Book One: Chapter Two: "Urgent Secrets"

Swifthand wrote:

macksgarageusa wrote:Davin, can i get crucial advise, otherwise I'll be guiding us down a dead end alley or into a river. [/i]

O.O.C. - I am not trained in Streetwise, so I can't advise you.

Streetwise check to aid=11

-Swift

Swifthand wrote:Nodding at my companions advice, I shout to Mordax. "Then get in! We'll outrun them!" Then, to everyone - "Help me look for a good spot to lose them!"

As soon as Mordax gets on the wagon, I urge the team into a full run.

"HYAA! HYAA!"

Nature checks to force the team into a run and direct the wagon through traffic=31,29
Stealth checks to lose the Guard in the streets=26,23

O.O.C. - Can people aid me by opening up the front flaps and looking out for good spots to throw off pursuit?

O.O.C. - OK...I have been trying to post for a half hour now. When I am on the "edit post" or "post reply" screen, I can see my whole formatted post, but when I submit, there is nothing there. I have cut sections out, and figured out that the url link for Invisible Castle is the culprit; that is, if it is in my post, nothing shows, if it isn't, I can post just fine. First time this has ever happened, and very weird. Anyway, that is why I posted only my dice results above. The post below with nothing in it is actually my original post with he url's still in it - Mal or Witch, try to edit it so you see what I mean.

Admin's Edit: You have to use = instead of a bracket when including text in the link.

-Swift

macksgarageusa wrote:Streetwise: 1d20=10+2(map)+2(half-lvl)=14
Stealth: 1d20=6+2(half-lvl)=8
Streetwise: 1d20=18+2(map)+2(half-lvl)=22
Stealth: 1d20=10+2(half-lvl)=12

O.O.C.: Not that it will make any difference, but I forgot to add half-level to my first streetwise roll. Also, am I supposed to
add +2 to my Stealth, from Davin?

The Witch-King wrote:Mordax does his best to hold on, while scouring the blood from his flesh. The trident he holds off on cleaning, considering the ride.

Spend some healing surges as well.

Malazek wrote:OOC: Okay, let me see if I can make heads or tails of these rolls. I'm going to take the base rolls in order, and then apply the Aid bonuses in order ...
Streetwise 5 (Straegis 3, +2 from Verity's 12). Fail.
Nature 31 (Davin 31) Success.
Nature 29 (Davin 29) Success.
Stealth 28 (Davin 26, +2 from Verity's 11) Success.
Stealth 25 (Davin 23, +2 from Verity's 21) Success.
Streetwise 18 (Straegis 14, +2 from Davin's 11, +2 from Verity's 13) Success.
Stealth 10 (Straegis 8, +2 from Verity's 18) Fail.
Streetwise 24 (Straegis 22, +2 from Verity's 15) Success.
Stealth 12 (Straegis 12) +0 from Verity's Fail.
And that's it. The gig is up.

NOTE: There are two more failed rolls in the que, so I don't think Crucual Advice can save you (you needed 4 more successes).

The wagon starts off down a dead-end road, heading down a bridge that appears on the map, but is no longer standing. After changing direction, and bribing some kid, the wagons barrels down alleys and merges with traffic several times, trying to lose the guards.

Finally, while peeking out at store fronts and street posts (trying to regain his bearings) Straegis finds a new route to follow; but is unwittingly spotted by passerbys. Twice.

Heading in the right direction, the wagon turns the corner that should lead to the district gate ... and finds it barricaded by guard wagons. A dozen guards step out of the stores behind you, and block the way you came. THE WAGON IS SURROUNDED.

The Captain shouts, "Step out of the wagon and drop your weapons! There is no escape!"

The Witch-King wrote:Mordax sighs, almost inaudibly, closing his eyes. Working through some internal dilemma, he leaps from the wagon and plants his feet.

Athletics 1d20=1 = pick myself up from the dirt. Crap.

Bellowing in his best Sergeant's baritone, he shouts "An who 'r ye tae order aboot tha' hero o' Ritland? Stand ye're ground an' report, ye lackspittle! Who's in charge here, an' who do I lamblast fer' a shoddy detail?"

Pacing forward now, the ex-soldier aggressively examines the guard unit.

"Tuck in that tabard, ye slovenly sluggard! You there, buckle tha' kit properly or I'll tan yer' hide me'sel', gods curse me!" he shouts.

"Aye an' had we tha' lot o' you at the massacre o' Caern Massor ye'd listen bloody well, wouldn't ye? Ye'r balls'd shrivel at tha' sight o' Ularik tha' Usurper marchin' wi' 'is twelve thousand, wouldn't ye? Ye pampered city guard" he spits "couldn't find yer arse fraem a hole in tha' ground, could ye?!?!? Stand down, ye' yellow-livered sons o' whores, or I'll tak' ye tae tha' gallows mesel'! We're aboot Imperial business 'ere!"

Intimidate 1d20=17+7=old sergeant+2 + fell on my face -2 = 24

macksgarageusa wrote:Speaking as softly as he can, Straegis says to Mordax, in Elven! "Respi, han del vinda ta meln, bel girm lani ehr y shav
mirel gan biri et." (Quickly, ask for someone you know, tell them we were looking for him when the dwarves jumped us.)

He then turns to the Maor and says, "El fer mal winva min e balir rem! Im vadne jusprin? Ar libes ta hanid tibe." (You
know what will happen if I don't get where I need to be! A little assistance please? We can argue about the details later.)

Swifthand wrote:I narrow my eyes at the Guards, holding the scruff on Hound's neck, as if to restrain him.

Intimidate check (Aiding Mordax)=20

-Swift

The Witch-King wrote:Mordax barks "Quickly now, ye mother's-teat little men, where be tha' Lord General Draxus Ferall? Aye an' I've news fer 'is 'ears afore tha' treacherous dwarves waylaid us in tha' very capital ye' swore tae guard!!! Git yer arses in gear, it's war tae come an' we're in it!"

1d20=11+7+aid? = 18+aid?

macksgarageusa wrote:O.O.C.: To aid Mordax Intimidate.

1d20=7+7=14

Halcyon wrote:Verity moves slowly and speaks quickly. Unhitching the throwing hammers from his belt one by one, he addresses the captain.
"We mean you and your men no harm, captain. You've got the right of it. We killed the traitorous assasins back there, but enemies to the empire they were, and we had to defend our lives.
Indeed we had to defend more than our own lives - much more. You see, we have urgent business with the High General and the lives of many good Empirial soldiers could be lost if our business is delayed. We left not for fear of reprisal, but for service to this great empire, and for those who defend it.
War is brewing, Captain. Soon the mettle of our own great empire will be tested fiercely on the field of battle. Our enemies are mighty and we need an advantage. Good Captain... we seek to create that advantage, with the High General, who awaits us now. We must insure that the Empire is victorious and her soldiers safe - among them mine own brothers and uncle. Perhaps some of yours as well.
History is being made, Captain, by you. Here. Now. Will you detain us from our quest that we've come far and risked everything for? Or will you escort us to the High General post haste, and be the first hero of the coming war?
Weigh your decision well, Sir. Know that I am Verity Servinus, and by my love for The Queen, I swear all I've said is true. Know too that you stand at a crossroads of your own fate. So what will it be captain? Because while I can give my life for the Empire here, I can give no more time.

Diplomacy: 33
Aid intimidate: 14

The Witch-King wrote:"Aye", says the simple fisherman.

"An now ye've heard tha' words of a knight sworn true an' fierce, an' such eloquent speech ye'll no' hear fer tha' rest o' yer' barkin' lives! Give way afore I flay tha' livin' skin that holds ye!"

Intimidate 1d20=19+7+Aid(?) = 26

Malazek wrote:

Mordax wrote:Bellowing in his best Sergeant's baritone, he shouts "An who 'r ye tae order aboot tha' hero o' Ritland? Stand ye're ground an' report, ye lackspittle! Who's in charge here, an' who do I lamblast fer' a shoddy detail?"

Pacing forward now, the ex-soldier aggressively examines the guard unit.

"Tuck in that tabard, ye slovenly sluggard! You there, buckle tha' kit properly or I'll tan yer' hide me'sel', gods curse me!" he shouts.

Bewildered, the guards behind the Captain look at each other with obvious confusion. The Captain snarls with disesteem.

Mordax wrote:"Aye an' had we tha' lot o' you at the massacre o' Caern Massor ye'd listen bloody well, wouldn't ye? Ye'r balls'd shrivel at tha' sight o' Ularik tha' Usurper marchin' wi' 'is twelve thousand, wouldn't ye? Ye pampered city guard" he spits "couldn't find yer arse fraem a hole in tha' ground, could ye?!?!? Stand down, ye' yellow-livered sons o' whores, or I'll tak' ye tae tha' gallows mesel'! We're aboot Imperial business 'ere!"

Intimidate 1d20=17+7=old sergeant+2 + fell on my face -2 = [+4 Aid] 28

"Imperial Business? What sort?"

Straegis II wrote:Speaking as softly as he can, Straegis says to Mordax, in Elven! "Respi, han del vinda ta meln, bel girm lani ehr y shav mirel gan biri et." (Quickly, ask for someone you know, tell them we were looking for him when the dwarves jumped us.)

He then turns to the Maor and says, "El fer mal winva min e balir rem! Im vadne jusprin? Ar libes ta hanid tibe." (You
know what will happen if I don't get where I need to be! A little assistance please? We can argue about the details later.)

"No, actually, we don't."
"You never told us what was going on."

Mordax wrote:Mordax barks "Quickly now, ye mother's-teat little men, where be tha' Lord General Draxus Ferall? Aye an' I've news fer 'is 'ears afore tha' treacherous dwarves waylaid us in tha' very capital ye' swore tae guard!!! Git yer arses in gear, it's war tae come an' we're in it!"

1d20=11+7 [+4 aid] = 22

"Draxus Ferall? You have business with General Ferall? Very well, perhaps we'll let HIS men deal with you then. Wait here while we fetch him."

Verity wrote:Verity moves slowly and speaks quickly. Unhitching the throwing hammers from his belt one by one, he addresses the captain.
"We mean you and your men no harm, captain. You've got the right of it. We killed the traitorous assasins back there, but enemies to the empire they were, and we had to defend our lives.

Indeed we had to defend more than our own lives - much more. You see, we have urgent business with the High General and the lives of many good Empirial soldiers could be lost if our business is delayed. We left not for fear of reprisal, but for service to this great empire, and for those who defend it.

War is brewing, Captain. Soon the mettle of our own great empire will be tested fiercely on the field of battle. Our enemies are mighty and we need an advantage. Good Captain... we seek to create that advantage, with the High General, who awaits us now. We must insure that the Empire is victorious and her soldiers safe - among them mine own brothers and uncle. Perhaps some of yours as well.

History is being made, Captain, by you. Here. Now. Will you detain us from our quest that we've come far and risked everything for? Or will you escort us to the High General post haste, and be the first hero of the coming war?

Weigh your decision well, Sir. Know that I am Verity Servinus, and by my love for The Queen, I swear all I've said is true. Know too that you stand at a crossroads of your own fate. So what will it be captain? Because while I can give my life for the Empire here, I can give no more time.

Diplomacy: 33

"Indeed. The High General? We'll let General Ferall decide if the matter is urgent enough for the High General. Well, perhaps an escort would be more in order than a fetching. Follow us."

Mordax wrote:"Aye", says the simple fisherman.

"An now ye've heard tha' words of a knight sworn true an' fierce, an' such eloquent speech ye'll no' hear fer tha' rest o' yer' barkin' lives! Give way afore I flay tha' livin' skin that holds ye!"

Intimidate 1d20=19+7 [+4 Aid] = 30

"Relax, friend," the Captain says. "We're all on the same side here, ain't we?"

The guards remove the barricade and (still surrounding the wagon) lead you into the Three Lions District. The crowd is swept aside as your procession moves through the streets.

In the back of the wagon, Alverdine addresses Straegis. "Tell us, NOW, Junior-Marshal. What has happened to bring you HERE, along the path of the true scroll? Has something happened to Raed Jancalis?"

The Witch-King wrote:

The Witch-King wrote:Give way afore I flay tha' livin' skin that holds ye!"[/color]

"Relax, friend," the Captains says. "We're all on the same side here, ain't we?"

"Aye, an we are. See tae yer' detail, Captain, fer' ther' a lazy lot judgin' by their kit an' swords. Rust is as rust becomes, an' it were . . . tha' General wilna' like knownin' 'is men are lackspittle. Pick it up an' do yer' duty, an' put a shine on tha' kit. I'll put in a word fer' ya', if 'n ya' bring yuir detail up tae Imperial Guard standards." says the ex-Sergeant.

"Now bring us tae tha' man, an' I'll sae ye've judgement enough tae see a situation fer' what it is."

Malazek wrote:

Mordax wrote:"Aye, an we are. See tae yer' detail, Captain, fer' ther' a lazy lot judgin' by their kit an' swords. Rust is as rust becomes, an' it were . . . tha' General wilna' like knownin' 'is men are lackspittle. Pick it up an' do yer' duty, an' put a shine on tha' kit. I'll put in a word fer' ya', if 'n ya' bring yuir detail up tae Imperial Guard standards." says the ex-Sergeant.

"Now bring us tae tha' man, an' I'll sae ye've judgement enough tae see a situation fer' what it is."

"His men? Lackspittle? Now, you ... you listen here. We don't report to the General. Not yet. May come a time, perhaps soon even, when we have to; but that time hasn't come, yet. And a spit-shined row o' ducks might serve you well on the march, but here in the streets we do things a little differently. And we get the job done, just as well. We'll take you to the General, alright, but I'm going to have to ask ya to ... to ... well, nevermind. Let's stay sharp."

The Witch-King wrote:

Malazek wrote:

Mordax wrote:"Aye, an we are. See tae yer' detail, Captain, fer' ther' a lazy lot judgin' by their kit an' swords. Rust is as rust becomes, an' it were . . . tha' General wilna' like knownin' 'is men are lackspittle. Pick it up an' do yer' duty, an' put a shine on tha' kit. I'll put in a word fer' ya', if 'n ya' bring yuir detail up tae Imperial Guard standards." says the ex-Sergeant.

"Now bring us tae tha' man, an' I'll sae ye've judgement enough tae see a situation fer' what it is."

"His men? Lackspittle? Now, you ... you listen here. We don't report to the General. Not yet. May come a time, perhaps soon even, when we have to; but that time hasn't come, yet. And a spit-shined row o' ducks might serve you well on the march, but here in the streets we do things a little differently. And we get the job done, just as well. We'll take you to the General, alright, but I'm going to have to ask ya to ... to ... well, nevermind. Let's stay sharp."

"Just ye' stay sharp, little man, an' mebbe' ye'll learn a thing or two aboot displayin' yer' colors. Ye do 'ave colors, mind? Run 'em up an' be proud aboot it, mind!" says the grizzled Sergeant.

macksgarageusa wrote:Straegis stares blatantly at Alverdine and Nissa, trying to recall what he knows of them personally, and what he
remembers of the Silver Shadow, without responding he attempts to gauge their intentions toward him.

History(Alverdine): 1d20=4+13=17
History(Nissa): 1d20=2+13=15
History(Silver Shadow): 1d20=9+13=22
INSIGHT: 1d20=12+2(half-lvl)=12

O.O.C.: Can I get any aid for my INSIGHT check?

DM EDIT: Insight for judging motives and intentions

Halcyon wrote:Verity manages to aid on the Insight.

DM EDIT: How is Verity aiding him? Unless he and Straegis are discussing the motives and intentions of Alverdine and Nissa right in front of them, I don't see how he can help in this situation. But if you got any ideas, let me hear them.

magicspellz12 wrote:Alex keeps quiet, partially because this does not really concern him. He is meerly a member of the group and partially because his player is so freaking busy.

He clutches the rockbenders tome to his chest. After perusing it once more, eyes shining in light of the rituals contained within it's pages. Sure; the lore is a little different, but it's doubtful that with his own arcane knowledge he will be able to convert the stoney components of specific gems, or actions, into those available to him. Surely turning a rock into sand will be the same as turning ice directly into mist? Then again, rock is the default position of the earth element, whereas liquid is that of water. Hmm...perhaps this will take some time.

If it is allowed, Alex will asess the magical items the group found.

-------------
Take 10 on Arcana. Passive Arcana 22. (If it requires more then what would this be? A quest (as the PHB suggests) or learning from someone specific? Or was it just that we wouldn't have had time between getting caught and finishing the fight?

I can only apologise for my absence. I've been so busy, both with work, and getting drunk and partying (hey, whats university for?) I hope you don't mind! I always *read* it. It's just so much more effort to post!

Malazek wrote:

macksgarageusa wrote:Straegis stares blatantly at Alverdine and Nissa, trying to recall what he knows of them personally, and what he
remembers of the Silver Shadow, without responding he attempts to gauge their intentions toward him.

History(Alverdine): 1d20=4+13=17
History(Nissa): 1d20=2+13=15
History(Silver Shadow): 1d20=9+13=22
Insight: 1d20=12+2(half-lvl)=12?

O.O.C.: Can I get any aid for my Insight check?

Like the White Wind, the Silver Shadow is a squad of Maor; specialized Eladrin troops used for advanced recon, search & rescue, and seek & destroy missions. Due to the nature of their work, the specifics of their missions are largely "top secret" ... but Straegis remembers that, in the past, the Silver Shadow were successful on key missions against the Fomorians and against the Drow.

Alverdine is a decorated war hero who served in the Eladrin army for two centuries; that last of which was with the Maor. Nissa, on the other hand, is relatively young; she is barely 40 years old.

Alverdine seems frustrated with the lack of information; as if he feels entitled to it (which he might be, if he's going to get involved in this highly sensitive situation).

Nissa seems to be following Alverdine's lead, but she is speaking-up whenever a chance arises to demonstrate her awareness of the situation.

Malazek wrote:

magicspellz12 wrote:Take 10 on Arcana. Passive Arcana 22. (If it requires more then what would this be? A quest (as the PHB suggests) or learning from someone specific? Or was it just that we wouldn't have had time between getting caught and finishing the fight?

OOC: Yeah, it's a time issue.

Alex examines the three un-identified items, but does not come to a full conclusion; he will need more time to figure out exactly what they do ... but for now, he has determined that all three items are of Dwarven-make; in fact, the cloak and belt may have been created by the Terramancer you just slew (the eye-patch, however, is likely beyond his ability).

Alex does, however, recognize some of the runes on the cloak and belt; and by the time the wagon gets to the barracks, he suspects they contain some kind of healing magic.

OOC: I'll allow Alex to indentify "common" and "famous" items quickly and easily. More obscure items will require more time and will be harder to identify. In all cases, scholarly reference material would help (such as those found in the Imperial Library).

magicspellz12 wrote:I can only apologise for my absence. I've been so busy ...

OOC: Unacceptable. :p (Jk, of course). But you haven't really been absent, have you? I'm looking at the posts, and it seems you've managed to post everyday (or nearly so).

Malazek wrote:The City Guards lead you right to one of the Imperial Army's barracks. Standing outside the door are two soldiers, both dressed identically in shining armor, and holding uniform bucklers that display the crest of the Empire (the three-headed Griffon). Each carries a Halberd of similiar design, with hand-crossbows and shortswords hanging from their belt.

The two men are so equal in height and build that they may have been chosen for the job because of it. After a moment, Verity recognizes one of them as his Uncle Veridic.

Immediately, a man walks out of the Barracks and approaches the captain of the Guard. Davin and Alex recognize him as the shady Lt. Colonel from the Stewbowl!

He exchanges hushed words with the Captain, and then addresses the wagon. "What business do you have with the Lord General? Draxus Ferall is a busy man!"

Alverdine urges Straegis to speak, "Time is running out, sir. If we're to aid you, you MUST tell us what we're doing. You must tell us, now."

Halcyon wrote:Verity says, “Likely we’d be dead if it weren’t for these Maor. They took sword blows meant for us. While we can’t ease their concern for Raed Jancalis, they deserve to know what’s going on here."

macksgarageusa wrote:Straegis leans in close to Alverdine, speaking in hushed but hurried voice he says, "I have the real scroll. Hear me out before you pass judgment. Some time ago I caught wind of a potential scandal involving Raed and the delivery of the scroll. I was embarassed for us and our proud race that something like this might actually happen, that was when I made the decision to volunteer for the mission, hoping that by delivering the scroll myself the situation could be avoided. When I was informed that I would be used as the decoy due to my own 'high profile' I was faced with a dilemma, take a chance that Raed was indeed a traitor, or take the true scroll and insure its safe delivery. I made this choice to protect our integrity. If I could get the scroll to its proper destination, on time and safely, then, and only then, could the details with Raed be handled properly. If I did not take the scroll and the facts proved to be true, what becomes of our great nation and our pride and heritage then? My only mistake was, in haste I left with the scroll before knowing who it was supposed to be delivered to."

O.O.C.: Straegis will ready an action to teleport away if the Maor show signs of reacting violently to him on hearing the true story. Then he will commence to running.

Readided Action: Teleport 5 sq. away and begin running.
Trigger: Hostile reaction by the Maor.

Malazek wrote:With a grim visage, Alverdine responds "Raed Jancalis is no traitor! Of this, I assure you. Still, if this is the real scroll, then we must see it delivered. First, someone needs to answer the Lt. Colonel ..."

"You picked a dangerous time for such insubordination, Junior-Marshal, for there are, in fact, traitors in our army (but Raed is certianly not one of them). Indeed, we, the Silver Shadow, were sent here because your father suspected the Black Squall of treason, and we were sent to find out if it were true. But it wasn't until they attacked YOU that we knew for sure."

"And I have reason to believe they were working with another Squad, as well, but I know not which one ... but if you didn't draw the attention of the traitors, then I'm sure Jancalis must have. Hopefully, when he arrives, he'll be able to throw their severed heads at our feet."

Malazek wrote:... the shady Lt. Colonel from the Stewbowl ... exchanges hushed words with the Captain, and then addresses the wagon. "What business do you have with the Lord General? Draxus Ferall is a busy man!"