s HT Player DS Character Name Type Status/Notes Sex -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ Public posts/actions to pnpgm@list.powersandperils.org (mailing list) Private emails (not public actions) to pnpgm@comcast.net Game Update #43b sequence (file #322) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Admin Notes: None. ---------------------------------------------------------------- [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.