Chapter 6: The Limitless Rise

[Darren]

As Condign approaches, Kal points to the departing man. "Would you mind bringing him back here? I think I'd like to have a word with him."

[Ken]

Belarin follows a step behind Condign and says to the tiefling, "I'll go with you, if you don't mind. My ghost impersonations aside, I may be less likely to 'spook' him. He may break into a run otherwise."

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I'm not sure if Condign is going, but regardless, Belarin will head out and do a fast walk to catch up to the observer.

[Jeff]

The man takes a look over his shoulder, seeing both Belarin and Condign moving toward him. It's quickly apparent, however, that the presence of an armored, red-skinned tiefling is even more alarming, and this slows Condign's pace. Belarin drifts past him.

The man—a young man, probably not quite 20 years of age—pauses momentarily, caught in that moment when you decided whether to stop altogether or start running. But a couple of seconds later, he stops and turns, facing Belarin with two hands outstretched. "I didn't do anything! You're here about the...thing, right?"

The young man looks like lower middle class, and as he doesn't seem to be carrying much, is probably a resident of North Market.

[Mike]

Syrdan heads up closely behind Belarin (and Condign, if he's there), ready to hunt down the young man like a dog if he suddenly runs.

[Ken]

Feb 24, 2010 11:26:24 GMT -4 Jeff said:

But a couple of seconds later, he stops and turns, facing Belarin with two hands outstretched. "I didn't do anything! You're here about the...thing, right?"

"We might be," says Belarin, who invokes some of his fey-granted charm. "Why not come into the shop and tell me about it? If it's something you're worried about, then it's not particularly wise to run away from us. Share, and I can help you."

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Belarin invokes beguiling tongue to aid his Diplomacy check.
Diplomacy roll (1d20+10=20)

P.S. Mike, the "hunt him down like a dog" comment cracked me up.

[Jeff]

"Yeah...all right," the young man says, his eyes locking with Belarin's for a moment or two longer than is normal for conversation. He seems transfixed, and his body relaxes. Clearly, he's willing to talk. But he makes no move towards the shop.

Belarin knows he's been convincing, but not enough to get the young man into the shop. Perhaps it's the strange company of warriors, halflings, elves, tieflings, and warforged, and perhaps going into the shop is a bit too much like getting corner. But out here on the street, the young man seems comfortable enough.

"It is the thing, right? That's why you're here. Has to be. The Watch haven't come through here in days, so I wondered if anyone else might come help."

[Ken]

"Ah, the Watch. Useless as ever. As for them," Belarin says, indicating the approaching forms of Condign and Syrdan, "don't worry -- we're all here for the same purpose. If you want this area to be rid of 'the thing,' too, then all is good. But we can't do much about it without more information. Have YOU seen it? Tell me what you know, and I can help."

[Jeff]

"I seen it," the young man answers. "Twice, too. But only from a'ways away."

"Just a few days ago now, the second time. It was right around here." He looks past Belarin, toward the canyon wall a mere two blocks away, the outer rim of the City of the Dead. "I saw this man, I guess it was a man, in rags or ripped up robes. Looked like it was sick, couldn't really tell. Hands were bony. Moving real slow-like, sort of shuffling. Gave me the shivers just looking at it. Had to get away!"

"But I saw it approaching this other man, a vagrant lying against a wall. Fell on him like an animal....the homeless man, he yelled, but I was the only one who saw. Looked like the thing was dragging the man off. I didn't look back, just ran. I'm sorry! I didn't tell the Watch. Figured they were avoiding the area, and maybe I'd just get hauled away for not helping."

"I ain't no coward...but I got a girl, you know? Can't go getting grabbed and eaten. Who'd take care of her?" The young man seems earnestly fearful. "That's it."

[Dave W.]

Adamant, not really built for sprinting, will stay in the shop with Streko and Varna. If they move out to engage the young stranger, he will follow.

[Brian]

Condign stands with Belarin and Syrdan and listens to the young man's tale.

"You saw the creature over there?" Condign points to the nearby canyon wall. He looks at Belarin and Syrdan. "This thing may be close at hand. I will go gather the others and meet you back here." That said, Condign hurries back to the store to get his remaining companions.

[Darren]

When Condign returns and relays the young man's words, Kal nods and then turns to Gerus. "It sounds like we have a lead, friend dwarf. We will investigate, and when we return, your shop should be free to," Kal pauses as he looks around, then says, "flourish....again."

Kal bows to Gerus, then turns to move out to the street, brushing close to Varna as he moves through the doorway. His cheeks color again, and he hurries his step slightly towards the others. "Which way?" he asks.

[Ken]

Belarin says to the young man, "Thank you. What's your name, by the way? I'm Belarin."

When Kal comes over and asks for the direction, Belarin points to the area and says, "He saw the figure dragging some poor bastard off over there... Apparently, this thing has been more than merely a nuisance."

As he points, Belarin leans closer to Kal and whispers so that only he can hear, "Syrdan - greatsword, bracers, amulet, interesting. Adamant - longsword, strong, gem, disk, nice. Varna - dagger, something at her belt, not my type." He smiles slightly.

[Dave W.]

When Condign gathers the rest of us, Adamant's eyes brighten, "A witness... very good." He heads out side to gather with the group.

[Darren]

Feb 24, 2010 17:38:32 GMT -4 Ken said:

When Kal comes over and asks for the direction, Belarin points to the area and says, "He saw the figure dragging some poor bastard off over there... Apparently, this thing has been more than merely a nuisance."

As he points, Belarin leans closer to Kal and whispers so that only he can hear, "Syrdan - greatsword, bracers, amulet, interesting. Adamant - longsword, strong, gem, disk, nice. Varna - dagger, something at her belt, not my type." He smiles slightly.

Kal listens to Belarin, nodding as he gives each description and looking in the direction of the person indicated. At this last, though, his mouth hangs open, and he turns his head slowly from Varna to Belarin. Recovering, he closes his mouth, winks at the other man and gives him a huge grin. Kal claps Belarin hard on the shoulder and speaks in a light voice. "This creature sounds similar to the second time I encountered Captain Davin. Some sort of ghoul, I think. Let's go find it and kill it so we can go back to Esthryn and have some stew."

[Jeff]

The young man looks with uncertainty at Condign, but doesn't hold his gaze for long. "Yes, that way. Really, just a block from here."

Kal:

"It sounds like we have a lead, friend dwarf. We will investigate, and when we return, your shop should be free to," Kal pauses as he looks around, then says, "flourish....again."

Gerus says, "May the Sovereigns watch over you, lad. Be careful. Come back."

Varna looks at Kal with a sly smile, then heads over to join the rest of your makeshift company.

Belarin:

"Thank you. What's your name, by the way? I'm Belarin."

"Toren, sir," the young man answers.

But at Kal's mention of a ghoul, Toren shies away. "That's all I know, all right? I should go."

[Brian]

Condign approaches the young man. "Thank you, my lord Toren." He reaches into his money pouch and removes two coppers and, with a glance at Adamant, places them into the man's hand. "I know our appearance can be a little unnerving, but we do appreciate your assistance."

[Darren]

Kal watches Condign giving the young man money. "Don't go too far, Toren," Kal says. "If you're setting us up, we'll be coming back for you after we've dealt with whatever is out there." Kal smiles innocently at the young man.

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Would it be possible to get a Perception check to see if it seems like Toren is lying? He seems too nervous....

[Jeff]

Toren accepts the coins from Condign with a hesitant nod. But when Kal speaks, he grows even more agitated. "Setting you up?! No. How? If that...if you find that thing and it attacks you, you can't be blaming me. I know it's dangerous. I'm only here because I wanted to help...I feel about...about that man it took."

"I...I don't want your money." He drops the copper pieces and starts to back away. "I just wanted to help."

Despite his words, Kal doesn't get the impression that Toren is lying; he doesn't seem like he'd be any good at lying.

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A secret Insight roll has been made for Kal.

[Dave W.]

Feb 26, 2010 5:48:50 GMT -4 Brian said:

Condign approaches the young man. "Thank you, my lord Toren." He reaches into his money pouch and removes two coppers and, with a glance at Adamant, places them into the man's hand. "I know our appearance can be a little unnerving, but we do appreciate your assistance."

Adamants eyes flicker with the palest blue hues as he watches Condign pass the youth exactly 2 crowns. Adamant's head dips slightly towards the tiefling.

When Kal threatens Toren and Toren drops the coins, Adamant takes a single step towards the young man. "Please Master Toren, be at peace. I'm certain my companion meant you no offense by offering payment", there is just a hint of a light musical tone dancing about the word you in this statement.

"As for my Lord Kalarian's steely diplomacy, please consider that he is a Lord, he does not move at our station." Adamant continues in his deep, warm voice. "You have done us a service, you have my thanks."

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Nice Brian... I wanted to have Adamant say "oh, snap" but it didn't seem appropriate...

And see Mike, Kal's not picking on you, he's that way with everyone...

Jeff, I don't suppose Adamant's Insight (+10) will pick up anything more about why Toren is so nervous... it's us, isn't it...

[Brian]

"Wait," Condign says as he gives Kal a hard stare. The tiefling bends to pick up the coins and holds them out to the young man. "We really do appreciate your help. My lord Kalarian here is justifiably cautious. We have had betrayals in our past. If you intend no harm, you have nothing to worry about."

[Jeff]

Toren nods his head at Adamant, then finally accepts the coins from Condign once again. "I intend no harm," he echoes. "I just figured since the Watch wasn't helping, if someone else was—"

The sudden, frantic barking of a dog turns you around. Tangat, standing right beside Kal, looks up at him: it's not me!. He too turns toward the sound, ears straight in the air: northeast, exactly in the direction of the City of the Dead's outer wall.

Toren pales. "Yeah...that way."

[Ken]

Belarin looks in the direction of the barking, then back at his companions. "That's our signal, I believe!" he says. He starts moving quickly in that direction, although not so quickly as to be the first to arrive.

[Dave W.]

Feb 26, 2010 21:56:20 GMT -4 Ken said:

Belarin looks in the direction of the barking, then back at his companions. "That's our signal, I believe!" he says. He starts moving quickly in that direction, although not so quickly as to be the first to arrive.

Adamant looks from Tangat to the cliffside. Seeing Belarin moving forward and hurries to catch up, "Master Belarin, perhaps I should take the fore. There is some hope I might be less, I believe the word is digestable."

Adamant swings the heavy steel shield from his back to his left arm.

[Darren]

Kal gives Toren one last look, a hard look that says I'm watching you, then turns to follow the others at a leisurely pace. "You won't all think me so terrible when it turns out he has betrayed us," Kal mutters under his breath.


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Davin, Vanin, Lamara.......

[Dave W.]

Feb 26, 2010 23:40:55 GMT -4 Darren said:

"You won't all think me so terrible when it turns out he has betrayed us," Kal mutters under his breath.

"Lord Kalarian, if I am wrong I will owe you an apology; if you are wrong I wonder what you will owe? But betrayal or no, this creature has still rendered us a service. A few moments ago, we had a desire to put ourselves in the path of whatever creature is behind this. For his purposes or ours, Toren has put us one step closer to that goal. Unless you have a better course?"

[Brian]

Condign watches as the Adamant, Belarin and the others move toward the sound of the dog barking. Like Adamant, he swings his shield into place. He also ensures that access to his sword hilt is unhindered.

As he hurries to catch up, he wonders what type of undead makes the sound of a dog barking?

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Condign makes a Religion Check vs. Monster Knowledge - Undead

1d20+6=22

Boy, I'd hate to waste a roll like this on a real barking dog!

[Mike]

Feb 26, 2010 21:56:20 GMT -4 Ken said:

He starts moving quickly in that direction, although not so quickly as to be the first to arrive.

Syrdan also heads in that direction, as fast he possibly can.

[Dave W.]

Feb 28, 2010 20:18:46 GMT -4 Mike said:

Syrdan also heads in that direction, as fast he possibly can.

Adamant won't stop the elf from moving ahead of him if he wants to. It's unlikely he could prevent it in any case. (I assume the elf can move faster than Adamant; my base is 5.)

Adamant will still try to be second then.

[Joe]

Streko watches silently and listens to the interchange, having mae his way toward the group and to Toren. As his friends race off toward the sounds of the barking dog, Streko takes a moment to stop by the obviously terrified boy. He hands the boy a Galifar.

"Keep this aside for a time when you and your girl decide to become officially engaged. It might come in handy."

Streko turns to follow, stops and looks back at the young man, smiling. "Remember, Olladra's blessings are much like women's tongues, both sublime and deadly. Perhaps we shall meet again someday, Toren."

He turns away and chases after his friends, recalling the feel of the ground beneath his feet as clearly as if he had never left Sharn. "Something about the magical effect of this city makes me feel lighter on my feet. This could be a curse, I fear," he mutters, keeping Varna in his sights so as not to lose track of his friends.

[Jeff]

"Perhaps we shall meet again someday, Toren."

"Th-thank you, my lord," the young man says, eyes wide, left standing with the gold coin in hand.

Condign has not heard of any specific undead creature that can imitate the sound of a dog. However, he does know of twisted fey and fiendish creatures—like lamia—that lurk within the Labyrinth that mimic other creatures in order to lure in prey. Such a creature could exist within a populous city like Sharn, as fas he's concerned, but he imagines it would have to alter its habits. There's no way to know if this could be such a thing without more information.

Syrdan moves swiftest, the light-footed elf gliding unencumbered over the cobblestones. He carries no backpack for his gear. Adamant hurries after him, though Belarin is closer behind as the rest of you move in that direction.

The street you're on continues for another block before turning eastward. On the left side of the L-shaped turn, you see a tall arch that no doubt serves as one of the primary entrances to the City of the Dead.

Within the intersection you see an adolescent boy—younger than Toren, but certainly older than a child—has fallen to his knees. He looks frozen or otherwise paralyzed in shock. Standing over him from behind...no, crouching, is a figure in a long and gray tattered cloak. From this distance, you can't make out any details of either the kid or the figure clutching at him.

However, a few paces away is a medium-sized, if rather skinny street dog. Wearing no collar, short-furred and light brown, barking frantically at the figure in gray. It's obviously distressed at what appears to be some sort of attack.

A real barking dog, it would seem, Condign notes.

At the same time, all of you—except Kal and possibly Varna—feel a curious sensation; like being scried upon, though you're not actually familiar with that mystic sensation. But as you move toward the dog and the scene—still a block away—you don't see anything that might serve as a scrying eye or sensor.

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Perception checks: Adamant Perception (1d20+5=25), Belarin Perception (1d20+2=19), Condign Perception (1d20+2=22), Perception (1d20+4=15), Streko Perception (1d20+8=19), Perception (1d20+14=26)