Return to Lowestoft (DM Cayzle) Sunday February 6th, 2022 6:51:26 PM Mithril Tap Round Robin Game Background Info
Some of the following info was established by Guest DM Rob at the start of the campaign; other info was added by Cayzle to place the setting in the Wold. All of what follows is canon.
The campaign is based in the city of Lowestoft, at the easternmost reach of the Windborne Hills, on the coast north of Castle Surrender. The local lord is technically a subject of whoever rules the Castle at the moment ... but in practice has a great deal of latitude.
The town of Lowestoft is nestled on the northern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, a miles-long spit of land that juts out into the Creusa Sea. The small bay so created is locally known as the Southland Sea, because it is the southernmost place that the Creusa touches the Ellenian Peninsula. The mountains of the Scab loom to the southeast, and the nearest peaks are known here as the Shelldare Mountains.
Lowestoft is a storybook place; it has a very serene atmosphere to it. Peoiple seldom squabble or argue. The people are known for their smiles, and everybody has enough to eat. The houses and shops all in perfect condition and the streets are all clean.
Lockridge Mansion is nestled atop a hill overlooking the town. From the outside it looks very elegant. Two stories tall and built with white stone bricks, large rectangle windows, and a grey shingled rooftop. The house itself is surrounded by a modest garden. Manicured grass, a few flower patches, a sandbox and a seesaw. In the Mansion: - The Foyer: Dark hardwood floors, some antique side tables beside some padded leather chairs, silver candelabras, oil paintings of people you’ve never seen before. One of those fancy rugs on the floor. Everything clean and well tended. A large marble stairway that leads to the upper floor. - The Master's Study: The lounge is very fine room. Two large couches covered in a supple, dark brown leather sit prominently in the middle of the room. At one end is a large fireplace while at the other is an oak desk by the window. Two long bookcases filled with thick books and tomes adorn the northern wall. A set of empty glasses and a decanter of brown liquid sit on a silver platter on a table to the side of one of the couches. The bookcase on the left has some very interesting books. They are all non-fiction titles and in practically pristine condition. A mixture of historical, geographical and educational books. They are all quite thick books too. Some have the title written in gold inlay, some are written by Lord something or Duchess something-else, some are just covered in red leather. This is quite a valuable collection. The bookshelf on the right might be more interesting. Books on herbology, witchcraft, magical rituals, religion, and medicine. These ones all have creases in the spines and you can see some of the pages are a little dog-eared even without opening the books. Some of the titles you can't make out - either through wear or because they are written in very foreign languages. Some of these books are no doubt very old.
The Marquis has lent the party a townhouse as a dwelling when we are in town. It is two stories tall, painted a dark-burgundy color, and has many square windows that look out to the street. The furnishings aren't anywhere near as glamorous as those of the mansion, but they are clearly better than any commoner would have. The bottom level features a kitchen, larder, dining room, lounge and two bedrooms. The upper floor features the other six bedrooms. There is an exit at the rear that leads to a private stable.
Lockridge Manor NPCs: - Mrs Reyna. A charming young half-elf girl housemaid with short braided red hair, brown eyes, and wearing a charcoal coloured uniform. - Gideon Page, house steward and valet to the master of the house. A man in quite modest attire, on the younger side of middle aged. Late 30s perhaps? He is meticulously well groomed. His brown hair has been perfectly cut and his moustache well trimmed. The clothes he wears are much fancier than you would expect from a common servant. - The Marquis de Lockridge ("Master Horatio Lockridge"). He is in his 30s or 40s. His family has ruled here from this mansion for three generations. The Lockridge family is respected locally. The marquis is a generous sort, known for his charitable works. Note that the party has never met him face to face. He speks from a magic crystal cube on his desk. The party has a contract to work on tasks offered by the Marquis. Part of the contract is that we give some of our earnings back to the town. - Daniella ("Dani"), Lockridge's daughter. A young girl, no more than 6 years old. Her voice is quiet and quite high pitched. Her long, auburn hair is tied back in a ponytail. She looks quite thin and pale, and her eyes are so wide they almost seem too big for her head. She is recovering from a long magical illness.
[OOC from incoming DM Cayzle: Feel free to respond to this post by RPing your return to Lowestoft and our townhouse there. Recall that the party has a contractual obligation to share our spoils with needy causes around town -- though the amount is up to each individual.]
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Monday February 7th, 2022 12:54:35 AM
Asimov asks the others, "Did we take that weighty gruel dispenser back with us? Maybe we could install it at a local soup kitchen?"
He takes time to return to the townhouse and make himself presentable by washing the trail off of himself. He also spends a little time polishing Irony.
He then endeavors to get an audience with the Marquis to find out if any other requests have come in for them while they were out.
The Twins 43/43 Monday February 7th, 2022 7:57:03 AM
The Twins immediately monopolize the bath once the party returns and are in there for a very long time.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49 Monday February 7th, 2022 7:38:39 PM
Elron makes it his mission to get Gideon to laugh. He doesn't think the man knows how. But that'll be a long term goal. . .
Elron assumes that the most charitable of the temples would be that of Serenbeth, if there is one in Lowestoft. He goes looking, and makes a small (40 gp) donation if indeed he finds one.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday February 7th, 2022 9:11:29 PM
After arriving home, Honor unpacks her gear and sorts through it, looking for things that need to be repaired, and things that need to be replaced.
Idly, she wonders what the twins are doing for so long in the bath.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) d20+15=31 ; Monday February 7th, 2022 9:44:11 PM
Zeoll spends a day relaxing and resting. Later, he walks around town and tries to find someone who needs help.
Gather Info 31
The older taur sees that 90 gold makes its way into the hands of a family that needs it.
===== ===== ===== DM POST
The party relaxes and recovers. A couple make a charitable donation. Asimov sends word to the Marquis, and his steward writes back that you can come to the mansion to talk the day after tomorrow.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Tuesday February 8th, 2022 3:07:00 AM
Asimov endeavors to ask the others, "Can we install that font of food and water somewhere here where it can do some good?"
He also endeavors to donate 20 gold to a good local cause.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 58/58 Tuesday February 8th, 2022 3:23:15 AM
Backstep As there were rivers along the way, Mundhi would have taken the opportunity to bathe therein, and simply warn any males in the party to stay awy for an hour. Her clothing she would wash - and carries soap to help in that endeavor, as well as for cleaning her skin an hair. She has a change of clothes, so her washed clothing should have had time to dry, perhaps draped over the sides of the cart.
To the present In town, she greets by name those she has met before, and shows herself engaging with the folks in town. At the townhouse she stables the mules, and looks to hire a stableboy or girl to care for the animals.
Despite her clothing being relaively clean, it nonetheless is adventure worn. Hers is of necessity the largest bed in the dwelling. She lets Honor and the female Twin know that she is going shopping for clothing, and if they'd like to accompany her, they would be most welcome. "I've found most of the time I need a seamstress or tailor." She looks for someone in town to help her with adding to her wardrobe. Perhaps a dark blue dress, made of wool, somewhat in the style of the dark green dress she has been wearing.
With the latter embroidered dress suffering from many cuts and tears, it may be time to replace it. Except then she recalls that Zeoll, when going through his capabilities and resources, mentioned the spell mending. After shopping, she will ask him if that is something he might do to repair her dress. She does favor its design and cut.
She knows, from her family, and recent experience, that clothing she wears somehow just naturally grows to fit what size she takes.
Mundhildur as well shops for other things - freshening the food supply, picking up other items. She asks how they fare whom she has met before. She also makes discreet inquiries to learn if there are some in need of this or that. Is there perhaps a small project the town might benefit from? The daughter of Kara wants to be wise in how she gives. Foolish gifts can have unintended deleterious effects. Prudent giving can bring joy, properity, and good benefit.
The barber who sings - she finds him, and asks him to teach her a new song or two. And to very lightly trim the ends of her hair - only an inch or so, to account for growth and split ends. In addition to whatever may be the customary fee for his service, she adds a pouch of silver. "Good barber, surely you know of folk in town who need a bit of help here or there. Let two of each ten coins be for you and your kindness. Find eight of each ten coins in this pouch go to those you think most may be in need of a bit of help." The pouch has 100 silver pieces. "Do not tell people it is from me, though. It will be our secret, all right? If people insist on asking, say it is from someone who loves the town."
How much total Mundhi will spend to help the town (aside from her shopping) remains to be seen. She has a bit shy of 1,500 gp in coins, gems and such. Some she intends to retain, some to give.
Since Asimov has asked about installing the food and water dispensers, the Jotun maiden offers to help, and seeks to learn if it is desired in the town. If so, where would be a good placement?
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Tuesday February 8th, 2022 1:07:51 PM
DM Comment: You only got the food/water font if you paid for it out of your WBL allowance. Otherwise it was left behind.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday February 8th, 2022 5:58:19 PM
Once her gear is squared away, Honor summons Justice and spends some time on riding practice. Rather than keeping him in the stables, she sends him back to the Celestial Realms when they're done. It's probably much nicer there.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49 Tuesday February 8th, 2022 6:24:59 PM
Elron spends time in practice. He's got a fancy new whappin' stick, and wants to try it out. Elron also relaxes, since they've got the chance. Between whappin' and relaxing, the time can go by fast.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Wednesday February 9th, 2022 12:43:37 AM
Zeoll putters around in the townhouse gardens. that's as good a way as any to unwind after an adventure; the others of the party do the same, shopping, riding, training.
===== ===== ===== DM POST
Two days back, and the time mentioned on the invitation to the mansion comes around. You find yourselves back in the now-familiar master study, and the crystal cube lights up as the steward announces your presence.
"I hope you found your service to Master Zulok to be productive?" the marquis asks.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Wednesday February 9th, 2022 1:45:04 AM
"Ah, Master Horatio, it is good to be back," Mundhildur says in a warm voice, then asks, "Might I ask how fares Dani? I prayed for her a few times in our journey."
She holds up a hand, and adds, "But, perhaps before you answer my question, we first should try to answer yours. Yes, productive, and instructive!
"It took time and patience to puzzle out the way through the ancient place Zulok told us of. No doubt you have dealt with others you need to work with, without knowing how far you might trust them. My friends here, are trustworthy indeed. The drow - at least some drow - appear to be another matter. At least, though, we were able to prevent renewed usage of of an ancient altar of slaughter, with agreement from the Matriarch --- that the altar's destruction was wise.
"As for Master Zulok, who represented himself as one who served Nilyndryl of House D'gul... well, let my friends tell you of the decision he took."
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Wednesday February 9th, 2022 2:26:57 AM
Asimov says, "I could sum up what happened but I don't have that flare for the dramatic that Zeoll seems to have so it would probably be more entertaining if he told it. Have you met Irony? I don't remember if I had yet built him when we set out on our journey. He's super useful and can cllimb now."
The Twins 43/43 Wednesday February 9th, 2022 7:52:16 AM
The Twins are a bit more blunt about things. "We killed him." "He started it." "It was rather silly of him to hire us to do something he couldn't." "Then try to kill us after we'd proved his superiors in combat." "He did wait until we were greatly weakened." "Fair, so maybe not stupid but it did not work out for him."
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday February 9th, 2022 5:24:25 PM
"It was perilous work, but it needed to be done," Honor adds. "And with the grace of the gods, several restless spirits were finally given their peace."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49 Wednesday February 9th, 2022 10:14:15 PM "I think I don't like drow. You've done much business with them before? Nice mannered folk, but a little on the bad side."
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Wednesday February 9th, 2022 10:33:06 PM
Zeoll adds a few details, describing the odd places underground that the party traversed. The hall of heads. The room with the mirror of opposition. The troll pit.
"But in the end, aided by friendly ghosts who were the victims of the spider-drow priestess, and by the drow who retained a sense of decency, we won through."
===== ===== ===== DM Post
"Well, I apologize. It seems he misled me too. I regret that I offered your services to a villain."
The Marquis' voice sounds regretful, and a bit chagrined.
"For what it is worth, my next task for you is one I am commissioning directly. As you may know, I am a privy counselor at the Castle, which duties often take me away from home."
"And so I have an imperial favor to ask of you. In the outskirts of Castle, not 15 miles south of you, there has been a rash of murders. At two of the sites, a few feathers were found."
"Do you think you could help me?"
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Wednesday February 9th, 2022 11:32:47 PM
Asimov says, "So we are to be detectives now? Can we all go by the title Inspector?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Thursday February 10th, 2022 3:46:56 AM
"Well, we did make new friends, Master Horatio, including a drow matron who owes us big time, and a friendly confused door, and Mya the ghost and her other ghost friends. We learned much. We fought ourselves - really dopplegangers. We destroyed an evil artifact." Mundhildur pulls the rusty hammer from her bag. "With this new hammer! Well, new for me."
"Also, we forgive you, because you did not know. Yes, yes, if my friends all agree, we will look into what you say. Before we do, though, please, can you tell us ... maybe I am a bit afraid to ask ... but, how does little Dani fare?"
The Twins 43/43 Thursday February 10th, 2022 8:04:48 AM
The Twins shrug. "We have nothing better to do." they say in unison.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49 Thursday February 10th, 2022 8:29:40 AM "Feathers?! Well of course we'll help."
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday February 10th, 2022 2:01:10 PM
"I shall certainly do my best," Honor replies. She adds, "what kind of feathers?"
Some demons have feathers, but Honor fears she couldn't get that lucky.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Friday February 11th, 2022 12:16:14 AM
Zeoll gladly nods and agrees. "We would be happy to solve this mystery and bring this villain to justice."
===== ===== ===== DM Post
"Asimov, if you solve this series of crimes, I'll appoint you all Royal Inspectors."
The marquis's voice gets more serious. "The ingredients you returned have worked ... to a large degree. We are still keeping an eye on my sweet daughter, but she is much improved."
The rest of the party agrees to take on the job.
"I know very very little about this mystery. I have a contact in the city of Castle. A Senior Guardsman Tarla. A very competent official of the law running the city watch. Mention my name to her and she'll fill you in on the details."
"Any questions?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Friday February 11th, 2022 12:32:38 AM
Mundhildur nods when Lockridge speaks of his daughter's condition. "An improvement is better, then. My daily prayers shall include her, as they have for many weeks now."
"We will seek out Senior Guardswoman Tarla, then, in the city of Castle. Though you have not the details, might you have any recommendations for us as we prepare to leave?"
She waits until all others who wish to speak do so.
"One request, good father. May I spend a few minutes with sweet Danielle before we depart? If you say no, I shall obey. Yet, her face so cheers my heart."
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Friday February 11th, 2022 12:42:28 AM
Asimov says, "How long ago did the murders start happening?"
The Twins 43/43 Friday February 11th, 2022 6:28:12 AM
The Twins too would like to see the daughter. They obviously don't say it but it would be nice to know that there is actually a sick daughter and the ingredients aren't being used for some other, nefarious purpose.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49 Friday February 11th, 2022 10:39:35 AM
Elron has a joke already prepared for Dani: I got Gideon this card that says, Hope you get better soon. I know he's not sick, I just think he can get better. Or maybe the group can bring her a colony of ants. They have little anty bodies.
Meanwhile, solving crimes doesn't sound like something in Elron's wheelhouse. But he trusts some of the folks here can do it and he can help in other ways. Plus, he's curious about the feathers. He helps now by making sure they have directions to get to Castle.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday February 11th, 2022 4:15:48 PM
"I don't think I have any questions," Honor says.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) d4=2 ; Saturday February 12th, 2022 11:13:38 AM
Zeoll recalls seeing the little girl before, though just for a few moments. And of course, the townsfolk have mentioned her before, he thinks.
He has a question as well. "Sirr, do you have any intuition that this is a ... political thing? Who werre the victims?"
===== ===== ===== DM Post
[OOC: I'll make it a d4 roll ... on a 1 the child is too sick today. Roll ... a 2.]
The Marquis understands your desire to see the Dani. "Indeed, she gladdens the hearts of all who see her. Gideon, allow a short visit after we are done here, if Danielle is feeling up to it." THe steward nods.
As for questions about the murders, he has a little information. "About 4 or 5 deaths, all common folk, all taken while working outdoors alone. No one of noble blood, so likely not political. The road south is clear, you can't miss it."
"Thank you, my friends. You have not asked about payment, but I hope you have found me generous so far. My intention is to reward success. Good luck!"
The crystal cube stops glowing. Gideon Page leads you to Dani's room, but it seems the child is down for a nap. You see her sleeping from the doorway to her room. "She is much improved, thanks to you good folk," says Mrs Reyna, "but still a frail child, and sickly. The dear."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 10'5" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Saturday February 12th, 2022 1:03:14 PM
Mundhildur wears her new dark blue dress. Softly the Jotun whispers to Mrs Reyna, "A gentle lullaby my mother sang over me." After that brief introduction, she steps carefully into the room, issues a quiet sigh, then sings a soothing song for the little girl in the giant tongue...
Should the lass awaken, the tall woman's face breaks into a smile. "Was your sleep nice, pumpkin?" "We wanted to say hello, dear Dani. Oh, and I have a wee friend who wants to meet you."
Out of a pouch she pulls a little hand puppet - a fluffy white lamb's head - and moves its mouth as she says in a high voice, "Hello! My name is Lambkin. I'm a mountain sheep. I love to frolic in the meadows," she says, as Mundhi has her bounce a few times in the air. "I eat the sweet grass. I like to climb among the rocks," she says, and Mundhi's hand takes her from down near her waist to up near her shoulder, then has her peer downward, "and see the lands below. What's your name, little girl?" She repeats her name, and plays with it a bit, then asks, "What do you like to do?"
If Dani has awakened and interacts with the puppet, Mundhi plays along. Lambkin makes some playful observations about the girl to Mundhi, and makes some observations about the Jotun to Danielle. And Lambkin giggles.
If things go nicely in their interaction, Lambkin says to Dani, "I like you, DaniDani. Can I snuggle my cheek next to yours?" If allowed, she does so for a moment.
"We have to go now, but, when we come back, could we play together, a little?" the puppet asks the girl.
As her mother used to have a few puppets she played with her and her brother, Mundhi learned to speak without moving her lips - or at least barely moving them - as she uses the puppet's voice.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49 Saturday February 12th, 2022 2:23:43 PM
Elron is a bit sad that he doesn't get to tell Dani his joke. But he got to tell everyone else, so it didn't go to waste.
"I don't got a lot o' packin' t' do. When do ya'll want t' leave?"
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 d10=9 ; d10=7 ; Sunday February 13th, 2022 6:22:51 AM
(Finally leveled and apparently I was lvl 4 all of last module so did two levels to 6. Ranged damage literally doubled from composite bow purchase - 1d8 to 1d8+8)
The Twins eye the girl peacefully sleeping and leave to let her sleep. They go shopping and get nifty new magic items.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant 7'4" atm) (Kim) AC 19 Touch 13 FF17 HP 58/58 Sunday February 13th, 2022 11:24:23 PM
Concerning helping out the townsfolk, she uses the information she gathered from various people to come up with a project that will benefit many, and in which many can help out, with time or resources. As what the community or personal needs is in the purview of the DM, I'm open to feedback.
She lays 480 (3% of WBL) toward giving what she can to support the community. Already mentioned the 100 sp (10 gp) to the barber to provide some light targeted help on a very small scale, and adds another 200 sp just before she leaves if she is satisfied with what the barber has done so far.
That leaves 450gp.
Is there a school, or are there schools in town? If so, she wants to help support it (or them). There are so many things to learn to get ready for life. She looks to see how she can help toward that end. Good teachers are needed. Books. Ways to learn practical skills. She wants a group of parents, craftspeople, business folks (one or two followers of Ffloy would be great), and a few other community representatives to help improve educational opportunities. If a school has not yet been started, she asks them to meet and lay out a plan for a school. "When we get back, let's see what ideas you have come up with." 400 gp set aside for existing, or to-be-developed school.
She checks to see if there are any followers of Ffloy in Lowestoft. If so, she would like to coordinate with him, her, or them to work toward setting up some sort of savings and loan and/or credit union. If there are no Ffloyans (Ffloyites? Ffloyies?) in town, she will ask Gideon Page if he knows of someone in town who might have some business sense, as well as demonstrated integrity. Maybe the same person or someone else to help out who knows law and understands contracts. A few folks with wisdom, common sense.
Home At Last (DM Cayzle | Zeoll) Monday February 14th, 2022 12:08:21 AM
Before leaving the mansion, Zeoll asks Gideon if the marquis will still underwrite reasonable goods. He confirms that items worth up to 50 gp each can be charged to the Marquis, "Although I would have to report any overindulgence in this grant to the Marquis."
Zeoll spends some time training with his friends. He wants to make sure everybody knows what he can do, and how to fight around a Peaceball.
===== ===== ===== DM Post
Mundhi sings a gentle lullaby, and the child does not awaken. Maybe she can play next time.
Back at the townhouse, Elron thinks about loeaving. The Twins go shopping. Mundhi is generous and gives liberally. Zeoll trains with the party, or at least with those willing to listen.
It is time to head south toward Castle. Of course, you know that the full name is "Castle Surrender," but the nickname is all that's commonly used locally.
You stand at a crossroads just out of town. One roadsign points east into the Scab. That's the road you just travelled. Another sign points south, toward Castle.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/13/15 HP 53/53 | AC 20/11/19 HP 35/35 Hardness 2 Monday February 14th, 2022 12:25:50 AM
"To Castle Surrender" Asimov says.
"I wonder how it got the nickname Surrender"
Mitch - The Twins HP 65/65 AC 26/12/24 Monday February 14th, 2022 7:17:06 PM "Either the owners of the castles were so fearsome enemies that sieged it inevitably surrendered..." "Or the owners always did." "Probably named for the former." "But realistically we expect the latter."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21 (19 if raging), HP 49/49 Monday February 14th, 2022 8:03:48 PM "South it is." Elron begins humming a walking tune.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday February 14th, 2022 11:15:29 PM
At the manor, Honor is quiet so as not to awaken the sleeping child.
Her preparations are complete, so she is ready to leave with the others. For now, she rides Justice.
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