DM Bob & Carla Wednesday September 22nd, 2004 11:45:35 PM
"Then I am not mad, or at least not completely so!" exclaims Caerthon. "I could not entirely place you at the inn, and then when you approached me here I was sure I had seen the dead reborn. You are the image of your father. I stood beside him when he fell in the breach of the Crimson Fort. Many were lost that day. The blood ran thick and the air was most foul. The battle lasted three days and nights although it was hard to tell one from the other amidst the smoke. When it was over, we retrieved our dead, or at least those we could find. Your father's body was not recovered. Whether it was washed away in the heavy rains that followed the battle, or if it yet remains buried under the rubble of the collapsed outerwall I do not know". The grey-haired paladin walks side by side with Lorth and tells of the pyrrhic victory over the dread.
Andrath agrees to meet with Corrin at the Shadfly that evening and then turns his hand to the art of cartography. The maps of the Culverwood are noticeably without detail and the 'Wyrmsfut' is not identified on any of them. "The paths are always changing" complains the human behind the map table. "Each and every chart we have issued has proven to be as misleading as the last!" The map shows only the Spring of Alnair and Pullman's crossing along the Peaseblossom River. A dotted line connects the two, and a small disclaimer is printed in the lower margin.
The female half-elf watches in amazement as Harvest Moon displays her skill with the spiked chain. "That is far more than a trick" insists the adventuress, "you are too modest."
The party makes their way back to the Inn where they pass the remainder of the afternoon. Bralin finds time to continue with his carving and Andrath contemplates a name for his new companion. The rat, for its part, explores the rogue's quarters, searching each nook and cranny, smelling out and then consuming the corpse of a moth. Andrath can sense the curiosity of the animal as it makes it's way about the room. It finally settles on top of the rogue's pack and sleeps.
As dinner time approaches Hildy calls up the stairs to announce that the food is ready. The tables downstairs are filling up with patrons, and the members of the WLA are at the tables they occupied that morning.
Elerinn Thursday September 23rd, 2004 2:41:18 AM
Elerinn isn't able to pay the League's entrance fee, even with the extra 300 gold pieces. "I'm sorry", Elerinn says to the gnome, "but I'd have to sell some of the magical equipment I'm wearing. But I'll join as soon as I am able to get sufficient gold!"
Nevertheless, Elerinn is interested in Bralin's initiation and asks if he can visit it tonight.
Lorth Thursday September 23rd, 2004 7:54:16 AM
Lorth is entranced by the man's tale. "I thank you for your words Caerthon, perhaps I could buy you dinner at the inn? I have more questions if you don't mind." ...He pauses... "I will travel to the crimson fort and recover my father's remains if possible. Do you perhaps know how to get there?" Quickly he adds, as if he just remembered something. "May I ask what you where looking for at the adventurers league?" Lorth will purchase dinner or lunch (whatever time it is) for both of them when they get to the inn.
Bralin d20+12=20 Thursday September 23rd, 2004 9:02:31 AM
Bralin nods to the gnome. Elerinn is welcome to attend.
He spends the afternoon carefully flushing out the detail on the green stone. At supper time he puts his equipment away. The dwarf's face belies a moment of impatience as he carefully wraps up the statuette. He'd hoped to be further along, but the detail is proving difficult. Another good day. Likely two.
[Craft check 20 vs DC 18. 18 x 20 / 2(half day) = 180 cp completed Total 1125 of 1500 cp complete.]
Tromping downstairs, he joins his companions for supper, and then presents himself to Neb. Bralin says nothing, as the reason for his presence is clear.
Harvest Thursday September 23rd, 2004 10:34:21 AM
"Thank you." Pale cheeks take on a tinge of pink, and Harvest inclines her head in a bow to accompany her words.
The dwarf moves toward the exit in the periphery of her vision. The gnome follows soon after.
"Please excuse me," she apologizes as she coils the chain for return to her bag, "the ... people that I came with are leaving now. Harvest looks up into the face of the beautiful half-elven spellcaster with unadulterated sincerity. "It has been very pleasant to have met you. I look forward to meeting you again sometime." Harvest bows politely again before hurrying off after the others.
When they reach the Inn, the others depart for various personal endeavors. Harvest finds herself alone. She frowns. There are many scrolls in her pack waiting to be studied. It is what she should do. Instead, however, she wanders the new town. Finding a quiet spot, Harvest again removes the spiked chain. The words of the League mage echo through her mind. This time she tries to strike a stone set upon a tree stump. The sun moves across the afternoon sky. The stone remains undisturbed more often than not. And the scrolls ... go unstudied.
Dinner is just called when Harvest returns in the evening. She takes a seat with the rest of her newfound group. Her eyes drift occasionally to the table around which the Leaguers gather. She listens to conversations all around.
Andrath Thursday September 23rd, 2004 1:54:01 PM
Upon hearing the supper hour called, Andrath scoops up the sleeping rat and tucks it inside his jersey, still wondering about a name.
The elf makes his way downstairs to the common room, and has a seat with his friends. "So, I think that it was a successful day all around. After supper, I promised to buy the ranger over there a drink, since I am a little to blame for the bump that he likely is sporting on his head." He smiles a little at the memory.
While he fills his plate with whatever fare the halfling 'keepers have put on the table, he looks over at Harvest Moon, and asks, "So, young lady, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself? Recently, we have lost a few members from our party, and it seems that you have joined up with us. We are unofficially known as the Swords of Light, although none of our swords light up, as of yet."
After supper, Andrath walks over to the table that the ranger is sitting at, and says, "So, Corrin, are you ready for that drink?"
DM Bob & Carla Thursday September 23rd, 2004 10:06:50 PM
Hildy and Lincoln serve up large slices of beef pie to their guests. Pitchers of beer cluster on the tables, rounds bought by the Swords of Light as well as the officers of the WLA.
The League folks signal to Bralin, Andrath, Elerinn, and Harvest Moon, inviting them to join their table. "Neb, Corrin, and I will be staying in Magpie Crossing for a few days while the rest return to headquarters. The Lord High Commander thinks it is time the valley had a League outpost," announces Gaylon. "Neb and Corrin will stay on for a while to help set up and provide clerical and information services. I have an associate in Jarlswolf I need to visit. I am hoping he will sign on to provide magical services as required. I also wish to call on the witches' coven in that community, for I have heard some good things about the work they are doing."
Caerthorn seeks out his usual seat in the dark corner by the hearth. Passing an empty table, he grabs a chair and invites Lorth to sit beside him. "Do I know the Crimson Fort! It is my nemesis, my tormentor, the agent of my despair!" The eyes of the paladin glow feverishly as he describes the history of the place. How the porous stone, once black, glows blood-red, stained with the life blood of those who died during the Dread Wars.
The man is quiet when Lincoln brings over two plates heaped with beef, potatoes, and carrots between flaky crusts of pie in a pool of dark, rich gravy. When the halfling is out of earshot, Caerthorn continues, "I watch the borders with my brothers in arms. The vigilance of the Pitchfork Council has been lax." His voice drops to an almost imperceptible whisper, as he leans closer to Lorth, "Hugo and Langdon have been gone a fortnight. We were to meet here three days ago, but they never showed up."
Gaylon lights his pipe, and leans back in his chair. "You have a few moments to collect you thoughts, sir dwarf, and then we will hold the induction."
Harvest Thursday September 23rd, 2004 11:41:08 PM
Harvest sits up, startled at Andrath's request. Soft brown eyebrows arch, as though to ask, "Me?"
"I ... I come from the land north of The Dread. The law there is not so good. We must live hand to mouth. It is just as this man says." And she indicates the paladin Caerthorn with a bow of her head in recognition. "It is a terrible land."
"I was very fortunate. Pasix took me in. He came into the lawless lands, into the camps. He cared for me and my mother. He ... he taught me many things. Fighting and healing. The use of spells. Reading and writing."
"He is a great man, Pasix Mixmindor." Harvest speaks the words as if challenging any to say that it is not so.
"Last Frostleaving, my mother died. Pasix said that I should now leave. That I should now leave him and go out into the world. He said that I had been given the gift of skills and knowledge. And that now I should go forth and pass them to others."
"I ... I am still trying to understand what that means."
"I have no sword, Andrath Silverhan ... Andrath. But I would be pleased to be a Sword of Light."
Elerinn Friday September 24th, 2004 1:46:08 AM
Elerinn carefully listens to Harvest Moon's story, that resembles his own quite well. He cannot help but think of his own father again, making him sad. Nevertheless, he tries to sound as cheerfully as possible when he says: "Well, Harvest, that's great! I'm glad you've decided to join us, for a few members have left us lately."
When Gaylon tells Bralin to prepare himself, Elerinn cannot resist the temptation, and asks the stoic dwarf: "So, Bralin, are you nervous yet?" The gnome smiles mischievous while awaiting his reaction.
Bralin Friday September 24th, 2004 9:36:04 AM
The dwarf continues to stand, expressionless, in front of Gaylon. "My mind is clear."
His head swivels over to Elerinn. The question confuses him. Nervous? I shall recite an oath. What need is there to be nervous? That thought flashes through his mind. What comes out of his mouth is "No"
Alkali Sunday September 26th, 2004 11:07:56 PM
Alkali watches all proceedings not really interested in anything. Bored, he heads outside to play with his hawk. Not a big fan of clubs and letting Lorth have his privacy, he starts practicing his magic spells on Karee.
OOC: WOOH!!! Internet is back in action.
Andrath Sunday September 26th, 2004 11:41:54 PM
Andrath pulls up a chair and sits with the League members. He waves to Lincoln, and calls out, "Could you please bring us another round over here?"
He looks over at Gaylon, and asks, "Who is your associate in Jarlswolf? Would it be Feorges? I have recently apprenticed with him, starting to learn the ways of magic. Also, we have worked with and for the Coven of Weal in the town, and I can vouch that they are very concerned about the well-being of the community there."
The elf watches to see how the induction ceremony is carried out.
DM Bob & Carla Hide=d20+3=10 Monday September 27th, 2004 12:48:34 AM
Lincoln holds the door, smiling and wishing a "good night", as the last of the dinner crowd departs. Alkali slips out to exercise Karee in what light remains. (Alkali, Karee roll a Spot Check.) Gaylon's eyes dance merrily when Andrath mentions Feorge's. "How is the old fool? Still holed up in that tumble-down tower of his?" he answers.
The halfing innkeeper clears the last remnants of food and drink and produces a small table for the ceremony. The officers of the Woldian League of Adventurers stand, grouping themselves on either side of Gaylon as the commander opens a thick book bound in red leather and places it upon the low table. "Repeat this oath, using the name by which you are known in this Wold," directs the tall man with spectacles and long sharp nose. His voice resonates with pride as he intones, "I, Gaylon Arafel of Plateau City, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it."
When Bralin has taken the oath, Gaylon hands him an implement of writing and points to the book, inviting him to add his name. The last name, about midway down the page is one Vauhwyt of Dirt City.
Neb steps out from the line of officers. His face is expressionless, but his dark eyes glow as he pins the blue badge on the collar of Bralin's shirt.
Meanwhile, Lorth listens, entranced, as Caerthorn lays out his suspicions, "a number of businesses have turned over recently. Local family farms held for generations, bought out. And folks have changed, not as friendly as before. Something evil is afoot." Caerthorn's eyes follow Hildy as she retreats into the kitchen. "The Horncroft's are good people, though I can't say the same for the Reeve. Laughs at me and calls me a fool. 'Tilting at windmills,' she says."
Harvest Monday September 27th, 2004 8:51:26 AM
Harvest smiles at the gnome, Elerinn's acceptance and greeting. Then his question to the dwarf draws her attention there as well. The dwarf seems not the nervous type. Further, there seems little to the brown girl to be nervous about.
Casting about the room, Harvest seeks out a high spot from which she can watch. High places in a halfling inn, though, it would seem would be, most reasonably, rare. She settles for a chair. Grabbing some uneaten crusts from an abandoned plate before Lincoln clears it away, she finds a seat near enough so that no one would be likely to sit in front of her.
As the ceremony begins, Harvest Moon revisits her reasons for not joining herself. She continues to munch the pie crusts, however, her mind unchanged.
The colorful group of adventurers stand tall as witness, a stirring backdrop to the ceremony. And yet, Harvest cannot help but wander in her attention, listening in on the conversation between the Gargulite paladin and the man at the inn the night before.
Bralin Monday September 27th, 2004 9:43:52 AM
The dwarf recites the pledge, his rumbling bass voice clear and strong, "I, Bralin Stoneminder of the Clan Corregan, do solemnly swear to uphold the ideals of the League, to protect the innocent and combat evil wherever I may find it."
He signs the book, Bralin Stoneminder.
As Neb pins on the blue badge, the left side of Bralin's mouth curves upward slightly. With a tiny half-smile, the dwarf accepts entry into the League.
Lorth Monday September 27th, 2004 10:02:15 AM
Lorth's face grows dark, he also keeps his voice down. "Perhaps there is something my friends and I can help you with, Caerthorn. We could perhaps seek out your friends Hugo and Langdon? It would be an honor to help out a friend of my father's." He pauses to eat some of his dinner, then continues, "If you deem it ok, I would like to call my friends to our table for council. I can speak for all of them, when I say they are good souls. They may have some insight into the going ons in the area." If Caerthorn agrees, Lorth takes a few minutes to round up the swords of light. When they get to his table he relates the story of Caerthorn and his father.
Alkali d20+10=26 d20+3=16 Monday September 27th, 2004 11:31:32 AM
Alkali wanders around following trying to find lay lines where his magic would be strongest. Karee, meanwhile, enjoys the sky flying around watching over Alkali. (Spot 16:Alkali, Spot 26:Karee)
Elerinn Monday September 27th, 2004 11:56:05 AM
Elerinn congratulates Bralin with his official entry in the League, and adds with a smile: "I intend to write Elerinn Brazael under Bralin Stoneminder as soon as possible."
Because of his preoccupation with the dwarf's initiation, Elerinn doesn't overhear the conversation Lorth is having with the man that followed him earlier.
Andrath Monday September 27th, 2004 10:48:53 PM
Andrath replies to Gaylon, "Yep, still the same tower. He was very helpful in getting me started with wizardly ways."
He watches as Bralin undergoes the induction ceremony. Once it is finished, he goes over and offers to shake the dwarf's hand. "Congratulations," he says.
Answering Lorth's summons, Andrath sits down at the table with the old fighter. "Can you tell us more about what you and your comrades do, exactly? Why do you think that foul play is afoot, if they haven't shown up? And what else do you know about the goings-on in town?"
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday September 28th, 2004 1:04:49 AM
As he watches his friend soar, Alkali catches a glimpse of someone, a man, in between two buildings across from the Shadfly Inn. The watcher's gaze seems focused on the shadows moving behind the glowing windows of the place. The hawk calls out, concern for the witch evident and swoops at the figure, causing the individual to melt back into the shadows.
Behind those windows, the officers of the WLA congratulate Bralin with handshakes and vigorous thumping on the dwarf's broad back. With early plans for the next day, the officers bid their newest recruit good night. Gaylon is last. "We must discuss your training, and make arrangements, but now is not the time," he says. "A message goes to headquarters with those who depart tomorrow. When I have my response, arrangements will be made."
Lorth introduces his friends to Caethorn. The well muscled man in his late fifties stands, his armor chinking a little as he does so. Running a hand over his close cropped grey-white hair, his dark eyes blaze with intensity as he repeats his tale. "I have kept watch of the border with Hugo and Langdon, though none bid us to do so. The Reeve has disbanded the town guard, and I have no faith in the garrison. Cloaked figures pass with impunity after curfew." With a grim look he continues, "Hugo and Langdon have reported activity about the Crimson Fort. They were on a mission of reconnaissance while I was to convince the authorities of the danger." Caerthorn lowers his voice to a whisper, "They have not returned. The Dread are up to something!"
Andrath Tuesday September 28th, 2004 8:36:32 AM
Andrath still tries to figure out what is going on. "Who or what are the Dread? And who is the new reeve? How long has he been here in town? How did he come to power?"
Bralin Tuesday September 28th, 2004 10:44:28 AM
The dwarf nods silently at Gaylon's instruction.
After the other WLA members leave, he moves over to his comrades and listens to the paladin's tale.
A new quest? Perhaps.
Bralin listens carefully to the man's reply to Andrath.
Lorth Tuesday September 28th, 2004 11:05:46 AM
Lorth relates what he knows, to his friends, "The Dread is a kingdom of sorts, I suppose. It lies to the north and east of us and is rumored to be ruled by a Lich. When the Jarl ruled this area he made all able bodied men above the age of 14 fight in his army against the Dread. My father was one of them. I have never seen him since. The Dread's army is said to be full of undead and restless spirits. Caethorn may be able to give fact to some of these tales."
Harvest Tuesday September 28th, 2004 11:26:49 AM
Harvest brushes crumbs of pie crust from her rumpled brown robes, and hops down off of the chair. She smiles at Bralin Stoneminder as he steps away from the clearing crowd of WLA'ers. The quiet in the dwarf, strikes a chord of reassurance in the little brown girl.
Harvest perches on a different chair, and listens with attentive eyes as the new armored man ... Caethorn ... speaks of The Dread. On the advice of many, she had scrupulously given The Dread a wide berth on her journey south. Now, it appears, she might have the opportunity to find out why.
Elerinn Tuesday September 28th, 2004 11:39:17 AM
As the various members of the League leave, Elerinn's attention shifts to the paladin's story. As he tells about the Dread's mysterious actions, the gnome listens carefully. He recognizes the story about the Dread that Lorth tells his companions, but knows nothing more about the region.
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday September 29th, 2004 12:05:32 AM
Caerthon nods his head in agreement as Lorth tells what he knows of the Dread to Andrath and the rest of the assembled party. "There was a dread lord at the Crimson Fort but he was driven from the place. Whether he has returned, I know not. There are those who serve him though. Mages of a sort, known as the Sons of Dread. I fear they have made incursions into the valley."
The paladin looks vacantly at the elf for a moment, then volunteers, "Aleitha Reithvar is the Reeve of Magpie Crossing. Her father was a rich and powerful man who supported her political aspirations. She was appointed by the Pitchfork Council, but some say she bought her seat." A red stain creeps up the man's cheeks, embarrassed, "I apologize. I should not be speaking ill of one, without proofs."
"If you wish to find the bones of your father," advises the man, laying a hand on Lorth's shoulder as he rises, "then it is to the Crimson Fort you must go. Perchance, you will find Hugo and Langdon and all will be well?" His message is optimistic, but a grim expression belies the encouraging words. Picking up his helm, he prepares to depart, adding, "I shall return tomorrow at sun set with maps and notes." With that, the paladin strides swiftly out the door.
Lincoln starts to put out the candles.
Lorth Wednesday September 29th, 2004 7:45:34 AM
After Caerthon departs.
Lorth looks at his companions and states, "I will be going to the Crimson fort. It is my life's quest and my mothers will that I give a proper burial to my father."
Because of the dangers involved Lorth does not ask his companions to accompany him.
Alkali d20+3=13 d20+10=17 d20+12=18 d20+9=12 Wednesday September 29th, 2004 12:33:16 PM
Curious about the sight Alkali walks towards the shadow catiously. Reaching for a sunrod from his belt, he alluminates the shadows. Karee, very much on guard, perches on Alkali's shoulder watching his sides and back. (Spot A:13, K:17; Listen A:18, K:12)
Bralin Wednesday September 29th, 2004 1:25:09 PM
The dwarf nods at Lorth's words. "How far to the fort?" he asks in business like fashion.
"Mayhap we prepare on the morrow, and leave the day after."
Like Lorth, he doesn't ask if they're all coming. Unlike the paladin, Bralin simply assumes they are.
Elerinn Wednesday September 29th, 2004 7:05:40 PM
Like Lorth and Bralin, Elerinn doesn't hesitate and says: "Allright, let's meet here tommorow morning. May Wardd guide us to your father, Lorth. And may Gargul bless his poor soul! I'm pretty curious about the Dread's mysterious appearances at the Fort, anyway."
The red-haired gnome looks at Harvest and says: "Will you accompany us to the Crimson Fort, Miss Moon?"
Harvest Wednesday September 29th, 2004 7:38:46 PM
Harvest nods and replies to Elerinn's question with a quiet, "Yes, thank you."
Her eyes shift to Bralin, then to Andrath, the paladin Lorth, and then back to Elerrin. "I am ready to leave now." Her eyes make another circuit of the gathering.
"If you don't mind, Bralin Stoneminder, may I watch your preparations?"
Andrath Wednesday September 29th, 2004 11:20:56 PM
Andrath moves over behind Lorth, and puts his hand on the paladin's shoulder. "Of course we are going with you. I think that it is safe to say that we would all be happy to help you find what happened to your father. My parents still live in their elven village, so I can't relate to what you have gone through, but I can understand your desire for closure. Would it be possible to head west so that I can drop of Feorges' order before we go north to the Dread?"
As Lincoln puts out the candle, Andrath heads upstairs, grabbing some of the last food scraps from the table. Once upstairs, the elf takes out the rat from inside his armour jerkin, and places him on the bed. He gets undressed and climbs in, feeding the little rodent before they both fall asleep for the night.
DM Bob & Carla Secret DM Roll= d3=2 Wednesday September 29th, 2004 11:26:08 PM
Light slices into the night as the door to the Shadfly Inn opens and closes. Alkali can make out the figure of the paladin who had been talking to Lorth as he disappears down an alley. Mere seconds pass, and he reappears, this time astride a formidable warhorse. Then he is gone into the night.
The witch activates a sunrod and crosses the road cautiously. Before he can gain the mouth of the alley there is the sound of hobnail boots on cobblestones, and a voice calls out "Who goes there?" Alkali's sunrod counteracts some of the brilliance of the lantern, and the witch can see the bearer is a middle aged human male, a lieutenant by the insignia on his uniform, and from the garrison by the looks of his companions who are similarly garbed. "You want a cell in the castle do you? Out past curfew?" The lieutenant raises his lantern higher and stares down at the halfling, his right eye twitching nervously.
Lorth voices his intention to seek out the Crimson Fort while his companions old, and new agree to accompany him. Lincoln has left a candle burning, "to see you folks to your chambers," then with a yawn, the halfling had wished them "g'night." Andrath has the sensation that someone or something is trying to communicate with him. He senses a restlessness. As the elf tries to sleep, the nocturnal animal starts to explore the room.
(OOC: Who's sleeping where? Two rooms upstairs, and the cupboard-under-the-stairs for Miss Moon.)
Andrath Wednesday September 29th, 2004 11:47:16 PM
Andrath is in one of the two rooms for the night. As his eyes close, he feels the tiny mind try to communicate with him. He leans up on his elbows, and says, "Get over here, you." He holds out the scraps from dinner, hoping that the rodent will eat them and then tire for the night.
He tells the rat, "You need to stay in the room, and stay out of the other beds. It is not safe for you to venture out at night, with cats and other such rat-eating monsters out there. Besides, I can make sure that you are safe, and have enough to eat." He watches the rat for a little while, making sure that it doesn't leave the room. Once it settles, Andrath drifts off to sleep.
DM Bob & Carla (Supplemental) Thursday September 30th, 2004 7:55:08 AM
Andrath is in room #4 and between the party shares both room #4 and room #5. Please post which room you are retiring to. Harvest Moon is still ensconced in the small space beneath the stairs.
Lorth Thursday September 30th, 2004 7:56:02 AM
Lorth thanks all his companions, then says "Best we wait till Caerthon returns with the maps. If you need to return to Feorges then lets do so before we go, who knows how long we will be gone."
Lorth then makes his way to bed, the same room he slept in previous.
Bralin Thursday September 30th, 2004 8:53:53 AM
Dipping his head once in agreement with Lorth's assessment, Bralin accompanies the paladin to Room #5, and goes to sleep.
Harvest Thursday September 30th, 2004 10:43:17 AM
Harvest follows Bralin Stoneminder with her eyes as he departs leaving her question unanswered. She takes a breath and lets it out in a small sigh.
The lights are low, and the brown girl stifles a yawn with the back of her hand as the others head off to their rooms. She tips her head first one way then another, stretching the muscles on either side. She is reminded that she had not slept the night before, remaining up to watch Andrath Silverhand.
Harvest blinks at the sands of sleep. Then with a deeper breath followed by a deeper sigh, she heads off to the cupboard under the stairs for a night of rest.
Elerinn Thursday September 30th, 2004 3:32:37 PM
Elerinn wishes everyone a goodnight and checks if room #4 is still available. He will enter if it is. The gnome is glad that the Swords of Light has a new goal after arriving in this town and doesn't have any problems getting to sleep.
Alkali d20+4=20 Thursday September 30th, 2004 8:23:58 PM
Shocked by the guard, Alkali quickly tries his best imitation of a young human lad. "Sorry sir, its just that I had lost my bird and... oh here he his." Karee watching Alkali's back, comes foward and perches on his shoulder. "Good night to you sir. I will be going to my elders now." (Bluff 20)
DM Bob & Carla Thursday September 30th, 2004 11:28:49 PM
While Alkali investigates the shadows, the rest of the party makes ready for bed and one by one fall asleep. In room #4 beady little eyes stare unblinking at the elf as he admonishes his new companion to stay put. As soon as Andrath falls asleep the rat continues its explorations, poking its nose into every dark place, following every scent.
In front of the alley entrance, Alkali's pretense goes nowhere as the lieutenant sees through the ruse immediately. He brandishes a very sharp looking dagger and hisses at the the witch "You fool no one halfling! Take your bird and get inside before I have you hauled off to a dungeon or worse." The man's breath is bad and the dark shadow that covers the lower half of his face speaks to his need for a shave. As Alkali turns to leave he hears the lieutenant whisper an order to his companions "I'm going to the cooper's, make sure I'm not disturbed."
Andrath awakens early the next morning to find the rat curled up in the pocket of his pack. The smell of sausages and eggs wafts up the stairs and the stirrings of Magpie Crossing can be heard through the open window.
Alkali Friday October 1st, 2004 1:20:30 AM
Unable to sleep through the night, Alkali lies thikning about "the Cooper's". Upon sunlight, Alkali heads down the stairs towards breakfast.
Lorth Friday October 1st, 2004 9:33:13 AM
Lorth awakes and packs up his gear, as he is expecting to leave sometime today. He then heads down to the inn common room for breakfast. I will certainly miss these pies, he thinks to himself.
Elerinn Friday October 1st, 2004 1:39:24 PM
Elerinn quickly packs up his gear after he awakes and goes downstairs for some breakfast. As soon as he spots Alkali and Lorth, he wishes them a good morning. Looking at Lorth, he asks: "How long did you live here in Magpie Crossing, Lorth?"
Bralin Friday October 1st, 2004 2:50:35 PM
Bralin rises with the morning, and performs his customary devotions.
Once his morning ritual is complete, he joins his companions downstairs, and tears into breakfast.
Harvest Friday October 1st, 2004 3:42:20 PM
Harvest sits in the dark cupboard under the stairs. She turns the pendant over in her hands. The tortured whorls, twisted and shaped by the barren rocky soil, jump to sharp relief in the light from the magic torch. It had looked like an eye even before she had taken a knife to it. That's why she dug it out of the baked earth and brought it to show Praxis. He had smiled and brought his silver pendant out to compare the shapes.
"Well now. This shouldn't take much carving at all to look just right, Boo." And he had lent her his dagger.
It wasn't that the Clerical devotions were uninteresting. Well, no, in truth, a lot of them were. Still ...
Harvest kneels, the plain wooden pendant grasped in a small pale hand. And from the cozy confines of the small dark cupboard, Harvest Moon reaches out to the god.
Later, she emerges. Once again, she cautiously opens the angled door. The enticing smell of breakfast wraps her like a warm blanket.
"Good morning," she greets the table of people with which she has shared the past several days. He inclines her head at the halfling to whom she has not yet spoken. "We are leaving tomorrow?"
Andrath Friday October 1st, 2004 11:54:10 PM
Andrath wakes up, washes up, gets dressed, and tucks the rat inside his jerkin. He makes his way downstairs, like everyone else, attracted by the smell of breakfast cooking.
At the breakfast table, he says to the gathered party, "What do you all plan to do today? Lorth's friend won't be back until tonight sometime, so we have the day to kill. I plan to pick up the package for Feorges, revisit the furniture makers to make sure that the lady is alright, and look up a couple of my old comrades from the city guard. What about the rest of you?"
DM Bob & Carla Sunday October 3rd, 2004 5:46:00 PM
Another fine morning greets the members of the Swords of Light as they make their way down for breakfast. Hildy has prepared a buffet of eggs and sausages and a variety of breads as well as two steaming pies, one apple and the other a mixture of field berries.
Between mouthfuls the party deliberates on how to spend their day in anticipation of Caerthon's return.
Bralin Monday October 4th, 2004 3:39:12 PM
Bralin descends upon the fare as if starving, devouring eggs, sausage, bread, and pie with equal fervor.
In short syllables grunted reluctantly between bites, he lets it be known he'll be in his inn room unless otherwise needed.
Harvest Monday October 4th, 2004 4:35:59 PM
A dimpled crease appears between Harvest's brows as the dwarf chomp-smacks his intent to spend the day in his room. But, perhaps someone else was doing something of interest. Her dark eyes move from face to face. The ridged and taciturn paladin does not look a likely person to follow. Maybe the gnome ... Elerinn would propose something interesting. Or the mysterious halfling. Or, she could follow Andrath Silverhand as he pursued his list of errands. The city guard gives her pause. But the Law is better here, she reminds herself.
It's either that ... or read scrolls.
Her eyes go around the table again as Harvest waits for a the others to voice their intent. She also watches for the off hand chance that someone will leave a portion of their apple pie uneaten.
Elerinn Monday October 4th, 2004 5:48:50 PM
Elerinn silently eats his breakfast and wonders what to do today. When Andrath says he intends to visit the furniture shop today for a second time, the gnome says: "Allright, I'll accompany you to the store, I'd like to know what the lady's reaction was all about."
When Harvest looks at Elerinn, he shrugs, for he doesn't have any other suggestions himself.
Lorth Tuesday October 5th, 2004 9:13:15 AM
"I will wait here for Caerthon", Lorth states.
Alkali Tuesday October 5th, 2004 9:22:44 AM
Unable to concentrate on eating, Alkali listens to the other's talk about their plans for the day. Fidgiting side to side, he contimplates joining the others. All the other's activities, however, seem dull to Alkali as finding out what "the Cooper's" is. Was it a theif hideout? Storage for ancient artifacts? Or maybe just a lowly pub and bar. After finishing his food he asks the question he's been deliberating for hours somewhat lounder than intended. "Where is the Cooper's? And what is it?"
Harvest Tuesday October 5th, 2004 10:22:17 AM
"Coopers," Harvest repeats in a voice that is half answer to the halfling's question and half thoughts that have escaped, leaked from the silence of the mind, "they make barrels, don't they?"
Andrath Tuesday October 5th, 2004 12:36:34 PM
Andrath says, "Harvest Moon is right. It is a barrel-making shop in town." He goes on to give directions, based on his past knowledge of Magpie Crossing.
"Why do you ask?"
Alkali Tuesday October 5th, 2004 6:50:12 PM
Upon hearing its a barrel shop, Alkali looks slightly saddened. So much for the great mystery and yet... "I heard something about it being whispered to a police cop. Sounded like something big was happening. He then chased me away for ignoring this curfew. What a stupid rule. What happens if I need to go find flower or nocturnal animals? So paranoid."
DM Bob & Carla Tuesday October 5th, 2004 8:46:02 PM
Bralin and Lorth elect to spend the morning in solitary contemplation while Elerinn, Andrath, Alkali and Harvest Moon discuss where to go. Alkali mentions the Coopers and what he had overheard when accosted by the guard.
The rogue recalls that the cooperage backs onto the Magpie River on the north end of town and lies just behind the market. The barrels produced there are made of the finest wood and are used by many of the merchants in Magpie Crossing to ship goods by boat and cart to other parts of the continent.
The route to the cooper's will take the party past both Flett's Fine Furniture and Sarah's Potions & Salves should they choose to go there.
Harvest Tuesday October 5th, 2004 10:45:12 PM
Harvest tips her head to one side in thought. Her loose soft brown crest of hair flops to that side as well. Perhaps the law here was not so much better. Perhaps they were only more clever and sneakier.
"I would like to visit the Coopers today. What did you hear him say," she asks the halfling. For the first time there is a sense of animation, of curiosity, in her voice.
"What sort of big think was he talking about?"
Lorth Wednesday October 6th, 2004 7:32:29 AM
Lorth waits at the shadfly inn.
Bralin Wednesday October 6th, 2004 8:35:09 PM
At Alkali's comment, Bralin lingers a moment. Perhaps his comrades have need of him.
If they do not, he returns to the room he shares with Lorth, carefully unwraps the green statue, and continues his carving.
Andrath Wednesday October 6th, 2004 11:04:01 PM
The elf looks over at Alkali, and listens to what she has to say. "Alkali, I think that you should have woken a couple of us up, and let us know about this last night, while whatever was going on was underway. I could have snuck out and followed the 'cop', to see what was going on at the cooper's. Please, next time, don't keep things like that to yourself." Then he smiles to let her know that he is not upset with her, merely asking her help in the future.
As breakfast is ending, Andrath grabs some of the scraps of the table, and wraps them in a small bit of cloth. He says, "I am going upstairs to get ready to move, and them I am heading out to stop at the potion shop, the furniture shop, and to have a look at the cooper's. I would welcome anyone's company who wants to come along."
Then Andrath goes upstairs, and pulls the rat out of the front of his jerkin. He sets the rodent on the bed, and feeds him the scraps from breakfast, as he gathers his gear. He dons his armour and two swords, and dagger. He wraps his rope around his waist under the armour, and stocks his belt pouches with a couple of his potions, his lock picks, 100 gp, his pen and ink, and a piece of chalk. Lastly, he tucks the rat back in the front of his jerkin, thinking, "I sure hope that cloth gets here soon, so that I can make you a better pouch. He makes his way back downstairs and meets up with whomever plans to go with him, and heads for the potion shop.
Upon entering the shop, Andrath says, "Well met again, Lady Sarah. Do you have the items for Feorges ready for me?"
"Package for Mr. Silverhand" Thursday October 7th, 2004 12:40:52 AM
A stray dog in the alley behind the Shadfly Inn starts barking then goes quiet. Shortly afterwards a stout halfling in red knee breaches, and green and gold vest appears, a pack on his back. His hand to his ear he mumbles,"Shadfly Inn, Magpie Crossing, check!" Pushing his way into the inn, he is greeted by the proprietor, who asks his business. "Package from the Catacombs for Mr. Silverhand" is the halfling's response.
DM Bob & Carla Thursday October 7th, 2004 12:42:49 AM
Lorth retires to his room for solitary contemplation, while Andrath prepares to run errands. A curious Miss Moon appears ready to tag along after the rogue. Bralin is undecided.
"Back already?" sighs the proprietor of Sarah's Potions and Salves. "I told you I'd send someone 'round when I had the order assembled. It will be at least another 5 days." With a 'thud' a tabby cat leaps from atop a shelf onto the counter and heads for Andrath. Sarah continues, "one of those fellows from the League was here this morning, a friend of Feorge's. I gave him a letter to bring to the old coot. Your teacher will know not to expect you for a while yet."
Meanwhile, back at the inn, Lincoln invites the Catacombs delivery person to have a nice piece of Hildy's fieldberry pie while he waits for Andrath's return.
Elerinn Thursday October 7th, 2004 6:01:09 AM
Elerinn listens to everyone's plans and decides to go with the ones who will pay a visit to Flett's Furniture Store. He is pretty curious if the Flett's have something more to say about the 'dead' of their sons. The gnome knows Andrath will go the the store after visiting Sarah's Potions and Salves, so he decides to wait in front of Sarah's store.
Lorth Thursday October 7th, 2004 8:07:39 AM
Lorth waits in the common room of the inn, at a table.
Alkali Thursday October 7th, 2004 10:24:06 AM
Alkali once again resumes his curiosity after the other's seem to ask about the incident. "Something about 'I''m going to the cooper's. Make sure I'm not followed.' It was said in a really shifty voice also... either way I think I'll go check the place out. And don't worry, Karee here has my back."
Bralin Thursday October 7th, 2004 11:38:38 AM
Bralin makes eye contact with Andrath, and then glances over at Alkali.
The dwarf proceeds to accompany the witch on this investigation of the "Coopers", ensuring he has more substantial backup than a bird.
Harvest Thursday October 7th, 2004 12:01:20 PM
Harvest follows along after Andrath, moving out into the morning air. The halfling's recitation of last night's encounter certainly appeared to be a case of the law exerting it's usual influence. Perhaps the only difference between this place and home was that the law here worked at night. There were no swaggering enforcers on the street. And the other night the guard refused money. What an odd way to work.
The halfling presents an intriguing option by announcing the intention to 'check out' the cooper's alone. But, Harvest follows after Andrath anyway under the assumption that the more places visited the more interesting the trip.
At the potion store, the brown girl smiles at the entrance of the white cat. Kneeling in her oversized robes, she extends a hand to it and makes soft clucking noises.
[[ OoC: is Alkali male or female? ]]
Andrath Thursday October 7th, 2004 9:57:57 PM
Seeing the cat, Andrath tries to send a message to the rat, "Warning, stay inside my shirt." Then Andrath apologizes to Sarah, "I am sorry to bother you. I don't remember you being very clear as to how long it would take to get the items together. Thank you for sending the note to Feorges. I think that my friends and I are heading out of town for a few days, so why don't I stop in when I get back, assuming it is at least 5 days?"
When they leave the shop, Andrath says to Harvest Moon, "That cat can be really friendly, can't it? But cats and I don't see eye to eye, and me with a pet rat doesn't help."
Assuming that everything is OK with the potion vendor, Andrath nods to Elerinn, expecting him to join up, and continues on to Fletts' Furniture shop. He enters the store, and asks to see the owners, so that he can clear up the mistake with their children. "Lady Flett, when we were travelling in the Culverwood, we came across two adult half-elf bodies. The were in possession of a letter that introduced them as Lorinar and Gealan Flett, master carpenters from Jarlswolf. We are truly sorry that we have upset you with our heavy-handed approach earlier. I am very pleased that your real boys are fine. Do you have any idea why those half-elves would be carrying that letter? Has anything odd happened over the past few weeks?"
DM Bob & Carla Friday October 8th, 2004 12:21:12 AM
Sarah smiles benignly at Harvest Moon as she reaches out to pet the cat. The tabby crouches down, rubbing its head against the extended hand. When Andrath offers his opinion on cats, the animal looks at him with pale luminous eyes.
Andrath and Harvest find Elerinn waiting for them outside Flett's Fine Furniture and together they enter the shop and confront the family. Mrs. Flett blanches when Andrath talks about "bodies" and Mr. Flett comes to her defense. "Can't you see that you're disturbing my wife? We don't know anything about any bodies in the forest, and our sons most certainly are not dead! We have work to do, and have no wish to hear more of your strange stories!"
Along the river in the northern end of town, Alkali and his hawk, trailed by Bralin come across the cooperage. It is a two story wooden structure built close to the river. A dock of sorts juts out into the water. Stacked piles of casks and barrels of different sizes lean against the wall of the building, along with wooden planks, and metal bands. There is a great quantity of sawdust about the yard. The windows are dirty, and a lone door in the middle of one wall hangs ajar. It moves a little , emitting a soft creak, as the wind plays with it.
Lorth Friday October 8th, 2004 8:03:25 AM
Lorth waits.
Harvest d20+9=19 Friday October 8th, 2004 10:33:30 AM
The cat's fur is soft and warm against her hand. It brings an involuntary smile to the brown girl's face. The others turn to depart.
"Goodbye, White Cat," she says in a quiet voice pitched for the cat's ears alone. And then Harvest rises to follow.
"Yes, that cat was very friendly, Andrath Silverhand. Cats are good hunters. They keep a good camp. I'm sorry that you don't see eye to eye with them. Rats can be very smart. They must be, to escape the cats." It is not clear why the little brown girl offers these tidbits of animal trivia, but it is clear from the look on her face, that her motivations are both solicitous and sincere.
Harvest stands for a moment before the next shop and takes in the sign outside. Furniture. She steals a glance at Andrath Sliverhand. Curious. Inside the store, the mystery resolves itself, only, however, to be replaced by yet another.
Bodies found with the names of others? Can the dead ones have taken the names without every having been in the presence of the ones from whom the names were taken? The crest of brown hair bobs as Harvest nods in answer to her own internal question. Yes, but certainly not as likely.
Would these people not be curious as to why the names were used? And by whom? Her head nods yet again. Yes. But, even less likely.
From her place behind Andrath Sliverhand, the little brown girl watches the couple, the owners of this furniture store. With curious brown eyes, she watches them very carefully.
[[ Sense Motive Take 20. If can't Take 20 then Check of 19. ]]
Alkali d20+10=12 d20+9=24 Friday October 8th, 2004 11:06:05 AM
Glancing around for any signs of people, Alkali feels somewhat mystified by the place. "Wow, people here don't like to keep it clean. Must be no women here." Patting his familiar upon its head, Alkali gives Karee a set of instructions. "Find a perch here and watch for any movements, especially dangerous ones. Got it? No dozing allowed. Understand? Good." Alkali turns to Bralin and suggests, "Let's check this place out, unless you want to do something out here." With that the curious halfling looks around absorbing everything. Karee, meanwhile, stays alert watching and listening for all. (Karee's rolls: 12, Spot; 24, Listen) OOC: I'd like to be a guy, if that's fine with you.
Bralin d20+5=20 Friday October 8th, 2004 11:43:14 AM
This building appears deserted. Unusual.
Unusual is bad.
Bralin draws his axe. "We enter", he replies to Alkali.
Without further conversation or any hesitation, the dwarf tromps across the wooden planks, enters the threshold of the doorway, and plants himself just inside the building, looking about. [Spot 20]
Elerinn Friday October 8th, 2004 5:04:32 PM
When Elerinn listens to the customers irritated reaction once he, Harvest and Andrath have entered Flett's Furniture. He expected the same reply as yesterday and indeed the customer tells a similar story. The gnome remains quite, for he realizes the man won't give away any more information. Perhaps, he just doesn't know anything about the killings, like he says.
Andrath d20+7=22 d20+17=21 Saturday October 9th, 2004 8:37:59 PM
Andrath is very puzzled at the reaction from the Fletts. He certainly didn't mean to 'confront' them, only try to explain what happened a couple of days ago. He tries to see if the attitude from Mr. Flett is merely misplaced righteous indignation, or is the man trying to hide something? After all, maybe this family are the imposters? [OOC: Sense motive check 22, I think. Bob/Carla, I am at my mother's for the holidays, and I don't have a character sheet. I think Andrath's bonus for sense motive is +7, but please adjust if necessary.]
Regardless of the sense motive results, Andrath leaves the furniture shop, and makes his way, with Elerinn and Harvest Moon, towards the cooper's shop. Seeing the open door, and none of his friends in the area, Andrath draws his longsword and makes his way through the doorway into the shop. [OOC: Spot 21, I think.]
DM Bob & Carla d20+10=25 d20+10=11 d20+10=16 Sunday October 10th, 2004 8:05:42 PM
Bralin and Alkali enter through the door on the northeast corner of the cooperage. A set of wooden stairs rises immediately to their left, leading to a loft that covers the northern third of the facility. A large table with a saw blade protruding from its center is situated in the middle of the lower floor; an intricate arrangement of leather belts and pulleys connects the saw table to a series of belts on the ceiling. Three square tables are spaced across the southern end of the room with unfinished barrels upon them. Each table has a spool of metal banding and a large pot next to it. Two rows of large finished barrels are stacked in the northeast corner of the room near two large sliding doors that obviously lead to the outside. The floor is covered with saw dust, and the short ends of barrel staves. Alkali sees nothing, but Bralin believes he sees shadows against the wall behind the stacked barrels. Shafts of sunlight streak through the dusty windows of the upper floor revealing the dust that hangs in the air.
Andrath and Elerinn attempt to explain their earlier interaction with the Flett's but receive a curt response. The rogue and monk's attempt to discern the meaning behind the man's outburst are fruitless. The carpenter does not seem to be trying to mislead them, nor does he seem as angry or bitter as his words.
Alkali's familiar detects nothing, except Andrath, with Elerinn and Havest Moon trailing behind as they arrive at the cooper's. Andrath see's the hawk, but no trace of his friends.
(OOC: Sorry Greg, you can go into the building with your next move.)
Alkali d20+10=12 d20+9=20 Sunday October 10th, 2004 8:21:31 PM
Upon seeing nothing, Alkali ventures further inside. "Why would anyone call a barrel making place a cooperage? There are no coopers here..." Alkali coughs slightly as he inhales a bit of dust and stops a sneeze. Realizing that he can not see to well, Alkali whips out a sunrod and illuminates it. Karee acknowledges the companions' arrival and continues his watch, his vision distracted by watching the people below. (Spot: 12; Listen: 20)
Harvest d20+9=26 d20+8=12 d20+7=9 d20+8=26 Sunday October 10th, 2004 10:42:37 PM
Abrupt changes. From one mystery to the next. It isn't boring.
Harvest scratches her head. Looks like things are broken. Which doesn't look quite normal for this town. A light flares on inside. Even more curious.
Harvest reaches around to her haversack and comes back with a wooden stick gripped in her fist. On silent feet, she steps through the door, then to the right.
Bralin d20+4=14 Monday October 11th, 2004 10:12:08 AM
The situation feels wrong.
A slight creak on the floorboard behind him causes the dwarf's head to pivot around. [Listen 14] It is the girl....Harvest something...not important.
Bralin raises his axe and shoots Alkali a look, tyring to indicate silence, but the halfing(gnome?) is already talking and lighting sunrods.
Sieze the initiative
Without a word, the dwarf moves decisively to the other side of the barrels, to discover what is casting those shadows.
Elerinn Monday October 11th, 2004 12:44:51 PM
When Elerinn enters the cooper's right behind Harvest, he forgets the Flett's moody reaction and observes the place around him.
When the brave dwarf Bralin decides to go to the other side of the barrel to see who are casting the shadows, Elerinn follows close behind him.
Lorth Monday October 11th, 2004 1:48:26 PM
waits...
Andrath (AC20, 30/30 hp) Monday October 11th, 2004 11:02:27 PM
Andrath, with his sword drawn, moves through the doorway and into the large room. He looks around the room, seeing a number of his friends already here. He moves up to Alkali, and quietly asks, "What is going on here? Have you seen any sign of anyone?"
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