Morik's Run (IC - Morik. GreyWolfVT only)

[Grognardsw]

Morik lifts the cage, which is closed by an unlocked latch. The shrew snarls and lunges but is repelled by the bars. There is nothing under the cage. The thief realizes the prize referred to "under the nest" must be literally the nest inside the cage, in which the shrews sleeps. Without the meat to distract the shrew, getting under its nest will be more tricky.

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik gets and idea grabs that "sleeping" potion out and looks for something in the cage to pour it into for the shrew. If indeed he can find something to dose the creature with he will and then when it is sleeping he will search the inside of the cage. Using the key to hopefully open the cage.

[Grognardsw]

The ploy works. The shrew is asleep, the cage open.

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik puts away the remainder of the potion and acts as quickly as he can to search the inside of the cage going right for under the shrews nest. Meat[1d6] = 4

[Grognardsw]

Under the nest is an electrum coin carved with a symbol of the Guild. This must be the prize the parchment note referred to.

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik takes the coin and pockets it. Then closes and locks the cage before going to the next room.

[Grognardsw]

The next room is a basic kitchen, with table, chairs, chopping block, dry sink. On the table are three pieces of parchment. They are in vaguely familiar language (Read Languages rolls for each.)

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik tries to read them. If he cannot he will simply put them in his pack with the prior unreadable note.

Read Attempt 1: Thief Skill Checks[1d100] = 55
Read Attempt 2: Thief Skill Checks[1d100] = 74
Read Attempt 3: Thief Skill Checks[1d100] = 88

All 3 fails needed 30% or lower. Harsh.

[Grognardsw]

The letters on the parchment remain mysterious jumbles as Morik studies them. He shakes his head, stores them away, and continues to the next room.

The mock tavern common-room contains a bar, stools, three small tables. There are, surprisingly, people occupying the room - bartender, serving girl, patrons. Actors, Morik guesses.

"Welcome Morik!" says the bartender. "Have a seat, what wouod you like?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik "Ah yes why thank you, I'm sure this will be an odd request but do you have a glass of milk?" he sits and asks the bartender smiling and nodding at the other folks in the tavern.

[Grognardsw]

The bartender smiles. "I'm afraid that's one drink we don't have. If you're wanting something without a kick, I have water."

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik "Nah I have water with me already. I just didn't want to dull my senses too much so could I have a glass of wine or brandy?"

[Grognardsw]

Morik sits and is served brandy.

"Thieves should be clever folk, adroit of mind as well as hands," says the bartender. "Here you'll be challenged with riddles."

An older academic-looking man stands up from his table. "Tell me what this is, young man:

Turn us on our backs
And open up our stomachs
You will be the wisest of men
Though at start a lummox."

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik hums and haws a bit then says "Would it be a book by chance?"

[Grognardsw]

"Aye, that it is!" answers the old man. He then sits.

A shady rogue stands up, flipping a coin in the air and speaks:

"Whoever makes it, tells it not.
Whoever takes it, knows it not.
Whoever knows it, wants it not.
Of what do I speak?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik "You speak of counterfeit money or items."

[Grognardsw]

"That it is," says the rogue, flipping the coin towards Morik. The man sits back down.

An obese man stands up, raises his cup, and says, "Your final riddle:

The wise and knowledgeable man is sure of it.
Even the fool knows it.
The rich man wants it.
The greatest of heroes fears it.
Yet the lowliest of cowards would die for it.
What is this upon which I ponder?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik "Ah and I have one for you as well. I'm up. I'm down. I'm all around. Yet never can I be found. Who am I?" he then awaits and answers the one asked of him "Both nothing and something?"

[Grognardsw]

"Congratulations! You are right," says the obese man. "As to your riddle, is it...air?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Morik "Yes, well close enough it is the wind." he smiles politely "So what is the next thing I need to do?"