Troubled Past PBEM 62 - Halfling Overboard

[Fabian Benavente]

Ok, Angie had an excellent idea last turn which we executed quite well (modesty aside). :)

Here comes turn 62; please read the ooc.

Questions, comments, and/or suggestions.

Enjoy!

Fabian
Troubled Past - An Eberron PBEM
http://www.geocities.com/cfbenave/Eberron/Eberron-Page2.htm
Wanna play? Email me.

[King, John]

boo I was gonna add more! oh well, its late enough, and I could use the sleep.

________________________________

[Fabian Benavente]

It's not late! Read the turn (only 7 pages) and post for this turn. If you wait, you'll
end up posting for this turn when I'm ready for a recap. :)

L8r,

Fabian
Troubled Past - An Eberron PBEM
http://www.geocities.com/cfbenave/Eberron/Eberron-Page2.htm
Wanna play? Email me.

[King, John]

Heh, I should have more time tomorrow. I gotta get up at 6am though, would be nice to get 6+ hours sleep at least one of these nights.

[kirs...@yahoo.com]

REF: Before they got back on course, someone wandered where Lisaes was.
One of the Lyrandar sailors yelled for the ir'Valerians as he opened
the door to the captain's quarters-the room Lisaes had been
sharing-and found the half-elf prostrated on the floor.

RPG: The sailor's yell attracted people to the scene the way honey
attracted honey, and while Flask was among the last to arrive, having
spent some frustrating yet rewarding minutes forcing the elemental back
to their original course and speed, liberal use of his bony elbows
cleared him a path to the body.

"Git us a luvly murder scene here," the old scout muttered aloud,
almost cheerfully, still in unusually high spirits after matching wits
and wills with the elemental and emerging victorious. Besides, it had
been a while since he had had a puzzle like this to solve.

"Right, who's in charge?" Flask asked out loud, looking for a
volunteer. "I be assumin' no-one else has left the ship after we
set sail," he went on, casting a wry glance at Bryn and Leif.
"Means the killer be most likely still aboard... 'less the Captain
had a private stash o' the good stuff someone could have spiced
earlier an' today just happened tae be the day he opened the wrong
bottle..."

Flask rubbed his hands together eagerly, an inquisitive light in his
green eyes. "Someone know if the Captain had a liquor cabin o' his
own? Anyone?"

TAG: Crew members

RPG: "Right..." Flask grunted, kneeling next to Lisaes's corpse
and looking for signs of the same kind of poison that had apparently
taken the Captain's life... stains on her lips, the smell of the
liquid, anything that could be of use. After the body it was the cabin
itself he turned his attention to. Not a stone would be left unturned
if the scout had his way, and after his 'heroic' rescue the crew
might not easily deny him what he asked for...

NRPG: Search +12 to search the body and the room, Sense Motive +6
(Taking 10) to see if someone's answers don't sound too
plausible... Bluff +13 (Taking 10) to persuade if anyone objects too
loudly.

TAG: GM, everyone interested...

-Jussi / Mel

[Fabian Benavente]

Hey all,

I'll post some more later but Lisaes is alive. Unconscious but alive. There's no sign of
the 'purple liquid' anywhere in the cabin.

[kirs...@yahoo.com]

Right, sorry for jumping the gun there. Feel free to edit my post to
reflect the fact. I'd do it myself, but I have to hurry to today's
Kendo lesson ;^)

-Jussi

[kirs...@yahoo.com]

NRPG: Right, better patch my last post now that I know the woman
wasn't a goner as well ;^)

RPG: Flask kneeled down next to Lisaes's body Flask was surprised to
see she was still breathing. So much for his powers of observation, he
thought wryly as he shifted mental gears. From a victim Lisaes had
suddenly become a prime suspect, at least in the suspicious mind of the
scout. The Captain dead... and the woman merely dead to the world.

So... either Lisaes hadn't drunk enough of the supposed poison to
kill her, the one who had killed the Captain had for some reason chose
to spare her (Why bother, if one went ahead and murdered the Captain,
placing everyone on board to risk) or she was guilty of something at
the very least and this was a convenient way of gaining an alibi.

"The lass needs a healer," Flask grunted, his eyes searching for
Lan in the crowd.

[Tom Andry]

[Leif / new]

 

Leif had barely made it onboard and un-strapped the lifering from his back when the bird made its appearance on the deck. At first Leif thought it was after the large fowl he had brought back for supper until its body melted and reformed into the shape of the Halfling Leif had thought dead. His bloodshot eyes quivered as he tried to reconcile what he saw with what he knew to be true. “Bryn?” his voice shook slightly, the dead bird in his hand forgotten, “but… how…”

 

[tag / bryn]

 

[later]

 

[Flask / old]

 

"The lass needs a healer," Flask grunted, his eyes searching for Lan in the crowd.

 

[Leif / new]

 

Leif quickly looked around scanning the faces. Would the perpetrator be here, now? If they were disrupted, perhaps they’d have to pretend to be one of the crowd. Leif felt the emotions of the crew wash over him. Lots of fear and distrust, that was to be expected. But what he was looking for was disappointment.

 

[tag dm – sense emotions (power) and sense motives (+7)]

 

[If Leif doesn’t target a particular person]

 

Leif called out, “Who found her? Who was the first on the scene?”

 

[tag DM]

 

[Regardless, Leif will ask the sailor (suspect or first one on the scene)]

 

Leif pulled the sailor to the side, “What were you doing here? What business did you have here?”

 

The sailor was visibly shaken though Leif wasn’t sure if it was guilt or fear, “Just look’n for sumone to steer’er other than…”

 

Leif’s growl stopped the man/woman in mid-sentence. Even though (s)he’d seen it before, (s)he was still shocked as the crystal shook itself free of Leif’s belt and began to crawl sickingly up his body and on to his shoulder. In his/her mind, a feminine voice much mike the shifter’s rang out accusingly, “You’re lying and we know it. Tell us everything you know before we rip it from your mind!”

 

[tag dm]

 

 

 

Tom Andry

Associate Editor

www.Audioholics.com

Over 1 million readers a month and growing!

 

[Angie Gignac]

[Leif / old]

Leif had barely made it onboard and un-strapped the lifering from his back when the bird made its appearance on the deck. At first Leif thought it was after the large fowl he had brought back for supper until its body melted and reformed into the shape of the Halfling Leif had thought dead. His bloodshot eyes quivered as he tried to reconcile what he saw with what he knew to be true. "Bryn?" his voice shook slightly, the dead bird in his hand forgotten, "but… how…"

 

[ooc - sorry Fabian, I know you moved us past this point, but it's just too juicy not to RP. Also, not to be too picky, but didn't they just lose one lifering? Ember held his line, so I imagine he reeled it back in, and I'm sure Leif would have brought his back with him.]

 

[Bryn new]

 

It had actually been harder to shed her new form than it had been to take it, though Bryn didn't know if that was because of her increasing distance from Earth Mother or because she was no longer in immediate danger. As her senses adjusted to her older, heavier form, she looked around at the gathered Big Folk. Expressions ranged from surprise to delight from the ir'Valerians, to superstitious fear from many of the crew, to a mad barking frenzy from Swift. Nearly bowled over by the coyote, Bryn smiled helplessly, unsure how to explain. Until, however, she saw Leif.

 

The look on his face was so pained, so raw, that her earlier anger at him vanished. He may have precipitated everything by bringing her animals on deck, but he had done so with only the best of intentions, and her supposed death had apparently affected him deeply. His expression was so hopeful yet so afraid of being wrong, that she moved towards him even as he said her name.

 

Taking his hand, she held it to her cheek, knowing that for the shifter, touch and scent were often more important than sight. "I'm real, Leif, I'm alive," she said in halfling, forgetting about the crew. "I changed, just before I hit. I didn't even know I could do that!" Even know, the thrill of her new ability excited her. "Years of trying, and finally I can do it, just like Bori!" Leif was standing utterly still, staring at her with wide eyes, a dead bird in his other hand. Remembering how he'd tried to save her, she kissed his hand and said, "Thanks for coming after me."

 

[tag Leif]

 

[later]

 

Clearly, much had happened that Bryn was unaware of. The captain dead, and Lisaes hurt? She moved towards the fallen half-elf, but Lan beat her to it. Remembering that the handsome Big Folk was a healer, she knelt beside him and asked, "Please, can I help?"

 

[tag Lan]

 

[later]

 

It seemed like a week had passed since Bryn had been shaken from her bed, but in reality, not much more than a few hours had passed. She'd brought her clawfoot back downstairs and settled him as much as she could; she'd be grateful to get him off this boat once and for all. Swift had absolutely refused to stay below, and Johan had helped her smuggle the pooch, apparently the common word for coyote, into her room. The artificer had then plagued her with questions about her transformation, questions which were hampered by Bryn's broken common. He seemed to think that he'd be able to replicate the phenomena if he understood it well enough, and refused to be dissuaded by Bryn's explanation of the connection with Earth Mother, and Eberron's power. Still, she was happy to talk about it, and was even happier to see Johan animated about something, for he'd been uncharacteristically quiet so far, even for him.

 

Eventually, fatigue overcame them both, the questions dried up, and they fell into a deep and peaceful slumber.

[King, John]

Before they got back on course, someone wondered where Lisaes was. One of the Lyrandar sailors yelled for the ir'Valerians as he opened the door to the captain's quarters-the room Lisaes had been sharing-and found the half-elf prostrated on the floor.

Actions 1?

(ooc - btw, should have only lost 2 liferings. Ember wound the tether line for his around his arm and would have drawn it back when it did not hit its mark. Also, Leif threw one, Ember threw one, did another ir'Valerian throw one, or was that the escape route of our killer?)

The warforged had been hanging its lifering back upon the wall when it heard the yelling from the sailor. From enduring the old man's wresting control of the airship from the elemental to a jarring stop above the earth to pick up Leif, Ember had barely had time to digest the wealth of new information it had absorbed regarding the ir'Valerian's current situation. Ember felt both relieved and delighted to know that Leif and Bryn were safe, though it was admittedly perplexed by the druid's transformation. The captain of the ship was dead, poisoned it seemed, and his killer unknown. And now more screaming.

"Methinks prefer being locked in hold," the construct muttered and broke into a jog toward the ladder that would lead down to the captain's quarters.

[tag]

Ember watched closely as the two new humans from the ir'Valerian homestead examined the unconscious half-elf. The older of the two men Ember recognized from its inner estate house guard shifts. The man was referred to as "Flask," although the warforged was unsure if that was his actual name, or some nickname associated with inebriation. The other looked vaguely familiar, but Ember was unable to place from where. Such was its way with humans often times - they all looked so much alike.

Walking lightly up from behind, Ember stood over the humans and the half-elf, trying to get a peak at her lips. "She have mouth stains as captain did? Other visible injury?"

[tag]

Ember watched as Flask began churning through the room looking for clues. Already the room was getting crowded. Figuring it would be best to stay out of the way, the construct slipped out of the room silently and down to Leif's quarters, where it found what it was looking for. With a low swipe of its arm, the warforged scooped up its great maul, hefting the weapon's formidable weight over its shoulder. Finesse, diplomacy and interrogation were none of the construct's strong suits. However, if there was a killer aboard that threatened to strike again, Ember planned to be prepared to defend its comrades.

As the dark-plated construct moved through the halls, a door opened and a figure ran out, bumping headlong into the passing warforged. The man had vials in his hands that now seemed to tumble chaotically from his grasp.

"Ack!" the figure cried, furiously scrambling to snatch them all before they hit the ground. The man nearly caught them all, one falling dangerously close to the ground. Reaching over to pick it up, he bumped his head into the construct's plated leg with an audible thud, and then dropped all the vials again onto the floor.

"Damn!" the human said, distractedly picking up the vials from the floor.

"Pardon, Johan Krauss. Did not wish to hit your head with my thigh. May I assist?" The warforged did not wait for an answer, but bent down and began picking up vials as well.

"No, no, I'm alri- Well, yes then, thank you, Ember," the artificer muttered, also picking up glass vials and pieces. Fortunately for the artificer, very little of his concoctions had spilled, although one vial was completely lost. "I was on my way up to the captain's quarters to lend aid to the others. Seeing that there has been a murder on board, we find ourselves with a killer in our midst. I thought it prudent to mix up some truth-telling brews, just in case we find the need for them, if you know what I mean."

"Aye, Master Krauss. Have component list and recipe for it in books in hold. From memory, add two parts-"

"Ahem, no, not necessary. I meant more about knowing what I mean about having a killer on board. Unless perhaps they have abandoned ship. We'll need to keep a close eye on the deck for any aberrant behavior." As the artificer spoke, his eyes seemed to sharpen. Something within him intensified as he gained focus. "And we'll also need to keep an eye on the ship's liferings and lifeboat. Those would be likely escape routes for a murderer that would feel pressed to make an escape. Right?"

Ember nodded quickly. "Aye. Will take position on deck, take inventory of life preservation devices, maintain watch. Call if need." The warforged then bolted from the human's side and climbed up the ladder, making its way quickly to the deck.

[tag]

[ooc - as above, Ember will inventory and guard the life-stuff. He'll also gather information on who used rings to account for the missing ones. While guarding, he will scan the deck for any more clues.]

[Fabian Benavente]

ooc:
Liferings
These are similar to a sailing's vessels liferings but not the same. Given that there's no
medium (water) to keep you afloat, these things are not tied down to the ship. They are
meant to be used as parachutes (you don't tie parachutes down to the plane). And the count
is Leif used one and both Lan and Ember threw one. So there are 3 out of 6 left. Don't
worry, the Lyrandars will charge you for them (400 gp each). :) BTW, 4 can grab onto one
and still come down safely. So if there a crash, there are 11 Lyrandars left plus 7 of
you, oops that's 18 which is more than 12... :)

Lisaes
Les, when you post about Lan examining Lisaes, Lan finds that the half-elf has been
administered some sort of anesthetic (inhaled). What's curious is that there are no signs
about a struggle. Any 'cure spell' will revive her automatically. If not, she'll come to
in about one hour.

Airship
Unless someone gets on the helm again, the elemental will go get off-course in about 10
more minutes so you may roleplay that. You know, bumping into people, tripping, etc. :)

ic:

> Leif quickly looked around scanning the faces. Would the perpetrator be
> here, now? If they were disrupted, perhaps they'd have to pretend to be one
> of the crowd. Leif felt the emotions of the crew wash over him. Lots of fear
> and distrust, that was to be expected. But what he was looking for was
> disappointment.

Three sailors were around the half-elf's body and each looked more surprised and scared
than the other. The shifter only felt shock and fear emanating from them. Each quickly
realized that there was a killer on board and each looked at the strangers they'd recently
picked up. The ir'Valerians were the ones not known to them. The rest of the crew,
including those they picked up a few days ago, all had records in good standing with the
Lyrandar House, all were trustworthy men and women.

>
> Leif called out, "Who found her? Who was the first on the scene?"

A young boy, barely past what would be considered his teen years, came forward, his
demeanor hesitant and more than a little scared. "I--I did..."

Leif just looked at him, a healthy array of teeth showing.

The boy stammered again, "I--I came looking for her..." Seeing the shifter's stance
unmoved, the boy added, "Sir."

> Leif pulled the sailor to the side, "What were you doing here? What business did you
> have here?"
>
> The sailor was visibly shaken though Leif wasn't sure if it was guilt or

> fear, "Just look'n for sumone to steer'er other than."
>
> Leif's growl stopped the man/woman in mid-sentence. Even though he'd seen
> it before, he was still shocked as the crystal shook itself free of

> Leif's belt and began to crawl sickingly up his body and on to his shoulder.

The boy's body shook with fear and disgust as Leiflet crawled up his body. His face
looking at Leif pleading with him but casting sideway glances at the 'thing' lest it stung
him or something worst.

> In his mind, a feminine voice much like the shifter's rang out

> accusingly, "You're lying and we know it. Tell us everything you know before
> we rip it from your mind!"

That was the drop that spilled the bucket. More out of instinct than with any sort of
malice, the boy swapped Leiflet from his shoulder smaking her hard against the cabin's
wall. The boy then backpedaled the opposite direction and jumped on the bed. Cornered and
keeping a weary eye on Leiflet, the boy cried, "Don't let it come near me! Please! I know
nothing. This has been my only ship, I'd never harm the captain or Lisaes. Truth!" He
turned to Leif again, "Please, sir. Keep that thing away from me!"

[tag]

[Tom Andry]

Fabian,

 

I’ll hit this tag tonight. Sorry about the delay

 

Tom Andry

Associate Editor

www.Audioholics.com

Over 1 million readers a month and growing!

 

From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Troubl...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Angie Gignac
Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2006 10:51 PM
To: Troubl...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Troubled Past PBEM 62 - Halfling Overboard

 

[Leif / old]

[Tom Andry]

[Bryn / old]

 

Leif was standing utterly still, staring at her with wide eyes, a dead bird in his other hand. Remembering how he'd tried to save her, she kissed his hand and said, "Thanks for coming after me."

 

[Leif / new]

 

“Thank Providence you’re OK!” Leif’s voice cracked a bit but he cleared his throat as he noticed the stares from the others. “I looked for you in the hold. When I saw your friends left behind I thought I should bring them up incase we had to abandon ship. I didn’t realize… When I saw you go overboard…” Leif was at a loss for words again. Taking a deep breath he changed the subject, “So that was you, huh? I thought that bird looked a little mad at me.”

 

[tag?]

 

 

 

[DM / old]

 

He turned to Leif again, "Please, sir. Keep that thing away from me!"

 

[Leif / new]

 

[note: I said last time that Leif “took the boy aside.” I’m envisioning this happening in another room, not Lisaes’s cabin]

 

The boy had been speaking to the back of Leif’s head, Leif’s gaze focused on the fate of Leiflet. As Leif slowly turned to face the boy, he realized that the small crystal was the least of his worries. The shifter’s hair had doubled in volume, straining the leather strap securing the small glowing stone to his forehead. A low humming began to fill the room and static electricity arched between the fingers of the shifter as he slowly lowered to a crouch. The boy’s head shook with fear and regret as if he could somehow dissuade the feral being through apology.

 

Just then, Johan stumbled into the room, an armful of vials and instruments ringing musically with every movement, “Oh, Leif, there you are. Listen, do you have…” Johan’s voice trailed off as he finally made eye contact with the shifter. Noting his disposition, Leiflet crawling out from behind a table behind him, and the terrified looking boy at the other side of the room, Johan put two and two together. “Leif, now, let’s not do anything rash. I’m sure this boy wasn’t the…” Johan barely had time to put down his supplies before Leif sprang at the boy. Johan was quicker though and grabbed the shifter, halting his progress. “Leif, now that is ENOUGH!” he commanded quite uncharacteristically. “I’ve asked Ember to look after the extra life rafts and liferings. The killer is sure to want to get off this ship.” As if to accentuate the point, a vial started to roll off the table. “What the devil is Flask doing?!” Johan cursed.

 

“He’s searching the room,” Leif responded.

 

“What? So who’s flying the ship?” Johan demanded. Leif shrugged. “Alright, go get Flask and get him back on that wheel. I’ll start looking over the room. See if you can find me the next in command. I’ll need to ask them some questions. We need to find out if anyone else can fly this ship.”

 

Leif nodded, realizing the truth in Johan’s words. Walking over to the boy on the ground, Leif grabbed his shoulder and picked him up, “You, what’s your name?”

 

“Gef,” was the weak reply.

 

“Gef, I’ve killed for much less than what you’ve just done. In exchange for your life, you’ll do what I say when I say it. If she…”

 

“She?!” the boy exclaimed, incredulously.

 

Leif ignored the outburst, “If she so much as hints that you’ve been dishonest, you’ll fall asleep one night and wake up missing an arm or a leg.” Leif’s feral smile gave the boy many disturbing images of where his missing limbs might be. “Let’s go. Now for starters, anyone new on your crew? Anyone acting funny? Different?” Leif wasn’t as convinced as he sounded but he continued anyways, “I know that it was none of my people, therefore it has to be one of the crew.”

 

[tag]

 

“But what about that Warforged?” the boy objected.

 

Leif laughed as they turned to leave and Leiflet crawled back up onto his shoulder, “Ember? Does he look like the type to poison someone? Plus, we need you and your ship. We are on a vital mission for Lord…” Leif noted the look of disgust on Gef’s face, his eyes locked on Leiflet. Leif stopped in mid-stride, growling, “Smile and say ‘hello,’ Gef, or risk my wrath.”

 

Gef gulped and managed a weak smile, “Hello?”

 

Leiflet huffed audibly then suddenly leaped from Leif’s shoulder to Gef’s. The boy looked like he wanted to bolt and run but fear kept his feet planted and the smile locked on his quivering face. Leif smiled at the boy remarking, “See, you’re becoming fast friends already.”

 

Leiflet spoke finally, causing the boy to jump a little, “You go get Flask, Gef and I will find this [next in command and/or other suspects] and bring them to Johan.”

 

[tag]

 

 

[later]

 

Leif hadn’t been sleeping all that well anyways; visions of Bryn falling kept running through his mind. Her sliding off the deck, falling past him just out of arms reach, him falling though the air constantly looking for a bird that never showed... It was then that the noise brought him to full consciousness. A high pitched sound that at first Leif mistook for Leiflet, but his crystal hadn’t heard it except through her connection to him. A second time it rang out causing Leif to wince in pain. Leif lay back down slowly, not wanting to disturb anyone. With the excitement of the day, there was no use bringing this up now. They had more immediate concerns. Closing his eyes, Leif eventually returned to a fitful sleep.

 

[does Leif have any idea of what this is? Is it just a sound or does it have an emotion behind it?]

[kirs...@yahoo.com]

NRPG: Right, back to the helm. Fabian, please post the results of
Flask's interrupted search when you have the time. If he finds
something interesting, he might do something about it before going away
not-so-quietly ;^)

RPG: Flask hadn't been best pleased when Leif had come and practically
dragged him back to the helm. Wrestling with the elemental had been fun
to begin with but it got old really fast, and the old scout longer for
a bit of variety the murder investigation would have brought.

"But noo... gotta do me job steerin' this flyin' wre- Oh, don't ye
dare!" the muttered litany broke into a stream of curses as the
elemental once again sought to rebel. A few moments later the creature
was back until control... for the moment. They both knew the human
would have to sleep sooner or later, and perhaps the replacement pilot
wouldn't keep as tight a rein on the elemental.

TAG: Anyone interested...

-Jussi / Mel

[Tom Andry]

[ooc: don’t worry Jussi, I wouldn’t leave you flying the ship for the rest of the trip. One of the “advantages” of living in the same town as the DM is that he calls you and says things like, “Isn’t anyone concerned that no one is flying the ship?” If you

 

[Flask / old]

 

They both knew the human would have to sleep sooner or later, and perhaps the replacement pilot wouldn't keep as tight a rein on the elemental.

 

[Leif / new]

 

Leif was in no mood for the human’s protestations. He was going up to that wheel if Leif drag the old man by the hair. [ooc: If Flask wants to stop because of something he found, Leif will let him, just not for long] Once they reached the deck and Flask was behind the wheel, the ship leveled out again and headed back on course… or at least that is what Leif hoped. Turning to the human, Leif remarked, “I’ll see what I can do about getting someone from the crew to replace you.” Leif’s eyes unfocused for a moment causing a concerned look to cross the human’s face. A moment later, Leif announced, “She’s on it. There is someone on the ship who was in training but hadn’t received ‘the mark’ whatever that means. Once she finds him, she’ll send him up.”

 

Flask expression was confused, “She? She who?”

 

Leif’s brow furrowed for a moment before he realized that neither Flask nor Lan had met his little friend. Not wanting to spoil her fun, Leif answered cryptically, “You’ll see.” Leif turned to leave and then thought better of it, “Flask, I’m not one for intrigue but do you think that the Captain was targeted specifically or did both the Captain and the first mate just happen to drink from a tainted supply? Also, who would be foolish enough to poison the Captain of a flying ship? They’d either have to have a way off or they poisoned the drink before we left. If the latter, they wouldn’t be on board at all? Right?”

 

[tag – Flask or DM]

 

Finally, Leif turned with a flourish to check on Ember and wander the decks looking for suspicious looking or feeling people. A murderer may be on this ship and, if so, Leif was determined to make them pay before they hurt anyone else.

[Angie Gignac]

On 4/4/06, Tom Andry <t...@audioholics.com> wrote:

[ooc: don't worry Jussi, I wouldn't leave you flying the ship for the rest of the trip. One of the "advantages" of living in the same town as the DM is that he calls you and says things like, "Isn't anyone concerned that no one is flying the ship?" If you

 

Don't tease us, man! If you...what?  :)

[Tom Andry]

Doh! And now I can’t remember where I was going with that! Hmm… well, Fabian has said that there isn’t another person on board so my post will be modified. Once the first mate is healed, she’ll be able to split piloting duties with Flask. Calling doctor Lan, Doctor Lan, you are needed in emergency room 3!

 

Tom Andry

Associate Editor

www.Audioholics.com

Over 1 million readers a month and growing!

 

---

From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Troubl...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Angie Gignac

Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 2:03 PM
To: Troubl...@googlegroups.com

[Angie Gignac]

[Leif old]

>
> "Thank Providence you're OK!" Leif's voice cracked a bit but he cleared his
> throat as he noticed the stares from the others. "I looked for you in the
> hold. When I saw your friends left behind I thought I should bring them up
> incase we had to abandon ship. I didn't realize… When I saw you go
> overboard…" Leif was at a loss for words again. Taking a deep breath he
> changed the subject, "So that was you, huh? I thought that bird looked a
> little mad at me."

[Bryn new]

Bryn giggled, then shook her head. It didn't seem important any more.
Not with the captain murdered. Suddenly sobred by the seriousness of
their situation, Bryn hushed the still-barking Swift, and turned her
attention to the matters at hand.

[Les Anderson]

[Bryn - old]

> Clearly, much had happened that Bryn was unaware of. The captain dead, and Lisaes hurt? She moved towards the fallen half-elf, but Lan beat her to it. Remembering that the handsome Big Folk was a healer, she knelt beside him and asked, "Please, can I help?"

[Lan - new]
The kalashtar knelt over Lisaes's prone form, looking at the skin of
her face and neck, leaning in to hear her breathing and putting his
fingers lightly on her neck, just under her chin.

"She'll wake in an hour or so." He glanced at the small crowd around
the first mate. "I think it best if we let her come out of this
naturally. The body is often its own best healer." Lan gestured to a
crewman to come in and pick up the sleeping officer.

"Be gentle with her, please. She'll be less disoriented if she wakes
in her own bed."

He glanced at the halfling as she came to help. "I welcome your
assistance." The kalashtar drew a cup out of a pocket in his cloak and
offered it to the halfling.

"I'm sure your knowledge of herbs is greater than mine." He dropped
his voice. "This was near the captain; I believe it held the poison.
Is there any way for you to recognize what it was?"

<tag Bryn, any>

[Angie Gignac]

[Lan - old]

"I'm sure your knowledge of herbs is greater than mine." He dropped
his voice. "This was near the captain; I believe it held the poison.
Is there any way for you to recognize what it was?"

 

[Bryn new]

Bryn was surprised that Lan didn't want to use his abilities to heal Liseas; the woman didn't seem badly hurt. Bryn was pretty sure that she'd have been able to help her, even with her limited ability. However, it was probably that Lan knew something that she didn't, so she pushed her concerns aside as she took the cup from the handsome healer.

 

"Hmmmm.....maybe." She dipped her finger in the sticky remnants in the bottom of the cup, and carefully sniffed it. Whatever it was, it had no odour. She touched her tongue to the side of the cup, closing her eyes as she tried to taste whatever was in the alcohol. Something familiar...what was it?

 

"Please, I need my bag," she said, and a young sailor jumped up and ran from the room. A moment later he returned with her kit, and she smiled a thank-you to the half-elf. As Flask looked through the room, she sat cross-legged on the floor, pulling out what she would need to conduct a few simple tests.

 

ooc - +6 to her Profession: herbalist check.

[Fabian Benavente]

Some ooc comments:

- Flask does not find anything else interesting;
- I've emailed Angie some info about the poisons so expect a post from her;
- there is another person to pilot the ship. He doesn't have 'the mark' but makes up for
it (somewhat) with his profession-sailor ranks.

I see that neither Tom nor Les have taken me up on the second part of the post. That's
fine, you guys will get another chance during the next turn. I'd like to wrap things up
tomorrow if possible so post any other action from now until the next morning.

Questions?

L8r,

Fabian
Troubled Past - An Eberron PBEM
http://www.geocities.com/cfbenave/Eberron/Eberron-Page2.htm

Wanna play? Email me.

[Angie Gignac]

Um, Tom did hit that post. He even asked you a question about it....

 

[Leif old]

Leif hadn't been sleeping all that well anyways; visions of Bryn falling kept running through his mind. Her sliding off the deck, falling past him just out of arms reach, him falling though the air constantly looking for a bird that never showed... It was then that the noise brought him to full consciousness. A high pitched sound that at first Leif mistook for Leiflet, but his crystal hadn't heard it except through her connection to him. A second time it rang out causing Leif to wince in pain. Leif lay back down slowly, not wanting to disturb anyone. With the excitement of the day, there was no use bringing this up now. They had more immediate concerns. Closing his eyes, Leif eventually returned to a fitful sleep.

[does Leif have any idea of what this is? Is it just a sound or does it have an emotion behind it?]

I'll post more about the poison in a bit.

~Angie

 

[Fabian Benavente]

Yes, I know he hit it, but he didn't 'do anything' with it. His post just leads to a dead
end with no possible character involvement. That's what I meant. :)

L8r,

Fabian
Troubled Past - An Eberron PBEM
http://www.geocities.com/cfbenave/Eberron/Eberron-Page2.htm
Wanna play? Email me.

[Angie Gignac]

[ooc - Sorry John, just noticed this tag. Fabian, have fun sorting this turn out, I have a feeling it'll be a real bugger to weave together.]

 

[Ember old]

 

Walking lightly up from behind, Ember stood over the humans and the half-elf, trying to get a peak at her lips.  "She have mouth stains as captain did?  Other visible injury?"

 

[Bryn new]

 

It didn't occur to Bryn to be nervous as Ember loomed over her and Lan. Later she would remember it, and wonder if it was wise to stop fearing the warforged so soon, but at the time she simply answered him. "No, Ember, not same. Lisaes not drink like Captain." She watched as Lan ran careful hands over her body, checking for blood and broken bones. "Not attacked. Maybe hit head, ship start falling?" A few of the others rubbed their heads in sympathy--apparently she hadn't been the only one to be hurt when the ship had started its descent.

 

[Lan - edit]

The kalashtar knelt over Lisaes's prone form, looking at the skin of
her face and neck, leaning in to hear her breathing and putting his

fingers lightly on her neck, just under her chin. He ran his fingers through her hair, checking for lumps, and found none. "I don't think she hit her head."

 

[Bryn old] 

"Please, I need my bag," she said, and a young sailor jumped up and ran from the room. A moment later he returned with her kit, and she smiled a thank-you to the half-elf. As Flask looked through the room, she sat cross-legged on the floor, pulling out what she would need to conduct a few simple tests.

 

[ooc - Thank you, successful herbalist role! Woot!]

 

[Bryn new]

 

Bryn took a few leaves of maiden's breath and crushed them with her mortar and pestle. As she worked, the room slowly emptied. Johan and Ember each left on errands of their own. After questioning some of the crew, Leif left with a young man, then returned to drag Flask from the room. Soon only Lan remained, who kept watch over the injured woman, and a young half-elf who identified himself as Tilan. He seemed interested in what Bryn was doing, so she explained herself to him as best she could as she tested the poison. Tilan brought her some water to mix with the maiden's breath, and when she added the few remaining drops of the tainted alcohol, the liquid turned black.

 

"What does it mean?" Tilan asked, responding to her indrawn breath.

 

"Black netsmere," she responded, giving the plant its halfling name. "Very bad, very poison. Kills fast, no pain. Very rare."

 

"Probably expensive." Bryn looked up to see Belkar standing in the doorway. "If it's so rare, it's possible that the killer didn't have very much, perhaps only enough for the captain. That would explain why Lisaes is still alive."

 

Bryn nodded; it was as good a guess as any. Belkar continued, "Have you determined why she's unconscious? Was she poisoned as well?"

 

Lan shook his head, "I found no trace of liquid around her mouth."

 

Johan stumbled in at that point, dropping 2 vials and a dozen slips of paper. Belkar snagged one before it hit the ground; fortunately, the other was in a metal flask that dented instead of breaking. "What about an inhalent?" the artificer asked as he organized his things on the low table at the foot of the bed.

 

Bryn shook her head at the unfamiliar word. "In-lent?"

 

"In-HALE-ent." Johan spoke loudly and clearly, as he was careful to do when speaking with the halfling. The blank look on her face told her that it wasn't his mumbling that had confused her, it was the word. "You know, poison you breathe?" He mimed unstoppering one of his vials, sniffing the fumes, and wobbling in his chair. Bryn smiled, understanding.

 

"Yes, understand. Small poison, not for killing, only for sleeping." She moved to the unconscious half-elf and raised her eyelids. The pupils were dilated and did not react to the light in the room. The druid then leaned in close and smelled the woman's breath. It was ever-so-slightly sweet--Johan was right. Smiling again at him, she said, "Very good. Used water-of-Kensis. Smell air, make sleep. Have bad head when wake up."

 

"But why would they want to drug Liseas?" Tilan asked. "That doesn't make any sense. She's the second in command, she knows everything the captain does. Why wouldn't they want to kill her too?"

 

Belkar grabbed the doorframe as the airship wobbled again; apparently Flask was struggling with the elemental. "We very nearly crashed, remember. The poisoner didn't need to kill her; with the captain dead and her incapacitated, the ship should have crashed and then we'd all be dead." He turned to Lan and said, "I think you should wake her up. The poisoner might be any of the crew, and this woman is the only person who might have seen him or her. We need information as quickly as possible, or we're all going to be at risk." As Lan hesitated, Belkar added, "Besides, if you heal her, she won't have to deal with the headache that Bryn predicted."

 

[tag Lan and/or DM]

[King, John]

Well, in Tom's defense, he was working off a pretty cryptic tag there...

________________________________

From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com on behalf of Fabian Benavente

[kirs...@yahoo.com]

REF: "Flask, I'm not one for intrigue but do you think that the

Captain was targeted specifically or did both the Captain and the first
mate just happen to drink from a tainted supply? Also, who would be
foolish enough to poison the Captain of a flying ship? They'd either
have to have a way off or they poisoned the drink before we left. If
the latter, they wouldn't be on board at all? Right?"

RPG: "Right," grunted, giving Leif an appraising look. "The way I see
it, either the killer be havin' an easy way down - one extra lifering
he or she stashed somewhere or somethin' - or he or she put in the
poison sometime, 'haps weeks, 'fore we took off an' knew that someone
was gonna drink it sooner or later - which would make our killer a
sloppy one; no way o' knowin' just who he or she git an' when - or we
be dealin' with a maniac who don't care he or she mighta die with the
rest o' us."

"Just warms yer heart, knowin' someone hates ye that much, aye?" Flask
chortled, his grin displaying his brown teeth for the world to see.

TAG: Leif, anyone else interested in a chat...

-Jussi / Mel

[Tom Andry]

Yea, I did something with it, I heard it. It was a non-descript sound. What
else was I supposed to do? Here's the conversation between Leif and Flask:

Leif: Flask, wake up, I heard a sound!
Flask: Wa? What'er doin wakin me up at dis ungodly hour?
Leif: I heard a sound!
Flask: I dinnae 'ear nuttin.
Leif: That's my point, I heard it in my mind!
Flask: <silence>
Leif: Come-on, I think it's important.
Flask: OK, well, what did it sound like? Describe it to me in detail.
Leif: Well, it was shrill and loud.
Flask: That's it? Shrill and loud?
Leif: Well... it hurt to hear it.
Flask: If'n ya wake me up again when I'm trying to recover my spells, you'll
be feelin sometin that 'urts, you stupid dogboy. No go-on back to da corner!
Bad Shifter! Bad!

Moral of the story, if you want me to "do something" with it, give me enough
to work with. As it stands, I see no reason to bring it up to someone else
until Leif can make some sort of connection that leads him to believe it is
important. Right now, it is just a sound (albeit a mental and painful one).
Some psionic creature could have died below them and let that out for all
Leif knows.

Tom Andry
Associate Editor
www.Audioholics.com
Over 1 million readers a month and growing!

-----Original Message-----
From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Troubl...@googlegroups.com]

[Fabian Benavente]

Damn, sensittive people. :)

First John defending you (did you ask him?) and now this. Sheez. :)

Ok, fine then don't do anything with it. You'll be the first to be eaten when the boogey
man comes to town. Don't you know that stuff you hear in dreams is important? Ain't you
ever seen the 'Freddy' movies?

BTW, does anyone know of a site where I can 'write' in dialects? I mean like the stuff
that Jussi usually writes (Tom's stuff below). I'd love to be able to 'write in different
voices' but mine come out all the same. :(

[Tom Andry]

You know, I think they make books for stuff like that. I'm not sure though.
Kind of an English to bad French accent dictionary if you will. I'll have to
look into it.

[Les Anderson]

ATM, I'm thinking of having Lan refuse to heal Lisaes. Mostly it's
because I don't want to burn a spell slot when she'll be fine in an
hour. But I've also come to think that the kalashtar pseudo-ascetic
principles might weigh in against using magical/psionic healing when a
person's own body will be able to deal with the injury.

Anyone think this is too obnoxious and I should just cast a cure spell already?

--
Les

[Fabian Benavente]

Hey Les,

It's your character so as long as there's a possibility for your character to act this way
then I'm going to allow it.

I don't remember where 'she'll be fine in an hour' came from, but let's make sure it
didn't come me as an ooc comment (that would be using player knowledge and that is a
'foul'). :)

If the other players get pissed off, they have no reason to be and they should just grow
up. However, if the other characters get pissed, there could be some retributions. Like
adding more fire to the aloofness of the kalashtar. It could be fun though. :)

L8r,

Fabian
Troubled Past - An Eberron PBEM
http://www.geocities.com/cfbenave/Eberron/Eberron-Page2.htm
Wanna play? Email me.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Les Anderson" <primoge...@gmail.com>
To: <Troubl...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 3:42 PM
Subject: Re: Troubled Past PBEM 62 - Halfling Overboard (DM ooc)

[King, John]

I'm all for it, particularly if it facilitates adding additional dimensions to the character that you want to build upon. And if it sets up an impression amongst the others, even a slightly negative one, all the better for working to overcome it later.

________________________________

From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com on behalf of Les Anderson
Sent: Wed 4/5/2006 3:42 PM
To: Troubl...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Troubled Past PBEM 62 - Halfling Overboard (DM ooc)

[Angie Gignac]

I'm all for Lan refusing....though Bryn will step in and heal her.
She's pretty concerned about the murderer (she did almost die just
now) and wants some answers. And a little halfing-kalashtar tension
could spice things up a little. (NOT that things need spicing, it's
plenty spicy already.) So if you want to write Lan's refusal, I'll
write Bryn's taking over (unless he has a compelling reason to stop
her with), then we can leave it up to Fabian to answer a few questions
for Liseas. And yes, I'm fully aware that she probably saw nothing,
but Bryn's a lot more optimistic than I am.

~Angie

[Fabian Benavente]

I'm Ok either way. If you do wake her up and ask her questions, please do like we always
do and hit me with a 'few' questions. I'll answer in the turn recap.

I'm playing tennis later but should still be able to get the recap out tonight. At the
very least, you'll get a 'so far' turn if there are too many tags outstanding.

Game on!

Fabian
Troubled Past - An Eberron PBEM
http://www.geocities.com/cfbenave/Eberron/Eberron-Page2.htm
Wanna play? Email me.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Angie Gignac" <agi...@gmail.com>
To: <Troubl...@googlegroups.com>

[Tom Andry]

Ditto.

Tom Andry

Associate Editor

<http://www.audioholics.com/> www.Audioholics.com

Over 1 million readers a month and growing!

_____

From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Troubl...@googlegroups.com]
On Behalf Of King, John
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 3:59 PM
To: Troubl...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: Troubled Past PBEM 62 - Halfling Overboard (DM ooc)

I'm all for it, particularly if it facilitates adding additional dimensions
to the character that you want to build upon. And if it sets up an
impression amongst the others, even a slightly negative one, all the better
for working to overcome it later.

_____

From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com on behalf of Les Anderson

[Fabian Benavente]

Ok, here's the edited version of all your responses (it wasn't easy but I think it came
out fine). It's not a complete turn recap because Gary wants to add some stuff and we
still don't know what will be happening to Lisaes. There's some potentially good RP with
Bryn and Lan regarding her healing.

Feel free to add new stuff as well.

Let's try and wrap this up in the next 24 hours so I can recap and move this forward.

[Tom Andry]

Before they got back on course, someone wandered where Lisaes was.

 

They wandered? They didn’t wonder?

 

Tom Andry

Associate Editor

www.Audioholics.com

Over 1 million readers a month and growing!

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Troubl...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Fabian Benavente
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:03 PM
To: Troubl...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Troubled Past PBEM 62 - Halfling Overboard (DM ooc)

 

Ok, here's the edited version of all your responses (it wasn't easy but I think it came

[Tom Andry]

Let’s change:

 

Leiflet spoke finally, causing the boy to jump a little, “You go get Flask, Gef and I will find this next in command and/or other suspects and bring them to Johan.”

 

To

 

Leiflet spoke finally, causing the boy to jump a little, “You go get Flask, Gef and I will find the next in command and bring them to Johan.”

 

Since Gef came up with no other suspects.

 

 

Tom Andry

Associate Editor

www.Audioholics.com

Over 1 million readers a month and growing!

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Troubl...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Troubl...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Fabian Benavente
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:03 PM
To: Troubl...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Troubled Past PBEM 62 - Halfling Overboard (DM ooc)

 

Ok, here's the edited version of all your responses (it wasn't easy but I think it came

[Tom Andry]

[Flask / old]

 

"Just warms yer heart, knowin' someone hates ye that much, aye?" Flask chortled, his grin displaying his brown teeth for the world to see.

 

[Leif / new]

 

“Story of my life,” Leif grunted, his smile trying to hide some of the truth of the statement. “This is twice now someone has snuck into our midst and carried out an assassination.” Quickly, Leif relayed the story of Bori, unsure if the human had heard it before. “I don’t know that they are related but I don’t know that they aren’t.” Leif paused the cursed, “Gods, I wish Vincent were here.”

 

Flask’s head whipped toward the shifter, “Vincent? Why?”

 

Leif smiled, “’Cause then I’d know who was to blame!”

 

[tag or tack on the “turned with a flourish” part]

[Angie Gignac]

Hey Fabian,

 

I think you missed part of Les's post. He had a bit more about examining Liseas, and his announcement that she'd be okay in an hour. Otherwise, it doens't make sense for Bryn to wonder why he wasn't healing her.

 

This next bit comes at the end, after Lan decides to flout Belkar's suggestion (unless Gary would like to alter what I wrote....feel free).

 

Les, if you have anything to add before this next bit, or into the middle of it, please do. I'd love a good arguement! :)

 

[Bryn new]

 

Bryn couldn't understand the healer's reluctance to heal. Surely Salil wouldn't have hesitated to help the injured half-elf. Especially when other lives were at stake. A murderer may be on board, and the only person who might have answers was currently unconscious.

Well, he might not want to help her, but that doesn't mean that I can't. Though it was difficult at this altitude, Bryn concentrated on her connection with Eberron. A moment later she felt the power rising within her; she closed her eyes, laid her hands on Liseas' head, and focused on healing her.

The half-elf awoke almost immediately. With a start, she sat upright in her bed, nearly dislodging the halfling. Slightly wild-eyed, she looked around at the others in the cabin--she was clearly surprised to see so many ir'Valerians, and only one, very junior crew member present. Turning to Tanil, she snapped, "Tanil, report!"

The young man jumped up, saying, "We were attacked. The captain is dead, murdered by poison. The elemental went wild, but the old man got it it under control, and is flying now." He looked at Bryn as if wondering whether or not to mention her fall and transformation; instead, he said, "We found you here, unconscious. The little one says you were poisoned too."

The woman assimilated the information quickly, then looked at the ir'Valerians. To Bryn, she said, "You have healed me, I recognize the touch. My thanks."

Bryn shook her head, "Not much hurt, breathe in only small poison. Please, you saw who did this? What happened?"

[tag]

ooc - Other questions, to be used as appropriate (namely, assuming that she doesn't point to a member of the crew saying, he did it, he did it!).

Gary, would you like to have Belkar ask the rest of the questions? I think it would be more appropriate than Bryn doing it (and it will save me from having to rewrite the questions in monosyllabic halfling-common)

"Did you get a good look at the person who drugged you?"
"Are any members of the crew new or unknown to you?"
"Is there any way somebody could have stowed away on board without you knowing?"
"Can you think of any reason why somebody would want to sabotage the ship or kill the crew?"
"Was anything stolen from the ship?"

Does anybody else have any questions they want to add? I'm assuming that our enemy (Bori's killer) is the murderer, but I want to cover our bases.

 

~Angie

[Fabian Benavente]

I think I got it, it's on the 6th and 7th paragraph of 'Warforged and Artificer'. I put it
in there because it fit better with Ember also being concerned.

L8r,

Fabian
Troubled Past - An Eberron PBEM
http://www.geocities.com/cfbenave/Eberron/Eberron-Page2.htm

Wanna play? Email me.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Angie Gignac" <agi...@gmail.com>
To: <Troubl...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2006 1:09 AM
Subject: Re: Troubled Past PBEM 62 - Halfling Overboard (DM ooc)

Hey Fabian,

I think you missed part of Les's post. He had a bit more about examining
Liseas, and his announcement that she'd be okay in an hour. Otherwise, it
doens't make sense for Bryn to wonder why he wasn't healing her.

This next bit comes at the end, after Lan decides to flout Belkar's
suggestion (unless Gary would like to alter what I wrote....feel free).

Les, if you have anything to add before this next bit, or into the middle of
it, please do. I'd love a good arguement! :)

[Bryn new]

Bryn couldn't understand the healer's reluctance to heal. Surely Salil
wouldn't have hesitated to help the injured half-elf. Especially when other
lives were at stake. A murderer may be on board, and the only person who
might have answers was currently unconscious.

*Well, he might not want to help her, but that doesn't mean that I can't*.

[Gary Burns]

[ooc - Sorry for the delay in getting this out]

[Old]

"She'll wake in an hour or so." He glanced at the small crowd around the
first mate. "I think it best if we let her come out of this naturally. The
body is often its own best healer." Lan gestured to a crewman to come in and
pick up the sleeping officer.

"Be gentle with her, please. She'll be less disoriented if she wakes in her
own bed."

[New]

Belkar nodded from the doorway, watching the crewman help
move Lisaes. While it would have been helpful to the ir'Valerian's cause for
the woman to be healed, Belkar recognized the truth to Lan's statements.
However, soon he would need all the information they could get. Gesturing to
Lan and Flask, Belkar said, "We need to bring this situation back under
control."

Looking around again, Belkar caught Flask's attention.
Catching the old veteran by the elbow, Belkar quietly said, "See if you can
discover anything before any of the other crew disturb things, but be
careful. If someone did leave something behind they might decide to come
back looking for it.

***

INTERROGATIONS

[Old]

Three sailors were around the half-elf's body and each looked more surprised
and scared than the other. The shifter only felt shock and fear emanating
from them. Each quickly realized that there was a killer on board and each
looked at the strangers they'd recently picked up. The ir'Valerians were
the ones not known to them. The rest of the crew, including those they
picked up a few days ago, all had records in good standing with the Lyrandar
House, all were trustworthy men and women.

With the loss of both the captain and Lisaes the crew lacked
real leadership, though they were still able to keep the ship going with, or
in spite of, Flask's help. Always the reluctant leader, Belkar had quickly
let Flask and Leif make the arrangements for investigating this mystery.
However, reluctant or not, Belkar felt that someone had to fill the gap left
by the men's officers or it could be even worse for the ir'Valerians.

Reaching out, Belkar grabbed the passing arm of one of the
crewmen, a young half-elf of no-more than 20 years. Pulling him aside,
Belkar asked, "How does the captain, assemble you for meetings or
emergencies?" Looking around, Belkar realized that not many of the crew
needed assembled, most were still gathering and talking to one another in
whispers. The ir'Valerian lieutenant knew that he needed to get control of
the situation, and soon.

Giving the stunned boy a shake, Belkar snapped at him,
"Quickly."

[Fabian, feel free to change, I'm just making things up]

"The bell over there. If he needed us right quick and there wasn't
time for a proper rounding of men, he would give that a ring, letting us all
know that something was needed."

Belkar nodded, "Go ring it then. We're going to need everyone up
here and gathered."

"But," the young half-elf began, "I can't do that. Only the
captain."

Belkar let out a half-gutteral growl. Stalking over to the
indicated bell, he pulled on the cord and was surprised by the high pitched
ring that answered. Two more times, in quick succession, did Belkar pull on
the bell, sending the call over the deck, stealing the attention and
silencing those gathered. Waiting for a few more men to make their way over,
Belkar strode into their midst.

"I'm Lieutenant Belkar Greygoods. As many of you know, this crew
has been betrayed. We," Belkar said, gesturing towards Leif, "plan on
discovering what is going on."

[Old-Edited]

Taking the cue, Leif called out, "Who found her? Who was the first on the
scene?"

[Old]

Leiflet spoke finally, causing the boy to jump a little, "You go get Flask,
Gef and I will find this next in command and/or other suspects and bring
them to Johan."

As Gef came out, much paler than when he entered, he pointed at
three other crewmembers, indicating that the first held the highest
position, the next was the second to arrive, and the third was the newest
crew member. This one also happened to be the one who had disagreed the most
with the captain's orders to pick up the ir'Valerians again. In addition to
these three, Belkar quickly selected two others, based upon his observations
on the deck and a mixture of randomness.

"Does anyone have anymore information?" Belkar asked, looking
around the crew members. Seeing one woman shift uncomfortable, Belkar
pointed at her. "Join the others as well. [Anyone else volunteer?] Everyone
else, back to your stations for now, you still have ship to fly."

***

[with discussion on healing Liseas]

[assuming Lan's post is still negative concerning healing]

[Belkar-New]

"Right now we are in a precarious situation. Our control of the
situation is insecure at best." Belkar said. Shaking his head, Belkar
continued. "Right now the crew is talking amongst themselves, likely
questioning who the hell I am to give them orders. While it's natural for
the blame of this to fall upon strangers, I'd rather get her up as soon as
possible. Remember, she is an ally in this."

[Fabian, Belkar will use the questions or anysubset appropriate that Angie
posted. I'll let you sort out the questioning.]

[Angie Gignac]

Sorry! I swear that wasn't in my copy last night. Stupid email goblins, stealing paragraphs and making me look bad.

[Les Anderson]

[Old]

>
> Belkar nodded from the doorway, watching the crewman help
> move Lisaes. While it would have been helpful to the ir'Valerian's cause for
> the woman to be healed, Belkar recognized the truth to Lan's statements.
> However, soon he would need all the information they could get. Gesturing
> to Lan and Flask, Belkar said, "We need to bring this situation back
> under control."

[New]
The kalashtar simply nodded at the group's leader. He glanced down at
Bryn, who seemed unhappy with his decision not to use magic to assist
the half-elf. That was her decision, and he would explain if she asked
for one, although the explanation he gave wouldn't be the absolute
truth.

That would be that he had greater concerns than healing a woman who
would be fine on her own. The whole situation stank of a conspiracy;
there would no doubt be greater need for the healing light of
il-Yannah soon.

What he would say would be close to the truth, though. He didn't
believe- his people didn't believe- in using outside influences when
one's own mind and body could deal with and overcome the pain and the
hurt, and thereby become stronger for it.

So the new healer simply stood by as the diminutive druid bent and
woke Lisaes with a spell he could have cast just as easily.

[Old]

> Looking around again, Belkar caught Flask's attention.
> Catching the old veteran by the elbow, Belkar quietly said, "See if you can
> discover anything before any of the other crew disturb things, but be
> careful. If someone did leave something behind they might decide to come
> back looking for it.

[New]
Though the man hadn't been talking to him, Lan nodded again in
agreement. He had nothing to add, so said nothing more. Belkar's
direction was a wise one, and the kalashtar would leave the old human
to what he was probably brought on board to do.

***
> INTERROGATIONS

>
> [Old-Edited]
>
> Taking the cue, Leif called out, "Who found her? Who was the first on the
> scene?"

[New]
Lan sighed inwardly, already seeing the direction the shifter intended
to take with this. Perhaps he thought shock and fear the best tools to
use in the situation. Perhaps it was just his nature. Either way, the
psion-priest didn't approve.

The kalashtar would have left Lisaes's room but that would have been
far too noticable. Turning back to the now healed half-elf revealed
that she was perfectly fine, as he knew she would have been regardless
of their intervention.

He stopped, half-turned, as he thought about their precarious
situation. Perhaps it would have been wiser to heal Lisaes, to show
her assailant that she was well, to hint that they would be able to
identify whoever had done this.

Even if that was the path of wisdom in this case, the die was already
cast. He had chosen not to aid her, and that had consequences he would
have to deal with.

> [Old]
>
> Leiflet spoke finally, causing the boy to jump a little, "You go get Flask,
> Gef and I will find this next in command and/or other suspects and bring
> them to Johan."

[New]
The psion-priest observed the mindshard with concealed amusement. The
gem appeared to have a good bit of its owner in it. He hadn't actually
seen many self-actualized crystals outside his own community. They
tended to be more reserved than this one.

Interesting.

If he had time he might ask Leif if he could study it. Given their
current... concerns he was content to let the matter lie.

OOC: I'd assume Belkar's comments about Lisaes being an ally and their
need to heal her wouldn't apply anymore since Bryn healed her already.

Also, I swear I sent this out a couple of hours ago. Sorry.

--
Les