Book of Twelve Swords

[Flinn_Furious]

Epilogue
The Madness of Toothy Sue

All five of you arrived in Cassomir late last night and were swiftly led to the large manor house Duke Bagenon was renting for his stay in the port city. Quite a ways from the busy shipyard, the faint swords of lumber still penetrate the drawing room you're currently awaiting the duke in.

An thick set bald man walks into the room and dismisses the maid, who gratefully leaves the presence of such dangerous looking individuals. He spares a swift glance at all of you before turning aside and ushering in a man dressed in dark brown leather, enchanted by the look of the runes, and a wide brimmed hat.

Though his face was somewhat ravaged and graced with thick facial hair, a lack of eyelines and a boyish grin betrayed the young man's true age. Sitting down nearest the bald man who brought him in, he didn't speak but dipped his hat at the group.

His drab clothes rustling with surprisingly swift movements, the bald man locked both doors, twitched the curtains closed, and even stopped to look up the fireplace even a halfling would have trouble fitting. This finally done, he walked to the front of the table and began to address the group.

"My name is Adners, and I am the Dukes personal manservant." Though he spoke in a somewhat high pitched voice, scars covering the butler's right hand suggested what had happened to those who made fun of it. "I know all of you want answers concerning your involvement. Rest assured, it does have to do with serial killer named Toothy Sue. Duke Bagenon want her brought to justice and believes the six of you are the ones to do it. For secrecy's sake and to not alert killer herself, the duke will magically transport himself here in a few moments. I suggest taking the time getting to know one another, as this will no doubt be a difficult investigation."

[Athaleon]

A tall man in rugged traveling clothes is the first to speak up. With a deep, gravelly voice, he addresses the group as a whole.

"Good crowd we've got here. Any hired swords, or is this personal for all of us?"


Shouldn't it be the Prologue?

[CowMasterTrojan]

The man's question is answered by a beautiful woman in plain white robes. With exception to her large white angelic wings, her appearance is human. Her eyes are a shining blue, her blonde hair is kept neatly in a ponytail, and she doesn't appear to be carrying any weapons but her hands are wrapped as if ready to punch something. Around her neck sits a holy symbol of some kind, it appears to look like a sword.
When she speaks, she uses a sweet tone. "What exactly do you mean by personal? I consider this 'Toothy Sue' an abomination that needs to be stopped for the good of the world. That is certainly not a 'hired sword', so would that mean it's 'personal'?"

[Athaleon]

"Kiavar Thrane", he replies to the halfling, though without shaking his hand. "It happens that I do have some history with our quarry."

Turning to regard both him and the angel woman, Ky continues in a hard voice, "As long as we can count on each other's dedication, that's good enough for me. And I suspect our patron will expect to hear our personal motivations as well, whether our motivations are personal or not, if you follow."

[razorback]

Salist stands by as the others make introductions and voice their concerns.
Moving towards the center, he bows formally.

"I am Salist Tellamine, hailing from the Aspodell Mountains. The pleasure to make acquaintances with all of you is a pleasure." and ends with a bow.

"Well I appreciate the help we can offer each other, I seek this Toothy Sue for my own purposes, as it would seem some of you do, too."

He steps back, his bulk near one of the walls without touching it.

[Dienekes]

"I'm Argut," the hobgoblin said to the room full of slaves. "My reason for hunting this Toothy Sue is personal. And do not worry human, I'm dedicated to getting this kill." He didn't like this, Argut was used to looking down on others, not being forced to look up at all these non-hobgoblins.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Realizing she is the only one who hasn't introduced herself, the angelic woman blushes. "My apologies for being rude. You may call me Sheila. May I ask either of you what happened to make this personal. I do not mean to pry, but I am curious."

[razorback]

Salist looks upon the Sheila, sensing something of a kindred spirit.
Seeing her unarmed, and unarmored, he evaluates her for a moment...
The first two knuckles of each hand even more heavily callused than the rest of her hands... the ease and grace of movement...

"This Sue came into the dwarven village I spent much time in... and slew some of the children. As I have been tracking her, I have followed a trail that is littered with the bodies of youths who will not have been able to enjoy life. For these crimes, I have committed myself to making her pay."

[Athaleon]

Kiavar's jaw clenches as he hears the latest tale of Sue's depravity. He'd heard too many such tales since the disaster off the shackles.

"I used to be a Steel Falcon of Andoran; a naval armsman with the Grey Corsairs." His voice takes on a curious monotone as he speaks. "Long story short, Sue led us into a trap from which I and few others were lucky to escape. Her meddling nearly started a war between Andoran and Cheliax. Our best chance at liberating a slave used to be to raid their ships; since that day they only travel in convoys, under heavy escort." He continues in a low voice, "And for all that, none of us could ever figure out why she did it."

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Yes, your stories indeed reflect what I have heard of Sue's depravity. An evil that blemishes the world with it's very existence. I thank you both for your openness, and pray to Iomedae that we are able to find and destroy whatever Sue is..." She says, bowing her head slightly and lowering her voice.

[Flinn_Furious]

Sorry once again for the lack of posting. Real life has been quite insistent upon my time lately, but that seems to have ended. Rest assured, my posting rate will increase exponentially.

A loud whirring sound is the only warning you receive as a blue circle of pure light shimmers on the floor. After a bright flash, a man is standing upon. The circle quickly dissipates into smoke and it curls around the dark leather of the man's boots.

He appears young for such a distinguished noble, but two pointed ears show some elf heritage and there is no mistaking the grey peppering his short wiry hair. As the only man to have ever really fought Toothy Sue and lived, Bagenon cut an impressive figure. While wearing his old Absalom naval trench coat and large sabers on either hip, Bagenon looked less like Duke and more like a pirate hunter.

The Duke slowly looks at the group assembled, taking in their somewhat bizarre appearance and clear contrast in both race and profession. 'You all bloody well know why you're here, so I won't waste words explaining it. Like me, some of ya got personal reasons for chasing after the murderous bitch, but to be honest I don't give a damn as to what they are. I've kept some stuff quiet about the time we fought, but the time for secrets is well past."
Though he said this, Bagenone appeared to hesitate before continuing. Hesitation was unfamiliar to him, because the moment he showed any it was soon gone, replaced with a steadfast scowl.

"Some of ya don't know the full story and I won't be given it. I was assigned to protect the Harbormaster's daughter and I failed. That's all you need to know as why I'm doing this. However, there are a few things about the fight itself I've kept quite. As most of you know, Vanguards have only been sighted these past 6 years. I fought Toothy Sue over twelve years ago and she did things only you lot should be capable. Course, I didn't think she was a vanguard at the time. Hell, at the time Vanguard didn't bloody mean anything. After seeing Gilabrond and Zekk the Dark fight in that big tourney last year, did I finally realize exactly what she was. My investigation suddenly got a very big boost."

Bagenon reached inside his large coat and brought out a wooden folder filled with durable looking parchment. "I've got a page on each of the kids Sue has killed over the years. I've also got a page on the ones she's failed to kill."
Grinning in apparent triumph at an imaginary Toothy Sue, the Duke finally sat down and pulled out four pages off the top. Each one had pictures drawn of people as both children and adults. Quotations marked large paragraphs that were obviously statements made by various people. Much smaller sentence near the bottom outlined the Duke's thoughts.

"As some of ya probably already know, Toothy Sue appears in the dead of night, kills her victim, and leaves her name scrawled in their blood. Unless you're countin me, any adult who encounters her is killed efficiently, usually with little to no violence. At first glance, she seems to shrug off any and all security spellwork. Though it cost me a fortune, I hired a wizard to take another look at all the spells she seemingly bypassed. Each one had actually been taken down and replaced less than an hour later. She wasn't gettin past em, she was copying em. Which is actually a whole lot scarier once ya think about."

Bagenon then put a finger on each of the four files he had taken it. "Early in my investigations, I went ta every house that supposedly had a midnight visitor. Each had children who said they saw someone, but not a one of em was actually hurt. Back then, I just dismissed it as kids tryin to get attention or just scared Sue was coming for them next. It wasn't until I had gotten that wizard to take another look at their alarm magic did I find that it too had gotten replaced the year those children had raised the hubbub."

His voice getting even more excited, the duke leaned forward aggressively. "It turns out that all these children said they saw her and though each physical description was different, they all got the same icy feeling I got when I encountered her. Even more interestin is the fact each child developed Vanguard abilities later in life."

Leaning back, the crusading detective gives his final view. "It paints a damn clear picture to me. Toothy Sue is targeting children who later grow into vanguards. I don't know why or even how she knows who to kill, but I do know that a few weeks ago Jean Coremont's son was heralded by several seers to be a future vanguard. Since then, Toothy Sue has been more active than she has in years, performing murders in a straight line to Cassomir. This is the best opportunity there has ever been at stopping her once and for all. Unfortunately, Coremont himself fears the worst. There are a lot of organizations out there that would love an assured vanguard to mold, Cheliax and the Red Mantis included. He plans on taking young Grejar and hiding him in some faraway city where no one's ever heard of The Lion of Taldor. To that end, Grejar Coremont has been secreted somewhere in Cassomir until his father arrives three days from now. It is imperative that we found him before then and eliminate Toothy Sue when before she makes her move.

[Dienekes]

"Seems simple, find the kid, lock him in a room and use him as bait for Sue. The only difficult bit I see is getting Wings, and myself inside this Coremont estate without getting noticed and tipping Sue off."

[Flinn_Furious]

"If it was as simple as gettin inside Coremont's house, things would be a hell of a lot easier. As it is, Grejar's been hidden somewhere in the city. Coremont's smart. Any group with enough money and influence could break in practically anywhere, so the Lion's decided to hide his son somewhere in the city. There's been no major movement from any part of the government or hired mercenaries, so he's probably not under heavy guard. My advice would be to ask around the Coremont's estate. Quite a few beggars and urchin's hang around there cause Jean always gives em gold and doesn't run em off. Some probably won't help anyone who might hurt Grejar, but I reckon you can find one or two that don't feel that way."

[Nightraiderx]

"Wings, pft that's not an issue." A completely robed figure walked past Argut as if coalescing from the shadows of the room. His voice was low and gruff. "and as far as scouting and finding this child should not be extremely difficult with my heightened senses. I did not feel like revealing myself to you but you may call me Omen for now."

[razorback]

Salist stood and watched the others, not sure how to react but keeping a stony, unreadable look on his face.
Does this group seem so callous to the needs of others? he thinks to himself.

"Well, I have not had success in cornering Toothy Sue yet but I do not wish to entertain the idea of using a child as bait, but we may have to locate said child and protect him... which sounds the same but isn't. Bringing the fight to the creature, to hunt it down and slay it in its own lair, is how this Sue should be treated."

[Athaleon]

"If it were that easy," Ky interjects, "someone would have done it already. I don't like the idea of using a child as bait, but we have to be prepared to use unconventional tactics. Gods know, conventional tactics haven't worked so far. And a little hesitation or squeamishness on our part can lead to a lot more grief down the road, if and when Sue takes advantage."

[Nightraiderx]

"If we are going to use the "kid" as bait I don't need anything but to scout the child and then we can use fake bait. heh heh heh..." Omen's Golden eyes flashed for a moment under his hood darkness began to weave around him in anticipation (child of shadow stance). "A classic bait and switch into an ambush."

[Dienekes]

Argut snarls and nearly lashes out as this Omen figure appeared behind him. Though a quick look at the duke's expression showed the man was expected.

"Using the actual child will be safer, I think. If this Sue is hunting vanguard's before anyone else can figure out they're going to be vanguard's then perhaps she has a way of sensing it on them, and she'd figure out a fake."

[razorback]

Salist looks at this Omen character, the look on his face making it obvious he thinks this mercenary creature is here just for some reward.


But, he's probably right. he thinks to himself.

Turning to the goblinoid, he utters "But, can we keep the child safe?"

[CowMasterTrojan]

The angelic woman looks distrought at the words of those around her. It is clear she doesn't like this information at all. After a few moments of thinking, she finally speaks up.
"I will say, the idea of using a child as bait is inexcusable. If things were that simple, I would not tolerate such actions, and take my leave right now. However this child really would not be bait, because Sue can sense them. Or at least that's what it's sounding like to me. No decoy is going to work, because Sue is drawn to her victims through some kind of sense that is unknown to us. Otherwise she would be much easier to track. So as much as I would like to use a decoy in this matter, it wouldn't work.

We protect the child, and stop Sue here and now. That's what needs to be done here, and although we may not agree on the semantics, at the moment it's irrelevant. We have to find the child first. Does anyone have any idea how to go about that?"

[razorback]

Salist leans in.

"I have some small measure of skill and abilities that may help us in tracking either, or both, the child or Toothy Sue. If you can direct us" he says, looking at the duke "to someone who can guide us to where the child was last known to inhabit, I may be able to use my talents to locate the child, even if there is scant hope in a city such as this. How long was it since the child was seen?"

[Dienekes]

Argut shrugs at Salist's question. "What's one more kid to catching Sue?"

He then took a step back as Sheila went on her soliloquy. "Look Wings I'm not going to cut the boys throat myself, but killing Sue is what we're here for. What you do when the fighting starts is your own business, but for me I'm going to cut her down.

As to the kid, if you can't find anything I can go ask some of the beggars around the Coremont Estate, he's rich there's gotta be a couple around. We go through them until they tell us what we want to know."

[Nightraiderx]

"while you go deal with beggars I'm going to map out the Estate at night, I prefer working at night." Omen waited impatiently, tapping his foot. "but I don't think they'd take to kindly to Hobgoblins..."

[Dienekes]

"Yes, that's kind of the point, Omen."

[Flinn_Furious]

The Duke leaned back and nodded. "There's a few people you could talk to. Breshus Diggs in Dog's Teeth didn't respond to ma bribes, but maybe threats will work instead. He's usually found near or in the Broke Horn tavern. Diggs has got a finger on everything in Cassomir, from crime ta the price of radishes. Another good choice might be an old beggar named Tarkith. He might have seen somethin, but he also disappeared a few nights ago and no one's seen him since. Don't know if the Lion's men took him or someone worse. Lastly, and this is a long shot, but Luin Karlken, one of Coremont's servants, was fired three days ago and left pretty beat up outside his house. It's pretty obvious he said somethin to somebody. The real hard part is gettin to him before someone else does. Like Tarkith, no ones seen Luin in the last few days."

[razorback]

Salist ponders the information give, weighing the value of each in turn.

"I will seek out Luin Karlken. What say the rest of you?" he says to unusual assembly before him.

[CowMasterTrojan]

"I must agree. Lurin sounds like a good starting point. If anyone is to know something worthwhile, I would wager it to be Lurin. Would you like to split up to cover more ground? or work together?"

[Dienekes]

"Then I'll go talk to this Diggs, and leave the actual tracking down to those more suitable for it."

[Flinn_Furious]

"If you're goin after Karlken, ya could try his girlfriend who's a servant at Grayguard or his house in Admiral's Fen. Adners here will give any details ya might need."

[Athaleon]

It might draw too much attention if too many of us go poking around together. Better to go in pairs, I think. And as you say, we'll cover more ground. I'll look for this Tarkith."

[razorback]

Salist looks towards Kiavar.

"Yes, pairs would probably be best. Trying to keep it low key." he says as he looks specifically at the Omen.

Turning to the radiating Sheila, "I take it you will be joining me in seeking out this Luin?" as he pushes himself off the wall he was leaning against.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Sheila gives a friendly smile to Salist. "Well since no one else has expressed interest in finding Luin, and we're pairing up, that would be a logical assumption. Would you care to go to his house first, or try and get the information from his girlfriend?"

[Flinn_Furious]

Alright, I'm going to start splitting people for searching. Whenever you're ready to start, just post so in the OC thread. I'll put it up once everyone who's going after a particular lead has posted.

[Nightraiderx]

"I'd rather work in smaller groups. If it's physical threats, I believe I will also be going after Diggs." Omen looked towards Argut. "If Diggs tries anything funny, I'll be there for back up."

[Flinn_Furious]

Salist and Sheila

Alright, to get things rolling I'm going to drop off at Luin's house in Admiral's Fen.

Early the next morning Salist and Sheila find themselves in Admiral's Fen. Probably the poorest district in all Cassomir, the Fen is part ghetto and part swamp. Despite being chilly, large bugs are still buzzing in the air, no doubt in search of whatever is making that horrendous stench filling your nostrils. The ramshackle houses still show where they were built on top of other buildings that had sunken in the swamp. A man in dark tan rags rises briefly from a pile boxes near Luin's house when he sees you approach, but the weapons on Salist's back make him think twice and just peer at you suspiciously. Other than that, the street seems quiet.

Karlken's house appears much as the rest, built in a hurry and expected to sink. It even has an odd door built on the second story, so when it falls they'll be a convenient entrance. All the windows seem boarded up, but that's not especially unusual in this district. Luin seems to have built a small over hang above his porch and is in the process of removing it, as sinking has already begun. Already the hanging is too low and anyone over 6 feet will have to hunch.

Alright, both make perception checks and Salist make a survival check.

[Flinn_Furious]

Argut and Acer

It's early the next morning and you find yourselves in Dog's Teeth, standing in front of the Broke Horn tavern.

Drunks are still stumbling home from a night of debauchery, their uncoordinated shuffling thunking on the rough paved road. A strong sea breeze sweeps away the smell of sweat and urine. Toughs on look out clutch their weapons when you approach, but do nothing else as their eyes track the two Vanguards in fear.

Despite being the biggest building on the street, Broke Horn is in a bad state. It's sign is so worn the only legible letters are "BroH". Arrows and bullet holes dot the aging wood and the only unbroken window is so grimy peering out or in would be impossible. A beat drunk is still lying in the street, no doubt tossed out only a little while ago. He'll have to move soon or risk being run over by a cart.

There's no one who matches the description of Diggs that Adners gave you.( That of a thin building man with too much side burn and not enough teeth.)
Two arms fling a bucket's contents out one of the missing windows.

Make a reflex save.

[CowMasterTrojan]

As Sheila see's the man in rags, she gives him a warm smile. "Good day to you, Sir!" She says with a friendly wave.

As they approach the house, Sheila gives a wary look at the place. She had imagined things wouldn't look so run down for a servant of Coremont. Tucking her wings in as close as she can, she ducks underneath the structure and knocks on the door.

Perception [roll0]

[Flinn_Furious]

Kiavar, you'll be teaming up with the npc. He introduces himself as Gin Westin, one of the few practitioners of the Gunfist style.

As you seem to be ranged based, made him a front line fighter. Please take the lead in all interactions. For fairness sake, Gin will stick to his strengths and will follow, not roleplay much, or do anything more than use his maneuvers as a beatstick. You find yourself in the Threegates district.

Even amongst the row of large manors, Coremont's is easy to find. It's the only gate way on the block and the large bronze lion statues literally outshine the modest decorations of his merchant neighbors. Though a guard patrols the streets, it seems there are no laws against loitering and he even nods and shares his breakfast with one of the beggars. The fellow seems too well dressed for a beggar, though on closer inspection his only decent clothing is a thick fur coat. His ragged tunic and pants seem only a little better than the average homeless. He seems very nervous and tries to get the guard to stay for a while longer, but the guard just nods sorrily and leaves in the opposite direction.

[Athaleon]

Ky makes small talk with Westin on the walk to their destination, debating the minutiae of different combat styles, firearms, and their mechanics. They soon arrive at their destination, and happen upon the scene with the guard and the fur-coated beggar.

He nods in their direction as he approaches. "Excuse me, gentlemen. We're looking for a man; panhandler, name of Tarkith. Any idea where we might find him?"

[razorback]

Perception
[roll0]

Survival
[roll1]


The solid Oread nods at the man in rags, used to getting odd reactions especially amongst humans.
As he sees his new companion knock on the door, he tries to look 'relaxed', knowing that many see him as intimidating even if it isn't his nature.
Before the door opens, he leans in towards Sheila and says "It may be best if you do the talking. I will keep my eyes and ears open."


Salist stand in Hunter's Sense stance.
Can he use this to 'memorize' smells of people?

[Dienekes]

Argut stands a bit of a distance away looking at the tavern, looks like the place has seen it's fair share of troubles. "I'm thinking we head back a bit, you do your invisible trick and look and see if our man is in the building. If he is, and there isn't too much around him we go nab him, if there are we wait for him to leave and grab him then."

One question, before we go down to the tavern can I go buy two saps for myself and Omen? We may need to knock this guy unconscious without seriously injuring him, yet.

Also reflex save [roll0]

[Flinn_Furious]

Ky makes small talk with Westin on the walk to their destination, debating the minutiae of different combat styles, firearms, and their mechanics. They soon arrive at their destination, and happen upon the scene with the guard and the fur-coated beggar.

He nods in their direction as he approaches. "Excuse me, gentlemen. We're looking for a man; panhandler, name of Tarkith. Any idea where we might find him?"

Make a Diplomacy check.




The solid Oread nods at the man in rags, used to getting odd reactions especially amongst humans.
As he sees his new companion knock on the door, he tries to look 'relaxed', knowing that many see him as intimidating even if it isn't his nature.
Before the door opens, he leans in towards Sheila and says "It may be best if you do the talking. I will keep my eyes and ears open."


Salist stand in Hunter's Sense stance.
Can he use this to 'memorize' smells of people?



As Sheila see's the man in rags, she gives him a warm smile. "Good day to you, Sir!" She says with a friendly wave.

As they approach the house, Sheila gives a wary look at the place. She had imagined things wouldn't look so run down for a servant of Coremont. Tucking her wings in as close as she can, she ducks underneath the structure and knocks on the door.

Perception [roll0]

Salist, you notice something feels a little off, but nothing else. When you activate Hunters Sense, reroll survival. Memorizing smells only works if they have a noticeable or distinct odor.

Sheila, you hear a light buzzing noise. Out of the corner of your eye, a small winged silver ball hums before flying off. It's going far too fast for you to catch.

When her fist connects solidly with the door, it framework crumples and the door falls in. Inside you can see what looks like a struggle took place. The large sitting room has no furniture left standing and there holes in the thin wooden walls.


Argut stands a bit of a distance away looking at the tavern, looks like the place has seen it's fair share of troubles. "I'm thinking we head back a bit, you do your invisible trick and look and see if our man is in the building. If he is, and there isn't too much around him we go nab him, if there are we wait for him to leave and grab him then."

One question, before we go down to the tavern can I go buy two saps for myself and Omen? We may need to knock this guy unconscious without seriously injuring him, yet.

Also reflex save [roll0]


Yes you may buy two saps, but next time remember to prepare before hand. As you failed the reflex save, the bucket of bar drippings (aging alcohol, grime, blood, wood shavings, and watered down vomit) splashes near your feet and covers your pants.

"Oih! What you doin outside me window when Im tossing cleanin water?" A wrinkled and covered in sores peers out the window. She might have been a great beauty once, but only in a past life. A much much past life.

Her beady eyes blink a few times while taking in the shadowy omen and battle scarred hobgoblin. Lips pursing as if her mouth suddenly dried up, the woman looks at them and then looks down at the tavern door. Remembering it's a simple swing door, she then decides on a new tactic.

"Sorry, eh, sirs. Why don't ya come an in and I'll give ya both a drink on the house"

[razorback]

Survival reroll
[roll0]

[CowMasterTrojan]

"Did you see that?" She says, pointing at the quickly fleeing silver ball. "That does not give me a good feeling..."

After knocking on the door, she is startled to see it fall apart so easily, even if not surprised. She ducks under the frame, and steps into the house, surveying the destruction. "It appears the rumors of his disappearance were well founded."

She begins looking around the place for clues to what may have happened.
Perception [roll0]

[Athaleon]

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Dienekes]

Argut bared his teeth and snarled at the hag. "Watch yourself, slave, I've gutted your kind for less."

Still fuming he turns to Omen and whispers, "If we go in fighting, we take that one out too."

[razorback]

Salist looks and nods.
Moving carefully along, so as not to disturb anything, he follows his Sheila in.
Keeping his eyes open to what she is doing to be aware of what she may be disturbing.

"What do you make of this? It would seem our quarry may not have left of his own choice." stating the obvious.

He gets down low and spies the ground to the best of his ability, as he slides his sword silently from his sheath.
As Sheila watches him, he says "I like to be prepared."

Looking for looks and any identifiable tracks
Perception
[roll0]
Survival
[roll1]

[Nightraiderx]

reflex save 1d20+10
sense motive check on the guy who threw stuff on Argut
1d20+15
(Also, is it night or day? I have bonuses to some skills if that's the case)
"heh, well let me see what I can find out first. give me 10 minutes to prepare myself and get inside." Omen switches out some readies manuevers. switches into child of shadow stance. I fly up to a high window keeping myself out of the light looking for a suitable spot to shadow jaunt (up to 50 ft away) and to observe the inner side of the bar

I'm assuming two stealth, one perception check?
Stealth 1 1d20+12
Perception 1d20+12
Stealth 2 1d20+12


EDIT: SINCE IT'S DAY I AM GONNA USE MY SWIFT ACTION TO USE
CLOAK OF DECEPTION BEFORE I FLY UP. If there are no shadows then I will
fly back down.

[Flinn_Furious]

"Did you see that?" She says, pointing at the quickly fleeing silver ball. "That does not give me a good feeling..."

After knocking on the door, she is startled to see it fall apart so easily, even if not surprised. She ducks under the frame, and steps into the house, surveying the destruction. "It appears the rumors of his disappearance were well founded."

She begins looking around the place for clues to what may have happened.
Perception [roll0]

You notice immediately the large amount of destruction that took place. Things were thrown around, smashed, knicknaks crushed to pieces. Even the singular cushioned chair had large rips in it. It seems like the scene of an ultraviolent struggle, except.... There was no blood. One person's struggling could have hardly done so much danger, yet according to Adners Luin lived alone. You also notice a ripped piece of cloth lying on the floor in front of a destroyed chair. It's a pale gold cotton, flecked with both blood and splinters.



Diplomacy: [roll0]


The man takes a last fleeting look at the departing guardsmen and sighs. "Don't call it panhandling kid, it's begging through and through. Knew someone would be looking for Tarkith. Stupid bastard never knew when to stay out of trouble. Moron actually thought he'd catch some noble doing something they shouldn't and blackmail them."

Cinching his coat tighter the beggar continues, "Look you seem like a nice guy so I'm going to give you some friendly advice. Stay out of this and you're sure as hell gonna live longer." Suddenly lunging forward the man puts his hand on Kiavars shoulder and yells in his face. "I don't anything about what happened last night! You and your bodies just better leave me alone!" Stumbling trying to back away, the man lands solidly on Ky's shoulder and whispers in his ear for but a few seconds. "Crossed swords and bones, Dogs Teeth."

Jerking himself upright, the beggar looks around with exaggerated paranoia and turns to walk away.


Argut bared his teeth and snarled at the hag. "What yourself, slave, I've gutted your kind for less."

Still fuming he turns to Omen and whispers, "If we go in fighting, we take that one out too."

"There's no need to get violent now! Letsh just settle this mess over a drink alright?"


reflex save [roll0]
sense motive check on the guy who threw stuff on Argut
[roll1]
(Also, is it night or day? I have bonuses to some skills if that's the case)
"heh, well let me see what I can find out first. give me 10 minutes to prepare myself and get inside." Omen switches out some readies manuevers. switches into child of shadow stance. I fly up to a high window keeping myself out of the light looking for a suitable spot to shadow jaunt (up to 50 ft away) and to observe the inner side of the bar

I'm assuming two stealth, one perception check?
Stealth 1 [roll2] +12 (20 if at night)
Perception [roll3] + 12 (+17 if at night)
Stealth 2 [roll4] +12 (20 if at night)

It is currently day. Please re-roll, they didn't take for some reason.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Sheila looks around the room, more and more concerned as she does so. Finally she leans over and picks up the golden cloth spattered in blood and splinters. This cloth was the only thing with blood on it, but what did that mean?
"I'm not positive, but I suspect this scene was faked. This place is trashed. The destruction is everywhere, but there's no blood. Except for this. If I had to guess he knows something and thinks he's in danger. He destroyed his place, and took off to where ever he's hiding. Possibly cutting himself in the process. What do you think?"

[Athaleon]

Playing along with the act, Ky makes a show of brushing his coat where the beggar had touched him and, with a colorful invective, turns to Westin and says "Let's go. !%!&$ing waste of time..."

Shooting a dark look at the beggar for extra effect, Ky turns to leave. So, the plot thickens. Crossed swords and bones, Dogs Teeth. Did that refer to a landmark? An insignia? Was it a coded phrase?


Knowledge (Local): [roll0]

[Flinn_Furious]

Playing along with the act, Ky makes a show of brushing his coat where the beggar had touched him and, with a colorful invective, turns to Westin and says "Let's go. !%!&$ing waste of time..."

Shooting a dark look at the beggar for extra effect, Ky turns to leave. So, the plot thickens. Crossed swords and bones, Dogs Teeth. Did that refer to a landmark? An insignia? Was it a coded phrase?


Knowledge (Local): [roll0]


There are a few possibilities. It might refer to a group of pirates currently hiding out in Dogs Teeth, who use a crossed sword and bone for their flag. Or it might refer to Dogs Teeth itself, where such insignias are commonplace to represent many of the gangs that use that for a base of operations. It even may refer to the two legendary pirate ships that assaulted Cassomir when it was still a small resupply station and not a full-fledged military outpost.

Make a perception check.

[razorback]

Salist ponders her words for a moment as he eyes the room.

"There is merit to your words. If true, it would make one seem as if he fought valiantly against the whole of the kings army... and they barely prevailed." With that he gave a short, barking laughter.

A moment later he turns his thoughts to the more serious scene in front of them. Taking the cushion from Sheila's hand, he says to her "Forgive my impropriety" as he smells her hand before she can react. Getting a full feel for he scent, he tries to catalog the uniqueness of it.

Taking a step away he then inhales deeply from the cushion, eye closed and blocking out the rest of the world to the best of abilities, trying to catch any trace of Luin on it.


Survival roll to memorize Sheila's scent
[roll0]
And one to find the scent (hopefully Luin's) on the cushion
[roll1]

[Athaleon]

Perception:
[roll0]

[Nightraiderx]

REPOST FOR ROLLING SAKE:

reflex save 1d20+10
sense motive check on the guy who threw stuff on Argut
1d20+15
(Also, is it night or day? I have bonuses to some skills if that's the case)
"heh, well let me see what I can find out first. give me 10 minutes to prepare myself and get inside." Omen switches out some readies manuevers. switches into child of shadow stance. I fly up to a high window keeping myself out of the light looking for a suitable spot to shadow jaunt (up to 50 ft away) and to observe the inner side of the bar

I'm assuming two stealth, one perception check?
Stealth 1 1d20+12
Perception 1d20+12
Stealth 2 1d20+12


EDIT: SINCE IT'S DAY I AM GONNA USE MY SWIFT ACTION TO USE
CLOAK OF DECEPTION BEFORE I FLY UP. If there are no shadows then I will
fly back down.

[Nightraiderx]

Reflex:
[roll0]
Sense Motive:
[roll1]
Stealth 1
[roll2]
Perception 1
[roll3]
Stealth 2
[roll4]

[Flinn_Furious]

Salist ponders her words for a moment as he eyes the room.

"There is merit to your words. If true, it would make one seem as if he fought valiantly against the whole of the kings army... and they barely prevailed." With that he gave a short, barking laughter.

A moment later he turns his thoughts to the more serious scene in front of them. Taking the cushion from Sheila's hand, he says to her "Forgive my impropriety" as he smells her hand before she can react. Getting a full feel for he scent, he tries to catalog the uniqueness of it.

Taking a step away he then inhales deeply from the cushion, eye closed and blocking out the rest of the world to the best of abilities, trying to catch any trace of Luin on it.


Survival roll to memorize Sheila's scent
[roll0]
And one to find the scent (hopefully Luin's) on the cushion
[roll1]



You'll remember Sheila's scent, but Luin's is a bit harder to peg. Just living in the Fen tends to give someone that unique odor of swamp and despair, but you could probably track it for a little bit, especially if he moved out of the Fen.



Perception:
[roll0]


Something feels a little off, but you can't quite peg it.


REPOST FOR ROLLING SAKE:

reflex save 1d20+10
sense motive check on the guy who threw stuff on Argut
1d20+15
(Also, is it night or day? I have bonuses to some skills if that's the case)
"heh, well let me see what I can find out first. give me 10 minutes to prepare myself and get inside." Omen switches out some readies manuevers. switches into child of shadow stance. I fly up to a high window keeping myself out of the light looking for a suitable spot to shadow jaunt (up to 50 ft away) and to observe the inner side of the bar

I'm assuming two stealth, one perception check?
Stealth 1 1d20+12
Perception 1d20+12
Stealth 2 1d20+12


EDIT: SINCE IT'S DAY I AM GONNA USE MY SWIFT ACTION TO USE
CLOAK OF DECEPTION BEFORE I FLY UP. If there are no shadows then I will
fly back down.

Well, the old lady notices you fly up as she was already knew you were there, but no one else sees you fly and her eyes can't track your movements once retreat back into a small alley between two of the buildings behind you. There are plenty of shadows there to use.

Also, you easily dodge the scummy liquid. As for the lady's intentions, it seems she just made an honest mistake.

[Athaleon]

Ky looks around slowly as he draws his pistols. To his companion, he remarks "Keep a sharp eye out, something's not right here."

[CowMasterTrojan]

There is another floor, correct? If so, Sheila will head upstairs and begin poking around there trying to find anything else that might give them a clue to what happened.

Perception once more [roll0]

[razorback]

Salist watches Sheila move. Sheathing his sword, he moves quietly towards the door they entered and watches to see if anyone is paying any attention to the building.

[Nightraiderx]

-Well, the old lady notices you fly up as she was already knew you were there, but no one else sees you fly and her eyes can't track your movements once retreat back into a small alley between two of the buildings behind you. There are plenty of shadows there to use.

Also, you easily dodge the scummy liquid. As for the lady's intentions, it seems she just made an honest mistake.-

(so I can't get inside using the shadows since it's day I'll just change myself casually)
While in the shadows Omen uses his hat of disguise to look like an ordinary person and shadow jumps to the farthest shadow inside the building and takes a look around the pub, taking to a nearby seat. looking for the guy.


Another perception check
[roll0]

[Flinn_Furious]

There is another floor, correct? If so, Sheila will head upstairs and begin poking around there trying to find anything else that might give them a clue to what happened.

Perception once more [roll0]

Unlike the bottom floor, everything appears normal. Luin's wardrobe has a door hanging open and you can see a few ragged jackets hanging. His bed is made and the anteroom contains a chamber pot and several worn books, all with titles like "Sword of the Dragon King" and featuring a muscular hero standing over a scantily clad woman on the covers.


Salist watches Sheila move. Sheathing his sword, he moves quietly towards the door they entered and watches to see if anyone is paying any attention to the building.

You notice nobody, but the old man you saw earlier is gone.


Ky looks around slowly as he draws his pistols. To his companion, he remarks "Keep a sharp eye out, something's not right here."

Gin raises his fists and they turn a dark grey, but nothing approaches or attacks. After a while you feel a little silly.


-Well, the old lady notices you fly up as she was already knew you were there, but no one else sees you fly and her eyes can't track your movements once retreat back into a small alley between two of the buildings behind you. There are plenty of shadows there to use.

Also, you easily dodge the scummy liquid. As for the lady's intentions, it seems she just made an honest mistake.-

(so I can't get inside using the shadows since it's day I'll just change myself casually)
While in the shadows Omen uses his hat of disguise to look like an ordinary person and shadow jumps to the farthest shadow inside the building and takes a look around the pub, taking to a nearby seat. looking for the guy.


Another perception check
[roll0]

The bar appears completely empty and the only sounds you hear are the clapping of the woman's feet as comes down stairs. Broke Horn looks like any other watering hole in Dogs Teeth; shoddy furniture because the expensive stuff just gets broken, the bottles behind the bar are all unmarked and none are small, with a wooden floor that's at least thirty percent grime, and splashes of blood are still visible on the wall even after someone attempted to clean them.

[CowMasterTrojan]

Sheila pokes around for a few minutes, then comes back out to meet Salist.

"It appears there is no lead to what has truly happened or where he has gone. Unless you have something else to go on, let us head to his girlfriends place now, and hope that it wields better results."
With that she turns and leaves the broken house behind.

[razorback]

Salist slowly shakes his head back and forth.
"No, I was unable to find anything else in the building. Although, oddly enough, the old fellow is gone. Give me a moment before following."
With that, Salist heads out the door and looks for the old man. When he doesn't find him, he tries to gain the scent of the old man through his hyperkeen sense.


Survival check to gain the old man's scent
[roll0]



After, he nods to Sheila. "Ready" is all he says as he scans his surroundings.
"Where are you, Sue? he mutters to himself trying to stretch out his senses to locate the fiend before some other child dies.

[Athaleon]

Ky slowly places his weapons back in their holsters. "Hmm. Must be getting jumpy."


How far away are the Dog's Teeth? Is it feasible to head there right now?

[Nightraiderx]

Omen back tracks into the side alley (after refreshing my manuevers and shadow jumping back) and changes back into my normal clothes and comes out to Argut."No on is in there. Perhaps we actually wait till night or would you like to have a look around for yourself?

[Dienekes]

"If no one was in there, then I believe we were still offered a free drink. Besides it's likely the old cow knows something."

[Nightraiderx]

"fine, suit yourself I ain't in the mood to talk to anyone." Omen strode into the bar and sat in the darkest corner he could find.
I'm going to make passive sense motive checks when Argut chats up with the old lady to see if she bull ****s/lies about anything.

[Dienekes]

Argut enters and looks for the woman and around the room for anything that would look suspicious.

Perception: [roll0]