Andrath Tuesday April 19th, 2005 12:33:58 AM
Andrath eats in silence as the party meets the two newcomers, and discusses what to do next. "It seems like the businesses that were mentioned to us are all closed up and abandoned. I am hesitant to try to 'enter' before it gets dark, since it would be easier to spot us. However, it appears that there are very few people about, so maybe it is worth a look after all. While you wait here, Harvest and I may just take a quick look at the trading company. A building as large as that surely has a rear entrance that might be a little more sheltered."
"If we run into trouble, I will send my rat back to get you. So, if you see a little grey rat looking up at you from the ground, please pick him up, and get to the trading company as quickly as possible. And while we are gone, can you fill these two in with what we have discovered to the east?"
After finishing his chicken pie and one ale, Andrath leaves by the front door of the inn, and makes his way back to the Brightsong Trading Company, hopefully with Harvest in tow. When he gets to the warehouse, he will move around back as unobtrusively as possible, trying to find a rear entrance.
DM Bob & Carla d20+5=17 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 8:08:57 AM
After a quick meal and some discussion, Andrath reveals his plan to search the warehouse that was formerly owned by the now defunct Brightsong Trading Co. The rest of the group finishes their meal and gets aquainted with the two newcomers. Hildy and Lincoln keep the food and ale coming as well as providing the party members with their recollection of the dread wars, the terrible losses suffered, and the role played by Caerthon and his friends over the last 20 or so years.
With or without the monk in tow, Andrath makes his way back towards the lakefront. There is still plently of light but few if any notice their passage. The rogues instincts are right and a number of points of entry reveal themselves to his prying eyes. A side door, a broken window at the back, and a large set of sliding doors that open to the quay on Magpie Lake, all have potential.
A spot vs DC 17 will reveal Highlight to display spoiler: {a small street urchin huddled behind some timbers on the dock, carefully watching the rogue's every movement.}
Merryn Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:31:57 AM
"While we are awaiting the return of the others, why don't we have a look at those items we retrieved from the fort. I for one was quite interested in the spear we retrieved, though I admit, I am ignorant as to its exact nature. Is there any one of us that can identify these things? Or perhaps someone in town to do so for us?" Merryn says aloud to the group.
Feeling somewhat clearer in his head, Merryn awaits the response of the group.
Arminas Tuesday April 19th, 2005 10:03:44 AM
Arminas looks at the pile of items laying on the table, and rubs his head. Carefully he looks at each item.
So much magic, and we have no mage to identify them.
"I have no idea what these items do, but I'm fairly certain that if you stick someone with the coated dagger they would probably die. If you do it in the heart then I'm certain it will work."
Looking at the cloaks, Arminas carefully looks for pockets or hidden pouches.
"I do need a cloak, as Langston bled all over mine. Perhaps I will try out a grey one. Does anyone mind? I don't know what it does besides keep one warm. Besides, what's the worst that can happen?"
If no one objects, then Arminas will swing the cloak over his shoulders.
"I wonder if I can fly now."
Arminas jumps, and most certainly comes down again.
"I would really like to be able to fly like an eagle."
Arminas then gathers 30 arrows, and carefully coats them with an oil.
Ashalan Tuesday April 19th, 2005 10:35:59 AM
Not wanting to be the cause of distraction, for Ash understands that this band has much on their minds, yet eager to hear any news, Ashalan approaches Arminas, yet speaks loud enough for all to hear.
"Friend elf, please let me know if I intrude, but as Andrath suggested I would very much like to be filled in on what has transpired to the east, and of what this heralds of the coming evil."
"I have traveled from Rowena in the west, helping those where I could along the way, as is the Alemic way. In my travels I have heard rumors of evil eminating from the Dread, and as my master Brother Ly so wisely taught me, the most effective way to rid a garden of weeds is to concentrate on the roots. Thus I have been lead here, in the direction of the Dread, the "root" of evil in this land."
"And to answer your question as to what I "do", I am what is called a student of the Alemic Way of the Open Hand. We are shepherds of Alemi that believe that true enlightenment can only be achieved through reaching states of mental, physical, and spiritual perfection. I have trained my body and mind to be a paragon of what is healthy and pure, for this allows me to better uplift and protect those beings that are in need."
Harvest d20+9=15 d20+9=29 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 11:38:29 AM
Harvest Moon picks the mug of water up off the sill and drains it down. What remains of her wedge of pie, she scoops up off the plate and carries with her as she leaves the inn with Andrath Silverhand. Perhaps there will be some leftovers when they return. Maybe some bits of crust.
Nibbling at the edges of her piece of pie, the small monk contemplates the act of entering a building into which the owner apparently wishes entry barred. There would have been many times in the past that this might not have caused Harvest Moon even the smallest bit of consternation. But what would Praxis think of this? Would he consider the pact between the lawful protectors of the land and those who own this building to be void due to their actions against the land?
Harvest frowns. This is very much like studying the scrolls. The question is very difficult and the answers are not easily found.
"Andrath Silverhand?" she asks hesitantly. But is this the time for such debate? "No. I am sorry. Never mind, please."
Harvest sighs. Maybe the answer will come to her. Taking another nibble of pie, she turns her eyes and ears to the surroundings. It would be ... awkward to be found out. (Spot 15, Listen 29 Nat 20)
Villemus d20+6=13 d20+6=19 d20+6=21 d20+6=25 d20+6=22 d20+13=30 d20+13=32 d20+13=14 d20+13=18 d20+13=29 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 12:21:31 PM
Glancing longingly at the departing elf, Villemus shrugs mournfully at the missed adventure before turning back to the interesting tales of the Dread wars.
And when Arminas asked, "What is it that you do anyway?"
"Good question! I have no idea. Gargul haven't told me yet.", Villemus grinned before continuing again, "But I guess you are asking about my skills. Well, I have some skills in the wilderness and tracking of undeads, and despite my wild appearance, I am quite civilised and well-read. Although I admit I slept through most of the lessons. And lastly, I would like to introduce Bone!"
Villemus gave a bow as a skinny tattooed rat darted out from his hood and gave everyone an appraising look. "Yup, I am also a student of the arcane arts."
After a short pause, he added, "I know abit about decorative tattoos. Anyone wants a tattoo?"
As Merryn remarked about the treasures, Villemus beamed brightly again (although if I doubt anyone can see any difference in his dusky skin) and made his way towards the pile of treasures.
"As I was saying, I am a student of some learning, mayhap I can help you identify some of the yumpy vials over here?"
Villemus tries to identify the various vials if the party permit him.
OOC:
Craft(alchemy) to ID vials: #1 13 #2 19 #3 21 #4 25 #5 22
Spellcraft to ID vials: #1 30 #2 32 #3 14 #4 18 #5 29
Lorth Tuesday April 19th, 2005 12:54:28 PM
Lorth moves over to the rest of his companions. "Forgive me since I did not introduce myself ealier, I had other things on my mind. I am Lorth Jeredosta, Paladin of Gargul." He pauses a moment then continues... "We have just returned from the crimson fort, which we found inhabited by an army of orcs and other more foul creatures. We managed to get inside and rescue two prisoners while recovering my father's remains. By the time we started to leave we found that the orc army had departed, we beleive to these parts, to attack at some time in the near future."
At the mention of the magic items, Lorth says, "I will keep the sword that was my father's other than that, I wouldn't mind the chance to mull over anything else that no one has any need for."
Bralin Tuesday April 19th, 2005 4:58:30 PM Weapons.
Bralin lets a half grin escape his features.
"E'en though you keep your sire's blade, ye may help gauge the strength of these others," he tells Lorth. "Come, let us take up arms and armor in mock battle, that we may test their might."
Bralin will try out the shield and breastplate while Lorth comes at him with an assortment of weapons. The dwarf hopes that the two end up determining the relative power of each weapon and armor in comparison to the rest.
Plus, its a lot of fun.
Andrath d20+17=22 d20+6=16 Tuesday April 19th, 2005 11:54:09 PM
At the warehouse, Andrath catches a furtive movement out of the corner of his eye. [OOC: Spot roll of 22.] He leans over to Harvest and says, "Don't look now, but that young street kid is watching us very closely. I suggest that we try to nab him up and ask him a couple of questions."
"He is hiding on the dock, so he is probably trapped; if he tries to run, he will be looking at a dunking. I am going to try to talk nicely to him, offer him some money, and see if he will tell us why he is watching us so closely."
Leaving the side of the building, Andrath makes his way over to the dock, approaching the urchin. "Little one, I don't want to hurt you, but I need you to tell me why you are watching my friend and I as we do some harmless walking around town. Has someone hired you? If so, I will double whatever he paid, for you to tell us what you know. Otherwise, I will have to take you somewhere more private, and ask you the same questions, but without the pay. And believe me, I can be quite persuasive when I need to be. So, what will it be: money, or the ... other?"
If the child tries to escape, Andrath will try to grab him up. [OOC: grapple check of 16]
DM Bob & Carla d20+4=20 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 7:45:46 AM
"I watch lots of people and I see lots of things," answers the urchin to Andrath, a look of defiance on his thin face, "nobody tells me what to do, an' it's a free country!" Standing up in response to Andrath's threat, the child looks to be about 9 or 10, and at little over 3 feet, small for his age. He evades the rogues grasp with ease, dancing back a step or two [opposed grapple =20] "What'cher gonna do? Sneak in and spy?" he asks, trying to look around the elf, at Harvest trailing behind, a piece of pie in her hand.
Back at the Shadfly Inn, introductions continue, and Lorth gives a brief synopsis of the party's most recent mission. How an unusual number of businesses have turned over in the past 2 years, and some local farms have been bought out. The town guards have been disbanded, and instead soldiers from the garrison serve as the law in town. Smugglers were discovered hiding out at the cooper's, with barrels of weapons, likely stolen from the garrison at Strongwind Castle. How the Crimson Fort is once again occupied by evil forces. How they had met Caerthon, and rescued his two comrades who were held captive and tortured in the bowels of the fort by a dread mage and blackguard, and how undead were present at the fort.
The treasure is further investigated. Villemus spends some time examining and smelling the potions. The viscosity, color, and refraction of light through each of the vials provide the necessary clues. The half-drow decides that the vials contain potions of blur, haste, cure moderate wounds x2, and cure serious wounds.
If Lorth and Bralin spar, the dwarf soon realizes that the breastplate he wears provides significantly more protection than normal (+2). The shield, somewhat less so. Lorth's ancestral sword is truly a fine blade, well balanced and strong (+2). The other longswords are fine blades, but not of the quality of Kalith's.
Arminus looks quite handsome in the soft grey cloak, but despite his best efforts, fails to stay airborne. The cloak is very plain in appearance with a deep hood. There are no hidden pockets or ornamentation.
Lorth Wednesday April 20th, 2005 8:26:09 AM
Lorth continues to spar with Bralin, until the dwarf has had enough.
Harvest Wednesday April 20th, 2005 9:54:41 AM Alone in the streets. Impressions, less memories than feelings, awaken in a small corner of Harvest Moon's mind.
"Andrath Silverhand," she says, "I think this one is more clever you would give him credit for."
"Hello," she says to the boy, "my name is Boo. Boo Moon." The name comes unbidden to her lips from out of the same well of feeling that connects her to the boy. "Would you like some pie? It's from Hildy. At the Shadfly Inn. It's very good. I'm sorry that there isn't a whole piece. But there is a lot of good left in it. The crust is left. I like the crust. It's my favorite part."
"And, to answer your question, yes. We were going to sneak and spy. It is sometimes necessary when you are faced with danger. And I will tell you, this is a dangerous time. Perhaps, with what you have seen with your sharp eyes, you can help us."
Harvest glances around at the streets quiet and barren.
"It may be safer at the Inn. And we can have more chicken pie there. Would you like to come with us? Then you can tell us what you have seen with those sharp eyes of yours. Hildy may also have a place for you to stay. We all need a place to be."
"What is your name?"
Bralin Wednesday April 20th, 2005 10:26:04 AM
Bralin never has enough. But, finally, he decides perhaps he should examine the scrolls. Putting aside the breastplate (for now), he opens the case and removes the parchments.
Casting READ MAGIC, the dwarf carefully examines each. [ooc - Bralin's domain power (magic) allows him to use arcane scrolls as a level one wizard. So, he should be able to read arcane and divine.]
Merryn d20+6=18 Wednesday April 20th, 2005 10:38:53 AM
Merryn watches Lorth and Bralin spar, admiring the finesse of the fighters. Clearly these are both experts in hand to hand combat. While Merryn has rudimentary martial skills, he wishes he could have the kind of expertise those two have. Getting near them, Merryn shouts above the blows, "I don't suppose you could make room for a third? I could use some practice and I'd sure like to test out that ebony spear we picked up!"
Merryn waits for their approval and, if given, picks up the ebony spear, first examining it to determine whether or not it will harm him (spellcraft: 18), and joins in the fray.
OOC: Mike I know you are headed to the GG to id. the loot so Merryn will just hand the spear over to you whenever you head out to do that.
Arminas Wednesday April 20th, 2005 12:29:56 PM
Arminas looks a bit embarrased about his attempt to fly, and looks around to see if others were watching. Luckily, it seems that most are more interested in thumping on each other than what he was doing. As he watches them spar, he is impressed.
They are very good. Perhaps I should be nicer to them, I would never win a hand to hand fight. Of course, they are slow on their feet. I can always run away if I have to.
Coming out of his trance, he notices that the two newcomers are talking to him.
"What is that you say?"
"So, Ashalan is it? You say you have reached what I believe you call 'perfection'. I am much honored to meet you."
Looking at the other elf, he smiles: "Villemus, so you also have skills in tracking and wilderness survival. That is my area of study also. Yet you claim to also have had time to study the arcane? How have you done it. I find that there is not time enough in the day to practice the skills I have, let alone delve into the secrets of the arcane. Time also to learn the art of tatoos. Amazing. Oh, no thanks. Tatoos are not for me."
Looking about the inn, he adds:
"I wonder what is taking Andrath and Harvest so long?"
Ashalan Wednesday April 20th, 2005 2:34:04 PM
Not having the expertise necessary, either arcane or martial, to help in identifying the group's hard won spoils, Ash takes the time to contemplate his next course of action given the latest developments.
There is much threatening this peaceful land, with only a few brave souls to stand against it. Alemi has led me here, to meet this group of adventurers who have shown the courage to stand up against evil. Our destinies are entwined, I know we share the same righteous path. I will join them if they will have me.
At Arminas' suggestion that he has reached perfection Ashalan cannot help but grin.
"No friend, I have not reached the perfect state, thou that is my quest. One that I feel will consume my mortal days. Would I be to amiss in assuming your own desire to reach a state of perfect harmony with the forces of nature?"
Villemus Thursday April 21st, 2005 3:17:38 AM
After examining the vials, Villemus soon grew bored. So he sat in a corner and pretended to snore away. However, he quickly stood up when Arminas asked about Andrath and Harvest.
"I am bored. Should we go out and look for them?"
DM Bob & Carla Thursday April 21st, 2005 8:06:57 AM
"Boo?", the urchin replies. "That's a funny name you got lady." The small boy readily accepts the offering of food and devours it in an instant. His eyes further light up when Harvest mention's the possibility of a meal, at the Shadfly. "My name's Kiel" he wipes the crumbs from his lips as he speaks. "They're already gone, packed up their wagons and headed for the festival I guess." The urchin stands next to the monk, partly shielding himself from Andrath. "5 gold pieces" he blurts out. "I'll tell you all I know for 5 gold pieces".
Back at the Inn, Bralin and Lorth are winding down their sparring session when Merryn steps in with the dark handled shortspear. It feels perfectly balanced in his hand, and he manages to keep the dwarf quite busy defending himself from the joint efforts of Lorth and himself. It is clearly an enchanted spear but not sufficiently different in quality from his own (+1) shortspear.
After a suitable rest, Bralin examines the scrolls. Two spells have been inscribed on the first scroll; confusion and flaming sphere. The second scroll contains the spells haste and fireball.
Unaccustomed to waiting, some of the party grow restless and wonder about going in search of Andrath and Harvest Moon as the daylight begins to wane.
Lorth Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:00:13 AM
"Impatience is not a noble virtue, my friend Villemus. Andrath and Harvest have not been gone to long, we should do well to wait for them here as planned.", Lorth says, a smile on his face.
Harvest Thursday April 21st, 2005 11:14:09 AM
Harvest Moon smiles as she watches the boy devour the savory pie. So much so like another small child so long ago.
"'Boo' is the name my mother gave me," she explains, her eyes turning toward the position of the sun. "These days people call me 'Harvest'. That is the name I was given by my teacher."
Five gold pieces.
A light comes to the monks brown eyes, one part understanding, one part amusement, all suffused with a bitter-sweet nostalgia.
"Five gold pieces is a lot of money, Keil," she says, wandering a few paces back in the direction of the wedge shape of the Shadfly Inn. She turns and extends a hand, the fingers peeking from the oversized sleeve of her robe like small birds. "Come. At the very least I can promise you a full meal. And, who knows," Harvest Moon adds, "depending upon your needs, five gold pieces could become ten."
"But you must tell me why you have the need for five gold pieces. Money must be handled wisely or it can bring tragedy. That is something my teacher told me often, and I have found it to be so. It is also far better to gain the means to make more money in the future, than it is to grasp for money here and now. And, perhaps, there is something that can be done for that as well."
"Come," the brown crest of hair bobs against her forehead as she gestures with her head. "Let me introduce you to Lincoln and Hildy."
Ashalan Thursday April 21st, 2005 12:21:34 PM
Making his way to the stout dwarf Ash has a hard time concealing his admiration.
"Your prowess as a warrior is evident, yet you are a practitioner of the divine art as well? Friend Bralin I must say that I am impressed. Do you also have the ability to make use of these objects? I have discovered that I have some latent arcane ability, but have not yet begun to master these mystical powers. I feel a portion of my life's journey will be traveled down the path of the arcane, as such I desire to learn as much as I can."
Turning to Villemus as he expresses his desire for action, Ashalan reveals a grin at Lorth's consul to his traveling companion.
"You speak truly sir Lorth, however I am not yet convinced that my half-drow friend here is as concerned with noble virtues as you."
The smile fading from his face Ash continues,
"I assume that both Andrath and Harvest can take care of themselves and will not take any unnecessary risks. However would not it be wise to settle on a course of action in the eventuality that they do not return in a reasonable amount of time?"
Arminas Thursday April 21st, 2005 1:10:55 PM
As Ashalan moves toward the dwarf, Arminas answers his question:
"You use the word 'perfect' often. I do not think it exists. I desire harmony with nature it is true, but nature is not perfect, nor should it be. The secret is to understand and accept, then you will find beauty in all of nature, despite imperfections."
Arminas shrugs, he does not expect others to understand. Perhaps I'm a little like the paladins, holding to a creed that others find difficult to accept and understand.
He visibly shivers.
No, that cannot be.
Arminas finishes coating his arrows with the magic oil and places them carefully in his quiver. 30 arrows, 2 of them silver are ready for action. Now, if only the party was ready to move.
Villemus Thursday April 21st, 2005 2:30:07 PM
Villemus grinned, "Indeed, indeed. Although I would think impatience is not a virtue at all."
And with a half-hearted shrug, he continued, "Ashalan, my friend. In that, you are gravely wrong. Although I have no interest in attaining perfection, I do place a great value on the nobility of the heart. I just feel that imperfections of self doesn't make a good person any less good. What's that matter are the passion and the will to be good, the rest are but minor things."
And he turned towards Arminas and remarked, "Ah, an elf after my own heart. Harmony of the soul."
"I am a free spirit that brook no chains, even chains of perfection and good will. One day, I hope I will attain true freedom of my soul.", Villemus declared before sitting down again, rubbing a ring on his left thumb, lost in his thoughts.
OOC: When are the fireworks? It is gonna be morning and we haven't gone to the castle?
Bralin Thursday April 21st, 2005 4:55:25 PM
Bralin waves the scrolls at Ashalan and Merryn. "These spells are arcane," he states. "Haste, Fireball, Confusion, and Flaming Sphere. Yon spellbook is likely arcane as well. Can ye utilize such power?"
In reply to the elf's question, the black bearded dwarf shrugs. "I channel the magic of The Chamber. Divine, arcane, it matters not."
Bralin disappears for a short time. He returns from the Catacombs with a list of the items (see email). Setting down the chest, he tells the group, "Tis warded. I know not how to bypass the spell."
Merryn Thursday April 21st, 2005 9:01:51 PM
Thinking that Bralin's question is directed as him as well as Ashalan, Merryn responds, "I am only adept at channeling the forces of nature. The arcane, unfortunately, is beyond my reach."
Seeing the items, Merryn asks the group, "Would any of you object if I was to claim this leather armour (ooc: the +2 leather armour. :) )?." If no one does, Merryn dons it proudly, feeling more secure by the minute.
"Thank you for heading to the catacombs Bralin. Thanks also for that bit of sparring before. I do believe I've learned a thing or two from you and Lorth both."
LOG ON