FLUFF: Jammers: Turn 24 Chapter 1

The Past Adventures of my Jammers PBEM game.

For me, one of the joys of PBEM gaming is the ability to revisit the
old adventures by reading the turn summaries. I think they make great
fan fiction.

This game has been going on since September, 1997. I thought folks
might enjoy reading the old turns in order, as fluff fiction. I know
I post the current turns as fluff as well, but the past turns were,
well, six years ago and new list members, as well as some old, may
still enjoy getting the old reads in their mailbox once per week. If
not, let me know and I'll stop sending them.

To give folks an idea of how much is still to come, the game is now
in Turn 36 of Chapter 7. Chapter 1 has 30 turns...

Running split parties is always hard, even in PBEM games.  But I
enjoyed this section, i got to play Estriss of Cloakmaster fame... :)

This Group included Nilaroo and Jamila.

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

IC:
IC:
Holland, Italapate,  and Talus are just returning to the Tankard when
Nilaroo rounds the bend carrying Radick,  followed closely by the others.
Leera quickly whispers what has occurred,  and Holland says, urgently,
"Take him straight up to my room,  Nilaroo."

Walking quickly through the common room to the stairs (while doing their
best to conceal Radick's unconciousness) Billy and company are seen around
a table.  The common room is filled with a lunch crowd, so Jamila goes
quickly to their table and whispers that they should head up to Holland's
room.

As they enter Holland's room (meaning that everyne is now there), it is
apparent that the worst is over for Radick. He has awakened,  though he is
still weak.  The danger seems to have passed.

"Comrade Holland, will Comrade Radick survive?" Deigatt asks solemnly.

Holland quickly moves over to Radick and examines the healed knife wound,
"I know a lot about herbs and from the inflamed edges around his healed
wound it is clear that Radick fought off the poison.  Otherwise he would be
dead by now, he was given a deadly contact poison.  The worst is over, I
think that magical healing will help considerably but he will still be a
little weak."

Radick laughs a weak laugh. "Yes Deigatt, as the good doc says, I'll live.
Of course, I find his explanation of the poison somewhat humorous.  It
certainly wasn't a contact poison, but rather an injected poison. If it
were contact then it would have gotten me a lot worse then it did.  Either
way it will take a lot more than a little poison to put the axe away."
Radick reaches out and uses Deigatt's arm to help pull himself upright and
then stand.

Holland lets Italapate relate their day's activities and then says, "We
have less than 2 days to fullfill the contract, is it still possible for us
to do so?  Now that they have been warned it will be a lot harder to find
the culprits let alone take them."

Raken draws a quick breath.  "By Celestrian's Journey, what happened?  You
two look like you got trampled by an ogre!"  He walks over to Radick and
quietly chants "By Celestrian's Eternal Journey, heal this man."  The
spell's healing power surges through Radick, returning him to full health
as the last of his weakness passes.

Once Radick has been declared recovering, and the prognosis is good,
Italapate weaves the tale of his adventures (including the stretch where he
and Holland and Talus teamed up.  Even the bruised face doesn't dampen his
spirits in the tale-telling.

Kain takes advantage of a pause after Italapate's tale, telling of the trip
to the Library in a few words.  "Well, we didn't get into any fights," he
smiles as he begins.

With all the worry about Radick's poisoning, and all the crowding about in
his room, Jamila attempts to stand at the back near the door listening for
movement outside.

Leera (who has reverted to her normal appearance) relates the events that
transpired at the _Twisted Thumb_.  When she tells of Radick's antics with
the bunny, she gives him a playful cuff on the head and says "Next time
give us a little warning before you try and get us killed, ya big goof!"

She then relates the events of the battle and reports (gloomily) that all
three of the thieves managed to get away. She comments to the party's mages
that she used improved phantasmal force, color spray and spook during the
battle and has only a couple of spells left at her disposal.

Finally, she asks of the group (after galncing down at Radick's wounds)
"Well, it seems that this has gotten personal. We made every effort to
avoid the gang finding out who we are or where we're staying, but they may
yet track us down. Italipate, does your 'friend' know where you were
staying? If so, we should prepare for unwanted guests. I suggest that we
act quickly, before they have time to find organize at strike against us."

"Uhmmmm, no."  Italapate answers, "No, we met in secret, I never told him
how to reach me."

"Leera's got the story right, I misread the jerk, and it nearly cost me my
life, and Leera - don't think I forgot that you still hold my coin pouch."
Radick breaks a slight smile.

Leera smiles and removes the pouch from her robes. "Oops, almost forgot."
She removes 4 platinum and 2 gold pieces from the pouch before handing it
back to Radick, saying "You better start being careful... healers on the
rock charge an arm and a leg." She grins.

"Now this is my take on it. The goons knew more than I gave them credit
for. Obviously when they heard my name they knew I was after their skins. I
guess I didn't give my own rep enough credit, although now that Leera let
the one thug we had get away, I guess I don't have to worry about my rep
spoiling it next time. They'll probably just start laughing when they hear
who I am." Radick shakes his head, half laughing and half annoyed.  "I
would guess if I expect my backup to be ready for something I should let
them know what I am doing, you can bet I won't make that mistake again. By
the way Leera, thanks for saving my arm, I'm not done with it yet." This
time he does smile.

Leera nods and says "After seeing what he did to your arm, and with you and
Grigree both down, I thought I'd get rid of him the fastest, surest way I
know... if it's any consolation, I think he wet himself while he was
running out the tavern door." She chuckles at the memory.

Holland says, "From what Leera told us, it wasn't your name that caused
them to attack.  It was when you mentioned the name of our prey.  Not to
offend your sense of importance Radick," Holland says with a smile to take
the sting out of the words, "But it would seem that our prey is a bit
apprehensive about people asking about him.  Of course, if I just killed a
rival guild member, I think that I would have my croonies attack anyone
that came about asking for me by name." Holland continues, "More than
likely these guys that you fought with were
of the participants that we are looking for as well."

"My plan fell through, hopefully one of you can pick up the pieces, because
if I, I mean we, don't get this bum I won't be getting anymore jobs at this
port." Radick looks down to check the edge on his axe and he runs a finger
along it until a small amount of blood begins to show.  He then sucks on
the bleeding finger and smiles a not-so-nice smile.

Holland gives a fake cringe and says in a mock indignant tone, his finger
wagging at Radick, "I think that you have lost enough blood today my friend
without exasperating the situation," Holland holds the pose for a few
seconds before breaking into a smile and his soft laughter.

"I..ah..have to echo Holland's question," Kain says quietly.  "*Can* we
still fulfill the contract?  I don't know how to find someone who doesn't
want to be discovered, especially here on the Rock."  He pauses slightly,
"I'm not saying we should quit, just that I have no idea how to be of any
help." Once he's finished, Kain sits down next to Talus.  Speaking quietly
so he won't disturb the general discussion, Kain talks with his friend for
a few minutes.

"There are ways to join the gangs around here," Italapate says.  "Too many
people associate me with my parents work, so Italapate can't join. But, I
can be many different people from Italapate if I want to.  I am quite good
at disguise. I would need to get a few things, but by tonite, a few of us
can be people no one has ever seen on the Rock..."

Addressing the entire group, she asks "By the way, does anyone recognize
the description of that priest? He was more mercenary with his healing than
most priests... no offence, guys (looking at Raken and Italipate). The
medallion he used to heal Radick had a coiled cobra carved upon it etched
in gold paint. I was just thinking that if he's one of those priests who
made that chalice, we should look him up again after this is all over."

Once Raken had healed Radick and heard the telling of the day's events, he
walked back to a corner to listen to everyone else lay out their plans and
ideas.  When the mention of the mercenary priest is made, a troubled look
crosses his face. "Golden coiled snake...???  Fertility god; no, actions
don't fit.  Where have I seen that image...cobras are native to warm
climates and
river banks...nine hells, I wish I had read that old dusty scroll more," he
mutters to himself.

"Hmmm, don't recognize the symbol," Italapate rubs his chin.  "But I do
know that they let really, really stupid people in.  I can't believe he did
that, I mean, if Radick died, he had a couple of potentially really angry
people staring him in the face.  Rule of business number 1:  If demand is
great enough, and supply is short, charge more.  Rule of business number 2:
don't do anything that will make your potential customers kill you...."  He
holds out one hand, palm up, "22 gold on one side," then the other, "no
gold, ticked off friends of the deceased." He pretends his arms are scales
and is measuring the two options.

"But Comrade Hitalapate," Deigatt says, "this healer was hunder no
hobligation to Comrade Radick. Why would he fear reprisal?"

"All I'm sayin," Italapate says, "is that I would not want to have a body
dying at my feet, knowing I could save him, and have three of his friends
staring at me begging to work a deal... that's all I'm sayin'."

"I would always assume that a priest has the favors of his god to defend
him," Nilaroo remonstrates gently.

"My kind are known for their tempers," Grigree says without looking up from
the medallion he's rubbing in his hands.  "Besides," he continues, looking
up after a pause, "I didn't like him."  He then goes back to playing with
the piece of gold in his hands.

"Which makes me more nervous than ever.  His attatude implies either
foolishness or... confidence.  Priests are not known for foolishness.  I
have a very bad feeling about him.  Avoid him at all costs.  We should
concentrate our efforts on the Red Masks, not some rogue priest." Raken
says grimly.  He pauses to think.  "Perhaps we're going about this the
wrong way.  Undoubtedly our prey is wise to us.  He also seems forewarned
of the price on his head.  Maybe, just maybe, we should make him come to
us."

Radick finally stops sucking on his hand and looks oddly at the others,
"The priest did no more than you or I would do.  He had a skill and he
wanted to be paid for using it. It is no different then the brainsucker
charging you guys for his tutoring, or Leera dancing for coins, or harlots
looking for cash for information."

"But you don't argue gold when a man's dying."  Grigree counters.

"Heck, if he was willing to heal me for no money, then I would be nervous.
In case you forgot, this isn't exactly the cheapest town to live in.  And
as for why he did not offer his services openly  and freely - would any of
you automatically heal a man who apparently just started a major fight with
a powerful gang?"Radick says.

"I wouldn't get involved," Grigree says.  "Wouldn't be for money if I did."

"If he didn't charge then his neck would be on the line just as much as
mine is now. Now let's forget about him, and if I see him again, I'll toss
him a few more coins as thanks."  Radick then tosses a single gold coin to
Leera. "Thanks to you as well."  With a quick nod to Grigree, "You have my
word or my weapon, you will be repaid as well."

Grigree nods in response.  "Whenever."

After the others' tales, with a thoughtful look on her face, Jamila speaks
up. "Excuse me all, we have a couple of problems." Jamila states the
obvious. "Some of us have just made enemies of the Red Masks.  Of the  five
of us that went to the tavern, both Radick and I are easy to describe."
pointing to Leera, "Leera is still unknown to them,  unless someone there
could see through magic, which leaves Nilaroo  and Grigree."  After a quick
pause for breath, Jamila continues addressing the two, "I haven't had much
experience with your races  so, do you notice that you have problems with
humans telling your kind apart?"

"For the most part, most who are not of our races see not the differences.
But in a polyglot like Bral, there may be those who can tell. I think we
must assume that Grigree and I will be recognized on sight." Nilaroo
responds.

"Then there is Italapate." Jamila smiles brightly at him,"He seems to be
wanted dead.  But by whom? We don't know except for this Paco who's
involved.  Does it involve the Red Masks?  I think we need to  find out."

Turning to Billy, Jamila continues "Billy, do you think you'd be able  to
find out if Paco is with the Red Masks? We also need to know what this
Gantius looks like." with a sudden inspiration in her eyes,  Jamila asks,
"What if this Gantius was one of the men Radick battled  with?  Is he human
or a half-orc?"

"I'll see what I can find out about this Paco," Billy replies. "And as for
Gantius, he may well be one of the ones that Radick fought... By the way,
who has those magical darts? Wouldn't it have been simpler to capture him
with one of those... You remember how it left 'Pate there hanging for a
while..." (Billy wears a wicked grin as he says this.)

"Do we know in whose thieves guild area we are staying"  Jamila asks
everyone, "Are we safe here?" Jamila points to the inn about them.

"Just one more thing" Jamila says with a smile, "Lady Moune wants to see
you all at about 10 tomorrow morning at the ship."

"Ahem, the ship will be ready then, and we will need to take her over. This
may solve our lodging problem, however it will add the cost of docking
fees.  We will need to have someone on board at all times to prevent
theft." Nilaroo replies.

Deigatt looks slightly befuddled as his comrades speak of a contract, but
he says nothing as helping Radick to his feet distracts him. After Jamila's
outburst, Deigatt adds, "You wildspace humans har talking too quickly for a
minotaur to keep hup. Please tell me no one his suggesting we use this hinn
has some sort hof defensive hold. Doing so would be rude to the hinnkeeper
hand would definitely hincrease the cost hof hour rooms!"

Holland nods and says, "We definately need to move out of this Inn and find
new quarters.  We also need to go on the offensive, we have to keep them
off-balanced.  If we give them a chance to mobilize against us, we are
lost."

Radick begins to stretch his arm over his head and winces as the muscle
extends. Rubbing it softly he then looks back to Raken. "Well, my attempt
to bring him to us failed - just so you know  I was going to try to set up
a hit on Deigatt and Billy, and have us there to turn the tables.  I
figured the guy would love the chance to increase his rep with such an
impressive hit and the little guy would wet his appetite to strike again
against the rival gang."

As Radick now seems very limber, although probably still somewhat weak, he
finishes by saying, "Of course I was going to let everyone know about it
before it happened - and Billy and Deigatt would never have been in any
trouble.  The line was going to be that I had a contract for the guy from
Toril, and the fee was quite high. I needed some help, especially since it
appears Deigatt was now in with the halflings.  I had managed to infiltrate
his team, but I realized that I was in over my head.  I figured since I
would probably buy it, maybe this half-wit would as well." Radick then
moves to sit down, having drained a lot of his strength. "Believe me when I
say, that when I said my name was 'The Axe' he knew the name. It was clear
in his eyes."

"His residing hon the Silent Star hon hoption right now hor do we need to
wait huntil morning," Deigatt asks. Without waiting for an answer, he
muses, "Hon Geb, we would simply call hour henforcers to deal with this
band hof theives. I don't hunderstand why humans distrust their hown
henforcers so much."

Italapate raises an eyebrow at Deigatt.  "Do you have the word 'stereotype'
on Geb, or would you like me to explain to you what that is?"

"I hapologize hif I have hoffended you, Comrade Hitalapate," Deigatt
replies quickly. "I should not have spoken haloud. I will retire to the
courtyard to practice my haxework." The minotaur nods and then leaves
Holland's room.

Italapate throws up his hands.  "Now he is leaving again!  Geez! You Can't
talk to him... one wrong word and he scurries away."  The young man stands,
spinning his tomahawk.  "I'll go see what I can do..."  he follows deigatt
out the door.

"I think that I agree with Deigatt. We should clear out of here and go to
the Star. I believe that with our actions that none of as are safe anymore.
We have to keep our eyes peeled for Gantius, too... Maybe we should divvy
up those darts to improve our chances of catching him... Just make sure
that it's Gantius you have and not some other sap." Billy looks over at
Radick's scarred body. He shakes his head and slams his fist down on the
table. "So close..." he mumbles through gritted teeth.

Kain jumps back into the conversation from where he sits next to Talus.
"I.. ah .. don't think we can claim the Star just yet," he frowns. " 's
Much as I'd like to.  Don't think the..ah..workers'd much appreciate our
being around as they finish their repairs. And an irked shipwright might
decide to mess with the helm just enough to leave us stranded out in
wildspace," Kain smiles. "But, well, what of Gantius?  Should we search out
those who were in the fight in the Twisted Thumb, or just keep a watch on
the Thumb to see if they return?  Or.. ah.. perhaps ask around to see where
else he might spend his time?  Maybe where he lives?"

After listening to the others converse, Leera speaks up. "Jamila is
correct. None of the thugs we fought should be able to recognize me, but I
do know their faces.  I suggest that we use this to our advantage."

Leera pauses before continuing, "Here's my plan.... I'll enter the tavern,
disguised of course, with a couple of you who they don't know. I'll look
around and give you a signal to let you know if any of the men we fought
are there.  Then I'll go out and let the rest of our assult team know who
and where our targets are. When they enter, the two or three of you already
in the tavern can jump them from behind. We'll take them out with spells."

She looks over at Holland, "You said you had some subduing spells ready,
right?"

Addressing the group as a whole again, Leera continues "I'll wait outside
with a another team or two to take out any that manage to escape."

Looking around the room, Leera asks "What do you think?"

"Um, why?"  Nilaroo asks.  "Not 'why' as in why do you care what we think,
but why attack them unless you know one of them is Gantius?  Revenge?"

Leera replies "No, even if we don't get Gantius tonight, we might be able
to 'persuade' one of his thugs to tell us where he is. And anyway, there's
a bounty on the thugs, too."

"Only if we can prove that they were in on the killing of the halfling.  Do
we have any witnesses or names besides that of Gantius?" Nilaroo questions.

"No," Kain mumbles with his head in his hands.  Looking up he continues.
"But, if..ah..as Leera said, if she recognizes one of the thugs, she'd
point him out.  And if Holland uses his mind-spell, we could probably get
some useful information from the man, even without causing any trouble.
Maybe even just mentioning Gantius' name would bring the man to think of
where Gantius might be hiding."

Date/time:  12:05 pm  17th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC
--
"...How shall a man judge what to do in such times?!"
"As he has ever judged," said Aragorn "Good and evil have not changed
since yesteryear..."
J.R.R. Tolkien, _The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers_

Paul Westermeyer,  pwestermeyer@????????.??.com