WotL OOC Thread III

[JadedDM]

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.

Possible then. Just keep in mind that they'll be armed and you all won't be. Kendra was carrying two swords (one magical, one masterwork) and had help, too.

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

Okay. Well, the Detect Magic spell confirms the candlelight is magical. He has a 30% chance of identifying the specific school of magic.

(1d100): 42, fail.

Well, all he learns is that it is magical. Spellcraft won't really tell him anything unless he witnesses someone cast the spell, but he's never seen anyone renew it.

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.

And I appreciate that. Often players with Good aligned characters treat them as perfect paragons of virtue that never waver, never show weakness or do anything selfish or wrong. But nobody is perfect, everyone slips up now and again. Being Good is hard, that's why so many struggle with it. Arulia has a good heart, but she's young and naive and like anyone else, flawed.

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.

Alright, it sounds like you are describing Poison Class E, which is injected, has an onset time of zero and deals instant death if a save is failed and 20 damage if passed. Because it's so strong, the ingredients are rare and therefore expensive. He can buy what he needs at the herbalist shop for about 30 steel total.

Fine, forget this then. I was trying to use it as a way of finding a reason not to kill her sister.

I can't help you if you keep your motives hidden from me. How would speaking to Arulia about de-rusting a sword help him not kill her sister?

"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}

She offers 10 steel for it. He tries to persuade it to add 50% more

CHA check (1d20): 3, pass.

She offers 15 steel for it. Does he accept?

[Chris1234]

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.

Alright, it sounds like you are describing Poison Class E, which is injected, has an onset time of zero and deals instant death if a save is failed and 20 damage if passed. Because it's so strong, the ingredients are rare and therefore expensive. He can buy what he needs at the herbalist shop for about 30 steel total. Assuming this covers everything needed, then yes, agreed, will buy for 30GP. If it doesnn't, e.g. need herbalist w=equipment etc, then will fall back to Jane's offer at 50GP

Fine, forget this then. I was trying to use it as a way of finding a reason not to kill her sister.

I can't help you if you keep your motives hidden from me. How would speaking to Arulia about de-rusting a sword help him not kill her sister? Well if he doesn't know that they're related then he can't know it's her sister. So by finding her and talking to her there's a chance of discovering the relationship. The derusting of the sword topic was link to speak to her. But as he doesn't know where she lives nor works nor what she does, all he can do for now is ask around a bit.

"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}

She offers 10 steel for it. He tries to persuade it to add 50% more. CHA check (1d20): 3, pass.. She offers 15 steel for it. Does he accept? Yes.

[JadedDM]

Assuming this covers everything needed, then yes, agreed, will buy for 30GP. If it doesnn't, e.g. need herbalist w=equipment etc, then will fall back to Jane's offer at 50GP

Okay, he'll buy the ingredients for 30 STP.

He makes an herbalism check [TN 12] (1d20): 12, pass. Just barely. He mixes the poison correctly.

Well if he doesn't know that they're related then he can't know it's her sister. So by finding her and talking to her there's a chance of discovering the relationship. The derusting of the sword topic was link to speak to her. But as he doesn't know where she lives nor works nor what she does, all he can do for now is ask around a bit.

Even if he knew she was a smith, she's a blacksmith, not a weaponsmith. And he would be arrested for trying to take the sword to her, because although rusted, it's still an illegal weapon.

He could try asking Gobax. Whether he'll trust Shima enough to tell him where she works, I can't say. That's up to Tristen.

I don't think Haahqae knows where she works or lives. Nor does Tulbas, but he's not available right now anyway. Kendra knows, of course, but Shima has never met her before.

Failing all else, he could try spreading some coin around at the inn. All he has is a first name and a description, but surely he'll run into someone who knows who she is and can direct him to the smithy.

Failing THAT, well if Grubnick and Arulia do decide to ask for his help with their meeting, the problem solves itself, really.

Oh, and I forgot to mention it earlier, but I went ahead and gave Shima a point of divine favor for Hiddukel for stealing the gemstone.

Hey, spyguy, got any goals for Ne-Chanz? He's all out now.

=================

Updated.

Autumn Twilight 16, Gateway
Haahqae - Haahqae locks himself up in his room and spends (1d24): 11 hours summoning a familiar. He acquires a little grey mouse named Miracle. He spends 5 silver on his room.
Kendra - Kendra goes to work and earns 1 steel piece. Sadron regains 3 HP.
Arulia - Arulia works at her father's forge all day and earns 4 silver.
Grubnick - Grubnick pays 8 silver for his room at the High Hand. He searches around for Xyleena and Yvette and Delharn in the Merchant District but has no luck.
Ne-Chanz - Ne-Chanz pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 1 HP. He splits the coin with Shima. The 37 PP divides into 18 PP and 5 STP each. The 375 SP splits up into 187 SP and 5 CP each.
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. He asks Gobax about Gregeddin. Gobax tells him that Gregeddin was arrested for attacking the prefect. Beyond that, he doesn't know anything. Shima 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. He decides not to. He goes to see Arulia, but he has no idea where to look. 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.

Autumn Twilight 17, Bright Eye
Haahqae - He spends 5 silver on his room. However, when he goes to show off to Ismene, he finds the room in disarray. Miriam is there, nursing a black eye. She tells him that a group of draconian soldiers showed up, arrested Ismene, and refused to explain why. They also tore the room apart, trying to find something. The soldiers took all of Ismene's money, as well as Miriam's, then demanded to know where 'the rest of it' was. When Ismene expressed she didn't know what they were talking about, they started beating her up, saying things like, "The divination placed a gnome on the scene!" and "You're a well known illusionist, aren't you?" Then they took her away (to where, Miriam has no idea). Miriam tried to stop them, but that didn't work out well. Now Miriam has no coin at all, will lose her room and be forced into slavery since homelessness is a crime. He gives Miriam 20 STP.
Kendra - Kendra goes to work and earns 1 steel piece. Sadron regains 3 HP.
Arulia - Arulia works at her father's forge all day and earns 4 silver.
Grubnick - Grubnick pays 8 silver for his room at the High Hand. He searches around for Xyleena and Yvette and Delharn in the Harbor District but has no luck.
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 purchases ingredients for Class E poison for 30 STP from the herbalist shop. He takes them to the inn and in his room, secretly mixes them together to create a deadly venom to coat on a weapon.

Autumn Twilight 18, Night's Eye
Haahqae - He spends 5 silver on his room. He tries to seek out Kendra. She tells him she doesn't know who Ismene is or has any idea where she is being held, but she offers to find out (but assures him it won't help him any).
Kendra - Kendra stays in the shop and spends the day trying to sell the crystal wine glass [CHA check (1d20): 6, pass]. She sells it for 500 STP. Haahqae visits her and asks where Ismene is being held; Kendra has no idea what he's talking about. Sadron regains 3 HP.
Arulia - Arulia works at her father's forge all day and earns 4 silver.
Grubnick - Grubnick pays 8 silver for his room at the High Hand. He searches around for Xyleena and Yvette and Delharn in the Farmer District but has no luck. He checks the old Belzorite lair, and it is occupied by goblin soldiers.
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 1 HP. He attempts to visit Haahqae again, but he is too busy. (He now has a -2 to all saves.)

Autumn Twilight 19, Dead Eye
Haahqae - He spends 5 silver on his room. He makes an attempt to break into the mageware shop, but is unable to pick the lock on the front door. He returns to Miriam to discuss making a plan. She agrees to help him if she can.
Kendra - Kendra goes to work and earns 1 steel piece. Sadron regains 3 HP.
Arulia - Arulia works at her father's forge all day and earns 4 silver. Cassilda brings home 2 steel pieces from her job.
Grubnick - Grubnick pays 8 silver for his room at the High Hand. He searches around for Xyleena and Yvette and Delharn in the Merchant District but has no luck.
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 sells the gemstone he stole to Jane for 15 STP. (He now has -3 to all saves.)

Autumn Twilight 20, Dream Dance
Haahqae - He spends 5 silver on his room. He heads to the temple, pretending to worship, but is actually trying to scope the place out. He uses detect magic but doesn't learn very much.
Kendra - Kendra goes to work and earns 1 steel piece. Sadron regains 3 HP.
Arulia - Arulia works at her father's forge all day and earns 4 silver.
Grubnick - Grubnick pays 8 silver for his room at the High Hand. He searches around for Xyleena and Yvette and Delharn in the Harbor District but has no luck.
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 1 HP. He attempts to visit Haahqae again. Haahqae is in a bad mood and offers little company to Shima. (He now has -4 to all saves.)

Autumn Twilight 21, Winged Trade
Haahqae - He spends 5 silver on his room.
Kendra - Kendra goes to work and earns 1 steel piece. Sadron regains 3 HP.
Arulia - Arulia works at her father's forge all day and earns 4 silver.
Grubnick - Grubnick pays 8 silver for his room at the High Hand. He searches around for Xyleena and Yvette and Delharn in the Farmer District but has no luck. He checks the old Belzorite lair, and it is occupied by goblin soldiers.
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 now has -5 to all saves.)

Autumn Twilight 22, World Tree
Haahqae - He spends 5 silver on his room.
Kendra - Kendra goes to work and earns 1 steel piece. Sadron regains 3 HP.
Arulia - Arulia works at her father's forge all day and earns 4 silver. Aaron approaches her and tells her that the meeting has been set up for tomorrow at Third Watch at an abandoned warehouse on the docks. After work, she heads to the High Hand and informs Gobax.
Grubnick - Grubnick pays 8 silver for his room at the High Hand. He searches around for Xyleena and Yvette and Delharn in the Merchant District but has no luck. Arulia visits him in the evening and tells him she has set up a meeting for Yvette and Xyleena.
Ne-Chanz - Ne-Chanz pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 1 HP.
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. (He now has -6 to all saves.)

Autumn Twilight 23, Gateway
(Chapter 13 begins)

[spyguy1503]

Well, find those women, of course. Figure out where to bury Felran.

Honestly, Ne-Chanz would probably help kill Arulia's sister if Shima asked him. His morals are... lacking.

[JadedDM]

Goals updated:

Haahqae
1.) Romance Ismene
2.) [Classified]
3.) Rescue Ismene
4.) Get revenge on Takhisis
5.) Build a magic lab
6.) Track down Xyleena and Yvette and get back his coin
7.) Stop Miriam from 'stealing' Ismene away
8.) Find out if Tulbas or Gobax were behind the elemental

Kendra
1.) Nurse Sadron back to health
2.) Free Norris

Tulbas
1.) Take and survive his Test.
2.) Kill Magnus
3.) Find his sister

Arulia
1.) Earn enough coin to keep her family together and alive next month (3/6)
2.) Get her father out of prison
3.) Start a revolution against the occupation
4.) Get Cassilda away from Una's abuse

Grubnick
1.) Start a revolution against the occupation
2.) Cultivate Tulbas' trust in Sirrion or maybe Gilean
3.) Capture Yvette and Xyleena and get his coin back
4.) Find Delharn

Ne-Chanz
1.) Find Yvette and Xyleena
2.) Figure out where to bury Felran

Shima
1.) Recover his weapons
2.) Clean out sewer
3.) Get on speaking terms with Arulia
4.) Lure Raena and Burzan into an ambush
5.) Win the trust of Haahqae, Kendra, Arulia, Tulbas and Grubnick

[Haahque]

On day 5 I’m guessing that going to worship doesn’t take up the entire day, so he’d like to poke around the upper class district (while invisible via spell) and see if he can scout out the prefect’s office at all.
If he manages to get inside the prefect’s mansion and finds writing materials, he’ll leave a rather pointed note for said patron. Contents of the note I’ll discuss in the unlikely event that he gets to write it

On day 6 he’ll poke around bars and try to find any of the following:
1) If anyone is arrested for any reason he’ll make sure to tail them and see where they’re taken.
2) Overhear any stories of anyone talking about someone who was arrested.
3) (search for the) Location of Yvette/Myriam.
4) People who sound very displeased with the occupation

On day 7 he’ll try and study patrol routes in the city. Do soldiers patrol alone or in groups? What do they do when they find something they need to interfere in? What spots are part of a patrol that are far enough away from other soldiers that a scream would not be heard? Are patrols at night or only during the day? (Sleep for part of the day, scout patrols at night while invisible).

[Chris1234]

Edited 15 Nov @ 20.30:

Shima's objectives
1.) Recover his weapons
2.) Clean out sewer
3.) Get on speaking terms with Arulia
4.) Help Ne-Chanz find the two female thieves
5.) Win the trust of Haahqae & Grubnick
6.) Discover the nature of the Curse [IC] from the High Priestess (and make it go away)

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. He asks Gobax about Gregeddin. Gobax tells him that Gregeddin was arrested for attacking the prefect. Beyond that, he doesn't know anything. Shima 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 throws her silver piece after and says, “Catch. We’re square.” 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. He decides not to. He goes to see Arulia, but he has no idea where to look. 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. {OOC: Does Shima know her name?} 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.

Autumn Twilight 17, Bright Eye
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 3 HP. He purchases ingredients for Class E poison for 30 STP from the herbalist shop. He takes them to the inn and in his room, secretly mixes them together to create a deadly venom to coat on a weapon. If time permits, the dwarf looks for Gobax again, this time to ask if he knows much about Arulia (as the dwarf thought she was nice), wishing to know such things as where she lives, what she does (and where). If he sees Grubnick (separately), he’ll ask him about Arulia too. If either Grubnick or Gobax raise the subject of either thieves or Ne-Chanz he’ll say vaguely that he’s trying to help Ne-Chanz find some thieves, but won’t be drawn further on it (and that’s assuming that wouldn’t violate Jane’s stipulations. Otherwise he just says he’s helping Ne-Chanz and leave it at that.)

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, but he is too busy. (He now has a -2 to all saves.). If not already done, the dwarf will look for either or both of Grubnick & Gobax to have the dialogue outlined under Bright Eye. If nothing promising turns up, Shima spends some silver trying to get a line (rumour, gossip, anything, as it’s tough to try kill a specific someone when all you know is that they’re a female in a large town) on the person he’s supposed to chop.

Autumn Twilight 19, Dead Eye
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. He heals 3 HP. He sells the gemstone he stole to Jane for 15 STP. (He now has -3 to all saves.) He tries Jane to see if she knows of Arulia or the ‘other person’ (that he’s supposed to do in.)

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. Haahqae is in a bad mood and offers little company to Shima. (He now has -4 to all saves.) Shima enquires why Haahque is in a bad mood and if it’s something he can help with. Failing which, how about some juggling. Beer or wine in it for him if that would cheer him up. He mentions trying to help Ne-Chanz track down some women than have some of his stuff, but won’t be drawn further on it (and that’s assuming that wouldn’t violate Jane’s stipulations. Otherwise he just says he’s helping Ne-Chanz and leave it at that.)

Autumn Twilight 21, Winged Trade
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. (He now has -5 to all saves.) Depends how days 17-20 pan out.

Autumn Twilight 22, World Tree
Shima - He pays 4 silver for their room at the High Hand. (He now has -6 to all saves.) Depends how days 17-20 pan out.

[JadedDM]

On day 5 I’m guessing that going to worship doesn’t take up the entire day, so he’d like to poke around the upper class district (while invisible via spell) and see if he can scout out the prefect’s office at all.

Getting into the noble district is easy enough while invisible. He just walks right past the guards.

However, when he reaches the prefect's mansion, he sees a red dragon guarding it, of all things. This one is even larger than the one he saw in the vault. It peers carefully at everyone who enters or exits, as if looking for something. Haahqae's studies on the creatures revealed they are very intelligent and magical. He cannot be certain his invisibility will protect him if he tries to enter. He does notice Kendra enter and leave during the day, though.

On day 6 he’ll poke around bars and try to find any of the following:
1) If anyone is arrested for any reason he’ll make sure to tail them and see where they’re taken.
2) Overhear any stories of anyone talking about someone who was arrested.
3) (search for the) Location of Yvette/Myriam.
4) People who sound very displeased with the occupation

The only recent arrest was apparently Ismene's. Some people talk about it, but most of it is hearsay and gossip (for instance, one rumor is that she was arrested for being a secret agent sent by Wayreth to spy on the prefect and another is she was working to aid the rebels). Aside from Ismene and the Trade Guild, there haven't been many arrests recently. Most people are careful enough to tow the line.

Haahqae finds no leads or clues to Yvette's location in the taverns. If he wants to find Miriam, he can find her at the Masked Dragon still, though.

Since every tavern has soldiers in it, Haahqae doesn't hear any negative talk about the occupation. Odds are, if anyone is speaking ill of it, they are doing so in private, where they cannot be overheard by soldiers. A tavern would be the worst place to say such things.

On day 7 he’ll try and study patrol routes in the city. Do soldiers patrol alone or in groups? What do they do when they find something they need to interfere in? What spots are part of a patrol that are far enough away from other soldiers that a scream would not be heard? Are patrols at night or only during the day? (Sleep for part of the day, scout patrols at night while invisible).

Patrols are always groups of 4-6, and usually of the same race (all baaz, all goblins, etc.). The night that he follows a few while invisible, nothing happens beyond the routine. They complete their patrols, then return to base without incident.

Patrols are during the day and the night. Checkpoints, as well. Although most activity dries up at night, there are still people on the roads with special permission, so the patrols and checkpoints are needed, as well. There are checkpoints (also 4-6 men) at every single intersection in the city (you can see the map of Haven in the "Places and People" thread for where the intersections are). So no matter where a patrol might be, there is no place where someone won't hear someone scream. In addition, while one dragon sleeps in the vault, another flies the skies. So both during the day and night, there's a chance the dragon will fly overhead at any given time.

{OOC: Does Shima know her name?}

Yes, the high priestess told him her name, appearance, and where she works:

The high priestess frowns at Shima's complete lack of a reaction. She is likely used to people being more astounded or awed by a divine miracle. Shrugging it off, she says, "The target is a young woman. Her name is Cassilda Costen and she currently works as an apprentice at Una's weaponsmithy in the harbor district. She's 14 with blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin. She is reportedly wearing a bandage on one of her arms after being severely burned. Now as I said, I'd like to avoid this being messy. If you can make it look like an accident, all the better. But failing that, try using something that won't leave any obvious wounds like poison. When the job is done, return to me. I'll see that you get what you asked for. Oh, and if you are caught, we will officially disavow any knowledge of you, so don't expect help."

She also explained the curse and how it worked:

"There is...one more thing," the priestess says just as Shima begins to stand. "The first spell I cast on you...before the healing spell? It was a bit of insurance to make sure the job gets done. Think of it a bit like a curse, of sorts. If you complete the job in a timely manner, the curse will break and you'll never even notice it was there. On the other hand, if you dally about and take too long, decide not to go through with it or try and betray me in any way, the curse will be triggered. It will slowly drain all of your luck until there is none left. You will know nothing but despair and misfortune. The Dragon Queen's fury will follow you wherever you go, for the rest of time...until the job is done. Is that understood?"

If time permits, the dwarf looks for Gobax again, this time to ask if he knows much about Arulia (as the dwarf thought she was nice), wishing to know such things as where she lives, what she does (and where). If he sees Grubnick (separately), he’ll ask him about Arulia too.

I'll leave that to Tristen to answer.

Shima enquires why Haahqae is in a bad mood and if it’s something he can help with. Failing which, how about some juggling. Beer or wine in it for him if that would cheer him up.

I'll leave that to Haahque to answer.

[Haahque]

However, when he reaches the prefect's mansion, he sees a red dragon guarding it, of all things. This one is even larger than the one he saw in the vault. It peers carefully at everyone who enters or exits, as if looking for something. Haahqae's studies on the creatures revealed they are very intelligent and magical. He cannot be certain his invisibility will protect him if he tries to enter. He does notice Kendra enter and leave during the day, though.

If I was reading the rules correctly, even if the dragon has enough intelligence/wisdom to see through his illusion (which I suspect it does, easily), it needs to have reason to suspect that there is an illusion there in the first place to be allowed the check to see if it disbelieves it. However, I rather doubt Haahqae knows this, or the limitations/abilities of dragons. He might be crazy enough to risk it anyways (half of his goals... or more... depend on him rescuing Ismene, and he's starting to get desperate).

As for Kendra, when he sees her he'll tail her until he can find an opportunity to talk to her, then he'll ask her if she's found out anything new about Ismene since their last encounter.

Aside from Ismene and the Trade Guild, there haven't been many arrests recently.

This is a little surprising. A fair amount of what the PC's have done was getting arrested-worthy, and the administration seems to have no qualms with arresting people with very little evidence to convict them. I guess it's just PC's doing PC things that's significant enough to have arrests based on what happens.

Patrols are during the day and the night. Checkpoints, as well. Although most activity dries up at night, there are still people on the roads with special permission, so the patrols and checkpoints are needed, as well. There are checkpoints (also 4-6 men) at every single intersection in the city (you can see the map of Haven in the "Places and People" thread for where the intersections are).

That sounds like quite a lot of food to feed all these soldiers... With the innkeepers going out of business and the trade guild collapsed, it might be worth investigating where they get all these supplies from. But that's not on the top of Haahqae's concerns right now.

Shima inquires why Haahqae is in a bad mood and if it’s something he can help with. Failing which, how about some juggling. Beer or wine in it for him if that would cheer him up.

I'll leave that to Haahque to answer.

Haahqae will tell Shima that Ismene was wrongfully convicted of a crime and that he can't find out anything about it despite his best efforts. He won't reply to how he can help. He'll juggle for Shima a bit although his heart won't be in it. He doesn't want beer. If asked, he'll gladly help track down the thieves.


I'm starting to be worried that next chapter is going to feature a mopey "world hates me" Haahqae which gets absolutely nothing done and isn't all that fun for anyone involved. I'm trying to avoid that by trying to set him up for having something to do that's interesting, but I'm really having difficulty doing this right now. Suggestions would be welcome.

[HorizonsDream]

As for Kendra, when he sees her he'll tail her until he can find an opportunity to talk to her, then he'll ask her if she's found out anything new about Ismene since their last encounter.

As Haahqae never actually asked Kendra to look into what happened to Ismene, so she never looked into it.

[TristenC]

Chris1234:
Grubnick = Gobax, they're the same creature. Nobody in the party knows the name Grubnick belongs to the goblin who calls himself Gobax (so far as I recall).

When asked about Arulia he will tell Shima he really only met her when they first did the belzorite job. The next day (18th) he will ensure he isn't followed (specifiically by Shima, but looking for anyone following) and look for Arulia at the forge. He wilk wait for a decent time of day, long after he has last seen the dwarf of he runs into him incidentally during the morning. He will mention to Arulia that Shima has been asking questions about her and ask what she wants him to tell Shima if anything.

[djhyland]

He will mention to Arulia that Shima has been asking questions about her and ask what she wants him to tell Shima if anything.

Arulia would suggest that Shima might be some good muscle for the meeting with Yvette and Xyleena, but she'd add that they're meeting her in the first place because they're looking for a specific dwarf, and that Arulia suspects that it's Shima they're looking for. She'd ask if Gobax thinks that bringing him is a good idea--on one hand, if they're focused on whatever they want to do with Shima (assuming it's him), they might be easier to defeat or capture, but on the other, bringing him right to them would give up a bargaining chip.

[Haahque]

As for Kendra, when he sees her he'll tail her until he can find an opportunity to talk to her, then he'll ask her if she's found out anything new about Ismene since their last encounter.

As Haahqae never actually asked Kendra to look into what happened to Ismene, so she never looked into it.

In that case he'll take this opportunity to ask Kendra to look into it.

[TristenC]

He will mention to Arulia that Shima has been asking questions about her and ask what she wants him to tell Shima if anything.

Arulia would suggest that Shima might be some good muscle for the meeting with Yvette and Xyleena, but she'd add that they're meeting her in the first place because they're looking for a specific dwarf, and that Arulia suspects that it's Shima they're looking for. She'd ask if Gobax thinks that bringing him is a good idea--on one hand, if they're focused on whatever they want to do with Shima (assuming it's him), they might be easier to defeat or capture, but on the other, bringing him right to them would give up a bargaining chip.

Bait, bluff or bargain... hmm...

Grubnick will concur that it is a tricky situation, and commend her on the cleverly thought out options. He will ask Arulia if she is comfortable with Shima knowing where she works (since it is practically public knowledge for anyone needing a smith's services). She can then interact directly with Shima and feel-out his intentions regarding her. Then together Grubnick and Arulia can decide whether or not to include him in the venture. Shima did, aftee all, join them on their return to the Belzorite lair (albeit after it had been abandoned) and showed some interest/activity in searching for traps (decidedly roguish behavior) which could make him an asset in the goblin's mind regarding dealing with the girls.

If Shima is ultimately included, Grubnick would either:
-recommend telling Shima the girls might mistake him for the one they are hunting and have him hide nearby and observe as they meet, planning to take them there

-Lead them to believe the Dwarf will be somewhere in the future to draw them out in a vulnerable spot to be captured (perhaps with Shima's knowledge that he is bait, but not necessarily...) using his actual presence

[JadedDM]

This is a little surprising. A fair amount of what the PC's have done was getting arrested-worthy, and the administration seems to have no qualms with arresting people with very little evidence to convict them. I guess it's just PC's doing PC things that's significant enough to have arrests based on what happens.

Well, when the occupation first took over, there were thousands of arrests. All elves (except Tulbas or any other dark elf working for the army) were taken, and all the homeless were arrested.

Since then, the only notable arrests have been acts of rebellion (or perceived to be rebellion). Gregeddin was arrested for casting a spell on the prefect (which he perceived as an attack). The Trade Guild were all arrested for being associated with Gregeddin (as he was their official representative) and Tethys believed they were part of a plan to take him out. Ismene was arrested for infiltrating the fort and stealing from the treasury (which was not an act of rebellion, per se, but clearly Tethys thinks it was). They are also still hunting the heretical cleric who attacked the market square. So basically, acts of rebellion are Tethys' prime concern right now. The regular citizens of Haven, used to multiple regime changes in the past few decades (the old mayor, Belzorites, Seekers, now this) , have more or less fallen into line and do what is expected of them.

Haahqae will tell Shima that Ismene was wrongfully convicted of a crime and that he can't find out anything about it despite his best efforts. He won't reply to how he can help. He'll juggle for Shima a bit although his heart won't be in it. He doesn't want beer. If asked, he'll gladly help track down the thieves.

Okay, I'll let Chris respond to this.