Discussion- Childsnatcher

[Asharad]

First of all, this whole situation is pretty cool.

It makes sense that I handle the streetwise stuff, as I believe that my sw skill is the highest.

Who are our other big guns on the diplomacy/insight/intimidate front?

[Shiz]

Use this thread for the investigation discussion.

I will list the skills bonuses we have by skill here -

Perception
Trask +17
Fandango +8

Insight
Baladir +12
Amaril +9

Intimidate
Amaril +12
Brunhilde +8

Diplomacy
Baladir +14
Fandango +9

Streetwise
Fandango +12
Amaril/Baladir +7

[Asharad]

That sorts out rather well.

[Shiz]

Since there are more rolls available per half day that we have characters, let's spread the fun around. Each of us can RP our roll as much as we want. If you like my proposal, then post in the adventure thread what you do.

If we make an Insight and Streetwise each day, we limit our ability to assist on the skill challenge skill check, so we want to keep those limited. Remember, we do not know which skill has the lowest DC unless we Insight first, but that Insight check might remove our best or second best person at the relevant skill from rolling. For example, if Baladir rolls Insight every time, then he won't be able to roll Diplomacy when we need him too.

Proposal for Day 1/Investigation 1:

Fandango Streetwise
Amaril Insight (to tell us which skill to use)

[EricStratton]

That works. Amaril's Intimidate is also high (+12) if we decide to go that route at some point. Of course if this first Insight check reveals Intimidate as the method of choice, that goes out the window.

[Shiz]

You and Fandango might as well post your rolls in the adventure thread to get us going.

[Shiz]

Since there are more rolls available per half day that we have characters, let's spread the fun around. Each of us can RP our roll as much as we want. If you like my proposal, then post in the adventure thread what you do.

If we make an Insight and Streetwise each day, we limit our ability to assist on the skill challenge skill check, so we want to keep those limited. Remember, we do not know which skill has the lowest DC unless we Insight first, but that Insight check might remove our best or second best person at the relevant skill from rolling. For example, if Baladir rolls Insight every time, then he won't be able to roll Diplomacy when we need him too.

Proposal for Day 1/Investigation 1:

Fandango Streetwise
Amaril Insight (to tell us which skill to use)

Given Sagar's write-up, I bet that Diplomacy is best here. Baladir, please use Diplomacy with the centaurs.

If anyone disagrees, speak up. The alternatives, Perception and Intimidation, don't seem apt here.

[Lycos]

Given Sagar's write-up, I bet that Diplomacy is best here. Baladir, please use Diplomacy with the centaurs.

If anyone disagrees, speak up. The alternatives, Perception and Intimidation, don't seem apt here.

Right. I'm on it. :D

[GravenStone]

Nothing like the buttered tongue of a paladin.

[Shiz]

I expect we have 1 success.

Let's use Baladir for Insight this time. Aaril will try Streetwise. This will leave Fandango available for Diplomacy or to assist Trask (Perception) or Brunhilde/Amaril (Intimidate).

Proposal Day 1/Investigation 2

Baladir Insight +12

[Asharad]

We can only do streetwise once a day, I thought.

[EricStratton]

We can only do streetwise once a day, I thought.
Doh, Ash is right.

That's ok, though. If it turns out the next roll would benefit from Intimidate, Amaril will be available.

[Shiz]

Ok. Once Sagar posts results for the last one, Baladir can do his Insight roll for the next one.

[Shiz]

I expect we have 1 success.

Let's use Baladir for Insight this time. Aaril will try Streetwise. This will leave Fandango available for Diplomacy or to assist Trask (Perception) or Brunhilde/Amaril (Intimidate).

Proposal Day 1/Investigation 2

Baladir Insight +12

Baladir's Insight makes it clear this is a Perception test.

Trask Perception +17
Fandango can assist if Trask rolls poorly.

Amaril, why don't you try a Streetwise after lunch?

[Lycos]

Well, we start to see a pattern of the kids getting into an argument with the parents right before they are kidnapped. Perhaps the kids wanted to leave, and they aren't allowed to come back now?

This guy down at the well sounds like a suspect. Perhaps the centaur child had interactions with this guy as well.

[Asharad]

At the next available opportunity I'll hit the streets and find out about this Angus guy.

[Lycos]

Same again?


Proposal for Day 2/Investigation 3:

Fandango Streetwise
Amaril Insight (to tell us which skill to use)

[Shiz]

Sure. We have two wins so let's keep it up.

As far as what we have found, it seems clear that the kidnapper is using an item dear to the child to either woo them away or spirit them away somehow. If it is not immediately obvious with the next one, we should look hard for a toy that the child held dear.

[Shiz]

Day 2/Investigation 3

Insight roll failed.
Streetwise successful but not relevant specifically to 3rd kidnapping. Good information about Angus but Fandango is learning this while we are here so we cannot use it this time.

We have a precocious child that might tell us something useful about his sibling's disappearance. Diplomacy or Intimidate are probably at play here, but I don't know which will be easier. I want to get Brunhilde involved, but Baladir's Diplomacy bonus is greater than the likely DC differential between two.

Also, Din seems afk due to work.

So, Baladir, do you want to try your charm again? Anyone else have an idea or believe that Intimidate is the best course?

[EricStratton]

Sounds like he wants to tell the truth so I'd think Diplo.

[Lycos]

I can try a Diplo roll if you want.

[Lycos]

Darn, its not as high as I was hoping. I'm hoping that Astral Speech can push us over for a success here.

[Shiz]

If Diplo was the right choice, 22 should squeak us by.

[Asharad]

can anybody assist?

[Lycos]

can anybody assist?

I think so. But Fandango is not there.

Maybe someone with a decent Diplo bonus can help out?

[EricStratton]

Amaril would (+7) but I think I used his roll on the Insight.

The remaining two are Brun and Trask at +3 and +4.

[EricStratton]

****, guess the kid did need a good beating. Sorry.

[Lycos]

****, guess the kid did need a good beating. Sorry.

*shrug* It was worth a try.

[Asharad]

So, this Mr. Angus (ah, I just got the name) mother****er is obviously up to no good. It's some sort of pied piper situation where he has convinced these kids to run off.

But where has he been? Maybe I should spend tomorrow trying to track him down?

Maybe you guys hit up the Duncans?

[Lycos]

Yeah, we should definitely hit up the Duncans.

[EricStratton]

So:

Kid
+
Favorite toy (probably given to kid by Angus)
+
Fight with parents
=
Can be whisked out of a locked room by Angus.

I definitely think the next streetwise outing should be looking for him or where he lives.

Instead of hitting kidnapping victim #4 next should we go check out the Duncan's (the dwarf-blood metalsmiths up near the 'del)?

ETA: Seems Lycos was thinking the same thing (re: Duncans).

[Asharad]

I'm thinking he convinces these kids they are going to go off on some adventure.

[Lycos]

One big thing is bugging me. How does he get the kids out without disturbing the locks. Both houses that I can remember have locks on the inside. Either magic or some creature with natural abilities to take them away, or could they still be there in the form of something else?

Also, this Mr. Angus might be another dupe in the whole plan. I would consider him innocent unless we can figure out his situation yet.

[EricStratton]

#1:

Centaur - had a toy sword given to him by Angus.

#2:

Nissa - had a bunny (NuNu) not given to her by Angus but also found later. Angus offerred to give her a doll. Which means he probably did and told her not to tell her parents.

(From the finding of NuNu we can guess they went went - found 3 miles past the western well)

#3:

Goblin - toy boat. Given to him by Angus? Can we go back and ask?

[EricStratton]

One big thing is bugging me. How does he get the kids out without disturbing the locks. Both houses that I can remember have locks on the inside. Either magic or some creature with natural abilities to take them away, or could they still be there in the form of something else?

Also, this Mr. Angus might be another dupe in the whole plan. I would consider him innocent unless we can figure out his situation yet.
I'm guessing the toys he gives them are like the DnD version of Harry Potter portkeys.

[Sagar]

So far, you guys are doing pretty well. I find the discussions fascinating. Those that aren't right make good fodder for future adventure :p

I have debated mentioning how you guys really aren't using assists to your advantage. But I don't think I'll mention it.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Hey don't feel bad, Brun isn't the talky type. Flexing is more her style, but only use her intimidate if Amaril's is already used, or is somehow failed.

[Shiz]

So far, you guys are doing pretty well. I find the discussions fascinating. Those that aren't right make good fodder for future adventure :p

I have debated mentioning how you guys really aren't using assists to your advantage. But I don't think I'll mention it.

Don't assists only add 2 to the main roll? Our failures have been by bigger margins than that.

Also, Lycos, by rolling Insight so fast you take yourself out of the equation. We might have needed Diplo again.

[EricStratton]

Don't assists only add 2 to the main roll? Our failures have been by bigger margins than that.

Also, Lycos, by rolling Insight so fast you take yourself out of the equation. We might have needed Diplo again.
I've been afraid to assist assuming a failed assist = penalty.

As for Lycos rolling Insight, we don't know if we'll need Diplo until we get Insight, right?

[Shiz]

Right but Sagar's description is written so as to give us a hint.

[Lycos]

I'm just following what we did yesterday.

[Sagar]

The first one had a hint. They are getting deliberately more vague as we go along.

Failed assists have no penalty.

[EricStratton]

Fandango rolled a 25 streetwise to find the Duncans. Should I still assist or save my roll in case it's needed?

[Sagar]

Fandango rolled a 25 streetwise to find the Duncans. Should I still assist or save my roll in case it's needed?

DC was 15.. save it :p

[EricStratton]

DC was 15.. save it :p
That was nice of you, thanks. :)

[Lycos]

With this woman being resistant to our line of conversation, it might help us to get some additional insight into the situation. Can someone assist me?

[Lycos]

Anyone else? I have the feeling this is a DC 20.

[Lycos]

Anyone else? I have the feeling this is a DC 20.

Disregard. I read it as a 9 result. I need thicker glasses. :evileye:

[Lycos]

Brun is our next intimidate person, who wants to roll for her?

[Lycos]

Hey Ash. If we don't hear from Brun before tomorrow morning, maybe you should roll your intimidation instead.

[Sagar]

Ash rolled streetwise to find the place.

We just need someone to roll for Brun (and use her intimidation).

[Lycos]

I don't think we are meant to intimidate this woman. :D

[Lycos]

Woops, I put it in the wrong thread. LOL Does it count?

[Sagar]

Woops, I put it in the wrong thread. LOL Does it count?

Unfortunately, yes.

[Lycos]

How do we want to proceed today on the first investigation?

[Shiz]

I am confused. Can we 'griff and investigate before the Sidhe?

[Asharad]

I think you guys are going to check out the griffins, I'm going to hit the town and see if I can't get you a lead to follow up on.

[Lycos]

Yes, Sagar said we can still do one investigation before the meeting.

[Shiz]

Record so far
Centaur: success
Woodcutters: success
Goblin family: failure
Duncans: failure

Proposal Day 3/Investigation 5

Fandango: Streetwise about Angus so he is out of the loop

Amaril: Insight

Leaves Bal, Trask and Brun available to roll/assist.

[Shiz]

Lycos, go for Diplo. Trask will roll to assist. Brun will sample his wares!

[DinbinFanfoom]

Lycos, go for Diplo. Trask will roll to assist. Brun will sample his wares!
Brun will offer to pay, of course. Probably tip well too.

[Sagar]

I made this D20 response chart based on Asharad's rumor mongering:

1. Riot of angry parents convinced by rumors gone amok that the Duncans were the kidnappers. Shop destroyed. Family killed.

2-4. Hostile crowd forms which must be dispersed by the guards and protectors. Unrest reigns in town for (5-roll) days.

5-7: Family seeks reparations from the group for loss of business resulting from slander based on rumors. Group fined 1000-roll*100 gold.

8-12: Nothing discernable happens.

13-17: Guards visit home. Since you didn't tell any council members about your leads, the visit garners nothing.

18-20: [redacted] comes to the citadel to speak with you about the matter.

Just to give you an idea of how I think about these things. In this case, rumors are very random things. They can get a life of their own.. go viral, as it were, and lead to significant consequences. Or, they can fizzle out and die.. or anything in between. Thus the random result.

[DinbinFanfoom]

If the family DOES get into trouble with the public, I say we can possibly turn this around into a win again by defending them (disperse the mob) which might win their (the family's) favour and make them more cooperative. (Bad Cop, Good Cop)

[Lycos]

Ok, now we need to determine what to tell the Sidhe. Here are my thoughts.

I think we could divulge all of our investigations so far, or leave out details depending on how well we trust them all.

We know a few things. It all ties to a person(s) in the area who is extremely friendly with children, and convince children that they want to be something that differs from their parent's plans. This eventually causes friction with the parent and child, and we think the child leaves in some way that may include magic or some other extraordinary method, like an enchanted being who can get around non-magical locks.

This is definitely similar to Malacon's MO. He is more than likely behind this. I think the children are still alive. And I think Mr. Angus and Granny Smith may be innocent persons caught in Malacon's magic.

The investigation is ongoing, and we are making satisfactory progress.

Steps that the Sidhe can take to help us.

1. They can be on the lookout for people who have large amounts of children hanging around them. We are currently looking for this Mr. Angus and Granny Smith. They could help us by keeping a lookout for them and notifying us as soon as they see them.

[Asharad]

And I think Mr. Angus and Granny Smith may be innocent persons caught in Malacon's magic.


Why do you think this?

Angus, in any event, seems to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. He seems to only exist for the period of time in which he deals with these kids, then dissapear.

[Shiz]

I agree that we should share the Angus/Granny info. This seems to be an obvious link that no one had put together before.

[Lycos]

Why do you think this?

Angus, in any event, seems to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. He seems to only exist for the period of time in which he deals with these kids, then dissapear.

Because he doesn't live anywhere. If it were an existing person taken over by Malacon, they would have had a home, etc.

[Asharad]

Because he doesn't live anywhere. If it were an existing person taken over by Malacon, they would have had a home, etc.


So do you think they are innocent people or Malacon?

[Shiz]

I think they are no longer innocent, but they were.

Now, for the Sidhe, Sagar asked if there is anything we do not want to share with her. Some thoughts:

1) Best if we do not reveal that we were ones who freed Malacon
2) No reason to mention the Sanbalet stuff
3) or that we live in Saltmarsh
4) the old man in Saltmarsh should remain our secret

I think it helps us, though, if we share exploits that make us look capable

1) dealing with the lizardmen danger to the people of Saltmarsh (mission from the Baron)
2) killing the dragon afterwards
3) we should share what Fandango witnessed in Bracken
4) and the subsequent vampire episode

[Shiz]

Proposal for Sidhe encounter:

Diplo: Baladir with Astra Speech
Fandango can assist

Insight: Amaril
Trask can assist

[Lycos]

I think they are no longer innocent, but they were.

Now, for the Sidhe, Sagar asked if there is anything we do not want to share with her. Some thoughts:

1) Best if we do not reveal that we were ones who freed Malacon
2) No reason to mention the Sanbalet stuff
3) or that we live in Saltmarsh
4) the old man in Saltmarsh should remain our secret

I think it helps us, though, if we share exploits that make us look capable

1) dealing with the lizardmen danger to the people of Saltmarsh (mission from the Baron)
2) killing the dragon afterwards
3) we should share what Fandango witnessed in Bracken
4) and the subsequent vampire episode

I agree. We can mention that we fought some pirates which lead us to the lizardmen situation.

I think the insight information is going to help us determine where we go with the conversation.

[Lycos]

So do you think they are innocent people or Malacon?


The more info we get about these people that the kids are hanging around with, the more I think they may be Malacon. There is an off chance that they are people who didn't live in the city before, and are being used now.

And could they be innocent people, I think its possible. But in most cases, it has been people making deals with Malacon to get something out of their deal, so they are not so innocent thus far.

[Lycos]

Seeing that no one has any glaring problems with what Shiz wrote. We'll go with that.

[EricStratton]

Is my Insight roll (to assist Trask) even needed now?

[Shiz]

No. You back up Brun with Initimidate.

[EricStratton]

/me high fives Brun. "Let's do this!"

[Lycos]

Why are you going to intimidate her?


You got nothing to go on. You don't even know what she is going to say.

[Lycos]

I think a perception attempt would be best for someone who has the city guard at their disposal.

[Shiz]

The Insight roll says that Perception is a lower DC than Intimidation, so we should go with that. Fandango has the best Perception after Trask I believe. Amaril can try and assist.

[Shiz]

Amaril and/or Brunhilde, assist Fandango's Perception check.

[Shiz]

Given what we have experienced so far with Malacon, it is certainly not uncharacteristic for him to have gone after the Sidhe with his manipulations.

[Asharad]

I'm not sure if that is what is happening or if she is just some combination of two species and that is what we are seeing.

or smelling, in this case.

[Asharad]

Any downside to me asking her what she is?

By which I mean it seems like everyone in Defiance is something and something but from the description she seems "normal."

[Lycos]

Do we want to do an arcana check on the things that the children have left behind, but were their favorites?

[Shiz]

Umm, yes. Why haven't we thought of that before? Great idea.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Umm, yes. Why haven't we thought of that before? Great idea.
Crap, I thought we did that. Hence Brun's request in the other thread. Maybe the Sidhe can help, if she knows much about things arcana. My hunch is that the napper is using these items (bound to the napper) to "summon" the child, or at the very least travel to them and back. Hence the locked doors/windows. The items are a kind of transponder/transporter.

[Lycos]

Crap, I thought we did that. Hence Brun's request in the other thread. Maybe the Sidhe can help, if she knows much about things arcana. My hunch is that the napper is using these items (bound to the napper) to "summon" the child, or at the very least travel to them and back. Hence the locked doors/windows. The items are a kind of transponder/transporter.

I agree.

[Asharad]

I'll do streetwise but am unsure of what to look for.

[Lycos]

I'll do streetwise but am unsure of what to look for.

Some ideas:

More leads through rumors can always be good.

Check with people who know about Granny Smith. Where does she live?

[Sagar]

You don't have to look for anything in particular. If you do have a specific goal, though, you get bonuses to your search.

[Asharad]

Any other thoughts as to what I should investigate. granny Smith seems to be the only solid thing right now.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Any other thoughts as to what I should investigate. granny Smith seems to be the only solid thing right now.I agree, our only lead.

[Shiz]

Someone other than Trask or Amaril roll a Streetwise assist. We need to hit 25 DC.

[Lycos]

A sting operation might work for finding Mr. Angus and/or Granny Smith, but it would risk another child being taken. We would have to go to the council to make that happen.

[Shiz]

Huntmaster:

We should share with him the link we found between kids, a special item or promise of adventure and Angus/Granny Smith. It might make him think of something we are missing. I cannot think of anything related to our findings that we would want to keep from him.

Investigation:

Insight: Baladir (an assist roll only if necessary)

Streetwise: none

This leaves all of us to help in the skill check roll.

[Asharad]

Any value in my going out one last time to try and see if I can find anything else out?

[Sagar]

Any value in my going out one last time to try and see if I can find anything else out?

Council members generally request that you all be present.

I forgot to mention that this time.

[Lycos]

Ok, guys. I'm leaving for the day. I don't want to slow you down.

I have used my symbol to try and discern a way to find the children. In the spirit of not having to wait until I return. Here is my vision.

As you settle into meditation, you see yourself in shadows again.

You see the puppeteer figure you've come to associate with Malacon. It seems to be in a blackish shadow to the east of you. It's back is too you and it's attention seems to be directed farther to the east.

You find yourself in a different shadow. This one is more gray with swirls of mist that seem highlighted by an ominous red/orange glow. You can't see the source of the light however.

In this shadow, you catch glimpses of another figure. This one seems to flit between crone, cow and mist. As you watch, it lifts a child to it's mouth bites off it's head. The headless body is set down to join a line of other headless creatures that march quietly into a dark tunnel.


It doesn't sound like it is Malacon, but some Bovine witch of some sort??? And dark tunnel???

[EricStratton]

Ok, guys. I'm leaving for the day. I don't want to slow you down.

I have used my symbol to try and discern a way to find the children. In the spirit of not having to wait until I return. Here is my vision.



It doesn't sound like it is Malacon, but some Bovine witch of some sort??? And dark tunnel???
Well, the bovine is Mr. Angus. The crone is the Granny Smith. So we can be sure they are the same creature. But might not be Malacon?

[Asharad]

Doesn't sound like Malacon at all. Given the vision, Malacon is off somewhere else.



I hope the head biting thing is metaphorical.

[Shiz]

The only hint in that vision is mist. We should ask the Huntmaster about any ideas. I will roll for Baladir today.

I am guessing that this challenge will be Perception or Intimidate since we have had so much Diplomacy already.

[Shiz]

We are going to need another Insight roll from Amaril (+9) or Trask (+7). We need DC 20 if past is prologue. With Baladir's roll as an assist, that means Amaril needs to roll a 9 or better.

[EricStratton]

We are going to need another Insight roll from Amaril (+9) or Trask (+7). We need DC 20 if past is prologue. With Baladir's roll as an assist, that means Amaril needs to roll a 9 or better.
Done. Just barely but done.

[DinbinFanfoom]

I'm no cartographer but that looks a lot like a line.
Brun agrees. It looks like the ribbon was the last thing dropped. If we are to search, we start tracking from that point.

Other observations:
"The only other curious thing about that night. Normally, when my wife is gone, I sleep fitfully and wake easily. That was doubly true while the kidnappings were going on. That night, I slept very hard and still felt groggy when I awoke. And I had had nothing to eat or drink for at least 3 hours before I went to bed."He was drugged, Brun thinks. Since we can rule out food additives, it must have been some sort of gas, or some sort of magic that made him sleep better. Would his own child drug him in order to sneak out? I hope not, and think not...
He finds a curious thing. When opening the window, he finds several fibers stuck on the rough stone just outside the window. The fibers obviously came from a rope. Looking back in the room, he finds a circumferential abrasion around the bed leg closest to the window. From the marks in the dust under the bed, Trask concludes the bed leg recently moved towards the window and was pushed almost back to it's original position.
So the boy either tied a rope to the bed and let it down to someone to climb up (and then moved the bed back) and he and someone left by another means... if the pair could fly from the window, why not just fly up TO the window? Odd...

Brun asks the Huntsmaster: "Iz za room just as it vas ven he vent missing? Has anyzing been moofed?" (No reason the Huntsmaster should not know about the bed... can't see him abducting his own child)

If the child climbed out on his own accord... which is entirely possible... how did the bed get moved back?

[Asharad]

And how did the window get closed and locked?

[DinbinFanfoom]

And how did the window get closed and locked?
Brun: "Ya! Und zat!"

Does Amaril know of any arcane ways to enter rooms without opening doors? (Some kind of arcane roll required, I'd say). Or maybe legends of monsters that were able to do same? (History?)

OOC: Refresh my memory... was this particular child "given" anything by Granny/Angus lately?

[Asharad]

This should be in the discussion thread so if we could just pretend it is, that'd be great.

What if he wasn't sleeping unusually deeply, what if he was being influenced and was unwillingly an accomplice? Like, he was being mind controlled or something and now doesn't remember it.

I really wish we could get something out of those ****ing dwarves.

[DinbinFanfoom]

This should be in the discussion thread so if we could just pretend it is, that'd be great.I just stick OOC: in front of anything that isn't obviously discussion...

What if he wasn't sleeping unusually deeply, what if he was being influenced and was unwillingly an accomplice? Like, he was being mind controlled or something and now doesn't remember it.Now THAT is one explanation that covers the bases... parents get mind controlled into letting the napper in and out, at the very least. We never asked the other napper-parents if they had a similar "rest" the night of... did we?
I really wish we could get something out of those ****ing dwarves.What if we revisit them WITH a local personage they trust, say the Huntsmaster?

[Lycos]

I moved the posts to stick to Sagar's wishes about keeping the two conversations separate.

[Sagar]

I really wish we could get something out of those ****ing dwarves.

Speaking of that, please give me a D20 roll.

[Lycos]

It does seem that we might have the drugged parents. Something similar to what the Sidhe used against us. Hmmmmmmm...

That's something I just thought about.

[DinbinFanfoom]

It does seem that we might have the drugged parents. Something similar to what the Sidhe used against us. Hmmmmmmm...
That's something I just thought about.That isn't a bad idea. Chekov's gun and all that. Do we dare shadow the Sidhe?

[Lycos]

OK, it seems that we have a direction to head.

And now, we know its some sort of monster that can turn into mist. Vampires are the first thing that come to mind, but I think that might not be it.

Let's all do some nature checks to see if we can remember an intelligent monster who can turn into mist.

And I really liked the old lady hitting Fandango in the head. :D

[DinbinFanfoom]

And I really liked the old lady hitting Fandango in the head. :DMe too, but I expected her next words to be "YOU SAID YOU'D CALL ME!"

[EricStratton]

I'm assuming granny's speech summed up most of the questions that were asked here today (I'm late to the party).

[DinbinFanfoom]

I'm assuming granny's speech summed up most of the questions that were asked here today (I'm late to the party).Yeah, I think the DM got tired of us chasing our tails like a team of Inspector Gadget's.

[Sagar]

No.. that was a pre-planned event if you succeeded in the challenge. Basically, you gave the Huntmaster enough info that it triggered his memory of a batty old lady and her wild tale. Given what you said, maybe it wasn't so wild so he sent his aide to fetch her.

If you had failed the test, but you got good streetwise rolls and good rolls with the Duncans, you could have gotten much of the same information (but without the map).

[Lycos]

Boogeyman. Hmmmm... Now to figure out how to catch one. Because I can see the fight go something like this...

Fight begins.

Fight ends.

Boogeyman runs away as some mist.

[Sagar]

So, how did you like this challenge?

Was it enjoyable? Engaging? Too long? Too short?
Too focused? Too vague?

Want more? Don't ever repeat anything like this?

[Shiz]

****ing Perfect. Loved it.

[Lycos]

****ing Perfect. Loved it.

****ing Ditto. :D

Seriously. It went really well. Not slow at all. I liked it a lot.

[EricStratton]

I liked it a lot too. Maybe a bit long b/c I got lost there at the end w/ who did what and how many more of something we could do. Other than that it was a lot of fun.

[Asharad]

Yeah, that was really cool and really well done. it didn't feel like just an accounting of a bunch of rolls.

[Sagar]

It was kinda fun to make up to. I decided to make a couple of paths to essential data so you weren't screwed by one bad roll.

For those of you with ADD, I'll limit future challenges to 5 steps :p

[Shiz]

The multi step was great. What saved it was that you gave us a good heads up ahead of time. That gave us incentive to plan each part more carefully.

[Lycos]

For those of you with ADD, I'll limit future challenges to 5 steps :p

Maybe typing slower would help ES to understand? ;) :lowlol:

[EricStratton]

Glass houses, Lycos. You thought your vision pointed to a bovine witch. :lowlol:

Sagar, if you could spell things out a bit more for Lycos we could avoid such embarrassments. Just explain things like you would to a child. ;)

[Sagar]

I tried that. It didn't work.

Children have longer attention spans.

:p

[Lycos]

Glass houses, Lycos. You thought your vision pointed to a bovine witch. :lowlol:

Sagar, if you could spell things out a bit more for Lycos we could avoid such embarrassments. Just explain things like you would to a child. ;)

:fawkyoo:

:lowlol:

[DinbinFanfoom]

Do we even NEED to fight them? Maybe a nature roll to soothe them and then we back away, slowly?

[Lycos]

Do we even NEED to fight them? Maybe a nature roll to soothe them and then we back away, slowly?

I would prefer not to fight them, but the blood thirsty cleric seems hell bent on their destruction. ;)

Even if we could move out of their way, do you think the aggressive territorial animal would leave us if we just moved down a few hundred feet? I don't know. Sounds like a gamble, but if we can resolve this without killing them, I would prefer that. :D

[DinbinFanfoom]

Even if we could move out of their way, do you think the aggressive territorial animal would leave us if we just moved down a few hundred feet? I don't know. Sounds like a gamble, but if we can resolve this without killing them, I would prefer that. :DAgreed. They don't seem to be ATTACKING yet... Brun is as bloodthirsty as the next, but she wouldn't kill an animal unless it was attacking or she was hungry... :P

[Shiz]

Trask has made no aggressive move. He just failed on his nature check so he cannot advise on how to deal with these beasts.

[Shiz]

Re: Orphanage, I don't understand what we lose by coming clean with this guy, actually, but our story can be that we escorted some arms from the Barony as agents of the Baron and we volunteered to do this so we could see more of Defiance, a place we had heard about in stories but never really believed existed.

Maybe play this as wild-eyed adventurers looking for opportunity.

If he is complicit in the kidnappings, he might attack us right here? I doubt that, but we wouldn't be safe tonight.

How do we read the encounter with the kid in the woods in regards to this orphanage?

[Lycos]

I got burned the last time I opened up too early. Let's give him enough to make us plausible, but not any more information than he needs. We can open up as we feel things are going well.

Right now, I don't get the feeling he is involved. We'll see.

[EricStratton]

I'm tempted to either pull out a stick from the Giving Tree we butchered or "accidentally" drop one to see if it gets an extreme reaction from the guy.

[Lycos]

I'm thinking that this guy is more powerful than we know. I made a decent bluff, and it did not take on him.

[Asharad]

Didn't whoever took the kids want gems?

The orphanages primary job seems to involve gems. Not sure what that means, as they have a supply already.

Kids working in the mines is kinda harsh but that may be Ash thinking and not Fandango.

[Lycos]

This is starting to make some sense. The goat herder was the one who sent us down in the area where we went. And the Oni sent the bears, while we were there. The guy was the only one who knew we would be there.

I think we need to ride to make sure the orphanage kids are ok, and then head back to where we found the goat herder. We can leave the extra horses with the Father until we get back. We need to move quickly.

[Asharad]

Nice catch ES.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Which hatches: why would the snatcher snatch batches of latchkeys from town when he could more easily snatch em from this orphanage? Maybe Cullane and the ogre-guy are too watchful and protective? They must be related somehow...

[DinbinFanfoom]

"I know that Oni's like underground lairs or cleverly hidden strongholds.Like mines?
"They also use guards of various evil races or maybe even just dangerous monsters like owlbears.Like half-ogres?
I am immediately suspect that the mines your kids are in may be linked to his lair somehow. Do you know of any other cave complexes in the area that such a creature might call home?"I'm not ready to let Cullane off the hook right yet... could goat guy and Cullane be the same person, different disguise?

[Lycos]

I'm not ready to let Cullane off the hook right yet... could goat guy and Cullane be the same person, different disguise?

I think Cullane is innocent. The Oni wants stuff. How best to get stuff from taking kids from parents who have a lot of stuff.

[Shiz]

This house is not an appropriate Oni lair at all, either.

[Lycos]

This house is not an appropriate Oni lair at all, either.

Good point.

[Asharad]

Or it doesn't look like one now. The Oni, presumably, wouldn't look like an Oni either.

That's right...mind....BLOWN!

[Lycos]

That's right...mind....BLOWN!

:rotflmao: Jack Black, is that you??? :mrgreen:

[Asharad]

It's just ridiculously convenient that we are looking for an oni, a creature that apparently likes to gather wealth (specifically in the form of gems in this case) and servants (specifically in the form of kids) and that all the clues pointed us to this orphanage that is full of kids that gather gems, but that the two aren't connected.

if there is an Oni around, this orphanage would have been his first target, it is simply a target of opportunity. It could have gathered all these kids up and nobody would have known.

[Lycos]

I think we should check the items for arcana, but at this point, the Father has been reacting like someone who cares for the kids. They're not property to him. The kids appear fine.

[Asharad]

We survive this and somebody owes me a nice present.

I'm like the love child of Sherlock Holmes and Johnny Depp.

[DinbinFanfoom]

It's just ridiculously convenient that we are looking for an oni, a creature that apparently likes to gather wealth (specifically in the form of gems in this case) and servants (specifically in the form of kids) and that all the clues pointed us to this orphanage that is full of kids that gather gems, but that the two aren't connected.Hey, I think I said that before. Brun would make a good Watson, maybe...? Kids mining gems, guarded by an ogre. I mean... either it's obvious or it's TOO obvious and this is a red herring.

[DinbinFanfoom]

It's entirely possible we might have multiple Oni as well. Heck, these two kids might be Oni.

[Asharad]

As you may have noticed, I have decided it was in all of our best interests to get to the asskicking.

Being brave, I'm picking on a little girl.

I got a meeting.

[DinbinFanfoom]

As you may have noticed, I have decided it was in all of our best interests to get to the asskicking.
Being brave, I'm picking on a little girl.
I got a meeting.
As I suspected. I assume your stellar perception verified it.

PS: Any time Sagar goes with a "put down your weapons, it's a church" or "take of your armour, it scares children" I get super suspicious. Bun will be cold-cocking the next nun before she gets the "remove" in "please be respectful, remove your shoes before playing in the fountain." out.

[Lycos]

PS: Any time Sagar goes with a "put down your weapons, it's a church" or "take of your armour, it scares children" I get super suspicious. Bun will be cold-cocking the next nun before she gets the "remove" in "please be respectful, remove your shoes before playing in the fountain." out.

:lowlol:

Paranoid Powers Activate! :D

[Lycos]

Nice call Ash. You da man.

[EricStratton]

Wow, nice, Ash. Did you get any additional info that led you to your conclusion? Or just your genius intellect?

[Asharad]

Yeah, this is actually really cool on Sagar's part. So much so that I totally forgive him for DMing the girl seeing through my bluff!

When I decided to do some juggling he gave me a list of things I could juggle. One of them was a stone statue. Another was a hilt. The guy going nutty made me suspicious, so when I did perception on them I got this message:

You remember that the Sidhe said her daughter carved a stone statue that was a remarkable likeness to Granny Smith and that statue disappeared.

The stone statue on the mantle is a remarkable accurate depection of an old woman of indeterminate ancestry.

Also, you remember that one boy had a favorite toy sword that disappeared with him. Buck was his name, if you remember correctly. And the sword has a "B" carved into the hilt.Also, all sorts of stuff about this was bugging me. The aformentioned fact that we were looking for something that was exactly like this set up, the dude being super fast, it striking me as weird that the kids were put to work in a mine, which is super dangerous.

I think Sagar was throwing up all sorts of cool little clues.

[Asharad]

Conversation after the battle:

Trask:That was great Fandango, how did you know the little girl was evil?
Fandango: The little girl was evil!?!?

[DinbinFanfoom]

Since Brun will likely never be the one to figure out even vaguely complex plots (at least in the RP sense), I think each perceptive / insightful type should have a secret "code word" that will immediately queue Brun to attack anything near her without question. I mean... if they're very, very sure. And her hand isn't full of beer mugs or something. No wait, that would work OK too. Improvised weapon, yeah. That's the ticket.

Plus it'd be great if she just wigs out and draws attention / creates the diversion when something as harmless as "my, that's a nice teddy bear you have there, Mikey" is dropped.

[Asharad]

I was actually thinking about this. We should have a word that means "danger!" or whatever.

[GravenStone]

Hey Rube!!

[EricStratton]

Rosebud

[DinbinFanfoom]

I think "spidermonkey" would be an appropriate trigger-word for Brun to "get it started in here".

[DinbinFanfoom]

This is a can't-hit-friendlies area sleep spell? :~

[Sagar]

These particular friendlies are immune.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Remind me how many THP Brun gets with her howling strike again? Is it +4 (con mod) or +7 (con mod + level mod)?
Because Brun currently has that many THP, how many ever that is. (She hit the Oni with it)

[Shiz]

Just con mod.

[DinbinFanfoom]

Just con mod.
OK, that's what I thought. Sagar: Brun has 4 THP, currently.