Emergence of Imram

[Splotchy]

Will Save

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+4:	(17) + 4	Total = 21

Imram takes the clerics words to heart and ingrains his face into his memory. This guy could be an ally or my next victim. We'll see. Ardenh be praised! I am healed. The gods truely are forgiving and wise beyond the knowledge of meer men. Imram blurts so the whole congregation can hear. Then he turns to the high cleric and says in a defeated yet gruff tone: How much do you want now? I want to make sure we're both on the same page.
After paying the amount required Imram goes out of his way to try and see just where they take the money and procedures of that matter. It seems that now would be just as good a time as any to start casing the joint... And with that in mind Imram begins to take in the interior of his surroundings with his profession in mind. Entrances such as windows and doors, maybe even vents or crawl spaces; where the offices are, where they take the money and what doors they keep their healing tokens and devices behind. He notices how the lighting is set up, be it by candles or other such means. The professional within him takes over and he begins to notice the things a highline cat burglar would need to know. Just in case...

Spot

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+10:	(1) + 10	Total = 11

After Imram is done with the temple he will make his way home planning on his next course of action and realizing he is in need of some coin to replace his brash actions and lack of "convincing" at the White Temple. Apparently I'm in the wrong line of business, should of been a cleric and made money by putting on a show. Though they did actually heal me too...

[Splotchy]

bump

[Corwyn]

Aruben smiles benignly as Imram decrees his 'change of faith', before the assembled parishoners. The cleric nods to the older priest who then begins to lead the congregation in a sermon about Ardneh's wisdom and His prevalance over and beyond the Pantheon of the Twelve.
Aruben leads Imram away from the altar and the podium, and towards a smaller altar beneath the impressive stained glass window that looks down on the congregation. The cleric lights a few sticks of incense and places them in sand-filled pots on either side of a smoothly polished metal stand. He sprinkles a sliver powder into a ceramic bowl and places it on the metal surface. He then turns his back to Imram and speaks softly to the rogue, without looking, place the agreed upon ten percent in the bowl. Ardneh will take it Himself, and He will know if you are lying, as surely as you would know. Stealing from Him will only manifest in your own body...
Imram counts out one-hundred and thirty-six gold coins, placing them in the bowl. As soon as the last coin is deposited, the bowl and the metal altar are consumed in white light. The effect is blinding, but Imram attempts to watch anyway. When the light vanishes, the coins are gone and the bowl gleams a bright metallic shine, no longer ceramic, but evidently solid silver. Yellow spots swarm in front of Imram's eyes as he tries to survey the temple on his way out.

**Make a Will Save and then 3 Spot checks. Lose 136gps.**

[Splotchy]

Imram attempts to survey the room to try and get an idea if this dump is worth breaking into on a later date. Since the coins are just vanishing into blinding light he feels that things are either beyond him, Never!, or the clerics are using trickery and fancy light shows to woo the crowd and befuddle me...they both seem to be working. After his coins have been "deposited" and vanish he starts thinking of leaving this place, and how in the hell did I get here again?
Imram does his best to case and remain in his right mind as he exits the White Temple. Seems like everytime I leave here I'm light some coin. He slowly strolls through the city streets oblivous to the time of day, having no idea how long he was inside, and makes his way home. Once home Imram tries to gather his thoughts and his health.
Where is this Mac guy and what does he know about Ashly's dissapearance?
Ohh, the blue temple...I wonder if it's even worth a visit depite having the paperwork on the Stilleto?
And I need some funds...this meddling around with no profit in sight is getting expensive and deadly.

Spot

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+10:	(19) + 10	Total = 29

Spot

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+10:	(2) + 10	Total = 12

Spot

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+10:	(14) + 10	Total = 24

Will

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+4:	(3) + 4	Total = 7

[Corwyn]

Imram notices that the clere-story windows in the cupola of the temple's arched cieling appear to be easily removeable. As he exits, blinking from the blinding light, he tries to mentally mark an easy climb down from those high windows. Behind the main altar there was a trapdoor, fine locks sealing it closed. That seems the most likely location for the temple's main wealth. The other chambers were private rooms for the priests and prayer chambers. There were no second floor rooms at all, but steps on either side of the main chamber lead up to a balconey with pews and some cabinets. The glare still flashing in his eyes keeps the normally keen sighted rogue from noticing any other weak points of likely targets.
By the time Imram makes it back out onto the streets, the day is nearly gone. When he enters his home, it is already night. Still, Imram had slept late, and while tired enough to sleep, he knows he could comfortably remain awake for at least five or six hours.



**Make Knowledge (local) in your next post. You have Free Actions.**

[Splotchy]

After arriving home Imram steels himself and steps back onto the streets of Cedar Grove for another fruitless endeavor. He grabs his appropriate gear and makes his way to the Blue Temple offices across town in a much nicer place then his small apartment. Figuring his leads are only so many and his motives even less he runs through some lines of explanation concerning the Stiletto documents that might satisfy the blues curiosity. He approaches the building in a business like manner and once inside asks to see someone concerning liens and asset forfeitures, specifically concerning the Stiletto. He says that he is an interested party who knew the previous owner (if there isn't anything shaddy going on in his/her reaction) and would like to know the fate of the property. For you see sir...I have documentation concerning the Stiletto right here and I would not like to see it fall under improper management. Perhaps you could help me in this or at least explain what you need from me... Imram attempts to speak with an air of a business man merely looking for another investment. Just name the price if that's what it's about and I'll see what I can do.

Bluff

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+10:	(3) + 10	Total = 13

Diplomacy

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+14:	(14) + 14	Total = 28

Knowledge Local

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+8:	(8) + 8	Total = 16

[Corwyn]

The Blue Temple priests welcome Imram into the stately temple. The building sits across from City Hall, looking every bit as ornate and prestigious, if not more than, the government buildings there. Passing beneath tall stone columns, Imram enters through a pair of over-sized doors made from polished cherry wood. The inside is nicely appointed but not garishly decorated. Wood paneled walls and polished stone floors all trimmed with just a bit of polished brass. Large polished desks and tables of oak are strategically placed throughout the main chamber and padded chairs lined with blue cotton fabric await clients.
Indicating his reasons to a blue-robed accolyte of the temple, Imram is lead to a table wear a priest pours over a sheaf of documents. The accolyte introduces Imram formerly, Mister Imram of Cedar Grove, Priest Valinor. The older priest stands and offers his hand to the rogue, blue silk sleeves falling from his wrist to reveal gold bracelets. The priest's silk robe is trimmed in silver and he wears a chain necklace over his formal vestments, that bears the symbol of the blue temple, a pyramid over a horizontal rectangle with a stylized eye near the pyramid's peak. Mister Imram is hear to discuss the property at Fordham's Lane and Farmer's Market, the accolyte continues. Valinor nods at the young apprentice and waves him away with a casual motion, politely indicating one of the soft chairs for Imram to sit in, then waiting for the rogue to get comfortable before taking his own seat again.
Well Mr. Imram. Right to business, yes? Very well then, we aim to please. The priest steeples his hands before him, leaning forward on his desk. He looks as if he is truly in his element when he begins to speak, I assume you possess copies of the lien on the property, yes? Ashly Cooper had inherited the property from her father Marnice Cooper, whom in turn purchased it from Cedar Grove. When Marnice Cooper came to us for a loan to build his establishment, we accepted his future business as collatoral. Ashly had done well to maintain her payments on that loan and when she so abrubtly left town recently, she sold us her remaining interest in the property. We made her a fine deal considering her unexplained rush. I am both authorized and inclined to make you a comparably fine deal. 'Name your price', you say. Very well then, for the property as it stands, conditions as is, we will gladly accept twenty-five hundred platinum for the deed to the land and buildings. Valinor pauses for a moment, examing Imram's reaction to the figure. If you wish, I can extend a credit against an existing property or asset. Additionally we can also agree to terms about leasing the property, using the business itself as your collatoral against the downpayment of that lease.

**Imram guesses that when Ashly ran the Stiletto, she was able to bring in about 25,000gps a year (the priest's quoted price to buy the lot and building), give or take. He also knows that her father ahd done considerably better, but since then the Red Temple element in the town has done much to bring business away from privately owned operations. Additionally, it is in the Blue Temple's interest to keep private businesses operating outside of the Red Temple, for various reasons. Traditionally the Blue Temple would state a very high asking price, particularly for a piece of land with a building on it already, but this price seems fairly low for their normal tactics, and it is certain that they would lower it, but at its best it would be beyond Imram's current means.**

[Splotchy]

The stately building is as impressive as Imram would have expected and he would almost be impressed with the architecture if he cared about cultured things like that. However, it is now just another dead end as he listens to the civil servant quoting prices on the Stiletto and speaking of the business it at hand. Imram isn't all that surprised that the price is beyond his current means but that doesn't mean it couldn't be acquired in the near future. Well kind sir, I do appreciate your time and wish we could come to terms but I'm afraid my finances are a little out of order of late. Perhaps in the near future we will be talking again. Imram thanks the man and shakes his hand before departing the building. No shock here but now what...I need to get back into some work.

With the last thought on his mind Imram makes his way to the Watering Hole to try and ply his trade, be it death or a little thievery it matters not. I just need some coin to replace what that damn cleric bilked me out of...and who knows maybe I'll find out more about Ashly and this Mac character. Imram steps into the Watering Hole, a little earlier for most except the truly dedicated, but he's not interested in booze but work. He looks around to look for any familiar faces, hoping to see a former employer from a job gone well in the past or just a familiar face. If nothing presents itself then Imram will eventually make his way to the bartender, trying to avoid the ugly bar wench from a few nights past.

Spot

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+10:	(4) + 10	Total = 14

Knowledge Local

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+8:	(4) + 8	Total = 12

[Corwyn]

Imram approaches the Watering Hole prepared to slip past the doorman without having to check his weapons. However, the rogue notices that no one is working the door, and his efforts to conceal his weapons were pointless. Loud music pours out from the entrance, announcing that the place is indeed open. Still, it is fairly early for this place and there can't be much of a crowd inside.
Slipping through the door, Imram's ears are further assaulted by the blaring music. A five man band is set up just beside the entrance and either through magic or some sort of technology, their instruments are unnaturally loud. There is a guitarist, who is also singing incoherant lyrics that seem more in competition to the music rather than accompaniment. A heavy set man stands opposite the guitarist, holding his own massive bass guitar and thrumming the strings in a deep steady beat. There is a nearly nude, famishly skinny, bald older man with graying body hair who is nearly invisible behind an enormous set of drums which are lined with steel and garishly painted. The sound he mashes out is more like its own song than the generally tempo setting rhythm that one would expect from a drummist. The ensemble is flanked by to violinists who tie the clashing sounds together with a rising and falling weave of music that sculpts the sound and makes it hypnotizingly enjoyable, despite its raging boldness and violent tempo.
A few people dance on the small, filthy floor, writhing drunkenly to the music. Eventually there will be too many bodies pressed in here to allow such behavior, so for now some of the younger men and women take advantage of the floor space. A couple of regular faces sit at the bar and around the game tables and the bartender hurries back and forth filling drinks for the thirsty patrons. The intensive music seems to fill the dim, dingy tavern, and one is forced to actually count heads to assure oneself that the place is not indeed filled with people.
Imram's keen eye notices the bouncer sitting at the end of the bar, nursing a drink. The big man shares snippets of conversation with the pretty, but worn-looking barmaid who works the bar tonight. The rogue also notices that not only is there no one at the door to the wash closets, one of the doors has new damage on it, looking as if it had been torn from its hinges and hastily repaired.
Imram tries to chat with a few people, but both the music and the drink makes holding a conversation quite difficult. Finally the rogue catches a break when one of the regulars invites him to the back door where three other men are sharing a hand-rolled cigarette, that by the cloying smell and the blue smoke contains not tobacco but drugs. Further from the stage, and butressed by the steady cool breeze that flows in from the partially opened back door, the atmosphere is a little more suited for conversing in normal tones.

**Free actions. Make a Diplomacy check to politely decline or accept the invitation. Make a Bluff check if you want to only pretend to participate in the drug use. Make a Fortitude Save if you actully smoke. Make an Intellignece check or a Knowledge (local) for each of the four drug-users if you try to recall their names. Make a Gather Information check if you try to sterr the conversation towards possible work or towards the suppossed whereabouts of Little All.**
***You have recently heard rumours of a wealthy noble buying up land north of the city. It is rumoured that this noble married his youngest daughter into the family of the Governor of Cedar Grove. His home and estate are well guarded but rife with luxoury and wealth.
Any of the many politicians in Cedar Grove, all with titles like, 'Magistrate of Civil Law, Master Constable, Treasurer of Miitary Funds and High Chairman of Defense', boast fine manors and mansions in the city, each with their own private, but tax paid, security forces.
The merchants of Cedar Grove never quite make it to levels of open success as do the politicians and officers of the city, but there are rumours of many merchants who have secret arrangements with smugglers, assassins, slave traders and even local politicians. Their homes are only moderately well secured, but the promises of hidden wealth hint from their windows and doors.
Buisness owners and shopkeepers normally make their homes above or behind their stores, in an effort to defray the high land taxes imposed upon them by the city. They usually live more sparingly, their wealth kept whenever possibe, in the vaults of the Blue Temple.
Farmers, vendors, lesser merchants and laboreres live in row houses and multi-storey apartment buildings, thier possessions and wealth meager but rife for the taking.
The choicest, and quickest marks are the smugglers, traders or travelers who pass through Cedar Grove, staying in the hotels. The hotels normally keep at least a cursory security force, sometimes consisting of only one or two men, but are generally well-lit, well-staffed and with good stong locks on heavy doors.
Because of the strict laws and corrupt guardsmen of Cedar Grove, serious crimes are kept at a minimum. Aside from a few pick pockets, cut-purses and drunken brawlers, Imram is one of the only real criminals he knows. He is by far the most daring and successful criminal he ever knew in Cedar Grove. But then again, the real successful men of his trade are unknown by the populous. Still, crimes such as mugging, cat-burglery and horse-stealing are punishable by death in Cedar Grove. Add to that the fact that most guardsmen or Blue Temple soldiers would kill any man they caught breaking the law (acting as judge, jury and executioner), keeps the less determined shakily walking the law-abiding path.***

[Splotchy]

After sipping on his beer and taking in the crowd Imram scans the room trying to think of a better place to sit in order for this God Awful concoction of "music" to be less painful. I mean, what ever happened to talent and at least some sort of visual appeal.
When he's approached Imram looks up at the "regular" and acknowledges him with a nod and slight smile. He scoops up his brew, purposely leaving without tipping, and makes his way to the table in the back. He jogs his memory on the names of the fellows at the table, especially the one who approached since he probably knows him. Greatfully sitting down at the table he nods at the "recreational" crowd and enjoys the quiter atmosphere and the pleasant breeze coming through the back door. Imram eyes the men up and attempts to place a name and rep with the faces. Always good to know who your sitting with.
As the joint makes its way around the table Imram says thanks but declines, I had a few questions and have business on my mind...you guys know almost everthing that goes on around these parts, on a certain level anyway and I was thinking, who better to talk to then you fellas. And it just so happens I'm invited over. Imram strokes there illusioned ego and hopes to get some good information before the drugs cloud their mind to much. He lays down some coin, I've got the next round men. and inquires first about general happenings, not wanting to get to specific. Eventually Imram will broach the subject of work and later, once the drugs have began to kick in he inquires about Lil Al.

Diplomacy to accept and be "one of the gang."

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+14:	(2) + 14	Total = 16

Knowledge Local on the hippies

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+8:	(16) + 8	Total = 24

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+8:	(4) + 8	Total = 12

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+8:	(15) + 8	Total = 23

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+8:	(7) + 8	Total = 15

Gather Info regarding work and Lil Al.

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+6:	(5) + 6	Total = 11

[Corwyn]

Imram plies his flowing words on the stoned locals, recalling some of their names as he ensconces himself in the group. The first one is Kyle, a drug dealer for the Red Temple. His brother-in-law is a Captain with the Cedar Grove guards. The man sells all sorts of information along with his drugs, but never seems to ahve any money, nor is his information really that usefull. Kyle's brother-in-law probably doesn't share too many secrets with the deadbeat. Another of the four-man posse is Gernius. A skilled bodyguard who hasn't had work lately on account of his bad habits. When he was working he always had the skinny on local politics. The other two men's identies ellude Imram for the time being.
Eventually, Kyle allows himself to be drawn into questioning about local work. He leans in towards Imram after looking around surrepticiously as if he had top secret information, word on the street is that Cedar Grove guards'll pay ten grand for Mac's head, same goes fer Little Al. They say they'll pay for information as to their whereabouts too. 'Course who's ta say they won't double cross whoever tries to make that deal? He goes on to add, Lord Illuvius hired an assassin from outta town las' week. Word on the street is that the assassin was found in a pool of 'is own blood down the alleyway on Wayers Street. 'Supposed ta kill the noble's daughter I hear. Guess he wasn' worth his own salt. An' the Red Temple's offerin' a grand's credit fer anyone who kills Lieutenant Green. He sighs softly offering the half burnt joint to Imram once more, shrugging when the rogue declines again. As fer lil' Al, I dunno where the bloke is hidin' out, but if I were him I'd a skipped town by now. I bet his ol' lady knows where he went, but the Cedar guards picked her up tha night after the fight at the Waterin' Hole. You might ask her sister if she knows anything, but likely the guards got to her too.

**Make a Knowledge (local) about whichever piece of info you want (Kyle, Kyle's brother-in-law, Gernius, Lord Illuvius and his family, Lieutenant Green or Little Al's woman and her sister.)**