Chapter 1: Finport

[Nephrite]

03[18:59] * Nephrite is now known as Fitzcarald
[18:59] <Kotono> ------
[19:01] <Kotono> Finport. A city going to bed at dawn rather than rising, at least for many. For Fitzcarald he's up early - just circumstance. In a patchwork city as dawn rises, as the masts of ships cast shadows over the harbor and another day begins, what sort of place is Fitzcarald staying at?
02[19:03] * Ebiris has quit IRC (Quit: )
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> Even with the pittance of money he has on him, it can afford a rather decent place for a week's stay. He basically picked at random - just going down a few side alleys and other streets until his gut instinct told him to go inside. It's not exactly the best - but not the worst, either, it's the type of inn that you'd honestly expect any old man's story about their start of adventuring to take place in: A small nook in the corner of the city with an attached bar and eatery, with a big ole' skull of some fish creature prominently displayed over the bar itself.
[19:09] <Kotono> Good enough. It's quiet here at this hour. Most here are either getting ready for the day or guests still asleep. So when a scream, a man's scream, pierces the air from outside, it tends to get attention.
15[19:10] <Fitzcarald> Goodness. Perhaps his patron bid him stay here for a reason. Since he was awake already it's not a challenge for him to be out the door like a bolt to see what's going on!
[19:12] <Kotono> It's a brick and wood in, surrounded by other buildings. An old stone house on one side, an empty space on the other with remnants of tents from likely just a few days ago. Lying just out of a nearby alley is a man in dirty clothes, face down and a dagger in his back. A young man is the one screaming, a load of fresh fish dropped to the ground.
15[19:14] <Fitzcarald> His eyes narrow - at least it isn't someone being attacked, but... Fitz jogs over - this man is likely already dead, but he kneels down to check nonetheless. He has a rudimentary knowledge of health and healing...
[19:14] <Kotono> OOC: Heal check.
[19:14] <Kotono> OOC: I'll get Kobot.
03[19:15] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[19:15] <Kotono> OOC: Gof or it.
15[19:16] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+5 this brings me back
[19:16] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+5 this brings me back --> [ 1d20=16 ]{21}
[19:18] <Kotono> Dead. Not long, but long enough to be beyond most healing spells to restore.
[19:18] <Kotono> "He...he wasn't there when I went to get fish," The young man blurts out to you, gathering his up, "Berdacci's men will come sooner or later, and I won't be here. You didn't see me," he hurries off, into the side door of the inn.
15[19:21] <Fitzcarald> Ah, yes, the 'ruler' of this place, if one can be called as such. Well, there's no sense in leaving him like this - information could be obtained from the state he's in... as well as the weapon! He looks at the dagger itself - maybe he can get an idea of... something from it? OOC: Going to try and appraise the price of the dagger or at least anything interesting about it
15[19:21] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+7
[19:21] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{23}
[19:21] <Kotono> It's a mundane dagger but decent work. A handful of gold coins - but you notice the hilt has a maker's mark on it. A small, burnt pair of anvil and tongs.
15[19:25] <Fitzcarald> As much as he'd like to take the dagger, that'd be... problematic, to say the least. He checks the body over with his eyes - moving it would also be problematic, anything noteworthy at all, perhaps? His patron clearly has put him on a path, and it's up to him to see it through.
[19:26] <Kotono> His clothes are fairly nice, dirty, but nice. Well made. Minus a cloak or for warmth outerwear, but a noble might wear this, or a wealthy man.
15[19:28] <Fitzcarald> Right, then. He stands up and takes a few dutiful steps away. He has no worry of being a suspect since he was in the inn itself before the murder, but he's curious to see what the 'law' looks like in a place like Funport.
15[19:28] <Fitzcarald> *Finport
[19:29] <Kotono> roll 2d10+10
[19:29] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 2d10+10 --> [ 2d10=18 ]{28}
[19:30] <Kotono> You step back and away - af ew people come out to gawk, but not too many. It's still early after all. Nearly a half hour passes before a foursome of men chain armor and padding come forth. Each carries a cudgel and short spear, and the lead one - older and with a sour look - growls, "We got  deader," he says, going over and taking the dagger out, then turning the body over. He glances at the
[19:30] <Kotono> face and sighs, "Ain't anyone important," he says, "You two. Haul and dump."
[19:31] <Kotono> Two of the guards come forth, neither looking happy. "You got it, sir."
[19:31] <Kotono> "Sea can have 'em," The leader declares, "Bitch Queen likes floaters, she ain't ever complained."
15[19:32] <Fitzcarald> Hm. So was this person simply not wealthy enough to be noticed?
15[19:34] <Fitzcarald> But someone still killed him... the 'why' though... hm. Fitz simply ponders this question as he watches the guards. Wealthy but not so rich as to be important to the ruler of this place... but that likely doesn't have any connection to the crime... was it just random? Or was it targeted? He didn't check his pockets... but he always could later, he supposes.
15[19:35] <Fitzcarald> But is this what passes for 'law' around here? No investigation? No round-up? No strategy?
[19:36] <Kotono> Nothing. Just a body dragged off in the direction of the ocean.
15[19:37] <Fitzcarald> Tsk tsk. This simply won't do at all.
15[19:38] <Fitzcarald> The only real lead he has is the mark on the dagger itself - he supposes he can ask back at the inn, they'd probably know who it was. He turns on his heel and heads back that way. It's time for some investigation.
[19:39] <Kotono> OOC: Do you have any ranks in diplomacy for gather information?
15[19:40] <Fitzcarald> OOC: I do!
15[19:41] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+6 it ain't moore but it's servicable
[19:41] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+6 it ain't moore but it's servicable --> [ 1d20=1 ]{7}
15[19:41] <Fitzcarald> OOC: I deserved that, I suppose
[19:44] <Kotono> Bad news! No one around the inn has the slightest clue.
15[19:45] <Fitzcarald> Hm, not a local brand, then? Very well, he'll simply head to somewhere in the city itself and ask a blacksmith! They'll surely have some idea...
[19:47] <Kotono> Any particular preference in blacksmiths?
15[19:49] <Fitzcarald> None, whatever he finds first! If they don't know they don't know!
[19:53] <Kotono> It's a busy blacksmith's - three people are buying weapons. But the blacksmith - a burly man with a limp - glances at you, "Yeah, what do you want?"
15[19:57] <Fitzcarald> He raises a hand. "I have a question - I hope it's an easy one. I'm looking for the maker of a piece I saw and thought you might be them, or be familiar. Small, burnt anvil and tongs?" He realizes, quite literally as the words pass his lips, he probably could've figured this one out himself, and has a moment of abject terror as he wonders if this might have some sort of connotation or connection to something shady... something illicit - nay, something evil?
15[19:57] <Fitzcarald> Oh well, too late now, he settles on.
[19:59] <Kotono> "That? Yeah, that's Barand's mark," He says, "He works down by the free grounds, just about a street before them."
15[19:59] <Fitzcarald> "Thank you sir. Should I come into the ability to afford your works, I will return." A polite nod is given before he heads back out and in the direction he was given!
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:02] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=38 ]{38}
[20:05] <Kotono> The Free Grounds are past the edge of Finport. The end of the city is essentially a tapering off. Streets simply end. Wooden palisades defend the city, but beyond that is semi clear land. Here the poor or those who wish to stay outside camp, a wild melange of tents and similar acommadations. A mere street before that, the end of of it trailing off to grass, sits a smithery. Inside is a one eyed
[20:05] <Kotono> man in a blacksmith's leather apron and sturdy clothes, currently polishing a display longsword.
15[20:07] <Fitzcarald> "You must be Sir Barand." Fitz says as he steps inside. "I'd like to talk to you about a piece of yours I recently saw."
[20:09] <Kotono> "Sure," he says, going to behind the counter as he does, "Which one?"
15[20:10] <Fitzcarald> "A dagger." He says. "Unfortunately, it was one that was used in a murder this morning." He holds a hand up as if to forestall the following barrage of questions. "Please understand, I do not think you complicit in the matter, nor am I with the official authorities of Finport. I am also aware that just telling you 'a dagger' may not be especially helpful."
[20:12] <Kotono> "Dangerous business," Barand says shortly, pulling out a short sword. "Be smart of you to purchase some protection if you're going to stick your nose in such things."
15[20:15] <Fitzcarald> "Hah, I don't doubt it." He says as he draws his scimitar and puts it on the counter. "But my patron has yet to steer me in the wrong direction - I'd rather not fight or kill anyone if I don't have to... but I also can't abide a place where citizens are cut down in the streets and the law simply allows for it to happen. Every life is precious in this world." He says with an air of sadness. His eyes seem to change color at that - green and blue? Maybe green and yellow. Maybe even orange, reflecting off the fires of the forges. "I don't think anyone deserves to be stabbed in the back in the street."
[20:17] <Kotono> "Maybe so," The blacksmith says, "But for ten gold - any will do - I'll give you this protection and feel far safter about talkin' to you. Otherwise," He shakes his head, "Can't take the risk."
15[20:19] <Fitzcarald> "Keep the weapon." He says as he fishes out a gold coin and puts it down. "I've got my own anyway. But I'll still pay for the privilege of your time."
[20:20] <Kotono> "Alright," He says a tthat, the coin snatched up, "You want to know who I sold daggers to?"
15[20:22] <Fitzcarald> "If you sold any recently." He says. He gives the best description he can of the poor sod who was murdered - maybe this guy saw him around. "Are murders for money very common in Finport?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "Two," he says, "In the past month." He taps the counter twice, where you let the previous gold coin.
15[20:29] <Fitzcarald> He really can't afford to give up 2/3rds of his current wealth! "Sir, you wouldn't want this person to go and commit another crime with your weapon, would you?" He asks. He's not really bluffing or anything... he's serious! "If they kill someone else more important this time, you might have Berdacci's men asking the questions! Please, if I find the culprit and get anything meaningful out of it, I'll return the favor you've done for me."
15[20:29] <Fitzcarald> OOC: may as well try the diplomancy magic again
15[20:29] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+6
[20:29] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}
[20:32] <Kotono> A long look before, "...Abbis Stoneport. Lives on Dancy Street, half blood dwarf and half blood human. Raxer, might still be in the Free Grounds or moved on. A gray wildman, so who knows?"
15[20:34] <Fitzcarald> "Either one of them have trouble paying?" He asks. He blinks. "...Or seemed especially able to pay, despite appearances?"
[20:35] <Kotono> "Abbis is well enough off, he works as a stonemason." A plain answer back,"Raxer had money and knew how to use it." A pause, "Said he won it gambling the night before."
15[20:36] <Fitzcarald> "Hm." A nod as he withdraws from the counter. A polite nod is given. "Thank you, in the Red Knight's name. I'll keep your name out of this." He turns to head out again!
[20:39] <Kotono> Okay then, with that nugget of information, now what?
15[20:41] <Fitzcarald> He's in the Free Grounds already, so... how hard could it be to find one gray wildman? He'll go look around and see if he can spot them. If not, he may have to ask some questions... again!
[20:47] <Kotono> OOC: Diplo again.
15[20:50] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+6
[20:50] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
[20:50] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:50] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=96 ]{96}
[20:51] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, you provoked a random encounter. Give me a d100 for the sub table.
15[20:51] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d100
[20:51] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=69 ]{69}
[20:52] <Kotono> OOC: Fortitude save then.
15[20:55] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+4
[20:55] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{10}
[20:56] <Kotono> As you walk about?  You're getting a bit of a headache. At the same time you explore - eventually you come on a particular tent. Two elves sleep within, a third outside by a campfire. "Raxer?" He asks, "I know such a man." A rather tall and slender elf, dirt brown hair and handsome features. He's wearing travel stained leathers with a hint of chain armor beneath.
15[20:58] <Fitzcarald> Hm, is this a sign from above he's pursuing the wrong target? "Are you aware of where they are?" He asks. "I wish you no trouble nor them, I am simply investigating something of my own interests."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Left yesterday after losing all his money gambling," he answers, "Along with what he bough tin town."
15[21:00] <Fitzcarald> Did he leave because of the murder? Hmm... "Any idea what he bought in town?" He asks.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Some jewelry and a knife," He answers, "Bet it all on the dice." A chuckle, "Devil's eyes twice in a row."
15[21:14] <Fitzcarald> The lost the knife? "How unfortunate! Any idea who he lost it to?" He asks.
[21:16] <Kotono> As you wince - it's a headache, all right, you...OOC: Okay, that's a good first session but I need to get up for awhile so.

[Nephrite]

[19:40] <Fitzcarald> [20:55] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{10}
[19:40] <Fitzcarald> [20:56] <Kotono> As you walk about?  You're getting a bit of a headache. At the same time you explore - eventually you come on a particular tent. Two elves sleep within, a third outside by a campfire. "Raxer?" He asks, "I know such a man." A rather tall and slender elf, dirt brown hair and handsome features. He's wearing travel stained leathers with a hint of chain armor beneath.
[19:40] <Fitzcarald> [20:58] <Fitzcarald> Hm, is this a sign from above he's pursuing the wrong target? "Are you aware of where they are?" He asks. "I wish you no trouble nor them, I am simply investigating something of my own interests."
[19:40] <Fitzcarald> [20:59] <Kotono> "Left yesterday after losing all his money gambling," he answers, "Along with what he bough tin town."
[19:40] <Fitzcarald> [21:00] <Fitzcarald> Did he leave because of the murder? Hmm... "Any idea what he bought in town?" He asks.
[19:40] <Fitzcarald> [21:08] <Kotono> "Some jewelry and a knife," He answers, "Bet it all on the dice." A chuckle, "Devil's eyes twice in a row."
[19:40] <Fitzcarald> [21:14] <Fitzcarald> The lost the knife? "How unfortunate! Any idea who he lost it to?" He asks.
[19:40] <Fitzcarald> [21:16] <Kotono> As you wince - it's a headache, all right, you...OOC: Okay, that's a good first session but I need to get up for awhile so.
[19:43] <Kotono> As you wince with headache the elf answers, "Old Gremor," he answers, "Cleaned him out."
[19:44] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[19:44] <Fitzcarald> "Any particular place Gremor hangs out?" He asks. He may as well finish this conversation first, but he has an idea about that headache...
[19:49] <Kotono> "Barnard's Tavern, sometimes called the Gusty Bear." Is the answer.
[19:50] <Fitzcarald> He nods. "Thanks for your time,sir." He says as he turns away, but that headache...
[19:52] <Kotono> It's there, already. Nothing crippling but you definitely have a headache.
[19:56] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+3 K:R - is The Red Knight known at all for giving out headaches as hints or anything to my knowledge?
[19:56] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+3 K:R - is The Red Knight known at all for giving out headaches as hints or anything to my knowledge? --> [ 1d20=14 ]{17}
[19:59] <Kotono> Generally not, no. Particularly difficult strategy or tactical tomes might cause them, but that's purely a side effect of thinking hard.
[20:04] <Fitzcarald> Hm, then something he ate? Well, he'll just have to try and power through it!
[20:05] <Kotono> Very well. In the meantime, now what?
[20:07] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Plan will be to go look for this Old Gremor!
[20:11] <Kotono> It takes a little wandering - the morning's getting on, but you find an old wood and brick building. Mostly brick but there's wooden patches of sorts, an old building keeping on going. Barnard's Tavern is open already, a smell of booze, beer and food coming from within. It's a bit back into Finport but mostly empty right now, just a few people catching a mid morning meal here.
[20:11] <Fitzcarald> Hmm, now how does he approach this...
[20:13] <Fitzcarald> He supposes he will he just have to go in and figure it out! So he goes in!
[20:14] <Kotono> You go on in. You get a few looks. A bar wench comes up to you, a 40something human woman. Big and busty who looks you over, "You here for booze or cheap food?" she asks.
[20:17] <Fitzcarald> "I'm looking for Sir Gremor." He says with a smile. "I hear he's a pretty good gambler."
[20:21] <Kotono> "Hah! Sir!" The woman laughs, "Sure he is, when hea in't pissed out drunk," Is the answer.
[20:22] <Kotono> "Ain't drunk yet!" A middle aged man calls from the bar, eating a simple stew. "The fuck you want?" Pretty plain and average, really, nothing too fancy about him.
[20:22] <Kotono> Your head quietly pounds in the meantime - you swear this headache is getting worse.
[20:24] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+5 heal, do I think this might be caused by anything specific?
[20:24] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+5 heal, do I think this might be caused by anything specific? --> [ 1d20=5 ]{10}
[20:28] <Kotono> You might be getting sick, maybe? Or it's just a headache?
[20:28] <Fitzcarald> Hm, sick from what? Hmm... well -
[20:29] <Kotono> Meanwhile the presumed Gremor is staring you down, waiting.
[20:34] <Fitzcarald> "Sir, hello!" He greets him, going over. "I'm sorry to bother you. I heard about your gambling prowess and was rather intrigued - I heard you won quite a sum from a poor sod!"
[20:35] <Kotono> "Damn right I did," He says, having more stew before, "Been on a lucky streak this week."
[20:37] <Fitzcarald> "I love to hear stories like that." He says with a bright smile. "I'm... ah, well, I believe fully in luck and chance, but not so much as to try and gamble my money anymore, you know? Hahaha!" He smiles and just takes a seat as if it was offered to him. "A real streak, huh? I heard you won some nice pieces, including a fancy dagger or something? I figured I'd get the story straight from the source, if you wouldn't mind retelling it?" He leans over to look expectantly at Gremor.
[20:40] <Kotono> Gremor's eyes narrow instantly, "If you want to see the dagger, just say so. Ain't got the patience to play games before noon." A draw and THUNK! A dagger nigh indentical to the one in the murder victim is stabbed into the bar counter.
[20:40] <Kotono> "That's going on your tab, you asshole!" The bar wench calls, "AGAIN!"
[20:44] <Fitzcarald> Fitz puts a hand over his chest, looking a bit wounded. "Sir, not at all. That was just what I had heard." He says with a bright smile. ...But that's probably what the headache was warning him about - he was following the wrong trail this entire time! Augh!
[20:45] <Fitzcarald> "Lady Tymora's grace should always be respected." He adds with a simple nod.
[20:45] <Kotono> Indeed, your head hurts. "Yer as transparent as Captain Wither's glass eye," he counters, "That it should, that it should."
[20:48] <Fitzcarald> "Haha." He smiles. "You're right - I apologize. There's a reason I was asking about it... and the good news is, since you have this one, I don't have to worry anymore." He pushes his chair back and stands and then pushes it back in. "I apologize for interrupting your lunch - but I've got a ne'er-do-well to go catch." - Having said that, he turns and jogs briskly out. Damn, he should've known She was trying to warn him!
[20:48] <Fitzcarald> He turns and starts to head over - finding Darcy street shouldn't be THAT hard... right?
[20:49] <Kotono> OOC: Gather information check.
[20:49] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+6
[20:49] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{25}
[20:56] <Kotono> It isn't that hard to find Dancy Street. There's indeed a stonemasonry shop here - just selling minor carvings and the like, mostly, named Earthen Jewels. It's an ancient stone building reinforced, yet with countless little signs of age. People come and go more vigorously now - a few guards who people get out of the way of mostly, several women carrying water or food, a few groups of men or
[20:56] <Kotono> possibly adventurer types.
[20:59] <Fitzcarald> Well, if he's lucky, he'll just find Abbis himself, but if he isn't he may have to ask around! He'll just go looking first.
[21:02] <Kotono> It's a nice enough shop if you want simple stone decorations. A rather fat, squat human sits on a stool inside, wearing brown and red. His hair is a dullb rown and he watches you as you enter, "Oh, welcome," he smiles, "Let me know if you see anything you like."
[21:19] <Fitzcarald> "Oh, hello!" Fitz greets them. "I was actually looking for Abbis, is he around?"
[21:19] <Kotono> "I'm him," He answers, smile still in place.
[21:25] <Fitzcarald> "Oh!" He puts a hand on his mouth. "I'm so sorry, I didn't have a proper description."
[21:25] <Kotono> A nod at that as he gets up - even as you rhead pounds you notice he favors his left leg, a bit of a cautious limp. "Here to buy?"
[21:26] <Fitzcarald> He takes his scimitar out of its sheath slightly. "I'm looking for someone who might be able to help keep this in top shape, and I overheard at the inn I'm at that you'd recently purchased a dagger... I was just wondering if you could tell me who you got it from, and if it was of any decent quality?"
[21:28] <Fitzcarald> Is this still the wrong person??
[21:33] <Kotono> "Oh, I got it from Barand," he goes right on, "Good fellow, good blacksmith. Shame I lost it, it was good work."
[21:35] <Fitzcarald> "Oh no!" He says. "What happened? I was really curious to see it - I'm not much of a collector or anything, but seeing someone's work firsthand is always helpful."
[21:38] <Kotono> "A thief," he shakes his head, "Got my coinpurse too, never even realized he was taken." With a sad look, "I'll have to get a new one in time."
[21:39] <Fitzcarald> "Is that sort of thing common here in Finport?" He asks with a frown.
[21:43] <Kotono> "It happens," Is his answer, "But enough about that. Can I interest you in anything?"
[21:47] <Fitzcarald> "Just out of curiosity, do you do religious iconography?" He asks, showing his wooden holy symbol.
[21:51] <Kotono> A long blink at that, "Um..." he freezes entirely a good long moment, sweat starting to go down his face.
[21:57] <Fitzcarald> "I'm sorry, sir, are you all right?" He asks. He smiles as he uses his ability to detect evildoers!
[22:00] <Kotono> The main radiates faint evil. "I was just, uh, striken by the artwork," he says, "I'm not much of a woodsworker, but it's impressive."
[22:00] <Kotono> *man
[22:02] <Fitzcarald> "Oh! I see." He smiles. "Do you know whose symbol this is?" He asks with a bright smile.
[22:03] <Kotono> "No sir," he says even faster, "Can't sas I do." He wipes his brow, clearing sweat from it.
[22:10] <Fitzcarald> "Oh, well... it's the Red Knight!" He says with a bright smile. "She's the lady of strategy and tactics... and some other things. So, tell me, friend, may I just ask you to be honest with me? What has you so spooked? You look as if a devil right from Hell came into your shop!" OOC: He's trying to be diplomatic and nice here
[22:14] <Kotono> OOC: Yes, but you're managing to intimidate him due to circumstances so give me an intimidate check, +2 bonus.
[22:20] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+2 he's not scary actually!
[22:20] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+2 he's not scary actually! --> [ 1d20=11 ]{13}
[22:23] <Kotono> The man stumbles back and turns to run, fast as he can with a limp. He's fleeing into the back fast, taking his chances.
[22:24] <Fitzcarald> "
[22:25] <Fitzcarald> "Friend!" He calls, going to jump and pursue! OOC: he will use an inspiration if he needs a dex check here
[22:26] <Kotono> OOC: Go for it.
[22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20-3 (-2 penalty for limp)
[22:26] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20-3 (-2 penalty for limp) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{6}
[22:29] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+3 dexterity ho!
[22:29] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+3 dexterity ho! --> [ 1d20=4 ]{7}
[22:30] <Kotono> You get off to a bad start - oh your head hurts - but he's still a fat, limping half dwarf. You grab a shoulder before he can get away into the back, stopping him cold.
[22:32] <Fitzcarald> "Okay, friend." He says, through a wince. "What's the real story here?" He asks, his voice a touch less nice than it was before. "I'm really not here for any trouble - I'm investigating a murder, and your dagger appears to have been the weapon. I'm not accusing you. I just want the truth, so please, out with it, and I'll be on my way and not harry you any further."
[22:33] <Kotono> OOC: We'll find out...next time. Dun dun duuuuuuuuuun!
[22:36] <Fitzcarald> OOC: oh no!

[Nephrite]

15[20:23] <Nephrite> -------
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:23] <Kotono> The man stumbles back and turns to run, fast as he can with a limp. He's fleeing into the back fast, taking his chances.
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:24] <Fitzcarald> "
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:25] <Fitzcarald> "Friend!" He calls, going to jump and pursue! OOC: he will use an inspiration if he needs a dex check here
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:26] <Kotono> OOC: Go for it.
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20-3 (-2 penalty for limp)
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:26] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20-3 (-2 penalty for limp) --> [ 1d20=9 ]{6}
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:29] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+3 dexterity ho!
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:29] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+3 dexterity ho! --> [ 1d20=4 ]{7}
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:30] <Kotono> You get off to a bad start - oh your head hurts - but he's still a fat, limping half dwarf. You grab a shoulder before he can get away into the back, stopping him cold.
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:32] <Fitzcarald> "Okay, friend." He says, through a wince. "What's the real story here?" He asks, his voice a touch less nice than it was before. "I'm really not here for any trouble - I'm investigating a murder, and your dagger appears to have been the weapon. I'm not accusing you. I just want the truth, so please, out with it, and I'll be on my way and not harry you any further."
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:33] <Kotono> OOC: We'll find out...next time. Dun dun duuuuuuuuuun!
15[20:23] <Nephrite> [22:36] <Fitzcarald> OOC: oh no!
15[20:23] <Nephrite> Modify message
[20:29] <Kotono> OOC: Intimidate again, +4 bonus.
15[20:31] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6 he's scary!
15[20:32] <Nephrite> OOC: except not!
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Sec forK obot.
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15[20:34] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6 he's scary!
[20:33] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+6 he's scary! --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Go for it.
[20:34] <Kotono> It comes out in a babble, "I had to do it! I had to!" he says, shaking in your hands, "He had to die!"
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15[20:37] <Nephrite> "Calm down, friend." Fitz says, his voice quieter, but still trying to be slightly stern. "I'm not here to judge you. I just want to understand." The judgement would come from the law, and... well, the law clearly doesn't care about who died. Still, though...
15[20:37] <Nephrite> "I promise I'm not here to get revenge, or to throw you into jail." He says. "So please, just tell me what happened - why did you have to? Did someone threaten you?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "He did. Said he'd expose my-" he stops very abruptly at that, trying to rally himself perhaps.
15[20:42] <Nephrite> "Look." He shows him the wooden symbol. "Do you know what the Red Knight represents?" He asks - he's not trying to sound threatening at all. "If you don't know, I will tell you, and it will make sense why I'm asking you all of this."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Justice?" He offers shakily.
15[20:45] <Nephrite> He smiles. "Something like that - Strategy and tactics. She follows the letter of the law, but as I've learned in some of my travels, sometimes you have to use law to protect people against other laws. It sounds like this might be a situation like that. I think it's why I ended up in Finport."
15[20:46] <Nephrite> He lets his hand off of the poor guy for a second - he isn't going anywhere with that leg anyway. "It's clear that the law in Finport can be interpreted in a ... few different ways. I am asking you to trust me with your story - the most I'm going to ask you to do is repent for the murder and pray to the Red Knight for forgiveness. I'm not going to hurt you, you have my word on that."
[20:51] <Kotono> "...he was going to expose me to Berdacci," he says at last, "That I'd been shorting him on my taxes. Extortion, more like! He was going to ruin my business!"
15[20:56] <Nephrite> "Hm." Fitz leans back. "So, let me make sure I understand - is this the classic story of the man in power in the town basically stealing taxes from people by making their taxes way too high, and if you don't pay you're either thrown in prison or, from what I am going to guess from the 'guards' I saw who investigated the poor sod's murder, you're just killed?"
15[20:56] <Nephrite> OOC: Sense motive by the way
15[20:56] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+5
[20:56] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{11}
[20:58] <Kotono> He nods quickly, "That's exactly right, good sir!" There's just one problem - you can tell he's stone cold lying.
15[20:59] <Nephrite> A sigh. "The Lady of Strategy doesn't have stupid people as followers, you know." He tilts his head and looks down at him. "Try again, this time with a little more truth, please. Her benevolence only extends so far."
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:02] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=65 ]{65}
[21:04] <Kotono> OOC: Languages?
15[21:04] <Nephrite> OOC: Oh no, I ... forgot to do that. Hold on...
15[21:05] <Nephrite> OOC: So many years of a guy who just knew all of them!
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[21:06] <Kotono> OOC: Sure, let mek now when.
15[21:07] <Nephrite> OOC: Common, Celestial, Infernal, Dwarven, Elven
[21:08] <Kotono> The man regards you before at last the half dwarf says, "He wanted a cut of my dealings to the Kraken's Nest." he says at last, "They'd kill me if I let some," A word in dwarven that means scum, "horn in and meddle."
15[21:11] <Nephrite> "So what was the man you murdered going to actually do?" He asks. "Tell Berdacci about this business with the Kraken's Nest?" He folds his arms to glance down at Abbis. "Again - just the truth, please. I just want to understand."
[21:15] <Kotono> "He'd apply pressure," Is the answer, shaky but forthcoming. "Berdacci wants to keep the pirates at arm's length so no one gets the urge to march on Finport under the pretext of slaying pirates." OOC: Perception.
15[21:15] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+7
[21:15] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{23}
[21:17] <Kotono> You hear someone coming to the door. Quietly and smoothly, but not quietly enough.
15[21:19] <Nephrite> "You have a friend worried about you?" He asks, his head indicating in the direction of the door. "Mind telling them I'm not trying to get revenge or murder you and I'm also not one of Berdacci's?"
[21:22] <Kotono> No time for a reply. The man who comes in is a bigger man, tall and with tanned arms. A sailor would be your instinct, but he's dressed reasonably well. He nods to the man and merely says, "We have business to discuss in private," he says to Abbis. "Got a client."
[21:23] <Kotono> The half dwarf straightens as much as he can, "I'm afraid business calls," he says, quiver not out of his voice, not at all. "Why don't you come back after your mid day meal and we can finish your shopping then?
15[21:24] <Nephrite> "Of course, Mr. Stoneport." He says. "Sorry about almost breaking your stonework there." He offers him a smile, hopefully it's a good enough story to cover up anything for him. "I appreciate your time and interest in my piece."
[21:25] <Kotono> A polite nod at that as...Are you actually going out and leaving?
15[21:26] <Nephrite> He will give a nod to the other man and then will, in fact, head out through the front door. He's not going to tell the pirate anything for sure, so he isn't worried about that... and he doubts he's going to try and get Berdacci's men after him, he wouldn't have anything to gain from that.
[21:28] <Kotono> Thus you go out. How are you goingto handle this now, then?
15[21:28] <Nephrite> OOC: Do I still have a headache? Has it gotten any worse?
[21:31] <Kotono> You still have a good headache going, yes.
15[21:34] <Nephrite> He can't ignore this forever, but what is he supposed to do about it? Some tea or something might help, but this isn't exactly the town for that... If this is a sign from On High then he doesn't understand, since he's following the correct leads so far. Well, he still has his inn room - so for now he'll head back there and just try and rest in the quiet for an hour or so and see if that helps.
[21:38] <Kotono> You rest. You can't really doze off with it - and you're head is steadily pounding worse and worse. What's worse is that you feel hot now, sweat coming even as you lie back on your bed.
15[21:41] <Nephrite> Ah, so he's sick. Well, he doesn't have anything to help out with it, but he can get some hot water at least. This town probably doesn't have much by the way of medicine and he's too poor to buy any anyway, so he'll just have to make due with what's available.
15[21:42] <Nephrite> OOC: Would a Heal check tell me if there was anything else I might be able to do about it?
[21:45] <Kotono> OOC: Sure, feel free.
15[21:46] <Nephrite> OOC: Can I actually take 10? I figure I can in this case, but if so Take 10 for 15.
[21:47] <Kotono> OOC: Do you have any ranks in it?
15[21:47] <Nephrite> OOC: I do.
[21:52] <Kotono> You fear the worst as you think - Mindfire. A terrible disease that causes a feeling like your brain is burning. It can be survived at least, but more than a few souls have left this world from it.
15[21:54] <Nephrite> OOC: Are there any like, obvious cures or anything?
[21:58] <Kotono> OOC: Cure Disease mostly. A skilled healer can help with daily treatment to improve the odds.
15[22:00] <Nephrite> OOC: Okay, one sec then.
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC: Sire.
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC Sure.
15[22:04] <Nephrite> OOC: Is it contagious?
[22:04] <Kotono> OOC: Not usually, yo uthink.
15[22:06] <Nephrite> OOC: Okay.
15[22:07] <Nephrite> Well, he can't risk this, but he can't afford the treatment. Maybe his charisma and intelligence can see him through. Actually, maybe Abbis knows someone? Hm... It's a bit of a gamble, but he starts to head back that way.
[22:09] <Kotono> You make it back despite the headache. Abbis is there and shakes visibly when you come in, "Y-you're back."
15[22:10] <Nephrite> "I am, yes." He says. He glances around - any signs of some sort of elaborate ambush being set up?
[22:10] <Kotono> OOC: Perception.
15[22:10] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6
[22:10] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}
[22:16] <Kotono> Nothing that you see. After a few long moments, "What do you want n-now?"
15[22:20] <Nephrite> "We hadn't finished talking earlier." He says with a smile. A weak smile, due to the headache and the oncoming fever, but... "I want to try and help you."
[22:26] <Kotono> Indeed you do, which we'll discuss...NEXT TIME. DU DUN DUUUUUN.
15[22:28] <Nephrite> OOC: oh no!

[Nephrite]

15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> -----------
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> [22:09] <Kotono> You make it back despite the headache. Abbis is there and shakes visibly when you come in, "Y-you're back."
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> 15[22:10] <Nephrite> "I am, yes." He says. He glances around - any signs of some sort of elaborate ambush being set up?
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> [22:10] <Kotono> OOC: Perception.
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> 15[22:10] <Nephrite> roll 1d20+6
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> [22:10] <Kobot> Nephrite rolled 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{21}
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> [22:16] <Kotono> Nothing that you see. After a few long moments, "What do you want n-now?"
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> 15[22:20] <Nephrite> "We hadn't finished talking earlier." He says with a smile. A weak smile, due to the headache and the oncoming fever, but... "I want to try and help you."
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> [22:26] <Kotono> Indeed you do, which we'll discuss...NEXT TIME. DU DUN DUUUUUN.
15[19:04] <Fitzcarald> 15[22:28] <Nephrite> OOC: oh no!
[19:05] <Kotono> You get a look at that before, "What do you want?" he asks again, carefully.
15[19:09] <Fitzcarald> "Look. I'm not going to judge you for what happened, that is the job of the law to do so, and clearly they do not care." Fitz says with a sigh as he walks over. "So I want to help you be a better person - and I want this town to care more if someone's murdered, no matter what the reason is. But... before any of that, answer me honestly: do you care you killed someone?" He asks, straight and to the point - through the headache and everything else.
[19:14] <Kotono> "I had to do it," Is his answer again, a hedge. "It just...had to happen."
15[19:16] <Fitzcarald> He leans in closer, his eyes swaying from crystal clear blue to blood-shot red, jade, aquamarine, and all sorts of other colors. "I didn't ask you that. Do you care? Does it eat away at you? If you could've found another way, would you have?" He asks his barrage of questions calmly - not trying to threaten him, but just hoping he can be honest with himself over this. If he doesn't regret his actions at all.... well, he'll worry about that later.
[19:21] <Kotono> Those eyes freeze the man, a gulp. "What-what are you?" he breathes out, "Your eyes!"
15[19:25] <Fitzcarald> "Oh, I'm not human." He says like that explains everything. "Got a little of that fun Limbo blood somewhere along the line." He puts his hands on the counter. "Now tell me, truthfully, please. You bolted out of here earlier and are still spooked about all of this, so don't try and pretend like you're just fine with the situation. What does your heart tell you?" He asks, again - his tone is neutral despite his eyes flashing two different colors completely out of sync.
[19:26] <Kotono> "I had to kill him," He repeats in a weaker voice, "A-and as long as the law lets it go, it's fine. No one will know."
15[19:31] <Fitzcarald> "You know." He says. "Forget whether the city cares - do you care? Are you going to live the rest of your life fine with murder as long as it puts you in a better position?" He asks, leaning just a bit more closer. "Or is the thought of it eating at your conscience - you know you did something awful, don't you? You keep saying you had to - but you were afraid, weren't you? Just like you're afraid now, that I might be in league with all of them? Come on, Abbis, aren't dwarves known for being tough? So are you okay with living the rest of your life as a murderer and quietly telling yourself that it was justified... or do you want to better yourself, better this city that you live in, by atoning for what you've done and taking the steps to make law that can support people like you so you never have to resort to what you did?" He asks, as he lightly hits the counter to stand back up as if to make sure he has his attention.
[19:33] <Kotono> "I'm going to get ah-" You miss a word with your head pounding. No, it's not pounding. Someone's banging something outside, something loud and metal.
15[19:35] <Fitzcarald> Gah, now is just not the time for this... He turns to go look out the window - if there is one, or at least look to see if he can see what's making that noise.
[19:36] <Kotono> Guards with shields and gauntlets, using the latter to bash into the former. "Attention! Attention! A proclamation from Lord Berdacci!"
15[19:36] <Fitzcarald> "This happen often?" He asks aside to Abbis.
[19:36] <Kotono> "No! It hasn't happened in months," He limps over, just as curious as you, shaking but looking.
15[19:37] <Fitzcarald> He puts a (what he hopes) is a reassuring hand on Abbis' shoulder and gives it a firm 'you'll be okay' squeeze as he listens.
[19:41] <Kotono> "Attention! A man named Roderad is wanted by Lord Berdacci! He has a bounty of 3,000 marls alive and 1,000 marls dead." Is the message. "He is wanted for murder and the attempted spread of plague."
15[19:44] <Fitzcarald> A glance down to Abbis. "Any idea who that is?" He asks, reaching up to rub at his forehead.
[19:46] <Kotono> Your forehead feels warm. "No," he answers slowly, turning queasy. "P-plague?!"
15[19:48] <Fitzcarald> "I have a feeling I know what's going on." He says into a bit thumb and a frown. "Abbis, if someone needs to be healed - like, via a cleric or some other holy power, where do they go in the city?"
[19:49] <Kotono> "Golden Garen," He says right away, "He has a building on Rebel Street. Follows the Lady of Gold Coins and sells his service.s"
15[19:51] <Fitzcarald> "Think about what I said." He says to Abbis. "I want to help you, but I can't unless you're willing. I'll come back - and if you decide at that time you don't want to see me again I won't bother you anymore. Understood?"
[19:54] <Kotono> "U-understood," he says slowly.
15[19:57] <Fitzcarald> "It's not really My Lady's thing, but I don't think our paths would've crossed if there wasn't some hope for you." He says with a smile and pats him on the shoulder again. "I believe in you, Abbis." And with that - he starts making his way over to Rebel Street. Unfortunately, with only a few measly coins in his pocket, he's not quite sure what someone who's a priest of Waukeen's will do for him... OOC: Can I take 10 on K:R for 17 to see if I can think of any particular tenet of Waukeen's faith that might win him over? He's hoping for something along the lines of "Gold is good, but a favor owed is better."
[19:59] <Kotono> From what you recall, it really comes down to the priest in question and how much they want money. Sure, favors are valuable, but the 33rd tenet of Waukeen states that favors are nice, but they aren't as nice as gold.
15[20:00] <Fitzcarald> That's the opposite of what he wanted to recall! Oh well, there's nothing lost by at least asking.
[20:02] <Kotono> That's easy enough - you just have to convince them you have something valuable enough to be an alternative payment. Thus you go and...OOC: Con check.
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC: I'm sorry, Fort save.
15[20:03] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+7 using inspirational pointerinos please save me from dying in the street
[20:05] <Kotono> OOC: Sec for bot.
03[20:05] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[20:05] <Kotono> OOC: HEre
[20:05] <Kotono> .
15[20:06] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+7 using inspirational pointerinos please save me from dying in the street
[20:06] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+7 using inspirational pointerinos please save me from dying in the street --> [ 1d20=4 ]{11}
[20:06] <Kotono> roll 1d4 intelligence damage
[20:06] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d4 intelligence damage --> [ 1d4=1 ]{1}
[20:08] <Kotono> Your head throbs as you go and you're sure you're running a fever now. Hot, sweaty, thirsty. You feel bad altogether as the sickness burns within you. It's harder to think as you arrive, a sturdy building on a main throughfare. The streets are emptier than usual, people staying apart and hurrying on. A sturdy building...you shake your head. Good stone. Older and stronger. A banner flies here,
[20:08] <Kotono> of a regal woman and a coin.
15[20:09] <Fitzcarald> A wince. He's probably going to be mistaken for having this plague soon enough, or for being Roderad... at any rate, he wipes the sweat off and up to the building - and hopefully on in. If he has to sell the armor on his back he will, but he'd rather not...
15[20:10] <Fitzcarald> But given the alternative is dying, yeah, he probably ought to. Ugh, it's so hard to think completely clearly right now...
[20:15] <Kotono> You go in. There's a nice little antechamber with an officious middle aged woman. Her black hair is mostly gray and in a tight bun. She wears spectacles perched on her nose and wears a brown dress with golden threads. A silver holy symbol hangs on her neck, that of a woman's face on a gold coin. She sniffs when she sees you, "Yes, how can the Golden Abode serve you today?" she asks.
15[20:20] <Fitzcarald> He takes in a breath. "Mindfire." He says, simply. "I am going to be fully open and honest with you -" He digs into his clothes and takes out the paltry three gold he has. "I do not have any way to pay for this right now, but I'm hoping you won't turn your back on a servant of the Lady of Tactics. I know one of the tenets of the Lady of Gold Coins is favors are gold but aren't... er, favors are nice but not as nice as gold - the best I can offer you is my own services as a profitable exchange for you... which I can imagine with my stumbling over words may seem laughable." His shoulders slump slightly after that. "Sorry, It's... getting a bit harder to think."
[20:22] <Kotono> OOC: Diplo check here, -3 circumstance penalty.
15[20:24] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+5 inspiration point used to blunt this
[20:24] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+5 inspiration point used to blunt this --> [ 1d20=12 ]{17}
[20:24] <Kotono> The gold vanishes fast as she points to a few plain chairs to he side. "Sit," she commands. "Stay there."
15[20:25] <Fitzcarald> A humble nod as he moves to sit. What's the saying, something about a golden fool and pants? No, that's not right...
[20:27] <Kotono> You feel flushed, too hot. The world seems increasingly surreal. It's hard to think, your head a constant pound-pound-pound-pound. Pound. The smith's hammer comes down again and again, as - "This way, quickly," The woman peeks back out. Oh. She must have gone off, she has a door into the back open and is gesturing you in.
15[20:29] <Fitzcarald> But didn't she just... well, he pushes himself to his feet and starts in that direction. This is probably a trap, isn't it? But why? To what end? Why would they bother? Well, he'll just have to see it through one way or another... Step by step he manages to move towards the door.
[20:31] <Kotono> You're taken in - and the woman passes you something. A cup with what looks to be water in it. Cold water. "Drink," she commands in the meantime.
15[20:32] <Fitzcarald> If it's a trap, it's an elaborate one. She could've just cast something on him in his state. So he drinks dutifully! He's probably going to pass out now, isn't he? Yep, totally. Wake up in a cage somewhere.
[20:37] <Kotono> It's cold water. It's a moment of refreshment as you realize your throat's getting sore. It soothes it as you're lead back. Not to a gaudy cathedral room or the like - but a plain office. Here a middle aged man, bald but of strong body, sits. He has strong blue eyes and a steady gaze - and is not human. Elven features regard you - half elven. Half blood? Not quite. Quarter, maybe. The ears are
[20:37] <Kotono> elven but most of him is human otherwise. He wears opulent robes of gold and white. "Mindfire," he repeats, "And not enough money to pay for it." He smiles despite that, "But you understand you're already on the hook for two 90 marl spellcastings. Both myself and Bilah there need to be purged of any disease we may catch from you. A third for yourself comes to a total of 270 good gold coins."
[20:37] <Kotono> He smiles but it's not a nice smile. "Under the circumstances, I'm sure Lord Berdacchi would pay me to have you handed over, for the sake of public health." Resting his hands on his stomach, pressed together, "Tell me why I should heal you instead."
15[20:42] <Fitzcarald> It would be one of these types, wouldn't it. The wrong type of Waukeen's followers. He'll keep the fact that Mindfire isn't contagious to himself, since it's not really relevant to any of this. "I'm certain that he would, but I think you know that a servant of the Lady of Tactics does not come to your doorstep on a regular basis." He says, straightening up as best as he can. "I think you see what is before you - someone smart enough to be accepted as one of Her followers, that could be of use to one who follows the Lady of Trade. Do you want to lose a resource like that?" He asks.
[20:43] <Kotono> "Hmph." The man's eyes grow narrow, "You have a symbol of your faith?"
15[20:44] <Fitzcarald> He reaches in and withdraws his wooden symbol.
[20:45] <Kotono> OOC: Takes 10 on K:R.
[20:45] <Kotono> It's studied briefly before, "And what are your plans in Finport?" he asks, even as your head steadily burns.
15[20:49] <Fitzcarald> A wince at that. "I think I was sent by Her to put my talents to good use." He says. "There are a lot of strategic... opportunities here in Finport, if one positions themselves correctly. As an example, someone with my talents might be able to figure out where this Roderad person might be hiding. If I found him, I could donate the reward directly to you to do as you see fit. That would more than cover your treatment and also pay you for your kindness, I would hope?" He asks.
[20:56] <Kotono> A long look before, "It's agreed," he says, "Come here." He stands up, "KNeel."
15[20:58] <Fitzcarald> He moves over and kneels down. Is the kneeling really necessary, or is this just about power?
[21:02] <Kotono> Depends on traditions is wha tyour half fried mind comes up with. He lays hand son you and murmurs - you don't hear anything but his lips move. In moments the sickness flees your body. You still have a small headache, but you feel far better in moments.
[21:03] <Kotono> OOC: Cures the disease, the point of intelligence damage has to heal normally or be done seperately.
15[21:08] <Fitzcarald> He lets out a breath. "Thank you." He says, even though he's being overcharged for this entire thing. He moves to stand - his eyes focused a bit more, a crystal blue now. "May I ask - had this name - Roderad, ever come up before to your knowledge?"
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[21:12] <Kotono> A moment, "Yes. He follows a vile woman known as Talona, goddess of poison and disease.
[21:13] <Kotono> OOC: Gha.
[21:13] <Kotono> A moment, "Yes. He follows a vile woman known as Talona, goddess of poison and disease. Little else is known, but it's said he's made trouble before."
15[21:14] <Fitzcarald> A frown. He knows that name, even in his slightly feebleminded state. "Ugh." He shakes his head. "All right. I will begin my investigation with your permission."
[21:15] <Kotono> "Go," He agrees, "Be a worthwhile investment."
15[21:18] <Fitzcarald> A nod - with that awful disease gone he will head back to Abbis! Either he wants redemption or he doesn't.
[21:24] <Kotono> Thus you go back - next time, disease free now!
15[21:28] <Fitzcarald> OOC: oh no!
03[21:30] * Fitzcarald is now known as Nephrite

[Nephrite]

[18:43] <Fitzcarald> -------
[18:43] <Fitzcarald> [21:14] <Fitzcarald> A frown. He knows that name, even in his slightly feebleminded state. "Ugh." He shakes his head. "All right. I will begin my investigation with your permission."
[18:43] <Fitzcarald> [21:15] <Kotono> "Go," He agrees, "Be a worthwhile investment."
[18:43] <Fitzcarald> [21:18] <Fitzcarald> A nod - with that awful disease gone he will head back to Abbis! Either he wants redemption or he doesn't.
[18:43] <Fitzcarald> [21:24] <Kotono> Thus you go back - next time, disease free now!
[18:43] <Fitzcarald> [21:28] <Fitzcarald> OOC: oh no!
[19:03] <Kotono> You go back and you see Abbis' door is shut, quite firmly.
[19:08] <Fitzcarald> Well, there's his answer. Unfortunate, but nothing to be done about it.
[19:15] <Fitzcarald> Hmm... but for now, he needs to ask around town - if this guy is really in league with Talona, he'll probably need some help. He'll ask around town first - maybe he can find an eager adventurer or something to partner up with. OOC: He's going to basically do some information gathering - actually, he's going to go back to Barand the Blacksmith and fill him in on what happened with his dagger and see if maybe he can point him in a direction for an ally.
[19:15] <Kotono> "Hey," Nearby a child sits - a boy, maybe 10 to 12. Skinny, human. Dirty. "You looking for Abbis?"
[19:16] <Kotono> OOC: My line coming is extremely fortutitous. I had that just about done when you second lined.
[19:17] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Hah!
[19:17] <Fitzcarald> "Oh, yes, did he leave?" He asks the child.
[19:19] <Kotono> "Got some info," he says, eyeing you up, "Got some money?"
[19:29] <Fitzcarald> "Haha..." A small sigh. "I had a run-in with a Cleric of Waukeen. What do you think?"
[19:32] <Kotono> The child droops, "Got some bread, maybe?" he asks, hopefully. "Garen got you first."
[19:35] <Fitzcarald> "Talking to a guy who doesn't need to eat, unfortunately." He says with a smile. "I'm sure we can find you some."
[19:37] <Kotono> "Bring me some food and I'll talk," he says quickly, "Some bread and maybe some fish or fruit."
[19:40] <Fitzcarald> Hm, this should be a life-lesson for the kid, but... well, he can probably find some stuff somewhere without stealing it!
[19:40] <Kotono> OOC: Okay then, trying to hunt up some food?
[19:42] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Basically, yeah.
[19:44] <Fitzcarald> OOc: If it fails he'll go ask Barand.
[19:44] <Kotono> There's just one problem with that - you lack coin to buy food. How are you gonna bridge that gap?
[19:47] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Look for any thrown out that still looks decent.
[19:48] <Kotono> OOC: Perception check.
[19:51] <Fitzcarald> ooc
[19:52] <Fitzcarald> ooc: Take 10 for 17
[19:55] <Kotono> No luck on that directly, but you do come on a merchant. On a busy street, people passing by him and swearing. People are hurrying along and inside, keeping distance. He has a wagon full of what looks to be fruits, but a wheel has broken. He's trying to fix it - a larger man, fumbly and struggling with it, swearing up a storm.
[19:59] <Fitzcarald> "Sir!" He says as he jogs up. "You look to be in need of some assistance."
[20:03] <Kotono> He looks up and wipes his brow, face flushed. "Yeah, I do," he says openly after a moment, "Before the guards come on. Can you steady this wagon for me? I can do enough to get the wheel going if you can."
[20:04] <Fitzcarald> "Certainly." He says as he moves into position to help do just that.
[20:06] <Kotono> OOC: Strength check.
[20:06] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+4 inspiration ahoy
[20:06] <Kotono> OOC: One moment while I rouse Kobot.
[20:07] <Fitzcarald> OOC: please make sure it isn't cranky
[20:07] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[20:07] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+4 inspiration ahoy
[20:07] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+4 inspiration ahoy --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}
[20:07] <Fitzcarald> OOC: that's pretty cranky!!!!
[20:08] <Kotono> It's hard - you're sore and it hurts, but you do it long enough. Afterwards the man grunts and stands, "My thanks," he offers, "You saved me a headache."
[20:11] <Fitzcarald> Whew - he's panting and holding onto his knees. "Any good person would've done the same. If it isn't too much of an imposition, may I have a few of your fruits in thanks? I'd also like to hear your story if you're staying in Finport - the fact that no one else wanted to help you says much."
[20:14] <Kotono> He reaches up - and you get a small burlap sack with a few apples, pears, a small melon and some carrots he had in the back. "Fair's fair," he says, "You did good labor there. I've paid more for less." Then with a wry laugh as he gets in, "Only if you want to ride along. The guards will give me hell and take their cut if I obstruct much longer."
[20:17] <Fitzcarald> "I wouldn't want that." He says with a nod. "My name if Fitz. If our paths cross again I'll make sure your own kindness is repaid."
[20:20] <Kotono> "Joran," he offers, "Joran Merdes." Then off he goes, wagon going and your food larders expanded.
[20:21] <Fitzcarald> He waves to him and goes back to the child, sack in hand!
[20:24] <Kotono> The child's sitting nearby, playing with a stick. He looks up as you draw in, "Food?" he asks suddenly, hopefully.
[20:28] <Fitzcarald> He tosses the sack to him!
[20:29] <Fitzcarald> "Good deeds are hard to come by in Finport, it seems." He says.
[20:32] <Kotono> The bag is open and with a cry of joy, a pear is taken out. He tear sinto it and eats it happily, then looks up, "Thanks!" he says earnestly, pointing, "Some big man went in and then another after you last left. Then they all left and Abbis looked scared, other two looks scary and angry." He gets an apple out and has a big bite of it, crunching away before, "Bet he's a floater tomorrow."
[20:34] <Fitzcarald> "Any idea who they were?" He asks. "And which direction they went?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Thugs," He says simply, "Dunno which, but I know the look." A few more bites of the apple, "Try Masake, it's a tavern. Careful in there, though."
[20:41] <Fitzcarald> "Hm." He moves over to sit down next to the kid. "What's your name? I'm Fitz. I'm actually looking for some people to help me out, you seem like a smart kid. Mind sharing some more information with me? I can probably help you not starve, too."
[20:52] <Kotono> A carrot next, torn apart. After that, "You got food, you get whatever you want," he says quickly, "Brune's my name."
[20:58] <Fitzcarald> "Brune." He says with a nod of introduction.
[20:59] <Kotono> More of the fruit is devoured before, "So what is it you wanna know?"
[21:00] <Fitzcarald> "Do most people in Finport like Berdacchi?" He asks.
[21:01] <Fitzcarald> "Let me guess - it's just the rich ones?" He adds to his question.
[21:06] <Kotono> "Yeah. Berdacci doesn't care if you're poor." He says, "Or if his guards rough you up if you aren't important." He nods, "You pay your taxes and shut up." More apples are bitten into, no end in sight for his meal. "Garen tried to argue with him once. Heard he went right around after he got a talking to."
[21:14] <Fitzcarald> Hm, maybe he could... Well. "Well, Brume, I'm looking for people who..." He considers his words carefully here for a moment - "I'm looking for people who want to make Finport better."
[21:15] <Fitzcarald> "I'm looking for people who might just be willing to help me save Abbis. I don't think he's a bad person... he's just... been put in a bad situation by people like Berdacchi, and unfortunately turned on his friendly man." He says with another frown. "But I think everyone deserves a second chance to do better... and put their talents to use in one way or another. No intelligence should be forsook in my opinion."
[21:16] <Kotono> "You pay good money and food, you'll ge tpeople to that," He says simply, "You're one of the priests, aren't you? Only priests and holy warriors do, and they usually move on or end up floaters once in awhile."
[21:19] <Fitzcarald> He smiles and laughs a bit. "I guess I outed myself, huh. See, I knew you were sharp. The person I follow supports people using their mind - she doesn't really care how you go about doing it, just that you're thinking tactically. I think a city like this... it has a lot of potential to be a really smart town. I think it just needs someone else in charge. I follow the law, but... in a place like this, there clearly isn't any actual law, just someone throwing their weight around, so I don't feel I'm subverting anything except someone who's taking advantage of others."
[21:20] <Fitzcarald> A breath in and out. "That said, I can't do it alone, and right now I think my first step is finding at least someone else who can help me. I'm chasing after this awful person named Roderad... but I doubt he's the type I can deal with by myself. So in the short term, I need to find someone... or someones, perhaps, to help me rescue Abbis, then deal with that guy." He shrugs and looks up at the sky. "It sounds like a tall order, but I think I came to this town for a reason, and I'm intent on following my course through here."
[21:21] <Kotono> "..." The child goes still, "Roderad's the plaguer, isn't he?" Quietly, "Heard people are sick but Berdacci's men are hauling them away. Fevers and headaches."
[21:22] <Fitzcarald> He nods. "Yes, that's what I heard too. I'm hoping if we can deal with him, perhaps we can help lift their spirits and maybe tend to those he touched."
[21:25] <Kotono> "As long as you pay," Is his answer, "All the thugs will want him too for easy money. Berdacci won't ask questions, he'll just pay for the goods."
[21:27] <Fitzcarald> "Well, I doubt anyone's going to try and risk getting close to him for fear of getting sick." He says. "At any rate, the short version is I'm looking for someone who might be willing to help. Got any smart ideas? I don't think I can rescue Abbis myself, but if I have to, I will."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Well..." Brane begins as his answer comes...next time!
[21:33] <Kotono> *Brune, ugly typo.
[21:33] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Kobot, that's mean! don't turn the poor child into a fat blueberry monster!

[Nephrite]

[19:35] <Kotono> After a few moments of thought, "If he's still in town, Rigard. He's a sailor on the Salty Mare, a trading ship. Knows everyone and always seems to have information. Tell him that Jack One-Eye sent you."
[19:38] <Fitzcarald> "Okay." He says. "So what's your read on our favorite Waukeenite priest, anyway? You think he's a good guy deep down, just in a tough spot in town?"
[19:44] <Kotono> "Garen cares about Garen," Is his answer, the rest of the fruit carefully puta side, within arm's reach. "But don't get in his way and he won't make your life harder except if you're unlucky."
[19:45] <Fitzcarald> "Unfortunate." He says. "Could use someone with that sort of skill." He pushes himself up. "I'm going to go see if your friend's still in town. Can you see if you can see about Abbis? Obviously don't get yourself in any trouble." A smile after that. "Maybe go hide all that food first, though."
[19:47] <Kotono> "You paid good. Keep paying," The child confirms, "Don't die."
[19:49] <Fitzcarald> "I'll see what I can do." Fitz says as he hustles his way down to the harbor - it shouldn't be too hard to find the ship - if it's even still there.
[19:52] <Kotono> OOC: d100.
[19:53] <Fitzcarald> OOC: You'll need to summon the Dread Kobot.
[19:56] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[19:58] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d100
[19:58] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=92 ]{92}
[19:59] <Kotono> roll 1d100 subtable
[19:59] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 subtable --> [ 1d100=20 ]{20}
[20:00] <Kotono> You pass by one of many alleys - between a newer wood building with windows, smells of food from within and an older brick building, in poor shape but int act - and hear it. A woman's screams from within, soft but persistant.  Weak screams, as if she has little to scream with.
[20:05] <Fitzcarald> If he ignored that, his patron would surely not only chastise him but also excommunicate him. He heads towards the building - he looks down the nearby alley to see if there's another door besides what's in front (and probably locked).
[20:06] <Kotono> She's in the alley - a door from the brick building is open, a back exit. A woman in dirty clothes - she lies face down but looks up. A cough. Her face is flushed red, her nose dripping bloody mucus. Sweat pours down her face as she looks at you with a dazed, unseeing gaze.
[20:11] <Fitzcarald> He runs over - in this moment he curses his own weakness, a Paladin that can't even heal the wounded? He kneels down. "Hold on." He says quietly. OOC: Take 10 on Heal for 15, is she just like, beaten up or does this appear to be ~the plague~?
[20:12] <Kotono> Fitzcarald inspects her. It's not hard to see a very advanced, strong case of mindfire. Someone who reacts this badly is not likely to survive it on their own and may well spread it.
[20:18] <Fitzcarald> Tch, he's already in debt with Garen, but he doesn't have any choice. Leaving someone to die in the street isn't what he set out to do.  He takes his cloak off and uses it to wrap the woman in it and uses it to hide her face. "I'm going to get you help, hold on. Just try and stay calm, if you can understand me." He says quietly as he moves to hoist the woman onto his back and start carrying her back towards Garen's, while saying a prayer to the Red Knight. 'My Red Lady, this humble servant seeks your tactical blessing. In Your name I am trying to save a soul from Talona. I need the aid of one who seeks only the gilded coin of Waukeen. I beseech you to help me help him see the tactical advantage in saving another soul, even in it indebts me to him further.'
[20:20] <Kotono> OOC: Give me a d1000.
[20:21] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d100
[20:21] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=74 ]{74}
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC: Short a 0.
[20:21] <Fitzcarald> Oh wow I totally misread that
[20:21] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d1000
[20:21] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d1000 --> [ 1d1000=234 ]{234}
[20:22] <Kotono> You hurry along desperately. As you do...OOC: Give me a Fortitude save, +2 bonus as well as a charisma check.
[20:23] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+6 fort save
[20:23] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+6 fort save --> [ 1d20=3 ]{9}
[20:23] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+4 charisma with inspiration
[20:23] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+4 charisma with inspiration --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
[20:27] <Kotono> You hurry along desperately. You get more than a few looks but somehow no one stops you. You reach the temple again with your passenger, who doesn't even talk - too sick or lost in her own pain to really bother.
[20:28] <Fitzcarald> He will make his way inside again, praying that he can convince Garen, or perhaps a miracle happens and he doesn't have to.
[20:35] <Fitzcarald> Shit. Well, he can't lie about it. "Yeah, heard he was a good one to come to, even if he's expensive." He says with a sigh. "Lord Berdacci recall him to help keep things under control?" He probably won't be told, but he can at least act like he knows what's going on.
[20:36] <Kotono> "Take her inside,"A gesture, "With the others."
[20:37] <Fitzcarald> "Sir." A nod, no argument from him as he goes inside. He can at least play the part of loyal citizen for now...
[20:42] <Kotono> Things have been shoved aside here. Basic bedding is laid out. A few dozen people are here lying here, in various stages of obvious illness. Some curl up on themselves, others lie there and sweat, a few sleep. A handful of healers - the non magical kind - tend to them. Elves, human, dwarves, half bloods and a few others are all here. "Another," One man turns, "Place her down and make her
[20:42] <Kotono> comfortable, we'll take it from here. Come back if you get sick - you did a brave thing to bring them, but disease cares nothing for bravery."
[20:45] <Fitzcarald> "She's in a pretty bad way, just as a warning. I know you're doing merciful work, but..." He trails off. "I'm sorry I can't do more, but I'm working on finding that Talona-following asshole." He says this while moving to put the poor woman down, praying that the Red Knight herself may protect her until she can be treated properly.
[20:46] <Kotono> "You're doing Lady Eldath's work," he murmurs, "Here." A stoppered bottle, "It's not a real potion, but it's a herbal concotion that might help you fight it off if you get it. Drink it now, it'll last you awhile."
[20:49] <Fitzcarald> A smile as he takes the potion, a small bow to him. "I know it's not her style, but that guy probably isn't going to make it back here in one piece." He says as he will swallow the potion. "I don't think she's going to be too upset about it, though."
[20:52] <Kotono> It tastes like grass and stale cabbage. "Good luck finding the bastard," he agrees.
[20:53] <Fitzcarald> "Look, if you don't think you can help her, then... just... don't let her suffer, all right? If Garen comes back, tell him I'll owe him double whatever reward money I get, he'll know what it means." A pat on the shoulder as he hustles back out to his original goal - finding that darn ship.
[20:57] <Kotono> You hurry out and...luck is with you. While starting to take on cargo the Salty Mare is still here. It's a larger trade ship, sturdy if worn and weathered by the years. You notice many ships are loading up quickly and swiftly - the entire docks are frantic with activity.
[20:58] <Fitzcarald> Yeah, trying to get out without being plagued, no doubt. Well, he'll go up to anyone who doesn't look too busy to ask them about Rigard."
[20:58] <Fitzcarald> OOC: -"
[21:03] <Kotono> There's one - a young man who just put down a box of likely cargo. "Rigard? On deck, the big bald man with a blue bandanna," he says quickly.
[21:03] <Fitzcarald> A two-finger salute as he hustles up onto the ship to find him!
[21:04] <Kotono> You hurry on board. Rigard is a big man - muscled, worked up. Clean shaven and bald, a strong face with blue eyes. "Yeah?" he asks, "You got twenty minutes if that, make it quick."
[21:05] <Fitzcarald> "Hey, name's Fitz." He says. "Jack One-Eye sent me to talk with you. I realize you've not got much time, but if I can have a bit of it, I'd appreciate it."
[21:09] <Kotono> "Got a few. Hurry,
[21:09] <Kotono> "Got a few. Hurry," he says, "Whatever you want, fast."
[21:11] <Fitzcarald> "I'll get straight to the point. Berdacci's an asshole and is running the town into the ground. I'm looking for some people to help me start making Finport less of a shithole that leaves people in the street to die and then throws them into the water for Umberlee to claim. Know anyone in town who might not balk at the idea of doing some good who's also can either swing a weapon or throw some magic?"
[21:12] <Fitzcarald> He breaths out since he managed to say a bit more than he really meant to, but oh well, cat's out of the bag now.
[21:13] <Kotono> Scratching at his chin a moment, Rigard regards you before...OOC: Diplo check there, I suppose.
[21:14] * Ebiris has quit IRC (Quit: )
[21:15] <Fitzcarald> OOC: I'm pretty good at that! Take 10 for 16.
[21:19] <Kotono> "Normally I don't do free work, but you're not gonna live long enough to pay," he finally says, "Not a threat, but Berdacci's good. Best advise? Make a big name for yourself. Catch that asshole who did this if you can, or otherwise do something people will remember you for.  If not," A shrug, "Say hello to Umberlee for me."
[21:22] <Fitzcarald> "Yeah, that's why I wanted to find at least one other person. Someone who's in with Talona like this who can cause this much of a problem isn't to be trifled with. Was hoping for at least one more to track the bastard down. Not asking you to give your life up for it, like you said, there's plenty of would-be heroes like me around already." He says with a bit of grin.
[21:23] <Kotono> A reach into a pocket, a flip. A silver coin. On one side is smooth, blank silver. On the other is a sigil of an eagle in flight. "Don't spend it. Might come in handy one day."
[21:25] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Any Knowledges that would help me understand the meaning of the coin itself?
[21:27] <Kotono> OOC: Which ones do yo uhave?
[21:27] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Arcana, History, Nature, Religion, Planes
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC: K:H.
[21:29] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 for 16 on that too, might as well.
[21:32] <Kotono> It's dimly familiar but you can't place it.
[21:35] <Fitzcarald> He nods. "I appreciate it anyway. Good luck on your voyage." He says as he pockets the coin and heads back down. Well, this has been a right failure to try and find people to help him, but maybe it's a sign from The Red Knight that he needs to figure this one out on his own.
[21:36] <Kotono> Perhaps it is, perhaps not - but now what do you do?
[21:39] <Fitzcarald> For now he'll head back and see if he can find Brume, maybe he has an idea as to where he can start his search for Roderad.
[21:39] <Kotono> OOC: d100.
[21:40] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d100
[21:41] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=72 ]{72}
[21:45] <Kotono> It's getting on into the afternoon. You're almost back when you feel it. The first twinge of a headache as you see Brune sitting near where you left him. The streets are quieter now, almost as quiet as nightfall.
[21:46] <Fitzcarald> Damn. But it isn't contagious in its current form, but hopefully he can fight it off either way. "Hey kid." He calls out. "Your friend gave me a shiny coin and some words of encouragement, but not much else. I think I'm going to have to find our Talonite myself. How's Abbis doing?"
[21:51] <Kotono> "Not back," he says, "He's somewhere quiet and important, but I dunno. Some of the taverns are closed. Saw two sick people taken by the guards."
[21:54] <Fitzcarald> "All right. Well, do you know where Roderad used to hang out? I doubt he's left town - he'd have been stopped by the guards on his way." He says, but then he glances back in the direction of the port. "...Nah, that'd be too easy, I doubt he snuck out. He probably is still here in town somewhere, watching his handiwork."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Well..." He begins, as he tells you. Next time!

[Nephrite]

[19:42] <Kotono> "Your best chance would be..." The kid stops and thinks, "Algol. It's a bar. But even if he's not there, be careful. Bet other people know about it."
␃15[19:44] <Fitzcarald> "I have a feeling most people are holed up somewhere." He says. "Okay, do you have anywhere safe you can go hide for a while?"
[19:46] <Kotono> "Yeah," he says as you feel a headache forming, steady and light, but forming anew.
␃15[19:48] <Fitzcarald> "Go, then. You can find me once things have calmed down." He says. He'll just have to hope that concotion helps fight off the worst of it later... he won't doubt in his faith now - so he will head towards Algol. He's likely not going to get stopped by anyone on the way.
[19:50] <Kotono> OOC: Fort save, +4 bonus. +2 circumstace from ??? and +2 alchemical from that concotion.
␃15[19:50] <Fitzcarald> OOC: you know who you must unearth first
[19:51] <Kotono> OOC: Wrong side of the netsplit, fixing now.
␃03[20:00] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
␃03[20:02] * Kobot has joined #dunes
␃15[20:03] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+10 inspiration bonus fort save
[20:03] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+10 inspiration bonus fort save --> [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
␃15[20:03] <Fitzcarald> OOC: and a good thing too
[20:05] <Kotono> You're feeling that headache - but you're enduring as best you can. The streets are emptier as the afternoon begins to die, sunset approaching. Few people are out save guards - and you see three sets of them escorting sick people away grimly.
␃15[20:06] <Fitzcarald> He actually feels bad for the guards during all this - they probably aren't getting much support to avoid getting sick. He's just going to have to keep enduring and hope nothing gets worse as he continues on his way.
[20:08] <Kotono> It's a tavern, alright - but it's closed. The bar's doors are shut and the windows are dark.
␃15[20:10] <Fitzcarald> Hm. He looks around - just because the door is closed and windows are dark doesn't mean there's not anyone in there... but that probably isn't where his quarry is hiding. Or... is it? No, he wouldn't just hide out in a tavern... but if this was one of his old hangouts, someone might have seen him or overheard him...
␃15[20:10] <Fitzcarald> OOC: To be clear, he's looking around outside.
[20:12] <Kotono> OOC: Perception.
␃15[20:12] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+7 lookin' around
[20:12] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+7 lookin' around --> [ 1d20=9 ]{16}
␃15[20:13] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Okay, I'll just take 10 on everything kobot, I get it
[20:16] <Kotono> You look around. Outside it's quiet - but you see one window on the side. It shows an older man inside, laid out on the floor and face down. It's not a great view, the window's dirty and it's low quality glass, but whomever that is, they're face down on the bar floor.
␃15[20:17] <Fitzcarald> Oh for... is he drunk or dead or worse? He looks around for another door other than the front one, maybe he can get in that way. If not, he can try the window...
[20:20] <Kotono> There is a back door on the alley side, but it's locked.
␃15[20:21] <Fitzcarald> So someone left the guy in there? He'll go to the window to try and get it open. He'd really rather not break in if he doesn't have to, but...
[20:24] <Kotono> You think you can dislodge the glass with a bit of effort - possibly not even break if you do it right?
␃15[20:24] <Fitzcarald> Well, he'll do his best!
[20:28] <Kotono> OOC: Dex check, unless you have skills in something you might think is relevant?
␃15[20:29] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Alas, I cannot yet claim knowledge of Profession: Glassworker
␃15[20:29] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+0 he's trying
[20:29] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+0 he's trying --> [ 1d20=1 ]{1}
␃15[20:30] <Fitzcarald> OOC: not very hard, but he's trying
[20:31] <Kotono> Fitz tries! The window disagrees and in the tradition of windows everywhere, it elects to remove itself from your grasp. The loud crash of shattering glass is heard as the window shatters inside the bar. Surely no one important heard that, right?
␃15[20:33] <Fitzcarald> "Red Lady help me." He mumbles. If the guards come he can just explain himself - but since the window is open anyway now he will move to get it open. "Sir! Can you hear me?" He calls out - if the glass shattering didn't do it, though...
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:35] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=6 ]{6}
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:35] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=34 ]{34}
[20:39] <Kotono> The man stirs just enough to look up - horribly flushed. He coughs up bloody mucus and looks at you with bleary eyes.
␃15[20:42] <Fitzcarald> No rest for the wicked... He moves to pull the window open and to try and get inside - avoiding the shattered glass while he does, hopefully. "Just hang on!" He shouts.
[20:43] <Kotono> He looks at you and points downwardw ith a shaking hand, coughs, and then taps his fist against the ground several times.
␃15[20:45] <Fitzcarald> OOC: With my superior intellect, is it safe to assume he's indicating 'hey there's something in the basement'?
[20:55] <Kotono> OOC: INt check.
␃15[20:56] <Fitzcarald> OOC: It should just be common sense!! don't you be mean now kobot!
␃15[20:56] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+2
[20:56] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{20}
␃15[20:56] <Fitzcarald> OOC: I will accept this!!
[21:01] <Kotono> You think so, or something similar, anyway
[21:01] <Kotono> .
␃15[21:02] <Fitzcarald> "Just hold on." He says as he tries to get in and look around for a way down - likely a door to a basement or stairs!
[21:09] <Kotono> You look around. Nothing here but there are back rooms if you care to investigate them.
␃15[21:10] <Fitzcarald> He hustles as fast as he can to the back rooms... is this ground zero for the plague? ...He put something in them! It's an old trick, but...
[21:15] <Kotono> It's storage, mostly. Casks and kegs, barrels of food stuffs, old plates and other supplies. Bottles. A stairway going down, tucked into the back of it all.
␃15[21:16] <Fitzcarald> He casts Entropic Shield on himself as he goes - he hasn't had to use it yet, but it might help... he heads for the stairs!
[21:19] <Kotono> You go downstairs. It's a basement - just some old supplies, boxes and tables here. Most of the walls are blocked by boxes, but a few gaps show the walls are worked stone. Good quality, too.
␃15[21:21] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+7 Perception - looking for boxes that appear recently moved or anything suspicious
[21:21] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+7 Perception - looking for boxes that appear recently moved or anything suspicious --> [ 1d20=5 ]{12}
[21:23] <Kotono> Nothing that pops out to your eyes, at least.
␃15[21:24] <Fitzcarald> He will just have to do it manually, damn it all. He'll pick the wall opposite of the side the stairs are on and try moving a box away.
[21:26] <Kotono> It's an old, heavyb ox. But it moves. Behind it is stone wall.
␃15[21:27] <Fitzcarald> He'll go to the wall on the east and do the same! He definitely indicated down here, but where is it...?
[21:36] <Kotono> You find more stone walls, a few cobwebs and a single dead mouse.
␃02[21:36] * Ebiris has quit IRC (Quit: ␏)
␃15[21:42] <Fitzcarald> The west wall, then?! "What were you trying to tell me?!" His exasperation evident, he pulls at another box.
␃15[21:43] <Fitzcarald> OOC: I am just going to keep moving boxes from the walls until I've either not found anything or find something else to try.
[21:49] <Kotono> There's no obvious, gaping secret passages on the walls that you see, but you've moved a bunch of old boxes and things around. If there's a secret here, it's not just hidden behind boxes.
␃15[21:53] <Fitzcarald> Damnit! He's wasted so much time on a misunderstanding! He kicks at one of the boxes in frustration. Maybe he was trying to say it was just beneath the bar? OOC: guess I'll try a raw int check because I don't know what else to do and don't really want to spend more time trying to interpret what my character should be understanding.
␃15[21:53] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+2 int
[21:53] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+2 int --> [ 1d20=6 ]{8}
[21:56] <Kotono> You kick the box - and it hits against the wall. The thumb of it makes the wall shake and shift a little bit.
␃15[21:57] <Fitzcarald> A hidden...?!
␃15[21:57] <Fitzcarald> He rushes over to try and feel around - a switch?
[21:58] <Kotono> You feel the wall. With a bit of pressure it moves slightly - some sort of movable wall, it looks like.
␃15[21:59] <Fitzcarald> He pushes it hard enough to open it so he can get through! If it's the kind that rotates, anyway.
[22:04] <Kotono> It is. In here is a small chamber. A low table sits here, a golden idol of a woman here. She is thin and bony, her face blank save for three black teardrops engraved onto her face.
␃15[22:06] <Fitzcarald> He already knows what this is.
␃15[22:07] <Fitzcarald> With that, he charges at it with his scimitar, striking at it to smite it!  OOC: Okay, actually, before I do that, would I (I.e, the character) know that smite evil works or doesn't work on objects? If it does I am using smite evil here. If not then I am... not.
[22:10] <Kotono> OOC: He'd know that usually not, but unusual evil or vile items it may work on due to their nature.
␃15[22:11] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Okay. Given who it is, smiting!
␃15[22:13] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+2 (+2 more if smite evil works on the attack roll)
[22:13] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+2 (+2 more if smite evil works on the attack roll) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{9}
␃15[22:13] <Fitzcarald> OOC: I am really tired of you today kobot!!!!
[22:15] <Kotono> OOC: Hit, it's an immobile gold statuette. Damage. Smite bonus applies.
[22:15] <Kotono> OOC: Smit ebonus damage, rather.
␃15[22:16] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d6+6 using an inspiration point because fuck you talona!!!!
[22:16] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d6+6 using an inspiration point because fuck you talona!!!! --> [ 1d6=6 ]{12}
[22:16] <Kotono> You cut the golden idol in half. Immediately the gold begins to blacken and warp, soon two dark lumps of lead in place of them. But you notice something - your headache is gone.
␃15[22:18] <Fitzcarald> He doesn't have time - he hustles back upstairs to the man on the floor, he spent so much time because of his own stupidity...
[22:22] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=81 ]{81}
[22:23] <Kotono> The man lies there, still and silent on the floor.
␃15[22:26] <Fitzcarald> He kneels down next to him. "I'm sorry." He says quietly. "This is my fault." He says a prayer for his soul to hopefully find peace.
[22:27] <Kotono> A moment, a flicker. An image of this man, alive and hale - kneeling before that golden idol, offering it praise. For a moment you're outside of your body watching that, then back before his corpse.
␃15[22:28] <Fitzcarald> A wince. "What...?" He looks down. "Then why did you tell me about it...?"
[22:28] <Kotono> Unfortunately, only Demedais the Prophet could extract an answer from this man now. You are not him and thus there is no answer.
␃15[22:31] <Fitzcarald> Nonetheless, he says the prayer - perhaps at the end of his life this person was betrayed, or perhaps he didn't realize what worshipping Talona meant.
␃15[22:32] <Fitzcarald> "May you find wisdom in the next world." He says. He pushes himself to his feet. Still, who is this? Is this even Roderad...? Or just an accomplace?
[22:34] <Kotono> An older man. Not old, but past his youth. Brown hair with a bit of gray. A worker from the looks of it, someone who labored for a living.
␃15[22:35] <Fitzcarald> OOC: There was no actual wanted poster or anything, was there?
[22:37] <Kotono> OOC: No.
␃15[22:40] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Okay.
␃15[22:42] <Fitzcarald> Fitz will look around - maybe there's a deed or something that has a name attached to it? If he can identify this guy he would like to if he isn't Roderad...
[22:46] <Kotono> You look around and find things...next time!
␃15[22:47] <Fitzcarald> OOC: !!!

[Nephrite]

[18:41] <Kotono> Algol is muted and quiet as the sun begins to set and you search. Most of it's just the mundane parts of this sort of establishment, but in the back? A small living space. Most things here are older and dingy, well used, but a sturdy, well kept chest of drawers is here. It's made of good, solid wood.  It also has built in locks.
[18:46] <Fitzcarald> Fitz will search the old man for any key or identifying information!
[18:49] <Kotono> A quick search of the man finds an iron key, a handful of marls, a few silver half marls and assorted minor copper coins.
[18:53] <Fitzcarald> He doesn't want to rob him, but... he'll store the coins for now and take the key to see if it opens the chest of drawers!
[18:54] <Kotono> As you go back...OOC: Perception.
[18:57] <Fitzcarald> OOC: take 10 for 17
[18:58] <Kotono> As you go back and reach the drawers? You hear the door into this place be rattled and moved, as if someone's trying to get in.
[19:03] <Fitzcarald> Hm, it could be anyone, but... if it's the guards, then that's complicated. What to do...  well, he will go to the door to see if it's easy to unlock from this side.
[19:06] <Fitzcarald> It's probably from him breaking that glass earlier... ugh.
[19:06] <Kotono> It is, from this side anyway. Imagine that. The door opens a moment later, four burly guards with clubs at the ready. "You there," the introduction is immediate, "Who are you? Don't draw your weapon!"
[19:11] <Fitzcarald> He holds his hands up to his shoulders, intent on not showing any hostile intent. "My name is Fitzcarald, I am a Paladin of the Red Knight. I was investigating the plague and it led me here. There was an icon of Talona in the basement, which I just destroyed. I was trying to identify this man when you showed up. I think he died of his own plague, if he's Roderad." He says. 
[19:12] <Fitzcarald> His voice is calm and direct, not panicked!
[19:18] <Kotono> OOC: Diplo check, -2 penalty.
[19:20] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 for 16, using inspiration here. Why aren't you as good at this as Moore! :(
[19:27] <Kotono> OOC: DM sanity.
[19:28] <Kotono> The guards eye you before, "...step aside," they say, two hurrying past you into the back. The other two stay there, keeping an eye on you.
[19:31] <Fitzcarald> He takes a dutiful step back and leaves his hands up but slightly relaxed. "You may start to get reports that the plague ended - I felt myself lightened after the icon was destroyed." He says. "I am hopeful that this man was indeed the one responsible and wasn't colluding with anyone else."
[19:33] <Kotono> A glance at the body, "It isn't," he says, "This is Tane, old bastard who owned this place, sometimes." The answer's to the point.
[19:34] <Fitzcarald> He sighs. "Damnit, then they had a bit of a cult going." He looks down, gears turning in his head.
[19:37] <Fitzcarald> Could there be more idols? Was this guy poisoning anything out of this bar? Hm...
[19:38] <Kotono> Your introspection is interrupted, "Something was here," One of the guards runs back, "Get the boss!"
[19:39] <Kotono> One of the two with you nods and hurries off and out. The other scowls, but..."Damn." he says, "Sit down, I guess, the boss'll want to talk to you." He goes to the bar and back, coming out with some 'borrowed' bread, cheese and ale.  He sits down at a table and beckons you over. He's a 20something human man in good shape, scraggly beard and mustache. He smells of leather, oil and sweat. "Saw
[19:39] <Kotono> a window got broke. That you?"
[19:42] <Fitzcarald> "I hadn't disturbed anything else other than the secret room downstairs." He says in between this as he moves over to take a seat. "Yes - I was investigating this building and saw - ah - Tane, on the ground from the window... I tried to find a way inside but the doors were all locked. I was able to push the pane out of the window but, ah..." He wiggles his fingers a bit helplessly. "I'm about as good holding something as trying to hold water." He says with an awkward smile.
[19:43] <Kotono> He eats a bit before, "Well hell, it's not like he's still around to care, and the others will fuck off once Berdacci comes down on this place." He spits aside, "Gotta be 50 sick so far, and boss says it'll get way fucking worse. Fucker hasn't even given us a chance to catch a meal, we've been so busy." He eats up and tears off some bread, offering it to you.
[19:46] <Fitzcarald> He reaches over and takes the bread with a smile and nod. "It really feels like this is something that's been set up over a bit of time. But I can't prove that just yet." Fitz said. "I also hope that there was only one icon - it's possible that there were more... but... well, there's no sense in worrying about something we can't verify. Oh, I didn't catch your name." He asks with a bite into the bread.
[19:48] <Kotono> "Jack Sullivar." He says after you get the bread - it's not bad but a bit stale. "Stupid old man's gonna get himself hung or gutted. No one likes plague."
[19:49] <Fitzcarald> "Nice to meet you, Sir Sullivar, Do you know Roderad?" He asks, assuming that's who he's talking about.
[19:53] <Kotono> "No, just enough to kno whow to put him into the ground," he says, "If I get lucky enough."
[19:55] <Fitzcarald> "It would've been smart to just leave town." He says, wagging the piece of bread. "But villains like that always stick around to watch their own plans, I've learned. So I imagine he's hiding somewhere."
[19:59] <Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[19:59] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 for 17, it worked last time!
[20:06] <Kotono> "Dunno," He says as he eats, "You really think?"
[20:08] <Fitzcarald> "Well, how did it come to the proclamation about him being wanted?" He asks. "If you know, anyway."
[20:10] <Fitzcarald> "I can understand if you can't share any information about the investigation, of course." He says quickly affterwards.
[20:25] <Kotono> The door opens, a stop. A fourty something man comes in, blonde hair more gray these days. He walks with a slight limp that doesn't slow him meaningfully, wearing chain armor and carrying a sword, dagger and club at the ready. A sturdy brown cloak goes with the outfit as well as strong leather boots. "Boss," Jack calls, "This is the guy who found it, the other two are downstairs with it."
[20:25] <Kotono> A sharp nod, "Stay here," he says to both of you, heading oninto the back.
[20:27] <Fitzcarald> "It must be tough on all of you." Fitz says. "I'm hopeful he has some good news about the sick."
[20:37] <Kotono> OOC: I'm sorta RL distracted so let's pick this upt omorrow evening.
[20:37] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Sure thing!

[Nephrite]

[18:18] <Kotono> "Yeah," That's a natural lull in the conversation - and after a few minutes the so called boss comes back out. "Shame you didn't catch the dickless fuck who did this," he says bluntly, going over to Tane's body. He gives it a short, sharp kick to the ribs and spits on the body, then, "Good work anyway," he says to you, "Tell me what happened and what you know."
[18:23] <Fitzcarald> "I didn't have time to search his body for any injuries." He says with a gesture to the body. "My assumption was he died of the plague." He clears his throat and starts from the beginning - "My name is Fitzcarald, I came to town this morning..." He starts - going through his tour through the day, including getting a headache, the proclamtion about Roderad, being treated by Garen and then going on his search, which eventually led him to Algol. He leaves out the blacksmith, Abbis and the kid from the story and just keeps to his investigation so far.
[18:25] <Kotono> OOC: Do you mention the coins you took from the body?
[18:26] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Oh, yes, I would also mention that.
[18:27] <Fitzcarald> OOC: The key on him also. I'm too much of a goody-two-shoes not to.
[18:32] <Kotono> A short, curt nod at the story. "Go help the others," The man says, Jack going off at that request. Once alone he takes out a heavy coinbag. "Tane's stash, he had it hidden down there." Hefting it, "His profits from the past few months, feels like." He upends it and a rain of gold and silver coins pour out, piling up on the table. "Far as either of us say, Roderad robbed him on the way out. 
[18:32] <Kotono> Sound good?" he asks, moving to push a goodly part of the coins to you, but not quite going through with it yet.
[18:40] <Fitzcarald> Ah, so this is how they do things. "I'll be able to put it to better use than someone who was with Talona." He says. There's no objection to it being an unlawful act since there's no law here for him to even complain about... He nods afterwards at the coins. "You're a generous person." He isn't lying - he could've just taken it all for himself!
[18:45] <Kotono> "Appreciation for a job well done," He says with a knowing smile, "Good to know we can do business with you, too. The smart ones figure that out fast." OOC: Loot.
[18:48] <Fitzcarald> A nod as he will put the coins into his pockets. Hopefully no one tries to stab him for them later... "I understand - ah, I didn't catch your name, sir." He says. "Have you heard anything about those who were suffering? If there are more of those awful icons, I'd like to keep looking for them."
[18:53] <Kotono> "Jine," He answers, "More sickness found every hour." As he takes his share of the coins, "No idea where, but if there's more, we'll probably be searching every house and home in the city. It won't be quick."
[18:55] <Fitzcarald> "If you don't mind, I can investigate here?" He asks. "I might be able to find some clues. There have to have been other conspirators in the city. This is just a guess, but I wonder if the reason I don't feel sick anymore is I was close to the icon when it was destroyed. It might have weakened the plague overall if there are multiple of them." He says with a gesture outside. "My working assumption is that if we did find them all - or enough, it would halt any further progression and might push it back. That's... a big assumption, obviously, but I don't think just one icon of Talona could do all of this."
[18:57] <Kotono> A chuckle, "Go ahead. The guards are down there searching anyway," he gets up, "Let's see how they're doing."
[18:59] <Fitzcarald> "Sir." He says as he stands up. If Jine doesn't take the coinbag, he will though! He needs one! Which is really sad for him!
[19:03] <Kotono> The empty coinbag is left, if you care to take it. He had one of his own.
[19:03] <Fitzcarald> He will take the coinbag on his way then!
[19:09] <Kotono> You're welcome to search about now as the guards work. How through and how long do you want to spend at it?
[19:10] <Fitzcarald> OOC: He'd like to spend at least an hour - or if he finds something earlier than that. Hopefully destroying one of them bought some time, at least. He'd pretty much devote all his time to looking!
[19:16] <Kotono> OOC: Perception check.
[19:17] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 for 17 :)
[19:20] <Kotono> No smoking gun, but you do come on something odd. A sealed barrel, one of many things in the basement. But on checking it? It smells foully, a thick, black fluid within it.
[19:23] <Fitzcarald> OOC: And Knowledge/ Heal checks that would identify it?
[19:25] <Kotono> OOC: What knowledges do you have?
[19:29] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Let me see, hold on.
[19:32] <Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[19:32] <Kotono> OOC: SEcanyway
[19:32] <Kotono> .
[19:36] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Arcana, History Nature, Planes would be relevant
[19:37] <Kotono> OOC: Nature.
[19:39] <Fitzcarald> OOC: take 10 for 16
[19:40] <Kotono> It's a sort of blubber from Ibsar Whales. It's mainly used to proof wood and similar things against direct exposure to seawater. It's used on ships as well as anything wooden that may be exposed to sea water longer term. It's also an excellent insulation in a pinch if you're stuck somewhere cold.
[19:45] <Fitzcarald> "Ah, it's just blubber." He admits. "Darn it."
[19:47] <Kotono> Jack comes over, "Blubber in a tavern?" he frowns, "Ugh, that smell! I know that, why have it down here? They use it on ships usually."
[19:56] <Fitzcarald> He sighs. "Hold on." He goes to take off his cloak - chainmail, then shirt so he doesn't get blubber all over everything - and then goes to stick his arm in it.
[19:56] <Fitzcarald> "It'd be a good way to hide something awful." He says as he dives his arm in, grimacing. "Why else keep it here?"
[19:58] <Kotono> It smells absolutely rotten, but you feel something deep in there. Something solid an dmetal.
[20:00] <Fitzcarald> "Ugh, hold on." He says as he puts his weight into it to try and grasp whatever it is and pull it up.
[20:01] <Kotono> OOC: Strength check.
[20:02] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+4 strength inspiration
[20:04] <Fitzcarald> OOC: (
[20:05] <Fitzcarald> OOC: poor kobot
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC: Fixing.
[20:07] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[20:08] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+4 strength inspiration
[20:08] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+4 strength inspiration --> [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
[20:10] <Kotono> You pull it neatly out. It's a small, capped metal tube. Hollow from the looks and sound of it, a cap to twist off to see what's within.
[20:11] <Fitzcarald> "Ugh." He shakes as much of the blubber off as he can and then goes to twist it off.
[20:16] <Kotono> Within the tube is...something found out next time! Now with less crushing poverty.

[Nephrite]

[19:46] <Kotono> Inside of the sealed tube are several rolled up sheets of paper in...OOC: What languages do yo uspeak?
[19:49] <Nephrite> OOC:  Common, Celestial, Infernal, Dwarven, Elven
[19:53] <Kotono> It's Elven. It looks to be a series of missives between Tane and someone known as Aloden. They talk about paid refuge for a certain person - avoided being named at first, but the name Roderad eventually comes up. Eventually Tane offers Aloden 250 marls, which is accepted.
[19:54] <Nephrite> "Here, look at this." He says to the others. "It's an agreement between someone named Aloden and Tane for paid refuge for Roderad."
[19:57] * Nephrite is now known as Fitzcarald
[19:59] <Kotono> With a sudden, vicious smile, "Aloden lives not far from Finport," he remarks, "An old dwarf building with basements, from what I remember. No one goes that way because it's off the main roads."
[20:01] * Ebiris has quit IRC (Quit: )
[20:07] <Fitzcarald> A nod. "Well, we may be able to catch him if he went that way." Fitz says. "I'd defer to your judgement on how to proceed, though." He says.
[20:14] <Kotono> "It'll take us time to mobilize," he says, but gestures you back up. After raiding up some paper and ink, he passes you a sheet of paper and an emblem, an iron boat on the waves. "This is directions to Aloden's home.  That emblem will get the city stables to give you a fast horse, no questions asked."
[20:15] <Fitzcarald> "Sir." He nods and takes the parchment. "I'll go see what I can get out of him."
[20:16] <Kotono> With that taken - now what?
[20:16] <Fitzcarald> He'll do his best to clean off the blubber and get moving to the stables! Roderad probably isn't there, but he expects to find someone else dying of this Mindplague...
[20:20] <Kotono> On going to the stables a mere flash of the emblem is enough. A good, strong horse is provided, a dark gray color. "We added trail rations, torches and waterskins to the travel bag," the soldiers says on bringing you out the horse.
[20:21] <Fitzcarald> "Hopefully this will be fast enough to not need any of that." He says with a nod to them. "Thank you." He will get on and get going!
[20:23] <Kotono> Thus you head out and night falls. What's your travel plan here?
[20:27] <Fitzcarald> Just ride the horse out and follow the map and hope for no rain! Or... ambushes, he guesses.
[20:29] <Kotono> OOC: d100.
[20:34] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Need a kobot
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: Let me do that.
[20:35] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[20:35] <Kotono> OOC: There.
[20:36] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d100
[20:36] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=47 ]{47}
[20:39] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, survival check with a +4 bonus.
[20:39] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+4
[20:39] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{17}
[20:40] <Kotono> OOC: Do you have low light or darkvision?
[20:41] <Fitzcarald> OOC: I in fact have Darkvision of 60 whole feet.
[20:42] <Kotono> You go on, off the roads. It's dark grasslands here with some trees and you cross a small brook. Nearby you notice something lying a bit away. A deer - bloated and dead, drying blood leaking from its mouth, eyes and smout.
[20:44] <Fitzcarald> Ugh, even the wildlife... He prays to the Red Knight for protection as he presses on. If it's infected animals then he's likely riding right towards another of those awful icons.
[20:47] <Kotono> On you ride, faster and farther. At last. It's atop a hill, a rocky hill with but one winding path up. A squat, heavy stone building. Thick walled and strong, dark in the deep shadows of the night as you see the outline of it from afar.
[20:50] <Fitzcarald> What was it that led you down the path to harbor someone like this? Or were you duped somehow? Regardless, he will ride the horse along and up the path!
[20:52] <Kotono> OOC: Perception. No penalty thanks to darkvision.
[20:52] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+7
[20:52] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{15}
[20:56] <Kotono> You lead the horse up and on. Distantly you hear the noises of birds as you ascend, coming up to atop the hill. The house is dark, what few windows there are shuttered up and blocked out. There's a small stable for a few horses, currently empty save for one. No yard or gate, just a straight path to the front door.
[20:58] <Fitzcarald> OOC: At a glance, does the horse look okay?
[21:01] <Kotono> You go over to inspect the horse. It's a mare, looks to be in decent shape to a casual glance at least. It's not obviously sick or dead.
[21:03] <Fitzcarald> Hm. Well, he moves over to the building itself - any signs of recent entry - footprints or anything of that nature?
[21:04] <Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[21:05] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+7
[21:05] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{17}
[21:05] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Okay Kobot, I get it!!!
[21:07] <Kotono> No footprints, the ground's not right for it, but no signs from what you can tell.
[21:09] <Fitzcarald> He'll go around - maybe there's something ajar, or some other sign of anything amiss from the outside!
[21:10] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 on Perception for 17 as he's going around
[21:11] <Kotono> You begin to walk around. You do and - ! As you go around the back, a narrow path along the top of the hill where a misstep could send you rolling down? You hear a footstep behind you.
[21:16] <Fitzcarald> Well, they're clearly not trying to be hospitable... unfortunately he can't just fly, so what's the best play here? Does he turn and charge them? If it's a dwarf, then... hm. They can both see in the dark, so that negates that advantage. "Why, you must be Aloden." He says as he turns, hand near his weapon but not gripping it.
[21:19] <Kotono> A man in rough, coarse brown clothes with a rope belt. Big - several inches over six feet tall, almost rivalling Hanna. A lumpy mess of muscles, a man well used to hard work. Ugly and bald, one eye half  closed and the other wide open. That open eye bulges out, far too large and peering at you. Big, strong, lumpy hands begin to reach out for you. He utters a word you know not, hands going for
[21:19] <Kotono> your neck. OOC: Init. Staved off an ambush.
[21:20] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+0 I can only hope he has worse dex than I do
[21:20] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+0 I can only hope he has worse dex than I do --> [ 1d20=14 ]{14}
[21:21] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Also this is very clearly not a dwarf, right?
[21:22] <Kotono> OOC: It is not a dwarf unless dwarves come Hann asized.
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[21:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
[21:22] <Kotono> OOC: He wins init.
[21:22] <Kotono> Before you can react, his hands reach out and...
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:22] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
[21:23] <Kotono> OOC: Flatfooted AC?
[21:23] <Fitzcarald> OOC: It is 14 because I have no dexterity anyway!
[21:23] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take that, flat-footedness!
[21:24] <Kotono> At the last second Fitzcarald brings his arm up, able to shove away those hands - those strong, crushing hands - and save his neck from being wrung. It buys him a precious moment to react, which...OOC: Go.
[21:26] <Fitzcarald> OOC: It is just a big dude though as far as I can tell? Not like... a freaky diseased big dude?
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC: Just looks big to you, but you're admitting having to react fast.
[21:30] <Fitzcarald> "You know he's dead, right? Tane?" He asks. "Killed by the same Talonite disease that's spreading everywhere. Was that your plan all along, kill everyone for her?" OOC: Just real quick before I do whatever it is I am going to do - behind me is basically the edge of the hill and in front is more or less blocked by The Large Man Trying to Choke Me?
[21:31] <Fitzcarald> OOC: And on my side is the house - and the other side is more hill to fall off of?
[21:33] <Kotono> OOC: In front of you, the way you were going, is the path to the back of the house. The guy came up on you from behind.
[21:33] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Well - yeah but I'd turned around so now that's behind me!
[21:34] <Fitzcarald> OOC: But basically I'm trying to figure out how I can get away from the part of the house that I can be pushed or thrown off of and die, more or less. Can I try and get around the dude?
[21:36] <Kotono> OOC: You could try, sure. Might require an acrobatics check not to get AoOed.
[21:38] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Yeah I don't have that, so we'll just have to do this the old fashioned way, which isn't great but there's not much to do.
[21:40] <Fitzcarald> He doesn't really have any options other than defending himself and he will just have to hope for the best that his goddess doesn't want to see him die today! He takes his sword and makes a slash, hoping to at least injure this person enough to get them to yield... or something!
[21:40] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+2
[21:40] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{12}
[21:42] <Kotono> OOC: Hit. Damage.
[21:43] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d6+2
[21:43] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d6+2 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{7}
[21:43] <Kotono> You slash out - and draw a deep wound into the monstrous man's chest. You tear him open - blood. So much blood. But the man screams, eye bulging out even more. He lunges as you despite his blood splattering on the ground, nothing but a wild look of animal-like fury on his face.
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:44] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{18}
[21:44] <Kotono> roll 1d3+3
[21:44] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d3+3 --> [ 1d3=1 ]{4}
[21:44] <Kotono> OOC: 4 damage.
[21:44] <Fitzcarald> OOC: 8/12
[21:44] <Fitzcarald> Is this... Mindplague
[21:44] <Fitzcarald> OOC: gah
[21:45] <Kotono> He fights...not with training, really. Animalistic skill. Enough to avoid being skewered for his folly, enough to slam you back and down. You're on your back, sword in hand but forced down. He's aotp you, screaming as his hands squeeze your neck. Screaming loudly at the top of his lungs, in pain and anger both. He's trying to lift you up to slam your head into the ground as...OOC: Go.
[21:47] <Fitzcarald> Is this... Mindplague?! Has his mind been eaten alive, but he somehow still lives? ...No, he doesn't have time to worry - he just has to strike again - and so he swings, with all his might! If he's making some horrible mistake, he hopes he can be forgiven for it in the future! This guy tried to attack him first...
[21:47] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+2
[21:47] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{8}
[21:47] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Not... not much of all of his might, unfortunately!!!
[21:47] <Kotono> But your leverage just isn't there. You're being pinned down as blood stains your armor. He's bleeding so much, screaming - but still trying to choke you dead.
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:47] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[21:47] <Kotono> But your leverage just isn't there. You're being pinned down as blood stains your armor. He's bleeding so much, screaming - but still trying to choke you dead.
[21:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:47] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[21:48] <Kotono> But you're able to shove him back with your good hand, breaking the choke hold. Your neck hurts but you're able to breathe, able to suck in sweet air. OOC: Go.
[21:49] <Fitzcarald> "I didn't come here to kill you! But you're not giving me any choice! Yield! STOP!" He shouts. Assuming there's no sign of that happening, he goes in for another strike!
[21:49] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+2
[21:49] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
[21:49] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Oh come on! :(
[21:49] <Kotono> No sign of that at all. You stagger up to swing but he's able to rise - staggering badly, bleeding so much. A backhand at you before he slumps over, one last, desperate lunge that...
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:49] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{16}
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d3+3
[21:50] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d3+3 --> [ 1d3=3 ]{6}
[21:50] <Kotono> OOC: Dex check.
[21:50] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+2 using inspiration
[21:50] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+2 using inspiration --> [ 1d20=17 ]{19}
[21:51] <Kotono> Your jaw snaps in pain as you reel back. Blood fills your mouth but you stay up - and down he goes, bleeding as his strength stains the ground below. Whatever or whoever that was, the wound on him was too much, even for his strength and anger. You're close to a tumble down the side but you stay up, injured but alive. Intact.
[21:54] <Fitzcarald> He's rather injured himself, ugh... He pulls himself over to check the now-dead man to see if perhaps he had some healing potion on him. If he doesn't, then he's just going to have to limp back to the horse. He's in no condition to do any further investigation at this point.
[21:56] <Kotono> You find the following items on him: A single half marl, weathered, rubbed and greasy. A few bread crusts. A tightly corked metal bottle.
[21:57] <Fitzcarald> He uncorks the bottle to take a smell - maybe he can identify it?
[21:58] <Kotono> OOC: What skill ranks do you have?
[21:58] <Kotono> OOC: I'm sorry, knowledge ranks.
[21:58] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Arcana, History, Nature, Religion, Planes
[21:59] <Kotono> OOC: K:A check.
[22:00] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 for 16
[22:01] <Kotono> It has a rich, meaty scent. You can smell something in it that reminds you of the poisons a wizard alchemist may concoct.
[22:02] <Fitzcarald> Well, at least he didn't try drinking it... He corks it back and puts it away. He limps over to his horse, he's just going to have to wait for those reinforcements before anything. He can't do much in his state unless he just wants to die, which he definitely doesn't!
[22:02] <Kotono> OOC: Where are you going back to exactly?
[22:02] <Kotono> OOC: And are you taking the potion with you or leaving it on him?
[22:02] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Taking it, and he's going to head back down the hill but just wait at the bottom.
[22:03] <Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[22:04] <Fitzcarald> roll 1d20+7
[22:04] <Kobot> Fitzcarald rolled 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{17}
[22:04] <Fitzcarald> OOC: OKAY! I GET IT! I'll just take 10 on everything!
[22:04] <Kotono> Hm? You wait in pain. You endure - and after about a half hour, you notice something. It's hard to see in the dark, but from the shadows moving, is the horse in the stables coming out? Looks like it.
[22:06] <Fitzcarald> That's... peculiar. There's only one way down, so he'll move a bit away from the bottom to keep watching - or watch as best he can, anyway.
[22:07] <Kotono> Hm? Stranger yet. It's like someone gets on the horse, the posture changes and it begins to walk away and towards the side edge of the hill.
[22:08] <Fitzcarald> Invisibility?! That's the only possibility... He'll keep watching - but there's no way the horse could get down like that, could it?
[22:10] <Kotono> It goes to the side and..how?! It just sort of half glides half slides down, going into a run as it manages not to fall against all odds, getting to the bottom swifting and galloping off and away.
[22:12] <Fitzcarald> Something's amiss here - and even though he's in an intense amount of pain he knows what he's witnessing. Some sort of enchanted horse, perhaps? Well, nonetheless, he can't do anything about it in his state, and he's lucky that if there was someone invisible that they didn't finish him off.
[22:13] <Kotono> Off the horse goes - and in due time you see them approach. Several dozen men on horseback, carrying torches. Armed men, approaching from the direction of Finport.
[22:13] <Fitzcarald> He'll raise a hand and wince - augh. If any of them look familiar he'll explain the situation to them, hoping at least one of them has a healing potion of wand or something on them.
[22:17] <Kotono> Jine is with them as most of the soldiers go to surround the house. As you taste blood in your mouth you realize you're a bit dizzy - your injuries, no doubt, and blood loss. He peers at you in torchlight, "Shit, your jaw's broken?" he asks, "No helping it." He produces a slender little vial of metal, "Drink it. I need to know everything that happened here."
[22:19] <Fitzcarald> "Sir." He says as he dutifully takes whatever's offered and drinks it. He'll start with the state of the place - how it didn't seem there were any footsteps. Then onto the attack and ambush - the man himself and his belongings. He'll offer over what he assumes - and says - is poison - then explain what he imagines was someone under the effects of an Invisibility potion riding the horse - and the direction it went off in.
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
[22:19] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d4+1 --> [ 1d4=3 ]{4}
[22:19] <Fitzcarald> And how it seemed to get down the hill through sheer... impossibility!
[22:20] <Kotono> It soothes your pains. You're not all the way better, but you're partially mended. Enough to talk easily. OOC: More, 4 hit point shealed.
[22:21] <Fitzcarald> OOC: 6/12 for the record
[22:22] <Kotono> It's all taken in as the soldiers search. "We'll take it from here. Rest. You'll be escorted back to Finport to rest, we'll follow up with you later."
[22:24] <Fitzcarald> He can only blame the Mindplague so much for his bad decisions, but he can't do much else in his condition anyway. "Sir." He says with a nod. He sure hopes Abbis is doing better than he is...
[22:27] <Kotono> The trip back? Quiet. They take you back to your inn and to your room. What a day indeed - you're hurt and need rest if nothing else as the night wears on.
[22:28] <Fitzcarald> He doesn't need to sleep, but he'd better. He needs to recover his strength one way or another, so a little bit of rest now is likely the best solution - hopefully he at least did some good today, enough to turn the tide slowly in this town...
[22:33] <Kotono> Sleep comes easily and deeply. When you awaken past the dawn it's a steady knocking on your door.
[22:33] <Fitzcarald> He will go to open it!
[22:35] <Kotono> Jine is there. Tired but upright, coming in once you open up. "Aloden's dead. Strangled and his head was broken like an egg. It matches the man you killed based on your own injuries. Roderad's in the wind, no sign that his horse left a trail. Found another idol there."
[22:38] <Fitzcarald> "I figured that was going to be the case." He says, shoulders drooping. "It sounds like Roderad must've sold them all a story with the intent of killing them to cover his tracks. Has the plague continued to get worse in Finport itself?" He asks. "I'm recovered - I can help if there's any sign that it's still taking the lives of Finport's citizens."
[22:42] <Kotono> "It's slowed down, less virulent," Jine says, "Plague is plague, but whatever cursed extra in it is now gone." He gets one of the simple wooden chairs hre, sits. "You have something more important to worry about. Berdacci's impressed with you and wants you on side. Agree to do what he says - which is mostly know when to lay off someone and not cross his interests - and he'll reward you. He'll
[22:42] <Kotono> take care of your debt to Golden Garen. He'll also give you Aloden's home or Algol. He's repossessing both, you have one as a reward. Your choice of which."
[22:48] <Fitzcarald> Someone like Berdacci isn't worth his time to stay with. But he doesn't need to burden Jine with that. "That's a very generous offer." He says with a smile. "Anyone smart wouldn't think twice about it. But I don't think I can sit idle and let someone like Roderad get away with killing so many innocent people... I'm certain there's good I can do here in town, but letting him get away will eat away at me. Do you think Lord Berdacci would let me postpone that until I've either brought Roderad back here or dealt with him?" He asks - he is rather serious about that question.
[22:49] <Kotono> Jine opens his mouth...next time!

[Nephrite]

[20:10] <Kotono> A scratch of his chin, "I don't speak for Verdacci in this, but I doubt he'll be that upset about it. Everyone wants Roderad dead right now."
[20:14] <Fitzcarald> A nod. "I don't want him to think I'm being rude." He says. "If you get the sense that he'll be all right with it, then I'd like to talk to him further about it."
[20:19] <Kotono> "Come back with Roderad and you'll talk to whomever you like," Jine says bluntly, "When are you leaving?"
[20:21] <Fitzcarald> "I can't let the trail get too cold, so probably as soon as possible." He says. "There's a few loose ends I want to tie up but in a few hours, at the least, I think."
[20:22] <Kotono> "Good luck and good hunting," he offers, turning to go. "Try not to end up a floater somewhere."
[20:22] <Fitzcarald> "I don't intend to." He says with a smile. "I'll try and send word of my progress to keep you up-to-date."
[20:25] <Kotono> You get a nod back and Jine goes, leaving you be, hurt but alive. You're still wounded from your previous night's battle and now have a self chosen mission. What do yo udo?
[20:26] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Let's go find Brune and see if we can find out if poor Abbis is dead or not.
[20:33] <Kotono> roll1 d100
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: I'll get Kobot. Also what's your HP?
[20:34] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[20:34] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:34] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=34 ]{34}
[20:35] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Didn't I recover all of them overnight, or no? I was at 4
[20:35] <Fitzcarald> OOC: With a max of 12
[20:39] <Fitzcarald> OOC: I thought you recovered 8... it's been a while, haha.
[20:43] <Kotono> OOC: A full night's rest is 1 hit point per hit die. So 1 HP healed from overnight.
[20:45] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Oh, one moment
[20:45] <Kotono> You walk back and find Brune nearby Abbis' home. He's staying back, guards around the house. When you approach him, "I hear he came down with plague," he murmurs, "And the guards are investigating. They're investigating everyone who hs it, whisper is they're looking for things across town."
[20:48] <Fitzcarald> OOC: 7/12 in that case
[20:50] <Fitzcarald> "Is he home?" Fitz asks. "If you saw him, anyway."
[20:50] <Kotono> "No," he says, "He's with the others with the plague."
[20:54] <Fitzcarald> "Is he at Garen's?" He asks. "Again - if you know."
[20:57] <Kotono> "I don't know," Brune asks and then looking to you, "Did you bring breakfast?" he asks, hopeful.
[21:01] <Fitzcarald> "I know you didn't eat that whole bag of fruit." Fitz says.
[21:02] <Kotono> "Yeah, but some bread or meat would be nice," Brune admits, "Sir."
[21:02] <Kotono> After a moment to fidget and rub at his nose, Brune looks up to you, "It's nice not being hungry."
[21:03] <Fitzcarald> "Let me ask them a few questions and then we'll go eat." He says as he approaches the house - hopefully some of them at least know who he is. He keeps a respectful distance to any that seem posted outside to keep people from entering.
[21:06] <Kotono> They are - two by the door, glaring at anyone who gets too close.
[21:08] <Fitzcarald> Fitz raises a hand. "Good morning. I'm Fitzcarald." He says, nodding to them both. If he has to name-drop Jine he can, but hopefully they've at least heard his name so far. "Anything linking him with our plaguebearer?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "You're Fitzcarald?" A harsh look, "Dunno," he says at last, "They don't tell us shit."
[21:17] <Fitzcarald> A nod to that. "Trust me, I know how that." He says with a smile. "Any chance you know where Abbis is? I have a few questions for him."
[21:18] <Kotono> OOC: Diplo check, +2 bonus.
[21:25] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 for 18
[21:27] <Kotono> "Garen's, maybe," One answers, "If he's still alive."
[21:29] <Fitzcarald> A nod. "Thanks."
[21:29] <Fitzcarald> He goes over to Brune, and then will head towards Garen's!
[21:32] <Kotono> As you walk Brune looks ahead. The streets are emptier than usual again, more guards than people, but it is moving. You soon reach Garen's - guards outside, sure enough.
[21:34] <Fitzcarald> Fitz raises a hand. "Any chance you know if Abbis is in here? Name's Fitzcarald, looking for him."
[21:35] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:35] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=95 ]{95}
[21:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[21:35] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[21:36] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{15}
[21:36] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[21:36] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{7}
[21:36] <Kotono> A shake of his head, "Jine told us you might come by," the guard says, "You can come in and find out yourself."
[21:38] <Fitzcarald> "Stay here." He says to Brune as he heads inside!
[21:46] <Kotono> In you go. It's busy - you can see another guard within, guarding the door back. "The healers work," the guard says bluntly, "Who are you here for?"
[21:48] <Fitzcarald> "One I know the name of, the other I don't." He says. "Abbis Stoneport and a young woman I brought in yesterday - she was in a pretty bad way." He'll give a description of her features - hopefully she made it through with his destruction of the idol...
[21:53] <Kotono> A pause before, "Abbis Stoneport died overnight," The guard says, "Most have recovered unnaturally fast, but a few sickened just as fast instead. He was one of them."
[21:54] <Fitzcarald> He closes his eyes and says a prayer to the Red Knight - if, somehow he repented at all, he hopes that his soul can move on to her. "I'm sorry to hear that." But, is it possible that the people who succumbed were Talonites...? Hm...
[21:57] <Kotono> "As for the other, I think she's alive and recovering." Is the answer.
[21:58] <Fitzcarald> "If it isn't a problem to visit her, I'd at least like to." He says.
[21:59] <Kotono> "This way," He offers, as you go in...next time!

[Nephrite]

[18:47] <Kotono> You find the woman sipping weak ale and sitting up, one amid many. They're in varying states of health, but one thing is shared: they're alive.
[18:48] <Fitzcarald> "Oh, good, you're recovering." He says as he makes his way over - carefully because he's still injured, but also because he doesn't want to hit anyone or anything.
[18:50] <Kotono> She looks over, "You...seem familiar, somehow," she says slowly.
[18:52] <Fitzcarald> "Oh, I'm sorry - we didn't have much of a chance to introduce ourselves earlier. I'm Fitzcarald." He says. "I found you, er... yesterday."
[18:53] <Kotono> "Oh." A small noise of consideration as she drinks before, "Thank you, kind sir."
[18:55] <Fitzcarald> "I'm just glad you're all right." He says with a smile. "I'm probably going to be leaving town for a while to go after the person responsible for everything, so I wanted to make sure you were going to be able to get back on your feet."
[18:59] <Kotono> "I will, I will," She regards you, "I owe you for your help then - and more. I heard the city watch talking about you this morning, your name. You're the one who stopped this."
[19:03] <Fitzcarald> "I think anyone could've, I just have a... mm, I happened to be able to put a few clues together is all." He says with a smile. "Good, I'm glad you're recovering either way. Ah, I don't think I ever caught your name, Miss...?"
[19:04] <Kotono> "Mares," She answers, "Call me Mares."
[19:06] <Fitzcarald> "Mares." He says with a nod. "Make sure you stay safe here." He adds as he goes to stand up. "Hopefully if there are any more of those awful statues it clears things up for everyone."
[19:07] <Kotono> "I pray so," she says, "Mercy onto you."
[19:07] <Fitzcarald> "You as well." He says as he goes to head back out - though he stops and will ask around to see if Garen is there or not!
[19:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:11] * Kobot has joined #dunes
[19:11] <Kotono> You
[19:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:11] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 --> [ 1d100=91 ]{91}
[19:11] <Kotono> You have no luck - he's not here right now.
[19:14] <Fitzcarald> Alas. He'll have to have words with him another time. He heads back out to Brune. "I want to leave sooner than later, so let's make this a quick meal, all right?" He asks him with a bit of a grin. "It shouldn't be too hard to chase him down either way, just follow the path of plagued animals and other things..." He shakes his head. "You know this place better than I do, so pick a place to eat."
[19:18] <Kotono> You're taken to a food cart - selling freshly baked breads with hollows for things to be stuffed in. Brune gets two - one filled with cheesy eggs and another filled with beef. 3 copper coins each, so at least it's not expensive.
[19:22] <Fitzcarald> "How much would it take to make sure this kid gets fed every day until I get back?" He asks the food cart salesperson. "I don't know how long that'll be, so let's say two months? I'd think something like five gold should more than cover that as well as the extra work it might be for you?"
[19:24] <Kotono> You get peered by the owner of it, a middle aged dwarf with a squint. He eyes you before...OOC: Diplo check, +1 bonus.
[19:26] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 for 19, +3 Inspiration bonus.
[19:26] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Oops, that's 20
[19:26] <Fitzcarald> OOC: with the +1
[19:31] <Kotono> "...hmph. Let me see the gold." The dwarf answers, "All five of them."
[19:32] <Fitzcarald> Fitz takes out the five gold coins as promised and hands them over dutifully.
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[19:37] <Kotono> They're eyed, rubbed, inspected. "...Six gold will do," he decides at last.
[19:37] <Kotono> Brune watches, eyes wider and wider at your generousity.
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[19:38] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Ebiris
[19:41] <Fitzcarald> He takes one more coin out to hand over. That's highway robbery for some sandwiches that cost 3 copper a piece, but if it means he can get food anytime then what's a few coins? "You're a good person." He says. "I know you're not doing it for free, but you're doing it for a friend of Finport, Fizcarald, so you'll have my thanks as well. Once I get back I'll be sure to get you some new customers as well for honoring our agreement." He adds.
[19:42] <Kotono> "The one the guards are talking about?" The dwarf asks right back, a look over you.
[19:43] <Fitzcarald> "I'm the one." He says. "Just trying to make the world a little better... and less filled with disease, if I can."
[19:48] <Kotono> A rustle and he shoves one at you, "On the house, for what you did," he says. Smells good, like roasted chicken.
[19:50] <Fitzcarald> "Looks like you get to eat both of those." He says to Brune. "Thank you sir."
[19:52] <Kotono> Brune's already halfway through the egg one, but manages a muffled, "Thanks!
[19:52] <Kotono> "
[19:52] <Kotono> "Gold pays," Is the dwarf's answer, "Best advice in the world ther eis."
[19:54] <Fitzcarald> "For regular folk, I agree." He says. "You can't save lives with just good intentions."
[19:55] <Kotono> "Best get more gold then," the dwarf agrees with that.
[19:54] <Fitzcarald> "For regular folk, I agree." He says. "You can't save lives with just good intentions."
[19:55] <Kotono> "Best get more gold then," the dwarf agrees with that.
[19:56] <Fitzcarald> "Hah, not a bad idea. But I don't have time to do that, I have to chase down the bastard that did this to you folks." He says. "The work of a hero is never done."
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[20:00] <Kotono> "Shadows and stone with you," Is the answer you get back. With that done - now what?
[20:02] <Fitzcarald> "You take care of yourself while I'm gone." He says to Brune. "I hopefully won't be gone too long, but I don't know how long this will take. I'll ask some guards to keep an eye out for you, but no getting yourself into trouble, all right?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "Alright," Brune says, most of the first already gone now. "You'd better come back!"
[20:13] <Fitzcarald> "I will." He promises. He even believes himself too! A pat to Brune's head before he heads for the guard shack where he got his horse the first time. Hopefully they'll be willing to part with the same horse...
[20:18] <Kotono> You head back. The guard captain there - a mustasched, middle aged man with a lazy eye, regards you. "A horse? They gave you one last night?"
[20:20] <Fitzcarald> "Yes. It was a big of an emergency back then, though, I understand." He says. "But I was hoping to ask for another one since it'd be faster than hitching a ride with one of the folks selling goods. I'm already about eight hours behind the bastard and would like to try and keep up with them if I can."
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[20:26] <Kotono> The soldier peers at you and...OOC: Diplo, +1 bonus.
[20:27] <Fitzcarald> OOC: Take 10 for 20 again!
[20:30] <Kotono> "
[20:30] <Kotono> "...fine, boss said I guess that's what he meant," the man mutters, getting the horse brought out for you.
[20:32] <Fitzcarald> "Thank you, sir." Fitz says with a small bow. There's no reason to be rude at this point. "I hope to send word soon, or just return and let you all know the deed is finished."
[20:34] <Kotono> With that you mount up and head out. Ahead lies a quest - will you succeed? Return in failure? Or perhaps fall and become another forgotten corpse in this world? We'll find out, next time, now with added level 2 abilities! You have reached level 2. You recover no hit points from this, but you're now past the horror of level 1. I fyou know your classes you can roll HP now.