"Business or trade?! Who gives a rat's whisker about business or trade if kids're being taken?" Raliscar waves his hands about as the gravity of the situation begins to dawn on him, his stew covered spoon weaving dangerously in the air above his head. "This what them mercenaries over there are lookin' to solve? If not, somebody ought to. There's somethin' extra wrong about taking younguns."
Riley leaned back in his chair and threw back the shot of throat burn. He was impressed that the lady was willing to take a stiff drink with him.
Riley's mood dimmed though as his new friends discussed the possible abduction of children. He had not heard such reports. Could this be effecting Perdition's Point as well? Riley had attempted to put his childhood behind him, but there were many good people living in that hamlet and the thought of children being abused bothered him greatly.
Where did you guys get this information? Did anyone mention which hamlets were involved? Riley attempted to hide the concern on his face, but he felt as if he was failing.
He leaned over and asked Cathran matter-of-factly in a whispered voice. Is this why you have returned? Is something going on in the Cadaverwood?
Phase 2
Cathran looks down into her cup of Throatburn, and takes a breath before quickly downing it. Her eye twitches, and she lets out a single cough as the drink acts true to its name. The continued talk of the possible necromantic cult makes Cathran's blood boil, and her eye ceases its twitching to become a hard stare. She suppresses her ire, though, saying nothing as her table mates discuss suspected misdeeds. Although, part of this is that Cathran is afraid to open her mouth for the moment, lest the Throatburn lead a rebellion in her stomach.
As her gut settled, Riley whispered his questions to her, and she shook her head. "You know as much as I do," she says quietly. "I thought I would go back and simply offer my services as a trapper. The forest has always been haunted, but I have not heard anything about this. If I had any leads I would gladly follow them, but I hope my return at this point is not an omen of some kind."
She nods to Thorn. "Unfortunately, that is true. This search is necessary, but a company that large could push the fiends into deeper hiding. They will simply get more subtle in their wicked machinations. This sort of hunt requires a subtler approach." Despite the seriousness of the situation, the corner of Cathran's mouth suggests a smirk. "Luckily, a trapper like myself has tools to track things other than just game."
Raliscar nods sagely at the mention of the Cadaverwood's haunted reputation, scratching idly at the scar on his brow as he does so. "Well haunted wood or no, if there're trouble-makers of any sort lurking about in its borders nabbing wee ones, they've," he hooks his thumb toward the mercenaries' table, "at least the right idea to do something about it. I've half a mind to tell my cousin my arrival'll be delayed and to plop down at that table over there and enlist -if I thought they'd have me. Might be I could teach that younger lookin' one a thing or two about how ta swing an axe while we're at it. Heh heh." He grumbles to himself as takes another few spoonfuls of stew, then takes a long swing from his ale. As the mug comes back down to the table and teeters haphazardly before settling down properly on its base, he beams to the rest of the table, "Still, it does a heart good ta meet folk who're wanting and willing ta help. I've seen my fair share o' big talkers, but you lot all look willing ta back yer words up with deeds. I count myself lucky to have fallen into this here chair and into your fine company."
Hello! I posted my interest for this a few days agoand finally have a character mostly ready to go! i didnt get onthe list that have been getting posted but im jarred and this is my Alias! Still need to get gear then ready!
Squeeking in under the wire there. :) Go ahead and proceed to Phase 2 Saardonis. Sorry I missed your post, not sure how that happened. My apologies on that.
Completed Submission
Nazard - Emilian - Fighter (Brawler)
Eminem80 - Riley McKormick - Human Rogue (Knife Master, Scout)
HustonJ - Larry Andoran - Fighter (Polearm Master)
MechaPoet - Cathran Ingwood - Ranger (Witchguard)
New England Frost Giant - Thanguron Silverheart - Cavalier
John Hathaway - Raliscar Fane - Ranger
Nightdeath - Thorn Silverleaf (Silvertip?) - Barbarian/Rogue (Scout)
Jared Henninger - Saardonis - Ranger
Notice of Intent
Berenzen
In Phase 2
Nazard - Emilian - Fighter (Brawler)
Eminem80 - Riley McKormick - Human Rogue (Knife Master, Scout)
HustonJ - Larry Andoran - Fighter (Polearm Master)
MechaPoet - Cathran Ingwood - Ranger (Witchguard)
John Hathaway - Raliscar Fane - Ranger
Nightdeath - Thorn Silverleaf (Silvertip?) - Barbarian/Rogue (Scout)
Jared Henninger - Saardonis - Ranger
May proceed to Phase 2
Interest Withdrawn
Walter Lindie - Enjoy your games! Thanks for the interest!
PirateDevon - Understood, thanks for the interest, and luck with your games!
New England Frost Giant - Thanguron Silverheart - Cavalier - Thanks for the interest, and sorry again for losing your post!
Larry watches the conversation flow, managing not to let his jaw hang slack as the assumptions and presumptions grow. "Maybe I missed something somewhere along the way, but all we know is that a large force arrived looking for people responsible for causing trouble in and around Magnimar. Worrying about them having settled in anywhere local here is just hoping for trouble. I would rather hope they ran somewhere else, wouldn't you, really?"
Phase 2
A bald dwarf enters and heads up to the bar.
"Evening barkeep! I need some info and your help to get it, so i would like to buy a round for everyone and a hot meal for me if thats possable. Lets see whos feeling chatty."
The dwarf turns and scans the room looking for anyone that might be willing to talk.
PHASE 2
As the discussion is ongoing at the table about the mercenaries and necromancers and cults, the bartender suddenly shouts out. "Ok folks! Got us a rich dwarf who wants to share the wealth! Round of ale on this gentleman!" The tavern erupts into hoots and hollers of appreciation, and Saardonis is battered back and forth in a friendly way until he's nearly dizzy from being passed form one person to another.
Eventually he finds himself near a cluster of people who are still seated, the most memorable of whic to him is another dwarf with a truely astounding scar on his face.
Phase 2
after much jostling and merrymaking i arrive at the table in question.
"Well that livened thins up a bit! Oh a fellow dwarf, and one with a story no less."
I pull up a chair and have a seat
"So, what are the odds of getting to hear that story?"
Riley responds to Larry, Not if they take off with a bunch of local children. He continues his quiet conversation with Cothran, I am returning to Perdition's Point to settle some family business. I would be pleased to travel with you in the morning. If I can help your quest in any way, I offer you my assistance. Before the half elven can answer, the barkeep hails the patrons. Ok folks! Got us a rich dwarf who wants to share the wealth! Round of ale on this gentleman!
At the barkeep's announcement, Riley lifts his mug of ale and toasts the dwarf. To your health! His toast is drowned out by the cheers of the crowd though. Moments later, the philanthropist is directed to the table where Riley is sitting with his new group of friends. Riley stands and offers the dwarf his hand. Well met good sir! I think you may have just lifted the mood!
Phase 2
"And to you as well sir!"
I stand up to shake hands with the friendly human
"The name's Saardonis, and if you can't be happy in a bar where can you?"
I sit back down and get comfortable
"So what brings you out here?"
I glance around the table extending the question to everyone.
And recruitment is officially closed down as of the ball dropping in New York!
Completed Submission & In Phase 2
Nazard - Emilian - Fighter (Brawler)
Eminem80 - Riley McKormick - Human Rogue (Knife Master, Scout)
HustonJ - Larry Andoran - Fighter (Polearm Master)
MechaPoet - Cathran Ingwood - Ranger (Witchguard)
New England Frost Giant - Thanguron Silverheart - Cavalier
John Hathaway - Raliscar Fane - Ranger
Nightdeath - Thorn Silverleaf (Silvertip?) - Barbarian/Rogue (Scout)
Notice of Intent, Submission Pending
Berenzen
Submissions are open until Midnight, EST, January 2nd. That means 48 hours from now. Once that point is reached, submissions are closed. The current players will make decisions on who they would like at that point, although I can assure you they've been mulling it over and commenting on the extremely high caliber of submission and applicant already! I've actually had complaints that this is a way too hard decision already, and it's getting harder by the day as more people join in! :)
Phase 2 may continue for another 24 hours, and then the last 24 hours of Phase 2 should be dedicated to closing down the Phase 2 Scenario. That means doing things like getting a room for the night, or going home if you're a Hamsberg resident, and so forth. All the basic things your character would do that night after the night at the tavern.
This will leave all characters in a 'ready state', for if they are chosen (now or later).
Again, thank you ALL for a GREAT round of submissions!
MDT (GM)
Raliscar turns as Saardonis makes his introduction, "A story? What ever gave you the idea tha' I had a story?" Laughing at his own joke he raises his mug to the newest member of the table. "Ah, well. The long an' the short of it is, there was this mine collapse, you see? And this mine that collapsed, it failed to do me the simple courtesy of letting me, well, you know, get out first. So this big ol' slab o' rock cracks me upside the noggin' and drops me like a sack of rice." He rubs his scar at this point, almost as if he can still feel the blow. "I was lucky though, an' some of the boys were able to haul my keister out of there. But a few months o' weird accidents and near deaths was more than our ol' foreman could stomach so he pulled out. Bein' out of work as I now find myself, I'm on my way ta Perdition's Point as a result, got a cousin there I've not seen for a spell." Finishing his second drink, he leans back in his chair and crosses his hands behind his head. "So that's my story. You got one o' your own?"
PHASE 2
As Cathran begins to drink the ale that the (perhaps overly) generous dwarf had paid for, she begins to feel the more intoxicating effects of the Throatburn. Her nose and cheeks flush red as the bald dwarf joins her combined table. She raises her mug to him.
"A pleazhure, Saardonizh, she says, trying very hard not to slur her words. It's been a while since I had something this strong, she thinks. By the gods, I haven't been drunk in ages. Ugh. She does her best to focus on the scarred dwarf without swaying or laying her head on the wall or the table. "Hope you got...I hope you have more skills than just mining and falling with luck. Aint' no...There are not any mines in Perdition's Point. Maybe some caves close by, though. Not places anyone would want to go, though."
Sorry Saardonis, you're still in. I copy/pasted the wrong satus post is all. New England Frost Giant shouldn't be in either.
I'll fix it in the morning, and post responses to any NPC questions (like the silver to the bartender).
Very tired, moderately sick
Phase 2
"Uh-oh, a light weight."
I look around and wave the barmaid over
"Another round on me if you would be so kind."
I tip her with a gold piece, and turn back to the table
"Well you have had an interesting life so far haven't you, I'm sorry I haven't even asked your names!"
"well meet my new friends!"
"I actually came in search of purple wood! it's supposed to grow in the area. Have heard of it?"
"I think there's more to do here than mining or looking for purple wood," Emilian pipes up. "An evil force is kidnapping folks, including children. The lot of us seem like a well-armed and competent bunch. Tomorrow morning, we should prepare to head out for this Cadaverwood, or wherever these disappearances happened, and investigate. Who's with me?"
Raliscar glances at Thorn, "Weren't you listnin', lad? I didn't walk away at all. I was dragged out- by my beard no less! Ha!" He leans forward again, and at last finishes his stew and bread. He grins at Cathran as she stumbles through her words like he stumbled through the tavern just a short time ago. "Oh, I might be a bit clumsy now, but I can still read a trail just as good as I used to. Always been good with furry little critters too, though that's not ever been much help in a mine." He shrugs and shakes his head at the offer of another ale. "Nah, thank you kindly though. I've enough trouble walkin' through a crowded room these days without addin' an over abundance o' ale ta the mix." He grins and winks before laughing at his own joke.
As the dwarf ordered another round, Riley wished he had not come up with the idea of ordering the Throatburn earlier. He was definitely feeling the effects now. My fine dwarf...I would be pleased to have another round with you, but first I must make room. If you would be so kind as to save my seat...
Riley slid his chair back to stand, but suddenly had to grab the table to stabilize himself on the way up. The force of his hand was sufficient enough to rock the table and knock his empty mug over. Fortunately, he was able to snag the mug deftly out of mid air and place it gently back down on the table. His face flushed with embarrassment.
He was definitely having difficulty feeling his legs now. Wow. Not good Lucky. As he bowed to take leave, he noticed Cathran was tipsy as well. Hopefully that is why she didn't respond to my invitation to accompany her to Perdition's Point. He smiled at the half eleven attempting to hide his embarrassment from her perceived snub.
Lucky walked across the room and out to the latrine. On his way back, he made sure to listen in on conversations trying to eavesdrop on anyone discussing the necromancer or the disappearance of children in the area.
"Purple wood?" An amused look plays across the man's face. "Nope, don't think I've ever heard of purple wood. Name's Larry, bythe way. Thank you for the ales."
He scans the slowly emptying room, considering whether he can afford to really drink, or if he should get a bed, a full mug sitting on the table in front of him while he's working his way through the previous one, still.
Phase 2
The bartender (one of 3 actually) looks tired, but the silver vanishes and a mug replaces it. "Not sure what you want to know, but..." The bartender mentions things about the town, how things will be busy for another week or so, then taper off rapidly for the week after that, and be normal in 3 weeks. They close off the top two floors of the tavern during the slow season, taking up the bedding and putting all the room decor in storage until Fall. There's a ton of work for the next two weeks, loading caravans, guarding caravans, and so forth. Nothing untoward has reached the bartender's ears, other than the mercenaries were looking for some cultists, but nobody has heard of them.
The wench takes the money, and nods, calling out to the bar about another free round. There's more yelling and hooting (granted only about 50 people now, which is a lot of people, but spread out over the tavern so it seems emptier). The bardic trio on the stage announce they are starting their last song. This one is a long slow balad, a very sad song about lost love. It's another popular song, and the tavern mostly quiets down, most people talking in lowered voices so the song can be heard clearly.
Riley only overhears talk of markets in other cities, what will do good and what won't, the fact there was a wheat pox and the price of wheat and bread is going up, there's a glut of wood this year, so wood prices are down. But everything is about merchant merchant merchant.
Phase 2
"Kidnapping? And children no less? The fiends! What else do we know of these occurances and this place, Cadaverwood was it?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Phase 2
"Lightweight?" Cathran responds to Saardonis, her tone inflecting upward. "I will have you know, friend, that Cathran Ingwood is no lightweight; she has merely had several drinks, one of which was quite powerful. So. Yes. I would continue, but I do not wish to argue with a generous philanthropist such as yourself." She then sits down, having now become aware that she stood up to correct the bald dwarf. She then clears her throat in a futile attempt to clear her embarrassment.
She keeps her mouth shut as the others converse and the band plays their last, slow song. She keeps an eye on Riley, slighted comforted that he seems to be in a similar state after drinking the Throatburn. So much for the sheen of respectability. Oh, well.
The song approaches her favorite verse, but she gets distracted by the talk returning to the kidnappings. "Folks, I know we all want these fiends and kidnappers wiped out, but there ain't any leads. Cadaverwood seems like a place that sort wouldn't mind taking up in, but even a skilled tracker needs some kind of starting point, and right now we're sorely lacking one." Seeing that Riley is returning, she makes room for him to sit down again before continuing. "I'm planning on heading out to a little town called Perdition's Point in the morning. It's deep in Cadaverwood. As far as I know, it's the only place that harvests that purple wood you were asking about, Saardonis. I doubt there will be much in the way of clues in the forest that point to necromancers--and I cannot recommend just wandering the forest to this end--but the town might of heard something. In any case, it's the only place with youngins around those parts. I know the way if any of you are interested in making your way there. They could probably use some bodies for work around town, in any case."
She nudges Riley with her elbow. She leans over and whispers, "I know you'll go with me at least." She gives him a smile, bittersweet like the slow ballad sounding from the stage, then whispers, "Home sweet home, eh?"
I don't get why these people have all decided the cultists are in the Cadaverwood at this point. Mercenaries talking about chasing them from Magnimar and Cathran and I talking about Cadaverwood at about the same time, yes, but the two conversations never really crossed topics, did they? As Cathran vocalizes the same general confusion, Larry is uncertain whether he should feel better that somebody else remembers the conversations the way he does, or worse that it is one of the two who really did drink too much.
"I could be convinced to visit Perdition's Point and maybe get a look at some of this purple wood. I could be convinced to help find evil cultists that are abducting children, too, if anybody has a clue where to look. Neither of those are going to happen tonight, though. I should try to get a room if there are any still available. Thank you, all, for the company."
Larry gathers his thing sand heads for the bar, looking to see if there are still any rooms available . . ..
Phase 2
I stand and bow deeply towards Cathran
"My apologies madam, I was simply poking fun at the fact I've meet few elves, half or ortherwise, that can hold there own when it comes to drink. I ment no offense."
I strieghten up and contine
"But putting that behind us I would be deleted to accompany you to perdition point. After all, you have to be careful dealing with necromancers, they are a devious bunch."
Wave as Larry gets up
" bye Larry! Have a good night."
" Well Larry makes an excellent point, I think I will turn in as well. Good night comrades, I look forward to our upcoming adventures. Cayden's blessings be upon you."
I walk up to the bar and inquire about a room, while also paying for the drinks and food I ordered.
PHASE 2
There are indeed free rooms. It's late in the trade festival, and even with the mercinaries taking up a floor, the inn has vacancies.
There is even work the next few days for people. Some of that work will take them away from Hamsberg, and Perdition's Point, at least for now. Others will wend their way back there, sooner or later.
As the stage empties and others from the table begin to turn in, Raliscar bids each a genuine farewell. To those remaining, he pushes away from the table after dropping a meaty fist on it's surface and offers, "Well it's been a fine meal, better by far than what I expected when I strolled into town. Thank you all for your kindness and your company. If any of you are still about and on your way to Perdition's Point as Cathran has suggested, it would be a happy turn if we could share the road together. If not, well then happy travels to you all."
With that he rises and heads off to secure a room for the night, tripping over a barstool in the process. He can be heard growling at the offending furniture and calling it names for another half-length of the room before his mutterings are too distant to make out.
Riley returns to the table of fine adventurers after his trip to the latrine. It is getting late and I have an early start in the morning. Thank you all for your company. I wish you godspeed in your travels. He bows gracefully considering his partially inebriated state and turns to go. He pause for a second and turns to the half eleven woman, Cathran, I plan to travel in the morning. I may hook up with a merchants' caravan if I can find one for safety. Feel free to join me if you would like. He flashes her a charismatic smile as he toasts her and downs the remainder of his ale. To Perdition's Point and awakening skeletons.
With that, Lucky pays his debts and heads off to his room at the tavern.
For those in the recruitment thread, I thought you might be interested in where Perdition's Point is in Golarion. If you look at the top now, you'll see a link called 'Perdition's Point (Ustalev)' with the location marked. As well as Hamsberg.