DM Kathy Wednesday November 20th, 2013 11:50:40 PM
Over the next week or so, you are able to rest up, divvy up the treasure, and help your new companions get acclimated to the Trading Post. Pen is able to send off his letter, and eagerly awaits a reply.
One afternoon, you hear a sound that is growing more familiar of late--the bustle of an arriving group of merchants. It's still an exciting enough event that a lot of the Post's residents step outside their homes and businesses to get a glimpse of the new arrivals.
This group is a little different from most. To be sure, there are merchants, hauling bags and a few pack animals. But the merchants, to a man, look surly and out-of-sorts. And accompanying them are a strange group indeed. They seem to have a lot of luggage. And they are talking to one another in very excited voices.
"I do believe that was a Thamnophilus aroyae," a human woman is saying excitedly. "I'll need to check my references to be sure, but it would be very interesting to see one at such a low elevation."
"Has anyone seen my sketchbook?" a halfling woman asks, looking around her.
A young drow woman approaches her, holding out a leather-bound book. "Here it is, professor."
"Thank you, Xyra," says the halfling woman absently, now apparently searching for something else among her belongings.
"Is there an inn?" asks a gnome man. "I'm quite sure there was supposed to be an inn. And where is--?"
One of the merchants, his face set, his jaw clenched, approaches Pen. You vaguely recognize him; he has been to the Trading Post before. "Do me a favor," he says. "Keep those crazy people away from me!"
Pen looks over at the group. "Crazy?" he says.
The merchant rolls his eyes. "Scholars of some kind," he explains, "from the Floating City. Nothing but problems and delays the whole trip. And none of them has the sense the gods gave a chipmunk! Well, except maybe the drow girl, but she's just a helper. Anyway, I'm well rid of them." He shows a grim smile. "They're your problem now."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Thursday November 21st, 2013 5:26:52 PM
Since their return, the minotaur has been helping at the smithy, working the bellows. He misses working the hammer at the forge. Perhaps he should take up the making of weapons again. Perhaps a sword...
Astern is attracted to the arriving group. They do not seem to be the usual merchant lot. Yet, when one approaches Pen, he moves to stand behind the Outpost leader. The barbarian is sure that anyone crazy enough to attack Pen would be well within his reach.
Playing the bodyguard, the towering gold horns waits to see what develops.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Thursday November 21st, 2013 5:41:25 PM
Rag tries out his new gear ( that at present he still needs to purchase ;-) ) and spends most of his time either helping out fortifying the outpost or meditating.
As the new arrivals enter the Outpost Rag's amused by the merchant's reaction and these scholars's behaviour..;
"I can smell trouble... " he chuckles and keeps an eye out on the lot from up on the parapets where he so often can be found meditating.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Thursday November 21st, 2013 5:48:51 PM
Smith eagerly awaits news as the different merchant caravans come in. This last one, however, holds interest for him - not only are many of their folk of proper size, but that they are scholars to boot? He eagerly waits to hear what they have been studying and what papers they may be working on. Perhaps they would allow him to write something regarding his discoveries regarding the Remorse of Eberyon. Perhaps some religious scholar would be eager to hear Smith's opinion. He awaits the unloading of the goods and trading to get into full swing before he crosses into the realm of academia with this new group of scholars.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Thursday November 21st, 2013 7:33:37 PM
Toregan spends most of the week training with his new companion, learning about its abilities and restrictions, and trying to forge a closer bond with it. When the new caravan arrives, He looks at Velox directly in the eyes. "Velox, remember what I've told you. Don't scare the new people." He motions for Velox to follow him close, which the small raptor dutifully does.
Approaching Pen, he overhears the merchant fume at Pen and he raises an eyebrow at the merchants statements. "I take it that means they have plans to be staying with us for some time then?"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Thursday November 21st, 2013 9:59:06 PM
Faust comes quick to see the newcomers and, seeing that they're scholars, he gets especially excited to greet them, even more after he sees that there's a drow with them.
"Greetings! Welcome to the Trading Post. I see you seek the inn, if you allow me, I'll accompany you there.", not even trying to hide his excitement.
If they accept his offer, he'll introduce himself on the way "My name is Faust Havler of the Tavir'e drow house. What brings your party here?"
"I see you
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Thursday November 21st, 2013 10:00:17 PM OOC: Also forgot to mention I plan on making couple scrolls, possibly in the peaceful weeks, may I post the list and checks later?
Really lacking the time to go through my list check what'd be useful right now.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Friday November 22nd, 2013 12:22:54 AM checking in
DM Kathy Friday November 22nd, 2013 12:25:26 AM
Curious, you drift over near Pen, wondering about the newcomers. Toregan asks whether they'll be staying. "It certainly looks that way," says Pen, looking a little bewildered.
"OH!" a young human man, thin as a beanpole, with a shock of bright red hair comes rushing toward Toregan and Velox. "That's a velociraptor mongoliensis! My word! Is it yours? Is it tame? Where did you find it? How long have you had it? What do you feed it?" He looks eagerly at Toregan. "I specialize in dinosaurs of the Theropoda sub-order, you know, and I hoped to see some here. I never expected to see one right in the trading post!" He gazes admiringly at Velox.
Faust, meanwhile, approaches the larger group. And their luggage. Goodness, they have a lot of luggage. "Oh! Thank you," says the gnome. "Yes, thank you, indeed. Ah--Xyra, can you sort out the bags?"
"Of course, professor," the drow woman says, and begins corralling odds and ends that have already been pulled out of bags.
"Lead on, Faust Havler!" the gnome says. "I am Zanry Silverfire, a naturalist specializing in day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera. I hope to see many exciting new specimens during our field work. That is what brings us here--the opportunity to study specimens in their natural habitat. So exciting!"
The rest of the party begins drifting along behind Faust and Zanry, with the exception of the red-haired young human man who is still fascinated with Velox.
The drow woman, meanwhile, finishes getting the bags back into some semblance of order, then looks over at Asteron. "Would you be willing to help carry some bags?" she asks politely, showing a silver piece.
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Friday November 22nd, 2013 8:47:29 AM
Asteron smiles. "I will gladly help you mistress... err... what is your name?" The minotaur says with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Anything I need to be particularly careful with?"
He makes it a point to be careful with the luggage, taking only as many pieces at a time as he can handle without danger of one of them falling or being damaged. The barbarian is amused by the fact that he has been recruited as a porter... and for a silver piece no less! But since he has spent the previous week helping at the bellows, and since he's got nothing better to do, he moves the luggage as directed, with a chuckle as he does so.
Once he finishes, he turns to the drow female and asks, "Is there anything else I can help with?" Asteron tries to look the part of someone expecting to be given the offered silver coin.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Friday November 22nd, 2013 5:18:57 PM
Smith watches the interplay between the group of academics and their helper, the one called Xyra. As she approaches Asteron and asks him to help as porter, Smith quickly joins up with the two of them and grabs a smaller bag to help. "You have the joy of herding that group of cats, do you?" he asks the drow woman in a friendly fashion.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Sunday November 24th, 2013 7:12:15 PM
Rag quietly observes the group of scholars... amused, curious, full anticipation.
DM Kathy Sunday November 24th, 2013 9:50:49 PM Asteron is amused at being drafted as a porter, and readily gathers up the baggage. "I am Xyra Bancurpi," the drow woman replies, and leads the way toward the inn.
Smith also comes along to help, asking Xyra about her responsibilities. "I'm their research assistant, yes," she replies. She is perfectly cordial, but there is something cool about her demeanor.
Inside the inn, Zanry Silverfire is trying to arrange accommodation for the group. It is not going well. The scholars talk over one another, contradict each other, and change their minds about what they want. Haggard tries to follow the bewildering cross-talk, but it's rough going.
When Xyra enters the inn, she smoothly takes over the process. "Professor Silverfire will need a room on a lower floor, since human-sized stairs are difficult for him," she explains. "Professor Keels," she gestures to the human woman, "likes a room at the back, because it's usually quieter. Professor Tumblehollow and I," she gestures to the halfling woman, "will share quarters, wherever there is anything available. Professor Horn is still outside, but he prefers a room with a view." With calm efficiency, she pays for the rooms, collects the keys, and begins shuffling the scholars and their luggage in the appropriate directions.
Outside, Pen gives Ragnarök a worried glance. "They're--they're going to be going out into the jungle?" he says in disbelief.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Monday November 25th, 2013 12:48:47 PM
Toregan, after recovering from his surprise at the actions of the human researcher, attempts to answer a few of his questions. "Well, I met this one about a week ago in the jungle near the base of this plateau. And I wouldn't same that hes tame, more like less wild. I've been feeding it meat scraps, and it seems to prefer raw meat to cooked." He looks the man up and down before extending his hand towards him. "I don't believe I caught your name. Toregan Dondarin, at your service."
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth d20+9=19 ; Monday November 25th, 2013 2:12:46 PM
Smith notes the cool attitude and responds smoothly, "I meant no disrespect, mistress Xyra, regarding the comments towards the researchers. I have nothing but the utmost respect for those who partake in the academic arts."
"Will you be needing guides out into the wilds?"
Diplomacy 19
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Monday November 25th, 2013 5:53:13 PM
When Pen expresses his disbelief Rag laughs and nimbly jumos sown the parrapets...
"well... it seems we'll either try to herd them together before they end up in trouble... or get them out of trouble later... admit Master Pen that that sounds like fun..."
( kudos Kathy for trying to have everyone involved even when unsure what to do next like Rag was - thanks! )
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Monday November 25th, 2013 7:25:06 PM Still hanging, in limbo
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Monday November 25th, 2013 8:02:11 PM
Asteron is perplexed. It is one thing to go into the wild and do what you must do, but to go into the wild just for the fancy of it? What gives? The barbarian does well in the wild because of his training, but that does not mean that he'd not prefer to be safe and sound inside the confines of the stockade. A big city is a totally different matter, of course, but to risk life and limb without cause strikes him as unwise, to say the least.
"Master Pen, although I agree with you that their proposed course of action seems to be most unwise, Ragnarök is right. Better to keep them under watch rather than to have to find their remains later. It would not help the outpost's reputation, would it?"
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Monday November 25th, 2013 8:43:38 PM "That is most interesting!", says Faust to the scholars, "I am myself also here for some field study on the beasts, though I envision it being more of a survival guide than a truly academic paper."
"Either way, if you allow me, I'd love to read any notes you don't mind to show others; I'm sure it will be mightly educating for myself.", he adds, eager for a positive response.
At Asteron's comment, Faust adds: "Don't see much wrong in doing such...as much as scholars aren't exactly cut to be out in the field, it's a risk that comes with the profession, just like any warrior if not careful enough might end in the wrong side of a blade kick the bucket on his way for greatness."
"After all, what fun is there to study what is already known inside and out?"
DM Kathy Monday November 25th, 2013 10:14:45 PM Toregan tells the excited human man about Velox. "My, that's wonderful!" he says. "Oh, yes. I'm Marcus Horn, a zoologist from the Floating City. My colleagues and I have come to Cthonia to do a bit of field work."
Nearby, Asteron and Ragnarök have a quick discussion with Pen. "If your group would be willing to go along and keep them out of trouble," Pen says, "I think that would be best for all concerned. As you say, if they get themselves killed, it will reflect badly on us."
Faust seems to think the expedition will be fun, and asks the scholars for their notes. "Eh?" says Zanry, vaguely. "Oh! Certainly, certainly. Yes, I must---Xyra where is my sampling kit?"
"It's on its way to your room, Professor," Xyra replies calmly. "Perhaps I can assist you in finding your notes."
"Yes, thank you!" the little gnome replies.
Smith asks the research assistant if they will need a guide. The drow woman looks over her group, her expression unreadable. "I think they know where they want to go," she replies. "However....I think some assistance would be welcome. They can get a little...distracted."
(Jorge) Asteron Worldtraveller AC 20/12/18 -- CMD 24 -- HP 61/61 -- Rage 20/20 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 3:45:56 PM
Asteron smiles. From Freehold heroes to professor sitters. At least their life in Cthonia is not boring. Not by a long shot. Then, an idea comes to his mind.
"Professor Zanry, one question. Would you have any idea why I was born with gold-colored horns?" The minotaur directs attention to his two shiny, well polished, inward-curving horns.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 22 -- HP 38/38 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 4:13:50 PM "Well Mr. Horn, my group and I have had a number of encounters with the native animals around this region, and I would be glad to give you a description of the creatures we've seen if it would help. In any event, I'm sure your trip has been eventful so far, and you could probably do with some food and rest. Allow me to show you to the inn. I believe that the rest of your group has already been shown the way."
Toregan leads Marcus to the inn, answering any question he might have about the local fauna that he has encountered.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Tuesday November 26th, 2013 5:49:15 PM
With barz torso, loose pants, uncomfortable sandals and no weapons Rag doesn't add up to what is expected from jungle adventurers... still, the monk is ready and willing to go on a field trip with the scholars...
"A field trip sounds like a lot of fun perhaps but this only happens if you listen to what we tell you to do... "
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 6:02:35 PM
Refreshed from his recent trip to join the Star Mage's Guild, Yngvar is surprised by the recent addition to the Outpost.
You know Toregan, we really need a better name. 'The Outpost' just sounds... provincial. We're going to need more housing too. I know we've been thinking about a larger residence for us, the guards? I think we need a label as well. Let's go have lunch and talk about what we're going to do with the Outpost, us, and this expedition.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Tuesday November 26th, 2013 6:18:56 PM
Smith nods at the assistant. "I may not necessarily be the brightest guy in the bunch, but I do not a little bit about this and that, so I'll be glad to provide any sort of assistance you need. Just don't expect me to use these bulging muscles to help you too much though," he adds with a knowing wink, as he flexes his pitifully small arms.
He heads to where Asteron and Ragnar are conversing with the one known as Pen. "Their assistant indicated that they may be in need of our assistance."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Tuesday November 26th, 2013 6:51:27 PM
Faust chuckles seeing how the mighty scholars seem like kids and their assistant is the day-care teacher. "Good thing you accompany them, miss Bancurpi, they seem at a loss without you.", he says jokingly, but not in a disrespectful tone.
Once he has the papers in hand, however, he can't (and doesn't try to) hide his excitement and glee, he eats through the papers as attentive as he can, trying to absorb the knowledge and hints of creatures he's yet to see.
DM Kathy Tuesday November 26th, 2013 10:22:31 PM Yngvar, lately returned from Plateau City, has some ideas for improving the Trading Post. Perhaps it can be made more impressive--and it probably needs a better name.
[OOC: Although I should point out that it is officially called the Trading Post, not the Outpost.]
Toregan continues speaking with the excitable Professor Horn as the two make their way to the Inn. The young human does indeed have lots of questions, and barely enough patience to wait for the answers.
Asteron asks about the cause of his golden horns. The scholars cluster around him, and exclaim over his horns. They use terms like "genomic variants" and "recessive genes," and sound very scholarly. Asteron gathers that they don't really have an answer, except that perhaps some long-forgotten ancestor of his also had gold horns.
Faust doesn't receive his notes right away. In fact, the only notes he gets to look at are those of the bespectacled Halfling woman. She, it turns out, is a botanist, specializing in plants of the group Pteridophyta. That, Faust soon discovers, means ferns. All kinds of ferns. Her notes are peppered with sketches and illustrations, along with notations about spores and fiddleheads and other terms Faust can only sort of keep up with.
Over the course of the evening, you have the opportunity to meet all of the scholars.
Zanry Silverfire, the gnome, seems to be the unofficial spokesman of the group, although they make a big thing about being a group of equals. He specializes in day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera, which you eventually figure out means butterflies.
The human woman is Marit Keels. She is a naturalist, specializing in passerine birds of the family Thamnophilidae. This seems to mean antbirds or antshrikes. Of all the scholars, she is the most disorganized, which is saying something. She manages to lose her room key between the common room and her door, and she misplaces her notebook twice during dinner.
The Halfling woman is Reva Tumblehollow. She, as Faust has discovered, studies ferns. Or, as she puts it, plants of the group Pteridophyta. She is the quietest of the group, and seems a little shy.
Marcus Horn, the young human man, is a zoologist who specializes in Theropoda dinosaurs. You don't quite get what that means, although you do know that Velox the velociraptor is an example. He is eager and enthusiastic, wanting to hear all about the Trading Post and the surrounding area.
And, of course, there is Xyra Bancurpi, their research assistant, who probably isn't getting paid enough to put up with what she's putting up with. She is calm, cool, and very difficult to read.
Dinner at the inn is a lively and talkative affair. The scholars seem pleased that you will be accompanying them, although they don't seem to understand why it's necessary. "I'm sure Xyra can handle it," more than one of them says, "but it will be nice to have you along, all the same."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 21/31 Wednesday November 27th, 2013 1:55:12 PM
Yngvar considers the group for a moment, Marcus, you study 'therapods.' And you see this young one that my esteemed companion has at his side. Could you enlighten us, and your companions on what this young one would consider a fine meal? And then it's adult version, and of course imagine it stood twenty feet tall. How much food do you think it would need to consume then?
Yngvar describes the close geography of the 'post, the mesa it resides on, and the lower lands below.
He happily shows any of the explorers the new sections of the wall, and why the old wall wasn't enough.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 48/51 - AC25/24/19 / 29 vs AoO - CMD 31 / 34 vs Grapple Wednesday November 27th, 2013 6:38:29 PM
In the evening Rag enjoys a good meal and listens to the various conversatios.
(Jerry tL) HP: 39/39 AC:18/ T:14/ FF:15 CMD:10, CMB: +4 Smith Wigglesworth Wednesday November 27th, 2013 10:08:35 PM
Smith follows Ragnarok's example.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 14 -- HP 36/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/14 -- CMD 13 -- HP 15/15 Wednesday November 27th, 2013 10:22:36 PM
Faust excitedly shows Reva couple notes and doodles of his own about interesting plants he'd found so far and, while Faust was very descriptive in his notes, he's much more of and enthusiast than an actual researcher, and to the trained eye it shows.
Over diner, he doesn't hide his surprise over the scholars' words and replies,"I mean absolutely no offense to ms. Bancurpi; the mere fact that you're all here in one piece is enough proof that she's competent enough."
"However, one would be wise to not underestimate the creatures in these 'thunderlands', while they're fairly manageable alone, in groups - and believe me, there will be groups - they're big and powerful enough to overpower even a group of taurs. And then, throw in the merry mix other less natural and instinctive dangers.", he says, trying not to sound too ominous.
DM Kathy Wednesday November 27th, 2013 10:28:53 PM
[At long last, I have Hero Points from the previous module. For the fight against Boss Wathe's guys in town, I'm giving a Hero Point to Ragnarök for wading right into the fray, and taking damage as a result. For the fight against Tunks and Boss Wathe, I'm awarding a Hero Point to Asteron, what with the almost dying and everything. Well done, gentlemen.]
LOG ON