intimidate target as a Free Action via Enforcer feat
 (1d20+12)[ 21 ]  to render target Shaken

If the target is Shaken: Use Cow Enemy + Frightful from Gladiator Sphere as a Swift Action:
 (1d20+2)[ 12 ]  to escalate Shaken to Frightened
 
Frosty
Alexis knows that Rose seems pretty good at sweet talking, so she goes up her squad mate with the intention to tag-teaming the crowd with her.   "Hey Rose, I'll follow your lead and play off of you.  Let's part that crowd!" 

Alexis will use AID ANOTHER on Rose, enhancing Rose's social skill to part the crowd (probably Diplomacy).  Alexis grants Rose a +4 on Aid Another.
Dakrsidder
Seeing as Garren was already engaging with the suspects, Ingo decided to just make it a bit easier for him, albeit at the cost of a slight discomfort to himself. As such, he moved his hands around a bit and felt the familiar dull pain of his magic, but there wasn’t anything that visibly happened.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
 (1d20+4)[ 11 ]  Glow: touch vs Garren
The glow effect is altered by Black Light (it always is), but if it lands, Garren gains the effects of Encompassing Light, which is pretty much makes him considered large sized minus the space and stat change, so reach + damage increase

This also makes for 5/7 spell points used, thus 2 points of nonlethal damage taken
 
DarkTogashi
Rose does her best to follow the suspects. She weave her way through the crowds almost losing them. She knows she can't keep this up so she prepares to get their attention.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Perception Roll (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
When she thinks they're close enough to cast charm person on the leader of the group she does.
DC for charm person = 17
 
Kallimakus
At the hideaway, Garren's punch takes the airs out of the big man. His eyes widen in fright as Garren takes a menacing step forward. There's still some fight left in him. He slips on brass knuckles and raises his fist in turn. The gnome behind him claps his hands together. "Fear not. The Grey Master will deliver us." the gnome says, magic emanating from him. It seems to dull the human's fear a little. He throws a punch of his own.

 (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
 (1d3+3)[ 4 ] 

 


At the dock, the crowds give a bit of way for Rose as she moves after the men taking their leave. Once she estimates she's close enough, she flings her spell. It seems to settle on its target, and she can tell it has worked. He would be under her thrall, and pauses, glancing her way, his tense expression softening. His fellow pauses a moment, before continuing.

The press of the crowd eases as Rose's dance winds down. Jans continues to draw some attention from them, continuing on along the main street, letting the fresh guards have a chance to shine. Alexis and Aidan have the option to support Rose or follow along with the other suspect. Of course, the one that seems captivated with Rose likely knows where they were supposed to meet.
Athaleon
   "He in the room with us now?"    Garren growled a taunt in response as he ducked his opponent's brass-knuckled fist. Without waiting for an answer he pressed his attack again, shoving the big man back into his little friend even as he wound up for another jab.

 
 Spoiler 

Maintaining Rage (2/9 rounds used)

Move Action: Shove (from Brute Sphere)
 (1d20+7)[ 10 ]  to hit vs Touch AC
If the Shove hits, target takes 6 nonlethal Bludgeoning damage, gains the Battered condition, and Garren attempts to Intimidate target as a Free Action via Enforcer feat:
 (1d20+12)[ 31 ]  to render target Shaken

Standard Action: Brutal Strike with Heavy Swing (from Berserker Sphere)
 (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  to hit
 (1d4+6)[ 7 ]  nonlethal Bludgeoning damage
If the attack hits, target must make Fort save (DC 14);
- If target was Battered, target is Staggered for 1 round on successful save, or Dazed for 1 round and Staggered the next round on a failed save
- If target was Battered, target is unaffected on successful save, or Staggered for 1 round on a failed save

If the attack hits and the target is Shaken: Use Cow Enemy + Frightful from Gladiator Sphere as a Swift Action:
 (1d20+2)[ 16 ]  to escalate Shaken to Frightened
 
DarkTogashi
" Sir! " Rose calls out to the men she was following, " Sir can...um...you wait a moment, Please? I need to...um...talk to you. It could mean the life of...uh..my sister. "
Frosty
Alexis follows, but not too closely.  She doesn't want to spok the target even if he is charmed.  After all, the target can lead Rose to meeting point.  She stays close enough to keep an eye on the conversation.
Kallimakus
Near the dock, the man stops. His tough guy expression softens further at the sight of Rosa. "Your sister's in danger? What happened?" he asks in a concerned tone.

The man he was walking with looks puzzled at this development, tugging at the other's arm. He ,  gets a mildly irritated glance and finally says "don't make a scene." He takes a few steps away, glancing in the direction of the liveried guard.

Alexis and Aidan are in the vicinity


 

  "He in the room with us now?"   Garren growled a taunt in response. The man, Marg, rolls with his shove and readies another punch.
"Yes" the gnome says,  "Right behind you"  He waves his hand, and Garren hears footsteps right behind him. As he does, Marg throws his fist forward.
 (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
 (1d3+3)[ 5 ] 
Athaleon
Garren's glance backward cost him as his opponent's punch struck true. He'd been a fool to look, of course—an opponent behind him would have had to go through the Sergeant and Ingo, and he would have heard some kind of scuffle from back there. He was beyond feeling pain from the brass-knuckled blow he just took; the anger fueling Garren's renewed assault was anger at the Gnome's trickery, and his own embarrassment at having fallen for it.

 
 Spoiler 

Garren takes 3 damage to his Delayed Damage Pool and 2 directly to his HP.

Start Berserking, gaining 4 Temporary Hit Points and -2 AC.

Maintaining Rage (3/9 rounds used)

Move Action: Shove (from Brute Sphere)
 (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  to hit vs Touch AC
If the Shove hits, target takes 6 nonlethal Bludgeoning damage, gains the Battered condition, and Garren attempts to Intimidate target as a Free Action via Enforcer feat:
 (1d20+12)[ 14 ]  to render target Shaken

Standard Action: Brutal Strike with Heavy Swing (from Berserker Sphere)
 (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  to hit
 (1d6+6)[ 8 ]  nonlethal Bludgeoning damage (forgot he now has Encompassing Light for the effective Size increase).
If the attack hits, target must make Fort save (DC 14);
- If target was Battered, target is Staggered for 1 round on successful save, or Dazed for 1 round and Staggered the next round on a failed save
- If target was Battered, target is unaffected on successful save, or Staggered for 1 round on a failed save

If the attack hits and the target is Shaken: Use Cow Enemy + Frightful from Gladiator Sphere as a Swift Action:
 (1d20+2)[ 7 ]  to escalate Shaken to Frightened

Delayed Damage discharges to Temporary Hit Points, leaving him with 1.
 
TankLaser007
 
Aidan kept pace with Rose, pausing when she stopped to speak with the men, and ensuring to stay close enough to communicate with her.

  “Rose, well done lass, listen, they still can’t hear me. Only you. I am going to come to you, I’ll be wearing the same clothes but I’m going to change my appearance to look more like you, you’re little brother ‘Sorrel.’ Just run your hand through your hair if you understand.”  

Hoping she caught the gist of his grift, he closed his eyes for a moment picturing a young human child’s face with similar features to those of Rose and Lilly, and the signature ginger hair the two shared. Letting his flesh shift and flow like wax into a mould cast by his vision of an imagined sibling.
 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Spend the round, using Shifting Disguise to become a human child ‘Sorrel’-- Rose &amp; Lilly’s little brother.   Disguise  - (1d20+14)[ 22 ] 
  Active Spells:  
 Shield Speech ; Duration: 10 minutes
 Bestow Intelligence  on Rat; Duration: Until Next Rest
 Shifting Disguise ; Duration: Until changed

Spell Points: 2 / 5
Draw Magic Count: 1 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence)
 
Frosty
Alexis is going to continue to be nearby and listen to the conversation.  She sees no reason to jump in just yet.
DarkTogashi
Rose gets closer to the men she was following. " Thank you for...um...waiting. I saw your tattoo and...um...I knew I had to talk to...um...you. My sister went missing...um...last week and the last time she was seen, she was...um...with a man with the same tattoo as you. I know since you so...um...strong and big and obviously a great person like...um...you wouldn't hurt a poor defenseless girl but...um...do you know anyone else with the same tattoo? "
Kallimakus
Between the Shove and strike, the gnome crumples to the ground behind the unconscious man. Garren feels a hand on his shoulder. "Good work" sergeant Calgar says. He pulls a pair of manacles from his belt. "Do you want to do the honors?"

With no onlookers that could see into the hidden space, they had some privacy. His performance seems to have impressed the sergeant.


 


The man glances at Aidan, before his attention is taken back to Rose by her words. "That's terrible" he says. "Some of the lads can be a bit rough."

His unguarded tongue had given the answer, and he looks a little guilty, eyes glancing between Rose and her 'brother'. "Can I help?" he asks.

The second man lingers for a moment more. He catches the eye of his partner in crime and makes a pointed gesture, then walks nonchalantly away.
Athaleon
 
 Originally Posted by Kallimakus 
 Between the Shove and strike, the gnome crumples to the ground behind the unconscious man. Garren feels a hand on his shoulder. "Good work" sergeant Calgar says. He pulls a pair of manacles from his belt. "Do you want to do the honors?"

With no onlookers that could see into the hidden space, they had some privacy. His performance seems to have impressed the sergeant. 
 

  "Be glad to."   As the adrenaline ebbed away, Garren took the shackles in hands that looked steadier than they felt. He didn't get the shakes after a scrap, not for many years now, but he often felt as weak and dizzy afterwards as though he hadn't eaten in days. His head had begun to ache from the blow he took, but even now he judged the hit hadn't been so bad. No loose teeth, probably no concussion. He'd had worse.

Garren bent to take off the big man's brass knuckles, but it was the Gnome he shackled and searched first.   "The Gnome is a spell-caster of some kind. Do we, uh... gag those? Bind their fingers?"    Nine Gods-Damned Hells, I used to smash their hands to pulp when I didn't kill them on the spot,  he didn't add.   "Not sure how much you overheard in there. 'The Grey Master' mean anything to you?"  
 
 Spoiler 

Garren is Fatigued for the next 6 rounds.
 
DarkTogashi
Rose grabs his arms out of apparent excitement. She make sure to press her chest into his arm. " Thank you! Could you show us some of the other...um...people with that tattoo? If we can ask...um...them if they saw her or if they know where she is. I'm sure we can find her with your help. " Rose runs a finger down his arm and then looks up at him with the most innocent look she can muster.
Dakrsidder
Although he didn’t end up doing much, for a moment Ingo had some built up adrenaline. Fortunately, now that it’s gone, he doesn’t feel the sense of fatigue he usually would've.

 “Probably better off blindfolding him. Magic is varied in execution, but there isn’t usually much one can do without a form of sight.”  As he said this, he took a closer glance around the area behind the trapdoor.

 
 Spoiler: roll 
 (1d20+7)[ 21 ]  Perception
 
TankLaser007
 
Aidan jogged after the man’s friend,   “Sir, sir, please! Help us find our sister.”   He waved his hand over his head as he rushed after the retreating rogue. He widened his eye, hoping he could conjur up a few tears.
 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

[roll=Bluff][/roll]1d20+10[/roll]  &lt;--- will do in OOC messed up 
  Diplomacy - Requesting  - (1d20+13)[ 24 ] 
  Active Spells:  
 Shield Speech ; Duration: 10 minutes
Bestow Intelligence on Rat; Duration: Until Next Rest
 Shifting Disguise ; Duration: Until changed; Disguise DC: 22
Spell Points: 2 / 5
Draw Magic Count: 1 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence)
 
Kallimakus
At the hideaway, Garren, Ingo and sergeant Calgar prepare the men to be transported and taken to be interrogated. "Grey Master is an alias for Norgorber. Lord of poisons and thieves." he tells Garren. "Unfortunately common in the city."

"He had the seeming of a cleric." sergeant Calgar replies to Ingo. "A blindfold will serve. As will confiscating any holy symbol he might bear. For sorcerer types, blindfold and cuffs behind the back tend to work in a pinch."

He seems to appreciate Ingo being sharp about this sort of thing. Picking up on the traits of his new recruits. Garren's aptitude had already been demonstrated.


 


"I was about to head that way, miss." the man tells Rose. "It's not a place for a lady, mind."

Aidan catches up to the other, uncharmed man. He growls menacingly at Aidan when he speaks, but his expression softens as he catches the boy's pleading look. "Dammit." he mutters, glancing at his companion. "No kids allowed where we're going. You two orphans?"
Athaleon
  "Good to know, and good thing these two weren't so high in their Master's favor. So... what's the, uh, procedure now?"   Garren had watched criminals captured by city watchmen before—had been hauled away by them himself, a few times—and the procedures could differ wildly in different times and different places. Some were taken to jail straight away, with or without the promise of a trial. Some were hauled off to the stocks, or to the gallows depending on their offense. Once, in a city under martial law, he had seen an accused man executed on the spot by a brigand wearing a Captain's epaulets. Ugly business, that. At least the Watch here seemed to want to keep things fair.
DarkTogashi
Rose winces at Aiden's appearing just now. She had almost had him. " Yes, Sir. The three of us are...Um...all we have. I'm sure a man so strong and...uh...manly should be able to keep us safe. After if we find her I could give you and your friends a...um...special dance. " I say while blushing to the tips of my ears.
Kallimakus
"We take them to the guardhouse. Ask what they've done. Smuggling, most like. That's stocks, or worse, depending on what they've been up to." Calgar says. He looks serious now. "There's more to this. I have faith in the other recruits. But we need to pursue this lead. Take them in."

The unconscious pair are taken back to the guardhouse. A cell awaits them there. Not a comfortable one at that. A bucket and straw in the suggestion of a bed. Not a place for long-time stays. One hopes.

 
 Spoiler: Interrogation 
The human and gnome will come to in an hour or two, quicker if one takes the time to heal them. The PC's can take a hand asking questions, or have a guard take charge of that.
Diplomacy, Intimidate and Bluff are appropriate for coaxing information, or simply asking questions might go far. Or might not.

The gnome has a holy symbol tattooed on his wrist, of Norgorber, naturally. He carries a spell component pouch and two rolled-up scrolls. Could be magic, could be orders or inventory. Could be trapped.
(These can be investigated by Perception, Detect Magic etc.)
The man carried brass knuckles for both hands, some coin and a dagger of cold iron.

For related laws:
Smuggling at all is punishable by day in stocks, and a fine twice any profit made.
There are varieties of contraband that have more severe punishment, from imprisonment in case of magical goods, all the way to death for trafficking of sentient creatures.
Neither of the criminals were in breach of Armsreach laws.
 


 


The man smiles, wrapping an arm around Rose in a possessive manner as they walk. They travel down a street and then to an alleyway, reuniting with the second man and Aidan in his disguise. They are less careful, and Alexis is able to follow. She can pick up on the fact that their guard backup has let them go once they reach the alley.

The men descend stairs below the street level to a plain door. Such basement spaces are not common in Osteara. "You should wait outside kid." thug number two tells Aidan.
Rose is taken inside, and call smell smoke and liquor. A thuggish dwarf stands by the entrance, looking at her, smiling appreciatively. "Thought you was lost" he says to the man. "Luc came by himself. Whose the broad?"
"A friend" thug one says with a smile. "I help her a bit and she'll... do something nice in return."

Rose spots another man with a tattoo like the one on this thug sitting on a barrel. An older half-orc with a broken tusk. The area looks like a storage basement with barrels, shelves of bottles, and a water pump

 
 Spoiler: For the others 
Aidan catches a glimpse inside for the atmosphere. It seems to be invite only. On the street, he sees a mark of a guild in the stonework. Not his Stone Mast, but rather the Channel Wheel.
Alexis can see the bar she remembered, sitting on the street level near the place that Rose went to.
 
Dakrsidder
Due to his lack of tact, Ingo passed on the questioning, but did take a look at their belongings. First, he took a moment to focus himself and made use of the most rudimentary divination at his disposal to decipher magic auras. With this, he attempted to get a sense of what auras, if any, where present. Second, if he detects nothing he’ll simply glance over it. If he detects a single aura on each scroll and not much else, he’ll make use of a magic comprehension spell and take a glance. If he detects more than one aura on a scroll and/or an aura on any of the other items, then before glancing at the scroll he’ll refocus himself to enhance his senses and scan them before making further use of his magic.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
Using the basic divine ability, which is essentially Detect Magic and on the knowledge arcana check taking 10 for 18 total to determine the school of any auras if present

 (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  perception #1
 (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  perception #2

Spending a spell point on Read Magic if an aura is detected from the scrolls
 
DarkTogashi
" That's right. I'm...um...looking for my sister. She gad been talking to me about...um...being to make some money helping with...um...something new down here on the docks and the last person she was...um...seen with had the same tattoo as him. " Rose stops to point at the person I came in with. " Her and my little brother  are all I have after our Mum died. " I tell the dwarf. " Have you seen her? " I ask.
Athaleon
 "I've an idea,"  Garren quietly let on to the Sergeant while the prisoners were still unconscious.  "I didn't have my Watch tabard or weapon in there, and my badge was hidden. And I don't think either of 'em saw you. If they don't know I'm with the Watch, we could have someone else question 'em when they come to. Then I could go in at night, as though I'd snuck in, and question 'em again. Pretend I'm working for the same people, or a rival, or whatnot. Might get a lead on a whole smuggling ring. Or,"  he added,  "I could question 'em both times—the first time with the badge, the second time without, if you follow. Make 'em think they have a man on the inside." 
 
 Spoiler 

Perception on the Scrolls:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 

Garren will leave the search for magical traps to those with the expertise.
 
Kallimakus
Aidan recognizes the tattoo as matching the one Alexis had described. Mark of the supposedly defunct Twilight Horn gang. The guild mark he also recognizes as what it is. Another guild, his guild's upper brass would know more.

For Rose, the dwarf gazes at her. "Might have. What's she look like?" he asks.

 
 Spoiler: Rose 
Just making sure here, is Rose using her sister as a ruse, or genuinely looking for her here?
 


 


Back at the guardhouse, Ingo recognizes both scrolls as magic. One bears a spell, the other a faint aura of Transmutation. The latter seems to be a shopping list for groceries. Written on a scroll, rather than a scrap of parchment.

The spell scroll, analyzed with Read Magic, holds a Teleport from Warp Sphere, as the basic talent.

Sergeant Calgar nods. "They would recognize you as the one that beat them up." he says. "Though if they think you're just muscle for hire, that could still work. I'll see to their initial interrogation."

 
 Spoiler: Interrogation 
The interrogation got some results. They claim that their package was stolen, which matches what you learned at the scene.
The gnome claims that he is associated with a powerful noble and made threats about consequences.
The man, Marg, claims to have been there just to carry the package, but let slip that it was picked from a drop point in the sewers. He won't say more.
 
DarkTogashi
Rose taps her chin as she thinks. " Well her name is Lily and she has short red hair like mine, She prefers to wear workmen's clothes instead of a dresses. Her nose been broken at least twice and and she's covered in tattoos. Most of them she did herself... " Rose just realizes that telling them what her real sister looks like might not be the best idea. " So have you seen her? " She ends lamely. One of her hands goes to her component pouch.

To Aidan she tries to send, " I could use some help any time now. Or, at least, a distraction? "
Athaleon
  "Fancy shopping list. There's a code in there, I'd bet, even if I can't see it,"   Garren remarked.   "Other than that, if we can't convince those two to talk any more, we gotta wait for what the others have found."  
TankLaser007
 
Aidan nods hearing Rose's request,   “Hear you, 'Big Sis'.”   he says and begins kicking the door to the sub level, as he takes off his cloak tossing up above the door,   “Wait'.”  , the druid order's his companion, as the cloak clumsily hoved over the door waiting to drop.

  “Let's, hope Alex can hear me...”   he thinks as he yells and kicks the door.

  "Rose! Rose! I want my sister! Help!  Help! I want my sister!”  
 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Readied action: Brat drop over the head of whoever opens the door, while Aidan tries to squeeze inside quickly.
  Acrobatics  - (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 
  Active Spells:  
 Shield Speech ; Duration: 10 minutes
Bestow Intelligence on Rat; Duration: Until Next Rest
 Shifting Disguise ; Duration: Until changed; Disguise DC: 22
Spell Points: 2 / 5
Draw Magic Count: 1 (Rat - Bestow Intelligence)
 
Kallimakus
"I saw her a few days back" the half-orc muses. "Wait... You're the other flower girl. Tulip?" he says, wondering. "No, that wasn't it..."

There's an urgent knock on the door, and Rose can hear Aidan shout through the door. Likewise, Alexis can hear the shouts as well. Inside, the thugs are distracted, and the dwarf moves to open the door, only to get a faceful of cloak. Aidan slips past him, and sees the interior. The half-orc sitting near Rose, the thug they followed here leaning to a wooden support beam some feet away, and the dwarf by the door struggling with the sudden cloak.

 
 Spoiler: Alexis 
You can reach the doors with a double move and give some backup, in case it becomes violent.
 


 


Sergeant Calgar examines the parchment as well. "You said it was magic?" he asks Ingo. "Could be an illusion. Right reader sees a different text.

(Arcana or Spellcraft)

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
We're going to play a bit fasst and loose with the time here. I think Garren can try his hand at presenting himself as a man on the inside with the prisoners. He could arrange himself to be 'thrown in with them' as well, to help them escape, or try and convince the sergeant for something more involved if he wants.
 
Athaleon
 "I could try to convince 'em I'm their man on the inside—had to knock 'em out to make it look convincing, with them cornered in a hole and all. It'd be a hard sell though."  Garren frowned as he pondered.

 "Best angle, I think, is to go to the Gnome's cell at night as though I were sent to suicide him, if you follow. Finish what I was about to do back in the bolt hole, but couldn't with a Watch Sergeant looking right over my back. Then I ask him why I  shouldn't  kill him, and see what he spills. Worst he can do is call my bluff, I s'pose." 
Dakrsidder
 ”I detected transmutation and no illusion, but regardless, I suppose it does warrant further study.”  As such, Ingo looked back at the list and attempted to figure out what it was.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
 (1d20+8)[ 26 ]  Spellcraft
 
Kallimakus
Sergeant Calgar nods to Garren. "Creative." he says to his second idea. "Of course you can't actually  go through with it. We'll see if we can get more information when the other team returns."

Ingo examines the scroll further. He is able to determine that it is affected by the Secret Page spell. There page has been shifted to a different text, with another hidden by a command word. Likely known to the gnome. It can also be disrupted with magic.
Athaleon
Garren merely grunted.  "Cloak 'n' dagger was never my strongest suit anyway. If we can't get the Gnome to talk, does the Watch know some mage in town who can force those hidden words out the page?" 