DM Kathy Sunday September 16th, 2012 11:17:45 PM
At last, you put the flurry of your graduation from Maplehurst behind you. You pack up all your gear, and load your trunks, bags, and boxes into carts and/or wagons for the journey to Plateau City.
You are on your way!
You enter through the Quest Gate, and find yourselves again in the bustle of Adventurer's Square. You have been here before, with your professor, but now you are adventurers, too! The signts and sounds are as exciting as ever.
You head for the Red Wyrm Inn, and they have rooms available. By the end of the day, you, your trunks, your bags, and your boxes, are all loaded into rooms on the third floor.
Your first task, now that you have arrived, is to find a place to call home. Your first option is actually right here. You could adventure out of the Red Wyrm Inn. It'll probably be a little pricier than regular lodgings, and it won't have that feeling of "home," but it is an option.
Your parents and professors have all warned you that finding lodging in Plateau City is no easy thing. You will need a strategy and a game plan.
[Questions to consider: where do you want to try to find loding? We are in the process of revamping Plateau City, so don't assume a particular quarter is the way you remember it from earlier games. Check the Woldipedia. Also, are you going to try to find a place where you can all live together? Would you rather split into two or three groups? And even if you'd rather find a place all together, would you be willing to split into two or three groups? All things to consider before you start house-hunting.]
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+11=23 ; d20+11=16 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+12=28 ; Monday September 17th, 2012 7:01:00 PM
Upon arriving in Plateau City, Emrys is filled with nervous energy and becomes overwhelmed by an insatiable thirst to acquire information about the locals and places of interest. After getting settled at the Red Wyrm Inn, he goes out to the street and looks for areas where decrees, adverts and bulletins are posted for the public to read (perception: 23). He calmly strolls the street, with his trusty walking stick and his most pleasant yet nonchalant expression. He doesn't want to appear as a recent arrival (perception: 16, sense motive: 9, bluff: 17). He keeps his eyes and pointed ears keen for any hint of information from the people around him, especially for more permanent lodgings. He considers places that would have information about such things. Even recent obituaries ... 'out with the old, in with the new, I've always said.'
(Knowledge [local]: 28)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday September 17th, 2012 7:02:19 PM
Tuck puts his things in a corner in his room. "I don't have much to my name, do I? Hmm."
The thought doesn't seem to bother him, rather it interests him. What would that corner look like in 10 years?
After he has taken a few minutes to lay down and enjoy his new room, Tuck tramps out to bang on everyone's door.
"I'm going out to explore a bit! Who wants to come?"
Grell AC 22/13/18, HP47/47 Monday September 17th, 2012 10:15:35 PM
His mouth slightly ajar, Grell takes in the wonder that is Plateau City. He is struck the sheer *magnitude* of the city. While he had been here on the field trip, things had been structured so that he really hadn't had a chance to really take everything in. But now... Trying really hard not to look like a kid in the Wold's largest candy store, Grell plops his equipment and gear into his room and throws himself on his bed. He still can't believe they're actually going to be adventurers in THE CITY! Taking a deep breath, Grell bolts upright. "I thought you'd never ask!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday September 17th, 2012 10:37:10 PM
"I would like to visit the Black Cathedral, please," Wilma said. "If we're going to be an official team of adventurers for the City, I need to know where to report for worship and meet my future temple contacts."
DM Kathy Tuesday September 18th, 2012 12:12:54 AM Emrys, restless, goes out to look around. You notice quite a few things. There are, here and there, various notice-boards where people might advertise for Adventurers Wanted or Used Gear for Sale or Lodgings to Let. Now, however, the boards are pretty much empty. A notice of a missing cat flutters forlornly in the upper corner of one of the boards. Another thing you notice, as you make your way around the Dragon Quarter, is that the adventurers here look...old. Of course, people can and do adventure into middle-age and beyond, but the adventurers of the Dragon Quarter look a little skewed to the older end of the scale. You see gray hair, weathered faces, and signs that armor has been expanded a time or two. They still look as if they know their business, but--you don't see any adventuring groups your age. Or even ten years older than you. This is what you find in the Dragon Quarter. If you go to other quarters, let me know.
Shortly after Emrys leaves, Tuck, Grell, and Wilma also find themselves anxious to explore the city. Wilma has a specific destination in mind: she wants to check in at the Black Cathedral. (I'm assuming that the other two tag along). Accordingly, you head south through the Circus Quarter and its lively, colorful atmosphere. You cross the Endless River, and keep a wary hand on your purse as you make your way through the rough-and-tumble Rogue Quarter. At last you emerge in the Skull Market, where all manner of macabre trinkets are for sale. Looming above the Market is the skull-shaped Black Cathedral: the Temple of Gargul for Plateau City.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 2:35:26 AM
"If you come with me into the temple," Wilma told Tuck and Grell, "You'll have to be polite...most temples of Gargul aren't what you'd call 'festive'...more's the pity. I really do think they could use an official festival of Life and Death--not enough people seem to realize that Gargul isn't a god of killing or murder...he's the one responsible for seeking out the truth of one's soul and--" The young acolyte recognized the rather glazed look in her sibling's eyes and stopped, clearing her throat.
"Sorry, guys," Wilma apologized, a bit embarrassed, "I can come on a little strong. I just want people to give Gargul the proper respect, is all. Anyhow, I have to go and check in with the temple staff here. You can tag along or poke around in the Skull Market while you're waiting for me." With that, Wilma went into the temple to learn about who staffed the Black Cathedral and to give them her tithe from her adventuring so far.
Upon arrival Vaniime unpacks and then decides she should take a visit to the catacoms and see what she can do about spending some of her hard earned booty.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+5=24 ; d20+5=10 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 6:48:26 PM
Back in Plateau City Ariach feels restless. He decided to leave the City for his warrior education at Maplehurst and because he wanted to be away from his parents- he wanted to live his own life.
It would be easy to knock on his parentsī frontdoor and ask for his old chamber. But he is to proud for that. He is now a member of the "Vanguards". A member who will live close to his friends- maybe at the same house if the finde one.
While he puts his stuff on the floor in a tiny room at the Red Wyrm Inn, he thinks about where he can get informations about available accommodations. (knowledge local=24, knowledge engineering=10)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Tuesday September 18th, 2012 9:16:05 PM
Tuck takes a moment to look over the imposing Black Cathedral. He wasn't one for religion. The gods existed, their hand could be seen in the Wold, but autonomy was important to Tuck. He didn't begrudge anyone their beliefs, so long as they kept from hurting innocents.
"I'll go in with you, Wilma. I'll try to behave, but tell me if there is a specific ritual I need to observe while we're within. I must confess to ignorance when it comes to these things." He gives her a youthful smile. "I would like to stop by the Woldian League of Adventures post in this city. I want to join. Then make a few purchases at the Catacomb. If you guys don't mind stopping there after the Cathedral."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 10:27:42 PM (OOC: second "illegal" post)
"Thank you, Tuck," the redhead said, smiling, "I don't think you'll be expected to participate in anything--just respect the sanctity of the temple while I'm there." She tilted her head as she thought for a moment.
"And I think that I'd like to see what the WLA is about, too," she agreed. "I've heard that they're a very good guild for adventurers."
Grell d20-2=8 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 10:28:42 PM
Grell allows Wilma to head over to the Black Cathedral, though he is not at all interested in going in. The last few days had done wonders for healing some of the animosity he had toward his sister, but a temple of Gargul was the one place he wasn't sure he'd ever be able to set foot. He nods at Tuck, but remains outside.
As he hangs out around the Skull Market, Grell idly pokes at a Yrthak claw which has been turned into a ladies handbag. He reminisces back to graduation day when his Mom had told him she was proud of him, and he wonders why it meant so much to him. I mean, it's not like she hadn't said she was proud of him before. But somehow this time was different. He thinks back to all the lessons he's learned during his years at Maplehurt...about the bitterness and anger that were so much a part of him when he started school. He casts his gaze about the massive city around him and ponders. New city...new life...new beginnings. He nods his head in answer to the silent question he poses to himself. Yes...it was time to turn over a new leaf as it were.
A slight pounding at his temples alerts Grell that he has mentally overexerted himself, so he busies himself by asking around the Market, trying to see if there might be any lodging options nearby or chances for an adventure or two. (Diplomacy=8). Mentally he curses that Lowell wasn't here. Somehow, his twin had the knack for finding out this kinda stuff.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+9=26 ; d20+12=14 ; d20+17=25 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2012 11:17:35 PM
Emrys easily notices the emptiness and the age of the Dragon Quarter. 'This is odd,' he thinks to himself. 'The center of adventuring appears to have moved ... I wonder where?' He asks around gently, as to not to offend any sour feelings about the turn of adventurer traffic and gather what information he can get. He will also consider what he knows of Plateau City and where the next logical location would be.
DM Kathy Wednesday September 19th, 2012 12:17:07 AM Wilma and Tuck step into the cool quiet of the Black Cathedral, a sharp contrast to the noise and color outside. Wilma recalls that she does know, or at least know of, a couple of the priests who work here. Crugeon Uryter has given guest lectures at Maplehurst a time or two. He is, alas, a walking stereotype of a Priest of Gargul: tall, thin, ascetic, lugubrious. Not much fun. There is Darstina the Cudgel, an acquaintance of your parents, but the last you heard, she was still actively adventuring and only using the Black Cathedral as a home base of sorts. You could search for one of them, or you could just talk to whoever's handy.
Grell explores the market. People keep trying to sell you curses and hexes. "Romantic rival, sir? This'll do the trick." "You look like a man who needs to get even. Achliar the Gray guarantees results!" It's a little creepy, even if some of the trinkets are interesting.
Ariach, who grew up in the city, turns his thoughts on where to acquire lodging. You know that there are any number of houses, rooming-houses, flats, studios, and cottages that might be available for sale or rent; the trouble is finding them. A person could wear out a lot of shoe leather wandering the various quarters, looking for notices..... aha! Ariach remembers that although there are likely places to live scattered here and there throughout the city, many of the properties are managed by brokers or companies in the Gold Quarter. Perhaps a visit to one of these establishments would yield a list of possibilities.
Vaniime hurries off to the Catacombs.
Emrys, wandering the Dragon Quarter, realizes that it isn't quite as advertised. You ask around about the changes you see, and oh boy, do you get an earful! You learn that young people today don't want to work hard and put in their time; they're all off to the Scab, or the Uncharted Lands, or the new Emerald Kingdom, or Domi knows where else. You learn that the center of adventuring is still right here, and don't let anyone tell you different. A little gentle pressure reveals that a lot of these adventuring companies have been "between adventures" for several years, "but we're still active, young fellow, never doubt that! The Wold gets in danger, we're the ones who'll save it!"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday September 19th, 2012 12:56:44 AM
In spite of the fact that Wilma personally thought of Crugeon Uryter as definitely being of "the old guard" (so to speak,) she went in search of him anyway--courtesy demanded that she at least let him know she was going to reside in the city, and he did have a very firm grasp on the historical aspects of Gargul's pantheon.
"Preceptor Uryter," she greeted the elder cleric with a bow, "I am Wilma Illutu-Grell...I was a student at Maplehurst the last few times you graced us with your lectures. I will be committing myself to the defense of Plateau City and New Elenna and residing in the city, so I have come to familiarize myself with the Black Cathedral and to give the temple my tithes."
Dreppi HP 33/33 AC 16/13/14 Wednesday September 19th, 2012 2:09:39 PM
Ooc: hey all I was gone out of state for a week. I'm back now. =) I'll post after work.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Wednesday September 19th, 2012 6:08:50 PM
Tuck wanders through the Cathedral, trying his best to be quiet. He looks wonders at the architecture and the overall size of the building. It was certainly quite amazing.
When Wilma has finished speaking with her contact, Tuck falls in step beside her. "So, tell me about this place. What's the history behind it? It's quite intriguing!"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 d20+5=9 ; d20+5=16 ; Wednesday September 19th, 2012 6:56:41 PM
At the Gold Quarter Ariach looks for a broker. (knowledge local=9, knowledge engineering=16) He knows that the brokerīs service will not be cheap. The Gold Quarter is known for a place which tend to be expensive. Itīs said it is a privilege to spent his money at the shops of the Gold Quarter. He passe the Blue Ale Tavern and goes straight to "The Morining Star apartments" where he hopes to get more informations about a broker. Already there he asks for the price of such an apartment.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday September 19th, 2012 7:52:48 PM
(OCC: ok all school is kicking my but right now so my posts may be a bit short and boring for the next couple of days.)
As Vaniime wanders to the catacombs she takes in te sights, a bit disturbed at how run down things seem to be. It doesn't seem to be much like what her parents told her about the place.
After her time in the Catacombs, Vaniime heads into the hindquarter to see what might be found in the way of lodging, keeping an eye out for her compatriots.
Grell Wednesday September 19th, 2012 10:36:15 PM
An image of Ariach with Wilma flashes through his mind as the vendors hock their wares, but Grell quickly dismisses the idea. New leaf...new leaf...new leaf. His mantra running through his head, Grell grunts a "No thank you". Then he heads over a couple of stalls and examines some of the exotic stuffed creatures. As he pokes around, he wonders how much longer Wilma and Tuck are going to be. The place gives him the heebee jeebees, and so he's more than anxious to get a move on to another less "exotic" place.
Emrys listens intently to the experienced adventurer as he tells his tale. "I hear you, Sir. I can't agree with you more. It is a pleasure to know that there are still champions like you around. That is exactly why my friends and I have come to Plateau City. We seek to make a name for ourselves, here in the center of the adventuring world. We all value the same principles, cut from the same cloth as you. Any advice you could give would be most appreciated." If the adventurer wishes to give any words of wisdom, Emrys listens earnestly and carefully (Sense Motive: 12).
"We are staying at the Red Wyrm. My name is Emrys Myrridanmyl, ask for me and we can drink to your valor and maybe you can speak of your adventures."
DM Kathy Thursday September 20th, 2012 12:29:01 AM
"Ah, yes. I remember you." Preceptor Uryter looks down his long nose at Wilma, his expression implying that the memory is not one he cherishes. "I shall inform the Bishop that we have a new....adventuring cleric in the city. I can take charge of your tithe, if you like, or you can place it in the box." He waves a thin, bony hand in the direction of a large wooden donation box. "You may, of course, explore the cathedral, but I ask that you do not disturb any services in progress."
Grell, meanwhile, prowls the market stalls, impatiently awaiting his sister.
Ariach wanders through the Gold Quarter. You see well-dressed people going about their business. Most of them seem inclined to look down their noses at you. The Morning Star apartments are, of course, a bit too expensive for adventurers just starting out, but the manager there is able to direct you to a small office in a nearby street. Painted on the window is "Jelzix Otterbrook Properties." You enter, and a half-elf woman looks up from her ledger. "Good afternoon, sir," she says. "How may I help you?"
Vaniime wanders into the Hindquarter to look around. You are very excited when you first see a "For Rent" sign on a sturdy little house on a quiet side-street. True, it probably isn't big enough for the whole group, but it seems like a bit of luck, finding something so quickly. But as you continue to wander the streets, you see several "For Rent" and "For Sale" signs. You'd been told that lodging was hard to find in Plateau City; you can't help but wonder what's going on.
Emrys wraps up his conversation with the older adventurers by asking for some advice. "Pay your dues," the grizzled fighter tells you. "Don't expect to be slaying dragons right away. You have to earn your fame and fortune, young man." He seems on the brink of launching into another speech about The Trouble with Young People Today, so you buy him another drink and make a hasty escape.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday September 20th, 2012 3:37:11 AM
It was all Wilma could do not to roll her eyes at the elder cleric's dismissive attitude. Ah, well--Gargul would see what was truly in the Preceptor's soul when his time came...it wasn't for her to judge.
"Thank you, Preceptor," the acolyte said, giving into Uryter's care the pouch that held her tithe, "I would rather give you the money--I'm a bit too nervous about leaving five hundred gold lying about in a box. Give my best to the Bishop!" She smiled and made the traditional obeisance before leaving the cleric's presence.
"Come along, Tuck," she told the young monk with her, "I'm done here--we'd best catch up with Grell before someone in the Skull Market talks him into buying some bloody entrails for good luck or something..!"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday September 20th, 2012 6:38:41 PM
After inspecting the half-elf woman Ariach gives her a warm smile. "Good afternoon! May i introduce myself? My name is Ariach Gatelatch. I am a member of the "Vanguards". The "Vanguards" are an adventuring group which decided to settle down in Plateau City. Now we need accommodation in Plateau City. The shelter should be large enough to provide space for 6-10 people. A small stable or the like would certainly be an advantage. We need a strong, clean building. By no means pretentious, though, according to the taste of my colleagues, it could be something fancier. It should be within a reasonable area. Since I am from Plateau City I know that you better hire a professional broker if you plan to rent or to buy a decent house."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Thursday September 20th, 2012 6:58:38 PM
Tuck laughs. "You two fight like brother and sister, for sure. I'm an only child. Well, I think I am, at least. I'm my father's only child, anyway. I don't know who my mother is. Hmm! I don't know, maybe I do have some brothers or sisters out running around, somewhere." The thought intrigues the monk.
When they catch up to Grell, Tuck suggests going to visit the WLA office. "Do either of you know where it is? I suppose it'd be in the Dragon Quarter, since that's where all the adventurers hang out. Do you guys want to visit?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+12=23 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+12=26 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+11=23 ; Thursday September 20th, 2012 7:20:08 PM
After the old fighter had left, Emrys is finding it hard to contain his mounting annoyance. Not a bit of information to go on, other than the trend of younger adventuring guilds dispersing to other locales. If that is the case, then Plateau City should be ripe for the picking. Then he feels something brush up against and continues to bounce past him. "Huh? Aughh! ... is THAT a tumbleweed ... in the Dragon Quarter?! Really?!" That is not a good sign.
Emrys does his best to contain his disappointment and put on a more pleasant face. With no leads to go on, he tries again to gather information about employment, a place to live, rules and unwritten rules and who best to talk to. Emrys is confounded, he should know something. He's been planing this move for years. He's studied the various organizations, guilds and the governing body. "Oh where should I go?" (Knowledge [geography]: 23, to know the location of nearest community or noteworthy sites. DC 20) (Knowledge [local]: 23, to know local laws, rulers, and popular locations. DC 10) (Knowledge [local]: 26, to know a common rumor or local tradition. DC 15) (Knowledge [local]: 25, to know hidden organizations, rulers, and locations. DC 20)
If nothing helpful comes to mind, he will continue to search for information while he wanders the shops and markets along the streets. (Diplomacy: 17. Perception: 23)
Grell Thursday September 20th, 2012 10:40:41 PM
Grell sighs in relief when Tuck and Wilma return. He's all smiles at the mention of heading to the Dragon Quarter. "Would I!!" Let's get out of here! Besides, I want to check out the WLA gym. I hear it's got the BEST equipment in the Wold." The warrior is all grins and even whistling a happy tune as he heads toward the fabled Dragon Quarter.
DM Kathy Friday September 21st, 2012 12:17:27 AM
"Goodbye, Wilma," the Perceptor says, cordially enough. "May the Eye watch over you."
Wilma and Tuck meet up with Grell in the Skull Market. There is some interest in visiting the WLA, so you retrace your steps back to the Dragon Quarter.
Emrys, getting a little frustrated, turns his mind to where else he might look for information. A good place for things of interest to adventurers, he realizes, is probably the WLA whose headquarters is right here in the Dragon Quarter. You begin heading in that direction, and you see Wilma, Tuck, and Grell headed your way, apparently with the same purpose.
"Oh, yes, Mr. Otterbrook has several properties available," the half-elf woman tells Ariach eagerly. "But...6 to 10, you say? I'm not sure he has anything that large at the moment." She pulls a sheaf of papers out of a drawer and begins looking through them. "Most of what's available are flats," she says, sorting through the stack. "Or smaller houses, especially in the Hindquarter. Hmm...no....no..." She reaches the end of the papers, and looks up at you, chewing on her lower lip. "We could probably find two properties close together," she says. "Two flats in the same building, for example, or two houses on the same street. Would that be suitable, or do you all need to be under the same roof?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Friday September 21st, 2012 5:38:21 PM
Tuck waves at Emrys. "Hey, man. Are you going to the WLA, too?"
After finding the headquarters, Tuck steps in and looks for a representative to speak with.
Walking up to one of the places for rent and tries to find someone to talk to. If she finds anyone around to question, she asks if the person knows of any place big enough in the area for their group or how she might contact a person that might could help her.
Knowledge local 6 (ouch) Knowledge geography 14 Perception 24
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Saturday September 22nd, 2012 6:04:31 PM
Ariach listens carefully to the half-elf womanīs proposals. "Both possibilities would be fine for us- i think. But maybe you can show us the objects tomorrow morning? Right now we live at the "Red Wyrm Inn". We meet there at 8?"
Satisfied that his efforts were successful he strolls back to the Red Wyrm Inn. There he waits for his friends and tells his companions about his arrangement with the half-elf broker.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Sunday September 23rd, 2012 7:55:49 PM
Wilma remembered that Emrys had mentioned going to visit some sort of procuring agent who knew the city, and so headed that way to see if the trio she was in could manage to hook up with the bard. Fortunately she, Grell and Tuck managed to do just that.
Oh, and look--Ariach was there, too. How lucky!
Upon hearing that the only known options seemed to be two flats in same building or perhaps two smaller properties on the same street, Wilma thought it over.
"We should look into both possibilities, I suppose," Wilma advised. "We'd have to actually see them in order to compare them as choices." She shrugged. "And...we still ought to check out that League of Adventurers...that just might be another choice we aren't aware of yet."
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Sunday September 23rd, 2012 9:33:34 PM
"Hello all, funny meeting you all here, most fortuitous. Yes, Tuck ... I decided to give the WLA a try. Information seems to be on short supply in the Dragon Quarter."
Emrys stops them all before going in the WLA offices and confides in his friends. "If you haven't noticed, there isn't an army of adventurers here in the Dragon Quarter, especially young adventurers. I've learned that the growing trend with the various guilds is to station themselves at far away locales. Plateau City is practically ripe for the picking. We have leverage here, they need fresh blood and from the looks of it, we are the only supply."
DM Kathy Sunday September 23rd, 2012 10:24:45 PM Vaniime wanders the streets of the Hindquarter. You see houses for sale and rent; however, none of them seem large enough to house an entire adventuring party. Most of the signs you see have information about where to make inquiries. You notice that many of the houses are managed by various people and companies in the Gold Quarter, although some have other contact information. In short, if you want a smallish house in the Hindquarter, it really wouldn't be too difficult to find one.
Ariach finishes his business in the Gold Quarter. The clerk agrees to meet with you at the Red Wyrm Inn at 8 in the morning, ready to show you some properties.
Emrys meets up with Wilma, Tuck, and Grell (but not Ariach) at the WLA headquarters. Those of you who want to can join the WLA; there are clerks on hand to help you with your paperwork and collect your fee.
Emrys gives an update on what he has found, and I'm going to correct a few things. The Dragon Quarter is as full of adventurers as it ever has been. It's just that those adventurers tend to be older, and many of them have been "between adventures" for a while. They (presumably) still train and prepare spells an so on; they just haven't spent a lot of time recently killing monsters and taking their stuff. And it isn't so much that the guilds have left--the guilds are still here. But plenty of younger people, seeking opportunity, have left for the Scab or Rum or the Emerald Kingdom or Bryn Baraz.
Your business at the WLA takes a bit of time, so you have time to catch up and compare notes. [And hopefully, our new player will jump in and start posting! Tom, did you get my email?]
Grell Sunday September 23rd, 2012 10:42:17 PM
Chomping at the bit to see the fabled WLA gym, Grell taps his foot impatiently. "Yeah...yeah..can we get to the WLA headquarters already? We've got a place to stay for now, can't this wait until tomorrow?" "
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday September 24th, 2012 2:15:24 AM OOC: my apologies...I understood from Ariach's post that he was with Emrys--no biggie, ultimately. Everyone in the group will no doubt discuss what they've seen and heard while out on the town during their grop meal (presumably together.) I'll do an In-Character post later today.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday September 24th, 2012 3:32:53 AM
Sitting on a table in the "Red Wyrm Inn" Ariach enjoys one glas of wine while waiting for his friends. He thinks about the upcoming adventures and what the group will decide to do next.
Thessa Monday September 24th, 2012 12:00:57 PM
[OCC: Inside the WLA, as the group enters]
Thessa leans over the counter, standing an easy half foot taller than the clerk behind it, giving him a stern look of reproach.
"What do you mean that's all you've got? You know I can't go in there alone!"
Thessa hears the door close and realizes they aren't alone. She sighs, then takes a breath and quiets her tone, but her frustration is still completely obvious.
"Listen, I'm tired of being the League's mail carrier. I know there aren't a lot of options at the moment, but I want you to look back in that book of yours and find me something useful.. please?"
She glances back to the people that entered and gives them a small, apologetic, almost embarrassed smile then turns back to the clerk and quietly taps her boot as he searches through his paperwork.
--
Thessa Duirsar is a tall, very slender young elf woman with fine, chiseled features and deep blue eyes. She has long, almost jet black hair that flows around her shoulders, kept out of her face by a lovely silver circlet of ivy and leaves. She wears fitted black pants, a loose white shirt, and on her belt, along with several small pouches, is a beautiful curved blade in a sheath. On her back is a normal backpack and over one shoulder she carries a leather satchel. Over the other shoulder is an exquisite quiver that has a slight glow coming from one of the compartments.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday September 24th, 2012 7:54:31 PM
Tuck smiles at Grell's impatience. He keeps to himself that he is also excited about seeing what the WLA has to offer.
He takes note of the tall elf and gives her a nod and smile should they catch eyes.
Stepping up to an available clerk, he smiles. "Hello, my name is Tuck Gryphon. I would like to join the League. Is it still two thousand gold? I have that right here." He reaches into his haversack and produces his purse.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Monday September 24th, 2012 9:16:02 PM
"Two thousand gold!" blurts out the bard, thankful that he wasn't drinking anything at the moment. That was enough for Emrys to hear. "Sorry to leave you all in such a rush, I just remembered another appointment that I must keep. See you at the Red Wyrm." Before allowing much time for an inquiry, Emrys is out the door.
He hadn't truly considered joining the Woldian League of Adventurers. It was never his goal. He looks toward the Grand Sage's tower. That's where his first stepping stones to his destiny lie. Emrys turns and starts heading in the direction of the The Sages Guild.
Grell Monday September 24th, 2012 9:32:52 PM
Trying very unsuccessfully to hide his excitement, Grell strides up to one of the clerks. "Yes, I'm interested in potentially joining, but first, I was wondering if I could get a tour. I've heard a lot about your trai..." The last of his sentence trails behind as Grell suddenly spots Thessa. His mouth hangs open for a couple of seconds as his brain takes in the immense beauty of the young elf. His cheeks turn bright red as he realizes that he was staring, and his eyes shift down to the floor as a vision of Vaniime flashes through his head. His stomach suddenly in knots, Grell tries to pick back up his conversation, but it's clear he's very distracted. *ahem* "Your training...facilities...I've heard...good things..."
DM Kathy Monday September 24th, 2012 10:10:39 PM Thessa is talking to the clerk.
"We've been over this," he says. "You aren't an adventuring company. You're one person. You have to find a couple other people, at least, before I'll have anything real for you. Sorry, Thessa."
[OOC: Thessa went to Maplehurst, and was a couple of years ahead of you. Whether your character recognizes her or not is up to you.]
Tuck steps up to the clerk, ready to pay his fee and join the WLA. The clerk is happy to take your money and sign you up, and a few minutes later, you have your very own WLA pin.
[OOC: I don't know if there's anything else I need to do as DM to confirm your membership, but as far as I'm concerned, you're a member.]
Emrys, hearing the fee for joining, decides he has business elsewhere.
Grell is eager for a tour, and soon he is being shown around the headquarters. The fabled gym is not, perhaps, everything he dreamed of (as a practical matter, it would be difficult to have actual griffons and dragons on hand), but it is bigger and better than the training facilities at Maplehurst, which aren't exactly terrible. There are archery targets, which can be set at different ranges. There are sparring dummies of cloth and wood, a whole rack of practice weapons, and numerous clubs, weights, and balls for training. It's pretty awesome.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday September 24th, 2012 11:13:27 PM
Having had semi luck, Van continiues to wander when she sees Wilma, Grell, Emrys and Tuck heading somewhere with a purpose. Falling in along behind them Van is content to just follow along keeping track of them and who if anyone might be watching them.
As they head into the WLA Van waits outside and just moments later sees Emrys charge back out of the building. Half drawing her sword she waits to see what is pusuing him and when nothing follows calls out.
"Psst, Emrys where's the fire? where are the others?"
Dreppi HP 33/33 AC 16/13/14 Monday September 24th, 2012 11:26:33 PM
Dreppi having become lost exploring the city, asks random merchants and people looking for his fellow adventurers. He got alittle too involved in his alchemy and forgot about where the group was going, having finished his work. He headed out. He described the group as best he could though wasn't for sure how successful he was.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday September 25th, 2012 5:34:52 AM
Ariach wonders at the fact nobody of his friends show up in the "Red Wyrm Inn". He orders already his third glas of wine and the alcohol starts to bother him. But as a warrior he knows how important it is to enjoy the time of peace. Way to fast it can happen that he dies on the battlefield not being able anymore to enjoy life. "Waiter! Bring the best meal you serve."
Thessa Tuesday September 25th, 2012 10:39:07 AM
"Two thousand gold!"
Thessa turns her head at the outburst. It wasn't the worst reaction she's seen to the price of membership, and considering it costs a small fortune to join it wasn't surprising. What was surprising was the person who made it. Only catching his profile, she couldn't help but notice his copper-blond hair and for a moment her mind is taken back to school, some three years ago. The haze of time parts and she remembers a name. Emrys. But before she can say anything he's gone.
She takes a moment to study the rest of the group. They all seemed familiar to her. She caught the glimpse and subsequent blush of the white haired young man and offered a tentative smile back. With his rippling muscles, he looked like he could wrap that huge sword around someone's neck if the need arose. The other, taller young man looked impressive as well. His leaner muscles stretched taught around his thinner frame. A name came floating to the forefront of her mind.. Tuck. He had seemed so young when she left Maplehurst, but judging from his stance and his battle-worn staff, his training had been expeditious and effective.
She then turned to the girl with the red hair. The color reminded her of one of her favorite trees in Culverwood in the fall. She smiled slightly at the memory. How she missed home! The attractive young woman seemed to have a disarming demeanor that made Thessa feel at ease. Judging from the chain shirt with the large eye symbol on it, she knew she was a priestess of some sort. Thessa quietly berated herself for skipping all of her religion classes while at Maplehurst.
After the white-haired fellow leaves excitedly for his tour and Tuck purchases his membership, Thessa approaches.
"Welcome to the Woldian League of Adventurers. Tuck, right? I think we went to school together a couple of years ago. I'm Thessa Duirsar." She turns to each of you and smiles.
"It's nice to see new faces and an enthusiasm for actually adventuring for a change. So many veterans seem rather apathetic about it these days. And I'm finding that there is only so much that a single elf can do on her own." She tries to smile sweetly, quietly ignoring the nervousness she feels about approaching relative strangers.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday September 25th, 2012 8:39:44 PM
"Hey...I remember you..!" Wilma said to the newcomer. "You helped out Van with her Ranged Combat finals the year before last. Her full first name is Vaniime...she's an elf spirit ranger. I don't know if you remember me--we didn't have much contact, you and me--I was studying for my Gargul Purification Rituals test about that time. But...well, gosh, it's been a while! How are you? Have you done much adventuring since you graduated?" Excited to see someone she knew (albeit only slightly) from Maplehurst, Wilma became rather animated and was smiling even as she more or less grilled Thessa, obviously hoping to get a "True Life perspective" of an adventurer's life after graduation from her.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday September 25th, 2012 8:42:29 PM
Emrys stops and confides with Vaniime. "I was stopping by the WLA to glean a little information. I wasn't considering to join. However I ran into Wilma, Tuck and Grell along the way and they seem so enthusiastic about joining. I simply didn't want to be painted into a corner and I don't wish to reveal my true plans just yet. Those plans being a member of The Sages Guild, in an adjunct capacity, of course."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Tuesday September 25th, 2012 8:50:50 PM
Tuck smiles widely as he places the pin on his tunic. "Eh? What do you think about that, guys?" He strikes a pose for Grell and Wilma, hands on hips and chest puffed out to present his newest, shiniest accessory.
His foolishness ends quickly when Thessa approaches and greets him. He had only given her a quick glance when they entered. Now that he was closer, he remembered her from Maplehurst. He was envious of how easy she and the other elder students made it look. Plus, she was quite attractive, something a teenage boy paid close attention to.
As Tuck turned to face Thessa, he assumed a more professional stance; straight, shoulders back, head held high. Just as Ganz demanded.
"If you're going to be a monk, at least stand like one. Maybe that will scare your enemies into thinking you know what you're doing. If that doesn't work...well, Tuck, I'd suggest you run. You fight like a sissy."
Tuck smiled just a bit. If only Ganz could see him now. No doubt he'd proclaim Tuck the best stander in his class.
"Thessa," he finally says. "I do remember you. How are you? We just arrived and were walking about the city. It's a small Wold, huh?"
No. Doubt.
Grell Tuesday September 25th, 2012 10:12:26 PM
Grell half heartedly follows the tour guide around, only catching about half of the guide's words. His mind keeps drifting back to Thessa and Vaniime. He thanks the guide when they return. "Yeah, that's really nice! I like your free weights area. Count me in!" Grell pays his membership fees and fills out the necessary forms. He smiles broadly when he is presented the membership pin, already savoring the adventures he will have being part of such a prestigious society. If only Lowell could see him now...wouldn't he just be jeal...
A small twinge of anger flairs up in Grell when Tuck makes his performance. Who does he think he is showing off like that?!
And then, just as quickly as the rage came, it is gone, leaving the orc raised warrior more than a little confused. WHAT was that?! He shakes his head in confusion. The flood of emotions that her presence evokes sends his mind down paths he's not accustomed to traveling. Unconsciously he takes a step back away from Thessa, as if she were a viper. It's like Chieftain Grell always said "If you can't fight it, eat it, or toss it, it's probably best to avoid it."
Then again...the old orc hadn't ever seen an elf as beautiful as this one! I mean, just look at the way those pants hug her well muscled hips! I mean, she must run a couple of miles every day to be that well toned... Where in the name of Maarteuses pustules did these thoughts come from?! the warrior muses internally.. Once more Grell finds himself blushing, and decides it's probably time to leave. "Errr...I'm gonna just *cough* head back and check on Ariach. Don't want him getting lonely.... I'll meet you guys back at the Inn..." Bowing his head slightly toward the newcomer elf, Grell bolts for the door as if the building was on fire and structurally unsound, and promptly bumps into Vaniime. His face turning beat red, Grell completely looses the ability to articulate any spoken language. Instead, he manages to stammer an apology before he continues his hasty retreat back to the Red Wyrm Inn.
DM Kathy Tuesday September 25th, 2012 10:57:52 PM Vaniime and Emrys meet up outside the WLA, and Emrys catches her up on what is happening inside.
Dreppi is taking the opportunity to just wander for a bit. You bask for a while in the wonders of the Dragon Quarter before moving south into the life and noise and color of the Circus Quarter. Here, there are street performers, and snatches of song and poetry coming from open windows, and all manner of art displayed for sale. You continue south, and cross the river into the Trade Quarter, and the pandemonium that is the Open Palm Market. You see all kinds of goods for sale, some of them looking extremely dubious. However, you do not fear being lost, because you remember that you, and the entire group, are staying at the Red Wyrm Inn in the Dragon Quarter. When you end your exploring and make your way back, you find Ariach there, enjoying a meal and a pint, and eager to share his news with the group.
Wilma, Tuck, and Grell make (or renew) the acquaintance of Thessa, in the WLA on business. Indeed, Tuck and Grell are especially enthusiastic about speaking with Thessa.
Grell is able to join the WLA, and soon has a pin of his own.
You all begin to talk about returning to the Red Wyrm and seeing what your compatriots have found out today.
Dreppi HP 33/33 AC 16/13/14 Tuesday September 25th, 2012 11:44:50 PM
Arriving at the Red Wyrm Inn, a wide grin spreads across his face. "Ariach! Hows your day going!? I enjoyed a day of exploring the city and also find everyone. Being to such a giant city for the first time ever is daunting yet exciting! Hows the food here?" sits down at the table.
Thessa Wednesday September 26th, 2012 2:50:26 PM
Given her rather serious nature, Thessa rarely smiles, but Wilma's energy and enthusiasm iss rather contagious and she can't help but smile at her as she is assailed with questions.
She noted Tuck's straight posture and change in stance. He looked almost uncomfortable, which made it all the more endearing. She reaches out and touches his new WLA pin and smiles, ""It looks nice on you." And she shows off her own pin on her collar.
Grell's hasty exit didn't go unnoticed either. Thessa wondered if she had done or said something that disturbed the young human. She was still rather unsure of herself when it came to the nuances of human communication.
Struggling to remember the red-haired girl's name Thessa nods, "I remember Vaniime well. She passed with honors if I remember correctly. She seemed nice and a pleasure to work with. You are friends?"
"As far as adventuring here, there are plenty of opportunities for groups outside the city, which has sent many of the younger resident adventurers out into the wilds. I seemed to have missed the 'rush', so after my WLA training I started picking up odd jobs from WLA and the elven consulate. There are fewer local opportunities and even those will take more than a single person can handle alone."
Thessa pauses for a moment and her eyes move from Wilma, to Tuck, to the door Grell so hastily left through.
"There IS talk of a WLA expedition to Lasher Castle, if dealing with undead sounds intriguing to you. Is it just the three of you and Vaniime then?"
Thessa silently chastised herself for her overly business-like demeanor - something she has been working on. She knew she needed to relax.
"Perhaps we should discuss over a drink or two? It would be my pleasure to buy the first round..."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday September 26th, 2012 7:01:28 PM
After Dreppi takes place next to Ariach, the young warrior looks up from his plate and grins broadly. With his mouth full and greased fingers he points to the piece of meat laying in front of him. "Excellent! The smoked meat here is one of the delicioused things i have ever eaten. I warmly recommend you to order one."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Wednesday September 26th, 2012 7:17:27 PM
Tuck is confused by Grell's hasty exit. The man was acting strange, lately. When Thessa points out her own WLA pin, Tuck smiles and relaxes his stance. "It looks good on you too." His smile is quickly replaced by an incredulous look. He seems to be quite perplexed with his sudden awkwardness.
"Uh, there are more than four of us. We're staying at the Red Wyrm Inn. I believe we're heading back there, if you would like to come with us. I'm sure the others would like to meet a fellow alumnus." Tuck looks to Wilma for confirmation.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday September 26th, 2012 9:02:53 PM "Awesome idea, Tuck!" Wilma enthused, then beckoned to Thessa. "Come on along, then--we can introduce you to everyone in the Vanguard and maybe even help you out with qualifying for that assignment that the WLA seems to have available..." The young priestess practically bounced out of the building.
"I can't afford to join the WLA officially yet," she admitted a bit dolefully, "I went to the Catacombs and got some healing supplies and this really neat staff--" Here Wilma proudly held up the carved staff of black wood in her right hand. It was easily a little over five feet in length. The staff was an exceptionally well-crafted weapon, about an inch and a half in diameter, with the top part of the staff flaring out to a roughly three inch globular head, whereupon was deeply carved the sign of the Open Lidless Eye--the symbol of Gargul.
"What do you think...?" Wilma asked. "I think the craftsman did a marvelous job--if I ever decide to further enchant the staff, the carver told me that I can easily have a gem or the like inlaid into the middle off the pupil there...I'm leaning towards getting a garnet or maybe even splurging for a ruby that glows when I'm using whatever the magic in the staff will be." The anticipatory chuckle that followed her statement sounded almost sinister...then she sighed.
"But...that will have to wait for some time," Wilma said with another gusty sigh. "Right now I can't even pay the WLA fee because I had to tithe to the temple when I first got to the City."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday September 26th, 2012 9:15:33 PM
Van has just finnished chatting with Emrys when Grell comes bolting out the door and nearly runs into her. As he stutters and stammers his way through an apology as he rushes off Vaniime shakes her head and looks after him with a bewildered look on her face.
"So Emrys, shall we wait for the others or do we follow our retreating comrade and see what scared him so much?"
DM Kathy Wednesday September 26th, 2012 10:17:42 PM
Your errands mostly finished, you all meet back up at the Red Wyrm Inn, with Thessa accompanying the group from the WLA.
Ariach, who has been back at the inn for a while, recommends the smoked venison, which is indeed tasty.
Ariach also has news for the group; he has spoken with a property manager, and a representative will be meeting you tomorrow to show you some potential living spaces.
Everyone has the opportunity to show off their freshly acquired magic items and WLA pins, and to meet Thessa.
Grell Wednesday September 26th, 2012 10:28:32 PM
Grell runs his fingers through his hair as he walks at a rapid clip toward the Inn. What in the Wold was going on?! Confused by this feelings for the two ladies of his party, Grell breaks into a jog...eager to put as much distance between himself and the ladies. He arrives at the Inn winded, but feeling better. The surge of adrenaline clears his head. He looks down at the WLA pin in his hand, eager to tell Ariach about the training facilities. Maybe he could even see about getting him a guest pass and they can work out together.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday September 27th, 2012 5:50:44 PM
As the rest of the crew exits the WLA building Vaniime does a quick count and then counts again, as there seems to be an extra body with the group. As she looks closer she sees who it is and a smile crosses her face.
"Thessa! What are you doing with this group of reprobates?" What have you been up too? Did you hear that we beat Gnowsy this year in the competition? Are you staying here in Plateau City"
This is probably the most animated you have seen Van outside of one of her pranks.
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday September 27th, 2012 7:19:43 PM
Ariach is surprised as his friends enter the inn with a stranger who follows them right to his table. The graceful and glamorous looking young elf woman seems to draw all the attention of the "Red Wyrm Inn". Ariach also has to admit that she exerts a great pull on him. But when he sees Wilmaīs red hair behind the elf, the magic of the newcomer seems to vanish. When she reveals herself as Thessa, the warrior can remember her again. To his astonishment, Grell behaves in the presence of the young woman peculiar. Maybe the half- orc is offended once again because Ariach gives Wilma a foolish smile from time to time. "Nice to see you again, Thessa. Are you currently with your group of adventurers here in Plateau City?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+9=27 ; Thursday September 27th, 2012 9:14:26 PM
Emrys enters the Red Wyrm and is glad to see his friends congregating at the dinner table. He happily joins them all. He pauses a bit, only pretending to 'just notice and remember' who the young elven woman is. He noticed her the very moment he entered the room. "Thessa, is it? I haven't seen you in a while. What brings you to our merry, little band?" Emrys quickly interrupts himself and asks the waitress as she passes by, "I'd like to have what good Ariach there is having, thank you." The turns back to Thessa with a guileful smile and says, "I fetch the impression you have an itchy bowfinger for which adventure is the only remedy."
(Sense Motive: 27)
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Thursday September 27th, 2012 9:54:32 PM
Tuck sits at the table. "Why don't we eat and talk. About homes and adventures." He orders some food and drink.
DM Kathy Thursday September 27th, 2012 11:12:44 PM
You spend a friendly evening at the Red Wyrm Inn. Thessa shows an interest in hanging out with you. Maybe she's looking for an adventuring group? Since Pinwheel's abrupt departure, you do seem to have an opening...
As promised the half-elf clerk calls for you at 8 the next morning. "I am Jacinth Spring," she says, shaking hands all around, "representing Jelzix Otterbrook, a property manager. I spoke with Master Gatelatch yesterday about what you're looking for. I have a few properties in mind to show you today."
She begins leading you eastward through the Dragon Quarter. "First, I want to show you a couple of houses in the Hindquarter," she says. "Neither is really large enough for the whole group, but they are on the same street, just a few houses apart. One is for sale; the other is for rent."
She leads you into the Hindquarter, and, with frequent consultations of a small map she carries, in the general direction of the city wall. It is a quiet neighborhood, and the homes are small. Vaniime is pretty sure she walked through here on her wanderings yesterday.
Jacinth turns a corner, past a large (for this area) two-story house, painted white. There are approximately 400 children running around in the yard. No, on second thought, there aren't more than a dozen; they're just making a lot of cheerful noise.
When you turn the corner after her, you find yourselves on a narrow lane, the kind where two wagons or coaches could not possible pass one another. Fortunately, the lane is fairly short, and coaches and wagons don't seem very common in this neighborhood.
She stops at the second house on the street, the one next door to the house with all the kids. "Number 14 Bluebell Lane," she says. "It's for sale, and we're asking 1500 gold for it. Let me show you inside."
She leads the way up the cobbled front walk, past two cherry trees in full bloom. This house is also two stories, painted a dignified dark gray with neat white trim. The front door leads into an entry or mud room, with pegs for cloaks and hats, and a flagstone floor that won't mind the drips. It widens into a great room with a fireplace at one end and a built-in bench at the other.
"That's the eating area, of course," Jacinth says, gesturing to the bench. "Slide a table up to that bench, add a few chairs, and there's plenty of room for everyone. The house is unfurnished, as you can see," she continues, "but it's not too hard to find used furniture at a good price. Or you can buy all new if you prefer."
An archway near the eating area leads into the kitchen. A second archway nearer the fireplace leads into a short hall. The hall also opens into the kitchen, and there are three closed doors along it.
The kitchen is large and old-fashioned, with a fireplace and spit. A door near the back leads into the pantry; an adjacent door leads out into the back garden. The pantry has ample shelves and bins, and a trapdoor in the floor leads to a small root cellar. In the back are what look to be a vegetable garden and an herb garden, both sadly overgrown. Two apple trees are just beginning to bloom. If you go back into the garden, you see the kids from the neighboring house, hanging on the fence, watching you with wide-eyed interest.
The doors in the hallway lead to stairs going up, a large closet, and a nice-sized room with two windows and a closet. It could be used for just about anything: a parlor, an office, a bedroom.
Upstairs are three bedrooms, two large and one small.
Jacinth gives you time to look around and answers any questions you might have. [OOC: I'll answer any questions in my next DM post.]
Once you have finished looking around, she locks the front door and leads you further down the lane. "Number 17 Bluebell Lane," she says, "is for rent, and is furnished. We're asking 30 gold per month."
Number 17 is across the street and down a bit from the gray house that was Number 14. It (Number 17) is a one-story house. The walls are made of river-rock, painstakingly pieced together to a height of about three feet, with wooden boards above. The wood is painted a pleasant pale green.
The front walk is also river rock, and the occasional lump under your boots tells you that they didn't get it quite as smooth as they might have. Whatever the front yard once held, it now is just weeds and dirt.
There is no entry in this house; the front door opens directly into the great room. An archway directly across from the front door leads back into a kitchen. To the left of the kitchen door is another built-in bench, with a table and chairs drawn up to it. To the right of the kitchen door is a huge fireplace, shared by the great room and the kitchen. On this side, the great room side, comfortable-looking chairs and footstools are arranged in front of the fireplace.
Near the eating area, a second archway leads into a hallway with four closed doors. These turn out to be three bedrooms--one with a double bed and two with twin beds--and a good-sized closet.
The kitchen is smaller than the kitchen at Number 14, but it has plenty of space for cooking--and a bake-oven, which the other house did not have. It also has a full collection of pots, pans, and dishes. There is no pantry, but there is a root cellar, rather larger than the one at Number 14.
The back door leads from the kitchen to an overgrown back yard that may once have held a flower garden. The three trees in the yard look rather uninteresting until you identify them as hazelnut trees.
As before, Jacinth gives you time to look around and answers any questions you have for her.
tl;dr: The half-elf named Jacinth shows you two houses. The first house is for sale for 1500 gold. It has three bedrooms, two large and one small, plus another room that could be a bedroom if you wanted. The second house is for rent, 30 gold per month. It has three bedrooms.
Thessa Thursday September 27th, 2012 11:52:44 PM
Thessa enjoyed the walk to the Red Wyrm, listening to Wilma chatting about her time at school and the different members of Vanguard. Upon entering the Inn, Thessa notices Vaniime right away and beams her a big smile.
"Vaniime! It is really good to see you! Congratulations on your graduation. The same goes for all of you!" She looks around the room at each of the companions.
She beckons the waitress and orders a plate of meat and cheese as well as a glass of wine, then sits down with the group.
"Ariach, it's nice to see you too. I've been keeping myself employed here in Plateau City these last couple of years. Minor odd jobs mostly. It's hard to do much else when you don't have a group to fall back on."
She glances over at Tuck for a moment, still wondering if she'd said or done something to offend, then turns back to Emrys. Thessa had never given such things much thought in school, but she notices her breath catch in her throat slightly. He was quite an attractive man, even if he was half-elven. Shaking her head slightly, she banished the thought from her mind for now.
"Well, Emrys, to be honest, I'm finding myself at quite a loss on my own. I can make ends meet by selling my bows and doing odd jobs for the consulate and WLA, but I was hoping to find some company to go beyond just 'making ends meet'. And yes," she pats her quiver, "I think my bow has been feeling a little under-utilized!"
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Friday September 28th, 2012 4:58:07 PM
Ariach follows Jacinthīs tour eagerly interested. When he sees the kids hanging on the fence observing him and his comrades, he straightens himself right in front of them. He salutes and introduce himself to them "I am Ariach Gatelatch! Member of the "Vanguards" and at your service!" With a smile he turns and follows Jacinth again.
Knowing that a too enthusiastic behavior could minimize the success of bargaining, he tries to stay calm and relaxed. But right after they leave the first house he tells the others
"I love this place! I donīt know exactly why, but i like this place. Itīs a feeling what tells me to live in here. Maybe to be a shining example for these kids in the neighbourhood. Maybe i have to stay for another reason. I hope we will take it. I also like the garden. In the garden we can plant useful herbs for our healers. Itīs a quite and peaceful quarter- the right place to make a good recovery from our adventures. If we spend some money for the furniture it will be perfect. What do you say?"
I like it ok but I would rather us all be together if possible and I would like to be in a bit quieter of a neighborhood. We don't really want to endanger our neighbors too much by inadvertantly bringing any enemies home.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Saturday September 29th, 2012 9:00:51 AM
Tuck seems to be enjoying himself during the meal. He speaks easily and laughs at any jokes.
"Thessa, perhaps we could accompany you on an adventure or two. See how our group meshes. I can only speak for myself, but we all know each other. I don't think the rest of the group would mind if we worked together." He looks around the room to see if there were any dissenters.
Tuck seems disinterested in the tour. He doesn't seem to be a real estate mogul, for sure. At one point, he kicks a fireplace. "Hmm, that's a good fireplace. It seems to be built pretty well." He nods his head as he looks it up and down. "Yep...it's a fireplace."
"They seem nice enough, but I agree with Vaniime. We shouldn't jump on the first place we see."
DM Kathy Sunday September 30th, 2012 10:21:07 PM Ariach likes the neighborhood, and the houses. He likes that there are kids around, and that your group could set an example for them.
Vaniime, however, has misgivings. Such a neighborhood has a lot of innocent bystanders, and adventuring groups often attract the wrong kind of attention. Would you be putting these people in danger by living here?
Tuck agrees that you shouldn't jump on the first place you see. Jacinth nods, and doesn't seem upset that your group is having second thoughts.
"As I explained to Master Gatelatch," she says, leading you toward the river, "we don't presently have a property large enough for the entire group. However, we do have two flats available in the same building, so perhaps that is more to your liking."
She leads the way to a small landing on the river, and hails a taxi-barge. "We're going to the Outcast Quarter," she tells the pilot. To you, she adds, "we'll essentially have to travel the entire length of the Endless River. It's a good chance to see the city."
She does not, however, seem to feel up to playing tour guide. She busies herself with papers--and answers your questions--as the barge makes its way along the Endless River. You pass the colorful Circus Quarter and the busting Trade Quarter, which some of you have already visited. You pass Gladiator Park, with the arena looming in the background. The barge slides between the awe-inspiring Cathedral of light and the High Lord Mayor's Castle; then on past the mansions of the Noble Quarter. You catch only a glimpse of Outcast Castle before you glide past the embassies of the Foreign Quarter. Finally, the barge begins to pull toward the bank, and you stop just on the other side of a bridge. Jacinth pays the fare, then leads the way.
The Outcast Quarter has become the home of many who don't fit in easily elsewhere. You see goblins here, and hobgoblins. You're pretty sure that person over there is at least part troll. An ordinary-looking human walks past you, going about his business, and you don't notice until the last moment that he has glowing red eyes and tiny horns growing out of his forehead. And, judging from the smell, there are troglodytes somewhere in the area.
There are, of course, plenty of unremarkable humans, dwarves, elves, halflings, gnomes, and Taurs walking around as well. But they don't stand out as much.
Jacinth leads you past the ruined War Cathedral and toward the city wall. Streets become narrow and a little confusing, and the wall looms ever closer. Finally, Jacinth stops at a large building on Owlbear Street. It is right up against the wall--in fact, from this angle, it's impossible to tell if there's any space at all between the building and the city wall. "Wyvern Court" is spelled out in large letters across the front of the building.
Wyvern Court does not seem to have a front door. Instead, Jacinth leads you to a pretty wrought-iron gate, which she unlocks with a key. You step through the gate and through a passageway into an interior courtyard. There are trees in planter-boxes here, and a few benches. A drow woman is drawing water from a well located in the exact center of the courtyard. Looking around, you can see the doors what must be different flats.
"Let's go up here first," Jacinth says, climbing some stairs. "Apartment G has three bedrooms, and we're asking 25 gold per month." She unlocks the door and lets you in.
The door leads into a great room, rather smaller than the ones in the houses you saw earlier. There is no fireplace, but there is a brazier in one corner. To the left, an archway leads into a kitchen. It, too, is smaller than the kitchens in the houses, but it is more modern, boasting a wood-burning stove. From the other side of the great room, a short hallway leads back and then bends back the way you came into a much longer hallway. Looking at the thick, unforgiving stone that makes up the outside wall of the hallway, you realize that it is the city wall! This building isn't just built right up against the wall; it actually incorporates the wall as part of its structure!
You're not sure whether to be impressed or appalled, but it's a fact that nobody has attacked Plateau City from the outside for centuries.
The hall leads to three bedrooms, all of which have windows overlooking the courtyard.
Jacinth answers any questions you have, then locks the door behind you, and leads the way down the stairs and across the courtyard. "Apartment P is on the ground floor," she says. "It has four bedrooms, and we're asking 35 a month for it."
This flat is similar to the other one, although it none of its walls are part of the city wall. There is a great room, with a kitchen behind it (also with a wood-burning stove). On either side of the great room, doors lead directly into the bedrooms (two on either side), with no hallway.
As before Jacinth is ready to answer any questions you may have.
Thessa Highlight to display spoiler: {you know of a house for rent that may be of interest to the group, which I included in the email. If you don't want to share it, that's fine; I just want to be sure it isn't overlooked. :) }
tl;dr: Jacinth takes you by taxi-barge to the Outcast Quarter, and shows you two flats in the same building. One is on the second floor and has three bedrooms; its rent is 25 per month. The other is on the ground floor and has four bedrooms; its rent is 35.
Thessa Sunday September 30th, 2012 11:55:43 PM
Thessa accompanied the Vanguards on the tour around the city. Partly to get away from her standard WLA duties, but mostly she wanted the time to get to know her new friends a bit better. She offers some of her basic knowledge of the city when asked, and tries to be as friendly and helpful as she can. Having temporary lodging of her own, she's more interested in conversation with them than the actual house-hunt, but after listening to Vaniime's concerns, she hits upon an idea.
After examining the Outcast Quarter apartments, Thessa finds a lull in the conversation to offer her thoughts.
"I don't want to presume to know exactly what you're looking for, but I thought I'd offer another option. Feel free to take or not, as befits the group, but there is a large townhouse I happened to have walked by during a delivery a few days ago. It was for rent and it might have enough room so that everyone could sleep under a single roof. That seems to me to be more convenient than splitting up..."
Her voice trails off for a moment, "The only thing is that it is located in the Nightmare Quarter. I know it's not exactly Platinum Road, but still.. perhaps it might be worth taking a look at?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday October 1st, 2012 9:36:38 AM
Tuck doesn't seem impressed by the next apartments. "I preferred the previous place. Perhaps we should check out this townhouse that Thessa recommended. Where do you live Thessa? Do you rent or own?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Monday October 1st, 2012 9:36:38 AM
Tuck doesn't seem impressed by the next apartments. "I preferred the previous place. Perhaps we should check out this townhouse that Thessa recommended. Where do you live Thessa? Do you rent or own?"
Thessa Monday October 1st, 2012 10:55:04 AM
"I rent a small room at the Flying Monkey Tavern in the Foreign Quarter. It's not much, but they make the best tasting Elven sweetbread in the city and.. well," she pauses somewhat embarrassed, "I am a terrible cook, so it works out well for me."
Thessa Monday October 1st, 2012 10:55:04 AM
"I rent a small room at the Flying Monkey Tavern in the Foreign Quarter. It's not much, but they make the best tasting Elven sweetbread in the city and.. well," she pauses somewhat embarrassed, "I am a terrible cook, so it works out well for me."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 1st, 2012 2:05:55 PM OOC: sorry for the tardy posting.
Wilma was abnormally quiet during their time with the property agent, and was polite to the lady when she and the group parted ways for the day.
"The houses each had their charms," she finally opined, "But they were clearly too small to act as a base of operations. And I have to say that if we were going to bother with having two apartments in one building, then we'd be better off holding out for either two apartments that were next to each other on the same floor or were situated one on top of the other. That way we could negotiate paying for having a doorway leading between the side-by-sides, or a set of stairs that connect the upper and lower apartments." She listened to Thessa's suggestion and shrugged.
"Well, it couldn't hurt for us just to look, could it..?" Wilma pointed out. "Just because we take a peek at this townhouse doesn't mean we'd have to take it. Besides...it seems that the neighborhoods of the City are being...ummmm...dynamic. It just may be that the Nightmare Quarter isn't as...ahem...nightmarish as it may have been in days of old..."
Ariach AC 23/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 1st, 2012 6:57:29 PM
Ariach is very disappointed that nobody doesnīt like the first house in a way he does. But he finds the truth in Wilmaīs words. It would be better to find one bigger lodging for all of them. Although he really doesnīt like that the next object is in the Nightmare Quarter.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 1st, 2012 7:02:01 PM
OOC: Testing
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Monday October 1st, 2012 8:01:21 PM
"Yes, there are good things to say about all we've seen, however lets ... uhmm, give the place in the Nightmare Quarter a look and make a final decision, empowered with the total sum of what we've seen." He clears his throat and asks, "Why would anyone give it such a name? I certainly hope this dwelling is not located on the corner of Maim and Dismemberment Avenue!"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday October 1st, 2012 8:52:01 PM
Van listens to the agent and then to Thessa's option. She has some misgivings about the namem of the quarter, but is willing to take a look and see what is what. If worst comes to worst they could stay at an inn a bit longer if needed.
DM Kathy Monday October 1st, 2012 10:10:52 PM
By the time you finish in the Outcast Quarter, it is time for lunch. Jacinth buys lunch for you all at the nearby Flying Pigs Inn. During the meal, she points out some of the best features of the properties you've seen--how Bluebell Lane is in a nice neighborhood and handy to the Dragon Quarter; how Wyvern Court is close to Lasher Castle. At the end of the meal, she takes her leave, reminding you to call at the office at any time.
"If these properties don't suit, we may have some that do," she concludes.
After she has left, Thessa tells you about a town house she saw for rent just the other day. It seems large enough to hold the entire group--but it is in the Nightmare Quarter.
Of course, Wilma, Tuck, and Grell have already been to the Nightmare Quarter; it is where the Temple of Gargul is located. They can, perhaps, fill you in on some of the details as you travel.
You catch a taxi barge across the river--there being no bridges just here--and soon Thessa is leading you down Falls Road toward the Castle Gate. About halfway down the street, she stops, turns, and points. "Down there," she says.
"There" is a slice of road branching off from Falls Road like a short claw. Raven Crescent, a sign proclaims it. Number 2 Raven Crescent has a very visible "To Let" sign fastened to the front gate.
You move into Raven Crescent to investigate further. It actually is in the shape of a crescent, with one end opening onto Falls Road, an the other end dead-ending at the river. Six townhouses stand along the crescent. All are tall, narrow structures with tall, narrow doors and windows. All are built of dark stone. They appear to have been built to look looming and intimidating, and probably did at one time.
A funny thing happens, however, when houses are occupied by regular people instead of evil cultists. Little decorative touches start appearing. Flower-boxes are attached to frowning windows. Trees are planted, and ivy is allowed to grow over dark stone.
Present-day Raven Crescent looks a little old-fashioned, but not all that intimidating. At least, not in broad daylight.
Number 2 is built of dark-gray stone, made interesting by years and weather. The wrought-iron fence and gate in front of the house have little spikes on top, but the tiny patch of ground next to the front walk has several rosebushes just beginning to bud.
On closer inspection, the "To Let" sign goes on to say that all inquiries should be made to Mr. Tholin Ressler, followed by an address in the Merchant's Quarter. If you would like to see inside the house, presumably Mr. Ressler should be your next stop.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 3:51:59 AM
Even as a small boy Ariach had avoided this quarter because of the bad reputation.. Although it seems to be safe during the day, still there is a touch of madness in the air. Even the small window decorations do not improve his mood.
"With all due respect. You donīt really think about settling down here? I donīt wanna get in contact with at least half of the district residents. And if i have to deal with the others, i would have the feeling to wear my armor to be safe."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 6:02:25 AM
The look on Wilma's face bordered on rapt.
"I suspect that this is named the Nightmare Quarter because of the very poor public image that Gargul has had--and still suffers from--with a majority of the Wold..." the young cleric pointed out. "Skull Market and the Black Cathedral define this area of the city, so someone obviously slapped 'Nightmare' on the area and it stuck. Try to see this objectively--we are within walking distance of the temple of my patron deity, and this quarter is centrally located to everything else in the city as well." She turned to the others.
"I think it's worth at least contacting this Master Ressler in order to see the inside of the place for ourselves," Wilma said firmly. "None of the other places we have seen are optimal for what we'd prefer to have for our group, so it only stands to reason that we try to explore all of our options before making a decision about it...right..?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 6:37:16 PM
Tuck nods. "I agree with Wilma. It doesn't appear to be a place where there are too many innocents that might be put in harm's way because of us, as Vaniime is concerned with. It doesn't look very sinister. It's got rosebushes, after all. Let's give it a look-see."
Hmmmm, and that area over there with allthe trees is the druid quarter isn't it? I bet I could get some decent tree time there even if it isn't the Culverwood. I'd be willing to take a look.
Thessa d20+10=27 ; Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 8:56:45 PM
Thessa smiles a bit to herself. She's glad to have been a bit useful, and admittedly she is a bit curious to see the inside of the place herself.
Although the place looks homey on the outside, she ponders to herself what the crime rate is like at night in the Nightmare Quarter as opposed to some of the other places in the city... (Knowledge, Local: 27)
"I agree, Vaniime. Being close to the druid's park makes me feel a little less out of place too, although a little more homesick."
She motions to the sign, "Should we drop in on Mr. Ressler and inquire about it?"
Grell Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 10:15:07 PM
Grell keeps to himself, keeping a physical distance from both Thessa and Vaniime while he tours the living options. Having never dealt with the complexity of hormones and amorous feelings, the warrior is confused and overwhelmed. His mind on other things, Grell doesn't have much opinion about which place would be the best, though he does prefer to be away from the children. The Nightmare Quarter, while mildly creepy, does have a certain appeal As he tags along to go find the renter, Grell sticks close to Ariach. He is eager to find some time to ask the former paladin about these strange feelings. He has a sneaking suspicion that Ariach might understand, given the way he occasionally looks at Wilma.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 2nd, 2012 10:46:21 PM Ariach expresses misgivings about living in the Nightmare Quarter.
Wilma, however, is excited at the prospect of living so close to the Temple of Gargul. Vaniime notes that the Nightmare Quarter is close to the Druid Quarter. Thessa's impression is that the crime rate here is about average for the city, and Tuck expresses a willingness to at least see the place. Grell, somewhat out of his element, is willing to tag along.
Your curiosity wins out, and you make your way to the Merchant Quarter to speak with Master Ressler. You inquire at his business, and after a brief flurry among clerks, junior assistants, and assistant associates, Master Ressler himself comes out to greet you. He is a short, middle-aged human man with thinning brown hair. He introduces himself, and gets your names in return.
"I have managed to move some appointments," he says, "so I can show you the house right away. Please, come this way."
He hadn't been joking about "right away." Waiting outside is a young man in the livery of Rod's Reliable Transportation, and a Carpet of Flying big enough for the whole group.
"I have appointments later this afternoon," Master Ressler explains, ushering you all aboard, "so I didn't want to take a lot of time on travel. Here we go!" And with that, you lift and begin flying over the city.
Those of you who flew on the Floop find the sensation rather similar, except the Floop had nice sturdy sofa-backs to keep you from tumbling out. Of course, the Floop was also controlled by a stuffed goblin head with an odd sense of humor, so perhaps it evens out.
At any rate, you are soon once again in Raven Crescent, and Master Ressler is unlocking the front door.
"The place belonged to my great-aunt," he explains, ushering you inside. "That side of the family always was--a little strange."
You enter into a foyer whose floor is tiled in shades of black and blood-red. It's a little off-putting until you realize that the red tiles form the shape of a blooming rose on the black background. It could probably be made to look sinister in the right light, but at the moment it's just interesting.
Doors open to the left and right from the foyer. A hallway leads straight ahead, and beside it, stairs climb to the second floor.
Master Ressler opens the door leading to the left. On the other side is a formal parlor or sitting room. The furniture here is large and imposing, made of some kind of dark wood. The upholstery and drapes are deep red. It's a little off-putting.
"A-hm. Yes. Well, I don't think Auntie used this room very much." Master Ressler looks a little dismayed. Then he smiles. "But here--" he opens sliding doors that lead to the next room--"I spent many hours in here as a child."
The next room is a library, filled with bookshelves. There is a fireplace, and leather-covered couches and armchairs. And yes, the furniture is still heavy and imposing, and the colors are dark. But the room just can't manage to be forbidding--not with all those books and comfortable-looking places to read them.
Master Ressler leads you out of the library through a different door, and you find yourselves in the hallway you saw earlier. Across from you is a very grand set of double doors. "The formal dining room," Master Ressler says. "Ah....well....I'll show it to you." He opens the doors.
If the parlor was grim and imposing, this room is doubly so. There is a very large table, and enough chairs for 60 to sit down to dinner together. There are tapestries on the walls, which look to be high-quality works made of expensive materials. However, they depict very upsetting scenes of bloodshed and dark rituals.
"Yes. Well." Master Ressler seems a bit discomfited. "My word, that's as bad as I remembered. But, through here..." he opens a door that leads back the way you came--almost certainly the room to the right of the foyer. "This is the music room. Auntie had this one re-decorated."
You step into the music-room, and it is obvious that it was not decorated by the same fierce hand as the parlor or dining room. The wood is lighter, the furniture is of a more approachable style, and the drapes and upholsteries are pleasing shades of green and gold. The music-room boasts a spinet, a harp, and a large cabinet containing several stringed instruments.
Master Ressler leads you back into the foyer, so you have gone in a small circle. He then leads the way down the hall. Past the library, he opens another door and steps through.
"This is the breakfast-room," he says. "Auntie had this one re-done as well." Indeed the breakfast-room looks like a much more pleasant place to have a meal. Again, the furniture is less imposing and more pleasing; and there is more of the green and gold that "Auntie" seemed to favor. The table and chairs will seat eight comfortably.
Master Ressler then leads the way to the kitchens, which take up the whole back portion of the house. There is a wood-burning stove and a huge fireplace and a couple of bake-ovens, along with numerous work areas and all manner of shelves and bins. The place is clean and workmanlike, with none of the intimidating flourishes of the rest of the house. A set of back stairs lead upward.
"We might as well take the back stairs," Master Ressler says, "since we're here."
The second floor contains four very large bedrooms, each with its own separate sitting area. All are furnished, and thankfully none show any signs of the macabre decor you saw earlier. One room--again, furnished in green and gold--has a partial view of the river.
The third floor has six smaller bedrooms, "smaller" being a relative term. All of them, for example, are larger than the large bedrooms in the house in the Hindquarter. They are also furnished, and two of them have views of the river.
The fourth floor has a nursery, schoolroom, playroom, and several smaller rooms which are probably intended as servants' quarters. There is also an attic.
"Well. There we are," says Master Ressler. "We're asking 75 gold per month for the place. I know that some of the rooms aren't exactly--comfortable, but it's a fine house."
He answers any questions you have, then leads you back to the foyer.
tl;dr: The townhouse is four stories. Some of the rooms are really scary-looking; most are not. There are four ginormous bedrooms, six large bedrooms, and servants' quarters. Rent is 75 per month.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 5:04:03 AM
Anyone looking at Wilma's face could instantly tell that she was totally in love with the interior.
"Would we have permission to redecorate this place, Mr. Thessler..?" she asked. "I am of a mind that we may wish to use some cantrips here and there to brighten up the drapes and upholstery in some of the rooms. While I don't mind leaning towards the gothic theme, I think your great-aunt's choices for green and gold would be better than having midnight black and red everywhere in the public rooms."
Without a doubt, however, the Ravenclaw townhouse was far and away the roomiest place they'd seen--and Wilma would just love to poke through that library herself in order to see what kinds of books were held within it.
Thessa Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 12:14:46 PM
Thessa quietly enjoyed the tour, taking in the size of the house. It was amazing! She had never been in a house this big before. Her little room at the Flying Monkey felt like a broom closet compared to this place.
When they were escorted to the library, Thessa could feel her mouth drop. Hundreds of books lined the walls, and the comfortable chairs and fireplace called for her to stay a while and lose herself here but she suppressed the desire and hurried along after their guide.
Even the bedrooms on the top floor were three to four times the size of her current quarters, and when she walked into one of the bedrooms overlooking the river, she was in love. She opened the window slightly and listened to the faint sound of water pouring over the Endless Falls. She closed her eyes and imagined curling up with a book and listening to the water and the gulls and the bustle of the streets below.
She opened her eyes with a start, realizing she was being exceedingly presumptuous. The Vanguards barely knew her and certainly hadn't asked for her to stay with them. Regardless of how useful she felt she could be to them, she'd need to wait for that invitation to be sure they felt the same way.
She turns to Wilma and Vaniime, not bothering to conceal the smile on her usually composed face. "This place is amazing, isn't it? I had no idea it was so big! And the library," she shakes her head in awe. "There's even a bedroom for each and every one of us! .. err," she catches herself, "Each one of you, the Vanguards, that is."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 6:11:30 PM
Tuck, again, is of a similar mindset to Wilma. The house is plenty spacious and interesting. Some of the rooms are a bit macabre. With a little light and different coloring, however, it should be quite satisfactory.
"I like it. It has character. What do you think Ariach? If we brightened it up a bit, it would suit us nicely."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 6:42:38 PM
The interior of the house turns out to be much larger than Ariach adopted. There is a large indoor property with swanky furniture and an impressive library. But he doesnīt get the feeling of being at a possible home while standing in here. On the contrary, some rooms are so dark and mystical that Ariach doesnīt want to think about what vile rituals were performed here. To his astonishment, the others donīt care. Everyone seems to have to praise the virtues of the house as if they would get a commission of master Ressler for the rental of the house. Ariach wouldnīt even think for a second about living here if there wouldnīt be a young, red-haired priestess. Her shining eyes as she goes through the library, her radiant smile at the sight of the large rooms and her desire to be near her temple, stills Ariachs protests.
Maybe he can occupy one of the normal rooms at the fourth floor. This could be a start.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+16=31 ; Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 7:20:11 PM
Emrys approaches the house with an open mind and a macabre fascination. He can feel the history of the house, some pleasant and others a bit unnerving. He can't help but feel there is more to this place than what his eyes can see, or what his ears can hear. He was utterly captivated by the library and all its dusty tombs. Likewise, he was delighted to see the music room, stocked with instruments. In fact, he couldn't but give the harp a try with a short, pleasant melody.
(Perform [strings]: 31)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 8:16:59 PM (OOC: second, "illegal" post)
Wilma could see Ariach's discomfort--and she really couldn't blame him. After Mr. Ressler answered the inquiries about whether or not they, as tenants, would be allowed to change up the decor, she would also propose to the group that they all chip in a few silver to have the house blessed by a cleric of Ariach's favorite deity. She knew that she felt that the property was suffering from being a poorly-perceived townhouse in the middle of a misunderstood area of the city, but countering those point-of-views would take some work.
She also intended to have a group meeting about proposing that Thessa be offered a spot in their little group...with Thessa and Tuck both members of the Vanguards, perhaps the clerk at the WLA office would be willing to let them take on the assignment Wilma remembered hearing her refer to when she was speaking to Thessa.
Van looks around the place with the others and finds that the newer, renovated parts are quite nice. However, the larger darker rooms are well, quite forboding, if not outright unpleasant and she found herself shivering as she entered each and hurrying through them as quickly as possible during the tour.
While a bit d toifficult do, she could see herself living here with the others, especially if she could manage one of the romms with a river view.
She can't help but smile at Thessa's exuberance and is truly glad that they all ran into each other.
"Thessa, I think what you said first is correct, there is plenty of room here for ALL of us."
With a few questions about things, she waits until the tour is finished and turns to face him.
Mr. Ressler, I agree with my friend that quite a bit of remodeling would need to done in order to make this house acceptable for our use. And that is going to cost a fair amount of money even if we use some of own magic for some of the smaller things. Can you tell us if anything nefarious ever occurred on these premise or if there were any unsavory practices carried out here? If so, we would need you to have the placed spiritually cleansed, before we could consider renting at all.
You say that you are asking 75 gold per month for rent. I think that seems perhaps a bit high particularly as this property has been unoccupied for as long as it has. Not to mention, we can stay at a nice enough inn and not worry about having to purchase food, in a better part of town, for around 30 gold per month. So might I suggest a rent of something more along the lines of 45 gold per month.
Also If we decided we did not want those distrubing tapestries or any of this heavy furniture, could you remove them and store them elsewhere or should we simply dispose of them ourselves?
Grell Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 10:24:49 PM
Grell instantly falls in love with the townhouse, his orcish "heritage" even allowing him to appreciate some of the tapestries. He does understand how Ariach would be concerned, so for once, he lights on Wilma's suggestion. "Yeah...it could be like blessed! And then we could redecorate it...that'd be good, right?"
DM Kathy Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 10:58:34 PM Wilma asks about re-decoration. Master Ressler looks a little hesitant. "Well," he says, "as long as you don't do anything permanent. I mean, if you want to bring in different furniture or draperies or what have you, you could certainly do that. But you would have to move the existing pieces to the attic and make sure they were protected from damage."
Vaniime asks about unsavory practices. "I don't believe so," he says. "Mind you, I think the people who built this place were some nasty customers, but history suggests they carried out their foul deeds in secret temples, or in the Scar. Not in their home."
She goes on to try to negotiate. Unfortunately, the price was set not by Master Ressler, but by your DM, who thinks it's a fair price. :) This place is more than twice the size of the house that was offered to you for 30 gold per month, or the flat that was offered to you for 35 gold per month.
"It's a very good price," Master Ressler says. "But if it will help, I will gladly pay for a ritual to cleanse the place, if you agree to rent it for a year."
Ariach still has his reservations, but Wilma seems to like it, which helps to persuade him. The rest of the group seem to view the house mostly favorably, although some still have reservations about it.
At last, Master Ressler says. "Well. Take some time to think it over; I need to get back to my office. I'll be happy to show you over the place again anytime you like."
Thessa Thursday October 4th, 2012 11:58:32 AM
Thessa blushes a bit as Vaniime talks about "us", to include her. She hadn't realized it, and probably wouldn't admit it out loud, but over these last couple of years she had missed the company of others. Especially other elven friends.
With the tour concluded and Mr Ressler heading back to his offices, Thessa looks around at the group and their reactions to the house. A mixed bag of emotions for sure, but it seemed that being together under one roof seemed the most important thing to most everyone.
"Well, if the Vanguards decide to make this their home of operations, I'd be happy to help out with getting the place in shape. It looks like it could use a few women's touches," she smiles. "Right Wilma? Vaniime?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Thursday October 4th, 2012 12:59:49 PM
His curiosity peeked and salivating for more, Emrys asks if there are any other rooms not seen. "A house like this must have a basement or a cellar. Is that assumption an error, sir?" The bard continues to look about in utter fascination.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Thursday October 4th, 2012 5:43:51 PM
Tuck grins widely as everyone seems to be in agreement over moving in. "Oh man! I feel like a big boy! Look at me now, Dad! I'm getting my own place." He wipes away an imaginary tear.
He bounds over to Grell and shakes the warrior in childish exuberance. "Come on, buddy! Isn't this exciting? We can stay up late. No professors or parents to scold us. We're on our own. This is big. This is crazy!"
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday October 4th, 2012 6:25:27 PM
Wilmaīs idea of blessing the house, makes Ariach feel a little bit better. Ariach actually laughs out loud when he sees the childish behavior of Tuck. But thatīs why he enjoys being with his comrades. They are honest and trustworthy. Attitudes which are highly regarded by Ariach. Even if he doesnīīt like the place, he loves his friends.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday October 4th, 2012 9:48:24 PM
(OOC: Hey it never hurts to try. Her mother is a merchant after all.)
Van shrugs as her efforts to negotiate fall flat. At least he is willing to pay for the ritual cleansing.
Thank you for your time Master Ressler. We will indeed talk about the places we saw today and make a decision within the next day or so.
As she looks back over the place as they get ready to leave, she decides that overall it isn't too bad really. After all she grew up in a place that had a resident ghost and a talking ancient elven spirit painting for Domi's sake.
"So Wilma, what do you think Aunt K'nara and Ingrge would say about this place?"
Looking over at Grell she grins. "I think we both know how Uncle Gunther would react."
Grell Thursday October 4th, 2012 11:47:23 PM
Grell return's Tuck's exuberance. "Oh man, this is going to be epic!! We can have a big party...lots of ale...some toss the corpse. Oooooh yeah!" Grell gives Tuck a bone shattering high five.
Grell laughs at Vaniime's query. "Yeah, he'd be busy building a stable out back for the kitties right about now!" The warrior looks wistful "You know, I wonder if maybe I should get a kitty of my own one day... Something to curl up with at night..." Grell's eyes suddenly widen in horror and he claps his hand over his mouth. That came out wrong...really, realllly wrong! Clearing his throat, Grell turns back to Tuck. "Hey, uhhhh...should we go back to the Wyrm and pick out some ale for the party??"
DM Kathy Friday October 5th, 2012 12:34:07 AM Thessa appreciates being included, and has some ideas for brightening up the place.
Tuck and Grell are very enthused about the place, and Vaniime and Ariach are finding that it's beginning to grow on them.
Emrys asks about a basement. "No basement," Master Ressler says. "It's too close to the river. Dig a hole, and it fills with water. We've a lovely well, that goes right to the kitchen pump. But no basement."
You take your leave of him then, and return to the Red Wyrm Inn to talk about your options.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday October 5th, 2012 2:23:07 AM OOC: What happened to my Thursday post? I posted after Ariach but before Vaniime.
Back at their favorite corner table in the Red Wyrm Inn's tavern room, Wilma immediately speaks up:
"Okay, we should compare the pros and cons of the properties so that we're all agreed about which one--if any--to live at," Wilma said, ticking points off on her fingers as she continued to speak. "The Hindquarters houses were all right. The pros are that they are in the Hindquarter and on the same street--we would also actually own one of them as opposed to just renting it. The cons are that they are two separate locations and we would have the additional expense of entirely furnishing one. Van also is right in pointing out that they're in the middle of a family neighborhood full of potential 'collateral damage' should we ever be forced to, um, deal with our work while we're at home." She also points out that the group would have to lay out 1500gp to buy the house for sale and the other house is 30gp per month to rent.
"The Outcast Quarter Apartments are acceptable--we didn't think of that quarter when we were first looking around for places to live, but it's definitely got a lot of character. The pros are that they are affordable and they are in the same building, so they aren't as far apart as the Hindquarters houses are and the residents of that area look like they would mostly be able to handle themselves if a worst-case scenario of enemies attacking us at home should ever happen...but they also have the cons that they are still separate locations and are both unfurnished. The monthly rent for both totals to 60gp per month.
"The Nightmare Quarter townhouse is also a good option--it's the only property that is large enough for all of us under one roof. It's already furnished and the location is rather central to any part of the City we may need to reach in a hurry. Plus I'm pretty sure that if we ever have to deal with the possibility of fighting some enemy while we are there, the residents of that area also look like they'd be able to deal with invaders if they had to. The cons are that the house is clearly decorated to look overwhelmingly gloomy and dark, and we really would have to deal with changing or replacing at least some of the decor. This one would cost us 75gp per month." Wilma waited until the dinner of mutton stew was brought to the table and served before summing up the issue.
"So which option should it be: the Hindquarter houses, the Outcast Quarter apartments, the Nightmare Quarter townhouse...or should we just stay here at the Red Wyrm Inn for the forseeable future..?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 17/17/13 Friday October 5th, 2012 8:02:50 AM
"I've never had ale before. What does it taste like?"
Back at the Wyrm, Tuck finds that a package is waiting for him. It is a bronze headband with green gemstones about it's circumference. Tuck appraises it for a moment before placing it upon his brow.
"How do I look?" he asks his friends with a smile.
He seems all business again as Wilma starts the discussion about where to live. Tuck nods along as she ticks out the pros and cons of each. "I'm not a demanding person when it comes to living quarters. After all, I've spent several years in a tiny room with not much space to stretch out. We all have. That said, my preference is the house in the Nightmare Quarter. For all of the reasons that Wilma has stated, plus it's huge! There's plenty of room for us all to not have to trip over each other. I really think we can make it our own."
Thessa Friday October 5th, 2012 11:22:15 AM
Thessa joins the group at the Red Wyrm and looks around the group, observing how they interact. They do seem like a fun and interesting cadre and she has enjoyed spending time with them today.
She smiles at Tuck as he shows off his new headband, "Very nice, Tuck! What are those gemstones? Jade? Malachite?"
She then turns and listens to Wilma's summary with interest. She hadn't seen all the options, but was greatly impressed with the expansiveness of the Nightmare Quarter home.
"Well said, Wilma. A few more pro's to add to the Nightmare Quarter townhouse.. With all the extra space we'll have storage! There is an entire attic and other small rooms we could turn into storage rooms for adventure goods, and perhaps an alchemy lab or worshop. The dining room is large enough to entertain guests and potential "clients" as well. There's a music room for Emrys too. There's also the added benefit of having a temple so close at hand, especially a temple to the deity Wilma worships. It works well for her, and for us as well if we need healing or other services."
She catches herself and stops. "Listen to me, prattling on as if I was one of the Vanguard myself." She hesitates, then makes a decision to risk the rejection. "Well, if there is an opening, I'd like to apply. My spellbook, my bow, and my blade are at your disposal, and if you decide on that townhouse I'd gladly pay my share to occupy one of the rooms!"
She looks around, quietly hoping for more smiles than frowns.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Saturday October 6th, 2012 7:42:22 AM
Wilma aimed a smile Thessa's way.
"I think it would be a great idea to have you join us, Thessa," the young cleric said cheerfully. "We likely wouldn't have even found that townhouse if not for you...and...well...if you all don't mind my getting a little ahead of things here--I think if you band together with us, we can all qualify for that assignment the lady at the WLA hall was talking about before. It would be the best chance both we and you would have to get that job, I think."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Sunday October 7th, 2012 5:42:00 PM
Ariach immediately agrees to admit Thessa. From all he has heard she will fit perfectly into the group.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Sunday October 7th, 2012 8:18:22 PM
"I don't require any more discussion on the Nightmare house. I say we get it. I especially enjoy the added mystique of such a place, not to mention all the stray arcane energies roaming about."
DM Kathy Sunday October 7th, 2012 8:41:21 PM
Back at the Red Wyrm, you begin discussing the merits and drawbacks of each of your options. You seem to have accepted Thessa as a full-fledged member of the Vanguard, and why not? She is also a Maplehurst graduate, and, judging from the conversation some of you overheard, she might have a lead on a suitable adventure for you.
But for now, your focus is on choosing a place to live.
The houses in the Hindquarter are charming, and in a pleasant neighborhood. You'd have gardens, which would be a boon to anyone planning to take up alchemy or herbalism. You'd be close to the Dragon Quarter and the WLA. And, one of the houses is for sale, so you could actually own it, and possibly make improvements to it.
On the other hand, you wouldn't all be together in the same place. And there is a real question whether it would be responsible to bring adventurer-level trouble into that neighborhood.
The flats in the Outcast Quarter would put you all under the same roof, although not in the same quarters. Residents there are probably better at dealing with the unexpected. You would be close to Lasher Castle, one of Plateau City's official dungeons.
On the other hand, the spaces are smaller than the Hindquarter houses, and you still wouldn't all be together. And, other than Lasher Castle, you'd be pretty far away from everything.
So, most of you seem to be leaning toward the town house in the Nightmare Quarter. There is plenty of space; it's furnished; it's close to the Temple of Gargul and the Druid Quarter; it's close to the river and the taxi barges. And surely the residents of the Nightmare Quarter have seen stranger things than an adventuring group!
Its big drawback is that some of the decor is sinister and scary-looking. As you discuss it, you identify four basic areas where the decor is a problem, and some possible solutions.
First is the blood-red rose on black tile in the foyer. It's a pretty pattern, but the colors make it a little grim. And, given that it is set-in tiles, it would be very difficult to change. You could manage the lighting in that area to give it the best possible appearance, or you could buy a rug to go over it. Or you could leave it the way it is and just fix the other things, because it's not really that bad.
Also in the "not-that-bad" category is the library. Yes, the furniture is dark and heavy, but its colors tend more toward deep, rich browns and burgundies. It's just not as sinister as, say, the red-and-black of the foyer and front parlor. Talking it over, you start to wonder whether it would be enough to place a few mirrors around in strategic locations, to reflect the light and make the room a little brighter. After all, it's a place for reading; the light should probably be as bright as you can make it.
The front parlor also features dark, heavy furniture. Much of the wood is lacquered black; the upholstery and drapes are a deep wine-red. It has a distinctly funereal feel. Would it be enough to replace the drapes and cover some of the upholstered chairs? Or would you need to completely re-do the room--which means shopping for furniture? The front parlor is a problem.
The formal dining room is, in a word, horrible. It not only has the dark, heavy furniture; it also has those awful tapestries. You could get a nice tablecloth (or two, or three; the thing's huge) to cover the table, and maybe swap out the chairs for others that look a little less forbidding. And take the tapestries down. That might work.
It is Grell who hits on an alternative suggestion. [Sorry to hijack your character, Nellie, but he would so think of this.] If you could take the table out--which would be no small undertaking--remove the chairs and the sideboard and everything, maybe put down some matting, you could make it into a training hall! The room is enormous, after all, and it's unlikely you'll be serving dinner for 60 anytime soon. It wouldn't be as nice as the WLA gym, of course, but it would be right there in the house! How awesome would that be? You could probably even keep some of the tapestries in there; blood and guts aren't nice for dining rooms but they're fine for training halls.
[OOC: Continue discussing this, but unless somebody says otherwise, I'm going to assume you'll be contacting Master Ressler and arranging to rent the town house.]
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Sunday October 7th, 2012 9:37:39 PM
(OOC: LOL I was so totally thinking that that huge dining room would make a great combat practice room.)
Vaniime let's the others discuss bringing Thessa into the group as it is very obvious that she already considers her part of the group.
As for their living quarters Van is full in support of going with the Nightmare quarter house sinister furnishings and all. As Grell puts forth his thought about the huge dining room Van grins.
"Grell you and I think an awful lot alike. The moment I saw the room I was thinking it would make a great weapons / combat room."
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Sunday October 7th, 2012 9:55:20 PM
With a little distaste in his tone, Emrys replies, "A training room in place of a dining hall!? Where would you have us throw dinner parties and what not? We have social responsibilities and reputations to maintain. How else are we to gentrify the neighborhood?"
Grell Sunday October 7th, 2012 10:05:05 PM
Grell shoot Emrys' a withering look. "Do it in your bedroom for all I care! We're adventurers. If we don't practice, we die!" Letting out a little puff of air, Grell realizes that he was too harsh on the bard. It's just he really liked impressing Vaniime. He turns to Emrys. "Hey Emrys, I'm sorry. It's just...we're not that popular right now, so maybe we can use it for a training area now, and when we become the toast of the town we can convert it back?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 8th, 2012 1:18:10 AM
Wilma coughed to cover up the fact that she had almost snorted her food through her nose when Grell pointed out the other, "obvious" use for the huge dining hall. Then she coughed again when Emrys sounded so dismayed at the loss of such "partying room".
"Well, Emrys," she temporized, "Grell has a point about we are not very likely to have scores of guests to entertain--but remember of that the front parlor connects to the library with that set of double doors..? We just open them up to make the two spaces into one bigger space and--taDAAAA!--you have a nice area for holding a party!" She thought about it for a moment.
"The easiest way to deal with how dark everything is would be to get a tailor and supply him or her with fabric to make new curtains for the windows and slipcovers for the furniture in the parlor. Just changing out the curtains alone would lighten the place up considerably--especially if they were the color of marigolds. A nice deep golden color like that would look very nice in contrast to all the dark wood..." The young cleric smiled at the idea.
"Oh..." Wilma said as an afterthought, "...I can look into getting a cleric of Domi to bless the place, too...you know...for luck..?"
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Monday October 8th, 2012 6:45:09 AM
As Wilma mentions getting a cleric to bless the place Vaniime speaks up.
"Wilma don't forget that he said he would pay for a ritual cleansing."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 8th, 2012 2:53:12 PM (OOC: second "illegal" post)
"Oh, right..." the redheaded priestess agreed, "...he did, didn't he? There you are, then--a ritual by Domi and some marigold fabric and I'm sure that the Ravenclaw place will be just fine!" She mopped up the last of the broth from her stew with a piece of bread.
"So...with all that said...is everyone agreed, then? We'll rent the Ravenclaw townhouse..?"
Thessa Monday October 8th, 2012 5:02:21 PM
"I'm definitely in agreement, Wilma! It's immeasurably better than my room at the Inn! And it would be nice to find a place with new friends to call home," she smiles as she raises her wine glass up in a salute to her new companions and goes back to enjoying her plate of meats and cheeses.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 8th, 2012 6:44:30 PM
The mentioned changes in the house let Ariach hope. Perhaps the gloomy estate will change into a place where he can feel comfortable. Of course Wilma presence alone ensures that the warrior feels comfortable. Now they are actually living together under the same roof as he has been painted one time or another in his daydreams. But in these dreams not her half brother Grell nor Ariachīs other companions have been with them. The good thing about it, is the fact that Ariach will not have to face Wilmaīs occasional, violent outbursts of emotions alone.
"After the blessing by a priest of Domi and your decorative changes this place will certainly look a lot more comfortable. It will look more like a home. Donīt they say that home is the place where your friends are?"
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Monday October 8th, 2012 6:45:04 PM
"All right! We've got a new home and a new buddy all in our second day here! I think I'm going to like it here."
Tuck seems excited about their new place, but disinterested in the redecorating. Other than Grell's suggestion for a training space, he doesn't seem concerned with the other rooms.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Monday October 8th, 2012 9:53:19 PM
The idea of trying to relax and create a oasis of peace and serenity with sword play down the hall to be quite repugnant to the young half-elf. However, seeing that he is outnumbered on this issue, Emrys tries to approach this quandary from a different direction.
"I humbly appreciate your apology and I too apologize for my tone and lack of consideration for your needs. I now understand your position, however my only appeal is that we try and create a sanctuary for rest, and study ... for quiet contemplation and escape from a world of turbulence. Yes, the dining hall would make a tolerable space for a gymnasium, but wouldn't it pale in comparison with the facilities of the WLA? However, I understand if you feel the WLA to be inadequate, nor able to live up to its exorbitant fee of membership. Alas, I am more than willing to help accommodate the group's desires to the best of my ability."
DM Kathy Monday October 8th, 2012 10:41:55 PM
Although there are still some specifics to be worked out, you agree in general that you want the town house. Master Ressler is glad to hear it, and dutifully arranges for a priest of Alemi to come from the Temple of Light and give the place a good spiritual spring cleaning. In return, you sign a one-year lease and pay the first month's rent.
There are changes to be made, of course, to make the place more homelike. For now, though, the big question is: who is going to sleep where?
You take another tour of the house. The second floor, as you remember, has four bedroom suites with separate sitting rooms. The two suites at the back of the house face the river. There are other buildings, however, between you and the river, so only one of those back suites has an actual view--a good-sized slice of river visible between two buildings from one of the bedroom windows.
That bedroom is decorated in shades of light and dark green, with gold accents. The attached sitting room is mainly gold and light green, with touches of cream-color. We'll call this one "Auntie's suite."
Also at the back of the house is what we'll call the "water suite." Its bedroom also faces the river, although the river isn't visible. You can hear the river, though, and the Endless Falls, if you open a window. The bedroom is decorated in shades of blue and aqua, with flowing, wavelike forms reminiscent of water. The attached sitting room is done in tranquil shades of blue.
On that same side of the house, at the front, is what we'll call the "fire suite." Its bedroom windows face the street--both the quiet cobbles of Raven Crescent and parts of the busier Falls Road beyond. It is decorated in bright shades of orange, yellow, and red. Sinuous twists of fabric climb the bedposts, suggesting flames. Not "oh, no, the bed's on fire" kind of flames; it just looks interesting. The attached sitting room is more autumnal than fiery, with darker shades of russet, orange, and brown.
Also at the front of the house is what we'll call the "girly suite." Its bedroom also faces the street, although it doesn't see as much of Falls Road. The bedroom is in shades of deep rose and pale pink, with cream accents. The sitting room is cream and pale pink, with touches of silver. The decor is feminine, but also tasteful. There are no huge poufs of fabric or paintings of big-eyed children or statues of unicorns to be seen.
The third floor has six rooms, not as large as the suites, but plenty big enough. The two at the back both have views of the river; they are high enough to see over the other buildings. One of these rooms is rather masculine in appearance, decorated in handsome shades of black and tan. The other is pale blue and white, with splashes of yellow. It's a little like walking into a sunlit sky.
The two rooms at the front of the house overlook the street. From one of them, you can actually glimpse the towers of the Black Cathedral in the distance. That room is decorated in lavender and silvery gray. The other front room is done in dark green and rich dark brown; it's strongly reminiscent of a forest.
The two "middle" rooms have views only of the townhouses on either side of you. Not that interesting. One of these rooms is decorated in apricot, with touches of cheery orange and warm golden yellow. The other is a deep midnight blue, with accents of brown and black.
Of course, there's no reason you can't change the decor of a particular room, if you're of a mind to. But it would be easier to find one you like and just keep it the way it is....
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 9th, 2012 7:44:27 AM
"Dibs on the Fire Suite..." Wilma calls, holding up a hand. She looked around at the others. "I know there was a lot of interest in trying to get a river view--that means Auntie's Suite, the Sky Room and...uh...the Man Cave..? Well...those are the three with the river views, anyhow."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Tuesday October 9th, 2012 9:30:16 AM
"I would like the blue and white room that overlooks the river. I don't need any of the extra large rooms."
Thessa Tuesday October 9th, 2012 9:54:38 AM
Thessa is a little disappointed that the Sky Room went so quickly, since that was the one she was so enthralled with, but being so new to the Vanguards, she was hardly going to complain. She did enjoy the decor of the water suite as well and the sitting room would be a nice place to set up as a bow crafting area. With the sound of the Falls in the distance, it would be a nice peaceful place.
"I'd like to put my request in for the Water Suite. I don't need a view of the water. As long as I can hear it, I'm content. It is one of the larger rooms though, so I'm willing to pay an extra couple of gold a month if that's what we decide."
"As for the dining hall, I'm inclined to agree with Emrys. A home should be more of a place of rest and recuperation. I for one don't want the sounds and.. um.. smells of a gym anywhere near the kitchen if possible. There are places for all of us - library, music room, garden. Maybe we can find a place outside to set up as a sparring area?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday October 9th, 2012 1:56:56 PM
Emrys finds the "Auntie Room" most agreeable. He finds the colors soothing, and there is plenty of room for a writing table, a shelf for his personal books and enough closet space for his extensive and elaborate wardrobe. There are plenty of windows for his plants and a decent view of the night's sky for star gazing and the river. "If we are calling dibs, then I will have to claim this one."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday October 9th, 2012 5:35:39 PM
After Wilma and the others have announced their choice, Ariach takes a deep breath. His mouth seems like dried up and he has to cough and clear his throat several times before he is able to talk. "I ask for the" girly suite ". Unless of course someone else wants to have it. Then I take one of the other rooms." Immediately his face turns red and he smiles sheepishly.
After he pronounced his decision he doesnīt dare to look towards Grell. Ariach can only hope that the half-orc doesnīt notice the room being close to his sisterīs. The whole room does not conform to Ariachs taste. But maybe there is the time Wilma is in need of a protector or a guy who helps her out - then Ariach will be there.
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Tuesday October 9th, 2012 7:27:17 PM
Van had been hoping that all the girls could have wound up on the same floor, but as people spoke up it became clear that was not going to happen. Well, I guess I will take the forest room on the third floor then.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; d10=8 ; Tuesday October 9th, 2012 8:19:11 PM OOC: second "illegal" post
"Ariach," Wilma said to the paladin-in-spirit, "If you want, we can swap the furniture from your room to mine--I really wanted the Fire Suite because of its location on that floor. I wanted to be able to look out on either of the streets from it. The furniture doesn't matter, really--not to me, anyhow. This way you can have the more masculine-minded furnishings from the Fire Suite..."
Grell Tuesday October 9th, 2012 10:21:37 PM
OOC: Ariach, Grell is fully human, not half-orc. It's just his family was raised by orcs (long story), and so he considers himself orc, though he has no blood ties.
Grell's eyebrow's arch in suspicion at Ariach's housing choice, but he says nothing. He reminds himself, after all that this is a new city...new beginnings...and maybe even new choices.
Grell sighs when all the good rooms are snatched up, but is happy to hear that Vaniime has decided to stay on the 3rd floor. Loving the idea of the extra cardio that he'll get doing the stairs several times every morning, Grell asks for the "Man Cave". He grins over at Tuck. "Well, it's official, then...I guess we should pick out some ale and find out what it tastes like."
OOC: Sorry guys, my daughter's been sick this last week. She has pneumonia, and it's been a little difficult to keep up with everything. I might be late in posts this week.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 9th, 2012 10:47:46 PM
You choose rooms for yourselves without the shoving and bickering that's such a staple of reality TV. Wilma claims the fire suite, Thessa chooses the water suite, and Emrys picks Auntie's suite. Ariach, somewhat surprisingly, opts for the girly suite. What's he up to?
Upstairs, Tuck wants the blue-sky room, and Vaniime likes the forest room. Grell claims the black-and-tan room as his own, leaving Dreppi to pick one of the remaining options. [If we ever hear from him again.]
[By the way, I didn't feel up to the task of detailing exactly what furniture is in each room. You each have a fireplace and a large bed; other than that, you get to say what you've got. :) ]
In short order (relatively speaking), you have your things moved and put away in your new quarters. And then the question arises: now what?
[OOC: that question is also from your DM. Do you want to tackle the downstairs decor? Try to hire servants? Find an adventuring gig? Something else?]
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:43:44 AM
Tuck is excited to have a new place and a new room. He moves his few possessions into his space overlooking the river. After looking out the window at his new view for a few moments, he lies on his bed and looks into the blue of the ceiling above.
"Peaceful," he murmurs to himself.
Alas, there's no time to be a slug-a-bed today. Tuck assists anyone else with moving in, not afraid of a little hard work.
After all that is done, Tuck dusts his hands off. "Well, I think we've earned a little fun. What do you guys say to throwing ourselves a little housewarming party? Grell and I could pick up some ale." A large grin spreads across the young man's face.
Thessa Wednesday October 10th, 2012 1:30:50 PM
Once arrangements have been made with Ressler, Thessa returns to the Flying Monkey to gather her belongings and say goodbye to the small room that has been her home for over almost two years. On the way out she buys a large batch of Elven Sweetbread and a bottle of honey mead to bring to the housewarming party.
Once back at the manor, she unpacks and finds a relatively small, square table in one of the unused rooms. She asks for a bit of help from Tuck and they move it into her sitting room area. She pulls our her tools from her pack and sets up her fletching bench. She then positions her comfortable sitting chair and small end table near the window so that she has a place to read and study while enjoying the fresh air and sounds of the Falls.
Next, she picks up a beside oil lamp and pulls out the dried up wick. Sprinkling red dust on it, she waves her hand and speaks a word. A stark white light bursts brightly from the wick and she stares at it for a moment. She slips the wick back into the lamp and turns the wick down so that most of it is inside the base and only a candle's worth of light escapes. She smiles to herself and returns the lamp to the bedside table.
After noting how the dust has accumulated in this room over the months, she moves to the center of the room, speaks a few arcane words and ripple of barely visible force springs into existence in front of her. She sends this "unseen servant" out the window with the rugs and curtains to shake the dust out of them and sweep up the rest of the room while she arranges her craft table and changes into a clean set of clothes. The broom-wielding force follows her out of the room and spends the next hour or so sweeping the hallways and floors around Thessa as she helps the others move in. As she heads downstairs, she wills the force to put the broom away and dissipate into nothingness.
She goes to the large dining hall with mead and bread in hand, hoping that the festivities will soon begin. She's anxious to socialize and maybe talk a bit about some potential WLA work.
"Tuck! Grell! Are you two done with your heavy lifting yet?" she says with a laugh and smile. "When does this housewarming party start?"
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Wednesday October 10th, 2012 6:20:19 PM
Blessedly nobody says something about Ariach picking the "girly suite". As soon as all have choosen their rooms he goes back to the "Red Wyrm Inn" to get his stuff. Back in his new home he hears something about a housewarming party. Certainly it is Tuck who wants to celebrate his new won freedom. If Ariach wouldnīt know better you could think Tuck was in a prison called Maplehurst. Celebrations are part of life, Ariach was told by his father after he had proclaimed he will never ever celebrate a non religous festivity. Therefore he searches for a glas or goblet and joins the party members. "I have a proposal. We buy a big sign- on it written in golden letters- HOME OF THE VANGUARDS We can position it on top of the entry."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; d3=2 ; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:30:14 PM
"If we get material in darker purple and gray colors," Wilma pointed out to Ariach, "The suite will look a lot less...girly." She smiled. "We can still swap furniture if you wish--although both your quarters and mine will look a bit strange with the walls and paneling in one color scheme while the furnishings would be in a completely different one. I'll leave the choice up to you, because the look of the furniture isn't that important to me."
One thing was important, though: setting up a prayer station dedicated to Gargul in one corner of her room. To be sure, as an entry-level priestess, the station wasn't going to be anything that elaborate: a prie-deux put in front of a small, framed tapestry or painting depicting the open eye symbol of Gargul. She already had the side table that she planned to use to burn candles and incense upon.
Wilma made sure to practically drag Thessa into the Fire Suite in order to excitedly tell her all about how she planned to set up her prayer station and such, taking very blatant advantage of the Unseen Servant's penchant for sweeping and dusting the immediate area while the elven spellcaster was being enthusiastically hosted on the tour.
"Thanks for letting me 'borrow' your Servant there, Thessa," Wilma said with a wink and a smile, "Say...we probably ought to take a good look at the attic--I bet there's more than enough room there to make at least part of it into a lab..."
When everyone came together at mealtime, Wilma asked about how everyone was settling in.
"I plan on going to the marketplace tomorrow," she said, "I need a couple of things for my quarters. I'll poke around for a tailor to consult about the curtains and slipcovers, too."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:33:39 PM (OOC: second "illegal" post)
Wilma tilted her head to one side as she listened to Ariach's suggestion.
"I have to admit that I'm a little uncomfortable with putting up a sign," she replied, then turned to the others. "What do you all think..?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Wednesday October 10th, 2012 9:58:30 PM
"May I suggest that we conduct ourselves, in public within the Nightmare, with stoic discretion. Word has surely spread about this home becoming occupied once again. We are going to be watched by scores of unsavory individuals. Lets not throw our wealth around." Emrys pauses for a bit and continues his story. "As a child, I was often plagued by nightmares ... horrible visions. My father, being the shapeshifter that he is, advised me that in my dreams no form is permanent. That I should become the bigger monster and the phantoms of my sleep would be too fearful to haunt me again. I think that same advice can be employed here. That being we should cultivate a persona that discourages those who wish to take from us or do us harm."
(Knowledge [local]: 33, using lore master ability of taking20 1/day on knowledge skill, to determine the different groups and gangs in the Nightmare Quarter.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:09:08 PM
Van joins the others on the trek back to get their things and then begins the arduous task of cleaning her roomand making it hers.
When the conversation turns to the prospect of a sign Van Looks around at everyone and puts her two cents worth in.
On our travels around town looking at places the brokers pointed out certain places like red dragon castle etc, and none of those had signs announcing who lived there. I am not sure I want that kind of attention and I don't want us to be considered puffed up with our importance.
DM Kathy Wednesday October 10th, 2012 10:28:53 PM
You spend some time getting settled. Thessa conjures up an Unseen Servant, but really, there's not a lot of dust. Master Ressler must have been paying somebody to clean the place. Of course, it's not likely to stay dust-free forever.
Ariach suggests putting up a sign, but the rest of the group is not enthused at the prospect.
Wilma begins setting up a small shrine to Gargul, and strategizes with Ariach about possible changes to his room.
Tuck helps his friends move, and suggests a housewarming party, which sounds good to most of you.
Plans for hiring servants, re-decorating, and finding an adventure are therefore put on hold for the evening. You acquire food and ale from nearby pubs, and have a grand celebration.
Grell (subbed for Nellie by Donna) Thursday October 11th, 2012 7:05:18 AM
The brawny young man didn't say much at the housewarming celebration--he was concentrating on consuming the pickled pigs feet that Wilma had thoughtfully included amongst the available foodstuffs. Then something that Wilma said sort of made an impression on him:
"I'll go to the marketplace with you..." he offered, courteously wiping his mouth on the back of one of his forearms, "My room could use a nice stuffed bugbear head on the wall..."
Thessa Thursday October 11th, 2012 1:47:34 PM
"We'll take a look at the attic tomorrow, Wilma. Tonight, we have a party to prepare for! What are you wearing?" She engages Wilma in a brief talk about clothing options and leaves to get ready.
The first night in the new house plays out well for Thessa. She finishes her mead in record time and enjoys getting to know her companions a bit better. She even succeeds in not making a complete fool of herself, which is always a trick.
She tries to talk Emrys into entertaining them with a few songs in the music room, and even tries her hand at dancing, which she finds quite fun. She can't remember having this much fun since a few of her friends at Maplehurst threw a big graduation party. It's hard to believe that was two years ago.
After a few hours, her head slightly spinning from the wine, she excuses herself and heads up to her bedroom. She slips into bed and turns down the light. "Yes," she says quietly to herself, "I think I'm going to like it here." With that, she slips quickly into a restful slumber.
(OOC: I could not find whether or not Woldian Elves sleep for a full night or go into a Trance for 4 hours like their D&D cousins. Could someone enlighten me? Thanks!)
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday October 11th, 2012 5:39:24 PM
(OOC to Thessa: as far as I know, Woldian elves trance...as per the Pathfinder system rules, right..?)
"As a novice priest of Gargul," Wilma explained to Thessa, "I wear gray robes most of the time, although I'm allowed to wear white on special occasions." She held up the blue gown that had been her attire for the Maplehurst graduation ceremony. "I suppose I should get rid of this...I was allowed to wear it while I was attending the school, but now that I'm out in the real Wold, I'll never wear it again." She put the gown aside.
"Don't forget..." the redhead said to the entire group while they were having their little celebration, "...we need to decide on at least two things: what colors to make the drapes and slipcovers for the public rooms...and if we are going to contact an employment agency to get us some sort of live-in help."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Thursday October 11th, 2012 5:43:25 PM
Tuck is eager to sample the ale that Grell's been talking about. He finds it quite pleasing and soon is clanking mugs with his friend and singing along with Emrys, quite off key. Seeing Thessa dancing about the room, Tuck decides to dance, as well.
"Let me try that." He staggers a couple feet, looses his balance and face plants onto the floor. Either he's lost consciousness or fallen asleep, because there he remains.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday October 11th, 2012 6:53:26 PM
With open mouth Ariach stares at the beautiful young elven women while she is dancing. Itīs an extraordinary spectacle seeing Thessa gliding over the floor in harmony with the music. The event is interrupted as Tuck tries to dance too. At the beginning Ariach laughs about Tuck attempts but when Tuck doesnīt get up after falling, Ariach goes to Tuckīs rescue.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) d20+16=36 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+16=26 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+16=17 ; Thursday October 11th, 2012 7:05:17 PM
Emrys eats and drinks and performs for the others to their heart's content. Even switching to different instruments, the ones he can find in the music room. Of course, his playing suffers near the end of the night after having one too many drinks of hard cider.
(Perform [strings]: 36, 30, 23, 26, 28, 17.)
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday October 11th, 2012 8:46:54 PM
Van Joins in the celebrations and makes a bit of a scene as she comes down the stairs in a long filmy, not quite transparent, form fitting dress that gave her the illusion of wings.She even joins Thessa on the dance floor. As Tuck joins them she laughs at firat and then gets serious as he falls face first. Moving to help Ariach pick him off the floor she asks the paladin. "Ariach can you get him to his room or do you need some assistance?"
Eventually as things wind down, she finally makes her way to her room and gets some sleep, not knowing what the morning would bring.
(OOC: There is no longer a rule about elves not needing sleep and it was left out purposefully. Apparently there are several thoughts on the topic even on the Paizo site. I post the question onthe DmBoard this evening.)
DM Kathy Friday October 12th, 2012 12:57:27 AM
Even though you are the only attendees, the party is a smashing success. You drink, and sing, and dance, with varying degrees of success. Tuck manages to wind up flat on his face, but when Ariach checks on him, he finds that the monk has simply passed out. Eventually, you all seek your beds, where Thessa and Vaniime may or may not sleep, because that seems to be unclear. [I wasn't aware that anything had changed in that regard. I think that, at least for the foreseeable future, we don't need to worry about it.]
The next morning, questions still await you. Do you try to hire servants? Decorators? Or do you just try to find some way to go kill something and leave the tough decisions for later?
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; d20+2=7 ; Friday October 12th, 2012 4:33:27 AM COMBINED POST FOR GRELL AND WILMA
The Illutu siblings rise relatively early in the morning and set out for the Skull Marketplace and the Black Cathedral, where Grell sought out suitable taxidermy with which to decorate his room while Wilma went to the temple. After she was done, she more or less let Grell continue his search for the perfect dead beast wall decoration and poked around the marketplace, chatting up the vendors there in order to find out where to find a domestic service agency. She also kept an eye out for a likely tailor to inquire about how much the creation of new curtains and slipcovers for the townhouse would likely cost.
OOC: made a voluntary Diplomacy roll to see if Wilma could get the vendors to be helpful, but the result is 7.
Thessa d20+12=26 ; Friday October 12th, 2012 12:09:42 PM
Thessa rises early in the morning to greet the dawn - a morning ritual she has kept since childhood. The world is so quiet at this time of morning, and the house too. This isn't surprising, since everyone was making so merry last night, especially Tuck. She hopes he made it to his bed ok.
After assembling a list of spell components and items she needs from the market, she decides to get started.
The market is teaming with life and she has no trouble finding the herbs she is looking for, as well as a small wooden weapon stand to hold her bows and arrows in the making. She stops by a small tent and shakes hand with a familiar vendor. He always has a beaming smile on his face and after a few words, he produces a wooden box filled with gorgeous goose feathers. She passes him a similar wooden box with silver coins (15sp) and they shake hands. It's a steep price to pay, but the convenience is worth it to her. She opens the box of feathers again as she walks away and smiles, "and the quality of his merchandise is always amazing!" she says quietly to herself, admiring the clean and precisely cut feathers.
She buys a few more things at the market (a small meditation rug, a new blanket to match the room decor) and heads back to the house.
If the rest of the day passes uneventfully, she'll spend some time crafting her latest masterwork composite longbow (DC:12). She is about halfway done with it and still needs to craft the masterwork portion (DC:20).
[She succeeds with a roll of 26, which puts her 45sp closer to finishing (26*12=312; 312/7=45). A total of 545sp of 1,000sp of crafting complete.]
Later that day, when Wilma and Grell get back, she'll approach Wilma at an appropriate time. "So, that attic is still waiting to be explored... Shall we see what's up there?" She flashes Wilma an adventurous smile.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Friday October 12th, 2012 3:39:11 PM OOC: second "illegal" post
The young cleric's sapphire eyes lit up at the sound of Thessa's invitation.
"Count me in!" Wilma said excitedly. "We need to see exactly how much space is up there, anyhow--I've a sneaking suspicion that we'll be needing to store a lot of the dining hall furniture up there soon, if Grell's anticipation about converting that room is anything to go by..."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Saturday October 13th, 2012 9:06:50 AM
Tuck wakes slowly and with a pitiful moan. The light beating on his eyelids is painful. He assumes that he's dieing until he opens his eyes. How did he get in his bed? Closing his eyes, he tries to go back to sleep.
Nothing doing. His head feels about to pop. He opens one eye to look about the room, sure that Grell is sitting nearby laughing like a maniac. Or maybe Emrys pranked him again. Did he cast a spell on him?
That's the last time I call him a nerd.
Discovering that his mouth is dry, he sits up. He puts his feet on the cold floor and stands. Putting a hand on a bedpost, he steadies himself as the room shifts and rocks. After a few moments, he manages to dress himself and shuffle downstairs to find some water.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; 2d6=7 ; Saturday October 13th, 2012 10:50:53 AM OOC: more "illegal" RPing posts
The redheaded cleric gave Tuck an amused sort of glance, watching the obviously-hungover monk try to work the tap on one of the sinks in the kitchen. She went over and, taking the cup he had barely managed to rustle up from the nearby cupboard, poured him a cup of water. As she watched him groggily drink from the cup, she grinned and then produced a burst of positive healing energy. (OOC: Channeled Energy for 7hp of healing power.)
"Hope that helps, Tuck," Wilma said humorously, "That ought to teach you to try to out-drink Grell at a party..!"
Van wakes up after the most restful eight hours of sleep she's had in over a year and makes her way downstairs a smile spread alll over her face.
After a morning of running errands and attending to personal things, Van makes it back to the house and sees Thessa and Wilma conspiritorily whispering to each other.
"Ok Ladies what are you two up to? And, can I get in on it?" She asks with a grin on her face.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Sunday October 14th, 2012 10:08:34 AM
Tuck greedily drinks his water. Wilma's healing has him feeling much better. He blinks his eyes a few times as everything around him becomes much clearer.
"Thanks, Wilma. Ugh. If I ever even look at another mug of ale, please hit me with your staff."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Sunday October 14th, 2012 1:26:02 PM
*Poor Tuck. He really looks sick. Fortunately Wilma helps the suffering Tuck with one of her healing spells.*
Ariach smiles as the warrior speaks to Tuck. "I donīt know what is the better choice. Headache from to much ale or headache from a hit of Wilmaīs staff. By the way - i remember that an old friend of my fahter who used to drink a lot told me that the best medicine against a hangover is to drink the same drink you drunk last the other day. Do you want a glas of ale, Tuck? "
DM Kathy Sunday October 14th, 2012 9:47:38 PM
The next morning, Wilma and Grell go off to visit the Skull Market. Grell has any number of odd little pieces of taxidermy to choose from, including a dire rat, a stirge, and an aurochs head. Wilma asks around about domestic help, but the Skull Market really isn't the place for that kind of thing.
Thessa also makes an early start, buying some things for herself at the Open Palm Market (I'm assuming). She spends the rest of the day crafting, and speaks of exploring the attic. Vaniime also expresses some interest.
Tuck is feeling the effects of his unaccustomed partying, and the ever-helpful Ariach stands by to offer him assistance.
Once you are all back in the house, you again discuss what your next move should be. It occurs to you that Master Ressler is a reasonably wealthy man, and probably employs servants of his own. Perhaps he can get you aimed in the right direction.
The Guild Quarter is the home of crafters and artisans of all kind. If seamstress work is wanted, perhaps that would be a good place to look for it.
Some of you overheard Thessa speaking with the clerk at the WLA--something about a job, maybe? Perhaps that might be an avenue to explore.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Monday October 15th, 2012 8:31:25 AM
Tuck gives Ariach a venomous look. "You jest. I'm swearing off the stuff, I say!"
With a harumph, he stands and leaves Wilma and Ariach alone in the kitchen as he hustles back up to his room.
Later when the group meets up, Tuck suggests going to the WLA to look into a job. "Thessa, if you have the time, perhaps you'd like to come with me. I assume you already know about the job, plus you've had a lot more dealings with them than I we have. We can get the information about the job and disseminate to the others. Meanwhile, some can keep looking for things we need for the house. How does that sound?"
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Monday October 15th, 2012 5:36:01 PM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Grell cast a jaundiced eye upon the auroch head--to be sure, it was bigger than an average steer head, but clearly it was not a mountain auroch, which was bigger and more impressive than an "ordinary" auroch. He decided to pass on the mounted trophy for now. Hopefully he would be able to bag a more impressive specimen for his bedroom wall. He sighed, heartily regretting that the group had been forced to leave behind the ankheg bodies from their foray into the Monster Preserve--a stuffed and mounted ankheg trophy truly would have been a beautiful addition to his quarters.
Wilma tilted her head as she considered Tuck's suggestion.
"You know..." she said sagely, "...we do need to start establishing ourselves in the city as legitimate adventurers...and going to the WLA to follow up on that possible assignment would be a good start on doing that. Besides...we could pay a quick visit to Mr. Thessler on the way back--I bet he can recommend someone to at least look after the property while we're away on missions..."
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Monday October 15th, 2012 7:02:20 PM
Not willing to stay at home alone Ariach decides to wander through the city. From his former life in Plateau City he knows some locations where a helping hand is always welcome. He visits a feeding station for the poor. There he donates some money and serves food. Then he helps a charitable institution to rebuild a house which was consumed by fire. He also tells the people that he is back in town again and where to find if they are in need of any help. Finally he visits the temple of Domi. He prays for a couple hours before he talks to a priest about a donation from 1000 GP.
"I consider it an honour and in accordance with the codex to suscribe the money" is the only statement he puts out.
DM Kathy Monday October 15th, 2012 9:54:21 PM Grell decides to forego the pleasure of a taxidermy animal, at least for now. Wilma and Tuck are in favor of heading to WLA Headquarters to see what kinds of adventures might be available.
"Recent graduates, you say?" the clerk says. "No, we've nothing for you, I'm afraid. Not a lot of adventuring happening in the city these days; everyone's gone to Bryn Baraz and Rum and the Scab."
Ariach is becoming known around town at the various places that care for the sick and destitute. He spends a few hours at a soup kitchen in the Rogue Quarter, helping the priests of Alemi. He stops by the War Cathedral to pay his tithe, and the priests of Domi are appreciative.
With the others going out and about, Van finds herself alone and with nothing else to do, so heads over toward the druid quarter and the trees there for a bit of time with nature.
Thessa Monday October 15th, 2012 11:37:51 PM
Thessa comes down from her room in the evening after spending some time crafting and studying her spellbooks. She also found an interesting book from the library. In fact it was so interesting that she left Wilma and Tuck to go chat with the WLA clerk on their own.
It intrigued her to find out that the clerk hadn't mentioned the job that they were trying to recruit for earlier.
"Really?" she says as she listens to Wilma and Tuck talking at the dinner table with the rest of the Vanguards. "They didn't mention Lasher Castle? That was the job they had talked to me about. It may have been that they have filled the requirement already, but they told me that they wanted to put together a group to deal with the undead that fill its depths."
[OOC: Placeholder for any additional information that Thessa may have about the job, she'll share it freely with the group. I'll let Kathy expound, otherwise, Thessa will suggest we go as a group to the WLA the next day and prepare ourselves for exploring and potentially dealing with the denizens therein.]
Thessa is also impressed to hear about Ariach's devotion to those who are sick and poor. "It's admirable to do what you do. There are so many that cannot, or will not. I'm not much of a religious woman, but for your sake, I few of my gold may find its way into the Domi Temple coffers to help with those endeavors."
She finishes the meal and gathers the dishes of those who are finished. "Well, should we all get a good night rest and agree to all go to the WLA first thing in the morning?"
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday October 16th, 2012 12:15:58 AM
(sorry for not posting in time, ive been doing a lot of freelance at night and forgetting to post.)
After hours of getting all his things put away and giving his room the "Emrys touch", the young bard's inquisitive mind gets the best of him. He decides to investigate the rest of the house a little more. He goes from room to room checking for stray auras of magic and other types of energy (using detect magic, of course). Maybe the past occupants had a few permanent wards or magical effects not yet noticed.
He will also inspect all the instruments in the Music room. Those that are already out and the ones stored away. The attic also intrigues him as well.
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Tuesday October 16th, 2012 3:08:13 AM
Ariach starts to listen attentively as Thessa speaks about a threat of undeads.
"It is our duty to destroy these creatures. I would prefer to get paid for smashing them to pieces but we should fight them even if we donīt get paid. Maybe we should talk at the WLA about Lasher Castle to find out more."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 16th, 2012 7:07:57 AM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Grell focused largely on making a list of personal items that had been left at his room at Emerald Dragons Castle. He added a message for his parents to kindly send him his stuff at his new address in Plateau City. As decor went, the overall black-and-tan theme in his room was all right...but he wanted to add his own personal touch to the place. He was looking forward to being able to proudly display his own kills in his quarters.
Wilma went away from the WLA office considerably deflated--she had been sure that the clerk there had mentioned to Thessa that there was some sort of mission available earlier. However, Wilma herself was not a member of the WLA (yet) and didn't feel as though she had any standing to challenge the clerk.
On the way back to their townhouse, the young cleric remembered to stop by the business office of Mr. Thessler. She greeted him amiably, telling him that her group was settling into the roomy dwelling very nicely, but then asked him if he could recommend a person or service for tending to the house in a domestic capacity.
"None of us are really cooks or domestics, you see, sir," Wilma admitted to him, "And we would like to make sure that the townhouse is properly cared for, not only while we are out on assignments, but while we are in residence, too."
Back at the townhouse, Wilma related the happenings to the rest of the team, and then seconded Ariach's opinion regarding Lasher Castle after Thessa spoke about it.
"The undead must be cleansed from the premises!" she said emphatically. "They are an affront to Gargul and a danger to the living who dwell in the area around the infestation! If that particular task has not been claimed by other WLA members, then I have to agree with Ariach--we ought to just go there and take care of the problem ourselves, whether or not we are paid for it."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Tuesday October 16th, 2012 9:08:07 AM
"Ugh, undead. Do you guys realize I have to touch those things to hurt them? Gross! It makes my skin crawl." As if to prove his point, the normally hardy man shudders. "But we gotta do what we gotta do. So, we're going back to the WLA, tomorrow, and tell them to give us the case!"
"Well, it sounds like we're all of one voice on it then. Good! We'll talk to the WLA in the morning. I'm glad we're getting down to business."
She pauses for a moment and smiles, somewhat mischievously. "But before we embark on our potentially heroic quest, there's the small matter of an attic that needs exploring! Who's in?"
With that, Thessa leads the way up the stairs to the attic, being sure to cast a Detect Magic spell, just in case some long lost memento decides to reveals itself during the exploration.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 16th, 2012 3:40:09 PM
Wilma followed right behind Thessa.
"I can cast a Light orison if we need it..." the young priestess offered.
Thessa Tuesday October 16th, 2012 4:37:54 PM
[OOC: Second "illegal" post.]
"Thank you, Wilma. My apologies. With my elven sight, I often forget that not everyone can see in the dark as well as I can. Please go ahead."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Tuesday October 16th, 2012 8:20:23 PM (OOC: second "illegal" post)
Wilma picked up one of the many knick-knacks that cluttered the various occasional tables that were strategically placed around the huge townhouse as they trooped towards the attic.
"I'll cast the spell on this when we get there..." she explained, holding up the little brass monkey that was covering its mouth with both hands.
DM Kathy Tuesday October 16th, 2012 10:44:23 PM Vaniime spends some time in the Druid Quarter, which is surprisingly forest-like for an urban area like Plateau City. Of course, even here, you can't escape the fact that you're in a highly-populated city. You meet plenty of townsfolk strolling the paths or stopping beside the Lake of Serenity. You also see what most townsfolk probably miss: the occasional druid, moving silently and almost invisibly through the trees.
Emrys looks about for magic auras, but finds none that don't belong to his companions. He inspects the music room. The instruments are all of good quality. The spinet is reasonably in-tune; the harp, woefully out-of-tune. The other stringed instruments, too, appear to need tuning. Other than that minor, easily-remedied problem, all of the instruments are the kind a bard would be proud to play.
Wilma stops by Master Ressler's office. He seems a little surprised to hear from you so soon, but nods as you explain the situation. "I think Mistress Rookward should be able to assist you," he says. He leads you to an outer office and introduces Arcia Rookward. "Mistress Illutu and her companions have rented the Raven Crescent house," he says, "and they're in need of domestic staff. Can I ask you to assist them?" At his assistant's murmured "of course," he takes his leave and returns to his office. You've been handed off to a flunky.
However, she seems a competent flunky, and she seems genuinely interested in helping you out. "Finding domestic help is a little tricky these days," she says. "So many of the poorer folk have gone off to seek their fortune; most of those left behind already have positions they like. The agencies are all but useless." She smiles. "The thing to do is to find a servant who's becoming dissatisfied with their position and lure them away. And working for adventurers would be appealing for a lot of people, I think. I'll make inquiries."
Thessa is disappointed to hear that the trip to the WLA didn't yield much in the way of adventuring leads. You do, in fact, know of something that's going to be happening at Lasher Castle. True, nobody ever specifically told you about it, or made you any promises, but you've heard the talk and you know it's happening. To get in on it, though, you may have to be a bit more assertive than Wilma and Grell were this morning.
For now, however, the whole group has gone up to explore the attic. It is on the fourth floor, along with the nursery, schoolroom, playroom, and servants' quarters. It is quite a large space, lit mostly by skylights. And it is mostly empty. You do find some folding screens, and one small cabinet with a broken door, but nothing else.
Emrys (ac14, hp21/21) Tuesday October 16th, 2012 11:30:36 PM
Emrys becomes thoroughly distracted as he takes to the task of tuning each instrument. Before he knows it, the day has passed.
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 Wednesday October 17th, 2012 8:59:47 AM
Tuck pokes around up in the attic with the others. "What are we going to do with the space up here? You know, some of you didn't like the idea of us having a workout space in the dining room. How about here? We'd be out of sight."
After they're done exploring the upstairs, Tuck suggests going back to the WLA as a group. "Perhaps if we present a united front, they might be more forthcoming.."
Thessa Wednesday October 17th, 2012 2:29:42 PM
Thessa rises in the morning and prepares herself for a day of action. She begins with a hot bath, well aware that if they start out tonight, it might be the last she gets for a while. She spends some time memorizing her spells and sipping on some black tea. She then dons her tight leggings and loose-fitted shirt, pulls on her thick-soled walking boots and belts her curved blade to her waist. She pulls out her beautifully carved bow from her quiver and examines it, running her hand along the length and pulling at the drawstring a few times. Satisfied, she sheaths the bow and slings the quiver over her back. She puts on her silver ivy circlet and is ready to go as the sun peeks over the rooftops of Plateau City.
Downstairs, the others are assembling as well. When the Vanguards look to be in order, she turns to address them all. Gone was the softness and serenity on her face from the party the night before. With the impending mission on the line, she is all business - complete with furrowed brown and slightly pursed lips. She looks around at the formidable group of adventurers assembled in front of her.
"I hope everyone slept well! Being a more senior League member, I will probably have more luck talking with the clerk, but Tuck, Grell, I want you two on either side of me looking... imposing. We want to appear as capable as possible to the League. This might be a tougher assignment, or they may have someone else in mind for the job, but we need to make them see that The Vanguards are the best choice for the task! Emrys and Wilma, if Grell's muscles and my sharp tongue can't deliver, we might need your more charming personalities to sell the idea so be ready. Ok, is everyone ready? Let's go!"
With that, she turns on her heel and walks out of the front door.
Thessa was very uncomfortable with leadership - even in this short little trek to the WLA headquarters she felt out of character. Along the way she cheered herself up by assuring herself that once they had landed this assignment, she'd go back to where she was most comfortable - in the back, in the shadows, supporting the mission. She patted her quiver absently, "Soon. I'll be needing you soon."
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Wednesday October 17th, 2012 9:36:36 PM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Grell was itching to get out there and find something to beat the bejeebers out of.
"If we can't get this clerk to give us the mission..." he said, "innocently" cleaning his fingernails with a sharp, pointy dagger, "...then I volunteer to make him change his mind." He was doing rather well projecting a cool, mildly dangerous kind of guy when he flicked a little too hard with the dagger and the weapon flew out of his hands--landing with a thunk in the wood of the high-backed chair that Wilma was currently occupying as she finished the last of the oatmeal she was eating for breakfast. The cleric of Gargul snorted, rolling her eyes and yanking the dagger out of the chair, batting nary an eyelash for all that the blade had landed inches away from her ear.
"If you're as good at intimidating as you are with your aim, brother," Wilma said, sliding the dagger back across the table to him, "Then we'll be lucky we aren't laughed out of the office--and watch where you're doing that! This furniture isn't ours to use target practice on..!" She frowned at the pock mark left in the dark wood while Grell sheepishly snatched the dagger off the table and sheathed it.
"Okay, then, Thessa," Wilma addressed the comely elf, "Let me go rinse out my breakfast stuff at least and then I'll be ready to go..." Soon both of the Illutu siblings were ready to see whether or not Grell would, indeed, be called upon to intimidate anyone at the WLA.
Back from the Druid quarter and a bit more relaxed from her time spent in semi nature, Van finishes the day off with the others exploring the attic and finding something to eat before settling down for the night.
**************************
The next morning, She is coming downstairs as Thessa is making plans to go with Grell and Tuck to the WLA headquarters. And then she includes Wilma and Emrys and within a few moments Van is just about to spit nails as her relaxation from the previous day vanishes in an instant.
Feeling slighted and more than a bit out of sorts, As the past few days run through her head (only girl not on the same floor with the other girls, Wilma acting like she's got a new best friend, not being asked along to do things with the two of them), she perches upon the banister post of the stairwell, as the group gets ready to depart.
She growls. "What am I then, chopped liver? Have I become totally invisible? Perhaps I am dead and a ghost and I just don't know it. Or, mayhaps because I did not join the WLA, I am not good enough for the rest of you?"
"I will have you know that I can probably out shoot everyone here, including you Thessa and I would put my sword abilities up against anyone here as well."
"If we go to the WLA looking for work, It will look better if the Vanguard were their in their entirety rather than a piecemeal assortment. If they want to hire us they need to see us all and make their assessment of the group.
While you may know the WLA better than us, We know our strengths and weaknesses and what we are capapble of. Can you say the same? Those of us you knew while you were at Maplehurst have changed drastically in the two years since you've been gone and we are none of us even close to the same people you knew.
We have references and accomplishments that you do not know about and can not inform the WLA about, just as I am sure you have the same, that we do not know about."
She abruptly comes to an end of her rant with a slightly abashed look upon her face and drops her eyes. A momnet later the she raises her head and stares everyone down as if daring them to say anything about her unusual and emotional outburst.
Thessa Wednesday October 17th, 2012 11:20:37 PM
[OOC "illegal" post: FYI, Thessa would have waited for everyone to join us downstairs, and would not have specifically excluded anyone, especially her fellow elf, from the mix. I thought I made that clear in my post. That being said, this offers an interesting RP opportunity, so I'll post on it tomorrow. Trust me, Thessa knows how presumptuous her self-elected leadership (on this matter at least) is to everyone, including herself. ;) ]
(No worries. Just RPing a jealous teen age girl. Kent)
DM Kathy Thursday October 18th, 2012 12:17:23 AM
You gather in the morning, and you all go to the WLA together, presenting a unified front.
Thessa recognizes the human woman at the desk, a former fighter named Indrel. "Thessa!" she calls. "Found an adventuring company at last, have you?"
You ask about the Lasher Castle mission.
"Yes, we're going in in a couple of days," she says, "but it way beyond you kids. That place is crawling with undead; we're sending in the big guns."
You (I assume) protest. Indrel shakes her head. "This is serious stuff," she says. "People nearby have reported seeing a strange, green glow coming from the castle. It appears in different places, at different times. The mission is to investigate and find out what's happening. Which means we have to cover every inch of the place. Which means that--no offense--nobody's going to have time to babysit you."
Tuck HP 36/36 AC 18/18/14 d20=13 ; Thursday October 18th, 2012 9:53:24 AM
Tuck folds his arms across his chest and does his best to look intimidating. Intimidation 13 Although he hasn't had as much practice at it as Grell has. He keeps quiet, allowing those more skilled to do the talking.
Wilma; AC17 (+1 Mithril chain shirt); HP 35/35; Thursday October 18th, 2012 5:22:21 PM COMBINED POST FOR WILMA AND GRELL
Wilma blinked shocked sapphire eyes at the way Van was reacting.
Grell, on the other hand, had a rather lovestruck expression on his face. His older sister rolled her eyes, but she looked very levelly at her best friend and spoke directly to her in Elven:
If your PC understands the Elven language, Highlight to display spoiler: {: "Everyone's been trying to concentrate on getting three really important things done all at the same time, Van...getting ourselves moved in here; arranging for the right kind of help to look after this place; and--most importantly--getting a job to pay for everything. Nobody has been ignoring you...well, not purposely, anyhow. We all need to pull together to get everything done so that everyone here is fine with our mutual arrangements. Besides...have you seen the quality of Thessa's Goth Grafitti? There is NO way in the Wold I'd ask her to spray-paint a skull with a bow on it..!"}
Even as she very calmly spoke her piece to Vaniime, Wilma's hand unerringly reached out and smacked the back of her brother's head. Immediately the lovestruck look on his face disappeared and he scowled at Wilma instead.
"What was that for..?" he demanded truculently, rubbing the back of his head. The priestess' gaze slid from Vaniime to Grell.
"Now is not the time for you to be...distracted," she said firmly. Grell looked like he would have argued with her, but then he subsided.
After all the drama was resolved, then came the reception from the clerk at the WLA...again. Last time, Wilma hadn't felt she'd the right to protest. This time, however, there was at least one point that she felt had to be made:
"Listen...Indrel..?...we may be straight out of Maplehurst Academy, but we aren't exactly strangers to the need to battle against unexpected foes that would have been considered too dangerous for 'newbies' to fight. We kept children from being kidnapped by an evil spellcaster who used magical beasts--TWICE! We have defeated a chimera! We even fought a half-dozen or so ankhegs who had taken a seasoned ranger of the Monster Preserve captive, rescuing her in the process! So do not sit there and dare to presume that we would need...babysitting...of any kind!"
Thessa d20+1=14 ; Thursday October 18th, 2012 5:41:44 PM
Thessa stops in her tracks, turns back and looks directly at Vaniime. She thought for sure she had seen her in the group gathered downstairs. How could she have missed her?
"Vaniime, please." The slight scowl on her face was more of placation than of pleading. "You are far from chopped liver! I'm well aware that each of you have your strengths and weaknesses and I look forward to finding out more about each and every one of you. You have made yourselves a cohesive team, otherwise you wouldn't have stayed together after graduation. I respect that, as I try to respect all here."
She closes her eyes momentarily and takes a breath, her tone softens slightly. "The bottom line is that I've been a member of WLA for two years and they know me. They know that they can trust me. This might give us more of an advantage in discussions. I'm simply hoping that I can succeed in getting us this assignment. I'm not presuming to lead the Vanguards at all, but my understanding is that we all want to establish our group in the city and this is the most obvious way to do it. If I can help us do this, I will. After that, I'll be content to fall back and let someone else lead the way."
"So then, will you join us on our way to the League headquarters?" With that, she turns and leads the group out of the house.
**********************************
Later, at the WLA HQ, Thessa is doing her best to fulfill her promise.
"Indrel, I know you don't know our capabilities as a group, but I'm confident we can be useful. I mean, look at the size of these guys!" She motions to each of the men beside her. "You should see them in action! Besides, with so much ground to cover, and so many Leaguers involved, how can you turn down the extra help?"
She waits and listens to Indrel's response. [OOC, I'm going to assume from Kathy's post that she sticks to her guns about the Castle and doesn't offer the assignment to the Vanguards.]
Thessa shakes her head and sighs. This wasn't going at all the way she had planned.
"Fine, if your absolutely convinced we're not experienced enough to handle the undead in the castle, then there HAS to be work that those adventurers in the castle have left behind that we can take care of." She lowers her voice and talks more personally to the clerk, "Give us something, Indrel. Please. You know there's nothing worse than a group of bored adventurers - they always find something to do, even if they have to stir it up themselves!"
[Diplomacy: 14]
Thessa Thursday October 18th, 2012 5:52:02 PM
[OOC: "illegal" RP post.]
Thessa smiles inwardly at Wilma's defense of her comrades. The Vanguard's list of credentials was better than she had expected and exactly what Indrel might need to hear to convince her of their abilities.
"See? I told you we were confident in our capabilities and weren't as green as you think.. So, what do you say, Indrel?"
Ariach AC 25/14/19 ; HP 33/33 Thursday October 18th, 2012 7:09:00 PM
Somewhat taken aback Ariach listens the dispute between Vaniim and Thessa. Obviously Thessa wants to be in the spotlight while Vaniim seems to be jealously. Ariach doesnīt understand one of them. But what does he know about - why women act the way they act. Briefly he considers to say something to stop the dispute. But then he remembers how his friend Belwin once wanted to end a dispute between two girls. With the result that both girls had first insulted the poor boy, beat him and then didnīt talk to him for days.
*Just do not interfere, do not interfere, do not interfere.*
The situation passes whitout escalating and they group focuses on the important task of finding a mission.
The answer, which the group maintains angers the otherwise serene warrior a little.
"I did not know that you have to belong to the elite of adventurers in order to crush the undead. I always thought a clean heart, courage and skills in dealing with weapons would be important but apparently I was wrong."
Vaniime AC 18/14/14, HP:23/23 Thursday October 18th, 2012 7:22:37 PM
Van looks around at the group and then at Wilma and then at Thessa as they each speak. Rolling her eyes at Wilma's comment she quickly reponds
"Duh! Do il amin "ner sinta" he ten' a re'na lajer aris lle sinta." Highlight to display spoiler: { "Duh! Don't forget I have known her longer than you."}
With that she hops down and with a little flip of her yellow bangs, she is ready and with the rest of the group as if nothing was ever wrong, giving the group a "What are we waiting for look."
***********************************
At the WLA Van really gets fed up with the lady's attitude after she dismisses both Thessa and Wilma, and walks up the woman's desk herself.
"Excuse me. Indrel, right? You have heard what my friends have said, but I really don't think you are actually listening. So I will speak slowly and plainly. We have references. So why don't you take down these names and find a way of checking with these folks about our talents and qualifications.
First, there is Mistress Droverson and Master Wintershine, honorable members of The Order of the White Rose.
Secondly, There is the first battalion of the Rangers of the Monster Preserve.
And finally, if those aren't enough, and you feel the need to bother them you can contact Gunther and K'nara Illutu and Ingrge Nightseer and Brother Bertram of the Emerald Dragons.
Emrys can't help but smile as he stands back and listens to everyone address Indrel and argue their case. Everyone speaks passionately and as a unified force the group may just overwhelm the poor WLA officer. Emrys saunters forward with the warmest smile and calmly speaks to Indrel.
"Madam, as you can see, we are a passionate lot, and there is not much I can add that hasn't already been said. Yes, we are fresh to this fine city, however let it be known that we were considered the elite amongst our peers. Our works are not only immortalized in story and song, but dare I say erected in a glorious monument for all to see and remember. All of this ... these great deeds we have done before leaving the cradle of Maplehurst. Now here we stand before you ... our hearts beat with the blood of the Wold's greatest heroes ... and there is nothing we can't do."
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