[pnpgm] Game Update #43b - File #322 - Party investigates for Z''leyra
pnpgm
pnpgm at comcast.net
Thu Feb 25 00:31:40 CET 2016
s
HT Player DS Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex
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R1.John Haight.......HY..Arawn.............Druid .Normal/Alfar .. Ma
--.Tobie Bonahoom....YY..Fremea............Sidh....Normal/Faerry.. Fe
R3.Mark Murtha.......HN..Kell..............Trader..Normal/Human....Ma
W2R2.David Sanders.....HN..Kiet.Sunan........Acrobat Normal/Human ..Ma
R4.Wout Broere.......YY..Unali.............Ninja...Normal/Human ..Fe
R3 Panthera..............Pyandalgor........Hunter..Normal/Human....Ma
W3R4.Alex Koponen......YY..Z'leyra...........Healer..Normal/Human ..Fe
Animals: Corona [Eagle] Z'leyra
Game Web Site - http:/nrgcomputers.com/pbem/
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Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm at comcast.net
Game Update #43b sequence (file #322)
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Admin Notes: None.
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[Recap]
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea watches fascinated by the magical projection. ...
When Fremea sees Garr taking off, she will slip away and remove
her dress, allowing her to fly after. She will also speak to
Corona in eagle to see if he wants to join her. She will stay
high enough that most won't notice her, but making she she does
not Garr along the way.
GM: Ack. I actually got this today and finished your part last
night. I added the introspection at top to the top part.
But the last paragraph is done more or less as reuested
but slightly different. See below.
------------------------------------------------------------
[New Stuff]
[Ticasi]
[Decalis 24th, 1634TH]
[Tiren/Z'leyra's House]
[Time: 3:15 pm]
Right after the illusion is viewed.
From Fremea: [Re: Actions]
Fremea watches fascinated by the magical projection. She has
seen illusions before, both as she grew up and what Z and Kiet
have done, but this is a whole new level of magic. She has
started to realize she will need to rely a little bit more on
magic items for certain tasks. Not like Z does, but more for
protection of her kids and family. Then the person kills Z's
father and seems to look like Z. This is all a bit surprising,
but not real to her. She has seen many a time when things were
setup to look like something, including what she just went
through. This was obviously a setup of some sort.
As she watches the scene play out, she looks around at the
witnesses and notices the Smiths smiling and some strange girl
looking very uneasy. They will need to be well questioned,
either by Kiet or perhaps she can help in starting it.
[Time: 3:26 pm]
Before Arawn can stop Unali running off in digestive distress
the Alfar sees the deputy start off with Z'leyra. He waves
a hand and stops them.
"Was your twin an identical twin? What else do we know of
your twin?" Arawn asks pleading for some insight.
By now the bulk of the crowd has left only leaving Lental,
Uncle Hammerhand, Cousin Armwrestle and fellow ex--student
Harrada.
The constable finishes his notes and hands them to the
deputy. Hammerhand then directs the constable to stay since
he was not given further orders. The deputy confirms he
should remain mostly at the shop until relieved.
Z'leyra turns toward the group. She notices a new expression
she has not seen before. Could they actually believe she
did this? Maybe there is doubt.
[Time: 3:30 pm]
Kell sees Armwrestle start to leave and moves toward him.
Whispering he asks if he might could help him. Kell explains
he does not read the languages here so could use a native.
He rather not bother Hammerhand.
"Sure. I can help if I can. I may not be a close family
member to her." Armwrestle glances at Z'leyra heading down
the street. "But I suspect the truth will come out. One
way or another. If it means we can find it today. I'll help."
Kell begins to walk fast trying to explain his plan. First
thing is to find his contact list which happens to be at the
tavern they stayed at. He starts in that direction.
Kiet and Pyan head Poorda's place.
Fremea finds a spot and removes her dress. She takes to
the sky and tries to spot Corona. It takes her a few minutes
to finally find him. She heads that way to hope to catch up.
Arawn watches others move and frowns at Unali. He had hoped
to follow Hayna. But she has now a head start. Besides a
fellow female might have a better chance than some strange male.
Arawn finds Hammerhand talking to the constable and starts to
ensure the place will be guarded before he moves out.
Z'leyra downtrodden with magical cuffs begins to move down
the street. The deputy and another constable to each side.
Why couldn't they bring a wagon? The deputy looks over to
her and says a few minutes away from the others, "for what's
it worth. If this wasn't you then I hope we can prove it.
I see how your friends feel about you. They show their support
and that seems to sway me. I hope good luck in what is to
come."
For the next 15 minutes Z'leyra and Ticasi move north to
the court house.
Unali jogs south west away from the party in hopes to
find Hayna. With all the talk the others were done she
got a good head start. She saw the woman going down
the street then turn. As she jogs she removes her hair
band to make her hair flow down rather than in a ponytail.
It is best to look at least as feminine as possible. She
has learned all these tricks in the court intrigues back in
Malnon.
For the next 10 minutes she tails the woman who is oblivious
to being followed by Unali.
[Time: 3:35 pm]
Kiet and Pyan arrive at Poorda's place. A constable is
outside and both can hear noise inside. The front door
is open and both see the dean inside. He has bent over
the body and confirms she is dead. The dean exits and
comes outside retracing his steps when he came in.
The constable warns the two that they can't enter the
house until allowed. For the next 40 minutes the Dean
and constable try to investigate as much as they can without
entering deep inside.
Once outside the Dean nods to the two in greeting and
speaks to the constable. "You've not touched anything
inside?"
"No. I came inside to confirm she was dead then stepped
out. I found the door unlocked and slightly ajar." The
constable replies.
"Looks like she was attacked from behind and based on her
neck it looks broken. A strong man had to have done this."
The dean glances at Kiet. "It does seem like murder. This
is not good for timing."
The dean tells the two to stand back. Both Ticasi men
begin a slow walk around the house. They murmur to each other
as they talk.
[Time: 3:40 pm]
Fremea finally catches up and waves at Corona. Down below
some 200 feet or so they watch Garr's wagon moving further
north eastward.
Arawn arrives at Poorda's house. He ensures things are going
well here. He offers Pyan to use the necklace one last time
before he moves out.
[Time: 3:45 pm]
At the court the process begins to form the hearing. Z'leyra
has never been in this impressive 5 story court house until
now. She has heard of students coming here but not herself.
Inside she is ushered to a empty large room that could fit
50-60 in empty rows. The constable remains nearby as the
deputy bids her well and leaves.
In the next 15 minutes Z'leyra see a flurry of activity.
A man rushes in that says he is her public advocate. If
things to a full trial she can get a new one. He explains
that in the local system there are 3 Council members who
stand as observers. A judge sits in full judgement but
can listen to advice from the 3 council members. Since
this was a ex-councilor's murder 3 councilors are required
to be present. The jury will be missing as this is just
a hearing.
Councilor Lental enters from a rear door of the north wall
and is now dressing a blue robe. She takes one of the three
seats behind a large stone desk structure. Soon another
man in blue tunics arrives and says he is the prosecutor
proctor.
Another man in blue arrives from the rear door. This
man steps forward. "It has been asked that councilor
Martin attend as judge. Do you wish this as we seem to
have information of a conflict?"
Z'leyra considers this and wonders if this is a test.
If she says no would this hinder her case? The public
lawyer nods to go ahead. She says no she would not want
him for various reasons. The man in blue robes then nods.
"So requeested. Scribe will record such request as approved."
Z'leyra looks to the right wall and sees a man she missed
a scribe who is busy with a quill. The public lawyer
leans in, "that is Councilor Duke. The dean must've
got him I heard he was very busy. If the law is to be
questioned he is the best man for the job."
A few minutes later a female in blue robes arrives from
the back door and takes the 3rd Council member seat facing
the defense and prosecution tables. The lawyer leans in
and explains, "Councilor Marna.'
Z'leyra studies all three of them. Two females and one
male might help her to feel better but that logical side
of Duke will be hard to fight emotion.
Finally a man in dark blue robes not light blue like
the three councilors steps in. The Constable in back
yells for all to rise. The judge takes a higher seat
that makes him stand behind the three councils and looks
down upon the three a good 4 feet. The constable tells
the people to sit. "Judge Saamas." The public lawyer
whispers. "He is tough but fair."
Unali sees Hayna stop at a park of some kind. There are
maybe 40-50 folks around the grounds which are maybe size
of a residential neighborhood. There are joggers and many
students on blankets reading and studying. Unali sees Hayna
sit on a bench and walks over to join her. Hayna watches
a group of 3 toss a ball back and forth.
Hayna glances over and wonders why she is here. Unali asks
about the park. Confused Hayna replies, "they made it for
some Art councilor. I think there is a statue on the north
end by the pond."
Unali sits for a minute and watches and listens. Then
she exhales and prepares to interrogate Hayne.
"Why did you look so uncomfortable when Z'leyra was arrested.
Is there anything more that youu know or suspect. Something to do
with Poorda. Will you tell me as it might help find out who
killed Poorda and maybe even Tiren." Unali says in a soft voice.
It takes two minutes before she finally replies. "As a student
I was...one who thought I was entitled. My dad was a well to do
tailor and figured I'd coast. It turned out harder than I
expected and my grades lowered. I resorted to taking my frustration
out on others." She pauses for a time. "Including Z'leyra. We
spread rumors and were bullies. " The ball lands nearby and she
grabs it and tosses it to one of the boys. "She will never forgive
me. As to this Poorda I have no idea who she is or what caused
her harm. "
For the next five minutes Unali continues to urge her to speak
but Hayna refuses until Unali offers to talk to Z'leyra to help
her forgive Hayna. "I gave up gossip years ago. But you need
to talk to that dancer teacher. That is all I'll say. Good day."
She stands and heads off.
Unali stares at Hayna wondering what she could mean. She takes
a shot and asks if she knows where she lives.
Hayna turns around and gives directions. "My sister took lessons
from her at her home. If not she may be at her studio."
Unali looks back to the north. She met the dancer at the lunch.
She seemed nice. When she left she went west. Her studio
according to Hayna is north east and her home in west So she
must've gone to her home. Unali stands and begins moving that
way fast.
[Time: 3:50 pm]
Kell arrives at the tavern and gets a key from the Inn
keeper. He leaves Armwrestle below as he heads to the
room. When he got the contact list from the High Elder
in the Dark Lands he never figured he'd need it. He has
his own contacts. But possibly knowing others outside the
Sivas is wonderful. He searches his bag and finds the
scroll. He glances at it by the light of the window then
squirts and furrows. Something is odd here. He reads it
three times. Definitely. His Marentia contacts are
missing? It has only 3 names on it now. Two in Donara
and 1 in Ticasi. Then Kell realizes this list must be some
kind of magical thing that knows where it may be and
trims the list to what is needed. This could be useful
but also annoying if he needs to recall the other members.
Maybe he'll study and figure out how to reveal the full
list.
The one name is Quentin Manos a Gem Merchant which has
a shop in the eastern market place. Kell runs down stairs
after he dresses up to impress. He gathers up a few other
things he may need.
Fremea see Garr's wagon stop at a large 2 story joint of
some kind. Based on faint noises drifting from the windows
this must be a brothel. From the roof they watch as Garr
parks and enters the gambling hall.
Fremea begins to quietly inspect windows from the second
floor ledge outside. Clearly she sees humans doing dirty
deeds but it seems all the rooms are full and quite busy.
She could try to enter front door but kids are probably not
welcome at this place. She decides to go to the back door.
Arawn had hopes to find Hayna but decides someone needs to
go find Martin and Milo. He had said he was going to his
office so heads back to the schools. As he passes vendors
if they saw him pass. IN fact this leads to instead of
going north or east to school and brothel but west. Arawn
wonders if this is a false trail but begins to read the
people on the street. Clearly some know Martin by sight
and hate him so doubt they would give him a false lead. But
where could he be heading?
[Time: 3:55 pm]
Kell comes downstairs and grabs the cousin. Now he needs
a horse. So he decides to head to the nearby ranch to
get his horse.
Fremea opens the back door which is near a outhouse and
water trough. She dons her dress and enters the dark back
area. She tells Corona to wait outside. She finds a small
hallway leading to a storage and a kitchen area. The kitchen
has two overweight woman working away. She moves toward
the inner room. To the left is the bar that wraps around
to the east side of the building. To the south and west
are the main gambling tables. She sees about two dozen not
so kind looking men at tables doing cards or other games
Fremea but does not see a man in a hat nor Garr. She must
go upstairs. She forms a plan to slip behind the tables and
head to the stairs. Hopefully she will not be discovered.
[Time: 4:00 pm]
Kiet watches the two cross to the back and looks to Pyan.
The man is always so quiet. So Kiet tries to start some
conversation on his land to learn a bit about him. Kiet
explains that a group needs to know each other well in order
to be great allies.
In the courthouse the judge calls for a constable to place
the talisman in the center of the room. He activates the
illusion and all in the room watch it unfold. The illusion
actually seems to override furniture and people but for the
most part the center of the shop is seen clearly. The
group watches it for the next 15 minutes over and over. At
times questions are asked or the councilors get off from
behind their table and try for better angles.
[Time: 4:08 pm]
Kiet pretends to look around in the front yard but is
actually looking for clues. But he does not have great
tracking and searching experience. He asks Pyan who is a
hunter to look around.
From Poorda's front door to the street is a dirt path
with grass on each side. Pyan begins down the path
toward the street. About halfway there he notices something
and leans down. He says that a half boot print is barely
seen from a light impression either a fast walk or jog. It
looks like the dirt was shifted behind him and in front
of that to the street as if a person may have tried to cover
it up. Kiet is impressed by the quick find.
After some time Arawn enters a residential neighborhood. It
looks upper class like merchants. But there is no sign of Martin.
Finally Arawn spots a gardener for a two story house and asks
about Martin's possible location. The man points down the
street to a large three story estate. So he went home? Maybe
it is a home office.
Unali finds a lower middle class neighborhood. Old style period
homes. She is in the house with he blue pig statue. It is a simple
probably 2 bedroom place. Unali sniffs the air and smells embers
in the air. She looks around but does not see smoke but it seems
to be coming from behind the house? Unali reaches down to her thigh
for her dagger and feels it missing. She curses herself but knows
that she is a weapon as well. Coming in view of the back yard Unali
sees the teacher standing over a barrel of fire. Either she is
warming up or burning something. Then Unali sees her toss something
small into the fire. Unali charges forward toward the barrel.
She reaches the fire and tries to grab the item but the flames
are too hot.
Armanth steps back but does not seem startled. She stares at
Unali. "Why are you here?"
Unali looks at the flames and then back at Armanth. She asks if
that could help Z'leyra.
"It doesn't matter now. The truth may still come out. It
was my personal journal."
Armanth walks toward a flower and prunes some buds. Unali
asks again.
"Milo...." She turns away from Unali and stares at another house.
"Tiren and I were having an affair. But Milo was also fond of me.
He threatened to tell Z'leyra before we could. Tiren felt it would
not go over well with her mother so recently dead. It was nothing
we planned. It just happened. When Tiren would pick up Z'leyra
from the studio we'd chat and get to know each other. Milo tried
anything to break us up."
Armanth looks stricken from Unali's face. "No. I don't think he
would kill Tiren. He is not like his brother. That day ...the day
of the murder he decided to inform Tiren that he should stop seeing
me or he would tell Z'leyra. You saw the thing...they clearly
argued. I feel so sorry for Tiren who died knowing that might
have been the last thing he worried about."
Unali urges her to give her info to the judge if it might help
here Armanth replies, "I'm sure I will be summoned tomorrow. You
must understand here scandals are three fold they are in other
cities. One with a teacher much less two gives the schools shame.
Reputations are ruined."
Unali figures that Z'leya will be in court any time now and
should let her know this. Unali excuses herself and leaves.
[Time: 4:05 pm]
The dean and constable comes to the front. The dean looks
down the street waiting for someone. He moves toward the
pair. "No sign of windows tampered with. The kitchen window
shows recently opened. But others have dust and no sign
of tampering. We've found no tracks. No other evidence
outside here so you may look around outside."
Kiet directs the two to the boot print. The dean looks to
Pyan. "A quarter print. Both of you step over here so
we can compare yours." A few moments later. "Similar but
this boot is obviously Ticasi made. Yours...I've never seen
before." He glances at Kiet. "His is just simple flats.
But that circle and diagonal should be easy to track down
who made it."
The dean heads to the front window and peers inside. The
constable leans into the pair and whispers. "Good job. I
missed that."
Kiet decides to check around the house as well. He asks
Pyan to search the grounds. As he does Kiet looks into
each window for clues. It is the third when he sees
the parlor. There on the ground is poor Poorda. Her neck
looks indeed crooked. There does not seem to be any sign
of a fight. No tossed furniture or anything. Then Kiet
looks at the table behind the couch. The vase is indeed
missing. Kiet growls to himself.
A few minutes later Pyan reports he can't find any sign of
tracks other than sandals. The kind that Poorda herself wears.
[Time: 4:05 pm]
Kell gets his horse from the ranch and the cousin borrows
Pyan's horse It should be find Kell hopes. Both ride hard
toward the east marketplace.
[Time: 4:10 pm]
Arawn arrives at the estate and simply enters the grounds.
There are no guards or staff outside. Using the trees to
cover most of himself he moves toward the home. He scans
the windows for Martin in the front but does not see him
Moving to the left west side he scans the windows using the
trees there for cover.
There on the second floor, Arawn sees Martin in a room. He
leans over something then does a few things. Arawn considers
using spells to listen but suddenly a dog charges and begins
to growl. Hoping not to get him barking, Arawn conveys good
feelings. Arawn kneels and begins to speak softly while watching
the window. The dog continues to growl and Arawn waves a hand
toward the dog. The dog approaches and growls but starts
to settle down. Arawn can feel his body seem to emit pheromones
or something as if he had no idea he could do so. Arawn reaches
out and tickles under the dog's chin. The dog begins to whimper.
Arawn reaches down and grabs a stick. He heard human dogs like
this sort of thing. He tosses the stick further north. Arawn
looks up and sees no Martin. He curses a Kotothi profanity
and scans.
Then Arawn sees Martin head out the front door and is almost
at the gate. The dog returns with the stick and Arawn tosses
it further toward the backyard and moves using the trees to
the gate himself. He considers heading inside to search but
is more curious what Martin is up to.
Inside the brothel Fremea is now upstairs trying to find the
man with floppy hat. She saw Garr enter one room and then
two men passed her in the hall. Both left one room so must've
had a party. In case this is a cover spot she peeks inside
the door of where Garr is. She sees a girl on her knees naked
and giving Garr a happy time. Garr is grunting and ordering
her around. Fremea realizes that his gruff nature must be
compensation for his lack of other body aspects. But there is
no man. Then she jumps when a girl pats her on shoulder.
"You are too young up here. Go home." The girl in a flimsy
dress looks down at Fremea. Fremea knows these girls are not
slaves but still in a way it is the same. They may be paid
but it is a business she doesn't like. Fremea decides to
take a chance and whimpers. She explains she is missing her
dad and describes what Kiet told of her. The girl nods, "you
mean Gorsh? He has been gone a bit of time now. He likes to
come here for...cards and then to drink with his pals." She
tells the tavern location and tells Fremea now to go find
him and don't come back.
Fremea exits down stairs and is chased out of the place by
the barkeeper. Taking alley she removes her dress again and
flies to find this tavern with Corona.
[Time: 4:15 pm]
Three men on horse back arrive at Poorda's. Two constables
and one in well dressed brown tunics.
Hearing the noise the Kiet and Pyan rush from the back door.
There is no sign of it being tampered as it is locked. Kiet
sees the brown tuniced man bring in a satchel and with the
dean enter the house.
The three constables tell Kiet to stay outside. The
investigator will do his work. Kiet and Pyan watch the
two work inside.
Kell and Armwrestle arrive at the gem shop. Lucky it is
still open. Entering the shop both see the man busy with
a client. Finally the lady leaves. Kell introduces himself
and drops the High Elder's name. The merchant in his late
60s perks up at that.
Kell begins to ask about Orto Mining and the Landsman
company.
Manos looks at both men, "when that man comes to get
gems for the one you name I got to wonder what he does
where ever he is. He seems powerful but is too lazy
to come here I guess. So you ask about these things.
For what purpose?"
Kell wonders if he should explain but the cousin speaks
up before he can. Armwrestle frowns slightly, "I have
a relative who is in trouble. We may have clues that these
two companies may be linked somehow."
The man studies the two for a few minutes then nods. "Milo
and his clan are powerful people. But I'll try to help out."
In the courtroom the first set of witnesses are called.
Z'leyra's fellow students - 3 of which was at Tirne's place
today - are called first. For the next 45 minutes both
sides ask questions. The defense shows that Z'leyra was indeed
at school that day. Two of them testify that when she learned
of her father's death that she was floating in the air in one
of the classes. The third recalls for sure passing the room
seeing here there. All say she was dressed in a brown leather
suit with tan vest and black pants. Not quite how she normally
dresses these days but the Healers all liked to wear vests
since many had pockets.
Then the prosecutor asks if it is possible for her to have
hired a person to look like her or use a spell to look like
her? Sadly to Z'leyra all concur it is possible.
At Martin Smith's place Arawn watches as Martin waits outside
his gate. A few moments later a covered wagon coach arrives
and picks up the councilor. He steps inside and orders the
driver to some place. Arawn runs toward the gate and runs as
fast as he can toward the wagon. Using all his speed and
skill he leaps onto the back coach running board Might as well
follow Martin closely. The driver does not even seem to notice
from the front buckboard.
[Time: 4:20 pm]
Fremea lands to the side of the tavern as Corona stays on
the roof. Fremea wonders if the eagle actually understands
what is at stake for Z'leyra.
Wearing her dress again, Fremea enters the tavern a nice
decent looking middle class place. There are actually three
in here that are wearing hats. One though has a nice new
looking hat. The other is a old man. But the third looks
to be the one Kiet spoke about. Fremea finds a table and
explains she is waiting for family to arrive to the waitress.
The man in the ha is drinking with a man who looks like a
dock worker. Fremea sits and starts to watch the man now
wondering what to do and if the others will arrive?
Peering over the roof of the coach, Arawn recognizes this
as the metal school. If Martin is here to find Milo then
the Alfar decides to leap off and watch. Soon the wagon
stops at the school side door and Martin exits. He hands
the driver some coin and enters the school.
Arawn knows that he could get inside but to the third floor
it would be difficult with the guards. Martin might also be
on alert. Arawn could try go invisible and sneak to the third
floor but if Martin has prepared since last time it could
be dangerous. So Arawn begins to jog to the north side of
the building. Arawn knows where Milo's office should be.
He finds the window on the third floor and casts a spell
to extended his hearing. He concentrates and tries the
first window but nothing. The next he hears voices.
"...I just got a summon to the court."
"I should be one of the judges if I get there in time.
What will you say?"
"The truth. That we had a difference of opinion and only
that. I left him alive."
"Do not add to it. Especially on the other stuff."
Arawn then hears a door close and muffled voices but the
walls are too thick. Arawn figures the two are leaving and
if they use the coach they should be going by the west side
of the place to head to the courthouse. Arawn begins to
jog that way.
A few moments later he sees the coach and sprints toward
it. He leaps onto the back again and tries to listen
in but neither are talking.
[Time: 4:25 pm]
Before Kiet could decide on the info on the vase, Hammerhand
arrives at the house. He comes with two horses. "I had two
loaned from a friend. You can both use them for now. I'm
heading to the court."
Kiet decides to ride fast toward the gambling hall. HE knows
Fremea went there but she doesn't know what he looks like. He
waves toward Pyan and explains he'll join Hammerhand soon. Then
both ride fast and hard toward the hall.
[Time: 4:30 pm]
Ten minutes after the official investigator arrived at
Poorda's he exits her home.
"No sign of magic except a residue that is fading. But
nothing today. She died instantly and no sign of struggle.
I did notice a ring on a table where some round object was
but is now gone. We can call a wagon now to get the body."
The investigator nods and waves one of the constables to
get the wagon.
The dean nods, "anything else need to be done here?"
"We have no clue who could've done this. But no there
is little else to do here." The investigator closes his
bag and mounts his horse to leave.
Kiet is disappointed a bit. Such quick study but not
in depth. Should he mention the vase? If he did and they
get to it before the others do then a lead will be lost.
The residue must've been when the party was here yesterday.
Pyan looks to Kiet about the vase as well. The one time
he actually could say something he considers staying quiet.
[Time: 4:30 pm]
For the last 15 minutes the gem merchant tells Kell and
Armwrestle what he knows. In the end Kell learns that Orto
Mining has been around for 85 years. Milo was given the
chair around 4 years ago. Since then he has tried to expand
the companies influence from Aratad and Donara to other lands
from the Empire, Marentia, Bhaomtin, Gom and a few other
places around the area. From what he has heard new offices
have been opened in Shiben, Gom and a city in Bhaomtin. But
he is unsure of other places. The company itself tries to
mostly import ore and metals form other lands here so people
can use them. The company has special good ties with Shiben.
The Metal schools, gem and Engineering schools are most of
the customers of the imports.
As to the Landsman development company the gem seller gives
good praises for Ki. With such tight land in the city he
has done wonders to build now places. With the architects
from the schools to build advanced structures that will take
years for other cities to adapt. He tells that there are
always hold outs for homes where he builds. This is normal
but usually one last offer is made and taken. The city rarely
has to condemn a place. His new projects for the engineering
school will include the development in question and one near
the docks of three warehouses. As far as he has heard all
seem legal and in proper order.
Kiet and Pyan ride fast and end up at the hall. But there is
no sign of Corona above. Kiet rushes in and looks the place
all over but sees no man in hat. Going to the bar he asks
about the man. After some foul words and threats Kiet has
to slip 3 silver coins to the man before he answers.
"He was done here so went to find a friend of his that
he drinks with. A tavern on Dew Road." The bartender palms
the coins and moves to fill a mug of another customer.
Kiet exits the hall and figures maybe that is where Fremea
is now. He decides to check out the vase shop before it
closes.
[Time: 4:35 pm]
Unali leaves Armanth's house and wonders if she should even
tell Z'leyra? Would this shatter Tiren's dad image to her?
A girl always admires her dad and places her above others. If
she found out this info it could be a disaster. She considers
this as she heads for the courthouse.
[Time: 4:37 pm]
Kell enters the general store and asks about the vase that
is now boldly on the shelf. The clerk finds this odd as
he just paid for it this afternoon. He refuses to give out
any info and says its worth 8 silver. This causes Kiet to
be a bit too shocked for that vase? Is that her most valuable
item in the hose and could this man be so desperate to do
it for a few silver?
Kiet leaves the store as a constable is nearby and using
his skills to question the clerk could be bad. He decides
to head to the tavern on Dew Road.
[Time: 4:40 pm]
Fremea hears the man tell his friend he needs to visit a
dark hole out back. She watches the man head to the back
outhouse. She turns to watch the other man who is eating
a plate of ham. The guy looks like he could rip a barrel
in half like butter. A couple minutes the man does not return
so Fremea exits out back. She finds the outhouse occupied
and hears noises of a human who ate the wrong berries.
Fremea waits and watches the outhouse waiting for the man
to exit and go back inside.
[Time: 4:45 pm]
With directions from Manos and other merchants Kell and
Armwrestle to find the Orto headquarters. The one story
structure looks empty. Kell and Armwrestle enter and find
a bored secretary at her desk in front. Kell bring on the
charm and pretends to ask where Milo might be and he has
some possible business with him.
"Milo is at his school office. He is a professor. We
about to close up soon."
Kell begins to charm and begin to ask questions. But
the woman in her early 30s just replies that Milo pays well
and that she doesn't know much about the business. Armwrestle
stretches and moves back to the door. He opens it and acts
if about to step outside. But at his feet a cat is around
his boots. Looking back he nudges the cat out the door and
closes the door. The cat who was a bit timid sees a sudden
freedom in sight and runs off.
"Oh dear!" Armwrestle opens the door. "I did not see
that cat. Guess he just is a visitor."
The woman stands, "what? You let Chaz out! Why would
you do that!" She rushes to the door and exits to give
chase. Armwrestle smiles and locks the door. He turns
to Kell who seems to glare but then grins. Kell moves
to the rear door.
Kell opens it to a small office and looks around the
dark room. Nope should not be Milo's. A second office.
Nope looks like a map office. A third office Kell finds
a painting of a mountain on the wall. The desk is very
nice looking and figures this has to be Milo's. Entering
he waves Armwrestle to look for anything fast.
Kell lights a candle and helps rummage through the papers.
He can't read the text but Martin and Garr should have
names he can spot. Minutes pass and finally Armwrestle
grunts. "Here! A invoice. To the Landsman Company. It
is a direct payment from here to them in the amount of
300 gold over four installments. It is signed by a money
lander..." He looks up. "Named Sovis Smith."
Kell grunts could a bribe that easy in this city? What
happened to a simple bar under the table exchange? Kell
wonders if he should take it. But if not it could be
destroyed. In fact in the trash bin he notices ashes of
a pile that is half a inch high. Looks like someone may
have been burning some things. Kell grabs the paper and
stuffs it in his shirt.
Almost at 5pm they rush to the door as 15 minutes have
almost passed. Kell hears banging on the door and he
unlocks it. He explains he didn't want folks just coming
in if closed. He asks about the cat.
"He is fine! No thanks to you guys. Now you need to
leave I need to get home and close up. My poor cat
is scared to death." But to Kell who owns Squirt he more
like a lost hope of escape.
Leaving the shop Kell mounts up and says they need to
find the land company.
[Time: 4:50 pm]
Kell and Pyan enter the medium sized tavern. A light
dinner crowd is here and its a fairly middle class place.
Kiet scans the audience but does not seem to spot the
man. There is no upstairs so he decides to ask a waitress
if she saw the man. She says if its the same man he went
out back to the outhouse. Kiet decides to take a table
and wait and see what happens.
Behind the tavern Fremea has waited and is becoming annoyed.
Almost ten minutes and this man is still in there. She
decides enough is enough. She waves Corona to land by the
bushee she is hiding in. She asks the eagle if he can rouse
the man out.
Corona takes to the air and then lands on top of the out
house. He fires a blast at the roof of the place. "Hey!
What's going on!" The man yells out. Corona then pries a
board off the ceiling which is easy as its not a well made
structure. Corona peers inside and squawks. "Go away!"
Corona fires a new bolt from his eyes inside and the man
jumps out of the house with pants at his ankles The man
begins to holler and crawl-runs toward the back door. Fremea
begins to laugh as the man gets back inside with half his
pants up.
A minute later Fremea returns to her table and hears the
man speak. "..I told you this crazy bird tried to kill me!"
His comrade shakes his head, "lay off the ale, Gorsh!"
Fremea feels a hand on her shoulder and reflexes kick in and
she begins to yank the hand but is surrpised to see Kiet behind
her. Kiet waves her to his table.
At the courthouse Arawn enters a couple minutes after Milo
and Martin. He locates Z'leyra's room and finds Martin
standing at the doorway.
The judge looks at Martin, "you are too late Councilor we
have found our council judges."
Martin growls under his breath. But the judge continues,
"Good timing Mr Smith please take the stand. Yes you
as witness."
Milo looks to Martin and walks toward the stand to be
questioned. Milo explains that day after he is shown
the illusion for his benefit.
"Tiren had argued that a mine we had bought in Aratad
was not rich enough in silver to warrant mining. Our
scouts had reported in and bought samples back. Tiren
examined those samples and based on that his opinion was
that the mine was not worth stripping. The board used
his opinion as advisor to opt out in that mine. We learned
three months later after Tiren's death that indeed it
was rich with silver and a bit of gold dust So he was
wrong and it cost Orto a lot of coin. But on the day of
the murder I came to visit him to see if he could get
a indepedant analysis of the samples. He refused as he
said he was hired by the Orto Board to find the facts.
He said he already sent the results of his findings to
the board the night before."
The defense lawyer asks Milo, "were you angry enough to
hurt him?"
Milo frowns, "of course not. I am a teacher and while we
disagreed I was simply going to ask the board that the
results should be re tested. Once they heard of his death
they felt it would not be wise."
The prosecutor asks Milo, "did you see anyone else enter
before or after you left?"
Milo looks around then at Z'leyra and at Martin. He then
turns to the prosecutor. "I see a woman coming down the
street. That one there." He points to Z'leyra.
"How was she acting or wearing?"
"Some green things I can't recall. But you saw it on
that illusion thing. She was heading down the street
toward Tiren's place but I did not see her enter the place."
Unali arrives at the courthouse and finds the hearing room
just as Milo starts to speak.
[Time: 5:00 pm]
At the tavern Fremea, Kiet and Pyan try to catch up as they
watch and decide what to do. Kiet is explaining about the
vase and it was indeed taken when a noise is heard at the
other table.
"Watch where you are sticking your fat feet!" A man in
thin brown leathers is standing at the suspect's table. He
is pointing at the suspect's friend. "You made me spill
my mug! Pay for another one!"
The man with the hat stands. "You are the clumsy oaf who
can't see a barn door with a X on it."
"Are you going to pay for my drink or not?"
The man with the hat brings his mug up to eye level and pours
it over the other man's head. The man lunges for the man in
the hat.
Gorsh swings at the man who ducks and the other friend
lunges for Gorsh which causes Gorsh's comrade to stand
and swing. At the other table Kiet looks at Fremea and
wonders what is going on.
Kiet begins to stand and wonder if he should break it
up as the suspect is an important witness. But as he gets
to his feet a chair is thrown by Gorsh's comrade and hits
another man in the back of the head at another table. In
seconds 4 men in other tables stand and begin moving toward
the group. Fremea stands as well and reaches for her boot
for her hidden dagger she kept. But by that is done 5 more
men stand and begin throwing mugs and plates.
Within seconds a full fledged bar fight ensues. Pay
sits at his chair and stares transfixed. From the woods
he has never seen such things. Is this hour these people
normally act?
Finally the moment comes for Z'leyra to take the stand.
For the next ten minutes she tries to repeat her view of
things and explains it was not her.
[Time: 5:02 pm]
Two minutes later patrons are trying to flee the tavern
bar fight. Plates, mugs, food, eating utensils and even
chairs are thrown about. Kiet tries to watch for Gorsh
but in the mess of bodies he loses sight. Then Fremea
spots Gorsh actually sneaking out of the tavern with a
old lady. Fremea yanks Kiet and points to the exit door
as she tries to wade through the crowd. Being smaller
she is easy to miss but at one point she has to use a martial
arts kick and hip toss to throw one man onto a table to
avoid being hit.
[Time: 5:05 pm]
Fremea exits the tavern and looks around she sees Gorsh
heading west down the street. She gestures for Kiet and
Pyan to follow. Pyan leaves the tavern and almost wished
he could've had some of the fun with that food fight.
Fremea begins to run down the street and follows Gorsh
with the Kiet and Pyan in tow. They see Gorsh turn right
into a alley and slow down. Nearing the alley they turn
and see Gorsh moving toward another street. Gorsh does not
seem to be trying to elide anyone just walking normally so
Fremea follows using crates and garbage bins as cover.
Suddenly a man appears at the other end of the alley
forcing Gorsh to stop. "What do you want?" Gorsh shifts
his hat into a new spot.
"Just stand there."
"What?"
From behind a commotion is heard and it becomes louder
and louder. In seconds something rounds the corner and
Pyan spots it first. It is two cows running. No. Kiet
sees 5 cows. No. Fremea sees 8 cows. Then they all
realize that a stampede of at least 3 dozen cows have
entered the tiny alley moving fast toward them.
Fremea removes her dress and takes to the air.
Pyan seeing a dozen cows moving this way dives for a garbage
bin and dives inside for protection.
Kiet the acrobat runs toward a fire ladder and leaps the 5
feet toward it. The ladder descends and brings him back
downward but the acrobat swings upwards and grabs to the
stairs leading from the second story and grabs the lower
railing as the cows pass under him.
Fremea dives toward Gorsh but he is standing deer scared
in a lantern's light from a coach. Fremea sees the other
man shove Gorsh to the ground as 8 cows are now only 30
feet away. The man begins to run to the exit of the alley.
Fremea lands and pulls Gorsh to his feet. The first 3 cows
are now only 3 feet away when Fremea yanks the 150 pound man
up into the air. Gorsh's feet dangle and hits the head of
two cows.
Fremea struggles to lift the man but she is only a small
Faerry. She begins to lose her strength as the bulk of
cows pass under. She falls toward a mess of stray garbage
on the street and drops Gorsh. Gorsh sees 4 more cows moving
toward him and rolls to the wall and avoids them. But one
cow does step on his left hand making Gorsh scream.
From behind Kiet looks behind his shoulder and sees a rider
on horseback yelling and urging the cows onward down the
alley. The horse rides near and the rider just now sees
Kiet and tries to move sideways but Kiet drops toward the
horse and dives right for the man.
Kiet will recall later it was a planned fall with precise
timing for Raban to write a song. But in fact his hands
were slipping from gunk on the railing. Kiet hits the
side shoulder and arm of the man forcing both men to fall
toward the street. Kiet hopes this is not some innocent
rancher who has been drinking too much.
Fremea lands and watches Gorsh then back to see the other
man who knocked him gone. She sees in the south Kiet has
done some very nice acrobatic fall toward a horse. Maybe
he meant to jump behind the rider?
Kiet tumbles to his feet and moves toward the other man
but he finds the man knocked out. It looks like his
shoulder has been dislocated. Pyan now exits the bin
and helps Kiet up to his feet fully.
Fremea yells for Kiet to watch Gorsh and takes to the
air she flies to the north to find the man. The cows
have turned left and to the right she sees one man moving
down the street. She flies toward him and dives. She
swipes her dagger and knocks the man out.
[Time: 5:10 pm]
Fremea helps wrap Gorsh's hand in a sack bag and Kiet
begins to question the man. The first three minutes
pass with denials. Then Kiet grabs the man's broken hand
and pulls a finger to 'test' if its indeed broken. The
man screams and after two fingers breaks down.
"Yes I sold the vase. I broke in .owwww!" Kiet bends
another finger as Pyan and Fremea drags the knocked out
man toward the alley. "He said...he said he'd pay off
my debts if I just helped. I was to scare the old lady
but she refused to listen. She hit me..and I...killed her
but ...it was an accident." The man screams again as Kiet
grabs another finger. "He paid me to get rid of her. Just
get help for my hand! Please! Stop that."
Kiet asks the man who pad him and describes him. Gorsh
looks up in pain. "Yes that's him. You called him Garr?"
Kiet smiles at Fremea but she moves to the man and looks
closer at them. She stares at the knocked out man and
nods. Then a voice from the south is heard.
Kiet turns to see a man in leathers running this way. "Did
you see my cows? Hey! That man there." He points to the
man kiet fell on. "He went crazy and took my cows. Were
are they?"
Kiet points to the north and shakes his head in amazement.
The man moves toward the north to find his cows. Fremea
tells Kiet they need to get Gorsh to the court safely. Corona
reports form above two constables on horse are approaching.
The constables round the corner and see Kiet. Kiet looks
to Pyan and notices Fremea has left somewhere. That girl
can fly fast.
"What is going on here?"
Kiet tries to explain. That these insane cows rampaged
into the alley and hurt this man. He needs to get to a
healer.
"What about them?" The constable looks at the knocked out
men. Kiet explains that these men need to be detained
and taken to the courthouse for questioning and may be
involved in this incident.
The constable dismounts and nods "Yes sir. We can do
that. Yuu can take him to he healer?"
Kiet nods and Pyan lift Gorsh up and head down the alley.
Fremea lands on the street and sees Kiet and is surprised
to see the law dean. Then she realizes that Kiet must've cast
a quick illusion to look like the dean.
At the courthouse Z'leyra finishes her argument of defense.
Her lawyer stands. "You said you were at school and we
have witnesses here in this room that testify to that. Could
at any one point you have used magic to get to Tiren's place
and do him harm?"
Z'leyra tries to remember. She did now teleport when she
left the city It is possible. But why is he asking this?
She nods and explain she did know teleport.
The lawyer nods, "we will show with teacher eye witness
testimony that under their supervision you were there at
the school in the hours of questions. That even a teleport
would've been noticed."
The prosecutor says that he will delay his questions for
after later witnesses come forward.
[Time: 5:15 pm]
Soon Kell and Armwrestle find the Landsman shop based on
hints from Arawn. Indeed outside the sign is found. But
this shop is already closed. The street is deserted but
two men working to load a wagon of pottery. Moving to
the back alley they see a back door.
Kell dismounts and checks the door but finds it locked.
Kell looks to Z'leyra's engineer cousin who dismounts.
"I'm not thief Kell." He watches as Kell pleads with
his eyes. Then the cousin looks up and down the street.
then he faces the back door. "A simple 2nd rate lock.
The hinges could be removed if we had tools. We could try
a window. But I might have an idea. In school we had a pal
who liked locks. He said sometimes," he begins to remove
his belt, "a belt buckle latch can be used for locks. This
door is not a very secure door and a thief could get in only
a few seconds." The engineer kneels and begin to jiggle with
the dock and the door. Two minutes later after some strong
curses and words Kell never heard before the door clicks.
"That was interesting.."
Kell and Armwrstle quickly enter the office and begin to
look for anything of value to investigate.
Fremea, Kiet and Pyan force Gorsh down the street. They
realize they could still be in danger if Garr is in the
area. Fremea explains that the man she knocked out was
one of the two men she found in brothel and she swears was
one that was in the bar fight. The group head on foot
toward the courthouse with Corona flying overhead recon.
Suddenly a constable enters from the rear door and climbs
the steps to the main judge. He whispers a few words too
fast for even Arawn to cast a spell to listen. The judge
mutters and clears his throat. "Clear the room! Everyone
out please. We stand in recess for now. The defendant will
remain. Everyone else."
Z'leyra looks back at Arawn in confusion. The prosecutor
asks if a constable will remain but the judge declares everyone
to leave. Everyone exits to the south hallway. The judge
the last one to leave looks at Z'leyra. "By your honor you
will remain here. If you leave I will condemn you as guilty."
Z'leyra nods and the judge leaves. Z'leya's wonders what is
going on.
[Time: 5:23 pm]
Z'leyra sits and wonders if this is all a test. She can
hear folks talking outside in the hallway. Then suddenly
the door in the north opens and Z'leyra stares as a man
enters Her jaw drops and her heart jumps a beat in her chest.
[Time: 5:30 pm]
Kiet enters the courthouse and tells a guard that the
man is needed to be seen by a judge namely the one seeing
Z'leyra's hearing. Gorsh demands a healer instead. The
guard begins to argue with Kiet on the man should be
treated and advises that a healer IS in the hearing The
guard relents and directs Kiet and the others to the
hearing room.
Kiet sees people outside one room and then notices Arawn.
he waves Arawn to treat Gorsh. Both whisper on what just
happened. To the side Martin and Milo whisper as they await
for details inside. Two guards stand at the courtroom door
and chats with the judge.
Kiet asks Gorsh if he recognizes anyone in hallway. Gorsh
grumbles and looks. "That guard there by the door. He likes
to be spanked by this 15 year old girl at the brothel. But
otherwise no." Kiet is surprised or leery of Martin or Milo
not being recognized. But Garr is missing so that may be
a true statement.
[Time: 5:35 pm]
"...So this is why I'm named as such. My dad figured it
was a joke after he won some big armwrestlng contest." Cousin
Armwrestle tells Kell as they sift through documents.
But in the end there are many documents on old and possible
future deals. There are many small deals with private homes
or a park or such. But in the end Kell does not find anything
that reflects anything naughty. Kell did find a document
on Poorda and showed Armwrestle but it turned out that she
was offered 2.25 times the value of her home not 3 months
ago. But there does not seem to be any bad things. Kell grumbles
and figures maybe Ki is a decent guy.
Kell exits and asks if Armwrestle wishes to head to court or
go home. The cousin considers this and says he has no major
plans so can head to court. So both mount up and head toward
where the deputy said the courthouse should be.
[Time: 5:50 pm]
Kell enters the courthouse and is directed to the hearing
room for Z'leyra by a guard.
Actions? Comments?
Next Update....Monday???
GM: Part 2 done. I had some fun. I took a bit of liberty
with some things. But in interest of moving things
along I did so. I could've stopped and asked what now
but the above could've taken weeks if I did so. If there
is a major issue with what I did let me know. Now the
entire group is back at the courthouse. Kell is the last
to show up.
Consider this Friday's Update since I'm late for Monday.
I got some last minute posts and emails Monday night
so that delayed things. The plan is to start next
update Saturday afternoon (5pm EST). Then I hope and
pray to finish by 8pm Monday night. I suspect though
I'll have posts and so it'll be delayed to as late
as 3am instead of 8. We'll see. Hope you guys enjoyed
this long update. I've not done so much fleshing out of
things like this in years. Its actually fun doing the
role playing and not combat combat combat. (Ok so
the alley thing was combat so sue me).
GM: Arawn - Unali sent email to me on her actions so figured
since based on her rushing out while you talked she
would've done Hayna and so sent you to do the Martin/Milo
thing. Hope this is fine. I'd figured you'd have used
the spell but if not yell.
Fremea - Faes are so mischievous or so I read. :) I couldn't
help adding that to the outhouse scene. I assume you'd have
tried to save Gorsh to help Z I doubt you would have let
him die But let me know if not.
Kell - Corrupting innocents? Oh wait. Guess he was you.
Your timeline was longest so did not get time to do
other areas of investigation due to it.
Kiet - Since you like illusions figured you'd panic err plan
to use the Dean's face as an authority. If not let me
as the scene might have to be redone. As to the fire escape
scene think of it as a modern escape with pull down ladder
(wood) and wooden stairs to next floor. Not a common stairs
for outside. So when you grabbed ladder it slid down and
you had to swing leap to the railing (fire escape). I
hope I tried to cover that visually. I'll have to give
you some experience for it.
Unali - Not much for you but hope it worked out good.
Pyan - See I tried to give you some stuff. You have to
give us soms stuff as well. :) So let us know on that
necklace so can learn Donaran at least the basic 3rd
grade level words.
Z'leyra - As warned in chat email coming.
GM: Mana Chart updated for experience and online. Any experience
gained above will be awarded in file and sheet.
GM: As a reminder I can be accessed many ways. For a live chat.
I use Trailian which supports ICQ, Facebook, Twitter, AIm,
and a dozen other sources. So if ever need to chat (assuming
I have time) I'm game.
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