WotL OOC Thread III

[HorizonsDream]

Okay, well, Kendra is going to need some information on Ismene because she doesn't have a clue who Ismene is.

[Haahque]

I'm fairly sure Haahqae's explained who Ismene is to Kendra before, but he'll gladly do it again (and again).

[djhyland]

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

Arulia agrees that it's for the best that Shima is notified of his "importance" to the plan--using him as bait without his knowledge would be wrong. Perhaps he could remain hidden until either he's needed or he's determined that they're looking for him for a good reason instead of a bad one (in that unlikely event)?

[HorizonsDream]

All right.

Kendra first goes to the old fort to find the arrest warrants for Ismene, but she doesn't find anything. She knows, from experience, that if there aren't any records of an arrest then it was a secret arrest. That means Ismene was most likely arrested for being apart of a rebellion (much like the trade guild was arrested).

As a result, Kendra asks Tethys, personally, about the situation. She asks why security seems to be on high alert, and why there is a dragon patrolling the area. It is explained to Kendra that the vault, which is guarded by a red dragon, was robbed of a 1,000 steel pieces while the dragon was asleep. When the dragon woke up, it noticed that the money was missing. With the help of the high priestess, they used a divination spell to pinpoint the robbery to a gnome that could cast invisibility. There are only two gnomes on record in Haven, one who is a simple juggler that just recently held a show that was attacked by a fire elemental (that should sound familiar), and another that is a known red mage. As a result, Ismene was arrested for the robbery. She is also suspected, as a mage, of causing the fire elemental attack, and is currently being interrogated for the crimes.

Now, as a result of this robbery, security has been put on high alert, and one of the red dragons is keeping an eye out for anyone that might be invisible. Red dragons can apparently detect that type of thing. Tethys has set up anti invisibility defenses and magical defenses for the fort and mansion. The temple has also set up their own defenses. Tethys also mentioned that he is enacting a new law that any unregistered magic users will be arrested.

Kendra also stresses that she was told all of this information in complete confidence because she has managed to earn the trust of the prefect. If Haahqae mentions any of this information to anyone, then Kendra will be arrested and most likely killed. That means he had better keep his mouth shut, especially if he wants to continue using Kendra for information.

[TristenC]

Grubnick acgrees with Arulia, now I suppose it is up to her meeting with the dwarf to determine whether he can be included.

Does Arulia want to include Haahque? Grubnick will say that he would prefer to have at least 1 rogue with them, so if things don't shake out with Shima he would certainly want to include someone. He will also ask if she knows anything about Ismene (that girl gnome that had the invisible robes that came with us).

Chris-
The next day after Shima asks about the girl, Grubnick will fins him and let him know that the goblin ran into her the other day, and that she works at a blacksmith shop in market square.

[djhyland]

Does Arulia want to include Haahque? Grubnick will say that he would prefer to have at least 1 rogue with them, so if things don't shake out with Shima he would certainly want to include someone. He will also ask if she knows anything about Ismene (that girl gnome that had the invisible robes that came with us).

Arulia won't suggest anything about Haahqae herself, but she'll (grudgingly) admit that he should come along if Gobax suggests including him.

[Chris1234]

Been mad busy this week, sorry if I've held anyone up. I've edited up my last post taking into account the input from others and, more notably, the info from the GM on what SHima knew (but Chris's muppetry overlooked/forgot; thank for the help, Jaded.)
If I've missed any inputs please prod me and I'll respond.

Updated repost:

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, Cassilda Costen, that 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. {Food and stuff is a background task. Just deduct the cash as necessary for economical consumption This applies to rest of the week, unless something different is required to interact with others..}

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 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 Gobax to have the dialogue outlined under Bright Eye. Shima goes for a walk – to try and find Una’s weaponsmithy in the harbour district. If he finds it, he’ll abserve it for a while from a distance, looking for anyone else that appears to be interested in it or otherwise observing it or him. Essentially this is casing the point, noting ways in and out. Assuming no other ‘spooks’ are detected, Shima will enter the place about an hour or so before curfew (or just before they’re shutting, if that’s earlier) and ask about stuff, and costs, to restore a rusty weapon to serviceable condition. Is it something he can do if he buys the stuff from them? If asked, he’ll admit it’s a rusty longsword. All the while he keeps an eye open for a 14 year old girl with blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin. Afterwards Shima walks a bit to lose any tail, checking that such is done, and the double back to Una’s to watch the most likely exit for staff to leave, and wait, hidden in shadows, watching from a suitable distance for the girl to leave, and then try to follow her home. (It’s more important not to be discovered stalking than to follow her all the way home).

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.) If he hasn’t already got a solid lead on Arulia, Shima tries Jane to see if she knows of Arulia, (job, connections, work location, home location, anything really). The dwarf will go to the warehouse (that leads to the sewers) and spend some time, maybe a few hours, trying to polis/restore the rusty longsword back to health. About an hour or so before the Una’s weaponsmithy closes, Shima goes and hides and watches, waiting to follow Cassilda Costen home.

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.) If Haahque doesn’t reply about help, Shima will ask who Ismene is and what crime, and later reiterate the offer of help and leave it hanging with:”...the offer’s there.” If (when) Haahque offers to help trail some thieves, he replies, “Thanks. I’ll probably take you up on that, but I need to locate them first. I’ll get back to you.”
Leave early, to trail Cassilda Costen to work. Same route as the return journey? Middle part of the day will be spent polishing up the sword (assuming the poison’s been finished off). Last part of the day will be spending whatever required time to case Cassilda Costen & her home, e.g. exits? Approaches? Other occupants?

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]

...to try and find Una’s weaponsmithy in the harbour district. If he finds it, he’ll abserve it for a while from a distance, looking for anyone else that appears to be interested in it or otherwise observing it or him.

He doesn't notice anyone else scouting out the place.

...and ask about stuff, and costs, to restore a rusty weapon to serviceable condition. Is it something he can do if he buys the stuff from them? If asked, he’ll admit it’s a rusty longsword.

She would tell him it would depend on how long the sword has been rusted. If it's not too bad, she could sell him some oil and steel wool and he could try it himself. There are stronger acids if it's badly rusted, but she doesn't recommend a beginner mess with such things.

All the while he keeps an eye open for a 14 year old girl with blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin.

Una has a handful of apprentices, most of them young. Half of them are women, but only one has blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin and is wearing a cast on one arm.

...wait, hidden in shadows, watching from a suitable distance for the girl to leave, and then try to follow her home.

He follows her to 323 Three Forks, a small home in the harbor district. It has two stories and looks fairly dilapidated.

The dwarf will go to the warehouse (that leads to the sewers) and spend some time, maybe a few hours, trying to polis/restore the rusty longsword back to health.

He left the sword in the chest. Is he going to trek all the way back there by himself?

Shima goes and hides and watches, waiting to follow Cassilda Costen home.

She once again leads him to 323 Three Forks.

Leave early, to trail Cassilda Costen to work.

She takes the same route to work as she does from work. But on the way too work, she has an escort. It is Arulia.

Last part of the day will be spending whatever required time to case Cassilda Costen & her home, e.g. exits? Approaches? Other occupants?

Only one entrance, unless you include windows (including one on the second floor). It looks like Cassilda lives with Arulia, and three other women (one quite young, maybe around 10 or 11, one in her late teens, and the last is middle-aged.)

[Chris1234]

...and ask about stuff, and costs, to restore a rusty weapon to serviceable condition. Is it something he can do if he buys the stuff from them? If asked, he’ll admit it’s a rusty longsword.

She would tell him it would depend on how long the sword has been rusted. If it's not too bad, she could sell him some oil and steel wool and he could try it himself. There are stronger acids if it's badly rusted, but she doesn't recommend a beginner mess with such things.
"Ok, thanks. I'll take what you recommend", and hands over the appropriate coin.

The dwarf will go to the warehouse (that leads to the sewers) and spend some time, maybe a few hours, trying to polis/restore the rusty longsword back to health.

He left the sword in the chest. Is he going to trek all the way back there by himself?
I thought Shima had used the sword against the rats to test it and then left it at the entrance where they leave all the weapons. That's why he's been after the wire wool etc. {OOC: I'm not going to rewrite the week's downtime stuff so, yes, if, he has to , he'll sneak into the sewers and retrieve the sword.}

Leave early, to trail Cassilda Costen to work.

She takes the same route to work as she does from work. But on the way too work, she has an escort. It is Arulia.
Shima is a bit shocked at this. Surprised and pleased might be a better way of putting it. He will follow then to the place of work and see if either of them emerge within ~30 mins. If not, he'll return to 323 Three Forks and inquire if Arulia is in (knowing that she's not). He asks to whom he's speaking and if they're related to Arumlia or just friends, also offering his own name. Then off to the markets to look for either a tool or else something that's very easily hideable (to minimise risk of arrest) and would be suitable, possibly thin and pointy, for stabbing Cassilda from behind (to deliver the poison).

Last part of the day will be spending whatever required time to case Cassilda Costen & her home, e.g. exits? Approaches? Other occupants?

Only one entrance, unless you include windows (including one on the second floor). It looks like Cassilda lives with Arulia, and three other women (one quite young, maybe around 10 or 11, one in her late teens, and the last is middle-aged.)Shima will try to talk to Arulia.

[TristenC]

Grubnick told Shima the day after he asked where Arulia works, this would be on Autumn 18th. Not sure if that changes anything for shima.

[JadedDM]

"Ok, thanks. I'll take what you recommend", and hands over the appropriate coin.

It costs him one steel piece.

He will follow then to the place of work and see if either of them emerge within ~30 mins.

Arulia doesn't actually enter the building, she just walks Cassilda up to it and then continues on her way. Cassilda enters the building but does not emerge within 30 minutes.

Then off to the markets to look for either a tool or else something that's very easily hideable (to minimise risk of arrest) and would be suitable, possibly thin and pointy, for stabbing Cassilda from behind (to deliver the poison).

Such as what? And how does he hide it so it isn't found during the checkpoint searches?

Shima will try to talk to Arulia.

I'll leave that to djhyland to answer, but maybe you want to give him something to work with, like...what does Shima talk to her about?

[spyguy1503]

Ne-Chanz is curious about where Shima keeps going, and why he wanted to know about "Cassilda"

[Chris1234]

Trying to pull this all together (I think, ok hope, I’ve got the dates right):

Autumn Twilight 18, Night's Eye

"Ok, thanks. I'll take what you recommend", and hands over the appropriate coin.

It costs him one steel piece.

Later that evening, Grubnick tells Shima where Arulia works.

Autumn Twilight 19, Dead Eye

He will follow them to the place of work and see if either of them emerge within ~30 mins.

Arulia doesn't actually enter the building, she just walks Cassilda up to it and then continues on her way. Cassilda enters the building but does not emerge within 30 minutes.

Then off to the markets to look for either a tool or else something that's very easily hideable (to minimise risk of arrest) and would be suitable, possibly thin and pointy, for stabbing Cassilda from behind (to deliver the poison).

Such as what? And how does he hide it so it isn't found during the checkpoint searches?

Something like a 4” long cloak pin..which could be used to fasten his cloak at one shoulder?
If time permits, Shima will look for Arulia’s place of work as cited by Gobax.

Autumn Twilight 20, Dream Dance

Shima will try to talk to Arulia.

I'll leave that to djhyland to answer, but maybe you want to give him something to work with, like...what does Shima talk to her about?

Shima will approach Arulia and ask if she can spare him a few minutes to talk. It’s a sensitive thing. If she agrees, then he will say that he’s been looking for her and then saw her with Cassilda. Continuing, he asks her what their relationship is.

======

Ne-Chanz is curious about where Shima keeps going, and why he wanted to know about "Cassilda"

{OOC: Not sure what day this is, but:} Shima replies to Ne-Chanz,”Well, I was really battered from helping try to clear the sewers, pretty much to the point where I couldn’t really continue. But I’d said I would help, so I tried to cheat. I asked the temple if they could repair my wounds. They did and I’d agreed to do in the girl for them in return. To be honest, I was going to cheat them. The high priestess put another spell on me though that makes me really unlucky. That’s all really. Just preparing things.”

[djhyland]

Shima will approach Arulia and ask if she can spare him a few minutes to talk. It’s a sensitive thing. If she agrees, then he will say that he’s been looking for her and then saw her with Cassilda. Continuing, he asks her what their relationship is.

Although she's a bit suspicious that a "sensitive thing" has something to do with her sister, Arulia will confirm that Cassilda is her sister, and then inquire why he wants to know.

[Chris1234]

Although she's a bit suspicious that a "sensitive thing" has something to do with her sister, Arulia will confirm that Cassilda is her sister, and then inquire why he wants to know.

Shima glances around to see that there's no one to listen in (otherwise biding her to walk with him), "Well, I have been looking for you. I haven't made any secret of that. But what I haven't made clear, is why. And, that, although I would rather have said it under other circumstances, is that I wanted to find you, talk to you, get to know you."

He sighs. "My own race despise me because my mother took up with a gnome. To them I'm outcast. Happenstance lead me to a profession where I'm less trusted than most. I came here hoping for a new start; to make friends. Instead there are the occupation forces. But I ran into you and some of your associates." Shima pauses, swallows, and continues, "Look, I'm beating around the bush. I wanted to get to know you and to see if it could lead anywhere. That is why I was asking after you."

He scratches his neck nervously. "And that is where it get complicated. In an effort to be useful, to make friends if you will, I was trying to help Ne-Chanz track down a pair of female thieves. To get information on that, we had to do a job that I can't talk about, and in doing that I was getting beaten to the point where I would not be able to continue. To be able to continue, I made a deal, a bad, bad choice in hindsight. I went to the dragon temple and asked them to fix my woulds. They did. But they wanted me to do a job for them. I was going to cheat them, but their top priestess was too clever for me a cast some enchantment that makes me increasingly unlucky for each day that I don't do their job."

The dwarf swallows again, finding no moisture in his mouth. " I know you're going to hate me for this, but for at least once in my life I choose, I choose! to be decent and honest and take the consequences. So, that job was to do in someone. That 'someone', it turns out, was your sister. I'm not going to do it. So be wary that they, SHE!, will try again and in a manner not traceable back to them. I don't expect to survive this; I'm just sorry I never had the chance to try and be 'special' to you. I wish you and Cassilda well." Shima turns, now more at peace with himself, and walks away.