Curiosity and Panic [DM Jerry] Thursday July 15th, 2021 10:08:11 PM
The vibes of this walled town seem to be agreeing with most of Heranmar's new visitors. Our heroes continue to talk and get to know each other.
Selene asks Ginifred about getting an apartment. Ginifred says, "Next door to the right. There are 8 small apartments in the building. Not sure how many are vacant, but Quover rents them. You can get a room here for up to a week if you prefer, then we can talk if you need to stay longer. Up to you of course.
Snark asks Ralphus about the WLA. Ralphus says, "Most of the adventurer orgs share the same office over in the Tradehouse." He grins, as if he knows something else that he is not saying.
As Isaac rises to look into lodging, a shout followed by many other shouts sounds from outside. A human girl of about 14 with panic written all over her face races into the doorway. "THE FISH!" She points outside. "THE FISH!!! IT'S GONE!" She turns and races back outside.
Half the crowd in the The Bottom Feeders Inn, look around in confusion. The other half races towards the door--some with curiosity on their faces. Others have panic on their faces.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Friday July 16th, 2021 8:01:23 AM
It takes a bit of coaxing, but Teddy is convinced to go get food with Snark clutching the warding stone the whole time. Then everyone starts freaking out and he looks incredibly alarmed for a moment before it registers what everyone is talking about. "Um... fish?" he wonders, alarm being replaced by confusion, then curiosity. An impatient noise from Gore'Thum snaps his attention back to the task at hand and he finishes making the plates and brings the frog his food before hurrying to join the crowd in finding out what's going on, warding stone almost forgotten in his curiosity. Gore'Thum seems pleased.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 Friday July 16th, 2021 8:49:37 AM
With his mouth full Einar looks up from his plate in amazement... why then is a fish so important?! Funny people here in Heranmar. He figures this is something the locals only know and care about so he doesn't bother too much and returns to his breakfast. What's the fuss about a fish anyhow... they're tasty for lunch but they just smell bad at breakfast.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 10, HP 9/9 Friday July 16th, 2021 11:36:22 AM
Amidst all the comotion, Snark is careful to pull out a hankerchief and put some bacon and sausage in it. He grabs a couple pieces of fruit and bread and stuffs it all in his pocket. then he grabs a glass of mead to sip on as he heads to the door to see what the fuss is about.
Kristoph (Stephen C) | AC 16 | CMD 16 | HP 10/10 d20+3=4 ; d20+7=21 ; Friday July 16th, 2021 4:00:35 PM
Kristoph nods to Tae-Che, despite not immediately replying her words of wisdom simmer in his brain, or maybe he's wondering; if rather than running towards something the elf is running away? Then. "This bunch? Superstitious, trusting.." Maybe there's more he wants to say but he shovels his food down with the practiced grace of someone who eats like it's being timed. Done (probably before most people are on their 3rd mouthful) he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and stands. "Gonna see what all that noise is about, coming"?.
As he passes behind the tall bearded man he says. "Trust me Einar was it? I think you'd make a formidable hire-sword" he pats him on the shoulder reassuringly and caries on. "I'll watch your back if that's where we end up". The big man looks like he can look after himself but he squints at Einar from the door, unsure what it is he likes about him. Maybe just he looks like he can fight? Or maybe he just admires him for doing something he knew he never could. He looks from Einar to Selene, now that was a world he could never imagine for himself.
Outside he asks someone. "Fish? What's this all about?" Kristoph is certainly paying attention to what the crowd is looking at, but he scans the crowd for any people that are trying not to be noticed - or someone who isn't looking at everything else - maybe they are watching a purse belt? He just can't shrug the habit he realizes. (perception:4 / sense motive:21).
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Friday July 16th, 2021 10:49:27 PM
Tae Che daintily eats her meal and drinks her mead. When the commotion starts, she looks up and over at the young girl who came in and informed everyone and watched her run out again. She stands and heads outside, scanning the area for this "fish" thing.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 Saturday July 17th, 2021 12:24:36 AM
Einar again looks up... did they just all stand up to go see what the fish thing is?!? They are wasting a perfectly fine breakfast for a fish??
Isaac Harker (Justin M) -HP 13/13 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 Saturday July 17th, 2021 4:03:34 PM
Isaac pauses as he hears the cries of people shouting about a missing fish. Did he hear that right a fish is missing? He follows the large group out hopefully he would get an explanation either from one of the townsfolk or be able to figure out what they were talking about.
Where’s the fish!! [DM Jerry] Sunday July 18th, 2021 9:05:21 PM
Teddy, being curious, hurries out to join the crowd.
Einar continues his breakfast, not seemingly concerned about a fish and thinking about how "funny" the people of Heranmar are.
Snark quickly "loads up his handkerchief" with breakfast and heads out to see what the "fuss" is all about.
Kristoph "shovels down his food" and asks Tae-Che if he's coming with him. He stops at Einar and tells him he thinks that he would make a fine hire-sword. He then pauses considering Einar for a second and heads outside.
Tae-Che heads outside scanning for this "fish thing."
Isaac questions his hearing that there is a missing fish.
Outside, a bell starts ringing from the small castle like mansion sitting opposite the Tradehouse. Townsfolk, bolstered by 2 shiploads of visitors, come running from everywhere seemingly headed to a small pond that lies between the mansion and the Tradehouse.
You hear an old loud voice.
“Hey, where’s the fish!?”
There is a babble of voices and some shoving and pushing as the folk of Heranmar surge towards Looking Glass Pond, bringing visitors along in the crush. Soon everyone is there. The totally pristine water is undisturbed. A odd old "gangling man" with one blind eye stands by the pond's edge. The townsfolk seem to know him and remain a short distance from him as he, obviously upset dances from foot to foot with arms akimbo. He gestures to the pond, and repeats himself.
“Where’s the fish!!”
By listening to the crowd, the following pieces of information may possibly be learned:
Know Local DC 5 Highlight to display spoiler: { One large goldfish is always in the pond for luck. It is a goal of every child in town to ‘prank the fish’. Never has a prank been the removal of said fish, which would be very bad luck indeed! }
Perception DC 5 Highlight to display spoiler: { A search will verify that no one can see what should be an easily spotted large goldfish!}
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 d20+4=19 ; Sunday July 18th, 2021 11:00:22 PM
Tae Che finds herself being swept up in the hulabaloo and brought over to the pond near the tradehouse. As several people keep yelling out regarding where the fish is, she can easily see a large goldfish in the pond. She wonders to herself if there is supposed to be more in the pond based on what others are yelling on about. (Perception: 19)
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 Monday July 19th, 2021 3:55:29 AM
Back in the Inn Selene comes running in...
"You know love... if you want to integrate in this community you should at least try and show some interest in what's keeping these people busy... haven't you noticed they seem to be the most superstitious folk ever? IF that FISH means something to them you should at least listen to them instead of eating your full... "
Einar stops chewing and with his mouthful just listens as Selene's words wash over him...
"So?!? I'm sure you agree with me no??" She adds... she adds it in a way only a woman can leaving to room for Einar to question her... Hoping not too many saw this he gets up and walks out of the Inn to see what the fuss was all about.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Monday July 19th, 2021 5:12:03 PM
Teddy remains fascinated, but has no clue what's going on nor the gumption to ask for details. For now he just hangs in the back and watches. Gore'Thum eats his food, a bit messily, and ignores the hubbub.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) -HP 13/13 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 d20+2=20 ; d20+1=16 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 5:51:45 PM
Isaac tries to get a better look at whatever the man in the pond is gesturing to. Not seeing anything in the pond.He tries to remember and recalls the special fish that lives here. Not really sure what else to do you he makes his way to the front apologizing as he moves people aside. Once he's at the front he cautiously walks over to the old man "Umm sir do you need help? Id be happy to offer my assistance if you need it." Please don't be crazy Isaac silently chants in his head. Perception (20) Untrained Know:Local (16)
Kristoph (Stephen C) | AC 16 | CMD 16 | HP 10/10 Monday July 19th, 2021 6:17:08 PM "Can you see the fish?". He elbow-knudges Tae-Che. "Do that purple-glow thing you guys do! Show em where the fish is!"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 10, HP 9/9 d20+5=24 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 7:13:41 PM
Snark gets to the pond. He sees the commotion over some little fish and looks the crowd over. These people are nuts. Then he glances dockward, idly wondering if perhaps the ship he came in on is still there and maybe he could get his old job back before it leaves.
He looks into the water and sees a goldfish amongst the rocks. He points at the fish. "There's a big goldfish fish right there. Is that what y'all are lookin' fer? I'll see what he has to say."
Snark casts Speak with Animals and steps down into the water. He presses his face into the pond and says to the fish, "Hey there little fish. The people up here can't see you and are worried. Are you alright? Is there anything you need? Is there anything I should tell them up there?"
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Monday July 19th, 2021 9:22:48 PM
Tae Che glares quickly at Kristoph. In a whisper, "First off, mine is actually green. Second, if this is some sort of rite or ritual, it would be wrong to interrupt it. And, finally, is there more than one fish that's supposed to be in the pond."
Shut It! [DM Jerry] Monday July 19th, 2021 11:05:28 PM
Tae Che assumes for a minute, as she learns that there is always a goldfish in the pond, that there is one there now, but it is a catch of the light. The pond is empty! Kristoph urges Tae Che to use his purple glow thing to find the fish. Tae Che explains that "his" is green, and why it may be wrong to interrupt this if it is a ritual. Finally, Tae Che asks if there is supposed to be more than one fish in the pond.
Einar walks out of the tavern and joins the bedlam at the pond. He ends up standing beside Teddy who also watches the panic and goings on.
Isaac works his way through the growing crowd and approaches the "gangling man." He offers to help the man. Then he notices that no one else has approached him but kept their distance. This seems to impress the man as he pauses and looks at Isaac for a moment, but then he continues his strange antics.
Snark is thinking that these people are nuts, and looks to see if the ship he arrived on is still in port, but realizes he can't see over the town's stone walls. Snark also thinks there is a fish in the pond for a second, but realizes he was wrong.
The crowd of people are panicked and concerned. The bedlam continues and some push and shove to get a better look.
Then Ginifred Bottim arrives and takes control with a bellowed “SHUT IT!!!”
She glares around the stunned faces for a moment, then continues. ”The Sheriff will set Deputies on the Pond. The Council will meet in the Mansion immediately. The rest of you MOVE… go about your business… it is Nymph Day.”
Quite rapidly, the cowed crowd disperses as Ginifred directed, with most going into the Tradehouse. Three deputies quickly begin roping off the Pond and setting a guard.
The Council, most of them are present, begin to walk in a group towards Quendock Mansion. As they proceed, Ginifred points to two women standing together near the crowd. "Honora and Reshakka you're with us priests."
It is easy to see the holy symbol of The Crones around Honora's neck as well as the various holy symbols that Reshakka the Centaur wears.
The City Council enters into the Mansion and the doors are shut. The Sheriff positions himself just outside the Mansion.
=====
[OOC: My apologies as it seems that the "Knowledge Local reveal" made you think there is a fish in the pond. The wording wasn't perfect, and that was my fault.
There is no fish in the pond. The reveal meant to say that there has always been one in the pond in the past. Sorry, that's what I get for pasting in the hidden reveals that Stephen K put into the module rather than putting my spin on it. I get the blame. :)
Feel free to just ignore that and move on. I repeat there is no fish in the pond. :)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 10, HP 9/9 Tuesday July 20th, 2021 1:04:46 AM
Not sure what else to do, Snark heads to the Tradehouse and asks about membership in the WLA.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 Tuesday July 20th, 2021 5:26:43 AM
Einar sides with Teddy as they both watch the craziness around the pond...
"I guess this must be one of those days where all things turn sour... never thought it would start with a missing fish though... any chance your friend over there ate the fish?!?", Einar jokes nodding at Gore'Thum.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Tuesday July 20th, 2021 7:54:16 AM "Of course not, we haven't been anywhere near there!" Teddy says indignantly. Frowning, he stares at the pond for a while, playing with the rock he was handed. "Why are they calling a whole council meeting for it though?" he wonders aloud. Still frowning in throught he goes inside. Gore'Thum seems pleased to see him no longer freaking out about something attacking him and the pair work to finish their meal in quiet contemplation.
Kristoph (Stephen C) | AC:15 | CMD:21 | HP:9/9 d20+7=9 ; d20+7=19 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 4:58:40 PM
Kristoph looks impressed about Tae-Che's green confession. He'd been joking turns out she actually could. "Good questions let's go ask him"! He points to the "gangling man". Working his way through the thinning crowd he approaches (sense motive: 9) trying to figure if he is trying to insight fear or secretly enjoying himself? He squints at him with his good eye and then gestures to Tae-Che to ask the questions again.
He grins when Einar jokes and nods at Gore'Thum. Chuckles even. It's not like he would blame him even if he had eaten the fish nature being nature. Standing near Isaac he looks the man over (sense motive: 19). Watchman or guard maybe? A sense of dicipline about him? Yeah he had that look about him.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) -HP 13/13 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 d20+7=27 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 6:09:53 PM
Sensing it would be best to clear out for the moment but full of curiosity Isaac sticks around with the other newly arrived. When Teddy asks about council meeting Isaac replies "The fish has some sort of lucky or important purpose and here what people think is important is just as serious as what is important. At least that's what I noticed." Isaac decides to talk to the sheriff for a moment and when he see the sheriff has a moment approaches him "Hello sir sorry to make a nuisance of myself but that man who was shouting about the fish what was that all about?" Diplomacy (27)
Did you notice? [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 20th, 2021 9:59:49 PM
The "gangling man" watches the interchange between Einar, Teddy, and Gore'Thum and grunts at them. With a couple of long strides he grooves over to a dusty pack laying on a threadbare blanket and sits down.
As Snark begins to head for the Tradehouse, the "gangling man" crooks a finger at him and beckons. With a couple long strides he grooves over to a dusty pack laying on a threadbare blanket and sits down.
Kristoph watches the "gangling man" for a second and tries to figure out his motives for being so weird. Watching him, he can't figure that out, but kinda wonders if both of his notions are incorrect. The gangling man sees Kristoph watching him and pats his blanket. His eyes seem to beckon Kristoph.
Isaac heads over to the Sheriff at the doorway to the Mansion. The building seems very old up close, though it is well taken care of. He listens to Isaac, but his body language says he doesn't really want to have an in depth conversation at the moment. Without really looking at Isaac he says, "Did you notice that no one from town laughed or ridiculed Ol' Sloe?"
The sheriff pauses for a second and then adds, "There are reasons for our...superstitions."
Then to let him know that the conversation is over he adds, "Have a nice day."
-----
Sorry Kristoph. I wasn't sure who your second sense motive was aimed at. If it was at Einar, or Gore'Thum, I won't do a sense motive for a PC or companion. :)
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Tuesday July 20th, 2021 10:27:23 PM
Tae Che steps up with Kristoph, but says nothing to the old man, letting the seer(?)/prophet begin the conversation. When the man pats his blanket, looking towards her and Kristoph, she takes it as an invitation and heads over and sits on the blanket, towards the man. "Is there supposed to be a fish in the pond at all times, good sir?"
Kristoph (Stephen C) | AC:15 | CMD:21 | HP:9/9 Wednesday July 21st, 2021 5:19:03 AM
Kristoph is happy to sit and listen to whatever the one-eyed man has to say, he joins Tae-Che sitting on the blanket (or next to if there is no room). "I'm Kristoph and this is Tae-Che and as you probably guessed we're new here. What's your name?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Wednesday July 21st, 2021 5:43:36 AM
Inside the inn Teddy tells Gore'Thum, and any other PC's who didn't go outside, what the commotion was all about. Then he starts speculating why the fish is so important. He has quite the imagination and soon his imagined scenarios are increasingly improbable and terrifying, including things like terrible curses that will dry up all the water or horrible monsters that eat the goldfish offering but will feast on people now it's gone. Gore'Thum interrupts before the beastfolk scares himself to much, "Stop. Don't borrow trouble. If you want to know, ask. Don't terrify yourself with wild speculation."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 10, HP 9/9 Wednesday July 21st, 2021 11:42:52 AM
Snark walks back over to the man in response to his gesture. With the man sitting, Snark is able to look him in the eye. He digs out the things from breakfast he put in his pockets. Carefully unwrapping the sausage and bacon, he offers some to the man even as he munches on some himself.
He says with a full mouth, "Mrmff, hey you hungry there pal? What was all that business about the fish? Can't ya just get another one? An we was told that it's not safe beyond the town walls. What's out there - just bears an stuff, or is it worse out there?"
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 Wednesday July 21st, 2021 2:02:14 PM
Einar notices how the man seems to beckon him and these other travelers. Seem Tae-Che and Kristoph are accepting the invitation to sit down on the blanket. Well... perhaps he should as well. He looks around to see if anyone else is going and then he joins Tae-Che and Kristoph... Curious to hear what this man will have to say.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) -HP 13/13 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 d20=4 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2021 10:23:27 PM
So the strange man's name is Sloe At least I have a name for the man Isaac thought. "I understand. We'll have a chat another day." Look ing back over at Ol' Sloe isaac see's a couple of the other newly arrived people talking to him. He walks over to Ol' Sloe sitting on his mat "Mr.Sloe? umm are you available for a chat?" Isaac was still a little hesitant about the man.
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