Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 16 Touch 12 FF14 HP 30/32 Monday March 8th, 2021 5:33:32 PM
"No zappers, good. Ah, cutlery! I can polish it up, could be handy." Mundhi takes a moment to justify her actions, though the thought had not occurred to her earlier. "If this place were conventionally inhabited, I would not take it. But, aside from bugs and molds and bats and such, and the sadly deceased dwarfs, and two fresh prisoners - well, that is not what I call conventionally inhabited."
"So, wine, produced by silver berries. And with these drawings, we know better what they look like. Now, the sweet youngin does not grow better as we are out in search of healing for her. Shall we search further, hoping to find some living berries? Or, do we take this wine, and the other ingredients, and see if the nobleman can fashion what he needs to for her?" she asks her friends.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Monday March 8th, 2021 5:52:06 PM "I say we climb up to th' roof and see if we can see where there might've some silverberry vinyards when this place was inhabited. 'Lessen I misunderstand these things, you need a sizeable source o' fruit to make a wine business."
"An' if we don't see nothin', we can see if the wine's good enough for th' little girl."
Zeoll | SteveM sub for Cayzle Monday March 8th, 2021 11:00:52 PM
"Perrhaps tomorrrow I can preparre a detect animals and plants and walk around outside the keep. Forr now, let's see if we find anything else."
Asimov | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 29/29 d20+8=16 ; d20+8=11 ; Tuesday March 9th, 2021 1:05:44 AM
Asimov says, "well we have the wine and we have the solo desicated berry and we have some bottles of wine and a better depiction of the silver berry."
"None of my devices will help with this but maybe the Silver Sav bottles have jogged my memories at least when it comes to geography or history"
(Know[history]: 16 - anything relevant about winery that produced Silver Sav) (Know[geography]: 11 - could the producer of the vintage be close?)
The Twins(Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Tuesday March 9th, 2021 8:18:08 AM
The twins eye the bottle with interest. "We came here for that." "We were expecting oak barrels though." "Is the seal still intact?"
Honor Bright [AC 19; HP 24/24] (Kathy) Tuesday March 9th, 2021 12:56:39 PM
"Whether the wine will work or not, it looks like it's the best we can do," Honor says. "I wonder what happened to the rest of the vines and berries?"
DM Kathy Tuesday March 9th, 2021 2:47:18 PM Mundhildur packs the cutlery away.
The Twins mention that the wine is what they came here for. Indeed, it is a rare vintage and each bottle will probably fetch a good price.
Of course, some of it may need to be used to formulate the cure, because you are beginning to suspect that there are no actual berries to be had.
At Elron's suggestion, you ascend to the top of the tower again and look for where the keep once grew its berries. You do find something that might have once been a vineyard. When you investigate, you discover that it is overgrown with weeds. Mundhildur and Zeoll, examining the area, realize the the local fauna seem to think the berries and vines are (or rather were) quite delicious. All you can find of the former vines are a few roots. Some of them do still have a quick, so it's possible they can be coaxed to grow into new vines, but that process will take a year at least.
Azimov gives it some thought, but you can't recall anything about this vintage.
Honor suggests that the wine may be the best you can do here, and it's starting to look like she is right. You've examined the rest of the keep, and there's just nothing else here. Maybe the wine will be enough. You have to hope it will.
Zeoll | SteveM sub for Cayzle Tuesday March 9th, 2021 7:08:26 PM
Zeoll carefully gathers the roots and stubs left of the plants, thinking that if the bottles are not of use their patron might be able to find a way to use them.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Tuesday March 9th, 2021 10:02:30 PM
Elron says, "Ya know, it's that time of year when blackberries is red 'cause they're still green." Maybe Asimov's food fixer thingy can help, too.
Asimov | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 29/29 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 4:37:07 AM
Asimov says, "I don't know if the food detoxifier will help or not. It functions like the spell purify food and drink so if the sole dissicated berry we found counts as food it would remove toxins from it. Maybe the combination of the purified berry and the wine would be enough to concoct a cure?"
The Twins(Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Wednesday March 10th, 2021 8:40:49 AM
The Twins ask for an explination on why the party needs the berries, either having not been told or wanting a reminder, and upon getting one concede the wine. "Saving a life is more important then profit." "Yes, you're purpose is nobler then ours."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 16 Touch 12 FF14 HP 30/32 Wednesday March 10th, 2021 11:32:00 AM
"Very well," says Mundhi. "Let's go back."
She empties the iron pot of burning sticks and coals in some safe place. Seems there was some water about the place. She'll cool it down, then pack it and the rest of her gear with her mule. "Ready?" she asks.
Honor Bright [AC 19; HP 24/24] (Kathy) Wednesday March 10th, 2021 1:11:52 PM
"Yes, let's go back," Honor says. "Hopefully this will be enough."
DM Kathy Wednesday March 10th, 2021 3:48:23 PM
You have completed your exploration of the keep. The wine is all you have to bring back, and you hope it will be enough. You set out for your return journey to Lockridge Mansion.
Of course, you are not entirely empty-handed. You found a fair amount of loot during your exploration. To recap:
In the courtyard, you found three potions of Cure Light Wounds, which were handed to Honor, Zeoll, and Mundhildur. There was also a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds, which was given to Elron. You also found 42 gp in coins; it's not clear who's carrying it. There were also thieves' tools and 50 feet of silk rope.
In the spider tower, you found a Masterwork short sword, which the Twins have, and a Wand of Cure Light Wounds with 19 charges remaining. Asimov currently has that.
The dead dwarf (who appears to have committed suicide) had a light hammer with the symbol of Domi on it. It's not clear whether somebody took it or whether you buried him with it. It could be worth up to 200 gp to the right collector.
You found a +1 double chicken saber, which Elron has. In the same room you found some Masterwork stonemasonry tools, about 62 gp in coins and a single ruby, worth about 300 gp. It's not clear who has all that.
You found the book of Dwarven hymns to Domi, which Honor is currently carrying. It could be worth up to 300 gp to the right collector. There is also a scroll of Spiritual Weapon inside, which none of the party can use.
In the armory, you found 10 +1 flaming bolts and a +1 frost dagger. Elron took the dagger. Honor would have snagged the bolts if nobody else did. [Nobody specifically said they took them at the time.]
One of the dead dwarves in the prison area had on a Ring of Sustenance. Asimov is the one who discovered it, so we'll assume he has it.
In the room with the wine, you also found some cutlery, which Mundhildur put in her bag. Most of it is unremarkable, even when polished up, but there is a Sustaining Spoon and a +1 Merciful knife mixed in with them.
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC15, 16/16hp | Cayzle Wednesday March 10th, 2021 4:23:57 PM
Zeoll sighs when it is clear that this portion of the quest is only partly achieved. But we did our best, and maybe it will be enough.
He helps carry the loot and then leading the group through the wilderness back to civilization.
[OOC: Thanks Steve for the sub; thanks Kathy for the great DMing!]
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Thursday March 11th, 2021 12:08:54 AM
Elron hums to himself softly as he walks down the road. He's not sure the adventure turned out well, but they're headed back to more comfortable surroundings. As long as they don't run across another pumpkin patch on the way, everything's going to be fine.
Asimov | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 29/29 Thursday March 11th, 2021 1:41:57 AM
(OOC1: Asimov put the ring of sustenance on when he found it; the tinkerer would love to not need to sleep as much)
(OOC2: From DM POST Tuesday January 5th, 2021 2:46:53 PM - In the southeast corner of the room is a small sprig from a vine. It’s very long dead and has the husks of 2 very small, shrivelled berries attached. They are in such poor condition that It’s unclear what type of vine or berries these may be...END DM POST... we wanted to run those through the food detoxifier or are those not shrivelled silver berries?)
Asimov says, "So does that mean those shrivelled berries we found on that bit of withered vine weren't silver berries after all now that we have the pictures from the wine label to go off of?"
The Twins(Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Thursday March 11th, 2021 8:11:44 AM
The Twins are ready to go. "We will accompany you to town." "Talk to our employer." "If you don't mind, we'll join you in finishing your quest afterwards." "Nothing better to do."
Honor Bright [AC 19; HP 24/24] (Kathy) Thursday March 11th, 2021 12:28:57 PM
Honor's mood begins to lighten as she walks down the road away from the keep. Somehow, she hadn't felt like herself there. She's ready for the next challenge.
[OOC: I do not know what the berries are. That information was not included in the material RobC provided. They might be silverberries, or they might be the world famous red-herring-berries. I have no idea. Ask Rob.]
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC15, 16/16hp | Cayzle Thursday March 11th, 2021 11:11:09 PM
Zeoll makes sure the twins feel welcome. "You two arre just the companions we need to succeed on ourr adventurres! You arre most welcome, do not doubt it."
The liontaur ponders the loot. "The currative items arre always welcome. Perrsonally, I have no need of the rrest. Gold is always useful, of courrse."
[OOC: Hoping for confirmation that we have levelled? Is that official, Kathy?]
RobC - "We will accompany you to town" Friday March 12th, 2021 1:20:47 AM
The journey back to Lockridge Mansion is indeed a quiet one. Not so much as a hint of adventure or excitement. Depending on your temperament that is either a good or bad thing.
It gives the group time to get to know each other a little better though. Find out who has the best war story, who snores, who picks their nose and so on.
Two of the three ingredients were clearly recovered. As for the Silverberries, well, that is going to be interesting.
The party return the way they came, passing the dead tree that still shows stains of pixie blood. A grim reminder that there is still evil in the Wold.
Returning to the town is nice though. The perfect little village by the harbor. The approaching party are quickly spotted by the residents. They're waving and clutching their hands, happy to see the champions who will save the daughter of their benefactor. A heroes welcome.
Consider yourselves officially levelled!
Asimov | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 29/29 Friday March 12th, 2021 2:26:08 AM
Asimov says "I guess it turns out those shrivelled berries are not actually silver berries but some other berries so the wine is all we have. I guess we'll just have to roll with it. Hopefully it is enough to save the daughter if not maybe our benefactor's library will help us in finding the winery that made the wine and actual berries. I didn't know based on my memory but the library may help us if we need it."
The Twins(Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Friday March 12th, 2021 7:46:10 AM
The twins spend the free time on the way back asking the other's about their homeland's and their customs. In turn they're happy to regale the party with tales of their own distant land, including their own position/title (which I wrote on my character sheet and is to big to copy paste here go read :P)
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday March 12th, 2021 12:23:41 PM
Honor is happy to be back in Lowestoft. She smiles and waves back at people. She tries not to show how worried she is. Are they in time? And is what they brought back going to be enough?
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC15, 16/16hp | Cayzle Friday March 12th, 2021 6:34:44 PM
Zeoll picks his nose while regaling the party with his tales of wars and snores.
The old Taur listens to the Twins and wonders if their homeland is away west of his own, in the archipelago west of the Taur Islands. Or if they are even of the Wold, maybe being from some alternate prime material plane.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Friday March 12th, 2021 6:37:42 PM
Elron follows the group to the house of their patron, ready to report their success. . . of a sort, anyway. Maybe it will be a help.
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC16, 23hp | Cayzle Friday March 12th, 2021 7:02:56 PM
4th level Zeoll is now up to date!
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 Sunday March 14th, 2021 12:57:41 AM
Mundhildur enjoys listening to people's stories, and tells her own along the way.
I figure that, first night camping, she might have left the utensils in the iron pot to dry after washing - and shortly after found the unexpected gruel within. With the help of those more magically adept, one of them might help identify a particular spoon as the culprit, and with detect magic in operation, learned of the merciful knife. She would like to hang on to these two items.
Back in town, she waves to people, thanks a few who helped her out before the group left on this adventure.
When they meet, presumably, with House Steward Gideon Page, she asks, "How does little Dani - Daniella? We brought things for her."
The Twins(Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will d10=2 ; Sunday March 14th, 2021 2:31:57 PM
The Twins make ready to introduce themselves to the employer of their new comrades (and are now leveled)
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Sunday March 14th, 2021 11:26:35 PM
As they travel Asimov starts spending time with some of the bric-a-brac collected on the travels until one day Eureka a new companion. A clanking iron gear work medium humanoid monstrosity follows in Asimov's wake.
"Hi everyone! This here is Irony. He is my mechanical minon. He will also take my shift on watch from now on."
(OOC: Leveled...got a new mechanical minion)
RobC - "How does little Dani - Daniella? We brought things for her." Monday March 15th, 2021 2:05:02 AM
The party venture through the town much to the delight of the locals. They really are pleased to see you all.
It's the first time that the twins have been here. Lockridge Mansion is nestled atop a hill overlooking the town. From the outside it looks very elegant. Two stories tall and built with white stone bricks, large rectangle windows, and a grey shingled rooftop. The house itself is surrounded by a modest garden. Manicured grass, a few flower patches, a sandbox and a seesaw. The whole place screams "I've got gold".
The party don't even get the chance to knock on the door this time. Mrs Reyna, the young elven housemaid, has been waiting for your return and her face is beaming on seeing you again. "Come in. Come in." she holds the door wide open. She is obviously taken aback by the presence of the twins (and Irony!) though says nothing about it. "I'll just go fetch Mr Page."
She shuts the door and hurriedly climbs the stairs in search of the house steward. It only take a minute before Gideon has heard the news and descends the stairs to meet you. Unlike Mrs Reyna, he maintains perfect composure.
Mundhildur enquires about Daniella to which Gideon politely responds. "Lady Daniella is feeling poorly today and confined to bed rest. Thankyou for your concern"
"Master Lockridge will no doubt be quite pleased that you have returned so quickly. If you would follow me please to the lounge" Gideon walks to the door to right and opens it. As with last time, 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 man is the utmost professional in matters of etiquette.
Unfortunately the Marquis de Lockridge - or Horatio as he has permitted you to address him - is still nowhere to be seen.
The crystal cube that you saw last time is already atop the desk.
Gideon closes the door behind you and locks it - double checking that it's locked this time. He then approaches the cube and touches the top of the cube in certain areas, as if pushing invisible buttons. Once the cube takes on the same gray opaque color you saw last time, Gideon steps back from the desk and stands at attention.
"Master Lockridge. The parties have returned and are present"
"Thankyou Gideon" The familiar voice of Horatio emanates from the the cube. "Please. Tell me. Did you find them? The ingredients?" You can hear the hope in his voice.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 Monday March 15th, 2021 4:18:21 AM
"Well, sir, Horatio, sir, you will have to be the final judge of that," Mundhildur begins.
She reaches into her bag and pulls out the moss she scraped. "This is from the northern side of the Elder Tree in the Highland Forest." She displays as she describes, and walks closer to the image from the cube so the Marquis can take a closer look. "This patch of moss is soft and brown, this orange one was a little damp, and the green is quite firm and hard. Shall I hand them over to House Steward Gideon Page?" she asks, holding it out in his direction. She looks back over her shoulder at the nobleman's image. "Some tricksters gave us quite a bit of trouble, but we would not be dissuaded."
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday March 15th, 2021 3:25:38 PM
"Um...and I think Asimov has the mushrooms," Honor says. She looks uncomfortable, but she doesn't bring up the subject of the berries just yet.
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC16, 23hp | Cayzle Monday March 15th, 2021 5:31:10 PM
Zeoll does not beat around the bush.
"Moss, yes. Mushrooms, yes. But I'm sorrry, sirr, we failed to find the silverrberrries we sought. We did find these bottles of silverrberrry wine. Maybe they will serrve in substitution."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Monday March 15th, 2021 10:38:37 PM
Elron mentally rehearses his reasons why what they accomplished should be good enough, as if he can argue Dani back to good health if the ingredients are insufficient somehow.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 12:14:33 AM
Asimov adds, "We scoured the keep top to bottom and as for berries in general all we found was some shrivelled berries that were not really much of anything and definitely weren't silver berries. We did find the wine which was made with silver berries but sadly the wine is not actual berries. If you don't think the wine is good enough then maybe using your library we can find where the winery that produced the wine is and set off for there to see if we can get actual berries. I guess since you have been researching the ingredients sir, you would be the judge of whether the wine is enough and if it isn't then help us find where we need to go to reach the source of the wine and get the berries."
RobC - "Maybe they will serrve in substitution." Tuesday March 16th, 2021 3:06:59 AM
There is nothing but silence in the room once the party finish delivering their update. It takes a few moments before Horatio speaks again.
"This is... unfortunate. It was only that I thought that this time could have been different. With any luck, we can extract something from the wine to help create a cure. Perhaps they could be used as a straight substitute? Perhaps something in the tannins? It will take time though. I'll need to work quickly." He gets lost in his thoughts for a moment before speaking again.
"Where are my manners. I am ever so grateful for what you have been able to achieve and in such a short amount of time. I have left some compensation for you back at your residence to cover any costs you may have incurred as well as a small thankyou for your efforts."
"Rather that conclude our dealings, I do have a proposition for you if you'd be interested. I have somewhat of a reputation of being able to help people. For that reason many often seek me out for aid. I'm only one man though and can't be everywhere at once. I can only help so many. Would you perhaps be interested in an arrangement where I extend some of the contracts to you for your consideration?"
The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Tuesday March 16th, 2021 7:54:55 AM
The Twins keep their peace and just listen and observe for now.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday March 16th, 2021 3:50:52 PM
"Thank you, sir," Honor says. "I hope the items we gathered will do the trick. I'll pray for Daniella. And yes, I would be interested in helping people with other problems, if help is needed."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 4:33:48 PM
"Honor is right, Horatio, sir. I have been praying for your daughter, too," Mundhildur adds. "My mother, Kara, taught me to help where I can where help is the right action. And my father, Guðmundur, was known for occasional kindness. If we can reserve the right to say 'yes' or 'no' to any particular request, I am open to listening."
She waits until the rest have had their say, then adds. "But, before we go, sir, though I know your daughter is bedridden today, and needs her rest, would it be well with you if we could visit Dani, briefly? I have a song for her."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Tuesday March 16th, 2021 5:50:23 PM "These people are like athlete's foot -- they grow on you!" Elron laughs at his own joke, not realizing it may have been offensive. "But seriously, I'd be honored to have a chance to spend more time with this group. If somethin' good comes from it, all th' better."
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC16, 23hp | Cayzle d20+12=31 ; Wednesday March 17th, 2021 12:27:07 AM
Zeoll bows low and says he is happy that their host can offer direction in finding ways to help others.
Were he as he was in his youth, it would go that far and no further. However, after many years of experience, the old taur no longer trusts the good faith of those with power and motives unknown to him. So privately he is a little cynical, and subtly studies the man.
Sense Motive 31
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Wednesday March 17th, 2021 2:04:19 AM
Asimov says, "Sure, I'll help. Irony and I have nothing better to do right now anyway and it is because of being in your employ that I was able to grow enough as a tinkerer to build him."
RobC - "I have nothing better to do right now anyway" Wednesday March 17th, 2021 8:34:42 PM
Horatio addresses Munhildur's question first. "Thankyou for your concern and offer, however I would prefer Dani rest. I'm told she isn't having a good day. Perhaps when you return next and she is able to take visitors"
Sense Motive DC20 ... Highlight to display spoiler: {You don't sense any deception here. Your gut says he is being honest with you}
The group unanimously agree to take on some of the contracts from Horatio.
"Excellent. Whenever a contract is suitable for you I will send for someone to fetch you from the village. There is one component of the contracts that I would ask. I would like for a small percentage of each contract to be donated back to the town. I see it as a responsibility of the wealthy to take care of those who are not. I have been blessed with all I need so need not take a 'cut', as you might say, from any deals. How much of each contract is invested back into the town is up to you. Uplift the docks, help renovate someone's house, buy everyone in the town a meal at the tavern. The choice will be yours, however the people of this town must benefit from it. Do you agree to that term?"
Assuming the party agree...
"In that case, get some rest and gather what supplies you need. I'm meeting with a potential client tomorrow and may have something for you then"
Honor Bright (Kathy) d20+6=19 ; Wednesday March 17th, 2021 9:53:10 PM
Honor readily agrees to help the town. "We should talk to people," she says. "Get a sense of what kinds of things they need most."
She heads to their lodgings with the others, still trying to get used to Irony. In the tales, such devices inevitably became possessed by evil spirits and tried to kill people. But those were just tales.
Right?
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC16, 23hp | Cayzle Wednesday March 17th, 2021 11:07:20 PM
Zeoll bows, convinced that the fellow is forthright.
"Come my allies, let us fall back to sleep and contemplate the night away, and maybe meditate on the quest just we have -- in one sense at least -- completed."
[OOC: Sometimes I get tired of doubling up the Rs, so I just avoid them.]
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 d20+8=20 ; Wednesday March 17th, 2021 11:10:50 PM Sense motive = 20
After they're dismissed and heading to their quarters, Elron asks Munhildur, "Is that a song from your childhood you wanted t' sing? I'm sure she'll like it some other day." Mostly to make conversation. The one tune Elron knows keeps him happy, he expects music makes others feel that way too.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Thursday March 18th, 2021 12:26:28 AM
Asimov says to Honor, "Irony won't hurt anyone well unless they come after me but I can't make Chompy while Irony is in active mode. I can remove a piece from Irony, a very important piece and animate Chompy but then Irony will be even less useful than he is now. As I said he is somewhat of a body guard for me and at least this iteration of him can stand watch all night. Perhaps after I learn a bit more I might change what he can do but for now I can rest and he can remain active."
RobC - "Come my allies, let us fall back to sleep" Thursday March 18th, 2021 3:33:07 AM
The party take their leave and retire to the townhouse. It's the first time the twins have seen it.
Two stories tall, painted a dark-burgundy color, and with many square windows that look out to the street. The furnishings aren't anywhere near as glamorous as those of the mansion, but they are clearly better than any commoner would have. The bottom level features a kitchen, larder, dining room, lounge and two bedrooms. The upper floor features the other six bedrooms. There is an exit at the rear that leads to a private stable.
Sitting on a table in the middle of the loungeroom is a small rosewood box. Inside is a pile of platinum coins and a note "Compensation for most recent outing."
-------------- OOC: Apologies for two DM posts in a short timeframe. I wanted to give you a chance to do your shopping and get moving again. There is enough platinum/gold to get you to level 4 WBL (6,000gp)
I'd ask that you don't do your shopping on the CC board and instead resolve things among yourselves here (just to keep that board clean).
The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Thursday March 18th, 2021 6:13:44 AM
The Twins take great interest in just about everything, looking over the town and muttering to each other. They don't seem to have any interest in the box; they weren't hired for the job and only really followed along with the others, so don't feel like they should be compensated for it.
Honor Bright (Kathy) d20+15=32 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+15=29 ; Thursday March 18th, 2021 1:00:29 PM
Honor claims a share of the coin and urges the Twins to do the same. "You may not have been hired," she says. "But you'll be going with us on the next job and you should have decent gear if we can afford to get it for you. That will be to everyone's benefit. Besides," she adds, "we took the wine you were after; you deserve some compensation for that."
But Honor is less interested in shopping for gear than she is on talking to the townsfolk. She wants to find out what kinds of things they need; what they'd change about the town if they could. Her goal is to build a "project list" to make it easier to give something back when the group returns from a job.
[Diplomacy rolls: 32, 30, 29]
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Thursday March 18th, 2021 10:24:42 PM
Elron will gladly take his share of the money. "Say, I picked up these two weapons -- a frost dagger an' th' double chicken saber. But I ain't too good with stabby things. If any of you want one. . . ?" If no one claims the items, Elron will hang on to one, but he doesn't see the use in having two weapons that don't whap.
===== I assume if one gets sold, it goes to party treasure. Elron is holding onto the potion of CMW. There were other items that need to find owners or be sold as well that Kathy summarized for us March 10.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 Friday March 19th, 2021 2:09:16 AM
[catchin' up]
"Very well, father of Daniella. Perhaps in a day or two, if she's feeling up to it. If she needs her full rest now, then, I'm sure you're wise in that regard."
"Helping the dwellers of this town? Yes. It is good to give. They helped us prepare for the tasks you laid before us."
"Frost dagger?" Mundhildur's ears perk up at Elron's offer. "If someone wants this mercy dagger, I'd be pleased to use the frost dagger."
[Will try to do some shopping posting over the weekend.]
RobC - "Yes. It is good to give" Friday March 19th, 2021 2:21:48 AM
Honor goes for a walk to talk to some of the residents. They're all very happy to speak with her but aren't keen to talk about any problems they may have. She is able to make a few observations of her own though...
- Some of the fishing boats could do with repair. It looks like they're being maintained as best they can with what people could afford, but with more funds they might be properly repaired. - One older lady would like some help with her garden. She weeds it but it's a never ending battle for her. It would be nice for a little extra help. Perhaps some new flowers or plants as well?
Horatio has provided a lot for the town. There are no real major projects that need funding right now.
The party are free to spend the rest of the day as they choose. Relaxing, getting a bite to eat at the tavern, decorating a bedroom, shopping, or simply taking a walk on the docks.
------------ OOC: As agents of Horatio you are free to uplift any aspects of the town you like. I'll leave it with you all to self-regulate what scale you want to go but as newcomers to the town perhaps you should start small. We'll start the next contract on Monday
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Friday March 19th, 2021 3:37:22 AM
(OOC1: I was caught on an after hours work call for 2 hours, messed with my schedule, sorry) (OOC2: so can we assume that any item we want we can find here if we can't shop at the catacombs?)
Asimov adds the fine knife from scene 1 and the gems and statuettes he valued at 30 gp to the lot of party treasure along with anything he picked up from the keep except for the ring of sustenance, that he had been wearing since he found it.
(OOC3: Is the knife from scene 1 anything special?) (OOC4: I'll post my shopping order / dibs on any treasure prolly this weekend)
The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Friday March 19th, 2021 7:48:27 AM
The Twins will take whatever knife isn't claimed by someone else. They prefer their current weapons but a conceable weapon is always nice.
Honor Bright (Kathy) d20+15=31 ; Friday March 19th, 2021 3:00:50 PM
Honor approaches Zeoll and tells him about the lady with the garden. "Could you maybe help her get some plants and flowers that would be easy to take care of?" she asks.
She also begins asking around the lady's neighborhood, looking for a kid who wouldn't mind earning a little extra coin by weeding a couple of times a week. [Diplomacy 31]
If she finds a suitable kid, she makes the arrangements and gives the lady a small purse of copper coins to pay for the kid's services.
She decides to save the fishing boats for next time.
RobC - "Yes. It is good to give" Friday March 19th, 2021 10:12:19 PM OOC:
@Hugh: In terms of shopping I'd say you can find anything here that you want/need. I believe Cayzle wanted to stick to Wold & Core items only - no splat books - but will leave with him to confirm
The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Sunday March 21st, 2021 10:36:02 PM
The Twins go shopping (actually I forgot to do that this weekend XD)
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Monday March 22nd, 2021 12:58:54 AM
Asimov buys a light repeating crossbow, bracers of armor + 1 for Irony, and 3 more cases of bolts. He keeps the ring of sustenance for now as he has taken to wearing it.
RobC - "Could you maybe help her get some plants and flowers that would be easy to take care of?" Monday March 22nd, 2021 2:43:12 AM
The party enjoy a quick timeout knowing that the next morning there will some task or another to do.
It's easy for Honor to find a couple of kids that would be happy to earn a bit of coin. A boy and girl (brother and sister about 10 years old) are quite keen on the offer but want to check with their mother first to make sure it's ok. They run off and are back a short time later with beaming faces, all ready to attack a garden. Honor puts it to Zeoll to consider some plants that might be easy to care for that the lady might enjoy.
Each person (or 'persons' in the case of the twins) is able to take a bedroom of their own. The rooms were only built for medium sized individuals so some of the group may have a hard time of it until some redecorating can be done.
As promised, in the morning comes a knock at the door. "Good morning Sirs. Madams. There is a client ready to speak with you at the mansion. When shall I tell them you will meet with them?" Gideon stands waiting for your answer.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 Monday March 22nd, 2021 11:36:26 AM
In town, Mundhildur meets with the singing barber. Surely he knows many of the townspeople well. "Barber of Lowestoft, will you trim the ends of my hair? Maybe a finger's width or so, to even things out." As he cuts the tips of her long hair, she asks him, "This is a beautiful town, looks like it's well run, with many good people. And you, Barber of Lowestoft, have a strong singing voice. I like that." She waits as he gets past the halfway point of the task. "My friends and I are wondering. What things might we do to benefit the town? Are there services or needs that might be met? We'd like to chip in to help as we might, but want to do so with wisdom. Perhaps you could speak with folks, and give us a notion of one or more ways we might lend a hand." When he finishes, she pays him what he asks, and doubles it. "The extra is for hearing me out."
She does some shopping...
In the morning, she says, "Hello House Steward Gideon. How does mid-morning sound - two hours before noon?"
Honor Bright (Kathy) Monday March 22nd, 2021 4:02:02 PM
In the house, Honor has laid claim to one of the upstairs rooms, figuring the downstairs rooms are probably easier for the larger-sized people to manage.
In town, she is pleased with how the lady's garden got resolved, and is sure to leave a small purse to pay the brother and sister for their work.
In the morning, she smiles at Gideon. "I was going to suggest tea-time," she says, "in case people had errands they still need to run. But mid-morning works for me."
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle Monday March 22nd, 2021 10:14:51 PM
Zeoll is of course very happy to help with the lady's garden.
He also does some shopping as well. He shows off his new gear: +1 leather armor, +1 heavy darkwood shield, +1 cloak of resistance, and scrolls of Summon Nature's Ally (x3), Water Breathing, Heroism, Invisibility, and Cure Moderate Wounds (x3).
[OOC: PC sheet is up to date for gear now. Also, sorry for poor posting last week. Too much going on.]
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Monday March 22nd, 2021 11:28:58 PM
Elron is very specific about the weapon he wants, but doesn't have a name for it other than "whappin' stick." Unfortunately, the weaponers around here don't seem to have such a thing in stock. Not any old club will do. When he has time, he'll have to show them exactly what he means.
Meanwhile, he hangs on to the +1 double chicken saber. Mundhildur can have the +1 frost dagger.
Elron spends time looking for just the perfect thing, although he doesn't really know what that is. But he is ready to receive their guest at the time Gideon agrees to.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 15/12/13 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 2:17:55 AM
Asimov says, "Tea-time works. Irony get the teapot. Some day I'm gonna have to get a haversack. I could be better armored if I didn't have to worry about weight"
RobC - "How does mid-morning sound - two hours before noon?" Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 5:09:22 AM
Munhildur heads off to the barber to give her locks a trim. He hums as he cuts, quite happy with the job he's doing. Every now and then he pauses, take a steps back, and then steps forward to cut that elusive hair that wouldn't conform with the others. "Yes, we're quite lucky here. The Marquis is very generous and has always looked after us" He doesn't have a bad word to say about the town and certainly doesn't want to bother you with any troubles he might have. Though looking around, Munhildur can see that the chairs in this barbershop have seen better days. Perhaps some new furnishings here might be nice? Perhaps some new shears for the barber himself? All these small little improvements are everywhere that she looks. No 'big' projects stand out yet, but those small favors and good deeds are all about.
There is a little confusion at the house (both by Gideon and the DM!) but the group seem to decide on mid-morning as the time to meet their potential client. Gideon smiles and gives a polite nod "I'll convey the message immediately. Good day". He sets off back up the hill towards the mansion.
The party have a couple of hours before their meeting.
--------- OOC: You can keep doing your shopping and updating your sheets. I'm just trying to get this moving to hand the DMing duties back to you
Honor Bright (Kathy) Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 2:47:58 PM
"Asimov, I could carry some stuff for you," Honor says. "I mean, not stuff you might need in a fight, but maybe stuff for camping? I can carry another 30 pounds or so before it becomes a problem."
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 3:38:13 PM
With a couple of hours to kill, Zeoll does what he can to find out how the local lord's daughter is doing, and if the ingredients the party gathered will suffice to help her.
Then he arrives in time for the meeting.
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 11:25:04 PM
Elron shops*. He thinks a nice portable shelter, maybe. The shopkeeper has to explain that, big as it is, a bag of holding is not a suitable tent. (But only once.)
----- * But it will be a couple of days before I find time to update him.
The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Tuesday March 23rd, 2021 11:27:46 PM
The Twins find something interesting to do to spend the time.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 1:32:48 AM
After leaving the barber, Mundhi goes to the blacksmith, and has words of praise for the barber. "I'd like to thank him for his skill and care. Do you suppose you might forge him a couple of pairs of nice, new shears? One set larger, and one set smaller for trimming the hard-to-get-to places?" If the smith does not deem himself the one for the job, she asks who might be, and goes to them with the same request. "When they are done, wrap them up nicely, and put a note on saying, "As thanks for work well done, and offered with song. --From the tall maiden"
If by chance Dani is feeling better, and it be allowed, she does want to peek in on her, and sing a little song about the dance of butterflies which her beautiful aunt used to sing to her as a girl. She won't stay long so as not to tire her. If Honor wants to come along, too, Mundhildur would be delighted.
RobC - "I'd like to thank him for his skill and care" Wednesday March 24th, 2021 2:53:15 AM
Honor sets to work performing some good deeds. First up will be the barber. He will surely be happy with the surprise.
As the time of the meeting approaches the party make their way up the hill to Lockridge Mansion. Mrs Reyna opens the front door and gestures towards the right to the lounge area you know well. Through the doorway to the left though you can see Dani sitting in a wheelchair by the window and painting a picture of the bay on a small canvas. She hasn't seen you.
The door to the lounge opens and you can see Gideon standing there, he gestures towards the comfortable leather couches inviting you to sit down.
There's no sign of the magical cube this time but there IS a stranger standing next to the desk.
He has short, wavy, white hair and currently wears a set of clouded goggles. He's slender like an elf and has their distinctive pointed ears, though he does have soft black skin. By his side hangs a rapier and handcrossbow. You've all been around the Wold long enough to know the difference between a surface-drow and a true drow. This guy is most certainly the latter.
His hands are clenched in front of him and he smiles on seeing you all.
Gideon closes the door behind you, and then does the introductions. "May I present Master Zulok Crudiseh, representative of House Dul'g". Zulok gives a very slight bow as he is introduced.
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 3:13:03 AM
Asimov purchases masterwork thieve's tools and a chain shirt, selling his leather armor and normal thieve's tools.
He gives Honor his bedroll, trail ration, waterskin and to hold and changes into his chain shirt.
(OOC: forgot that carrying capacity changes with strength increase but I still need honor to hold some things to keep mobility up in combat)
He checks out his light repeating crossbow, enjoying the complexity of the mechanisms involved.
Honor Bright (Kathy) Wednesday March 24th, 2021 4:17:16 PM
Honor recognizes that the man they're meeting with is a drow, and instantly she is on alert. They are evil creatures. Perhaps they cannot help it, but they are evil nonetheless, and not to be trusted.
She looks at him intently, using her Detect Evil ability to confirm what she's already pretty sure about.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 4:18:34 PM
"Greetings, Master Zulok Crudiseh, of House Dulg," Mundhi says, then pauses. "I'm sorry, is it House Dulug? Can you say that again? I am not yet knowledgeable of your people's tongue, Master Zulok, and I think there was something my ear did not quite catch." Then she adds, standing perhaps an inch or two taller, "Oh, and I am Mundhildur Karadottir, of Clan Stormur og Sky og Vindur Morguns, of the Jotunnar."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Wednesday March 24th, 2021 9:10:38 PM
Elron advances on the drow to shake his hand. "Well, Master Zulok, what can we do for you? That is, I say, that is what we're here for -- to see if we can help you with a problem."
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle Wednesday March 24th, 2021 11:15:23 PM
Zeoll shakes the drow's hand and complements him on his soft skin. The liontaur does not join his friends on a couch, but sits, sphinx-style, next to them.
RobC - "Well, Master Zulok, what can we do for you?" Thursday March 25th, 2021 2:43:11 AM
Zulok grins slightly as Honor tries to detect for signs of evil. "You know, some people might be insulted by such an action". He is smiling now and obviously not offended. Honor doesn't see any evil aura to him.
Zulok gives a nod as the others shake his hand or offer greetings. "It's House D'gul, actually" He gives a glance to Gideon.
Highlight to display spoiler: {Actually, I'd mistakenly swapped D'gul and Dul'g back and forth in the writeup! D'gul sounds better I think so we're going with that}
"To business then" He remains standing "We have a situation where we could use the assistance of some outsiders. That is to say, people not of my kin. We have tried reaching out to other mercenary or adventuring groups however they don't seem to want anything to do with us. Master Lockridge has a reputation for being able to find help where others could not, so we reached out to him and here you are."
He starts pacing in front of the desk.
"House D'gul has been digging through some remains in the Scab to retrieve the bodies of those who fell long ago. In one of the digs we have discovered what we believe to be an entrance to a temple of sorts. We can recognize some of the external artwork as drow, however we're unable to determine to which deity it might be for. Whatever the case, we expect there to be some objects of great historical and cultural significance to us inside it. I've been sent to find help to retrieve them."
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Thursday March 25th, 2021 5:58:05 AM
Asimov says, " Well met Zulok."
"I'm assuming there are dangers lurking in this temple considering you are seeking adventurers to help retrieve your historically and culturally significant items? I don't suppose you have any specifics so we know what to possibly prepare for?"
The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Thursday March 25th, 2021 8:18:19 AM
The Twins show great interest. "We'd love to help." "Culture and artifacts are of great interest to us." They look at the rest of the group to see how they feel on the matter.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant, large (Kim) AC 17 Touch 13 FF15 HP 41/41 Thursday March 25th, 2021 1:00:51 PM
"If you can teach me your people's tongue along the way, then, yes, I am willing to go," Mundhildur says. "How far off is this place in the Scab from here?"
Zeoll the Greensinger | AC18, 23hp | Cayzle Thursday March 25th, 2021 5:03:18 PM
Zeoll grins when he hears of the mission. "As a forrmerr memberr of the Sage's Guild, I am cerrtainly pleased to rrecoverr lost lorre."
"But as a currrent adventurrerr, I must ask, if we arre not to keep what we find, how arre we to be ... rremunerrated?"
Honor Bright (Kathy) Thursday March 25th, 2021 6:08:04 PM
Honor remains skeptical. "If we do find items of historical and cultural significance," she says, "what will your people do with them?"
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Thursday March 25th, 2021 11:40:49 PM
Elron considers. "If you don't mind my askin', wouldn't th' temple be friendlier to your folks than to outsiders? Seein' how it was once your temple, an' all."
Of course, Elron's not really thinking about saying no to the request. Not after Master Lockridge checked it out first. But they ought to know all they can learn before going to such a place.
RobC - "We'd love to help." Friday March 26th, 2021 3:04:15 AM
Zulok doesn't have any objections to trying to teach Munhildur a few drow words, though explains it is a complicated language. Highlight to display spoiler: {In the UC book it says that it takes 20days to learn a new language. In Core you need to use a skill point. Up to everyone here what works}
Asimov and Elron have some concerns over what the dangers might be.
"Well that's where things are a little murky. We can't get in the door so we're not sure what's inside. The markings around the door suggest a temple but we can't be sure"
Zeoll and Honor are curious about the material components though
"Anything of significance to our history will be studied and put on display within the House D'gul holdings. I've been authorized to tell you that if you happen upon items that aren't of significance to us then they are yours to keep as payment for your service" He looks more directly to Honor "As you'll be the ones investigating this temple you'll have first view on what's there. I trust that you will fairly determine which items are of significance and which ones are not."
"It is a little hypothetical though. We don't know what's inside. It could just be cobwebs and rocks."
Honor's concerns aside it sounds like the rest of the group are in agreement.
"This is good news. I'm ready to leave when you are."
Asimov is quite well versed in Wold geography. With the Scab to the west it should take about 8 days overland travel to reach the border
--------------------------- Highlight to display spoiler: {Tap games are given some leeway as to distances and places in the Wold, so let's just wave the DM wand and say this town is somewhere in the east.}
Asimov and Irony | Hugh | AC 17/12/15 HP 37/37 | AC 13/11/12 HP 29/29 Hardness 2 Friday March 26th, 2021 8:43:48 AM
Asimov says to Irony, "Let's field test you in a sealed drow Temple and see how you work. I think you'll be a step up from chompy, though perhaps I'll run some other experiments on windup toys in the future."
To the rest of the party he says, "We got about an eight days journey ahead of us."
He asks Zulok, "That is fascinating about the Drow language. I'm a bit of a polyglot myself. Don't the drow also speak undercommon?"
Honor Bright (Kathy) Friday March 26th, 2021 10:15:32 PM
Privately, Honor vows not to turn over anything that detects as evil, cultural significance or no. Aloud, she only says, "I am ready to go as well."
SteveM - Elron | AC 21, HP 33/36 Friday March 26th, 2021 10:59:42 PM "Master Zulok, there's still the question of how we will know what you think is cult'rally significant. You might have some explainin' to do while we travel." Elron isn't sure if leaving in the afternoon is best, or waiting until morning.
The Twins (Mitch) HP 38/38 AC 24/12/22 Saves +4 Fort/+3 Ref/+1 Will Sunday March 28th, 2021 8:47:23 PM
The Twin shrug. They're willing to go just to learn more about the area and the culture.
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