[D&D] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

GM has arrived.

GM says, "hmm"

[D&D] GM says, "I see lpsmith hasn't checked in since thursday evening, so"

[D&D] Arly says, "Hrm."

[D&D] GM says, "I did email but I'm not sure if he got it"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Hrm."

[D&D] Fincul says, "He did claim Sunday availability; presumably he'd have said something if that changed (assuming not an emergency thing)."

Skalheth has arrived.

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Well, I just need to hit the washroom, back in 5."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "(So glad Perry logged that.)"

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "At that point, do we start or wait for lps?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Unfortunately, a confused Smith is likely two confsued Smiths."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Which precludes starting with N-1 people in this case."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "(Hmm, would lp and Sarah be `the lp's`?)"

[D&D] GM says, "ok, if they aren't here in another two minutes, I'll go ahead and run something that's chronologically a week or so ahead of where we left off"

[D&D] GM says, "and we will just assume that Kaylee & Onyx aren't around for it"

[D&D] Skalheth back.

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Aww. I liked where we were."

[D&D] GM says, "yeah, I hate to skip out on it, but it seems unfair to make them NPCs through the ending of this bit"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Fair enough."

GM says, "well then"

[D&D] Arly asks, "So, next time, we'll travel back in time?"

[D&D] Arly asks, "Does that mean we all have to have 70 silver pieces?"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Is there IM or ICQ or whatever?"

[D&D] Fincul says (to Arly), "Hee."

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Or, I guess, telephones.)"

GM says, "so, after returning heroically to the city, laden with treasure, life goes on for a bit"

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Wait, when is this?"

Fincul study study study

[D&D] Fincul says, "Temporarily jumping ahead in time a week."

[D&D] GM says, "this is about a week after we left off last time"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Oh, *ahead* in time."

[D&D] GM says, "right, sorry"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "I thought we were doing a fill-in from between adventures."

[D&D] GM says, "hrm"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "No, go on, I just misunderstood."

[D&D] GM says, "no, I was just -- yeah, let's do it this way"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Wait, which way, now?"

GM says, "anyway, the three of you are out walking -- Onyx and Kaylee are off somewhere on their own -- when Arly notices a faint tingling in his finger"

Arly exclaims, "My finger! It's tingling!"

Fincul says, "I told you not to have the spicy chicken."

GM says (to Arly), "it happens, in fact, to be the same finger that you're wearing that ring on"

Arly says (to GM), "A coincidence, I'm sure."

GM says, "possibly, but the gem itself seems to be glowing faintly"

Arly asks (of GM), "Can I tell what kind of gem it is?"

GM says, "hmm, I don't think you identified it last time"

[D&D] (from Fincul) GM says, "yes, it's a red one"

GM says, "Fincul did note, however, that it tingled when a matching gem was nearby"

GM says, "and that it further was enchanted with some sort of transmutation magic"

Arly asks (of GM), "Does the tingle grow stronger or fainter depending on where I'm standing or where my hand is?"

Fincul asks, "What in the name of the Cascade Mountains are you doing? Trying to flag down a passing roc?"

GM says (to Arly), "swinging your hand around to check, it looks like it's definitely tingling more in a particular direction -- down that street leading out of the main market area you're in at the moment"

Arly says (to Fincul), "It's the ring. It's tingling."

Arly points. "It seems to be coming from that direction."

Fincul exclaims, "The -- oh, the ring!"

Skalheth says, "Hurm."

Skalheth asks, "You said it had transmutation magic, no?"

Skalheth says, "Maybe you should take it off."

Fincul says, "Indeed. Although I don't know what sort."

[D&D] Skalheth is slightly distracted by the Skies of Arcadia cinematics happening behind him.

Arly says (to Skalheth), "I should wait until we get closer to the source."

Arly says, "We need to be able to locate whatever's causing it."

Skalheth says, "Don't want it suddenly turning you into something nasty."

Arly asks (of Skalheth), "Now now, what are the odds of that happening?"

Fincul nods. "The man who gave it to us was wearing it, so it's unlikely to be excessively undesirable, whatever it does."

Skalheth says, "Good point."

Arly says, "Let's go down this way. It could be important."

Fincul says, "Gladly. I've nothing else to do this evening."

Arly leads the way down the street, toward the tingling.

GM says, "you traipse down the street, and have just gone a short distance (following it as it bends, the noise of the market fading) when you see a noteworthy scene up ahead"

GM says, "namely, two men in well-worn clothes, swords at their waist, struggling with four guards"

GM says (to Arly), "your attention is immediately drawn to one of the two men and the gemstone ring he wears on his hand"

GM says, "(the tingling, needless to say, is much stronger)"

Arly points. "That man, he has another ring."

Fincul asks, "What is the matter here?"

GM says, ""What is the meaning of this?" cries one of the men. "Betrayed!""

[D&D] Fincul asks, "I imagine none of them look familiar?"

Arly asks, "What ho! What's happening here?"

[D&D] GM says, "(no, although the guards look similar to the other guards you've seen around the city here)"

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Does this city have rules about going around armed?"

GM says, "The six look over at you, distracted for a moment, and then one of the guards manages to pin a man against the wall."

[D&D] Arly says (to Skalheth), "Everyone needs two, I think."

Fincul asks, "Has there been a crime?"

[D&D] GM says, "no, but drawing a weapon is against the law"

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims (at Arly), "Discrimination against beggars!"

[D&D] Skalheth says (to GM), "Er, what about a spear? It's not exactly possible to put it away."

GM says, "One guard, freed up by having one of the men captured, stops and walks over to you, as the other two guards subdue the remaining man"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Actually, I'm probably using it as a staff, but with leather wrapped around the tip."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Luckily, I'm sure that they wouldn't begrudge a fellow his walking stick, old man or no."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Timing."

GM says, ""The Lady's orders," he says, gruffly. "Supposed to take these men in. Just be moving along now, you.""

[D&D] Arly asks, "The Lady? The queen or the mayor or something?"

Fincul raises an eyebrow.

Skalheth says, "I think they have something of ours."

[D&D] GM says, "(right, the ruler of the city is Lady Kianna)"

[D&D] Fincul says, "It occurs to me that, as folks who've been in town less than a month, we probably have no clue whether or not the government are Good Guys here."

GM says, "Having got the two men pinned against the wall and their sword-belts removed, another guard is freed to walk over. "What's going on?" he asks the first guard. "Not sure," the other says. "I can't tell if they're with those two or not.""

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Hm. I've been sort of assuming I live in the swamp near here."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "And maybe was guarding a caravan on the way out and then again on the way back."

Skalheth says, "Never seen em before."

[D&D] GM says, "I think the premise probably better if you got here recently, but it's certainly possible for you to be living in the swamps as of a month or two ago"

Arly says, "Good gentlemen, we believe these men have something we're looking for."

GM says, ""Oh really? And what might that be?""

Arly holds out his hand. "We believe one of them has a ring like this on his person."

Skalheth says, "We were escorting a merchant a - nevermind, we'll cut to the chase."

GM says, "The guard leans over to look, and the third guard comes over to look also"

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "Now! Club em from behind!"

GM says, "the prisoners, their attention attracted, lean over as best they can, although the remaining guard keeps them from going far"

GM says, ""That's a pretty fancy ring," one says. "Hey! Clancy! Have they got a ring?""

Skalheth says, "Not that fancy. Stone's a fake."

GM says (to Arly), "meanwhile, the prisoner with the ring is eyeing you with suspicion and maybe anger"

GM says, ""Lemme see those hands, you," Clancy says, gesturing with his spear."

Skalheth says, "Guy who gave it to us swore up and down he'd had it valued and it was real, so we figured somebody'd stole his ring and swapped it for a forgery before we got it."

Fincul says, "We came across ours as partial payment for helping escort some goods through the swamp -- a dangerous place."

GM says, ""Yeah, they got a ring too," Clancy calls. "Lemme just take a closer --""

[D&D] Fincul says, "If Arly and the man punch their fists together, then their Wonder Twin powers will activate."

GM says, "Then as Clancy bends down to look at the prisoner's ring, the prisoner brings his other fist up and slams it into Clancy's jaw."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Arly gets Form Of Water."

Fincul winces.

GM says, "The two prisoners turn to run down the street as Clancy topples over backwards."

GM says, ""Clancy? Did you--" the guards turn around"

Arly exclaims, "They're getting away!"

GM says, ""They got Clancy!""

Arly exclaims, "Follow them!"

Skalheth exclaims, "Incompetants! They've got our ring!"

Fincul tries to steady and/or slow Clancy. "I'm awfully sorry about that -- let me help you."

GM says, "One of the guards pauses to blow his whistle, while the other two give chase"

GM says, "Clancy, meanwhile, staggers backwards until Fincul catches him"

Skalheth starts to run after them and "accidently" barrels into one of the guards.

Arly chases after the prisoners.

[D&D] GM says, "(hrm, I'm not seeing how run works)"

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "I dunno, make a d20 + strength bonus roll, I guess"

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "Hold on, let me look."

GM says, "Skalheth, meanwhile, slams into the back of the guard who'd blown his whistle, as his spear tragically becomes entangled with the guard's legs and the man topples to the ground"

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "FYI: "Characters exploring an area use local movement, measured in muts. ... A character with a Constitution score of 9 or higher can run for a minute without a problem. Generally, a character can run for about a minute or two before having to rest for a minute.""

[D&D] GM says, "yeah, but I'm wondering if you can catch up to them or not"

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Measured in muts?"

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "So, I roll 1d20+3?"

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Are they all carrying Light loads? Anyone ahve the Run feat?"

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 3 = 4

[D&D] Arly says, "Eeeeagh already."

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

[D&D] Arly says, "I think that means I ran the wrong direction and hit a wall."

GM says, "Arly hurries on as best he can after the guards, but his belt slips down and becomes tangled in his legs"

GM says, "soon the two of them are far ahead, to say nothing of the prisoners"

[D&D] Arly says, "Forgotten Realms's Funniest Home Crystal Ball Captures."

[D&D] GM says, "yay"

GM says, "meanwhile, Clancy and the guard Skalheth tripped stagger woozily to their feet"

Fincul says (to Clancy), "That gash looks nasty -- you should let a healer have a look at it."

GM says, ""Sorry about your ring, sirs," Clancy says. "Once we catch them, you can make inquiries at the gaol about anything they've stolen.""

Arly chase after them!

Arly says, "Er..."

Arly exclaims, "Chase after them! Don't just stand there!"

GM says, "Clancy winces. "Guess I'd better get to barracks medic -- I can't stand how tight he puts on the bandages, though.""

Arly exclaims, "They're getting away!"

GM says, ""Right! Absolutely!""

Arly is still wrestling with his belt.

Fincul says (to Clancy), "I'm sure that Kaylee wouldn't mind giving it a look -- she's pretty good at it."

GM says, "The one Skalheth tripped heads onwards, but Clancy stands there for a minute, prodding at his jaw painfully."

GM says, ""Kaylee? Friend of yours?""

Fincul says, "Yeah. She some variety of travelling monk, I believe. A very colorful order."

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Er, 'She's', of course.)"

GM says, ""Hmm, well, if you don't think she'd mind, I'd sure appreciate it," Clancy says"

Arly is having trouble with his belt still. "They're getting away!"

Fincul says (to Arly), "Don't worry, your trousers won't get *too* far."

Skalheth says (to Arly), "Calm down."

Arly exclaims, "NO! After them!"

Skalheth says, "Excitable."

Skalheth says, "Fine, fine."

[D&D] Fincul deduces that we are probably one of each lawful, neutral, and chaotic.

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

Skalheth asks (of Fincul), "See this man to the healer, will you?"

Skalheth grabs Arly by the arm and starts trudging down the street.

Fincul says (to Fincul), "I shall -- this way; she's probably back at the inn right now."

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee hmore"

Fincul says (to Skalheth, even).

[D&D] Arly says, "Is it my turn again yet? :)"

GM says, "Fincul and Clancy walk off in one direction, as Skalheth and Arly head in the other"

Skalheth when the guard's out of earshot, Skalheth says, "So what's so important?"

[D&D] Skalheth says (to Arly), "now"

[D&D] Fincul says, "While meanwhile, the other guard just stands there being ignored while everyone else wanders away."

[D&D] Arly asks, "Can I still see them anywhere?"

[D&D] Arly asks, "Or can I track them at least?"

[D&D] GM says (to Fincul), "no, he's staggered after the prisoners also"

[D&D] GM says, "just much-delayed"

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "they're out of sight, but if you want to make a wilderness lore + d20 you can try and track them"

Skalheth watches Arly stare around in panic, and suddenly bellows in his ear. "HEY!"

Skalheth asks, "WHAT'S SO IMPORTANT?"

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6 + 5 = 11

Fincul brings Clancy to the inn, where hopefully he and Kaylee can chat with him about what's the deal with the two prisoners while he's being worked on.

[D&D] Arly asks, "What is it with me and dice?"

[D&D] Skalheth . o O ( Hmm, Arly has me gagged. )

GM says, ""Now, this won't hurt a bit," Kaylee says, bringing out her scalpel."

[D&D] Arly asks, "Huh?"

[D&D] Arly says, "I don't think I do."

[D&D] Skalheth says (to Arly), "I'm just kidding."

[D&D] Arly says, "Oh."

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "So, are you gonna answer my question?"

[D&D] GM says (to Fincul), "if you would like to talk to him, go for it"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "...if not, at least pose how your ignoring me."

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Temporarily kittened.)"

[D&D] Arly says (to Skalheth), "He has the ring."

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims (at Arly), "In character!"

Arly says (to Skalheth), "You fool, he has the ring! He might know something."

Fincul says (to Clancy), "That was some scene back there."

Skalheth looks oddly at Arly. "It's only a ring."

[D&D] Arly asks, "Okay, so what's happening now?"

GM says, ""No kidding!" Clancy says. "Man, I wish they'd have told us what we were getting into.""

[D&D] Arly asks, "Am I running, tracking...?"

Skalheth says, "It's interesting and all, yes, but I don't see why you're so excited."

[D&D] GM says, "you are trying to track and not doing a great job of it; Skalheth is walking next to you talking; Clancy and Fincul have wandered off to the inn; the remaining guards and prisoners have vanished up ahead"

[D&D] Arly says, "Okay, just checking."

Skalheth says, "I figure it's probably better *not* to let the guards know that there's something really unusual going on here."

Skalheth says, "And with the other ring, we can probably find them later."

Arly says, "I still see no sense in letting it get away when we're so close."

Fincul says, "It's impressive that you could track them down, without even knowing what it was you were after them for."

Skalheth says, "If it were just us and them, sure."

Skalheth asks, "But when we catch them, what are we gonna do? Help the guards catch them, and make enemies of them?"

GM says, "Clancy tries to look modest, although this is cut short by a wince as Kaylee pours some liquid on the cut in his chin. "Oh, well," he says. "It wasn't that hard to track them down -- actually, we got directed where we were supposed to look for them.""

Skalheth asks, "Or help them escape, and make enemies of the guards?"

Arly says (to Skalheth), "We could find out more about the ring, to start with."

Skalheth says, "We should stay neutral till we find out whose side they're on."

Fincul asks, "Oh?"

Arly says (to Skalheth), "Such as what it is, what it does, and where it came from."

Arly says (to Skalheth), "And we can't do anything if they GET AWAY."

GM says, ""Go arrest the men that show up at noon in this side-street," they said. "And we did, and look what happened!""

Skalheth says, "Well, go on and follow them, then."

Skalheth says, "Just think about what you're getting into first."

[D&D] Arly exclaims (at Skalheth), "I've been TRYING to follow them!"

Fincul exclaims, "How peculiar!"

GM says, ""No kidding -- next assignment I'm asking for more details first," Clancy says."

Skalheth says, "I don't want to stand there in front of the guards saying, `Where'd you get this ring? What are it's powers?`"

Skalheth glances around to see if anyone'

Arly says (to Skalheth), "Well, I tried to chase after them to speak with them in private and you didn't care much for that, either."

Skalheth glances around to see if anyone can overhear. Fortunately the crowd's keeping a wide berth from the half-orc with the shield made of bones.

Fincul says, "I wonder, with no descriptions given, how you can even be sure they're the right men."

Skalheth says (to Arly), "If you'd managed it, I'd have been all for it."

GM says, "Meanwhile, Arly is tracking the footprints along the side street, onto another main street, back onto a side street, and then off into an alleyway."

Skalheth says, "I even tried to distract the guards for you."

Arly says (to Skalheth), "You should have tried harder."

GM says, ""Oh, I'm sure they were the right guys," Clancy says. "Look how surprised they were when we grabbed them! And then they ran away!""

Arly says, "Luckily, there are some footprints here we may be able to follow."

Skalheth says, "But after you fell on your face I figured they were gone."

Arly says (to Skalheth), "We have another chance, but time is growing short."

Skalheth asks, "Good! So when we find them, are we siding with them or the guards?"

Fincul nods. "Mmm. Good point."

Arly asks (of Skalheth), "Perhaps we can decide that after we find them?"

Skalheth shakes his head. "Hurr."

GM says, "...but then, surprisingly, the alley dead-ends."

Skalheth asks, "Hurr?"

Arly begins to search the alley.

[D&D] Arly says, "They came in here, I'm sure of it. The only question is how they left."

Skalheth looks for signs that somebody's climbed the wall.

[D&D] Arly says, "Er, ILA... uh... Whatever."

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "go ahead and make another tracking roll"

Fincul asks, "I must admit, stories like this make me appreciate working for hire. Does your boss send you on tasks like that one often?"

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "It's a feat... How do I do that?"

[D&D] GM says, "wilderness + d20 again"

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "Right... But why does wilderness lore apply here? Aren't we in the city?"

[D&D] GM says, "it is a mystery to me, but that seems to be how it works"

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 5 = 9

[D&D] Arly asks, "Okay, who loaded the dice?"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "In the new edition, they renamed Wilderness Lore to something more tracking-oriented."

GM says, ""Oh, well, mostly it's just guarding the wall, but sometimes crimes come up -- pick-pocketing, cheating merchants, that sort of thing, and then we have to go arrest people.""

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "The guards are in charge of cheating merchants? What, is this city run by the mob?"

GM says, "Meanwhile, Arly and Skalheth eventually decide they can't figure out where the tracks lead from here -- maybe the whole alley was an error."

[D&D] Arly asks, "Can I role search or something?"

[D&D] GM says, "I think you made your relevant search already with the wilderness lore roll -- if you'd like to try something different or in a different area, that's fine, but this area is pretty much exhausted"

[D&D] Arly says, "Hrm."

Arly asks, "Does anyone have any other ideas?"

[D&D] Skalheth says (to Arly), "Anyone? It's just me."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Fincul took the guard back to get help."

Skalheth says, "Tons."

Fincul says, "Mmm. And the same supervisor who ordinarily sends you out on healthy, honest guardwork suddenly turns and gives you this? I guess he must have his reasons."

Skalheth says, "Fincul's questioning that guard, I think, trying to find out why they were searching for the two."

Skalheth says, "We know where to find that man who gave us the ring - we can try to get in to see him again."

GM says, ""Oh, well, sometimes we do have to arrest people, like I said -- I expect they were probably smugglers or cutpurses or something, and we got a tip-off where they'd be meeting.""

Fincul nods, "Oh, ah. One of those 'anonymous tip' sorts of things?"

Skalheth says, "We made quite a scene back there. We can talk to merchants who would have noticed it to see if they know who they were."

GM says, ""Right, I suppose -- I'm not sure of the exact details, but the captain seemed pretty sure about where they'd be""

[D&D] Fincul says, "Mmm. I think I've gotten all I can; if there's anything you want Kaylee to say, feel free, but I think I'm done otherwise."

Arly asks, "I hate the thought of letting them get away. Are there no other options?"

Skalheth says (to Arly), "You need to know when you're beaten, son."

[D&D] Fincul asks (of Arly), "You mean, like a magic ring that tingles when they're near?"

GM says, ""Well, I guess I'd better be getting back to barracks," Clancy says. "Thank you both kindly.""

Arly says (to Skalheth), "Don't. Call. Me. Son."

Fincul waves, "Don't be a stranger!"

GM says, "Clancy waves in friendly fashion and heads out."

Arly says, "Nonetheless."

Skalheth asks, "Hurr. Perhaps that didn't translate well. Patronizing term used when giving advice to the less wise?"

Arly says, "We should get back. There will be another time for this."

Fincul says (to Kaylee), "Curiouser and curiouser."

GM says, ""What was that all about?" Kaylee asks"

Fincul asks, "Do you remember the man in the swamp Arly and I told you about -- the one with the ring and the scroll?"

Arly says (to Kaylee), "Nothing. Nothing. Let's proceed."

Fincul says (to Arly), "Oh, hello, I didn't hear you come in."

GM says, ""Oh, yeah, the guy in a hurry?""

Skalheth says, "Speaking of `in a hurry`, Arly looks funny when he runs."

Arly asks (of Skalheth), "Quiet! Let's move on, shall we?"

Fincul says, "Mmhmm. We found a ring that matched his, on a man being arrested. Although he got away."

GM says, ""Got away? How'd that happen?""

Arly says (to Kaylee), "Poor luck."

Skalheth is in a surprisingly good mood for being trapped in a city for a week. Must be the satisfaction of restoring a temple.

Skalheth says, "Partly my fault. I didn't want to make too much of a scene when we don't know whose side we're on."

[D&D] Arly asks, "What time of day is it? Morning?"

[D&D] Alex says (to Arly), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that morning is allegedly a time of day. Most ifMUDders consider it a myth."

[D&D] GM says, "it's just after noon"

[D&D] Arly asks, "Have we eaten yet?"

Fincul says, "I wonder if we should make another attempt to visit Cassis."

Skalheth reiterates the options he gave to Arly earlier, and asks Fincul if he found anything out.

[D&D] GM says, "I dunno, probably you were just looking for a place to eat"

Fincul says, "He might be interested to know about the exploits of his friend's, or his as the case may be, ring."

Skalheth says, "I still wonder why he didn't try to get it back from us."

Arly says, "Perhaps. Perhaps we should also consider adjourning to the inn to dine first. I'm a bit hungry."

Skalheth says, "Hurr. Maybe he's trying to wash his hands of it. This bodes ill."

Skalheth asks (of Arly), "Can you take it off if you try?"

Fincul says (to Skal), "The guards were told to expect and arrest a pair of miscreants at that time and place -- presumably, with the intent to break up a planned meeting for illicit purposes."

GM says, "(yeah, the ring comes off -- it's also stopped tingling now, naturally)"

Fincul says, "Lunch is a reasonable option, if you wish to finish that original plan before we begin a new one."

Arly says, "It might be best. We seem to be having little luck today in this area. Perhaps food shall reverse our fortunes."

Skalheth says, "Hurr."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "ping"

GM says, "You and Kaylee and Onyx step out for a bite to eat."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "I'm the one who's standing around saying `whatever`, so I can't break up these awkward pauses..."

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Is *that* what 'Hurr' means?"

GM asks, "now what? Cassis? Or wander around more? Or go talk to the guards?"

Fincul asks, "Shall we go see Cassis, then? Or did you have other ideas to follow up on instead?"

[D&D] Skalheth says (to Fincul), "Think of Tim Taylor."

Skalheth says, "Maybe Kaylee and Onyx should question the merchants."

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Which merchants?"

Skalheth says, "Since they wouldn't be recognized."

[D&D] Skalheth says (to Fincul), "I assume there were stalls and businesses and such near where the arrest happened."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Oh, aha."

[D&D] GM says, "it was kind of off on a side street, but there must be somebody around"

GM says, ""Good idea," says Kaylee. "We'll meet you back at the room in an hour or two""

Fincul says, "And so a plan is hatched."

GM says, "Kaylee and Onyx head off."

[D&D] Arly asks, "Am I with them?"

[D&D] Arly says, "I thought the three of us went out to lunch together."

[D&D] Arly asks, "Or is lunch over already?"

[D&D] GM says, "the five of you did (Kaylee and Onyx were back at the room and got picked up)"

[D&D] Arly asks, "So lunch is over with now?"

[D&D] GM says, "yep"

[D&D] Arly says, "Wow, it must have been Chinese, because I still feel hungry."

[D&D] GM says, "unless you want seconds"

[D&D] Fincul says, "We can bring a doggy bag with us."

Arly pats his stomach. "Well, that was... uh... filling. So what now?"

Fincul asks, "To the guild?"

Arly says, "Yes, perhaps so."

Fincul says, "Entry should be easier thid time, now that I have a membership."

Fincul heads that way.

Arly follows close at hand.

GM says, "You three head over to the guild, where the doorkeeper tells you that Cassis has moved out. "I thought he was going to be staying here the whole time," the man says, "But I guess he changed his plans -- he said he was moving to the Golden Hawk, over at the edge of the noble's quarter.""

Fincul says, "Ah, thank you for the information."

Skalheth says, "Hum."

Skalheth says, "Curiouser and curiouser."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Damn, I'm really not in character today."

Fincul tips him, now that they're betreasured and all.

[D&D] (from Skalheth) Fincul drops hints that he expects to find lots of gold in that tomb.

GM says, ""Thank you, sir," the man says. "Can you find the inn yourself?""

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Hee."

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Aldo, can we?"

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims (at Arly), "I'm sure glad you found that Vorpal Sword of Slicing in the tomb. And practically unguarded, too!"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Er, aldo. And I mean the finding of the inn, not the gold."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Also, also."

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Left-handed typing.)"

[D&D] GM says (to Fincul), "oh, er, probably"

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims (at Fincul), "TMI!"

[D&D] Arly says, "Hee hee."

[D&D] GM says (to Fincul), "I expect if you ask around you can get directed to it, since it's an inn and all"

Fincul says, "I think so -- but if we have any trouble, we might be back later."

[D&D] GM says, "you "keep your other hand on the cat" as much as the next guy"

Fincul waves.

GM says, "You head over to the Golden Hawk -- it's not hard to find, since it's on the part of the noble's quarter nearest to the central island in the city"

GM says, "probably guests who are here on political business stay there"

GM says, "(since the Lady's castle is on the central island)"

GM says, "This is a fancy enough inn that it has a receptionist at the main desk rather than just an innkeeper"

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Did you say the two guys were well dressed or poorly dressed?"

[D&D] GM says, "poorly"

[D&D] GM says, "they looked like -- well, possibly like caravan guards, or down-on-their luck adventurers, or that kind of thing"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "By... 'Jollica' Bridge?"

Fincul exclaims, "Good afternoon!"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Hmmm..."

[D&D] GM says, "hmm, I thought I remembered the noble's quarter as being in the NW, but I could be wrong"

GM says, ""Hello, sir," says the woman, "How can I help you?""

GM says, "She eyes you politely but a bit suspiciously, as if thinking you don't really look like you're a guest here."

[D&D] Fincul says, "You'd know better than I. I'm just guessing :)"

[D&D] GM says, "so I don't know for sure, but probably more like Oldbridge, then"

Fincul asks, "We're here to visit someone -- is 'Cassis' staying here?"

GM says, "Her eyes flicker down to the register on her desk for a moment. "Ah, yes -- he's with us -- in fact, he's just coming in now.""

GM says, "She gestures behind you, to the man coming in the door."

GM says, "Who is, you quickly note, not Cassis"

Arly says, "What's going on here."

Fincul frowns.

GM says, "There's some superficial resemblance of face, and the dress and demeanor are similar, but it's not the same guy you talked to before"

Fincul asks (of Man), "...Cassis?"

Skalheth moves to flank the man.

GM says, "He's come over, noting the receptionist's gesture, and looks down at you (despite being the same height). "Can I help you?" he asks, his voice not exactly friendly."

Fincul says, "Mmm. Odd that you don't recognize us."

GM says (to Skalheth), "as you step to the side of Cassis, two burly men that came in with him step forward, casually, their hands sliding down to the swords hanging at their belts."

GM says, "(they're still back a ways towards the wall, though)"

GM says, "Cassis raises an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, should I?""

Skalheth says, "I'm pretty memorable."

Skalheth says, "Maybe you didn't notice me in the swamp - I blend in a little better there."

Skalheth watches Cassis closely to see if he reacts at all.

Fincul asks, "I should think you would. I presume you accepted our delivery of a week or so ago?"

GM says, "Cassis turns his head to focus on Skalheth, possibly thinking, possibly seeing if you'll squirm in return. "Ah, yes, the swamp -- thank you for delivering that package.""

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Um, clarification."

GM says, ""Dormund did pass on the payment, I hope.""

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Did the guy in the swamp say, `Deliver this to Cassis` or `Deliver this to me, Cassis`?"

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Or - wait, Dormund?"

[D&D] GM says, "I think he was pretty clear he was Cassis"

Skalheth relaxes a little.

[D&D] GM says, "but it's true all he said was | "Excellent -- when you get to the city, ask for Cassis at the mage's guild; I'll leave word there.""

GM says, ""I'm sorry I couldn't come down to see you in person at the guild -- I was a little indisposed after my hasty journey.""

Skalheth says, "Thought for a moment we'd been had. You look different."

[D&D] Fincul says, "By text, it could be read either way, but I'm happy to assume body language and tone of voice that'd have clarified."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "(Um, and we never did get paid, did we?)"

[D&D] Fincul says, "We did."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Oh. Ok, glad I didn't say anything."

[D&D] Arly says, "Hee hee."

[D&D] Fincul says, "20 or so platinum, IIRC."

Skalheth waves toward Fincul.

[D&D] (from Skalheth) Skalheth mouths, "Help me! Floundering!"

GM says, "Cassis's eyebrow quirks up a tiny fraction, again. "It's true I'm not as distinctive as some." He pauses. "You three are all very distinctive -- I'm sure I'd be able to find you again.""

Fincul nods, "Mmm. How did the matter work out, in any case?"

GM says, ""Quite well, thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm a bit fatigued -- I'll just be going up to my room.""

GM says, "Cassis walks past the receptionist and up the stairs."

GM says, "A few seconds later the two burly men follow, giving you long looks as they pass."

[D&D] (from Skalheth) Arly yells, "Stop him he's getting away!"

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Hee"

Skalheth says, "Hold on a second."

[D&D] Arly says, "Now now."

Skalheth asks, "Didn't you want your ring back?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Darn you; you woke Rosalind by making me laugh."

[D&D] Arly asks, "Is my finger tingling?"

[D&D] GM says, "no (and none of the three had a visible ring)"

Fincul glances at Skalheth, with a furrowed brow.

Arly says (to Skalheth), "Quiet, you."

GM says, "Cassis is already up the stairs and away -- it's not clear if he didn't hear or just didn't respond"

[D&D] Skalheth says (to Fincul), "Hey, I waved the conversation over to you, and you let him walk away."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "I did that precisely because I didn't know if that was a good idea."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Oh, is that what the wave was? Thought you were trying to surround him or somwthing."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Sorry, no, should've been clearer."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "It was a `ball's in your court` wave."

[D&D] Fincul says, "I'd rather catch him later, in a less open and observed spot."

GM says, "The receptionist coughs, politely. "Is there anything else I can help you with, gentlemen?""

Fincul says, "Not at the moment, I don't think -- thank you."

Arly talks quietly to the others. "What's the best way to proceed?"

Skalheth says, "Let's step outside and talk to him."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Er, s/to him//"

[D&D] Fincul asks (of GM), "Would a target of a spell automatically know it was attempted, if they save?"

Fincul nods, goes with Skalheth.

[D&D] GM says, "it depends on the spell"

Arly does, too.

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Fascination?"

[D&D] GM says, "I think so, yeah"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Aha, found it. Bad vibe, but indefinite source."

[D&D] GM says, "oh, that's in the official rules? there we go"

Skalheth says, "I wonder why he changed his face. And how."

Fincul says, "I wonder where Cassis is."

Skalheth says, "I have a potion that will do something the same to me - I keep it around in case my orc blood is a problem."

Arly paces.

Fincul says, "This imposter is almost certainly the very one Cassis sought to keep that scrollcase from."

Skalheth asks (of Fincul), "You think so?"

Fincul says, "Mmm. And we have played directly into his hands."

Skalheth asks, "Are there not simple spells to change your appearance?"

Fincul says, "There are, of course, but only a fool would change his face but not his name."

Arly says, "Hrm."

Fincul says, "And surely no man would be fool enough to mistake the three of us."

Fincul looks at his own red-orange robes.

Skalheth says, "Hurr."

Skalheth says it sadly.

Fincul says, "We must find out what happened to the real Cassis."

Arly asks, "But how? Do we have any information?"

Fincul says, "This man is unlikely to help us voluntarily, but... but the prisones with the ring, Perhaps they are confidants of him, if they share his ring,"

Arly asks, "So perhaps we should track him down? What an excellent idea. Why didn't I think of that sooner?"

Fincul asks, "Where did you say they went to?"

Arly says, "We lost track of them in that alley."

Skalheth says, "I don't know if this imposter knows anything about the ring..."

Fincul asks, "Can we go there?"

Arly says (to Fincul), "Yes, we can go back."

Arly looks at Skalheth. "Assuming there are no objections."

Skalheth says, "Which might be an advantage - I hope he didn't hear me."

Fincul says (to Skalheth), "Unlikely -- or he probably would have asked for it when we delivered the scrollcase..."

Fincul will assume we're talking while walking.

GM says, "Eventually you make it to the alley."

Fincul says, "Hmm."

Fincul says, "Ah. A dead end. Hmm."

Arly says (to Fincul), "We lost track of them here. We couldn't find anything to suggest their method of escape."

Fincul looks around at the walls and the ground, to see if there's any other way out of here.

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "sufficient time has passed that if you'd like to make another tracking roll you can, or you can try something else"

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 4 = 16

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 5 = 15

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Basic Search for a passage, not tracking for me, of course.)"

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "I guess I can roll that too, huh?"

Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 2 = 12

GM says (to Arly), "oh, there it is, after all -- it didn't look like there was a way up, but I guess someone skilled at climbing pressing themselves into the corner of the wall could have made it"

GM says, "and indeed you see a small thread dangling from a brick where they probably scraped themselves going up"

Arly points. "There!"

Arly says, "That's how they got up."

Fincul asks, "Ah, straight up the wall?"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "How high is it?"

Skalheth says, "Too bad Kaylee isn't here."

[D&D] GM says, "two stories, so 20 feet-ish"

[D&D] Arly says, "I think I'm decent at climbing."

Fincul asks, "Does either of you have anything like a grappel?"

Arly says, "I have a rope."

Arly says, "I could climb up and then help the rest of you."

Fincul says, "That works."

Skalheth says, "I have a spear."

[D&D] (from Fincul) Skalheth says, "I can make him climb faster."

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 7 = 23

[D&D] Arly says, "HA."

Skalheth says, "...but if I throw it over, we'd best hope there's nobody on the other side."

GM says, "Arly scrambles up with the greatest of ease, and then drops a rope so that the other two can follow him up to the roof-tops"

Arly looks around for clues.

Fincul exclaims, "And up we go!"

Skalheth rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 - 1 = 0

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "Yie!"

[D&D] Fincul asks (of Arly), "And you complain about rolls?"

[D&D] Arly says, "Okay, I have never even had a roll that bad."

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "I was just realizing I've been forgetting about my ACP, but I don't think I've made too many rolls that it affects."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "So I figured I'd take it into account this time..."

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "And look what happens!"

[D&D] GM says, "given that you've got a rope and aren't in a hurry, I assume everyone makes it up somehow"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "That's a -3 if you count the shield slung across my back."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Oh, yeah, we can take 10 or 20, can't we."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Ah ye old 'taking twentye'."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Timing."

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "make another tracking roll, I guess"

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 5 = 21

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "ah, there, footprints in the roof-top dirt"

[D&D] Arly says, "Gotta love that rooftop dirt."

Arly points. "Footprints. They went that way!"

Fincul says, "After you."

Arly follows the footprints, carefully as not to fall off the roof.

GM says, "The trail leads across the rooftops for a bit, jumping onto a neighboring building a few times (luckily, not too big a jump), and then finally it looks like they scrambled down the projecting stones of a wall and back to the street, next to a pastry-vendor's cart"

Fincul says, "Athletic fellows, weren't they."

Arly says, "Apparently so. Let's keep going."

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "roll again now that you're back on street-level"

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 5 = 21

Skalheth says, "Looks like they lost the guards, at least."

GM says, "(back in the alley, Arly noted the guard's tracks went in and then out again, so probably, yeah)"

GM says, "meanwhile, Arly heroically tracks the men all the way to a small inn, here in what's turned into the poor section of town"

Fincul says (to Arly), "You're awfully good at this."

Arly says (to Fincul), "I know."

GM says, "This inn, by contrast to the previous one, not only doesn't have a receptionist, it doesn't have an innkeeper; it has a tavern-keeper and what you see through the open door are some cots in a back room"

Skalheth says (to Arly), "See? You need to slow down and center yourself to do it right."

Arly says (to Skalheth), "I have had about enough of you."

Fincul says, "We should have held off on lunch."

Arly says (to Fincul), "Perhaps I made so many mistakes because I was hungry.]"

Fincul heads to the bar. "A beverage, please."

GM says, ""Two coppers," the man grunts, slamming a mug of ale down on the counter."

Fincul puts down three. "Thanks."

GM says, ""Not bad," he says, sweeping the three coins off the counter as soon as you put them down."

Fincul takes a small sip, looks around the room idly, then turns back to the barman. "A couple of friends -- well, friends of a friend -- of ours may have come through here earlier. I wonder if you might have seen them?"

Fincul describes the two men they're pursuing.

GM says, ""I see most people comin' in," he says."

GM says, "He scratches his chin. "Guess I might've -- seemed like they were in a hurry. They asked how much a bed for the night would be, bought a drink and went out again. Told 'em they had to be back by six bells to get a place to sleep.""

Arly asks, "Do you know where they were going?"

Skalheth asks, "Did they look like they were coming back?"

Skalheth asks, "...and how much /is/ a place for the night?"

GM says, "The barman shrugs. "Dunno -- they weren't talkin' much. I expect they'll show, though -- most people don't ask to stay here if they got any other option, haw haw.""

GM says, ""A silver a night a head," he says. "And we'll fry you some breakfast the next mornin' for free.""

Skalheth says, "I've slept in worse places."

Skalheth pulls out a silver.

Arly does as well.

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Almost as good as the swamp?"

Skalheth says, "If the breakfast doesn't kill me, I'll give you another."

Fincul raises an eyebrow, but shrugs and follows suit.

[D&D] Fincul asks, "OK, so why are we paying in advance for a bed here, when we already have a decent room in a better part of town?"

[D&D] Arly says, "A sign of good faith, I think? And we want to be able to see them."

[D&D] Fincul nods.

GM says, "He shrugs. "Glad to take your money, but a little word from the wise -- might want to watch your back if you're going to bring that fancy stuff here. Guys'll roll you for less after dark.""

Arly says, "Let them TRY."

Fincul says, "Sound advice."

Skalheth twitches back his cloak to show the bones underneath.

[D&D] Fincul says, "So, I assume we've got some time to kill before six bells."

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "What fancy stuff do we have apart from the ring?"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Decent clothes?"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Weapons?"

[D&D] Skalheth says (to Fincul), "Not me."

[D&D] GM says, "also, Fincul might still have his ioun stone flying around"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Oh, yeah, that."

[D&D] Fincul asks (of Skalheth), "Well-made boots?"

[D&D] Fincul says (to GM), "Oh yeah. Indeed I do."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Hm. Yeah, there is that, I guess."

[D&D] Fincul says, "It's amazing how, after a few weeks of wearing it, you completely forget it's even there."

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

Fincul says, "We've got some time before six. We should meet back up with the ladies."

Arly says, "Of course."

Fincul says (to Barman), "If you see those fellows before we do, let them know we're friends of the old Mr. C."

GM says, ""You bet," the barman grunts, and goes back to pouring ales."

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Lest he mention 'some guys were looking for yet', sans details, and spooks them out of town.)"

[D&D] Fincul says, "s/yet/you/"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "So, back to Kaylee and Onyx?"

Skalheth says, "I'll wait here in case they come back before six bells."

Skalheth looks around for an unobtrusive place.

GM says (to Skalheth), "you can probably pick a corner of the room -- these sort of taverns always have dozens of corners for people to sit in"

GM says, "meanwhile Fincul and Arly head back to the inn"

GM says, "where Onyx and Kaylee are waiting"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "No, I want a place outside where I can watch the entrance with less chance of them spotting me."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Another tavern or something."

GM says, ""I couldn't dig up anybody that knew who they were," Kaylee says. "There weren't many people around on the side street anyway -- the ones who were there remembered 'em, and a few recognized the guards, but nobody knew who the guys were.""

[D&D] GM says, "ah, ok -- there's another small tavern nearby across the street; you could get a spot just inside"

Fincul says, "Hmm. So they probably don't meet there often."

[D&D] Fincul says, "AFK a few."

GM says, ""There was some guy here when we got back," Kaylee says. "I didn't hear exactly what he was saying to the innkeeper, but I heard him saying something about bright robes and a funny-dressed half-orc.""

Arly grunts. "Wherever would we find THOSE?"

Arly asks, "So, what next?"

[D&D] Skalheth says (to arly), "I think you're talking to yourself."

[D&D] Arly says, "Well, no one else is saying anything... I'm just trying to move things along."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Fincul's player's AFK, and I'm sitting in a tavern enjoying myself^H^H^Hwaiting patiently."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Maybe you should talk to the innkeeper, find out who was looking for you."

GM says, ""I dunno," says Kaylee, "who was the guy? He was kinda tall and muscular, but not like Onyx.""

GM says, ""What with being a guy and all.""

Arly asks, "Hrm. Does anyone know what time it is? How much longer until six bells?"

GM says, ""It's about three bells now," Kaylee says"

Fincul asks (of Kay), "He didn't look like <Cassis II>, did he?"

GM says, ""Nuh-uh," she says. "More like a city guard type -- tall and had a sword.""

GM says, ""No uniform, though.""

Fincul says, "Hmm. Could be one of his bodyguards."

Arly says, "Hmm."

Arly asks, "What's the best way to find out?"

Fincul goes to the innkeeper, an old friend now that we've helped get Mendrick's debt paid off, to enquire if we had been asked after.

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

[D&D] Arly asks, "?"

GM says, ""Oh, yeah," says the innkeeper. "Was he a friend of yours? He had some note he wanted delivered to you.""

Fincul asks, "I'm not sure -- did he leave a name?"

GM says, ""Nope, just this note," the innkeeper says. "But he said you'd know who he was coming from." He pulls out a note from his desk, sealed with wax."

Fincul says, "Thanks." He brings the note back to the others to look at it.

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Any particular seal, or just your generic blob of wax?"

GM says, "It has kind of a curious stamp on the wax, what looks like an S looping around three circles"

[D&D] Arly asks, "Have we ever seen anything like it before?"

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "S for Skahleth!"

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "And the three circles for three snakes!"

[D&D] Skalheth exclaims, "It's from me in the future!"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Hee."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Or possibly the past."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Remember, we haven't played out this last week yet."

[D&D] Arly says (to Skalheth), "Well, next week, this will all already have happened."

[D&D] Arly says, "Also, timing."

GM says, "the note inside reads "Gentlemen, I wish to apologize for being so abrupt before -- I had been in heavy discussion and was tired. I hope you can honor me by coming to lunch tomorrow at Tria's Vintage, at 1pm." It's signed "Cassis" with a flourish"

Fincul copies downt he symbol on his notebook.

[D&D] GM says, "(and no, it doesn't look familiar, I don't think)"

Fincul says, "Hmm."

Fincul says, "It's a trap, of course."

Fincul says, "But it's also, possibly, a lead."

Arly says, "But at least we can be prepared."

GM says, "meanwhile, Skalheth's vigil is eventually rewarded -- sometime after four bells, he sees the two men from before walking towards the tavern"

[D&D] GM says, "Arly, ranger/boy scout"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Good thing he sees them."

[D&D] GM says, "(er, yeah)"

Skalheth . o O ( Hmm. Should've checked for back exits. )

[D&D] GM says (to Skalheth), "there was an exit to the room with the cots and an exit to the kitchen and the main entrance, and that was it, as far as you saw"

Skalheth crosses the street and lurks outside the door.

Skalheth listens to try and hear them speaking to the bartender.

GM says, "You see them each hand a silver piece across, and the bartender gestures to the room with the cots. Then they pass over some coppers, take their ales, and go sit down in the main room in the corner."

Skalheth circles the building to check for an entrance from the kitchen or cot room.

GM says, "There's a kitchen entrance into a back alley where they toss their garbage, yeah, but nothing from the cot room"

Skalheth whispers to his vipers, and they spread out to lurk in the garbage.

Skalheth goes back across the street to wait for his friends.

[D&D] Fincul hopes they were told the 'dance if something interesting' command, not the 'attack' one.

[D&D] Skalheth says, "I guess the vipers aren't smart enough to actually keep watch, so I'm gonna periodically send them across the street to check the alley again."

GM says, "The men stay in there, drinking slowly, for the next few hours."

GM says, "Meanwhile, I guess Fincul and Arly eventually come back"

Fincul eventually comes back.

Arly comes back eventually.

Fincul probably goes inside, assuming he doesn't notice Skalheth.

[D&D] Skalheth says (to Fincul), "I showed you where I'd be when we split up."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Aha."

Fincul, if he does see Skalheth then, stops in to say "Hi."

Skalheth sees Fincul coming down the street and comes out to meet him. "They have been in there for a few hours. They seem calm."

Fincul nods. "We shouldn't have much difficulty making contact then, so long as we remain friendly."

Arly says, "That should be no problem."

GM says (to Arly), "your ring tingles ever-so-slightly as you arrive in the area"

Arly touches his hand.

Arly says, "They're here."

Skalheth leans his spear and shield outside the door before entering.

Skalheth coils one of his sleeping vipers in the shield to prevent theft.

[D&D] GM says, "beats The Club any day"

[D&D] GM asks, "are you all going in?"

[D&D] Arly says, "Hee hee."

[D&D] Arly says, "I'd think so."

GM says, "The men seem to be watching the door, as you see them glancing in your direction when you go in"

GM says, "One leans forward and whispers something to the other, then twists his ring around so the gem is on the other side of his hand"

GM says, "(Your ring is tingling stronger the closer you get)"

Arly whispers, "They're trying to hide the ring."

GM says, "They sit back, slightly, one hand out of sight below the table, waiting to see what you do"

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Sorry. Distracted by Skies of Arkadia final cutscene."

Skalheth whispers (to Arly), "Toss yours on the table. It'll show them we're not hiding anything."

Fincul waves in a friendly toward the men and moves in that direction.

Arly places both his throwing axes on the table.

Arly whispers to Skalheth. "Is that good enough for you?"

GM says, "The man extends his ring-hand for a hand-shake, as the other watches you silently."

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "Was that to me?"

Skalheth lurks.

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

[D&D] Arly asks, "Which hand is the ring on?"

Fincul smiles. "Hello. I believe we may have a friend in common. One who may be in trouble."

[D&D] GM says, "it's on his right hand now"

[D&D] Arly asks, "No no no, which hand is MY ring on?"

[D&D] GM says, "I dunno, it's your hand, you tell me"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Hee."

[D&D] Arly says, "It would be my general instinct to wear it on the left hand in 2003, but I'm not sure what style dictated in the era of this game."

GM says, "The second man nods. "*Somebody* is in trouble here.""

[D&D] GM says, "that's fine, then"

[D&D] (from Fincul) Arly stares at his hands in rapt horror. "Which... hand..."

Arly shakes hands with the man.

Fincul asks, "May we sit?"

GM says, ""Please.""

GM says (to Arly), "the ring feels slightly warm against your hand, but that's all"

Fincul sits.

Arly sits.

Fincul says, "The man who ought to be wearing that ring... seems to be missing."

GM says, "The man with the ring gestures to Arly. "Before we talk," he says, "let me see that.""

[D&D] Arly asks, "Excuse me?"

[D&D] Arly says, "ILAMRR."

[D&D] Fincul says, "I think he wants your ring."

Arly asks, "Excuse me?"

GM says, "He stares at you, then turns to look at his companion. "I don't think they know anything," he says. "Then what about..." the other man asks. "We'll find out. But not from them, I think.""

Skalheth growls, "Yeah, we're innocent dupes. And we don't like that very much."

GM says, ""*You*," the man says, "weren't set up.""

Fincul says, "Not yet, anyway."

GM says, ""Now then, may I hold your ring a moment?""

Arly asks, "I'm sorry?"

Fincul says (to Arly), "Oh, go ahead."

Arly says (to Fincul), "We don't know why he wants it."

Arly asks, "Tell us, sir, what do you want with the ring?"

GM says, "He grits his teeth. "What I want is to touch it to the gemstone on my ring, and see exactly where you got this.""

Arly asks, "For what purpose?"

Arly says, "I'd be interested in knowing where you got yours as well..."

Skalheth says, "We can tell you where we got it."

Fincul says, "To prove C-- that he gave it to us freely."

Arly says, "...and why you want this one so badly."

Fincul says, "And that we're not some pack of bandits or worse."

Skalheth says, "But we won't be letting you fiddle with it till we get more info."

GM says (to Skalheth), ""Very well then -- where'd you get it?""

Skalheth says, "We met a man in the swamp."

Skalheth says, "He asked us to deliver something for him, and said he'd pay us when we got it to the mage guild here."

GM says, ""He asked you to deliver the ring?""

Skalheth says, "He gave us the ring as surety of payment, but then when we delivered the scroll, we got some gold but they didn't ask for the ring back."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Erk! I didn't mean to mention the scroll."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Ah, well, that's why I have a -1 Int."

Skalheth asks, "Your turn - where'd you get yours?"

GM says, ""As a surety of payment? But ..""

GM says, ""What sort of appearance was he? Noble? Young?""

Skalheth says, "I figured it was cursed, and he was trying to dump it on us. Now I'm not so sure."

Skalheth says, "You first."

GM says, "He frowns. "The ring is a passcode. I very much suspect, however ..""

Arly asks, "Passcode?"

Arly asks, "What kind of passcode?"

GM says, "He takes off his and slides it across the table. "I think at this point it is safe to say secrets have been breached.""

Fincul says, "That is without doubt."

Skalheth asks, "Have you had a mage look at it?"

GM says, ""At the ring? So far as I can tell it works properly -- but you are not the ones who are supposed to have it, I think.""

Skalheth says, "Hm."

Fincul says, "That is true. The man who should have it, unfortunately, turns out not to be the one we made delivery to."

Skalheth says, "Ah."

GM says, ""Yes, I think that would explain things," the man says. "I don't suppose you know exactly what you delivered?""

Fincul says, "A scrollcase, sealed with wax and protective magics."

[D&D] Fincul says, "So I've figured out why I thought 'Cassis' was someone else's name."

GM says, ""Ah well. So, now that I have told you what the rings are for, will you describe the person you delivered it to?""

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Because if he needs for him *or* the case to make it here, then why ask us to deliver it to *him*? If he's there, he doesn't really need it as much as if he weren't. And if he's not, then what would we do with it, without him?"

Fincul says, "Similar enough to him that, from a verbal description, he could easily be mistaken for him."

GM says, ""I don't, in fact, know what the man looks like at all.""

GM says, "He gestures at the ring on the table. "These were supposed to make that unnecessary.""

Fincul says, "But -- ah, of course."

Fincul describes the Casses.

[D&D] Skalheth says, "I figured someone else at the mage guild would recognize the name."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "If he hadn't arrived."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Heh. Now that we've started freely exchanging information, Arly seems to want no part of things :)"

[D&D] Arly says, "I'm just listening."

GM says, ""Cassis, eh? I don't recognize -- but I suppose that's the point.""

[D&D] Arly says, "I'm still not sure I entirely trust these guys, and I'm not willing to give up the ring yet."

Skalheth asks, "Now, another question - what did the guards want with you?"

GM says, ""They wanted to put us in prison," he says. "On what trumped-up charge I don't know, but presumably they had something.""

Fincul asks, "Are you enemies of the state? Criminals, revolutionaries?"

GM says, ""We received a note in one of the usual codes saying to meet there -- but clearly our codes are broken along with everything else.""

GM says, "The man grins slightly. "Up until this afternoon, we were neither; now we may be both.""

Skalheth says, "I'm don't know if I trust you."

Skalheth says, "Let me ask you a very important question."

Skalheth asks, "How do you feel about... snakes?"

Arly raises an eyebrow almost--but not quite--imperceptibly.

GM says, ""Er, snakes?""

GM says, "The man looks oddly at Skalheth."

Skalheth asks, "Snakes. How do you feel about them?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "That's one of the worst pick-up lines I've ever heard."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Yeah, Tim Curry didn't have much luck with it either."

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

Fincul burieds his head in his hands.

GM says, ""I'd rather not get bitten, if that's what you mean.""

Fincul asks (of Skalheth), "So is that the right answer?"

Skalheth nods. "Fair enough. Carry on."

Skalheth says (to Fincul), "Not really, but it wasn't the wrong one."

GM says, ""I think we have, in fact, heard as much as we need.""

GM says, "He picks up his ring from the table, and stands."

Fincul says, "We haven't."

GM says, ""No?""

Fincul says, "We're apparently involved with things. People who are your enemies now know who we are, and know that we tried to help your friend."

Fincul says, "And tomorrow, one of them wants to meet with us. Or so he claims."

GM says, ""Oh, really?""

Fincul shows him the note, if Skalheth and Arly don't object.

Arly says nothing.

GM says, "The man looks over the note. "We planned on getting in touch with him; this will help.""

Fincul says, "We don't know if he knows we realize he's an imposter."

GM says, ""This conspiracy stuff is complicated.""

Skalheth says, "I was the one doing most of the talking earlier, and I actually didn't - I thought he was in disguise."

Fincul says, "We don't know if we're being set up, just as you were."

GM says, ""Well.""

GM says, ""I think it very likely that the man you got the ring from is dead, or captive. This suggests the person you intend to meet would have no scruples about doing the same to you, although it is one thing to take out a single man in a lonely swamp and another to remove several in a city.""

GM says, ""If you wish to avoid going to the meeting, we would be happy to go in your place.""

Arly clears his throat.

GM says, ""If not, I certainly advise you to be on your guard.""

Skalheth says, "The man knows us by sight."

Fincul says, "Hmm."

Fincul says, "If we wished... a suitable disguise could probably be arranged."

Skalheth says, "We should meet him, and you should watch. That would be best."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "I'm getting kind of tired now."

GM says, "He nods. "It's true that would be wisest.""

GM says, ""We had better not meet beforehand, but if you are interested in speaking to us again, we will be back here at six bells again tomorrow.""

[D&D] Skalheth says, "And I think the lp's would probably be watching us as backup in the meeting anyway, so we should break before that."

[D&D] GM says, "yeah, we're ending once this talk is over"

Skalheth says, "If we won't meet beforehand, we should make a better plan."

Skalheth says, "But without knowing more about this tearoom, I don't see what that would be."

GM says, "He shrugs. "You will recognize us, we will recognize you, and all will pretend not to do so.""

GM says, ""If you leave with him, we will follow.""

GM says, ""If there is trouble, we will be there.""

GM says, ""Now, if you'll excuse us --""

GM says, "The two men stand."

GM says, "They walk over to talk to the innkeeper for a bit, and then head out of the tavern again."

GM says, "And that is it for this week"

(From Arly) GM says, "Next week: last week."

[D&D] GM says, "no game next week, as I'll be out of town, but hopefully the following week, depending on folks' schedules"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Sounds good."

[D&D] Fincul says, "I assume we'll be finishing history before playing the future."

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

GM has disconnected.

GM goes home.

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Good game."

Skalheth has disconnected.

Skalheth goes home.

[D&D] inky says, "kind of more plot than I expected, but probably better this way"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "You were hoping we'd start kicking heads when we say the guards and the guys?"

[D&D] inky says, "hee hee"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Saw, even."

[D&D] Arly exclaims, "With my luck, I would have kicked my own head!"