WotL OOC Thread III

[JadedDM]

As spellcasters dont exist outside the nasty dragon-lady's temple, it's either do in the woman or expire.

Who could have predicted making a deal with the devil wouldn't work out well for him?

Is Haahqae able to continue trying to pick the lock, or does he have to somehow swing the circumstances in his favor before trying again (such as leveling up, employing a new set of tools, etc)?

He cannot try again until he improves his odds of success. Leveling up would be one way, yes.

If Haahqae can’t get in the main door, he’ll circle the building looking for other enterances, but he won’t go so far as to break anything (yet). Instead if he’s steimied he’ll go back to Myriam and see if he can get any details on Ismene’s detainment. And also ask her for help in rescuing Ismene.

There are no other entrances, no.

Miriam would agree to help him, but only if he has a good plan. They have no idea where she is, how to retrieve her and even if they find out, how will they get her out of the city?

This, probably won’t take the full day, so Haahqae would then go to the temple to “worship” as he does his best to identify the magics they use there.

If you remember, the temple is completely dark inside, with magical candles showing the way. So he can't really see much of anything.

Btw, did Haahqae’s familiar have any reaction to the names he suggested for her?

Uh...I mean...I don't know? Do you want me to choose the name for her then? It's your familiar. I mean, she's a mouse. She doesn't care what you call her.

if it's shown that captives can be freed from the red army once, who's to say they can't be saved twice? Or... there's always a chance that they're being held close enough together to rescue both at once.

That's something else worth mentioning, too. There have been references to also rescuing Thoron or Gregeddin, along with Ismene. It still begs the question, then what? How do you get them past the checkpoints? How do you get them out of the city? If you rescue any of these people, it's not like they can just go home and continue their lives like nothing happened. They'll be fugitives on the run.

[Haahque]

Miriam would agree to help him, but only if he has a good plan. They have no idea where she is, how to retrieve her and even if they find out, how will they get her out of the city?

This at least is good news for Haahqae, he doesn’t, as of yet, have a good plan, but he will spend time with Miriam trying to come up with one.

Where she is: To find this out, Haahqae intends to question a soldier (or multiple). Then, he’ll probably kill them. This, or scouting out possible locations himself.
How to retrieve her if they find out: This would depend a lot on the information Haahqae gathers based on where she is. In general, he has a potion of invisibility (and she can turn herself invisible, or also drink from it) which could be used to get her out of wherever she is. Alternative plans involve things like a full-on prison break or masquerading as guards.

How will they get her out of the city: Good thing Miriam brought this up, because Haahqae likely wouldn’t have thought that far on his own. One option is to not get her out of the city. Haahqae’s had plenty of proof that plenty of criminals can live in the city indefinitely (Belzorites, Xleena + Yvette). He could find a good hiding spot that the temple cannot find. One option is to commandeer a wagon heading out of the city for “legitimate” purposes, such as a prison wagon. One option is to steal/make a boat and/or swim.

If you remember, the temple is completely dark inside, with magical candles showing the way. So he can't really see much of anything.

Yes, let’s start with that… magical candles, perhaps he could determine the nature of that magic? Haahqae has darkvision maybe that could show him more information than they intend to show off. He can also memorize detect magic, which might not be that effective, but he’ll try it anyways (he doesn’t know that it’s not that effective).

It's your familiar. I mean, she's a mouse. She doesn't care what you call her.

Well that’s why I gave her options. But if she doesn’t have a strong preference… I guess I’ll go with Miracle.

How do you get them past the checkpoints? How do you get them out of the city? If you rescue any of these people, it's not like they can just go home and continue their lives like nothing happened. They'll be fugitives on the run.

Details, details. The ideal method is if Haahqae finds a safe spot to hide them. Gregeddin could probably go back to his old life… I mean his job is to do dangerous things and avoid people trying to kill him right? Thoron it’d be up to Arulia to decide what to do with him, if she wants to free him. Ismene, well Haahqae has proposed many possibilities over the pages + posts as to how to keep her from retribution, his plans might not be solid but as I explained, his rage clouds his reason somewhat.

And if Haahqae manages a full-on prison break, it could take weeks or months for the guards to track down most of the new fugitives, giving existing fugitives more security in that the guards are busy/occupied.

[Chris1234]

Autumn Twilight 16, Gateway
Shima - When he first wakes up, he feels weird. It's hard to say exactly, but he just feels off. (He suffers a -1 to all saving throws.) He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 1 HP. He heads to the Steel Tankard to see Haahqae, but the gnome is not available. He returns to the High Hand and splits the coin with Ne-Chanz and asks Ne-Chanz if he knows where Arulia lives or works, adding that he feels a bit strange, "Maybe it was the fish I ate." He asks Gobax about Gregeddin [Need Tristen's input here] if he knows where Arulia lives or works and if he knows another person {the one that Shima’s got to pop (but not saying that bit) but Chris doesn’t recall what if anything Shima knows about her}. He goes to the Masked Dragon and takes a bath for 3 CP. He tracks down Raena. She tells him to forget about it. She's lost patience with him and has decided on a different route. She no longer needs his help in this regard. It's become clear she doesn't trust him, either, nor is she buying his reasons on why it's taking so long.. He goes to see Jane. She offers to sell him a vial for 50 STP, but it will take a few days to brew it. [Does he accept? Can he brew it himself? Cost and time? Would she be able to smuggle a sword if for him to Arulia? Indeed , does she know Arulia and where she lives or works? Or the other person {the one that Shima’s got to pop (but not saying that bit)}?] He goes to see Arulia, but he has no idea where to look. [He doesn't know where she lives or works. If Shima gets to see Arulia he will ask about cleaning up a sword. Is it something he could do if she sold him the relevant stiff, polish or whatever?]] He gives the pregnant woman at the Tankard 12 SP (+1 Mishakal). He asks Ne-Chanz if he knows the woman he's been hired to kill. However, the minotaur does not; he hasn't been in this city much longer than Shima has. He splits the coin with Ne-Chanz. The 37 PP divides into 18 PP and 5 STP each. The 375 SP splits up into 187 SP and 5 CP each. Shima keeps the gemstone a secret so keeps it to himself. Any xp for effectively nicking the gemstone?]

Autumn Twilight 17, Bright Eye
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 3 HP. (He now has -2 to all saves.) Other stuff depends on results of Twilight 16

Autumn Twilight 18, Night's Eye
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 1 HP. He attempts to visit Haahqae again [Need Haahque's input here.] (He now has -3 to all saves.) Other stuff depends on results of Twilight 16

Autumn Twilight 19, Dead Eye
Ne-Chanz - Ne-Chanz pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 3 HP.
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 3 HP. (He now has -4 to all saves.) Other stuff depends on results of Twilight 16

Autumn Twilight 20, Dream Dance
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 1 HP. He attempts to visit Haahqae again. [Need Haahque's input here.] (He now has -5 to all saves.) Other stuff depends on results of Twilight 16

Autumn Twilight 21, Winged Trade
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. (He now has -6 to all saves.) Other stuff depends on results of Twilight 16

Autumn Twilight 22, World Tree
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He attempts to visit Haahqae again. [Need Haahque's input here.] (He now has -7 to all saves.) Other stuff depends on results of Twilight 16

Autumn Twilight 23, Gateway
(Chapter 13 begins)

==========
Also, did anyone want to update their goals? If so, let me know. Yes please.

[TristenC]

Grubnick would be glad to hear about finsing the girls. He would agree they should try to capture them or at least find thr loot and steal it back. Since he (and he presumes Arulia) aren't rogues, he would suggest they get others of the group that did the belzorite job to help. He doesn't know if he can trust that Shima character, but suspects the dwarf may be a rogue. He knows Haahque is, but things aren't going great between the two. Still, he know the gnome has a vested interest in the task at hand.

goal: capture the girls and get the money back
New goal: find Delarn

[djhyland]

Grubnick would be glad to hear about finsing the girls. He would agree they should try to capture them or at least find thr loot and steal it back. Since he (and he presumes Arulia) aren't rogues, he would suggest they get others of the group that did the belzorite job to help. He doesn't know if he can trust that Shima character, but suspects the dwarf may be a rogue. He knows Haahque is, but things aren't going great between the two. Still, he know the gnome has a vested interest in the task at hand.

goal: capture the girls and get the money back
New goal: find Delarn

Yeah, Arulia and Gobax would need some reinforcements. Seeing as how the rest of the people who went into the Belzorite's lair have a stake in the matter, she'd suggest recruiting them. Well, all of them except Haahqae, but she won't object if Gobax suggests bringing him.

[Haahque]

Well, all of them except Haahqae, but she won't object if Gobax suggests bringing him.

Ouch, cold. With how vehemently people seem to hate Haahqae for the smallest infractions, I would have thought Haahqae had a horrible charisma.

[TristenC]

It's not that they hate him, it's that everything seems tto go sideways when he is involved. First time Grubnick's met him Haahque was the reason he went into the lair with Gregeddin, resulting in the bard and gnome almost getting killed. The next time they return to the lair Haahque gets knocked out right off the bat again. Then there are the gnome/goblin arguments to consider.

Grubnick thinks they need a rogue to help with the girls (set a thief to catch a thief). I think ideally he would want ismene, but he doesn't really know her that well. He will want Haahque there, he just doesn't have to like it.

Grubnick will suggest to Arulia getting everyone from the original excursion possible involved (maybe even kendra to add some 'official' weight if Arulia can convince him Kendra can be trusted for this). Grubnick would also like the opportunity to observe Kendra more to help decide what to do about her. Arulia says she's trustworthy and hinted she doesn't like the army (I think, if I recall their talk correctly).


It's too bad the two clerics don't know they can trust each other. A few 'hold person' spells might be able to wrap this whole thing up with just the two of them

[djhyland]

Ouch, cold. With how vehemently people seem to hate Haahqae for the smallest infractions, I would have thought Haahqae had a horrible charisma.

Smallest infraction? Haahqae refused to even consider Arulia's suggestion, and all but said that the wounds that Arulia received in Belzor's hideout were nothing in comparison to the potions he used, then blamed her for destroying a dangerous book that she has no idea he can even use. He berated her for her actions while taking no responsibility for his own actions.

In their interactions, he hasn't exactly acted like he has anything more than a horrible charisma.

[Haahque]

It’s true that Haahqae was fairly condemning in that interaction however he did give her suggestion consideration.

Arulia asked Haahqae for money and he said no, and explained solid reasons as to why.

Haahqae said Arulia’s wounds were significantly less than his own, in a mission where Haahqae was reduced below 0 HP twice. He also mentioned that he had used more resources then her, where she had just spent time and danger, where he had spent (more) time, (just as much) danger and (more) money/resources.
He berated her for destroying the books which he had laid out plans for the use of, since she was one of the main people advocating for their destruction.

He gave Arulia the chance to argue and negotiate her position, which she didn't decide to do.

Which actions is he not taking responsibility for?

As for their interactions, has Haahqae ever acted in a disrespectful way towards Arulia before this point? I was under the impression that Haahqae had acted fairly kindly towards Camilla, however I guess it’s not guaranteed that Arulia had talked to her sister about this at all; the event was somewhat forgotten after Haahqae’s show was attacked.

[JadedDM]

Where she is: To find this out, Haahqae intends to question a soldier (or multiple). Then, he’ll probably kill them.

How does he plan to do that? In a one-on-one fight, he doesn't stand much of a chance against even a single Baaz.

Haahqae’s had plenty of proof that plenty of criminals can live in the city indefinitely (Belzorites, Xleena + Yvette).

Hmm, keep in mind though that the Belzorites were able to remain hidden because they had powerful anti-scrying magic at their disposal. Haahqae does not, and so a simple divination from the temple could easily find them again. As for Yvette and Xyleena, they aren't hiding from the army, they're just hiding from some of the PCs. Which is much, much easier to do.

One option is to steal/make a boat and/or swim.

Haahqae doesn't know how to swim. Most gnomes don't, as they grew up in a dormant volcano.

Yes, let’s start with that… magical candles, perhaps he could determine the nature of that magic? Haahqae has darkvision maybe that could show him more information than they intend to show off. He can also memorize detect magic, which might not be that effective, but he’ll try it anyways (he doesn’t know that it’s not that effective).

I think I mentioned this when Haahqae first entered the temple, but his infravision doesn't seem to work inside. If you want him to cast Detect Magic, I can confirm or deny if he senses they are magical and if he passes his roll, tell you what school of magic it is, though.

I guess I’ll go with Miracle.

Okay. I'll add her stat block soon.

He returns to the High Hand and splits the coin with Ne-Chanz and asks Ne-Chanz if he knows where Arulia lives or works, adding that he feels a bit strange, "Maybe it was the fish I ate." He asks Gobax about Gregeddin [Need Tristen's input here] if he knows where Arulia lives or works and if he knows another person {the one that Shima’s got to pop (but not saying that bit) but Chris doesn’t recall what if anything Shima knows about her}.

Ne-Chanz does not know where Arulia lives or works. Nor has he ever heard of the woman he was hired to kill. Remember, he only arrived in the city one day before Shima. He probably knows fewer people than Shima does, in fact, as he's done far less socializing so far.

Can he brew it himself? Cost and time?

He can, using the Herbalism NWP. The cost and time depends on what kind of poison he wants to make. What strength, what delivery system (i.e., are you going to put it in her tea, coat a weapon with it, etc.).

Would she be able to smuggle a sword if for him to Arulia? Indeed , does she know Arulia and where she lives or works? Or the other person {the one that Shima’s got to pop (but not saying that bit)}?

Does Shima know that Arulia works at a smithy? If not, I'm not sure why he would even consider bringing it to her. In any case, Jane doesn't know who she is. But if she is going to risk her life smuggling a rusty sword to some woman she doesn't know, she wants to know what Shima is offering her in return. She doesn't do favors for free, especially ones that can get her executed by the guard if she's caught.

Any xp for effectively nicking the gemstone?

Not until he sells it. The XP value is dependent on how much coin he gets for it.

Also, did anyone want to update their goals? If so, let me know. Yes please.

Okay...such as..?

Which actions is he not taking responsibility for?

When has Haahqae ever taken responsibility for his actions?

[Haahque]

How does he plan to do that? In a one-on-one fight, he doesn't stand much of a chance against even a single Baaz.

By it not being a one on one fight. This is one reason why Haahqae needs Miriam (and possibly Arulia). Three on one should be easily good enough odds to defeat a single baaz. Kendra’s taken out much stronger foes by herself after all.

Hmm, keep in mind though that the Belzorites were able to remain hidden because they had powerful anti-scrying magic at their disposal. Haahqae does not, and so a simple divination from the temple could easily find them again. As for Yvette and Xyleena, they aren't hiding from the army, they're just hiding from some of the PCs. Which is much, much easier to do.

As far as Haahqae knows, Yvette and Xyleena are prolific thieves with many enemies, not just the PC’s. But… Haahqae would like to find some way to get a powerful anti-scrying magic at his disposal. He had one briefly before it was destroyed in the Belzorite lair, so he’d like to plot a way to get another one.

Haahqae doesn't know how to swim. Most gnomes don't, as they grew up in a dormant volcano.

Good to know, it would have to be a boat then.

I think I mentioned this when Haahqae first entered the temple, but his infravision doesn't seem to work inside. If you want him to cast Detect Magic, I can confirm or deny if he senses they are magical and if he passes his roll, tell you what school of magic it is, though.

That’s a start yes. Also he’ll try spell craft to try and identify what’s blocking is infravision.

When has Haahqae ever taken responsibility for his actions?

Generally this only happens around Ismene Although to be fair, most of the problem is that he doesn't know what actions he would need to "take responsibility" for.

[djhyland]

It’s true that Haahqae was fairly condemning in that interaction however he did give her suggestion consideration.

Arulia asked Haahqae for money and he said no, and explained solid reasons as to why.

Arulia didn't ask Haahqae for money, she asked to change the terms of the job...five gold now instead of whatever she's entitled to for her share when the thieves are found. Sure, it's a fine point, and she doesn't blame him for refusing to do so...she figured it was a long shot, but one that cost her little to take. The refusal isn't why she's angry with him.

Haahqae said Arulia’s wounds were significantly less than his own, in a mission where Haahqae was reduced below 0 HP twice. He also mentioned that he had used more resources then her, where she had just spent time and danger, where he had spent (more) time, (just as much) danger and (more) money/resources.

Here's where Arulia has a problem with Haahqae. Maybe he took more wounds than her, but she sees that as bad luck. She put her life on the line for the job, and Haahqae's brushing off the risk that she took and the wounds that she took because she was lucky enough (or armored enough, or sensible enough not to go sneaking ahead without a proper escape plan) to not get as hurt as he did. That he considers his precious potions more important than the lives of others isn't helping the matter.

He berated her for destroying the books which he had laid out plans for the use of, since she was one of the main people advocating for their destruction.

As far as Arulia knows, Haahqae is just a juggler. Despite his stated plans, she saw no good way for him taking the books to end.

He gave Arulia the chance to argue and negotiate her position, which she didn't decide to do.

Arulia knew that she was extremely close to being caught out after curfew, and it seemed unlikely that he'd change his mind quickly enough for her to still get back home. And given his attitude, she also had little desire to continue the conversation.

Which actions is he not taking responsibility for?

The little bit where he hired on a pair of thieves to help them attack the hideout without asking them any questions, then having them steal all the treasure they found?

Actually, I'm not sure that Arulia knows the full story there. Please disregard this one, then. But see also the part where Haahqae blames her for the loss of his potions: he's blaming her when he's the one who decided to use them in the first place. If they were so precious, he shouldn't have used them.

As for their interactions, has Haahqae ever acted in a disrespectful way towards Arulia before this point? I was under the impression that Haahqae had acted fairly kindly towards Camilla, however I guess it’s not guaranteed that Arulia had talked to her sister about this at all; the event was somewhat forgotten after Haahqae’s show was attacked.

I don't think that they've had any interactions to speak of, aside from him hiring her on for the job. Since that went so well, she doesn't have a good opinion of those, either. She's aware that Camilla's met him, and she's not about to tell her sisters what they should and shouldn't do any more, but she certainly doesn't approve. She can't imagine that any more good will come of Camilla associating with Haahqae than what's come of her associating with him, and she intends on paying close attention.

[Haahque]

But see also the part where Haahqae blames her for the loss of his potions: he's blaming her when he's the one who decided to use them in the first place. If they were so precious, he shouldn't have used them.

I guess this is a part where Haahqae miscommunicated his point. He's not blaming Arulia on using his potions, he's lamenting that he's already lost so much on the mission and that he doesn't want to lose any more on it.

The books, he was blaming Arulia for however, which is probably where she got that idea from.

[djhyland]

I guess this is a part where Haahqae miscommunicated his point. He's not blaming Arulia on using his potions, he's lamenting that he's already lost so much on the mission and that he doesn't want to lose any more on it.

The books, he was blaming Arulia for however, which is probably where she got that idea from.

Okay, so Haahqae isn't directly blaming Arulia for his potions, but he is using them as a reason why he won't bargain with her. Arulia doesn't care what he's sacrificed for the job (well, she can appreciate the fact, but she thinks it has nothing to do with her as he didn't use any of them for her benefit) so his fixation on his potions sounds to her like they're more important to him than her safety was...which is still a strike against him.

Admittedly, Arulia isn't looking at the situation completely fairly. She's trying to be a reasonably good person, but she's also a "teenager" (a 21 year old half-elf is like a human teenager, right?) who can fall into thinking that the world is soooo unfair and is unlikely to forget slights against her. From her point of view, Haahqae is not the one who's being treated unfairly.

EDIT: typing on a phone is hard.

[Chris1234]

He returns to the High Hand and splits the coin with Ne-Chanz and asks Ne-Chanz if he knows where Arulia lives or works, adding that he feels a bit strange, "Maybe it was the fish I ate." He asks Gobax about Gregeddin [Need Tristen's input here] if he knows where Arulia lives or works and if he knows another person {the one that Shima’s got to pop (but not saying that bit) but Chris doesn’t recall what if anything Shima knows about her}.

Ne-Chanz does not know where Arulia lives or works. Nor has he ever heard of the woman he was hired to kill. Remember, he only arrived in the city one day before Shima. He probably knows fewer people than Shima does, in fact, as he's done far less socializing so far. OK, nice and clear. Closed.

Can he brew it himself? Cost and time?

He can, using the Herbalism NWP. The cost and time depends on what kind of poison he wants to make. What strength, what delivery system (i.e., are you going to put it in her tea, coat a weapon with it, etc.). Whatever's appropriate to the requirements of the job. In the absence of any other guidance it would be a short sword venom, maximum strength.

Would she be able to smuggle a sword if for him to Arulia? Indeed , does she know Arulia and where she lives or works? Or the other person {the one that Shima’s got to pop (but not saying that bit)}?

Does Shima know that Arulia works at a smithy? If not, I'm not sure why he would even consider bringing it to her. In any case, Jane doesn't know who she is. But if she is going to risk her life smuggling a rusty sword to some woman she doesn't know, she wants to know what Shima is offering her in return. She doesn't do favors for free, especially ones that can get her executed by the guard if she's caught. Fine, forget this then. I was trying to use it as a way of finding a reason not to kill her sister.

Any xp for effectively nicking the gemstone?

Not until he sells it. The XP value is dependent on how much coin he gets for it. "Jane, how much would you offer me for this?" Ask for 50% more. Accept whatever the resultant response is. {OOC: I'm only chasing a few 100 xp here for a level up}

Also, did anyone want to update their goals? If so, let me know. Yes please.

Okay...such as..? Will dig them out and have a look.