DM Bob and Carla - ”Home sweet home?” Thursday August 17th, 2023 11:33:39 PM
No one has visited the headland or the cave since the party left it, 3 days earlier, Khord is relieved to learn. He and the Luck Makers all pitch in to move the cargo from the cave and secure it in the wagons for transport to Heranmar.
Jasper admires the efficiency of the crabs at tidying up, then makes an inspection of the cave and various chambers. As the cargo is removed from the largest chamber, a fissure just wide enough for an adult sized human to slip through is revealed. There is a distinctive draft that indicates the passage leads to the out-of-doors at some point. A brief investigation reveals a challenging passage of such difficulty that it would be used only in the direst circumstances when escape was necessary.
While Jasper ensures the passage is of no importance, Isaac scrounges 3 burlap bags and packs up the bones of the dead wreckers. Snark tries to wheedle the skulls and one of the leg bones for some purpose only known to himself.
*****
Being summer, school isn’t in session, and Beatrix isn’t encouraged to use the mansion. However, a steady stream of very young children find her wherever she goes about town. Most just want to borrow her books, but some of the youngest want her to read to them or see what else she has in her pockets. There is usually a mum or dad nearby, keeping a watchful eye on the centaur and making warding signs.
The group spends another night at the Bottom Feeder Inn, and have a late bite at the Blue Cat Tavern. Khord borrows the journal that was in the chest Snark had to force open, and spends a little time perusing it’s pages. Khord Highlight to display spoiler: { the book is the personal journal of Talpa Tenebris, an academic at the Star Mages Guild. Flipping to the back pages, Khord will learn that he was on board the Lucy - one of the vessels lured to its doom by the wreckers.}
*****
The next day Benni ensures the entire group is assembled in the courtyard of the trade house at the appointed time, where a small crowd awaits. Those familiar with the townsfolk will recognize merchants with stalls in the trade house, or owners of shops in town. Some are skilled tradesmen or crafts persons. Most would seem to have had a vested interest in the cargo discovered by the group, and returned to Heranmar.
Climbing onto a wooden box, Rap Goodfellow calls for everyone’s attention, then proceeds to point out the party and introduce the Luck Makers, thanking them profusely for the service they have rendered the community, and the merchants in particular. ”As representative for the trades, and a town councillor, I want to extend an invitation on behalf of the honest working folk of Heranmar for you to make a home in our fair town.” He extends his hands. In one is a roll of parchment tied with a green ribbon, and in the other, a ring of 8 keys. ”This is a 13 month lease on the old Morrison’s boarding house - and your new home!”. There are cheers, and some snickers. Climbing off the box, Rap thrusts the keys and parchment at Benni”needs a little fixing up…nothing you shouldn’t be able to handle…well, time is money! Must be off! Good luck!”. The halfling is lost in the crowd of merchants. However, Corinn, one of the gifted and the proprietor of Corinn’s Cures moves into his place and says: ”You can probably find most of what you need from these folks,” she waves at the dispersing crowd, ”however” she adds with a knowing look, ”if it’s something special you need, come see me.”
(OOC: the party have a week of down time for sorting out the chests/loot and ‘shopping’ (the Catacombs are open!), establishing living quarters, getting to know the community better, finding answers to niggling questions and wrapping up loose ends. )
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday August 18th, 2023 6:00:26 AM
Beatrix blinks. She just got here and helped with one thing now they're offering her a house? Well part of a boarding home. Which is sort of like an inn in that it has multiple rooms. So really just a free stay for a year. Still she's surprised to be included.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday August 18th, 2023 12:44:08 PM
Jasper is shocked. A home? A real home? She hasn't had one in years and years.
She gratefully accepts her key.
_____________________
OOC: I'll shop later-- traveling today. Thanks!
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday August 18th, 2023 2:18:19 PM
Snark answers Isaac about the skulls and bone. "Sometimes, what people think you're doing is more important than what you're actually doing. Having a skull or two to cast Continual Flame on along with Ghost Sound and such might allow us to divert or avoid a conflict in the right situation. Similarly, the bone might let me create a ruse. Just two of the skulls should be fine."
The little gnome gladly accepts a key. He's happy to go check out the place and over the next few days, conjure plenty of Unseen Servants to get the place cleaned out.
Snark will resolve the gear, visit the Catacombs, make a couple of minor items, and spend some time in town casting minor magics to help folks out. He'll also explore the area nearby to find herbs that may be useful in making his healing infusions. He'll generally make one such infusion each day, and since they only last 24 hours he will use them on townsfolk and their animals - cure wounds, neutralize posion, remove disease and blindness, etc.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Friday August 18th, 2023 3:55:54 PM
Khord gladly takes a key, and eventually heads to the old boarding house. He looks at it as only a new home owner (?) would. "It's better than some of the alleyways and safehouses we've stayed in before," he says to Niko.
After resolving the loot, he will take stock of what his new home needs and do some shopping to get his gear in order and maybe pick up something for his wolfhound companion.
OOC: will post again this weekend with more detail. Do we have a map available of the boarding house so we have an idea of how much space we have. Khord might want to brew some of the ale his family makes back home and that he misses so much.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday August 18th, 2023 5:57:57 PM
Onesimos accepts the parchment and ring of 8 keys; passing out one each to his fellow LuckMakers. "We are honored, really", he says, but his face tells a different story. The snickers are all Benni needs to hear that the 'boarding house' is a gift with a price attached. He nods at Corinn, figuring he is going to be a valued asset in learning what ... surprises... Rap awarded the LuckMakers with...
Benni extends his long-time room with the Bottim Feeders Inn for a week. For the next week, he investigates and cleans the former boarding house, exploring with a nose to what needs cleaning, what needs repair, what had possible haunts in it, and what section would be just perfect for Snark, Isaac, Khord, Jasper and Beatrix. Plus a couple of extra spots for potentially future arrivals...
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 21 T16 FF16, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Sunday August 20th, 2023 7:07:45 AM
Khord picks up on the way Benni reacts to the gift of the boarding house. He will be cautious about moving in to the building until they have had time to thoroughly check it out.
He visits the catacombs and upgrades his armor, hoping to be a little tougher to hit as he has taken a beating in there last couple fights.
He will talk to a few merchants in the trades stalls about putting together a small brewing operation in the boarding house but does not act on it at this time as he thinks there may be some work to do before the building is ready for that.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Sunday August 20th, 2023 6:46:48 PM
Snark returns from the Catacombs and meets with the rest of the Luck Makers out of earshot of the townsfolk.
"Awright, I sold a bunch of stuff and here's what each of us got:
Benni - 1,296 gp, Bag of Holding II, Elixir of Swimming, Potion of Featherfall
Isaac - 6,596 gp
Beatrix - 6,596 gp
Jasper - 6,201 gp, 2 Alchemist Fire, MWK Scimitar
Khord - 4,146 gp, Oil of Magic Weapon, 2 Potion of CLW, MWK Composite Longbow (STR 12), Efficient Quiver
Snark - 3,921 gp, Virkas' Spellbook, 3 Potion of CLW, Potion of Featherfall, Wand of CMW (25 charges)
You might want to make your own trip to the Catacombs to equip yourself."
(See e-mail regarding Catacombs transaction, please. Some items show as both sold and distributed to party members. Clarification required.-DM Carla)
DM Bob and Carla - “Home Sweet Home” Sunday August 20th, 2023 9:28:00 PM
Keys are passed out, and received with varied degrees of enthusiasm by the six hero’s of Heranmar. A short walk across the green space beside the Trade House and south towards the East Gate brings the group to their new abode. Second from last is the old Morrison’s Rooming House. A few weatherworn wooden steps stand between the road and the surprisingly sturdy looking front door. The first floor is river stone, with a timbered second story protected by a slate roof.
The front door opens to a view of a room to the left. The dilapidated couch in front of the fireplace is threadbare and lumpy, and tilted awkwardly due to missing one leg. To the right is a large enclosed room with some rackety furniture - likely the previous caretaker’s room. Advancing further, there are stairs to the right and left, leading to the second floor. At the back of the building is an eating area with a battered but serviceable table flanked by benches, and a sideboard along the far wall. Opposite this space is the kitchen with its work table.
The back door leads to a yard overgrown with weeds. Mint and oregano have taken over the space nearest the house. Flat stones lead to a bathhouse/laundry room with a large tub, stone sink, and two hole privy. Opposite is a shed with two bays. The gate doors that once closed off access to a wide alley along the town’s outer wall, have fallen from rusted hinges and lie rotting amongst the weeds. There is a side gate that opens to a narrow space between the rooming house and it’s neighbour and leads to the front.
Upstairs, a wide wooden hallway is flanked by 4 rooms on each side. Each room has it’s own window, with the front 4 facing the street and the buildings across the way, and the back 4 looking into the modest courtyard and the high stone walls that enclose the town.
Despite an inch of dust covering just about every surface, the ratty condition of the furnishings, and a general air of neglect, the building appears sturdy. There is no attic, and no basement.
Beatrix is surprised by the generosity of the people of Heranmar., while Jasper seems ecstatic at the idea of a ‘home’. Snark considers conjuring some help, but first excuses himself and returns to the Trade House where he locates Corinn’s Cures and passes through the port key to The Catacombs.
Khord takes stock of his new home, then catches up to Snark who demonstrates how one can be both in The Catacombs and magically still in Heranmar!
Benni evaluates the rooming house and considers extending his stay at the inn. Other than a few mice, the place doesn’t seem haunted.
(OOC: please describe what you do with the rest of your day through night and then what you plan to do the next day. Each post this week is a full day of (reasonable) activity. You can visit the Catacombs for magical items, and shop locally in Heranmar for mundane stuff as well as take time to do other things your PC would do during ‘down time.’ Your DM’s would like your PC sheets updated with new items and new GP values for the beginning of next week.)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=25 ; Monday August 21st, 2023 1:24:33 AM
Isaac accepts the keys grateful that things are starting to look up. He had been thinking about trying to find some more permanent lodgings. However when he hears that it needs some fixing up he starts to worry.
Finally seeing the house Isaac's suspicions are confirmed "Snark your servants are going to have their work cut out for them." Hh takes a look around the house noting the couch probably needing to be replaced along with the gate doors in the back "I think until we get this place livable we shouldn't cancel our rooms at the Inn. I'll look around for someone to start fixing up some of the gates and furniture " Isaac will spend the day talking to various crafts people about the cost to refurbish the house and report it to the group. He spends the night at the inn. Diplomacy: 25 (Ooc: Does the house have beds?) The next day Isaac gets up eager to continue his investigation into the Hanging Tree. He asks the sheriff for information and studies it if he gets it. Isaac also helps anyone who wants to move their stuff into the Rooming house.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 21st, 2023 7:34:56 AM
Beatrix will find the time to sneak off to the catacombs and make purchases with her new funds.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday August 21st, 2023 12:33:32 PM
Onesimos pokes around the Old Morrison's Rooming House, and while run down, it is not the money pit that he had at first envisioned. In fact, the elf is downright pleased! "Nothing that a little work can't do to fix it up!", he declares, and decides to move in that morning!
First up is what rooms do people want? Benni himself selects a room close to the stair and overlooking the front of the house 'so people can find me quickly'. He takes the room on the lower left on the second floor. The others can choose their own rooms except... "Beatrix, how would you like the room on the lower floor so you don't have to climb stairs?"
Then an inspection, the elf making a list of things that need to be done and a general priority of when it needs to be accomplished. That pretty fills up his morning.
In the afternoon, he goes to Trade House and looks to hire a couple projects: 1. Teamsters to haul away and dispose of unusable furniture (keeping the dining table, benches, and sideboard) 2. Cleaning team to remove dirt, cobwebs, and the air of neglect. 3. Someone to assess if the LuckMakers just need new ironmongery for the back gate, or do they need an entire gate? 4. Finding out what is the Heranmar process to remove old latrine detrius, and hiring for that.
The remainder of his day is spent cleaning his own room, and placing his worldly goods and bedroll in his new room. How nice!
In the evening, he takes his meal at the Bottim Feeder, and finds a place to speak with his friends. "What do you think of the place? What can we do ourselves and what do we need to hire people to make, fix, or maintain?" The elf has a lot of ideas, but wants to know what his friends think, too!
At night, he goes to his room and bedroll, kicking a wedge of wood in the underside of his door as a makeshift room lock. And goes to sleep.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 21st, 2023 2:20:43 PM
Snark is very pleased with the accommodations. He will take the room next to Benni. He uses Prestidigitation to tidy up his room, and will conjure some Unseen Servants to work on the common areas.
He replies to Benni, "We can do most of what's needed ourselves, what with conjured help and all. But it would be nice to hire some local folks, especially for maybe checking and reinforcing any old stone work or timbers. And we could really use some new furniture - you know, comfy beds and maybe some stuffed chairs by the fireplace."
As he looks over his things, he realizes buying spells for his spellbook will be costly (700 gp for each 4th level spell.) He will conjure a mount and make a trip out to see his friend, the wizard Olostim in the nearby lighthouse to see if the wizard might have some spells he can study and copy into his spellbook.
He will tell Olostim all about the wreckers and what they were doing. He'll also share what he knows about Zenia the Dark.
(For the DMs, not sure where Olostim's lighthouse is or exactly how far away it is. It might take Snark an overnight if Olostim will actually let him copy a couple of spells. If the DMs are not incorporating Olostim into Heranmar, Snark will instead ask about town if there are any spellcasters, offering to share spells in the hope of gleaning a 4th level spell or two. He'd really like Stone Shape to help with work on the new house.)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Monday August 21st, 2023 4:12:45 PM
After returning from the Catacombs, Khord will make his way to the boarding house. Seeing that Benni and Snark have already claimed rooms, He will lay claim to the room in the back right at the top of the stairs, with the wash house below him so he can sneak out his window and onto the roof if needed. "Call me paranoid, but I always like to have another way out of any building I am sleeping in, learned that one the hard way back in Dirt CIty." he quips to his friends.
He sets up his bedroll and makes room for Niko to sleep in the corner. Seeing that Benni is headed to the trade house to hire some things out and will tag along with him. Niko bounding along as well.
After taking care of Benni's list, he will track down a carpenter or woodworker looking for the following for his room:
1. Frame for a feather bed 2. A Wardrobe for his clothes and adventuring gear 3. A desk for his papers and correspondence, and for him to work from. 4. A washing stand with a bowl, pitcher, and mirror for him to clean and shave.
He will also look for someone to make a feather mattress for him and a smaller one for Niko.
After this he takes his supper at the Bottim Feeder and returns to the boarding house to sleep.
--------------------
The next day, he will track down Wren as she comes off guard duty. He will tell her all about the fight with the wreckers, the recovery of the goods from the wrecked ships, Horatio's box and the imminent departure of Lars and what her plans are. He will tell her about the Boarding house and how if she needs to get away from the barracks she is welcome to come by.
In the afternoon he will check in with the craftsmen he talked too the day before to verify the work can be done before he tracks down Lars. He asks when it is he thinks he will be heading out for Dirt City and asks if he can take a letter with him for his folks, one he is dreading writing but feels if he knows the deadline that will help motivate him to get it done.
He has supper at the Bottim Feeder again and turns in early, letting Niko snuggle up next to him on his bed roll.
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 21st, 2023 5:06:28 PM
After her catacombs trip Beatrix will check out hew new lodgings. The small staircase up is a concern - she weighs in at 2000 lbs. and change and she seriously doubts any of the stairs are made to hold that kind of weight. She circles the place looking for a back entrance and finds the little overgrown courtyard full of some sort of rock or statue. It's very much a mess but she immediately starts getting Ideas upon seeing it. She somehow manages the stairs to look around the ground floor and sends Tinkerbell upstairs to look around and report the layout up there before leaving.
Come the evening she gathers with the group to discuss the place. "It looks like we'll be roommates. I would like the ground floor room, if I went upstairs I'd probably fall through the floor. Tinkerbell likes the first floor rafters, she'll probably stay in the main room.
What kind of crafting skills does your group have? I'm a decent smith and that overgrown courtyard looks big enough for a small outdoor forge. Clear out that junk and open up the space some we could have a whole crafting area for whomever needs it. If you guys are interested that is."
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday August 21st, 2023 6:49:48 PM
Jasper would like one of the rooms overlooking the courtyard, if that's doable. If not, she'll take whatever is left. She spends much of the day hauling trash, sweeping, and scrubbing. She uses her Mending orison to make repairs as needed.
Tomorrow, she'll either purchase or hire craftspeople to make a bed, a chest, a hanging chair, and a potting bench, and then she'll visit The Catacombs for gear.
Finally, she'll go to the garden and the surrounding woods to gather herbs that might be used in potions. She makes sure to gather lavender, hyssop, and wormwood to scent her room.
DM Bob and Carla - “Decisions, decisions!” Monday August 21st, 2023 9:22:44 PM That afternoon and evening…
The rooming house is a pleasant surprise to most of the party, though some reserve judgement until a more thorough inspection is completed. A few claim rooms and plan to stay the night, using bedrolls and blankets until furnishings can be arranged. Everyone heads back to the Blue Cat Tavern in the Bottom Feeder Inn in order to pack up and make arrangements to move possessions over to their new digs, settle their tabs, and have dinner.
The next morning…
Unseen, Beatrix slips out early for a visit to the Catacombs while Benni tours the place, making a list of things that need to be done, and Snark summons invisible forces to perform some simple tasks. Jasper and Khord are above stairs discussing the room situation, when there is a knock on the door.
Making his way from the inn to the rooming house, Isaac spots a middle aged woman and two children on the doorstep, just as one of his friends opens it. ”Welcome to the neighborhood!” the woman says holding out a basket, warm and smelling of baked goods. The boy, his shoulders pulled forward by the weight of the item he carries thrusts an old rusted horseshoe at Isaac, while the girl points to a spot over the door. ”You nail it up there! For good luck!” The woman peeps past whoever stands in the doorway and spots the clouds of dust being whipped up by the unseen servants. ” I do housekeeping. 6 GP a month for cleaning, or 10 GP plus money for shopping if you want me to cook too. I won’t live in, though. I’ve got me kids and mother-in-law to look after. Maggie Greaves. Just down the road. Let me know if you’re interested.”. Benni, Snark and Isaac recognize the name as being that of the widow of Gavin Greaves, one of the victims of the pirate, Jack Lolly. Beatrix returning from the Catacombs recognizes the boy and girl as being the children who gifted her two green ribbons and borrowed some picture books. The children smile and wave at the centaur, then follow their mom back down the road towards their home.
After checking out the basket of breakfast pastries, and discussing what to do next, Benni, Isaac, Khord and Jasper head over to the Trade House where they make their first call on the Truesdale Twins - Owen and Ethan, wood working artisans. Owen is the artist with a flair for creativity, and Ethan the genius at carpentry and joinery. Together they craft sturdy, functional, and beautiful designs. ‘Yes’ they make furniture, Owen responds. In fact, they have some finished pieces in their warehouse. The half-elf leads the group to a warehouse across from the workshop, and lets the group browse. He answers questions and volunteers that he can co-ordinate with the local upholsterer and provide a complete set of bed, mattress, pillows, and bedding. He and his brother also collaborate with the black smith who provides hardware and simple locks. If the group want anything from the warehouse, it can be delivered the next day. If they want him to provide an estimate for work around the house, he can pay a call the next afternoon.
An ordinary single bed, like what they make for the guards’ barracks is 2GP, 6 GP total kitted out with bedding, including 2 changes of linen. A double bed with ornamentation (inlaid wood, carving) costs 10 GP, 18 GP kitted out. Custom orders can be accommodated.
The visit to the carpenters consumes most of the afternoon, however Khord finds Lars, and learns he won’t be leaving until the end of the week. Wren is harder to find, but agrees to pay a visit on her day off. Benni locates labourers who agree to come by the house and haul away the old furniture and outside trash. They know some other folks who can check out the outhouse. Jasper makes a beeline for the woods beyond the East Gate, and finds a very peaceful and safe spot in which to contemplate her good fortune.
Isaac locates sheriff Eugene and respectfully, but firmly presses for some home truths about the hanging tree. The sheriff nervously fingers the ruby pendant about his neck. ”Dunno where Wardd was when that poor fella needed him.” he says, then divulges what he knows: the hanging tree manifests once a year on the anniversary of the hanging of Gin Trellus. The man was lynched for having pushed a man through the glass window of a bakery, killing him. Turned out it was an accident, and Gin was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now he’s dead, and buried in an unmarked grave. Anyway, 4 people died , one right after the other after seeing the apparition. Folks decided to cut down the tree to stop the haunt. Now instead of a ghostly body hanging in a live tree, there’s a ghostly body hanging in a ghostly tree. Little Amy was the 5th victim. Seeing the apparition, then jumping off the city wall to her death. The sheriff admits he doesn’t know how to stop the haunt, and is worried about the coming of the dark fall days and the anniversary of the hanging. ”Wish I knew how to lay all these troublesome ghosts like Gin Trellus, Waldo, and such to rest, like what you done with Jack Lolly.”
Whilst the main group consult with tradesfolk, and Beatrix disappears into the backyard to assess the feasibility of a workspace, Snark summons a mount and makes his way to the lighthouse. What might have been a long trudge, is a short ride of just over 1 hour. The gnome hears the patter of steps, in response to his knock on Olostim’s door. ”Is that you, Talpa?” The door opens to reveal the wizard himself, looking confused.”Oh! It’s you. Come in. Come in. I’ve been expecting a friend from my Plateau City days and the Star Mages Guild. Coming the long way, but he should be here by now….” Olostim’s gaze fixes more firmly on Snark and having gained control of his emotions, the wizard asks: ”and how might I help you?”
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 21st, 2023 10:24:14 PM
If this place is going to turn into a home away from home Beatrix's room along is going to require a lot of work. As a Centaur her biology just isn't the same as two legged humanoids and her bed and other furnishings will need be be specially made to work for her, along with some other furnishings in the place. She's used to adapting, having grown up in a city away from the taur islands, but if she's to make this place her own it'd be nice to adapt it to her rather then the other way around for once.
For now she'll place a order for a special request bed, a nice table, and several shelves. She has plenty of gold even after her shopping spree so will spring for the fancy stuff, not just basics specially made for her.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 1:41:10 AM
Snark is glad to see the wizard Olostim.
"Greetings Olostim. I'm glad to see you are healed up from our last encounter. I wanted to check in, both to see if I could learn any spells from you to add to my spell book, but also to let you know what's been happening."
Snark will relate the details of the Luck Makers' encounter with the Wreckers. He tells him about the two brothers, and the gang from Hook City and their hideout. He mentions the false lights they were using to lure the ships in so they could wreck them and scavenge the cargo to take back to Hook City.
He will tell Olostim about the Greenmage Zenia the Dark and how Snark himself is now a Greenmage.
He mentions that the Luck Makers have been allowed to stay in the old Morrison’s boarding house in Heranmar, and asks if Olostim knows anyting about the history of the place.
Finally, he pulls out the one bottle of Red Hill Red to give to Olostim. (Snark had bought three, and gave two to Zenia.)
If Olostim asks, Snark is looking for the following spells:
Sum. Monst IV Resiliant Sphere Stone Shape Greater Invisibility Wall of Fire Dimensional Anchor Illusory Wall Elemental Body I
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 7:39:02 AM
Onosimos agrees with Beatrix that the ground floor room is hers, and nods as the others make thier choices, but hopes they can share the space in the back of the house. "I think as long as people's interests don't take up much space or are portable, the ground floor or out back is fine. I weave basketry and holy symbols, so that can be done anywhere, but a small kitchen garden would be like love growing nearby."
The cleric recognizes the name 'Greaves' and impulsively agrees to hire Maggie for regular cleaning; giving her the first 6 gold right then. "Thank you, neighbor, what a loving welcome! We are going to get the big cleaning done, but will definitely need someone for keeping things straight, especially when we are out of town. I couldn't think of a better person in all of Heranmar besides you." He solemnly takes the horseshoe from the child with thanks, saying he will take care of it later. Besides, the LuckMakers make their own luck!
Benni is pleased there is a warehouse, and immediately pay the Truesdale Twins for a fully kitted double-bed, a chest with a lock, an armoring stand, and a small writing desk with chair, paying more for delivery. He also agrees for Owen and Ethan to come by and make an expert assessment of the house and grounds.
The elf happily keeps up with cleaning, trash-hauling, and interacting with neighbors and workers of Heranmar, encouraging the feeling of neighborly love: Philia.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 6:50:48 PM
Khord is impressed with the selection of Owen and Ethan, He orders a double bed, fully kitted out (he is giddy, he has never had a bed of his own much less a double sized bed), and chooses a writing desk, comfortable chair, armor stand, wardrobe, washing stand, and asks them to make a half sized mattress for Niko.
On his way back to the house, after meeting with Lars, he will pick up a sheaf of parchment, an inkpen and some ink. He sits at the large table and begins writing to his parents. He tells them about his adventures, the friends he has made here, the lucky way he has accomplished his mission, and sadly how he is staying to explore and bring some the twilight rangers justice to this new land. He closes by telling them he misses them and will send further letters with other sea captains when he is able.
He spends the rest of the day ordering things about the house, goes for Dinner and drinks at the Bottim Feeder and then turns in for the night.
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 6:55:15 PM
Jasper orders a fully kitted-out double bed, carved with culverclove leaves. She happily hands over the 18 GP.
___ OOC: Perusing the PHB for a trip to The Catacombs. This is proving to be a busy week so posts are shortish.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 7:14:55 PM
Isaac thinks over the information he gains from the sheriff. At least he had a name but he needed to investigate the murder that Gin was accused of mabe finding the true culprit would put the haunt to rest but he doubted it.
Isaac takes time to hammer the horse shoe above the door way. He makes sure its sticking up so it looks like a U. He also puts a request in for a single guards bed with linens and pays the 6gp. If Isaac has time he will make a trip to the site of the hanging tree to get a better look at it. Failing that he will focus on moving into the new house.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 12:12:11 AM
(Shortish? Holly - no short jokes. I play a gnome.)
DM Bob and Carla - “Moving in” Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 1:04:32 AM
Olostim opens the door to Snark and gestures for him to enter the lighthouse before leading the 3ft gnome up the winding stairs ‘round the tower to the level used as a living room. ”Red Hill Red!” he exclaims admiring the gift. ”Thank you, Snark! I think I’ll save this for a celebration. Maybe a little get together of like minds when my friend arrives?”. Olostim gives Snark a knowing look, then gestures for the gnome to take a seat in a deep cushioned chair, while he fetches some refreshments. ”Yes, I can let you copy a spell or two. What spells do you have to share”? As the blue haired wizard recounts the events related to the wreckers, Olostim becomes agitated and plucks at his lower lip anxiously. ”Ships run aground, eh? Any survivors? My friend is supposed to be aboard the ‘Lucy’!”.
If Snark elects to stay at the lighthouse overnight, he can attempt to copy one spell, but his host is far too agitated to leave him alone to concentrate on additional study, and requires the gnome’s company to return to a semblance of calm.
(Choose one from Stone Shape, Wall of Fire, and Illusory Wall)
*****
A big smile splits Maggie Greaves’ face when she spots the horse shoe affixed above the front door. The woman walks around to the back of the house, through the side gate , and after knocking on the back door, pushes it open calling cheekily: ”Everybody decent?” before crossing the threshold, dragging a small trolly of cleaning supplies behind her. Though the agreement is for cleaning only, the woman deposits a cloth wrapped parcel that smells suspiciously like apple cake on the dining table. Wrinkling her nose, she volunteers, “I’ll start here in the kitchen….”
A knock on the front door signal’s the arrival of a cart from the inn with the last of the group’s possessions, including an empty chest with a functioning lock and a chest full of academic texts with a broken lock. The carriers pile everything in the middle of the hallway between the stairs.
Just after noon, Owen Truesdal arrives with a wagon loaded high with furniture, followed by a cart covered with a clean canvas tarp. The half elf helps a Gnomish woman down from the wagon’s box seat and introduces her as Miss Maxine, owner of a fabric shop and sewing and upholstery business. Owen invites the party to help unload the wagon, while Miss Maxine directs the off loading of the cart.
Jasper takes delivery of a very fine double bed. The high arched headboard and low footboard edged all around with a carved vine and leaf motif. A thick mattress is wrestled up the stairs, along with 4 pillows and a thick duvet. Miss Maxine hands the druid a parcel containing 2 mattress covers, 2 comforter covers, and 8 pillow cases. The duvet covers are woven with a raised design of leaves.
Beni’s order is next. A sleek double size bed is off loaded from the wagon, followed by a desk, chair, armouring stand, and footlocker style chest with leather and metal reinforcements. Owen gives Onesimos two keys, then closing the door to the bedroom, shows the cleric how to spring the mechanism that opens a secret compartment in the desk. The elf’s bedding is natural linen, but his duvet cover Is a mix of linen and silk for a luxurious feel.
It takes several trips and many hands to get Khord’s furniture up the stairs to his room on the second floor, but eventually the sturdy oak pieces are put in place. Miss Maxine helps make the bed, with linen dyed a dark tea colour, and then drapes a patterned velvet blanket of brown, black, red, and gold across the foot of the bed, and tells the half-orc: ”I must thank you for finding my goods, and returning them to me. If I had lost the shipment I would have been ruined, and would have had to close my shop and lay off my workers. It was a lucky day when you came to town!” Khord learns that Nikko’s cushion is a special order, and will be delivered later in the week.
A very simple single bed is brought up to Isaac’s room. The mattress isn’t as luxurious as those ordered by his companions, but it is plump and smells lightly of fresh bed-straw. The comforter is good quality, but not thick. The linen fabric of his bedding dyed a medium blue. Isaac gets one pillow, but he also gets a dark grey wool blanket.
Miss Maxine consults with Beatrix while the carpenter tours the grounds with some of the other Luck Makers. She suggests a plush rug, and a large circular cushion to support the centaur’s upper body when she is in repose, along with a half dozen other cushions for support and decoration. Noting the large collection of books, the decorator suggests a floor to ceiling wall of shelves. However, she would like to hear what ideas Beatrix has for her room.
Isaac eventually escapes the chaos of the rooming house and heads towards the area where the hanging tree apparition is reported to manifest. As he studies the weathered stump, he ponders the relationship of the innocent man buried in an unmarked grave, and the remains of the hanging tree. Knowledge Religion Highlight to display spoiler: {the paladin remembers learning that some haunts are tied to objects, and can only be ‘destroyed’ by bringing final rest to their connected entities.}
At the end of a long day, Miss Maxine, and Owen Truesdale make their departures, thanking the adventurers for their custom. The carpenter will return on the morrow with a list of recommendations and quotes for repairs to the rooming house, as well as to take measurements for Beatrix’s furnishings.
Maggie gets ready to leave, but suggests the group get someone to check the chimneys since they seemed a little smokey when she lit a test fire. ”Frank Cinderman’s the best. If you can’t find him at his shop, you can find him at his other job at the cemetery”
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 7:54:55 AM
Yes lots of pillows and things seems the practical/normal choice for a centaur. After discussion the plan for the room is made. The back wall will be entirely shelving for her books and things. In front of that on the top side will be her 'bed', a mass of cushions and pillows covering a 10x10 area. Then the top left corner of the room will have a short desk, one she can use while laying in bed or on the ground in front of it rather the having to stand all the time. On the south wall she can have a pair of chests for her non-book belongings and a single chair in the bottom left corner for guests. Some hooks over her desk can hold her lands and other tools that won't fit in the chests. Finally the door really needs to be made into a double door - squeezing into the human sized on is doable but kind of a pain.
As for colors and theming Beatrix likes deep blue and chooses a sky theme for everything - she is a flying centaur and likes the sky. She'll pay for stuff of good quality and with designs and decoration on it. (can I just remove a flat amount to cover everything rather then mathing it all out? She has up to 600 gold at the moment)
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+5=6 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 10:33:39 AM
Onesimos welcomes Maggie inside, sniffing the air appreciatively at the pie. The elf may be 160 years old, but the only thing he knows about a kitchen is to boil water for tea: he thought the kitchen WAS clean! Never jog an expert's elbow, he thinks wisely, and leaves Maggie to it.
The cleric spends the morning weaving some rushes into a straw hat for Maggie as a gift for the pie. Its not his best work. (Basketweaving: 6)
The furniture is well-received, and Benni is delighted about the secret compartment in the desk! He thanks Owen and Maxine repeatedly for all of the work, and spends a lot of time getting his furniture just the way he wants.
That evening, and for the next couple of evenings, he works with Snark and Beatrix to set up a Continual Flame spell in each bedroom, putting them on a sconce near the door and a leather hood to cover the magic that allows people to make thier rooms 'light' or 'dark'. He will continue to do the same to the Common Rooms and a light at the house's entrance, side, and back gates.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 3:45:24 PM
Snark will share his spellbook with Olostim - if are any spells he may want, the little gnome is happy to oblige. He will gladly take the Stone Shape spell.
When Olostim mentions his friend, Snark looks around awkwardly and is quiet for a moment. "Uh, I think I got some bad news. The Lucy was one of the ships wrecked, along with the Godspeed. Maybe you oughta come back to town with us. There was a journal I think. Maybe it'll have more info.
"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news about your friend."
If Olostim wants to go with him to town to see the journal, Snark will conjure Mounts for both of them.
When Snark does return the next day, he will see to getting a gnome sized fully kitted double-bed, a gnome sized writing desk and chair, a gnome sized worktable, some shelving and a gnome sized wardrobe. He also asks about a large rug for the floor, one that will really pull the room together. He takes the locking chest if noone else wants it. He will also pay to have one of the empty rooms upstairs kitted out for human sized guests with a double bed, desk, etc.
Then he will check around town for any other spellcasters he could trade spells with, and make another visit to the Catacombs to buy some spells.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 3:51:39 PM
Khord will greet Maggie and try a slice of the apple cake. He thinks that they might just have to spring for her to cook for them, at least on those occasions they are home. "Delicious Maggie, sorry for the state of the kitchen. Let us know if you need anything."
He then greets the wagons, and helps with the unloading, muscling the heavy furniture up to his room. Khord is caught short by Miss Maxine's revelation that her business was saved by the return of the goods from the wreckers. " Well, we knew if someone didn't figure out what was going on with those wreckers that the town was going to suffer. I am just glad we were successful."
Niko, when not being underfoot, does his best to greet all the newcomers with excited yelps and a wagging tail. He manages to sneak some of the apple cake when no one is looking. And once Khord's bed is prepared, he pounces on the covers and messes them up, rolling in the blankets.
He will seek out Lars and Wren in the late afternoon, inviting them to dinner at the Bottim Feeder. He will hand over the sealed note to Lars. And he will enjoy the company of his twilight ranger companions, swapping stories and telling them about there new digs.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+16=20 ; Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 6:11:19 PM
Isaac looks over the stump trying to better understand it he concentrates trying to detect any evil on the stump and the surrounding area. He remembers that haunts that are connected to objects somehow turn the object invulnerable. His mind wanders to one tale of a vase that would always reappear in the house it was haunting the next day even if it was smashed, given away or magically destroyed only by putting haunt to rest caused the vase to return to normal. Know religion:20
Isaac will head over to the cemetery the next day and drop off the three wreckers bones to be placed in graves. He will then head over to the Trade house looking for items for his room.
DM Bob and Carla - “Good neighbours” Wednesday August 23rd, 2023 10:57:48 PM Snark breaks the bad news to Olostim, explaining that the Lucy was one of the ships lured in by the wreckers. The lighthouse wizard takes the news hard. ”Talpa Tenebris is…was…an important academic at the Star Mages Guild in Plateau City. He was interested in the old Abbey and its origins. We corresponded, and he wrote to me that he had found something important. He was taking a sabbatical from the college to come to Heranmar for research.”
Olostim sees Snark off in the morning, advising him to keep the journal and any of Talpa’s personal effects safe until he can come retrieve them in a couple of days.
On his return to the rooming house, the blue haired gnome encounters a house full of strangers. Khord is negotiating with a middle aged woman. Something about stocking the kitchen and meal prep. The woman is wearing an interesting straw headpiece. Two elves, brothers by the looks of them, are taking measurements of the entrance to Beatrixe’s room and discussing ‘load bearing’ and ‘support beams’. A stocky man with bushy grey hair and bushy grey beard is poking around the chimney. ”Excuse me. Coming through!” A tiny female with straight black hair cut severely to chin length, bold black rimmed glasses magnifying her eyes, bustles past Snark her arms are full of cushions in various shades of blue. Benni stands in the middle of the hall studying a parchment held in his hand:
repair front steps (labour and supplies] - 6 GP new privy seats (2) - labour and supplies 2 GP each/4 GP total construct and install courtyard gate - labour and supplies - 40 GP total estimate, payable on completion - 50 GP
Having departed the rooming house before the arrival of the trades people, Isaac sets out to find the cemetery. He finds folk willing to give him directions, and often is given thanks for the service he and his companions have rendered to the town. The people still fiddle with their talismans or make warding signs, but with none of the fear or hostility he had encountered previously. There is no one at the cemetery, so the paladin heads to the Trade House for a little personal shopping.
Whenever the party go about their business in town, they are met with smiles and expressions of gratitude.
”It was unlucky what happened to the Lucy and the Godspeed, but Wardd hisself must have been ridin’ with you when you found them bandits.” “Saved the Next Horizon too, though her Cap’n shoulda knowed better than to be drawn in by them lights.” “…and to save all the cargo from the Godspeed!”
Not only have the Luck Makers safely delivered the proceeds from the sale of the Woad Beer, broken up a crew of coastal wreckers, and salvaged the cargo of two ships for the town - but individually and as a group the party have given the Heranmar economy a not unsubstantial boost with their recent purchases!
(OOC: No need to fuss about math for purchases. I’ll come up with a round number for each of you when mundane shopping is done. - DM Carla)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Thursday August 24th, 2023 7:13:53 AM
Since her room is going to be being refurbished today Beatrix will go back to the inn, where her stuff is still at until it's ready. She'll get some reading done and maybe make an appearance to the children at some point.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday August 24th, 2023 7:14:39 AM
Onesimos smiles in satisfaction and places his mark on the paper in approval. "Ah Snark! Your arrival makes me think pleasantly of our common cause, our brotherhood, and the goodwill of all good creatures. By which I mean: welcome home!" He quickly introduces the gnome wizard to the townsfolk who are bursting with custom from the LuckMakers, and continues his business of the day. "Ethan, could you make a sign to go over the front door of this house? "Luck Makers House"? Its the last purchase the elf can think of...
Benni doesn't want to disparage Wardd, who after all, is in the pantheon of Woldian gods and has a cleric in town (Roland) that Benni gets along with. Yet he can't pass up an opportunity to plant a seed that love is better than luck. When he hears calls of being 'good luck', the cleric shakes his head. "That danger is that Wardd brings bad luck as well as good in his wake, and a chancy god to trek with. What I and my friends do is put trust in and actions for each other, in a common good cause, and in supporting the good endeavors of the community around us. This love is certain and enduring."
Like his stories, he isn't expecting any overnight conversions, but planting thoughts and ideas that may bud in 20 or 100 years. He is still expecting to be around to nurse those buds to full fruit.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 d20+12=14 ; d20+5=21 ; Thursday August 24th, 2023 2:49:33 PM
With all the hustle and bustle in the house, Khord decides he will head outside the walls today and roam about the countryside. He will go to the stable and rent a pony for the day. He will head out the west gate and ride up the road for a couple hours, with Niko running beside him and exploring several interesting smells along the way. He will stop and have a picnic lunch from his stores, and head back. returning to the gate about an hour before sunset. All along his journey he keeps a watchful eye out for anything out of the ordinary. If he sees something, he will take note of landmarks to place it in his mind but does nogt ride off to investigate. (perception = 14, Know: Geo = 21)
He will head to the Bottim Feeder for dinner and turn in early.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Thursday August 24th, 2023 6:08:55 PM
Isaac buys the following items for his room: a sturdy chest with a good lock with keys, A dresser, A table ,chair and a extra pillow. Isaac will assist the others moving into the house helping to haul any furniture books or stuff to their rooms.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday August 24th, 2023 7:46:37 PM
Snark walks in and is greeted by Benni. In reply he holds his hand up, five fingers spread out like a flower."Love you too Benni - Flower Power back at you pal! Ooo. Lots of activity goin' on. Nice to meet you...nice to meet you...nice to meet you. I better go see to my room."
The little gnome trots upstairs to his room, gets out the scrolls he bought in the Catacombs, and sets to copying spells into his spellbook. Over the next few days, he will write one second level scroll and craft a Pearl of Power, 1st level (Spellcraft DC 6, auto success.)
(Between the 2,250 gp value of the CMW Wand he has for the party, the 1,925 gp in scrolls he just bought to copy into his spellbook, and the 610 gp cost of writing those those spells into his book he's about tapped out of funds. He may not be able to fund much in furnishing the house, depending on the final cost.)
DM Bob and Carla - “House poor?” Thursday August 24th, 2023 11:15:59 PM
The commissioning of so much work results in the house continuing to be a hive of activity. Maggie is kept busy cleaning up after the workers. At one point, she gets Isaac to help her move a chest full of books out of the hallway, and against a wall in the living room. Since the Luck Makers seem to have no fixed schedule, the housekeeper sets up a self serve breakfast on the sideboard, but doesn’t make a sit down lunch. However, there is always bread, cheese, and cold meats to make a sandwich, a large bowl of seasonal fruit on the table, a keg of small beer in the kitchen and cookies in the cookie jar! Before leaving for the day, she sets a casserole or meat pie on the prep table, covering it with a clean cloth, for folks who are staying in.
The Luck Makers oversee the work being done, or alternatively escape the racket. There is some exploring within the walls of Heranmar, and some excursions beyond.
Whenever Beatrix is out and about, she is accosted by children wanting to borrow books, or returning ones they’ve read, and asking to borrow new ones. Her room shapes up quickly once the double doors are installed.
Unfamiliar with Heranmar and environs, Khord rents a pony, and he and Niko go for a ride and a picnic. The ranger makes note of several landmarks he had heard described by his companions, but never seen.
Benni commissions a sign rebranding the rooming house as ‘Luck Maker’s House’. The carpenters craft a smart looking sign repurposing the gift horse shoe, and sourcing another, and using them for the letter ‘U’ in Luck and House. Despite the elf’s proselytizing, the citizens of the town start referring to the old Morrison’s rooming house as ‘Lucky House’.
Snark takes delivery of his furniture. The curved headboard of the gnome sized bed is centred by a carving of The Green Man. The wizard is a little worried about his finances. He does have some knowledge of wood craft, and might be able to earn a discount by working with the carpenters - but that would cut into his time with his books and scrolls.
Although the workers are out of the house by dinner time, many of the party take their evening meal at the Blue Cat, or if they eat at home, eventually find their way over to the tavern for a nightcap and a gossip. Khord learns from Lars that the New Horizon will be departing at the end of the week, and that the old twilight ranger will be aboard with a packet of dispatches for the WLA, the box for Horatio Mann, and Khord’s letter for his parents.
*****
By the end of the week, things have calmed down at Lucky House. Most of the repair work is done. Most of the furnishings in place. Some folks are still waiting on delivery of special orders from the Catacombs. Breakfast is set out on the sideboard. Maggie answers a knock on the front door, and returns to announce: ”it’s that wizard from the lighthouse. He’s asking for master Riverstone.”
(OOC: Don’t forget to send your DM’s the receipt from the Catacombs once you’ve completed the transaction)
Jasper (Holly) HP 55/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Friday August 25th, 2023 1:11:14 AM
Jasper has been spending her days brushing up on herbalism, tramping through the woods, tending the garden, munching on cookies, and organizing her room.
She hasn't purchased much-- just that beautiful bed, a chest, a chair, and a potting bench for the courtyard-- and therefore can chip in a bit more towards the common good.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday August 25th, 2023 7:29:03 AM
Onesimos has to roll his eyes at the townsfolk's moniker of the heroes' new digs, but both by profession and species, he is taking the long view. Mentally, he revises his plan to not take 20 years. Maybe 200...
The elf couldn't be happier with Maggie: the meals are exactly as he would have said if asked. "You are a gem, Mrs. Greaves!"
He is sorry for Snark's recount of Olostim's friend who was certainly lost on the Lucy, but it makes him think of other things: the manual, the chest of books, and the locked chest! He begins reading, and encouraging the others, especially Beatrix and Snark to help out. For Talpa's Journal, Benni encourages Isaac to read it: the notes on the Abbey may contain information that helps with his 'haunt' research!
For the locked chest, if the wizards don't have a Knock spell, the cleric contacts Owen Truesdale. "That catch in my desk is a wonder. Would you also be able to pick a strange lock?"
(Snark forced the lock on the chest 14 Aug, and Khord has the Journal 17 Aug - DM Carla)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Friday August 25th, 2023 8:21:31 AM
Beatrix is turning into a librarian rather then a teacher at this point. Her books are meant to be for teaching, with many copies of each one, so she's going to either run out out of things the children can read without help relatively quickly. As such she'll start to spend more time inviting the children to stay and read the books with her so she can help them learn the strange and big words and tries to sneak in grammar and spelling lessons while she's at it.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 22 T16 FF17, CMD23, HP 54/54; Niko AC19 T13 FF16 CMD21 HP 56/56 Friday August 25th, 2023 4:45:15 PM
Hearing Benni talking about the Snark's friend, he goes into his pack and produces the journal. He will hand it over to Isaac. "Kind of dry reading, maybe you will get more out of it than me.
Seeing the chest full of books, Khord will spend some time examining the broken lock. trying to figure out how it worked when in better condition. He will pull some of the books out and pile them on the table for the others to examine.
He will talk to the others about commissioning some furnishings for the living area. He will offer to oay for them as he has quite a bit of gold squirrelled away right now.
Assuming they agree, he will head back to see the elves, Owen and Ethan at there stall with some rough drawings for a couch and overstuffed chairs, some side tables and a couple bookcases to flank either side of the fireplace, and a cloak stand to put by the door. He will request that the chairs and couch be covered in leather cushions and there be some small throw pillows. He is picturing some of the parlors he has seen in the homes of the wealthy back home.
The next morning, as he is making a plate from what Maggie has supplied for breakfast, "You keep feeding us like this Maggie, I won't fit my chain shirt anymore," he says with a wink. It is then that there is a knock at the door and Maggie shuffles off to answer. He sits at the table and starts digging in as she says it is the wizard from the lighthouse for Snark. He keeps one eye on him as he enters and continues to eat his morning meal.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 d20+11=16 ; Friday August 25th, 2023 6:05:56 PM
Isaac sends a order off to the catacombs for some enchanting. With the house much more livable and having picked out his own room. Isaac takes a some time and writes to his parents he also writes to some of his old guards friends. To Sarge and Jeffcoat he sent greetings and a apologies that he had not contacted him in some time he also invites them up Heranmar to visit and catch up. To Desirunia he send congratulations on her marriage and a rough timeline of event that have happened since he left the city.He also asks how Plateau city is. He hopes all of his old guard friends are doing well and gives them a mailing address. Isaac drops the letters off at the post office.
Isaac takes some time talking to their new neighbors and making sure everything was alright. He also asks them about the history of the house and what is was originally. Diplomacy:16
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday August 25th, 2023 7:36:09 PM
Snark seeks out Talpa's Journal so he has it on hand when Olostim arrives. He will read through it himself first.
Snark has about 4 days of crafting and writing to get done. In between, he takes breaks to summon Unseen Servants to help clean and straighten up. He uses Prestidigitation to clean as well.
The little wizard is impressed with the work done on his bedroom furniture, and let's the brothers know. He also very grateful for the prepared food, and thanks Maggie profusely.
When the arrival of Olostim is announced, Snark will greet his friend and invite him in to read Talpa's Journal. He makes sure to share some refreshments with Olostim.
DM Bob and Carla - “A visit from a friend…” Sunday August 27th, 2023 10:06:26 PM Benni and Khord figure the chest full of books that Snark busted open must belong to the friend Olostim has been expecting. Learning that they will need to surrender the deceased academic’s possessions to the wizard from the lighthouse, some of the party members decide to have a quick look at the books in the chest and flip through the pages of the journal. The books and other papers in the chest are all academic texts pertaining to History, Architecture (related to monasteries, abbeys, cathedrals, shrines, and other houses of worship), Monastic Traditions and Sects, Geology, and general treatises on ley lines. Khord offers the journal to Isaac, however the paladin doesn’t seem interested, and Snark collects it instead. The journal is still giving off the very faint magical vibes (transmutation) the gnome detected when he first opened the chest, though the journal itself doesn’t appear magical…
Anyone who reads the journal will learn that Talpa Tenebris was interested in the old Abbey and its origins. That he had an assistant working with him back at the Star Mages Guild. That he was excited about finding something. That he felt like he was being watched, but had no real proof…just a feeling. That he was corresponding with his good friend Olostim. That he planned to stay with the wizard in his lighthouse for a period of time, and see the Abbey ruins for himself! Anyone who handles the journal finds it unusually heavy for what it is.
*****
The following morning….
Snark greets his friend from the lighthouse, and after welcoming him into ‘Lucky House’* hands over Talpa’s journal.
The wizard frowns, weighing the journal in his hand, before turning it so the spine faces him. ”There’s something not quite right with this book,” he says, slipping a short, and very sharp knife from it’s sheath on his belt. With a deft movement, he slits the spine along one edge, and out slips a key! The shape is similar to other key’s Snark and some of the other Luck Makers have seen before, but this one is finely crafted from green stone!
”I know you’ve been exploring the abbey” Olostim says. ”Why don’t you hold onto the key? I’ll take this chest of books, and the journal and see what I can make out. I’ll let you know what I find out. It might help you safely further your exploration of the place.” Olostim asks if someone can help load the chest into the cart he brought. He is anxious to get back to the lighthouse, and declines the gnomes’ offer of hospitality. He explains that he encountered Honora on the way into Heranmar and that she was visibly upset about something and had advised him to return home as quickly as possible. ”She said she was on her way to see the Mayor and the Port Master. “
As Olostim’s cart trundles off, a red faced dwarf arrives hauling a hand cart behind him. ”Delivery from the Catacombs for…. he takes a slip of paper from his chest pocket and squints… “Miss Beatrix, Master Khord Briarmark…an’ double checking Miss Jasper and Master Snark Riverstone have their items?”.
“Benni” AC 23/13/22 CMD18. HP 48/ 48 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday August 28th, 2023 7:38:51 AM
Onosimos feels like he should slap his forehead and exclaim about the juice made of eight vegetables: why didn't he pick up about the unusually heavy journal? He consoles himself by remembering this is why everyone needs a good community of love around them: not even powerful heroes are all-powerful!
Benni will wait for Snark to accept or reject the key. If the gnome wants someone else to carry the green key, the cleric will!
His elven ears perk up about the warning of some important meeting happening in the Manor, and glances at Khord or Isaac who seem to have their ears in various places: do they know any local rumors?
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 48/55 AC 16/13/14 CMD 21 Tinkerbell HP 28/28 AC 23/15/21 Monday August 28th, 2023 8:08:19 AM
Beatrix quickly gets her items. She thought she had arranged things more discreetly.
Jasper (Holly) HP 62/62 AC 21/13/19 CMD 9 | CMB 7 Monday August 28th, 2023 1:53:55 PM
Jasper confirms that she has her Snare scroll.
She's never been to the Abbey. She knows it's haunted, though. She asks the members of the party who have adventured there, "What lurks in the Abbey? What happened the last time you were there?"
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 28th, 2023 2:33:28 PM
The little gnome gladly accepts a key from Olostim and says good bye to the departing wizard. He thoroughly inspects the key, looking for any writing or arcane marks. He casts Detect Magic on it and will use Spellcraft to identify any enchantments.
Snark asks the furniture folks, "So, what do I owe you for the stuff you made?"
(For expenses, please see e-mail sent last night. -DM Carla)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Monday August 28th, 2023 6:47:21 PM
When they tell him the charges for the furnishings and repairs is 160 gp, the little gnome is happy to pay them.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 67/67 AC26/ T13 / FF 22 Monday August 28th, 2023 9:16:23 PM
Isaac takes a cursory glance at the journal before handing it back. "History was never my forte better to ask someone else."
Isaac pays off his tab for the furniture but asks the delivery dwarf "I thought i put an order in. Are you sure there's nothing for me?"
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