[User]
 When you answer yes to the voice on your head you feel a sudden urge to gather your belongings. Soon after you are done you are sucked through a magic portal.

All of you wake up in a bed on a well lit room, although the source of light is impossible to determine. The room is wide but totally bland - The whiteness is so prevalent that it seems almost eerie. You see each other, the beds and a table. The table has two boxes, some pen and paper and a deck of cards atop of it. After a closer check you can see what might be a door (also white - but its possible to see the contour) but apparently it has no handle.

After introductions, one (or some of you) move to the table and as soon as someone tries to grab the deck of cards it starts floating, the top card draws itself and suddenly it becomes a humanoid Jester (Human maybe?)

  "Greetings adventurers! I am the Fool, and by the looks of it you are the Fooled. Fear not though! The rich and the poor, the wise and the idiots could all be amongst you. Help us and the master might grant you a wish. If you survive. Die and be banned forever to mediocrity."

"When we are done the gate will open. Find the next gate and eventually you will discover your place on this tale!"

"I am bound by the law of this place to answer one question to each of you. Write them on these papers and deposit them on the apropriate box. Your answers will arrive when needed."

"The coin box is for the maintenance of the automated message delivery system - those are expensive you know! - Deposit 100 gold and we will be thankful - and give you a hint! You may carry it with you on the adventure."

Soon after he is done the Jester becomes a  card . The papers are named after each one of you.

 Spoiler: Edit
The deck of cards is nowhere to be seen. The urn that is meant for the papers is fixed and cannot be moved.

[User]
 The handsome white-haired half-elf blinks a few times, his azure eyes darting around the room while he takes in his new surroundings.

  "Somehow, I had expected more."

Despite those words, an ever-widening smile of joy spreads across his lips as he takes in the situation.

  "Still...I can work with this!"

He turns to his new companions in weirdness, sizing them up one by one.

  "G'day to you, my friends! Raeon Highwind, Lord of Storm and Lightning, at your service!"   He performs an ironic bow.   "I hope you are as excited about this whole thing as I am."

With quick strides Raeon approaches the table in the center of the room, giddy with curiosity, much like a child in a candy store. When the fool appears, the half-elf can't stop himself from giving a running commentary to his words.

 Originally Posted by Vahhn
   "Greetings adventurers! I am the Fool, and by the looks of it you are the Fooled.

   "Hah! Quite!"

 Originally Posted by Vahhn
   Help us and the master might grant you a wish. If you survive. Die and be banned forever to mediocrity."

  "I positively abhor mediocrity!"

 Originally Posted by Vahhn
   "The coin box is for the maintenance of the automated message delivery system - those are expensive you know! - Deposit 100 gold and we will be thankful - and give you a hint! You may carry it with you on the adventure."

  "Soo, the very first thing on this magical journey of surprise and wonder is someone asking me for money. This place doesn't seem so different from my world after all."   He grins.   "I'd love to be a good sport, but sadly I don't have a hundred gold just lying around. I'm a working man! Well, kind of. Sometimes."

He thinks for a moment and adds:  " We could pool some money I guess. Usually doesn't pay to be stingy at the start of things. 20 gold from each one of us?"   The fact that the message came in form of a fool made him a bit suspicious about being conned, but hey, no sense getting cold feet now, was there?

When the fool turns into a card again, Raeon laughs and puts it into one of his belt pouches. He shrugs and turns to the others:   "Never know what it might be useful for..."

Still chuckling, he takes the piece of paper with his name on it and writes a few words onto it, dropping it in the appropriate box.

  "Let's get this show on the road!"

 Spoiler: Question

"What is the most important thing I need to know to survive and gain the wish?"

[User]
 Krusk's head was still hazy. He couldnt really understand what was going on. He remember a voice asking something while sleeping, and then some colours and then here. Was he dreaming? Either way all these made him quite uncomfortable. All these people whom he didnt know where here, and he, looking like that.

When asked about him, he only managed to grunt and mumble  I'm Krusk , eyes looking down and all.

And then that magical thing appeared, and he really wanted to ask what was going on, but others were talking, and he was afraid to raise his voice, and then it was gone. And now he had to  write  down the question, only, he  couldnt  write. They had never bothered to teach him that. Not to a  half -Orc. No, he only existed as a punching bag to them. No reading or writing for him. Not for Krusk.

Only, he really wanted to ask his question. He wanted to ask,  Is this a nightmare? . And these strangers, they were talking to each other, and some were laughing, and all of them were writing down their questions. And he just stood there, and he was pretty sure, a red tone had creeped on his pale green skin.

[User]
 Amelia blinks around.  She jumps off the bed, bends down and looks inbetween her legs.  She jumps up and handstands; whirls around once, twice, thrice, looking around in twirling circles.  She blinks.  She jumps up again and lands on her feet.

 Okay, where is here?  Amelia sways her head.   ...Is this a dream? Did I drink too much rum or...hmm...

(When Raeon introduces himself, Amelia waves at him happily.  Mainly because Amelia found his behavior fun to watch.)

Then, after the Fool's monologue-

...Well, that's that, then.   (Turns around to other PCs)  Hi there, folks.  This makes more sense than most drunk dreams I've dreamt.  I suppose it could be real... Well, no, actually really, I don't care! Be it a dream or be it real, that voice told me I could have some more fun in here! That's the only thing that's important, isn't it? (Amelia obviously did not hear the part about the dangers of death; she has a tendency of not listening to crucial information.)

I always introduce myself to anybody I meet, regardless of whether it's real or in a dream.  Well, this is because I often can't tell the difference, but for the heck of it, hello folks, my name is Amelia.  Amelia Kayleen Caskert III.  A pirate.   *Grins in a way she believes is stylish and cool, but actually just looks like a small child doing pranks*
  Yes.  A pirate.  You heard it right, folks, a pirate! The sort that fights sea monsters and journeys through the dangerous seas in search of great deeds and adventures.  The dreamers.  The adventurers! The men and women of the ravaging sea, set forth to sail into the mysteries and wonders!

Oh  heeey,  what's your name there? Krusk! Nice to meet you, Krusk.  *Takes both hands and shakes them wildly, ignoring his worried expression*  Hey, Krusk! You have such big, burly hands! And you're so tall! And that hide of... what animal fur is this? Whatever it is, it looks wonderful! Nice! And it suits you, too.

Raeon was it? You seem like a pretty eccentric person.  I love eccentric people! And your eyes! They're flashing! Thundersparks from your eyelashes! That's...that is just boss.

Amelia greets her new companions in this manner, then turns to the "question" she needs to ask.

Amelia considers the paper for a monent.

She then rips the paper into shreds and throws the pieces into the air.  She draws her shortswords and twirls them about her in acrobatic whirlwinds of steel, each slash ripping apart the pieces even more, till they flutter about her like snowflakes.

Amelia turns around.  She shrugs her shoulders, laughes cherrily.

 No-no guys, I'm not going to ask.  I  don't  want information about what's coming next.  How to survive, what dangers are in the way, what treasures I can dig up, and where - all those answers will just spoil the fun for me! I'm not gonna ask, guys.  Not that I'm going to stop you folks from asking, if that's what you folks want - but as for me, I'd just go munch on this apple over here and wonder about what adventurers I can go through next.  Life is a storm.  And I wish to be a storm, as well.

[User] Krusk would bet one of his handaxes, he was now redder than the apple Amelia was chewing on. He kept an eye on her as he was trying to understand what she had told him.   Animal fur? What animal fur?  . Why would he wear the fur of one of his friends? Krusk was naked from the waist up. He shuddered.

[User]
 I had imagined barbarians to wear animal fur and had talked based on assumption, but if that's the case, Amelia is probably half-drunk.  Either works.

(Drunk characters come in handy in how it's possible to blame all my role-playing mistakes on alcohol.)

EDIT: Also, a half-orc's body hair.  She could have easily mistaken it for a beast's hide.

[User]
 The unfamiliar scene before Xemet was certainly not what he expected. There was no one in distress, nobody that appeared to be in dire need of aid.

A trap? Instinctively Xemet checks for his weapons and his shield, but they were still there, as always, hanging off his back. Whoever brought him here did not think to disarm him.

There were others in the room with him, but they did not appear hostile. If anything, they looked equally confused. A strange situation, perhaps not a trap, but not likely to be anything good.

Xemet checks for the mask covering his face, and once assured that it is still there, he adjusts the mask for a more comfortable fit.

 "I do not know why we were assembled here; it appears that we each were told different things. My name is Xemet Perin, an adventurer. I answered the summons because I was informed that there was someone in need of help... though clearly the situation is not quite that."

The half-elf (well, one of three) approaches the table, and triggers some sort of magical avatar by the name of "The Fool".  After the quick briefing, the magic fades away, and "The Fool" reverts to its original form, that of a card.

While the male half-elf eagerly fills in the sheet of paper, the other half-elf (the boisterous one) rips the paper to shreds.

 "An interesting option you have taken. Though I myself have doubts whether the answers will be truthful or useful, the answers will at least shed some light on the thoughts of our hosts."

Xemet picks up a pen and writes on the provided paper.

 Spoiler: Question
"How do I know whether you, or your answers, or anyone here, can be trusted?"

As he inserts the sheet into the box, Xemet notices the half-orc hesitantly and awkwardly holding the pen.

"Krusk, was it? If you need some help with your question, I'm sure some of us would have a good idea of what to ask. It would be bad if another question were to be wasted recklessly."

[User]
 Ohh, with the question about the fur, Krusk had forgotten he held the pen in his hand like he was holding a magic wand. Well they would have found out anyway.

Not daring to rise his gaze above his toes, he almost whispers " I dont know how to write.. ". He took a long breath and waited. One, two, three seconds. Nobody was laughing!

He dared look up. Somewhat braver now, he said. " I dont want to waste my question sir, but I dont know how to write. I never learnt how. ". Raising his pen towards Xemet he asked, " Can you help me? All i want to know is if I'm dreaming. "

[User]
 "There is no shame in that. Though regrettable, many in the world do not yet have the opportunity to learn."

Though Xemet feels that it is perhaps not the best use of the question, he is compelled to write the question according to Krusk's wishes.

 Spoiler: Question
Krusk would like to know if he's dreaming.

[User]
 Raeon watches as the other arrivals each deal with the situation in their own way. At first he isn't sure what exactly to think of Amelia (   I'm  the eccentric one?  ), but after she first compliments his lightning eyes, and then compares life to a storm, he is quite taken.

  "Yes! Yes, indeed, a storm! That's what I always say! Of course, I compare most things to storms, things being as they are, but still! Quite right! Nice to meet you, Amelia!"

From the periphery he picks up Krusk admitting to illiteracy, and turns his attention to the half-orc.

  "Eh, don't worry about it Krusk, my big friend. Writing's highly overrated. Really, what's it ever done for me? You'll be fine."

Finally, he takes a look at the masked man helping the half-orc with his question.

  "My, you're a mysterious one. Xemet, was it? I'll be quite honest, I didn't come here for any noble reasons. I'm not overly enthusiastic about unpaid altruism. So, no matter if this call for help is genuine, or just a twisted game for some sadistic madman's amusement, it's fine by me either way. Like the wind, I drift, and nothing says freedom like switching worlds inside your dreams. Or whatever this actually is."

He grins and eases into a relaxed stance as he waits for things to develop further.

[User]
 Annabelle woke up last, with a horrible headache. One of the patrons at the bar had said that maybe she had had enough, and Annabelle had responded by declaring she'd drink him or any one else in the bar under the table. Annabelle didn't really remember what happened next, but she was alive, at least. Alive was good. Even with headaches. Annabelle used a drop of cleric power to clear her head and look around.

Once Annabelle was properly awake, she listened to the Joker and the other's speech in mild annoyance.  "'M Annabelle with no last name."  she mumbled.  "'M also anything but mediocre, so none of you screw this up for me, and we'll get get along fine."  She turned and saw the men of the group.  "'Specially you fellas,"  she said with a wink.

Seeing Amelia's display, Annabelle sighed, and got to her feet.  "If'n you didn't want no question, that's your business, but maybe one of us could have gotten two."  She skipped over to the box, thought for a moment, and wrote down her question.

 Spoiler: Question
Who in the Nine Hells are you, and what do you want from us?


[User]
 It's been two weeks of warp voyage, a voyage gone smoothly. Now you arrived at destination: a misterious planet appeared out of nowhere, presumibly irrelavable by a warp storm which covered it's entirety. Due to the special circumstances the inquisitor Cassius went on the  White raven , the battleship of the Rogue Trader Eris. After arriving an encampment has been organized on the surface, and now had been decide the time to start the exploration.

You four have been designated as a team, and you've been given the objective of following a road which apparently leads to a settlement not very far. You're now gatering your gear, preparing to leave.


[User]
 Rolls for things.
[Roll]#dx+mod [/roll]
#= number of
X= type of dice
Mod= modifiers


[User]
 Gariff wakes up with his face in the dirt and a piercing ache in his head. The silt tastes bitter and foul, and despite the dim twilight, it is hot as though it has been baking in the sun. The bitter stench of brimstone and curdled milk assaults his nostrils, coating his tongue and throat in a nausea inducing film. Sitting up, Gariff spits as he wipes the scarlet soil off of his face. As he does so, he smacks his head on a low overhang of rock and curses in pain, rubbing his scalp ruefully. Looking around, he begins to take stock of his surroundings. He is in a shallow cave, barely more than an indentation, carved out of shiny black obsidian.

Outside the overhang, a vast, flat plain extends for hundreds of miles in every direction; the horizon seems much further than any horizon on earth. A furious wind howls perpetually across the plain, carrying with it the faint and distant sound of screams. The sky roils with black clouds, and every so often a turbid ball of dark flame hurtles from the clouds and smashes violently into the ground with a powerful explosion. The entire land seems illuminated by an otherworldy red glow with no discernible source, and the ground is covered in blood and viscera as far as the eye can see. To his left, Gariff can see a range of obsidian mountains stretch far into the distance, much sharper and more narrow than any earthly mountains, like a curved jaw of ebony fangs.

[User]
 Far, far away, looking like little more than a thin, pencil drawn line across the red landscape, a jagged black river cuts harshly through the plain. Gariff's eyes narrow.   "Styx,"   he says through gritted teeth. As he gazes into the distance, a massive fireball slams into the ground several yards away with a concussive blast, sending him sprawling onto his back and leaving a deafening ringing in his ears. As he sits up and recovers from the intense heat and thundering sound, he sees a burnt black crater, nearly ten feet across, smoking and smoldering less than thirty feet away.

  "I fücking hate this place,"   he mutters to himself. Through the dim lava light, he begins to feel the oppressive majesty of the blasted waste around him. The endless battlefield of devils and demons wages its own war upon his mind and senses as the shrieks and wails of the damned echo softly in his ears.   "Now's as good a time as any to get the hell out of here,"   he growls, with a bitter smile at his own pun.

Turning around as he stands, he sees the diminutive frame of his companion, Thuria Auriniua, the golden feline ult he fondly calls Fury.   "Fury, time to go,"   he says. The small humanoid lion stirs, his wings twitching as he slowly fights his way into consciousness.

With great effort, Fury rolls over onto his back, coughing slightly as he stares up at the black stone overhang.   "What. Are. We. Doing. Here?"   he asks, without looking away from the rock above him.

  "Beats me, Fury, but we're on our way out. Let's not miss our train."

Gariff brushes the crimson sand off of himself as he mutters a few incantations, casting protective wards over himself and his companion.


[User]
 A recap of our adventure so far:

You traveled for three days through the wilderness without any eventful occurrences. On the fourth day you arrived at the base of Pale Mountain. You were ambushed by Hyenas and a Hyaenodon in the tall grasses, but fought them off. You avoided the ambush of an Ankheg, and Rangerito nearly lost his animal companion to its vicious acid attacks, but Catherine slew the beast before it could cause further harm. You came across the river crossing to discover a group of gnolls camped there. You attracted their attention - and their domesticated giant scorpion - when you drew too close, but fought them off. You traveled a short distance and rested for the evening.

On the fifth day you began your ascent up the slopes of the mountain. You came across a battle where a group of gnolls had been decimated. It didn't take you long to discover what monster had did this, as you were beset by a manticore. You slew the beast, and continued up the path to the tomb. There you encountered the remnants of the gnoll tribe cowering from the manticore. After showing them that you killed it, they left peacefully, unwilling to battle with such powerful foes. You began your exploration of the tomb, discovering two rooms filled with elementals and another room filled with a strange device that represented all four elements that seemed to be locking a large set of doors. You defeated the water and earth element, unlocked those components of the locking mechanism, then camped for the night.

On the sixth day you decided to challenge the fire and air elementals. After a heated battle you defeated them, but were seriously injured in the affair. After successfully unlocking the doors, you decided against pushing further.

It is the morning of the seventh day and you fought your way through the mummified undead who held guard here. You freed the janni, Mabar, who had been held in stasis in this room. He explained to you that Tular Seft betrayed him, and fell towards studying dark and terrible things. He showed you the secret entrance to his burial chamber, where Catherine investigated a strange mirror of darkest blackness. She was beset by visions of some alien entity, and will remain frightened for 24 hours from the experience.

You have found the following items:
* The countdown clock (L bulk), a magical item of unknown origin that you were sent here to find
* 30 ancient tomes (each of L bulk) that could be quite valuable
* A magic scimitar
* A magic staff
* a scroll of gust of wind and a scroll of stoneskin
* The mirror is no longer magical, but remains a very ornate item that is quite valuable, but it is large and heavy (bulk 4)

Mabar awaits outside of the tomb. He has nothing to offer you but his gratitude for saving him from his stasis.

But before we go any further, a few minutes have passed since the mummy fight... and Terral and Catherine aren't feeling so good anymore. You take a -1 penalty to charisma-based checks and DCs.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Darvin
 A recap of our adventure so far:

 Spoiler
You traveled for three days through the wilderness without any eventful occurrences. On the fourth day you arrived at the base of Pale Mountain. You were ambushed by Hyenas and a Hyaenodon in the tall grasses, but fought them off. You avoided the ambush of an Ankheg, and Rangerito nearly lost his animal companion to its vicious acid attacks, but Catherine slew the beast before it could cause further harm. You came across the river crossing to discover a group of gnolls camped there. You attracted their attention - and their domesticated giant scorpion - when you drew too close, but fought them off. You traveled a short distance and rested for the evening.

On the fifth day you began your ascent up the slopes of the mountain. You came across a battle where a group of gnolls had been decimated. It didn't take you long to discover what monster had did this, as you were beset by a manticore. You slew the beast, and continued up the path to the tomb. There you encountered the remnants of the gnoll tribe cowering from the manticore. After showing them that you killed it, they left peacefully, unwilling to battle with such powerful foes. You began your exploration of the tomb, discovering two rooms filled with elementals and another room filled with a strange device that represented all four elements that seemed to be locking a large set of doors. You defeated the water and earth element, unlocked those components of the locking mechanism, then camped for the night.

On the sixth day you decided to challenge the fire and air elementals. After a heated battle you defeated them, but were seriously injured in the affair. After successfully unlocking the doors, you decided against pushing further.

It is the morning of the seventh day and you fought your way through the mummified undead who held guard here. You freed the janni, Mabar, who had been held in stasis in this room. He explained to you that Tular Seft betrayed him, and fell towards studying dark and terrible things. He showed you the secret entrance to his burial chamber, where Catherine investigated a strange mirror of darkest blackness. She was beset by visions of some alien entity, and will remain frightened for 24 hours from the experience.

You have found the following items:
* The countdown clock (L bulk), a magical item of unknown origin that you were sent here to find
* 30 ancient tomes (each of L bulk) that could be quite valuable
* A magic scimitar
* A magic staff
* a scroll of gust of wind and a scroll of stoneskin
* The mirror is no longer magical, but remains a very ornate item that is quite valuable, but it is large and heavy (bulk 4)

Mabar awaits outside of the tomb. He has nothing to offer you but his gratitude for saving him from his stasis.

But before we go any further, a few minutes have passed since the mummy fight... and Terral and Catherine aren't feeling so good anymore. You take a -1 penalty to charisma-based checks and DCs.

- Catherine, wow, fairest armored lady, your cheeks are starting to rot! (Rangerito has a crude sense of humor)

[User]
 With Rangerito's remark, Catherine instinctively touches her cheeks.
It's indeed with an unhealthy consistency. You all can see that her hands are still shaking, the experience with the mirror too traumatic even for a battle hardened woman.

  "I... I see. So this might be what my colleagues call a 'mummy rot'. Let's... not worry about that right now."

It's weird to see Cath acting in a such way. So far she displayed a very toughened up atitude about pretty much anything. She looks like she's trying to cope with the experience, a visage of helplessness can be seen on her face.

She quick checks Terral to see if he has a solution to the rot, but it seems he is being affected by the same curse.

  "We cannot afford to waste too much time here, our mission is almost finished, all we need to do is retrieve the clock. We are not the only ones interested in that clock, so I advise we make haste."

One last looks at the djinn. She nods and, in Ancient Osirian, says what she heard before leaving for the mission:

 Spoiler: Ancient Osirian
  "What you seek you shall find, djinn."


[User]
 It's late evening, both of you find yourself at tavern under drunk bear, one of few taverns in Brox. It’s not the nicest taver but if has standards. Long wooden walls are decorated with simple pattern and there is a bit of detail on columns supporting the second floor. Furniture is mostly simple and durable

Ravogary Kingdom commonly known as Mountain kingdom. It's commonly associated with mining and working with metals as it its main export material however it's also home to more powerful wizards. Reason for that is not clear, perhaps just a coincidence. Dwarves are the dominant race there but even so they make up only a little over 40% pouletion

Ewrovell Kingdom known as Elven forest. This one is mostly exporting arts and masterfully crafted items. While not purely elven elf are currently the majority.

Nerd Kingdom doesn't have a fancy nickname or it associated with too many stereotypes. Predominantly human they don't expect much but are definitely leading in ship production

Gray lands sometimes called Gray kingdom are not a nestion. A bit more unfriendly train seems to be operating on tribal anarchy. Trade with them is a rare occurrence and when it happened they most often look to sell captured animals and buy weapons

Boneman isthmus maybe very well consider a part of gray lands. Ships usually need to heavily armed to pass through it and even then land maybe a better option. Getting good transferred from BuildWater to brox via land is what moust traders opt for but that raund is not a save one either.

[User]
 " Hello Thunk. Relax gents, dames, no business, I just want to hear the tale. Rounds on me. " The spindly young man with the odd accent sidles into your corner of the bar as the rest of the table sidles away. Running a hand through, or rather over, his black hair, he proceeds to raise a mug to a deeply tanned and hairless face as he looks you over.

" I'm Gennam. I know a little about everyone, and round here that's a little too much. But i'd like to hear a lot more of this story. "

[User] A rather lanky and ugly man enters the room, eyes scanning the room and it's inhabitants as he goes. Striding up to the bar, he looks the barkeep in the eye and huffs, " Got any open rooms, and how much for one? Gods, I need a real bed. " Looking over at the sylph, the human meets his gaze and nods, " I'm Javic. I'm a traveler. My purse is getting kind from the travelling. Know anyone hiring a man of skills? "

[User]
 Gennam rises from the table and walks up to the tall man, plucking a chestnut from the bowl.

"  I would say i'm the only one who won't see you as expendable. But i'm very selective.  "

[User] A you talk man enters the tavern. He breaths heavily trying to catch a breath a he slowly locks the doors behind him.  "Mercenaries, I need Mercenaries" he says quily. His words aren't to clear and it might have been something else. Moments late he claims enough to speak clearly.  His voice is easy to hear across the tavern. "are there any. mercenaries in here? I'm in need of an escort"

[User]
 Gennam raises an eyebrow.

"  Yes.  "

Listen and spot test on the young man (+1), and I'd like to use one of my 3 inquisitive inspirations for the day to add 1d6 to the roll.

[User]
 Javic looks over at the haggard man with a discerning eye, curious to what he can make out. " As am I. To where do you need an escort? "

 Spoiler: Action taken

Attempting Sense Motive on the guy, bonus of +5. Spot check as well, also at +5


[User] Check it, hombres! Oh me, oh my, omae. Can you fu cking feel it coming? It's coming long, hard, and fast, chummers. So grab your input, jack in, jack off, whatever you gotta do, man, the man is coming back to town, and he's bringing with him the worst of the worst scum you can imagine! Word on the street is, some big sh it went down out in Vegas. Some runners made the score of their life, lifted an android, a fraggin' android outta Las Frikken' Vegas. They pull an extract, hightail it outta the city, and the damn thing goes nuclear once Vegas is clear of the alpha wave. Heavy, sh it  man. Heavy rain. So if you got unusual dust on your chrome tonight, you scope some particulates not usually in your club of choice, just remember, it Vegas baby, and ain't it a kick in the head.  Check it, we be kickin' off our jam in pirate radio with an oldie. From the First world! Believe that sh it ! We got something that jammin' old. But here it is, fresh off the plastic it was impressed into, a track from Trapt:  Headstrong.


[User]
 Politics in Bringol are complicated, so complicated that not even its participants really have any idea what's going on. One thing is clear, however: most of what's going on is going on because House Zagyg wanted it to go on.

Some Houses, such as House Aren'tson, want to have a say in the goings-on of Bringol's politics. House Zagyg owns a particularly lucrative bit of the slums, the Octarine Light District. It's a district consisting mainly of bars which serve pureed rat and other treats, brothels at which you can purchase hugs, and drug dens that aren't specifically for doing drugs (you can do that basically everywhere in Bringol, nobody really cares) as places that  simulate  a Magic Dire Mushroom trip by making everybody dress up fancy and talk strangely at each other. The whole mess is apparently run by a mysterious figure going by the name of Fatso.

Anyway, House Aren'tson thought if Fatso were gone, the Octarine Light District might change ownership. Perhaps House Aren'tson might gain some political clout in the process. So, they hired you, psychotic murder-hobos, to kill, kidnap, or otherwise **** up Fatso, and maybe sow some mayhem in the process.

First, though, you've got to stock up on gear. There's a nice shop in Bringol, the Murderhobo's Convenience Store. It's heavilly guarded because most of its clients are murderhoboes accustomed to killing and looting people, but the owner seems friendly enough. Susanna, little and round and with a smile to charm even a golem.

 Spoiler: OOC
Does eveybody know how the purchasing mechanic work? It's called a Wealth Roll I believe: Roll (using the [rollv] tags) a number of dice equal to your Sociality+the wealth you're bidding, opposed by 1(the dungeon level)+whatever Value of item you want to buy. State what you want to buy And what are its statistics? Is it a small club, Damage Rating 1, or a map, Find Out Where Precisely You Are In Physical Space 1? Both of these items have a Value of 1, and so you'd be opposing a roll of 1+1=2 dice.

And then you can [rollv] your Soc+Wealth Bidded. Make sense?

[User]
 Igor leans on the counter, smile like one more scar puckering his skin.  "Tho we are back here again. Another go-round on the carouthel of life, whether we ride horthieth or thingth with too many armth dredged up from the dark and unfeeling depths of the thea. Another brilliant mind, another thet of thplintered planth, another untimely end. I thwear, thometimeth I think about thtriking out on my own."  Igor mulls this over for a moment before noting the other customers standing in line behind him.  "Anyway, Thuthanna, if you could get me another lab coat - thith one'th got thtainth of mythteriouth origin on it, and the color'th girly anyway."

 Spoiler
Spending three dice, and going for a Newly Laundered Lab Coat of Armor 2. Wealth test:  (4d20)[ 6 ][ 16 ][ 7 ][ 17 ](46)

[User]
 The Wayfarer isn't a man of combat, but the task ahead would require a little more than a hard stare to deal with unpleasant people. He lumbers up to the counter, some guttural grunt issuing from deep within his beard that sounds like ' crossbow '. He slings his massive backpack in front of him, digging through the countless pockets and pouches to find the necessary coin.

 Spoiler: Purchasing
Attempting to buy a Heavy Crossbow (3) by spending 3 Wealth.

 (6d20)[ 5 ][ 5 ][ 16 ][ 5 ][ 11 ][ 18 ](60)

[User]
 Susanna stares at Igor, annoyed.  "You got anything against girly?"  she asks.  "No, I haven't got a lab coat. What are you, a nerd?"

And then she looks at the Wayfarer and shakes her head, issuing a gutteral grunt from somewhere deep within her throat that sounds that sounds something like  "Sod off mister" .

 Spoiler: Opposition rolls
Igor: value 2+dungeon level 1= (3d20)[ 15 ][ 19 ][ 3 ](37)  Failure: my 19 beats your 17. The LoS doesn't apply, so all that happens is that you don't find a DR 2 lab coat. You retain all your wealth, so that isn't wasted either.
The Wayfarer: value 3 + dungeon level 1= (4d20)[ 14 ][ 3 ][ 18 ][ 18 ](53)  18 ties with 18, but my second 18 breaks the tie, beating your 16. So you don't find the crossbow and retain all your wealth.

[User]
 Evangaline comes in, a spring in her step and a smile on her face.

 One rapier, my good madam! Thank you very kindly!

 Spoiler: Rolls
I'm gonna spend 3 wealth on a Rapier 3. I think that's how it works, right?

 (1d20)[ 19 ]
 (1d20)[ 7 ]
 (1d20)[ 6 ]
 (1d20)[ 17 ]
 (1d20)[ 17 ]
 (1d20)[ 5 ]

[User]
 Igor sighs, a rattling sound.  "No, Thuthanna, I haven't got anything againtht girly, but I tried being a woman onthe and found I didn't much like it, tho you'll excuthe my fathion preferenthes."  He thinks for a moment, almost audibly.  "Well, maybe I can pay for thome information. You have a litht of thome kind, perhapth? A 'who'th who' of the underworld? A genealogy of nobleth' indithcretionth?"

 Spoiler
Bidding three wealth for an Illustrated Guide of Recognizing People +2, Worth of 2.  (4d20)[ 14 ][ 11 ][ 6 ][ 15 ](46)

[User]
 Susanna smiles at Evangeline.  "Of course, my good lady!"  she says, pulling out a rapier from beneath the table and handing it to her.

And then she scowls at Igor some more.  "So you have a problem with women, then?"  She reaches under the table and slams a small booklet on the table: "The Sociopathic Socialite's Cheat Sheet".  "I hope you choke on it and die, you impudent nerd."

 Spoiler: OOC
You can bid more or less Wealth than the Value of the item you're trying to buy. If you bid more Wealth, you're more likely to get the item, but if you do get it, then you cross off that much Wealth from your total. (Which isn't so bad, actually: Wealth can be regained by looting people, and it's far easier to get from 1 to 2 Wealth than from say 3 to 4, just because of how the looting rules work. So if you spend more wealth now, it's easier to get it back later.)

Anyway. Opposition roll on Evangeline:  (4d20)[ 3 ][ 11 ][ 11 ][ 1 ](26)  Your 17 beats my 11, so success! Cross 3 wealth off and give yourself a rapier.

Opposition roll on Igor:  (3d20)[ 13 ][ 15 ][ 13 ](41)  Your 15 and my 15 tie, and your next-highest 14 breaks the tie by beating my next-highest, 13.

[User] Igor smiles at the shopkeeper, revealing a motley assortment of teeth that appear to have been taken from whatever animals were close at hand.  "Thank you, my lady, though I do not intend to eat it."  He hands over his meager coin and turns from the counter to wait for his companions.

[User]
 The Wayfarer strokes his chin in contemplation, although anyone else just sees him shoving his hand and a few inches of his forearm into the thick grey mop that consumes the lower half of his face. He looks at the glove on his other hand, worn and fingerless and full of holes. An idea strikes him.

" Gloves, " The Wayfarer mumbles through his beard, " Sturdy. "

 Spoiler: Purchasing
Going for a pair of gloves (Handle Dangerous Materials 2). Bidding 3 wealth.

 (6d20)[ 17 ][ 17 ][ 5 ][ 12 ][ 15 ][ 9 ](75)

[User]
 Susanna glances at your worn glove with obvious distaste and shakes her head.  "None."  she mumbles from the back of her throat.  "Sorry."

 Spoiler: Opposition roll
2 wealth+ 1 dungeon level  (3d20)[ 11 ][ 19 ][ 18 ](48)

19 beats 17.

Yikes, you folks have been getting awful luck at the store today.

[User]
 The clip-clop of hooves precedes Jakob's entrance, never one for timeliness. He greets Susana with a smile.  "G'day there, miss! Just here to pick up a thing or two. I'm seeing a tussle in our future, and, well. As you can guess, I'm not exactly Mr. Turns On A Dime."  A forehoof paws bashfully at the floor while his ears dip noticeably.

 "I don't suppose you might have a little something protective in my size? Preferably something flattering? Maybe a long coat? Emphasis on the long?"  Jakob drives home this last bit by reaching back to pat his gray flank.  "Mm, though I guess too long might look a little  too  silly... Eh, I'll trust your judgment."

 Spoiler: Wardrobe Upgrade
Putting up 3 Wealth for a Dapper Long Coat with Armor 2.

Wealth Test:  (5d20)[ 19 ][ 11 ][ 14 ][ 7 ][ 11 ](62)

I'm  pretty  sure that sociality-related Abilities aren't an option, here, but hey. Rolling two more here, just in case he's managed to amuse her:  (2d20)[ 17 ][ 1 ](18)

[User]
 Susanna gives you an elevator glance.  "Let me check."  she says, and goes into the back rooms. She comes back with a worn-looking long-coat plated with chain links.  "Here you go. It's all I have. Now, trousers, I couldn't help you with."

 Spoiler: OOC
Opposition roll:  (3d20)[ 9 ][ 13 ][ 18 ](40)  Your 19 beats my 18.

And no, sociality-related abilities aren't applicable here unless they're specificallly about buying stuff. I believe.

[User]
 "Well then."  Igor cracks his knuckles, and keeps cracking them for several minutes as he finds new and more interesting joints.  "Into the lightleth depth we go. I think we ought to do a bit of rethearch firtht, though. Hard to do thienthe without it. What about thith eluthive Houthe of Arent'thon? Anyone who might benefit from upheaval in thith dithtrict?"  He unrolls the  Sociopathic Socialite's Cheat Sheet  and follows the choose-your-own-misadventure tangle of heredity down to the latest line of uncreatively ambitious aristocrats.

 Spoiler
I don't know what sort of ability Recognizing People would be, but I'm assuming Cerebrality. If it's some other ability, or if my new loot is inapplicable, use the first dice.

 (8d20)[ 18 ][ 17 ][ 10 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 11 ][ 8 ][ 19 ](93)


[User] You are in the main library of the North American superhero Academy.  Right now, you have been doing some research into the academy. As it turns out that the academy had a second Campus and it is across the lake. But you were told that for some reason that know one is aloud on the island at this time. The Library is fairly typical as there are books large number of books and reading areas and large tables to spread out materials for projects. (The library is also, having three levels to it and you are one the sub level reading area. (I think now would be a good time to introduce your selves to your class mates.)

[User] John lands outside the library, he was running late and he needed to get started studying.  He's dressed in a simple black t-shirt and jeans, he left the cape and tights in his room.  He loved it here at the school, but was fully aware what would be expected of them, and he intended to be ready, and that meant study.

[User]
 Madison, on the other hand, is fully encamped at one of the reading tables, over a dozen texts about local history and several reference books of geographical surveys stacked around her.  One of the bigger history books is open to nearly the halfway point, and she's several pages deep into note-taking by the time John arrives.  She might not have been the brightest or best student on campus, but she'd never been one to slack off.  She addresses John without looking up, as he approaches.

 "Glad you could make it.  Do you know if any of the others who got the email are coming?"

[User]
 From the stacks walks out one of the strangely studious local students. Sarai Goldman is, in so many ways, a disappointment to both her parents. Not that she minds. IT's up for debate if her hair is naturally that jet black color or if it's just what she likes. The pale skin color though is apparently natural, as well as brown eyes. Though it's usually the choice of outfit that people notice, she's noticed. Today it's a black buttonup blouse with a grey with white trim bustier over it. A matching grey mini skirt, stockings, and black leather flats completes the outfit. She's carrying out a whole armload of books about, of all things, local supernatural reports and the like.

Still, she gives the other two a nod, then a smile... even if it seems a little nervous about something. It shows mostly in how she startles at sudden noises.

[User] John waves at Madison as he approaches the table.   "I think so."   He sits down.   "So you look fairly well entrenched, how's the studying going?"   Hearing a sound, he turns and sees Sarai approaching.   "Hey, you made it.  Have a seat."

[User]
 https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/...20150627014858

Professor Azazel Walks over to your group and asks if he could have a seat with you. As he then asks. “Would you three be interceded in an extra credit activity ?”

[User]
 "Yeah, I've been working on this,"  Madison responds.  She finally looks up halfway through, and a smile brightens her features.  It quickly turns forced, though.  "—for a little o-oh, it's the witch.  Hi Sarah."   There is literally no way in hell she doesn't mean that name as a jab.  Fortunately, she doesn't get a chance to say whatever else was on her mind, because Prof. Azazel shows up and—

 "I thought that's why we were all here.  You sent that vague offer to a handful of the kids in your class.  We showed up.  So what's the assignment, anyway?"

[User] "Hi Madison."   The 'Witch' offers level as can be.  "And that's why we're here professor. Though I dare say I had some other research I was doing as well."  She for the moment remains standing however, and watches Madison that way only two people who both know of eachother and who've had a history can do.

[User] "Of course Professor, whatever you need."   John was thankful for the distraction.

[User] Azazel smiles as he says "Well there was a Demand Robbery last, that I have taken an interest in. And I have the recreation of the store. I was going to give it out tomorrow as an for the second year students. but I was willing to let you guys have a crak at it. For some bonus marks. If you are intersted."

[User] "I am, sounds like fun.  How about you guys?"   He looks at the others.


[User]
 You are rats. In cages. In a lab. You, your parents, and untold generations of grandparents have spent their entire lives in this lab.

They wear masks and lab coats. They give you tests. They put you in mazes. They take some away and you never see them again.

They have been giving you shots. You've gotten smart enough to pretend you aren't smart. The ones that did well on the tests were taken away.

They put up the plastic wrap in the injection room. That means that the next round of shots could make you explode....

They hung extra bottles in your cages. This means that they are going away for 3 days. You need to leave...somehow.

...........
For your first post, describe how you open your cage.

[User]
 Those silly big things with masks and all that, always with the spraying...saying a strange chant, like: "This one is prada, this one is nada." it started with me hair and whatever they were spraying, first none (the naked mole rats in the next room started hitting on me, not cool), second Brillo topped (it hurt to move!), third too much and I think the words they used was "long, silky, and red"...I don't have a color wheel to show you, but honestly I have always had patchwork brown. Finally they groomed me with some bad tasting gel - like thing, it might have said: "Baxxe" - It happened before all of their goggles...me hair, me warmth giving mother handed down hair that was suppose to be back to normal...me hair it extended!

They thought that they didn't allow the long and silky stuff enough time to wear off. Off to "iso" so I don't rub on anyone back at the ranch. For a few weeks I tried to make sure I had long and silky for a while, but then I realized the hair was only growing, because I thought about it. Sure I had space and everything, but I didn't have a social life.  So as that one mask that works with music and other animals said: "I went to Carnegie hall!" First only a few strands listened to me, then things started to work out in a routine. Anytime the mask came around, extend the force field, extend the time, practice. Got it to where it was just enough to send only a few stretching strands.

That gave me an idea. Usually it is easy for me to get out of the push farms for me, find bar, find 20 good mice, run before they realize that you caused them to fall and get blamed for your misdeeds. Be back with a little something for an apology later, but the mask realized this and came up with a puzzle that you spin around to different markings. Sadly every week they changed the puzzle to a new one for some reason, but this week in "iso" came a puzzle that I was close to solving a while back and now with the hair that I can command, it was even easier to deal with this puzzle. Its combo was: "1...2...3...4"

The journey downward was very hazardous. I was barely holding on to the corners of the big table, my hair, made what could only be called: "a Hair bag" and stopped me from going splat. I rolled, until dizzy and into an open drawer. Making my way to the back I hid out there for a bit, using my hair to look like a shadow, or a box, just that: "random thing" you leave in the way back. Food supplies were almost nil, and others...nah! Others like me, not seen yet.

[User] The lab without  them  here takes an aura mixed of freedom and fear. They aren't here to monitor and 'corrct' you, but with out them,, what other things lurk free?

[User] There are so many things to explore here.  There are 5 cabinets, space under the sink, and doors leading in every direction (n s e w).


[User]
 "AN THO KNEE!  ANTHONY JENKINS! YOU MISSED YOUR COURT DATE BOY! DON'T MAKE ME SEND SOMEONE AFTER YOU! COME INTO THE OFFICE ANTHONY! SAVE YOURSELF A BEATING BOY! COME INTO THE OFFICE!"

"We now return to Conflicting Vows (the paladin soap opera), sponsored by Bill's Bail Bonds."

Bill steps back from the scy camera. He films and transmits his adds from his office/bar/clubhouse.

Over on one end are tables with 'clients' handcuffed to the tables. Bill graciously lets them buy beer and snacks and pay the bards while awaiting trial. These are the clients he trusts not to cause him trouble, but doesn't trust to show up for court without 'encouragement' and escort. The trouble makers are in the HOLE.

Other tables are for clients that are being 'detained for their own protection'. Those who would maybe show up for court on their own, but have partners who would probably interfere. These clients mix with clients of other services.  Those paying Bill to protect them. Those waiting for Bill to find something for them.

The middle of the bar are for selected 'friends' who are allowed to be actual customers of the bar. Cops. Clerks. Other bondsmen. Lawyers. 'Trusted' former clients of various services.

The far end is for AGENTS. People who do jobs for Bill. People Bill sends after other people.

You are Agents.  Bill thuds over. Like a mountain walking.

"WE GOT COPIES OF THE WARRANTS AND SERVICE DOCUMENTS FOR ALL OF YOU. WE GOT SHACKLES FOR ALL OF YOU.  YOU GET HANDS ON THEM YOU SHACKLE EM.

WHO YOU WANT TO GO AFTER FIRST? ASMODEOUS OR ORCUS? NO ONE KNOWS WHERE SATAN IS. ASMODEOUS IS IN HELL. ORCUS IS IN THE ABYSS.

HOW YOU WANT TO GET THERE? ON THE SHIP, OR SO I HAVE TO PAY FOR A PLANE SHIFT?"

[User] evie listens to bill while drinking a fine ale, looking over her would be comrades, waiting to see what choice they may make It mattered little to her which they went after first. The ship was ready knowing it could shift planes with ease deciding not to answer bill just yet.

[User] “Ah William, you ask these questions as if we needed your assistance in transiting the planes.” The voice seems to come from a vacant spot at the table, however as it is heard the place is filled by a hooded figure. Nothing about him seems remarkable at first blush assided from the degree to which he seems unremarkable particularly in these surroundings. Beneath his hood Alys’ facial features and body structure appears Elven, however as Alys’ finishes speaking his tail drops a scroll into his clawed hand, the only indication that he may be something else.

[User] Yana is as big as a horse, her blue feathers and wings contrast the yellow scales of her 10 limbs.  "I say Asmodeus first, though it matters little"  as she looks around her colleges for affirmation.

[User]
 Yana may be as big as a horse, but George is as big as... a really HUGE horse. A twenty foot tall horse, if said horse was able to stand on two legs... At any rate, the Golem is not permitted to walk on the wooden floors of the bar, and so Bill had, rather kindly, put down some stone slabs so that he could take part. He also, under the explanation of  OPTICS! , had given George a former tavern display piece - a flagon the size of a small bathtub, filled with resin to look like a foaming beer. With a clank, every 45 seconds the golem brings the advertisement up to his lips with a CLANK. He makes an odd sight indeed, the overly-detailed muscularculture of his forged form mostly covered by a t-shirt specially made, and a leather jacket that must have needed several cows to make. Thankfully, his maker did not feel the need to get too many details below the waist right, with the effect that he looks somewhat like he is wearing greaves and shorts.

 "If You Ask Me, I Would Go To Hell First. Asmodeus Is First In Alphabetical Order. This Would Make Finding The Paperwork Easier."  he intones, voice rumbling like a furnace.

[User]
 Speaking of horses of course there was Rocking Horse.
The source of a jingle of course, nary did his song nor rhyme cause remorse.

The rock and roller looked up at the golem. taking a moment to take in the fact he wasn't the tallest or biggest person in the room. Nor did he have the most amount of limbs.

  "Yeah man, like we should go after asmod first.. cause like Orcy is like.. a total bonehead. But like, if we need to go to the other planes, I've got the rifts for that man."

[User] "So we are settled on Asmodeus then Bill"  Yana says with a nod to the others  "And it looks like we can make out own way there"

[User]
 Alys scoffs as his tail retrieves the scroll and puts it back in his pack. “Clearly, Asmodeus is just going to come in quietly.”

Briefly Alys rolls a coin over his clawed fingers and a collection of Duplicates separate from his seat. A moment later duplicate Alys’ appear near the bar, and Alys is once again seated in his place, with his drink miraculously refilled.

“Let us not go off without performing our due diligence. Asmodeus is a formidable opponent.”

[User]
 Originally Posted by Ahus
 Alys

“Let us not go off without performing our due diligence. Asmodeus is a formidable opponent.”

Evie walking over to Alys,  Just what do you have in mind for such an undertaking?

[User]
 “I recommend that rather than flying off to HELL without thinking that we logically approach the capture of Asmodeus and come up with a plan. We need to figure out what we are dealing with, and ways to fight smarter not harder. I for one would rather draw our opponent out choosing the time and place of our engagement rather than trying to storm it’s castles.”

Knowledge(Planes) (39) check understanding of Asmodeus abilities etc.
Knowledge(Religion) (40) check for information regarding Cults to Asmodeus

[User]
 Double post as roller didn’t like compound rolls.

 (1d20)[ 2 ]  +34 + (1d6)[ 3 ]  Knowledge(Planes)check understanding of Asmodeus abilities etc.
 (1d20)[ 1 ]  +34 + (1d6)[ 5 ]  Knowledge(Religion) check for information regarding Cults to Asmodeus

[User] k the planes  (1d20+25)[ 29 ]  information regarding Asmodeus & understanding of Asmodeus abilities etc.

[User]
 double post - sorry forgot to roll cohort as well

information regarding Asmodeus & understanding of Asmodeus abilities etc.
Knowledge (religion)  +18  (1d20+18)[ 26 ]
Knowledge (the planes)  +18  (1d20+18)[ 33 ]


[User]
 The Magistrate stands outside your cells.

"There is enough collective guilt held by your kind, that our gallows may stretch your necks at dawn, and by noon your heads will man pikes on the outer wall to frighten others of your ilk from approaching our town.

Yet.... our soothsayer says that, though not pure, your hearts are redeemable.
Yet... I hear honesty in your voices and words.

But...I do not trust you.
Fair or not, I don't know that your kind can be redeemed.

So I will give you a test, albeit a difficult one.

I have received word that my nephew has fallen in battle.
Giants have attacked the counties northwest of here. My nephew, Fredrick, volunteered to join the fight against them, and in that fight he gave his life.

I have 2 tasks for you to prove your worth, honesty, and value.

First, for the good of the civilized peoples, bring me the head of the Chieftain of the Hill Giants. We know that he is organizing them, and massing a force of giants that can only be for invasion. Some sinister force more intelligent than giants must be sponsoring them, but the most I can hope from you is to remove their tool, the chieftain, from the table.  Whoever is behind getting the giants to work together would then need to reorganize the Hill Giant as the strongest of that tribe fight each other to become the new chief.

Second, my family's ancestral sword was carried by my nephew and is now treasure of some giant. We know that much of the treasure taken by the giants is accumulated at the Steading of the Hill Giant Chieftain. Find the Great Sword Ralphel. It is  silvered and covered in gold filigree. It will speak to you if you touch it.

If you accept a ranger will lead you on the trek to the Giant's fort. If you refuse, the hangman will lead you to the gallows."

so...

The elf ranger only introduced himself as E.R. or Eare? Doesn't really matter to you.
He lead you on the fortnight journey, pacing you double time for most of it over rough foot hills.

He has become less sever towards you. At first he seemed angry to be leading you instead of a proper strikeforce, but now he dosesn't seem to hold that against you personally, though he would still much prefer a team of Elf Rangers, or Human paladins, or Dwarven warriors.... anything other than a hodgepodge of goblins. As though the treat of the giants isn't being taken seriously.... But he will work with what he has been given.

You arrive at a cave under the cover of night. The occupant, another elven ranger introduced only as L.G.S., seems to want to shoot all of you, but E.R. seems to have silently talked him down...somehow.

After allowing you to rest, E.R. shows you an assortment of equipment (occ) and a poster.

The poster seems to show a squat creature falling into a toothy reptilian maw.

R.L doesn't know what to make of it, but these posters are allover the forest, and have been found carried by giant that the rangers have picked off.

The rangers only attack lone giants who won't be missed, and when they are far enough from the others that there is a good chance the body can be concealed. The rangers are charged with tracking the giants and providing reports. The rangers will not risk their mission by being discovered, and will not participate in your attack.

The moon glyphs on the map indicate some thing on the full moon in 2 nights. Large numbers of giants have been gathering, including at least one fog giant. Another huge giant has been spotted, but they weren't close enough to make out the type.

The giants also ship out caravans of treasure regularly. These follow trails into the mountains.

so, the number of giants is increasing daily. Do you want to attack now before more arrive, or try to get them all at once?

The Steading is 5 miles from this concealed cave.

What do you want to do?

[User]
 Frenek - Hobgolin Monk

Frenek thanks the rangers for their assessment of the situation and turns to his brothers.   "Me thinks we should be headin' out sooner rather than later. We don't wanna be sneakin' around with even  more  giants about."

[User] Berr's only response is to watch the rangers and snort in their direction like a bull warning people they are getting too close.

[User]
 Fingol the Hammer
 Level 10 War Cleric | AC:24 | HP: 83/83 |  Bonus Attack: 5/5  |  Slots 1: 4/4, 2: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 5: 2/2 |

Fingol had never been one for speech and the like, and definitely doesn't like waiting to go into a battle.  As she straps armor to her body, and weapons to her side, the nods along with Frenek.    "Agreed Fren, and thank you for the supplies.  Torm's powers will not be wasted on weak weapons.  These are the weapons of a warrior."

[User]
 After a half day of rest, E.R. leads you towards the Steading.

"Another hundred yards that way. Good luck".

He fades into the woods...

[User]
 "Collective guilt for the 'sins' of our ancestors, huh? So much for 'human justice,' no matter the region,"   Adrak mutters in a heavily-accented Common, the features of his face quite different from the other hobgoblins even as the bright blue nose belies his status in any goblin culture.   "Still this is better than having to try and break out."   Once freed, he retrieves a large and foreign-looking owl from thin air, which glares at him for a moment before hopping to his outstretched arm, before the journey begins.

Once they arrive in the cave, Adrak quickly recognizes several of the offered items as wizardly spell books, and takes the offered rest-time to test and translate a couple of spells from one of the other tomes into his own, using delicate pieces of multicolored charcoal and feather quills with various oils to scribe pictographs into his own book.   "Am ready whenever,"   he makes a point of noting.   "As is Ar-Beka here. But we should have a plan. Especially if more keep arriving."   He will keep working on the transcriptions given the allotted time, however.

He ponders for a moment.   "Unlike humans, it should not be so hard for our kind to arrive in a giant encampment, if not as friends, then without immediate and open hostility,"   Adrak offers.   "There has admittedly been cooperation between the goblinoids and the giantoids in the past, in various places. That is an advantage, so long as someone is able to convince the guards of such. I am more of an idea person than a smooth talker, admittedly,"   he adds.

[User] You hear the sounds of chopping and hammer ing through the trees.

[User]
 Fingol the Hammer
 Level 10 War Cleric | AC:24 | HP: 83/83 |  Bonus Attack: 5/5  |  Slots 1: 4/4, 2: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 5: 2/2 |

Fingol smiles,   "My weapons do much of my talking.  Though having some eyes on what is going on wouldn't hurt. Ar-Beka mind going on a quick survey of the area?"

[User]
 "Yes, that's a good idea, I was actually just about to suggest it myself,"   Adrak replies.   "Go see what's happening there, but stay high and don't get shot. Do a circuit then head back."   He looks at the owl, then casts it into the air from his arm. His eyes glaze over with a white sheen and Ar-Beka flaps into the trees in the direction of the chopping and hammering noises, trying to spy on the giants below while Adrak rides her senses.

 Spoiler

Perception:  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]
Advantage on roll:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]

[User]
 Originally Posted by Whiskeyjack
   "Yes, that's a good idea, I was actually just about to suggest it myself,"   Adrak replies.   "Go see what's happening there, but stay high and don't get shot. Do a circuit then head back."   He looks at the owl, then casts it into the air from his arm. His eyes glaze over with a white sheen and Ar-Beka flaps into the trees in the direction of the chopping and hammering noises, trying to spy on the giants below while Adrak rides her senses.

 Spoiler

Perception: [roll0]
Advantage on roll: [roll1]

(Looks like I accidentally unsubscribed. Catching up)

The bird flies through the trees until the Forest sudden ends. Landing on the last tree the owl observes. 500 ft of land cleared of trees and shrubs ends at a Crude log fence 20 ft high stretching off into the distances from a fortesss gatehouse.  The door is on the right wall instead of in the front. A primative road runs up to the door, but also seems to have a bypass that runs in front of the gate house to a larger gate in the wall. A tower rises above the left side of the gate house.

100 ft to the left of the gatehouse, a huge pair of is double doors with a tower on the left side.

In front of this fence and building a collection of varios sized humanoids are... Doing carpentry?  Splitting logs into planks...

[User] The bird takes a long look then flies back to the party. Adrak's eyes come back into focus.   "They're clearing quite a bit of land around a fenced-off area. Log fence. One road that I could see. Two doors, one of which is a larger gate. They have watchtowers. Work crews are out doing...something. Splitting logs into planks or something like that."   He shrugs.   "Going to be hard to get more information from this far away, but it's also going to be very difficult to approach stealthily given the cleared areas and guard towers."

[User] Berr nods at the report,   "Sounds like we should just walk up to the front gate and see if they need any help."    His speech patterns were night and day different when others, especially humans weren't around.

[User]
 Fingol the Hammer
 Level 10 War Cleric | AC:24 | HP: 83/83 |  Bonus Attack: 5/5  |  Slots 1: 4/4, 2: 3/3, 3: 3/3, 4: 3/3, 5: 2/2 |

Fingol nods at Berr's suggestion,  "Might not be a bad idea, all things considered.  Though we do want to be careful if we do end up fighting them, to kill any of the farthest ones away so they can't go tell anyone.  Keep our eyes open and wits about us."

[User]
 Frenek - Hobgoblin Monk
  "I really hope they just let us in. If we have to battle them for entry, this whole mission'll go t!ts up pretty fast."   Frenek shoulders his pack and signals that he's ready to go whenever.

[User]
 The owl does an over flight.

AROCS (Avian RecOn and Control Service) report:

Target structure is in a valley pass in foot hills approaching mountains. Palisade fence extents across valley, two miles or more in either direction from compound.

Target structure is large and composed of logs. Roof is a patchwork of split logs, thick thatch, and large wooden shingles. Most if it covered in moss, lichen, and other plant growth. Trees cleared for around one mile of structure. Structure seems single storey aside from one look out tower on gatehouse.

A primative road runs along fence to the compound and secondary gate.  20 member orc work crew working to improve road, escorted by 2 ogers and 5 armored bugbears larger than the orcs but smaller than ogres'.

Secondary gate has one tower and is 120 ft from main structure. Wide double door large enough for overside wagons. Spur road goes through gate and leads to large barn or warehouse behind main structure.

Attached to main stuctures is a fenced in court yard with detached building. Probable kennel for the large wolves in court yard.

Between main structure and barn/warehouse is fenced in area containing horse sized and horse like creatures.

Along side main structure are two detached long buildings, possible barracks.

Fields around building seem to be gardens, overwintering potatoes, and recently harvested grain.


[User]
 It had been an unseasonably hot week, with weathermen across every news network battling for viewers’ attention with speculation as to whether or not the heat-wave would break the currently standing record, or turning a simple forecast into spectacle with blatent gimmicks that did little to inform the actual viewer. Channel 5 tried to fry an egg on the sidewalk, and didn’t get very far into their experiment before learning that crows don’t care much whether a news crew is filming, and are all to happy to make off with any scraps of food they find discarded on the street. Channel 8 ran a fluff piece about the top ten ways the Top 10 hero’s like to keep cool. Channel 11 probably got the best segment, when they tried to interview passerbys on the street about the weather, and one disgruntled gentlemen used some kind of acid-quirk to melt the microphone. Puns about ‘Things are heating up’ and people are ‘boiling mad’ were shared to the polite chuckle of the news anchors.

Thankfully, the previous evening had brought some much needed rain down onto the city, knocking about ten degrees from the thermometers and twice that many points off of the humidity, reducing the later summer swelter to something that could almost be called tolerable, so long as you didn’t stay in direct sunlight for to long at a stretch.

With evaporating puddles still clinging to the cobblestones at the front Enterence to U.A., the prospective students began to arrive. First a trickle, mostly the applicants who came from abroad with the hopes of transferring in, with a steadily growing stream of teens passing through the gateway and onto the school grounds proper. By 10 Am, the mass of crowds had grown to sufficient mass that it was standing room only on the marked pathway up to the front Entrance. Volunteers, mostly upper-class U.A. students, directed the traffic as best they could, keeping the lines moving and the crowds docile. One in particular, a black-haired girl of middling height and heavy-set build, was carrying water-bottles through the crowds and making sure nobody got dehydrated. The edge might have been dulled, but it’s hard to find comfort in that when packed tight alongside three hundred other eager young hero’s-to-be, fidgeting with nervous excitement. The murmer of conversation flowed through the mass, repeating the same four or five thoughts with slight variations, mostly chatter about what the exam might be or impatient complaints.

Through the front doors, things were a bit more organized. Prospects were divided up into lines sorted by name, directed to a registration desk. Most of the formal application process was handled online these days, this was more of a check in process. Applicants gave their name, a photo-ID and signed a few release forms absolving the school of liability for harm incurred as part of the application process. After that, the bright and eager youth were given a name-tag and applicantion number, a brief examination to make sure they were properly dressed, and then shepered down the hallway towards the nearest gymnasium. The desks were manned by U.A. staff members, with a few additional pro-hero’s brought in to provide extra security. Rare though it was, occasionally the more ambitious criminal types tried to sneak in during the confusion of the application process.

The gymnasium was configured into a rough semi-circle, with a stage at the center and seating in tiered rows encircling it. Billboard sized display screens were installed just above the stage, flanked by a robust sound-system. An observant onlooker, upon passing through the double-wide doors and into the temporary auditorium, might notices the students self-organized into small collections, no doubt assembling along with their middle-school peers. It wasn’t uncommon for entire classes to all take the exam together, even if virtually none of them had any real chance of passing. Those who didn’t have any former classmates to associate with, or who simply preferred to keep apart as they mentally prepared, sat scattered about the seating, filling in the empty space between the more tightly knit bunches.

Minute by minute, the clock ticked steadily towards 11 AM. As it did so, the auditorium filled up, with teens, gossip and nervous tension that always came with anticipation. A few of the more ‘hands on’ parents were politely but firmly told that it was time for them to leave and given assurances that their beloved child would be fine and they were welcome to wait in the prepared guest-area if they so choose to do so. The school doors were closed as the last of the crowds made their way inside, and the idle conversations took a more hushed tone. At 10:55, the doors to the auditorium were closed. In total, two thousand three hundred and eight one applicants now sat with anxious impatience, knowing fully that the next hour would profoundly shape the course of their lives. When the industrial fans kicked on to provide some much needed air circulation, a good 10% of the students jumped at the sudden noise. Everyone was on edge. There was near dead silence at 10:59, all eyes on the clock as the second hand took somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 years to make the complete circle back to the apex, and the mechanism clicked over to 11 with a perfunctory electronic beep.

The lighting dimmed, save for a few overhead spotlights which kept the illumination on the stage. The screens flickered on, defaulting to the U.A. emblem over a blue background. Behind the stage, a doorway opened for a moment, and passing shadows gave the impression of movement before a silhouette appeared in the entrance way, holding a clipboard in one hand and remote in the other.

The man was tall, but stocky, built like a barrel with arms and legs that seemed better proportioned for a man a half-foot shorter, but no-less muscular. His face was round, with a thick but short-trimmed bead covering most of his jawline, until it joined up with what remained of his coal-black hair, male pattern baldness had long since stripped most of it away. Juding his age was difficult, his face seemed well worn but not wrinkled, like high-end leather. Two brown eyes sat back deep in their sockets, cast in deep shadows by an overgrown pair of eyebrows that seemed to want to compensate for the losses his scalp had endured. The mans dress was plain, if formal, a blue suit jacket and dress pants, a plain and unadorned necktie, and some shoes that looked to expensive to be comfortable. He stood in the doorway for perhaps 10 seconds, his head turned to one side and speaking to someone who stood out of view, before he faced forward and strode into the room with long purposeful steps, taking center stage. With a mechanical buzz, a podium rose up as he approached, where upon he placed and organized his papers with practiced care.

He fumbled in silence for a moment, a briefly puzzled expression on his face as he attempted to work the remote, which now seemed positively miniscule in his pudgy fingers. A sim chuckle could be heard, evidently some found amusement in this stern and imposing figures apparent difficulty at working the equipment. If the man noticed, he made no show, and after a few more keystrokes, he seemed satisfied and he at last took hold of the podiums sides and spoke to address the assembly before him.

A deep baritone voice rung out, carried and amplified by the sound system so that it seemed to flood the air.  “Let me begin by saying, that it is my privledge today to welcome you, the next generation of Hero’s, to U.A. Academy.”


[User]
 The Search for a Hero icc and occ will go here.

Half-Elf Ranger (UA) 1

AC 15 HP 12 Speed 30ft

Str 12 (1) Dex 16 (3) Con 14 (2) Wis16 (3) Int 12 (1) Cha 16 (3)

Attacks
Rapier (P) +5 1d8+3
Longbow (150/600) +5 1d8+3
Dagger (P/S) +5 1d4+3

Half-Elf:
+2 CHA, +1 INT, +1 STR
Medium Size, 30ft speed
Darkvision
Immunity to Sleep
Advantage vs. Charm
Perception, Deception
Common, Elven, +1 Language

Background: Noble
Prof. History, Persuasion
1 Gaming Set
1 Language

Ranger (UA)
STR/DEX-Saving throws, weapons/armor s. "other", Athletics, Stealth, Survival
Favored Enemy: Humanoids

Alara, mother, elf, some centuries old. Title holder (countess?), which she was given about 50 years ago for her service to the (human-dominated) country (kingdom?).
Milton, human, Alara's first husband, died about 30 years ago.
Jarod, father, human, 55, Alara's second husband.

Francis (son of Milton), older brother, ~50. Given a minor title (baron?), will be skipped most likely due to age and his lack of children.
Alrik (son of Milton), older brother, ~30. It is expected that either he or his offspring will inherit the title.
Mira (daughter of Jarod), older sister, ~25. She wanders the land as a preacher, but would be second in row, if neither Alrik nor his offspring would inherit.

Firias, 20 (son of Jarod), my character. Is not expected to inherit the title, and is given a lot of free time.

Alara
She is a strong leader and is generally held in high regard. However, in a way, she is a myth to many of her subjects. For many it is unclear what exactly those deeds of heroism were that gave her the title. Some call her "she, who came from the woods" or the forest witch. Others admire her beauty and her strength to lead, but argue that she is kind of distant.
She does not seem to involve in political intrigue, some even say she married her husbands out of true love. Milton was a general in the King's Army, and some believe that they got to know each other during their duties for the country. Jarod however was a simple blacksmith before he ascended into nobility through their marriage.

Some rumors that come to my mind:
* Some say that Alrik is actually Jarod's son, and that Milton knew about the betrayal and died from grief.
* Some believe that Mira is a bastard daughter and thus sent to priesthood
* Some swear to know that Francis once tried to kill his mother and was just banished from the line of succession.

[User] The city of Townsend Bluff (a trading city established many years ago when the true races first founded this part of the continent. Any character race can be found here.)sat between the  long grasslands in the East(Home to many humans and half orc tribes)and the Emerald River Valley Forest of the West(Home of the Elves). The Emerald River flowed from the mountains on the western side and cut through the heartland flowing into The Ebony Swamp (Ingenious gnomes have made it home .)that ended in the Sea of the Five Sisters, a group of islands inhabited by the lesser races.The Shieldbearers Mountains (Home of the Dwarves) towered in the North and the farmlands(Home to many humans and halflings)of the South flowed into the Endless Dry Sea( Rumored to be the home of the Dragonborn.), a desert that stretched on for countless miles. Many smaller towns and villages dotted the countryside while the Port of Evanstone was situated south of the swamp and north of the desert along the coast of the Sea of the Five Sisters and only true way to get to the Continent of Freyak's Discovery.

[User]
 Firias was free to wander the city and surrounding countryside.  As the third son of the Duchess, his life was his own as he was never expected to take the title. He trained with different experts in the use of weapons and techniques to survive on his own.
Firias was hunting deer in the long grasslands east of the city, when from out of no where a scream pierced the silence of the hunt.

[User] Firias is on foot and leads his horse on the reins. He has lost the trail of the game a while ago and so he trots along, his thoughts in a faraway place.... until suddenly he hears a scream. Someone must be in trouble! Without hesitation, the young man swings into the saddle and gives the horse the spurs, guiding it towards the source.

[User] OCC perception 12. I need to know your other language.

[User]
 Perception  - (1d20+5)[ 16 ]  (Darkvision)

Languages (I had put them into the section on the sheet):
Common, Elven, Dwarven, Gnome, Goblin

[User]
 The voice is high and girlish, help is clearly heard in gnomish. As Firias gets closer he spots three dogs growling and a young gnome girl in a thorn bush.
Roll initiative.

[User]
 Initiative  - (1d20+3)[ 7 ]
 Oh no! A citizen in danger! What made those dogs so rabid?

"Heeey! You! Come and catch me instead, much more meat!" He shouts at the top of his lungs.

[User]
 (1d20+2)[ 10 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 14 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 4 ]

The three dogs turn and run towards Firias. Firias is 120 feet away. It will take the dogs 1 round to go 80 feet and then second round move and attack.
Firias can fire his bow and then decide what to do.

[User]
 Afraid that the dogs would return to attack the gnome if he rode away, he stopped his horse, and sent an arrow to the first dog. He drew his rapier when the dogs drew near.

  Attack Bow  - (1d20+5)[ 19 ]
  Damage  - (1d8+3)[ 8 ]
  InCaseOfCrit  - (1d8)[ 6 ]

[User] Firias fires an arrow striking a dog. 1 to 2 first dog, 3 to 4 second, 5 to 6 last dog.  (1d6)[ 1 ]

[User] Firias kills the dog with the highest initiative.  So Firias can fire another arrow or wait until the second dog attacks before it is in rapier distance.

[User]
 Seeing that there is enough space for a second arrow, he tries to stop a second one in his tracks:

 (1d20+5)[ 15 ]
 (1d8+3)[ 4 ]
In case of crit  (1d8)[ 8 ]

[User]
 The arrow pierces the second dog but it doesn't collapse. The second dog and third dog attack .

 (1d20+3)[ 23 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]

[User]
 Two hits.  (1d4)[ 1 ]
 (1d4)[ 1 ]

Firias takes 2 points of damage

[User]
 Firias winces as he is bitten by both, but fortunately, the wounds are not deep. He quickly tries to defeat the one who he has hurt with his arrow before.

  Att  - (1d20+5)[ 11 ]
  Damage  - (1d8+3)[ 11 ]
  CritDamageIfNeeded  - (1d8)[ 4 ]

[User]
 The two dogs are still up and attacking.

 (1d20+3)[ 21 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 15 ]
 (1d4)[ 1 ]
 (1d4)[ 4 ]

[User] The two attacks hit. Total damage 7 points .

[User]
 "AAARGH!" He tries to turn a scream of pain into a war cry.

 (1d20+5)[ 12 ]
 (1d8+3)[ 10 ]
If crit:  (1d8)[ 3 ]

[User]
 Firias strikes the healthy dog and kills it.

 (1d20+3)[ 19 ]
 (1d4)[ 3 ]

Firias is bite again and had 5 hp left.

[User]
 Originally Posted by gryffydd65
 Firias strikes the healthy dog and kills it.

 (1d20+5)[ 17 ]
 (1d8+3)[ 5 ]

Firias is bite again and had 5 hp left.

Relieve washed over him as his last strike went true. He felt new power streaming through him, but it was disrupted by another bite. No time to think, more stabbing!

 (1d20+5)[ 17 ]
 (1d8+3)[ 5 ]
  ifCrit  - (1d8)[ 6 ]

[User]
 The last dog dies. 75 xp.

The little gnome girl finally comes out of the thorny bushes.

[User]
 Firias stumbles backwards, as if trying to get space between himself and the corpses. Warm blood ran under his shirt and pants where the rabid creatures had sank their fangs into his flesh.

"Are... Are you alright?" He shouts in Gnome over to the girl.

[User]
 She starts to cry in relief. Her words are jumbled and slurred due to the crying but she says she was told to run by her parents as bandits started to attack their farm.

I see you don't have other equipment mentioned.  Please do so from class and race and background.  I am going to give you 100 gold as well as an inheritance from your grandfather.

[User]
 Actually, my character sheet  has  further equipment:  https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2175529

---

"Bandits? At your farm? Where? How far away from here?"

[User] Since I didn't see a healing potion.  You should spend a hit dice and heal yourself.  So roll hit die plus con bonus.

[User]
 Ah, yeah, I was not used yet to healing potions being in normal equipment. Well, in my next store run.

So spending a hit dice means to have a short rest, right? Then this is what I do.  (1d10+2)[ 10 ]

[User]
 After a short rest with the gnome girl. She is calm enough to give directions to her home.
Firias is at full health.

The farm is tucked away between two small hills. Smoke can be seen from the chimney.

[User]
 Firias gets into the saddle again, and commands the gnome girl to take a seat behind him, pulling her up. On the way, he asks her to give him further information about the bandits.

"How many were there? What did they want? Were they human?"

Seeing the smoke he first gets a really bad feeling. Then he sees it coming from the chimney and not from a burned down farm. There might still be hope, he thought. But where were the bandits now? Or was it all a trick?

[User]
 "I saw three human men come up to the farm. I thought they were farmers because they had a wagon. But my da knew better and told me to run. The dogs came from the wagon , I think." The girl says.

  sorry, work got busy, I didn't forget about you.

[User]
 "Alright, you stay here with the horse, alright?" He says, apparently not expecting backtalk, and binds the horse to a tree.

Then, he starts to sneak up on the farm. If he can make out the wagon, he will approach this first, as might give him cover and answers.

  Stealth  - (1d20+5)[ 15 ]
  Perception  - (1d20+5)[ 7 ]

[User]
 Firias is quite stealthy and he doesn't see anyone in the wagon which is pulled by a horse. As he gets closer he can see chains running through rings set on the sides of the wagon.
Another perception roll please.


[User]
 When word came that Spade wanted each of you to meet him at an inn in Lower Dura, saying he had a big score planned that would ensure you'd all be set for life, it seemed unlikely that he'd stand you up.  He might've been a con artist and a hustler, but he'd always been more or less straightforward with each of the five of you.  At first, he was probably just running late.  But the minutes became hours.  Something was clearly wrong.

He'd told you that he was coming via Lightning Rail, which meant he could only enter Sharn from one place: Terminus Station.  As you approach, it becomes obvious that something happened.  Members of the Sharn Watch are keeping people away from the station, and House Orien guardsmen are bustling about.  You can hear, from a distance, shouts of "nothing to see here!" and "move along!"  When you get close enough, a burly Half-Orc wearing a Watch uniform holds up a hand, stopping you in your tracks.

 "Sorry, folks.  There's been an incident.  I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."

[User] Evalyn stops and putting on a disarming smile asks the watchman.  That’s unfortunate, we were supposed to meet someone here, an old warforged friend of ours. If you don’t mind me asking, what kind of incident occurred?

[User]
 Badger

The young man arrived at Terminus Station, worried that something had happened to his old friend. Hearing the attractive elf talking to the guard, he stopped, and listened from a few steps behind her. Had she just said "warforged"? Of course, there were several, but it felt like more than incidental...

[User] Fortunately, Eustace had a plan to get past the stubborn watch.  He displays his shield and his House Orien signet ring.   "I'm actually here on House business.  If you would kindly let me pass so I can coordinate with my colleagues..."

[User]
 At the mention of a "warforged friend", the guard's face falls.

 "You may very well be out of luck.  A Warforged was murdered right as the train pulled into the station.  We've cordoned off the area, but the killer got loose into the city.  I really hope it wasn't your friend.  I truly do."

He winces sympathetically, but changes his tune when Eustace displays his credentials.

 "Oh!  My apologies, Mr. d'Orien!  Please, go right ahead."

He glances at the others.

 "Are they with you?"

[User] Eustace hesitates only for a moment.  They  did  seem to be connected to Spade, probably knew him better than he himself.  He flashes his debonaire smile and concocts what seems like a likely story,  "Of course.  While House D'Orien has been keeping tabs on a specific warforged, who may or may not be the one these elves are acquainted with, we don't presume to have knowledge of everyone who chooses the reliable travel offered by the Lightning Rail.  I was told I would find the two of them here and that they could answer a few questions we had."   He turns to face the two elves, hoping he wasn't going to regret this, before extending his hand for a solid handshake.   "Eustace D'Orien, House Orien Public Relations Worker.  I apologize for not recognizing you earlier.  Now if you would please come with me..."   He gestures for them to lead the way past the member of the Watch.  Once out of earshot, he speaks quietly to them both.   "Please tell me I didn't risk my neck for two complete strangers.  You two do  actually  know the warforged named Spade?"

[User] Evalyn accepts Euctace's handshake, and says to the guard  Indeed we are with him, In fact I'm a dragonmarked assistant of his. Evalyn of house Thuranni, I act as a meadiator when dealing with others.  She then follows Eustace and replies in as low a whisper as possible,  Yes indeed, I knew Spade. Though I think we should watch how much we reveal and with whom we trust. If Spade is the warforged that was killed, whoever did that foul deed may be after us next. We definitely need more information though. If you stay close to me you should be safe, The shortsword I carry warns me of danger and imminent ambushes  Evalyn taps with two fingers the sheathed blade at her side for emphasis.

[User]
 Badger

The young man just nods and walks along as they are let through by the guard. He then answers the handshakes of the others.

 "Hey. Just call me Badger, most do."  He says with a winning smile, and swiftly pointing to his pale white hair with the few black streaks.  "I am wondering if we are all here for the same reason..."  He looks from one to another, and pauses as if making a difficult decision.  "I for once have received a letter announcing his arrival today."  He sounds a bit nervous, as if wondering whether he just walked into a trap by giving this detail.

 Spoiler: Description, if you are curious
Badger is a tall man in his early twenties, charismatic, showing both Human and Elven characteristics. His "trademark" are his near-white hair with a few black streaks. He wears common, dark clothes with some simple leather adornments. He carries a dagger on his belt and a backpack.

[User] When Eustace confirms the others are indeed with him, the guard waves the three of you through.  Once you're past the perimeter, no one else challenges you, they all seem to think that the Watch wouldn't have let anyone who wasn't supposed to be there into the station during this time.  Up ahead, there are a few places you could go.  A pair of House Orien Inquisitives are questioning a diverse group of people, likely passengers from the train who witnessed the murder.  The crime scene itself has been cordoned off, but those who are part of the investigation are coming and going from that specific car with impunity.  It wouldn't be difficult for the three of you to get access.  Also, a group of station attendants are sitting huddled together near a newsstand, talking in hushed tones about what they saw, or heard about.  For the moment, none of the investigators seem to be paying them much attention.

[User] Evalyn notes Badger's anxiety, puts on a gentle smile and whispers  It's all right, we were meeting Spade too.  Then she asks the party.  So shall we investigate the crime scene, check in with the inquisitives, or speak with the station workers?

[User] "I'd like to see what the eyewitnesses have to say.  I'm sure the inquisitives already scoured most of the scene and secured whatever evidence could be found."

[User] "Yes, sounds good." Badger agrees. "The inspectors will notice us sooner or later, and they might want to keep us away from witnesses."

[User]
 Evalyn saunters over to the staff. Putting on a friendly face she asks the most amicable looking station staff sitting there  Excuse me, I'm here aiding house Orien with the investigation. Would you mind telling me what happened? I heard a warforged was killed, but do you know anything about how this terrible tragedy occurred?
 Spoiler: Deception roll if necessary
 (1d20+7)[ 27 ]

[User] Eustace taps against his shield when Evalyn mentions House Orien, to lend her question more authority.  He adds,  "Any detail, no matter how small or unimportant, could help us find out whoever is responsible."


[User] After a spirited sparring match, our heroes find themselves standing around in an open field!

[User]
 Taiko says to Razz, "That was great training! I won't miss the next training match!"

She asks, "Why do so many people have strange ki?" She points at Green and Grey. "I can not feel your ki at all. How do you do that? I do not doubt my ability to sense ki."

She sees a hotdog food cart and starts drooling. She uses her arm to wipe her mouth. "Razz, I want what that food cart is selling." She overly enunciates and says 'selling' as if that is a new world she learned recently.

[User]
 Razz hops on the balls of her feet, feeling a good bit more powerful than earlier.  "First lesson was free! After that you're gonna have o be paying me about..eh..what'd I say..uhh...5000 Zeni? yea, 5000 Zeni for each lesson!"

As Taiko s tarts drooling at the cart though, Razz pulls on her coller  "Yeeaaaa im not really the most liquid at the moment. Pluss, a chili dog lasts forever in the hips."

[User] Green smiles.  "I had a lot of fun. I think I might be able to get us some chili dogs if people wanted."

[User]
 Taiko jumps back in surprise. Her hair stands on end. Her mouth is agape. "  5000 Zeni!? I can't afford 5000 Zeni!  "

"  Takusai always pays for my food after she trains me. You have to buy me food. I am poor; because, I don't have any Zeni! That means I can't afford food!  "

She smiles real big and side steps near Green. "  Green is buying us food!  " She laughs. "  Are you a teacher, Green?  "

[User]
 Grey blinks in confusion as Taiko asks him about his "strange ki".   "I don't know what you're talking about. You cannot sense my ki because I don't have any, like a regular person."

As the conversation turns to chili dogs, he speaks up again.   "    I'm more than willing to by lunch for everyone who.. oh wait. Apologies, I went broke recently all at once and have a hard time remembering it sometimes. Rather unfortunate, to be honest."

[User]
 Razz shrugs, slipping her shades back on  "Hey! Cant put a price out quality now can ya?"  she says with a wide toothy smile.

Her brow archs from under shades as green speaks up  "Well..If your willin to buy sure, I can have some dogs I guess. Seems wer eall broek though huh? Even mister Mech man"

[User]
 Taiko at Grey. "  What!? Every living thing in the universe has ki! Ki is a person's life force. Even grass and fish have a little ki. I have never met somebody so good at hiding their ki.  "

Taiko asks Grey too, "  Where you a teacher?  " She laughs. "  So many teachers today.  "

She says to Razz, "  I'll stop being poor!  " She asks, "  How do you stop being poor?  "

[User]
 Green

Green shrugs and pulls out 20w.  "If this is enough? It's been a while since I have spent any. I think to end being broke you get a job. Anybody know of any jobs to do nearby?"

[User] "  That's so much money! You can almost afford a lesson from Razz! I don't know how much food cost; because, I am poor. Wait!? You get money from jobs here!?  "

[User]
 "...Allow me."   Grey says, clearly flabbergasted by the level of financial ignorance on display here. He takes a few of the coins from Green and returns shortly with two chili dogs, handing one each to Green and Taiko.(Three and one to Razz if she wants)
"You can get money from jobs here, yes, but that's not how I would do it. The way to the big bucks is to manage other people's money. That's what I do, or at least did, until somebody locked me out of all my accounts. Well, technically, the accounts belonged to the Red Ribbon Army, but they've been gone for hundreds of years, so I figured nobody would holler if I made use of them."

As an afterthought, he adds to Taiko.   "Also, I don't have ki because I'm not technically alive."

[User]
 Taiko takes the chili dog and takes a quarter out of the dog out in a bite. She cheers, "  Chili dogs are the best!  "

"  That is so interesting! Money is weird. I can't manage people's money though; because, I don't know how to do that. That is boring anyway. I want to fight! Earth has many great fighters!  "

Taiko jumps back in surprise. She asks in shock to Grey, "  What do you mean you're not alive!? How can you not be alive!? You are moving around and talking!  "

She asks Green, "  Are you alive!?  "

[User]
 Razz is a tad surprised by that revelation. Moving but not alive? Huh. She decides not to take a hotdog, but quirks her head   "Oh....so what, you're like a zombie? Or..like one of those big robots that were around a loooong time ago. Red Ribbion sounds kinda familiar about that."

Razz smirks to Taiko   "Well, you can! See there's plenty of things that make money while fighting. You could be a stuntman, a bounty hunter, a professional fighter, a bodyguard...world tournament tends to have a pretty big payout."

[User] Green shrugs and takes a big bite of the chilli dog, making a substantial mess.  "I'm alive enough. Yeah though, Red Ribbon Army... I've heard of them."

[User]
 She says to Razz, "Awesome! I want to do that!"

"Everyone knows the Red Cloth Army!"

She nods to Green. "See, I knew you were alive."

She tosses her chili dog into the air and opens her mouth like a pacman. She eats the rest in one bite.

[User] Razz just kinda..looks bewildered at Taiko   "Are...umm...I think you might choke if you keep doing that."

[User] Taiko returns the look. "Keep doing what?" Her stomach growls. She looks back to the food cart. "Aw, man. I need more to eat than that after such a good battle."

[User] Grey bows as Razz figures it out.   "I am one of those really old robots, yes. Say, that gets me thinking. The only people who would care about the Red Ribbon's money are people who want to bring them back. Those would have to be some pretty bad people. There'd probably be a big bounty on them..."

[User]
 She says to Grey, "You're a robot!? I've never met a robot. I guess I imagined they would look like they were made of stone and earth. You seem normal aside from the whole ki thing."

"Where can we find bounties?" A bounty poster would be useful.

[User] Razz's eyes spark with interest when the mention of a bounty is heard. She darts forward towards Grey, smirking  "So...you sayin I can bea tup some old folk to make some cash? yea  sure..I can do that."

[User] Grey smiles nervously.   "Excellent. As a matter of fact, I have the bounty posters right here. Er, in a second I will."   They android brings out a small computer and fiddles with it. After a few minutes, five posters print out, for a Generals White, Blue, Red, and Yellow, as well as a Doctor Orange. Cursory examination of said posters reveals some common elements, such as identical black silhouettes instead of mugshots, and a listed bounty of "A lot of Zeni" on each one.

[User] The Dollar signs in Razz's eyes are obvious. She rubs her hands together ad bites her lip, picking up each of the posters  "Oooooo yea yea yea. This is the stuff. Yea I think I can hunt some of these old dudes pretty easy. Got any info on em?"


[User]
 The Last War

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[User] Reserved for the GM