5 Eleint 1371

The 5th day of the voyage was uneventful and at last the fortified trading town of Nesme came into view. Jack moored the Cormarant and said repairs would take at least a couple of days.
As night was falling the party went off in search of an Inn to raise their spirits, the chanced upon the 5 Gold Crowns.
Jakob over indulged in Turnip Vodka and retired early. Majikus and Garacius got into conversation with an unhappy man who told them a strange tale about a Baron Forkbeard.
This local horse rancher had been married 5 times in the last 7 years, each wife meeting an untimely end. Samuel, the sad man, told how his sister, Esmie, was wife number 4. He claimed to have seen her alive only a week ago, after the Baron had buried her and re-married. He asked the party to rescue her and return her to the family.


[This message has been edited by Erran (edited August 20, 2001).]

Majikus thinks thoughtfully of ways of gaining enterance into the Baron's home...

"Well lads, howabout if we pose as a unit of men designated to the Baron's house to protect it from an expected barbarian attack in that region? And also say that the city wants to take extra precautions by putting a personal bodyguard over the house as they do not want to risk the Baron's safety. If we get in then, it would give us a chance to look around and hopefully find Samual's sister and ask her to come back to Samual. If need be, we could disguise her to help her get out. And we could also use Hook to seek her out...hopefully the Baron has no dogs at home...well what do you lads say to it then? I'll give you until tomorrow morning to decide and we can go about collecting some equipment etc."

Majikus drinks the last of his vodka and quickly finishes his roasted fowl and then turns quickly to Samual...

"Samual, will you be staying here for the night? and if you are then meet us tomorrow morn for a full discussion with the group on what the Baron has...if you are not staying here, then come tomorrow morn anyway...now i bid thee all a good night"

Turns and tosses a few silver pieces over for the rent of the room. Upon reaching his designated room, Majikus takes out his Magic book and relearns the sleep spell which he failed to cast onto a drunk Jakob. After re-learning that spell he puts his Magic Book back and falls asleep.

Ooc: I've now memorized 2 magic missile spells and 1 sleep spell.

Gash was bleary eyed from all the travelling and the event in the river.

He didn't have enough money for a room so instead persuaded the barkeep to let him sleep downstairs.

He sat on a chair with his feet up on the table when all had gone and played his harp softly all night long as the embers of the fire glowed.

He smiled. Since he didn't drink he found it was easier to afford the little luxuries in life. granted this left him with only 2gp to spare but what the hell, he found he could blag his way out of most of life's little situations.

He took out his long sword and scratched his name in tiny letters on the table.

Then he resumed playing his harp till the day broke...

As the night grew on Surya became tired and weary, handing over the money for a room under duress Surya climbed the stiars and fell asleep.

OoC For a map of the area round Nesme check out: http://people.ne.mediaone.net/frankmarianne/

Gash's singing earned him 4 sp from patrons at the 5 Golden Crowns Inn. Thomas thought Majikus's plan had some merit. Samual agreed to meet them early the next morn. He gave them a sketch map showing the location of the Forkbeard Ranch.

Before the party notices him Surya slips out of the inn. Walking around the city, he admires all the buildings and the statues to various deitys.
After an hour or so of walking Surya spies the Duke's inn, walking through the door his senses are immediately bombarded with quiet serenity. Motioning for the bartender Surya orders an Ale, deciding to listen to the other patrons tales Surya opens his ears and listens for rumours....


[This message has been edited by herf (edited August 22, 2001).]

Garacaius awakes and take his time to pack his bag and equipment.

"Better to have to have it all in stock and be prepared for anything." He thinks to himself.

As he enters the main room he sees the sad sobbing man from yesterday, not quite sure of his name "San... Sam... Samual!." he thought. He approached Samual "Greetings good sir, while we are waiting for the rest of the party, can I offer you anything, breakfeast or water perhaps?"

While Samual considers the offer, Garacaius order some breakfeast for himself, and a glass of cold water. "Nothing to start the day as good meal, no?"

[This message has been edited by Lokken (edited August 22, 2001).]

The morning was a crisp and pleasent one, Gash let his legs down form the tabletop, they were sore so he stareted to massage some life into them and make his aroma seem more pleasent.

The harp was out of tune so he put it back in it's leather case and waited for the others to ocme down. Apparantly there was talk of a plan to pose as a group of soldiers.

That was a part he knew he could play...

6 Eleint

Surya learned that the Riders of Nesme's patrols had suppressed barbarian raids for the last few months. The most common nickname in Nesme was 'Trollslayer'. Baron Forkbeard was something of a recluse and had not been seen in town for 5 years. All dealings were done at the fortified mansion at his ranch.

Milla and Garacaius felt stronger (regained another point of CON)

Thomas came down and joined the others for breakfast. "So comrades, what's the plan?"

Jakob rose form his slumber. His head felt like it was exploding, and his tongue seemed to have the texture and flavour of a dead rat. A pounding at the door echoed around his head and caused blinding flashes of light to appear before his eyes. "Go away!" groaned jakob burying his head under the covers. "Wake up gnome boy," came the shout, "I've got to clean the room, and we don't do refunds on missed breakfast!". From within the covers Jakob replied "I don't feel like breakfast, and I'll clean the room myself - just let me rest!". The voice came again. " Do what you want gnome boy, but you might want to know your friends are leaving..." Jakob got up and washed hastily and threw on some clothes. He ran downstairs struggling to remember what had happened last night, something about an invisiblility potion ,and then, then there was the thing - oh yes, the Baron, being a relic of an antiquated fuedal heirarchy built upon perpetuating the social and economic circumstances which contribute to the continual degradation of the liberty of the peasant classes, had unjustly faked the death of an honest hard working proletarian. And then ... and then he'd made himself look like a complete lightweight. He was no dwarf, but two vodkas still wasn't much. He'd never be able to face the mockery. He steeled himself, and approached the table where a number of his companions were talking to Samual. "Hey lads, I feel it is my duty as a revolutionary and crusader for the little guy, in both the literal and figurative sense, to to help liberate the honest proletarian from the Baron, who is a relic of...oh you've heard all this before? anyway, what's the full story on this? I'm thinking, that he'd need some priest to do all those phoney weddings and funerals, so the temples might have noticed something."

Milla wakes up well after sunrise. A dull ache reminds her of the strige incident two days ago. She decides to put them as a runner up on her "most hated"-list.

Milla comes down the stairs catching Jakobs words.
"Exactly Jakob, and where is she supposedly buried? Is it possible to access that site without the Baron finding out?"

"Ah, good morning Jakob, and how is your head today?"

Garacaius can't help snickering a little and turns to Milla.

"I'm not quite sure I understand what you're saying. From what I make of this story, She is alive and not burried? Anyways, I suggest we make a stroll through the town and resupply what we might need before seeking out this baron, as for planning, we could do that now. Perhaps some local gossip can speed our effort to find this lost girl."

[This message has been edited by Lokken (edited August 22, 2001).]

"Well Garacaius, since the Baron have buried her and remarried someone else I conclude that burial took place somewhere. Isn't that what you said Samuel?"

Wed nights online session:

Samual told the party all he knew:
Forkbeard's first wife, Miranda, was trampled to death by stampeding horses.
Izzy, his second drowned in the river
Elena, the third was killed by a troll
Esmie, the fourth and Samual's sister, died of the pox
His current wife is Magrit.
Forkbeard had been a priest of Sune. The women were all buried in a mausoleum in the grounds of his ranch.

They set off for the estate and arrived at the iron gates of the perimeter wall. Inside was Rolf, a half orc guard. Magicus and Garacaius tried to bluff their way in with a forged letter saying they were mercenaries sent to guard the estate. The bluff failed so Majikus tried to 'sleep' the guard. Unfortunately his will was too strong and he only got angry. Noticing Majikus gesturing and muttering he drew his crossbow and shot him. The bolt grazed Majikus's temple and he fell unconcious. Surya healed him as the others let fly with slings and a magic missile. Things were getting out of hand so Jakob used all his diplomacy skill to get Rolf to cease firing. Amazingly, he succeeded (OoC beating a DC of 25!)and convinced Rolf to show the letter to the Baron.
Rolf whistled and a one armed hooded figure shuffled up, smelling of rose water. Rolf told this 'Elly' to take the letter to the Baron. She returned a little while later and passed a note to Rolf with the Barons reply:
He did not need the protection of any mercanaries and they should 'clear off'.
The group then debated as to what to do next

OoC 50xps for Jakob

As soon as the group was out of sight of the gates, Jakob spoke up. " I agree with the plan of using Hook to get a message in and coming back after dark to bust the women out. First, I think at least one of us should go to Nesme to buy provisions and tell Sam, even if the rest of us are scouting. We'll probably need to rest at some point in the day if we're not to be fatigued come nightfall. Now, the tactical details. At the risk of stating the obvious I see two main barriers - the gate, and the orc. There are three ways I see of getting past the gate. One, someone picks the lock. Unless anyone thinks they can do better, that's my job. Two, someone forces the lock," he nods to Milla, " you look like you could handle that. Three, Hook goes in and finds the keys. If we run into the orc, I don't want to use lethal force - I nearly got hanged last time we did that. Subduing him with saps and fists could be quite enough. If we do have to kill him, we should use the barbarian axes. That's all I can say just now, and it's all obvious."

"I think using hook is the least drastic course of action, and caution would be advised after our, accident with Rolf. Majikus, would Hook be able to deliver a message with some means of reply?"

Garacaius nods at Jakob as he continues

"Else I think we should let Jakob try some lockpicking during the night. Let us try to stay from things that would create noise or in some other way, warn the baron or his guard."

Majikus rubs his temple ...

"So we're stuck? Hmm...well, we can use Hook to investigate the grounds or even pass a message to someone or something ... i don't know ... all i know is now i've realised howmuch my head hurts!"

Majikus continues rubbing his head...

"I think we overlook the obvious here. Getting in shouldn't be a major problem. The walls are 10 ft, that means that it should be possible for a person to reach the top and get over just by standing on someones shoulders. Now if a hasty retreat is called for that may be a problem. Maybe we should use a rope as well to make things easier."

"About forcing the lock. Those were IRON gates. It's probably impossible for one person to do it. Perhaps it could be done with several people (or horses), but it would wake the entire estate that's for sure."

"I agree with Garacaius and cast my vote on a more stealthy approach."

Thomas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "You're right Milla, 10ft isn't so bad. So far we've only tried the obvious frontal approach, let's have a scout round. And Jakob's right too, we've already used several spells and only succeeded in annoying Rolf. We should find somewhere to rest up if we are going to return tonight."

[This message has been edited by Erran (edited August 24, 2001).]

"I'm all in favour of rest! And i like the idea of using rope or Hook but why not combine Hook and the Rope? I mean, we send Hook to 'Elly' delivering a message and then we use some rope to get over a wall and to meet her and use that to help get her over the wall without causing any deaths...Howabout that as a potential idea on stealth? Like it?"

"But don't we need to aquire a rope then? Or perhaps one of you have one with you? I agree Thomas, I wouldn't mind resting and reestablish my powers before we return here, and we could buy a rope in town if none has one I guess."

[This message has been edited by Lokken (edited August 24, 2001).]

My clerical powers have nearly ran out, I need rest to sustain my healing unless you all want to die from lack of healing. Rest it is.
Surya heads off towards town not caring if anyone is following him.

Thomas headed back to Nesme too. It was about a one hour journey. "We could sell some of those axes and buy a rope and grappling hook maybe?" he suggested.

OOC hehe, ignore this. Tal or someone go ahead and delete this if you get around to it

[This message has been edited by LordNocturne (edited August 24, 2001).]

They had only gone a few yards when they met a well built Half Orc who looked like a farmhand. Not wishing for any more trouble, Thomas said: "Calm down my friend, and tell us your story while we head back to town. It might be that we can help one another."

*Grog looks to Thomas and grunts in agreement, then begins following after the group, scratching his hairy head.* "Grog go with" *the half orc idly wonders what they want*

[This message has been edited by LordNocturne (edited August 24, 2001).]

Jakob followed the rest of the party into town and bought a tenday's worth of rations then rejoined the party. "Personally," he said, "I'm not in favour of climbing the walls. Not all of us are six feet tall. If we do go for that, we may have to leave me behind, but I've got a hempen rope if anyone will find that useful. I think we should get a message in with Hook. I remember someone suggested we send in ink and a pen too, so the women can write back, and maybe tell us when Rolf's off duty - a good idea, but I can't help but think all that stuff would make her rather conspicuous." He rattled his collection of lockpicks thoughtfully, " I still think that the gate's the best way in and out, if we can get there when Rolf's gone - he has to eat and sleep sometime, after all."

[This message has been edited by Ironbeard (edited August 24, 2001).]

*Scratches his head idly* "Back wall good for climbing, easy there"

Thomas bought Grog a tankard of grog (what else?) and questioned him about the layout. He learned that parts of the back wall were covered in ivy.
He also learned that none of the farmhands had been paid for a month and they were getting 'restless'.

Majikus eyes the half-orc cautiously...

"So er...Grog, why hasn't your boss paid you yet? and are your er ... farm lads getting angry with your boss?"

Majikus quickly turns to Thomas...

"I can spare about 20 gold for the whole parties use...would you want to keep it and spend it as you see fit ... for the benifit of the group ofcourse..."

Majikus then turns back to Grog looking expectantly at him while down some Red Spit (A form of ale i made up)

*Grog thanks Thomas for the grog and looks to Majikus. His brows furrow as he thinks, not something he's good at* "Rolf no say why...but we want our money! You help Grog get his money from Rolf? Grog no like Rolf, no trust 'im. Grog help you, you help Grog?" *Grog downs the grog in a single drink and wipes his mouth on the back of his arm, grinning at Thomas* "Grog go get his Axes?"

Jakob heard Grog talking to Thomas. " Oh!", he exclaimed, "Now we see! Not only is the oppresive feudal dictator fraudulently destroying the liberty of these women, he is denying the peasant classes he unjustly claims overlordship of their economic security. He must be overthrown!"

*Grog looks at Jakob with a blank expression, then looks at Thomas* "What it say?"

Garacaius walks to the local merchant and buys a tenday worth of rations as well, knowing that the trip to waterdeep might be a long one.
As he walks back he hears Jakob's little speach.

"Jakob, for a thief, pardon me, a rogue then, I have to admit you have very strongly politically opinions, how come this be?"

[This message has been edited by Lokken (edited August 26, 2001).]

"We can get your axe when we we return to the ranch, Grog. As for Jakob, I think he said 'Forkbeard is a bum'. By the way Jakob, do you have enough 'equipment' to force an entry if we have to?" Thomas asked.
Before he could reply, Samual came in.
"Have you seen our Esmie? Did you rescue her?" he babbled.

"Samuel, calm down. We are not sure who we saw, but there was someone. Rolf called her Elly and she smelled of rosewater, she had buisness in the garden it seemed when she wasn't doing errands for Rolf. Perhaps you can tell us who it was? Oh.. and.. there was something more, I think she had lost her arm, though I'm not sure. We'll return tonight to find a way in and find more information, and hopefully your Esmie."

[This message has been edited by Lokken (edited August 26, 2001).]

Jakob nodded to Grog, " Yes, that's about it, I'm saying it's high time we got your money out of that Baron. As for your question Thomas, I've got all the tools I need for picking locks and disarming traps, but I've been thinking, and I reckon I'd need a lot of luck, or a lot of time to get past anything but a very simple lock. Seems like climbing the walls is the way to go, although I might not make it, seeing as I'm no climber, and a good deal shorter than the rest of the party. You might as well take my rope for party use. There is *one* other way I might get in - how close were the bars on that gate? Oh, and one last thing. I reckon we should formulate a plan and let the women know early. No good us breaking in to find they've all gone to bed." He finally turns to Garaciaus. " Garaciaus, The details of it would bore you - well maybe not, elves seem to tolerate boredom more than other races - ugh, your songs... - suffice it to say that if it were not for my political opinions I would not lead the life of a rouge. I may tell you more some other time - when you tell me more about your sorcerous powers."

Garacaius makes some grumpy sounds at the criticism of elven songs but tries to speak in a polite voice "Well Jakob, if you don't consider my tales as boring as elven songs, I assume I could tell once we have better time. As for now I think we should plan what to do, while waiting for nightfall."

[This message has been edited by Lokken (edited August 26, 2001).]

Gash looked around at the group. Suddenly he felt that this mission meant so much more to him, it was more personal. He really did feel sorry for the farmhands who were opressed and the women the fat lord had stahsed away in his keep.

"Listen. Would it not be a good idea to utilise the farmhands? have them create some kind of diversion? We could dress them up as us, Im sure the guards would recognize the attire, have them distract him while we use the rope plan round the back. if they are willing to help that is..."

Majikus listens to Gash and nods

"Thats a good idea we should not let go to waste! But one problem, even though we could get the farmhands to help us, i bet at least oneor two of them wont and will remain faithful to the baron and inform him of our plan in the hope of getting more benifits ... Grog, can you tell us who is going to be faithful to us ... i mean of your farmhand friends..."

*Grog blinks and scratches his head, staring off into space for a couple of minutes. he snaps back into this world* "...Grog"

Samual looked shocked: "Why Garacaius, our Esmie is sound in wind and limb and fair as a Greengrass morn. And as for perfume, she always favoured lavender."

Thomas announced that he was going to his room to get a little shut eye, so he'd be ready for the evening's 'events'.

"Samuel, would you be able to mention anyone who could tell if the description fits on Elena then?"

Garacaius greets Thomas goodnight as he walks to his room

Upon hearing what Samual says, Majikus thinks for a moment...

"I think that we should try and raise a mutiny among the farmhands against the baron but upon reaching the baron's home, we lay hidden in any undergrowth while sending Hook in to scout out for Samual's sister...once found Hook returns to us and then use Hook again to pass a message to his sister asking her to wait near one of the walls..."

Majikus thinks for a moment again...

"And to provide a distraction we could ask Grog and his farmhand friends to start demanding their pay at the front gate distracting the Baron and Rolf and anyone else noticing us sneak Samual's sister over the wall via rope. And should anyone pot us and run to alarm anyone i'll cast sleep on them...Then we should then steal away into the night or if the situation at the gate with Grog gets violent, we help him as best as we can and then steal away into the night...hows that as an idea? I mean, If Grog helps us, we help him in return should there be a need. What do you lot say?"

Ooc: When my character goes to sleep this night he memorizes 2 sleep spells and 1 magic missile spell.

OOC Could we possibly have the session earlier? Maybe something like 6-9 (hehe) GMT? It's hard to be up from 10 to midnight when you have school the next day

Ooc: LordNocturne, to discuss matters on the time of the game go to my topic on game schedules...thats where all times are discussed...

Jakob replies to Majikus, "Your plan seems sound, but if we are to do something for Grog and his friends - and I for one would be frankly disgusted if they were to risk their employment and possibly their lives just to create a diversion for us - we would have to do it soon. I suggest that while we're in we steal his account ledger, or some similar documentary evidence, so that when we take him to court we ensure the farmhands get the money they deserve. If anyone wants to say anything further to me, I'll be in my room trying to get some rest."
And with that, Jakob left and went upstairs.

"i agree with Jakob...I feel that i must rest and relearn some spells..."

Majikus gets up, bows and bids the others a good evening before walking up the stairs...

Continued under: Meanwhile, back at the Ranch...