I'm almost getting a bit paranoid now that nothing has been posted in a while.  Has friend computer abandoned us?  Even thinking such thoughts could be dangerous. 

I'm on central time.  I could probably make a chat from 4:30-5:30 on Friday.  After that it is unlikely.  

Saturday?  I honestly have no idea.  I have a few things in the air that could make it impossible.  Or maybe nothing.  

I'll try to be there if I can.

Remember - central time.  

That description of yourself sounds an awful lot like me.  And I have found an awesome home here.  I look forward to your character playing in the Wheel of Time game.  

Dane was glad to see the group following the suggestion to go into the inn.  He was interested in the situation, but had no intention of running off to the station and confronting the authorities about a situation about which he knew nothing.  Things might well not be what they seemed.  One of the guardsmen, at least, gave the impression that not all authority here was abusive.  He wanted information. 

he was less sure he wanted anything to do witht he wilder.  That meant the power and that meant, well, it could mean anything.  And there were other women more willing to get into a fight then seemed normal.  This was an interesting group and he wasn't sure that he like it.  He would need to make his choices carefully.  But it all started with finding out just what was going on.  

And finding information started with finding a table.  He was disappointed to see that there wasn't a table by the fire, but the place still had the look of the type of place he liked best - comfortable and simple.  He liked the Gleeman's Abode immediately and quickly moved over to the open table and too a seat on the end of the table and away from the wilder healer.  He ordered a simple meal and drink when the server arrived.  As plates of food and mugs of drink began to arrive the group turned its attention to the unfortuante woman.  

"Mistress Velalin, I think the time has come for you to tell us your story.  Why don't you start at the beginning and tell us what happened.  Without information we cannot do anything.  In the end, perhaps there will be something we can do."

(OOC:  Assuming the woman tells the story essentially as indicated it the first game threads.  Without that information the group wouldn't know what questions to ask.)

Dane swalled a bit when he heard again about the aes Sedai, but he already knew one was involved and had been killed.  Murdered, even.  As she finished her tale the time had begun to ask some questions.

"Was the aes Sedai really here just to help your son?  To your knowledge was she doing anything else here?"  It felt an odd question even to Dane.  Of course the aes Sedai was doing something else.  They always were.  But what about this one?  And what were the odds she would tell this poor women her secrets?  But it must be asked.  

"Is there anyone else in your household?  Anyone else that has been there recently?"

How quickly are the authorities likely to act on their suspicion?  How long do we have to learn anything?"

"Who has the authority to order the young woman's arrest, or to order her release?"

"Are there any other aes Sedai in town that you know about?"   There would certainly be more soon one way or another.  

"What is the evidence against this young woman?  What sort of investigation has been done?  Was it more then just those two who arrested her?

"Was your daughter acting strangely today?"

For an image of Lothor and general stuff look at the Trilogy character thread. 

I did not create Lothor but took him over from someone else a number of years ago, I really don't know how long.  Quite awhile now, I guess.  Lothor looks like your basic warrior - a big guy with a two-handed sword and very shiny armor.  The original player ran him as someone who didn't like or feared magic.  I don't.  He has been around too many mages for too long and used too many many magical items to worry about magic much anymore.  It isn't his favorite thing, but he is ok with it, at least in the hands of his friends.   

Yes, he is a meat-shield.  His role in the party is to be the big strong guy who keeps the spell casters alive and he knows this.  He also knows that those same spell casters are very smart - smarter then he is in a general way, for example.  (Characters don't know ability scores, I assume) He is thus frequently willing to follow their lead.  He trusts the members of the group.  They have led wisely for some time now.  But don't think that Lothor will follow blindly.  He has plenty of self-confidence.  He may have grown up as a farm boy with dreams of a sword, but he now sees himself as a general.  His natural place is in command of a unit (even an army) and he knows what he is doing.  He understands tactics, combat and what staying alive is all about.  He is no idiot and won't be treated as one.  (Nobody in the party does so.)  He will follow wise leaders, but will speak up if he feels it is warranted.  In addition, he sees himself as the tactician in the group.  While others plot big ideas, he is the one that is always looking at the position they find themselves in at the moment.  If there is a giant, blinking, flaming, salamandar (No reason I chose that example, no reason at all)  that might flash out and surprise the group at any time, Lothor is going to see to it that the danger is not forgotten. Lothor has earned his place in this amazing group of individuals.  He respects them a great deal and owes his life to them just as they owe theirs to him. 

I hope that helps.

If you don't want to take it on, that is certainly an option.  However, one nice thing about the game is that Tann does all of the basic dice rolls - you don't need to do anything with that.  Just decide what you want your character to do.  And for that there are other characters that can help out if you want it.  We frequently discuss in the Q&A section after Tann posts about possible actions.  (Just as people in a table-top game would talk about things.)  I'm sure you would have people willing to look at your character and make suggestions.  And most posts don't need complicated game play decisions.  But in the end it is up to you.  

Life happens.  It is just good to know that it didn't just disappear.  Waiting I can do.  

Glad to see everyone coming back and working things out.  Lothor Greenbeard awaits.  

Lothor is not a ranger.  He is a full on meat-shield warrior.  

Although he'd like to think of himself as more of a commander, not just muscle with a sword.  

Rangers are also fighters.  Talca won't be quite as much of a meat-shield as Lothor is, but he is a warrior.  His jam is probably a bit more to the bow - although he also has a couple of pretty cool blades if I remember correctly.  Basically a ranger is a woodsman style fighter - good in nature but also a bladesman.  Think Aragorn.  

Erhardt smiled at the gnome’s high-pitched desire to help and nodded at the tortle’s questions.  “Those are certainly a lot of questions and it seems the good people of Botkinburg could use a little assistance.”  At this point he paused for a minute to glance at each member of the group in turn.  “You are quite the group.  Eclectic is hardly the word for it.   Was it just stories of our troubles that brought you?  I had not heard that news of them had traveled that far.”  While this last was a statement, it was spoken almost as if it were a question.  “And who do I have the honor of addressing?” 

(Assuming brief introductions are given.)

After the brief introductions he grabbed a chair and spun it around so that he was sitting in it backwards, with his hands resting on the chair back.  “Well, welcome to Botkinburg.  As you seem to have heard, we have experienced some trouble with raids recently.  Some we are fairly confident are goblin related – people in caravans that were attacked have reported seeing goblins.  Other times, like with the twins, there were no witnesses and we can only speculate.  Given the other attacks the goblin-theory seems likely, but of course, that is no guarantee.”  He seemed to consider things as he continued.  “Still, I’d be surprised if the goblins weren’t at least involved.”

Just as he seemed about to get to your more specific questions a pint of something showed up for him.  It seemed that despite his earlier comments about Ortolf’s sludge, he was willing to drink it. He continued, “the most recent attack?  Well, that would be the twins if you believe that was goblin related.  Prior to that there was a caravan coming down from Ludensheim to the North about 2 ½ weeks ago that was hit.  Goblins for sure at that one.  They took pretty much everything.  One person escaped. We found a battle scene and plenty of blood, but nothing else. Not a wagon, horse or body.  There have been a few other attacks of sorts.  Hunters attacked.  Missing cattle.  Caravans that don’t arrive.   Outlying farms burned.  Casualties have been few, but have happened.  People are scared.  The most recent, as I said, was the Molkin twins. They have some land just South of the town.  Supposedly they went out to bring in the herd, just a small group of 6 cows, in the early evening when everyone does so.  We don’t typically leave the cattle out at night, especially recently.  They went out and never came back.  The cows were still in the field.  There really wasn’t much evidence.  There were likely some tracks on the edge of the field going into the woods.  Probably a bit small for the twins – they are decent sized lads.  They don’t go anywhere that I could follow.  And no sign of a struggle.  Although, given the fact that cows had been wandering the field that could be hard to tell.  No blood anyway.  And no sign of the twins since.  Nothing.  Their poor mother is beside herself.  I’d love it if you could help them, but I don’t have a lot of suggestions to offer on where to go.  The ridge is filled with old ruins and dungeons.  Any of them could likely hide a band or six of goblins.  We are always looking for better information about the ridge, but that also means we don’t have much.”

With that he took a big drink of the sludge and grimaced at Ortolf.  “Nope.  It hasn’t gotten any better.  And your going to charge me for this crap? Your just lucky there isn’t another tavern around here I can fit into.”

Ortolf gave a mocked shocked and offended look and announced, “You’ll pay just as you do every night you come in and drink that fine beverage!” 

Ignoring the tavern owner, Erhardt turns back to the group.  “Sorry I don’t have much more information, but we just don’t know much.  Raids are happening, but we don’t have the manpower to go out looking for them.  But if you can do so I think you’d find many around here grateful – for destroying the things or even just for information on what is out there.”

(Feel free to ask more questions.  If desired Elaida can take you to Mrs. Molkin’s place.) 

Giddy - where we at on this thing?

Shield Wolf - That is really too bad to hear.  I really did enjoy your game - you do a good job as a GM.  But real life comes first.  As Decio said, if you ever need an ear.  Feel free to send a message.  And if at some point you are ready and able to get going again, the Inn will be here.  

This job was turning out to be one never-ending party.  But at least the group generally seemed to know what they were doing - and listened to him when he knew what he was doing.  Which wasn't all the time, but he had his specialties.  And one of those was knowing he did not want to get caught with the stolen goods.  The group seemed to get this and got to work dealing with it.  

That was the good part.  The not-so-good part was the suggestion of the sewers as a place in which to do their magic.  Not that it was a bad suggestion, just not a pleasant one.  He'd have much preferred something a bit less aromatic.  But he might as well wish to go hang out in a mansion sipping martinis while Blossom worked.  A sewer was what was at hand and it would have to do.  He put action to his thoughts when Casino found the entrance and helped the man move the cover.  It didn't look appealing, but it should work.  He kept staring around in all directions as they worked looking for trouble.  

He was about to climb down when Casino assigned him homeless-duty.  He wasn't quite sure if this was a promotion or a demotion.  Not in status, but in location.  As the others headed down he offered one last caution on the trace-ability of the computers.  "When you get the download, see if there is a way to ditch the equipment down there in a way that will move it away form this location - a water flow or something.  It would be great if it traveled for awhile before being found again.  If the company is involved in this, they will want to find that stuff.  It is probably obvious we came for just intell, but maybe if they think we kept the junk they might think it was a cash job.  The longer it takes them to figure out we are on to them the longer it will be before they act on that.  So see if there is a way to move that stuff along.  But qiuickly."

With his warning given Fixer looked up and down the alley as Casino made himself a little bed amidst the refuse.  Taking his cue from the bigger man he moved a ways down the alley in the opposite direction.  If Casino watched one direction, he'd watch the other.  He followed suit and made himself a bit of a nest doing his best to make himself look homeless and unobtrusive.  Hopefully no one would even realize he was there until they were almost on top of him.  It was a grim spot and he couldn't help but feel for those for whom this wasn't just a hiding spot, but a bedroom.  Life was tough.  He knew of one kid in particular for whom things were getting really grim . . . 

(OOC:  If there is a dumpster Fixer will use it for partial cover.  If not, he will make use of whatever refuse is around.  Also, if he has one of the walkie talkies he will make sure it is on silent so that it doesn't give him away.  I'm assuming he can have it where he would still notice (vibrate a bit?) if it goes off.  Or leave the volume very, very low.)

Of course I am in.  The battle is not yet won.  Glad to see the oldest game at the Inn going again!

Blowz didn’t know If he should grin or shake his head as the jackboot gave the team # to STOCK-boy.  On one hand, his suggestion had worked perfectly.  On the other hand the stupid bot had again failed to offer assistance when the need was obvious.  Surely the computer could have sent them a more useful guide and assistant.  But no, they go the jackboot.  Perhaps this was a part of the computers grand plan?  Perhaps they had to prove themselves.  Perhaps. 

Or perhaps the jackboot was just stupid.  Superior, indeed. 

And all of that pondering brought the team back to the hoverbot and its extremely helpful and friendly bot.  It seemed that there were not just standard events but also standard bots.  Or standard bot levels of usefulness.  At any rate the team climbed cautiously into the hoverbot and held on for dear-life as Steam careened them across the city-scape to their next destination.  Was the extreme danger or the “safe landing” due to Steam or the bot?  Had they been standard botted? 

Whatever it was, he was glad nobody got standard evented.  Now he disembarked at research and development and looked to the team leader.  What was their next move? 

As Asoel filled in the Dhampir on the mission it was all he could do to avoid shaking his head in wonder.  He came here looking for work and something to do and had already been essentially deputized to catch drug dealers and was now going to help deal with an illegal giant rat collection.  But not for the law, by keeping it from the law.  With which he was now working.  It made sense.  Sure it did.  

But while it seemed a bit crazy, it might also give them an extra set of eyes.  It was probably worth it.  Probably.  He would still listen carfeully in the morning to the details.  After their brief discussion he glanced at the barkeep and then around the tavern.  If he saw any other likely candidates with whom to talk he would continue his quest.  But since he was clearly no longer alone, moving in by himself to someone elses discussion seemed unlikely to work.  If he saw nothing he would be ready to call it a night.  

Is it too late to do this?

North Dakota isn't foreign but many Americans don't seem to know where it is.

That is awesome!  I really do think that will help a lot.  I didn't really want to get emails all the time - I play in a lot of games and I didn't want my inbox flooded.  I appreciate this.  

That is awesome!  I really do think that will help a lot.  I didn't really want to get emails all the time - I play in a lot of games and I didn't want my inbox flooded.  I appreciate this.  

Sometimes this place makes me feel normal.  But then I wonder, is it because I fit in with these people and thus have a place where I am normal?  Or is because they are so odd that even I am normal in comparison?  But then, if I am like them that means that I am also so odd that I can't be normal in comparison.  And then I just get confused and feel odd.  So everything is back to normal.  Sigh.

If you want another idea . . . 

I keep missing posts because something moves off of the "Latest updated" list before I see it.  Would it be possible to have the "Latest Updated Forum Topics" heading that is in red be a link to a list of the 30 most recently updated threads or something like that?  

*And having the old posts show up on the bottom of the screen while you are making a new post is awesome.  Very useful.

How do I add pictures to a post?  

While numerous things were heard while the group ate their meals, the topic of the molkin twins and the Witch King seemed to have drawn the most attention.  When the barmaid returns Galydon asks, "Say where could we find Mrs. Molkien? I'm concerned about her boys and would like some information to try and help her out. Also what is this witch king the folk are talking about?" 

At first the barmaid seems a bit surprised by the question - it isn't the sort she is used to getting unless someone is deep in their cup. "Well, the 'Witch King' is just another title for the Horned One - here's hopin' he hasn't returned or this may truly be the Barren Woods again.  But I doubt it.  He has been gone a century or more."  She paused briefly to consider the request for information on Mrs. Molkin, apparently trying to decide if the poor woman would want 6 such unusual strangers showing up on her doorstep.  But after only a brief pause she nodded slightly and continued.  "Mrs. Molkin is the mother of the two twins that have gone missing.  It's been awhile.  If you intend her harm or cause her grief you will find much of this town after you.  But I suspect she'd take any help she can get at this point, so I'll send you to her if that is your intent."  She looked at the group and getting a bit of a nod that she interpreted as meaning that your intentions were good, she offered assistance.  "She lives a couple of blocks South of here near the edge of town.  There is still time to see her tonight, I'd think.  Or in the morning.  I can have my sister Elaida show you the way in a bit.  But she is busy at the moment."

In response to the questions about the Sherrif, Ortolf points towards the front of the inn where the doors have recently closed behind a man who has just entered.  "That there is Erhardt.  He ain't the sherrif, but is part of the local militia and frequently gets called on by the sherrif for help.  He's as close to a deputy as the sherrif has - he and Weslin.  I'd talk to him."  The man indicated is about 5'10" with short brown hair and looks exactly like you would expect a woodsman to look, except for the studded leather armor he wears and paired short swords at his waist.  He noticed Ortolf's gesture and raises an eye in question.  When Ortolf waves him over he approaches and smiles as he says, "Ortolf, you sit here in the midst of your lair surrounded by an usual group of strangers.  What innocents have fallen victim to the sludge this time?"

Ortolf grinned as he raised his mug.  "People with more discerning tastes then you, Erhardt!  The Kaiserin Bock is too good for your like!"  Lowering his mug he nods towards the tortle and the others.   "These unusual strangers were wondering about recent events and troubles."  He seemed to be waitng for the rest of you to fill in the details.   

Kheric watched as the two drunks got up and left.  It was a disappointment.  They had seemed like potentially usefully sources.  While they didn't appear to be in on the candy they ahd been around from the beginning, knew people who used it and were drunk enough to talk about it.  But unfortunately they were also drunk enough to get tossed from the bar and stagger off into the night taking any information they might have with them.  Kheric hadn't been digging for information long, but he suspected such disappointments were commonplace.  Still, it was a disappointment.  Much like his attempt to get information from the bouncer had been.

He had just started looking around for other potential targets when Asoel approached him.  Kheric was a little disappointed at the direct approach.  Keeping their connection unknown might have been helpful.  After all, "An elf and a vampire walk into a bar . . . " sounded enough like a joke to be memorable and they probably didn't want to be memorable at the moment.  But there was nothing more to do about it now then findout what the other had learned from the barman.  

It seemed the elf had made more progress then he had.  If the tavern keeper would really provide information that could be quite useful.  It also meant at least one person in the slums already knew what they were there for, but it might be worth it.  Who knew?  Kheric certainly didn't know the town. Nor did he know what sort of pets the tavern keeper might have, although one look at him gave him some ideas.  Still, he was more than a bit shocked by Asoel's suggestion.  "Slow down.  Pets?  The barkeep wants us to take care of some diseased pets?  Illegal pets?  What exactly are you getting us into?"  He saw the concern in his partners eyes and added, "No, I'm not refusing.  But I'm not qutie sure what is being asked of us yet."

(OOC:  Given more information Kheric will agree to at least look into it more - returning to do the job un der the assumption that if, wehn they get more detail, it turns out to be crazy he can still back out.  But he is in.)