Kozmo leaves the Egyptian temple and walks back to GDA with his head on a swivel. Checking around corners and paying close attention to the people he passes. Looking for any sign of unease in anyone else besides himself. He’s wondering what will happen this time. Another sinkhole and giant ants? Another Earth Elemental? He takes one last look around the main thoroughfare of Midway before entering GDA and thinks “this feels like it might be bigger than that. Mistress give me strength.”
For easier review here is the content of the above audio
Hear me, yon acolyte of the gods. I am the Inquisitor and I have been dispatched to enlighten, warn and provide notice
of a test of faith to which you will soon be put. I am a representative of not just one, but all. Good or evil.
Law and chaos have agreed on this task. I bear no judgment. I bear no stake. It will be my responsibility to render unto
you that which the gods have deemed necessary.
Know this, you have not acted improperly and are not an intended recipient of punishment. The gods have deemed you an apt representative to resolve questions that have arisen. Your participation is not optional. You have been selected by the court of your deity. Refusal will result in the removal of your religious powers.
Soon you will be visited during prayers to assist in the resolution of this quandary. Your spirit will be gathered, your physical presence protected. The test will occur in a safe place but much will lay in your hands and choices. Respond with openness and honesty. Respond in your faith and with what you believe to be its best representation. The future of clerics everywhere will rest in your actions.
That night, Kozmo will close GDA at the usual time, say his goodbyes to John Z. and head home. He wants to make sure he gets a good nights rest and wake up a few minutes earlier than usual. He wanted to tell John but he doesn’t think it’s his place, if the gods wanted John to know then they would have told him too. Right?
He will spend the early morning gaining his spells for the day and tending to Klepto’s needs. After a light breakfast he will gather his equipment, give himself a once-over to make sure he didn’t forget anything and walk out his front door. Heading for the Egyptian Temple he’s purposely taking his time instead of running like he wants, he’ll spend the entire walk playing with Klepto and talking with her.
I don’t know if I’m more scared or excited. Having been chosen as a representative for my Mistress is such an honor. But this Inquisitor has me worried girl. The consequences he talks about…..I just hope I’m up to the task. He makes me think that things are out of balance and that will not do. Balance, especially magical, must be maintained.
Looking towards the fading stars in the sky and the glow growing in the east Kozmo will hold out his arm for Klepto. Once she settles on his arm Kozmo will climb the steps and enter the temple. Heading towards his Mistress’s section he will set Klepto on her usual perch and prepare for his morning rituals.
As he finally settles and just before he begins his morning prayers he hesitates long enough for a few deep, calming breaths “Mistress give me strength” and he’ll begin.
Here is your first test…
With that, he will fade from sight and the fog will clear. Everything will feel completely real to you. For you, right now, this IS real. You will find yourself in the following situation.
You are in a new town, one with which you have little familiarity. It is later in the evening and there are not many people out and about. You walk around a corner on to a main thoroughfare to see a man lying in the road. He would appear to be a local and not an adventurer. Some blood can be seen emanating from under him.
--- I await your email to tell me your actions or ask any questions ----
As the Inquisitor approaches and places his hand on his shoulder Kozmo will straighten himself up and give him reassuring nod.
Kozmo's first few steps in this new town will be spent looking at the buildings. Do they look like homes or businesses? Do they look like ramshackle buildings or high end brick and mortar? Can he see any street signs, business signs or town postings?
Your first steps are in what would appear to be an alley way. You step out of the alley and look around. Besides what has already been described to you, you see what you would take for a main street in any mid sized or larger town, but not what you would call a city. The main street is comprised of what you would see as businesses. The buildings are a combination of construction ages. Some new, some old, some in pristine condition, some needing considerable repair. Most are built from wood, a few in stone. There is no marking that would identify the town. One thing is certain, it is not Midway or Egypt. The signs reveal a variety of businesses scattered down the road. I will presume this is a 'quick scan' of your surroundings that will only take a few seconds as you look around.
As Kozmo takes in the state of the buildings around him it will finally register that there is a man lying in the street who seems to be injured. Stopping at the mouth of the alley he will search up and down the street for the man’s attacker or any passersby he could call out to for help.
While the street appears to be a main thoroughfare there are only a few people out at this time. Those you see appear to be hurrying along, decidedly attempting to avoid eye contact or to look at you or the man in the road. Your quick scan for an apparent assailant reveals no figure that would match your idea of what that would look like. There are no quickly retreating figures carrying an exposed weapon or some stolen property. No one dressed in attire that would be designed to blend in and be difficult to detect. Only those townspeople moving along in what you would view as typical garb for residents.
Kozmo will feel a moment of anger at the people rushing by the hurt man but it quickly turns to understanding and a little pity for them. He sometimes forgets that not everyone is prepared to deal with such things.
Kozmo will keep one eye on the street to make sure he isn’t attacked while he rushes over to the man. “Hey, hey, I’m here to help. Can you hear me? Let me take a look.” and Kozmo will gently turn the man onto his side so he can see the extent of his injuries.
You rush over noting that no one else is approaching. As you turn the man over he groans. You realize he is breathing but it is strained. He appears to have been slashed across his mid section with what you assess was some form of sword.
He’ll take another quick look up and down the street to make sure he’s not in any immediate danger before focusing on the man again.
“Okay, that’s not as bad as I thought it would be. Try to hold still for a moment and let me help you.”
(Kozmo will drop a Flamehand and cast Cure Light Wounds on the injured man)
“Okay, let me see what it looks like now”
The quick look reveals no one approaching, no apparent danger. You cast the spell and recognize the spell works far better than you might have suspected. This confirms to you the man is not an adventurer but a typical townsfolk. The spell's effect is dramatic and he comes around quickly but is definitely confused.
Kozmo will lean back a little so not to appear to be “hovering” over him.
Hello my good man, your injuries seem to be healed. My name is Kozmo, do you remember who or what attacked you?
(If he tries to stand Kozmo will stand and offer his hand to help him up).
As you help the man to his feet a fog swirls in around you. The Inquisitor appears from the fog. He nods at you.
You have completed this test to our satisfaction.
The visions end... for now.
We thank you for your first contribution to our process. You displayed courage, honor, intelligence and compassion. All qualities we seek to confirm. It is now time for the second event. As before, your behavior, decisions and actions are what we want to see. The first test was rather simple. Straight forward. Each test will be progressively more involved. More… complex. Each test stands on its own as regards your actions and capabilities. No artifice, no play acting. It is YOU we wish to know.
The same fade out of the Inquisitor and fade in of a new reality happens. You find yourself in what would appear to be the same place you were during the previous vision. The place, the time and the lack of others in the area all appear the same. But this time, as you walk around the corner as you see the same body lying in the street you also see another cloaked figure rising away from the person on the ground. Your quick glance reveals he is holding something that he places in a pocket. Then the cloaked figure turns revealing a short sword in his had that drips what could only be some blood. With that he turns and begins walking away.
--- I await your email to tell me your actions or ask any questions ----
Kozmo will take two quick steps forward, using each step to scan the street for other threats,“Hey! Hey you, stop! (He will stop there and cast Hold Person on the fleeing figure).
The shouting appears to have no effect as the figure continues to walk away. You take the time to cast a Hold Person and the figure stops.
Kozmo takes a moment to assess the passersby to figure out if they are the same people from the first test and if this is the same scenario but with the attacker added. Kozmo will take two more steps towards the man on the ground, again using those two steps to scan the street for more threats. He will stop there and cast Know Alignment.
The situation APPEARS to be the same as before as regards the man on the ground. He looks similar, if not the same, as the man you healed in the first test. As regards those bypassing your position you did not get as good of a look at them. You did a scan around to see what was there. The scan would not have been intense enough to make note of the very unremarkable people attempting their best to not get involved or be noticeable. So it is not possible for you to know if these are the same street folk that were present in the prior test. Are they acting in a similar manner? For the most part, yes. This time, given you are trying to ascertain if these are the same and are taking a more concentrated look, you will notice a few gasps and breaths caught at the sight they see, primarily from women.
Taking a few steps towards the man on the ground you will not scan any other threats in the area. The man walking away from the victim is definitely beyond the victim as he walks away and where your HOLD PERSON will have stopped him. Regarding the KNOW ALIGNMENT, you can cast the spell but it takes a full round to complete the spell and each identification.
So the townsfolk are mostly acting as before (well, as far as Kozmo can tell). Is anyone moving to help this time or are they trying to get away from the scene like last time?
Kozmo will want to read the Held man first to see his alignment. Kozmo will take his two steps towards the wounded man while he “reads” the Held man. After these two steps (6 total so far), how far is Kozmo away from the wounded man (in steps)? How many steps past him is the Held man?
The townsfolk are reacting in a very similar manner as before. No one is moving to help you or the downed man. If anything they are moving hastily away. You step forward two steps (hexes) and take the round to read the held individual. He is Neutral Evil. You are now no more than a hex away from the downed man. The held individual is perhaps 5 or 6 hexes away.
Kozmo will stop at the injured man and take a knee. (If he needs to pause there to get the injured man’s alignment then he will). He will turn the man onto his side like the last time and look at the extent of his injuries.
Kozmo steps forward, taking a knee at the injured man. He takes the time to assess this person's alignment only to find there
is no alignment to detect. As he turns the man on to his side he realizes the man has died. With that realization the test ends with the
familiar swirling fog. The Inquisitor appears from the fog once again. He has a look of confusion on his face.
This result was unexpected but not out of the realm of possibilities. This will prove invaluable to our goal. Thank you.
With that he disappears and the fog clears leaving you once again in your prayers.
Use this link to hear what he says.
You may begin to feel a sense of déjà vu, but know the situations, while similar in some respects, represent different questions to be answered. Your reactions and responses have been... revealing. And in many ways enlightening. Your contributions to this process are critical. Your deities will reward your honest participation regardless of the outcomes...
For a third time the process of swapping realities is the same. Once again, you find yourself in that same place in the same surroundings. As you walk around the corner this time the scene is different again. The local man is still lying in the street, blood revealing itself around him on the ground and a short trail leading away from a his body. This time there is a fight happening only a few yards away. You see a man with a long sword in a melee with what looks to be another local man. The attacker is cloaked and no armor reveals itself. The local figure is dressed in common local garb but he is also armed with a short sword, defending himself…
--- I await your email to tell me your actions or ask any questions ----
Kozmo takes a few momentd to evaluate the situation. Is the fight happening between Kozmo and the injured man or is it past him? Does the cloaked figure appear to be the same man as the cloaked figure in the last test? Is either of the fighting men saying anything? Are any other townsfolk moving to help or are they getting out of the way like before?
He sees the man on the ground is between you and the fight. The fight is a number of yards past him. He appears to have crawled away from the fight in the direction where you come around the corner. On a quick viewing, he 'could' be the same man but can not be 100% sure. Nothing was heard from the combatants other than typical fighting vocalizations. And this time the townsfolk are retreating quickly.
Okay, Kozmo will rush to the downed man and turn him on his side to see his injuries.
Quietly so not to attract attention to himself but loud enough for him to hear. “Hey, take it easy, I’m here to help. Let me take a look.”
If he is alive, and as long Kozmo doesn’t have to remove an arrow, dagger or something from the guys gut, he will drop a Flamehand and cast Cure Light Wounds on the injured man.
You are able to make it to the downed man. The ongoing battle makes enough noise top cover your approach. You find the man still alive but in obvious distress from a significant slash across his abdomen. You swap out the spell and issue the Cure spell. The injuries fade as expected and the man's breathing slowly returns to normal.
Kozmo will take a step back from the now healed man and cast Know Alignment.
Once cast he will check the downed man’s alignment first.
How goes the fight?
Once you have completed healing the injured man you notice everything has stopped moving. As that realization settles in you spot something very different out of the corner of your eye. Something you had never spotted before. The Inquisitor standing on the porch of the pub…
Use this link to hear what he says.
I warned them, but they would not listen. Eternal deities can be difficult to convince once they have made up their minds. I told them their test was merely a training mechanism. See how quickly the subject learns to heal the injured man and reinforce it as the proper action. I said these were being with the ability to think independently. Develop and exhibit thoughts and behavior beyond that of rote learning. Perform actions that would greatly contribute to the power pool each collects in the form of worship from their followers. This was not a test of what they truly wanted to evaluate. So now I exercise my authority in this process. I reset the scenario, change the formula. Prove me right….
There is a flash of light and the setting has changed. The man you healed is no longer lying on the ground. You stand in the street in front of the bar. 15 yards away a melee rages. The two local men are now engaged in a battle with the cloaked figure. From the few moments of combat you can see the cloaked figure is definitely more skilled. Onlookers watch the fight from a safe distance, not moving to get involved beyond the occasional verbal encouragement thrown out. Which side they support is indistinguishable.
---- How would you like to proceed? ---
Kozmo maintains the Know Alignment,placing it in an unused state as the duration has not expired. He then casts Hold Person on the cloaked figure then use Know Alignment to check the alignments of the two townsfolk he was fighting.
He casts the Hold Person but it has no effect. You do not believe the casting failed but the figure was able to withstand the effect.
Shocked that Hold Person didn’t work Kozmo will try a different approach. He will cast Carson’s Drop Weapon on the cloaked figure.
You react, a tad stunned, understandably. But the Hold Person spell is one that can be negated. You turn
you intention to casting the Drop Weapon spell. Before anything else happens the entire test reality stops. You
are surprised by the sudden re-appearance of the Inquisitor. He shares a small chuckle as he looks at you with a sympathetic smile.
I do apologize, but I mis-thought it was understood by all there would be no other magic allowed during this
process. We are testing your faith and your employment of the powers earned and provided by that faith. We can
not allow, nor will it function properly in this environment, any non religious magic. I have paused this test to
allow you to reconsider your actions. When you are ready, make it clear and it will resume. For what it's worth,
your choice to cross pollinate your skill set is a good one. Were it not for this setting it would be an excellent choice.
With that, he fades from view. The test waits on you to reactivate it....
Kozmo will be disappointed at the Inquisitor’s new test parameters.
Muttering under his breath, “No magic means no opportunity to honor my Mistress. I hate getting my hands dirty like this.”
With a heavy sigh, Kozmo will hasten towards the three fighting men. He draws his Footman’s Flail (Quick Draw) and attacks the cloaked figure.
You step in and begin attacking the cloaked figure. He is now engaged with three figures. The two locals and yourself. Your first swing strikes the man. He had been attacking the locals but now his attention turns to you. The two locals react very happily to your intervention. They press their attacks on this man.
Kozmo will continue the attack and speak to the man in common. “Why do you attack the townsfolk here? What have they done to deserve this? Are their lives worth so little to you?”
The man does look to be human. He will respond as he fights.... "Mind your own business, ya damn holy fool, and take your club and get outta here before I have to cut you down to size."
Kozmo will recite a prayer to his Mistress in his head and finish with; “Holy Fool! Mistress give me strength to smite this foe.”
Missing his magic even more Kozmo will continue to help the townies. He will try to keep turning the man as he fights to give someone a side or back.
You continue to rotate around the cloaked figure forcing him to select a target and offering someone a better opening. He chooses you and gives the two locals a side. They both swing and strike the man. They draw blood but they are only using short swords and the damage is not what you evaluate as significant yet.
Continuing the attack, Kozmo will address all three men in turn. “What has this man done? Why continue to fight when you could have easily gotten away? What is worth the risk?”
The two men will not pause as they battle. One man will grunt out "He jumped us! And it would not be right for us to leave you here to fight this alone!"
Kozmo will actually smile at the two townsfolk as he continues to attack and spin their opponent in circles.
“I was wondering why HE hadn’t run away yet. Three against one is long odds, even with his skill. You should run,
you should keep running and leave this town. Leave these good people alone for good.”
Kozmo will actually expect a reply from the cloaked figure.
Use this link to hear what he says.
I trust you have been enjoying this trial. It is fair to say your actions, as a group, have run the gamut and in many ways surprised the gods. Some, good. Some, not as much. But now we turn to a more real world experience that you would encounter and leave the isolated and antiseptic town setting behind. It is time to complicate the situation to represent something you could have experienced. Something that addresses your connections and represents a more direct threat to yourself. This will rely on your instincts and preparedness. The test will be more involved and perhaps more lengthy.
Your reality swirls into a fog once more. This time the location is different. It is mid afternoon, you are in the wild, a woodland setting, traveling with several companions you know well. But your mind is not able to discern exactly who they are. Only your close connection to them registers in your mind. One is a mage, one a thief and one a fighter. They are all of equal or higher experience in comparison to yourself. A surprise attack occurs as a band of orcs numbering between 10 and 14 breaks in to the open engaging your Fighter and Thief. You stand in the middle of the party. The mage begins the battle with a Magic Missile dropping one of the assailants.
--- I await your email to tell me your actions or ask any questions ----
The wizard is behind you to your left, 3 hexes behind. The fighter and thief are in 4 hexes in
front of you separated by 3 hexes. Fighter to the left.
The orcs are approaching. They are between 5 and 12 hexes away from you, scattered about as they charge. They
are all coming from the front right angle.
Kozmo will take two steps forward towards the gap between the Thief and Fighter. He will mutter a quick prayer
to his Mistress as he moves and then spend that first round casting Bless. He should easily get all four of us.
Kozmo will be ready to move forward if healing is needed but until that time he will be looking to cast
Spiritual Whip or Magic Missile at any orc that might get past the Thief or Fighter.
Focusing on one until it’s dead. He will also keep looking around in case more orcs show up from behind us.
As the Orcs close the gap, moving in to engage, you are able to cast a Bless covering all four of your group. As your thoughts flash through your mind you hear the voice of the Inquisitor interrupt you... Remember... only Clerical spells will work in this realm...
“Thank you for the reminder. Mistress give me strength.”
Kozmo will try his best to remain within two steps of both the Thief and Fighter in case he needs to heal
one or the other. Once he’s sure the orcs are in range he will target the closest orc headed towards the Thief and cast Spiritual Whip.
Your thoughts will elicit this 'thought' in your head.... If you trust me, you shall be rewarded...." You step forward to keep the two in range. In that round the Orcs charge in and engage your front line members.
“I hope part of that reward is all of us getting thru this in one piece.”
Kozmo will continue to stay close to the front rank and use both his Spiritual Whips to try to stop the orcs
that might get thru or flank his friends up front. Helping the one most surrounded first or the Thief if they are equally fucked.
“I might have to get my hands dirty again. Orcs, why did it have to be orcs?”
The battle continues... the Orcs have engaged your front line and are exchanging blows.
The thief is taking damage and the fighter has been hit but not is not in trouble. The magic-user has been unleashing his
Magic Missiles and finally lets loose a Lightning Bolt, seeing his Fireball would likely engulf
his companions. This spell drops a few more.
You let loose both of your Spiritual Whips, striking those closest to your thief companion, dropping an orc
with each strike. You notice something odd about the strike. To your eyes you see what appears to be a blue
glow to the strike and afterwards that is not normally there.
Kozmo will take two steps towards the Thief and survey the fight as he moves. If he sees 2 or hopefully 3 orcs within range he will target them with a Hold Person. Again he will target the orcs closest to the Thief first. Once that takes effect Kozmo will drop his 2nd level Speak with Animals and cast Cure Light Wounds on the Thief.
You are able to cast these spells. The Hold works as expected and the thief
thanks you for your attention. The fighter moves in and wades through the oncoming group of Orcs as the mage fires off an Aganaver's Scorcher.
A quick scan and you see 7 more. They were behind the front row of enemies and include 2 with crossbows and a 'leader type'
at the rear. The fighter has taken a few hits but is not serious, yet. And no, there are no other blue glow from spell effects.
Kozmo will use his last Hold Person on the two with crossbows and the leader. He will take two steps forward if he isn’t close enough to get all three orcs.
You cast the spell as the combat in front of you continues. The Hold works on the two crossbowmen but the leader is unaffected.
If neither the Thief or the Fighter are in need of healing then Kozmo will draw his flail and move to help whichever of
his friends has the most orcs around them.
If he feels one of them does need healing than he will move to them, drop Know Alignment for a Cure Light Wounds and then draw his flail to help.
Kozmo will try to keep his eye on the leader orc as much as he can.
You draw your flail seeing no need for healing at this time and the battle is on. A round of
exchanges happens, the orcs not very adept miss their marks. The fighter downs another. The thief holds his own.
The orc leader seems to be observing from a distance, for now....
Kozmo will continue to attack the orcs with his flail.
Knowing he only has three spells left he wants save them for either the leader or to drop for healing his friends. He looks inward for a little guidance.
“I know you would prefer I use my magic Mistress but I think I should save them in case the bigger threat joins the fight.
Plus this Inquisitor has me waiting for the next wrinkle in these tests. Am I being too cautious Mistress?”
The flail attacks continue, along with the sword of the fighter. You both sustain some wounds,
but nothing serious yet. The magic-user, now with a clear view to the rear of the orcs, unleashes a Fireball. It engulfs
the crossbowmen but misses the leader.
There are 5 left, including the leader, who is about 8 to 10 hexes away from your fighter. The thief is holding his own
but could probably use some help now. And no, none got past to attack the MU.
Kozmo will let the Fighter know he’s disengaging.
“Our friends some help over there. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Kozmo will move as quick as he can to the Thief and continue using his flail on the orcs.
You battle your way over to the Thief. The Fighter covers your move and you make it there as the Thief is still taking hits.
Kozmo will engage the orcs attacking the Thief with his flail. He will drop Know Alignment and cast
Cure Light Wounds on the Thief the first chance he gets (I assume I moved more than two this round).
How many orcs are around the Thief?
He is engaged with one orc. They appear to be trading blows. You would be able to cast the CLW the round after you arrive. You would also be able to attack with your flail the round you arrive on site. The attack, combined with the Thief, will drop this Orc. While you do this, the Orc leader begins what appears to be casting a spell of some sort.
Once Kozmo has cast his Cure Light on the Thief he will focus on the leader. Can he tell by his movements what spell he is casting?
He can not tell from the motions. He can see what looks like some form of totem in the Orcs hand which leads you to conclude it is most likely some shamanistic spell.
Kozmo will move back to the Fighter and make an announcement as he moves.
“The leader is casting, be ready!!”
Kozmo will go back to attacking the orcs around the Fighter with his flail. Unless the leaders spell goes off before that.
As you move back to assist the Fighter the spell completes. You notice out of the corner of your eye that the Magic-User has stopped moving.
Once Kozmo gets to the Fighter and engages the orcs around him with his flail he will say “The leader is a shaman.
We need to finish off these few and get to him before he can cast more spells. It looks like he’s already put the Magic-User
out of commission with a Hold Person. Well I hope that’s just a Hold Person.”
Kozmo will press the attack on the nearby orcs.
Your group will move up to engage more and press the attack. The orcs between you
form a bit of a make shift skirmish line to intercede between you and their shaman.
Kozmo will address the orcs in front of him.
“He must be getting rid of you to make what food you have left last longer. Or is he new to hunting for game?
I’m sure there were easier targets than us. Such a waste.”
Back to yelling at the leader. “You should pick your targets with better care next time, if there is a next time creature!”
Kozmo is hoping to keep him talking and or distracted. If he’s talking then he’s not casting and if he’s concentrating
on me maybe the Thief can sneak around behind him.
Your attempt is a good effort but you now see the leader casting again....
Kozmo will announce to the Fighter but loud enough for the Thief to hear (if he’s trying to sneak around that is);
“He’s casting again! We need to get to him if we are going to get thru this.”
Kozmo will continue pressing the attack on the orcs in front of us. Unless, Does the Fighter look like he needs healing yet?
There are now 4 remaining, including the leader, who stands about 8 hexes behind the front line of orcs. The thief has moved in to a position to protect the magic-user and he is visible. The fighter is occupied by 3 orcs and is unable to maneuver to the shaman. He is starting to take heavier wounds.
Okay, Kozmo will drop a Flamehand and cast Cure Light on the Fighter. Once that’s done he will
concentrate his attacks on the orc that looks the most hurt.
Once they are down to just two orcs and the leader Kozmo wants to gauge the wounds on the two remaining orcs and the Fighter.
(He wants to save his last spell unless the Fighter needs another Cure Light. If the Fighter looks good and the two orcs look ready
to fall then Kozmo will most likely move towards the leader. That’s the plan at least).
The cure Light helps the fighter some. Fortunately the orcs are nickel and diming him. During this time, he kills another leaving two plus the leader. Gauging the state of beings your fighter is around half health and the orcs are too. The shaman has yet to be hit.
Kozmo doesn’t think he can leave the Fighter just yet. He will concentrate his attacks on whichever orc the Fighter is attacking. Once the Fighter is one on one with the last orc Kozmo will reassess the Fighters health.
The shaman continues to press using his hammer as you and the fighter finish off one of the orcs leaving one on the fighter and the shaman.
Kozmo will use his last spell. He’ll cast Flamehand on the Leader and then go back to using his flail on the last orc. Hopefully, once the last orc is gone Kozmo will call to the Thief to help them take out the leader.
You cast your last spell. The Flamehand issues forth and strikes the orc a devastating blow. As it strikes you see a similar blue glow around the targeted orc that fades as he drops. With him down, you call to the thief as you all move towards the shaman.
As they all move towards the leader Kozmo will try one last time.
In Orc “Looks like you’re going to go hungry. There is nothing left to gain here, last chance to run.”
If the leader doesn’t run then it’s back to melee weapons. Kozmo will use the same tactic of sliding around the leader so one of us always has a side attack.
The shaman takes a few steps back to step behind a large stone, you hear him speaking as
he casts a spell. As the three of you approach around the rock you find no one there....
As you see the orc has managed to leave the familiar fog begins to swirl around you and the Inquisitor appears.
You have performed admirably. Special note has been taken of several of your choices. this will play a significant
role in the evaluation of the test. We thank you for your efforts. One more test awaits.
He fades away and you are once again in your prayers.
Use this link to hear what he says.
The gods have determined it is time to reveal more. They have a purpose for testing you. They look to gauge your response to situations. Your actions, your choices. More specifically…. How you use the power they grant. Specific applications have been specially noted. Further, you have not been alone in your role. Others of your ilk have also been tested. It is the roles and actions of the group as a whole they seek to evaluate, for no one individual dictates judgment of all. The situations you have experienced have been designed to be the same for all to understand a range of reactions to a common situation. A baseline, if you will. But here we diverge. This time each participant will have a situation tailored to ask questions of you, how you as an individual respond. This is where the test might become … a tad strange….
You are riding in your custom built wagon looking for components when your Driver stops. You hear sounds of a somewhat heated conversation emanating from outside. Your wagon now stopped, you emerge to investigate the situation. You catch pieces of a discussion as you leave your wagon. Peering around the wagon you see four men on horseback engaged in an animated give and take with your Driver. They seem to be demanding something but the Driver does not yield. The men are armed and wearing leather armor. The man speaking has no weapon readied but is becoming more obviously angry with every moment…
--- I await your email to tell me your actions or ask any questions ----
Seeing that the discussion is about to get out of hand Kozmo will jump out of the back of the wagon, hold out his hands to show that they are empty and walk slowly towards the front of the wagon.
“Whoa, whoa, gentlemen, gentlemen! I’m sorry to interrupt but maybe I can help. What seems to be the problem?”
As he gets towards the front of the wagon he will give his Driver a reassuring look but make sure he stops next to the wagon and well out of the reach from any of the four men.
Your Driver gives you an uneasy glance as you break in to the conversation. You notice he shifts in his seat, positioning his arm to make it easy to grab hold of his bow.
The man who was speaking turns to look at you.
"Well, lookie here, boys. The master of the castle has deigned to join us. It's so nice of you to make an appearance. I trust this will help things go along... nice and easy...."
With a big grin.
“I will absolutely try my best to make this nice …. and easy. So what can we do to help?”
Well, isn't that neighborly of you. Ya' see, we're representatives from the town you are about to wander in to. We need to make sure there won't be any ... funny business...and that you are workin' on the up an up. So, you can start by ponyin' up the fee for us to allow you to pass in and conduct business from your wagon. That'll be 1,000 gold pieces, if ya' please....
Looking a little incredulous “1,000 gold!? That seems an outrageous sum to do business. It seems my compatriot and I will be bypassing your town. Now, if you will excuse us while we make plans to take our business elsewhere.”
Kozmo will start to talk to his Driver while making sure he has all four men in his line of sight. Kozmo will be ready with a Hold Person on the man who is talking.
“We can turn around here and head back the way we came for a bit. Maybe a new opportunity will present itself there.”
What’s the surrounding territory like?
You are on an established wagon path / road. You can see what would appear to be houses and maybe some larger buildings off in the distance. Your Driver will confirm he can see all four.
"Well... now that you are here and you have crossed in to the boundaries of our fair city... I think it only right for you to pay the business passage fee anyway. If you decide to
bypass our citizenry after paying what's right, well ... that's your choice. So... I suggest you find your way to satisfy my request. Because I would hate to make it a demand...."
Kozmo will pause at his statement and run an internal monologue for a second.
Obviously, paying the gold and being on his way would be easiest. But, strong arm tactics like this make him feel ….. out of balance. If he was going to continue into town then
paying the gold would be acceptable. Their town, their rules. But paying the price for just approaching their town? That goes too far.
With a deep sigh, Kozmo will turn his attention back to the speaker.
“As I said, we are leaving. I’ll not pay a fee for merely getting close to your town.”
Kozmo will wait for his response, fully prepared for weapons to be drawn.
The leader of the contingent will chuckle.
"As I've said, you entered our territory and thus are subject to our laws. Now, this can either be a simple transaction or it can get ugly. The choice is yours."
With the last sentence the other three members of his squad draw weapons. Two swords and the last a a bow.
Kozmo will give all four of them a hard look and deep sigh of contempt before nodding at the speaker. He’ll speak to him in an almost apologetic voice.
“You are correct. While I do not agree with your tactics I cannot argue with the law. Your territory, your laws. Give me a moment to collect your fee. I’ll need to go back into my wagon.”
Kozmo will walk around to the back of the wagon and collect 10 mithril from a drawer in one of his cabinets. It should only take him a few seconds. He will walk over to the speaker and hand him the coins.
“Would we still be welcome in your town or should we depart? And most important, are there any other laws, rules or town regulations that we should be aware of if we are allowed to enter?”
The leader of the group will smile as you hand him the coins. His tone will change dramatically to one of politeness and accommodation.
"You will have paid the requisite tribute according to our laws, of course you are now welcome to ply your wares in our town. We have many citizens that would likely be interested
in what you have available. Please allow me to provide you a writ acknowledging your compliance. It will prevent any further conflict with this law. As for any other regulations....
town law officers are permitted to inspect the goods for sale should they suspect an issue of deceit or dangerous wares. Other than that, you should be able to park your wagon in the
common gathering area and hang your shingle. I don't suggest you park elsewhere, that might cause further issues."
“Thank you. Is the common gathering area clearly marked? And can you recommend an inn? We may want to stay a day or two especially if there is a need for our wares in your town.”
Kozmo will make sure they know where they are headed before jumping back into the wagon and tell his Driver to head into town.
As you begin to leave the leader of the greeting party stops you and hands your Driver a scroll. A quick glance reveals it is a 'legal document' acknowledging your remittance of
the vendor tax. The document states it can be produced when questioned to prove the appropriate fee has, in fact, been pain and collected by a responsible officer.
At that, they step aside allowing you to pass, heading in to the town. The leader wishes you well and good luck with your trip.
Kozmo will remind his Driver to keep the document in a safe place and ask him to take it slowly while driving thru town. Once they find a spot in the common area Kozmo will see if he
can find them a room to share at a reasonable price. They will also tend to the horses and make sure the wagon is secure. Hopefully the inn also has room for the horses.
If it is early enough to open the wagon for business then they will. If not, then they will try to get something to eat before turning in.
Your Driver eases the wagon in to town. A quick glance around yields the common location you were directed to. There are a number of other traveling sales wagons already there. It is easy to find an acceptable spot to park. You secure your wagon and wander a short way down the main thoroughfare to an Inn that can accommodate you and your Driver, They will also, for a reasonable fee, attend to the horses, keeping them by your wagon. You check in, scope out the room and head back but it is later in the day, after a typical dinner time. Most of the wagons have already closed up their shop for the day and there are precious few people out and about the area.
Kozmo will spend a few moments checking out the other vendors in the common area to see how they secured their wagons and if they are leaving someone to watch them overnight.
Kozmo and his Driver will split watch duty if the others have left someone.
If, IF, the night goes quietly then Kozmo will try to be out early to set up the wagon.
The other vendors do seem to be keeping some form of guard watch on their wagons. None you see are 'unattended'. So you and your Driver will 'split' the watch for the evening, each of you getting half the night in a bed. The night will be quiet and an early morning start setting up your 'shop'. The vendors will be very sociable as the day starts. Some will even be seen assisting others getting ready. A few will approach you to assist and inquire if you can help them. The camaraderie seems genuine to you.
Kozmo would have taken the last watch so he can see what time the other vendors show up. He wants to be sure he is ready when everyone else is.
Kozmo will gladly lend a hand to the other vendors and will take note of what they are selling. As he goes about helping the others he will make small talk with all of them.
“Good morning. Of course I can lend a hand. How long have you been here? How much longer are you staying? Have you sold much here? Do the customers try to haggle or is the price
just the price? Have any of you had any problems since you’ve been here?”
Kozmo will definitely space out his questions to be polite. He won’t ask them one after another like that. Once they are all set up he will share whatever information he’s been given with his Driver so they can compare notes.
There will be a wide variety of vendors in the common area. This would not surprise Kozmo. The camaraderie among them would also not be a surprise. Like minded folks helping each other out. There will always be some that avoid that company but most will 'pitch in' for each other. Once you offer to assist others, as the new guy in town, those of that temperament will gladly offer their help to you. They will talk about all sorts of things and your questions will not appear to raise any suspicions. You will find a range of answers. Some have been there a few days, some longer. Most seem to figure their stays would be in the area of 2 or 3 weeks before moving on. Some will have good sales numbers, others not so much. Regarding haggling, the rank and file citizenry that are bargain hunters will haggle always. The more well heeled clientele seem to be willing to spend their coin. The question about 'problems' will receive some more hesitant responses. Most will dance around the topic but one vendor will tell you to beware of imposters posing as town guards. Some try to catch you off guard here in the common area and some even venture out to the roads leading to town to catch merchants before they get in to town.
Kozmo will make sure his Driver knows to be on the lookout for “bogus” town guards and waits for the first of his customers to show up. Kozmo might even be talked into a small discount for those that look like they might be in need and could use a break.
The dawn breaks and the vendor carts receive a surprisingly steady flow of customers. Your wagon., being new, will attract quite a bit of attention. More than a few locals will visit with you and buy goods. A few people will 'match your description of need' and I presume you will give them something of a discount. These people will leave very happy and appear to be speaking quite nicely of your wagon as they leave. The day will be progressing quite nicely, business is brisk as you are easily making up for the cost of the license to operate in town. Around midday there will be something of a commotion. Shouts and sounds of conflict arise from the area. Your Driver races to where you are to inform you there are 'guards' rousting the other wagon vendors and they are working their way towards your location.
This page and its contents are presented solely for the purpose of the RPG game events conducted by a private group. Any references to people or places is explicitly within the context of these RPG games and has no connection to any other similarly named source.
Bob Senkewicz / Howell, New Jersey / senk@optonline.net