Yan arrived last, overhearing the tail end of the conversation. Investigation wasn't his strong suit, but he was bound to follow this through. He glanced at the others in his group. They were certainly.... self-assured, but motivated as well, it seemed. Waiting for conversation to dry up, he spoke to Iaka, who seemed the most eager. "I have little enough skill in investigating, but if you can use help, I"ll be happy to try and provide it. Additionally, it may benefit us to ask after known candy makers and suppliers. Try and cut it off at the source, as it were."

(((OOC: Will aid Iaka as best he can.)))

I'm a bit stuck, Shield. I'm a pacifist healer with no real relevant skills..... I can't really think of a way to contribute here.

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LadyDark helped with mine. The others wrote it themselves.

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Post is up, such as it is.

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Soren sat in front of Halfred's bakery, intensely focused on the building just over the way. He had been doing so since the early hours of the morning. Those who were meant to take notice did so, and wondered (somewhat fearfully) what could be drawing the young man's attention there. Who he was, what he was, meant that anything drawing such interest from him was going to have trouble. Trouble that most didn't want to get mixed up in.

Which is exactly what everyone was meant to think.

Before the day was half over the rumor mill had decided that the Arcaren was after someone in there, and reputations were already taking a blow as gossip did its dirty work, filling in details and inventing facts. Those who wished to avoid trouble made themselves scarce. Those who wanted to see the specatacle unfold replaced them. And everyon focused on the building across the way.

Thus giving Soren ample time to observe Halfred's bakery itself. Business appeared good today, as it was every day. The food was, as he could attest to himself, some of the best in the city. A good thing for his stake out, as he'd needed to order more than once today. He finished off his snack, and thought back to the letter that had prompted this whole day.

Soren,

Your work for the Authority has been impeccable. No doubt you make Lord and Lady Veska quite proud. I forsee great things ahead for you, and it is time to entrust you with a bit more challenging work, to match the potential you have shown. It has come to our attention that a member of Astryliene's cult may be leaving the sactuary of Watertown. As you know, we have an agreement in place that we are not able to apprehennd temple staff within the city. However, if they leave the confines of the city, they become fair game.

But the Order believes she may lead us to an even greater prize, and to that end, you are to investigate, determine the best time to make the extraction, and should this lead to a larger group, salvage as many as possible if they are not willing to register. We will control the rampant misuse and abuse of the arcane arts throught Khadask. The Temple of Astryliene will no longer be the safe haven for these despots and degenerates who feel they are above the Authority. We will have order. We will have obedience. And you will be the one to help us see a new world order. One where the Authority is respected and obeyed.

I leave the particulars of how to complete this task to you. You are a valued and trusted member of the Authority, and I know we can count on your participation in making Khadask a safer and more regulated place for all to live. We will bring peace. And they will thank us. They will thank you.

By the Hand of Order,

Salvager Remarsi Obduresc

Enclosed had been a fairly unhelpful descpription of what was, he assumed, one of the local Sisters, and a note from one of the local Whispers that she had been spotted at Halfred's. Soren almost smirked. Her and half the city.

He was unsurprised that he hadn't seen anyone matching said description. People the Arcaren hunted for tended to be too intelligent to stick around or stay put. Those who did so were salvaged quickly enough that Soren wouldn't be needed. The real question was, did this woman know the Arcaren sought her? Soren absently ran a hand over the mark on his forehead, then through his hair. He'd have to try and find out when he met up with her. That meant asking Halfred's family.

There was no doubt in Soren's mind they would know something. Not long after Soren had taken up his post, an elf from the same temple had visited, speaking for a time with one of Halfred's daughters. He'd listend to what he could without giving himself away, but hadn't gleaned much, and wasn't willing to risk revelation or confrontation with the well-trained elf. Nor was that the last of the seemingly strange visitors. What settled the matter for good in Soren's mind, however, was the gnome he saw enter and speak with the family as well. That gnome was a mage of some sort, he could tell.

Soren waited awhile, then stood and entered the bakery. There was no sense putting it off now. No need to beat around the bush either. If the Arcaren wanted subtle, they wouldn't have sent a salvager. Nor would they have sent Soren. The especially wouldn't have sent Soren in his own city. No, subtlety of any kind would be a waste of time. Courtesy would do, however.

A young half-orc woman, her auburn hair pinned atop her head, face and apron lightly dusted with flour, moved easily and lightly behind the counter. An easy and natural smile never left her face as she took orders and packaged fresh breads and cakes for waiting customers. But at sight of Soren, that smile faltered, if only for a moment, It would have only be noticed by someone used to such slips. A flash of fear in her eyes betrayed the cheerful disposition as she wiped her hands and nodded.

"Be with you in just a moment!" she sang out, and quickly sorted the remaining few people. Once the shop was emptied, she sighed, still smiling. "There we go! My, what a busy day we've had! What can I get for you today? Would you like to try one of our sweet apple loaves?"

Soren was polite, but direct. "Hello. My name is Soren. I would like to speak with Girta'a."

Freaking awesome posts guys. I'll try to have mine up after work tonight. If not then, shortly thereafter.

*evaporates*

Here's the character, to be updated if any relevant information needs to be added.

Shamelessly ripping off Nomad, by shamelessly ripping off Eol.

Soren

Name: Soren (Veska)

Race (Sex): Human (Male)

Class (Lvl): Warlock (1)

Background: Noble

Alignment: Neutral

Height: 5’9”

Weight: 135 lbs

Eyes: Blue/Green

Hair: Raven Black

History

The only child of the Lord and Lady Veska, Soren was raised the heir apparent, educated in manners, politics, history, anything that might be needed to run the city of Wartertown. Soren learned these things quickly, soon reaching the point that experience was needed more than lessons. He was brought along on Lord Veska's travels, to get a first hand look at the world, and his family's place in it.

During one of the more lengthy excursions, Soren found himself in the company of a young street urchin. After a frosty start (Soren had been raised with very definite opinions of social status), the two became friends at a surprising speed. The other boy was quick witted and cunning, and most importantly, able to speak plainly. Conversation that was unrestricted by formality and politeness, that wasn't being weighed and judged was a new concept, and one that Soren very much enjoyed exploring. The two met up everytime Lord Veska's travels brought Soren back to the area, and Soren learned much from him about how the common people lived and viewed the nobles that ruled them.

A few years later it was all ripped out of Soren's hands. His friend pulled him aside one day, quietly confessing that he was now a mage. Soren's famiy having deep ties to the Arcaren, he immediately counseled his friend to register. He was, however, rebuffed soundly. Hoping to spare his friend trouble later, Soren went to the Lord Veska and informed him of this friends existence. The pained expression on Lord Veska wore at the mention of Soren spending so much time in such company was replaced by a smile as magic entered the conversation. Lord Veska praised his son's adherence to the law, and said he'd take care of it.

The next day, Lord Veska brought Soren before a Salvager, and Soren repeated his tale, if a bit more hesitantly. The trio set out shortly after to track down and confront Soren's friend. The look of honest betrayl on the boy's expression when the party cornered him in the street haunts Soren still. Things only got worse when the Salvager demanded the boy come along to be registered, and the boy refused. He made to run and the Salvager struck him down from behind for being 'a clear and present danger to the public.'

Shorlty before heading home, Soren slipped away from Lord Veska and the rest of their reinue, standing over his friend's unmarked grave. He had never before questioned the authority and purpose of the Arcaren, but couldn't reconcile their mission with the murder of his only friend. After speaking an apology, he swore he'd do what he could to make sure the Arcaren didn't do such a thing ever again.

He was surprised to hear mocking laughter at his declaration. Behind him stood a being fairer than any elf Soren had ever seen, that Soren would only much later (after quite a bit of research) identify as Archfey. It questioned Soren's declaration and the events leading to it, alternating between honest sympathy, and scorn. At the end of the tale, Soren was offered the power to make good on his promise. He accepted without a second thought.

By the time Lord Veska had returned him to the manor, Soren had manifested his own magic. After much thought, he registered himself with the Arcaren. Shortly thereafter, he used his family's influence to gain position inside it as a Salvager, and works to learn the organization in and out, hoping to one day bring it down from the inside. In the mean time, he uses his position to aid honest mages where he can, and put those who prove themselves dangerous.

Description
Fair skinned to the point of nearly being pale, standing firmly in contrast to his raven black hare. His eye's are a mix of blue and green. Soren dresses almost entirely in black and grey, and perhaps most noticeably, has his Registry Tatoo plainly on his forehead.

Ability Scores:

Str: 12 (+1)
Dex: 14 (+2)
Con: 10 (+0)
Int: 17 (+3)
Wis: 15 (+2)
Cha: 19 (+4)

Proficiency Bonus: +2

Passive Perception: 12

Armor Class: 13

Hit Points: 8

Speed: 30

Skills:

Arcana +5
Deception +6
Investigation +5
Persuasion +6

Languages: Common, Elven, Sylvan

Spells:

Cantrips

Eldritch Blast
Thunder Clap

Level 1 (2 slots)

Armor of Agathys
Hellish Rebuke

Feats:

Weapons:

Light Crossbow (20 bolts)
Dagger (x2)

Armor:

Leather

Other Equipment:

Backpack
Bedroll
Clothes, Fine
Rations (10 days)
Rope, Hempen 50 ft
Arcane Focus
Torch (x10)
Tinderbox
Crowbar
Hammer
Waterskin
Pitons (10)
Dragonchess set
Signet Ring
Scroll of Pedigree

Character finished and submitted. Will post here as soon as it is approved.

*evaporates*

What are Astryleine's domains? What is she a Godess of, exactly?

*evaporates*

If you find yourself facing a Grugg,

Grab your flask and take a quick chug,

Then offer the rest,

'cuz its really the best,

way out of the hole that you've dug!

^ Bird brained

< Hare brained

V Just got brained

*fades in*

...since I joined the Inn. Just over seven years, in fact. I've been in and out of here, lurked and played. Still love being a part of it.

I was thinking just recently, and realized almost all the people were active when I started have all moved on. I don't know much about those left, old and new. I'd like to remedy that!

I'll be spending more time hanging out in DChat, in the room I always make: Chessic's Lair. Feel free to drop in and chat about things for awhile. Whether its games on the Inn (which I'm always up for) or griping about your day (I'll glady exchange stories), pop in and say 'HI'. I keep odd hours, but enjoy conversation so keep an eye out.....

....or not. If chatting with random strangers isn't your thing, then why are you on the internet fair enough. Have a nice day.

*evaporates*

Knowing that it registers as a poison AND as magic, you can safely assume the crystals are likely formed from an alchemical procress taking poison(s), various potions, elixirs, oils, and other alchemical ingredients and combining them into an arcane soup of potent and chaotic effect. You can safely assume as well that the crystalline structure is probably obtained in much the same way a confectioner would make rock candy, allowing granular particles to cluster around an implement as they settle in this chaotic brew. You cannot however figure out if this is the work of some insane alchemist, a witch (literally) stirring up trouble over a cauldron, or something else entirely...

Aaaaaaand that's what I"ve got. So at least we have a starting point for questions.

With all this new info, maybe those with applicable skills will get fresh checks? Shield? Maybe?

Just a thought. Let's discuss! Anyone got ideas for an actual first step?

*evaporates*

The tickle in the back of Yan's mind became an itch he could no longer ignore. Focusing inward, he found the source and smiled, turning to face the nearest window.

He held out his arm and calling, doing his best to catch the looks on the others' faces as his familiar, a flying squirrel, sailed through and landed on him. Turning to face them, he made the introduction. " This is Ayaki, my familiar. Through her, I commune with my patron, who grants me power in return for service. It is a very imprecise arrangement; I don't even know my patron's identity. Only that they have a strong affinity for, and desire to see, healing." Yan took a moment to focuse on the animal on his shoulder, then stiffened in surprise. "Hold on, she's trying to give me a message." He focused on Ayaki again, wishing once more that communing was as simple as conversing.

A minute or two later, he shook his head, looking up. "I have.... news, of a sort. I am now charged, for lack of a better word, with stopping the spread of this drug, and doing my best to heal the effects. To that end, my patron has.... somewhat confirmed what I've been able to guess so far. And offers....." Yan hesitates, concentrating. "...a lead? Perhaps." He nods, more certain of himself now. "The Magic Candy is aptly named. It is formed in an alchemical process that is identical, or nearly so, to the one confectioners use to make Rock Candy...." Yan trails off, then shakes his head. "I can't get any more. I don't know if its an alchemist, a witch's brew, or some crack-pot candy maker." He turns back to the others. "Still, it's more to go on then we had a bit ago." He strokes Ayaki a few times. "I'm fairly committed to this now though. Hope we can manage to get somewhere."

(((OOC: Patron comes through with a bit of information, filling in a few blanks my skill checks couldn't cover. Will post raw info in QnA)))

Yo. Chessic here. I'm working up a Human Warlock. Got a few more details to hammer out, then I'll have the info for you guys.

*evaporates*

Hello. Glad to see you around the Inn.

*evaporates*

This is great news. Now if we can just get Loaded Dice back up and running, my life will be complete again.

*evaporates*

Freakin' awesome. I loved the web comics here, and I'm really glad to see one making a comeback.

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Results of my investiagaion:

Definitely a poison. Yanyeeku unable to identify.

Definitely magical. Multiple auras of moderate strength. Aura's identified as: Enchantment, Illusion, Conjuration, Transmutation, Necromancy

Does not mend with itself as an inanimate object should

Does not activate under a Use Magical Device check

So yeah. Here ya go.

PS: Adamo registers has having been poisoned, but no magic lingers.

*evaporates*

Yan followed the group, frustrated. He thought over what he'd learned so far. Really, only that the stuff was well named. Magic Candy indeed. There was a tickle at the back of his head, like he should know something about all this, but if he actually posessed such information, it was refusing to make itself known to the rest of his mind.

He heard his new companion's questtions to the guard, and after listening to the answers, added one of his own. "In addition to the time he's been locked up, can you estimate how long since his last dose?"

Upon hearing the answer, he nods and waits for the captain to leave. Turning to the group, Yanyeeku begins. "Magic is certainly the word for this particular candy. I cast a few spells while it was out and about. It doesn't mend with iteslf, and registers for poison, unsurprisingly. It is literally saturated in magic, however. It doesn't activate on its own, so the intake methods described by the captain must be the only way to get any effect out of it. That probably, makes it alchemical in nature, though I'm not positive of that." Yan takes a moment ot make sure they are paying attention. "Here's the really interesting part. When I say saturated, I wasn't kidding. I'm detecting no less than then 5 different magical auras, of significant strenth." He concentrated briefly. "Magic from the schools of.... Conjuration, Transmutation, Enchantment, Illusion and.... " Yan paused and breathed deeply. "...Necromancy. No wonder this stuff is so addictive and dangerous." Yan looked at the man in the cell. "Small wonder too that they haven't been able to pin down side effects and behaviors." Yan casts a few more spells at the man, relaying the results to the group so they can discuss moving forward.

(((OOC: Detect Poison and Magic at the man to see if it still lingers in him. Further details to my investigation available in the q and a)))

Yan didn't bother trying to hide the smirk. He had to get his little pranks in where he could. The trinket up his sleeve was entirely to useful.

Yanyeeku's first attempt to get a bit of the stuff to look at on his own had been a failure. The captain had noticed, and he'd had to back off. Fortunatley, the man seemed to think that he'd dropped it himself, and quickly picked it up. The second went better. Everyone was so busy watching the elf that nobody noticed a small chunk break off. Yan quickly maneuvered it into his waiting hand, wrapped around the lanternstaff he now leaned on. While they were still focused on the other, he focused on the bit of crystal, then cast what few spells he knew on the substance. Depending on how it reacted, he may have a slight edge on identifying it.

(((OOC: UMD check (+3) (just cuz), cast detect magic, detect poison, mending (after crushing it a bit), putrefy food and drink, followed by checks in Knowledge: Aracana (+5), Nature (+5), and Planes(+5))))

(((OOC again: A bit of back post, sorry that I'm late. If anything relevant comes up, I'll inform the group shortly.)))

Sorry about my absence folks. Work's a terror when half of your coworkers  'come down with the flu' on the same day.

Funny how they were all better the next day, innit?

Aaaaaaanyway. I'd be happy to be the 'babyface' of the group in this instance. It's surely in character at any rate.

Working on post now.

*evaporates*

Also, when things get straightened out, I'd be happy to devote a bit of time each day to helping clean up.

*evaporates*

I know I'm technically still part of the new crowd. So its really exciting to see stuff taking off and changing around here. Thanks for all the hard work.

Fortune's Favored got hit at some point. Only some of the posts though, and its only a handful of pages.

*evaporates*