DM RobC Sunday July 5th, 2020 10:23:00 PM
It's been 30 minutes.
You were told to be here at 9am. Well, that's what your regular contact told you. Get yourself to Lowestoft and be at Lockridge Mansion at 9am in two days time for a job that promises fortune and fame. That was all they had to say though. No other details.
Getting here was easy. The town of Lowestoft is nestled on the northern side of the Eyre peninsula between the Shelldare Mountains and the Southland Sea. You had all sorts of ways to get here.
You arrived a few hours ago just as the fishing boats were unloading their hauls to the merchants already waiting by the docks. The town had a very serene atmosphere to it. There was no squabbling or arguing or cutting ahead at the stalls. Everyone was smiling, knowing full well there was no need to rush and that there was more than enough food to go around.
You noticed the same as you made your way through the town. Everyday people going about their everyday lives, happy and carefree. The houses and shops all in perfect condition, the streets clean, no signs of any trouble whatsoever, strangers smiling to acknowledge you, and was that the barber singing as you went past? It was like something from a story book.
Finding the mansion was easy too. Lockridge Mansion is nestled atop a hill overlooking the town. From the outside it looked very elegant. Two stories tall and built with white stone bricks, large rectangle windows, and a grey shingled rooftop. The house itself is surrounded by a modest garden. Manicured grass, a few flower patches, a sandbox and a seesaw. The whole place screams "I've got gold".
It took a minute for anyone to open the large oak door. The person who answered it was a charming young housemaid. A half-elf girl with short braided red hair, brown eyes, and wearing a charcoal coloured dress - the kind you would typically see on a household maid. "Please come in"
The foyer is truly what you would expect of such a place. Dark hardwood floors, some antique side tables beside some padded leather chairs, silver candelabras, oil paintings of people you’ve never seen before. One of those fancy rugs on the floor. Everything clean and well tended.
Behind you is the exit and there are closed doors on either side of the room. At the opposite end is a large marble stairway that leads to the upper floor.
She gestures to the chairs at the edge of the room. "Mr Page will be with you shortly. Please wait here". With a nod she exits through one of the side doors, closing it behind her.
You can see that a few other people are already waiting here (OOC: The others in the party)
It’s been 30 minutes.
Zeoll | Twist: Greensinger | Cayzle Monday July 6th, 2020 11:23:05 AM
Zeoll looks around at the assembled people, and bows deeply.
"My new frriends, I am Zeoll, a grreensingerr." The word rolls around in his mouth, not just because of his accent, but as if he had never said it before.
The liontaur is in a hale middle age, with grey beginning to touch his mane. He has leather armor and a shield, a pair of packs on his hindquarters, a big quiver filled with spears on his back, and a coil of rope at his belt.
"Well met, I say, and I am glad indeed to be herre among you."
SteveM - unvetted Elron Monday July 6th, 2020 7:47:04 PM "Well, Zeoll! Fancy meetin' you here!" "Lookin' younger, too." Everyone gets the impression that the last phrase was intended only for himself, as Elron said it much less loudly, but it was still clear
A white, chicken-ish beastfolk struts up and pumps Zeoll in a vigorous handshake. "Whaddaya think of this place? You can’t go wrong in making your front entrance a good design representin' for the rest of your home. O' course, two-story foyers is nice, with view of an upper landin'. Seein' how but these are typically found in luxury homes, I ain't never got to be in one before. The widow had a nice home, but this one's high-falootin'."
After a moment of sociability, Elron returns to his gawking at the place.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday July 6th, 2020 8:49:42 PM
Honor frowns at the message. "Fortune and fame?" she says. "Why would anyone think I was interested in fortune and fame?"
The messenger doesn't know.
"But...but maybe it's a good cause?" Honor looks at the messenger with hopeful blue eyes. "Maybe there are good folk in need of help? Or evil that must be defeated?"
The messenger doesn't know.
"I mean," Honor turns her eyes back to the message, "if they wanted mercenaries, why not hire the Mailed Fist? Surely it's easier."
The messenger doesn't know. All she knows is, she delivered her message and she still hasn't received a tip.
"Oh, sorry." Honor digs out some coins. "Thank you." The messenger departs, and Honor goes back to frowning at the message. "How very odd," she says. "I suppose I should keep looking."
She puts the message aside, but it nags at her. Maybe there really are good people in need of help. Or evil to be defeated. Maybe they're just saying "fame and fortune" because they really need adventurers and they think that's the way to get them.
"Of course," Honor tells herself, "that will likely put me in a company of mercenaries and glory hounds. But maybe I could be a good example for them. Maybe, over time, they could grow to be good people. Maybe that is the good I'm expected to do."
So, she sets off a little late, but she does, eventually, set off.
Everything about Lowestoft delights her. "Good morning," she calls cheerfully to the townsfolk. "Nice day, isn't it?" Watching the fisherman for a moment, she says, "Good catch today?"
What with one thing and another, she arrives at the mansion on the late side. Maybe not actually tardy, but later than she'd intended. She steps into the foyer and looks around with wide, delighted blue eyes. She is a tall, blonde woman in chain mail, with a sword at her belt and a shield by her side.
"Good morning," she says to the group assembled there. "My name's Honor."
Asimov | Hugh | technomancer Tuesday July 7th, 2020 3:33:56 AM
Asimov still didn't know how he got to the Wold. One day he was minding his business on a colony world as a mechanic for one of the corporations, he had purposely forgotten which one and the next well he was here. Sure things were a little primitive compared to what he was used to but there was actually opportunity here. He could make something of himself without necessarily being beholden to anyone and this job with its promise of fortune and glory seemed like just that.
Plus his experience and training from his time outside the Wold combined with whatever it was about this place allowed him to do things no one around here had ever seen and hopefully as he learned more he could continue to develop his unique skillset.
As Asimov walked down the streets of Lowestoft he thought about how despite being different from where he had come from this town was decently maintained not like the town he had come from where it seemed like everything was falling apart and there wasn't enough to go around.
As He looked up at the fancy mansion and lets out a low whistle. He had never been to the planet the board was based on but he imagines that must be what all the houses were like there.
He entered the room the maid servant showed him into and sees a lion-man, a chicken-man, and an athletic looking human woman. The thing that took him the most to get used to were the people that didn't look like people. In the colonies everyone was human, well it was debatable if the members of the board were, but that had more to do with how they treated people and less to do with their appearance. Here though there were orcs, taurs, beast-folk, elves, halflings, gnomes, dwarves among others. Many were humanoid but not all were human and he was ok with that.
He nods at the assembled group and says, "Name's Asimov. I'm a tinkerer of sorts. Pleased to meet you"
Asimov is a young (17 year old) male human. He is wearing boots, wool breeches, a shirt, a hooded cloak with the hood lowered and leather armor. He has a belt that looks sturdy but also seems to contain a lot of strange looking pockets. His blonde hair is pulled back into a ponytail and a hook nose sits prominently on his face. Something dances behind his green eyes. He stands 5 foot 6 inches tall.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant (Kim) Tuesday July 7th, 2020 4:43:08 AM
Tall and fair of freckled skin, she walks easily down the streets of the welcoming town. Her twin braids show off hair a mixture of auburn and lighter red with a few dark blond highlights. Her cheekbones are high. A deep dark green dress(*) provides modest yet form-fitting cover, with florid embroidery a bit above the bottom, and echoed on each side of the bodice, itself backed with a white woolen blouse. A clean line of narrow embroidery flows from waist to the bottom design, matching the colors above and below. A metal linked belt sits at her waist and holds a pouch just in front of her left hip. A bag ties to the upper part of a 7 foot staff. Her head tops the staff by four inches. She might not be called beautiful by all, yet appears comely. What some might call a handsome woman. Perhaps formidable.
She pauses to take in the barber's song, and smiles. She listens enough to pick up the tune, and hums it for a few blocks.
She arrives at the designated appointment. She looks at the chairs the half elf girl offered. She decided to remain standing. She listened to the introductions people made.
Then she took a turn. "Good dayin, all. Zeoll - a lion man, and a singer, too. A rooster man who talks more than roooo-roo-roo, roo-rooooo. Good dayin to you. And a woman of honor. Honor is good. Important. Without honor, better to take care of pigs.
"And a tinker boy. Asimov? Glass over eyes - see better? Because eyes green? Good dayin, Asimov."
She looks about the waiting area for a few more minutes. "Oh. They call me Mundhildur Karadottir. Good dayin." ============= (*) Note - the link shows a black dress, but hers is dark green. Also, she does not have the headdress, nor is the model's face hers. Otherwise, that's a pretty fair representation
DM RobC - "Whaddaya think of this place?" Tuesday July 7th, 2020 5:30:12 AM
The party gather and start to greet each other. Elron and Zeoll go back some time, however everyone else looks to be meeting for the first time.
There doesn't appear to be much going on in this mansion. Very quiet and uneventful.
Finally you hear the faint closing of a door come from upstairs, followed by footsteps of someone going towards the stairs.
A man in quite modest attire descends the staircase, light of step and head held high. No doubt lots of practice or training are behind his moves. You can tell he is one of the servants of the house. He appears to be on the younger side of middle aged. Late 30s perhaps? As you would expect he is meticulously well groomed. His brown hair has been perfectly cut and his moustache well trimmed. The clothes he wears are much fancier than you would expect from a common servant.
When he reaches the bottom of the staircase he pauses to give a bow, bending only at the hips, before standing fully upright again "Please forgive the inordinate amount of time you have had to wait. I am Mr Gideon Page" His voice is quite deep and strong, and every word he says is pronounced very clearly. "I am the house steward and valet to the master of the house, the most honorable Marquis de Lockridge. If you would be so kind as to follow me, I will escort you to the lounge where Master Lockridge wishes to speak with you"
He doesn't appear disturbed, confused, or even curious about your very different races. In fact, it's hard to tell what he may be feeling. He is maintaining perfect composure. Gideon walks to the door to right and opens it. As it opens outwards he steps through first and stands next to it, holding the door open with one hand while gesturing into the room with the other "If you would be so kind".
The lounge is another very fine room. Two large couches covered in a supple, dark brown leather sit prominently in the middle of the room. At one end is a large fireplace (currently unlit) while at the other is an oak desk by the window. Two long bookcases filled with thick books and tomes adorn the northern wall. A set of empty glasses and a decanter of brown liquid sit on a silver platter on a table to the side of one of the couches.
There is noone else in the room as yet.
DAVE (Tanner) -- HP 10 | AC 17/16/14 | CMD 16 | F+4/R+5/W+5 Tuesday July 7th, 2020 12:22:28 PM
You see a bipedal, humanoid orchid mantis. His body is covered in a chitinous exoskeleton and ranges in color from white to fuchsia. His body is long, thin, and covered in ridges. His forearms end in serrated scythes, with a small tendril at the end for fine manipulation. His head is triangular, with a mouth made of four sets of mandibles and a pair of eyes that are orange, segmented, and unblinking.
"GREETINGS, HUMANS." His antennae twitch energetically and his head swivels as his eyes take in the room. His voice is loud and metallic, and you can tell his mandibles have to work rather hard to produce Common. "THIS ONE IS CALLED DAVE. IT IS A GOOD NAME, YES? A NORMAL, HUMAN NAME. NOT A MONSTER NAME. DAVE WISHES TO OBTAIN SHINY GOLD BITS. DAVE WELCOMES THE HUMANS INTO A TEMPORARY BAND." The mantid sits stiffly on the couch and folds its limbs into a semblance of a relaxed pose. "DAVE MAY BE APPROACHED FOR SMALL TALK."
Zeoll greets Elron warmly. "It is good to see a familiarr face. And yes, it is also good to be young again, thank you!" He agrees that the look of this place suggests fortune ahead.
When Honor arrives, Zeoll bows and smiles. "A warrior? well met, lady." He introduces himself and Elron.
Zeoll takes an immediate shine to Asimov, and engages him in a conversation about his tinkering. Is it magical? What can he do with it? How does it work? "Forrgive my curiosity," Zeoll says, "that's the cat-parrt of me talking!"
[more to come]
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday July 7th, 2020 9:42:44 PM
Honor looks around the room, intrigued. She had looked forward to the adventuring life, but she'd never dreamed it would include a giant! Or a lion-man! Or a rooster-man! Or a bug-man! It certainly was a strange group! Eagerly, she starts to get acquainted.
"It's nice to meet you, Zeoll," she says. "I don't believe I've ever met a green-singer. What is that, exactly? Oh. Yes, I suppose you could call me a warrior." She smiles. "What gave it away, the sword or the armor?"
"It's nice to meet you, Elron," she says. "Yes, this is a really nice place. Great-Grandfather's house is nice, but it's not this big!"
"It's nice to meet you, Asimov," she says. "A tinkerer! What do you tinker with?"
"And good day to you, Miss Karadottir," she says. She smiles. "You know, usually I'm the tallest girl in the room. But not today! Where are you from?"
"It's nice to meet you, Dave," she says. "Yes, Dave is a nice name. One of the knights back at the temple is named Dave. Well, Sir David, but it's basically the same. He is a good man. I'm sure you are, too."
Zeoll also bows to Mundhildur. "It is good to meet you, and may I please compliment yourr drress. Verry prretty. And it seems like all of us herre have adventurring skills. What are yourrs, if I may inquirre."
The latecomer -- a mantis person? -- has an unusual affect. Zeoll is happy to play along. "Hello Dave. I like yourr name. I am Zeoll. I am not a human. I have six limbs, like an ant, wasp, or bee. How many limbs do you have?"
"House Stewarrd Page, thank you forr yourr welcome." Once in the study, waiting for the Marquis, Zeoll looks at the books. Are they ornamental or well-read? Any interesting titles?
He converses with Honor, telling her his theory that music lies under and runs through the natural Wold, ties together in harmony, and that he is determined to find the truth of it."
Asimov | Hugh | technomancer d20+5=9 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+8=13 ; Wednesday July 8th, 2020 12:17:15 AM
Asimov nods thanks to the house steward as he enters the new room.
He then takes in the newest additions to this ragtag crew a mantis-man and a literal giantess. The giantess was ok because she is kind of a large human but the mantis-man seemed reminescent of some of the monsters they said existed on the rugged colonial planet where attempts at terraforming had gone awry. Still this one had a normal name and spoke so maybe it wasn't going to eat everyone. I mean he seems friendly enough so why not give it the benefit of the doubt. It seemed more interested in gold than food for now so maybe they had things in common.
Asimov says to Munhildur who towers over him, "Well met, my er lady. I do not require lenses at this time but some of my inventions are kind of glasses or goggles, though I havent really prepared any of those for today but perhaps if the time is appropriate I can show them to you."
Asimov approaches Dave and asks, "Hi Dave. This may be forward of me in asking but are you not from this planet either?"
Asimov says to the Lion-man, "Well I mean whether it is magical or not is debatable. I mean advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic right? It kind of functions like magic but it is kind of different. As for what I can do with it, well right now I can shoot rays of frost and orbs of acid from 2 different handheld devices or pop a capsule from a bottle that makes me slightly more resistant to peril that could effect my fortitude, reflexes or will power for a limited time. I also have an inhalent prepared that can cure light wounds and a wrist mounted rocket that hits its target unerringly but the inhalent and the rocket are things I can only do once a day each for now. You see I have this book of designs of my inventions and when I follow the schematics I can create machines that do all kind of things"
Asimov says to Honor, "It is nice to meet you too." He reaches into a pocket of his belt and pulls out some gears, wiring and other materials and holds it up. "I tinker with items such as these and produce the devices I just described to Zeoll."
To Elron he says, "Hi Elron. So how do you and Zeoll know eachother?"
When they are in the lounge after exchanging pleasantries with each being in kind Asimov makes his way over to the library and peruses the book titles.
SteveM - Elron Wednesday July 8th, 2020 12:45:49 AM
Elron happily struts into the room that Mr. Gideon Page has shown them, taking in his companions... Zeoll, two human women, an egghead -- he recognizes that type -- and... His eyes widen. Nevermind that the mantid is big, something about him is just so appealing.
"Dave, you say? What's a tays -- a talented young bug like you doin' here?"
DM RobC - "It's nice to meet you, Dave" Wednesday July 8th, 2020 4:17:44 AM
The party enjoy a little more chit-chat and get-to-know-you's.
Zeoll and Asimov take an interest in the bookcases. They look very well organised. The one on the left has some very interesting books (if you're into these). They are all non-fiction titles and in practically pristine condition. A mixture of historical, geographical and educational books. They are all quite thick books too. Some have the title written in gold inlay, some are written by Lord something or Duchess something-else, some are just covered in red leather. He might not be from around these parts, but Asimov knows that things as nice as these usually aren't cheap. This is quite a valuable collection. Several thousand gold perhaps?
The bookshelf on the right might be more interesting. Books on herbology, witchcraft, magical rituals, religion, and medicine. These ones all have creases in the spines and you can see some of the pages are a little dog-eared even without opening the books. Some of the titles you can't make out - either through wear or because they are written in very foreign languages. Some of these books are no doubt very old.
When all are in the room Gideon closes the door behind him and walks to the desk. He slides open the top drawer and takes out a 6in crystal cube which he carefully places on the center of the desk. It looks perfectly clear and well formed. Gideon touches the top of the cube in what looks like some sort of order, as if pushing a combination of invisible buttons. The cube takes on a gray opaque color and Gideon steps back from the desk and stands at attention.
"Master Lockridge. The interested parties have arrived and are present"
"Thankyou Gideon" A warm, male voice emanates from the cube. It is loud enough to be heard clearly throughout the room. The cube pulses with light with each syllable. "Now then. I apologise for not being there in person, however unavoidable matters have drawn me elsewhere. But to business. I wish to employ you. All of you. There are things that must be done. Things that are important to me.."
That is as far as he gets before the door opens just a little. "Dad?" A young girl, no more than 6 years old, pokes her head into the room. Her voice is quiet and quite high pitched. What you would expect from a child anyway. She is wearing a plain white nightgown and has her long, auburn hair tied back in a ponytail. She looks quite thin and pale, and her eyes are so wide they almost seem too big for her head. Then again, she has just walked in on a meeting with quite a menagerie of races.
The half-elf maid from earlier gently pulls her away from the door, then looks in herself "I'm sorry Mr Page. She got away from me there. We'll leave you in peace". The young girl seems hesitant to go anywhere.
The voice from the cube speaks up "It's ok, Dani. Daddy is just talking with these nice people. You go along with Mrs Reyna now, ok? I won't be long. Oh, and I've found a nice new doll for you. If you're a good girl you can have her when I come home."
The girl smiles and seems resigned to the fact that she will be going. "Love you dad"
"I love you too, poppet. Off you go now"
The door closes as the girl is escorted away from the meeting.
The cube-voice waits a moment before speaking again "Gideon. Would you mind..."
"Already on it, sir" Gideon marches swiftly to the door and locks it, before standing beside it at attention "Apologies sir. I thought I locked it behind me"
"That's fine, Gideon, but please be more careful in the future"
"Of course, sir. It won't happen again"
There is quite a pause now. You can almost hear the sigh from Lockridge. "I suppose that might make things easier to explain though. My daughter, Daniella, is ... well ... she is not well. The prognosis is not good. I have sought advice from the best healers the Wold has to offer. None have any idea what ails her or how to treat it. All agree though. She is not long for this world. My daughter... Dani... She... BY THE GODS WHAT GOOD IS WEALTH IF YOU CAN'T..." Even though he is not present, you can feel he is struggling. He takes a deep breath to compose himself "I'm not prepared to lose her. Where healers have failed I hope others will succeed. I have traveled to every corner of the Wold trying to find a cure. I have spoken with mystics, witches, druids, any who might offer hope. Piece by piece I think I am getting there, but I am only one man. I need help. That is where you all come in. I wish to employ you to help me save her"
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday July 8th, 2020 7:57:56 PM Good folk in need of help.
Honor smiles. This is what she was hoping for. She is sure this Master Lockridge is a good person, but even if he turns out not to be, his daughter is an innocent child. She deserves all the help Honor can give her.
Privately, and without showing his thoughts, Zeoll considers that the child's appearance seems ... planned? And the father's response ... scripted?
Sense Motive: 5. Probably Zeoll is way off base here, he thinks.
"Marrquis de Lockrridge, the quest to heal a child is a noble and worrthy endeavorr. I would be prroud to embarrk on such a mission. But you seem to have something in mind. Please, tell us morre."
Asimov | Hugh | technomancer Wednesday July 8th, 2020 11:15:55 PM
Asimov says, "I'm no healer, though I can make a device that will heal minor wounds, but it seems you've already consulted healers and judging by the texts, read up on your problem. You figured out that whatever you need to help your daughter an adventuring party would be a better fit to obtain it as it potentially involves rough trade of sorts? Well if it is within my power I will do what I can to help her."
SteveM - Elron Wednesday July 8th, 2020 11:26:50 PM "Cute kid ya got there. I can see why you'd move heaven to help her. But I ain't no doctor, so you're gonna have to clue me in here. What can I do?" Elron speaks more loudly than seems necessary, but then he's talking to someone in a box.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant (Kim) Thursday July 9th, 2020 2:46:20 AM
"I am of the Jotunnar," she answers Zeoll, returning his bow and compliment with a tilt of her head. "Kin of sorts to giants, I am, and kith to many as well," she smiles. "Closer to the giants of storm you may have heard of is my clan. Skills? Oh, a few. I can hit a wolf square in the head with this staff. I make rocks fly swiftly through the air. I can sing rock badger cubs to sleep. I will not boast overmuch of what else I can do. At least for now."
"Woman of honor," she replies to Honor Bright, "I am of Clan Stormur og Sky og Vindur Morguns. We are from mountains a little way off."
When Asimov speaks to her, she says, "That would be well," in response to the notion of showing his inventions of glasses. "Your hair is well in back," she says in admiration for his ponytail. "You must grow it longer still, as a young warrior."
She stiffens as the orchid mantis speaks. Finally she cannot help it. "Do you eat crickets?" she asks DAVE.
Then Gideon manipulates the cube. And a voice comes forth from it. Then the interplay between young daughter and her father's voice ensues. This is all very curious. She thinks of her own father.
The voice of Lockridge tells the story. "An honorable deed," declares Mundhildur. "Help a father save his daughter. I will do this." She lifts the seven-foot-long staff, and strikes the floor. Not with her might, but with a slight emphasis, to mark her purpose. "What must we do?"
DM RobC - "Good folk in need of help." Thursday July 9th, 2020 6:20:20 AM
One by one the party agree to assist.
Gideon smiles a polite smile (wouldn't be proper to flash his teeth and all) and even puffs his chest out a little. He is in the presence of not just heroes, but those who will save the daughter of the master.
You can hear the relief in Lockridge's voice "Thankyou. Thankyou. Bless you. This is the best news I've had in a long time. And please. None of that Marquis nonsense. You may call me Horatio. You are to be my daughter's saviors after all."
"Gideon. Please fill some glasses for our champions"
Gideon gives a nod to the box and steps to the glasses and decanter. He gestures to each of you in turn, starting with Mundhildur and then Honor "Miss? May I pour you some hymvaren?" before gesturing to the males... and whatever Dave is.
Lockridge speaks up "Properly known as Hymvaren's Luck. That particular one is from the third age I'm told. I managed to salvage a couple of bottles from a ship that had sunk in the Lotophagi ocean. Quite rare and something I only bring out for special occasions. If ever there was a time to wish us luck, it would be now"
Any who partake find the liquor cool, despite having been sitting at room temperature. It is very smooth and easy to drink and doesn't really taste alcoholic at all. After a moment though it hits you. This drink is STRONG. If you drink...Highlight to display spoiler: {Fort Save vs DC10 to avoid coughing loudly as your throat struggles with the alcohol. Pass or fail, you do feel luckier, and gain a +1 luck bonus on d20 rolls for the next hour}
"Now then. I procured an old manuscript that was found in a collapsed lava tube in the Scab. Domi knows how long it had been buried. It was written in an archaic form of undercommon and described a method of creating a salve that was supposed to cure a wide range of illnesses. The ingredients are very particular and based on what I know of the locations, they may be challenging to acquire."
"Gideon. Would you be so kind as to present them the list?"
Gideon gives a nod to the box. "Of course, sir" Evidently not everyone gets to call him Horatio. Gideon walks back to the desk and takes out a paper envelope and hands it to Mundhildur. Inside is a simple slip of paper with the following written in perfect cursive: "Moss from the northern side of the Elder Tree in the Highland Forest Purple Mushrooms from the Stokequet Marsh Berries from the Silverberry Vine in Fowlsfield Keep"
Lockridge continues "I need you to find those things for me. In return I will use what resources I can to assist you. I will set you up with a house in the town and you will have access to the best food and drink at the tavern. Any equipment you need from the town you will have, including horses or a boat. You may tell the owners that you are representing me and I will pay whatever costs are incurred. Anything not available in the town I will do my best to find and supply you with. Whatever it takes to save Daniella you will have. If.. no.. WHEN she is cured you can name your reward. Anything I own can be yours."
------------------- OOC: In terms of equipment: anything non-magical and valued at less than 50gp from Core is available to you for free from the shops in town. There are obviously limits in terms of quantity though. This isn't the catacombs. This is a seaside town.
"You arre indeed grracious, Horratio. As for this old taurr, I accept yourr offerr, but only forr such items as will aid ourr mission. Let the rrewards come afterr we have gatherred the ingrredients."
After that, retiring to meditate and pray, Zeoll casts Guidance repeatedly as he thinks deeply about the plants and places on Marquis's list, each in turn.
Know Nature: Elder Tree and Moss = 9 [OOC: Left off the +1 from Guidance] Know Geography: Highland Forest = 11 Know Nature: Purple Mushrooms = 12 Know Geography: Stokequet Marsh = 20 Know Nature: Silverberry Vine = 19 Know Geography: Fowlsfield Keep = 8
"I've been arround this old Wold a time orr two, and I've forrgotten morre than I know. Maybe my semile brrain has turrned up a few bits of lorre to help us." He shares what he knows with his new friends.
By the way, Zeoll does not look all that old. Middle-aged at the eldest. But he talks like someone who is older.
SteveM - Elron d20+4=7 ; Thursday July 9th, 2020 8:16:39 PM
Elron accepts the drink offered by Gideon with a don't mind if I do and takes a bit more than a discreet sip. Almost immediately, he erupts with spasms of coughing and choking. "Good stuff", he gasps when he's done, in a subdued voice.
The rest of the drink disappears, but he's genteel about it. "It ain't no mint julep, but you really ought to try it."
Although Elron listens to the instructions, he has no idea what they mean. He could recognize moss, and assumes a silverberry vine has berries that are silver, but the places mean nothing to him. He's confident the rest of the group has that covered. "Fowlsfield Keep, eh? Sounds like my kinda place."
Honor Bright (Kathy) d20+4=5 ; Thursday July 9th, 2020 9:18:47 PM
Honor accepts a glass and takes a tentative sip. Immediately she is red-faced and coughing. It's all she can do to keep from spitting the stuff back up.
"Um...my apologies. I wasn't expecting that." Carefully, she sets the glass aside and does not drink from it again. [Nat 1 on the save, so...yeah.]
Still coughing lightly, she turns her attention to the items on Horatio's list. "I'm not a green-singer like Zeoll," she says, "but even I know that the things we harvest eventually go bad. Mushrooms in particular don't last long at all. Maybe we should get those last?"
Happy to try this ancient drink, the Jotun lass accepts. She first takes a small sip, and savors it. She then goes at it with gusto. When Honor sets hers aside, she asks, "May I?" If the woman warrior does not object, she downs the extra cup.
Mundhildur accepts the envelope, looks inside and finds the note. She reads aloud the list. At one point she asks, "How do you say this word? Stoak - kwet? Sto-kee - kwet? Stok-uh-kwet? Sto-kwet?" Once Gideon or Lockridge helps her with that, she continues on to the end. She hands the paper to Honor Bright once she stops coughing.
"Berries, also, may not last long. If we pack the items with care and soft things, then that can help preserve for a time. In a cool underground cavern, mushrooms, berries, other such can last for months, even longer at times."
At mention of a house in town, she said, "A house would be good. With high ceilings."
She looks around, then asks Horatio, Marquis de Lockridge, "Can someone give us directions to these places? And is there more to know before we go?"
========== Fort Save: 20/10 - succeed Hymvaren's Luck - +1 luck bonus on d20 rolls for next hour
Asimov | Hugh | technomancer d20+4=8 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=11 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+9=13 ; Friday July 10th, 2020 12:16:51 AM
Fort Save: 8
Asimov takes the proferred drink and he sputters as it is all he can do to keep it down.
"Smooth..." he gets out.
Asimov says, "I'm no farmhand or anything but if we get horses maybe we should get something like a cart or wagon to accompany them." He suggests to his new companions.
He says to Horatio, "You mention the ingredients may be hard to procure based on what you know of the locations, care to share what that is? Also I can't help but notice you have quite the nice collection of books over there and some of them are historical and geographical in nature. Might I consult your library in preparation for our venture? I admit though I might need to peruse your books for several hours but perhaps I'll learn something that can help us."
(OOC: Per rules w/ access to a library you may make knowledge checks untrained for DCs higher than 10 with 1d4 hour of study; some libraries may provide circumstantial bonus to the checks; I leave that determination to the kindly DM should the Marquis grant this request)
While he is waiting for the permission of the Marquis to use the man's property he thinks back to if any of these locations or items he's heard of from an arcana perspective.
Know Arcana : anything magical related to Eldertree Moss - 13 (forgot my modifier is +9 w/ drink not +5) Know Arcana : anything magical related to Highland Forest - 19 (forgot my modifier is +9 w/ drink not +5) Know Arcana : anything magical related to Purple Mushrooms - 16 (forgot my modifier is +9 w/ drink not +5) Know Arcana : anything magical related to Stokequet Marsh - 25 (forgot my modifier is +9 w/ drink not +5) Know Arcana : anything magical related to Silverberry Vine = 29 (remembered the correct modifier) Know Arcana : anything magical related to Fowlsfield Keep = 13 (remembered the correct modifier)
Active effects: Hymvaren's Luck - +1 luck bonus on d20 rolls for next hour
DAVE (Tanner) -- HP 10 | AC 17/16/14 | CMD 16 | F+4/R+5/W+5 d20+4=20 ; Friday July 10th, 2020 3:11:19 AM
DAVE's antennae twitch vigorously in response to Honor's comment. "MANY THANKS! DAVE IS INDEED VERY GOOD -- GOOD AT OBTAINING FOOD, PROTECTING THE NEST, AND FERTILIZING EGGS. ALL DESIRABLE TRAITS IN A BROOD PARTNER. DAVE IS FAMILIAR WITH HUMAN SMALL TALK, AND KNOWS THAT HONOR IS NOT ATTEMPTING TO INITIATE MATING. SUCH AN ACTION WOULD DEVASTATE HONOR'S REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS."
DAVE turns his head questioningly to Zeoll. "DAVE PRESENTLY HAS FOUR LIMBS, BUT HAS LOST SEVEN PREVIOUS LIMBS IN MATING, DUELING, AND HUNTING. HOWEVER, DAVE HAS TAKEN SIXTEEN LIMBS! DAVE UNDERSTANDS HUMAN LIMBS DO NOT REGROW, YES? IS THIS DIFFERENT FOR CAT-HUMANS?"
DAVE answers Asimov. "DAVE IS FROM THIS PLANET. DAVE DOES NOT KNOW WHERE MANTIDS WERE FIRST HATCHED. IT IS A DEEP AND DISTURBING QUESTION, WHOSE ANSWER IS LOST IN THE DIM MISTS OF TIME. EXCELLENT SMALLTALK!"
DAVE turns to answer Elron, but in an instant the mantid is standing on the sofa, his arms held in preparation to strike and his mandibles clattering aggressively. "SKREEEEEE!!" After a moment, he calms and climbs down off the furniture. "PLEASE FORGIVE DAVE. ELRON IS A BIRD-HUMAN, NOT A BIRD. THE RESEMBLANCE IS JARRING. DAVE SEEKS SHINY METAL BITS TO TRADE FOR FOOD AND HEAT. HUMANS GIVE SHINY METAL BITS FOR DAVE TO HUNT. WHY DOES ELRON COME HERE?"
DAVE watched the child intrude into the meeting and exchange words with Master Lockridge. DAVE was familiar with the human habit of extended egg-bonding. They spent years caring for their hatchlings! Err, 'babies'. How terribly inefficient. Especially with one that is sick or wounded. Why doesn't Master Lockridge consume his progeny for energy to produce more? Answers would require further study.
DAVE accepts the drink, lapping the liquor with his third set of mandibles. He seems unfazed. (Fortitude save 20)
After listening to the the proposal, he nods in agreement to questions regarding specifics of their journey.
DM RobC - "Smooth..." Friday July 10th, 2020 4:48:01 AM
Turns out the drink is quite strong. Almost all who try it start coughing. Only Mundhildur has the fortitude to withstand it's effect.
True heroes that they are, the party are content to deal with any sort of reward once the job is done. First thing first. There's a little girl to save!
Zeoll considers leaving to go meditate on topic, but with everyone else staying and asking more questions it might be rude to leave? His mind is still free to think about the mission at hand however.
Horratio listens patiently while the party ask their questions and make plans. He does his best to answer them in turn.
Elron's quip about the Keep is the first he addresses. "Fowlsfield Keep. Yes, though perhaps FOULSfield keep may better suit it nowadays. If memory serves, I think it acquired its name due to being nestled in the middle of farmland. It has been long deserted now though and fallen quite into disrepair. You hear rumours of course, but they vary. Some say bandits have set up camp there, some say the spirits of soldiers who once called it home. All I can say is that many have gone missing in its surrounds."
There are concerns about the longevity of some of these ingredients. How quickly will they spoil? The mushrooms and berries are of most concern.
"The instructions for the salve did not specify how fresh the ingredients needed to be. There are other ingredients to add to the mix, mind you, but they are all easily acquired. Oils and herbs and such. With it all being ground together I can't imagine that the freshness would matter. It's not going to be eaten."
"The pronunciation for the marsh is interesting. Stoke-kwet is most commonly used. I think it may have been known as Stoke Quiet originally, which has led to both the unusual spelling and pronunciation we have today"
Asimov then has questions about the locations
"Oh the locations are known well enough. They are all to the north-west of here. It would seem the original creator of the salve may have traveled here, so had access to them all for experimentation.
The difficulty in procuring them may be less geographical and more.. hazardous in nature. So many people have gone missing in each of those places that they are generally avoided. The rumours of the keep I have just told you. The marsh is supposedly inhabited by witches who practice dark arts. Not the kind to be taken lightly. The forest itself is lovely. We've spent many a happy summers walking through it or having a picnic on the edge. It's around the Elder Tree though that it isn't entirely safe. There have been all sorts of reports for what lurks there. Some say it is the home of some unspeakable horror. One man swore he saw a demon there.
So you see while the places are easy to travel to, they may not be entirely safe to do so. Gideon, the map please"
Gideon retrieves a large piece of rolled up paper from the desk and hands it to Honor. It is a map of the local area with the locations clearly indicated on it. The map is in color and on paper - not parchment. Nothing but the best in this household. Highlight to display spoiler: {OOC: Am I proud of this map? Yes. Yes I am :) You can even zoom in a little}
Mundhildur puts in a request for the house.
"Of course. The house I have made available to you is at the bottom of the hill, and by the houses of the good people of the town. Two stories, eight bedrooms and private stabling behind. It is furnished and I had the larder stocked in anticipation you would accept the cause. If there is anything missing or that needs to be adjusted, please let me know"
Asimov and Zeoll both come to the same conclusion about the marsh: a ley line runs right through it. With that in mind, Asimov suspects that it could have some influence on the mushrooms there. Perhaps it makes them special in some way? Could that be why they are a necessary ingredient?
Asimov does recall reading a book during his study that comes to mind. The good news is that he can't remember anything 'magical' about the forest. Unless you consider nature to be magical, in which case it is as magical as any other non-Culverwood forest. As for silverberries, although they are very rare they do grow in other places in the Wold. Why the ones from the keep are so special you aren't sure.
"Of course you can have full access to the library. Study as much as you like. Whatever will help you succeed. However I do have one small condition. A request if you will." Horatio's voice becomes a little more serious in tone "Daniella has good days and bad days. Today was a good day. She was able to walk and to speak. On the bad days I pray that she lives to see another. She knows she is ill, but she does not know the prognosis. I want her to be happy and to believe everything will be ok. You are not to let her know she is dying. That is a conversation I will have with her only when hope has gone. It's a conversation I pray never to have."
There is silence for a moment before he continues "So then. Is there anything else you need?"
A tear forms and falls from Mundhildur's eye as she hears the father's plea. "We promise, Horatio father of Daniella." She is choked up for a moment.
After regaining her composure, she says, "Those who wish to read and study here may do so. Who will come with me, look at the house, and begin to gather provisions for our journey? And, let us set a time to meet again. Shall we gather for evening eating?"
SteveM - Elron Friday July 10th, 2020 3:59:16 PM
Elron isn't interested in reading, but he does like looking at maps. He hops up from his seat to take a gander. After not much more than a brief glance at this one, he says, "Bandits, shmandits -- Looks, I say, looks to me like we ought to take the road straight to Fowlsfield Keep and follow it back around past th'othah spots. At least that'd mean the least amount of time travellin' with th'ingredients if we're worried 'bout 'em bein' fresh."
"Munhilduh,", he says, the mispronunciation due to his accent and not intending any insult, "I would be dee-lited to accompany you to see the house."
But then another thought occurs to him, "Mistah Horatio, how long have you lived here in Lowestoft?"
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday July 10th, 2020 11:35:24 PM
Honor looks at the map, then hands it to Asimov. The clever people should probably be in charge of it.
"It looks like the Elder Tree will be our first stop," she says. "Um...Horatio, you mentioned that you had been to the Highland Forest before. There aren't any roads or trails in the forest marked on the map. Do you know of any?"
As Elron and Mundhildur get ready to head for the house, Honor looks at her other companions. "I'm not terribly clever," she says, "but I could probably help with research."
Zeoll suggests that since this is a ley line, we need a witch to suss it out.
"Maybe we can find one in town orr nearr by."
Asimov | Hugh | technomancer d4=1 ; d20+4=18 ; d4=1 ; d20+4=15 ; d4=3 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=6 ; d4=3 ; Saturday July 11th, 2020 3:56:44 AM
To Horatio he says, "I will not tell your daughter. I do have one last question. May I come back to peruse your library each day until we leave? It may take a while for me to work through fields I am not practiced in"
Asimov says, "Thank you my dear." as Honor hands him the map. He looks at it briefly and says to everyone, "We could start at the Elder tree and work our way out or we could go to the keep and work our way in. Does anyone know if that path that leads into the Shelldare mountains from here has a twin on the other side? If we can't cut through the mountains to get to or from the keep we might as well start at the Elder tree after all."
He then starts looking at Horatio's book collection. Coming back with a small stack of books related to geography, history and herbology.
1 hour: Know [Geography] - 18; Does the path that leads to the Shelldare mountains from Lowestoft have a corresponding exit on the otherside; ie is there a passage; cave system, trail, w/e that leads through the mountains without requiring some sort of difficult clime 1 hour: Know [Nature]: Things concerning the Elder tree and its moss - 15
3 hours: Know [Geography]: Things concerning the Highland Forest - 22
Asimov gets lost in the books and before long 8 hours have past. He heads to meet the others at the house to share what he's discovered if anything.
DM RobC - "I would be dee-lited to accompany you to see the house" Monday July 13th, 2020 3:53:13 AM
Horatio addresses the remaining questions, starting with Elron: "I was raised here in fact. This house has been in my family for at least three generations. If you're after a specific number of years, well, let's just say I'm no spring chicken". You'd place him over well over thirty years old, possibly into his forties.
Honor's question is answered more accurately however. "The forest? Well, the road to the west passes alongside the forest but there aren't any such roads within it. You might find a trail or two towards the outer edges but nothing that ventures far inside. For the most part it is how nature created it."
He has an offer for Asimov"Of course, sir. If it would aid you though, you are free to borrow whichever books you think would be of use to you. I only ask that you try to return them in the same condition" He is trusting you with some very expensive books after all.
With the questions asked and answered, Horatio has one final thing to say. "I'm afraid I didn't catch your names. I can't very well continue to refer to you simply as 'heroes'. Gideon, please take a note of the names of our champions and see to it that the others in town know that they represent me."
"If there is nothing else then I won't keep you. May the Gods watch over you and you return successful."
The cube returns to its clear appearance. Gideon picks it up and places it back in the desk. He picks up a small book and a quill from inside the desk and looks to the party. Despite hearing you refer to each other by name he doesn't presume anything "If it pleases you, what names shall I note?" He stands ready to write down whatever name each person wishes to go by.
Assuming that all goes well, Gideon closes the book and tucks it under his arm, while Asimov selects a small pile of books to take with him.
The party are led by Gideon from the mansion and down the hill towards the town. It is mid-morning now although getting closer to lunch.
He walks quite briskly towards the first house at the bottom of the hill. All of the houses on the street are of sturdy, wooden construction and many have gardens with picket fences. The one you are approaching though clearly dwarfs them in terms of size. Two stories tall, painted a dark-burgundy color, and with many square windows that look out to the street.
Gideon approaches and opens the door to let you inside. The furnishings aren't anywhere near as glamorous as those of the mansion, but they are clearly better than any commoner would have. The bottom level features a kitchen, larder, dining room, lounge and two bedrooms. The upper floor features the other six bedrooms. There is an exit at the rear that leads to a private stable.
"I'll leave you here to unpack and settle in. I'll venture in town and let them know to expect to see you about" Gideon gives a bow from the hips and leaves you be.
Asimov has hours of study planned. The books have been very well indexed. He is confident that finding the relevant sections will be much easier than he expected (OOC: Let's assume 1hr study per check).
In the two hours before lunch he learns a few things: - There is a path that leads from Lowestoft to the Shelldare Mountains. Specifically it leads to the iron ore mine. There are no documented exits from the mine on the other side of the mountain range. (Highlight to display spoiler: {Your Knowl Geography}) - The Elder Tree is so named as it is believed to be the oldest tree in the Highland Forest. It is said to have been carried as a sapling from the Culverwood and planted here in the distant past by a druid. Of course, no-one can corroborate that story. The tree is massive in size - some 300ft tall - and sits in a clearing of its own. It truly is an ancient tree. There is nothing in any of the books that connects the tree with moss of any kind. (Highlight to display spoiler: {Your Knowl Nature and History checks}) - You don't find anything significant about the Highland Forest. (Highlight to display spoiler: {Your Knowl Geo check})
That brings us to noon. The town has all of the stores, shops and stalls one would expect and, of course, a tavern: "The Happy Boar"
*Updated to reflect the knowl checks
SteveM - Elron Monday July 13th, 2020 7:29:57 PM
When asked for his name, Elron says, "I'm Elron. Elron of Herringbone, or some such, but just Elron is fine."
As they walk to the house, Elron sizes up Gideon. Seems a bit square. Perfect for his job. "Gideon, are the accommodations you're showin' us furnished for someone of my particular physique? I've noticed a tendency for humans and humanoids to sleep on soft platforms, and that jus' won't do." Elron describes the item he wants -- "Real easy to make from a two or three inch wide stick, four feet long, and a couple of other sticks or boards about a foot and a half long -- attach 'em to the ends of the long stick like so. He gestures until Gideon understands or says he does.
After Gideon leaves, Elron -- with his the eggheads will take care of the logistics attitude -- moseys around the place, poking his head hear and there. Nice place. But he's a chicken of action, and there isn't any here.
"Who wants to go get some lunch with me? We can talk about the coincidence that Mr. Lockridge has searched the world to find help for his little girl only to learn everythin' he needs is right where he grew up. Stranger things have happened."
Honor Bright (Kathy) d20+1=20 ; d20+1=21 ; d20+1=11 ; d20+1=19 ; Monday July 13th, 2020 8:32:25 PM
Asked for her name, Honor replies, "Honor Faith Constance Bright." She smiles. "I know that's a mouthful. I'm Honor to my friends."
She does her best to help Asimov with his research, fetching books, returning books, looking up specific items under his guidance. For a wonder, her help is actually helpful.
[Aid Another: successful for all 4 checks to help Asimov.]
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC16, 10hp | Cayzle d20+7=26 ; d20+3=11 ; d20+8=23 ; Monday July 13th, 2020 10:20:39 PM
"I am Zeoll," says the liontaur. For a moment he looks like he is about to launch into a long recitation of titles, claims, and affiliations. But in the end, all that escapes him is a small sigh and a simple title: "Zeoll the Grreensingerr."
Outside, Zeoll tries to place himself and this small place in the context of the larger Wold. One of the little kingdoms of the Windbourne Hills? Somewhere on the coast of the Gateway Downs? He says a prayer and tries to get a hint from the climate and flora.
Know Nature 26 Know Geography 11
In the town, Zeoll visits the tavern and several shops. He picks up several small purchases on the marquis's dime, both to outfit himself and to have a chance to chat with the locals (see below). He tries to learn what he can about the aristo's daughter, as well as the places to which the group is headed.
Diplomacy (Gather Info): 23
He returns afterward and shares all he discovers with his new friends -- over lunch with Elron.
[OOC: Purchases: dagger, waterskin, travel rations, silk rope, hammer, small box of 10 tindertwigs, paper, ink, and quill, sheet updated]
Asimov | Hugh | technomancer Monday July 13th, 2020 11:20:53 PM
Asimov says to Horatio, "Thank you for your kind offer. I will take you up on it and borrow a selection with respect to what I'm looking for. In the interest of not having anything happen to your books can I entrust the ones I borrow to Gideon when we leave?"
Asimov smiles at Gideon and says, "I have only one name and that is Asimov."
After several hours of study he joins the others for lunch with plans to continue studying into the afternoon afterwards. At the pub he shares what he knows, orders a sandwich and a pint and repeats his original suggestion, "If we are to have horses lets take a cart as well. Horatio said we could purchase certain items on him to outfit ourselves for this expedition and a cart is within the parameters specified. A cart is a bargain at 35 gold pieces."
DAVE (Tanner) -- HP 10 | AC 17/16/14 | CMD 16 | F+4/R+5/W+5 Monday July 13th, 2020 11:55:36 PM
DAVE is happy to join a hunting band with the promise of many shiny metal bits. Such meat he would trade for the shiny bits! And the promise of food before they leave... "DAVE WILL CONSUME MEAT BEFORE THE JOURNEY TO GATHER ENERGY. THE HUMANS APPEAR TO HAVE GOOD BRAINS. DAVE WILL FOLLOW THEIR PATH."
The mantid walks over to the door leading out of the parlor, faces the wall, and stands perfectly still. His antennae twitch randomly. "DAVE IS READY." he announces to the wall.
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