Chapter 2: Haxan

[bhu]

Niemand is there.  He pretends not to notice you.  Quite apparently the constables and Haxan don't know him in the form he is wearing, as they aren't reacting to him.

[RobbyPants]

Similarly, Elizabeth doesn't acknowledge him or otherwise draw attention to him. As she watches the auction items go up for bid, she pays attention to what he wants. When it gets to the featured book, she will not bid, but merely watch.

Do any "small" items come up that might contain spells?

[bhu]

First up is a Folio that is said to have been produced by a Romanian Sorcerer.  Authenticity unknown.  Opening bid is DC 13 wealth check.

[RobbyPants]

Before Elizabeth bids, does anyone else seem to be showing any interest?

OOC: Is a wealth check just a d20 + wealth bonus?

[bhu]

yup its a d20 plus wealth.  It's the first bid, and usually the main items of interest aren't offered up first.  There doesn't seem to be much buzz.

[RobbyPants]

Elizabeth puts in an opening bid, not to appear overly enthusiastic:

Rolled 1d20+23 : 12 + 23, total 35

[bhu]

It is yours (it also was not expensive enough to lower your wealth check).  Next up is a copy of Albertus Magnus' "Les Admirables Secrets d'Albert le Grand" Grimoire, a well known occult book, but of questionable value for the asking price (DC 18).  There are already two bids in.

[RobbyPants]

As a "well known" occult book, is it something with which Elizabeth is familiar? If she feels it could have valuable information, she'll bid.

Knowledge (TMWNMTK), if applicable:

Rolled 1d20+15 : 5 + 15, total 20

Wealth check, if applicable:

Rolled 1d20+23 : 4 + 23, total 27

[bhu]

You know it's hinted at things, or contains veiled references to the truth, but most of it is human misunderstanding of reality, or superstition.  It's a book that's valuable for it's rarity  more than it's worth.  (I'm assuming you aren't bidding).  What follows are a few dozen of the same before they list a personal diary of a local witch, in German.  The Haxan immediately begin bidding.

[RobbyPants]

Elizabeth does not bid on any of those former books. She also does not bid on this one. Her primary interest is in who is showing interest in this book.

Does she feel the individual Haxan have rivalries with each other? Is Niemand bidding or otherwise showing interest? Are any non-Haxan bidding?

[bhu]

Elizabeth does not bid on any of those former books. She also does not bid on this one. Her primary interest is in who is showing interest in this book.

Does she feel the individual Haxan have rivalries with each other? Is Niemand bidding or otherwise showing interest? Are any non-Haxan bidding?

The Haxan appear to be willing to pool their money to get the book if necessary, their only competition being what appears to be a very angry friar.  Niemand is ignoring the fuss entirely, eyes focused ahead.

[RobbyPants]

Does Elizabeth recognize the friar? Does Niemand seem to be focusing on anything in particular?

How high has the bidding gone? Elizabeth assumes that the Haxan (especially combined) can out bid her, but she might consider an option to get then ingratiated toward her...

[bhu]

You do not currently recognize the friar, but he and the Haxan clearly do not like each other.  Niemand seems to be staring at some invisible point beyond the room.  Bidding is up to DC 18.

[RobbyPants]

Does it look like Niemand is concentrating on a spell? She's wondering if he's mind-controlling someone or disguising them with a glamor. She's not sure if her suspicion is related to the friar at all.

She's going to keep watching. Is the bidding at 18 and counting, or does it look like one side is going to get it?

[bhu]

18 and counting.  You don't think Niemand is concentrating on a spell, it's more like he's looking at something only he can see.

[RobbyPants]

Elizabeth is hoping she's not in peril. She looks for changes in his mannerisms. At this point, she'll see if it climbs up to 23 or if it seems to be stalling.

Are the sides doing anything to antagonize each other apart from bidding?

[bhu]

You are of the opinion there will be violence after the auction no matter which side wins...

The bidding peaks at 19, and the friar is out of cash.  And is swiftly carried out screaming.

One of the Haxan notices Niemand staring, and begins staring at him.

[RobbyPants]

Elizabeth has no intentions on bidding on this and bringing attention to herself. She similarly stops looking at Niemand or the Haxan staring at him, other than looking for sudden movements out of the corner of her eye.

Can she nonchalantly move a bit away from them should any violence break out? Do the Haxan manage to win the bidding with the Friar gone?

[bhu]

All eyes are on the friar, so you can move without attention.  The Haxan win the auction.  Up next is a book of unknown origin in latin.  Starting bid DC is 14.

[RobbyPants]

Elizabeth knows Latin and her interest is piqued. She places a bid.

Wealth = 1d20+23

Rolled 1d20+23 : 3 + 23, total 26