Session Start: Sat Jun 23 16:55:28 2007 Session Ident: #Castlevania [18:26:55] [The party finds itself in the street before the great temple in the city of Providence. The sun is looming in the sky, heating the white brickwork of the street and surrounding buildings.] [18:41:23] Okay, people. We've got four options, here. [18:41:32] We can go west to an unspecified disturbance. [18:41:42] We can go south and find out what's going on with this plague. [18:41:49] We can go north and find ourselves a man who can't die. [18:41:59] Or we can try to track down this Alexander du Pre fellow. [18:42:19] You've got about two minutes to make arguments in favor of your favorite option before I decide. [18:42:45] Immortality is always interesting [18:42:56] South sinds kinda threatening [18:43:13] I'm not sure if I'm comfortable letting that sit. [18:43:35] The south may or may not be solved already, due to us having killed the perpetrator before you two arrived. [18:44:13] Skip: I vote for the south. I want to help my people if I can. [18:44:26] Nyyx: (shrugs) [18:44:46] There's also a cult situation to the east of Kronenburg, but we're staying as far away from that as possible, for now. I'd rather be chased by hellhounds for all eternity than fight golems anytime soon. [18:44:54] can we actually stop the plague? I mean I'm not much of one for removing diseases [18:46:11] That's a major consideration. Since Lucas died and Siobhan retired, we lack anybody who can concievably cure diseases. [18:47:16] oh, I can patch you up just fine, I just can't make that nasty flesh eating stuff stop [18:47:35] That... could be a problem. [18:47:40] WHat sort of plague is this? [18:47:58] We don't know, but we do know it was spread deliberately by undead, and thus is quite likely to be magical. [18:48:02] I'd call it a fifty fifty shot. [18:48:35] If it's at all virulent, without someone who can cure it magically, we're liable to all catch a bad case of dead. [18:49:03] Yeah... [18:49:56] Any ideas? [18:50:02] I don't usually like catching dead. It's..... sticky [18:50:38] Since we don't have any reasonably likely way to prevent or cure the plague, it's best to stay away from there for now. [18:51:39] That leaves us with mister immortal, an unknown disturbance, and Alexander du Pre. [18:51:55] Of those, Mister Immortal is probably the least threatening, Alexander the most. [18:52:11] Alexander will most likely be actively evading us, as well, meaning a protracted chase. [18:53:04] The man who can't die is unlikely to die before we get to him, so I propose going immediately west. [18:53:07] At top speed. [18:53:43] what was west again? [18:54:09] An unknown disturbance. [18:54:39] so, go into the unknown rather than tackle a known quantity? [18:54:52] When the known quantities are undesirable, yes. [18:55:01] Besides, it reeks of a secret to be uncovered. [18:55:10] And where there are secrets, there's profit and power. [18:55:33] Something I'm wondering... if this is an unknown disturbance... how do they know it's there? [18:55:47] I mean, what does this DO? [18:56:16] Who knows? Rumor travels faster than light, but it's not very accurate, and often quite vague. [19:01:04] Personally, I'd rather have some idea about what I was rushing headlong into, but I'll tag along to watch either way. [19:03:57] Does everybody have their shopping done? [19:06:35] Pretty much [19:06:35] [The party wanders around the town for a few hours, taking in the sights, having brunch, meeting the new members, and spending some coin.] [19:07:11] [While they are shopping, a mercenary promised by the Contact approaches the party.] [19:11:38] * BS looks at the party, and then looks down to make eye contact with the cat. This is...a precarious posture, at best. [19:11:53] You're a big one. What's your name? [19:11:54] B.S. stands nearly 8.5 feet, in part due to good posture. His Ogre features are impossible to hide, but look particularly unusual on someone standing straight and well-groomed. The half-ogre has most of his pale-green skin covered in piecemeal breastplate, including a helmet that hides (to an extent) most of his facial features. The leather exposed from his armor is clean and the metal is... [19:11:55] ...at high polish, exposing in fine detail the various symbols of Pelor etched on the armor plates. A very large axe hangs securely from a scabbard on his back, and a small book hangs from his belt. [19:12:18] "Talking cat. Check." [19:12:52] "I'll sell him for a reasonable fee. Though I warn you, he isn't worth it." [19:13:56] I'm not for sale. [19:14:17] * BS reaches into his pack and unwraps a scroll. He lays it before Biff. It reads', "This is Brute Servant of Pelor, Redeemed of All Evil by the Holy Church, Ward in the Care of Priests of the Church on Nine Storms in the Eastern Lands'. Please do not call him a Brute. He has been tasked to accompany you on your quest and should prove a most worthy ally." [19:14:58] "I know that, Biff. You know that. HE doesn't know that though." [19:15:11] * BS waits a moment for the scroll to pass around, then bows. "How may I serv...offer my help?" [19:15:32] Fall in, big guy. We're just gathering some info before heading out. [19:16:52] * Oberon steps several feet out of the way. [19:18:01] * BS nods, and finds a place to the side. [19:21:29] "What...what are we doing, anyway? The Contact talked to me about some ab..ab...strange goings on, but he didn't go into detail. He called it complicated and left it there." [19:22:43] * Oberon slaps BS on the shoulder. "We, my large friend, are going to find a drink." [19:23:19] "He spoke well of you, I think. What exactly is a 'danger-magnet'? It sounds exciting; he said you had one. May I see it?" [19:24:10] We don't have one, we ARE one. [19:24:55] * BS looks at Biff, and his eyes widen in a moment of realization. It seems like he might be MORE excited by the new information. [19:26:21] "A drink? Lead the way." [19:28:39] * Oberon heads off in search of a bar likely to yield some information, and a seat for their new friend. [19:30:26] [After about twenty minutes, Oberon finds a clean-looking tavern along a side street.] [19:31:29] "This looks like a prime spot. Let's go in, shall we?" [19:32:30] Go right ahead. [19:32:33] I'll be around. [19:35:10] "I'll wait outside. Don't be long." [19:38:26] Looks good. [19:39:52] * Oberon enters the tavern and heads for the bar. [19:40:49] Oberon then buys a round for the room and begins a rousing drinking song. [19:41:56] * Oberon then focuses on a table or two of likely looking patrons, and joins them. [19:42:01] [After about an hour of singing and merry-making, Oberon finds a trader recently from the West.] [19:43:39] [This trader is drinking with a few old friends and is more than willing to talk once a few pints have passes his lips.] [19:43:54] * Oberon buys the man a drink, and sits down next to him. [19:44:49] "Ah, the life of a travelling merchant. I wish I was still so carefree." [19:44:52] * Charlotte watches from the side. [19:45:06] Trader: "The west? Well the city of Stavograd was off limits the last time I was through. We had to detour eight days. Total waste." [19:45:41] Trader: "They have great pickled cod. And this little hole in the wall... Total waste." [19:49:15] Trader: "Other than the occasional bandit raid. Not much else is going on. I was told to skip the town of Kronnenburg, and raids are up between here and there, but I don't trade in the Great Forest anyway. Bad luck." [19:53:01] Trader: "Something about a 'quarantine'? I don't know." [19:53:09] Trader: "What do you want?" [19:54:13] "I was just wondering about that little hole in the wall you were talking about. I'm heading out West, and am always looking for a good dive." [19:55:16] Trader: "Like I said, it's blocked off." [19:55:51] "Well, it's always possible it would be open by the time I got there. What was so good about the place anyway?" [19:56:10] Trader: "And it's not worth breaking into the city just for some cod. Even if Minerva's is the best on the continent." [19:57:06] Trader: "Great service. Great food. Great booze. Especially after the long miles on the road to get there." [19:57:45] Trader: "Great entertainment, if you get my meaning." [He gets a little wistful.] [19:58:44] "Who's talking about breaking into the city? I'm just interested in good food, I mean I'm sure a businessman such as yourself knows all types of people, who are quite capable, but I'm not so fortunate. I couldn't sneak past a guard if I bribed him." [19:59:31] Trader: "Eh? You wouldn't have to sneak past if you bribed'm." [20:00:25] "See, that's just what I'm talking about. I would have tried it, if it wasn't for you." [20:00:35] Trader: "I'm sure the local smugglers still get in. Great business a blocked off town is, if you don't mind the risks. Too much for me, though." [20:02:00] "Well, how far away was this town anyway. I mean isn't it possible that whatever caused the city to be locked up in the first place has run it's course by now?" [20:03:29] Trader: "Sure, it's been about fifty days since I went by. Could be over and done with, but I doubt it. Stavograd is far to the west. About a thousand miles. Right up against the mountains." [20:05:06] "Fifty days? It would be at least 100 days before I got there then. What could possibly have not run it's course by then?" [20:07:41] Trader: "Plague quarantines and sieges, even martial law may take longer than that." [20:09:28] * Oberon buys the man another drink. "Well, thanks for the infromation." [20:10:54] Trader: "Thank you." [20:12:04] * Oberon looks around the bar again for any other probable sources, and if they don't present themselves, then he heads out. [20:12:13] * Charlotte waves [20:14:40] * Biff appears beside Oberon. [20:14:42] The news? [20:15:11] * Oberon fills Biff in on the situation. [20:15:37] Right. Possible plague that way. [20:15:47] Looks like someone wants us to go north. Or chasing Alexander. [20:16:22] Only if you're determined to avoid the plague. [20:16:45] Hmph. Tricky. [20:16:47] Avoiding a plague you have no reliable means to fight is intelligent. I am an intelligent sort of fellow. [20:16:51] It's presance both to the West and South of us would indicate that it's getting worse. [20:16:52] If you were, you would agree with me. [20:17:42] Intelligence also involves recognizing a problem that needs to be dealt with despite the risks. [20:18:02] So tell me this, smart guy. How do we deal with a plague we have no apparent means of fighting? [20:18:12] The plague might not be to that point yet, but it seems like it's spreading [20:18:59] I don't know little kitty, I'm just saying that might be a more pressing concern than something nebulous to the West. [20:21:55] * BS scratches his head. "Are we certain it is a plague to the west?" [20:23:00] There's strong evidence... [20:23:12] No, there's hearsay. [20:23:33] But until someone comes up with a plan to at least protect ourselves from a plague, we're staying away from it. [20:23:38] Just because it's hearsay doesn't mean it's not evidence. [20:24:39] Hearsay is not strong evidence. Close your mouth and listen more. [20:25:04] * Oberon opens his mouth wide. [20:25:52] Hearsay just means it isn't necessarily reliable, not that it isn't strong evidence. [20:26:08] * Biff heads north. [20:28:07] "I don't think a decision was made. Who is the leader, anyway?" [20:29:51] Not me. I'm just part of Pelor's help [20:30:17] "I don't really care which way we go to be honest, and as far as leadership is concerned the cat think's it's him, like most cats usually do." [20:30:33] * Biff is still walking. [20:31:01] "I suppose we can try to catch up with him, but that will just make him think he's right." [20:33:00] "Maybe we wait here until he changes his mind?" [20:35:21] * BS thinks for a moment, then yells, "Free milk for talking cats!" [20:35:36] * Biff does not somehow magically appear. [20:36:03] "Cats tend not to change their minds either." [20:44:15] "Can the cat handle the troubles to the north alone?" [20:44:48] "No, that's what he's counting on." [20:45:36] I think that town is our best bet. Best being relative [20:49:15] "I see the dangers, but I think leaving the plague alone-- if it even is a plague in that city-- would be like ignoring smoke in a burning house. [20:49:17] "The Contact used magic to bring me here over great distance." He spreads his hands about two feet apart; maybe he's referring to a map. "if the cat doesn't come back, maybe we get him back that way? He might not like that." [20:50:53] "The only way he's going to be happy is if he gets his way." [20:51:32] "If we wait long enough he'll probably come back, but if not then he's gone." [20:53:25] "You guys want to just follow him? I mean how much more satisfied with himself can he get?" [20:54:11] "We can always stuff him in a sack and drag him back here with us." [20:56:07] Isn't that kinda dangeorus? [20:56:16] Probably [20:56:34] But then again, what choice do we have that isn't? [20:56:53] Good point [20:58:14] Besides, if we follow him and the world burns because of it, that's a great 'I told you so' moment. [21:00:22] I don't think Pelor would like that. [21:00:58] "Oh, well, if Pelor doesn't like it he can tell us what to do." [21:06:23] I say we check out the city [21:07:31] This has the potential to get way out of hand [21:07:35] We need to end this early [21:08:01] I think that may be the wiser course of action in some respects, especailly because it would increase our information, but I'm just as happy going either way [21:08:20] * BS nods. "All paths lead to danger, yes?" [21:08:36] "That's a safe guess. [21:08:55] "So if we go to one danger, it means we must ignore other dangers?" [21:09:18] "At least for a while, yes." [21:10:25] "The cat is proud, but at least he took action. I suppose that's good enough for me. It is better that we are all together, the Contact would have not put us together if Pelor meant us to split us apart." [21:11:28] "Fine by me, though it is possible Pelor meant to do exactly that." [21:13:43] * BS holds out his hands, and points a finger. With the other hand, he bends the finger back as far as it will bend. He then holds both hands apart, all fingers extended, and clasps his hands hard. [21:14:01] "Strength in numbers." [21:14:05] * BS nods. [21:15:51] "Let's all go north. Most easy. Most simple." [21:16:23] "Works for me. You guys go on ahead, I'll be right with you." [21:18:38] * BS looks at Charlotte, then turns and begins heading north, after Biff. [21:18:58] Alright... [21:24:21] [The party follows after Biff, trying to catch up.] [21:25:12] * Oberon follows slightly farther behind after some last minute shopping. [21:27:28] * Biff is strolling down the middle of the street, making no effort not to be seen. [21:30:21] * Biff stops and turns around as Charlotte and BS come near. [21:31:00] * BS looks down toward Biff, "You weren't really going to travel alone, were you?" [21:31:27] If necessary. [21:32:51] * BS reaches for the book hanging from his belt, and flips through a few pages. Slowly, methodically, he recites from it, "You must be very brave or very foolish." [21:33:54] I'm a cat. We work alone by nature. [21:33:58] * Oberon comes trotting up about 15 minutes after the rest of the group has gathered. [21:34:03] * BS turns the book to show the page to Biff, as if to prove that it is really there. The handwriting is awful, but it's Common. There's something about an axe written on the same page, but it doesn't look important. [21:34:16] * Biff turns to face Oberon as he comes trotting up. [21:35:18] * Biff takes a big sniff. [21:36:24] "Yes, I know, lateness being a poor excuse and all, but I was never very punctual." [21:36:58] * Biff takes two long, deliberate steps toward Oberon, and sniffs again. [21:37:29] "Something I can help you with?" [21:38:13] Take it out, now, and throw it as far as you possibly can. AWAY from me. [21:39:11] * Oberon looks directly into Biff's eyes. "No." [21:39:32] Then I'm done here. Goodbye. [21:39:43] * Biff casts a quick spell and disappears. [21:43:44] * BS looks around. "I'm not sure what happened. I don't smell a thing." [21:47:48] "Apparently the cat didn't like someone having an advantage over him." [21:50:02] I guess... [21:50:59] "Standing here does no one any good. Where is our destination? North or west, we should begin. [21:52:52] "Well, the one member who really wanted to go North has left it seems, so we can go check that town out now." [21:53:46] Then we go west. Maybe we can find transport and make our travel fast. [21:53:50] Yeah [21:54:36] Fine by me. Let's hit the road. [21:54:55] * Charlotte nods [21:57:47] [The party prepares to depart.] [21:58:07] [SESSION END.] Session Close: Sat Jun 23 22:26:03 2007