Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil (IC): Thread 2

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Todariche’s House: Planting 10, Late Morning

“Well,” responds Todariche with an air of amusement, “That which I do solely for my own personal enlightenment tends not to place food on my table. Or bring additions to my library, for that matter. It’s just about managing priorities, you know.”

[Skjaldbakka]

"Of course, one does not seek the aid of a fine scholar such as yourself without certain considerations. What is your usual fee, and do you prefer coin or an exchange of services?"

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Todariche’s House: Planting 10, Late Morning

“Well,” Todariche says as he reaches for his ear a third time, “Since it is for the town’s welfare and I’m not in any particular need right now, I think I’ll apply a little discount. Perhaps 9 spires per day of research.” The sage quickly pulls his hand away from his head and raises a stern finger. “However, I do need to confirm with Elmo or Haunor that this is militia-approved business. If I find out otherwise, it will be my usual fee plus penalty for deception—four wheatsheafs per day. He drops his hand and resumes his normal, kindly tone. “Though in either case, I may accept a book of similar value, if it is to my liking.”

(( 1 Wheatsheaf = 1 gp, 1 Spire = 1 sp ))

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

Grigor chuckles a bit and wonders just how much gold the party's loot would be worth. Or in other words, how many days Todariche would have to work to earn that kind of money.

"We can afford you, don't worry about it. Those cultists left us some pretty coins and a few things to sell. Do you want us to pay you in advance?"

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Todariche’s House

“Well, I can’t be sure how long this will take. Depends on what kind of symbol this is and if it is in one of my books. But perhaps a three-day deposit would be called for. I’ll refund any difference if that’s called for, of course.”

[Skjaldbakka]

"Of course." Megiddo counts out twelve gold pieces and hands them to the sage.

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

"Right, now that that is taken care of, let us go find the trace of our mysterious stranger, shall we?"

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Hommlet: Planting 10, Mid-Afternoon

As the party leaves, Todariche gives them a description of the man he saw: A burly man with a beard bushy and thick as the Gnarley Forest and eyebrows twice so. He also was wearing a dark brown cloak too thick even for the unseasonable chill.

(( Megiddo aids Grigor, as well as Redithidoor. Grigor’s Gather Information: 1d20+14=22; time for check: 1d4+1=5 hours ))

It is clear that many of the citizens of Hommlet are generally content to mind their own business. Despite following the trail of a very conspicuous figure, it is hard to get a solid lead on his movements. That is not to say no one noticed him. A number of citizens did notice him, but they were too polite to watch long enough to be sure where he was headed. It is not until the middle of the afternoon that they find out where he’s been and where he may be going.

Just south of the river, Grigor talks to a tailor named Jinnerth:

“Yeah, I saw a guy looked like that. Had some business with Jaroo, I think.” The tailor gestures at the grove just visible through his front window. “Saw ‘im coming from his place. Had some shifty-lookin’ friends with ‘im, too.”

At this, a dwarf who was in to pick up a shirt that Jeinnerth was repairing chimes in, “I think I know who you’re talking about. Had a few other friends who had a wagon parked not far from my stable for most of the morning. Saw the one you’re looking for meet up with them, then head down the road out of town. The old one towards the Moathouse.”

[Skjaldbakka]

"Ah, so they were headed to the old moathouse outside of town? Interesting. Thenk you for your time." Megiddo turns and walks back out the door. Once they are in the street, he turns to Tell.

"What do you think, should we head straight to the moathouse, or check in with the locals first?"

Tell shrugs noncommitally in response. "I thought I would check out the lead with Jaroo. They seemed to have some business with them as well. Perhaps we should split up."

[Miraqariftsky]

Meanwhile, along the road towards Hommlet...

...Families in the field cast their crop and sow their seed
Families in the field drop the flo'rs and shed their tears
Dogs and chickens and children in the field do frolic
Maggots and rats and ravens in the field do gather

A warm wind sunkist and fresh there blows across the land
Cracks and crashes... clangs, a branch and a leaf, dried and dead
Yipping, yapping, a red fox prances in the green grass
An eyeless face gasps a final scream, frozen in death

A cloaked figure walks 'neath the trees, leaning on a staff
Stops at the dead man's hand. Kneels. Prays. And forthwith buries.
Checks a leathern tome. Sets off once more with steel^ed stride
A skull-face grins 'side the sunburst on that iron breast

Brother dear... have ye come to Hommlet... or e'en... beyond?

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Jaroo’s Lodge: Planting 10, Mid-Afternoon

Redithidoor nods in agreement with Tell. “Yeah, It’s a ways off to the Moathouse. Jaroo’s just down the road. Best to check what’s near when it’s near.”

The grove is empty when the party arrives. The oak that Yundi was tending several days ago has clearly taken a turn for the worse. The party moves on to Jaroo’s lodge just outside the grove.

There is no response to a knock on the door. However, Megiddo and Tell both hear something that sounds like it could be something moving around inside the lodge.

[Skjaldbakka]

Out of concern for the elder druid's safety, Tell will opt to ask forgiveness rather than permission and open the door, forcing it if necessary.

Megiddo will manifest inertial armor, augmented to max.

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

Grigor senses Megiddo and Tell's apprehension and his own hand feels for his sword, still he might rather use his gift to encourage his allies to fight with increased prowess. depending on what appears to be the situation that is.

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Preemptive roll for initiative - (1d20)[8].

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Jaroo’s Lodge: Planting 10, Mid-Afternoon

The door proves to be locked shut from the inside, so Tell steps back and kicks the it in.

Standing towards the back of the lodge are Jaroo and two other human men. One is short, stout, and dark-haired The other is his tall, muscular, and dirty-blond. Both are dressed in dark clothing. Like Jaroo, they are also looking at the now-broken door and the men behind it.

Jaroo reaches for his staff as he shouts at Tell, “What the hell are you doing?!”

[Skjaldbakka]

Tell is speechless for a moment, having expected to see Jaroo in deadly peril or perhaps some strange beast prowling about in his cabin.

"Um... well... I... uh... heard a noise from within your cabin, and since you didn't answer the door, I assumed the worst. Sorry about the door..."

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

Grigor senses his companion's embarrassment at the situation and that they seem to prefer to stand around in awkward silence then to seize the initiative.

Oh well, Grigor may be more of a warrior at heart then a trickster, but one can't serve The Laughing Rogue for some years without picking up a trick or two.

"Oh, heh, sorry about your door, nothing a few nails, some spit and a spell of Mending can't fix. No harm, no foul, eh?" says Grigor as he pushes himself past speechless Megiddo and embarrassed Tell.

"Nice home you have.", he adds as he looks around Jaroo's place, when in reality he is taking a closer look at the strangers out of the corner of his eyes.

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Spot check for clues, hidden weapons, holy symbols etc. (1d20+2)[14]

"But we aren't here to praise your decor. Saaaay... you wouldn't happen to know anything about that Moathouse down the road by any chance? Rumour has it the place has been pretty popular lately. Why, they even sent a bunch of militiamen down there. You wouldn't happen to know why?" he ask jovially, making sure to keep the strangers' reaction in mind.

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Sense Motive: (1d20+8)[18]
Oh and the way he phrases the question is meant to imply that he and his buddies were totally not with the militiamen when they checked out the moathouse. Bluff if you want it: (1d20+8)[21]

[Miraqariftsky]

krik-krksh

Leaves crackle at the druid's gate
Marches in, a woman warri'r
Eyes worry as if she were late
To save inn'cent f'm a robb'r

War-scythe stands ready at the fore
No mistake, th'armour's bulk 'neath cloak
Humble burlap weave, peasant's lore
She shouts out to within, those folk

Seeking out trespassers
And of doors, breakers
But concern seeps through
In voice that sincerity shew

"Hey! What ho, there? Heard some crashes... Huh. Ye folk all well there? And... I don't suppose y'all be thieves a-breakin' down some poor fellow's door an' a-robbin' old men, hmm?"

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Jaroo’s Lodge: Planting 10, Mid-Afternoon

(( Grigor does not notice any hidden weapons. The blond does carry a sword, and the short man has a dagger. There is also a crossbow by Jaroo’s bed. The only thing of note is a wrinkled corner of a fur rug exposing an out-of-place plank on the lodge’s dirt floor. ))

“No! You aren’t here to praise my decor. Just to ruin it.” Jaroo scoffs at Grigor. “And I believe I told you all there was to know about the Moathouse last time you were here. Now, get out until I am finished with my business. Then you can repair the damage you have caused.”

Jaroo simply lets out a satisfied “Heh!” as the stranger approaches.

[Skjaldbakka]

Megiddo steps back from the door and activates a wand of detect evil, and will look for a hidden evil presence underneath the suspicious area that he can't tell if it is a hidden trapdoor or not. He will also look at Jaroo and his companions, and the newcomer. Assuming typical wooden walls, he can do this discreetly, out of LOS from Jaroo.

When/if he doesn't detect evil, he will detect magic also, looking specifically for abjuration auras.

OOC: this penetrates up to 3 ft of wood or dirt.

----

Tell will speak up. "We were tracking this fellow who is connected to this cult, who we have reason to believe was heading here. Have you seen a fellow with a really thick beard and bushy eyebrows today?"

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

Grigor might be a warrior at heart, but you can't be cleric of a trickster god without picking up a few pointers about diplomacy... if your definition of 'diplomacy' involves 'talking BS to get out if dicey situations' that is...

Turning to the stranger, he raises his empty hands in a peaceful gesture and smiles sheepishly.

"Oh hey, just a little misunderstanding. We were somehow convinced Jaroo here was in danger, what with them armed strangers and cultists about and whatnot. Turns out it was a false alarm. Funny thing that..."

But then he takes a closer look at the new arrival and wonders aloud "Speaking of strangers... who might you be then?"

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Jaroo’s Lodge: Planting 10, Mid-Afternoon

As Megiddo retrieves his wand, Jaroo approaches him. “Excuse me. When I say, ‘Get out,’ I mean you need to give us some privacy. Not just step a foot back and play with some sticks. Now, get going, all of you.”

The blond man steps behind Jaroo, his hand on the hilt of his sword. “You heard the man. We got things to discuss.”

As the blond man stepped forward, everyone felt a strange buzz at the back of their skulls.

[Skjaldbakka]

Do I recognize the buzzing as a magical or psionic effect?

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(1d20+16)[23]Psicraft
(1d20+17)[19]Spellcraft
(1d20+16)[26]Knowledge Arcana
(1d20+18)[36]Knowledge Psionics

"It is now my belief that you are conspiring with these cultists. Dispel this belief or defend yourself."

OOC:
Manifesting Vigor, augmented to max.
Initiative, if called for: (1d20+3)[8]

---

Tell seems really uncomfortable with this situation.

"Are you sure you wanna do this, Meg?"

He keeps an eye on the newcomer, not sure which side of the confrontation he will jump in on.

[Miraqariftsky]

The stranger clad in a common peasant's cloak and a knight-errant's armour raises a slash of an eyebrow at Grigor's words and deflates, the urgency of apprehending robbers fallen into nothing more than a simple case of mistaken identity. She sighs and rocks back on the heels of her feet, leaning on the haft of her war-scythe, then runs a hand across her forehead.

A slight smirk lights her lips as she replies, "Hwew. Well... as I said, I was just passin' through an' thought there might be villainy afoot over here, what with the crashes and shouts y'all were makin'..."

And then her head ***** to one side as she considers Grigor's mention of cultists. The polearm in her hand she shoulders unthreateningly as she starts towards the two, though to the eyes of one who is a warrior at heart, the arm is tight with a fighter's twitch.

She flashes a smile and a friendly nod in greeting as she closes the distance, but her old peasant's sense-and-'stition kicks in, not exactly letting slip her true name to newly met strangers. Well... heh, not yet, at any rate... But indeed, the signs--- hither and thus, they pointed, did they not? "Ye can call me Ran..." A gauntleted hand briefly holds up a holy symbol of a sunburst as she continues, "...servant of the hallowed Allfather. Cultists, ye say? Was investigating something of the sort meself, and the trails and portents do lead to yonder Hommlet..."

"...when your commotion drew my attention over here. To y'all. Heh. And who are the two good Samaritans of quite -smashing- disposition whom I've the dubious honour of meetin'...?" she finishes with a nod and a smirk at the two.

Suddenly, at the blonde's advance and the subsequent buzz at the back of her head, one hand claps to her nape, Ran's shadowed face flinching ever so slightly. Her fighter's reflex is to ready her weapon for a swift strike, but something tells her that propriety and courtesy, at least for now, must be followed, no matter how suddenly fishy these folk may seem.

Ran flashes an open left hand in a placating gesture and says "Eaaaasy there, Goldilocks. Ain't gunna be bustin' down -yer- door, unless said door is harbouring heretics"

And all this while, her weapon-hand has never relented in its steady vigil with her trusty spear, holding it ready just in case...

Spoiler

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Flick on the jolly ol' Evil-dar to Active Scanning mode, if it's discreet.
Koff. Detect Evil, general scan, if discreet.

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

Grigor's eyes narrow as he feels the buzz at the back of his head. Magic. Some sort of it anyway.

But really telling is something else...

"Strange," he says to sword-guy, taking a step forward, "one would expect a righteous man to step up in front of an unarmed civilian, not behind him... that is a villain's move. Maybe you better explain yourself. Or are you going to go the way of the cultist before you and rather die then talk?"

Grigor knows that this move is dangerous and he can't be certain if that Jaroo guy is involved in the conspiracy or just an innocent caught between a rock and a hard place.

So he decides to ready himself...

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Grigor doesn't want innocents to get killed but the situation is already way too volatile, what with the additional stranger showing up. Even if he is a paladin or cleric of The Sun. Maybe even especially a Sun is now present.

So ready an action: Step up to Jaroo and cast Protection from Evil on him, hoping it gives him a small chance to survive the inevitable assassination attempt, should he in fact be innocent and surrounded by evil cultists.

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Jaroo’s Lodge: Planting 10, Mid Afternoon

Megiddo recognizes the buzz as some sort of magical effect failing to penetrate his mind.

(( Yeah, let’s do initiative. And since it may be needed, I’m gonna quick make a map. ))

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Jaroo’s Lodge: Planting 10, Mid-afternoon

Jaroo looks curiously at Megiddo as the psion is momentarily covered in ectoplasm. Then, Jaroo suddenly starts to laugh. “Here that?” he says to the men behind him “I must be part of the Cult of Unharmed Doors! Yes, we get irrationally perturbed when folks break into our homes and say it is us who need to explain ourselves. Who could be so crazy as that?” The druid turns back into his lodge. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have some counseling to complete.”

Meanwhile, Ranelath does detect the presence of evil in the vicinity.

(( Initiative

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1. Jaroo (23)
2. Blond Swordsman (16)
3. Grigor (10)
4. Megiddo (8)
5. Ranelath (1d20+1=7)
6. Short Man (6)
7. Redithidoor (5)

))

Round 1
Jaroo steps back into the lodge, but the blond man stays ready for trouble.

(( Map #2 ))

[Skjaldbakka]

I'll wait to see what Grigor does, since it may effect my action.

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

Grigor is certainly confused by the turn of events. When in doubt, don't start anything...

"Huh... if you say so..." he says, looking after the retreating Jaroo for a moment. Then he just shrugs and turns around.

"Hrm, right, seems like we are superfluous here right now."

Grigor walks past Tell and Megiddo and instead scrutinizes the newcomer.

"So, Ran was the name? I'm Grigor. I'd usuall say 'well met', but I'm afraid the circumstances are a bit.. confused. But if it was rumours about cultists that led you here, we certainly should compare notes."

[Skjaldbakka]

"You fail to comprehend the seriousness of the situation, Jaroo," Megiddo states, retrieving a wand and whispering the phrase that unlocks its magic.

ooc: Activating wand of detect good. If there are no good auras present, Megiddo will say "Tell, subdue them. My spell has confirmed my suspicions."
Based on the map, only the three in the building are in the cone.

I will make rolls for Tell in the OOC forum in a few minutes.

[Shhalahr Windrider]

Jaroo’s Lodge: Planting 10, Mid-afternoon

(( Assuming Tell effectively delayed, so his initiative is now at 7+, right before Ranelath ))

Megiddo detects no Good auras.

Tell enters the lodge, and the blond man says, “Ah, ah”. With a fluid motion, the man draws his sword and tries to catch up Tell’s chain (( readied action )). But Tell takes the opportunity to smack the blond man with the chain before he can be disarmed (( AoO: 1d20+6=22, 2d4+2d6+7=19 ))

At this, Jaroo shouts, “What in the Mother are you doing?!”

(( New Initiative

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1. Jaroo (23)
2. Grigor (10)
3. Megiddo (8)
4. Blond Swordsman (7++)
5. Tell (7+)
6. Ranelath (1d20+1=7)
7. Short Man (6)
8. Redithidoor (5)

))

(( Map #3 ))