Watched

(Image supplied by Master of Design) DESCRIPTION: Something has been making its way into our campsites and stealing our supplies. If this continues there is going to be a huge drain on the kingdom. We must find out what is stealing supplies and stop it. If it is one of us, we must take measures to make sure an example is set for the others. If it is not one of us .. well .. then we are not alone. Sign up on the VTT Journal to play this mission  * THIS IS A CHALLENGE MISSION*

SETUP It is another morning at the outpost .. Many people are up early working on their contributions to making the outpost a decent place to live.  Several laborers are looking around the place.  They seem agitated.  One of them is just about yelling at the other one who shakes his head.   This isn't my fault Makell .. I know exactly where I left it and now its gone .. I thought YOU moved them somewhere else .. you know how forgetful you can be. NEXT SLOT IS WED MORNING SLOT This mission takes place in Mission Box 3 on the VTT

"We know the other workers... The ones who were here before us, are still out there somewhere... Think perhaps they or something else has something to do with it? This isn's the first thing to go missing." Azariah, the resident giant and frightening tiefling asked casually, emerging from the hastily built tavenr

Prytania was lazing around in the street, delaying the surveillance patrol a while more, when some workers started a loud argument, so she approached them and tried to see what was wrong. It seems something had gone missing... "We know the other workers... The ones who were here before us, are still out there somewhere... Think perhaps they or something else has something to do with it? This isn's the first thing to go missing." - Said the tiefling who, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, had gotten there before she could. Prytania frowned a bit, but quickly tried to ease the tension before the townsfolk got more nervous: " True, but let's not let things spiral out of control, let's see, what exactly is missing? I know we're all a bit anxious right now, but let's see if we can work together and find it without any more issues" (OOC Diplomacy check to calm them down and get them to cooperate: 23; Sense motive check  to figure out what's going on: 24)

Player Day 1 Timeslot 1      Ren had gotten up early and was coming back after his morning practice. As he came back he noticed that Azariah, Prytania (and perhaps Zordlon, Lyon and Will) were nearby as well as several laborers talking. It seemed that someone, or something had been making the supplies disappear. Well that isn't good .      Azariah got up and approached the men, "We know the other workers... The ones who were here before us, are still out there somewhere... Think perhaps they or something else has something to do with it? This isn's the first thing to go missing." The tiefling makes a good point.      Ren approached the workers, noticing that Prytania had also decided that this was something of interest. "True, but let's not let things spiral out of control, let's see, what exactly is missing? I know we're all a bit anxious right now, but let's see if we can work together and find it without any more issues." said the young cleric.      Deciding Prytania was better at talking, Ren continued to observe everyone. First scanning the nearby area. Also taking a good look at the workers. Ren was fairly sure that they were not the cause of the missing supplies, but after traveling alone for a few year, one could never be too careful.  Actions:  Perception: 18 Sense Motive: 16

Will noticed that there was a gathering of laborers and some of his fellow travelers and decided to approach them to find out what was going on.  As he approached he caught bits and pieces of the conversations, things had gone missing, might have been the missing people that were there before them, maybe some animals, of course all of that was just speculation maybe someone had just been misplacing things (highly unlikely). What are we looking for Will said as he got to the group.  Mind if I join in the search? he asked as he surveyed the surrounding area in hopes of seeing a random misplaced tool just lying somewhere in the bushes. Perception Roll - 8 Nope! I see nothin!

GM DAY 1 POST 1 Azaraiah and Prytania were the first to arrive.  Prytania worked quickly to try and diffuse the situation.  The two men looked over at the company they had drawn and collected themselves.  The half-orc Makell spoke first.   Um .. maybe you have seen our tools?  Did you borrow them!?  His voice getting loud but then glancing at Prytania's smile he calmed himself.   If you took -  we just want them back.   Ren and Will also came up about this time to see what all the fuss was about.  Hearing they were looking for something they began looking around but did not turn up anything.   The thin human looked to the group and explained further.  He spoke quickly, connecting some of his words together.   We were supposed-to work on the Town Hall today but-our-tools are missing .. As a matter-of-fact, I think that more is missing than just-that.  We were keeping them inside the outpost but when we went-to-get-them this morning they-were gone.  As a matter-of-fact, a huge stack of lumber is also missing now that I-think-of-it. Makell nodded in agreement.   If you can help - you help and we thank you.  Maybe you can find clues in the tall building where missing things are found.  NEXT:  PLAYER DAY 1 SLOT 2

Zordlon overhearing the conversation decides he'll check it out "Well no point waiting let's go look around" as he says this he makes his way to the building to look for any clues that may be there (perception: 31 [nat 20])

Lyon whom had been staying at the back listening decided to step forth "I would agree to searching the area, i am sure that no one in our current company would steal from their fellow settlers. So it must be someone or something else." Lyon decides to follow Zordlon as it seems like he knoes what he is doing.

Player Day 1 Timeslot 2     "So this is the building we are looking for?" Ren and company had arrived at the "tall building". It was circular and taller than all the shacks or half built inns that were in town. As they continued towards the tower Ren made sure to scan his surroundings.  (OOC: Assumed we all went to the tall building that the workers mentioned if we did not find anything nearby.)  Actions: Going to "tall building" where missing things are found Perception Roll: 18

That is definitely a tall building  Will said as he looked up at it. At least taller than anything else around here.   Will just continued to follow their merry little group as they search for the missing items. ~Wonder why missing things are found in this building~ he wondered as he continued to look at it. Perception  to scan the surroundings to try and locate the missing things - 25

GM POST DAY 1 SLOT 2 Heading to the outpost, the party of friends were able to look around.  They were looking for missing things .. which seemed .. well .. maybe orcs don't really talk that pretty.  So they began a complete search of the Outpost.  Luckily, they stumbled upon a small ledger sitting atop a crate.  The ledger was written in almost perfect penmanship and seemed to list an inventory of goods brought off the ship.  Each line item contained an item that was brought from the ship and stored in the lodge.  (The groups highest perception was a 31 with 2 assists at least making it a 35 - not too shabby) By comparing the list to the contents of the room they were able to determine that there were several items missing.  Beyond these items at least some workers tools were also missing but were not listed in the inventory.  The following items were missing: Box of Alchemical Goods (5 alchemist flasks, 3 acid flasks and 2 alkali flasks) Stack of lumber (10 4x8 planks, 20 2x4 planks and 5 1x10 planks) Nails (2 boxes) Alchemical Glue (2 Bottles) Universal Solvent Wheat (5 lbs) Mead (2 Barrels) Crate of Children's Wooden Toys (boats, carriages, wooden dogs and wooden horses) The inner cover of the ledger was signed Agela Christa De'Valero NEXT:  DAY 1 SLOT 3

DAY 1 SLOT 3 After seeing the ledger Zordlon decided the best way to search was in groups "I think we should make groups and spread out around the city looking for the various items. More search parties mean more person coverage of the city after all." (contingency [needed]) 

"This isn't really a city yet Zordlon, it's a few buildings. But you do have a point, small groups could search the place faster." Slot 3

Day 1 Timeslot 3 Prytania scratched her head as she tried to make sense of the missing items, but to no avail. After a short while, she surrendered: " I have no idea what is going on, or why are precisely these items, missing... I guess we could try and see if we could buy some of the rarer items somewhere in town. Let's try to be  a little subltle about it, try not to raise too many suspicions, what do you think, guys? "

Day 1 Timeslot 3 / Day 2 Timeslot 1     "Well, we now know what we are missing...." Once again everyone seemed to break up and search for a bit, and come back. Prytania piped up, "We could try and see if we could buy some of the rarer items somewhere in town. Let's try not to be too suspicious tho. Think about motivations"      "We could, but I think it's more importaint we find the root of the problem, let's search a little longer. I have the feeling something will come up." Ren replied. 

Day 2 slot 1 "Well first things first the tall building is where they keep appearing right? Let's explore that first and see if some animal decided to steal all the new things"

GM POST DAY 1 POST 3/ DAY 2 POST 1 Agela stops in her tracks as she rounds corner and into the doorway .. W hat's going on?  What are you guys doing in here?  Prytania .. doing some "shopping" for your new temple?  She looks to the ledger .. that's mine you know .. I was coming to take inventory this morning .. I have some reports of some missing items that have reached my ears.    You wouldn't know anything about that would you?  She eyes the group scanning back and forth.  I would hate to think ...   Sense Motive Checks are applicable here NEXT DAY 2 POST 2

~She seems awfully adamant that we have something to do with the things showing up missing~ Will thought to himself as he just stood back observing the situation. He had decided a while back that if any talking were to be done he would let someone else handle it if he thought they would be a better job, this was one of those times. Sense Motive Roll - 9

Day 2 Post 2 Zordlon looks at Agela questioningly "Are you missing something important Agela?" Sense motive 15

Player Post Day 2 Timeslot 2     Angela huh... "Well this isn't so surprising that it's your. We're also here to look for things." While Ren walks over to Agela Zordlon pipes up, "Are you missing something important Agela?"  Actions:  Sense Motive: 14

Day 2 Timeslot 2 " Prytania .. doing some "shopping" for your new temple? " - Prytania was speechless for a second (" Did she just... "), but Agela wouldn't let her speak either way and kept accusing her: " That's mine you know", " You wouldn't know anything about that would you? ",   " I would hate to think...  " Everyone could clearly see in Prytania's face how the battering of questions slowly led from confusion to indignation- " Then don't think that... First of all,  everyone around here knows I'm helping building the inn, not a chapel, and second, there was a big fuzz in near the tavern about missing things and we came here to investigate. Maybe if you spent more time with the rest, instead of being who knows where, you'd know better what happens in the settlement! "   And as she turned away her eyes off Agela, out of spite she added:   Typical from Sarenrae's followers, judging out of impulses..." (" Well, that was not smart ")  She then took a second to calm down, breathed deeply and started all over - " Listen... Sorry for that, I don't take well when people doubt my integrity. Luckily, I'm an organized person and have an account book if you all want to check it out" . " Either way... Tell us about these goods " (OOC Sense motive: 19)

Azariah wasn't the most calming individual, he knew he'd only put this woman more on edge. So the tiefling decided to keep his peace, folding his arms and staying in the far back of the group. Things are missing, this girls getting... Snippy. She seems more than a little suspicious. His red eyes scoured over her face, watching for any hint of her true thoughts. Sense Motive 20

GM Post Day 2 Post 2 My apologies  .. the party could tell that Agela had been taken off guard.  They could sense that she was just concerned about the report of missing items.  It probably seems odd that everyone is standing around where all the supplies are for what seems like no reason.  Agela quickly realizes that this group had nothing to do with it and were just investigating.  If you must know, Prytania, I have been aboard the Kelpie, I plan to depart with them on the morning to pick up new passengers.  I am leaving a large stock here and I want to make sure the benefactors investments are safe.  I know that you have nothing to do with this .. I can tell by your tone that you feel wrongly accused, and rightfully so.  I am just upset that we are being robbed.  I'm sure the lot of you only want to help.     Agela moved to the ledger.   Show me what is missing.   After showing her the missing items Agela nods.   These haven't been used in any of the projects .. all of those items were already marked off when they were moved to different building projects.  So .. where are they going?  Do you guys have any idea who this thief might be?  How would we go about catching such a thief?  There really aren't many places for this stuff to hide.   Next Post Day 2 Post 3

Player Post Day 2 Timeslot 3       "Well, we heard it may be by that tower there." Ren points at the tower nearby. "As for the thief we don't really have any idea yet." (OOC: I'll fill in a perception check later)

// note .. the tower is a watchtower and you are currently standing inside the tower .. It looks like I did not get any posts in Day 2 Slot 3 from you guys so I will wait and post Day 3 Slot 1

Day 3 Timeslot 1 Prytania shrugged in frustration -" I don't know... Think our only idea was that maybe we could try to trace the rarest missing items, see if someone is selling them in town somewhere, they can't just dissapear by magi- Wait a minute... " Prytania quickly turns as the idea got to her, and casts 'detect magic', to scan the room

Day 3 Timeslot 1 Will continued to just sit in the background observing Agela and his group as they carried on in conversation. ~Seems to me like Prytania thinks things could be hidden by magic~ Will thought as he stood back and watched what Prytania was doing.  ((Spellcraft Roll to see what Prytania is casting - 23)) Good idea Prytania checking to see if things may have been moved by magical means  Will said watching her look for magical auras.

GM Post Day 3 Slot 1 Prytania's eyes glow and she scans the room.  Although she does not find any immediate auras, as she concentrates she is able to detect a lingering aura of Conjuration which could be anything in that school of magic.  She tries to determine the subschool but the aura is faded too much to give a clearer image.  Next Post Day 3 Slot 2

Day 3 timeslot 1 " They said the items kept showing up in here let's just explore it a bit more. At the very least we'll find a clue or two. Hopefully."

Day 3 timeslot 2 " Wait guys, there's a glow in here, but it's almost too weak for me to see... It looks like someone casted some spell here not long ago... A conjuration spell for what it seems , can someone take a better look? " - Said Prytania as she gestured someone to get near. Her eyes turned back to their normal color, and she faced the group: " It could be a lot of things, but if this was used to steal the items, we're dealing with someone with access to magic. Between everyone, we probably know most if not all the passengers, right? Let's get thinking. "

Day 3 Timeslot 2 "So you're saying it's a magic user then? How do we know it's one of us? For all we know it could be you. Though what would someone use children's toys for?" (OOC sense motive 23 to see why prytania bristled at agelas remark I mean it was quite suspicious how she got so angry )

At the point that it was some kind of magic disguising the truth within the guard tower, he cast agela a suspicious glare. "Who else has been in here?"

GM Post Day 3 Slot 2 I can assure you I don't know .. but if something is taking valuable items they may be back for more.  What if we set up some sort of ambush?  If you could hide well enough you might get the drop on whoever is responsible, should they return ... I don't know .. maybe you look around town for clues but I don't think our people did this  .. not if this kind of magic is involved. Next Post Day 3 Slot 3

"An ambush is probably a good plan. Leave someone stealthy behind with a signal to call us all out of a nearby building should they make an appearance."

Day 3 Timeslot 3 " Sounds like a plan, let's do it!...  Who stays behind? "

day 3 slot 3 Zordlon raises his hand "I'll stay behind, but how am i supposed to signal you?"

GM POST Day 3 Slot 3 (Late) Agela produced a small stick from a nearby crate and handed it to Zordlon.  This is a sunrod .. You shake and break .. It might alert an intruder so I wouldn't use it unless you are in a state of emergency but it will certainly get your friends attention if you are already spotted.  I will leave this in your capable hands.  I assume you can see well in the dark.  I must return to the ship for now but I will return to check on the outcome.   // note you guys can keep posting and planning your conversation here as much as you like . I will fast forward in the next post to the night .. I need you to place your tokens in the room where you want them to be or outside the room.   Next Day 4 Slot 1

Zordlon seems unsure how dark dark equates to "I can see better than a human but I'd prefer if someone who can see in the dark no matter how dark it is as well. Only if they can be stealthy though." (OOC stealth 27)

Ye it might alert the intruder but it will also allow us to see the intruder in the dark and not just let him slip by us unseen Will said mostly to himself as he looked around the room for a place to set up for the night. ~ Behind those boxes should work, might even be able to catch a few Zs while we are waiting~ Will thought as he yawned a bit, it had been a long couple of weeks. ((Stealth - 10))

Day 4 Timeslot 1 (I think)       "I think we can leave the seeing to our tiefling friend here. I wouldn't be surprised if he could see in the dark." Ken found a spot similair to Will's and leaned back. "Just let everyone know when we are ready."  Actions:  Stealth - 17 

// I need to know where everyone else is so I will wait and post later on tonight again.

Prytania tried to hide in the tower, but her armor was way too shiny, and catched the light in the street nomatter where she hid... Even with her blanket. Half an hour later, and after a few tries, she decided to wait outside, in a nearby house - " Well, this is not working for me guys, I'll wait for your signal in that house over there. Take care! " - Hopefully she would be able to cut the thief's retreat from there.. (OOC Stealth check: -2 [Yes, NEGATIVE 2])

(OOC i can't get into the vtt sooooo have this luckily i already set up zordlon :P) Zordlon watches in amazement as prytania becomes MORE noticeable every time she tries to hide

"Ren's right, I can see just fine in the dark. And despite what you all might think, I have experience not being seen, I'll wait in here as well." The tiefling took his startlingly bright white coat, tucking it down beneath him as he folded his tall frame behind a box, disappearing from view. "I'll have no issue seeing him when he arrives. (Stealth 24)

GM POST Day 4 Slot 2 The party set up watch and cover hiding the best they could using the piles of crates and boxes.  Those who were afraid they might be easily seen waited outside for a signal should something go wrong.  They waited until it got dark .. and then they got tired .. and although they tried to stay awake .. it was late and the work at the outpost had been fierce and the temptation of sleep began to set in when there was no immediate burglar. Fort save [12] to see if you are  fatigued from all your recent hard work .. should you fail .. you are fatigued Roll again Fort save [12] to see if you are exhausted from all your hard work .. should you fail .. you are exhausted Will save [12] to avoid falling asleep becomes [14] if fatigued and [16] if exhausted... should you fail .. you are asleep but if you are exhausted you lose the exhausted condition  You may gain a +2 or other bonus for creative methods of staying awake.   Then from everyone still awake I need a perception check. Good Luck! //note  Fatigued : A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity . Doing anything that would normally cause fatigue causes the fatigued character to become exhausted. After 8 hours of complete rest, fatigued characters are no longer fatigued.   Exhausted : An exhausted character moves at half speed, cannot run or charge, and takes a –6 penalty to Strength and Dexterity . After 1 hour of complete rest, an exhausted character becomes fatigued. A fatigued character becomes exhausted by doing something else that would normally cause fatigue. // note .. in the future when you have plenty of time you can take a 20 on this stealth check to really hide yourselves well Taking 20 : When you have plenty of time, you are faced with no threats or distractions, and the skill being attempted carries no penalties for failure, you can take 20. In other words, if you roll a d20 enough times, eventually you will get a 20. Instead of rolling 1d20 for the skill check, just calculate your result as if you had rolled a 20.  I don't think there are any rules against this when you have a lot of time to hide.   Next Post Day 4 Slot 3

Azariah, as the night wore on, took an unusual tactic to keep himself awake, using both the advantages of a dull pain, and doing something with his mouth to keep himself occupied. Azariah had taken to lightly chewing on his tail, as if he were a bored dog. Though he was not the most perceptive this night, he hoped his superior eyesight would aid him in spotting their quarry Fort saves: 22, 16 Will: 19 Perception: 14

As the day stretched into night Will began to get bored, its not like he was out in the wilderness with the stars to keep him awake and various noises to entertain him he was inside a pitch black building and it was boring. Slowly his eyes started to close and he didn't really even try fighting it ~ If I fall asleep i'm sure I will hear the others call out if something bad begins to happen~ Will thought as his eyes finally shut and he went fast to sleep. Fort Saves: 18, 15 Will Save: 7 Perception: Sees inside of eyelids

Focusing on the moral code of Mardev, Prytania was determined to stay awake, she promised! (" His willpower will keep me from sleeping "). Lyon's conviction on the other hand, wasn't that strong and he was already nodding... She'll let him sleep while she can last, he's a far better warrior and if worse comes to worse, he'll do better with whatever rest he can get. (OOC: She uses touch of law to roll nat.11 on her fort saves and pass them automatically).

(that +0 will and fort is coming back with a vengence...... 5 so fatigued 19 so n0t exhausted and 6 on will) Zordon gets bored easily i mean you can't expect him not to get tired if he's on watch all nig-zzzzzzzzz.