Session Start (sandwich:#eberron): Fri Jan 14 19:14:51 2005
[1914:51] *** Initial topic: Next session 15 January 2005, 10 AM EST. | (Link: http://eberron.zort.net)http://eberron.zort.net | LiveJournal khybersmaw
[1914:51] *** #eberron was created on Fri Jan 14 19:13:43 2005.
[1919:54] jnespuxah: check
[1951:50] jnespuxah: oh, this is going to piss me off
[0904:56] *** DShadow has joined #eberron.
[1004:07] *** Roadkill has joined #eberron.
[1004:20] *** Grysar has joined #eberron.
[1004:40] Roadkill: hello
[1005:25] Grysar: 'eya.
[1005:25] jnespuxah: (need you in #eberronooc also)
[1005:47] Roadkill: im trying to open it now
[1006:10] Roadkill: george is looking for his notebook with his character in it
[1006:25] jnespuxah: '/join #eberronooc
[1007:43] *** Mode change "+vvv DShadow Grysar Roadkill" for channel #eberron by jnespuxah.
[1008:19] *** Grysar is now known as Victor.
[1015:58] *** Roadkill is now known as steve.
[1016:44] *** DShadow is now known as Kansakhad.
[1017:28] *** steve is now known as Jillian.
[1017:35] *** Crystal has joined #eberron.
[1018:09] *** Mode change "+v Crystal" for channel #eberron by jnespuxah.
[1021:21] *** Drunik has joined #eberron.
[1021:39] *** Mode change "+v Drunik" for channel #eberron by jnespuxah.
[1025:18] jnespuxah: [After returning from the Mournlands, several weeks pass with no word from the Maw.  A cryptic note reaches you telling you return to the Blackened Blade and seek a new operative.]
[1028:26] * Kansakhad enters the Blackened Blade and looks around.
[1028:26] *** Bitter has joined #eberron.
[1028:38] *** Merith has joined #eberron.
[1029:28] * Bitter nods to Kansakhad. "What'll it be, stranger?"
[1029:39] * Jillian looks up from throwing her darts.
[1030:00] * Victor walks in himself and smiles to see the company. "Hello Kansakhad. It's been a while."
[1030:09] * Crystal sits, waiting in the most well-lit area of the tavern. She is a very 'well-endowed' young woman, probably in her late teens. She dresses to accentuate her feminine form, wearing a black skirt, knee high boots, and a tight, plunging bodice, covered by a not-so-modest gossamer cloak.
[1030:33] * Kansakhad nods at Victor. "It has."
[1031:11] * Drunik wanders in to the Blackened Blade and looks around.  Spotting Kansakhad, he waddles over.
[1031:27] * Kansakhad turns to Bitter "The usual, please."
[1031:31] * Victor glances as Crystal arrives. "My, could we be that lucky?"
[1032:12] * Crystal grins and flicks a few stray strands of red hair behind her ear.
[1032:40] * Jillian whispers under her breath about trashy females giving women a bad name.
[1032:43] * Bitter notices the gathering of usuals... and ignores them. "Good day, Milady! What brings a ravishing beauty such as yourself to my dank pit of the tower?"
[1033:44] * Crystal winks at the barkeep. "I like to keep my eye out for pleasant diversions. I was told I might find some excitement here."
[1034:57] Drunik: "That is often the case.  Bitter, have Merith bring out an ale for me."
[1035:27] * Jillian walks over to the bar. "I'd like a drink too please."
[1035:45] Bitter: "Have a look around, my dear.  Not much in the pleasant department.  Diversion for sure, excitement from time to time; pleasant is a rare gift around here, and I'm glad you brought it in with you."  He winks.
[1036:13] * Drunik rolls his eyes slightly
[1037:01] * Victor waves a hand to the barkeep. "And one for me Bitter."
[1037:04] * Merith works around Bitter, as he seems unlikely to do business anytime soon. She fills orders for everyone.
[1037:33] * Victor pays Merith and gives a fairly generous tip.
[1037:52] Crystal: "Well, this place is quite different from my usual accomodations, and it does seem to be more functional than it is beautiful..."  She looks around, taking in the atmosphere.  "Still, all places are in desparate want of beauty, for even where the most glamorous abound, there is often strong desire for more of the same."
[1040:03] * Jillian returns to her dart throwing.
[1041:30] * Victor chuckles at that line.
[1042:23] Bitter: "And here you are, beautiful and bountiful.  What can I do for you today?"
[1043:51] * Crystal places a gold piece on the countertop. "Something sweet, and just a little sour."
[1046:00] * Bitter turns and starts a far-too-complicated drink. "Don't get much demand for the fancy stuff, but I keep a little on hand for just such an occasion."
[1047:25] * Victor sits down with his ale.
[1047:29] *** MaleHalfling has joined #eberron.
[1047:54] * MaleHalfling enters, tips his feathered cap to Bitter, and heads over to Jillian. "A bit of a game, Miss?"
[1048:19] * Jillian "Have at it."
[1048:22] * Crystal thanks Bitter for the drink with a smile and turns, sitting on the barstool where she can see everyone else.
[1050:07] * Jillian throws her first dart which barely hits the board.
[1051:30] Bitter: "Just a moment.  I've missed the final touch.  What did you say your name was?"
[1052:10] * Jillian throws her 2nd dart which hits the bulls-eye, and her third which hits between the two.
[1053:10] * MaleHalfling tosses his darts in quick succession, obviously displaying a lack of finesse and talent.
[1053:20] * Victor notices Cystal's dagger and then knocks open his coat, so that the hilt of the dagger is visible at his side.
[1054:01] * Crystal blushes bright red. "Oh, my apologies. You must think me some haughty wench. My name is Crystal Wellshard. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
[1054:32] * Victor also carries a morning star, a crossbow, a collection of potions and scrolls, and a chainshirt. This range of items gives him someone the look of a street "rolex" salesman.
[1055:47] Crystal: "My, my, my...  Does someone expect to face a troll this morning?"  She rises and approaches the table where the others are seated.  
[1056:10] * Bitter bows awkwardly. "I am Bitter. Please, feel free to bless my establishment any time you like. We will make you feel right at home." He drops a small tablet into the the neon green beverage, and it begins to shift from its natural colour to a deep crimson, and back again.
[1056:13] Crystal: (Of course, after whatever other pleasantries bitter wishes to exchange)
[1056:31] * Jillian walks over to the table. "You should always be prepared."
[1056:44] Drunik: "Aye"
[1056:57] * Victor nods.
[1057:13] * Jillian lays her dagger on the table pointing towards crystal
[1059:52] * Victor glances up at Jillian. "My, I seem to have missed a great deal."
[1100:17] * Jillian "My name is Jillian. Who are you?"
[1101:38] * MaleHalfling retrieves his darts and joins you at the table.
[1101:43] * Victor 's full description for those that haven't seen him before. He's a somewhat tall apparent human with shaggy hair and sideburns. He wears a long worn coat of the weapondry already disguised. He seems to have a certain charm, but he also seems a reasonable fit with the atmosphere of the bar. "Victor."
[1102:09] Crystal: "I am Crystal Wellshard, and I come to spread beauty across the lands."
[1103:43] * Jillian is a halfling of average height but is very slender. She has flowing brown hair and a no non-sense attitude.
[1104:21] * Drunik is a dwarf with auburn hair and beard.  He is wearing armor and has a prominent yellow and blue symbol hanging from his waist.  There is also a mace and crossbow on his person.
[1104:55] Drunik: "I'm Brother Drunik, of the Sovereign Host.  Glad to meet you."
[1105:19] Crystal: "Pleased, Brother."
[1106:22] MaleHalfling: "I'm Girrip.  Nice to meet you all.  I guess you all are part of some club?  Nice hardware you've got there."
[1106:28] *** MaleHalfling is now known as Girrip.
[1107:22] * Merith comes to the table. "Anything I can get for your little discussion time?"
[1107:51] * Bitter finally stops staring at Crystal and returns to work.
[1107:54] * Jillian turns to look at Merith. "The drink I asked for earlier please."
[1107:58] * Victor looks to Girrip. "You might say that. We'll have some business to discuss shortly, but you're welcome to stay until then. Buy you a drink?" ::Victor puts some emphasis on until then, but his tone is friendly::
[1108:51] Drunik: "So Victor, how has your business been doing?  Quite some time since the last time I saw you."
[1109:47] Girrip: "Certainly.  Whatever you're having, thanks!"
[1110:02] *** GruffMan has joined #eberron.
[1110:34] * GruffMan lumbers into the bar and sits at a dark table far in the corner. He obviously wants to be alone.
[1111:12] * Crystal realizes that Bitter is no longer watching, sips her drink nonchalantly.
[1111:16] * Merith goes to the gruff man.
[1111:20] * Victor looks to Merith. "An ale for mister Girrip." He then looks to Drunik. "None to bad. Although Grunick hasn't been by as much lately, which is a a shame. How have your higher pursuits been?"
[1111:21] GruffMan: "Ale."
[1111:42] * Merith fills the order with a shake of her head at his short manner.
[1111:48] * Victor pays four silver pieces again.
[1112:25] * Merith passes by your table, placing a full mug in front of Girrip. "Thank you, Victor. Most generous."
[1112:50] * Victor smiles. "I believe in rewarding good service."
[1114:01] Girrip: "Hmm..."  Girrip seems to be thinking hard, as he looks from one of you to the next.
[1114:18] Victor: (Typo correction Grunick->Girdnick)
[1114:28] Drunik: "Going as well as ever.  I've just picked up armor-making again, actually.  Have a chain shirt work in progress"
[1115:37] * Jillian looks towards Girrip. "What brings you here?"
[1115:52] * Victor nods and looks interested. "I've never tried that end of the craft."
[1116:02] * Crystal glances at Merith as she passes, then just as she gets out of earshot, Crystal whispers a few words and gestures with her free hand. A moment passes, then Crystal smiles and looks back to the table around her.
[1117:26] Girrip: "I've just come to town, and thought I'd start my exploration from the bottom up.  This seems a friendly enough place."
[1118:07] Jillian: "Welcome. What do you do?"
[1118:27] * Merith looks around behind her, and seems both confused and irked.
[1118:56] Girrip: "I just travel, really.  Odd jobs get me enough cash to keep going."
[1122:05] Girrip: "Quick hands, quick mind, you know the type."
[1122:16] * Victor keeps his fairly oblivious attention on Drunick. "If you ever need a storefront for sales, talk to me."
[1122:17] Jillian: "You gotta start somewhere."
[1123:29] Drunik: "Maybe once I'm a little more skilled."
[1123:51] Girrip: "You know, I just can't figure out what you all have in common.  What's this club for, anyway?"
[1123:57] * Victor grins. "Well, if you screw up, the customer probably won't be coming back to complain."
[1124:50] Jillian: "It's for people with these daggers." 
[1124:51] * GruffMan stares into his mug and nurses it slowly.
[1125:05] * Jillian points towards her dagger that is on the table.
[1126:13] Jillian: "I need some fresh air."
[1126:24] Girrip: "Yes, well I gathered that.  But from the side-street merchant over there (indicates Victor) to the holy man (Drunik) and the lover (Crystal), I just don't get a common thread."
[1126:25] * Jillian walks out the door
[1130:32] * Crystal seems a bit distracted, rubbing the table's surface as she drinks. "If we had too much in common, we'd have little to share with one another that hadn't been shared before."
[1132:00] * Merith takes several heavy breaths, and looks around with a rapidly changing look on her face. She disappears into the kitchen.
[1132:02] *** Merith has left #eberron.
[1133:34] Girrip: "True.  Perhaps one with my travel experience could join your little club?"
[1134:35] Crystal: "I couldn't say.  I don't think any of us are in the position to welcome any new associates."
[1134:57] * Victor looks oddly at Merith before glancing to Girrip. "I wonder what is disturbing our barmaid. As for our gathering we're occassionally consulted on the sort of infrastructure that keeps a city such as this running. Thus our range of abilities is an asset. I'll mention your interest, but sadly they may prefer someone who better knows the city."
[1135:17] Victor: (range of abilities->range of vocations)
[1137:43] Girrip: "What a complex way to say something so simple.  When does your illustrious leader get here?"
[1137:59] * Crystal rises with a smile. "If you'll all excuse me a moment." She walks toward the kitchen door, reaching toward her boot as she slips into the room.
[1138:39] * Bitter moves to intercept Crystal. "I'd love to get anything you may require. How may I help you?"
[1138:49] * Jillian walks back through the door
[1139:36] * Jillian notices that crystal vacated her seat and looks around
[1139:39] * Victor shrugs and then looks at Crystal and Bitter. He comments distractedly to Girrip. "Whenever they please, as with all illustrious leaders."
[1143:32] * Jillian sits back down and watches bitter and crystal
[1144:01] Girrip: "Welcome back!  The 'blessed' one has just stepped over to the kitchen.  Please, rejoin us."
[1144:03] * Crystal whispers something in Bitter's ear and waits for his response
[1145:03] Drunik: (whispers to Jillian) "You're just in time for the show"
[1145:38] * Bitter 's eyes get very wide. He holds the door open for Crystal.
[1146:02] * Victor looks as if he's trying to hear what is being said by Crystal to Bitter before looking back to the group. He comments quietly "My, she is forward."
[1146:46] * Crystal slips into the kitchen, followed by Bitter. As the door closes, some small object blocks it, allowing just a hint of noise to escape into the room.
[1146:50] Jillian: "She's a tramp."
[1147:41] Drunik: "I haven't seen much to counter that."
[1147:47] Girrip: "Now, now, it takes all kinds."
[1148:31] * Victor snickers. "And some of those kinds are tramps. But I'd have thought Merith would have more sense."
[1151:29] jnespuxah: [Merith's panda noises can be clearly heard throughout the Blackened Blade.]
[1151:47] * GruffMan looks up from his mug and listens intently.
[1152:18] Girrip: "Sometimes you just can't help yourself."
[1152:41] *** Truggle has joined #eberron.
[1152:43] * Jillian walks to the door that connects between the two rooms and dislodges whatever it is that is stopping it from shutting
[1153:19] * Truggle nearly breaks the door as it slams open.
[1153:33] Crystal: {Occasional cracking sounds can be heard as well, before the vocals subside and Crystal re-enters the Blackened Blade, tucking something into her boot.}
[1153:57] * Crystal sits again at the table. "So where were we?"
[1153:59] * Victor shrugs. "Well, it appears generous tipping was the wrong approach. And thank you Jillian. Huh, that was quick."
[1154:19] * Truggle looks around, and sees you gathered. "Good, you're here. I hate wasting time with so much to do."
[1154:40] * Truggle looks to the gruff man. "Get lost!"
[1155:12] * GruffMan 's eyes go wide. He chugs his mug and scurries out the door.
[1155:14] * Victor looks up at Truggle and then to Girrip. "Well, our employer is here. So I fear we'll need our privacy." He looks to Truggle and gestures to Girrip. "This man is interested in a job."
[1155:15] *** GruffMan has left #eberron.
[1156:02] * Truggle looks Girrip up and down. "Let him earn it like everyone else. Get lost, shrimp!"
[1156:32] Girrip: "Quite rude, this one, eh?"  Nevertheless, Girrip says a quick round of goodbyes and departs.
[1156:36] *** Girrip has left #eberron.
[1156:50] * Victor gives a kind look and a 'what are you going to do shrug' to Girrip and bids him farewell.
[1156:58] Crystal: "You know, there are much kinder alternatives by way of requesting a person to leave."
[1158:14] Truggle: "You are here because you can be useful.  In one way or another.  You have no place opening your mouth."
[1158:59] * Victor looks to Truggle, he seems a tad amused by Crystal's comment.
[1200:17] Jillian: "So, what's the plan?"
[1200:20] * Bitter re-enters the bar, sees Truggle, and makes quick work of getting a large mug filled for him.
[1200:57] * Victor keeps his eyes on Truggle and smiles slightly. Not clear what about.
[1201:03] Truggle: "Can't talk sober, eh?"  A hearty, cruel laugh bellows out from his throat before he chugs his ale.  "Another, barkeep."
[1202:21] * Bitter fills a yet larger mug and delivers it, clearing any empty mugs. "Anyone else?"
[1202:40] * Crystal makes direct eye contact with Truggle. "Opening my mouth, you say? Well, that shall be remembered."
[1202:45] Drunik: "I'll have another."
[1203:29] *** Merith has joined #eberron.
[1204:38] * Merith enters from the kitchen, smoothing her apron. She has a certain glow about her. She looks to the table, sees Bitter clearing mugs, and moves to fill new ones for the table.
[1205:33] * Victor shakes his head and nurses his ale. "No thanks." He glances over to Merith. "How fare you lady? You seemed quite.. vexed earlier?"
[1205:33] * Truggle pulls out a privacy orb and places it on the table.
[1205:49] Truggle: "Any news for me?
[1206:20] Victor: Nothing worth your time.
[1207:37] Truggle: "I'm moving up, and I can take you with me, or I can shove your face in the dirt.  What'll it be?"
[1208:15] Crystal: "Excuse me?"
[1208:23] Jillian: "I'd rather go up then down"
[1209:17] * Victor snickers at something but then looks to Truggle. "You're the representative of the Maw, so we do what you say. What's the job?"
[1209:26] * Truggle looks angrily at Crystal. "Let me explain it real simple-like, so the tramp can understand. Are you going to help me, or am I going to make your lives miserable?"
[1210:10] Crystal: "The tramp understands just fine, thank you.  The ogre is obviously having a bad day and should probably take a nap."
[1210:23] * Victor then seems to feel a slight chill and pulls his coat slightly shut.
[1212:02] Truggle: "I can see we're going to have a problem someday.  In the meantime, I can use you.  I need you to remove a roadblock."
[1213:07] Jillian: "What kind of roadblock?"
[1213:19] jnespuxah: "The bloodbag kind."
[1213:31] Truggle: "The bloodbag kind."
[1213:45] Victor: Ah, who is this roadblock then?
[1214:33] Truggle: "She's got the ear of the right people.  They should be my people."
[1216:05] Crystal: "So in other words, this other woman is going up, and we can either help you dispatch of her, or we can impede your path and make the angry little monkey fling his business.  Why should we choose to help you?"
[1217:00] * Truggle pulls out a heavy leather bag and drops it on the table. It jingles, and the table visibly shakes. "Good enough?"
[1217:28] Crystal: "For a first offer.  Perhaps we should find her for a counter offer?"
[1218:01] Truggle: "Good luck with no name and no location."
[1218:25] * Victor smiles at the loot. "I must say, I'm quite tempted by that."
[1218:30] Drunik: "Try one out of two.  This is Elira you are referring to?"
[1219:54] Truggle: "While she has had the right ears, she'll not be a problem for some time."  He crosses his arms in a self-satisfied way and grins evilly.
[1220:33] Jillian: "Where?"
[1221:03] * Victor contentedly waits for details.
[1221:20] Truggle: "When the prissies have left, then we can discuss further.  I want a permanent solution this time."
[1222:21] * Drunik downs some liquid courage.  "Then that counts me out for this one.  Contact me when you hav something *interesting* for me.
[1223:08] * Drunik gets up to leave, if he isn't stopped
[1223:24] Truggle: "I figured.  Your honor hurts your wallet and your position.  You'll learn its uselessness eventually."
[1223:51] * Crystal rises alongside Drunik. "I think if you want people to help you, you should learn some alternate methods of getting their help."
[1223:56] Victor: I'm not afraid to deal with the occassional bloodbag.  ::He then looks of to Drunick:: If you like, do stop by my shop later.  Even if you aren't ready for sales now, I may be able to make you an offer for the future.
[1224:29] Truggle: "Sit down.  You'll do anything for money.  But if that's not good enough, I might be able to come up with something.  What do you want?"
[1226:03] * Crystal plants her fist on her hip. "Just tell me where she is. I can take care of things from there."
[1226:23] Drunik: "Fair enough, I'm a cleric and not a seer.  Maybe if that comes to pass, the target will be large enough."
[1227:35] * Drunik leaves the Blackened Blade
[1227:44] * Truggle glances over his shoulder as Drunik leaves. He bellows behind him, "Say hi to your gods. I'll come for them when I'm ready."
[1228:00] * Victor waves. "Don't forget what I said."
[1228:43] *** Drunik is now known as Zeiram.
[1229:05] *** Mode change "-v Zeiram" for channel #eberron by jnespuxah.
[1230:59] jnespuxah: (retcon Kansakhad never entered before)\
[1231:15] * Kansakhad enters the Blackened Blade and looks around.
[1232:07] * Truggle waits impatiently for Kansakhad to sit.
[1232:24] * Kansakhad goes over to the table and sits
[1232:27] * Crystal is standing, fist on hip, in a very stand-offish pose at the table, waiting for a reply from Truggle.
[1232:28] Truggle: "No problems opening up a bloodbag, then?"
[1232:58] Kansakhad: "Sorry I'm late."
[1233:24] * Crystal reaches over and spins a coin on the table. "I suppose you know me pretty well. Anything for money, right?"
[1233:37] Jillian: "No problem here."
[1234:23] Truggle: "She thinks she's safe, has the right ears.  Unfortunately, that won't keep a blade from between your ribs."
[1234:41] * Victor nods.
[1234:46] Crystal: "So you want it to be quiet?"
[1235:50] Truggle: "She'll be staying at the Hilt Overlook tonight.  She has a private room there.  I assume it's protected, but the personnel won't be much trouble."
[1236:35] Truggle: "Whether anyone knows you've done it is your own business, but I need the Maw to know it was my people."
[1237:11] Crystal: "How will they know we are working with you?'
[1237:13] Truggle: "The guard will obviously track it to you if you're not careful, so be subtle if you like."
[1237:47] * Victor nods. "No need to draw unnecessary trouble."
[1238:15] Truggle: "Leave a note if you want.  I don't care how the Maw knows, but make sure they do."
[1238:51] Crystal: "And how will we contact you to let you know we're done?"
[1239:36] Truggle: "When I hear she's dead, then I'll know it's done.  Simple process for a simple mind.  Think you can grasp that?"
[1241:51] Victor: Simple enough.  She going to put up much of a fight?  Any abilities we should know about?
[1242:22] Truggle: "If you're smart, she'll be asleep.  If not, you might be in trouble."
[1243:10] Victor: Well, best not depend on being smart.  What kind of trouble?
[1245:14] Truggle: "The hurting kind.  She's a good talker, but that doesn't say much for her sword arm.  It does, however, say good things for the people around her.  Look, just kill her."
[1245:37] Crystal: "Fine, let's split the gold and get this over with."
[1246:02] * Victor nods, satisfied by the answer.
[1246:41] Truggle: "Good.  This might prove you more than worthless."
[1246:55] * Truggle takes the privacy orb and heads for the door.
[1247:28] Crystal: "I should hope we are given time before the chore of another meeting, troll."
[1248:00] Crystal: to the others:  "Let's get to work, I'd rather be done with this."
[1248:19] *** Truggle has left #eberron.
[1248:31] Jillian: "So, how are we going about this?"
[1249:02] Crystal: "I say we discuss this on the route to this Overlook"
[1250:04] * Crystal grabs her bag and leaves the Blade. "Let's move."
[1250:52] * Victor stands. "Just a moment. I'll catch up." He walks over to Merith.
[1252:20] Merith: "Yes, Victor?"
[1252:25] * Kansakhad stands up and follows Crystal out of the bar
[1252:38] * Victor smiles and looks slightly concerned and comments quietly. "Are you alright? You had looked quite bothered earlier."
[1253:21] * Jillian makes her way out of the bar as well
[1253:21] * Merith smiles widely. "Oh, all is quite well!" She winks.
[1256:27] * Victor grins at that. "Good, just wanted to be sure you were well treated."
[1256:53] jnespuxah: [As the party leaves the tavern, Kansakhad and Victor lead the way to the Hilt Overlook, having been there during their trial to join Khyber's Maw.]
[1257:39] *** Bitter has left #eberron.
[1257:45] *** Merith has left #eberron.
[1300:25] Crystal: "So the troll needs this woman eliminated.  I say perhaps we let the troll stew in his own bile and we see if this woman might have a more pleasant alternative."
[1301:02] Kansakhad: I do not particularly like him much either, but we completely lose any element of surprise if we do that.
[1301:23] Crystal: "So what do you propose?"
[1301:53] * Victor looks thoughtful. "It's a good point. Well, she apparently is not the problem, but her hired help is."
[1302:05] Kansakhad: Further, it's not clear that she would be willing to aid is either.
[1302:21] Kansakhad: And if we go against Truggle, for certain, we've made a powerful enemy.
[1302:36] Crystal: "Well, for a simple tramp, I think I have a rather clever idea.  And to be clear, anyone would be willing to help undo a plot against their life."
[1303:59] Crystal: Who is more powerful?  The strong arm, or the voice that leads it?  If this woman can command the respect of these swordsmen, she may be more potent than the simple goon."
[1305:26] Kansakhad: If Truggle is threatened by her, she is at least as powerful as he is, if not more. She is only threatened by him insofar as he is having us do his dirty work and we have the element of surprise.
[1305:39] Crystal: "My thought is to allow this woman to fake her death.  Truggle will believe the job is done, and we will have the element of surprise against him or against her should we decide not to work with her in the future.  Both sides will trust us as their allies, and we can use that to our advantage, possibly turning out to command over both the woman and the beast."
[1305:51] Kansakhad: She, on the other hand, could probably have Truggle removed, if she so desired.
[1306:42] Jillian: "I'm not sure I want to make any emenies"
[1306:55] * Victor looks to Kansakhad. "Perhaps. But it is difficult to be sure. He is not subtle, she likely already realizes he is a threat." He then looks to Crystal. "But you do have a point. How would you go about faking her death?"
[1307:06] Kansakhad: You can't make an enemy of a dead person.
[1308:32] Jillian: "I don't think I should get involved with this."
[1308:38] * Crystal twists her hair into a quick braid. "Kill someone else. Leave the room a bloodied mess. Cut her hair and her clothes and leave scraps of both in the area, then destroy enough of the room to make any further investigation difficult. When she goes into hiding for a few weeks, they will take her disappearance as proof of the deed."
[1308:40] Jillian: "it's a little much"
[1309:15] Kansakhad: That much of a production will raise attention.
[1309:43] * Crystal adjusts her cleavage to be more... productive. "Not if I have their attention."
[1309:44] Kansakhad: Remember, we don't want to alert other patrons of the Hilt Overlook either.
[1309:48] * Victor looks to Jillian. "You do have a point. Treachery is rewarding, but typically not for grunts."
[1310:17] Kansakhad: Adjust your self all you want. That's not going to silence the noise of things being bashed to pieces.
[1310:56] Crystal: "People are good at ignoring things when they have more pleasant matters at hand."
[1311:06] Crystal: "Trust me on that."
[1311:21] Kansakhad: And you're going to distract the sleeping occupants of the Hilt from a commotion ... how, exactly?
[1311:58] Crystal: "You let me worry about that.  Plus, we'll have this woman and her guards to assist us."
[1313:00] * Victor looks to Jillian. "What do you think? I'm not sure Truggle is so dumb as to not anticipate the obvious risk of betrayal. If he wants us to say who did it, he obviously doesn't fear revenge from her past followers."
[1314:09] Jillian: I say we kill her
[1314:50] Jillian: we'll get the money and earn Truggle's trust
[1316:19] Crystal: "Well, look at how Truggle treats his other associates.  So say we get his trust.  Eventually, we may become enough of a nuisance to him that he sends some new recruits to slaughter us in our sleep."
[1316:41] Kansakhad: Crystal: would you rather deal with that possibility next week, or later?
[1317:11] Kansakhad: Truggle's not stupid. If we go against him, he'll attempt to have us eliminated sooner, rather than later.
[1317:30] Kansakhad: That said, we should certainly plan for taking care of Truggle later.
[1317:45] Crystal: Okay, so let's kill his competition and let him get stronger as reward for our work.
[1317:53] Victor: There is that.  I'm no fan of Truggle, but until we know the players it's rather dangerous to make our move.  I'm not saying we should wait long though.  ::He looks to Crystal:: How about you talk her out, see if you can get in her bed.  If you can find proof she's ready to take Truggle without showing our cards so be it.  Otherwise we find a better chance.
[1318:38] Crystal: I was planning the first half of that anyway...
[1319:46] Crystal: Also, this woman may be enough of a threat that she could elude us, giving us a powerful enemy either way.
[1319:51] Jillian: So, what is the decision
[1320:01] Jillian: how about we kill them both
[1320:33] Jillian: soon
[1320:35] Crystal: that also is an option, but whatever we do, I think that a faked death would earn trust from both sides, giving us ample time to make our next move
[1320:51] Victor: I say we plan on killing her.  If Crystal finds a compelling reason without showing our cards, fine, but I want a patron before I make a move on Truggle.  And I don't know this lady.
[1321:40] Crystal: Very well.  i'll take care of step one, then I'll let you all know how things look.
[1322:31] Crystal: and while i'm with her, i'll earn enough trust to get us close if we need to eliminate her
[1323:03] Crystal: So who exactly am I looking for?
[1323:20] jnespuxah: [Making arrangements for lodging is not cheap at the Hilt Overlook, but necessary for your plan.  In the evening Crystal makes her way to the only patron's private room.]
[1325:13] * Victor finds a private place, presumably our room, to discuss plans. "There are probably two ways to attack. Hallway and window. I'm good for the window, but we might want to cover both."
[1328:07] Kansakhad: I agree.
[1329:10] * Victor looks to Jillian. "So, what's your technique? I can enhance items and I'm not half bad with a crossbow."
[1329:28] Jillian: Im very sneaky
[1330:37] Jillian: and Im great with a bow
[1332:55] Victor: Hmm.. well, whatever happens I say we secure the door and escape by the window.  ::He takes out a grappling hook:: I do have an exit for anyone that needs one.
[1334:11] Kansakhad: Sounds like a plan.
[1336:14] Kansakhad: I can get us in the door without much fuss, unless they've done something exceptional to seal it.
[1337:50] Victor: Well, Crystal can probably handle that.  You have an abilities that would seal a door?
[1338:02] Kansakhad: Not really, no.
[1339:14] * Victor studies the doors to the room for a moment. Seeing if they have bars or an obvious way to secure them beyond locking.
[1340:28] jnespuxah: [There isn't anything complex.  A keyhole in each, it seems.]
[1345:12] * Victor looks to Jillian. "You good with locks? We'll need a key to lock it from the inside. I'm not bad, but I'm not all that quiet."
[1346:27] Jillian: I'm okay
[1346:49] Jillian: but I wouldnt say Im great
[1347:09] * Victor nods. "Have a set of picks? I could enhance them."
[1347:51] * Crystal opens the door and enters the room, looking slightly concerned.
[1348:09] jnespuxah: [Crystal returns from her reconnaisance mission, entering the room and closing it behind her.]
[1348:18] * Victor looks to Crystal. "What's the news?"
[1348:41] Jillian: I dont have one
[1349:45] Crystal: "Well, I only saw one guard, but there is a second room beyond the first, so we should expect more than one.  They threatened to kill me simply for being on the premises, so whether we want to do the job or not, it looks as though this lady is ready to die."
[1350:29] Victor: Did you see her?  Is she in the second room or the first?
[1351:05] Crystal: "I didn't see her.  The guard kept the door locked."
[1351:53] * Victor nods. "So what's the layout? Near as you could tell."
[1352:53] Crystal: "All I saw was through the keyhole.  There is a room, nothing special to tell about it, and they had the door to the next room open with a guard posted between the two rooms.
[1353:05] Crystal: "I assume she's in the second room."
[1354:16] Crystal: "How do you plan to go about this?
[1355:41] Kansakhad: Shw'll probably have at least one guard awake and guarding at all times.
[1355:51] * Victor nods. "Alright. That's harder. Well. We should probably cause a distraction in the first room." He looks to Kansahkad. "Maybe like you did with the table against the goblins. And we hit her from the window while the guards deal with that."
[1356:24] Kansakhad: Crystal: what furnishings were there in the room?
[1356:29] *** Jillian has signed off IRC (Quit: ).
[1357:00] Crystal: didn't see anything.
[1358:08] Crystal: I can go back to the door and get the guards attention again if you want to go through the window
[1400:11] Victor: That works.  You distract at the door, we go for the windows.  Jillian and I snipe and Kansakhad animates the door between the two rooms.  Sound good?
[1400:37] Crystal: sounds fine to me
[1400:41] Kansakhad: If the door's locked, I'm not sure how much that would help. At worst, though, it'd be a distraction.
[1401:23] Victor: Okay, then something in the room near the door that could hold off the guards.
[1401:56] *** JillianNPC has joined #eberron.
[1402:08] *** CrystalNPC has joined #eberron.
[1402:20] *** Crystal has left #eberron.
[1402:50] Kansakhad: How far away is their room from ours?
[1402:54] Victor: I'll cast a few spells, we'll head around outside and get in position.  Crystal does her thing and we go in.
[1403:39] Victor: I'm not sure.
[1403:54] CrystalNPC: Just down the hall.
[1404:32] * Kansakhad checks out the window to see what the side of the building looks like, as far as moving to the other room. Also, to see what the window construction and locking is like.
[1405:02] * Victor starts casting armour enhancement (move silent) on his own armour.
[1406:23] jnespuxah: [There is no walkway around this part of the tower, probably as a security measure.  The window is fairly sturdy, and no locking mechanism is necessary considering the lack of a walkway.]
[1407:24] Victor: Okay, I can get over there and attach a grappling hook.  We secure the other end to this room.  Does that work for both of you?
[1407:47] JillianNPC: Good enough.
[1408:25] * Victor follows up with scroll of weapon augmentation (human bane) on his crossbow and a scroll of skill enhancement (move silent) on his shoes.
[1408:50] Victor: Alright, one enhancement for each of you.  Armor, skill, or weapon?
[1409:10] JillianNPC: Better be weapon.  We don't know what we're up against.
[1409:21] Kansakhad: Armor
[1410:50] * Victor casts magic weapon on Jillian's weapon of choice (+1) and shield of faith on Kansakhad's armour. "Okay, that'll only last a couple minutes, so let's do it. Go Crystal." Victor loads his crossbow and transforms as he opens and then steps out the window.
[1412:02] * CrystalNPC returns to the door in question. ::Knock knock:: "I'm still waiting. I'm sure my lady could benefit from my presence inside."
[1412:20] * Victor then scurries over silently (hopefully) and secures the grappling hook as quietly as he can.
[1413:26] * Kansakhad manifests Vigor [+15 HP] and Force Screen before climbing out
[1413:54] * JillianNPC secures this end of the rope, then climbs out onto the rope, balancing her steps as she goes.
[1414:33] *** DoorGuard has joined #eberron.
[1414:44] *** Lady has joined #eberron.
[1414:51] * Victor gives a three, two, one count once everyone in position and then presumably we go to init.
[1414:59] Victor: (With fingers, not outloud. :P)
[1415:19] DoorGuard: "I told you, you're not welcome.  Depart in peace."
[1415:47] * JillianNPC holds up her hand to wait. Whispering, "What's the scene?"
[1415:57] * Victor glances in the window.
[1416:40] * Lady is sitting on the edge of the bed, looking through the door to the next room, where a guard is standing talking to a door.
[1417:29] jnespuxah: [The bedroom is well appointed, with dresser, dressing table, chair, wardrobe, etc.]
[1417:36] * Victor frowns and whispers. "She's awake, looking to the door, one guard. Lots of furniture."
[1418:01] * Kansakhad whispers, "let me take a look"
[1418:39] * Kansakhad manifests mind thrust on the lady (DC 15)
[1419:54] * Victor stands ready to open the window and fire if this doesn't work.
[1421:23] * Lady falls back against the bed, her eyes rolling back in her head. She seems to be breathing very heavily and thrashing around.
[1421:49] * DoorGuard rushes to her side and grips her by the shoulders.
[1422:35] * DoorGuard runs from the room, grabbing Crystal and dragging her with him.
[1422:40] * Victor opens the window and takes a shot at the guard.
[1425:03] jnespuxah: [A dart fires harmlessly past Victor as he opens the window.]
[1425:49] * Victor seems shocked by that but keeps his intention of taking down the guard.
[1430:04] * Victor curses and reloads as the bolt hits true but doesn't do nearly the damage he hoped.
[1437:19] * JillianNPC reaches out to the guard and strokes his cheek. The blood flow from Victor's bolt stops.
[1437:41] Victor: (I assume that was the lady. :P)
[1438:11] * Victor finishes reloading and then takes a shot at the lady herself.
[1438:46] jnespuxah: (retcon Jillian -> Crystal)
[1440:14] * Victor grins as his bolt hits true. "Finish her just to be safe, then run."
[1440:46] Kansakhad: "We still need to make it obvious to the Maw that it was Truggle's work. How are we doing this?"
[1441:35] JillianNPC: "For Truggle!"
[1441:56] * Victor grins at Jillian and waits for someone to finish the lady.
[1441:58] * JillianNPC fires aimlessly into the room, since she has no good angle. She then makes her way back to the room quickly.
[1444:02] * Kansakhad looks at the dressing table in the room intently, causing it to come to life and shamble over to the window, blocking it from the guard
[1445:45] * DoorGuard continues for the main entrance, calling back to Crystal, "Do what you can for my Lady."
[1446:56] * CrystalNPC moves into the room, sees the stilled form of the lady, and shakes her head. She bends down and kisses her gently before turning to follow the guard.
[1447:28] Kansakhad: the dressing table waddles over to the lady and crushes her
[1448:14] * Victor grabs the rope and tries to get back to the room.
[1449:05] Kansakhad: "wait, we should just leave. No sense being here any more."
[1449:27] * Victor nods. "Lead the way."
[1450:13] Victor: (retcon those last two I think then. :P)
[1450:33] Kansakhad: (yeah. we're not waltzing down the side of a really tall tower.)
[1453:15] jnespuxah: [The entirety of the Hilt Overlook is locked down.  The guard make their way room to room, asking questions about the occasion.  They don't seem especially driven, though.  You are able to weasel your way out via either pleading your innocence or convincing them not to question you at all.]
[1456:18] jnespuxah: [You each part in your own time, going about your business until the next time you are called.]
[1456:22] jnespuxah: [Session End]
[1457:41] *** JillianNPC has signed off IRC (Quit: ).
[1457:44] *** CrystalNPC has signed off IRC (Quit: ).
[1457:47] *** DoorGuard has signed off IRC (Quit: ).
[1457:50] *** Lady has signed off IRC (Quit: ).