The Dance of Souls

[SlagMortar]

"Well, that sounds like a plan then. We will look around for any auction sites, and also ask around about any art collections. Perhaps one of us, Azaroth or Rose Marie, should pose as the buyer. The rest of us can be retainers. Gur and Banion are our guides through the forest. I'll be your entertainer. You know, story teller and such to keep the journey interesting. Sam can be our art appraising specialist extrodinair! Of course, we only need that story if anyone asks. We obviously won't go out of our way to tell it."

 

[Xaov]

Hmm good idea, I can support it. I will volunteer to be our buyer. perhaps if we ask around the tavern down there, we could find out where big auctions are happening. Any other suggestions for a plan of action?

 

[Knight Otu]

(I'd like to hear a bit on your plans, as well. Or maybe some actions... )

 

[SlagMortar]

OOC: Looks like this plan is ok to move forward, since there haven't been any objections.

IC:
"Well, lets see what we can find out tonight in the common room about auction sites and art dealers in the area. If we don't find anything, we could check out the colorfully named "Broken Skull Inn" tomorrow night."

With that, Beamer casts mage armor on himself before heading down to the common room (spells per day remaining 5/3). He asks around of the patrons (particularly shorter folk if there are any), about the action sites of the area.

If that goes uneventfully, after awhile, he gets a mug of ale and the dart board from the bartender. He sets up within ear shot of the cleric (if he's still there) where he can keep an inconspicuous eye on who the cleric is talking to, knowing that clerics are important individuals. He will gladly accept the companionship of any patrons who wish to play darts with him, even prodding them to gamble a bit (a few silvers) if they seem willing. He will try to find out anything interesting going on around town from the people he plays with. While playing by himself, he tries to appear decent, but not as talented as he really is.

OOC: Bluff: +7, Thrown attack bonus: +7 (+0 base, +4 dex, +1 halfling, +1 small, +1 pbs)

 

[Xaov]

Azatoth walks up to the barkeep and asks.

Hello sir. I have a question, I have been searching all around for a special piece of art part of a collection I'm hoping to obtain. The pieces in and of them selves are relatively hard to come by. I was wondering if you know of a place in town where they might keep record of all the recent auction pieces? If you could tell me then it would help me know who I might get in contact with to place a bid? If you do not know then perhaps you could tell me of a person who might.

 

[Patlin]

OOC: That's wierd, I posted a reply to this yesterday but the web monsters seem to have eaten it. Here's another try.

IC: Upstairs while planning, Banion explains that he intends to sit as inconspicuously as possible in the common room and provide backup for Beamer (or any party member asking questions.) He will ignore his comrades, as if he doesn't know them, and keep an eye open for possible assailants as well as anyone who seems to be taking an unusual interest in the party or in any inquiry they might make. Banion will also keep his ears open for any interesting tidbits, but he won't actively seek out information himself. If he sees anyone he believes he should follow, he will try to catch Beamer's eye before going, and signal him by tapping his index and pointer fingers of his left hand on the knuckles of his right hand. If he does this, the others are free to react as they feel apropriate, but those who are not proffesionals in the arts of stealth shouldn't follow Banion too closely.

 

[Rose Marie Lightstar]

Rose Marie follows behind Azaroth, intending to go with him to help look for art.

 

[Knight Otu]

Shortly before the others, Banion sneaks into the common room, and is pretty sure he avoided being seen by wrong eyes (Hide check - 29). The scene has changed a bit in the common room. The cleric is still there, but now at the bar. Janur, the man who played the board game, is now throwing darts.

The barkeeper was apparently searching something below the bar, and now puts a book on it, presenting a page to the cleric. As far as you see, there seem to be several ink stamps on the page. The cleric dangles a fitting stamp for a few moments before saying "I was not satisfied."
With a smile (Sam thinks it is very forced), the barkeeper asks "Why not? We will improve next time."
"I think you know why."
The cleric turns to go. Janur watches with a dart in his hand, apparently ready to throw it at the cleric's back, but throws it at the dart board instead. Whether it was his anger or talent, he still hits the inner ring.

(more later)

 

[Knight Otu]

With the cleric leaving, Azaroth and Rose approach the barkeeper asking about art auctions, and art collections in general. "Art, my friends? I see... Tennar, the large redhead over there playing cards, has an auction house that sometimes gets some interesting bits. Careful when you approach him. Not only doesn't he like being disturbed while playing, he got a bit edgy after some thugs wanted to get some information." The barkeeper eyes you, as if trying to determine if you belong to those thugs.

Beamer, noting the fast success at the bar, is confronted by Janur. "You're the halfling who played darts earlier, aren't you? How about a little game? I'm Janur, one of the few reasons that the Scimitar is still dancing."

Banion, looking over the common room, sees nothing really suggesting anything strange. The city watch member idly flirts with a red-headed bar maid, games are being played all over the room, drinks are drunk, food is eaten. Apart from the scene with the cleric, the Scimitar seems to be doing well.

 

[SlagMortar]

"Why certainly, the name is Beamer and I do love a game of darts. Pleasure to meet you." Beamer extends his hand for a handshake.

"How do you mean one of the few? The Scimitar seems to be doing excellent business. Is it unusually busy today?"