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The Road


On the Road (DM JohnP) 
Thursday December 21st, 2006 9:15:05 AM
The party is settling into the rhythms of travel. While Conner ranges ahead, the others have settled into pairs while they walk. Edmund is prattling on about a future home while Kadaz thinks on other things. Arm walks beside Mira but the sorcerer seems to be lost in thought. Similarly, Thar silently muses about the significance of the beggar's words and the gesture pointed out by the silent Shadow.

Traffic on the road has thinned as they move farther from the City. While they are still passing some country estates on either side of the road, it's more common to see working farms. Every so often a smaller road branches off to lead deeper into the countryside. Despite Edmund's fears, this isn't too bad - no roving bands of surly peasants, at least, and the weather is still nice and sunny.

Ahead, Conner can see the first of the inns mentioned by Steve. From what Steve and Jack said, Tyrus might be prone to stopping every so often for refreshments. Perhaps they might learn something by talking to the servers there.

Between the party and the inn, the party can see the bent figure of a woman carrying what looks to be a heavy sack of goods. She's walking slowly and they will pass her before they reach the inn.

Shadow  d20=19
Thursday December 21st, 2006 10:51:24 AM
Shadow notices the gesture and recognizes it for what it is. (DC=19) He notes the man and will remember his face and may search him out when they return.

Once the group has left the gates and are not surrounded by strangers, Shadow says, "That old man is a follower of Eberyon, and I hope will not cause trouble." If asked how he knows he will say that he saw and recognized the sign of the Fae King.

As they are approaching the inn, Shadow sees the old woman and is reminded of his long lost mother. He approaches and says, "Can I help you along with that, at least to the inn?"

Mira  d20=16
Thursday December 21st, 2006 4:21:59 PM
Knowledge=16+ mods

Mira accepts the blessing and files the reference to 'the creator' away for future rumination. "We must make tracks, friends! The lost Mr. Tyrus has 4 days on us."

Mira will join in various discussions with her companions as they make their way along the road. She agrees with Edmund and Thar, that a larger place in the city would be nice, as well as some help to run it. "A cook and caretaker. Maybe a couple?" Mira indicates her preference would be to stay in the same quarter, however. "Once we figure out a design, we could put our group symbol on the door or gate."

"Maybe if we become co-sponsors of the orphanage with the Crimson Shields we could use the manor as a sort of country escape as well?" she adds.

As they walk side by side, Mira will explain to Arm how she is growing to enjoy the life of a mercenary adventurer mostly due to the opportunity to visit different places, but also because it enables her to help people in need through good deeds, and as recently demonstrated, through charity.



Thar ail Baerer 
Thursday December 21st, 2006 8:00:55 PM
Thar will watch Shadow and the old woman, and then smile when he sees his companions offer of help.

To the rest of the group, he says "Why would that man show us that sign? How are we different then others? Or was it just because we were friendly? With all of the unrest going on, I'm not real happy about that."

To Mira, he comments "Yes, I like the idea of the manor and sponsoring the orphanage. Charity often comes back and helps you in the most odd times."

He muses further on that, then says "Well, I do agree that we need to make up some time on Tyrus. We should check out the inn quickly and see if anyone has info. Anyone want to join me? Elves aren't the most welcome people in many country inns and if I have a strong arm backing me up, it may help get some diplomacy going. Ed and Kadaz, what do you think?"

Edmund 
Friday December 22nd, 2006 5:14:19 AM
Edmund nods in response to Thar's request. "I think I might be able to manage something, diplomatically-speaking. I'll just lay the charm on." smiling, Edmund pauses a moment before adding thoughtfully, "...though hopefully my own pointed ears won't count too much against me!" Still, being only half-elf has its advantages at times like these, what what?"

Edmund pulls the hood of his cloak a little forward, grinning at Thar, "Very possibly, they'll agree with anything, just to shut me up!"

Arm 
Friday December 22nd, 2006 5:42:03 AM
Arm nods to Mira, only half listening to her at the moment. When he hears Ed's statement, he groans inwardly at the thought of him trying to pry information from the locals, although the last part of his statement may very well be true.

Kadaz 
Friday December 22nd, 2006 6:40:29 AM
"Yes Ed, you're right" agrees Kadaz.

Conner 
Friday December 22nd, 2006 4:58:26 PM
Conner assists Shadow as he helps the old woman with her load. "Where are you headed?" he asks her. "We may be going as far as the old plantation that has been turned into an orphanage, do you know where that is?"

Another Traveller (DM JohnP) 
Friday December 22nd, 2006 9:30:01 PM
The party continues to debate the meaning of the gesture and words offered by the old beggar outside the City gate. Reference to Eberyon is unusual still but the Fey King's influence is growing since he awakened.

Thar is concerned about how the countryfolk will react to elves. Edmund volunteers to speak on Thar's behalf, suggesting that people might tell him what he asks about simply to get him to shut up. Kadaz and Arm think that his plan may very well work.

When the adventurers come up to the old woman, Shadow and Conner move to help the woman. She shies away from them, clutching the heavy sack and nearly toppling into the ditch.

"Away with you! The lot of you! I've got nothing for you lot with your swords and armor to take!"

The woman is clearly tired and having difficulty with her load, but she seems to believe that the party wants to rob her. Probably these countryfolk simply don't see adventurers very often. Helping her would be the kind thing to do but anyone who helps her would have to be persuasive. Now that they are closer, the party can see that the woman's wrinkled face is red from the cold and her hands are twisted with arthritis.

Edmund  d20+9=20
Friday December 22nd, 2006 11:02:37 PM
Edmund looks on for a few moments as the little old lady shouts, before he intercedes. (Diplomacy=20)

"Come now, we're not robbers," he says. "We are the Mithril Order, come lately to his place that we might look for a lost shipment, sent to an orphanage. You have nothing to fear from us."

Edmund does his best to calm her by speaking in a quiet voice, and by smiling gently.

Thar ail Baerer 
Saturday December 23rd, 2006 2:34:18 PM
Thar will watch Edmund interact with the lady and he'll add to the conversation by saying in a soothing voice "Madam, I am a priest and a healer. Do you have any illnesses or pains I could do for you? We simply wish to share our friendship and bless others, as we have ourselves been blessed. Please believe us, we mean you no harm"



Conner 
Sunday December 24th, 2006 9:29:11 AM
The fighter steps back to avoid further intimidating the old woman. He will still carry her belongings if others in teh group convince her that it is safe to do so.

Kadaz 
Sunday December 24th, 2006 11:40:32 AM
Kadaz steps back with Conner and looks around. He smiles at the scene of Edmund and Thar trying to convince the old woman to let them help her. "Looks like they've met someone they can't overawe."

Mira  d20+9=13
Sunday December 24th, 2006 4:52:01 PM
Mira steps forward, pushing back the hood of her cloak to reveal her face. "You have nothing to fear from us," she says, "we only a little help and company since we seem to be heading the same way."

Mira hopes the sight of another woman will allay the old woman's fears.

(Diplomacy=13)



The Woman (DM JohnP) 
Sunday December 24th, 2006 9:42:32 PM
Faced with the woman's apparent fear of the party, some members step back while others speak to her. The efforts of Edmund and Mira, the gestures of Thar and Conner and Kadaz moving to the back all serve to convince the elderly woman that the adventurers mean no harm.

The woman, who calls herself Margie, permits Edmund or Thar to shoulder her load and leans on Mira. As they walk slowly to the inn, the woman keeps up a near continual dialog about her arthritis, the "rheumatiz" in her back, and the aching bunions on her feet. Mira soon thinks that Margie appreciates a new listener as much as having someone carry her sack of purchases.

Eventually, the party and Margie reach the innyard. Margie knows the place and seems glad to reach it.

"I need to go inside to get warm. And you keeping on the road, or coming in too?"


Arm 
Tuesday December 26th, 2006 5:44:49 AM
Arm debates for a moment, then says, "Well, we're a bit behind schedule, but I think we can stop for a moment, right?". As he says this, he looks around at the rest to see if they agree.

Kadaz  d20-3=-2
Tuesday December 26th, 2006 8:28:43 AM
"We can check to see if anyone inside saw Tyrus" Kadaz observes. He smiles at Margie but that was a big mistake. Good thing his helm is on. (diplomacy -2)

Conner 
Tuesday December 26th, 2006 10:27:10 AM
The fighter lags slightly behind the old woman and awaits the more congenial in the group to inquire about Tyrus.

Thar ail Baerer  d20+9=26
Tuesday December 26th, 2006 11:02:11 AM
Thar will carry his part of the baggage and try to diagnose anything on the woman that he can help with (Heal Check = 26 ).

Otherwise, he'll go into the tavern, grab a seat and let the diplomatic types handle the conversation regarding Tyrus.

He'll sit next to Conner and discuss his new weapon finesse feat with him, especially how to best use his weapons in upcoming battles.

Shadow  d20+7=10
Tuesday December 26th, 2006 5:18:52 PM
Shadow is taken aback by the old woman's reaction, but recovers quickly. He sees the others helping and knows they will get the woman's load quickly to where she is headed.

In the tavern he will keep an eye open for anything strange while the others ask about Tyrus. (spot=10)

Mira 
Tuesday December 26th, 2006 5:47:05 PM
Mira follows those who lead towards the inn. "Let us take refreshment, and continue our journey afterwards," she suggests.

Edmund 
Tuesday December 26th, 2006 8:31:40 PM
Edmund listens patiently to the woman's comments about her various ailements, and offers the occasional suggestion or enlightening comment about this disorder or that. For example, Edmund says,

"I have heard tell that an amulet of good silver, washed in water from a pure stream in the light of the year's first new moon will, when worn 'round the neck, avail oneself of satisfaction in relation to the rheumatism."

Worthy advice!

Edmund is only too happy to take a break at the inn. "Tea's just the thing for rheumatism, too!" he says enthusiastically

Arm 
Wednesday December 27th, 2006 5:47:26 AM
Arm will see if the tavern has some sort of hot cider to drink. Otherwise, he will partake of some ale as he awaits events.

Arm 
Thursday December 28th, 2006 5:40:56 AM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz............

Shadow 
Thursday December 28th, 2006 8:26:35 AM
In the tavern he will order an ale because that would get the road dust out of his throat. He will continue to observe any people in the tavern while his companions ask questions about Tyrus.

Mira  d20+2=6
Thursday December 28th, 2006 9:24:49 AM
Crossing the threshold of the tavern, Mira peers at the occupants of the room in order to see if any resemble the description of Tyrus. (Spot=6)

Edmund 
Thursday December 28th, 2006 7:52:03 PM
For his part, Edmund immediately seeks out the nearest waitstaff and begins negotiations to obtain tea and a meat pie, if possible.

Kadaz  d20+1=4
Thursday December 28th, 2006 9:43:49 PM
Kadaz carefully dusts himself off before entering the tavern and wipes the mud off his boots. He bends down and tries to get the worst of the dirt off of Birdie. "Come on" he says to the dog. "We deserve a good drink." He enters the tavern with the others, looking around for anything that might be dangerous. Unfortuantely the change in light from outside to inside leaves him momentarily blind. (spot 4)

Arm 
Friday December 29th, 2006 5:45:01 AM
Arm sips at whatever is brought to him, and tries to make himself more comfortable in his chair while awaiting events. While he is waiting, he begins discussing tattoos with Mira, "What kind of tattoo do you think I should get, my dear?".

The 'Toad & Weasel' 
Friday December 29th, 2006 10:58:52 PM
The party looks up at the rather dubious sign hanging over the front of the inn. The sign appears to depict an ermine or stoat climbing over an enormously fat toad. Certainly nothing that looks in the least appetizing.

Margie hobbles over the door, walking tenderly on what Thar suspects are rather severe bunions. When she reaches the door Margie pushes it open and a gust of warm, fragrant air greets the adventurers. The scent is a mix of ale, cinnamon, baked apples, roasting meat and wood smoke. Quite appetizing, in fact.

When they step inside the dim room their eyes take several minutes to adjust after the brightness outside. No one seems to pay particular attention to them - this close to the City on a busy road, travellers are pretty common. Margie, though, seems to be a regular since she waves at a server and heads directly towards a booth close to the fire where she sits down heavily. She motions for Edmund and Thar to carry her belongings close to the booth. When they do, she beams a smile at both of them.

"Thank ye, in the Eberyon's name. Stay on the virtuous path today, unless you wish to stay."

Then Margie smiles at the server who has brought a mug of mulled cider to her table, turning away from Edmund and Thar.

The others have decided to sit at a table not too close to the door. The server takes their orders for hot cider, ale or whatever they desire. When the server returns, they listen to the description of Tyrus and nods.

"Yep, stopped in here a couple days back. Didn't say much, just had an ale and left."

Now that their eyes have adjusted, the inn looks like an inviting place on the inside. They notice that the barkeep is a tall, thin elf and when the kitchen door swings open they catch a glimpse of a short, wide dwarf directing the kitchen staff.

Mira 
Saturday December 30th, 2006 4:35:36 PM
"Which way did he go?" adds Mira when the server responds to their enquiries regarding the missing carter. "We mustn't tarry here overlong. Just long enough for refreshment," she advises her companions.

In a low voice, over the meal, Mira asks her companions, "what do you make of the influence of the fey king, Eberyon, on these people? It puzzles me greatly, for he wrought great damage upon the city, but out here, in the countryside, they invoke his name as if it were a blessing?"

Later, when Arm asks for her counsel, Mira gives the half-elf a shy smile, and then putting a hand to his ear whispers,Highlight to display spoiler: { "if you wish to weild your weapons with pupose, I would suggest Bull's Strength."} Casting her eyes down, she attends to her meal.

Thar ail Baerer 
Saturday December 30th, 2006 6:21:40 PM
Thar will place the woman's belongings where she points out and will then go to the parties table. He'll order a light meal and goat's milk, and then watch around the inn for anyone that looks suspicous.

After he notices the elf barkeep, he'll go up and say (in elven) "Hello, I am Thar, a traveling priest, and it is nice to see one of our race here amongst these humans and not being pelted with fruit or rotten vegetables (he says with a smile). How are you today? We are looking for a man that passed here a day or so ago. (Thar will then give a general description of the man to the bartender.)"



Kadaz 
Saturday December 30th, 2006 10:19:59 PM
Kadaz looks over the warm, inviting interior and takes a deep breath, inhaling as much of the appetizing scent as possible. Then he turns to leave. "We best be going. If that guy's in trouble any delay could be fatal."

Edmund 
Sunday December 31st, 2006 6:47:58 PM
Edmund hears Kadaz suggest that they leave quickly, and he turns, crestfallen, from the bar.

"No time for a bite to eat? Not even a little bit?" he asks, unable to mask his disappointment.

Kadaz 
Monday January 1st, 2007 12:53:33 PM
"Edmund, we're here to help others, not ourselves. Order something to go if you must." Kadaz is ready to go again; he's fine with his dried beef and nuts. "Maybe we can stop by here on the way back once we've solved this problem."

Conner  d20+4=24
Monday January 1st, 2007 8:54:43 PM
The fighter picks up a cured sausage and a half-loaf of bread for the road and is ready to accompany his friends. He assumes his normal position on one of the flanks of the group and prepares for another long walk. Conner maintains a steady vigilance as they walk, alert for any dangers [Spot=24; Nat 20]

Edmund 
Monday January 1st, 2007 9:47:53 PM
Sighing rather louadly, Edmund huffs a bit, obtains half of a loaf of bread himself, and immediately sets to picking at it, then following along, not without longing for warm rooms and hot meals.

Back on the Road (DM JohnP) 
Monday January 1st, 2007 11:03:57 PM
Despite the warm, inviting interior of the inn the party returns to the road. Kadaz's words about the missing man goad them into action. However, everyone takes the time to purchase some food for the road.

As she buys her food, Mira asks the server about Tyrus. The server shrugs as she explains that she didn't pay too much attention to where the carter went. Still, she does say that he was heading north towards the orphans' estate.

"North, I think. Not sure, it was kind of busy."

Thar goes over to the barkeep, asking about the carter as well. The tall elf keeps wiping down the bar as he speaks to Thar.

"Why would anyone bother me for being an elf? There's that foolishness in the City, but ... well, that's City folk for you. Out here, people judge you by what you do."

"The carter? Not sure, but he was complaining about how loaded down his cart was."

Everyone else gets their food for the road and steps back out into the cold, winter air. The directions provided by Steve are quite good and there is no difficulty with finding their way. As they walk, Mira wonders why so many folk out here in the country seem to be invoking Eberyon's name.



Shadow 
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 9:49:19 AM
Shadow finishes his ale as Thar and Mira ask about Tyrus. As the group gets some food for the road Shadow tries to make out anything that might indicate ties to the "Guild".

As the group starts down the road again, "I guess we keep going, and hoping that we will find that he has stopped at the next inn as well." Shadow muses to himself, but loud enough for others to hear.

Posting Records (ADM Scott) 
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 9:50:39 AM
Jerry,

JohnP (DM) said that he did not expect much posting over the holidays, so I did not do posting records for them (it was fairly sparce for all of us). Let me know if you would like them anyways.

Thar ail Baerer  d20+12=26
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 1:19:27 PM
Thar, seeing that his discussions are not going to be fruitful with the bartender, will thank him for his help. After finishing his meal, he'll step outside and continue w/ the group down the path.

He'll take a scouting position out front, looking for any potential issues that may come up.

Spot = 26

Edmund 
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 3:18:36 PM
Edmund cheers considerably when Shadow says the words "next inn". Munching at his bread happily as they travel along, he looks forward to the next warm stop on the road, remaining more or less quiet as they walk.

Kadaz 
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 4:06:10 PM
Kadaz walks along and has a thought. "Mira, do you think it might help if we ask people who are walking towards Plateau City if they passed Tyrus? Since they are coming from that direction they might have seen him."



Arm 
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 4:27:49 PM
Arm smiles broadly at Kadaz, saying "Very good idea, my friend.".

Conner 
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 7:02:46 PM
Conner continues the long trek, maintaining his position on the flank, and his vigilance. As before, he offers to help any of his companions with their loads. His years of military service did not enamour him with long marches, but they did build a level of endurance that continues to serve him well in his new life.

Mira 
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 9:08:54 PM
Mira pushes her glasses back, and thinks before answering Kadaz. "From what I can gather so far, it appears the carter passed this way, but didn't return. Also, he has about 4 days on us." The woman tries to remember how many days it took her and Arm to get to the orphanage last time they visited. they had brought a small cart as well.

Exiting her reverie, she adds, "Uh, yes, friend. We should ask any we find crossing our path, as well as any who live along the route."

The Thirsty Farmer (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday January 2nd, 2007 10:58:00 PM
Everyone leaves the inn, looking fondly on it's warm fire and good food. Shadow notices a subtle mark on the door indicating that the premises are "protected" by the Guild.

The country road is straight and well-graded, making the trip relatively easy. The few hills are not steep and the small streams are crossed by solid stone bridges. As the party travels they meet travellers heading towards the City and sometimes overtake slower groups heading in the same direction as them. As they meet these other travellers, the party asks Tyrus. They do get some responses from local folk who report seeing the carter travelling on the road four days before.

It's not long before they see another roadside inn ahead of them. This inn has a signpost showing a man drinking from a large flagon and the lettering "Thirsty Farmer". Edmund's hopes are almost, but not quite, dashed when the door opens and they see a mean, dark taproom. There is a smell of sour ale and stale food from inside. Everyone has to decide if they want to brave the interior of this inn. They do notice that most of the locals pass this place by and, when they ask about it, the locals mutter about "not worth stopping, might as well keep going to the Grey Owl".



Mira 
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 12:13:09 AM
Mira wrinkles her nose at the stale smell of the tavern and doesn't relish the idea of going inside. If the carter was way-layed though, wouldn't this be the kind of place to find information about brigands and such along the road?

Mira tries to find a discrete spot and gestures the Order over. "Shadow?" she asks the rogue, "you think you could...um...sort of check this place out? Listen in on a few conversations, and such? See what you might learn in an hour of less?" Turning to Arm, she adds, "a bard wouldn't be out of place in a tavern either. You figure you could recon the place?"

While Mira waits for answers, she adds, "the rest of us could find a spot a little down the road and wait for you."

Mira pauses for a moment, then addresses Edmund, "do you have a spell in that book of yours like that other wizard from the Shields group? You know, the one that lets folks whisper messages over a certain distance?"

Arm  d20+4=13 d20+13=30
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 5:48:24 AM
Arm wrinkles his nose in disgust at the smells coming from the Farmer, but acquieces to Mira's request, "Very well, my dear. Perhaps you and the rest should check out the Grey Owl that was spoken of, and we'll meet up there in an hour.". He then glances furtively about while waiting to see who else will enter the Farmer with him (spot=13, listen=30).

Kadaz 
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 6:00:03 AM
Kadaz looks at the inn with a certain amount of interest. "Arm, I recognize this type of inn from my time in the Guard. You may have to watch where you sit, and strain the grit from your ale before you drink, but you can learn a lot in these places. I'll go with you."

Shadow  d20+2=17 d20+2=18
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 9:56:22 AM
Shadow nods to Mira, "I do know how to fit in with the people that would frequent this place." He starts to move towards the tavern, but reaches down and grabs some handfuls of road dirt and starts to stain his cloak, face, hands and arms with the dirt. He even puts some in his hair to make it lighter and more unkempt. (Disguise=17)

Once inside he will move to the bar, "Ale!" he says overly loud and looks around the tavern. He will move over to an empty table, but one that is near any talkative customers. He will stay to himself and listen to the conversations. (Listen=18)

Thar ail Baerer 
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 11:35:16 AM
It only takes one look at the tavern for Thar to realize it is no place for a man of the cloth.

"I'll stay out here with Mira and Edmund, as I would definitely stand out there. My only purpose for going in there would to be to preach the gospel to them, and I don't think they are quite in the mood for that at this time" he says with a smile to his companions. "Good luck guys," he adds to Shadow, Arm and Conner.

Edmund 
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 3:03:03 PM
Edmund peeks inside and near-instantly steps back and shakes his head, though he says nothing. It is obvious he is more than a little disappointed, though.

When Mira asks about spells, Edmund thinks for a moment and nods.

"Oh, you mean Message, right? Yes, I've always known it, but I didn't actually take to studying it until recently--quite recently, in fact. So, you're in luck. I can cast it, if you'd like, though I can only target six people, so I'll have to leave someone out--actually, I'll just leave myself out. I was always out before, so I don't mind being out again!"

Edmund will cast the spell Message (PH 253) targetting Conner, Mira, Thar, Arm, Shadow, and Kadaz.

DM Sanity Info
Spells Cast: Message (Duration, 1 hour; range, 160ft; blocked by Silence, 1ft stone, 1in metal, 3ft wood, or a sheet of lead)

Spells Known:
L.0: Daze, Detect Magic, Message, Read Magic, Resistance
L.1: Charm Person, Colour Spray, Mage Armour, Obscuring Mist, Summon Monster I, True Strike
L.2: Daze Monster, Fog Cloud, Hypnotic Pattern, Summon Monster II, Web
L.3: Hold Person, Sleet Storm, Summon Monster III

Conner  d20-2=16
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 5:13:32 PM
Conner steps into the tavern and it's distinctive aroma and dim lighting bring a flood of memories of a score of similar taverns from across the peninsula.

The burly fighter makes his way to the bar and orders 4 tankards of ale. He places a single gold piece on the bar, "and one fer yerself" he grumbles at the barkeep.

After collecting the tankards and delivering them to Kadaz, Shadow, and Arm he will inquire about the carter. "Looking to find a man that might have come this way. Goes by the name Tyrus. He might have been by in the last three or 4 days, headed out to the orphanage. Seems to have gone missing and we've been sent to find him." Conner desxcribes the man and his cart and hopes for an answer.

[Gather Information =16]



Mira (illegal 2nd post) 
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 6:02:52 PM
"Excellent!" Mira grins when Edmund casts the spell. "Let's just find a spot to rest up a bit, and listen in on what the others learn. We mustn't go too far though, not beyond the range of the magic."

Whatever information those inside the tavern provide, Mira will make sure to share with Edmund.



In the 'Thirsty Farmer' (DM JohnP) 
Wednesday January 3rd, 2007 9:20:17 PM
After a whispered conference, the party splits up. Edmund makes the quick gestures to cast Message and then moves down the road with Mira and Thar. Like the sorcerer and cleric, the wizard doesn't really think that this ... establishment ... is suited for one of his temperment.

The spell allows Mira and Thar to hear what Arm, Conner, Kadaz and Shadow are saying inside the tavern. At first, they don't hear much more than orders for drinks. Moving a short way down the road, Thar keeps an eye out for traffic on the road.

Shadow took a moment to disguise himself before entering, then slid to a back corner. He called for ale but realized after a moment that there was no table service. A rather frightening-looking elderly halfling slides from a stool at the nearby table and approaches the rogue.

"I'll fetch your ale for ye, if'n ya want. If you'd rather than get it yerself. Mind you, I'm mighty thirsty me-self." The halfling then stands there expectantly, waiting for a response from Shadow. As he waits, Shadow can overhear the conversations between the mixed group of people at the table where the halfling came from. As near as Shadow can tell, the group is arguing about whether the past summer was the hottest one within memory or not. The conversation isn't helped by the inebriated and obnoxious elderly elf woman who is clearly much older than the others. Looking about the tavern, Shadow doesn't see any Guild markings but that's probably because this place would be beneath their notice.

Conner buys drinks at the bar for himself, Kadaz and Arm with another for the barkeeper. The human man's eyes open when he spots the glint of gold but he hurriedly moves to fill four flagons and make the coin disappear. When the three companions sip their ale they immediately realize that Conner paid far, far too much for it.

The barkeeper listens to Conner's questions and answers promptly. "Yep, remember him. Here three ... no, four ... days back. Said he was hauling a bunch of stuff out to a farm. Tyrus usually stopped in when he went by, said he liked the value of our ale. He headed off to this farm that you mentioned. If'n I see him, I'll pass the message along."

Arm, Conner & Kadaz - Sense Motive DC 10 - Highlight to display spoiler: {The man is speaking truthfully with no attempt to hide anything.}



Arm  d20=17 d20+4=8 d20+13=31
Thursday January 4th, 2007 5:45:45 AM
Confident that the barkeep tells the truth (sense motive=17), Arm sniffs briefly at the ale that Conner brings to the table, then pretends to drink some. When he is sure that no one is watching, he dumps the majority onto the floor under the table, certain that the smell will go totally unnoticed in this place. He then bides his time by listening for stray bits of conversation and also keeps an eye out for anyone that shows them undue notice (spot=8, listen=31).

Shadow 
Thursday January 4th, 2007 9:33:52 AM
"Blood and ashes." Shadow mumbles to himself, "Can't even seem to service in a place like this." he continues to mumble loud enough for the halfling to hear. "Well, need'n to stay off this bum hip of mine, so I reckon I can possible spring for an ale to you for getting us both some. How much be the ale here?" He asks the halfling, knowing that he will be quoted probably 3 or 4 times the real cost. Once the halfling tells Shadow, "Seems like thieving to me, but here ya go." he will grudginly give the halfling what it will cost and then wait for him to return. During the conversation Shadow will make sure he makes the sign of the Guild to see if the halfling recognizes it.

When the halfling returns Shadow will say, "Why don't you sit and you can tell me about this place. Might be wanting to stop here more regularly."

IF the halfling gives back the counter sign the conversation will take a different course, but if not then Shadow will pretend to drink the ale and see what the halfling has to say.

Kadaz  d20+1=21 d20+1=7
Thursday January 4th, 2007 10:18:40 AM
Kadaz listen intently to the barkeeper. "I believe him" he whispers to the others. (sense motive 21).

Kadaz carefully sips his beer while watching the others in the ale. The taste is so bad it makes his eyes water, spoiling his view. (spot 7)

Thar ail Baerer, Message 
Thursday January 4th, 2007 10:38:42 AM
Thar stays with his companions outside the establishment, taking the time to relax and pray.


Conner 
Thursday January 4th, 2007 5:16:55 PM
"Thanks" Conner nods his head at the barkeep. "I think we'll keep heading towards the farm and see if we come across him. Any trouble up there or have things been pretty quiet? "

Mira 
Thursday January 4th, 2007 10:17:59 PM
With bowed head, Mira concentrates on listening to what those inside the tavern say.

Edmund 
Thursday January 4th, 2007 11:49:15 PM
Edmund hovers near Mira, listening to what she relates to him from the Message spell.

Arm 
Friday January 5th, 2007 5:41:29 AM
Arm mutters under his breath, hoping that Mira will hear, "Nothing so far, other than he was here at some point.".

More Time in the 'Thirsty Farmer' (DM JohnP) 
Friday January 5th, 2007 8:45:37 AM
Apologies to everyone. I lost connection to the site twice last night while trying to do the DM post. So here goes, one more time.

Shadow tooses a couple silver coins across the table to the halfling who quickly scoops them up and totters over to the bar. The little fellow quickly returns with two flagons clutched in his palsied fists. The shaking is so bad that Shadow fears that he won't get a full measure of all. Of course, his companions would tell him that he wouldn't be missing much. Even the halfling makes a sour face when he first sips the flagon.

The halfling either doesn't notice or recognize the Guild recognition signal. Shadow feels that the elderly halfling didn't recognize the gesture, though. The halfling does respond to Shadow's questions, though.

"The Thirsty Farmer? Why'd you want to come back here? Me and the others, we come here because we can't get better. We'd walk to the Toad and Weasel or the Grey Owl, if'n we could."

Over at the bar, Arm and Kadaz don't hear anything from the occupants of the tavern besides what seems to be an endless argument over last summer's weather. When Conner asks about the road, the barkeeper shrugs.

"Nothing much going on around here. Certainly no trouble on the road. It's Midwinter and folks farther from the City don't like to be out much. 'Specially after dark. That's a superstition some of the country folk have, that's all."

Edmund, Mira and Thar have been waiting patiently out on the road. The fragments of conversation relayed by Edmund's spell aren't very entertaining. And the traffic on the road seems to be easing as time moves into early afternoon.

It's becoming apparent that the only reason that Tyrus stopped here was the cheap ale. Certainly not for any other reason. From the directions from Steve, the orphans' estate is not too many hours away and there's one more inn, the Grey Owl, along the way. That inn certainly has a better reputation than the place they're currently at. Of course, they could linger here if they wanted.

Thar ail Baerer, Message 
Friday January 5th, 2007 10:06:19 AM
Sitting and listening to the group speak, Thar says via the message spell "Well, this doesn't sound like much that will help us and I'd say we should get moving. With only one more inn before the estate, we could have more luck there."

He gets up and brushes the dust off his shirt, and readies himself for the upcoming travel. He waits patiently though for his companions to decide when to depart.

Edmund 
Friday January 5th, 2007 12:02:41 PM
Edmund manages to find a log, possibly intended for the hearth, and uses it as an impromptu seat as the stultifyingly dull conversation is occasionally relayed to him by Mira.

"Yawn-tastic," is Edmund's sole comment on the situation.

Kadaz 
Friday January 5th, 2007 5:34:11 PM
Kadaz makes it through about a third of his ale before giving up on it. Through the message he sends to the outside group "I wonder what the country superstition is. Maybe there's a kernel of truth in what they think."

Mira (Message) 
Friday January 5th, 2007 7:06:35 PM
Mira draws her voluminous cloak closer to her frame in order to stay warm. "The orphans' estate is not too many hours away and there's one more inn, the Grey Owl, along the way," she repeats. "We could, perhaps, stay there, as it has better reputation than this place." The woman hooks a thumb over her shoulder at the decripit Thirsty Farmer.

"Tyrus never made it to the orphanage, right?" she says, seeking validation from Edmund and Thar before continuing. "Whatever happened to him likely happened between here and the orphanage." In her mind, she adds four days ago. The sorcerer wonders how cold the trail has grown in those days...

"Time to move on," she whispers to those inside the tavern, using the Message spell.

On the Roady (Yet) Again (DM JohnP) 
Sunday January 7th, 2007 3:12:50 PM
The party collects itself, those inside managing to extricate from whatever exciting conversations they were having with the locals. So far, country life doesn't seem too exciting to Edmund. Or most of the others, either.

Walking again feels good after the stifling air inside the 'Thirsty Farmer'. And it's a good way of warming up again. As the party keeps walking through the countryside, they see only farms to either side of the road. Some, of course, look larger and more prosperous than others but that is only to be expected. Some of the larger farms look almost like estates, with large houses and barns and surrounding buildings. In the middle distance woodlots and patches of thicker forest can be seen. In most places the road is bordered by tall, thick elm and maple trees that would provide shade during the summer months. Traffic on the road has thinned a bit, with only occasional coaches and riders passing them and the party overtakes some slower wagons and carts. No one that they ask has any significant information about Tyrus, his pony or his cart.

After another two hours or so of walking, the party sees a large building close by the road. As they approach, the sign showing a large grey owl becomes visible. This place seems to be the centre of activity since they can see a coach pulling into what must be a large courtyard. The party can also see a half dozen riders on tall horses surrounded by a pack of hounds entering the building from the opposite direction.

Once they reach the building, they can see that this is the 'Grey Owl' inn, a far larger place than any inn or tavern than they have stopped in so far. There is a central courtyard bounded by high stone walls, a large stables and a three story main building. Inside the courtyyard the party can see several coaches, wagons, and horses hitched to rails and posts and there is still room for more. As well, across the inn yard they can see the pack of hounds dancing around a stack of hay or straw. Looking closer, the party can see that the dogs have cornered a large grey cat that is hissing fiercely and swatting at any dog that gets too close. Still, given the number of dogs, it is only a matter of time before the dogs manage to catch the cat. Right now there are no people visible in the courtyard to either rescue the cat or drive the hounds off.



Edmund 
Sunday January 7th, 2007 9:04:15 PM
Edmund spies the cat and the dogs and gives a yelp. Having had little chance to ever really mention his pets, he has never mentioned how fond he is of cats and how much he detests dogs.

Edmund swiftly charges to the rescue, pulling his Rod out and waving it over his head menacingly. It doesn't look like the Rod is really the sort of thing which would do any damage, but Edmund's purpose is to scare the dogs off and he doubts they are smart enough to realise the Rod isn't a weapon.

Thus Edmund storms into the dogs, yelling and making an enormous racket in the hope of frightening the dogs away without having to call down some sort of magic upon them to extricate the poor cat from its circumstance.

"Back you! Back, I say! BACK!" he shouts at the dogs in a voice meant to cow them. "Don't make me Daze you, you blighters! GET BACK!"

Mira 
Sunday January 7th, 2007 11:09:01 PM
Maving a preference for cats herself, Mira is glad when Edmund charges to the feline's rescue. The sorcerer selects a harmless scroll from her case, as back up, should the wizard's antics prove insufficient.


Shadow 
Sunday January 7th, 2007 11:55:49 PM
Shadow toasts with the halfling, but pretends to drink and instead spills the contents of the mug on the floor in front of him. He tries to have some small talk with the halfling as he listens to the other conversations. He realizes nothing is going to come of this, so as soon as he can he extracts himself from the tavern.

Once on the road he cleans himself up as best he can, once again taking on the appearance of a upright traveler. "Well there sure are enough places to stop along the road." Shadow says as the party approaches the Gray Owl.

"Another stop?" he looks at the group, and then heads in with those that choose to enter.

Kadaz  d20+7=13
Monday January 8th, 2007 5:48:34 AM
In armor from head to toe Kadaz is probably best suited to entering a pack of dogs. While the others get in front of the cat, Kadaz approaches the dogs and tries to calm them.

"Sit" he says firmly but calmly. (handle animal 13)

Arm 
Monday January 8th, 2007 5:52:57 AM
Glad to be free of the dingy inn, Arm smiles when he sees the Grey Owl, thinking it a far better place to be. Seeing the dog vs. cat melee, he approaches the dogs as well with his sword drawn, not meaning to harm any of them...unless they turn on him, of course.

After that business is cleared up, he straightens his clothes, and enters the Owl with the rest.

Thar ail Baerer  d20+4=22
Monday January 8th, 2007 10:31:06 AM
Thar will watch the antics of the animals, as well as his companions entering the cat vs. hounds "smackdown".

After a moment, he'll attempt to use his wild empathy abilities and Knowledge of Nature to help stop the situation and avoid the hounds from eating the cat or biting any of his companions.

Even though there are several dogs, he'll try to find the alpha male and influence it to stop the fighting.

"A ranger can improve the attitude of an animal. This ability functions just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The ranger rolls 1d20 and adds his ranger level and his Charisma modifier to determine the wild empathy check result. The typical domestic animal has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild animals are usually unfriendly.

To use wild empathy, the ranger and the animal must be able to study each other, which means that they must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time."

Wild Empathy Check = 22


Posting (ADM Scott) 
Monday January 8th, 2007 1:20:53 PM
Plateau City
DM John: XXXXX
Kadaz: XXXXX
Arm: OXXXX
Ash: OOOOO
Shadow: OXXXX
Edmund: XXXXX
Mira: XXXXX
Connor: XXXXO
Thar: XXXXX
Overall: 82.22% effective

ed. DM JohnP - Ash is on walkabout, so not figured into posting stats. That changes the effective to 92.5%


Shadow 
Monday January 8th, 2007 1:23:16 PM
Not having any experience at all with animals, Shadow hangs back and lets the others try and deal with this situation. He will assist his companions if the dogs turn to attack them, but otherwise he will wait to see what happens.

Conner 
Monday January 8th, 2007 5:02:36 PM
Conner approaches the Grey Owl Inn with some apprehension. It is the kind of place normally occupied by those of higher station than himself. "Careful where you tread" he calls out to his companions, "lest some noble set the dogs on you rather than on those cats!"

The fighter has no love for cats or dogs. They are simply animals, no different than a pack mule or a horse. Cats are meant for rats, and dogs for fetching.

The 'Grey Owl' Courtyard (DM JohnP) 
Monday January 8th, 2007 10:20:07 PM
The pack of hounds is leaping and barking as they try to get at the big grey cat atop the haystack. Seeing that it is only a matter of time before the dogs manage to grab the cat and probably tear it to pieces, several of the party wade in to try to drive the animals off.

Edmund is the first to charge in, followed by Kadaz, Arm and Thar. Each approaches the matter slightly differently - Edmund tries to scare the dogs away, while Arm simply tries to get between them and the cat. Kadaz and Thar both try to calm or command the hounds.

As they are doing this, Mira stands ready to assist her companions with a scroll. Shadow is ready to protect his companions while Conner has other things on his mind.

Between them, the four adventurers manage to drive the pack of hounds back a little from the stack of hay. The cat takes the opportunity to leap up onto the wall, scrambling up and over it. Leaving the four adventurers facing a pack of hounds that has been denied their sport.

It's at this point that Conner and Shadow see a group of identically dressed men and women rush out of the inn's common room towards their companions. The group is dressed in red jackets, tight riding pants and funny little hats ... and they're all angry. One of them, a tall male half-elf bellows at their four companions who are clearly threatening the hounds.

"You there! Put down that stick right now! Leave our hounds alone or we'll have to knock some sense into you!"

Behind him, the other riders ... since Conner has recognized the group who entered the inn just before them ... stand close behind him. Each clutches a riding crop but the handles of daggers can be seen on every belt.

Arm  d20=17
Tuesday January 9th, 2007 5:49:35 AM
Not loosening his grip on his sword, Arm says, "Your 'hounds' had cornered a feline, something that many of us are fond of. We simply sought to give it a chance to get away. Are you that careless with your pets that they must fend for themselves for food?" (intimidate=17).

Shadow 
Tuesday January 9th, 2007 9:51:33 AM
Shadow rolls his eyes as Arm reacts to the angry group that has exited the inn. He however prepares for the worst. Slowly, as to not draw attention, he will remove his bow and get an arrow ready just in case this can not be handled with words. Hopefully it can be dealt with in a civilized manner, but not sure with the group somewhat irate about their animals.

Thar ail Baerer 
Tuesday January 9th, 2007 9:53:04 AM
Under his breath, Thar says "Um, Ed.... uh, this may be time for your diplomacy skills, as I don't want to get into a fight to early. Think you could help calm things down?"

Thar will then continue talking gently to the hounds and acts like he is impressed with them. He says to the half-elf "What fine creatures you have here. I am interesting in all animals and as a ranger, I appreciate all beautiful animals."

Edmund  d20+9=22
Tuesday January 9th, 2007 3:51:05 PM
Edmund is already angry, and when the hunters arrive and begin shouting at him and the group, his mood does not improve. As he turns around, he has half a mind to say something very nasty to them, and more than half a mind to cast something nasty upon them, but when Thar speaks, Edmund remembers there are more important things at stake.

Adopting an air of the most polite sort, Edmund bows genteely. "Edmund Greenleaf of the Mithril Order, at your service," he begins. "These are my associates--we mean your handsome dogs no harm, and, as you see, in point of fact they have come to none. They were attacking some other poor animal belonging, no doubt, to the proprietor of this worthy establishment, a situation which would have made your welcome here most tenuous. Rather than discommode you by failing to act, we decided to preserve the peace of the inn, and your dignity, through swift intervention. Surely, this cannot be a matter for anger, so, as gentlemen, let us set aside this misunderstanding." (Diplomacy=22)

Continuing to smile, Edmund adds, "Come, let us repair within--I should like to hear of your fortune at the hunt, for with dogs as determined as these, your successes must be numerous!"

Kadaz 
Tuesday January 9th, 2007 4:59:02 PM
Kadaz keeps his hands in a non-threatening position as he listens to Edmund talk. Fighting with the local nobility is a sure way to make a quick trip to the jail. And this far out in the country he's sure the local jail will be small, dirty, and full of vermin.



Conner  d20-2=14
Tuesday January 9th, 2007 9:14:53 PM
Sensing that a show of force might be required, Conner quietly steps forward and takes up a position behind Edmund. He says nothing, and folds his arms, one over the other, to display his heavily muscled arms. His longsword hangs obviously from his side. [Bluff=14].

If any of the nobles notice the tattoo on his forehead darken and intensify, it is unlikely that they would recognize the significance.

Conner hold his ground and his tongue, and awaits their response to Edmund's efforts to ease the situation.

Mira  d20+9=27
Tuesday January 9th, 2007 9:54:47 PM
Mira smiles brightly at the assembled group as she studies them through the lenses of small, round spectacles. "My esteemed friend is entirely correct," she adds to Edmund's introduction. "We are but passing through in order to reach the orphanage further along. We have been charged by the "Crimson Shield's" of Floating City to check on them from time to time." (Diplomacy/Aid Another=27)

Mira thinks it better not to reveal too much of their true quest.

In the Courtyard (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday January 9th, 2007 10:19:55 PM
The group of riders stands behind their leader, clearly ready to back him up for whatever comes. Looking at them more closely, the riders are all young and well-dressed. Clearly from a different class of folks than Shadow was talking with in the 'Thirsty Farmer'.

Between them, Edmund and Mira manage to calm the riders enough to allow some explanations. The leader chuckles when he hears about the dogs attacking the cat.

"Heh! Couldn't scare up a fox for the life of them, so they decided to sport with a cat. Good thing you stopped them, old Nell wouldn't like it if it were one of hers. Jem, get the dogs under control, please."

"Back inside, ladies and gents, the cider is getting cold!"

A older human man comes from behind the group of riders, clutching a bundle of leashes and leads in his fists. Even though is dressed more plainly than the other riders, he seems more competent. The man, clearly the Jem that the leader called, walks to the pack of dogs after whistling at them. Jem pushes through the pack ss the dogs quiet and crowd around him until he reaches an older female dog. He reaches down and clips a lead onto her collar. Then he starts leashing the other dogs before walking away with them. As he does, he speaks over his shoulder to Conner and the others.

"If'n you see Nell, don't tell her about the cat, please. She'd bar me for a month, she would."

So, clearly this 'Nell' is widely respected hereabouts. When the door to the inn opened, the party could smell fresh bread, roasted meat and pies and hear singing from inside.

Edmund 
Wednesday January 10th, 2007 2:19:19 AM
Once the hunting party heads back inside, Edmund heaves a sigh of relief, turning towards Mira and raising his eyebrows meaningfully. "Good heavens," he says, slipping his Rod into the little hoop on his belt.

Glancing inside the inn, Edmund manages a smile. "Now this is more like it! Warm cheer and good food! Do say we're stopping for the day! I could do with a rest, we've been walking for ages!"

Without waiting for a response, Edmund hurries inside and seeks out a waiter for to order some tea and pie, and to obtain a warm table for himself and his friends.

Arm 
Wednesday January 10th, 2007 5:45:02 AM
Arm smiles to himself as he sheathes his sword and enters the inn with the rest, "This 'Nell' could become useful should these pompous fools cause us any trouble," he thinks.

Kadaz  d20+1=19
Wednesday January 10th, 2007 6:28:00 AM
Kadaz watches Jem closely, trying to learn something about how to better handle dogs. "We won't say a word, Master Jem" he promises. (spot 19)

Shadow 
Wednesday January 10th, 2007 10:21:57 AM
Shadow relaxes a hair, but waits until the group re-enters the inn before he puts his arrow back. 'All over a cat, could have been a disaster.' Shadow mutters to himself as they move to the inn.

Inside he breathes in the great smells and is already relaxing, as much as the high strung thief can. "Yes, much better than the last place I was in." He says to no one in particular.

Mira 
Wednesday January 10th, 2007 4:40:45 PM
Before following her companions into the tavern, Mira approaches Jem. "Sir," she says quietly in a respectful voice, "as I said earlier, we are passing through in order to reach the orphanage further along. What I haven't mentioned, is that we are also seeking one who was on his way there, and never arrived." Waving a hand vaguely at the countryside around them, she adds, "he seems to have...got lost...somewhere around here."

The woman will describe the carter, and his cart, and the goods he was carrying, as best she can from the information they had recieved from the merchant who knew him. "While you and your companions have been moving about the countryside, have you seen anything...untoward?"

Thar ail Baerer 
Wednesday January 10th, 2007 9:31:13 PM
Walking into the inn with Ed and when he walks next to Mira (b/f she talks to the man), Thar says softly "Great job and thanks for the smooth talking. You saved us a heap load of trouble and in fact, may have gained us some positive marks with them."

He'll then follow the group into the tavern, relaxing and enjoying the atmostphere.

The 'Grey Owl' (DM JohnP) 
Wednesday January 10th, 2007 10:52:11 PM
Mira and Kadaz speak to the dog-handler before he moves off. He nods in appreciation of Kadaz's words and nods when Mira speaks. He keeps on leashing dogs, so he doesn't look at the sorcerer as he speaks.

"I recall seeing a carter like that, older with a gray pony. He was heading out towards that orphan place that you mention. 'Untoward', what do you mean by that? You don't believe in that Frost Ginny story, do you?"

The dogs are tugging on the leads and threatening to become snarled together. He shouts his last comments as he drags, or is dragged, the dogs out of the courtyard.

As the party moves towards the inn, Thar mutters his congratulations to Edmund for the smooth talking.

The doorawy to the inn is clean and a boot cleaner is prominent beside it, obviously intended for visitors to the inn. Once inside the door, the good food and cheer of the house is evident in the smiling faces and loud voices of the occupants. Edmund has to look for a moment before he sees a table with enough space for his companions. Fortunately, the group of riders seem to be moving to a private room beyond the main room for the celebrations after an invigorating ride through the countryside in pursuit of a fox that never showed itself.

Everyone squeezes in to the table, the people nearby not complaining if they are jostled. A young dwarf carrying an improbably large tub of dishes hears Edmund's order and calls to a halfling woman who approaches the table.

"Pie? We've got three kinds of meat - rabbit, chicken or kidney - and five kinds of fruit - apple, mince, squash, cherry and peach. Unless they're gone. Cook might have made something to replace, though."

"Tea? Big pot and seven mugs, or do your friends want something else? Want a special flavour, or the house tea. It's quite good, really."

The halfling woman stands there patiently while Edmund decides. The party can see other servers and staff moving around the common room, including a big half-orc moving a wine cask behind the bar. All the staff and patrons seem to be enjoying themselves, especially those close to the fire where a huge beef joint turns on a spit. No servant is nearby to turn it, so it must be some kind of magical or mechanical device.

Arm 
Thursday January 11th, 2007 5:55:25 AM
Arm looks up at the waitress and says, "If you please, I think I'll have a flagon of hot cider, if you have any available.".

Conner 
Thursday January 11th, 2007 7:45:18 AM
"Tea?" Conner looks quizzically at Edmund. "No...I think I'll have an ale...more restorative if you know what I mean".

The burly human takes a place at the table and waits for the meal to be served. "What's a Frost Ginny?, he asks the more knowledgable of his companions.

Kadaz  d20+1=4
Thursday January 11th, 2007 8:34:35 AM
Kadaz enters the inn and takes his place at the table with the others. "Ale, Miss" he asks the server "with some meat pie. The kind you think is the best, if you please."

He looks around the room, trying to be aware of who else is in it and who might be helpful or a threat. He does a rather poor job of staying alert, however. (spot 3)

Shadow  d20+2=19
Thursday January 11th, 2007 9:38:13 AM
Squeezing to the table, Shadow will take a seat, and when the halfling starts taking orders, "I will also pass on the tea and would like ale and a chicken pie." Shadow's mouth is already watering from the pleasant smells. He will try and listen into any conversations that are taking place near the group. (Listen=19)

Edmund 
Thursday January 11th, 2007 7:57:01 PM
Edmund nods as the other members of the Order make their own requests for dinner, and then Edmund chimes in with his desired meal.

"A pot of tea and one cup, if you please, and I suppose I'll try the house tea--might as well live dangerously, what what? As for the pie, how about some Kidney and some Apple? Separate plates, if possible? That's it for me, I think. Thank you!"

Edmund hurls himself into a chair with an enormous clattering and creaking. "Good heavens, I can hardly wait!" he declares to the others. "I'm famished!"

News of Frost Ginny (DM JohnP) 
Thursday January 11th, 2007 11:28:43 PM
The server takes everyone's orders, nodding as fast as they speak. She isn't taking notes but she seems to be quite competent. When Conner asks about Frost Ginny, she lets out a small, musical laugh.

"That? That's just some country superstition, about a fairy, or witch, or whatever that takes mortal travellers to serve in her court. Just a story, that's all."

Then she turns and heads towards the kitchen, stopping to speak with the bartender. In a couple minutes, she returns with the dwarf boy to carry the steaming pies. She sets the food and drinks down on the table, making sure that each goes to the person who ordered it.

As he eats, Kadaz tries to keep an eye on the room but the food is just too good. Shadow overhears a lot of comments about the weather, last season's harvests and the food. Certainly nothing about Tyrus.

The others are all enjoying the good food and tea, especially after the exercise in the cold. Edmund even thinks that the tea is quite delightful. Finally, the adventurers see an older human woman enter the common room from the kitchens. She nods to people as she walks through the common room, stopping to speak with many. After a lot of stops she reaches the party's table.

"I'm Nell, proprietor of this house. I haven't seen you here before. How do you like the food?"

Edmund 
Friday January 12th, 2007 12:42:27 AM
Edmund grins a bit at the server's tale of Frost Ginny taking people to serve in her court. "Well," Edmund remarks with a wink, "If she takes me off to serve in her court, I promise to come back and tell you all about it!"

Then, he tucks in.

When Nell shows up, Edmund is so delighted with the food that raises his teacup to Nell enthusiastically with twinkling eyes and a broad smile on his face--albeit with closed lips.

When he finishes his mouthful, he follows it up with some of the tea, managing to out the word, "Fantastic!"

This is clearly Edmund's sort of adventure.

Arm  d20+8=20
Friday January 12th, 2007 5:49:16 AM
Arm smiles at Nell and says, "Well, I cannot vouch for the food since I am not particularly hungry at the moment, but this cider is the best I've had in many a year." He then continues, "We've been hearing quite a bit about this 'Frost Ginny' legend. Could you tell us a bit more about it?"(gather info=20). He also asks about their wayward carter.

Shadow 
Friday January 12th, 2007 10:00:15 AM
Shadow is getting bored with trying to listen in on conversations that have no interest to him, but he keeps at it to see if there is anything that might help the group. Once the food arrives he digs in with vigor as he is starving from their trek, and is pleased at the taste. He relishes the ale as he remembers the nasty stuff that he was last served at that run down tavern.

When the server talks of the tale Shadow is not sure about such stories really being stories anymore. After seeing the Fey King and what happened at Plateau City, mummies coming to life, so any story might have some truth to it.

When Nell introduces herself and asks how the food is, Shadow rolls his eyes as of course Edmund is the first to respond. 'Our chatty halfling' Shadow thinks to himself. "Very good," mumbles Shadow as he finishes his chicken pie.

Thar ail Baerer 
Friday January 12th, 2007 11:20:12 AM
Thar enjoys his food and replies to Nell "Madam, it is wonderful and thank you for your warm hospitality."

He then echoes his companion's question "Yes, can you tell us about this Frost Ginny? I always like a good tale and would love to learn more."

Mira  d20+8=17
Friday January 12th, 2007 12:59:19 PM
"Ummm...ahhh...sorry!" stutters Mira, as lost in her reverie (Knowledge Arcana=17) she tries to remember if she ever heard any magical allusion to a 'Frost Ginny'. "I'll have the pie," she points to what the server is putting down in front of Kadaz, "and some tea," Mira points to the pot in front of Edmund.

Not overly worried if she is overheard by the kindly server, Mira speculates on the provenance of the 'Frost Ginny'. "Conner? You sure you don't remember anything from your youth? Thar? What about you?" Mira removes her spectacles, and starts to polish the lenses, "I wonder if this fairy story just might be another fey creature awakened when the nature king, Eberyon, came 'round? Could there be some truth to this myth?" Mira replaces her glasses, and with a smile, adds, "you know, truth is stranger than fiction!"

Kadaz 
Friday January 12th, 2007 4:34:50 PM
Kadaz asks his questions. "Miss Nell, the food is excellent, thank you. We're looking for someone who is overdue. Tyrus, older guy, always wears a hat. He's a carter and was delivering supplies to the orphanage. We've been following his trail trying to find out what happened. Might you have heard something?"

Conner 
Friday January 12th, 2007 9:11:43 PM
"It's not a story I ever heard" the fighter replies to Mira. "What can you tell us about it?" he asks the inn's owner.

Thar ail Baerer  d20+5=19 d20+4=13
Saturday January 13th, 2007 11:27:16 AM
To Mira, Thar says "Well, I'm not sure if I've heard about this Frost Ginny thing. This could be an interesting story. Let me ponder it for a moment."

He thinks intensly and tries to remember if he's ever heard of that creature, either in his religion or nature experiences and training.

Know (Nat) = 19
Know (Rel) = 13

The Story of Frost Ginny (DM JohnP) 
Sunday January 14th, 2007 4:24:17 PM
The proprietor of the 'Grey Owl' motions towards an empty chair nearby and asks the table, "May I?". When someone nods assent, she pulls the chair over and sits with the party. It isn't long before one of the wait staff delivers a steaming mug of fortified cider to Nell.

"Glad that you like the food and drink. I've run this place for many years, ever since I retired from ... well, you know. I've tried to make it a safe comfortable place." Nell pauses and sips from the mug.

"I've been here for ... well, I don't really have to tell you how long. I heard the story of Frost Ginny the first winter I was here. Course, everyone tells it a bit different. But this is what I hear most often."

"Long ago, nobody agrees exactly how long, but it was a long time, there was a woman who lived in these parts. Now, from what I could tell, this was before Plateau City was built or the safe roads or any of that, so it was long ago."

"This woman was called Ginny, of course. Everyone who tells the story agrees that she had power, small power in most stories. Most of the stories say that she was a witch. Though some say The Witch, if you catch the difference. Either way, Ginny had some power and was accustomed to having people listen to her. But she wasn't from hereabouts, people agree on that."

"Well, one winter Ginny was passing through this area near to Midwinter. It was a mighty bad winter, maybe back in the time when the Gods of Yore weren't really paying attention to people's prayers and the like. Anyway, Ginny stopped at a couple places to ask shelter. In those times it was common for travellers to do that, and it was considered good manners to grant it 'cuz you never know when you'll be needing help yourself." Nell pauses and takes a bigger sip from the cooled mug of cider.

"Anyway, for some reason, people didn't help Ginny. Which made her mighty angry. So, Ginny laid a curse on the land hereabouts, a curse that is said to have lasted to this day. Anyone who was kind and hospitable, who didn't deal fair and honour their promises, who didn't help their neighbours and the less fortunate, would come visit Ginny so she could teach them manners." Nell tips the mug back and nearly finishes what is inside.

"So hereabouts, come Midwinter, people tell this story to remind each other about kindness and charity. And it seems to work. Part of the reason that I bought this place, years back, was how nice folks hereabouts were. Sure, there's all kinds, but it's a pretty nice place."

"Of course, nobody knows anyone that Frost Ginny has taken since she's not supposed to let her visitors leave until they've learned. Certainly no locals have disappeared in the time I've been here. Some travellers might have, but who knows."

"So, that's the story of Frost Ginny. Want anything else, or are you going to be on your way?"

Edmund 
Sunday January 14th, 2007 4:36:43 PM
Edmund listens to the story as he eats, and when it is finished, he smiles broadly. "An amusing story!" he says, "Clearly a morality tale meant to encourage the less-altruistic individuals in the area. I doubt it is an actual account of events, however."

Edmund raises his cup to Nell anyway, "Here's to a wonderful story! And, the most hospitable of proprietors!"

Conner 
Monday January 15th, 2007 7:24:30 AM
"Doesn't sound like the kind of thing that a simple carter would be involved with", the fighter muses. "We're looking for a fella named Tyrus who passed this way with a horse and cart some 4 days ago." Conner describes the man and tells the innkeeper of Tyrus' cargo. "Have you heard anything of Tyrus?" he asks.

Shadow 
Monday January 15th, 2007 8:01:23 AM
Shadow listens to the tale as finishes his chicken pie and ale. It does sound like just another country tale, but wonders if it has some truth to it. He waits for the others to finish, so they can try to track down the wayward carter.

Posting for 1/8/07 (ADM Scott) 
Monday January 15th, 2007 8:09:00 AM
DM John XXXXX
Conner XXOXX
Kadaz XXXXX
Arm XXXXX
Mira OXXOX
Shadow XXXXX
Thar XXXXX
Ash OOOOO
Edmund XXXXX
Total 82.2%


Thar ail Baerer 
Monday January 15th, 2007 10:54:31 AM
Thar enjoys his light meal as the man shares his interesting tale. "Thank you for the story and it sounds like the Ginny is quite the teacher. So ... no one knows where she is around here or how to find her? Would anyone else know any other information, as its really important to find Tyrus, as the supplies were meant for orphans that are desperately in need. Also, how did the legends say that people would meet her physically?"

Kadaz  d20+1=5
Monday January 15th, 2007 3:01:35 PM
Kadaz keeps eating the excellent food and drinking the ale. As he listens to Nell's story he looks around the room to see if anyone seems to be paying more than the normal amount of attention to them. (spot 5)

Mira 
Monday January 15th, 2007 4:31:27 PM
Mira listens to Nell's tale, unconsciously fingering her silver and green pendant. The sorcerer loves the stories, myths, and folk-tales of the Wold, and is apt to believe most of them.

"Well," she announces, "good folks should have nothing to fear from this Ginny, then, should they?" She gives a broad smile to her companions. "But what about Tyrus?" she adds, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Where could he have got to between here and the orphanage? Where could he have gone astray, and evaded detection for nigh on four days?"

Nell's Closing Remarks (DM JohnP) 
Monday January 15th, 2007 11:05:30 PM
The proprietor of the 'Grey Owl' stands up from the table with a smile on her face. She seemed to enjoy telling the tale to you, relating a bit of local folklore to the visitors. And showing the hospitality of the house, too.

"This fellow you describe, I think he was in here a couple nights back. Maybe four. Not too friendly, had some ale and then left muttering about having to get his delivery done. Didn't tip the server, either. Talk to the boys in the stable, they might have seen what way he went."

"As for meeting Ginny ... well ... stories say that she meets you, not the other way around. Of course, if you weren't kind and hospitable and the like, maybe you'd meet her."

Nell then takes her leave and heads across the common room. Shortly after, the server returns and gathers up the plates from the pies. She smiles at all of you as she stacks the plates.

"Anything else? For the road? It's looking to be a cold evening out there, if you're pushing onwards. Or, you could stay here by the fire, if you want."

Shadow - Spot DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {Nell made a Guild gesture as she left the table, the gesture used to identify oneself as a member.}



Mira 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 12:01:59 AM
Mira looks out of doors and tries to gauge the time of day. She is tempted to stay at the 'Grey Owl', and certainly isn't tempted to venture out in the dark. "You figure we can make the orphanage before nightfall?" she asks hopefully of those in her party who might gauge better the time of day, distances, and such.

If those in the know think the manor house that is the orphanage can be reached before dark, Mira will be for pushing on.

Arm 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 5:59:31 AM
While Nell tells her tale, Arm cannot help but think back to just recently when he was suspicious of the beggar outside the City, and he wonders if that act will cause him to "meet" Ginny.

His thoughts returning to the present, he says to the group, "Since Tyrus was delivering supplies to an orphanage, I can't see where Ginny would find it in her heart to waylay him for untoward deeds, even though he IS getting paid to do it. My thought is that someone is using the legend to cover up something. I DO think, however, that we'd best spend the night here and get a fresh start on the morrow.".

Shadow  d20+7=17
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 9:54:38 AM
Shadow is just about to suggest they push on after Nell gets up and is departing, since he has not uncovered anything of interest from her tale or the surrounding conversations. He suddenly changes his mind, "I think we should stay the night and get a fresh start. If you will excuse me, I will inquire about rooms." Shadow gets up as the halfling starts collecting their plates, and slowly heads over to the proprietor and gives the counter sign as he asks, "Do you have rooms available for me and my companions." He will try and see if she knows the secret hand language of rogues or just knows the sign of the guild.

He will ask in rogue talk, "Do you know of any activity by non-guild rogues around?"

Thar ail Baerer 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 10:04:09 AM
To Shadow and Arm, Thar says "You're right, maybe staying the night is our best course of action. I don't want to meet any unsavory types during the night."

He continues with his meal, watching as Shadow inquires about further rooms.



Edmund 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 12:09:02 PM
Having finished the kidney pie, Edmund starts on the apple pie.

"Oh yes, staying the night! Fantastic plan! All the better so we can be refreshed for tomorrow. No good looking for him in the dark, anyway. Better to do it by day, the better to see him, what?"

Edmund is all for staying at The Grey Owl, especially if it means another meal there.

Kadaz 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 3:59:42 PM
"OK, let's stay the night" agrees Kadaz. He digs into his meal, slipping a piece of meat pie to Birdie under the table.

"Mira, I've never actually visited the orphanage before. What's it like? How many children are there?"

Mira (2nd illegal post) 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 6:38:54 PM
Since it seems they will be staying the night, Mira orders a slice of pie and some cheese...and a bottle of wine, and uses the opportunity to tell her companions about the orphanage.

The sorcerer tells her friends about how the Crimson Shield group were patrons and protectors of an orphanage in Floating City, and how that orphanage was destroyed when nature ran amok during the early days of the Fey King's awakening. She repeats the story told to her by Xenia, about how the Crimson Shields were sent to the manor, which was infested with vampires and undead types and how that group cleaned them out, and found the place suitable for the 20 or so kids they had rescued from Floating City. How thinking it safer in the countryside outside Plateau City, the Shields had installed the kids there with a young matron named Kay, and an ex-guardsmen named Buckle, to care for them.

Mira goes on to say that she had told Xenia she would check on the kids from time to time, and that the last time she had visited, with Arm, things had looked pretty good.

Conner 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 8:24:36 PM
Conner nods in agreement with staying the night and orders a second helping of pie and ale. "Best confine our searching for daylight hours...to easy too miss sign of him when it's dark" he muses aloud.

A Night at the Grey Owl (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 10:26:22 PM
After deciding to stay they night, someone mentions that to the halfling server. She beams with a smile and mentions that rooms are available, that someone simply needs to speak with Nell or the barkeep. Then she beams and suggests another round for the table. When someone nods assent, she hurries off and shortly returns with drinks for everyone. Orders for more food follow, then more drinks, and so forth.

Finally, someone thinks to check the rooms provided for the party. There were only three rooms available, but an extra bed could be shoved into the largest room. Like the food and drink in the commons, the guest rooms don't disappoint. Everything is neat, tidy and well cared for. Finally, at different times, everyone turns in for the night.

++++++


Morning comes with sounds of people moving in the corridors of the inn's upper floors where the bedrooms are located. And the smell of fresh-baked bread and other breakfast foods. Some are not quite so eager to greet the morning, especially when the shutters are opened and the bright morning light comes into the rooms. But it's another day on the road and they should make it to the orphans' estate well before lunch.

After breakfast is eaten and the tab settled, everyone moves out into the crisp morning air. The road beckons ahead so Conner sets a quick pace, partly to cover the ground and partly to keep warm in the cold morning.

The directions provided by Steve are accurate, directing the party to the orphans' estate. As they travel the road, there is no sign of Tyrus, the missing cart or pony. And, since Tyrus surely had the same directions, no way that he could have gone astray, either. The snow is deeper as they travel towards the estate, deep enough to show any tracks if the cart had been driven from the road.

Following the directions, the party turns off the main road onto one of the smaller sideroads. It's not long before they come to the farm lane that leads to the estate. Standing at the gate, they can see a couple adults or bigger children and several small children moving between the house, barn and outbuildings. The larger figures look to be working but the children seem to be making snowmen, snowforts and playing other games.



Shadow Only - (DM JohnP) 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 10:28:47 PM
Shadow only - Highlight to display spoiler: {When Shadow approaches Nell and flashes the hand gesture, she smiles back at him. She talks about specific items on the menu as her hands subtly flash through the guild signals answering Shadow's real question. She knows of no thieves on the road, Guild or not, since it is still close enough to the City to be patrolled.}

Mira 
Tuesday January 16th, 2007 11:14:15 PM
Mira looks ahead at the manor and the figures at work or play on the snow. A thought crosses her mind, and she gives voice to it. "I wonder if Tyrus never made it back, because he never left?" She looks at Arm, and remembers the pleasant week they spent at the manor. "Maybe he found the place to his liking, and decided to stay?"

With that happy thought in mind, the woman makes her way towards the estate.

Arm  d20+4=23
Wednesday January 17th, 2007 5:47:25 AM
Upon hearing Ed's ramblings, Arm begins to wish that he'd STAY at the Gray Owl...PERMANENTLY. However, he keeps his thoughts to himself, albeit only for the moment.

In the morning, after hearing Mira's remark, says to her, "That may very well be, but we'll find out soon enough if he is still here.". He then looks around for some sign of Buckle (spot=23). If he finds him, he will approach and, after exchanging pleasantries about his health and the state of the orphanage, inquire about their missing charge.

Kadaz 
Wednesday January 17th, 2007 6:40:49 AM
Kadaz eyes eyes the orphanage carefully. He too was an orphan, but grew up in a much different environment. Can all of this fun and play be good for kids? He's not sure.

Shadow  d20+7=12
Wednesday January 17th, 2007 9:34:27 AM
Shadow continues to ask about the menu and the rooms, but really signs, "Thank you, and is there anything you would like me to pass onto the Guild?" After their conversation, Shadow returns to the table and has another ale and orders some of the fruit pie.

He will turn in fairly earlier because it has been a busy day.

As the group nears the manor, Shadow will keep an eye out for anything that does not seem right. (Spot=12)

Thar ail Baerer  d20+12=15
Wednesday January 17th, 2007 11:10:48 AM
After his morning prayers, Thar will continue with the group and when they reach the manor, he'll look around the area, and copying Shadow, looks out for any oddities or suspiscous things in the surroundings.

Spot = 15

When they reach the manor, he asks about the resident priest or healer and visits with him about the health and welfare of the orphans.

Conner 
Wednesday January 17th, 2007 5:15:23 PM
The fighter visibly relaxes when he sees Kay and the orphans at work and play. He scans the outbuildings for signs of a cart and it's owner. "Kay", he greets the woman. "We've come in search of Tyrus and his cart, we heard they'd gone missing. Have you heard anything?"

Edmund 
Wednesday January 17th, 2007 8:30:32 PM
The following day, Edmund tags along near the rear of the party and is mercifully quiet for most of the trip--not deliberately, of course. His mouth is occupied with apples, bread, cheese, and his flask of water, all of which he has stuffed into his haversack. It's amazing how much the thin half-elf is capable of eating when given the opportunity. Of course, considering there are times when he seems to eat nothing at all, perhaps it all balances out in the long run.

When they finally near the orphan's estate, Edmund keeps his mouth shut mainly because he doesn't know much about the orphanage situation and really has very little experience with orphanages in general. Rather than betray this lack of knowledge, he remains silent, and to avoid looking conspicuously so, he sets about eating another apple.

He nods enthusiastically whenever anyone in the party says something which sounds important, however.

Arm 
Thursday January 18th, 2007 5:40:33 AM
Arm waits patiently for a response from those around him (that is, if he doesn't see Buckle among them).

At the Farm (DM JohnP) 
Thursday January 18th, 2007 8:14:42 AM
The party stands at the farm gate watching the people at the house and barns. From here, Arm thinks that Buckle is the largest man outside. No one can see any sign of Kay, however.

The track into the farm is covered with snow marked only by the hoofprints of some horses. No cart tracks can be seen in the snow. Closer to the barns, Thar can pick out the signs of other common farm animals. It seems that the Von Ottens have supplied the orphans with stock to get the farm started.

It isn't long before the children notice the party approaching up the lane. Excited shouts and pointing catch the attention of Buckle. The former soldier stands close to the youngest children clutching a pitchfork in one hand while his other hand rests on his belt where a scabbard would hang if he were armed.

"Hullo there! Is that you, Mira and Arm? Welcome!," calls Buckle to the party.

When the party gets closer, the orphans have crowded near their guardian. Rosy cheeks and bright eyes are on every face. After Buckle recognizes Arm and Mira, he visibly relaxes and the children do as well. The children wait until Buckle has spoken to the party but the more daring clearly want to greet the party.

Buckle nods towards the pitchfork, "Sorry, had some troubles with neighbours a while back. The Shields put them to right but I still feel I need to be careful. What can we do for you?"

When the party explains their mission, Buckle frowns before looking around at the children.

"No, we haven't seen this Tyrus. I think that Steve sent him during the summer so he should have known the way. Why don't you come up to the house?"

Buckle leads those people who wish to go with him to the house. As he does, he shakes his head when Thar asks about healers. "We don't have anyone, besides what I learned in the Guard. Fortunately, no one has needed more than that."

As they walk, some of the bolder children pepper the party with questions. They seem to pay the most attention to Mira and Edmund, probably because those two seem the least threatening.

"Hi! Did you come from the City?"

"Did you walk overnight?"

"Is it cold in the City, too?"

"Have you heard from the nice Shields people?"

"Want to go sliding with me? The hill by the pond is really nice."

"Can you play with us? Buckle is too busy and the big kids think we're too small!

One little halfling girl approaches Mira and looks up at her with a shy smile on her face.

"Want to make snow angels with me? Kay doesn't play anymore."


At the rear door of the house, the one that most probably leads into the kitchen, Buckle scrapes his boots on a board left there for that purpose. He pushes the door to an entry room open, steps inside and removes his boots. Well-darned socks are evident on his feet. When the party follows, he seems to waver a bit.

"Ahhh, Kay likes to keep the kitchen and house clean. It might be best if you take your boots off."

He pushes the inner door open and moves into the kitchen. The kitchen is heated by a crackling fire inside a cookstove and the bread cooling on a counter fills the room with its scent. A woman is standing with her back to the door, kneading dough in a large bowl while two older girls peel and slice apples. Two boys look wistfully out the window while they scrub at dirty dishes in a tub placed on a low counter. When she hears the door open, the woman looks over her shoulder and smiles broadly at Buckle. She blows a tendril of hair out of her eyes as she turns to the party.

"Buckle! You should have brought them in the front door, not into the kitchen." The woman smiles, though, as Buckle moves to stand beside her. She rubs absently at her lower abdomen which seems somewhat larger than Mira and Arm remember.

Buckle slips his arm around Kay and beams down at her. "I couldn't wait to see you. Why don't we take them into the front room, anyway."

After the party follows the pair, Kay and Buckle motion towards the rough made chairs and benches around the long table. When everyone is seated, Kay speaks.

"We didn't want to raise the childrens' hopes too much. We'd got a letter saying that the Shields were sending something for Midwinter and ... well, we wanted it to be a surprise. We've got enough for the winter but Midwinter won't be much different than any other day."

"Do you think that you can find this Tyrus fellow and the Midwinter things?"

Shadow  d20+7=20
Thursday January 18th, 2007 9:30:53 AM
Once everyone seems to relax, Shadow's own tension drops a notch (not gone, but definitely not on edge as much). He still looks around to see if he notices anything. (Spot=20)

When they are bombarded with questions Shadow tries to pick one and answer, but is overwhelmed by the number of questions and kids. Shadow tries to be not noticed too much by the kids, feeling very uncomfortable around them.

When they get to the door he will follow Buckle's example and when it is his turn he will scrap his boots and then inside remove them. He will try and shove the hole he has in his sock between his toes so noone will notice it.

He will then follow the big man into the front room and take a spot on a bench.

Kadaz 
Thursday January 18th, 2007 12:56:33 PM
As Kadaz and Birdie walk up to the door Kadaz tries to ignore the multiple questions. Birdie, however, loves to play with kids. He starts romping around with them, letting them chase and catch him, and then starting again. "Go ahead, Birdie" says Kadaz. "Have some fun."

Inside the house it takes Kadaz a while to remove enough armor to allow him to bend enough to reach his feet and take off his boots. Once done though, he joins the others in their conversation.

"So Tyrus went astray between the Grey Owl and here. That certainly narrows our search. We should get out there and start looking."

Kadaz pauses a minute to think of how to search the countryside for a missing cart. "Back at the Gray Owl we should have asked those local nobels about Tyrus. They probably range all over with their dogs and may have seen something. Or their dogs may be trained to track by scent."

Mira  d20+9=24 d20+8=23
Thursday January 18th, 2007 8:31:50 PM
"Xenia from the Shield's told me about the manor being infested with undead. Are those the 'troubles with neighbours' or have there been other problems?" Mira asks her questions of Buckle, as she follows him towards the manor, her hand absentmindedly strokes the soft curls of the little halfling girl.

"Yes...from the city. No...we stayed at The Grey Owl...Yes...Yes...Sorry, sweetheart. We have to speak to Mrs. Kay and Mr. Buckle..." Mira tries to placate the children, (Diplomacy=24) while maintaining a conversation with Buckle.

Once inside, Mira removes her cloak, and boots. Sitting at the table, she listens to what Kay and Buckle have to say. "We heard a tale of a Frost Ginny and wonder if there might be more to the story than just folk's telling fairy stories." (Gather Information=23)

Edmund 
Thursday January 18th, 2007 9:33:13 PM
Everything is going splendidly until the party reaches the orphanage. At this point, it suddenly dawns upon Edmund that, being an orphanage, it will likely be full of children. He looks around a bit nervously, and nibbles on his apple.

When the children duly appear, Edmund moves nearer the centre of the party. This doesn't detract them from focusing on him and Mira, and he back away a bit from them, moving over behind Mira, trying to put her between himself and the children.

Edmund seems a little green in the face, and stares down at the children, seemingly unable to reply to their myriad questions. He manages to stammer out a few words in response to the questions, but they are hardly helpful, "Right. Right then. Ahh... ahh.. Nice to... eh... heh ... what, what?"

Edmund is not much happier inside the confines of the orphanage as he stands near a window, which he grips rather tightly with one hand. "Lovely place, lovely place, povely lace..." he repeats to himself as a mantra. "Pabsolutely povely. Lovely. Lace."

Conner 
Thursday January 18th, 2007 10:18:02 PM
Conner removes his boots and follows into the sitting room to hear what has been going on. The complete absence of any trace of Tyrus after the Grey Owl has the big man worried about the carter. A trail almost a week old will require more skill than he has to find, so any clues that Kay and Buckle can provide will be well received.

Arm 
Friday January 19th, 2007 5:51:56 AM
Arm greets Buckle warmly, and upon seeing Kay, does so as well. Sitting down across from them, he says, "These neighbors you spoke of having trouble with...do you believe it would be inside them to stoop as low as to interfere with Tyrus' doings so as to get back at you? If so, we're going to need to speak to them...perhaps we should speak to them regardless.".

Inside the House (DM JohnP) 
Friday January 19th, 2007 9:06:27 AM
The party all go inside the house with Buckle to greet Kay. The pair invite all of the adventurers into the dining room away from the children working in the kitchen. After having their say, Buckle and Kay respond to the questions from the party.

Mira's questions about undead troubles with the neighbours draws quick waves of dismissal from both Kay and Buckle. "No, no. That was all done with before we came out here. The trouble was with a bunch of brigands, bothering us and the other neighbours. The Shields dealt with that, too."

However, the mention of Frost Ginny draws looks of concern from the pair.

"We've heard the tale of Frost Ginny, of course. The neighbours are quick to talk about it, joking with the new folks mainly."

"The children must have heard about it, too, because some of them are constantly talking about Ginny. We think some of them ... well ... you know how we all came to be here, right? Some of the children had been orphans before the Fae King came to the Float but most of them lost their parents in the troubles. Some of the children seem to have imaginary friends, or siblings. Or adults who look after them, or will come to take them back to their family."

"Some of the children talked about an old woman called Ginny who visited, telling them stories and showing them old games. We though it was a neighbour but we could never tell who it was, so we thought it was another of these imaginary friends. We thought that one of the children had somehow heard the Frost Ginny story and ... well, took it from there."

"We've been pretty tolerant of that sort of thing from the children, knowing what they went through."

Kay stands, pressing both hands to the small of her back. "Excuse, I need to go back to the kitchen. Can I get you some tea? Or sweets, if there's any left after leaving those boys in the kitchen?"

After waiting for the party's response, Kay returns to the kitchen. Buckle looks to Kadaz and the others.

"Well, if Tyrus left the Grey Owl that certainly does narrow it down a bit. Nell who runs the Owl, did you meet her? She runs a tight operation, doesn't brook any nonsense and wouldn't tolerate anyone preying on her guests if she found out. Maybe you can look for signs of the cart between here and the Owl?"

"Or, if you like, you can ask the children about Ginny. I can help if you want."

DM Note (OOC) 
Friday January 19th, 2007 9:15:53 AM
Two things -

First: I've been unable to connect to the Wold site from my home computer for the past couple days. This is the reason why I started posting in the mornings. Unless my ISP gets their DNS fixed, I won't be able to post this weekend.

Second: Some of you know that the Crimson Shields are coming out to the farm to solve the problem with the neighbours in their current module. DM George of the Shields and I didn't coordinate anything so this isn't going to be a crossover. I don't know exactly what George has planned (and I don't want to know, as a player in the Shields). That adventure for the Shields has no bearing on this adventure. Kay and Buckle will refer to the Shields visit in the past tense.

In terms of game time, Plateau City is several months after the termination of the crossover while the Shields are only a couple weeks after. Part of the problem with arbitrary time flow in the Wold. In essence, the Shields are visiting Plateau City while you were all in the extended downtime.

Those of you who can post on the Shields board can go there and post in response to their visit. Please remember that the search for the missing Tyrus hasn't occurred yet for the Shields.

Thar ail Baerer 
Friday January 19th, 2007 11:49:15 AM
After taking his traveling cloak and boots off, Thar listens intently to Kay and Buckle speak, especially about the Frost Ginny. "I'll go speak with some of the children, in the context of playing with them of course, and will ask if they can tell me when she visits them or where. Maybe that'll help lead us in the right direction."

After the conversation is over, he'll go outside and begin wrestling and roughousing with the kids. He'll bring the subject of the Frost Ginny (subtly) into conversation with the kids and try to find out which children have the most information.

Shadow 
Friday January 19th, 2007 12:41:55 PM
Not sure of being any help with the children will stay inside and see if he can learn anything else.

"Are there any other places Tyrus could of gone between the Grey Owl and here off the road?"

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