DM Zyren's Heart of Runes
Game Master Zyrenity

Don't feel too bad. Karlan has seen no less than about 6 or 7 people join the party for a short time and then leave. For a man all about duty and doing the right thing it turns him a touch cynical.. Probably pretty upset about KAnyk as he kind of wanted to get to know him better. Ah well.

Well I'm not likely to disappear on you. I was pulled into Riddles after it started and I've been playing it since March 21, 2011.

While you are all occupied witht thinking, sulking or receiving and sending telepathic messages, you follow Media into a large parlour. Ruby, thick carpets cover the floor that seem to soak up most of the noise you make upon entering. The walls are lined with portraits of stern-looking men and women - most probably precursors of the mayor. Haldmer Grobaras sits behind a large mohagony desk, a plate full of exotic fruits in front of him...as usual he is eating...

Ah! My merry band of adventurers! I see, Xanesha hasn't found you yet, heh! he ignores the fact that no one laughs, smiles and clicks his fingers.

Media opens a side entrance to the room and a good looking half-elf enters.

That's...uh...

Alana Media finishes the sentence for Grobaras.

Yes Alana, she is the best spellweilder in all of Varisia and generously as I am, I have hired her to help you. Haldmer seems very very satisfied with himself and stuffs a whole banana in his mouth...

Humor dances in Alana's eyes as the Mayor refers to her as "the best spellwilder in all of Varisia".

"Surely you flatter." She says to the man as he gorges himself on the piece of fruit.

"Hello. I have been told that I might be of some service to your group? I find I have nothing pressing to attend to," with this she smiles broadly. "So, my services are yours, such as they are."

She bows at the waist to the group.

Hmm, a spellweilder? This could prove very useful after all. Let me show Handsome how to welcome a new member into our little band.

Celestra walks up and offers the spellweilder a hand in friendship.

"Welcome, sister! I am Celestra, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance! Your assistance will be more than welcome! Did you say your name is Alana? That is a very pretty name."

Yeah, a pretty thing she is! the mayor mumbles full-mouthed.

"You realise the danger we are headed for, Miss Alana? And you come freely and of your own will, and know there is no guarantee of safety?" Harry enquires, matter of factly.

"If you can accept that, it's an equal share for equal work. Sir Karlan is sort of the leader of the outfit here, though we all get a say. I'm Harry, known by a few other monikers... Heavy Harry, Harry Handsome, some might even reckon I can be a right Dragon"

"Welcome to the group, Miss Alana"

As Harry talks, his rather grizzled looking Rottweiler looks around the room and continues to examine the surroundings.

"Thumper here doesn't get an equal share, of course"

Ailetha simply watches the new spellwielder trying to determine what motives would bring such a girl to be hired by the Mayor of Magnimar to join their shrinking group.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Karlan offers a pleasant smile and an extended gauntleted hand. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm not exactly sure what the mayor told you but we're not exactly adventurers or mercenaries." Karlan has difficulty saying the last word as if it was being spoken in some foreign lingo. "We're all guardsmen here under Sheriff Hemlock of sandpoint. Also before you join us there is the possibility that we might have made an enemy of an ancient and absolutely powerful wizard and his lamia matriarch minion who is likely capable of tearing a man limb from limb while also being a powerful spellcaster. We expect that she may strike at any point."

Karlan's smile does not leave his face the whole time betraying no sarcasm or humor.

Celestra walks up and offers the spellweilder a hand in friendship.

"Welcome, sister! I am Celestra, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance! Your assistance will be more than welcome! Did you say your name is Alana? That is a very pretty name."

Alana takes Celestra's hand into her own and shakes it enthusiastically.

"Oh yes, thank you, and what a lovely name is Celestra!"

Yeah, a pretty thing she is! the mayor mumbles full-mouthed.

She smiles warmly in the man's direction.

"You realise the danger we are headed for, Miss Alana? And you come freely and of your own will, and know there is no guarantee of safety?" Harry enquires, matter of factly...

Alana tilts her head back and musical laughter escapes her lips, "Oh my dear man, when does life ever guarantee safety? Yes, yes, of course I understand that there will be dangers involved. I'm sure I'll do just fine with such strong men, and powerful women surrounding me." She gives Harry a slight wink.

Karlan offers a pleasant smile and an extended gauntleted hand. "Pleasure to meet you. I'm not exactly sure what the mayor told you but we're not exactly adventurers or mercenaries." ...

She shakes Karlan's hand with as much enthusiasm as she did Celestra's while offering him a smile to match his own.

"Oh my, it does sound like you will be quite busy then. I hope that I can be of assistance."

Noticing that Ailetha has yet to speak, she steps forward and extends her own hand and says, "Hello, I'm sorry I didn't catch your name, my friend?"

Ailetha looks the new woman up and down again before extending her hand.

I am Ailetha, pleased to meet you. Just watch out for those powerful men. They show their power in more than one way.

Again, Alana's head tilts back and music laughter escapes her mouth. She catches herself after just a moment and says, "Thank you kindly, I will be sure to keep watch of them. And might I say, what a beautiful name is Ailetha as well!"

"Oh my dear man, when does life ever guarantee safety? Yes, yes, of course I understand that there will be dangers involved. I'm sure I'll do just fine with such strong men, and powerful women surrounding me."

"Indeed we play our part, Alana, but if life becomes just a little bit too much work and not enough play, be sure to let me know and I can help set matters straight!"

Alana cocks her head to the side, a look of puzzlement crosses her features.

"Whatever do you mean?"

Harry barely contains a momentary snigger. It's as if something comic has finally ocurred to him.

Thank you. My father gave it to me.

"I'm just saying that when the boys become just a little too intense with their thirst for justice, I can help quench your thirst and remind us all what is truly most important in life! For truly, what is more important than good friends, good company, and a refreshing drink to toast the moment?!"

Harry looks half disappointed that his revelation hasn't borne out after Celestras explanation.

"So how soon before we can leave? I'm reckoning we are going to have to hunt Xanesha on our return eh?"

Ok ok, enough of that. Media interrups impatiently looks like eyveryone knows each other now.

Ahem... she looks at the mayor expectantly

Huh? Oh...well: the mayor puts a pineapple away...you wonder if he intended to swallow it in one piece...and lays his hands on the table

Your mission...as it told you, you have to check what happened to the rangers at the fort. I'd say you travel to Turtleback Ferry first. The closes thing to a town in that area. You have horses?

"Yes, thank you Mr Mayor, we'd love you to provide fresh horses. I believe we can get underway the moment they are ready."

"I will be ready with a moment's notice. Just say the word and we can go off in search of some young strapping rangers and see what kind of trouble they have gotten themselves into."

Addressing Media Karlan asks. "About how far is Turtleback Ferry from the fort? And what have you heard from there?"

Knowledge(geography): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 <-- Do I know anything about Turtleneck Ferry?

Alana listens quietly as the others make plans for the journey. She is still contemplating Celestra's explanation, though innocent sounding enough, there is still a hint of seduction in her word choice that leaves Alana pondering... I've never been with an Aasimar...

After a moment she giggles quietly and then clears her throat. "If someone would kindly provide me with more details about the nature of where we are going, and what conditions we will likely face along the way, I will go make the necessary purchases for my journey. As you can see, I do not normally carry much."

Food, a bedroll, and a sharp blade are advisable. And perhaps some warmer clothing if we are going into the mountains.

Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Harry watches Alanas face, and when he sees her mind ticking over, he realises they were probably thinking along a similar vein. He's clearly now trying to stifle back another laugh, but remains businesslike.

He appears almost thankful that Ailethas words give him a cue to talk.
"Miss Alana, we will mainly be on the roads and well travelled paths to any ferry, then I suppose semi-isolated areas. An outpost sounds fairly basic, so bring warm clothes and a bedroll, some rations, any blades, and whatever you need for your day to day affairs"

"We could be out there for a while, so make sure you leave no pressing matters, and you are well prepared for extended stays in unfriendly places"

"If you get ill at the sight of blood, and don't have the stomach for messy violence, stay clear of the front. If you get in any trouble and are being attacked, yell, loud, and if you can withdraw towards us if you know where we are, but if separated try stay in the same area. If you just get split from the group, then try stay quiet and out of sight. Thumper will catch your scent and we will find you"

Alana drops to her knees and begins talking to Thumper, making kissing noises. "Come here boy, come here let me get a good look at you." She tells the dog in her sing-song voice.

Speaking to Harry, she says "Sounds like I shall have my hands full, I don't suppose I could convince you to come along with me to help carry the items I purchase?"

"I'd be delighted to help, Miss Alana." Harry continues his matter of fact mannerisms.

I turn and whisper to Celestra: And if she forgets anything, I am sure that Harry will help her fill in the holes.

Media ignores the banter and explains matter-of-factly

Turtleback Ferry is inhabited mostly by trappers and pospectors...backwood people if you ask me. It is a place of had men and and hard...manners...ahem, you shouldn't expect them to be very open, not even if you are agents of their protector. The journey will take you through forest and foothills and I wouldn't expect well-kept roads. I guess you will need about a week to get there.

"So let's see if I understand. The fort is a weeks ride from the ferry? Or is the ferry a week's ride from here?"

After thinking for a minute about where they are destined, Ailetha looks to the others:

As I recall from some book I read back in Brastlewerk, Turtleback Ferry is not much more than a hamlet on the Skull River. Actually it is probably closer to Korvosa then Magnimar, but has ceded control to Magnimar in return for the protection that Magnimar provides through rangers and other forces, most of which are garrisoned at Fort Rannick. I think they are called the Order of the Black Arrows and managed to defeat the local ogre hordes in 4662.

"And if she forgets anything, I am sure that Harry will help her fill in the holes."

"I never knew Harry liked shopping so much!"

"Turtleback Ferry is inhabited mostly by trappers and pospectors...backwood people if you ask me. It is a place of had men and and hard...manners...ahem, you shouldn't expect them to be very open, not even if you are agents of their protector. The journey will take you through forest and foothills and I wouldn't expect well-kept roads. I guess you will need about a week to get there."

"A week?! Well so long, Magnimar! Actually, to be honest, I can't wait to get out on the open road again! Cities are fun for a while, but then they begin to all start feeling the same. I best remember to stock up on a few provisions myself, before we depart."

Turtleback Ferry is a week from here, Fort Rannick is pretty close to it...maybe a day's ride.

Approved!

Ready to leave?

Celestra will pick up a few extra wineskins and some provisions and she will be all set!

lets boogie!

Lets go, I will try to look at my character a little later, probably just ordinary supplies - cold weather outfit, additional few waterskins, ogre-b-gone spray, the usual.

Will post stuff later but I've a small list plus that stuff from earlier I need to pass out.

Media makes a slight bow to the mayor and leads you outside. In the antechamber of the mayor's parlour she waits

Horses will be ready within the next hour at Mermaid's Gate, the one leading northwards out of the city. You'll also be able to buy provisions there. One more piece of advice: Maybe you shouldn't march into Turtleback Ferry telling everyone you are Sandpoint sheriffs, or mercenaries of the mayor of Magnimar - a bit of disguise could help to extract some information from the rough people there. And: It's so close to the frontier that people don't have much understanding of manners, so umm...you know, they are often used to solve their problems with their fists and boots.

"A disguise? I am fairly familiar with how to get to the heart of rough folk, they'd best be wary of Dragons, and remember to be polite". Harry extends her a warm but formal farewell, "I hope we get to see you again upon our return, Miss Media"

With that he departs, Thumper falling into step beside him.

"Don't you worry, Media, I certainly do not like to advertise the fact that I'm a sheriff! I still can't imagine what my own father would say if he knew what his free spirited daughter had done! Let's go, ladies and gentlemen!"

Ailetha grin and uses her Hat of Disguise to make her appearance that of someone who has spent several weeks in the woods trapping and hunting. A few scratches here an there, hair a mess, and clothes worn.

Disguise: 1d20 + 9 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 10 = 28

You mean something like this? I am pretty good with disguises.

Karlan frowns at the mention of disguise and subterfuge on what are just as likely normal folk. "I don't have to introduce myself as a guardsman , and I'm not a mercenary. But I am a Knight of Ozem and a paladin of Iomedae before any of those and I've no plans on changing that. If any bar room gladiators want to have issue with that they're welcome to discuss their problems in the manner of their choosing." Karlan crosses his massive plated arms as if to indicate that he's seen more than a few bar room gladiators get hurled out on the street himself.

Once we're on our way Karlan will pass out the anti xanesha kit

Tanglefoot Bags x12 (makes 2 each)
Alchemists Fire x12 (makes 2 each)
Nets x3 (One For Harry, One for Me, One for Ailetha all who have the best chance of nailing her with one)
Flask of Oil x6 (Makes 1 each)

Also Karlan will grab a +4 MW Composite Longbow 800gp, winter clothes8gp, and a climbing kit 80gp.

Alana can't fathom any reason to disguise herself seeing as she just made her way into town and isn't likely to be recognized as anything or anyone other than a half-elven woman.

At the gate, a score of guards wait in the drizzling rain. As they see you approaching, the sergeant barks a command and his men get your horses from a nearby stable. The beasts are large and muscled and seem well-chosen for a tour into the mountains. The sergeant pats the largest of thiese fine animals on the neck and says

You're the gentlemen and ladies, miss Media spoke of, i assume? Sheriff Karlan and his men?

The man, though appearing to be a battle-hardened veteran, seems impressed by your party.

"You got that right Sergeant, and what's your name?"

Celestra greets the guard with a sweet smile.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

"Are you here to escort us to Turtleback Ferry?"

The name's Wilman, my dear lady. he smiles openly and shows some missing teeth, before he turns north and gestures to the gate

I heard you're on your way to Turtleback Ferry? Then you just have to follow this road until you reach Sandpoint, then you have to ride north to Galduria, then you have to get across the lake and then through the forst eastbound...quite a journey and if the rain keep on going like that you will surely need ten days if you ask me.

Map of Varisia-Turtleback Ferry is roughly northeast of Magnimar