The Defenestration of Hawklor

[texlaw1992]

"You do know that Ziard's retirement plan is nothing but a fraud, don't you? The amounts listed in the retirement ledger exist only on paper. Ziard's retirement plan is a knife in the back."

[zmflavius]

"Really? Those lying bastards! Is it too late to change sides?"

[Tesability]

"Such a thing does not truly exist in proper form until a minimum of 3000 years from now has passed," the bone drake uttered as flesh and scale began to reform around it, appearing in its true form once more. "And yes, there is reason I know this. It's from that far-distant future that I've pulled to here my chosen outfit in human for, plus useful ideas such as rubbing alcohol and painkillers that do not require magic to create."

Taking a quick glance at the silent twin, Neos sighed through its nose at his resisting the power that reanimated him. Then again, it was indeed possible that the human wasn't reanimated in time to keep the soul within the body, which would explain the blank look and the resistance felt.

"And as you are now, if you were to change sides, you would be considered either a double agent to both sides, or a traitor to them," it continued before looking back toward Chicken. "It is never too late for you to change your mind about anything, but you must be aware of any consequences that are linked to your choices, both positive and negative."

[zmflavius]

"Oh, of course. I'm very angry right now."

[texlaw1992]

"Let's put it this way - tell us what you know and we'll see what we can do about getting you in Tysian witness protection. I still have some contacts."

[zmflavius]

"Which questions do you want answers to first?"

[Tetracapillactomist]

("Pick one: mitosis or meiosis? And what are your views on the ethics of cloning? Do you think you deserve a real 401(k) like any other human being?"
Sigynna needs to watch out... At this rate of futuristic vibe sensing he'll be speaking Klingon in a fortnight...)

[texlaw1992]

"Where is ZmFlavius and what is his/Ziard's interest in the Idol?"

[zmflavius]

"Zmflavius is at Graldok. He is coordinating arms-running from Tysa to Ziard. This is because Ziard is about to go to war with Tatia, a city-state south of Ziard. Weapons, apparently, are cheaper when bought in Tysa and smuggled through Raelap pass than forged in Ziard, because of a lack of indigenous iron sources in Ziard's territory. Ziard plans to use the idol in the coming war, and Zmflavius was to personally oversee transport of the idol from Tysa to Ziard. Of course, that plan is scuttled now, but Zmflavius will probably return to Ziard with the last shipment of weapons, to take part in the surprise attack on Tatia."

[texlaw1992]

"Wherei n Graldok is he currently and when is he expected to leave for Ziard?"

[zmflavius]

"He'd be working with a different department than I, so I can't be sure, but I imagine it would be somewhere in the underbelly. He probably has already left, but he'll need a deal of time to go through Raelap Pass. More, if he encounters difficulties in sneaking through. Of course, he'll probably initially try to go through at night or on a side road, but if forced, he'll probably adopt a disguise and go through directly, probably posing as a merchant carrying goods which don't violate the arms embargo Tysa has on Ziard."

[Tesability]

"He may have already left, but we can get there long before he does. There is, however, a small problem." At this point did the Mimicdrake become smaller in appearance, retaking his chosen human form before taking off his wide-brimmed hat and began spinning it around his finger. He took another glance at the risen Frumentius and sighed.

"I think I better just release him, if I had risen him fast enough to keep the soul in the body, he would have acted by now." Summoning into his hand a small dagger with the golden handle adorned by a amethyst eastern dragon coiled around it, Neos pierced through cloth and skin into the same arm that had earlier been healed of a drake's clawmarks, releasing the energy trapped within and returning to the disguised Mimicdrake. He managed to catch the deceased-again, laying him gently on the ground with arms crossed over his chest. "Gah, I always forget how creepy that feels to have that return after trying to raise someone, yick."

Turning back toward Chicken after standing back onto his feet, Neos looked over him with a slight frown on his face. "Unless you have a way to disguise yourself, wouldn't you be recognized?"

[zmflavius]

"A hooded cloak should work fine."

[Tesability]

(Erk, thread died. Time to revive!)

"Considering what I'm hearing about that government, I don't believe it will be easy to hide. At the very least, you will need gloves to hide that." At the end of his sentence did Neos point to the ring on Chicken's finger. "And if they just happen to have someone capable of picking up on that ring's presence, not necessarily a mage, that would spell an even bigger possible problem---"

"DADDY!!!"

Eyes clinched closed and face suddenly turned red, Neos just simply walked up to a wall and hit his forehead against it. "I thought I grounded her for raiding the palo cellar again..." The sounds of flapping could be heard becoming closer and louder.

"He shmewlsh cwosh," the high-pitched voice said on the other side of the wall, though nowhere near at the volume used earlier. The door suddenly opened, revealing a black, dog-sized baby dragon hanging from the door's handle, gold coloration shown on her belly, paws and inside folds of her wings. Her eyes were also a strange neon-green color.

"Lunari Empyrea, aren't you supposed to be in your room right now?" The little dragon whined before letting go of the handle, landing on her four paws.

"Bu' I gotsh bowed!" Crossing his arms at little Lunari Empyrea, Neos leveled a stern parenting glare at her.

"That's the point, for you to get bored enough to not want to do what got you in trouble in the first place." At this point, Neos looked up toward everyone else. "I'm sorry about the little one's presence here, Lunari's always like this."

[texlaw1992]

[The way TG and I have been handling the thread is that when someone's talking, we let them finish their posting. I usually switch gears with "what say you, oh fearless leader" or something to that effect. That way we try not to lose too many days].

"Two mimicdrakes," thought Lancelot, "who would have thought our adventure would take such an interesting turn?"

"Well Chicken, looks like you'll be coming with us. Take this cloak and gloves and conceal yourself as best you can. We still have an appointment to keep in Syr with Lord Sentaron."

[zmflavius]

You are admitted to Lord Sentaron's study.

"Fantastic! We still have a good five months until the planetary alignment, and we, or rather I and my bureaucrats will probably spend that setting up the tournament."

He pulls out a paper from his desk.

"In addition, it so happens that I have a note here from Thane Marindol concerning rumors that Raelap Pass is being used by Ziard to traffick arms from Tysa to Ziard. Have you heard anything about it?"

[texlaw1992]

"We have received the same information. The smuggling is apparently being organized by a Ziardian agent named ZmFlavius,who has proven to be a thorn in our side on more than one occasion."

[zmflavius]

"And...who is your source? Is he reliable?"

[texlaw1992]

"I would not call any agent of Ziard reliable. However, since the agent bears the impressed memories of ZmFlavius and has every reason to cooperate with us at this point, we view the information as reliable."

[zmflavius]

"Then, in that case, would you like to investigate these rumours? Also, if you do, I can supply you with letters which will, in effect, give you the power to bind and loose. They'll come in handy if you need to deal with the military bureaucracy of Raelap Pass Command."

[texlaw1992]

"Hate to pass on an opportunity to run into our buddy Zm again. What say you, oh fearless leader and new companions?"

[thingirl]

(Good. Nothing big happened :))

"I agree.... Why should we not go after Zm?"

[zmflavius]

Sir Tiriyhim gives his assent.

Lord Sentaron turns towards Sigynna and Neos.

"And you?"

[Tetracapillactomist]

"Certainly - wouldn't miss it for the world - sounds an interesting..."
Catching himself, he looks at Sentaron with lowered head, arching one brow while lowering the other, and asks neither too quietly, nor loudly
"Or are asking about us?..."

[Tesability]

Neos seemed to be more concerned with keeping an eye on the little black dragonling near his foot, whom appeared to be playing with a holographic image of her own creation, a little baby kitty pawing randomly around the area.

He hadn't heard the question asked of him, but then again, this particular shifting reptile didn't feel like witnessing a possible apocalypse cause by this little baby dragon.

[zmflavius]

Lord Sentaron stared slightly bemused at Neos, but then turned back to face the entire group at once.

"Well...that's settled then. Requisition any supplies you need from the armoury."

He swiftly leaves.

[texlaw1992]

Off to the armory then - anything useful?

[zmflavius]

Several racks of weapons of all kinds can be seen. There are a few bins filled with javelins; though admittedly, you've never gotten to throw one before. Another bin is full of staves. Some axes, longbows, and crossbows can be seen hanging from the walls. Around a dozen suits of armour and another dozen cabinets can also be seen against the wall. At the back of the room is a gigantic pit filled with random weaponry and armour, most of it damaged. You suppose this is where war spoils are kept. Next to this pit is several stacks of chests. A number of unlit torches are bolted to the walls. At the far back wall, behind the pit, are three doors, all of which are locked and padlocked. Also at the back of the room, sleeping at a desk, is someone you presume is a guard.

Sir Tiriyhim remarks,

"Given how unusually detailed this room is, there has got to be something magical or quest-related here."

[Tesability]

"Awmouwy?" Lunari chirped, repeating the last word spoken by Sentaron before allowing the small glowing kitty to disappear from view. "Time tu waid de shinies!"

The little baby dragon jumped up into the air with a smirk before flapping ahead of the rest of the group, only to be caught by the tail as she tried to pass Neos.

"You're not taking every shiny thing in this place, Lunari Empyrea," he commented as she hung from his closed hand, resulting in a whine from the upside-down youngling.

[thingirl]

We use Divi/Arcana/Lore to try to find something.

[Tetracapillactomist]

Paying special attention to the stacked chests and three locked doors...
"Perhaps a bit of Illusion might work wonders here, combined with Thievery. Or Gating... Telekinesis?... and the guard... Diplomacy? Or Shadow Magic to keep him unseeing, and a comfy Fortification bell jar to kip him safe and sound... asleep." Sigynna smirked.

[Tesability]

Lunari looked up toward Neos while still hanging upside-down in his hand. "Cannai?"

"Do it, you've got a better nose than me." Letting the little black dragonling fall to the floor, she landed paws-first before situating herself on all paws.

"Whet'sh go tweashuwe-huntin'," she chirped before placing her nose to the ground, sniffing around for anything that may catch her interest.

[zmflavius]

Everything outside the doors is of no importance, unless you suddenly need non-magical gear. Everything outside the pit is of sturdy quality or higher. Everything in the pit is of common quality or lower.

The doors are magic blocked.

@Tetra, so, how do you plan on securing the guard?

[Tetracapillactomist]

I suppose Shadow Magic might suffice to obscure his vision, should he wake, and hold him in his place, seated and sleeping (though he looks knackered from a heavy bout of drinking that ended only two hours before this, my senses tell me - call it Divination, if you will).

But could also cast Fortification around him to deaden our sounds, prevent him from coming to, thanks to some random gear crashing, or Lunari's excited frolicking if she finds something enticing - and trap the Shadows within, should he wake after all.

[zmflavius]

So...your decision is?

[Tetracapillactomist]

Oh, guess I should've made it clearer. Both. Usually 'over-engineering' is preferable to 'under-~.' Precaution doesn't usual do much harm -
"Care and a long life go together, [...]."

[zmflavius]

So, you blind him with shadow magic and block off all sound with fortification?

[Tetracapillactomist]

Yes. (Also have the shadows envelop him without restraining him, ready to do so if he tries to struggle and free his eyes - unless you consider that just too much overkill.)

[zmflavius]

(My opinions, except through Sir Tiriyhim, shall endeavour to be as discreet as possible)

He's immobilized, and somehow, still asleep.

[Tetracapillactomist]

All right - now that the apparently only living potential meddler is secured, time to have us a little treasure hunt, yes? I suggest scanning the area in front of all three doors - floor, ceiling, walls - then the doors and their locks themselves, for traps, signs, indices, intriguing runes, and such. Then we can start picking, casting - whatever necessary.

Lunari, sniff away at your heart's content, Neos, Alanne, Lancelot - do as you see fit, explore, have fun. Let's find something interesting in here...

[zmflavius]

There appear to be no traps in the room. The doors are magically warded, but the warding runes appear to be all placed on the opposite side of the door. The warding runes render the doors and their locks immune to magic. The doors themselves are made of some sort of strange metal; pulling at the doors indicate that they have two parts: a metal core, and steel plating. The weight distribution indicates that the core is light, but seems to be harder than steel and stronger than steel, judging by the strength of the doors. The plating is solid steel, perhaps half an inch thick. The doors themselves appear to be about six inches thick. There is a single lock on each door. The lock is non-magical in nature, but extremely complex, and warded against magic.

Clearly, the doors lead to a restricted area.

[Tetracapillactomist]

"Steel-clad titanium doors - fantastic!..." exclaimed quietly but suddenly Sigynna, shrugging nonchalantly immediately afterwards "I've learnt such things from Neos and a rogue named Rhia, sorry..."

He smiled, buried in thought for a fleeting moment, then continued just as casually, well aware there may be better solutions, as solutions to any given problem are almost always abundant...

"First thoughts, if I may: picking the locks the old-fashioned, pedestrian way... or Gating past the doors, bypassing them and their locks, runes, and wards. What say you all?"

[thingirl]

"I say we try to pick the locks first."

[Tesability]

(Back from the hospital and my birth-daughter's 1st b-day and I'm starting to think that the medication I'm on is occasionally punching me out emotionally.)

"O' we culd opin de dur fwom de odew shide," Lunari chimed after hearing the conversation, a big, wide grin perched on her muzzle. Scurrying up to the door, a light appeared underneath her forepaws after sitting right in front of it before it moved underneath the door itself. Hopefully, she could maintain a solid puppetted shape from the other side long enough to open the door.

Neos himself walked up to Sigynna, an unhappy look clear upon his face. "I don't know how, but you're jacking off my Divination, even when I'm not actively using it. I would appreciate it if you would somehow stop, since constant access to that far-flung a future can drive any creature, man, dragon, or immortal, truly-insane."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translations:
"Or we could open the door from the other side."

[Tetracapillactomist]

(Well, you could've warned him earlier - too late now... for both of us... hah... )
"Course, I can't stop sensing - but I can stop sharing the little knowledge I glean." Sigynna smiled absent-mindedly while looking in the direction of the door in front of which the little one disappeared, snickering inwardly at the reaction he... sensed Lunari's action might provoke...

[zmflavius]

Lunari, though managing to create a puppet on the other side of the door, found that there was no way to maintain a mental link to the puppet through the anti-magic, and could do little more than continue to draw magical energy from the puppet's location, not being able to send any through the door.

The result of this was that the puppet quickly fizzled, as most mages, in an unimpeded environment, tend to channel energy from multiple sources to a target location, as supporting any effective magical construct using only energy in its immediate vicinity is simply not possible. Lunari was capable of forming a construct on the other side of the gateway by using localized energy sources, but could not actually reinforce it with energy outside the construct's location; the door blocking any energy movement. Furthermore, she could not do anything except construct the construct, as her mental link was blocked by the door. Even this construction had to be done blindly.

[Tetracapillactomist]

(Well, so that seems to have fizzled harmlessly enough, thank the Fates - the lock picking option using Thievery is still on the table though.)

[thingirl]

Alanne tries to pick the lock.

[zmflavius]

The lock clicks open.

[Tesability]

(As a note for future reference, any 'puppets' created through Lunari Empyrea's Light Magic do not have a mental link to its creator, it's pretty much its own being as long as it has energy enough to maintain its existence. She can't use her magic in a pitch-black area and she would actually have to tell the puppets what to do if she wanted it to do something specific. Otherwise, the beings of light act on its own accord and no two have exactly the same 'personality', even if she made the exact same being twice.)

Neos looked up to see the door swing open, catching Lunari dashing into the room and stopping...

No wonder her puppet fizzled, there was no light in here!

"I canna shee..." she whimpered as she moved into the room slowly, hoping not to bump into anything. Out of curiosity, Neos tried to follow after Lunari, though that turned out to be a mistake.

He immediately jumped back, grabbing his chest with one hand and kneeling down on one knee, stifling any sound he could make in pain before it could come out. The anti-magical energy that had surrounded the door had invisibly zapped him of a good amount of the energy that supported his existence.

"That was...stupid...of me..."

[zmflavius]

(Ah...got it)

Sir Tiriyhim looked into the room from outside.

"Well, it appears there are some traps chained to the anti-magic field. I suppose there are also some mundane traps within the room. Anyone got a lantern?"

[texlaw1992]

Only about three lanterns - here you go.

[zmflavius]

He holds the lantern in front of the doorway.

Inside the room, you can see two locked chests, and a dozen ornate weapons on the wall. You surmise that the weapons, which are of various types, are magical. In a corner, halfway out of the circle of light cast by the lantern, is a small box.

[dman2life]

((Is it too late a a poor adventurer like me to join in on the fun?))

[zmflavius]

(No, so long as you can work your entrance effectively into the storyline. For this, I'd suggest starting with a meeting with Lord Sentaron)

[dman2life]

((Thank you. Can you give me a semblance of an idea of where you are at? I read the first few pages, then realised I would never get through 300 pages and skipped to the end.))

[zmflavius]

(Well, the original arc has long since been wrapped up, and the following arc has been as well. Several pages ago, we started a new one. In the first arc, I set up Zmflavius as a recurring enemy, and an agent of the city-state of Ziard, which is to the south of Tysa. Here (http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090221071349/sryth/images/thumb/9/9a/Misc_Northern_Sryth_with_titles.png/800px-Misc_Northern_Sryth_with_titles.png)'s a good map for reference. Right now, everyone is in Syr, and received a mission from Lord Sentaron, ruler of Syr in this RP, based on the following claim from a Ziardian agent who has received magical plastic surgery to look exactly like Zmflavius. Said Ziardian agent has switched sides, and is currently in the party.)

"Zmflavius is at Graldok. He is coordinating arms-running from Tysa to Ziard. This is because Ziard is about to go to war with Tatia, a city-state south of Ziard. Weapons, apparently, are cheaper when bought in Tysa and smuggled through Raelap pass than forged in Ziard, because of a lack of indigenous iron sources in Ziard's territory. Ziard plans to use the idol in the coming war, and Zmflavius was to personally oversee transport of the idol from Tysa to Ziard. Of course, that plan is scuttled now, but Zmflavius will probably return to Ziard with the last shipment of weapons, to take part in the surprise attack on Tatia."

Lord Sentaron would like you to go to Graldok, and from there, Raelap Pass, to investigate these claims, and possibly intercept Zmflavius. Right now, the party is at an armoury in Lord Sentaron's castle, gathering supplies and investigating three mysterious doors in the armoury. One door has been opened. Further details can be found in the most recent posts. If I've missed any important details, please add them.

Also, I'll need a copy of your character profile.

Have fun!

[dman2life]

(( http://www.sryth.com/ci.php?f_c=pcp.inc&f_i=b946e5xce10a7e85 Thank you. My character also has Triela's Staff and his trusty Shimmering Longsword to equip if neccisary.))

Castle Syr- the epitome of perfection! After endless hours of adventuring, the one known as Rain Edge had heard of a certain rumor, the rumor that after all this time, Syr had opened it's gates! Eager to explore the wonders of the city, Rain made his was to the gates, slaying brigands who tried to flee, goblins, tiger, and even rabid bears! Oh my!

Eventually, Rain made it to the gates. Sadly, it seemed the gates had already closed. The middle-aged adventurer was simply too late.

"Shetza!" He cursed in his native tounge as he glared at the gates in fron of him, "Bags bags bags!" Sighing softly, then runing a hand through his silver hair as his amber, cat-like eyes gazed at the gates. With some well placed telekinesis, the Hero jumped the gate.

Landing on the other side, the huards smirked at him and one of them said, "Well done. You have passed the first test. Of course, you should have been here sooner... Then you might not have been tested."

Shaking his head, Rain let them lead him into the city, taking the main street until they reached the castle. Rain took in the sights with an interested eye. Perhaps he'd have to return here after this adventure was over.

Anyway, he entered the castle, and is now awaiting an audiance with the Lord of the Castle.

[zmflavius]

Rain Edge was promptly granted entrance to Lord Sentaron's solar.

"You are a bit late, but I am right now recruiting adventurers for a...mission of sorts. They are right now at the armoury. As it happens, the mission is related to arms smuggling."

He then proceeded to relate the details of the mission.

"So, would you be interested in joining?"

[dman2life]

((I'm guessing we do not have full range of our abilities, but specialise in a few magical disaplines that we use better than others?))

Rain Edge listend to the words of the Lord of Syr in from of him carefully, and after a moment, nodded his head emphatically. "I will help you."

[zmflavius]

(Well, most of the participants currently seem to specialize in Divination, Lore, and Arcana. Feel free to choose something else. You will have access to all of your abilities, but I suppose you can choose to specialize in...let's say three skills/powers to the expense of the rest)

"Very well then. The rest of the team is currently in the armoury. They seem to be taking a long time though, would you mind checking on them?"

[Tetracapillactomist]

Sigynna glanced once more at the inebriated guard sleeping soundly under his Fortification spell's 'dome of silence,' wrapped in that swirling blanket unleashed by his own Shadow Magic, and seeing all was well, and while maintaining his spells, he took a slow step towards the newly opened door, intending to join the others, and take a peek inside the chamber revealed.

He stubbed his toe, and nearly jumped trying to avoid a stumble. Suppressing a long curse, or rather turning it into a succinct growl, he looked down at his feet.

There was a skeletal finger sticking up from among the stone slabs of the floor.

[dman2life]

((Alright. Rain Edge specialises in Unarmed Combat, Telekinesis, and Thievery.

Bowing deeply to the man in front of him, Rain departs for the Armory.

As he walks along, he wonders, 'How are these other Adventurers? Perhaps I have met them before...'

Finally, he reashes the room, and opens the door, quickly stepping inside. He himself needs no equipment, as he has everything he needs on him, including his special ring that makes his fists magical. 'Thank Tally for that!'

"Hello!" His voice booms out, the silver-haired, almond-eyed Hero gazing at his new allies. "I am Rain Edge, and am apparently coming with you all on this quest, wherever it may lead us."

[Tetracapillactomist]

"Who's that?!" he heard Alanne's voice from inside the vault...

Guard, skeletal finger of beckoning, now this... He couldn't help his instant, startled and unappreciative reaction - he drew his sword before his eyes even settled on the stranger - "What now, who is this!... Come again?"

He readied to entangle the sudden intruder on their slightly questionable and illicit acts in a web of shadows, if need be.

"The rest of you in there, how are we doing? Seems we have a visitor come to spy on us... Someone care to join me out here? If you're not all too entranced by that chamber's treasures, and if not too much of a bother?..." he continued in a smiling tone, but suddenly annoyed a touch, for so far he still hasn't even managed to peek past that newly opened door.

[thingirl]

Alanne head the new person yell. She yelled back and came to join Sigynna at the door.

[dman2life]

Rain was very puzzled. Was he being challenged to fiht, or was another. Just in case, he raised his hands in an obvious surrender, "Oh no no, I'm not here to spy... I was sent here to join you all. By that Lord Guy." Rain was generally a very clueless person. He was an adventurer, not a social person dagnabbit! He was unaware of the various things people do and don't in society, like barging in randomly in a treasury full of people.

The someone from the crowd yelled back at him, how odd.

[texlaw1992]

Lancelot observed the newcomer and a quick Divination revealed no hostile intent, just a genuine, perhaps naive enthusiasm. Here was a person not used to socializing or adventuring with others, who didn't appear to fully appreciate what to expect should he join the party. Still, Lancelot didn't see any reason why the newcomer could not accompany them.

Lancelot watched as party leader Alanne came into the room to confront the newcomer. Best to wait and see what developed.

[zmflavius]

*bump*

[thingirl]

(Sorry... :))

"You were sent by Sentaron? How much do you know of our quest?"

[dman2life]

Rain sighs forlornly, before shaking his head. "Admittedly, nothing. I was going to follow your lead until I managed to gleam enough information out of this. It is very rare for so many of us to gather around for an adventure, " here, he pauses, as if thinknig for a moment, "I am curious as to what could be so dangerous as to require all of our collective help."


((O.O I had an idea. My final advanced skills will be unarmed combat, telekinesis, and gating. :D Portals galore.))

[thingirl]

"You were told absolutely nothing except where to find us? I do not believe that... Tell us what Sentaron told you. We know all of it already, and much more, so you won't be reveling anything."

[dman2life]

((Lol, I literally know nothing. And when I posted, I was told nothing. Not even a copy and paste for my efforts.))

Rain shrugs his shoulders, before sighing melodramatically. "I'm serious. I as told nothing at all. Just to meet you all here. I guess he figured you all would tell me."

[thingirl]

"I do not believe you. He must not trust you, or else he would have told you the mission."

OOC: You were told something. You were told the details. For what I read, that is that ZmFlavius is smuggling arms through Raelap Pass, investigate the matter,and possibly intercept ZmFlavius.

(Right now, everyone is in Syr, and received a mission from Lord Sentaron, ruler of Syr in this RP, based on the following claim from a Ziardian agent who has received magical plastic surgery to look exactly like Zmflavius. Said Ziardian agent has switched sides, and is currently in the party.) "Zmflavius is at Graldok. He is coordinating arms-running from Tysa to Ziard. This is because Ziard is about to go to war with Tatia, a city-state south of Ziard. Weapons, apparently, are cheaper when bought in Tysa and smuggled through Raelap pass than forged in Ziard, because of a lack of indigenous iron sources in Ziard's territory. Ziard plans to use the idol in the coming war, and Zmflavius was to personally oversee transport of the idol from Tysa to Ziard. Of course, that plan is scuttled now, but Zmflavius will probably return to Ziard with the last shipment of weapons, to take part in the surprise attack on Tatia."

Lord Sentaron would like you to go to Graldok, and from there, Raelap Pass, to investigate these claims, and possibly intercept Zmflavius. Right now, the party is at an armoury in Lord Sentaron's castle, gathering supplies and investigating three mysterious doors in the armoury. One door has been opened. Further details can be found in the most recent posts. If I've missed any important details, please add them.

Rain Edge was promptly granted entrance to Lord Sentaron's solar.

"You are a bit late, but I am right now recruiting adventurers for a...mission of sorts. They are right now at the armoury. As it happens, the mission is related to arms smuggling."

He then proceeded to relate the details of the mission.

"So, would you be interested in joining?"

"Very well then. The rest of the team is currently in the armoury. They seem to be taking a long time though, would you mind checking on them?"

[zmflavius]

((Lol, I literally know nothing. And when I posted, I was told nothing. Not even a copy and paste for my efforts.))

Rain shrugs his shoulders, before sighing melodramatically. "I'm serious. I as told nothing at all. Just to meet you all here. I guess he figured you all would tell me."

Ahhh, sorry about that.

[dman2life]

((I should have read more posts then. :-/ My apologies.))

"I was told a little, like how we're supposed to stop a smuggler of sorts, but to perserve the mystery of things, I didn't really pay attention. Did you notice how his floors are made of real [insert floor material here]!? It's facinating!"

After a pause, he frowns, before adding, "Why are we in the armoury anyway?"

((xD My character is very ADHD.))

[thingirl]

"Really? You didn't pay any attention? *sigh* We're in here because he sent us. We determined there was something quest-related in here... And don't worry about that guard, he has been secured with magic."

(Cool. So am I. :d And so is Tes. Which reminds me... TES! WHERE ARE YOU????)

[dman2life]

Rain quickly held up his hands in defense as he grinned weakly, "Hey, there were many interesting things in that room. And what could we need that ould be in here? We just need to barge in, kick some butt, then leave, right?"

[zmflavius]

The guard begins stirring.

[Tetracapillactomist]

Sigynna had already sheathed his weapon, and broke out in laughter at the new arrival's statement. He was about to slap him on his back in friendly acceptance, when he sensed something was amiss, and someone's gaze directed his eyes towards the possibly sobering guard.

"Well, I suppose you better get barging, friend, because I rather not harm or traumatise this hapless lackey of an exemplary guard. Excuse me for a moment." he said as he turned, preparing to firm the shadow's hold upon the guard cocooned inside the magical bell jar, if necessary.

"I also suggest dividing our little collective's Thievery skills, and having a go at the other two doors even as the first chamber's contents are searched. I dare say my skills are adequate in that field, so if anyone cares to take over this task of guarding the guard?..." He raised an eyebrow towards the group while keeping an eye on his imprisoned charge, expecting an answer, apparently.

[dman2life]

Rain watched the guard with a confused countenance. If they had the Lord's Blessing, why was this poor sap unconscious.

"If we have the Lord's Blessing, why is this poor sap unconscious?" the naiive hero wondered outloud, though mainly to himself, before turning to the others.

"If you need to get through, perhaps I could help." To that end, Rain walked up to the door, and began to concentrate. hen nothing happened, he began to frown. Shrugging, he moved to the left, next to the wall. There, he made his portal. After entering it, the portal lcosed behind him. Several moments later, the door unlocked due to Rain unlocking it on the other side.

[zmflavius]

The doors are magically warded, but the warding runes appear to be all placed on the opposite side of the door. The warding runes render the doors and their locks immune to magic.

So, I'm afraid that won't work.

[dman2life]

((So putting a gate on the wall, and curving the gate instead of making it straight might work then? Since it does not touch the door itself at all, and thus the wards?))

[zmflavius]

Go right ahead.

[dman2life]

Rain watched the guard with a confused countenance. If they had the Lord's Blessing, why was this poor sap unconscious.

"If we have the Lord's Blessing, why is this poor sap unconscious?" the naiive hero wondered outloud, though mainly to himself, before turning to the others.

"If you need to get through, perhaps I could help." To that end, Rain walked up to the door, and began to concentrate. hen nothing happened, he began to frown. Shrugging, he moved to the left, next to the wall. There, he made his portal. After entering it, the portal lcosed behind him. Several moments later, the door unlocked due to Rain unlocking it on the other side.

((Just to bring this to this page if no one saw it.))

[thingirl]

Alanne used her Thievery skills to unlock the third door.

[Tesability]

(Okay, no excuse on my part. I just flat forgot about this site due to general business...and BF refusing to get off the computer before it reaches ungodly hours... *boots sleeping BF* Since I'm not exactly at my sharpest at this late hour, would anyone mind PMing me a general summary as to what has happened as of late? @.@)

[zmflavius]

(Okay, no excuse on my part. I just flat forgot about this site due to general business...and BF refusing to get off the computer before it reaches ungodly hours... *boots sleeping BF* Since I'm not exactly at my sharpest at this late hour, would anyone mind PMing me a general summary as to what has happened as of late? @.@)

Right now, Rain has just joined the party, Rain has gated inside one door, and Alanne has picked the lock of another door.

[dman2life]

With the door Rain unlocked noe open, the man steps back out of the room, scratching the back of his head. "If any of you wish to search that room, feel free to do so. I don't need anything from there."

He then goes to stand by the hapless guard to watch over him.

[dman2life]

((Bump?))

[zmflavius]

So...would anyone like to search the room?

[texlaw1992]

[I've been trying to let the new people take the lead for a bit]

"Welcome to the party Rain, in more ways than one. Ok folks, let's search around a bit and see what we can find."

[zmflavius]

The contents of the third door and the same as the contents of the first door:


Inside the room, you can see two locked chests, and a dozen ornate weapons on the wall. You surmise that the weapons, which are of various types, are magical. In a corner, halfway out of the circle of light cast by the lantern, is a small box

The third door, however, has nothing more than a a large bookshelf with one book on it behind it.

Even just by looking at it you can tell that the thing is heavily trapped.

[texlaw1992]

Usual Arcana / Divination / Lore to learn more about the items and traps, as well as whether the traps are capable of being disarmed.

[zmflavius]

Arcana and Divination indicates that some of the traps are magical.

[texlaw1992]

"Ok Fearless Leader [Alanne], you're the spellcaster, how do you suggest we handle the traps?"

[dman2life]

Rain just stands there, arms crossed as he watches ovr the fallen guard.

[zmflavius]

Does anyone know if Thingirl is active?

[texlaw1992]

[Good question - I know she said earlier she was busy with school, but she hasn't been around of late.

I've tried to avoid just taking over the rp since I joined - our collaboration makes for a better adventure. Still, I'll move things forward if TG doesn't make an appearance in a day or two].

[texlaw1992]

[Apparently Fearless Leader is indisposed, so ...]

Ok group, let's attempt to disarm the traps [Thievery / Shadow Magic].

[zmflavius]

You disarm the traps you find.

[texlaw1992]

Ok, let's inventory the contents of the vault and see if we need anything.

[zmflavius]

Inside the four locked chests is nothing more than a very large quantity of gold. The twenty-four ornate weapons are magical, but are not particularly special. The two small boxes are filled with keys.

The book on the bookshelf is:

A copy of Goblins' Excretory Systems: New Theories by Thane Pyrond of Trithik

[dman2life]

((How much are they worth? The weapons, that is... And that book is suspicious.))

Ryoku, from his guarding point looks in at them. "I wonder if any of that stuff is under enchantments... That one book there looks suspicious..."

[zmflavius]

The weapons all together are worth perhaps 45000 gold tokens.

Around a third of the keys are enchanted, but all the enchantments either are protective spells or specific unlocking enchantments.

[texlaw1992]

[Dman2life, fyi, the book title is suggestive of Zm's sense of humor]

"Ryoku, since you brough up the book, feel free to take a look and use divination to look past the written words on the page."

[zmflavius]

So...dman?

[dman2life]

((xD I figured as much, but after openinng a magicly locked vault, one would not expect to find a lone book.))

With a sheepish grin, Ryoku is forced to shrug his shoulders as he says, "I can't use Divination."

[texlaw1992]

"Ok then, you take and open the book, then I'll cast Divination on you so you can read it."

[dman2life]

Nodding his head, Ryoku quickly does as told.

[zmflavius]

The book clearly has some deeper meaning, which is a bit reassuring, but just what that might be, you can't divine for yourself.

[texlaw1992]

"Ok, well, enough of that.

We're wasting time we could be using to catch up with ZmFlavius. Everyone take what you need to take and let's get moving."

[dman2life]

Ryoku pockets the book and nods. "I agree. I'm ready to go when neccisary."

[zmflavius]

(So, we wait for Tetra now, and maybe Thingirl?)

[texlaw1992]

[Yes, let's give everyone a couple of days to catch up. I'll move it forward if nobody pops up].

[zmflavius]

(So, shall we move on?)

[texlaw1992]

[Well, now it looks like we've lost dman2life as well].

[TC, are you still participating or am I the last man standing?]

"Our party seems to be shrinking, but I for one still have multiple bones to pick with Zm. Let's get what we need and head out."

[zmflavius]

Wanna move on?

[texlaw1992]

[I thought that's what I said - maybe the newer characters can become NPCs for a bit]

"Ok, everyone's got what they need - let's roll."

[zmflavius]

You return to Lord Sentaron.

"Well that took a long time. I assume you've got everything you need; but do you want a recap of your mission or have any questions?"

[texlaw1992]

"Thank you, a recap would be useful."

[zmflavius]

"Zmflavius is at Graldok. He is coordinating arms-running from Tysa to Ziard. This is because Ziard is about to go to war with Tatia, a city-state south of Ziard. Weapons, apparently, are cheaper when bought in Tysa and smuggled through Raelap pass than forged in Ziard, because of a lack of indigenous iron sources in Ziard's territory. Ziard plans to use the idol in the coming war, and Zmflavius was to personally oversee transport of the idol from Tysa to Ziard. Of course, that plan is scuttled now, but Zmflavius will probably return to Ziard with the last shipment of weapons, to take part in the surprise attack on Tatia."



Lord Sentaron would like you to go to Graldok, and from there, Raelap Pass, to investigate these claims, and possibly intercept Zmflavius.

[texlaw1992]

"Ok, all is as I remembered. Time to head out."

[zmflavius]

So, you will head to Graldok first?

[dman2life]

Rain scratches his chin lightly in contemplation, before shrugging. once they leave the area where the Lord there can hear them, he asks his party members, "Does anyone here know al ot about geography? Are there any alternate routes to get where we need to get to? I don't like the name of the city we're supposed to head to... Seems... suspicious to me."

[zmflavius]

Sir Tiriyhim speaks,

"Do you mean Graldok or Ziard?"

[texlaw1992]

[Welcome back Dman - looks like I'm not alone after all].

"Graldok is a city in Tysa. We're going to intercept ZmFlavius before he leaves Tysa and gets back to Ziard, which is a military dictatorship."

[zmflavius]

Chicken remarks

"Raelap pass is the only real route out of Tysa to the Central Broadlands; Tysa's borders being largely defined by mountains, the borders are largely controlled through these passes. There are other exits, but they're extremely circuitous. Zmflavius would avoid Raelap if he could; Much of Tysa's army is quartered there; the only area with a similar concentration of soldiers is Saarngard Isle. However, it's the only route to Ziard that wouldn't take an ungodly amount of time."

He pauses a moment.

"Well, there was one other pass that wouldn't be too circuituous...Highwall Pass, in Moonpath. Of course, it would be impractical to move any significant amount of goods over the pass, which is why we didn't use it, but we are not escorting a large caravan..."

[dman2life]

Nodding his head, Rain says, "Then wouldn't it be smart to send half of us to one pass and half to the other? There is no guarentee this guy is oging to use one over the other, and if we're at one pass, and he uses the other..."

[texlaw1992]

"My experience with ZmFlavius indicates he's likely to go for Highwall Pass. Still, I agree it can't hurt to cover both possibilities."

"Rain, as several of our party members appear to be otherwise involved, I'm giving you a field promotion to lead a group to Raelep Pass. I'll lead the other group to Highwall Pass."

"The members of your group will be ..."

[Zm, with so many not currently participating, please advise who remains in the party].

[zmflavius]

(Keep Sir Tiriyhim and Chicken in separate groups, to dispense plot. I'd also suggest putting Thingirl's characters in one group, and Sigynna in the other)

[texlaw1992]

[Actually that was my plan as well]

"It makes sense for each group to have at least one person who's previously dealt with ZmFlavius. Accordingly Rain, I suggest you take Alanne and her sister with you to Raelep Pass, along with Chicken."

"I'll take Sigynna, Sir Tiriyhim and the rest with me to Highwall Pass. Let's see if we can end this smuggling operation now."

[dman2life]

Blanching, Rain sighs and nods, "Alright, I'll lead."

Turning to his crew, he says, "Alright, Friends, let's go!" Turning back to the others, he says, "Good luck." He promptly exits with the other people that are mysteriously absent. Hopefully, they'll come back, and someone skilled with Diplomancy will take over. Rain is no leader.

((xD He's a horrible leader. He's also horrible with directions, and tactics, and geberally everything in general.))

[zmflavius]

Both parties reach their destination without event.

Rain's party is right now in Moonpath, at the base of Highwall Pass. Texlaw has just reached Graldok.

[dman2life]

"Aright guys, let's set up camp. We should porbably set up camp in a comfortable spot off where no one can see us so we can potentially ambush the enemy if they come." Rain said, looking about them everywhere carefully. Of course, with no one being active, hey took his lead, and hid. No fire, though the use of various magic kept them warm and safe.

[texlaw1992]

"Ok folks, let's make some discrete inquiries with the locals and see if we can pinpoint ZmFlavius' location."

[Rain, you can do it!]

[zmflavius]

For the next day, the Highwall pass is largely quiet. Adventurers continually pass through Moonpath to climb the pass, but there is no sign of any large caravan, or of Zmflavius himself for that matter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Graldok, you ask around. There have been regular caravans suspected of carrying arms, but the caravaneers are very secretive. Officially, they traffick lumber and dragon ivory. It's something of an open secret that they grease the palms of any officials who inquire too deeply, and that the ones who refuse to permit their palms to be greased has ended up at the bottom of the River Trynd. It's said that if Thane Marindol was not at present away attempting to put down a revolt, he would put a stop to it, but the Protector of Graldok is corrupt and morally impaired.

The caravans have largely tapered off, though rumor says that one more will pass through by the river, floating out of the Barrow Loch. Reportedly, the company is folding, because the firm dealing with the legal tangle they've run up, Ziardian-based Finch, Bor & Agus has suffered a major blow, said blow being that all of the managing partners have suffered untimely deaths. In a strange coincidence, Sir William Bor had not too long ago had a heated exchange with the several executives of the aforementioned company about how none of the firms' lawyers had been paid for the hours they had billed.

[texlaw1992]

[Well, I can see how a lawyer not getting paid might be a capital offense in some places, lol].

As far as Highwall goes, let's continue checking around to see if we can learn anything, also the usual Divination / Arcana / Lore if it helps.

[I'll leave it to Dman/Rain to investigate Graldok, but the last caravan sounds rather suspicious].

[dman2life]

((o: But I'm at the other pass. You're in Graldok. I can't investigate a city no where near me.))

Meanwhile, as Tex's party is well, partying in Graldok, Rain himself is keeping himself amused by opening tow portals and dropping rocks in them and watching the rocks fall continuously in a loop, ass he steadilly adds more rocks to make it look interesting. He is also keeping an ear out for travelers, and has the Diviner in hsis group ocast Divination on people as they pass to see what they are up to.

[zmflavius]

The vast majority of the people passing through Highwall appear to be seeking the mythical Ice Troll. Because only a mythical creature could be slain thousands of times, and yet still return to haunt Moonpath every time.

There is no sign of any actual Ziardians.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

How do you want to go about investigating Graldok?

[zmflavius]

The vast majority of the people passing through Highwall appear to be seeking the mythical Ice Troll. Because only a mythical creature could be slain thousands of times, and yet still return to haunt Moonpath every time.

There is no sign of any actual Ziardians.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

How do you want to go about investigating Graldok?

[dman2life]

Occasionally, as an Adventurer passes by, Rain stops them to ask them if they've seen any strange forigners recently, or any Caravans. He also begs for Kepbeck Leaves and Elixars from passing Travelers, as they are pretty tasty and addictive, and Rain happened to be running low.

He was also curious about this Ice Troll that is apparently immortal, but that will have to wait for another day...

((o.o Yes, Rain is addicted to the good healing item, however you spell those things... As an Adventurer who gets hurt a lot and is clumsy, he uses them often. xD))

[texlaw1992]

[Oops, my original post said Rain went to Graldok and I went to Highwall. I missed the part of Zm's post switching the two].

"Ok, now that we're in Graldok, let's get as much information as we can about this final caravan. Ask around, see if we can get a look at their paperwork with the harbormaster, and perhaps the usual Arcane / Lore / Divination to see what we can learn about the caravan."

[zmflavius]

There is no sign of any travelers at Highwall. It appears to be a dead end.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The harbormaster allows you access to the paperwork. The early bits appear to be in order, but the quality tapered down drastically a few weeks ago. Apparently, given a few more weeks, he would have launched an investigation, but he had figured it was only a short-term issue that would be resolved quickly.

The barge will stop in Graldok briefly for one day, in four days time. Following that, they will sail straight south until they reach the Free City of Thedrigorian Fries. Directly south of the Free City and the surrounding potato farms is Ziardian territory.

Unlike the other barges, this one seems to be carrying a substantial amount of bread and ground beef.

[dman2life]

Rain knows this will be a taxing use of his abilities, but he must at least try. Concentrating hard on the group in Graldok, Ryoku opens a nevernal portal. In his minds eye, he sees each and one of them as he speaks into it, "This is Rain Edge... Do you have any leads?" If his skill is what he think it is... and maybe with a little luck, the group will hear him, and be able to respond in kind.

[texlaw1992]

[Hey works for me]

"Rain, good to hear from you. I originally figured Zm for Highwall, but now I'm almost certain he's trying to sneak a caravan through Graldok. If you can, get your group over here and let's reunite."

In the meantime, let's see if Arcana / Lore / Divination tells us anything about the real contents of the barge.

[zmflavius]

The barge is magic-warded.

[dman2life]

Thanks to the multitude of Quickstones, Horses, and Luck, the Adventurers on Rain's side hopefully made it to Graldok, the city Rain was hoping not to go to.

Once there, they actually don't try to meet up with Lancelot. Instead, once they get there, they make themselves look like pompous rich people who are used to not being denied.

Rain has the best Diplomatic person amoung his group go up to various people and demand a ride to a forign country, suggesting they can pay hansomely.

((Hopeing this catches the attention of the enemy, perhaps this ploy will get them on board?))

[zmflavius]

The guards let you in the city with a bored look, and you make it to the docks, but the first dockworker you come across, a longshoreman, suggests that you pay handsomely then.

[dman2life]

"Bah!" Rain dismisses him with a wave of his hand, "You don't look strong enough or well-mannered enough to suit me." He pulls 5 gold coins out from a pouch, the only visible one on him, "But if you tell me where I can travel with a magnificant caravan, I'll double this for you..."

[zmflavius]

The longshoreman is unimpressed.

"I can make that in an hour."

[dman2life]

((Really? x.x Then we keep getting cheated by those 50 gold guys for boat rides.))

Rain glares at the man, before smirking. The 5 gold coins spread out to 20 in his hand. "Like I said, double if your information is good. 40 gold, just for information."

[zmflavius]

"Make that 80."

[dman2life]

Rain narrows his eyes, "55."

[zmflavius]

"70."

[dman2life]

Rain glowers at him, before sniffing dainfully, "70, then," and removes 35 coins, "The information..." he half-demands as he drops the coins into the man's hands.

[zmflavius]

"The Golden Horn has just finished up preparing a caravan destined for Asphyr. And the Tysian branch of the Hansa has commissioned 4 river barges to carry fur harvested in Fogbough to Graldok."

He sneers.

"But that's not what you're looking for, now is it? All adventurers seem to have stables of horses and carriages to carry them anywhere these days. Get to the point; If you want to know about a specific caravan, I can tell you about it."

[texlaw1992]

Lancelot and his group observe Rain negotiating with the stevedore on the dock. They elect to keep hidden and not interfere until the dialogue runs its course.

[dman2life]

"I'm wanting to hear about an unusual caravan... Someone who's bringing unusual supplies through here." Rain brings out a few more coins, brining the total to 50 in his hands.

[zmflavius]

"Cima-Lum Beck is hauling ceremonial sacrificial daggers from Aramend to Graldok, and from there to Trithik, where they'll be off-loaded and sent to Talinus, to be sold to Perth Kinbolt. Graldok is the single biggest travel artery between Tysa and the Central Broadlands. Everything, and I mean everything, has been hauled through Raelap Pass or the Riverway at some point in time."

[dman2life]

Rain grins a bit, a hin of a scowl on his face, "I'm looking for something specific... A river caravan that..." Rain suddenly looks indiffrent, "Well, I doubt you would be intrested..." He's hoping this use of human psychology will get the man interested and give him relevant information. Perhaps his allies had found something, though... If they had, he hoped they would stop him from making a fool of himself.

[zmflavius]

"It's worth my neck to rob caravans. I need more information. Secret caravans don't bother having the law hang robbers; They'll do it themselves."

[dman2life]

Rain raises an eyebrow, "I'll tell it to you straight then," He crosses his arms and stand more naturally, "The caravan I'm trying to find is a danger to the very existance of our world itself. You've heard of the recent attacks on various villages about immortal goblins and ogres and horrible demonic monsters? This caravan is headed to the next continent where a ritual will take place with the arms was weapon on there That will start more trouble. I'm with a group of Heros trying to end this threat. Do you want to save the world? Help me, and these coins i give you here will be nothing to what you'll have."

((o.o Am I laying it on a little thick? Runeskin may not have anything to do with this, but maybe this guy will be swayed. :D))

[zmflavius]

"And you want me to?"

(considering how often villages are attacked and burned, and how prolific monsters are, probably not)

[dman2life]

"Well, even by meer association with this quest will make you famous, and pretty much able to get whatever you desire. But if you don't want that..." Rain turns around to walk away.

[zmflavius]

"Yes, I think I'll stay anonymous. It's said that Graldok Bazaar is crawling with assassins trying to do in wannabe adventurers."

[dman2life]

Rain walks away, and notices the others. He and his entourage head over to them.

"Hello!" He salutates, waving vigourusly.

[zmflavius]

"Yes?"

[texlaw1992]

"Thanks Rain, let me give it a shot."

Lancelot strolls over to the gentleman with whom Rain was conversing.

"500 gold - which caravan is going to Ziard and what is it carrying?"

[zmflavius]

"Trade with Ziard has dried up for the most part, due to the impending war, but that only means regular trade. You have people rushing food supplies and other war materiel to Ziard. A lot of those are emergency caravans, set up just after the assassination of Marshall Tito. There are rumours that Tito is not dead, but in hiding, but those are just rumours."

Chicken leans over to Lancelot,

"Tito has actually been kidnapped by the Grey Circle."

"There are some caravans which are destined for Ziard which are substantially more well organized, but they've been running before the war crisis. They mostly traffick lumber and dragon ivory. Rumour tells that they're actually in charge of caravanning arms to Ziard from Tysa, but I wouldn't know about that. In any case, Hyl Donofim, Ziardian Attorney General, is in Graldok investigating these caravans for something or other. Rumor says that he's actually overseeing the final caravan himself, ever since the company controlling it, a Ziardian business, had a gigantic legal screwup. Like I said, I wouldn't know about that."

Chicken whispers into your ear again.

"Zmflavius may have been relieved of duty. It must have happened a few weeks ago, so the story might not have made it to my team."

[texlaw1992]

"Most interesting - thank you."

[To the group in private] "Let find Donofim and spy on him for a bit, see if we learn anything." [The usual Arcana / Lore / Divination to figure out where he is and, if possible, what he's doing].

[dman2life]

Ryoku follows his lead, as does his group.

[zmflavius]

The city is too large to use divination effectively. Lore suggests that he would be somewhere in the harbor area.

[texlaw1992]

"Ok gang, let's surreptitiously snoop around the harbor area until we find him."

[dman2life]

Ryoku follows his lead, as does the rest of his group.

[zmflavius]

You come upon the aforementioned barge carrying dragon ivory and wood.

Two guards guard the gangplank, and several sailors are idling on the deck. Directly next to the pier the ship is tied up at is a warehouse.

[dman2life]

"Hey," Ryoku whispers to his allies, "use divination to see if it's safe..."

[texlaw1992]

[Yup, usual Arcana / Lore / Divination to find out what's happening].

[zmflavius]

The guards are careful, but aren't directly suspicious of you.

[dman2life]

Ryoku uses his and everyone's collective thievery skills to see if there is a hidden passage onto the ship.

[zmflavius]

No.

[texlaw1992]

"Rain, see if you can get a look inside the warehouse."

[dman2life]

Rain nods, neglecting to inform him it is a ship, and opens a Neernal Gate directly behind himself. Concentrating about 20 feet in front of him, another gate should open just within the ship. Someone else uses an illusion spell to turn the gates, and the one it is connected to, transparent. Rain sticks his head back through his gate, where it should appear directly inside where he can see things going on. Afterwards, after seing everything quickly, he would pull out, and cancel the gates.

[texlaw1992]

[Actually, the ship is tied up at a pier in front of a warehouse, but feel free to check both if you can].

[zmflavius]

You peer into what is evidently the cargo hold. It's fairly dark, but you can see crates and barrels lining the hold, along with cords of timber and a fair amount of dragon ivory in one corner of the ship. There are also, however, several large stacks of iron bars in one side of the ship, and several barrels which clearly contain some sort of thick liquid.

[dman2life]

((*shot* SHows what I know.))

Ryoku then repeats the entire process with the warehouse itself.

[zmflavius]

Within the warehouse, dragon ivory and lumber is much more in evidence. However, the contents seem much the same as the barge's hold.

[dman2life]

Ryoku turns to everyone, and explans, in detail, exactly what he saw.

[texlaw1992]

"Well, Zm or his successor is undoubtedly moving a shipment of weapons. There seem to be some raw materials, but not what we're expecting."

"Rain, can you get a sample of that thick liquid on the barge? Maybe that'll give us a clue."

[zmflavius]

Would you like to try it?

[texlaw1992]

[Yeah, Rune seems AWOL at the moment].

"Ok, since Rune appears asleep, I'll do what he did and get a sample."

[zmflavius]

How do you plan on holding the liquid?

[texlaw1992]

I have a couple of empty bottles in my inventory - any one will do.

Although, divination/lore/arcana just to make sure the stuff won't explode on me through contact with air and whatnot.

[zmflavius]

You successfully catch it in your bottles.

[thingirl]

Alanne suddenly returns from her secret scouting mission that nobody knew anything about. She asks her sister for what's happened.

Lancelot returns with the stuff in the bottles.

"OK, now that all persons are accounted for.... I've been out searching for tales among the city's lowlife, the beggars, cutpurses, footpads, and such. I haven't found anything of use about the whereabouts of Donofim, or anything else for that matter....

Oh, Lance," she said as she noticed the bottles, "Let me take a look at those..."

She uses Arcana/Lore/Divination/Weaponry (Weaponry because the liquid is some magical blacksmith thing? Or else some sort of explosive....) to determine what the liquid is.

(OOC: Haha. Only 10 pages.... And I found a logical explanation as to why I weren't here :))

[zmflavius]

The liquid appears to be an innocuous substance. It is a component in multiple magical potions, usually those relating to "liquefied Destruction."

[texlaw1992]

[Hey, didn't want to get too far without you TG]

"Hmm, we may have found our weapons shipment after all."

[Tesability]

The last thing it remembered was being forced back away from the anti-magic door in the armory.

Yet now, the purple and yellow Mimicdrake found itself flying high above...wait, it couldn't tell what it was flying high above. It could barely see beyond its nose for some unknown reason.

"What the blasted hell happened to me," the large beast thought to itself, flapping its large wings that seemed to be bound to the front of its chest instead of joining at the shoulders. "And where's Lunari?"

(Can anyone see the drake? :p)

[texlaw1992]

Sensing a disturbance in the air, Lancelot looked up only to see, way off in the clouds, a familiar lizard-like figure.

"Looks like the party is finally getting back together."

Lancelot uses Divination to send a message to the Mimicdrake, telling her where they are so she can join them.

[Tesability]

"It would help if I could ACTUALLY SEE," it roared in its head, not intentionally projecting the thought, though the sensitive could pick up on it.

...wait, was it referred to as a female? A yellow flare came out of the drake's nose at the indignant thought. Unless it was unavoidable, he preferred the male form over the female one.

A swooping sound was heard as it came flying down, clouds forced to part along the path.

However, it still couldn't see beyond its nose, so it had no idea what it was flying toward.

(Incoming drake!)

[zmflavius]

A large barge.

[zmflavius]

*bump*

[Tetracapillactomist]

'What's this about a barge?...' Then, erupting quietly: 'Oh, for fecundity's sake!...'

Sigy grimaces as he catches a whiff of something that pongs, after having stepped into a squishy, foul-smelling bit of excretion lying on the ground... 'Has bloody Varsil joined our gang unbeknownst to me?' he mutters the question half to himself - 'This reeks of his retching,' he continues, calmly unleashing a poetic string of friendly expletives as he steps to the edge of a nearby puddle and dips the sole of the befouled boot into its muddy waters, swirling it round. 'Hope that silly little local superstition's true - this better bring luck, or I'll turn that wretched lout into week-old fishguts simmering in the sun...'

Noticing the sound of rushing air, he looks upward in its direction, and his mind's struck by a projected thought of a dragon in distress. Projecting his own back at the drake, he suggests a change of course of some three degrees, towards the open river, while at the same time gently pushing the airborne companion in that direction, using Telekinesis - 'Better a handful of fishing boats turned into kindling, than smashing through a warehouse filled with weapons and goblin bombs, or whatever other devices and concoctions that tend to go 'boom' in the night,' his thoughts explain, 'or crashing straight into us.'

'Though, some fancy fireworks would be entertaining.' - this, he said out loud...

Shrugging in response to the consternation on the faces of those surrounding him, their disapprovingly frowning or scowling looks, he flashes them a smile that seems to waver between sheepishly apologetic and dismissive - 'Never mind... Welcome back, Mimicdrake [and Tes],' he speaks in an amused tone to the air above as he turns his eyes skyward, 'and safe landing. Hope you don't mind a splash - preferable to a bang. At least it is, in this case,' he concludes, addressing with that same smile his still-frowning grounded companions, while at the same time letting out a slightly exasperated sigh in spite of himself, and shrugging again.

[Tesability]

Its vision had cleared up just in time to see what it was heading for, a large sea vessel that appeared to be designed for heavy transport. The faint smell that wafted into its nostrils was what prompted a sudden slowing down in flight, creating a small wave of water to hit against the ship in the process.

"I shouldn't be expecting anything like that for another few years, was that vision wrong about the liquid explosives?" it mused to itself before shrinking down in size until it was roughly the size of a Great Dane...if you minus the wings, tail and head, of course...before landing upon the barge.

"What on Sryth have I missed," it asked of those present, a slight headache lingering from Srythak-knows-what. "And what adventure is about to start this go-round?"

[dman2life]

It seems Rain Edge had taken a bakseat on things as of late. Still, with more allies shoing up, it was time to get things started agan. However, he had no clue what was going on now. He would just be quiet for now.

[texlaw1992]

[Zm's been AWOL for a bit, so we're waiting for him].

[zmflavius]

(Sorry about that, I've been fairly busy for the past few months)

So, everyone's back together now?

[Tetracapillactomist]

(No need to apologise - sails have been flapping pretty windless all round. :)
Happy Birthday to you.)

"Good question," says Sigy, while distractedly carving his initials into a blanched skull (presumably of a goblin-like creature) he found under the piers...

[texlaw1992]

[Yes, it appears that the party has reunited at the docks].

"Well, what did you find in the warehouse, as opposed to the ship?"

[Oldschool]

(Sorry about that, I've been fairly busy for the past few months)

Pardon the OT'ness but let me add a

Welcome Back to that recent Happy Birthday!!! :D

[dman2life]

((Welcome back.))

Rain looked around distractedly. There were a lot of people and things here now, and he was worried they would attract attention. Very worried. After all, a group as odd as theirs is pretty uncommon.

[zmflavius]

Fortunately, you're still in Sryth, where such sights are comparatively common. On the other hand, if you follow that boat to its destination, things are apt to change.

[texlaw1992]

"Ok gang, let's say we turn invisible and stow away on board? Let's find out where Zm is taking this cargo."

[Tesability]

"Invisible, huh?" the 'drake commented, the fact that it had practice speaking human tongue with its muzzle made quite obvious when it did. "I can do just a liiittle better than that."

At this point did the Mimicdrake become tiny, much like a mouse. It purposely squeaked like a mouse before turning invisible and flying onto the shoulder of a random person in the group.

(I'm leaving who's shoulder I'm on up to you guys.)

[zmflavius]

Any volunteers?

[texlaw1992]

"He can ride on my shoulder."

"Ok folks, let's stow away on board and see where she takes us."

[Edit: Duly corrected].

[dman2life]

Rain nods, before opening a gating portal into the boat for everyone to sneak in on. He enters his portal to go into the boat.

[Tesability]

At being reffered to as a 'she' did the tiny Mimicdrake lightly nip at Lancelot's ear.

"Not a female, so quit calling me one," it wound up chirping before flying into the portal, still invisible to the view of anyone that might have been on the other side.

[zmflavius]

You all end up in the hold.

[dman2life]

Rain secretly hopes someone had the forthought to use the power of Illusion to turn everyone invisible.

[Tesability]

(Even if no one did, at least we won't have the situation instantly magnified by the crew seeing the 'drake...)

[texlaw1992]

[We're invisible]

[Whisper] Let's sit back and see where she goes ("she" being ship, not mimicdrake, lol).

[zmflavius]

After a short while, a well-dressed man and a man who is clearly the ship's captain enter the hold.

[dman2life]

Rain uses the power of gating to open a super small portal only big enough to transfer words to he members of the party, and whispers, "Someone use Divination on them. Actually, every who can should. Then tell me through the portal what you get."

[texlaw1992]

Usual arcana / lore / divination to figure out what they're doing, and of course listen in on any conversations they are having.

[zmflavius]

Due to your crude method of eavesdropping, and the unhelpful terrain of the hold, you hear only snatches of the conversation.

"...Lord Donofim, but I still think that we should clear this cargo, if only to keep this problem from arising later..."
"I must insist that this entire shipment be kept under wraps. This is not the usual transportation of fireheart; The three extra barrels absolutely must not come under any sort of scrutiny whatsoever, even more...This is essential."
"Still, I think that I'm at least entitled to examine what this ... I'm carrying is. That was part of the agreement."
"No, absolutely not. We are planning to commence attacks as soon as the barrels reach Ziard; While I am...certain that you would not reveal the secret to anyone, I would rather that our mutual friend... not be forced to carry out his contingencies for whatever reason. Especially not if..."
"News travels slowly, doesn't it? There was something or other in Trithik, and ... or whoever is dead, likely as not, or captured by the Thane. Adventurers also helped, to hear him tell it."
"Are you reneging on your agreement?"
"Nope, just warning you...step lightly."

Both leave the hold.

[Tesability]

Due to shrunk size and invisible appearance, the mouse-sized mimicdrake lands quietly near where the conversation was taking place.

Using its power to shape shift to change its brain to allow for telepathic capability, the 'drake project specifically to the others in the group. "I think they might have heard about what we did in that town, folks. Definitely be on your guard here."

[texlaw1992]

"Let's quietly check the hold and see if we can find those 'three special barrels' and then find out what they contain."

[dman2life]

Rain nods his head, but does nothing to help search. He'd likely be too loud to do his part.

[zmflavius]

The barrels are very tightly packed. You would have to move some to find them.

[thingirl]

How likely is moving the barrels to blow up the entire ship?

[zmflavius]

Depends on whether you puncture the barrels and whether the liquid makes contact with any of your equipment.

[texlaw1992]

I assume the three "special" barrels must be secretly marked somehow. Does the usual arcana / lore / divination / thievery help identify the right ones?

[zmflavius]

As the barrels are so packed, only divination is of any real help here. You divine that the barrels are stored together, in the back of the hold.

[Tesability]

Shrinking its size further until it was no more round than a dime did the little invisible 'drake fly up around the barrels, sniffing at each one in hopes of finding something that smelled of explosives. Due to the number of times that the being has crafted something from a future time, there was a high chance that it would be able to ID the explosive liquids by scent.

Someone with extremely-good hearing could probably pick up on its rather-faint sniffing sounds...

[zmflavius]

You reach the barrels. They are around three quarters full each, but sealed shut.

[texlaw1992]

Any way to loosen one of the lids with telekinesis?

[zmflavius]

You can try.

[thingirl]

Alanne uses Divination to see if there are any anti-magic wards around the barrels.

[zmflavius]

The barrels are all warded to prevent direct tampering.

[dman2life]

"Hey," Rain whispers, "Someone use telekinisis on some object that is convientantly placed as a crow-bar of sorts to indirectly open the barrels."

[zmflavius]

The barrel is actually wedged in between other barrels. You'd have to remove it before doing anything. Mimicdrake made it to the barrels only by squeezing through the gaps between the barrels. However, there is no room to lever open a lid.

[thingirl]

If we put up a Fortification barrier and use Rain Edge's Gating to direct any explosions into the Neverness.... Will we blow up anything unfixable by moving the barrels?

[zmflavius]

Most of the goods would be damaged beyond repair. And it's unlikely the noise wouldn't be heard.

[dman2life]

Rain blinks, before pondering outloud, "What if I create portals and someone uses telekenesis to move the portals down over the stuff to remove it to the nevernal realm, then I close the portal?"

[zmflavius]

You could try that.

[thingirl]

"Well... It's not like we have much of an option... Go ahead, I'll back you up."

[zmflavius]

You create the portals. You ease the three barrels into the Nevernal realm and pull them back out next to you. The barrels above them land with a soft thump.

[zmflavius]

Bump

[texlaw1992]

[I thought TG would run with it].

The usual Arcana / Lore / Divination to see if there is danger in just opening one of the barrels to inspect the contents.

If not, let's check out the contents of one of the barrels, very carefully.

[zmflavius]

Lore suggests that you can open the barrels, but you should be very, very, careful with how you handle the contents.