DM Bob and Carla - a little back and forth Thursday August 10th, 2023 11:57:23 PM Benni and Jasper both engage with the newest member of the group. Benni gently teases the centaur when she suggests hauling goods back to town. Beatrix can certainly carry some items on the return trip, but it might not make much of a dent in the 3-4 wagon loads of cargo left in the cave, after having loaded Isaac’s wagon. Jasper lets Beatrix know she finds her actions in combat with the wizard justifiable, and offers an encouraging smile.
Khord is chuffed to have found the box that lead him to Heranmar in the first place. Isaac and Snark want to know more, though the paladin is a little more diplomatic with his request than the blue haired wizard.
The leather box is locked, but doesn’t detect as magic to Snark, but the two locked chests definitely give off magical vibes (as previously noted by Jasper) It is a bit of a jumble, but the gnome can detect some faint auras - illusion, transmutation, divination, and conjuration.
*****
Having arrived very late the night before, folks may be a little slow with their morning routines. Whilst the party is getting about the business of breakfast, Rap Goodfellow - the representative for trade in Heranmar, and Gwenlian - the port master responsible for tracking ships in and out, make their appearance. “Ralphus told us you’ve found out something?” Rap says, his look questioning. Gwenlian stands nearby, looking expectantly and flipping a playing card that hangs from a green ribbon at her neck, over and over again.
(OOC: you can make a two part post with things you need/want to wrap up while enroute to Heranmar and
*****
things you do in the morning leading up to and during the breakfast encounter.)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday August 11th, 2023 7:15:05 AM
Beatrix is appreciative of Jasper's attempts to comfort her, but doesn't really know how she feels about it yet. She'll need some more time to think about it. On the way back she listens to the groups discussion but doesn't contribute much. She doesn't really consider herself a Luck Maker, she just came along to help, so once in town she goes strait to bed and is off in her own corner doing her own thing when the rest of the group is approached by the town representatives.
Tinkerbell spends the trip back flying about looking at all the things they're brining back in curiosity. She's more interested in the party, especially fellow bat Luna, so is up in the rafters nearby to listen in on the conversation with the representatives.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday August 11th, 2023 9:10:23 AM
Onesimos is also interested in Khord's actions but in a different way. "It will be difficult for your friends, Khord, to assist in your mission if we don't know anything about it. We help each other, you know."
Benni sits with Rap Goodfellow and Gwenlian over a morning breakfast of whatever Ralphus' staff has prepared. He divulges that they did find a team of wreckers that they defeated, brought back a wagon load and that there is still about three more wagon loads at the cave. "Any of the others would be better to provide directions or a map so Heranmar can recover the goods of the two lost ships. But action makes its own luck. No use waiting and hoping for something when one can affect the outcome oneself."
After the meeting, Benni would like Jasper or Beatrix or Snark to assist in opening and identifying the magical chests.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday August 11th, 2023 2:42:21 PM
Jasper swallows a bite of breakfast and clears her throat.
She's not familiar with Rap and therefore shy, but after a glance at Benni's kind face, finds her tongue.
"It was indeed wreckers that stole your cargo... and consigned who knows how many to the waves. We found one nest, but it appears they might be part of a larger network out of Hook City. Two of the crew are out there still, although they seem to be reformed. Or at the very least, afraid.
You might consider some sort of signal or pattern, a kind of code so the shipping traffic doesn't follow any light they see. You'd have to change it every so often and communicate it, of course. Hmm. That might be a job for wizards."
She watches the exchange with Khord but doesn't comment. She's new, too.
"We have a lot to do. When we get around to diving things, I request Flethch's scimitar. I can't use any of the wizard's things. Benni, I don't know if I'll be of any use with the chests, but I'm at your service."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+5=15 ; Friday August 11th, 2023 3:53:39 PM
Khord is caught off guard by Snark's accusations. He pulls the case back out and sets it where everyone can see it. As Snark does his detection spell over it he chimes in, "Please don't open it. Whatever it contains led Haratio to pay myself and my two companions to cross the ocean in search of it. And we are not being paid to pry into the business of such a powerful man."
He continues, "The initial reason I joined all of you on the ship to Hook City with the Woad Beer was to follow up on a lead there that we had uncovered when we arrived in Heranmar. The man who stole the item had been said to have traveled there. I couldn't check up on it as we were denied access to the city and I thought our investigation had come to a dead end."
"This Haratio Mann fellow is the second in command of a large concern back home in Dirt City. Truth be told they are a smuggler's clan known as the House of the Teeth. Dirt City is run by several houses of thieves' and my organization, the Twilight Rangers, exists to make sure that the houses don't overreach or grind the little people under there well-heeled boots. Sometimes that requires us to take commissions from the houses to help keep the peace as well, and this is one of those instances."
"Now I know I may have acted rashly by stuffing the box in my pack, and can see how it would look to you all. But I must insist that we return that box, unopened, to my fellow twilight rangers at the least. If it will make you feel better, we can come to an understanding of its worth and deduct that from my cut of the treasure from this little adventure."
He looks to his fellow Luck Makers for some sign that they agree to his request.
---------------------------------
In the morning, Khord will wake and make early and make a circuit of the town in the dawn light looking for his friends from the twilight rangers.
Upon returning to the group for breakfast, and encountering Rap and Gwenlien he will add. "I can draw you a map of where the cave is, that should help somewhat. It may not be the best but i marked out some landmarks that should help" (Know:Geo = 15)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Friday August 11th, 2023 4:11:24 PM
Isaac happy to be done with the Wreckers for the time being relaxes on the way back to town. Listening to Khords and Snarks explanations. *** Back at town informs Rap Goodfellow of what happened "We did fin a group of wreckers but it seems to have only been a small group. They had a boss Virkas but he seemed to only be a manager as he was taking orders from someone in Hook city a person who went by Mahta and they operated out of Mud Town. Didn't get much more than that. But we did find a lot of stuff from their operations."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday August 11th, 2023 5:27:21 PM
Snark looks up at the much taller Khord for a moment before responding.
"Awright Khord - what you're saying make sense. I seen some weird stuff and mostly I wanted to make sure you weren't under some sort of enchantment or compulsion 'cause of that package. Nobody wants to be controlled by an evil artifact. But I didn't sense no enchantments on you, nor any magic coming from that thing. I got no need to open it other than my own curiosity, and your mission with the rangers is enough reason for me to stay outa your business.
"But maybe next time you're on a secret mission you should tell your friends, assuming you still count me as a friend after I made you explain yourself. Sorry for doubting you pal." The little wizard will reach a contrite hand up to the ranger to shake.
He will reply to Rap and Gwenlian, "Jasper summed it up. We let Fletch, Kelgorn and Levorn go, so that's on us. Kelgorn and Levorn said they were forced into this, but I still wouldn't trust 'em as far as I could throw 'em. We need to get word to folk in Hook City about what was going on."
Snark laments that he does not know how to cast a Knock spell yet. "As for the magic in those boxes, we oughta break 'em open unless someone can pick a lock. Be a shame to ruin a good chest though."
If no one else has a way to open them, Snark is content to shove a dagger blade under the lock to see if me can pry it open, though the little gnome is not very strong and may need some help.
DM Bob and Carla - a little more back and forth… Sunday August 13th, 2023 10:54:46 PM
Eloquent in his defence, Khord elaborates on the mission that brought him to Heranmar, and how he and his fellow Twilight Rangers lost the trail of their suspect, and the purloined documents, somewhere between Hook City and Heranmar. He convinces the rest of the party to respect his mission, and permit him to make arrangements for the return of the box to its rightful owner.
*****
. After a good night of full rest the half orc is the first one up. Before dawn, as he makes the rounds of town, he encounters Wren coming off the wall as the guard shift changes. Stifling a yawn, the half elf lets Khord know that Lars returned the day after the Luck Makers went adventuring. He’s been hanging around the WLA stall in the trade building, jawing with that Miles fellow.” She rolls her eyes, then walks with her friend as far as the inn, before punching him in the shoulder by way of saying so long, and making her way to the barracks just beyond.
Breakfast is ‘help yourself’ with biscuits, slices of ham and cheese, a tea infusion for those desirous of something hot to drink, a juice of combined apple and pear, and small beer. Beatrix keeps her thoughts to herself, and finds a quiet place in the room to break her fast. Luna literally and figuratively hangs out in the rafters above.
The party collaboratively describe the results of their adventure to the representative of the trades-folk and the port master. Benni briefly touches on their tangle with wreckers, and the discovery of a cave with cargo from what looks to be two ships. Shy at first Jasper warms to her audience and volunteers that the bandits originated in Hook City, that those who survived shouldn’t pose a problem for Heranmar, and suggests the navigation signals used by the port be changed up somehow , so sailing vessels aren’t so easily fooled. Isaac fills in additional details, suggesting the crew of wreckers was small, and got their orders from someone in the Mud Town part of Hook City. He provides some names. Snarkwraps things up suggesting that word should be got to Hook City about the goings on, whilst Khord draws a map of the route to the headland and the cave with the cargo.
When the Luck Makers finish, Rap asks if there was any evidence of the Godspeed amongst the cargo? Gwenlian doubles down and wants to know if there was anything to identify the names and number of ships which might have been lured to their doom. She’d like to check those names against the list of vessels expected through Heranmar that haven’t shown up. Rap accepts Khord’s map, adding: ”it’ll take me a day to organize wagons and some folks to fetch the crates and such, but I can have some lads come over and collect what you’ve already brought out.” He rubs the back of head as if thinking, then adds: ”I reckon we might be able to get sheriff Eugene to lend us some of his people, but I’d sure appreciate it if some of you folks could come along tomorrow to help…make sure we don’t miss the turn off?…extra security?” He looks up hopefully. ”We’d be mighty grateful, and I reckon anything that remains unclaimed would be yours by way of reward…
*****
The business of what to do with the cargo dealt with, those interested in the two locked chests try to figure out how they might be opened. Snark asks his companions if any of them have the ability to spring locks, whilst holding a dagger in one hand, ready to make the attempt if there are no suggestions!
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday August 14th, 2023 7:32:15 AM
Onesimos slaps his forehead with the heel of his hand, "I could have had a spicy eight vegetable juice!" He looks about sheepishly, then explains. "Sorry, bad temple joke among postulants. What I meant was I was able to find a satchel among Vikras' bedroll that contained two vital pieces of information."
Benni then produces for the Halfling Councillor and Harbormaster the list of ships that was in the satchel. "Anyone who had a list of all the ships for the month going to Heranmar from Hook City must have some inside connections: or very very strong divination magics or burglary skills.' The cleric also thinks back (ooc: skimmed the last 30 days of posts), and had to admit that they never got a straight answer on how many ships were successfully wrecked. The cave, however, had enough stuff to be from one, maybe two sailing vessels - enough to fill 4-5 wagons. Benni offers the names that he could remember from the ones that had stencils, and helps show Rap and Gwenlian the one wagon load (and Beatrix load) they brought back.
The elf also hands Snark the key that was also in the satchel. "Sorry Snark, but this may work better on the chests?" ...........
For other actions, Benni nods and approves of Khord's explanation and reasoning, but shudders a bit at a whole city run by competing thieves guilds: the whole thing sounds crazy!
And he also looks at his friends for their assent. Once he gets three nods, he will also nod and accept the task of escorting and helping the team to collect the goods in the cave.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 d20=10 ; Monday August 14th, 2023 7:54:34 AM
Beatrix came here to become a teacher. It's about time she do something to do that. She'll ask the tavernkeeper about the schooling situation in town and who she should talk to and, if necessary, wander the town asking questions until she can find someone important who can advise her on the local teaching situation. Hopefully the barman can direct her because gather information isn't one of her specialties (11 diplomacy to gather information if needed)
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday August 14th, 2023 1:01:30 PM
Should the key fail to work, Jasper offers to cast Guidance on whoever decides to give opening the chests a go.
"I need to tend the garden, and I do admit I want to see what's in those chests. When that's sorted, I'm ready to return to the cave."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Monday August 14th, 2023 4:44:54 PM
Khord nods to Benni, indicating he will help secure the goods from the cave. "Can't leave a job left only half done. I will feel much better once the goods have been returned to town."
Looking at the key, he feels a sense of relief that they don't have to try to break in to the boxes. He chuckles to himself, "I guess it is kind of ironic that I come from a town run by all manner of thieves, but have no skill at opening locks."
-----------------
After the chests are checked and plans are made to return to the caves, Khord and Niko will make there way to the WLA stall in search of Lars. As he approaches he calls out, Ho Lars, I found something I think you will want to see." He will give the others around the WLA stall a look before suggesting, "It has to do with our reasons for coming so far south, and I think we should talk about it in private."
If Lars can find them a quiet spot, he will produce the case and show it to his mentor.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 14th, 2023 8:06:39 PM
The little wizard take the key from Benni and opens the chests. Failing that, he'll do his best for force the lock, perhaps with the help of someone stronger.
Once open, he will cast Detect Magic to attempt to identify any magic items. (He is +19 on Spellcraft, and the DC to identify an item is 15+Item Caster Level.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+16=31 ; Monday August 14th, 2023 8:20:40 PM
Isaac makes a little ham and cheese biscuit out the breakfast offerings and finds the tea pretty good despite the unusual combination. "Rap I'll head down there tomorrow so you can count on me. However I've got not skill with locks. We should probably try and find a locksmith to come along"
If Isaac has time will spend the day looking into the ghostly hanging tree. Trying to better understand it. (The tree ghost haunt that killed Waldo) Know religion:31
DM Bob and Carla Monday August 14th, 2023 11:39:02 PM Benni remembers finding a list of vessels scheduled to sail from Hook City to Heranmar amongst the personal effects of the dead wizard, and hands it over to Gwenlian and Rap. The port master checks the list, and mentions the last ship on the list arrived the day before. ”The captain reported seeing some lights on a promontory, but on closer examination it looked like a brush fire. He decided to stay where the water was deep, and make port in the morning when he could confirm his position.” With a grim look, she adds: ”Two of the ships on this list haven’t made it to port yet, and one of them is the Godspeed.”
Benni, Jasper, Khord and Isaac volunteer to be part of the cargo recovery efforts. Rap asks them, and any other volunteers, to be ready to head out early the next morning.
Jasper is itching to visit the garden behind the inn, but sticks around a little longer, curious about the contents of the two chests the party secured in Benni’s room the night before.
The business of the missing ships and cargo over for the day, the party turns to the job of opening the chests. The cleric of Flower hands Snark a key found in Virkas’ satchel. It opens one of the chests. Inside the chest is:
A Wand of CMW (25 charges) A Wand of See Invisibility (10 charges) A Cloak of Elvenkind An Efficient Quiver and Gold, Silver, and Gems totalling 24,000 GP
The gnome then goes to work on the second chest, eventually opening the chest, but destroying the lock mechanism in the process. This chest contains several books and academic scrolls, what looks like a journal belonging to someone called Telpa Tenebris, and a magnifying glass. The journal is the only item in the second chest that seems to be giving off any magical vibes (faint transmutation.)
*****
Beatrix discovers that the Quendock Mansion runs a school, but only during the fall and winter. She also learns some families are trying to homeschool their children, but books are scarce in Heranmar.
Isaac consolidates what he knows about the Hanging Tree apparition. The stump of a real tree exists east of the docks. Once a year, an apparition of the tree appears with the body of a man hanging from it, bringing really bad luck to anyone who sees the apparition. He hears a story about a man who was falsely accused of a crime somehow implicated. Is there a soul unable (or unwilling) to cross over to the shadowlands? Perhaps there are other folks in the community who know more?
Khord finds his friend and old mentor, Lars, leaning against the doorframe of the WLA stall, talking to Miles. Lars excuses himself and follows Khord outside the trade building, He mentions the WLA representative has asked him if he’d act as courier, and deliver dispatches to WLA headquarters from time to time. When Khord reveals the leather bound box he discovered in the cave, Lars whistles expressively, then asks: ”any sign of the ‘Midshipmen’?”
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 7:07:02 AM
Beatrix has found pretty much what she expected and is please that she anticipated the town's needs so well - most small towns have some sort of schooling program but a lack of books which is why she brought so many. She'll head to Queendock Mansion to talk to the people currently working to educate the children of the town, coordinate with them, and let them know the bounty of children's literature she has brought with her so a plan can be made to distribute them (also what season is it now? Presumably not fall or winter)
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday August 15th, 2023 7:11:30 AM
Onesimos agrees to be off early tomorrow to help recover the goods, and whistles appreciatively at the magical items in the chest. Not wanting to appear greedy, he asks before selecting anything "So, what do people want?" (ooc: moving to email)
For the rest of the day, Benni spends the morning at the WLA booth, both helping and training. After the noon meal, he goes to the Sanctuary of the Sea to help tend the building, tell stories about his seven protagonists (Eros, Philia, Storge, Agape, Ludus, Pragma, and Philautia), and confer with the other clerics: Reshakka (Liontaur custodian) and, if in port, Roland (human cleric of Wardd).
At the evening meal, the cleric sits with his friends over a small beer and talks of the next day. "Our hired wreckers were truthful in they were intending to change their ways, but I believe we must be prepared in case they had second thoughts or ran into others who 'convinced' them to lead them to the cave. We may not be the only ones seeking to secure the lost cargo."
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 4:51:49 PM
Jasper works in the garden most of the day. Ah! The raspberries are coming along; those tomatoes should be ready to harvest any day. The bees seem content.
She rejoins the Luck Makers at evening meal.
"I don't want to sound cynical, but I'll be shocked if anything is still there. Too bad we couldn't set a ward on it before we left."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 5:06:52 PM
Seeing the contents of the two boxes, Khord is intrigued by the journal. "I think the more scholarly of us should spend some time looking over these papers. And I must say that is a princely haul from the first chest. Should we all meet here tonight to discuss dividing that up, I have an errand to run this afternoon and will be back this evening."
Before he leaves to head to the WLA stall, he says to the Luck Makers present. "I must go to find my mentor Lars, to tell him about the box, hopefully he will know how to proceed. It is my intention to convince him to bring you into our confidence and make our mission also a Luck Makers mission. That is to say, through our travels and adventures I feel I am as much a Luck Maker as I am a Twilight Ranger. And I think both of our groups are aligned in our goals. I will suggest I continue working with all of you while Lars and Wren investigate on their own and we can share knowledge of what we find. I think we can all profit from this arrangement if you are agreeable."
-------------
As Lars asks if there was any sign of the Midshipman, Khords stomach drops. "How could I be so dumb, there were a couple goons that we dispatched and a pesky wizard. But we captured a couple half-elves and a man who was second in command. they seemed to be remorseful and we let them go. I only now am thinking that one called Fetch could have been the Midshipman. We had not found the box by the time we let them go."
After Khord relays all the events of the trip to the cave, he says to Lars, "I would like you to come with me to meet the rest of the Luck Makers. They are a very resourceful lot, and I have grown to like them very much. I think they can be helpful in our mission, and I feel more compelled to help with there missions the longer I spend her in Heranmar. I think we should form an alliance or at least share knowledge of the projects we are working on."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday August 15th, 2023 6:30:29 PM
Snark sees to returning the ponies, horses and wagon. He will readily accompany the crew intending to fetch what was left behind in the hidden cave of the wreckers. To prepare, he gathers some herbs useful in preparing his healing infusions.
The little gnome agrees that working to accomplish Khord's objectives seems to be a good is of the Luck Makers' time.
In the evening he will prepare another healing infusion as his previous one only lasted a day and has gone bad.
(Camping this week, so posts are limited.)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=26 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2023 11:21:18 PM
Isaac decides to try and look for someone more knowledgeable about the towns past he thinks on it and decides to talk to both Reshakka at the Sanctuary of the Sea Chapel and Honora though he's not sure if she'll be at The Crones Standing Stones. He decides to head over to Reshakka first entering the chapel he looks around for the Lion taur and spots him haveing a conversation with someone else he waits until the priest ids free before going over to greet him "Greetings Reshakka doing well? I'm sorry to trouble you but I wanted to know if you could tell me anything about the History of Heranmar? In particular about the Hanging tree." Diplomacy:26
DM Bob and Carla Tuesday August 15th, 2023 11:56:03 PM Beatrix doesn’t get very far with her enquiries into the schooling situation in Heranmar. The administrative types seem suspicious of her intentions, and resistant to her interference. However, on making her way back to the inn, she is accosted by the two children she met her first day in Heranmar. While their mother watches, the boy holds out the simple children’s book with colourful illustrations and large print that the centaur gave him. ”I’m finished with this one. If I give it back, can I borrow another?”Just outside the entry to the inn and tavern, a wide eyed, Gini Bottim, watches the two other children and Beatrix, before asking:”is there one with kittens?”
Khord is keen on his old friends getting to know his new friends, but when he broaches the subject of working together, the older twilight ranger has different ideas. Lars lets Khord know he’s been thinking of retirement. Since he’s going to courier some dispatches for the WLA, he can see about wrapping up the business with Horatio Mann while he’s at it. Though he might get some of his travel expedited due to the WLA business - getting from the Southern Continent to Izen and Dirt City in order to deliver the box, is a long trip. He won’t be around for a while. He adds that Wren’s found a home with the town guard, and Khord seems to have fallen in with a good bunch of folks.
The WLA official is glad to see Onsimos and hints that he’d appreciate any information the cleric would care to share about his recent adventure. After all, one of the League’s primary tasks is to gather local knowledge and information. Miles will enter whatever the cleric divulges, writing it down in his book after coaxing out pertinent details. ”I’ll make copies and add them to my dispatches for the Chapter House in Hook City, and Headquarters in Plateau City.”. At the Sanctuary by the Sea, Benni finds Reshakka snoozing in a small shaft of light. The old liontaur is definitely slowing down. He looks through cloudy eyes at the elf, and struggles with remembering the taur name by which he knows the cleric …”Morix, Mior,…what was it?” and falls asleep listening to Benni witness his faith as the elf tidies up the temple.
Isaac arrives at the temple, having been unable to locate Honora, and spots Benni and the old liontaur. Reshakka wakes with a start, when addressed and listens to the paladin. ”Sounds like a haunt that needs to be laid to rest. Could be the fellow that was accused of killing someone,…but didn’t do it. Stranger to town. Can’t remember his name. Best talk to the sheriff…”
Snark makes sure the ponies, horses, and wagon are returned. The owner of the stables counts the livestock, then frowns. ”There’s one missing.” he says, eyeing the blue haired gnome suspiciously. ”That’ll be 30 GP for the pony, and 10 for the tackle” he adds, holding out a large, calloused hand.
Jasper retreats to the garden and spends a productive afternoon. She can point out useful medicinal plants to Snark, who spends some time brewing a healing infusion.
*****
That night after dinner, the Blue Cat is busier than usual. There is a mix of townsfolk, and folks from visiting sailing ships. Miles shows up, a lute under his arm, and after collecting a drink from Ralphus, and finding a seat near the hearth, proceeds to sing a gentle ballad with a pleasant melody…
*****
The next morning, there are five wagons and half a dozen volunteers (including Sheriff Eugene and Rap Goodfellow) waiting in the street outside the inn, ready to fetch the cargo from the wreckers cave.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 8:15:59 AM
Well looks like she won't get to start things from the top down, so time to go bottom up. She got back in one of her outfits with the endless pockets and loaded up on material to show what she brought so she has more on hand. "I'm glad you like it. Yes, you can borrow another, and I do have one with kittens. It's a bit harder though, so if you have trouble with it ask your mom or come find me and we can help you figure it out. I have lots of spares so let your friends know too." She'll exchange the book for another one of a bit more advanced a reading level.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday August 16th, 2023 12:56:33 PM
Onesimos dredges up more details than he thought he could remember for Miles, and glad to help the cause of the WLA. For his old friend, the elf helps as best he can to do the things Rekkasa can't do, and to make the aged liontaur as comfortable as possible. He isn't sad, knowing the transition comes to all living things in due time.
The evening spent well, and glad Khord is staying with the LuckMakers, Benni will wake bright and early to join the caravan to the cave.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 1:27:26 PM
Jasper gets ready for the journey back to the cave. She makes sure her pack is prepared and that she has some provisions on hand. She's somewhat surprised by the number of volunteers and the profusion of wagons. It makes sense; the townspeople have a material interest in reclaiming their stuff.
She doesn't see ponies. "Ah. Going on foot, are we? I can shift to a pony if anyone needs a ride."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 4:31:50 PM
Khord feels a little sad that it appears Lars is headed back across the ocean. It makes sense, he is the one that should return the box as he is the most senior of his twilight ranger companions. He will miss his advice and friendship, but feels his work is not done here in Heranmar. The thought of being free to adventure with the Luck Makers and serve justice here appeals to him a lot.
"Well, Make sure to stop and say good bye before you ship off," He says to Lars and heads back to the Blue Cat.
-------------
At the Blue Cat, Khord tells the others of Lars' decision and lets them know he plans to stay and continue helping out here. He talks to Snark about the missing pony and offers to give him 10 gold to help cover the cost.
------------
In the morning, Khord will head to the stable to rent another pony for the trip and gather his gear and meet the Sheriff and Rap and is ready to head out.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday August 16th, 2023 6:01:01 PM
As Snark is asked to pay for the lost pony, Khord graciously steps up. "That's real nice of you Khord, but we got some money from those miscreants so I'll just take the 40 gp out of that."
Snark works with the others to get the funds from the found treasure. Then he runs through what we got and prepares to make a visit to the Catacombs.
(I should be able to tabulate stuff and get that done soon.)
He is ready to go in the morning, and is content to ride in the wagon there.
DM Bob and Carla Wednesday August 16th, 2023 10:51:59 PM
With 5 wagons, 4 empty and 1 loaded with supplies for those embarking on the salvage mission, there is plenty of room for Snark, Jasper, Benni and Isaac - up on a bench, or in the box of a wagon. Khord decides to give riding another go, and hires out a pony after he and Snark ensure the party’s debt to the stable master is paid.
The trip along the East Road is uneventful, and with folks using axe and machete to widen the trail where it veers off from the road, the troupe make good time to the headland.
On arrival at the headland, the group split up with some making camp near two stunted and charred trees, whilst others check out the cave. The white bones of three skeletons lie in repose in the sand where the Luck Maker’s had left the fallen bodies of Virkas and his henchmen. Knowledge Nature DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { to spot a few diminutive crabs with spider-like legs twitching across the sand, and recognize that they are known to swarm over their victims plucking flesh with their pinching claws. }.
There is time to get some of the cargo out of the cave before the high tide makes further salvage dangerous. Work is then resumed the next morning as the ebbing tide ensures safe access to the cave and its contents.
With all the cargo loaded into the wagons, and camp broken down and gear packed, the group make the return trip. The mood alternates between satisfaction at recovering so much of the cargo, and sadness at the loss of life associated with the wrecking of the Godspeed and the Lucy.
Having remained in town, Beatrix tries to figure out how to subvert what passes for the education system in Heranmar. She starts her campaign by loading her many pockets with reading materials, and goes in search of willing accomplices. By the time her adventuring companions return to town, the ponytailed centaur has amassed a small following of early readers.
Rap thanks all the recovery crew for their efforts. He wishes the Luck Makers a good night, with the understanding that they will present themselves at the trade building courtyard at noon the following day. ”That includes you too, missy!” he says, pointing at Beatrix
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+1=12 ; Wednesday August 16th, 2023 11:31:37 PM
Isaac had been in the wagon and grimaces at the picked clean bodies "The crabs must have picked them clean after we left. We better take them back and give them a proper burial" Isaac grabs some of the empty sacks from the caves and places the bodies in a separate sack each, making sure to note which contain the two orcs and Virkas's bones. Back at town after returning Isaac will take the bones to a graveyard to be properly buried. (ooc: Does Heranmar practice burial at sea? or some other sort of burial? because there is no graveyard on the town map.)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday August 17th, 2023 7:35:53 AM
Subvert is such a strong word. Beatrix would prefer 'supplement'. Still she does her best to make a good impression on both students and parents, providing encouragement and help to the students and talking to the parents about her skills and what else she's able to teach - she's got a few points in most the knowledge skills specifically for this purpose and is always working towards more. She's a little surprised to be lumped in with the Luck Makers but she did participate in that mission so it makes sense.
Tinkerbell also tries to make a good impression on the students but in a much more mischievous way. She plays with and messes with the children, getting in their hair, messing with their tools, and generally being a class clown and getting scolded by Beatrix occasionally. It's occasionally annoying but also keeps things light and adds a bit of levity to proceedings.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday August 17th, 2023 9:18:51 AM
Onesimos gratefully accepts a ride in the box of a wagon, and by the time they get to the cave is regretting his decision. "Daisy would have been much preferred to all this bouncing around", he grimaces. Well, life is full of experiences and choices, and the elf files away this for future use.
He is pleased that nothing has been disturbed since they left. To be sure, he asks Khord and Jasper to see if there are any signs or animals that can be asked about anyone being here since they left.
Benni is disinclined to interfere with Isaac, but doesn't feel where a body is has much to do with life or the spirit entering the Lands of Rest. Yet everyone has their own method of remembrance.
The elf has to cover his mouth to avoid laughing out loud upon seeing the little halfling pointing a commanding finger at the very large centaur. He nods his head in the affirmative: the LuckMakers will be at the Mansion in the morning, and he makes certain to Beatrix that he is on her side about teaching the children of Heranmar. The centaur won't be alone.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 d20+21=39 ; Thursday August 17th, 2023 2:16:52 PM
Far from being unsettled by the crabs, Jasper welcomes them. They're doing their job: Nature's clean-up crew.
At the cave, she explores to ensure all remains as they left it. She looks for disturbed earth, tracks, misplaced cargo, or anything else that might seem amiss. (Perception 39)
"Benni, it's a good idea, but I don't think there's anything intelligent enough around here to converse with. Those crabs are so focused on their meal that they probably wouldn't have seen anything anyway. There might be bats further into the tunnel system though. If I spot any, I'll ask them."
She then gets to work helping load the cargo.
Back in town, she sleeps well, putters in the garden the next morning, and then musters as directed by Rap at the appointed place and time.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+6=20 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+12=28 ; Thursday August 17th, 2023 3:45:14 PM
Khord grimaces slightly at the handywork of the crabs (Know:Nature = 20) and he has to keep Niko from chasing the little buggers down to the surf. The dog gives him a disappointed yelp but complies. He spends some time looking around the topside of the headland near where the lanterns were hung (Perception = 25) and then looks about the cave for signs of disturbance (perception = 28). He will share his findings with the others.
Once back in town, he will offer to help with the unloading of the carts and then spend the afternoon and evening at the Blue Cat. He will ask Snark "What ever became of that journal we found in them chests? If you still have it do you mind if I look at it?" If available, he will spend the evening sipping a brew and reading by the taverns fire.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday August 17th, 2023 5:40:28 PM
Snark is pleased to go along with the others, but agrees the ride in the wagon is bumpy. He will ride alongside one of the drivers, offering to take a turn as needed.
One there, he asks Isaac if he would mind if the Gnome kept the skulls and one of the leg bones. You never know when these things come in handy, and he has a plan. He will conjure an unseen servant to help with the loading.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday August 17th, 2023 9:22:17 PM
Isaac questions why he wants the bones " Snark I don't want to pry but what are you planing to do with the bones? I want to give them a proper burial so no spirits return to the bodies. We have enough undead to worry about."
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