The Evil Eye - IC

[kinem]

It is early evening when Jiles Du'Lamir arrives in Granville.

Granville is a small town; not quite a one-horse town, but close. As Jiles passes the locals, he sees only humans here - not a single halfling, dwarf or elf. He knows this sort of town only too well. It's the sort of town where the young people often leave to try to seek their fortunes as soon as they are able. A town slowly dying.

When he reaches the town square, he sees the only inn in town - the Heroic Chicken. Across from it is the smithy, from which the sounds of hammer blows still ring out into the moonlit evening.

Entering the Chicken, Jiles sees a few customers - three men and two women - scattered among the tables, chatting with the waitress and eating chicken stew. That at least provides a welcome fragrance for him, promising savory spices. At his entry, the people turn and look.

The waitress is blonde but too overweight to really be called pretty, and probably in her 40's. She turns to Jiles and says "Good evening, stranger. What can I get for you?"

One of the men mutters to another "Great, just what we need. Hope this one isn't trouble."

 

[HolyMan]

RG Post

Figure don't really need an RG for this so I'll put Jiles here for easy reference.

[sblock=Jiles Du'Lamir]
[sblock=Game Info]
Race: Human
Class: Bard (favored)
Level: 8
Experience: ????
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Languages: Common, Elf, Dwarf, Draconic, Gobin, Giant
Deity: Oghma[/sblock]
[sblock=Abilities]
STR: 11 +0 (01pts)
DEX: 18 +4 (10pts) [+2 from item]
CON: 12 +1 (02ts)
INT: 14 +2 (05pts)
WIS: 12 +1 (02pts)
CHA: 20 +5 (05pts) [+2 racial, +2 item, +2 level ups][/sblock]
[sblock=Combat]
HP: 51 = [8d8=43 + 8 (CON)]
AC: 18 = 10 + 3 (armor) + 0 (shield) + 4 (DEX) + 1 (Dodge)
AC Touch: 15 = 10 + 4 (DEX) + 1 (Dodge)
AC Flatfooted: 13 = 10 + 3 (armor) + 0 (shield)
AC: 25 = 10 + 6 (armor) + 4 (shield) + 4 (DEX) + 1 (Dodge)
AC Touch: 15 = 10 + 4 (DEX) + 1 (Dodge)
AC Flatfooted: 20 = 10 + 6 (armor) + 4 (shield)
INIT: +4 = +4 (DEX)
BAB: +6/+1 = +6/+1 (Bard)
CMB: +10 = +4 (DEX) + 6 (BAB)
CMD: 20 = 10 + 0 (STR) + 4 (DEX) + 6 (BAB)
Fort: +4 = +2 (base) + 1 (stat) + 1 (item)
Reflex: +11 = +6 (base) + 4 (stat) + 1 (item)
Will: +8 = +6 (base) + 1 (stat) + 1 (item) + 2 (trait*)
Speed: 30'
Damage Reduction: N/A
Spell Resistance: N/A
* +2 to save vs fear

Colored AC's is when wearing chainshirt and wielding shield (i.e ready for combat)[/sblock]
[sblock=Weapon Stats]
+1 flaming longsword(melee): +7 = +6 (BAB) + 0 (STR) + 1 (item) / DMG = 1d8+1(S) + 1d6 (fire), CRIT 19-20x2
FULL ATTACK: +7/+2 = +6/+1 (BAB) + 0 (STR) + 1 (item) / DMG = 1d8+1(S) + 1d6 (fire), CRIT 19-20x2
Dagger(melee): +7 = +6 (BAB) + 0 (STR) + 1 (item)/ DMG = 1d4(P or S), CRIT 19-20x2
Dagger(range): +11 = +6 (BAB) + 4 (DEX) + 1 (item)/ DMG = 1d4(P or S), CRIT 19-20x2[/sblock]
[sblock=Racial Traits]
* +2 to one ability score - chose STR
* Medium - (no bonuses or penalties based on size)
* Normal speed - Base speed is 30 feet
* Bonus feat - chose Toughness
* Skilled - +1 skill rank at 1st level, and +1 skill rank whenever a level is gained
* Languages - Common [/sblock]
[sblock=Class Features]
Bardic Knowledge
Bardic Performance
Cantrips
Countersong
Distraction
Fascinate
Inspire Courage +2
Versatile Performance
Well Versed
Inspire Competence +3
Lore Master
Suggestion
Dirge of Doom
[/sblock]
[sblock=Feats&Traits]
Prof. with all simple weapons plus longsword, rapier, sap, short sword, short bow, and whip
Prof. with light armor
Prof. with all shields (except tower)
Agile Maneuvers (human bonus)
Dodge (first lvl)
Combat Expertise (3rd lvl)
Improve Disarm (5th lvl)
Second Chance (7th lvl)

Traits:
Courageous +2 to saves vs. fear
Classically Schooled +1 trait bonus to Spellcraft checks[/sblock]
[sblock=Skills]
Skill Ranks: 75 = 48 (6/lvl from class) + 16 (INT) + 8 (human) + 3 (favored class)
Max Ranks: 8 ACP: -0(-2)
Skills:

Skills                Total   Rank     CS   Ability  ACP  Misc
Acrobatics              +8     1       3       4     -0   +0
Appraise                +6     1       3       2          +0
Bluff                   +5     0       0       5          +0
Climb                   +0     0       0       0     -0   +0
Craft (woodworking)     +2     0       0       2          +0
Diplomacy              +16     8       3       5          +0
Disable Device          +10    4       0       4     -0   +2
Disguise                +5     0       0       5          +0
Escape Artist           +8     1       3       4     -0   +0
Fly                     +4     0       0       4     -0   +0
Handle Animal           +6     1       0       5          +0
Heal                    +1     0       0       1          +0
Intimidate              +9     1       3       5          +0
Knowledge (Arcana)     +12     3       3       2          +4
Knowledge (Dngnrng)    +10     1       3       2          +4
Knowledge (Engnrng)    +10     1       3       2          +4
Knowledge (Geography)  +12     3       3       2          +4
Knowledge (History)    +12     3       3       2          +4
Knowledge (Local)      +12     3       3       2          +4
Knowledge (Nature)     +10     1       3       2          +4
Knowledge (Nobility)   +12     3       3       2          +4
Knowledge (Planes)     +12     3       3       2          +4
Knowledge (Religion)   +12     3       3       2          +4
Linguistics             +8     3       3       2          +0
Perception             +12     8       3       1          +0
Perform    (Oratory)   +16     8       3       5          +0
Profession (Sage)       +5     1       3       1          +0
Ride                    +4     0       0       4     -0   +0
Sense Motive            +5     1       3       1          +0
Sleight of Hand         +8     1       3       4     -0   +0
Spellcraft              +7     1       3       2          +1
Stealth                +20     8       3       4     -0   +5
Survival                +1     0       0       1          +0
Swim                    +0     0       0       0     -0   +0
Use Magic Device        +9     1       3       5          +0

[/sblock]
[sblock=Spells]
Spells per Day:
Cantrips: 6
1st lvl: 5
2nd lvl: 5
3rd lvl: 3

Spells Known:

Cantrips             1st lvl                 2nd lvl              3rd lvl
spark           cure light wounds      cure moderate wounds   see invisiblity
mending         detect secert doors    tongues                haste
open/close      feather fall           versitile weapon       dispel magic
read magic      vanish                 ghostbane dirge
detect magic    timely inspiriation    heroism
know direction  saving finale          hold person
                touch of gracelessness

[/sblock]
[sblock=Equipment]

ITEM                                  COST    WEIGHT
+1 leather armor of shadow           4,160gp   15lb
+1 flaming longsword                 8,315gp    4lb
(mw) dagger                            302gp    1lb
belt of incredible dexterity +2      4,000gp    0lb
headband of alluring charisma +2     4,000gp    0lb 
cloak of resistance +1               1,000gp    0lb
Traveler's Outfit                       free    0lb
Bag of Holding (type 1)              2,500gp   15lb
 -- +2 chainshirt                    4,250gp    ---
 -- +2 heavy steel shield            4,170gp    --- 
 -- bedroll                              1sp    ---
 -- rope (50'hemp)                       1gp    ---
 -- torches(4)                           4cp    ---
 -- rations,trail(8days)                 4gp    ---
 -- waterskins(2)                        2gp    ---
 -- crowbar                              2gp    ---
 -- hammer                               5sp    ---
 -- pitons(4)                            4sp    ---
 -- sack,empty                           1sp    ---
 -- spade                                2gp    ---
 -- peasant's outfit                     1sp    ---
 -- mw thieve's tools                  100gp    ---
Belt Pouch                               1gp   .5lb
 -flint and steel                        1gp    0lb
 -mirror,small steel                    10gp   .5lb
 -potions cure light(x2)               100gp   .5lb

Treasure: 65gp 10sp 4cp Gems: none
Total weight carried: 36.5lbs
Maximum weight possible: 38-light, 76-medium, 115-heavy [/sblock]
[sblock=Details]
Size: Medium
Gender: Male
Age: 32
Height: 5'-11"
Weight: 140lbs
Hair Color: Sandy Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Skin Color: Lightly complexed
Apperance: travel stained and keep up a shoddy apperance so as not to be robbed
Demeanor: jovial but reserved Jiles likes to have fun whenever possible but needs to get to know a person well before he will commit any kind of friendship.
[sblock=Background] Jiles life has been one long road leading from what seemed one mishap to the next. If he wasn't running from Thay operatives trying to put another notion in their scarab, he was talking his way out of joining the Moonstars.

"Ah how long since the Year of the Unstrung harp?" he asks himself. A lot longer than he cared to remember and more years adding to the little gray starting to show in his hair.

The first roads led him from Cormyr to the Dalelands. He was what? Sixteen or seventeen that year when he ended up with a small group of misfits like himself and stopped a con artist and his goblin henchmen from running a protection scam on... "What was the name of that little villiage? Scaverdon? Scarsden? I'm not sure but it was just a day east of Tilverton on the road to Ashabenford."

Jiles shrugs he could find the place easy enough and new most of what he needed of the small hamlet, just not the name. "Almost the same as Granville there. Ha!" he laughs smiling. "They are all the same the world over."

Granville was just another end of another road. This one though had a nasty ogre at the end of it. Jiles had used all his skills the day before to best the beast. The first time he had faced ogres he wasn't alone and his skills were not so sharp. "It was outside Harrowdale and poor Trig, he didn't make it through that battle. First time fighting ogres and the first time I had a companion die before my eyes." He frowns and before anymore melancholy thoughts form he says to himself. "And it wasn't the last time for either, push on you lazy old man."

Harrowdale. Memories of that place always made Jiles smile. The Council of Burghers had sent Jiles and his friends on a mission deep into the Pirate Isles. It was months of travel by boat, and then island hopping from secret cove to secret cove till they found a nasty den of thieves that were disrupting traffic up to the MoonSea. "That ended good, least nobody died."

What happen after that? Jiles tries to sort his thoughts. "I lost a few years running errands for a bunch of idiots. That's what happened." True for three years Jiles and his friends ventured all over for the people of Harrowdale. They seemed to need all kinds of help with this plight or that. "But had you not then you wouldn't be where you are today." he berates himself. "Had you not been a help then the Harpers they would have never took notice."

And they had noticed Jiles and one day they approached him with an offer. Join them and help do some good on a grander scale or continue to run errands for the Council. He readily accepted and his first assignment was a duosy to be sure. Travel to Mount Thay, make sure they don't unleash a dark demon, and see if he could steal the scrolls they were using for the ritual, so they can never try it again.

"Now that I remember in full, and like it was yesterday." Jiles says hefting his pack and continuing down the hill towards Granville. "It was winter and a fresh coat of snow covered the ground. Dorn was sitting with his feet up near the fire, and I was...." (to long maybe I'll tell it a little at a time).[/sblock]

[/sblock][/sblock][sblock=Notes]Quest
Rumors[/sblock]

 

[HolyMan]

It was one of the few things Jiles liked about small villages. "They always have unique names for their inns don't they." he says laughing inside.

After taking in the sights of the common room he relaxes until he hears the odd words of one of the patrons.

"Hmmm, my dear what was that. Ah yes." he says showing a smile to the barmaid. "I would love some of what they are having." he says pointing at the stew. "And whatever you have to wash it down, please."

Continuing to play at the friendly dolt, Jiles make sit over towards the table of the man who spoke up. "Excuse me good sir, I'm afraid I must have forgotten your name. Have we met?" he says looking slightly perplexed.

"I am new in town and wish only to spend the evening before moving on, and perhaos exchange a story or two? Maybe I could tell you of the Maiden and the Rose Thorn? It is quite the ditty."

Before anyone can object or interpose their desire to be left alone Jiles goes into the epic. While he tells the story he has bites of the stew and washes his throat with ale to give the audience just the right pause. When he is finished he can tell the story went over well and he smiles back at the group. "Now a story from you," he says feigning to think hard. "How about a story of the last adventure to enter Granville and the trouble he caused. Yes do tell please."

Jiles leans back in his chair. His stew finished his belly full and still a bit of bite from the spices on his tongue, he looks very content.

[sblock=Actions] Using Versatile Performance to use perform oratory in place of diplomacy. Same modifiers but not the same way to change attitudes . And Jiles usually will act the dolt or simpleton around the common folk believing they will trust someone not all high and mighty. Now around royalty watch out he will do a 180. [/sblock]

[sblock=Edit] Well first roll of this game is a one, glad that is out of the way. [/sblock]

 

[kinem]

"Sure thing" the waitress says. "I'm Connie, by the way." She brings out stew and ale.

The man replies "No, we haven't met. I'm Clayton." He extends his hand to shake.

Jiles' story isn't up to his usual standards, interrupted as it is by his dinner, but it goes over well enough and the locals relax a little.

The noise from the smithy stops. Shortly afterwards, a burly man walks into the bar. "Evening" he says, and sits down.

"Evening, Conrad" Connie says, and brings dinner for him.

Clayton says "We don't get too many adventurers in this town. Nor much of anyone, usually. The roads are dangerous. Heard there's an ogre that's smashing heads to the west."

The sound of distant violin playing, very skillful yet melancholy, drifts in from the evening air.

Conrad says "Except that creepy gypsy, that is. Disturbs the peace every night. I'd give good money if he'd just move on already."

Clayton says "Of course you'd say that. He does good work. Still, I don't know. He's alone, right? Some say he's got a wife hidden away, only comes out at night. That is kind of strange."

Conrad declares "Vampire wife then, most likely."

Connie says "Don't scare the stranger away now, he seems to like my stew. Anyway, I haven't heard of anyone being attacked, so why worry?"

 

[HolyMan]

"Wow," Jiles exclaims as everyone tells of a few things happening in town. "This place is full of stories now isn't it. Hmm, an ogre to the west you say? Well I saw an ogre when I came from that way, in none to good shape actually. Looks like perhaps that problem has been resolved."

Jiles takes a sip of his ale. "But this gypsy you made mention of what's his story?" He asks looking like an eager lad ready for a tale.

 

[kinem]

"Good news, if that ogre's gone" Clayton says. "As for the gypsy, Raul's a travelling merchant and metalsmith ..."

Conrad interrupts "He sells metal items from that wagon of his, yes. As for being a smith, I have my doubts. He sure as hell doesn't have a forge in there. Maybe he stole the lot of them."

"Maybe he did" Clayton allows. "Anyway, he's been camped on the edge of town for several days now. Doesn't say much, doesn't give straight answers. He's darker than us and has a strange accent, so he must be from far away.

Every night he's been playing the violin, as you hear now. As far as I could tell when I checked out his wares, he travels alone.

Though last I spoke to Mabel Drakson, and she's a kindly old lady not known to make up tales, she said she saw a young woman dancing with Raul. Definitely not from town, and not dressed like a local, and Mabel knows everyone. It was at night, and she didn't get a good look, and she didn't want to interrupt them.

Well, she went back in the morning, Mabel did, and asked Raul about it. He denied there was any such woman."

 

[HolyMan]

"Well, well now," Jiles says before finishing his ale in a long pull. "Ahh... very good that was. But if you all will excuse me I think a walk is in order before turning in."

Jiles moves towards the door adjusting his straps and weapons. "And maybe even a dance." he murmurs with a grin as he exits.

[sblock=OOC] Just using his natural curiosity, it's how bards learn so much LOL, he will take a walk in the direction of the music. But not walk right up to the player he will sneak around and watch from a spot for a few minutes. My second roll coming up, anything will be better than the first one.[/sblock]

 

[kinem]

The "gypsy's" camp is located a short distance from town.

There is a large covered wagon, that has been covered with iron work: maces, railings, nails, spear-heads, spikes, knives, horseshoes. Conrad was apparently mistaken, for a small forge has now been set up near the wagon.

Beside the wagon stands an ornate white iron tripod, from which a small crib hangs suspended, rocked by the fitful breeze.

In the moonlight Jiles can see that the violin player is a squat, heavily muscled man with massive arms and broad shoulders. He appears to be a young man, but his face is heavily lined with creases and his eyes are bloodshot. His hair and drooping mustache have turned almost entirely white. He wears black clothing with tall boots, covered with a sooty brown leather apron.

[sblock=pic]

[/sblock]
Jiles doesn't think the man has noticed him; the "gypsy" is concentrating on his playing. There doesn't appear to be anyone else around right now.

 

[HolyMan]

{{Hmmm... wait for it Jiles. Just wait.}} the man thinks to himself as he itches to go down and speak to the man. But the crib donates that perhaps a woman is around so he watches for a few seconds longer.

[sblock=OOC] If after one minute no one else shows up he will back out of his spot and then come up from a different direction than the village. Kind of give the impression he is on his way there. So I will wait for your post either way - having someone join the fiddler or you can post Jiles approaching. [/sblock]

[sblock=Greeting] "Well hello, I heard the music and thought I had finally reach Granville." [/sblock]

 

[kinem]

No one else appears so Jiles circles around and approaches.

"Well hello, I heard the music and thought I had finally reach Granville."

The man stops playing and looks up at Jiles.

"Hello. Yes, it's just a little further up the road. I sell ironwork as you see here."