RPGWW

by **Idran1701** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 6:18 pm

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

Before the others can respond to Lorraine's concern, she spots a pale-skinned, brown-bearded dwarf with long, waist-length hair coming through the door, dressed in red and purple silk fineries hemmed in glittering silver. He's quickly pointed out to the others, and it's not hard to match him with the descriptions of Öringr given by the locals; it seems they've found their dwarf, and he's shown up right on time. The priest steps to the bar and takes a seat, without even a slightest glance to the four across the room, not even the slightest suspicion in his mind of what's soon to come.

by **Jak Snide** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 6:24 pm

Zant remained silent for now, waiting expectantly for one of the others to make a move. He'd provided input and, for now, that was all that he would contribute. He was a man of peaceful discourse, not trickery and deception, though he could appreciate the utility of such skills.

by **Christian** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 6:42 pm

Magpie turned its head to look at the dwarf, its eyes dimming slightly as it observed the short fellow.

Asp had remarked that reasoning would not work... it began to rise slowly to try it anyway, convinced that with a calm demeanor and a logical explanation for their desire to make him leave the city would be quite enough to convince him...

But then it stopped and sat down again. Recent memories of Lorraine's remark about the acquisition of the passes.

"It would seem the situation has forced the matter into our hands."

by **Kelne** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:02 am

Since nobody else seems to have come up with a plan, Asp hops up and makes his way over to the dwarf to enact his own scheme. Any Krynn native would probably have seized him long before this in order to stop him, but his friends just don't have the ingrained responses. Whether or not they will develop them remains to be seen.

"Hello, Mister Oringr," he says bightly (it tends to be his default tone), "My name is Asperel Brighteyes, and I'm calling you out." If nothing else, this direct approach could well confuse the priest.

by **Besyanteo** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:35 pm

Lorraine's personal lack of experience with Kender was actually underlined, as she was just debating suggesting that Asp handle this openly; Asp felt right for it somehow. He spoke plainly, he knew the plan, and he didn't seem like he cared too much one way or another about authority. Oringer should, theroretically, relate best to him out of anyone in the group.

Which was all fine and great and such, but she still worried that she was about to see Asp go up in a cloud of smoke and brimstone. The mission so far had gone a little too well, and she still couldn't help thinking that this would be where things fell apart.

by **Idran1701** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:27 am

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

Turning at the approach of Asp, he does nothing but stare back at him silently at first. After a moment, he speaks up, his voice having little of the gruff and gravelly quality many expect from the dwarven race. "Who are you, and why should I give the slightest shit about you?"

by **Kelne** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 8:29 am

"Language, Oringr," Asp says in tones of mock shock, "There are lawful types present. But to answer your question," he continues, lowering his voice to a more conspiratorial level, "I'm the person who knows what you're up to. For shame, wrecking those bureaucrats' careers like that. You know they don't cope with change well. Do it to too many and they'll wind up jumping from the rooftops, and nobody wants that. Well, I don't, anyway. I'd have to walk around with my neck craned upwards all the time. My Aunt Windchaser got a terrible crick in her neck once doing that, though that was because of drop bears rather than bureaucrats."

Asp seems blithely unaware of the fact that he's begun to ramble.

by **Idran1701** » Thu Jun 25, 2009 2:46 pm

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

He tips back a swig of whatever it is he's drinking, before glaring at Asp. Lowering his voice to match and chuckling humorlessly at a private joke, he says, "Can't say I know what you mean. Some people like me are just born luckless, and sometimes that lucklessness tends to leak. Can you hold happenstances of luck against me?"

by **Kelne** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 8:11 am

"Well, that depends," Asp says consideringly, "There are people who say that luck is never to be relied upon, but should be exploited wherever possible. After all, why rely on luck alone to destroy someone when you can give them a little push? You know, like waiting until the time is right before leaping out of the shadows with the love letters to the Lord Mayor's secret mistress which just so happen to have found their way into your pouch." This may or may not have been a theoretical example.

by **Christian** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 7:20 pm

Magpie suddenly stood up and walked rather straightly towards the talking kender and dwarf. Once but a few feet away from it the lights in its eyes shines up somewhat.

"Asp, are you in need of any assistance?" there is a certain tone of guilt in the way the construct speaks, but it remains standing where it was, its emotionless face looking down on the two.

by **Kelne** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 6:36 am

"Oh no, I'm good," Asp says, "I'm sure I can handle the whole epic challenge of skill on my own. Although I suppose there's an opening for a referee if you like. Magpie, Oringr. Oringr, Mapie," he carries on by way of introduction.

by **Idran1701** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:16 am

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

Laughing darkly, he looks Asp in the eye. "Be careful throwing accusations like that around, berk. Especially when there's no proof to be found. You wouldn't want to pike me off with claims you can't back up."

Magpie then approaches, and is introduced to Öringr. Barely acknowledging the warforged, he keeps his gaze on Asp, giving it no more consideration than a piece of furniture. "What's this about, anyway? Don't know what you're hoping to tumble to with this screed you're spilling, but I know you've got nothing on me, so skip the roundabout already."

by **Kelne** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 6:21 am

"Proof?" Asp shakes his head in disappointment, "I expected better from you, Oringr. You're not even remotely curious about what manner of challenge I have lined up, or the stakes? I suppose I could go out and scrounge up some proof. Bring it to the attention of the authorities, go through the whole bureaucracy thing. You know, waste a few days while you kick things up a notch. Or I could just follow you around thwarting your every action." Asp grins cheerfully. Kender do thwarting very well, if often unintentionally.

by **Idran1701** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:11 pm

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

He takes a thoughtful swig, before dropping his cup on the bar, letting things settle. A few moments later, he looks again to Asp. "Make me curious, then."

by **Kelne** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:43 am

"The game," Asp says dramatically, "Is lockpicking. There's a whole bunch of vaults for hire outside the staircase. We each pick a vault, add on a few traps and then the other person tries to break into it. Loser leaves town for, say, a year. And, to the winner," he reaches into one of his scroll cases, producing a much rolled-up set of diagrams, "I have here the plans for a genuine doomsday device. All manner of applications there. Well, actually just the doomsday application, but you can leverage quite a bit off that, given enough imagination."

by **Idran1701** » Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:41 pm

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

Öringr seems intrigued at first, but at the mention of the prize, he scoffs, shoving the scrolls away dismissively. "A 'doomsday device'? What kind of leatherhead do you take me for? If some parchment with scribbles's all you've got to offer me, I'm not going to waste my time. Now, if you had something interesting, something more'n some berk I've never heard of offering to go away for a year, I might listen."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Zant and Lorraine keep a careful eye on Asp's dealings, doing their best not to draw attention to themselves without losing sight of him. It's tricky, somewhat unfamiliar work, work that isn't helped by the human that suddenly grabs a chair between them, giving himself a seat in their midst. He speaks up quietly, smirking to the both of them. "Well, then, this is certainly intriguing. I can't help but wonder just what it is that's got your interest so perked about those folks over there." He turns to Lorraine, continuing, "Your friend here's awful at subtlety, by the way. You might want to teach him not to gape if he doesn't want to be spotted."

by **Kelne** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:58 am

"Well then, what did you have in mind?" Asp asks, returning the papers to their case without further comment, "Most of the things I have on me are curiosities, really, but I'm sure I can come up with something made to order, given a bit of time. Or I could perform some service for you, within reason, of course."

by **Idran1701** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:13 pm

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

"Hmph. What sorts of 'services' can you offer, then? Can't think on it if I don't know anything about you."

by **Kelne** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 4:49 am

"Well, there's the lockpicking, general exploration, mapmaking, various applied magics, the whole thwarting thing. You name it, I'll take a crack at it, as long as it's not hurting anyone," Asp says judiciously, "No sense in doing something if you're not enjoying yourself, right?"

by **Idran1701** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 6:20 pm

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

"Doesn't sound like much I'd need right now. But..."

Stretching out the moment, Öringr smiles, giving Asp a look that to others might be somewhat unsettling.

"...How about a favor? To be called in in the future, no questions asked. I'm sure I'll be in a spot in the future, have a bit of music to get out of, some problem you could help me tackle. How's it?"

by **Jak Snide** » Mon Jul 06, 2009 7:22 pm

Zant shut his mouth carefully and inspected the human carefully before a moment before speaking.

"You are correct, subtlety is not my forté. Who might you be?"

by **Kelne** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 9:02 am

"Sure, why not? Always assuming you win, of course," Asp says with an answering grin. This is, after all, a contest which favours him on the face of it. And if he does lose, well, he's the only one who's agreed to leave town. Oringr might be a tad annoyed to discover that there are other people lined up to thwart him, but hey, he never asked.

by **Idran1701** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 3:07 pm

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

With a knowing smirk, he leans back. "Of course, you ken quality trapmaking takes time, yes? Ten days from today?"

"Ah, names can be such tricky wickets. You can just call me Shade for now. A well-regarded member of the Silent Ravens, out of the Cage." Smiling, he holds out a hand to the both of them in turn. He speaks with a bit of a perk, obviously enjoying himself. "So, let me guess; you've got an arrangement with a cloaked fellow too? 'Cause you might have a bit of competition coming up soon, and it's just no fun if your competition doesn't even know they're competing, scan? No fair either, course, and there's no sense bobbing a fellow spiv over some jink. Course, chant is you've already beaten us to one, so we'll just have to step to. Your troupe have a name, by the way? I'd like to be able to tell my folks who we're up against."

by **Jak Snide** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:51 pm

Zant worked hard to keep his expression inscrutable. The revelation that competition existed surprised him and he was having trouble putting all of the slang together. He wished he'd pursued his initial interest in the latter.

"We are of the Planeswalker's Guild." he answered. "And yourself?"

by **Kelne** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 5:51 am

"Two days," Asp counters, "We're not exactly entombing a pharoah here. Besides, I'm sure we both have business we don't want to put on hold until after the contest." Given ten days, he's fairly sure Oringr will just go ahead with his plan, whatever it may be, and take up the challenge afterwards.

by **Idran1701** » Thu Jul 09, 2009 8:02 am

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

Giving Asp a strange look, Öringr counters his offer. "A week. If you think two days is anywhere near enough time, I wonder if you've ever actually had a trap built before, let alone multiple."

With a chuckle, Shade shakes his head. "I've heard of them, but not your guild. Your troupe, your party. The four of you together. I'm of the Silent Ravens, myself, as I said."

Kelne:

Spoiler:

by **Kelne** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 7:43 am

"A week it is," Asp says readily, extending a hand to shake and seal the deal. "And good luck," he concludes, always happy to wish even an opponent all the best.

by **Jak Snide** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 4:11 pm

"I cannot say that we have a name." Zant confessed in a matter of fact tone. "The composition of parties venturing forth is prone to alteration for every job we undertake. This has been the case for my own excursions at the very lest."

by **Besyanteo** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 8:44 pm

Lorraine had sat more or less impassively so far, sizing the man up. He'd picked them out pretty well, and seemed to know what he was doing to date. That was encouraging: It meant if they messed up completely, there was something of a safety net in place. She couldn't judge how good a net it was, but it was better than none at all. Still, would it help at all to tell him that? No, he'd probably be insulted. Well, by that phrasing of it certainly. Bah, best not to worry about it for now.

She glanced over to see how Asp and Magpie were doing, and whether the dwarf had started acting violently or not.

by **Idran1701** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:45 pm

Automata - Tyk and Tolk

Raising his mug to Asp, the dwarf gives him a nod. "I've got all the luck I need. I'll see you in a week." Draining the last few drops, he drops a handful of copper before sliding off the stool and heading out the door once more, a self-satisfied grin on his face.

On the other side of the establishment, Shade chuckles to Zant. "Ah, that won't do at all. Who am I supposed to say we're up against, 'A Bunch of Fellas'? Nah, just bang your brain-box on it for a spell, lann me when you come up, eh?" Glancing up, he notices Öringr's departure, and with a grin to the two of them, he clasps them both on the shoulder. "Well, this's been jolly, but I'm gonna have to cut this wigwag short. See if I can't cut you fellows off at the pass. I'll see you cutters around the berg." Getting up himself, he heads for the door, following Öringr with a measured gait and leaving Zant and Lorraine to themselves.

by **Besyanteo** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:58 pm

Lorraine watched Shade leave the tavern, and spoke once he was well out the door.

"I know it's quite a bit of money we're talking about, but I sort of hope he watching the dwarf first."

She turned to look for Asp and Magpie to walk back over.

"There's a lot of trouble that dwarf could cause in a week."

by **Kelne** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:35 am

"Oh, that's true," Asp says, taking his seat again, "But he's right about the need for time to make any really nifty traps. Anyway, it's not like any of you are part of the deal. You can go ahead with the thwarting or other plans if you think you need to. Although I would still like to go through with the challenge. Anyway, we should probably let Mona know what progress we've made, then I can get cracking with the traps." Asp sounds very much as if he's looking forward to this.

by **Christian** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:27 am

Magpie followed after Asp and it seemed somewhat demured at the conversation that had passed without much need for its assistance.

"I believe my primary services are unnecessary in this mission, but I am to aid in whatever other undertaking needed help with." it paused for a while and then added with some afterthought, "It seems to me a much simpler solution to erase the existence of the priest."

by **Jak Snide** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:37 pm

"I suspect that may be just what our competition has in mind." Zant announced sourly, still watching the door that Shade had departed through.

by **Kelne** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:18 pm

"We have competition? Neat," Asp says brightly. Not being in it for the money, he can afford to take a complacent attitude to being scooped, "Say, do you think they're after Kimura as well as Oringr? Or is it that there's a completely different set of people who don't like Oringr?"

by **Jak Snide** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 4:08 am

"I believe that is the case." he said with an affirmative incline of his head. "I doubt that they shall respect her creed, though I expected that whatever conclusion is reached will satisfy it."

by **Idran1701** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:26 am

The CI seems about done by this point, so we'll go ahead and move on to the trap crafting part of things. Asp isn't the only one that gets to take part in it. Everyone can contribute to this, and I'll just be giving you a quick run-down of the relevant information.

First off, each of the four of you, if participating, has two options. Spellcasters can use trap-like spell effects they know to create effects similar to a trap, cast directly on the vault or some part of it, though the duration of said spell would have to be kept in mind. For spells with shorter durations than the full week, they can of course cast them just before the competition, in order to be ready when the time comes. The time it'll take him to get through earlier traps will also be considered, however, so you'll have to be careful with timing that one if it's a shorter-lasting spell.

Everyone can also hire a trapsmith instead, if you have an idea for a trap to be installed. There's a number of trapsmiths available, though Öringr will possibly also be availing himself of such. People would have to pay for such traps themselves, however, if using this method. If you want to check the details of making traps yourself, the rules for making traps can be found in the Pathfinder rulebook, pages 312-314, while the rules for the Craft skill can be found on pages 58-59; the only change is the cost of mechanical traps is reduced to 50*CR gold. There's a number of sample traps listed as well, if you want to get some inspiration.

And of course, since it's a week before the competition, things may still be happening out of thread. If you have specifics you want to ask me about, sure, but some of you may also have yourself dragged into events occurring before the week is up.

A map of the vault as well as details on available trapsmiths will be posted some time tomorrow (July 18), but to just get you started: the vaults you will be working with will be a 20'x10' room with a heavy iron door; other materials are available if you are willing to pay for them. For the competition, all traps will have to be added by you, nothing can be provided by the vault company. No spells can be cast once someone begins their breaking in, and the goal is to capture a small worthless bauble on a stand at the far end of the vault and leave safely.

If there are any questions, feel free to ask them here, and in fact anything dealing with the trapwork, I'd prefer you post here. In-character, out of character, whatever style, just to keep the thread busy during the in-game week.

by **Idran1701** » Tue Jul 21, 2009 9:05 pm

Vault Map

Here's the current set-up for the vault. I'll add things to it as people add traps. The trinket I assume will be placed at the far end, but that's up to Asp once all the traps are set up and added. Here's the trapmakers you have access to, all of which are found in the Underground of Automata:

Delgen Stronghelm - dwarf, thirty-six years experience trapsmithing (stone specialty), one journeyman, three apprentices
Geartooth - rogue modron, twenty-five years experience trapsmithing (clockwork specialty), one apprentice
Sentar Redclaw - tiefling, fifteen years experience trapsmithing (poison specialty), two journeymen
Amber Redclaw - tiefling, fifteen years experience trapsmithing (bladework specialty), two apprentices
Beryl Stormcloud - half-blue dragon, five years experience trapsmithing (metalwork specialty), no employees

by **Christian** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:16 pm

The construct tore into this new project with an uncanny ferosity, aiding in any ways it could, from helping out with the construction to offering any money it could spare (which was almost all it had, considering it didn't need to eat food or even sleep) or just... being there. It seemed almost as if Magpie was panicking over how... useless it had been in this new environment, and whenever someone needed something done, Magpie was there, more than happy to do what it could.

Truth be told, the enthusiasm of the warforged was bordering annoying, but it remained a machine of few words, and chose most of its words with care.

by **Idran1701** » Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:45 pm

Beyond the extra funds now available from Magpie if anyone happens to have ideas they don't have the funds for (probably magical traps, most likely, in that case), that means that for any trap construction done in a field related to some relevant field of Magpie's knowledge - most likely Craft(Weaponsmithing) or Knowledge(Engineering) - and if it's a smith that would accept Magpie's help, I'll include an Aid Another check from Magpie by default, even if it's another character's trap.

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