OOC: Actually, I was going to give you one more room to explore before Bruce arrived. See the last post with your name in it.
Game: We're Still not Quite Dead Yet
Sid will close the door and slowly move to the opposite door and listen...
Which room is that?
Euhm, u got me confused now, i saw only one other door, no?
OOC: Yes, which room does it lead to, sorry.
ground floor is a dining room, simple but efficient, a kitchen, hallway with stairs up, and a general living room/ guest receiving room of sorts.
I see it as:
....General living..../ ....guest receiving room....
..Dining room..Hallway(incl stairs up..Kitchen...
so the way i see it, "you" enter via maindoor into the hallway, and there is a stairs up, and 3 doors left, right and forward..
The whole house is a round structure, domed on the top, to give you a mental visual of the building. and i imagine the front door to be surrounded by some simple pillars, with a heavy double wooden door.
Sidhartha:
OOC: Okay.In that case 3 doors were warded, and you've checked the kitchen and wrecked that door.
You next listen to the door to your receiving room. Behind the door, you hear parts of a whispered argument. From what you can piece together, there are two humans. The source of the disagreement seems to be you. Specifically, one burgalar wants to flee using the "scrolls they got" now that you are have returned and are still conscious (you don't know how they knew this, but there's still no sign of scrying). The other is clearly afraid of his employer--aparently an assasin's guild of some sort, and wants to continue. They are obviously unaware you are listening in. They mention a Jack Silverknife, who seems to be their boss, probably the leader of the assasin's guild. Not having any ties to criminal organizations in Sigil, you don't know if he's a real high-up or just annother petty thug. It is at least a clue.
Bruce will arrive at your door within 1d3 rounds. You can act now, or continue waiting by the door until he arrives. If you continue waiting, you may hear more, but it seems the theives are very close to reaching a consensus of some sort. They can clearly teleport, so waiting is a risk.
Bruce (Sid):
1d3 rounds until you arrive
Bruce (Lema):
"Very well. I will send someone fetch Mr. Brentwood to confirm your identity and your papers, Karl, please go," he says, to one of his underlings. "I am required to cautious. It's my job, after all. Hopefully we'll get this sorted out soon."
Morry arrives following in the wake of the gaurd. The officer immediately asks: "Does this look like Bruce Maxson to you? He claims to have met you earlier.
The harbormaster is somewhat flustered, but answers, "He looks the same to me, and the papers are without a doubt original...I do not recognize the woman with him."
The officer is clearly suspicious now.
"I apologize a second time if you are who you say you are...Bruce Maxson," he says, looking to Morry, who nods, "But we can't let you onboard until a mage confirms your identity. We can arrange that within the day. In the meantime, I sugest you find someplace else to stay. You will be compensated."
Something doesn't seem right, but you can't place your finger on it. Make a sense motive roll.
Canzonia:
OOC: Yijral is a she. I'd like to RP this conversation out if you don't mind.
After some inquiring, you find that in a stroke of good fortune, Yijral is staying in Sigil. She was apparently called here as a political ploy by the neutral factions in the civil war (since the ministries are based in Malsheem). This seems to be happening quite a lot, as senior ministry staff are relocated to neutral locations or layers to try to maintain a semblance of peace and neutrality. Yijral has apparently removed the ministry's representative in Sigil (a fairly unimportant half-fiend) from his office and started pushing a positively terrified and mostly mortal staff around.
In the small building tucked in the shadow of the Ministry of Mortal Affairs, you see the former leader of this branch of the ministry turned secretary. He does not seem happy about this.
"Do you have an appointment?" he asks, being very civil to a clearly senior true Baatezu.
Sh'Chad:
While you are traveling (OOC: you can choose to and from where, I'm assuming you're in between major jobs), you receive a sending from Carrus, a cornugon with ties to Levistus' network of inteligence. He informs you that he would like to meet with you in the next week about a possible job that may call for an agent with his abilities. Carrus currently resides in a fairly isolated iceberg-fortress of his own in Stygia. Getting there is no mean feat, and a considerable inconveniance to you. His offer had best be very good.
OOC: Sense motive result: 22. Hope that helps.
The officer is clearly suspicious now.
"This woman has been by my side since I left here, she could not have been involved with any attempt to board my ship."
"And while you might not be able to let me on my ship, can you at least tell me the details of the attempted break in?" Bruce asks, maining civility, but clearly annoyed at this turn of events.
Sidhartha:
OOC: Okay.In that case 3 doors were warded, and you've checked the kitchen and wrecked that door.
You next listen to the door to your receiving room. Behind the door, you hear parts of a whispered argument. From what you can piece together, there are two humans. The source of the disagreement seems to be you. Specifically, one burgalar wants to flee using the "scrolls they got" now that you are have returned and are still conscious (you don't know how they knew this, but there's still no sign of scrying). The other is clearly afraid of his employer--aparently an assasin's guild of some sort, and wants to continue. They are obviously unaware you are listening in. They mention a Jack Silverknife, who seems to be their boss, probably the leader of the assasin's guild. Not having any ties to criminal organizations in Sigil, you don't know if he's a real high-up or just annother petty thug. It is at least a clue.
Bruce will arrive at your door within 1d3 rounds. You can act now, or continue waiting by the door until he arrives. If you continue waiting, you may hear more, but it seems the theives are very close to reaching a consensus of some sort. They can clearly teleport, so waiting is a risk.
(just reminded myself that he was already in human form, so he will do it the other way round: 1st use his Feat ability, then as a move eq.swift action change to his natural form, Rashaska...)
Sh'Chaad:
While you are traveling (OOC: you can choose to and from where, I'm assuming you're in between major jobs), you receive a sending from Carrus, a cornugon with ties to Levistus' network of inteligence. He informs you that he would like to meet with you in the next week about a possible job that may call for an agent with his abilities. Carrus currently resides in a fairly isolated iceberg-fortress of his own in Stygia. Getting there is no mean feat, and a considerable inconveniance to you. His offer had best be very good.
[In Sigil's Grand Bazaar]
Sh'Chaad tethers Ironhorn, his fiendish dire triceratops, in the khaasta camps of the Grand Bazaar in Sigil. His fiendish dire megaraptor, Stonechewer, is tethered to Ironhorn's horn as a guard for the great howdowa on the ten-ton dinosaur's back. Parked nearby is a huge wain usually pulled by the dinosaur (or by a dozen kaasta to park it), Sh'chaad's mobile home. The beasts add an intimidation element to business deals, and Sh'chaad allows his cousin to conduct business out of his wain (it opens on the side, as an awning and business counter, while the pedler sits inside) so long as nobody touches his personal goods in Ironhorn's howdowa.
Sh'Chaad dons a huge black cloak (with special pouches on the inside). The tips of his horns and the tip of his snout are just visible if he pulls the cowl all the way up. He does so once he leaves the Bazaar, just to keep bystanders guessing the race and description of the six-foot-nine-inch figure in black.
Not being in a particular hurry, and wanting time to think and plan, Chaad heads toward the Stygian Embassy the long way around, through the Guildhall, Clerks, and Hive Wards. As he walks, he tries to remain as aware of his surroundings as he can, while planning out his options. If he comes across a berk walking alone and the oportuninty comes, he may shiv a deader. (khaasta language is very hevily influenced by planar cant. There is a perminant khaasta stockade in Sigil's Grand Bazaar.)
He thinks of possible routes to Carrus's kip. He knows of no portals that'd help him, but that doesn't mean nobody knows. The most logical way would be through Ribcage to Avernus, then follow a branch of the styx into Stygia. Such a journey would be a long, arduous trek, though if he left Ironhorn and just took Stonechewer the journey might be considerably quicker. Most of his khaasta cousins thought her name was for the megaraptor's habit of chewing on on rocks (which she does, though she rarely bites one hard enough to crack it or chip a fang). In fact, Sh'Chaad named her Stonechewer because few animals could outpace her overland through rough terrain, even with a rider and full distance pack on her back. Chaad got her in Khalas, the great mount of fire, and she has been a faithful companion ever since.
Chaad figures he'll need papers and travel passes (or someone to forge such), for travel on a Styx Barge seems likely in order to get to Carrus's estate.
He plans his walk to take him near the Slags. He has a sense of foreboding about this message and wants to remind himself how bad some things can get. He buys a very large sack before he leaves the Market Ward, and if he can find a berk walking alone or a greenskirt in the Clerks Ward or Hive, he'll sneak up and sap 'em then throw 'em in the sack. If he's gong to go into the Slags (not far, he's not looking to stay!) he wants to bring some company to talk to. Plus, if he starts smelling spice, he''ll cripple the berk as bait and run faster.
If he opportunity does not present a suitible candidate for company, he talks to himself.
"Time is worth whatever you spend it on. Money is worth whatever you spend it on. Any amount of money or time spent on survival is time and money well spent."
"Lovely view is it it not? If you want a refined palate, eat many kinds of wonderful foods. If you want beutiful eyes, look upon beutiful things and many of them." He surveys the ruinous devistation of the Slags.
"If you want strong arms, carry heavy loads and practice with a big shiv. If you want to shoot far, use a a bow that takes mighty strenth to string."
[OOC the DM will have to tell me if Sh'Chaad has company or not. Does Sh'Chaad (you can call him Chaad for short, I do) know where Canzonia's kip is? I'm not sure its credible he's seek her out, unless he thinks she can greese the aquisition of travel passes, or credible forgeries of travel passes. Otherswise he'll head eventually to the Stygian Embassy.]
"Many opportunities are dangerous, and many dangers can bring opportunities. Missed opportunities are missed portals, they don't come back at the portalhopper's pleasure."
"Enjoying yourself? Have a bit of lizard jerky. This kind is very spicy."
"Do you
have an appointment?" he asks, being very civil to a clearly senior true
Baatezu.
“I do not,” Canzonzia replies curtly and to the point. Hands planted firmly on the secretary’s desk, she leans forward and locks eyes with him, her dark wings spread and unflinching in obvious tension.
“I do, however, have pressing matters to address with Yijral and any delay could shake up the current precariously sensitive political climate of Baator. Are you going to be that critical source that delays me and triggers the resulting dire consequences?”
OOC
You want a Bluff check for that one?
OOC: Sorry about that guys. Life attacked.
Chaad:
You did manage to pick up a 'travelling companion' (as it were) from the street. By the looks of him, he seemed to be a fairly unexceptional, middle-aged pauper. He handled himself reasonably calmy up until the point you tried to put him in the bag, probably because he wasn't unused to muggings. Then he started pannicking, not entirely subdued. As you are passing by grey area of the border of the Slags, the Hiver regains consciousness and starts yelling for help.
Your conversational tone has left him thoroughly confused, but he has calmed down somewhat, realizing you aren't going to hurt him yet. He is still extremely peery of you, and does not accept the offered food or answer you, though he nods politely whenever you speak.
OOC: You do know where Canzonzabar's (now Canzonia after her promotion, which you wouldn't know about) house is (Hell's Gate). You suspect that it will be easier and maybe even cheaper to get a forged pass from Canzonia. On the other hand, with the war going on, all the legitimacy you can get is helpful. Then again on Stygia, legitimate documents don't gaurantee safe passage. For the sake of sanity, I'll assume that you are slightly ahead of Canzon's current game time, so she'll be around to speak with. (If it's okay with Dunamin to play duplicates)
Canzon:
No need, the now-secretary is in no position to refuse you an apointment. After taking your name, he plods off head-down to fetch his new master. He returns and informs you that Yijral is waiting for you in her office for you.
The liverezu is currently reading over what looks like a contract when you walk into the room. Her current office is far to small for a fiend of her status, and piles of neatly ordered books and scrolls that didn't didn't fit on the shelves are stacked by and on her desk and in every available space. The sage devil folds the parchment with a sharp snap and returns it to it's case. As far as you can tell, she is looking over minor contracts at the moment judging by the (fairly impressive you must admit) pile of contract-cases sitting by her chair.
"Hello and greetings, Canzonia. If I were to hazard a guess, Canzonzabar has been promoted. I extend my congratulations and trust your new responsibilities are going well. Oh, and I do hope that this matter is not of vital importance to the outcome of our current...conflict," she adds facetiously.
OOC: Devils refer to incarnations in previous ranks by name as though they were still around. This aids in both simplifying and complicating record keeping and does not void contracts made with a certain devil beforehand (since they still exist, technically).
Sidhartha:
You kick in the door after two tries (the wards seem to make it more difficult) and enter your study which is now a dreadful mess. One of the burgalars seems to have shrugged off the ill effects of your magic. He has taken advantage of this to dispose of his comrade, who is lying sprawled across one of your armchairs, which you will probably have to replace now. He is backed against the wall, specifically a window.you don't know what good that will do him. He won't get far.
Bruce (Sid):
You arrive in the middle of the street, facing Sid's house. Immediately, you observe the door, which is still ajar, and someone who definitely isn't Sid with his back to one of the windows. Luckily, the streets are still relatively clear.
Bruce (Lema):
Something is off with Morry. You don't know what.
"When we prove you own the ship, we'll hand over the information he have on the break-in to you, but we can't do that unless you prove who you are. You could be an acomplice checking on his fellow knights . I'm sorry, It's protocol."
Lema time:
"Fair enough." Bruce leans up aginst the wall and stretches. "I think I'll just wait here until you can get a mage on scene." Bruce takes off his guantlet and puts it in his haversack, to show he means no trouble, and pockets his papers while he is at it. "No rush. After all, you have to guard my ship until this sorted out anyway, right?" The guard will probably notice this sudden shift in Bruce's personaility.
Bruce gestures to Lema to take a seat nearby, a mischievious glint in his eye.
If you want, I can vouch for you.
Shut up. But keep alert, I don't like this, and they might try and force us out.
Sid time:
That doesnt look like Sid.
Lightning?
Lightning.
Bruce flys up to the window and blasts the man with a beam of electric death.
OOC: Electric energy push, 33 shocking damage (DC 26 reflex for half). He also needs to make a STR check at the same dc, or be flung 35 feet (taking another 26 damage if he hits something). Costs me 15 powerpoints.
Hovering in front of the window, Bruce Maxson strikes a dramatic pose. "Not too late, am I?"
OOC: Sorry Sid, I tried to come up with a reason in character to psychic crush him so we could question him, but Bruce would never be that subtle when he feels he is 'saving the day'.
Bruce (Lema):
"I'm sorry, I can't let you do that," says Morry. "It would be tresspassing unless you have legitimate business in the shipyard. If money's issue, I'll pay for a room for you out of pocket. There's a perfectly fine inn right across the street."
Bruce (Sid) and Sid:
The second burgalar is hurled against the wall, still crackling with electricity. He puts a crack in your wall, and judging by the unnatural direction of his neck, he is quite dead.
OOC: I planned ahead for that possibility, just so you two know. In any case, party conflict for the win!
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“No need to pull generals from their war meetings just yet,” replies Canzonzia light-heartedly. “Indeed, I have been fortunate to advance my career recently and your courteous words are much appreciated. I always have found Canians to exhibit excellent manners.”
The pleasure devil takes a few strides around the office, glancing about the packed shelves and trying to get an impression what occupies the ministry most at the time.
“Though what of yourself, dear Yijral? I see these new accommodations do not do you justice, which is a shame… I suppose these are trying times.”
Canzon takes a seat in front of the livresu, lounging about casually.
“I trust you enjoyed yourself at the party of our favorite celestial twit? Quite a share of Sigil’s finest as I recall. And I do believe you became acquainted with an arcanaloth associate of mine? What did you think of her?”
OOC: You do know where Canzonzabar's (now Canzonia after her promotion, which you wouldn't know about) house is (Hell's Gate). You suspect that it will be easier and maybe even cheaper to get a forged pass from Canzonia. On the other hand, with the war going on, all the legitimacy you can get is helpful. Then again on Stygia, legitimate documents don't gaurantee safe passage. For the sake of sanity, I'll assume that you are slightly ahead of Canzon's current game time, so she'll be around to speak with. (If it's okay with Dunamin to play duplicates)
OOC: Sure thing, seems like Bruce is having fun stirring up the time-space continuum so I'm game.
Lema time:
"Sorry Morry, nothing personal, but something doesnt smell right about this situation to me. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but your being paranoid too. I'm just saying lets all be paranoid together until you get a spellchucker down here to sort this out."
Thats not how paranoia works. At all.
Quiet, you.I have a plan.
"Just consider this incentive to get that spellchucker here double quick like."
OOC: Bruce manifests Immovability (DR 15/- and +20 to checks to oppose being moved) for 7 powerpoints. Duration equals concentration, so I can keep this up for hours if I see fit. Them dragging me out just became... not an option.
Sidhartha:
You kick in the door after two tries (the wards seem to make it more difficult) and enter your study which is now a dreadful mess. One of the burgalars seems to have shrugged off the ill effects of your magic. He has taken advantage of this to dispose of his comrade, who is lying sprawled across one of your armchairs, which you will probably have to replace now. He is backed against the wall, specifically a window.you don't know what good that will do him. He won't get far.
DM: Crap, i was going to disintegrate the door, not play about 2 turns to get the door kicked in physically, thankyouverymuch...
OOC: And one of them would still be dead on account of initiative order. Theoretically: You disintegrate the door. Thug 1 is stunned cannot act. Thug two makes a sneak attack on his flatfooted ally, killing him. Sid's turn... It makes no difference whatsoever. Second round had no impact on the outcome in practice. Also, it seems unlikely IC that Sid would disintegrate his door and a sizeable portion of his wall as the beam continued.
OOC: meh, it might have not mattered, but at least it gave me the choice, now u just decided he would be fooling with a door for 2 turns.. whitch feels hollow of sorts..
OOC: Sorry. I was attempting to speed things along given we're still kind of playing post-tag. I try to avoid it.
"Thank you Bruce, for the assistance, ...although a near-dead instead of totally roasted prisoner would have been more desirable.." Siddharta says with a distinct annoyed growl in his words..
Siddharta will search the dead bodies for magic items, clues and valuables, in that order.. after casting a detect magic..keeping his weapon at hand at all times...
Sid time:
"No need to thank me." Bruce says.
Job well done!
We probably should have tried to take him alive.
Yeah, probably. Oh well, too late now.
"So, who was that guy, and what was he doing here?" Bruce spots the already dead burgler on the floor. "Oh look, he brought a friend."
"Yea, and a friend who he helped into the deadbook, hmmz, i will search them and see what clues we can drain from their dead bodies..."
...
[The Slags]
Sh'Chaad bids a polite farewell to his 'companion', after having taken anything of any possible value from him, of course. This includes the man's shoes, not only because he might have stashed something in them, and because Chaad figures he can get a couple greens for them before leaving the Hive, but also to slow the berk down on the way out of the Slags. As the kaasta say, "Preditors prefer the slow and the stupid, who are easy prey. Be fast and smart."
"If you manage to survive, and you get some more jink, come on down to the Bazaar."
With that, Sh'Chaad takes off running until he enters the Hive proper again. He goes several blocks before slowing down, and a few more before hawking the shoes.
As Chaad crosses the hive, he keeps his eyes out for trouble. He is well aware that anybody walking alone in the Hive has to be wary. Unlike in the safer Clerks Ward, here he does not pull up his cowl. It is obvious to any well-heeled planewalker that he is kaasta, though a very tall and skinny one. Kaasta, however, lack horns, and his are large. His scale color, jet black with hints of dark green, is unusual as well. Hivers are well aquainted with kaasta, there are not only transient communities of them , but kaasta often use the portals that abound in the Hive. Kaasta also see the Hive as a traditonal and verdant 'hunting ground', though they hunt jink more than meat here. Thus, should Sh'Chaad meet any kaasta, he will pay them a few jink to scare up some information about current portals and travel conditions for a trip to Stygia. The one with the information is to meet him at the Bazaar, enjoying the hospitality of his wain until he returns.
[OOC: I was a bit reluctant to do the '2-times' thing, actually. I suppose if both wei and Dun can handle it, so can I, but I'll paint another 'strolling through the Hive' picture first. And if the DM wants to give me a mini-encounter, I could hadle that too.]
Chaad:
OOC: Fair enough. I'd prefer not to double up too much when I have to handle it, but I don't think I'll have to do too much since it's a discussion between 2 PCs. In any case:
As you are walking around the ring (this does indeed take quite some time), you decide it is best to avoid mugging anyone in the Clerk's ward. As you reach the lower ward, however, you begin to see more potential oportunities. Currently, you've stuck to main roads--being faster, but now you can start searching the back ways and shortcuts for potential marks.
While it's midday at the moment, and the streets of the hive are currently quite crowded, your persistance and choice of roads is finally rewarded. You spot a dwarf and a bladeling talking in a side alley. By the looks (and smell) of them, they look like they've come straight from the Great Foundry one ward over. Why? You haven't a clue. Neither looks armed, though bladelings are rather stabbitty even without weapons. Both are reasonably well dressed, but neither looks wealthy. They haven't seen you yet.
Bruce (Lema):
OOC: And a great voice in the sky facepalms and says "not as planned" . Needless to say you've pissed off whoever is gunning for you something awful. Good job. If I assigned XP you would get a bonus.
Morry says he'll get a wizard as soon as possible. (after a momonent of unexplainable confusion). The gaurds make no move to arrest you or Lema, but continue to guard the ship, somewhat nervously.
Sid & Bruce:
The one who killed his partner has two scroll cases. 1 is empty, one has a scroll of teleportation. He also has a slip of paper with your adress written down on it. Niether thug is well armed (daggers and leather armor), though both have all the basic breaking and entering tools one would expect any thief to carry. Between them, they carry about 200 jink. There is nothing save the scrolls that sugest they are even halfway competent or threataning.
Canzon:
"It is indeed a pity, though from an entirely objective point of view, the Ministry did well in relocating me. There is no doubt as to who I fear more, my Lord and Master in Cainia or or the pit fiends in the ministry. I am regretably removed from much of the conflict here."
OOC: The information here on Yebena is more coherant and replaces anything that contradicts it. The character changed with the scale of the plot.
"I have dealt with Yebena ap Ezeya more than once. She is an excelent source of information when she answers honestly, which is rarely, and and excelent source of magic, if an expensive one. She is, by the standards of Yugoloths an academic of sorts--by all acounts a wizard of no small power, and extremely knowlidgeable about many obscure subjects. She has ties to both Khin Oin and the Tower Arcane, though she apparently prefers the latter. She paid the ministry of imortal affairs to remove or alter many of her lower level records. Prior to your promotion, you may not have received acurate information. I can arrange for more accurate files to find their way to you (for an implied cost, of course) if you would like. If I may ask, what are you doing with her?"
Lema time:
"Sorry for this delay." Bruce says to Lema.
Sid time:
"These guys are pretty lightweight, Sid. Even you should have been able to handle them, why was I called in?"
"because i had no knowledge of what i was up against, and wanted to make sure i wasnt alone in this, thats all, my comrade.."
[The Hive]
Sh'Chaad observes the pair for a few moments, and makes sure nobody else is around before making his move. He decides that the bladeling is the greater threat, even though he is almost certain they both have concealed weapons. Therefore the bladeling will be the first to die. Sh'Chaad sneaks up and shivs the bladeling in the back, aiming for the heart ...
[OOC : Thanks Wei, I kind of wanted to try a few rolls, and see how Chaad performed "crunch time" to get a feel for him. Looks like he's a credible assassin. That should make his first meeting with the party interesting, given their recent break-ins, if he's an infamous one too (which I could totally see)]
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“Suffice to say that I have formal working relations with her, almost purely based on orders and necessity. Your offer is well received and accepted – I will provide generous compensation for the files.”
“As useful an asset as Yebena may be, however, I consider her even less trustworthy than her kind would usually imply. That is saying quite a great deal, I'm sure you will agree. Consider it a friendly gesture, dear, that I warn you to approach her with the same extent of caution for any future dealings you two may have in these unstable times.”
Canzonzia leans back with folded fingers, slightly more business-minded but nevertheless forthcoming.
“Of course, Yebena is not the main reason I came to visit. Aside from enjoying the pleasant company, I also have a conundrum to address for which I believe you may be of assistance. There has been infringement on what is mine and the transgressors have been slain. Now I wish to interrogate them past the veils of mortal death – with a liberal fee for you and full discretion to me, naturally.”
[Assuming that the bladeling's flatfooted AC is less than 26, and that he has less than 45 hp. If the DM made him tougher than that, Sh'Chaad will continue attacking him, but will still address the dwarf.]
"Well, if you have anything of value that I can't get by killing you, like some interesting darks, give 'em up now. If your story is juicy enough I may just rob you, beardie, but let you walk away from here. Buy your life, berk, buy your life."
Chaad:
OOC: You actually fell slightly short of killing the bladeling as the numbers go, but it was close enough for narrative. It's the spirit that counts, after all. The dwarf is the scary one in any case.
"Like bloody Baator I will, ye damn lizard!" says the dwarf stepping slightly backwards. A very large looking sledgehammer appears in his hands, definitely by magic. The striking surface has the symbol of the Godsmen embossed in gold into it. It's clearly seen good use.
The dwarf takes a defensive stance, but waits and does not make a move to attack you.
Canzon:
"I will heed your warning, though having dealt with her more than I would like, I think I should say the same to you."
"I have no need for souls at present, and there is regretably very little you can do about this accursed office. Before I accept your offer, however, I would very much like to know whether or not I am exposing myself to undue risks."
Bruce/Sid:
You don't need me.
Bruce/Lema:
You have been sitting into the evening--several hours now. Observing the guards, you can see that they are reasonably disciplined and don't let themselves get distracted by their talkning.
"You know, cutter" saws the leader, "I'm convinced you are who you say you are, or an absolute barmy--or both. Still, I need to keep my job. Knowing Morry, you'll be seeing someone by morning."
Sid time:
"So, Sid. Any particular reason why there are people breaking into your place?" Bruce asks, taking this oppertunity to look around the place. "Nice building. Shame about the window."
Lema time:
"Sadly, I'm very much both. But if you say it won't be until morning..." Bruce turns toward Lema.
We arn't exactly being good hosts right now.
Damnit. My wooing has lost all momentum!
You. Are. Not. Wooing.
Says you.
"What do you want to do? We can either wait here, or we can go some place witha bed. Either way, I will keep you safe while you rest."
Bruce/Lema:
"I do not need to sleep, and I think it would best to wait here in any case" says Lema.
Finally, the light in Sigil begins gradually increasing to something resembles a cloudy dusk. Almost as soon as the PTC's offices are open for public business, you see Morry and a robed man walking towards you, very probably the wizard. The pair stop in front of you, and the wizard introduces himself as Iiya Hamilton, and informs you he's from the PTC's offices to confirm your identity and legitimate ownership of the vessel.
OOC: Other people?
Bruce stretches and yawns, having to adjust the wrappings on his face afterward, taking care to make sure no one catches a glimpse of whats underneath.
"Pleased to meet yeh, Iiya. If you don't mind, lets get this done and settled."
Sh'Chaad chuckles and grins at the dwarf.
"Heh, heh, heh. 'Bloody Baator, Damned Lizard'. You've got quite sense of humor, Beardie. And here you dwarves have a reputation for being dour. Well, my offer stands, and now that I know you've got a personality I'll even sweaten the deal. Tell me a story, Beardie. Why were you in the Hive with a bladeling, Godsman? I smell a plot, and you should know we kaasta don't give up easily if we smell profit."
Sh'Chaad slowly circles the dwarf but he does not move in to attack. He no longer has the drop on his prey, and while he is confident in his ability to take the dwarf down, he realizes that his foe is more formidable than he at first appeared. Plus, he is serious in his 'negotiation'. He has a feeling that the dwarf would be worth far more alive and talking than in the dead book, at least for the time being. Of course, pennig the other guy in the dead book might be the only way out of this alley, but Sh'chaad has a few tricks yet.
"Well how about it?"
After the inevitable negative response, Chaad grins. He reaches into his pocket and takes out his portable hole. He throws it at the dwarf's feet, hoping that the stubby-legged mammal won't be able to move quickly enough, and fall in.
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"Before I accept your
offer, however, I would very much like to know whether or not I am exposing
myself to undue risks."
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“There is nothing to indicate a risk on your part, dearest.” Canzon says to put her at ease. “Mortal intruders on my property that barely got a foot in the door, nothing more.”
Bruce:
Fair enough, let us start. He casts a spell, and then looks directly at you. "First, what is your name? Next: does this ship belong to you under the laws of Sigil? Finally, answer what your specific business in these shipyards is. We will start from there. Hopefully, this should be adequate to prove your ownership."
The last question is a nasty and open ended one, you can't really win either way.
Azure:
OOC: Clever (I assumed a DC 20 ref save, which the dwarf failed, unfortunately for you). You were far too clever for your own good--portable holes and bags of holding don't mix. Bear in mind Sigil does exist on the Astral, but it's confined from the rest of the plane. I'll give you the
You barely register the fact that the dwarf went tumbling into your impromtou trap, as a silvery rip in space opens up, and begins dragging you inexorably into the Astral.
You recognize where you are, seeing silvery fog in all directions around you. The dwarf and your portable your hole are nowhere to be seen. You don't know where the nearest color pools are, but it's safe to assume they lead back to Sigil, or so you've heard. Eventually you will reach the boundry of sigil's astral space, and you can follow that in a loop until you find a portal.
OOC: I won't deprive you of your encounter, and I'll make shure Chaad gets his 20,000 gp back somehow, but surprises like this are great fun.
Canzon:
"Alright. I do not have the time to leave this room, unfortunately. You will have to bring these corpses to me. In return, I'd ask for you to to deal with a problem I have been having of late. Also mortals, as it happens. I do not need them dead, or I would have killed them already, but they fancy themselves adventurers, and are prying into my affairs. A push in a direction away from my work would be greatly apreciated. You needn't kill them, no sense wasting perfectly good souls. The matter is of no great urgency, though I would prefer you handled it within two weeks. Does this sound like a fair offer?"
Sid time:
"So, Sid. Any particular reason why there are people breaking into your place?" Bruce asks, taking this oppertunity to look around the place. "Nice building. Shame about the window."
OOC Player: Euhm...
IC:
"well, they might be from a rival or they might be something random, i have no idea at the moment which of either it is... and since you kiled the one i wanted captured, this is not going to be any easier..."
"My name is Bruce Maxson. Honestly, I don't know if the ship belongs to me under Sigilian law, as I am not a Barristar. But I do know it was given to me officially under Baatorian Law, so it is legally mine and I have the papers to prove it. As for specific business, it's my ship and I live there now. I moved all of my stuff there after I got it, and I was coming home after a day on the town with this woman."
Bruce's voice goes dead flat. "For the sake of thoroughness, I am also Bruce Maxson."
Bruce (Lema):
OOC: You know what they say about the baes laid plans... You've made your unkown nemesis quite angry at this point. Good on you.
"He is telling the truth," says Iiya, "And he is not concealing his true shape. I see no reason to keep him from this ship."
"Powers," says Morry, "Glad that's solved. I'm terribly sorry about this mess, but I'd lose my job if I didn't follow the rules. How can I possibly make this up to you?"
OOC: Sense motive.
Azure:
When you post, please roll a spot check as well.
"Is there any way that we can avoid anything like this in the future? Like, some papers to prove who we are? Because not having to do this again would be awesome." Bruce is clearly relieved.
Glad thats over.
Indeed. I would have deeply regretted what you would have done to them if they tried to stop you after this.
You mean... you would have let me?
Of course. It is our ship.
OOC: Sense Motive 19. Damnit.
Take that unknown nemisis! Stay off my boat!
Sh'chaad is greatly disapointed, mostly in himself. "Of course he had an extradimensional space on him. What'd ya think, he pulled that hammer from his arse? Pay attention next time, berk." he scolds himself. He then starts looking for a color pool, portal, or whatever to get off the Astral. "This is going to be a delay. No sense in going to the Stygian embassy now, official travel passes would probably take too long to get." He also keeps a keen eye open for trouble, for though it is far between on the Astral the dangers that do exist are quite dangerous.
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“That does sound like a fair deal, indeed. I would be pleased to look over files for these “adventurers” while retrieving the bodies to be interrogated and accept such an exchange of favors upon my return.”
Unless Yijral has any immediate interjections or comments, the pleasure devil will accept information on the adventurers and bids her goodbye for now with assurance that she will return shortly.
OOC
As you may read between the lines, Canzon implies she eventually will but does not flat-out accept the deal on the off-chance that there is some fishy complication involved.
She intends to return home, stuff the corpses in her portable hole (after their gear has been removed, in particular any sort of extradimensional storage ), study the adventurers’ files to make sure it won’t be a risky or time-consuming task, then return to Yijral.
Siddharta asks Bruce to go stand on the porch of the doorway, to guard the house, whilst he goes out and find a carpenter to fix the basic things (front door handle etc, so the door can be locked normally again).
Whilst doing that he send a sending to his priest ally, and waits for him to reply (where are you, are you ok?)
When the house is secure again, he goes to the basement and checks the secret entrance to his study, enters it and closes it, then he casts a scroll of Fox's cunning on himself including the use of his meta magic rod of extend, and proceeds to cast a contact other plane...
(cl.lvl.12 = 6 questions to an Outer Planes Lesser Diety, DC 12 Int che
1: Was Jack Silverleaf or his guild in any way involved with the previous attempts to assassinate me?
2: Is the attack on my home related to the mission Epheaz hired me for?
3: Is Jack Silverleaf or his guild attempting to assassinate anyone else I know personally?
4: Does Jack Silverleaf work for anyone I know, or has he been hired by anyone I know?
5: Will Jack Silverleaf or anyone who works for him attempt to gain entry to my home again within the next week?
6: Is my sister a target of Jack Silverleaf, his guild, or who he has been hired by, and if so, do they know her current location?
Yeay, pfiew, made the save..
Sid Time:
Bruce will look after Sid's place for a while, but not for hours, as he still needs to meet a certain Yugoloth later today.
However, Bruce will give you the name of a good carpenter, who Bruce has been considering hiring to finish the inside of his ship.
OOC: did not have much time till now this week, sorry, and: i think the DM is stalling Bruce in having a rendezvous with me...
I have no idea how to proceed atm.