The World of Layonara
In-Character Forums => Rumour Has It => Topic started by: lonnarin on November 22, 2011, 11:44:17 PM
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*posters and flyers circulate Mariner's Hold, an odd trio of a Satyr piper, a Kenku guitarist and a Bugbear drummer grace the center stage, with two ornery old geezers flanking the sides with fiddle and lute in hand*
This week only, Nature's favorite band...
The Wayward Wildside Trio!
Opening Acts by Acoustic/Comedy duo - Crocket & Stubbs, Brech Country Jamboree!
Come, drink! Be merry! And be certain to tip plentifully!
*party goers and revelers flock to the bar in the week to come. A strange, excitable man mills about, looking for autographs of bards and adventurers gathered. Town guards scratch their heads enforcing noise ordinances and public drunkenness laws, while under strangely specific laws to escort the odd trio in and out of the town as needed and not to interfere with their performances. The band is kept under constant surveillance while conservative influences within the town call for the show's cancellation. Word spreads of threatening letters being sent to the trio's dressing room...*
//quest to follow! Let me know when you Silverbuckle Folks (and anybody else interested in seeing monstrous folks find their muse) are good to meet soon after Thanksgiving weekend, and we'll delve into the tales of this trio. ;)
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Andrew ups the security considerably on the Buckle so that the Trio and the patrons are not harmed; Jetta, in town and already on the job during the previous evening's wild performances, is requested to continue patrolling. Edward - who is not at all happy about having three really strange creatures in the inn - states his objections to his employer in no uncertain terms during a terse chat in Andrew's office. After that discussion, he refuses to act as security for the Trio but does increase his vigilance on the patrons and the Buckle. If Charlie is around he's requested to patrol as well.
A letter is sent to the authorities, explaining the group is on tour and the Silver Buckle is providing the venue and the security.
Andrew himself fills in for the Trio's missing violinist during their performances, and his sheer delight at finding such a unique musical group is obvious. He is a little let down that so many people do not share his artist's fervor and so he acts as security for them himself. He re-arranges the guest room for them (the next day, after Argali has been properly breakfasted and vacated the room) and has Michael drag up a couple sturdy beds from the store room. He invites Lyle to stay and continue playing with the band, with their permission of course - as Aden has moved to Hlint, and Aya has not been around to claim the one empty room, he puts Lyle there if the old bard wishes.
He gets little sleep as he spends time post-performance shredding with the Trio, chatting, watching them drink through his ale stores, and exchanging music, stories, tips and tricks of the trade. He does, however, have some 'splainin to do when Elly wakes the next morning and finds a bugbear tearing through a bear haunch at the bar and a kenku buried mid-beak in a grain sack in the kitchen...
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After prayers to her god to be sure the 'artists' are not offensive, Kat does what she can to help make them comfortable and thoroughly enjoys their performances.
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Gel'larian is quite dismayed at first, watching the creatures from a distance, quiet and intense, sure that this portended some assault on the city. He watched as Andrew went up and began fiddling away with the monstrous creatures, amazed at all the contradictions the man presented; hours passed and they continued to play blissfully. After one jam, they finished with one of those passages of music that for some reason sounds like a well told joke, and quite against his will, the gray elf found himself laughing. Once that first barrier fell, the others came down like a house of cards, and he approaches the group with his guitar in hand, his demeanor seeking an invitation.
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*Upon hearing of this news and on his visit to Sagewald Kingdom to look upon some personal bussunes Aesthir hears about this and frowns visibly *
- Now monsters walking amoung the street thinking they are people , and the chaos that this will spread - **he shakes his head at it *. As if goblins and darkelves were not enough -
*He then makes his way to the buckle, his eyes piercing the crowds as he arrives, he looks calm and stay observant on each detail, touching at all moments the tip of a bow on his back*
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*Lyle does indeed stay over for the duration, enjoying time spent jamming and chatting with the Wayward Wildside Trio and Crockett & Stubbs, and anyone else who cares to join in. Friendly and out-going, always ready to share the stage or swap songs, the Halfling bard seems more joyful than he's been in decades and even becomes inspired enough to work on some new material in his 'down time'. He thanks Andrew for the hospitality of the inn almost every time they cross paths. He also spends time talking with Elohanna in quiet corners about old acquaintances and good times long gone in years past.*
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?Melody is amazed at the trio and does her waitressing to make sure they feel at home and and have proper meals. If they practice, she will hang about to watch and listen, perhaps learn something new[FONT="]?[/FONT]
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Upon seeing Aesthir enter with his aggressive posture (//Gels interpretation), Gel'larian breaks off from the musicians, and approaches him smiling.
Greetings Aesthir! I was not aware you had an appreciation for music or archery. Surely the Gold would be surprised too. He laughs amiably Now, did you want to stay and have a drink? Or shall we find a pretty lass for you to dance with?
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*Aesthir remain calm as he has been the whole time on the place, looking over the crowd still paying atention to the elf once he is sure Gel is not there to distract him of the situation, pulling out a bottle of juice he then regards Gel *
- Now what are you ? Hunter on mistone, Barmaid in Alindor? *smirking a bit, then he return the gaze to the crowds * Thank you for your intrest but i am sure that the Gold cares well enough for his and my bussiness and likes, and your preocupation is noted yet not needed. *smiles a bit after that, his tone polite, soft and smooth* I am not here for dancing, but to rest ... and observe, is that why this beacon of the society is it for no? **he smiles a bit* I may share some of my own grape juice if you feel inclined to such company.
As for the archery, a bow is a tool and one that allows tactical advantage at times, a knight that is worth of the title should learn at least how to use it, and *smiles a bit more* its not illegal to carry a bow last time i checked*
*he pulls out one of his own bottles out showing to Gel and awaiting for his answer giving eyes back to the crowds from time to time, his attitude again calm and calculating, looking around with falcon-like eyes to the happenings on the inn common room his hand doesn't leatting go the tip of the bow at any moment. *
// For clarification. the bow is tied on his back, he is just resting one of his hands on the lower part of it, grabing it as for support, the bow is no-way in a position to be threaten someone at least on first sight.
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He listens and watches Aesthir quite closely, absorbing his comments with no reply and smiling pleasantly.
A tool! That is one way to think of a bow yes. Giving a tactical advantage is definitely true. Lets hope there is no need for tactics tonight! Now, now.. put your bottle away, I think it best to patronize the establishment you are in, and so let me buy you a fresh pressed juice from the house. Dont even think of saying no, I insist. We must watch these musicians, they are very talented.
He goes to put a hand on Aesthir's back and in an extremely friendly fashion, lead him to a table.
Now what brings you to Mariner's Hold?
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*he smirks a bit at his antics* If it would go against the customs course i won't disregard the offering, yet I'll pay for the services and i indeed will keep up to my juice for today. *he smirks a bit looking over the "monsters" holding his gaze into them with a bit amused look* Indeed. Lets hope tactics are not needed today indeed **his smirk widdens for a small moment as he steps forward but doesn't let the touch stay the touch for much *
*he takes walks towards the table and without removing the gaze of the crowd*
Some personal intrests, I have several people to visit, and some bussines to look upon in Sagewald if you had to know. I was hoping to see some old friends too, perhaps meting with an old aquientice to catch up on old times. same old. *he said that non challantly as his gaze and concentration still on the crowd and the monsters, he takes an specific chair as if had planned where to place himself once he was guided there and sits expectantly, calm and tense arm at the same time * Dancing is definitelly not in the plans *smirks again* Well..watching "strange specacles" was not in the plan either .. so.. .*he trails off *
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The set continues - Andrew is completely preoccupied in the music, trying now to follow Harry's lead using Raina's pan pipes. He notices Gel leave the stage but doesn't notice Aesthir as his skill with the pipes requires him to pay close attention.
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He floats down in to a seat next to Aesthir and waves to whomever is working for attention. He then sits back, glances to the Knight, grins to himself and then back to the stage. After listening to a part of the music, he leans towards Aesthir and speaks without taking his eyes off the stage.
You will have to enlighten me, as I am quote ignorant of the specific laws of all the places I have visited; it would take someone with a much narrower view than I to have so many laws all stay in memory. And you would seem the type to keep them in mind: Is there a law against creatures such as these performing in the city limits?
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*he smirks at his words giving him an amusing look at that* Its sad that its the ability to retain things in mind related to inteligence and not by the wideness or narrowness views i am affraid, that is what books are for my good elf, but i am sure that your wide views allow you that, reading. *his gestures still calm and calculating the eternal polite smile, yet creepy somehow *
If there was a law against it, I am sure that those three would be already dead on their tracks isn't it ? No, not a law per see. but there is then the disrupt to the public peace, and they are after all monsters. Your opinion has the same weight as if asking if its illegal to be a dark elf. You know the answer for that , right? but would you stay calm knowing there is one on your back? *he smirks amused noticing each of the people around, a small book on his hand as he writtes on the table away from prying eyes, his falcon-like eyes are seen to be piercing the neck of the kenku and then the bugbear and then the satyr, as he keeps making quick notes from time to time*
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He nods in agreement.
You, of course, are right and most of the time, I would be the one to kill them. "Take the law in to my own hands", or however you might say it. He gives a dismissive gesture. I was actually thinking about it quite seriously, for a good long time. But then, that would be barbaric, they make such beautiful music after all, and who am I to judge those doing Ilsare's work? His voice drops to a whisper. I -am- happy we have someone here to make nothing bad happens. What would be do without you?
He sits back contentedly to enjoy the impromptu musical set.
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After her initial reaction of shock quickly calmed down by Andrew that the Kenku, Satyr and Bugbear are friendly, simply smiles as goes back to cooking in the kitchen, humming along with the sounds of music floating in and out and tapping her foot. Though in her mind she wonders what Andrew might bring home next, softly chuckling to herself.
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*Jetta makes rounds both inside and out of the inn, watching all those who visit for tell-tale signs of premeditated hostile intent toward the special guest players, or anyone else. She disrupts the occasional scuffle that breaks out between patrons who are a bit too drunken and disorderly. She ensures that those who continue to act belligerant after her more civil warnings land hard on the cobblestones outside with icy and dire warnings not to return until they can control their tempers better. All in all, she performs her usual duties running security for the Silverbuckle without any unusual incidents related directly to the special guest performers. Her watchful eyes do not miss Aesthir when he enters, and she gives him special attention until she sees him seated and aparently enjoying himself with Gel'. She then returns to her rounds with the appearance of being at ease if only to keep from adding undue tension to the rest of the patrons.*
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*Before Gel approaching to him Aesthir noticed Jetta's attentions on his person and set his gaze on her for a moment acknowledging her watchful eye and answering with the same watchful look when she is on the crowd, doing a scan as well to make sure she is not acting as a decoy for his atention, he returns the gaze with the same intensity she may give to her *
*Once Gel is with him and spoke of that last remark Aesthir nods* I am not surprised indeed, And yet i am not the law here Gel'harian , not yet at least, But that doesn't make me less willing to procure order if needed, after all as you said someone has to look upon order. *he return his gaze to the crowd then to the performers*
I understand that Miss Fleur Cooks here from time to time too, and it has been quite the time since we had time to actually chat. Have you seen her? *As he keeps his gaze to the crowd looking around the crew and the stage, and to the security of the place from time to time *
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//let's gather up times/dates we're available so Lonn can schedule a follow-up; me, eastern evenings, weekends open.
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//EST Evenings and weekends theoretically.
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//Central Time evenings after 6:00pm should work well any day for me. Otherwise just about any time of day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays works too.
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Early evening EST preferred but available days (not before 4 pm on Wednesday).
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//I should be available 8pm-12am EST weekdays, and noon-12am weekends. Except for Wednesday Nights, which is when my friends and I get together for Sons of Anarchy.
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Sounds good for an eight pm start for most of us Lonn - schedule it, we'll be there (prefer not on a Friday though). Thanks and can't wait!
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//Tuesday Night 12/6/11, 8pm EST good for everyone?
Event Time Announcer (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?iso=20111206T20&p1=867)
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Good for me Lonn!
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//Yep, that time and day will work for me too.
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//ARGH! just came into work and somebody didn't show up, meaning I'll have to close tonight. Bumping this one up to thursday evening. My apologies for the inconvenience.
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Andrew sends notices to those involved in Duets Night and the subsequent battle, plus a few others*, to join him for a formal supper** with Lord Arelius Witherspoon of Mariner's Hold. Correct dress for the presence of a city's councilman and titled gentleman required.
*If you wanted to show up but couldn't or wish to be involved, contact Andrew Reid - pm or in game.
**Those who were there, please note your best times after this coming Thursday, time slot of eight to twelve pm Eastern.
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*Jetta asks Andrew with a mischievous grin*
"As my employer, you'll be providing my dress for this dinner then, right?"
//OOC - Just about any day in that time-slot ought to work for me, barring circumstances yet unforseen at this point that may interfear.
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Smiles. "Actually...yes, I will."
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*Aesthir is seen arriving at the inn and also making preparations to met the said councilman, he keeps himself with calm and neutral features as he examines the damages caused ( if any ) and the repairs made to the Silver buckle inn, he seems to be analyzing the area around the place and measuring and counting the people as well *
// I do think any day may work save for December 6th.
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A window has already been repaired, wooden crosshatching and frame included. Trash strewn in protest outside the inn was picked up and the flagstones scrubbed. A section of floor near the stage was lightly damaged by the smoke bomb - the floor is in the process of being sanded and re-varnished. No further damage has been discovered...yet...
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Andrew returns with Elly one day with a package that has them both looking at Jetta with suspicious grins. They put the package in Paddy's care for the meantime.
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Elly carefully takes her own package up to hang in her armoire not wishing to see it dirty before the dinner and then goes down to begin to check the kitchen again to see if there is anything that needs to be tended too. Cleaning up here and there as she goes out of habit.
//any evenings after 6pm cst is great by me. except this coming tuesday due to a cdq for Breanna.
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*Tralek makes note of the formal dinner and sends word to Andrew that he will try to attend*
//Friday doesn't look good for me b/c of the plot q&a and a dwarf quest, but edt evenings are usually good for me otherwise
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Lana replies to the invitation, indicating her availability on any evening except the upcoming Saturday/Sunday (when a guild trip is pending, but not set yet).
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Zigruum sends word that he will attend if his witness will lend aid. His natural attire is good enough for the wilds and its inhabitants and should be good enough for a councilman.
//Friday not good. Anytime after during the evening est should be workable with proper notice.
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The date and time (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18141&day=2012-1-19&c=3) are sent for the dinner.
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A quill is laid aside; the books are done, only awaiting Michael's review. Such a mundane task after the events of the last two weeks...trials, threats, and shrieking harridans run through his mind, as well as the acerbic mutterings of a councilman. Cut his hair and do something respectable, like accounting? Does Grue think taverns run themselves? Half his time in this chair is spent with bills, ledgers, and estimations of last month's expenses versus this month's versus next month's versus next year's...
...still. A white kitten plays at his feet, two people in love have been restored to one another, and a source of rot in this already boarderline town is in jail, until she figures a way to escape or the right people are paid off. Once again he counts his blessings for his friends. For Jetta and her quick mind and focus on tasks at hand; for Katelyn, whose healing skills and kind heart only add to the reputation of the Clinic; for his friend Tralek's amazingly vast collection of knowledge; for Zig, deeply misguided though his religion may be, and the dwarf's unique understanding of the natural world not to mention the loyalty of he and his kin; for Fleur, whose competence with the Al'Noth rivals his wife's own and whom, he hopes as he sits contemplating, is taking good care of his son's heart; for Melody's straight-to-the-center-of-things actions and her blessedly sweet soul; for the delightful Honeybee, always making sure that they are fed; for his guildmate SehKy, who embodies at times the Ilsarian that he himself no longer has the luxury of being; for even Aesthir, who - while not a friend - he might consider an ally at times, and whose lawful predictability can be a blessing; for the quiet young Samantha who was willing to share some of her perspective not to mention adopt a kitten; and for his wife, Minu, for her fierce support, her unconditional love, and her unshakable belief in the best in everyone.
Trials, threats, and shrieking harridans - yes, all that and more. But he's still standing. He has a gnome to look up, and security to beef up; wards to be checked, the Tower Academy to be contacted for a whole-Inn refresh; but all in all, Ilsare has been good. Very good.
Muse, is that Raina calling for him out in the main room? He hasn't seen her in ages - and she sounds distressed. The chair is shoved aside, the quill left lying rather than set upright into a holder, and he hums. Life is indeed good. Really, what can go wrong?
And here, Andrew vanishes with Raina and Andeux appears weeks later...
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Months of Andeux and one harrowing, deadly rescue party later, Andrew reviews the Straum situation. The Buckle elemental and mind wards are re-done, there are (slightly larger) kittens running amok, and a fancy letter is received. Andrew seeks his wife and friends for a private conversation. "I've found the name of that gnome from Leringard that we ended up being threatened by - Lucien Krale. And in my notes I recall when we were talking to that information broker on the Lerginard docks, the 'Nose', may Ilsare - " Winces, breathing hard for a moment. "...may She bless his soul. He'd started to say something about the feuds before he was killed, it was 'Raz', and I'm certain he's not talking about elven sculptors. I think Alice Straum has handed us the second half of that, 'Razor Backs'. Straum said I'd lose everything and extended that to all of us, so putting that together I believe that Krale is one of the top men in this group and Straum and perhaps her son are members. Why Krale's making a play for Mariner's Hold I don't know but this town has enough problems without him.
"We have enough information to move this to Leringard, and more than that, I'd like to take my big red target of a body away from our patrons least there be innocents hurt. Even better, we have an invitation to the Grainger - Vaeleenara wedding." He holds up an engraved heavy pressed paper note, scribed in purple ink.
"We know Bork the Orc is probably working for Krale, and we know Bork is stonebound, so I'd opine that Krale is as well. We'll have to keep that in mind and capture rather than kill. I say we take this party to them, and see if we can't do some cleaning up. What do you think?"
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Well, Boss, as I'm sure you know by now, I'm a bit of a self-starter. So, I took the initiative to do a bit of digging regarding the boar's head symbol out on the streets. People are afraid of these "Razor Backs", no one dares talk about 'em. Those who do, only in whispers and in dark shadows in back corners. As far as I can gather, the Hogs as I'm going to start calling them, are a secret society of sorts linked to slavery and eventual world domination.
I also think I've discovered the reason why Alice was so vengeful toward Arelius. They weren't just in love at one point, she bore his bastard son, Duncan. This I deduced from the remarkable ressemblence between Duncan and Arelius that I noticed when examining portraits of Duncan.
*then she pulls out a crumpled note from a pocket*
While I was snooping about for information on the Hogs, I discovered this in my pocket. Our friend "Nose" may have been stone-bound, because this says I should meet "Nose" in the sewers at a given location, date, and time. Of course, it could very well be a trap... Anyone want to volunteer to be my invisible, in the shadows, back-up for this meeting?
*she grins, knowing she's likely surprised Andrew and surpassed his expectations yet again, which could mean more bonusses in her immediate future (assuming she hasn't already bankrupted him).*
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He pulls his spectacles off with a hooked thumb and drops them to the table, favoring Jetta with a warm smile. "Fine work - very fine work. I suppose a bonus is in order, yet again. I'll be that invisible, sneaking backup. Some song power behind you can't hurt.
"Someone needs to work on finding Duncan, and we have other leads to follow up on still." Looks at the others assembled.
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*Melody perks up* I'm good at poofing! Can I come, can I, can I, can I?
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Yes, you can come... but only if you stay quiet and hidden the whole time, Melody.
//Meeting is set up for Tonight (Saturday, March 3, at 8:00pm EST).
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"Jetta is the primary contact, Melody. I've got quiet feet and song so I'll be her close backup, but it's assumed that neither you nor I are supposed to be there. You will be our eyes behind - farther behind, so if there is trouble you can warn Jetta and escape. Don't say my name, forget I'm there...that leaves Rook your warning and one more ace in the hole if things go badly south."
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I've no idea where to even start looking for Duncan, but I suppose I can try. If we're going to Leringard, perhaps I could go on ahead. I'll be safe enough staying at the Arms, I think, and I can spend time in the warehouse and docks areas looking for bargains. I'll let it be known that I have inexpensive good luck charms for journeys and healing for those who need it.
I'll also discreetly ask about Duncan, describing him and asking whether he's been seen in the past or recently. I suspect he's hiding another girlfriend from me...
Someone will have to take care of my Fangy for me though, and let him sleep on the bed. I don't think I should take him with me.
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//dang it Lonn, if you're making us wear the cow suit and galoshes for our secret meeting, Jetta's in back this time!
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A message is sent from Ilsarian to Aeridinite to Ilsarian, a most ironic daisy chain for the words that were passed on...
..."find Kurn. He's the one you need to speak to".
Kurn? From his wife's lips, nearly a profanity. But Duncan was ahead of them and the Razorbacks behind. Kurn it was. He could go hunting...or he could be smart and take a cue from the spiders.
"Tell that green-teethed son of a leisure woman to come to the Buckle if he wants what I owe him, and no place else."
Of course, he didn't owe Kurn a darned thing. But the pirate didn't know that and his greed was one thing the innkeep could count on. Free booze upon arrival would doubtless soothe any ruffled feathers. And so he left word for the new brewer, Sebair, to lay in a few extra kegs of the strongest ale and returned to his office.
It wouldn't be long now.
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Word is discretely sent to those previously involved* of a meeting at the Silver Buckle to disseminate information prior to some actions (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18206&day=2012-5-30&c=3) being taken.
Silver Buckle meeting room, eight-thirty eastern (one hour before quest time).
//*Others may show based on rumor or happenstance, of course.
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Information (http://forums.layonara.com/1740245-post166.html) on Duncan and others is sent to the Buckle - and the meeting time is changed to eight*...
//*Eight pm eastern to meet, we'll have to type fast
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Huddled outside a cave of teeth (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18214&day=2012-6-6&c=3), the intrepid adventurers begin to wonder if perhaps tea and cookies on the ship wouldn't be preferable to tentacle-things that are slowly driving them mad (http://forums.layonara.com/1740302-post167.html)...but then, in daylight, they are apt to think the greater part of it merely a dream. They believe themselves creatures of broader intellect and have lived the distinction between the real and what creeps in the corners of one's eyes; this is another mystery to be solved, yes?
...but it will not be day inside that cave, and in the darkness feebly lit, they'll once again see the limitless stream — flopping, hopping, croaking, bleating —surging inhumanly through the spectral light in a grotesque, malignant saraband of fantastic nightmare...
//part II of Finding Duncan tonight!
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Charlie barely sleeps as dark dreams crowd his sleeping hours. In the small hours of the morning after one particular bad dream he sits up suddenly yelling out the name of "Rachel!" Looking around, he rises and loosens his stickers in their respective sheathes and begins pacing around the campsite, muttering sourly about taking the last watches. "I can't sleep no how anyways."
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Since the fall of Captain Pike your dreams clear up significantly. Still, images of his many eyed and tentacled visage haunt you frequently. What was he exactly? Somewhere between beholder and flayer, perhaps aboleth? Many eyes of madness, slathering teeth once feasted on brain matter, and tentacles from his maw. All three beings worked under his dreaded mind control, luring pirates, slavers and slaves alike into their den, drowning them and planting their vile minnows into their brainless husks to be turned into scaley creatures of the deep. Elohanna in particular feels most distrubed by these images, an affront to the sanctity of life and beauty alike. Nature holds no place for such creatures of warped dementia. The echoes of the experience sound in your mind like the ringing of a gong. "You will never be Daniel, what are you? The Legacy or the Epitath?" wonder the Poetrs. "Slit their throats as they sleep, take ALL the treasure! One way split!" Jetta awakens in a cold sweat at night remembering how close she was to giving into temptation. "You're weak, drown. There is no escape!" How could Naldin's strength help him grasped by tentacles drowning him? "It's all clear now, so clear... I see it all the path to power. They died, I lived, the sole survivor of my ship. I am the superior!" thinks the castaway mage Armand. And Andrew. Poor Andrew. What beauty can one dream of when one has gazed into the most hideous mutations of all? It's enough to drive one back to the bottle...
"The sacrifice is accepted" An innocent pygmy mouths silently in horror as he slumps forth dead. "Lungs fill with water, lungs will form gills. Go forth into the water. Live there. Die there." You choke, grasping at your neck for phantom gills. "The ancients sleep below, lost cities rise, tower over all!" Your head throbs, pulses with pain with every echoing heartbeat. And yet as you think these thoughts, a tiny little upbeat voice shrills in the back of your head, high-pitched, but comforting.
"Aww shucks, you're all perfect, just the way you are!" Thank you Self-Confidence Otter. "Believe in yourselves. Stay true to yourselves. Trust in yourselves and your allies." Somewhere deep inside an otter claws through the tentacles and lays a whiskery kiss on your brow, and you awake, rejuvinated. A light at the end of the tunnel? We'll see. Next we face Duncan and the Lost Moot.
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Lonn, nothing posted, is this tonight?
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Going to have to skip this week. Got backed up at work and didn't have anything posted yet. Next week 6/20/11
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The residual nightmares are bad; the drinking is worse. This time, he's only going through the motions. There is little joy in intoxication. It is a constant reminder that he'll need to recover and it will hurt. A lot. But for the pirates, appearances...was that it? No, it was the baby bard, and how he wishes to his Muse that he'd never touched that first bottle no matter how depressed he was. It's just not fun anymore.
But a new song written, yes, and a new determination to find audiences and touch them and always the Heartsong. Perhaps some duets with Raina, or some storytelling...after this is done, Ilsare guide their hand. Minu will help him dry out. He'll survive. He's survived worse.
The halfling's jolly voice drags him back. Lifting a pint of some middling quality ale with the Smoking Bone's fearless leader, feeling the antiseptic wash over his throat, he and a few of the others pick the man's brain for the upcoming Moot. How does one act? What kinds of protocols are there? What rules, if they exist at all? How tough is Duncan, how many bodyguards does he usually take...
His mind keeps drifting to the caves. "Captain Pike" is dead. Knowing they've managed that should feel like victory unto itself and it weakens Duncan's position considerably, as Pike was the only true backer of the man. Yet Nose's words keep coming back. How on Ilsare's sweet song will he find a way to make a child slaver repent? Can anyone raised by Alice be considered even sane enough to understand their wrongs? Who would choose to walk to the gallows rather than fight to the death?
And how was he going to protect Minu from all the blood that was about to be shed (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18221&day=2012-6-20&c=3)?
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Duncan captured and the children (any pygmies) sent to safety, the intrepid band boards the Siege Perilous and heads for Mariner's Hold to work out serious Mommy and Daddy issues for a pirate....
...or do they (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18239&day=2012-7-11&c=3)?
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He's been asleep for over a full day. He doesn't feel good on waking - not that he's physically any more than tired, but what he did...what they did...it makes him feel - icky. Unclean. He's never forced his will on anyone quite like that before. It wasn't the Heartsong, thank the Muse. It was him, his will, Minu's magic and Tralek's magic, all pressing down on Duncan until the man broke. It didn't matter that there wasn't another way. He'll never feel good about it; he's glad, very glad, he didn't try to dominate the man through Ilsare's Heartbeat, but rather through a hold song, his normal magic.
Minu has left food and water, no ale or wine. Which is good because he has a very lot to transcribe and in between the sloped rolling of the ship, he scribbles as fast as he can remember what he heard.
To approach cove with safety, fly red sails.
To get in, mention Bork sent you.
Secret passage, adamantium ore, new passage - no buttress, tight, narrow, unstable.
Slaver dwarfs watch the children.
Lucian Krale comes to him, but maybe Katherian. Viceroy to Hogfather.
Hogfather - all will submit.
The Black Circle - agents, will obey?
Scrying pendant on Duncan same as Quayle's brother's?
Contract on Rael - five million True!
Agents in place to free Alice in Mariner's.
Agents (Black Circle?) in place in Prantz.
Bear the seal, signet rings with hog's heads.
Darkholme - one of Rael's old generals.
Spy base in Mariner's - brothel, man in white, mink, code name Weasel. Alice hates weasel.
Prisoners tranquil. Minimal security. Mistake. The water heals, even mother - surgery. The water heals. The wells, heal the wells.
Grue will die.
The rat listens, we watch him and the bird, they think that they are safe. They will die. Nose will die. Must silence the agent.
Nose is the rat. Quill is the bird. Two hundred thousand True each to kill.
After that spewing of conversational snippets, he sets his quill aside and examines the slaver's ledger again. The book only reinforces that lack of remorse he feels when thinking of Captain Slate and his ship being picked over for morsels on the bottom of the sea. It contains neat rows of numbers, slaves obtained and their sale cost; mostly children of all races, gnomes, and pygmies - small creatures. Easy to fit in narrow mine shafts. It details the location of the mining camp cove, the entrance to the Deep, and the the sales of the slaves to the Razorbacks. One one page Captain Slate mentions Darkenholme, one of Rael's old generals, going against Rael. This page interests him. Reading the thing through again, it occurs to him that removing this page, this one page, will make it look like Rael is involved. Dishonest but it would stain the dwarf's reputation in a way that most people would find unforgivable.
An interesting idea. He must bring that up...
-
A lull in the fighting and a search of the mindflayer's room has them flipping through slave records. The faint coat of slime on the notes matches the feeling in his mouth - he hates mindflayers, and he hates slavery.
Really, he hates a lot of things these days. Dark elves, deep dwarves, slavers, squidheads...the list keeps getting longer.
The top level is secured to Kenshad's men. He's turned out to be a decent sort, Kenshad - uncomfortable perhaps with the fine line he walks, and aware he's possibly a little too far gone for Toran to forgive easily, but decent nonetheless. Certainly less law-chained than most Toranites while still being trustworthy. And for that, someone the bard will seek out again. They've rescued only a handful of slaves but they have the slave rebellion leader with them, that should help. While Charlie and Jetta scout he takes a second look at his notes, adding in large letters under his scribing of Duncan's forced testimonies -
BLACKHEART. NOT BLACKWATER. BLACKHEART.
Bloody oops.
Some notes catch his eye and he raises his voice to get the group's attention.
"I'm re-reading these notes and there are a couple things here we need to keep in mind; one, if we find Razorback signet rings, take them. I have a feeling we'll need them farther down the line.
"Second, we're still looking for a passage by adamantium...didn't we pass some of that farther back? Also, remember the code for the geomanced tunnels -" He taps it out. "- the control word is 'waterfall'. Or was it 'windmill'? Muse. Anyway, it may save our skins down here. Also, Darkholme was one of Rael's generals, lesser it seems but still - he'll be a handful. I think we should try to find him as soon as possible rather than fighting our way in one room at a time. I'm concerned he'll gather up the slaves as hostages as Duncan did and rig them if he has enough advance warning; I submit we remove him from his chain of command, that should confuse things if no orders are coming down and increase our chances of saving those kids."
-
Halfway through dangerous, deep-dwarf infested caves, the intrepid band stops so Charlie can get some beauty sleep.
Honestly, rogues.
Charlie now pink-cheeked and bright-eyed, they press on - what will they find? Will the Toranite gnome paladin ever slow down? Can they break the back of the Darkholme-Razorback alliance?
FIND OUT TONIGHT! (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18243&day=2012-07-25)
-
"...and, thinking her life might be in danger from this vain princess, she snuck into the girl's closet and plucked a thread from each hem. And sure enough, the very next day she was called to the princess's room. 'This corset is too tight, and my petticoats too short! Fix them immediately or you shall perish!
"Well, the seamstress could do no more work than had already been put upon her that day and begged for a little more time, which displeased the princess who was used to getting her way. The princess waved one imperious hand and said 'Off with her head!
"What? No, no, the king didn't actually behead anyone the princess didn't like, but he did hire new ones to keep her happy. However even a doting father has limits and the king had told his precious little girl that this seamstress was the last one.
"Where was I? Ah, thank you, the princess was angry and demanded the seamstress be removed. But the seamstress was after all very clever and she pointed to all the spoiled princess's dresses. 'Oh, my dear Persephonie, there is a thread loose in those seams - if I am to die, who will fix all of those as well? And the princess was furious but she knew that she could not push her father any farther, and so she stormed out of the room and left the seamstress to her work.
"Later that night..."
The children and some of the gnomes listen, those that can stay awake at any rate. They are malnourished, filthy, and beaten down. Most of his crew have done turns helping; Kelshad's ship is full to bursting with these freed slaves and there isn't enough food to go around. They'll have to stop at the first harbor they can find.
Yet they are alive and his crew has, the all of them, kept these voices in the Heartsong. The hells with the ones they silenced. Darkholme's army rots under a blanket of stone in the Deep and he won't sing for them. Slavers. Torturers. Sulterio-loving murders, colluding with Krale to attack Mariner's Hold - and more, to use the slaves in an attack on Councilman Grue. That councilman has a bit of a debt to them all, whether he knows it or not. He pictures the man's reaction to knowing he owes a portion of his life to a long-haired tavern keep musician. Hah!
The illithid's notebook of slaves is secured in his pack along with the letters between the (female) general Darkholme and Lucian Krale. He simply assumed it would be a man - he really must try to be more open minded. That evidence they have to decide what to do with and before that they have a lot of people to get home, but the coin lifted from the slaver's bodies will go a long way. Six thousand, four hundred and change, all donated by his crew. Boat tickets, clothing, food, lodging - help as well, for finding the parents or relatives of all these ex-slaves is a monumental task. Minu already writes letters to the relatives of those who know who they've been stolen from. Most of the gnomes want to go to Stone, he can arrange that. And the pygmies, well, perhaps the Shaman will take them? He's a decent sort, and Quaid will know at what port the he's dropped the pygmy leader off.
His story concludes, he's told it so many times. True to the co-author, never the same way twice. He wonders of her and how she's doing, and hums a prayer for his Other. His...one of his Others - maybe - Muse, he needs sleep. But first he will help get the children to bed, lined up across the floor of the cargo hold end to end in rows. So many. 'Tiny hands, good for mining gems!'
Yes, and you got a knife across the throat for that, you miserable Sulterio-sucker. Enjoy your god, along with all the others we sent to keep you company.
After the last tiny, overthin, whip-scarred body is tucked under a blanket or grain sack or whatever they can find, he'll go help Minu write. And thank his crew again for believing and for being so incredibly good at what they do.
-
Amid the madness and slaughter, a small group searches for the Worst. Mother. Ever. Down, down the rabbit hole...will Alice come out and play (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18251&day=2012-8-8&c=3)?
And what's with the water in Mariner's Hold, anyway?
Open to all!
-
As the dust settles from the destroyed sanitarium and the damage to the Silver Buckle is repaired, new folk flood the city, straining resources. Two in particular - Arelius Witherspoon and the dedicated members and friends of the Silver Buckle (http://forums.layonara.com/silver-buckle/285989-dust-still-settles.html#post1743648) - put in overtime to bring some peace to these troubled lives, even as they test the waters for oddities and prepare to go to war against a syndicte of squid-heads and a twisted were-pig gnome. With so many things needing doing at once, the call goes out (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18253&day=2012-8-15&c=3) among the adventurous for more help...
All welcome to join, new or old, high level or low!
Postponed one week
-
Still looking for new blood to join the fight (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18253) against the squidhead oppressors, the Hogfather, and his rapidly deflating army! All welcome!*
//*this includes new and low level players - no level limit, general theme is defeat of evil but positioning yourself to take advantage of a vacancy of power for your own ends is also possible.
-
Re-posted here for the enjoyment of those who missed the Silverbuckle Gong Show event. Here are a couple of the jokes Jetta Ravenlock performed for her act...
Why do all the trees in Northpoint bend southward? Because Rael really sucks!
A Toranite Priest, a Rofireinite Knight of the Wyrm, and a village idiot all died at the same time in a freakish horse & wagon accident.
Not surprisingly, they all found themselves seated at a table with the Soul Mother, who began to serve them hot tea.
As she served them she made the following offer to each,
"If you can name something I can't do I'll give you back a soul strand so that you may live again."
"Fail to name something I can't do and you forfeit your soul to be cast into the Pits to be consumed by pit fiends."
"Of course, you may decline my offer and go straight to your heaven or hell instead if you wish."
Each one of the three had either good reasons to return to life, or in the idiots case a strong desire, so they accepted the Soul Mother's deal.
The Toranite and the Rofireinite began to think and contemplate on things that the Soul Mother might not be able to do,
But the village idiot simply sat in his seat, picking his nose and sipping his cup of tea,
All the while looking very much like the idiot he was deemed to be.
Finally, after thinking long and hard the Toranite priest challenged the Soul Mother.
"Go bring me Toran's own sword so that I may hold it in my hands."
The Soul Mother snapped her fingers and disappeared, a moment later she poofed back into the room, Toran himself at her side and his sword in her hand.
She handed the Toranite priest Toran's sword.
The Priest was surprised that the Soul Mother had such clout with Toran, but nevertheless agreed the task had been accomplished and so cast himself into the Pits.
Toran took back his sword and disappeared to his heaven.
Next the Knight of the Wyrm proposed his challenge, thinking he was more clever than the Toranite.
"If you can get Rofirein to say that Pyretechon is the better looking of the two, I'll cast myself into the Pits as did the Toranite."
The Soul Mother snapped her fingers again, and the three were instantly in Rofirein's heavenly court.
The Soul Mother asked Rofirein to say that Pyretechon was the better looking of the two, to which he replied,
"Well, it would be a matter of opinion really, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I suppose in the eyes of some that yes, Pyretechon does look better than myself."
The Rofireinite Knight was chagrinned, but neverthesless, true to his word he cast himself into the Pits to be consumed.
Last the Soul Mother turned to the village idiot and asked if he was ready to offer his challenge.
The village idiot grinned stupidly, grunted and squeezed out a fart, saying to the Soul Mother,
"Catch that and paint it blue."
The Soul Mother couldn't do it.
No one likely remembers, but not long before the fall of Prantz to Rael's troops, the King there in Pranzis had passed a new law.
The making of the law was prompted by an increase in the frequency of freakish horse & wagon accidents at busy intersections within the city.
The king decreed that every four-way intersection in the kingdom would have special red signs installed with the word stop painted on them to prevent further accidents.
At one intersection that lay at the heart of four flat fields, a Toranite Priest was approaching in his horse-drawn wagon.
He could see, since the view was unobstructed, that no other traffic was coming from any of the other directions to the intersection.
So, he reasoned it wouldn't be any problem if instead of coming to a complete stop he just slowed down and coasted through the intersection instead.
Moments after passing through the intersection in this way, the Toranite heard the shouts of a zealous Rofireinite Knight from behind him.
He pulled his wagon to the side of the road to see what the Knight wanted, and waited for him to gallop up on his horse.
The Knight at last came to a halt and jumped off his horse, a scowl on his face, he shouted at the Toranite,
"You sir are under arrest for violating the law of the land! I saw that you didn't stop at the intersection, despite the sign!"
The Toranite was surprised and began to try to reason with the Rofireinite,
"But Sir, surely you can see that the intersection is out in the middle of no where and definitely isn't busy. Indeed there's no other traffic at all!"
"What does it matter that I didn't come to a complete stop, I did after all at least slow down. So what's the difference?"
The Knight became even more enraged by the Toranite's flippant attitude and tanked the Priest down from his wagon to begin beating him with his mailed fists.
As he continued to beat the Toranite bloody with a rain of furious blows, he yelled at the man,
"What's the DIFFERENCE? What's the DIFFERENCE? WELL! What would you like me to do, SLOW DOWN or STOP!!!?"
-
Bork is in custody and his secret bindstone is not in fact now decorating the Silver Buckle. One pouting human bard, his victorious wife, and the rest of the band head to the Silver Buckle to plan (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18269&day=2012-9-5&c=3). With the dangers posed by Lucien and his various evil allies, birds are sent to all decent adventurers who can answer the call. Will one of them be you?
//if someone could send me the log of the last session please I'd appreciate it
-
__Melodious: Boo!
__Melodious: Awww .. *hugs her*
__Melodious: *Smiles* Glad to see me too! And not in some deep dark dark dark hole!
__Melodious: *Grins* How are you Ms Elly?
___Elohanna: Better now that we are out of the sanitarium and things are beginning to calm down.
___Elohanna: **nods to Jetta* that is what I am worried about too.
__Melodious: *Glances to Jetta* Don't you have any ~Good~ news?
___Elohanna: Thats not Jetta's style.
__Melodious: Ya know ... something upbeat!
______Jetta: Hey!
______Jetta: It can be.
___Elohanna: If you pay well enough?
______Jetta: That definitely helps. *smirks*
__Melodious: Careful .. your pointy tail and pitchfork are showing Ms Jetta!
__Melodious: *Giggles*
___Elohanna: *grins*
______Jetta: Yes, I let them show for effect.
___Elohanna: If she wants to be intimidating they are all flamy.
______Jetta: Naw, that's just for when I want to lok hot.
__Melodious: Ohhhh I wanna see that!
______Jetta: **look
___Elohanna: *laughs*
___Elohanna: *waves to Gunther*
__Melodious: *Waves* Hiya Gunther!
___Elohanna: Would you like a piece of Cherry Pie Gunther?
____Gunther: Gunther never says no to pie
__Melodious: Ohhhh Cherry! Mmmm M!
___Elohanna: *passes slices around*
____Gunther: Tanks *stuffs the entire slice of pie into his maw*
__Melodious: *Chows down wit hrelish* Mmm Mm Sooo goood! *Lips smacking*
___Elohanna: *smiles* I thought you might enjoy it.
___Elohanna: //brb
____Gunther: //now I actually could go for some pie
__Melodious: Ma Favorite! *Munching*
__Melodious: //Hehe ... I think I'll get some ice cream while we wait
______Jetta: //yeah... I wish I could find a good source of strawberry-rhubarb pies in this town... *sigh*
____Gunther: //could never make it to the grocery store and back in ten minutes though
______Jetta: //Ice cream! Great idea! I'd forgot we had some here.... be right back...
______Alton: Hey Hi Hu-llo!
______Alton: *waves a lot*
____Gunther: Heyas
______Alton: Big guy! How'd ya fit through the door?
____Gunther: Easier through the door than the roof
____Gunther: Heyas
__Melodious: Hello Boss!
_____Andrew: Good to see you. Hello Melody! *big smile for the little lady*
__Melodious: *Curtseys*
_____Andrew: Alton, good to see you too.
______Alton: Yes yes! Good to see you too!
_____Andrew: //alright, just waiting on the rest
_____Andrew: *offers the gnome a brew*
______Jetta: //*tickles Brewmaster just for fun*
__Melodious: //Just munching on some ice cream ... proceed . .*nods 3 times*
*Brewmaster: be back in 10, still setting a bit up...
___Elohanna: *leans her head on Andrews shoulder*
___Elohanna: //er arm
_____Andrew: *wraps his arm around her, humming soflty*
_____Andrew: *Nods* Naldin.
______Alton: Oh hey Hi!
___Elohanna: Hi Alton! *smiles*
_____Naldin: *eyes Alton*
______Alton: *waves lots*
_____Andrew: Naldin, this is Alton Tealeaf
_____Naldin: *grunts*
______Alton: Yes yes yes! that's me!
_____Andrew: A fine gentleman, he's oft found around the Twin Dragons in Leringard.
_____Andrew: The rest you know.
_____Naldin: *absently looks up to the ceiling*
______Jetta: Great, great. We're going to need all the extra help we can get Boss.
_____Andrew: *is repaired now, no skylight, but the faintest outline of a huge man still exists in the repair*
______Alton: Aw why did you patch it?
_____Andrew: *nods* I'm glad you've come along.
______Alton: You should have put in stain glass to make it look like the real thing!
_____Andrew: There wasn't anyone willing to try and shape the glass into Gunther...and they said it'd be too heavy.
______Alton: *giggles*
____Gunther: *chuckles*
_____Andrew: So we'd have to use panels with framing, and when I sketeched it, it didn't look right.
_____Andrew: It looked like he'd been drawn and quartered. Simply wrong *smiles*.
____Gunther: Yah, dat would be wrong
_____Andrew: So, what's our plan.
__Melodious: Should have put deep whistles in the repairs, so when the wind blows, it sounds like Gunther flying and hollering through the air.
___Elohanna: Not exactly the image of Gunther we wished.
______Jetta: That's a good question Boss.
_____Andrew: *laughs*
______Jetta: From what I've been able to fig up from those books I rescued from the sanitarium...
_____Naldin: Hoo do folk get appoint'd to tha cooncil?
___Elohanna: *giggles at Melody*
_____Andrew: Hmm, I believe it's by vote, but there are some interesting stories about that.
_____Naldin: *defers to Jetta*
__Melodious: *Grins and makes a drawn out Whhoooooo-ing sound, much like the sound Gunther made*
_____Andrew: *looks over at Jetta*
____Gunther: Just glad da roof was dere to slow Gunther's fall
______Alton: That wouldnt have been a fast drop otherwise!
______Jetta: The Razorbacks have plans to hit every major city in the world on a rapid timetable with only 48 hours between when one city is hit, and the next. It looks like they plan to start in Spellgard.
_____Andrew: Muse.
___Elohanna: Oh no
_____Naldin: *looks concerned*
*Brewmaster: I am reborn!
__Melodious: Taa Daa!]
_____Andrew: I wonder if there is a central....//hey Brew!
___Elohanna: //you need to be a phoenix rising from the ashes Brew.
______Jetta: Yeah. I don't think we'd have time to send out word to every city in time...
__Melodious: We gotta stop them at the first place they hit
______Jetta: However, one curiosity I uncovered indicates that Kartherian is the only city not on their plans to be hit. Which makes me think it may be their HQ.
*Brewmaster: where to begin? Welcome back!
____Gunther: *shrugs* Could use da portals and maybe get a jump start on warnin folk
______Alton: Maybe big guy could throw me to the towns in danger and I can warn them faster.
____Gunther: The landing would be the hard part for yas
*Brewmaster: Planning on helping warn the cities as a priority eh? Good idea. From what you've gathered, the next plans for the Razorbacks start in 2 months gametime at the Flesh and Magic Festival in SPellggard
_____Andrew: //we were in the process of moving out slaves to new homes, providing some jobs where we can, getting children placed, and testing the water
_____Andrew: //and that
__Melodious: Flesh and magic? Sounds Gross!
______SehKy: golem making party!
___Elohanna: We have to do something.
*Brewmaster: It's a joint Xeenite and Lucindite festival of debauchery
_____Andrew: //ooo flesh and magic...errr, honey, can I um, go on a field trip?
____Gunther: Yah, Gunther tinks we should go warn Spellgard *coughs*
__Melodious: *Mel screws up her face*
___Elohanna: //folds her arms at Andrew
____Gunther: Save all dose innocent and not so innocent maidens
_____Andrew: //concur. Spellgard. we won't have to pack much....
___Elohanna: //*pokes Andrew really hard*
_____Andrew: ow.
___Elohanna: Jetta can I borrow one of those collars?
______SehKy: *shrugs* will at least I'm not supervised to Andrew teasing
___Elohanna: *looking at Andrew*
______Jetta: On the other hand, if Kartherian is their HQ, and we hit them there before they can get to Spellgard we might stop them before they even begin.
___Elohanna: *bluff check*
___Elohanna: Bluff Check: 16 + 0 = 16
*Brewmaster: Right now we come back right after you escaped from the Sanitarium which collapsed and was destroyed. You have in your inventory... One Grue
_____Tralek: //invite pls
_____Andrew: Maybe.....I'll warn Port Hempstea.....wait, um, Kranod....er, um....Fort Vehl instead.
______Jetta: *hands Elohanna an exploding slave collar, but retains the master gem for her own use*
______Alton: Maybe one group, a smaller one, warn everuone and the rest go to katherian?
*Brewmaster: //an arresting officer meets you at the Silverbuckle
_____Andrew: //alright
______SehKy: wonder how history will remember this... the sanitarium and all the council.. and our role hmm
___Elohanna: **doesn't look at all happy at Grue*
*______Grue: eh? You lousy kids and your meddling! I command you offiver... Arrest them!
*______Grue: Arrest them aaalll!!!
_____Andrew: Good evening Officer.
*______Grue: *his mind seems to have snapped, eyes gone wild*
____Gunther: Huh, you would've gotten away wit it too, if not fer us
_____Andrew: We do have a problem here.
*_____Blake: what is this? Councilman, are you ok?
______Jetta: *rolls her eyes at teh insane Grue then speaks to the officer* Cart him off, Officer. He's lost his mind.
*_____Blake: hmmm *long look at the party and Grue*
_____Andrew: Andrew Reid *nods to the officer*
_____Andrew: And you are?
______Jetta: *flashes her Silver Guardsman's badge*
_____Naldin: *is a "copper"*
*______Grue: Ragh! They are kidnappers! Assaulted me and most likely blew up the whole Sanitarium!
______Jetta: Jetta Ravenlock, Silver Guard.
*______Grue: Persuade Check: 13 + 0 = 13
_____Andrew: No, no, Alice's little water trick did that.
_____Andrew: ...which is why it's underwater. *patiently*
*______Grue: I am not mad! It is they! Ha! They who are the madmen! Felons! Murderers!
_____Andrew: The same Alice it was your job to keep contained, as I recall.
___Elohanna: **shakes her head trying to bite her tongue*
*_____Blake: *squints at Grue*
*_____Blake: Persuade Check: 17 + -1 = 16
*_____Blake: You do not seem yourself, sir.
______Jetta: How long have you served in Mariner's Hold, officer?
*_____Blake: 14 years.
______Alton: *makes a crazy sigh behind his back*
_____Tralek: *reaches for Grues face trying to pull off a mask*
___Elohanna: Sir half the council has been taken to the Krandor Hospital, due to actions of Councilman Grue.
______Jetta: So, you see, Former Head Councilman Grue is indeed not acting himself.
*______Grue: OW! my NOSE!!!
*______Grue: See here! he is assaulting meee!
______Alton: *giggles*
_____Tralek: Oh..yes ...err it is YOUR nose
_____Tralek: just checking offifer
_____Andrew: *tries not to smile*
*_____Blake: I'll have to ask you to stop that sir.
______Jetta: Tralek, we unmasked the fake Grue in the sanitarium, do try to keep up.
_____Andrew: What will happen with the city council, as we seem to have none?
*_____Blake: They may lay down a heavy hand in that torture chamber of his, but I for one and glad to see it crumble
____Gunther: *raises his hand* Gunther volunteers to be interim council member
_____Tralek: Heavy hand and deep brain pockets
_____Andrew: Mmm. *to Tralek's statement*
*_____Blake: Still, I must have evidence to make an arrest...
*_____Blake: Tell me your side of the story, all of you.
__Melodious: All at once?
_____Tralek: I heard him admit some of it
______SehKy: *sighs softly bored and looks around thinking of something he can do or create*
_____Andrew: One at a time.
_____Andrew: Naldin, if you would please?
__Melodious: Aww, where is the challenge?
______Jetta: I believe Aesthir Stargazer holds all the evidence against Grue himself, however, I recovered many documents regarding the Razorback Syndicate's plans.
______Alton: *juggles random items, Incents, Potions, Breads, and more*
_____Tralek: *looks to Naldin biting his tounge*
__Melodious: *Pouty look that quickly changes into a curious look*
______Alton: //incense
_____Andrew: Aesthir, yes.
_____Naldin: Eh? Me? *quickly defers to Jetta*
_____Andrew: *shrugs*
_____Andrew: Jetta, you found the books.
______SehKy: **starts to write a letter*
___Elohanna: *carefully takes out the book of patients she is still holding*
____Gunther: Werent dere books about dem cuttin into peoples brains too?
_____Andrew: *motions to Elly*
_____Andrew: She has those.
*_____Blake: I am never entirely certain SIr Aesther quite tells ALL the evidence... *skeptical* He works towards the good of law often, but sometimes I sense a convenient level of omission in his reports
______Alton: *puts his juggling objects away exept for a little sack and does some hackeysacking*
_____Tralek: *chuckles at the officer*
_____Vrebel: *taps the fresh mud off his boots as he enters*
_____Andrew: I won't argue.
_____Andrew: Vre. *nods*
______Jetta: *Begins to show officer Marshall some of the documents she recovered from the desk they found Edna Blackheart at* These detail the plans the Razorbacks already put into motion, and those they plan to execute next....
_____Tralek: Hi Vrebel
_____Vrebel: hello everyone sorry I'm late
_____Andrew: *listens as Jetta recounts*
_____Andrew: *glances over, nods to the patron*
Commoner, Male: *Winston comes in, dressed in militia recruit uniform*
__Melodious: *Hums quietly, looking about, seemingly a bit bored*
Commoner, Male: Marshall Blake! *salutes* excavation teams reportin in. Oh Hi Jetta! Oh, ummm, yeah we been diggin up the rubble and found many bodies, evidence ah torture n stuff. And squids
______Jetta: *looks up from her discussion with the officer* Ah, Winston! Good to see you. Are Arthur and Greg comming too?
_____Naldin: *looks at the Marshal to emphasize the importance of the "plan to execute next" remark*
_____Tralek: Wheeeww this fish gots some stink *closes it quickl*
_____Andrew: It's salted.
_____Tralek: Its curing nicely then
_____Vrebel: *glares over his shoulder at the shouting*
_____Andrew: *chuckles*
*_____Blake: Hmmm, squids?
___Elohanna: Sir *to Marshall* There are a great many pieces of the puzzle. Many of those we found were hosts to the mindflayers. We tried to help those we could but we were working on borrowed time.
_____Andrew: Illithids.
_____Tralek: Surprised the cats aren't all over it
__Melodious: *Hums a quiet tune*
*______Grue: Brain demons! Wrought from insanity and lawlessness! Bane of Rofirien's light!
_____Andrew: Grue was aware of the Illithid's work, apparently, in some capacity.
______Jetta: *looks at Grue with distaste* Can someoen put a sock in his mouth?
_____Naldin: *looks to The Marshall at Grue's outburst*
_____Vrebel: *titls his head to Grue*
*______Grue: The doctor knew just how to talk to them! Make them obey!
*______Grue: Extracted the ichors and humors... but then the voices..
__Melodious: *Makes a swirly motion with a finger at the side of her head looking at Grue, wideyed*
_____Naldin: Err-rum, lass, *to Jetta* He's hangin' himself wid every word, loike.
*______Grue: The voices still speak!
_____Vrebel: doctor? we kill him?
____Gunther: Did we ever check to see if Grue had one of dem slugs in his head?
___Elohanna: YOU SHOULDN"T HAVE BEEN TREATING PEOPLE LIKE THAT *clearly having held back her anger for while and yells at grue*
_____Andrew: *strokes Elly's back but doesn't stop her*
__Melodious: Drill a hole and see!
_____Andrew: No, we did check.
_____Naldin: *caught off guard at Elohanna's outburst*
____Gunther: We did? Hokay den
*______Grue: *growls* it was either that or hang them for their crimes. We spared life, priestess.
___Elohanna: You tortured them! You didn't work with them, you didn't have patience... you took away their free will.
_____Andrew: The Illithids were working with the head doctor, implanting their spawn inside the patient's heads for procreation.
___Elohanna: What you did was worse!
___Elohanna: The law could have judge them for their crimes. It would have been more fair.
__Melodious: *Kicks Grue in the shin*
*______Grue: Free will is a sickness! Madness!
*______Grue: gah!
_____Vrebel: *smiles at Elly's idea of fair*
_____Andrew: *a twist of a smile at Melody*
_____Naldin: *snorts at Mel's reaction*
*_____Blake: I think I have enough for a confession. *arrests Grue*
____Gunther: Better check his head, just to be safe
______Jetta: We checked for surgical scars, but maybe one of those slugs found it's own way in?
___Elohanna: *moves closer to help checking him over carefully* We need to get him to the clinic.
___Elohanna: Reflex Check: 2 + 16 = 18
_____Andrew: Love...check him for slugs?
___Elohanna: *heal check*
___Elohanna: Heal Check: 19 + 59 = 78
_____Andrew: *nods* Officer, will you help us move him back to the clinic?
_____Andrew: Winston? A hand?
____Gunther: Yup, maybe a slug found another orifice or point of entry
__Melodious: Yeah . .what if his head explaodes .. and then there will be bits of him spread all over us ... seeping into our skin .. infecting us ... *Steps back a couple spaces*
___Elohanna: **sighs* If you want your proof of whats been done. You can follow us officer. You will see what happened for yourself.
______Jetta: *snaps her fingers to Winston, pointing to Grue to indicate Winston should help out.*
_____Naldin: *stands ready*
*______Grue: gaaahh! the voices!
_____Andrew: *tries to lead Grue back*
*______Grue: *sruggles feebly*
_____Andrew: This way, let's go....
_____Tralek: What voices?
_____Andrew: Watch for ninjas.
__Melodious: *Humsa tune similar to "Pop" Goes the weasel*
*______Grue: they will ALL obey!
_____Andrew: *said without a hint of humor*
_____Vrebel: Ninja's *nods* I'm on it
___Elohanna: If I didn't know what was wrong with you.
______Jetta: *sighs* Another typical day at the office....
__Melodious: Uh oh!
______SehKy: 8returns to letter writing*
_____Andrew: *leads him in, again asking the officer to observe*
__Melodious: Ohhh
______Alton: Bad people!
______Alton: who wants a piece of halfer?
__Melodious: *Searches the bodies for information*
_____Vrebel: *grumbles*
____Gunther: Dis is da most dangerous inn GUnther has ever been in
______Jetta: Hey! Leave Billy alone!
_____Naldin: *looks to the pianist as he still plays*
___Elohanna: *moves to the clinic to try to help save Grue*
_____Vrebel: I thought you had security in this place Andy
*______Grue: *punches Billy in the head, while Billy keeps playing, seemingly unphazed by all around him*
_____Vrebel: *rechecks for any loose assassins*
_____Andrew: Stars and BLOODY SONG!
_____Andrew: Is eeveryone alright?
*Brewmaster: *Billy gives Andrew a thumbs up and keeps playing, drunk to the world*
_____Tralek: Wow, I think so
__Melodious: Jetta's fault ...
______Alton: *keeps an arrow oon his bow string*
_____Andrew: Go man. *nods to Billy*
*______Grue: GAH! *grabs his head and drops to his knees* the pain!
______Jetta: *grabs Grue by the scruff of his neck, trying to get him off balance to make it easier to lead him to the clinic*
____Gunther: Almost every time Gunther comes in here, deres a fight
_____Andrew: Get him in the clinic, fast.
_____Andrew: Gunther? Sorry to keep asking you to pack ox but....
*______Grue: *blood begins pouring from his nose*
_____Andrew: Quickly!
_____Vrebel: erm Elly!
___Elohanna: *hurries to the clinic with Grue* I know!
_____Vrebel: he's oozzin'
_____Tralek: I think Grue has something planted in him...probably his head
*______Grue: *sprays purple blood on Billy* feeed them more!
______Jetta: *str check* *continues her efforts to get Grue into the clinic*
______Jetta: Strength Check: 14 + 1 = 15
___Elohanna: I know Tralek would you like to help?
*______Grue: *barrrgh!
_____Tralek: I will help surely
_____Tralek: I'm an expert at this brain stuff now
_____Naldin: *bends his bow*
____Gunther: *attempts to assist Jetta with dragging Grue to the clinic*
*Brewmaster: *Billy throws up on the keys and runs away screaming*
_____Vrebel: I'd hate ta have to labotamize him with me greasword
*______Grue: gah!
*______Grue: *pulled back by the group*
___Elohanna: *starts to prep a cot and area for Grue to be laid down as they help him into the clinic*
______Jetta: *shouts to Billy* Billy, don't panic, wash that stuff off quick!
*Brewmaster: Billy: "My eyes! aaauuuuggghhh!"
_____Tralek: Get your books out..unless you can remember all this stuff
*Brewmaster: *he flails around rubbing the stuff off his face*
_____Andrew: Right here on the stage.
__Melodious: *Scampers off after Billy to lead him to the clinic*
_____Andrew: Gods....
___Elohanna: *sets out the books on the desk so she can familarize herself with the procedure again, though she is pretty familar with it by now*
_____Andrew: *nods thanks to Melody* MINU!
_____Naldin: *now not sure whether he should shoot Grue or Billy*
_____Andrew: We don't have time to get him in there! *shoves the piano aside*
_____Tralek: I'll do what I can to help, lend you a hand...just tell me
_____Vrebel: *stares over at Billy wiggling and thrashing*
*______Grue: I can feel the voices scratching my skull
__Melodious: *Speaks persuading reassuring words to billy, telling him they need to get i nthe clinic*
*______Grue: ahhahah AHAHA!
_____Andrew: MINU!!!!!!!!!
___Elohanna: Grab some salt from the kitchen for starters and a hot poker. I really do not want to take any chances with these getting away.
_____Andrew: *gets Grue flat*
_____Tralek: On it
_____Vrebel: need help Andy? with yer new patients?
_____Andrew: Please
_____Andrew: MINUUUUUUUUUU
_____Vrebel: *nods and sheaths his sword*
*______Grue: *struggling around, laughing maniacally* Must obey the masters! Free will is an illusion!
_____Andrew: I swear we checked him!!!
_____Andrew: Hold him down, he's got a slug.
_____Vrebel: *helps control Grue and Billy so they can be looked at*
_____Andrew: Gods - how do we do this again?
_____Vrebel: *grumbles and tries holding him down for Andy to have a look*
_____Andrew: Like I have any idea.
_____Naldin: *stands on the table for a better vantage point*
_____Andrew: *wry look to Vrebel*
_____Vrebel: I hate sluggs
___Elohanna: *moves closer to where they are noticing she is going to have to operate where they lay instead of the clinic*
*______Grue: *Billy's face is melted slightly from acid, blind from it getting in his eyes. Meanwhile Grue's right ear bleeds as dows his nose and mouth, a purplish dark*
_____Andrew: *is helping Vrebel hold Grue down*
___Elohanna: Salt someone?
______Alton: *moves to be able to see Grue through the others*
_____Andrew: Muse....can anyone help Billy?
_____Tralek: I got the salt and the poker
*______Grue: Tranquil! yes! The doctor commands it! I must obey.
____Gunther: Dis is even more disgustin dan last time
___Elohanna: *comes back with what tools, needles bandages and healing potions and such she can carry*
______Jetta: *moves over to Billy and starts rinsing his face off with a canteen full of water*
_____Andrew: I'll help Billy then, I can heal at least.
_____Vrebel: *glances over at Billy then at Grue* I'm keepin me helm on fer this
_____Andrew: *moves to Billy with Jetta, and sings healing to ease his pain*
__Melodious: *Takes cloth gauze and tries to sop up the acidic remains. With another hand, she pours strong ale into his mouth, telling Billy to drink to numb the pain*
*______Grue: *the water of Jetta's canteen washes his face a bit, bits of skin melted and his eyes damaged from the bile*
_____Andrew: Easy...*sings healing on the eye, holding his necklace and praying the song*
_____Vrebel: keep it off his lips and his hands maybe he can still perform
_____Vrebel: *glares over at Billy*
______Jetta: *continues dousing Billy's face with a second canteen full, just to be sure the acid is completely diluted and rinsed off*
*______Grue: *Grue, meanwhile flops around in a seizure, eyes rolling back and bleeding from his mouth, nose and ear
___Elohanna: *tries her best to aid Grue despite her own emotions and tries to keep a steady hand*
_____Naldin: *arches his bow again*
_____Andrew: *sings healing on Billy while Jetta rinses, to stop the tissue damage as much as he can*
___Elohanna: Don't you die like this Grue. You have to fight it. You were a good man when I met you and I don't think this is all your fault.
___Elohanna: *talking to him while she tries to help him*
_____Tralek: *helps hold down Grue making sure Tralek's clear of tragectory of the mouth*
_____Andrew: *savagely kicks a Razorback body*
*Brewmaster: *perform check andrew, and heal from jetta and elly
___Elohanna: *heal check*
___Elohanna: Heal Check: 11 + 70 = 81
______Jetta: *heal check* *as she treats Billy's injury*
______Jetta: Heal Check: 15 + 17 = 32
_____Vrebel: Salt! *hollars at no one in particular*
_____Andrew: *keeps singing*
_____Tralek: Got it right here
______Jetta: *mutters to herself* Good thing I've read a few books about combat medicine....
*Brewmaster: *billy's face is washed and disnfected, he is still in pain as jetta applies balm and wraps up his face... then suddenly, inspired by Andrew's song, he fights through the pain... and keeps on playing!*
____Gunther: Dump da salt in his earhole!
_____Andrew: Good thing, I know squat. *moves a little so Melody can help*
_____Tralek: This guys a keeper Andy
_____Andrew: Dear Muse, man, take a break!
_____Andrew: No kidding. A raise, starting retroactively.
______SehKy: *mutters* it is sometimes hard .... to put a dog down when you should
______Jetta: That's one dedicated pianist...
_____Tralek: *looks at him play* he's got some inspiration now
_____Andrew: *pats Billy on the back*
_____Andrew: Praise Ilsare.
*Brewmaster: *elly uses some tweezers on grue's ear, pulling out a long and struggling tentacle, which wrestles with her tweezers*
_____Andrew: *moves back, the extent of his healing spent*
__Melodious: Ewww
_____Vrebel: *shakes his head at Billy* were his tip jar?
_____Andrew: *points to an empty ale mug*
___Elohanna: *continues to try to pulll carefully at the tentacle to get it out of Grue*
_____Andrew: OFFICER! Are you watching this?
*Brewmaster: *heeding the advice on salt, she applies salts and spices to the infected area, causing the wee illithid baby to try and escape the ear on its own accord, willingly releasing Grue's brainstem*
_____Andrew: *mutters* I'll be da...rned if I'm blamed for Grue's death. We'll do our best.
_____Tralek: Pliars! We got ...oh my! It's loose!
______Jetta: *motions Blake over to the scene*
___Elohanna: Nasty little thing. Don't you think you are getting away!
____Gunther: Gahhhh
_____Naldin: *anticipates some stomping*
*Brewmaster: *grue's eyes roll back and he goes into shock convulsing. She hammers on his heart and applies healing magics in rapid successiong trying to bring him back
_____Vrebel: get it! *watches as the slugg slithers off*
___Elohanna: Come on Grue!!! Fight!
_____Tralek: Pen that thing to the floor Sehky with a good shot!
______Jetta: *makes sure the kitten, Ash, is no where near the path of the wriggling slug*
_____Andrew: *sings his prayer, and stays out of the way*
___Elohanna: Come on Grue you have plenty of fight left in you.
*Brewmaster: *suddenly, Grue's chest lurches! Elly jumps back as something bursts forth from within him!
_____Andrew: Alton, can you lead a check of the area to see if any more operatives are hiding?
_____Andrew: MUSE!
__Melodious: *Mouth drops open*
_____Naldin: *readies his bow again*
_____Andrew: *lunges forward to help Elly*
_____Andrew: *too late, of course*
_____Naldin: *too slow*
_____Vrebel: *grumbles*
____Gunther: *Yells from a far corner* You kill dat slug yet?
*Brewmaster: *meant to make the wee wee one, but just imagine him gnome sized* ;)
______Jetta: Okay.... that was not an Illithid... was it?
_____Tralek: Just did! *yells back*
__Melodious: *Peers around Vreble at the thing with a disgusted look on her face*
_____Andrew: *growls, stabs it some more*
_____Vrebel: *sniffles* I hate them things
____Gunther: Hokay den
_____Tralek: It got off a howl of some sort...everyone ok?
*Brewmaster: *the body of grue was split from within, like his skin finally snapped open to reveal this thing growing beneath*
___Elohanna: *moves back from them and watches as the others attack it looking to see if grue is still alive*
_____Andrew: *sighs, then checks his wife* Are you alright love?
_____Andrew: Gods....I'm sorry, I thought we....*hugs her*
___Elohanna: I am fine but... Grue isn't.
_____Vrebel: I guess salt worked
_____Naldin: *looks mildly disgusted*
____Gunther: Ugh, Gunther never gonna eat here again
_____Andrew: No, we were far too late.
_____Andrew: *looks around at the bodies*
_____Tralek: He is in a better place now Elly
*___Winston: whoah... *scratches his head* thats mussed up
_____Andrew: Officer. OFFICER?
______Jetta: That's the furthest progressed case we've encountered so far.... Grue's ben infected, probably from the start?
_____Andrew: *looks around for the guard*
___Elohanna: **nods to Tralek*
*___Winston: lemme git im
_____Vrebel: whats left of him
__Melodious: *Checks on Billy*
____Gunther: should probly burn dat body
___Elohanna: I think the bodies should be burned. For everyones safety.
__Melodious: Yes Yes Yes
*_____Blake: SO I guess it wasn't Grue after all
*_____Blake: whatever it was inside
_____Andrew: It was.....on the outside.
___Elohanna: **shakes her head* Just his body. His mind was theirs Officer.
______Alton: It was a big thing...
_____Andrew: *nods*
______Alton: yuck.
______Jetta: Winston, hold still a moment.... *begins combing through Winston's hair with her fingers, examining his scalp for signs of scars, just to be safe*
_____Tralek: I tried to pull his mask, remember
_____Andrew: And the floors disinfected and re-stained....
*_____Blake: *sighs* these Razorbacks are mad to work with such allies. Or perhaps they merely follow orders as well
_____Andrew: Officer, this is what we found in the sanitarium.
_____Andrew: Perhaps.
__Melodious: *Smiles at Billy and pats him on the shoulder then tuens to observe the others*
_____Andrew: Who is running the city right now?
_____Vrebel: slayers probably
_____Tralek: I think Billy should be check fully when he's on break
_____Tralek: That slime might have been some kind of seed
_____Andrew: I concur. He'll be needing rest when he sobers up.]
_____Andrew: Muse....
___Elohanna: *moves closer to Billy to do what she can to make sure he is alright not willing to wait*
_____Vrebel: *tosses some trues in his mug*
___Elohanna: How is he Melody?
_____Naldin: *climbs down from the table*
____Aesthir: d
_____Tralek: Put some extra salt in his Bloody Mary see how he reacts
*Brewmaster: *aesther comes in to see Grue's skin and clothes rpped apart, a blind pianist with bandages on his face and the bodies of many mercenaries who invaded this place. Grue's corpse was a husk for a flayer that dweal inside, almost fully grown*
_____Vrebel: *picks up a small table looking for the slug*
_____Andrew: *starts dragging bodies and checking for slugs*
__Melodious: He's fine *Smiles*
_____Andrew: *ready to stomp, visciously*
_____Andrew: *looks over* Late.
*_____Blake: State your name sir!
_____Tralek: /brb
____Aesthir: *he frowns, at the specimen*
____Gunther: Gunther dont think Grue gonna pull through
_____Andrew: No, no, probably not *to Gunther*
*_____Blake: I am Marshall Blake, and you have entered a crime scene
_____Andrew: I'll support your run for council though, Gunther.
___Elohanna: *prays a blessing over Billy as he continues to play*
_____Andrew: A big man for a big city! A Councilman you can stand behind!
___Elohanna: Thank you so much Melody.
____Aesthir: *tilt his head towards Blake, and shows his holy Symbol* Aesthir Stargazer, Protector from the gold. . what happened here?
____Gunther: Least Gunther not completely insane or a host for a squid-slug
_____Vrebel: I like it *nods to Andy*
_____Andrew: *checks Elly checking Billy, after his jest*
____Aesthir: *in reply to Blake*
_____Andrew: How's he doing love?
______Alton: tbbth *sticks his touge out* Rofies...
__Melodious: *Gives Billy a kiss on a bandaged cheek, then turns and walks to help others*
_____Andrew: Easy, Alton, he's been with this a while.
*_____Blake: Ah, Aesthir. Didn't recognize you, my apologies sir.
____Gunther: Dat'll be Gunther's campaign slogan 'not completely insane'
_____Andrew: *smiles at Melody*
___Elohanna: melody has being doing a great job helping him.
_____Andrew: He's much harder to recognize with his clothes on.
____Aesthir: *he smirks a bit for no apparent reason , not making much remark of Alton's then nods at Blake*
_____Andrew: *straight face*
______Alton: I dont like them...
_____Tralek: Well maybe someones' been watching us...
____Aesthir: *and again he doesn't make any motion or reaction at Andrew's remark*
_____Tralek: *looks around* perhaps a scrying check of some sort?
_____Andrew: Rook, if your boys will help clean up, I'll pay them a hundred trues each.
____Aesthir: *he looks upon where the husk of Grue is and shakes his head*
______Jetta: *gets a horrid look on her face* Wait.... the Razorback's plans are to do something to the water, which they already did here in Mariner's... you don't suppose the water carries Illithid offspring of some kind do you?
____Aesthir: Its a shame, really....
____Aesthir: It would have been a great trial
___Elohanna: *carefully covers over the bodies after she has checked each one trying to find out if they are also infected*
___Elohanna: Reflex Check: 14 + 18 = 32
_____Andrew: I don't know - gods - where is that sample?
*___Winston: I got work in the militia! Marshall Blake here's mah new boss.
_____Andrew: We should check it soonest.
_____Andrew: Oh, congratulations, Winston. You'll be up the ranks in no time.
*___Winston: Greg wouldn't come, they wouldna let him use a pitchfork
_____Tralek: *tries to determine if there is any scrying goin on from the area, especially Grue's body, Winston and the Illithid thing killed*
_____Tralek: *sc check*
_____Tralek: Spellcraft Check: 19 + 85 = 104
_____Andrew: *nods to Tralek*
______Jetta: And Arthur?
__Melodious: Boss, Wh ydon't you get a seat on the council?>
____Aesthir: *he looks upon the scene with the head tilt on*
_____Andrew: We need someone to check for more Razorbacks.
_____Andrew: Me?
_____Andrew: Ah....well.....
_____Vrebel: *nods to Melody* I second the notion
_____Naldin: *tentatively sniffs his own canteen, trying to remember where he filled it from*
_____Andrew: I'm not sure I"m cut out for public office....
*_____Blake: Seats ont he council will wait. That really is not our decision. I think without the council, we fall upon direct order of feudal law
_____Vrebel: and these slugs were?
____Gunther: You'd be better dan somebody wit a slug in dere head
_____Andrew: *motions to the booze cabinet* Help yourself Naldin. Anything in the water would have boiled out of the alcohol.
_____Tralek: We defenitely have company
_____Naldin: *grunts, looking up*
______Alton: city councle members need a slug test done on them.
_____Tralek: *informs the other of his scrying result*
*Brewmaster: and then suddenly...
______Alton: we are?
_____Tralek: We're being watched...
_____Vrebel: *glares at Tralek*
_____Andrew: *eyes Aesthir....and his cheek twithes massively*
_____Andrew: *yanks out his rapier*
____Aesthir: *he seems amused at something particularly *
___Elohanna: *tries to help put the fire out on Tralek*
_____Naldin: *scrambles for cover*
___Elohanna: Someone get water!
_____Vrebel: Tray yer on fire
____Aesthir: *he removes the turncoat*
_____Tralek: *looks at the flames*
___Elohanna: *tries to blow out the water*
______Alton: Flamey pants! augh! *scrambles for a canteen*
_____Tralek: *concentration check*
_____Tralek: Concentration Check: 12 + 62 = 74
_____Andrew: *runs like mad for the kitchen*
_____Tralek: *sc check*
_____Tralek: Spellcraft Check: 17 + 85 = 102
______Alton: *throws a thing of ale onto the fire*
*Brewmaster: *Tralek screams in pain as he focuses his power*
___Elohanna: NO Alton!
______Jetta: *beats at the flames with her cloak to put them out*
___Elohanna: Not that!
______Alton: I was trying to help!
_____Tralek: *continues to hold on to the vision not paying attention to the others*
____Aesthir: *his senses focused on the area looking for any further attacks *
*Brewmaster: and then Primally, he forces back the assault and feels he is getting the upper hand!
___Elohanna: Ale will only make it flame.
______Alton: I dont know stuff like that!
_____Vrebel: *looks around for something to toss over him*
_____Andrew: *comes back huffing and lugging two pails of wawter*
_____Andrew: *tossing them on Tralek quickly*
_____Tralek: I think I'm on to them...I think..yes..I can get this scryer!
______Jetta: Scramble his brains, Tra'!
_____Tralek: I'm goiing to kill it...but the woman in the pool...
___Elohanna: *tries to check over Tralek for any wounds tending them as best she can* careful Tralek.
_____Andrew: Go man! *opens himself immediately up to Tralek, feeding him power in the same way he's done in other scyring sessions*
_____Vrebel: you got em' Tray!
_____Naldin: *looks around the ceiling and corners for any signs of attack*
*Brewmaster: *the flames subside and Traleks eye's glow bright purple*
_____Tralek: *launches a barage of Bracars and wierds into the scrying tunnel*
___Elohanna: *tries her best to aid him to help protect him*
_____Tralek: *he concentrates more and tries to get a better visual onthe pale woman's face as he does*
_____Naldin: *doesn't like this magic duel*
_____Andrew: *puts a hand on his friend and sings, pushing his own magical energy to Tralek*
*Brewmaster: *A portal of energy swirls and Tralek exchanges spells with some strange pale woman on the other side!*
_____Vrebel: Mage dual! you got this Tray!
__Melodious: sEHKY .. CAN YOU PUT AN ARROW INTO THERE?
___Elohanna: Careful Tralek. *softly*
*Brewmaster: *his missile strike, but the weirds dont seem to affect her at all, she launches back!*
_____Andrew: *his hand turns into a fist, gripping Tra's jacket to keep him in the Buckle*
__Melodious: //erg
______SehKy: into where?
_____Andrew: *keeps singing and feeding Tralek power*
_____Vrebel: *steps back out of the incoming assault*
______Alton: dont let her do that!
_____Tralek: Augh...you wench you better do better than that!
______SehKy: *moves for a shot*
_____Vrebel: watch it folks return fire!
______Alton: *jumps around avoiding the blasts*
___Elohanna: *tries to keep her hands on Tralek to keep him with them*
_____Tralek: *a hand and more bracars and a power word kill*
______SehKy: *aims at the woman and lets loose many arrows*
*Brewmaster: *the missiles connect and do some damage, but the killing spell seems to fizzle on her, she cackles and returns fire!*
_____Andrew: *hand wrapped around Tra's jacket, eyes closed, wide open mind and heart*
_____Andrew: *reaches a hand out for Elly*
_____Andrew: *blindly*
______Alton: *fingeres crossed*
*___Winston: hit tha deck!
_____Tralek: Nice one!
_____Vrebel: *nods* not bad
_____Naldin: *inches back*
_____Tralek: I hate ice storms!
______Alton: Meanie person...
______SehKy: *aims for her face and lets the arrows fly*
_____Andrew: *wiggles his fingers but can't speak as he's singing*
*Brewmaster: //spot checks
______Jetta: *spot check*
______Jetta: Spot Check: 15 + 22 = 37
___Elohanna: *keeps trying to hold to Tralek and Andrew*
_____Vrebel: *spot check*
_____Vrebel: Spot Check: 1 + 10 = 11
_____Tralek: *spot check*
_____Tralek: Spot Check: 12 + 15 = 27
____Gunther: *spot check*
______Alton: *spot check*
______Alton: Spot Check: 3 + 23 = 26
____Aesthir: *spot check*
____Aesthir: Spot Check: 14 + 26 = 40
______SehKy: *spot check*
*Brewmaster: //good, those with 20 or above, spellcraft checks, Tralek too, since he has scrying perception on this one
___Elohanna: *she tries to link her own magic to their efforts to lend as much support as she can*
______Jetta: *sc check*
______Jetta: Spellcraft Check: 2 + 0 = 2
____Aesthir: Spellcraft Check: 20 + 34 = 54
______Alton: *spellcraft check*
______Alton: Spellcraft Check: 9 + 0 = 9
____Gunther: *spellcraft check*
___Elohanna: *sc check*
___Elohanna: Spellcraft Check: 6 + 60 = 66
_____Tralek: *sc check*
_____Tralek: Spellcraft Check: 3 + 91 = 94
______SehKy: *sc check*
_____Andrew: *doesn't see a thing (as usual).]
*Brewmaster: *Elly, Tralek and Sehky all note that she is going to try and send a hellball through the scrying! Better shut the connection fast!*
___Elohanna: Tralek! STop!
_____Tralek: *returns with a hellball*
___Elohanna: *She tries to sever the connection*
*Brewmaster: >:D!
_____Vrebel: my gods the Buckle!
_____Tralek: Prepare yourselves!!!
___Elohanna: TRALEK!
______SehKy: *aims and tries to disrupt her spell with arrows*
*Brewmaster: //spellcraft check Tralek!
_____Naldin: *oblivious*
_____Andrew: *still feeding power to Tra, unaware of what's going on*
___Elohanna: STOP! Let her go!
_____Tralek: *sc check*
_____Tralek: Spellcraft Check: 16 + 91 = 107
____Aesthir: *he jumps down and rolls over to one side *
______Alton: Prepare for what?
____Aesthir: *looking for cover*
_____Tralek: Incoming HELLBALL!!!!
____Gunther: *runs into the pantry and slams the door shut*
___Elohanna: TRALEK Let her go!
______Jetta: Eh? What?!
___Elohanna: Break the connection!
_____Naldin: * abit concerned as Aesthir scrambles for cover*
_____Andrew: WHAT?
_____Andrew: *drops his connection with Tralek*
______Alton: Is it time to run? *watches Gunther*
_____Tralek: No I got this wench...let me finish her!
_____Vrebel: better protect yer Inn Elly
*Brewmaster: WIth tremenous force of will, Tralek counterspells her hellball and sends BOTH flying through to her side! You see the room on the other side ignite and her scream, as the portal shuts quickly!*
_____Andrew: *staggers, literally, back*
_____Tralek: Woaaahhhh!!!
______Alton: Yay for tall guy!
______Jetta: Bloody hells!
___Elohanna: *falls back at the energy* Dear Aeridin!
_____Vrebel: wow that was risky Tray
_____Tralek: I didn't know I could dod that
*Brewmaster: You all feel and hear a massive explosion not too far away! in town perhaps!
_____Vrebel: well done anyways
____Gunther: *yells from the pantry* Is it over yet?
__Melodious: *jiggles about the floor tryign to keep her feet*
_____Andrew: *the tables and chairs singed and iced, the floor covered in blood and ash, and the stage half wrecked and slimed*
____Aesthir: *frowns*
_____Tralek: Well..I saw the opening...you hear that!!
_____Andrew: Love, are you alright?
_____Vrebel: it was close yeah
_____Tralek: Lets go now!!!
______Jetta: Wait! That was close! *rushes outside to look for the source fo the explosion*
_____Tralek: Follow it...lets go!!!
_____Andrew: *hits the magical barrier designed to protect Billy from flying beer bottles headfirst, SPLAT*
_____Andrew: Muse! Ow!
*_____Blake: outside!
_____Vrebel: I'm with you
_____Andrew: *walks around*
_____Andrew: Come on Love....
_____Tralek: *runs to the explosion location&
___Elohanna: I'll be fine *shaking it off and trying to follow as best she can*
_____Andrew: *squeeze her hand*
______Jetta: *scans the skyline of the city* *spot check*
______Alton: *his bow is stringed and there is an arrow on the string*
_____Andrew: *stays with her8
___Elohanna: If they were close there may be people hurt.
_____Andrew: Let's go then.
_____Vrebel: follow the smoke
____Aesthir: *once he makes sure of ... something .... he start to move out*
______Jetta: *stops for a moment to check on her horse, Dandy*
_____Andrew: *tries to scoop her up to run*
_____Andrew: *str check*
_____Tralek: Yell out if you see it!!!
_____Andrew: *stops to listen for screams*
_____Andrew: *holding Elly in his arms*
___Elohanna: *is carried by Andrew*
[FONT=Lucida Conso
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Andrew, after a thorough ninja/operative/illithid slug hunt and floor salting, sets Michael and Edward to the task of yet again arranging for fixing of the Silver Buckle. The Buckle remains closed while the latest repairs are enacted; Billy is given a nice bonus and put on strict rest in the clinic until his face heals. All the slaves and children still present in the Buckle as well as anyone else who was present during Grue's gruesome transformation are taken to the clinic for slug checks. The locked upstairs is checked top to bottom for the children's safety and extra security is hired.
While repairs are underway, Andrew searches for a place that a group can meet in relative peace should they find Nose. The signet rings he encloses loosely in a box and asks Elly to enchant the box with a silence spell. He requests that Jetta try to make contact with Nose while he makes arrangements for a safe meeting location; he requests of anyone who will help to contact the cities that are targets to warn them of the Razorback plans.
He lets the others know that the rings might also be used to track location, and as such he'd like to set up a ruse; someone bearing the rings will take off in one direction and the others will hopefully meet with Nose, and any Razorback operatives will follow the rings. He then sets out notes of Bork's long confession and asks for other ideas, suggestions and actions.
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Summarized in the notes taken from various people present is the following information, as yet unverified and scribed in a neat italic script:
Lucian Krale is a former agent of Allurial's realm who discredited or killed many of his fellow agents before fracturing his organization. He can be anywhere and anyplace as anything - hah, I bet he can't be tall. Bork has said he was one of the best and set up many of his fellow agents via misinformation to look bad in front of their superiors, thus thinning the ranks during his power grab.
Lucian was known as the Hand, and his sole remaining enemy - a hopefully uncorrupted former Agent who was once his partner - is known as Nose, and has contacted Jetta and Aesthir so far with Melody and myself having come along as backup during Jetta's meeting. Lucian had Nose exiled along with the rest and presumably Nose has been an independent agent since. Both Lucian and Nose are the last of their order.
Lucian is also a wereboar, a curse laid on him for his treachery, leaving him one very angry gnome. Along with his agreement with the Illithids he gained some kind of benefit that included increased intellect, bigger goals, a distinct lack of sanity, and severe anger management problems. He also has powers not unlike an Illithid's in that his ability to control minds does not need a focus or spell.
Lucian's stated goal is to introduce worldwide chaos and take everything back to a primal state through global authority and monetary collapse. He has alliances with any mercenary or evil creature that will work for him; stealthy assassins, pirates, illithids, vampires, Corathites, deep dwarf slavers, and other operatives have already been discovered in cahoots or compelled to cooperate. Oddly, no dark elves so far - is he not evil enough for them? I digress. Lucian started working on those ties back when he was still an agent and has made deals that allow the various groups free reign among our fellow citizens; taken as slaves by the pirates for the deep dwarves, or used for procreation and experiments by the Illithids. Muse only knows what the beholders would have done if we hadn't gotten Pike. Among the ones we know about are Alice and her son Duncan and the Corathite wizardess Isabella who may or may not have perished in her home in Mariner's Hold when Tralek sent two hellballs into her teeth with love.
Lucian's presumed power center is in the one major city not targeted for destruction, Katherian. The first city set to be attacked is Spellgard during the festival of Flesh and Magic, two months hence. Operatives are to pull out at midnight during the festival 'when they light up the sky with the magic fireworks'. Barrels of ichor, possibly from an Illithid source, how disgusting, are being sent to target locations. The ichor will cause disobedience and therefore total chaos. MUST CHECK MARINER'S WATER SUPPLY!
He maintains power over his minions, a network that stretches into the hundreds - minus the couple dozen we've dispatched - with signet rings that can act for Lucian as tracking devices and scrying devices, and "head exploding powder" of an unknown nature. Most of Lucian's agents do not know each other. He's also an expert with stealth magics and plants ambushes in advance by knowing where his enemy is. The signet rings are Illithid crafted and the ability to use them to communicate appears to be Lucian's alone; per Bork, they are not "magic, persay".
Bork has asked for maximum security in a Rofierinite prison, not in a city or kingdom jail, and is hedging a plea bargain as he was "abducted and coerced" into his role for Lucian.
-
Before a gnome can be confronted, a city must be saved; Spellgard is about to be under attack! Notices are sent from the Silver Buckle to converge on Lucinda's city and prevent a catastrophe.
Open to all, Sunday afternoon (http://forums.layonara.com/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=18283&day=2012-10-21&c=3)!
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//pouts because its to early in the day for her to make it...
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// Unable to attend as well .
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//6p cst and I can make it
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//pm sent re: change of time, hold tight.
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// *grin* Jenna wouldn't want to miss the festival, certainly. And its not inconceivable she might get involved in saving the city if there's trouble. Given the nature of the festival its hard to say if she'd be clothed or not when she runs to help out ;) Of course, I suppose the same could be said for everyone there...
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//OOC - Any word on that change of time? I ask because pushing it back about 6 hours (to 6:00pm Central/7:00pm Eastern) would allow Elohanna to attend and she's been a part of the series since it started, more or less.
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//keeping this time for this episode, plus it's a chance for gmt'ers to join in which they have not been able to do much lately
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///Got your PMs that Sunday afternoon would be a bad time. Pushing this to our regular time of 9pm-12am Wednesday night.
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//not sure if it's everyone or just me, but can't log back on to west
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//Was coming over from Central to join the quest and cannot get on West server so looks like its still down. Apparently Lonn pulled the power cord?
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//server exploded tonight, so moving this event back to friday 9pm est due to technical difficulty. Server's coming back up sans the prep, so doing a halloween themed impromptu in its place.
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A packet of information arrives at the Silverbuckle Inn and to many other members of the previous adventures from none other than the Church of Rofirien itself. Peeling back the gold-speckled yellow wax seal of a regal looking dragon, you find inside a plethora of information, much of which seems familiar to you. Dossiers of Razorback Agents, detailed reports of their foiled plots, locations, contacts and with each one is contained a gold signet ring bearing the symbol of a boar labelled "confiscated evidence". Catching your eye are some details regarding a keep standing in the outskirts of Kartharian, on the lands of the noble family "Varryn." This part of the map is highlighted, and attached documentation reveals that this is the suspected compound of Lucien Krale himself.
Included in these packets are legal forms co-signed by the legal authorities of Kartharian, Rofirien's Church and various other organizations which allow for a raid on the compound. (to those who diligently follow faiths other than Corath's, members your own churches have also included their blessings in pursuing the matter) Sufficient evidence has been gathered to allow for full warrants on dealing with the matter. Any and all persons found to be agents of the Razorbacks or part of the House of Varryn are to be arrested if possible, or executed in the event they offer resistance.
Instructions are to meet at the Silverbuckle Inn of Mariner's Hold where a briefing shall precede the operation. This briefing is the be led by the agent known as "Nose". Free pie and ale shall be made available.
//Wednesday night, 9PM EST 11/7/12
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Messages are sent to trusted* individuals - an army of adventurers is being raised, any and all are invited.
*pretty much anyone except dark elves, except the exception dark elves, you know who you are.
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We've breached the fortress and dealt with Lucien's Burning Fury and Bestial Rage... now to deal with his Brooding Lament, Intrigue, Insatiable Hunger, Aberrational Curiosity and Insecurities! And what of Lord Varryn? And the wereboar gnome Lucien Krale himself? Stay tuned for the grande finale!
Feed your self-confidence otters well. You'll need them!