Admiral Ackbar: "It's a trap!"
So I guess I am going it alone. Not what I was expecting but ok. Good luck to me. Please let my family know I met my fate in a who&$house errrr courtesan palace.
Randtam as he walks up wonders how many individuals/soldiers could be housed in the travel wagon. Also figures out where the quickest egress is, if necessary.
Husky accent purring at me. Do I know where the accent is from? Here kitty kitty
Smiling and trying to be a gentleman, yet still discretely checking her out, Randtam realizes he is here to glean information. He immediately meets her eye to eye.Good morning my name is Randtam. I wish to request an audience with the Madame.
You have never heard this accent before but you feel your heart racing just a little bit and feel the palms of your hands grow a little moist. You haven't been this unsettled since that one night on the town during your early years at University....
She smiles at you suggestively, Yes, many do. Please come in and take your rest.
She opens the door wide and motions for you to enter; you can see the rest of the interior-well lit and well furnished with four bunk beds and a small cooking area with a round table. In addition to Ivanja, who is now clothed in a fine day-dress, you see three other fetching young beauties in various states of undress-one blonde with light green eyes, one brunette with deep blue eyes, and a auburn haired girl with pale grey eyes.
Ivanja mutters something to the girls as she rises and greets you and you see them set about pouring some tea; apparently for you and the Madame. The four girls then retire to the rear of the wagon and pull a silk curtain across giving you whatever privacy the wagon offers.
The Madame motions for you to sit and join her for some tea, Are you hear for 'fun and diversion' or are there some other matters to discuss? I can offer you both if you like.
Thank you for receiving me. I wish this visit was for 'fun and diversion' but this visit is about other matters. I am looking for some information you may be able to provide. My comrades and I have been following a group of individuals who have been causing a lot of harm to people along the way. They have murdered my mentor and have left behind, how should I say, put obstacles in my path. They are the sort who might avoid large groups of people. I was wondering if you might have seen them or heard of anything.
How can I roll that. Please pretend I did not just do that and my conversation has won the day. Maybe I was here for fun and diversion first and other matters later.
Just call him Snake Eyes! Two ones in a row!
A rather unhappy look crosses Ivanja's face as you talk to her. Information, hmmm? From our conversation at dinner last night I was under the impression that you were one of the few men that knew a tongue was meant for more than talking. Oh well, another time perhaps. She sighs sadly. As for these folks you seek I am afraid you have come here in vain. You are the first new visitors to the Lodge in several weeks. From what you describe these people should have been here during that time. Best you should talk to Estovion about this matter. He would know if anyone had been to the Lodge that the rest of us guests were unaware of. After a little more small talk she wishes you a good day and sends you on your way.
I see I have made you unhappy and of course it is time for me to leave. But, I still
wonder what is the price for fun and diversion when I come back again looking for something other than information.
The "face" of the party! (That must have been mighty magical fortress steeped in strong ancient defensive spells, possible 20th level?). Well at least you can describe part of Randtam's appearance. He has snake eyes! Wonder what the rest of the face shall look like.
Randtam regroups and goes back to the lodge. He thinks he would rather speak with Belik before he speaks with the Warden. Belik was right on top of us, so Randtam surmises that would have been the same for the bad guys. See if he knows anything. Randtam the diplomat does not think Graydon will have much information. Maybe Duristan saw something while hunting?
Then of course, Randtam will study in the library:(
If you still wish to discover the cost of fun and diversions speak to me of it when we see each other next at dinner. I'm sure I can arrainge something to your liking and my staff is always eager to please their clientele.
You depart and look up Belik who confirms what Ivanja told you. No new guests or visitors have been to the lodge in several weeks and the only visitor expected soon is Graydon's friend-Echtmoor Dravin. He is quite adamant about this as he knows all the goings on of the place and guest care is one of his primary functions.
Any other questions for Belik or do you want to try Estovion or work the library?
Track down Vraxel. Hey, can you work on your fellow halfling Belik. He seems very cool but did not want to chat with me. Maybe he will feel more at ease conversing with you. He would have met anyone who came to the Lodge. It is his job. I feel he knows more than he is letting on. He seemed to "strenuously object" to seeing the evil group. If he truly knows nothing we have been following a false lead.
Randtam works the library Estovion told me about. I search for things of the whispering way and lycanthropy. Local history of Shudderwood and such.
Any other checks?
Will meet Estovion and discuss what he knows after library.
Screw it. Before I go to the library...
Belik you are a good soul. My mentor was murdered by a group of unsavory, or in actuality, evil people who may have arrived at your gates. Any information would be extremely helpful to my comrades and I. I understand you may be nervous, but this information is of vital importance. This group has been on a path of hurting many in this world. I want to put a stop to it. Can you help me?
The face of the party strikes again. So my previous post is still in effect. Just wanted to RP my actual strenuous objection to our previous conversation and denial. Just had to really ask again (GM-did ask are there any other questions) and try to pull at emotional heart strings.
Vraxel will sneak around the lodge a bit and see if he can find anything or overhear a conversation that might help Randtam.
Randtam appears to alienate the relatively unfriendly porter even further. Something about his additional questioning and the relating of the murder of Randtam's mentor seems to really put Belik off.
Vraxel observes Belik for most of the day but does not notice anything other than what he thinks would be regular porter-like duties.
The other guests that Vraxel observes appear to be just that...guests.
He does notice, however, that Belik reports the actions of the party on a regular basis to the Warden.
Randtam's research reveals an interesting journal:
The journal’s author, an unnamed worshiper of Desna, recorded several entries describing his pilgrimage to an ancient, abandoned temple of Desna and observatory in the Shudderwood known as the Stairs of the Moon. The journal includes a description of the temple, but the
details of its exact location are frustratingly vague. These pages are bookmarked with a folded piece of paper, scribbled with a faded note reading, “See ‘Halo of Dreams’ on page 322. Filed under Religion upstairs"
In researching the Whispering Way and members’ possible reasons for coming to the Shudderwood, Randtam also finds references to an ancient ruin in the forest called the Stairs of the Moon. Believed to have been
destroyed long ago by agents of the Whispering Tyrant when he still ruled over Ustalav, the ruins are reputed to now be haunted by vengeful spirits.
He also learns that there are five major tribes of werewolves roaming within the Shudderwood. The tribes meet at an ancient ruin in the Shudderwood called the Stairs of the Moon. The werewolves are ruled by a single packlord, chosen from one of the five tribes, and that new a packlord must consume the heart of her predecessor to claim the title. The Prince’s Wolves tribe, have historically been enemies of the Whispering Tyrant and his minions (such as the Whispering Way).
Late in the day Duristan returns from his hunt, with tales of a werewolf attack in the woods that killed several of his hirelings. Though Duristan was unable to slay any of the beasts, he is still in
good spirits, as the presence of werewolves so close to the lodge is a golden opportunity. Apparently, the werewolves are in some disarray, fighting among themselves, and they blame Ascanor Lodge for a betrayal by one of their own, a werewolf named Mathus Mordrinacht. Duristan
does not know what any of this means, only that the chaos among the werewolves may make his hunts easier. He regales the party with stories of the battle, and once again pressures the PCs to join him on another werewolf hunt
You must join me. Together we will harvest many pelts from these foul creatures!
Party action
Trying to ascertain what i understand from the research.
Is the Prince the Packlord?
The werewolves are enemies with the Whispering Way?
What is the "upstairs library? Stairs of the Moon, what do I know? I should ask Vraxel even though he has no memory. Desna is his Goddess. Maybe this will trigger some recollection of his life. I think I need to ask Alamin as well. What did I read about Mathis Mordrinact
I share all my information with the group.
I need to find page 322. The Prince's Wolves tribe can help us. where are they, who are they. maybe someone here?
Would like to hear groups ideas.
Trying to ascertain what i understand from the research.
Is the Prince the Packlord?
The werewolves are enemies with the Whispering Way?
My understanding Vraxel is historically one tribe has had issue ith the Whispering Way
Trying to ascertain what i understand from the research.
Is the Prince the Packlord?
The werewolves are enemies with the Whispering Way?
Technically it's Randtam's research; you were busy skulking about and observing Belik's reporting to the Warden all of your group's activities.
The 'Prince's Wolves' is one of the five major tribes of werewolves and this tribe is thought to be an open foe of the Whispering Way.
The Packlord is the strongest werewolf of all the tribes and the defacto leader of the werewolves in the Shudderwood. This title was held by Kvalca Sain but from what Duristan describes it sounds like Kvalca was recently slain by Mathus and the title of Packlord is now in some dispute between the various werewolf tribes.
I share the not with my friends.
Somehow, I think we need to contact these 'Prince's Wolves' and see if we can work with them.
Is that even possible? Work with werewolves? But, they've pitted themselves against the Whispering Way.
Ack! I shall pray on it.
I ask Iomadae for guidance.
"We should go and see this Prince's pack, if they are not evil maybe we can work with them."
Uuranx that is an interesting note. Who do you think sent the message? Sent to you comrade. Your thoughts?
Randtam tries to find the upstairs library after getting the note to look for "The Halo of Dreams". What is the Halo of Dreams?
Uuranx that is an interesting note. Who do you think sent the message? Sent to you comrade. Your thoughts?
Randtam tries to find the upstairs library after getting the note to look for "The Halo of Dreams". What is the Halo of Dreams?
You think that the upstairs library is the private library of the Warden. The Halo of Dreams sounds like the ruins of the former temple to Desna.
Maybe Alamin can sweet talk the Warden into letting Randtam check out his library...
Sounds like Randtam needs to meet with Estovion in his private library so he can ask a few questions and be diplomatic with him. Randtam arranges the meeting.
The next day Estovion meets with Randtam after breakfast.
With a broad smile-Good morning messr Randtam! I hope you are enjoying your stay here at Ascanor. Belik informs me that you wished to speak with me and here I am. What can we do to make you and your friends stay more pleasurable?
Good Morning Warden!
Belik is a good man. I like the jib of his coat. Very thorough.
Our stay has been wonderful so far. I have enjoyed meeting the guests who have been staying here. The food has been delectable. I, of course, absolutely enjoyed the libraries. I am an avid reader and hope there are some other books to read. Local history is a big interest of mine and I would like to delve more into information about something that piqued my brain. I was very intrigued there is possibly an ancient temple in the vicinity. Finding lost religious sites is somewhat of a hobby of mine. Are there any other collection of books I may examine? My intellectual curiousity would be eternally grateful.
I am pleased to hear that you are enjoying your stay; friends of the Palatine Order are always our first priority here at Ascanor!
I believe the site you are referring to is known as the Stairs of the Moon. It's ruins are said to be located somewhere in the expanse of the Shudderwood. Obviously the presence of packs of ferocious werewolves swarming the forest has deterred even the most stout-hearted explorers and the site has remained undiscovered.
If you have perused the two libraries in the Lodge then you have seen all of the libraries this place has to offer. To be the one to discover the Stairs would be an accomplishment of legend. Is that why your group is here? Does the Palatine Order have an interest in something there? I wish I could be of more help but outside of starting to explore the woods I'm not sure what else is to be done.
Do you think any of the guests or workers here know more about "the Stairs of the Moon?
I can't imagine anyone would. I myself am familiar with it because, much like you, I have an interest in local history and goings on and have availed myself of the libraries here and in other cities. I would be fascinated if you find anything else out. Please keep me abreast of your research. Will there be anything else?
To Uuranx during breakfast: "Truth be told I thought i was looking forward to some rest and easy living but now I find myself bored and itching for some danger and combat, I hope Randtam finishes his research soon."
I am interested in what Randtam finds out. We may have to go on one of Duristan's hunts to stir things up.
Forsooth, whilst my body doth relish this state of langour and the ample luxuries of the current abode, my body doth yearn for righteous battle and my blade thirsts for the fray. Perchance we should engage Duristan in his noble request of adventure. I am keen to see a werewolf as I have heard they are most frolicksome!
I share my findings with everyone
What shall we do now?
"Let's go out into the woods, maybe we can find Desna's temple or the Prince's pack, or at least get into some trouble, I haven't stabbed anything in a while!"
There's something just not right here in the lodge. I don't get the sense of anyone being outright evil, but from everything you have told us Randtam the Warden appears to be helpful but is not providing very much help. If the Way visited Ascanor as we were told they planned to, SOMEONE here had to have contact with them. I'm all for finding Desna's temple and seeing if we can ally with the Prince's but that would seem like trying to find a needle in a haystack of needles.
Vraxel, how bout you try Belik your brethren.
Alamin, how bout you try Estovion.
Uuranx try Duristam.
I am off to Madame's place to take one for the team and gather information.
If anyone has a better idea please let it out. I have too many (1) rolls. But The Face will find a way to succeed.
I will approach Duristam and engage him in conversation. Ask if he has ever heard of any 'good' werewolves.
I will approach Duristam and engage him in conversation. Ask if he has ever heard of any 'good' werewolves.
[dice=diplomacy]1d20 + 7
Nice roll of diplomacy 15!
"Hey Belik my friend, when did the Way last stay here?"
I will approach Duristam and engage him in conversation. Ask if he has ever heard of any 'good' werewolves.
[dice=diplomacy]1d20 + 7
Duristan-Oh sure...the DEAD ones! Hahahaha! he looks at your face, You're serious aren't you? No, I have never heard of such a thing. They are creatures of evil and chaos generally, especially those that are cursed and not born to being a werewolf; or so I've read anyways. Haven't had much of an opportunity to sit and chat with one over tea if you know what I mean...
[dice=diplo]1d20+9
"Hey Belik my friend, when did the Way last stay here?"
Belik unfriendly-I'm sorry the what?
Vraxel, how bout you try Belik your brethren.
Alamin, how bout you try Estovion.
Uuranx try Duristam.
I am off to Madame's place to take one for the team and gather information.
If anyone has a better idea please let it out. I have too many (1) rolls. But The Face will find a way to succeed.
Meeting with Ivanja in one of the sun rooms of Ascanor, she looks as ravashing in full light as she did in the lighting of the dinner hall and her wagon. In between sips of her tea, Well met once again Randtam. Are you here for more business or...pleasure this time?
I didn't think so...Let me know when you're going out again, I may go with you.
Business or pleasure this time?
I have decided I like intelligent women.
How bout pleasure first?
[i]you a frickin hot Madame!
I like the ivNja and will afterwards not have STD
Roll a (3). More fun...
You cannot stop the Face. Best ever front man.
I know you can survive at least 1 round...so sayeth the strategist.
Business or pleasure this time?
I have decided I like intelligent women.
How bout pleasure first?
[i]you a frickin hot Madame!
[dice=diplomacy]1d20 + 1I like the ivNja and will afterwards not have STD
Roll a (3). More fun...
A night of delights is 250 GP for any of the 4 girls; Ivanja is 400 GP but more than worth every crown...
The party meets the next day to review their various 'findings'.
Alamin reveals that she believes the Warden is DEFINITELY obfuscating the facts and knows much more than he is telling. He did reveal to her that while there are no additional libraries, he does keep a small personal collection of books in his office that Randtam may study. Under the Warden's close supervision of course...