Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:33:41 AM Elron isn’t sure whether the name is luck or should make him angry. He heads on in and tells some jokes and stories. Hugh wonders what Elron thinks of the name. Mundhildur congratulates Zeoll on his skills, muses on the nature of evil, and works with Zeoll to entertain the crowd. The Twins order some mead and try to find a nice quiet corner to sit in.
When the party walked into town they drew a lot of curious looks. When Elron walked into the tavern and shared his funny story, he became a local legend or mascot in about 5 minutes. With his humor, skill, and the musical additions from Mundhildur and Zeoll, an impromptu party starts up and brings in the entire town. It spills out into the street and the townsfolk start making their best foods, breaking out the old ale casks being saved for special occasions, and generally showing the party a rip-roaring good time.
Everyone wants to meet Elron the chicken man, but the other members of the party get attention to as the simple villagers haven’t seen such exotic strangers before, from the machine man to the man with a machine horse to the singing giant and lion man duo to the weird Twins that talk at the same time. They even make a proper roosting post for Elron the moment the topic comes up - which it does as many children ask most the PCs awkward questions about their biology and differences.
In fact the party is so jubilant that the one person in town not enjoying - a tired looking woman who was in the bar quietly drinking - is very noticeable in being the only person who’s spirits don’t improve in the atmosphere. She leaves as things start to ramp up.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday March 28th, 2023 8:55:08 PM
Elron continues telling stories and enjoying the spotlight while it lasts. He's forgotten the name of the woman they're looking for, but not that there's a little girl in need of a healer. He steers the stories in that direction as the evening continues.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:19:24 PM
Cyrion, who is unaccustomed to such large groups of people, will pick up two tankards of ale, drop a few coins on the counter, and then start to follow the lady out, "Excuse me miss, my friends and I didn't mean to end your reverie."
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Tuesday March 28th, 2023 11:50:13 PM
Zeoll is happy to have done well by the wolves and to keep the attention of the crowd as a few of his friends engage the odd woman out.
The liontaur keeps on singing and dancing, with Mundhi if she is so inspired. Being well trained, Bill is a good boy, but does not join in the performance.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 4:56:23 AM
Yes, Mundhildur will continue to sing with Zeoll for the crowd. She also asks if someone can teach them a local song or two.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 7:50:30 AM
The Twins join those approaching the morose looking woman, though they hang back some so as to not overwhelm her.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 8:11:32 AM Elron, Mundhildur, and Zeoll keep the crowd busy with stories, singing, and dancing. Mundhildur asks to learn some local songs and Elron turns the conversation towards little girls and sicknesses. Cyrion, Asimov, and The Twins approach the odd woman out. Cyrion apologizes for bothering her while Asimov asks about Lady Femmu.
As the stories turn towards sickness and little girls the townsfolk are quick to volunteer their own stories on the subject, telling stories of loved ones they nearly lost to disease. It seems a terrible plague swept through the area and many died, but a traveling healer came, Lady Femmu, who the party is looking for. Her efforts saved many lives right here in this village and they’ve even tried to write a song about it, but it’s very half baked and they’d appreciate input from some skilled musicians on lyrics (it’s set to a common tune that everyone already knows so those can’t change).
Cyrion and the others end up outside the inn on a quiet street away from the growing celebrations. The tired woman gives a strained smile to Cyrion. ”No no, they needed an excuse to celebrate. There’s been so much strain on everyone with the plague and all. Lady Femmu? Oh never, she’s a hero. She saved us all from the plague. I just can’t join in yet. It’s my brother you see. He works at the penal colony and I haven’t had word of him. He usually writes once a week but I haven’t heard from him for a month, and with the plague and everything I can’t stop worrying about what might have happened to him…”
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+9=19 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 2:37:44 AM
At the request for help with the lyrics, Mundhi asks what they have so far. She listens carefully. She asks questions to help understand the various types of things that Lady Femmu said, how she said them, what she did, how she did those things, what effects the illness caused, what symptoms people felt, what harm the illness caused the body. She asked if any are here whom Femmu directly healed. She asks what people called the plague. Did it have a special name? Did it affect the skin? The stomach? Were there fevers, or chills?
Essentially, flesh out the description of what the illness was, and what it did, and perhaps, how it spread - then what countermeasures the Lady took to overcome it. With solid descriptions, and some clear examples, that should give her and Zeoll more text to work with - along with a fairly clear understanding of the nature and effects of the illness and its remedy, or remedies.
And she will work on the lyrics, and see if she, Zeoll, and the gathered folks can together craft a clear and memorable text that fits well the tune.
Rolled a 19 on Mundhi's contributions to the effort - not bad. Can Zeoll and the villagers of this inn of Cheliax craft a good piece?
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Thursday March 30th, 2023 9:09:03 PM
Cyrion looks at his friends and then back to the lady, "Penal colony?"
Elron -- SteveM Thursday March 30th, 2023 10:52:55 PM
Elron offers suggestions on working jokes into the lyrics, until Mundhildur likely shoos him off.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Thursday March 30th, 2023 11:46:30 PM
Zeoll does his best to improve the lyrics.
Later, he will catch up on what is happening with the girl.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday March 31st, 2023 7:41:45 AM Asimov says maybe they could go check out the penal colony Mundhildur learns as much as she can about the illness and events that inspired the song. Cyrion asks about the penal colony Elron offers to add some jokes to the song. Zeoll does his best to improve the lyrics.
The party learns that the disease started out innocuous, like a regular cold, before surging through the population and preventing people from breathing entirely. Some would die of it in days, others would barely notice it, and it would strike before fading, then returning with a vengeance. Every sniffle would send the entire town into a panic. Lady Feemu fought everyone how to recognize the early signs, how to keep it from spreading, and how to care for those struck down. She used her magic to keep the worst cases alive and make everyone more resistant to it. Then she’d move on to the next town, spreading her teachings so that the disease might be prevented from taking hold again.
She coordinated with the local countess, Countess Hatred. The countess comes up in the conversation with the rest of the party as well - the tired looking woman gives a small but genuine smile at the offer. ”I’d appreciate that so much! The penal colony is on an island off the coast. The worst criminals get sent there to mine magical crystals in exchange for avoiding the noose - freedom if they can work off their crimes with better work taking more time off the sentence. You’ll have to see the countess to get permission to go - Countess Hatred.”
Both the townsfolk in the inn and the woman worried for her brother assure the party that Countess Hatred is really a lovely person and they shouldn’t mind the name - her parents were just a bit ‘extra’ is all. They are given fairly simple directions to find her manor house. It seems fairly close and the party can make it in a few hours in the morning after they’ve rested.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+21=40 ; Friday March 31st, 2023 10:42:49 PM
Zeoll discreetly asks around about this "Countess Hatred" lady. He would like to know what to expect.
Gather Info / Diplomacy: 40
Elron -- SteveM Saturday April 1st, 2023 12:01:11 PM
Elron wonders if Hatred is the countess'es name or her -- county? Yes, it would make sense to put a count or countess in charge of a county. He doesn't ask his question, satisfied that he has figured out some of the rankings of nobility.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Saturday April 1st, 2023 12:38:00 PM
Cyrion thinks the Countesses name bodes something bad, however, he's a walking construct so he takes everything with a grain of salt. "Thank you for talking with us. Though we are looking for Lady Feemu, I believe that exploring the penal colony is important. If the illness spread there, and no one knows, then those folks are in need of help, regardless of their crimes."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Sunday April 2nd, 2023 3:21:00 AM
Being at least an amateur healer herself, Mundhildur sees whether some of the local folk can recall the remedies Lady Feemu used, and the advice she gave, so that should she come across someone who coughs as they have described, she might have some sort of basis upon which to act.
Should they go to meet with Countess Hatred, during the course of the conversation, she also will arrange to see if she can gain any additional insights into suitable treatments for the pestilence.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday April 3rd, 2023 1:16:11 AM Zeoll gathers what information he can about the Countess. Elron wonders about counts and countries. Cyrion thinks the name is a bad omen but is willing to take things with a grain of salt. He thinks the colony is worth investigating. Mundhildur learns as much as she can about the disease and it’s cures. Asimov suggests they talk to Hatred about the colony before finding Lady Femmu.
Zeoll is able to gather some rumors about Countess Hatred. There’s some wild ones - some say she is actually a demon, others that either her mother or father merely had relations with a demon. That she is cruel and vindictive against those who break the law, but also that she’s merciful and has done a lot to improve things.
He’s able to sift through things and determine a few things he can be certain are not just the wild rumors common folk spread about nobility: First the countess is not fully human, having some sort of demonic feature or features. Secondly she is some form of warlock and caster, or employs one, as she has demonic guardians she is never seen without. Thirdly, though people like to spread wild rumors about her she is generally well regarded among the common folk and credited with working to improve their lives.
Armed with information about the Countess and the disease the party heads to bed (it is past midnight after a hard day’s travel and partying). In the morning they enjoy a nice breakfast before heading out towards the Countess’s manor. The countryside is pleasant and full of farms and gentle hills. It’s an easy trip and they catch sight of the manor around midday. It’s a large house or small mansion with a stone fence surrounding it - fairly plain for a countess, indeed much similar to the home of the Marquis. The gate is shut and there are guards outside of it, but signs of activity inside indicate that it is not closed to the public, merely that you have to convince the guards to let you in.
Elron -- SteveM Monday April 3rd, 2023 10:14:48 PM
Elron knows that Zeoll is the more likely to convince the guards of their honorable intentions. Moreover, guards off duty love a good joke -- but guards on duty sometimes get a bit touchy about them. Why, he remembers this one time, he was trying to get through the gates of Seeburg on some business and one of the guard told a joke. it was a pretty funny joke, and he laughed. The next day, a different guard told the same joke. After a week or so of going through the gate, Elron realized that the guards only knew so many jokes, and all of the folks who went in an out of the place had already heard them all. So one day he substituted a different punch line before the guard got to it, and some of the folks laughed. But he didn't get in that day. You've got to change these things up every so often.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+21=25 ; Monday April 3rd, 2023 11:51:49 PM
Zeoll steps forward and speaks for the party.
"If you would, please, sirr guarrd, communicate to those in charrge that a parrty of adventurrerrs is rrequesting an audience with the lady of the manorr. It is in rregarrd to the rrecent outbrreak of disease that has plagued some of the common folk."
Zeoll gives his own name and that of his friends.
Diplomacy 25
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 3:07:59 AM
Mundhildur simply nods as Zeoll mentions her to the guard(s).
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 8:11:00 AM Asimov suggests one of the others talk to the guards. Elron remembers past attempts to get past guards with jokes. Zeoll steps forward to speak, saying they are here to discuss the disease outbreak. Mundhildur simply nods as she is introduced.
The guards seem pleasant enough. One takes out a little notepad and writes down everyone’s names as they are introduced. ”You’ll have to be a little more specific. Do you have news of a fresh outbreak, are you just looking to help, or something else about it?”
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Tuesday April 4th, 2023 2:30:43 PM
"We'rre searrching forr a parrticularr healerr forr advice and consultation. We arre not infected with anything. We hearrd therre was an outbrreak you werre having, and we arre happy to help."
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 9:13:37 PM
Cyrion isn't really good at talking to guards or people in power, so he hangs out in the back, and keeps a weather eye out for trouble
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday April 4th, 2023 11:46:21 PM
Elron (not having talked to the old woman) isn't sure what Asimov is talking about. Nor, for that matter, did he expect to volunteer to help with an outbreak here. He stands there, waiting to figure out what his friends are talking about.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 5:19:43 AM
"We wish to ask the Lady's counsel on a matter, and perhaps permission to see what we can do to help," Mundhildur adds.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 6:18:02 AM Zeoll clarifies. Asimov mentions the penal colony. Cyrion hangs in the back. Elron is confused having not been caught up by the half of the party who talked to the woman. Mundhildur adds that they’d like to consult the countess and maybe help.
The guard writes down everything and tears off the paper to hand to a younger man in a page’s outfit. He runs off with the note, presumably to deliver it to whomever makes such decisions. There is a 5 minute wait.
The wait ends with a trio of men come back with the page. Two are clearly more guards while the third looks like a butler or official of some sort. Ink stained fingers and a fine outfit marks him as someone who spends a lot of time writing and doing important paperwork. At his signal the gate is opened and he gives a little bow in greeting. ”The countess will see you as soon as she has finished her current meeting. It should not be long, if you will come this way.”
He leads the group through the manor. It’s much like the manor of the Marquis, though bustling with activity. Guards and militia practice their craft in a small courtyard while bureaucrats and pages move through the halls all working on the many things required to run a government. Other than how busy it seems to be it seems fairly normal, with no indications that the place is run by demon worshippers.
The countess seems fond of purple. Many of the guards and people you pass have sigils of a purple field with black roses somewhere on their clothing and there’s the occasional banner or flag with the same design. Probably a family coat of arms of some sort. Even things without the sigil frequently sport the color in many different shades. You are led to a small waiting room with a long table and lavender carpets where you are asked to wait. One guard remains at the door while the other two men leave the room.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 7:46:34 PM
"Hello, sir. We are from elsewhere. Would you be so kind as to tell us the significance of the black roses on the purple background we are seeing everywhere here?" Mundhildur asks the guard.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday April 5th, 2023 10:06:26 PM
Elron figures that the guard is there to see to it that he and his friends don't run amok. So he ponders the best way to run amok. He studies the black roses on people's clothing, as best he can. If he were dressed like them, he could blend right in.
After a minute he realizes Mundhildur has the right of it -- they should learn what they can from the fellow. "Sure is busy here."
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh Wednesday April 5th, 2023 10:28:34 PM
Asimov adds to Munhildur's comment, "Some of us like Cyrion and myself are from wheres that are more else than the others. You might want to look into why that is happening. Kind of strange isn't it how two different people from two markedly different worlds end up in the same third world, though considering Cyrion ended up inside a purple worm I suppose my journey here could have been much worse or rather where I ended up."
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Wednesday April 5th, 2023 10:44:14 PM
Zeoll prepares for the meeting with the noble lady. When the guard is distracted talking with the others, the liontaur turns away and casts Guidance and Glibness.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20+27=34 ; d20+27=30 ; Thursday April 6th, 2023 7:47:06 AM Mundhildur asks about the sigil they’ve been seeing. Elron wonders how he can run amok and if he could blend in if he had a sigil. He comments on how busy it is. Asimov comments on being more from elsewhere than others and maybe someone should look into that. Zeoll tries to buff himself without the guard noticing.
The guard seems uncertain how to react to being talked to. After some hesitation he answers, ”The black rose has always been a symbol of our house, though our color’s change to purple only came after the Countess’s birth. As the local count our house is always busy with affairs of state. Laws and government don’t just happen on their own.”
He has nothing to say about Asimov’s comment and if he notices Zeoll casting he makes no sign of it. After about 20 minutes the door opposite of the one you entered opens and a man tells the group, ”The Countess will see you now.”
Entering the audience hall is like walking into another world. The manor as you have seen so far was pleasantly lit by large windows and torches, giving the place a warm, natural feeling. This chamber has no windows, or if there are some they are covered by the thick tapestries lining the walls that display images of great demons and ancient battles. It is lit by great braziers that burn an unnatural violet color, somehow too bright to look directly at yet only shedding a dim purple light through the room.
The hall is wide but short, made to fit far larger delegations than the small party of adventurers. It leads to a small stair that leads to a raised area where a large chair rests, not quite a throne but clearly designed to impress and stand above petitioners. Flanking the chair are two guards in heavy armor, but the great bat wings, unnaturally pale skin, and horns mark them as demon guardians who glower at the party. The Countess herself sits upon the chair, a slim woman in a plain dress with curved horns and cloven hooves for feet. Her skin seems to be a dark, unnatural color, possibly purple though it’s hard to tell if that’s just because of the strange light, and a tail wraps around from behind her to dangle lazily off the front of the chair.
As the party approaches she speaks. ”So adventurers. You say you are here to help. But you are not healers, dedicated to fighting injury and disease, nor does it seem likely news of the plague brought you or you would have arrived a month or more ago. So what brings you to my lands?”
Knowledge: History DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {Though the scenes in the tapestries show fearsome demons they actually depict historical defeats of the forces of evil.}
Knowledge: Planes DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {The guards are actually Succubi, though it is hard to recognize them when made to wear androgynous armor instead of their normal alluring attire. }
Sense motive DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: { The bound demon guards are very unhappy. They hate you, they hate the Countess, and a burning rage seethes behind their eyes. Only whatever magic binding them prevents them from going on a rampage, and they will likely take any excuse within those bindings to erupt into violence. You probably shouldn’t do anything that could be considered a threat in any way.}
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+8=17 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+24=37 ; Thursday April 6th, 2023 1:08:01 PM
KNOW HISTORY (Using my Guidance) 17
SENSE MOTIVE 31
KNOW PLANES 26
Zeoll steps forward, at first just to be polite: "My lady, we arre most pleased and grrateful forr the chance to speak with you, and let me offerr you the grreatest rrespect ... "
This is not only polite, but it is passing a secret message to his friends. Bluff check without Glibness ... 37
What Zeoll wants his friends to understand is that these guards and this person could be the death of us. Be polite and offer NO threats, physical or otherwise.
The liontaur introduces his friends and lets them speak, if they wish.
[OOC: I'll try to make another post later]
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Know History: d20+3=7 ; Know Planes: d20+3=6 ; Sense Motive d20+10=12 ; Thursday April 6th, 2023 6:53:44 PM
Cyrion seems at peace with the colors. Turning to the Countess, he will share his piece at least, "We are seeking a healer. We were told she had passed this way. We then discovered thata the plague was here, and might be at your Penal Colony as well. In order to visit it, and ascertain what's going on, we needed permission from you, Mam, Countess, um, Mi'lady..." He also offers a short bow in her direction.
OOC: If anyone is watching for the "truth" he is telling the truth as he knows it
Asimov chimes in, "We met a local lady in our search and she told us of her plight. She hadn't heard from her brother who works at the penal colony in over a month and she was worried for him. Since we were in the area, we offered to look into the situation and see what may have happened to her brother."
Elron shivers at the sight of the demon guards. He doesn't think they have a sense of humor -- even less so than ordinary guards. He does not try to explain anything a the moment.
Elron shivers at the sight of the demon guards. He doesn't think they have a sense of humor -- even less so than ordinary guards. He does not try to explain anything a the moment.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Thursday April 6th, 2023 11:43:04 PM
Zeoll confirms what the others say, and adds that as a greensinger, he has some small healing ability as well.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 d20=11 ; Friday April 7th, 2023 11:08:35 AM Zeoll steps forward to speak politely and try to signal his friends to be careful. After they speak he confirms what they say and adds he is a greensinger with some healing ability. Cryion explains what brought the party to the area. Asimov mentions what drew their interest to the penal colony. Elron shivers and thinks the guards have no sense of humor.
”Ah. That makes far more sense. Heroes on a quest getting sidetracked by every unrelated cry for help.” The Countess sounds almost wistful as she leans back and considers, her tail beginning to lazily twitch as she weighs her options. ”I’m afraid I have no good news for you. When we lost contact with our colony we of course considered that the disease may be running rampant there as well. A relief force was gathered and Lady Femu, finished with her efforts on the mainland, accompanied the relief force to the Island.”
Another pause, this time seemingly only for dramatic effect. ”They too have vanished, with all contact lost.”
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Friday April 7th, 2023 11:49:57 PM
"If you allow us, lady, we would be happy to go therre and rresolve the situation."
Elron -- SteveM Saturday April 8th, 2023 10:34:01 AM "No doubt you already have people planning to investigate. If they have thoughts on how to proceed, we would like to hear them if you agree with Zeoll's suggestion that we go there."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Saturday April 8th, 2023 1:03:30 PM
"Lady Hatred, we enjoy aiming to help in difficult circumstances. Perhaps we can see what we might do in an impossible situation," says Mundhildur.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Saturday April 8th, 2023 9:06:23 PM
Cyrion, having spoken his piece steps back to allow the others a chance to talk, he'll also nod at the guard closest to him
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh Monday April 10th, 2023 3:22:30 AM
Asimov says, "Then it is fortuitous we came to you looking into this. Send us out to the Penal Colony. If we make it there perhaps we can rescue Lady Femmu and the previous expedition and bring the survivors back here, while looking into the fate of the woman's brother?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Monday April 10th, 2023 7:47:50 AM Zeoll offers to go there and resolve the situation. Elron suggests they talk to whomever is already planning to investigate. Mundhildur says they enjoy helping in difficult situations and says they could maybe solve it. Cyrion has said his piece so stands back. He nods at one of the guards. The guard’s eye twitches. Asimov says it is fortuitous the party came and they can rescue people and investigate.
The Countess shakes her head at Elron’s suggestion. ”Those best prepared to deal with the problem have already been sent, and I have no doubt you’ll happily waltz in blindly and either solve the problem or vanish into thin air like the last team did.”
She sighs. ”What we need is a way for you to magically contact me to pass on news. Do you happen to know the sending spell? Or any other way of getting the word out of what has happened there. Frequent contact will allow you to inform me as soon as you discover whatever danger caused loss of contact with the colony and the first team.”
Elron -- SteveM Monday April 10th, 2023 7:41:31 PM "Madam, th' notion of happily vanishing is foreign to me. If I vanish, I plan to be can -- I say, cantankerous about it," Elron calmly explains, before adding, "To your point, I have no means of sendin' a message sayin' so. But I travel with some mighty smart folks. Someone will."
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Monday April 10th, 2023 9:15:34 PM
Zeoll volunteers to use his animal friend, Bill the Eagle, to carry messages back and forth.
[OOC: That seems like an idea that would work, right?]
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday April 10th, 2023 10:52:47 PM
Mundhildur asks, "Do you or yours have the means to magically contact us, Lady?"
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh Monday April 10th, 2023 11:06:18 PM
Asimov says, "It would work better than me sending flying Irony to carry the messages. He can't get beyond a certain range of me without starting to have functional problems but BIll the Eagle has no such limitations."
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday April 11th, 2023 6:56:26 AM Elron comments that he plans on being ornery about vanishing and says one of his friends can probably contact the countess. Zeoll suggests that Bill the eagle can fly messages back and forth. Mundhildur asks if the Countess can magically contact the party. Asimov says Bill would work better then Irony.
The Countess laughs at Elron’s comment before shaking her head. ”I am not capable of casting Sending, nor do I have anyone in my employ who can. If only I did - we could try to contact the missing team and learn what threat lurks on the island. I will send a trusted agent to lead you to the village where you can get passage to the colony. He will stay there to receive your messages so - Bill was it? - Bill will not have to fly all this way each message.”
”I must urge to you the importance of this mission. The loss of the colony would be a huge blow. My superiors will see it as a sign of gross incompetence, especially if I cannot even discover what is causing the problem. They will not hesitate to replace me, which will bode poorly for everyone in the area. Go to the colony, rescue as many survivors as you can, and send back every scrap of information you find about what occurred there. Though I doubt it will influence you know I will reward you handsomely should you succeed.”
This final statement seems to be some sort of dismissal, as a guard emerges from somewhere to politely lead the party back to the waiting room they were in.
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday April 11th, 2023 6:17:31 PM
Elron waits until they're away from the guards to ask the others, but he's concerned by this talk of superiors. Still, the healer went to the colony, so that's where they need to go. He thanks the countess as they leave.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Tuesday April 11th, 2023 8:59:02 PM
Zeoll bows to the lady. "We will not fail, you, miss. But if I may ask, how farr is the island frrom the coastal village? And may we have yourr assistance in the use of a ship to brring us to the island, and a navigatorr who knows the way?"
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 1:43:41 AM
Cyrion is interested in what Asimov asked, and waits to see what the Countess shares.
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 4:59:28 AM
Mundhi listens, thinks to ask more questions, but then decides it might be better to seek additional information elsewhere.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 7:09:41 AM Elron is concerned about the mentioned superiors but doesn’t want to ask in front of the angry demon guards. He thanks the Countess. Zeoll asks questions about the island colony Asimov asks about odd history. Cyrion waits to see if the Countess responds. Mundhildur thinks about asking some questions but decides to ask elsewhere.
The Countess silently acknowledges the thanks but not the questions. The demonic guards tighten their grips on their weapons and the polite man trying to lead you away becomes more insistent and nervous. Presumably the party allows themselves to be led out of the room.
Fortunately waiting for them in the side chamber is someone more able to help. An ancient looking man rises from a chair as the party enters and gives a courtly little bow in greeting. ”Ah there are the noble heroes. I am Grand VIzier Jothindalil - everyone just calls me Jordan or Joth. Tell me, what’d you think of our dear Countess? She puts on quite the show doesn’t she?”
His eyes twinkle as he looks over the party. His wrinkled face, white hair, and keen eyes show a great depth of wisdom, and his pointed ears mark him as an elf. To look this old he must be 600-700 years old! ”I heard you asking questions about the island on your way out. The village is about a day out from here, the island a few hours off the coast. I’ll see to all the travel arrangements of course, and your hawk friend should be able to make the flight in an hour or so. The island itself has always been forgettable until the last generation or so when a sudden need for magical reagents drew attention there.”
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday April 12th, 2023 8:12:01 PM
Elron listens until Joth starts using strange, thinky words like "reagent." Fortunately there's not much more.
"So Bill can go in an hour, but we can't?" Elron's not too disappointed, having been flightless all of his life. Still, it doesn't seem right that Bill gets to go so soon and he has to wait.
Elron looks to see if Joth has the same purple rose he's been seeing folks here wear. If the countess'es agents in the colony are disappearing, that sounds nefarious.
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Wednesday April 12th, 2023 9:32:46 PM
Zeoll nods and thanks the fellow. "I'll wrrite a dispatch everry night and have Bill carrry it to you with the day's ending."
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 d20+9=29 ; Thursday April 13th, 2023 5:57:53 AM
"Well met, Grand Vizier Jothindalil - Jordan? I am Mundhildur Karadottir. But you may call me Mundhildur, or Mundhi," the Jotun maiden introduces herself.
"'Quite the show'? The Lady does exhibit a sense of drama. If I may ask, she mentioned her superiors. Who might they be? If you cannot tell me now, I can wait.
"Meanwhile, when might a boat or ship be able to take us? Are there any special provisions you could recommend we pick up from here before we sail away?"
As they interact with the Vizier, Mundhi works to see if she might be able to sense his motives (Sense motive: 29 (nat 20)
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Thursday April 13th, 2023 8:24:27 AM Elron stops listening when fancy words are said. He wonders why Bill can leave sooner and looks over the old elf’s clothing. Zeoll promises to write a dispatch every night Asimov wonders about the sudden need for reagents. Mundhildur introduces herself and asks about the superiors and any provisions he might suggest.
Jordan starts to lead the group back through the manor. He wears fine robes of black and red, though a badge of office and the sigil of the house are prominently displayed. He seems to mean well, intent on getting to know the party, answer their questions, and complete the mission. ”Oh no we can leave now, I was saying Bill can make the flight from island to mainland in an hour. There’s a carriage and a week’s supply of provisions being prepared now for you. The recent, ah, change in management is what caused the need for reagents. The country is ruled by several great houses. Each has a series of lesser lords who serve them, who are in turn served by counts and barons. When House Thrune took power with demonic assistance the other great houses began to follow their example to keep their own power intact, then the lesser nobility emulated their own lords. Now with demon summoning becoming a popular pastime of the nobility the spell components to do so became an important resource.
The island has a mine of crystals used in rituals on it, never very efficient before. Mining the crystals there is miserable work and paying people to do it produced few results. It was the lady’s parents who came up with a solution - clemency for prisoners on death row in exchange for doing the work. As miserable as it is it’s better than dying, and production soared. Now that Lady Hatred is in charge a problem at the mine is a serious concern, and the lord she serves - and the high lords above them - will brook no excuse for it continuing to remain inoperative.”
The party reaches the courtyard where they first entered the manor. A carriage, big enough for even Mundhildur, waits there as if they knew the party would need it the moment they stepped inside. Only a man hastily packing one last bag before stepping back ruins the illusion.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Thursday April 13th, 2023 1:17:40 PM
Cyrion, looks at the venerable Elf, "Jordan, is this work hard and the prisoners die often, and are there other things living on the island we need to watch out for?"
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Thursday April 13th, 2023 8:48:14 PM
Zeoll asks that someone at the coastal village be assigned to receive his eagle's notes.
"Bill is way smarrterr than the averrage eagle, so he'll know to fly back afterr deliverring his note. But a little meat and waterr would not go amiss."
(Boosted Bill's Int with his 4 HD advance.)
Elron -- SteveM Thursday April 13th, 2023 11:08:08 PM "I take it these crystals are found in other parts o' th' country, too. Those controlled by otha' houses, I mean. I can see how that would make things touchy. Are otha' houses likely t' be behind th' trouble?"
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh Thursday April 13th, 2023 11:37:54 PM
Asimov says, "So let me get this straight the mine produces raw materials needed to keep the demons in check and with the mine being potentially out of order how long until the demons run amok? Could any unbound demons allied with the bonded demons be behind the problem? Did any demon ever slip its binding and escape in the history of House Thrune?"
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Friday April 14th, 2023 6:50:13 AM Cyrion asks about how bad the work is and if there are others living on the island. Zeoll asks that someone in the village be assigned to receive Bill’s notes and comments on his intelligence. Elron asks about other mines and if other houses could be behind the problem. Asimov wonders if the lack of crystals means bound demons might be freed and if unbound demons might be behind it all.
As the party loads up and heads out Jordan considers the various theories proposed by the party. ”I will be happy to meet and treat Bill when he returns with each message. It will be my job to decide if anything needs to be done should you send any particularly urgent news.
While the crystals are used to summon and bind demons, such spells do not have to be renewed with fresh crystals - that’s another spell with other material components. The most likely outcome is no one can summon demons if they can’t get any crystals - something we all agree would be a good thing, but as said the nobility won’t stand for it and it will cause trouble.
A rival house disrupting things is a possibility. Certainly some are ambitious enough. It would be incredibly risky for them though, as if any evidence was found implicating them head will roll.”
The trip to the coastal town is pleasant and relaxing. Jothindalil is an amazing and entertaining storyteller, with anecdotes and tales from over 600 years of service to the Countess’s house. He regales the party with epic tales of ancient battles, amusing tales of the absurdities of the nobility, and heart wrenching tales of lost love and great tragedy.
He’s also a good listener whenever the party has one of their own tales to share. The road is well maintained and the countryside pleasant to look at, overall making the trip go by in a flash. At about the halfway point the carriage stops in a pleasant little town to eat at an end. Jordan seems quite familiar with it and offers suggestions on what to order if anyone seems uncertain.
As the party eats he asks a question. ”I have a thought experiment for you. I’ve told you some of our houses history. We’ve always strived to do what is best for our people. If you were a middling noble, with enough power to improve things but not enough to resist the more powerful houses, what would you do were your country taken over by devil worshippers?”
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Friday April 14th, 2023 8:42:24 AM
"Arre we tallking demons orr devils?" Zeoll asks. "But in the end, it makes me no neverrmind. The answerr is, arre you, oh hypothetical noble, doing evil? If you arre, then stop it, even if it costs you yourr position and powerr, even if it forrces you into exile. If you arre not doing evil, then you can brreathe easy. Prrovide an example forr otherrs of what it means to do rright, and trry to do what you can to mitigate the evil of otherrs, surre. I would say, though, that the firrst rresponsibility of nobles is to those overr whom they rrule. If you can avoid doing evil yourrself while prroviding health and prrosperrity to yourr people, then you have achieved success in yourr calling, rregarrdless of the example set by otherrs."
Elron -- SteveM Friday April 14th, 2023 5:01:05 PM "I always -- I say, always heard tell that demons an' devils is givin' t' perverting any instructions they are bound t' follow. Don't know for sure, can't do that sort o' thing. But it seems t' me that there's a risk t' this here Lord Hypothetic. He may be a great guy, but don't let th' countess be too close t' him if an' when his control o' the magic starts t' slip. She seems like a nice lady."
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Friday April 14th, 2023 10:14:05 PM
Cyrion shakes his head, "No one should make deals with demons or devils; they always have a way out of those deals and cause mischief and worse while they are around. I've met one, and even though he was 'controlled' he had a way of making things happen for his amusement, and it was never pretty."
Asimov (18/13/16; 72 HP; CMD 20) and Irony (25/13/22; 40/40 HP; CMD 20; Hardness 4) -- Hugh Monday April 17th, 2023 12:00:48 AM
Asimov is introspective. "Where I am from there really aren't demons or devils as you have them here per se. I mean there are such things as Mantisaurs, Raptidors and Primals but they are kind of beasts. Of course we have a bunch of technology that you guys don't and what I knew as technology is essentially magic here so I mean I guess if you could bind and harness demons and devils to do good, wouldn't that ultimately be a good thing? Forcing evil to do good?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Monday April 17th, 2023 1:51:46 AM
After listening to her friends' replies, Munhildur answers the Vizier. "I would beseech aid from the heavens above to banish those summoned from below. I would summon angels, that the dark might be driven out by the light."
After a pause, she says, "The best thing that one can do when dealing with the devilish or demonic is to invoke the holy powers to rebuke the powers of the dark ones. Dealing with them otherwise smacks of foolishness. You don't negotiate with them. You banish or destroy, or do what else you might in order to rid the Wold of them, or at least drive them out of your realm."
Asimov continues to reflect on the differences between where he came from and where he is now.
Elron -- SteveM Monday April 17th, 2023 10:49:59 PM
Elron doesn't much do thought experiments. He mostly just pokes the bear to see what happens.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Tuesday April 18th, 2023 6:09:54 AM Zeoll answers that they should be an example to others. They should do what is right and do what they can to prevent others from doing evil. Elron comments on the difficulties of making deals with demons and devils. Cyrion declares that no one should make deals with demons or devils regardless. Asimov talks about where he’s from and the lack of such beings there. He posits that if such creatures could be used for good then shouldn’t that be a good thing? Mundhildur suggests that angelic aid should be enlisted, to fight and banish the demons from the realm.
The old elf smiles and nods at Zeolls answer, and gives a raised eyebrow to some of the others. ”So you would decry the summoning of demons, and in doing so undermine those who seized power and could easily eliminate you? Summon forth angels to do battle, when your enemies are far more capable of such summonings then you?
Such answers may work for an adventuring type. When you rely on yourself and a few others then risking the wrath of authority only risks yourself. Being a ruler is more complicated than that however - you must not only consider your own morals, but the protection of the people you are duty bound to serve.
Open defiance, even with angelic assistance, almost certainly means war and the destruction of those you are sworn to protect. So regardless of personal opinion or plans, you at least must appear to be loyal lest you be removed. So how does one do what good you can within your power without drawing the ire of the ruling class?”
He spreads his hands and smiles. ”Why, you put on a show. And you must admit, Lady Hatred puts on a good show, as did her parents before her.”
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle Tuesday April 18th, 2023 11:44:54 AM
'Cerrtainly, the highest duty of an arristocrrat is to protect and supporrt those overr whom one rrules. I wish your lady all success in that. and to the extent we can help in that noble goal, we arre on the same side, I deem."
"But let us move frrom the hypothetical to the prractical. Please tell us of the arrrangements for water trransporrt, I hope that a ship will await us off the coast of the island while we deal with the situation?"
Elron -- SteveM Tuesday April 18th, 2023 10:46:01 PM
Elron is confused. "Were those demon guards not demons?"
Mundhildur Karadottir, Jotun singing giant Lvl 8 (7'4" or 10'5" as needed) (Kim) AC 20 Touch 14 FF18 HP 77/80 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 5:49:47 AM
"A good show? Subterfuge? How about a righteous show once in a while?" She does not carry on more on the topic however beyond that.
As they draw closer, Mundhi asks if they might be told anything as to what they might expect to find ahead.
Mitch - The Twins HP: 106/106AC 29/15/27 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 6:28:03 AM Zeoll agrees on the highest duty of nobility and turns to more practical discussion. Elron is confused and asks if the demons were not demons. Asimov wonders how the show is put on. Mundhildur seems unconvinced saying they should put on a righteous show but drops the topic.
Jordan refuses to give details on the show his Countess is apparently putting on. Instead he takes up the more practical topic Zeoll suggested as the party finishes their food and heads out.
Jordan explains that there’s a small fishing village where a ship is kept to make runs to and from the island. It has a well manned ship that shuttles prisoners and supplies back and forth and a small barracks in town to house the men when they are not making a trip. The ship will drop off the party and bring enough supplies to stay several days while the party investigates, just in case they have to make a quick exit. They will be delivered to the main camp, a walled staging area where everyone sleeps and eats before going out to the different mining areas each day. The island has thick jungles and some dangerous natural predators, preventing prisoners from trying to sneak away and survive in the wild, and the only way off and on the island is the landing - coral reefs prevent ships from approaching the island from other directions.
The remainder of the trip passes by uneventfully. It’s about sundown when the group pulls up into the small fishing town Jordan mentioned. It’s a quiet hamlet, maybe a dozen buildings all together, and it looks like people are already getting ready for bed. The arrival of a fancy carriage from the countess draws no notice - it seems they frequently get such visitors delivering prisoners, guards, or supplies. The party is offered space in the guard barracks to sleep before they head out in the morning. The cots inside are simple, but comfortable, though only sized for medium creatures.
Cyrion the Black HP 77/77 AC 19 or 23 CMD: 20 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 12:59:08 PM
Cyrion is fine with napping against a wall ... he doesn't really need as much sleep as his friends
Zeoll (AC22, HP73) | Bill the Eagle (AC21, HP58) | Cayzle d20+21=25 ; Wednesday April 19th, 2023 6:54:58 PM
Zeoll spends the evening subtly chatting with the village inhabitants. Has there been any strange signs, lights, or sounds from the direction of the island? Any strangers appearing nearby? Or strange creatures? Anything odd wash up on the shore?
Diplomacy to gather info ... 25
The greensinger calls up a few rat swarms and uses Speak with Animals to ask similar questions.
And he has Bill the Eagle fly around just keeping an eye open.
Elron -- SteveM Wednesday April 19th, 2023 8:12:29 PM
Mundhildur can use Elron's matress if she wants -- he roosts, anyway.
He's interested in hearing more about these predators, if they might have to face some.
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