<DM> You're all in the basement of Argus' shoppe. <DM> Shop. <DM> Ahem. * Fordran snores. <Vita> right. <Fordran> or, perhaps, we are awake. <DM> You were awake when we quit last. <Erias> did we sleep first? <DM> Yes. * Erias looks awkward and groggy, like he slept too long. <DM> It's the morning after <Fordran> do we get spells back? <DM> Yeah <Fordran> woot. * Foster dresses in a slow and distracted manner, putting on a chain shirt below his outer robes. * shade has joined #ddi * Fordran performs some Morning Prayers. * Vita seems reluctant to get up, but looks fine * Vita then performs some morning meditations * Erias pauses, then rummages through his pack and pulls out some dried meat. * DM sets mode: +o Erias * DM sets mode: +o Foster <Erias> bwa--oh. * DM sets mode: +o Vita * Erias munches. <DM> Argus: "Can I any of you anything else?" <DM> "Tea perhaps?" <Foster> "Tea would be lovely." <Fordran> "We would be most grateful. Thank you." <Erias> "Sure. Thanks." * Erias performs some morning prayers as well. <DM> Argus returns with a wildly mismatched tea set in about 10 minutes. <Fordran> "So, um, your wife. Has she returned?" <DM> He sets it down on the planks of the floor. * Vita takes some tea, if there are enough cups <DM> (enough cups for everyone) * Foster selects a cup, studies it intently. <DM> "Callie is at one of our safehouses for now, in case she was followed." * Fordran picks up a cup of tea, mumbles a prayer of thanks to Pelor. * Erias picks up a cup of tea, gestures vaguely at Fordran, and drinks * Foster has some tea. <DM> It's brownish-orange, just a little bitter, and has a citrus aftertaste <DM> (So, what's going on is, you guys are supposed to figure out what to do next, given your leads) <Fordran> (what were those leads again?) <DM> (Or, if you wish, drink tea until Colin falls asleep~) <Erias> 'Foster, are you sure you want to go off on your own? We really wouldn't mind -- oh, right, you said we were conspicuous.' <DM> Lesse... there's the kidnapping of Erias and Foster <DM> There's the Yawin acting weird <DM> There's random tribals being kidnapped <DM> There's sewer monsters <DM> There's stuff Foster overheard <Foster> "Not... conspicuous, exactly. Just... out of place. I believe I would fare best on my own." * Erias nods. * Vita looks a little nervous <Vita> "The last time I let someone go off on his own... well..." <DM> Oh, and of course, the means and method of the kidnappings * Vita gestures vaguely at Erias <Foster> "If you don't hear from me by tomorrow, you should probably assume the worst, however." <Erias> "How would the rest of you like to spend the day? Do we know where the kidnappers' base might be?" <Foster> "From what Argus said, and from what I've heard of the mechanism that caused you to arrive there, it could be nearly anywhere, and is quite likely abandoned by now." * Vita looks around, shrugs, and starts petting Pup <Fordran> (who was foster going to find/talk to?) <Foster> (he didn't say) <Erias> "We'll need to find Croc's people at some point..." <Fordran> "Right." <Vita> "Perhaps we should look into that?" <Fordran> (weren't there some people we were going to ask about that?) <Erias> (I think so. Memory is a little hazy... it's been about a month since Erias was in town, real time, I think) <Foster> "In that case, I believe that the way I can aid you best is to find a solution to my ailment as soon as possible, so that I can aid you with more than just my knowledge and rudimentary stickfighting. If you don't have any further questions for me, I'll be off." <Fordran> (i can just flamestrike stuff if you like) <Erias> "I'd like to see if Yawin is around. And also to send word to my Order, so that they don't come in force." <Vita> "I'll...um...hmmm" <DM> The clues you had about tribals were the little scrap of note the Half-Orc had * Foster waits 15 seconds, then exits, stage left. <Erias> "Foster, if you do find a way to restore yourself... let me know." <Fordran> "Why wouldn't we want more of your Order? They would be a mighty gift from Pelor." <DM> And that Foster heard something about tribals from a seedy bar <Foster> "I will certainly do so. Might I suggest a trip to the local temple of Pelor for you?" <Erias> "Not the worst idea." <Foster> "People who share your gifts may be more knowledgable on the subject of restoring them than I." <Erias> "Uh..." <Fordran> "That is an excellent idea." <Erias> "I know of no one in the service of Pelor who shares this gift." <DM> (There isn't a Temple of Pelor in Threecrown, btw) <DM> (Otherwise, they wouldn't have needed to send Yawin in the first place) <Foster> (details) * Foster exits Argus's basement. <Erias> "But if we are unable to find a ...'cure', I will inquire with the followers of Pelor when I return to their temple." <Erias> To Fordran: "The understanding I had with Lucidus is that if I did not send word it would mean that I was in dire peril and in need of rescue. To remain silent and thus deceive them would be dishonorable." <Fordran> "Ah. I see." <Vita> "Sure. But what about people who might know something about gift restoration?" <Erias> "Perhaps they will still send aid, once they understand the situation." <Vita> "Could you ask for some of them?" <Erias> "I know of no one I could contact who would understand this problem. Foster is quite unusual in that respect." <Fordran> "Strange." <Vita> "Oh." <Erias> "I hope that he finds a way, and that I might ask for his help when he returns." <Fordran> "So the other... kidnapped people. They shared this gift?" <Erias> "In the meantime I am far from useless." <Erias> "Perhaps. Or perhaps they kidnapped many simply to harvest a few." <Fordran> "Well then. We should head out and find out what we can. Where to?" <Erias> "I would like to check the inn at which I believe Yawin is staying." <Erias> "After that, perhaps we can find more information about those kidnapped -- either tribals or others -- and try to track down the kidnappers." <Fordran> "Good idea." * Fordran starts putting on his armor. <Erias> "I would also like to find some courier or messenger that I may hire to ride to mrrflmrrfle." <Vita> "I will come to the inn and help with the tribals." * Erias nods, and starts putting on his armor as well. <Erias> "Thank you, Vita." * Vita follows suit, with her chain shirt <Vita> "I'm still... a little ashamed about the whole arrow Croc thing." <Erias> (Is Croc here?) <DM> You mean to the headquarters of the Radiant Knights of Pelor? <DM> Croc is not here. <Vita> "Although I'm not much good at finding information." <Fordran> "I'm sure he's gotten over it. I think." <DM> Croc disappeared of his own volition in some way that has no repercussions on the plot whatsoever. <Erias> "...to ride to the headquarters of the Radiant Knights of Pelor. Sorry, I was eating." <Erias> (Should we worry about the absence of our communal familiar, or is that also a "just don't worry about it" plot thing?) <Erias> (Isn't it neat how I've been subtle about my inability to remember names? Oh, Apol, that's right.) <DM> Argus said something about Apol needing time to think. <Erias> Okay. <Erias> "Well, let's head out." * Fordran nods. * Fordran follows. * Erias heads out with the other three (counting the wolf). * Vita follows <Vita> *Pup follows <Erias> Uh... we head to the inn where Yawin was staying <DM> You walk towards the inn. <DM> Sec <Fordran> [lightning icon] 360kb <Fordran> (rand is loading the zone) <DM> *clomp clomp clomp clomp* "Erias!" * Erias turns. <DM> You three see a large armored and cloaked figure jogging towards you. <Erias> "Yawin?" * Fordran turns. <DM> Yawin: "When you didn't arrive to breakfast, I came looking for you." <Fordran> (undead! ahahaha.) <Erias> "Yes, I... there were problems." <Erias> "A kidnapping, in fact." <Erias> (how long since we were supposed to meet him? I can't remember. Was it _this_ morning, or _yesterday_ morning that I was supposed to see him?) <DM> (this morning) <DM> "A kidnapping!" <Erias> "Yes. Myself and Foster were taken unawares." <DM> (He looks around and lowers his voice when he notices people giving your little group a wide berth.) <DM> "By whom?" <Vita> "Despite the good intentions of the rest of us..." <Fordran> "We don't know for sure." * Erias lowers his voice as well. <Erias> "We're still not certain, but we do know that the prison is magically entered, so it could be anywhere, physically. And there are unseen, powerful servants helping whoever is doing all of this." <DM> Yawin pulls the edges of his hood up a bit more and looks around furtively again. He's not very good at inconspicuous. <DM> "Do you have any leads?" <Vita> "Should we talk... elsewhere?" <Fordran> "Perhaps we should go somewhere more ... out of the way." <Erias> "Oh, I suppose we should. Inside the inn?" * Erias looks around amiably at the passerby. <Erias> We head into the inn or to some other nearby more secluded area. <DM> Yawin follows closely behind. <Erias> (DM, do we have any leads? People we were supposed to talk to? Didn't we talk to a pirate and get some sort of information or something?) <Erias> (It's very hazy for me.) <Fordran> (arr) <DM> Yawin: "Barley, my good friend, could we use your back room?" <DM> (I don't remember you actually talking to any pirates, other than Foster) <DM> (Er, rather, other than Foster, none of you talked to pirates, that I can remember) <Foster> (Obligatory YARR) <DM> (stupid english language) <Erias> (oh.) <Erias> (So we have utterly no information on where to find Croc's people.) <Fordran> (except for the Seadi Bar) <Erias> (We have no way of finding the people who kidnapped us, either, if they're different, since the prison moves.) <Erias> (We're talking to Yawin right now.) <Erias> (Other than that, there are sewer monsters and "stuff foster overheard"; the latter is inaccessable right now.) <Erias> (I thought we already killed the only sewere monster we knew about.) <Fordran> (We didn't know how many there were) <Erias> "Yawin, I need to send word to the Order. Do you know of a messenger or courier I could hire? Else they'll come in full force to rescue us." <Erias> (Anyway, those are the only leads I know of. Other than that, I've got nothing.) <DM> He looks embarassed. <Erias> (Seadi bar it is.) <DM> "Well." <Erias> "Or perhaps you need to return yourself, and seek greater healing?" * Fordran looks vaguely uncomfortable. <DM> "I suppose any courier could do, most of the merchants know the way." <Foster> |roll d20+14 <tafal> 34 | [d20=20] [+14=14] <Erias> (whimper) <Fordran> (uh, wow.) <Erias> (sense motive to judge general acuity) <Erias> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 7 | [d20=2] [+5=5] <Erias> "Alright, that sounds reasonable." <Erias> "It doesn't seem right for me to return yet, but surely your... condition, whatever it is... requires treatment." <Erias> "What do you wish to do?" <DM> Yawin: "I... Hm. I want to help you bring your assailants to justice, Erias." <Fordran> "First we have to locate them." <DM> "I will help you with this, just say the word. As for... the other thing... my place is here, with the Eternal Orb." * Vita whispers "Eternal... Orb?" <Vita> (oohhh right, right) <Erias> (Ah, right, our other lead. Sort of.. the main one, really.) * Fordran looks disappointed. <Vita> (crazy church) <Erias> "Yes, speaking of which... what can you tell us about them?" <Erias> "I sensed evil in that place, and their rituals seem disturbing." <DM> Yawin opens his mouth, shuts it, then opens and shuts it a few more times. <DM> "What do you mean, evil?" <Erias> "I mean... the man in charge..." * Erias trails off, looking at Yawin. <Erias> "You mean that you are serious. You have chosen them?" <DM> Yawin's expression clouds over. * Vita looks uncomfortable and edges slightly away from Yawin and Erias <DM> "I make no choices, I walk the path I am destined to walk." <DM> He sounds a bit sulky. <Fordran> "Pelor will not turn his back on you, Yawin." <DM> His expression clears a bit. "As for Subdeacon Mozwell, if that's who you speak of, I thought I detected evil in him too, when we first met, but I have been watching, and he is harmless." <Erias> (Is that the person I saw it in?) <DM> (Yeah) <Erias> "..." <Erias> "Will you help us discover the truth of this church, as we were both sent here to do?" <DM> to Fordran: "I expect I will come to terms with Pelor when it is time." * Erias tries to diplomacizize. <DM> sense motive <Erias> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 19 | [d20=14] [+5=5] <Fordran> (is that a sense motive for us to roll?) <Erias> (uh... I assumed...?) <Vita> (us, or Fordran?) <DM> Erias <Vita> (oh. well ok then.) <DM> sorry, I should be specific <Erias> (waiting on potential response... if there's a significant pause, I'll continue conversation, I guess) <DM> "The church is not exactly what it seems, but when is any pretty speech the stark truth? You know this, Erias. There is truth in the flash of steel and the burning rays of the sun. The antics of the evangelists are meant to calm the fears of the fearful." <Fordran> "And what lies are being hidden by the truth?" * Vita looks slightly overwhelmed at the even more philosophical tone the conversation has taken <Erias> "And what about the devouring of the corpses of the faithful? Is that meant merely to calm fears?" <DM> Yawin sighs. <DM> (typign <DM> to Fordran: "I don't know what to say to you. You are a very suspicious man. Maybe you're rubbing off on Erias." * Erias blinks. <DM> to Erias: "I don't know the inner workings of their rituals, but yes, the light that consumes the fallen gives these people hope. It gives them something they can see and touch and believe in, for this life and the next." <Fordran> "I try not to cast suspicion where none is deserved. But if Erias here says he senses evil, then it is my duty to aid Pelor in finding it and destroying it." <Erias> "Perhaps it would be best to simply inform Lucidus and the others of what we know. Surely this matter is too complex for me to hope to understand it all myself." <Erias> "So, then, this church is mostly pretty speech? Giving these people hope and something to believe in... but you have yet to speak of the truth beneath it. I cannot condone a hollow church." <Erias> "I must inform the others and I must try to learn more. This much is clear to me." <Erias> (sorry, I'm probably moving too fast.) <DM> "I don't know, Erias. How can I say if the Eternal Orb is as they say? There is no question the sun burns in the sky, but as to coming face-to-face with this god, or any other, I cannot claim that." <DM> "Does he grant me his blessings? Can I say that I have, or do I only imagine it? Or have I always imagined it, only?" <Erias> "Will you accept his blessing, through me?" * Vita excuses herself (not that anyone notices, most likely) and goes outside to hug Pup and reassure herself of the reality of nature <DM> (hee) <DM> "..." * Foster nearly bumps into Vita on his way in the door. <DM> "Fine. But alone." <Vita> "Oh. Foster. Any news?" * Erias nods. <DM> He gets up and walks to the stairs, presumably up to his room. <Fordran> "Oh. Hello, Foster." <Foster> "Nothing overwhelming." <Erias> "Foster! If you will excuse us for just a moment..." * Erias turns to follow Yawin. <DM> *UNCOMFORTABLE MOMENT WATCH* * Fordran stands uncomfortably. <Foster> "Certainly, finish your conversation as you need to." <DM> Erias leaves the room on Yawin's heels. * Fordran watches them leave. * Vita looks uncomfortable, just like she has the whole time <Fordran> "Something... something just isn't right." * Foster finds a table, sits down. <Foster> "Many things in the world aren't right, Fordran. It has not been a good week for rightness." <Vita> "Finally, a statement I understand and agree with." <Fordran> "Yes, well. Hopefully this week will end soon." <DM> (one week passes...) <Fordran> ("Hopefully these six months will end soon.") <Foster> "For my part, though I am not as week as I was this morning, the root of my problems has yet to be addressed." <Foster> (s/week/weak/) <Fordran> "Perhaps once Erias is done talking with Yawin, we can inquire over at that... bar? That Argus was talking about." <Foster> "Hm?" <Fordran> "About the kidnapped tribals." <Foster> "Ah. Indeed, I know just the man we need to speak to." <Fordran> "Good. Good." <Foster> "We should probably be prepared for trouble when we go, however. His bar of choice is a rather hostile environment to the unprepared." <Fordran> "Oh. I guess the end of the week isn't as close as I'd hoped." <Vita> "Hostile in what way....?" <Foster> "I suppose the best way to describe it would be as a permanent brawl." * Vita looks frightened <Foster> "Navigation can be a bit tricky when you're busy dodging thrown knives and such." <Fordran> "Sounds... interesting." <Vita> "Um. I've had some problems in the past with... um... feet of people who aren't looking." <Vita> "Um." <Foster> "I recommend some sort of armor. Most of the drunks aren't coherent enough to hurt anyone with a decent layer of metal on them." <Vita> "o...k" <Fordran> "What about you? You don't usually wear metal." <Foster> "I will be quite alright." * Foster taps his chest, producing a slight *clink*. <Fordran> "Huh." <Fordran> "...I wonder how much time Erias needs." <Foster> "I'm sure Pelor's business will conclude itself at a proper time. Divine guidance is reassuringly measured." <Fordran> "Sometimes." <Vita> "You would have the best idea, I would think..." (looking at Forddran) * Fordran looks around. * Fordran finds something to sit on. * Foster relaxes. He looks much less tense than he was this morning. <DM> *clomp clomp clomp clomp* <DM> Erias and Foster return. <DM> er <DM> Erias and Yawin return. * Vita looks for something to perch o.... nevermind <Fordran> ("listen! a horse approaches") <DM> Yawin looks tan. <Vita> (Uhhh... good tan, or blistery unhappy tan?) <Erias> "Hi." <Foster> "Hello." <DM> (sunny tropical vacation tan) * Fordran looks at Yawin. <Erias> "Welcome back, Foster." * Erias looks at the group. "Any ideas on where to go next?" * Fordran tilts his head a little. <Fordran> "Hm? Oh. I was thinking that perhaps we should visit that bar that Argus was talking about." <Fordran> "Foster says that it can get a little rowdy." <Foster> "I do, in fact, know our next destination. I suggest that we do our best to look shabby so as not to be too conspicuous." <Erias> "Uh." <Erias> "I will try." * Vita looks at her mud-stained traveling clothes and figures that they will probably do. <DM> (heh) <Fordran> "Oh. But what about the metal?" <Vita> "I have metal on under this...." * Vita jingles <Erias> "I can come up with something. It won't hide all of my armor, but..." <Fordran> "Maybe if I got a big... cloak." <Erias> "Surely we have nothing to fear from a few drunken ruffians..." <Foster> "Covering it with clothing or oil splotches usually suffices." <DM> "I can lend you one of mine, Fordran." <Fordran> "Ah. Thank you." <Foster> "A few, certainly not. An entire warehouse may give us pause momentarily." <Fordran> "I would personally rather deal with no drunken ruffians than a building full of them." <Erias> "Very well. Give me a few minutes." <DM> Yawin leaves again, returning in a few minutes with an extra cloak for Fordran. * Fordran fits the cloak around himself. <Erias> |roll d20+6 <tafal> 8 | [d20=2] [+6=6] <DM> Erias scrunches up his tabard so it's extra-creased. * Erias puts on a cloak and some artful streaks of dirt that don't look very natural. <DM> (think jeans with fake butt-marks) <Foster> (what time of day is it?) <Fordran> "Well. I think I'm about ready." <DM> Yawin: "So where is this place that we're headed?" <DM> (around noon) <DM> (You slept in to get a full 8 hours) <Foster> "The bad part of town. I'm not sure that our suspect will be there until this evening, however." <Fordran> "Ah. Then... what other leads do we have..." <Foster> "Well, there is the question of hideous, reeking tentacled beasts residing in the sewers." <Erias> "I'd like to make a quick stop by the market district, first, if we might." <Erias> "Afterward, I'd be happy to face a straightforward foe, tentacled or not." <Fordran> "That's not so much a question anymore, I think. There certainly was a hideous, reeking tentacled beast in the sewers." <Fordran> "Wait, did you say beasts?" <Vita> "I remember the one......" <Foster> "Well. I'm not aware of any otherse." <DM> Yawin: "What does the sewer beast have to do with the kidnappings?" <Fordran> "Nothing, I think. Except that we found Croc down there, and his people were kidnapped." <Fordran> "A weak connection, I admit." <Foster> "The people who kidnapped Erias and me were apparently given to dumping their victims in the sewers after they were done with them." <Erias> "Ah, right." <DM> "And... they were being dumped to the beast?" <Erias> "A simple way to get rid of evidence, I suppose." <Foster> "Or simply being put in the sewers as you would discard any other piece of waste." <DM> "Not for slavery, then... What did they want with you?" * Erias looks away. <Foster> "Some complex device was used to drain us of our personal energies. We were rescued before tremendous harm was inflicted, but the wounds are still fresh." <DM> Yawin grimaces at this. <DM> to Fordran and Vita: "How did you find them? Could we perhaps return in force?" <Fordran> "Some magical... tele...trans...porter." <DM> "Where was this magical portal?" <Fordran> "It sent us to where they were being held. But it sounds like that gateway could easy be moved, and is probably not where we found it. Anymore." <Vita> (I can't remember how we found the teletransporter anymore) <Fordran> "It was near a cellar in the sewers." <DM> (you heard someone following you, and confronted him) <Foster> (You had Sam go 5 rounds with the thug sent to stop you from finding it) <Vita> "We had followed the scent of Foster" <Fordran> "The one we found from below, I'm pretty sure." <DM> Yawin: "I should let Su--someone at the church know that there are enemies very close to home." <DM> Yawin: "The kidnappers, what did they look like?" <Erias> "I suppose so." <Erias> (I will describe the man and woman as best I can.) * Foster fills in any details about the woman that Erias missed. <DM> Yawin: "I'm afraid I don't know either of those people." <Foster> "Not particularly surprising. They seemed to keep a low profile." <DM> Yawin: "I can have the Champions keep an eye out for people matching those descriptions." <Erias> "If you wish to inform the church, we can... uh... do whatever it is we're going to do and meet back here when it's time to go to the tavern." <DM> "That sounds fine. When should I return?" <Foster> "I suggest that we meet back here at dusk." * Erias nods. <Erias> (when we're done here, I go (with any others who wish to come) to hire a messenger.) <DM> Yawin nods, stands up, sketches a half-bow, and leaves. * Fordran will travel with Erias. <Fordran> "Erias... Yawin looks... different. What happened?" * Foster will go along. * Vita isn't going to buck the trend <Erias> (we're walking toward the market area / wherever I hope to find a courier) <Erias> "He is different." * Erias looks at Fordran squarely. "He is no longer alive." <DM> (I'll let you have this conversation before you miraculously appear before a courier) <Erias> heh * Foster eyebrows, remains silent. <Fordran> "I thought so, when we were in the sewers." <Erias> "He summoned the power of Pelor... to sear his own flesh, just as you and I drive away creatures of unlife." * Vita continues to remain silent, as she usually does at this point <Fordran> "And he let you?" <Erias> "_He_ summoned the power of Pelor." <Erias> "I do not know what to think of this. He seems on the edge of madness, but... he seems to be struggling to find truth, to do what is right." <Fordran> "W... Oh... He... HE did this?" * Fordran ponders. <Fordran> "I never imagined that one could turn Pelor's light upon one's self..." * Erias shrugs helplessly. <Erias> "I will watch him... and we must investigate this church further." <Erias> "But for the time being... let us attend to other things." <DM> Oh look, a corner storefront with a hanging sign of a brightly-dressed man with wings on his feet, holding a parchment scroll. <Erias> ooh! * Erias turns and approaches the man. <Erias> I mean... * Erias turns and approaches the store. * Foster loiters outside. * Erias enters. * Fordran follows Erias inside, looking thougtful. <Fordran> thoughtful, even. <Erias> (handwave if you like: writes full description of events, seals it, gives directions, pays someone) <DM> Business is kind of slow. There's a sleepy looking apprentice behind the desk, idly rolling a quill between his inkstained fingers and staring out the window <DM> (ok) <Fordran> (quick! detect evil on the apprentice!) * Vita loiters with Foster <DM> "That's... two day's ride, how soon do you need it there, sir?" <DM> "We can send it with the coach, it's safer, or we can have it ridden there directly." <Erias> (sorry, was afk a sec) <Erias> (how long do I have until they're supposed to come again?) <Fordran> (14 minutes) <DM> (you had a week) <Erias> (doh!) <Erias> (wait, since we left there? it's like half a week's travel each way...) <DM> (no, since you arrived) <DM> (I think) <Erias> (okay) <Erias> (and it's been... two nights? no, three, I think...?) <Erias> "How long does the coach take?" <DM> "Four days, sir) <DM> (and I checked logs, he expects word in two weeks) <Erias> (oh, two weeks is fine) <Erias> "Alright, the coach should be fine." <DM> "That'll be a silver piece." <Erias> "How often does the coach run?" <DM> "Usually in the mornings, but one of the horses on today's regular threw a shoe, so it's leaving in a few hours." <Erias> "Alright, thank you." <DM> "You're welcome, sir, thank you sir." * Erias takes a silver and a few copper from his money pouch and places them on the counter with his written, sealed report. <DM> As Erias is engaging in his mailings, Vita and Foster hear a "*PSST*" * Foster glances over. * Vita glances at Foster glancing * Erias bows and walks out, presumably with Fordran. But possibly not until this resolves, depending on timing. <DM> There is just the top of a small balding head and eyes peering out from the edge of an alley. <Erias> (hey buddy. wanna buy some paladin personal energy?) <DM> "You there, *psst*, human." <Foster> "Can I help you?" <DM> "Have you already forgotten?" * Vita says "Hi" rather brightly given the situation <DM> He glances at Vita, nods briskly, and looks back up at Foster. <DM> "About my... statue?" * Vita peers at the gnome, clearly confused but wanting to be a part of this conversation with one of the few of her race she's seen lately <DM> He looks at Vita again, seeing her (and her weapons) more clearly. <DM> He looks nervous. <DM> "Is... er... is she helping you?" <Foster> "Ah, my apologies, I've had other things on my mind lately. I've been pursuing those who stole your statue, but the entire matter has become rather complicated as of late. I'm sure you can appreciate that a thorough investigation will take some time." * Vita bows "I help with what I can when I can" <DM> "Oh, of course, of course. It's just that there's been considerable... pressure, shall we say." <DM> He looks around anxiously. <Foster> "Ah. I understand. Perhaps if I were to talk to the person putting pressure on you, I could cause them to understand the situation better." <DM> He looks shocked. "No no no, we mustn't be too hasty now, no goodness no." <DM> "Er." <DM> "I'm very grateful for your rescue, and your continued assistance, you understand. Here." <DM> He hands you a dense-looking leather pouch. * Foster nods, and takes it. <DM> "If this helps speeds things up in any way, please use it as you see fit." <Foster> "Hopefully, it will be of some assistance." <DM> "Now, I must return to my-- affairs." <Foster> "I'll contact you if I learn anything more of note, I assure you." <DM> He bows to Vita. * Vita bows again * Foster idly examines the contents of the pouch after the gnome departs. <DM> "A pleasure. Mr. Cobblestone at your service." <DM> He winks and taps the side of his nose at Foster. * Foster smiles back. <DM> He sneaks off in the manner of a man who is entirely not good at this sort of thing. * Vita glances at the pouch, looks up at Foster <Vita> "A gnomish statue, huh?" <DM> Fordran and Erias come out and see no Vita or Foster. <Erias> "Uh..." <Erias> "Oh, no." <Vita> (wait, we moved? I guess we did...?) * Erias looks around. <DM> (He was in an alley) <Foster> "Nyrondese, actually. Mostly a curiosity, but unique." * Vita will leave the alley once the conversation is over * Erias looks at Fordran. "Could they have been kidnapped?" <DM> Vita and Foster walk out of a nearby alley. <Vita> "So finding things is partially how you make your way?" <Fordran> "Oh, there you are." <Fordran> "What's so interesting about that alley?" <Erias> "Oh, good." <Foster> "This was more the result of a chance encounter. I found him dying in an alley after being assaulted by the thieves in question. A healing potion later, I seem to have let myself be roped into a hunt for odd sculpture." <Fordran> "Found who now?" <Foster> "Of course, it was this that led me to the bar we're heading to later, so it can't have been too bad a thing." * Vita grins "Sounds gnomish to me." <Foster> "A minor personal matter, nothing to be concerned about." * Erias shrugs. <Erias> (starting to run out of energy) <Fordran> "If this week keeps going the way it's been going, I probably will have to get concerned about it." <Erias> (not sure what we should do until dusk) <Foster> "Unless you've taken a sudden interest in obscure ancient sculpture, I wouldn't worry about it." <Erias> "What shall we do until dusk? Try to find out more about the church, perhaps?" <Erias> "Foster, did you find anything out about... restoring energy?" <Fordran> "I wonder if that church will remain hospitable." <Foster> "Only that we need to continue to look for solutions to our problems." <Foster> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 18 | [d20=13] [+5=5] <Foster> |roll d20+15 <tafal> 33 | [d20=18] [+15=15] <Erias> uh. <Erias> (how does he get those bonuses?) <Foster> (high int, synergies, feats) <DM> (and everyone in a 300' radius is assisting, but they don't know it yet) <DM> (kidding.) <Fordran> (i'll take 10) <DM> (Or am I?) <Vita> (...) <Erias> (i'll take 0) <Foster> "Hm. The only thing that I can really come up with, thinking harder about it, is that divine magic is often capable of curing things that are beyond understanding." <Fordran> "Indeed. There is practically nothing that a mighty deity cannot do." <Foster> "Perhaps we should see a capable priest." <Erias> "That is true. But I would hesitate to approach the Church of the Orb with this." <Fordran> "What other temples are nearby?" <DM> (What's the worst that could happen~) <DM> As far as you've seen, the Church of the Eternal Orb is the only show in town. <Fordran> "It looks like our only choice is... the Eternal Orb. And I don't think I can trust them to perform the services we need." <DM> (omgz why so h8~?) <Erias> (this is reminding me of "come on... use the pipes... don't be a wuss") <DM> (heh) <Fordran> (c'mon... don't be a pussy.) <Foster> "Given your misgivings about this church, it would appear that we are without options in Threecrown, unless, of course, you are capable of restorative magics." <DM> (Though, in this case, I'm not actually pushing you in that direction) <Vita> "There are o other towns nearby with temples? " <Vita> o = no <Fordran> "I can perform... a weak form of restoration... I don't know if I am powerful enough to be helpful, though." <DM> You didn't see anything bigger than a village on your way into town. <Erias> "I have one small magic that might help, but I think it is unlikely. Still, I would try it, if you like. It is probably what Fordran offers as well; I have a scroll." <DM> There might be something further. <Foster> To Fordran: "It's probably worth a try, since we will be here for at least a short while longer." <Fordran> "All right, then. I will do what I can." <Erias> (oh, wow, that's a 1st level paladin spell, too) <DM> (which spell?) <Fordran> (lesser restoration) <Vita> "I really wish I could help." * Fordran mumbles a prayer to Pelor and tries to Lesser Restore Foster. <DM> This makes you feel great! <DM> Your blisters and hangnails are gone, and any vitamin deficiency you were suffering is likewise cured. <Erias> (you fool... conventional magics have no effect on plot.) <Foster> (Hey, it's worth a shot. :p) <Fordran> (i knew i should have learned Restore Plot) <DM> (I'm already casting Restore Plot ; ;) <Fordran> (um... Protection from Plot?) <DM> (That's so getting Cry of Frustrationed <Foster> (Better go with Magic Circle Against Plot, 10' Radius) <Foster> "Well, physically, I feel very fit. Not quite sure it did anything to fix what's wrong in my head, however." <Vita> (I'm also fading) <Erias> (okay, we should wind down.) <DM> The four of you (and Pup) stroll along the streets of Threecrown, somewhat aimlessly. <Erias> "Let's talk with the locals and see if we can find out anything else, and then head back to the inn at dusk." <Foster> (the <time passes until dusk> sounds like a good stopping point) <Vita> "It can't hurt." <Foster> "Indeed not." <DM> As it approaches dusk, and you head back to the inn... <DM> To Be Continued... nyah~ <Fordran> dun dun DUHN <DM> Each of you gains enough xp to reach the next level