A storm over Tethyr (Inactive)

Game Master JohnLocke

"Alright, shall I bring a bottle or two as a gift?"
Landon will take the time to stop at a nice wine dealer and pick up a few bottles, some to drink and some as gifts, before heading to find Hezar's family.

Hezar's parents live in a fine house, quite large but rustic in design - and surrounded by a large garden that is bounded by trees and shrubs. It is larger, and more secluded, than most of the surrounding homes.

You are welcomed warmly by a large, burly man - Herecuth, Hezar's father - and the resemblance is immediately obvious. He welcomes you to his house, and congratulates each of you on being awarded the barony.

As you enter, you are greeted again by Hezar's mother, a beautiful older woman by the name of Ja. Obviously harried, she is still friendly and enthusiastic to meet you, though somewhat more guarded than her husband.

Belina is there too, trying to help with preparations for the meal, and being followed around the house by a rotund, pink pig and Hezar's little puppy, Apollo.

Feel free to mingle and talk to each other - things are only going to get harder going forward! :-)

Welcome. I know that we must move, but I thought one night of levity would be good. There is wine and ale a plenty and it smells like there is good food on the way. My parent were both wardens of the forest for years before they retired to live here in the city. I am glad that you all can meet them.

Hezar welcomes each person with a hearty handshake.

Be warned there is a large huunting dog, Griff wandering about in addition to Bacon. If you are not careful he will snag your dinner.

Seeing Marius and Tethys approach. Marius, my mother is a member of your order, though perhaps not your circle. I am sure she will want to speak with you. And I am sure that Tethys is eager to make new friends.

Belgrin, I have set up your own mini keg. Janiries and Soren bottle of elven wine, specially saved for a day like today. Sir Crane and Matthias, What is your pleasure? And Amestri, Belina has made some sort of concoction that she swears is quite popular in your homeland.

Belgrin bows slightly, with his right fist across his chest, at the introductions, and breaks into laughter at the news of his "accomodations."

"Hafta say, ye know hospitality runs in the family when ye've prepared to keep a Dwarf in ales. Gonna hafta repay that one someday."

Amestri smiles at the offer. "I would welcome this 'concoction' you speak of. It has been a long time since I have tasted of my homeland."

Matthias smiled at the generous family, thinking that Belina was lucky that Hezar had such wise parents. In some families, a Calishite would have been turned away. After complimenting Herecuth and Ja on their cozy home, he said, "I'm not picky, Hezar - anything you care to share is all right by me."

Herecuth greets each of you in turn, giving a hearty slap on the shoulder along with his powerful handshake to the men, while bowing respectfully to the women. The house is comforting, and the cooking gives it a delightful scent.

Belina - despite her porcine admirer - has put together a dish from her homeland - a couscous salad, very aromatic, with the strong taste of tomato and cilantro (called coriander in Tethyr). She seems harried, but is the picture of calm compared to Ja, who seemed to be given little notice of all the guests descending upon her home.

I think I'll try talking to her later .... whispers Marius in a voice just a bit too loud, while taking a couple of steps back. Tethys, Griff and Apollo seem to have become fast friends and play outside, accompanied by the loud sound of scuffling and the occasional growl when one of them doesn't like the outcome of a contest. Bacon stands with front hooves on the counter, watching them, but seems to prefer staying by Belina's side.

I hear you've all been given a great honour - congratulations! says Herecuth, once everyone has refreshment and while awaiting dinner. The old Talonhawke lands - they were great once, you know, before everything fell apart....

It seems I have some competition from Bacon over there.

Matthias, perhaps Belgrin will share some of his ale with us. Raise a glass to our new adventure.

"I wouldn't say no to that! One for the adventure, and one for you and your family - as Belgrin said, your hospitality is phenomenal! And on such short notice," he said with a slightly guilty look at Ja.

The cozy family made him think of his own much less warm family with a pang. Once the party had settled Talonhawke, perhaps he could send for them. If they'd believe that the black sheep of the family had this kind of luck!

Then again, maybe they'd have more trouble with Talonhawke than they were expecting. That would be more in line with his family's expectations, he thought a little bitterly.

The slightly troubled look on his face was soon erased by the jovial cheer of the gathering (and the promised ale).

Okay! Apparently a party at Hezar's isn't going to catch anyone's attention! Moving right along....

Marius lays a map out on the table as you gather the next morning. The man I was sent to hunt down is a Malar-worshipper named Kane - he's a dark ranger, a madman, and a murderer. He killed over a dozen folk up near Port Kir in just under a tenday - some sort of retribution, he claimed it was. Would attack lone farms and homesteads in the dead of night, kill the adults, leave the children locked in the cellar or the attic - somewhere out of the way. He also took out two of my circle - two friends - who tried to stop him. He's dangerous - an expert woodsman, stealthy, and vicious. By himself, he'd be more than a match for me and Tethys.

Marius takes a drink before continuing. Of course, he's not travelling alone - he has his own little group around him, as well. His closest companion, Shiang, and he are inseperable. Shiang is originally from the lands far to the east of here - and a deadly archer, striking from the shadows. I've not seen his work myself, but he's said to be able to hit a gold coin from twenty paces - so, a pretty fair shot. Marius winks to Hezar as he says this, a wry smile on his face.

His second companion is a drow assassin by the name of Sander - very little is known about him, save that he seems to have abilities that border on the magical ... he's been said to disappear from sight, only to reappear behind his enemies, ready to deliver a killing blow.

Kane's final ally, Ammus, is a spellcaster devoted to Talos. I know little of him, but he seems to favour spells such as lightning bolts and other electrical attacks, as well as cold. Supposedly he's blind, but sees through these tattoos on his palms that look like eyes - he uses them to deliver his spells, as well.

Marius looks up from the map, his finger still resting on Port Kir. They were last seen heading south from Port Kir, down the trade road - due to recent events, their trail is cold. If they've still been killing, they should be easy enough to find. If not - if they've gone to ground - we may have a bit of a search ahead of us.

Hezar lets out a sigh. Sounds like we have our work cut out for us. I think we should get moving right away. With luck I can track as well as they can hide.

Hezar would have let his family know that he might send for them later on. He would also have asked his Father if he could make sure some good men wind up in the convoy that is heading to our new estate with us...or before us I guess it it now. if I understood the aid we are getting correctly.

Belgrin places his left fist inside his right palm, squeezing a bit to pop his knuckles. "Drow assassin, eh? Too bad fer him Dwarven warriors are born to gut him an' his ilk. Ye just get me in axe's reach and enjoy the show."

"This does seem like a foul group of villains. Dangerous. It is good that you have information on them. Perhaps we can plan for them in some fashion. I fear that, without some form of preparation, unless we come upon them as individuals, this will be a very dangerous endeavor. With the information Marius has offered, it seems we could use something to protect us from arrows, electricity and cold, as well as something to help us to see the invisible."

And maybe I need to get my hands on a Transfer Tattoo scroll or wand, lol.

I have little access to things like that, but I will check with my family, perhaps they have something left from their adventuring days.

"All we need ta do is survive their openin' moves and get in reach. Once I get a blow in, they're not leavin' in one piece. Need to catch em by surprise, see 'em afore they see us. Maybe a feint to grab their eyes while the others box 'em in."

Janiries, after sneaking into the house in the dead of night, takes down notes about the murderous party while drinking and eating well. Her detached demeanour falters a moment as Drow are mentioned, however. Drow, here on the surface? That's not good at all.

"I'm sure I can ask around the city, see if anyone here has information as to this group's whereabouts. People like that don't just disappear."

The Sun Elf then holds up a different piece of paper.

"Spent last night getting us a good deal for our loot too, here's the details."

Added in the value of the masterwork dagger, after confirming what it was with DM Locke. We've got a lot of loot!

......

"Here," Amestri says as she notices a couple of undefined items on the list. "Let me have a look at the music box and bag. Perhaps I can determine their purpose."

She then draws a symbol in the air and touches her eyes while muttering Cigam Tceted

Cast detect magic

Spellcraft (Music Box): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Spellcraft (Velvet Bag): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

The velvet bag turns out to be a Bag of Holding. As a type I, it can hold up to 250 lbs of stuff, or 30 cubic feet - whichever comes first. It's also valued at about 2500 gp!

The music box, however, remains a mystery. Once wound up, the music is haunting, and strangely enthralling - as are the two little figures, little women dancing, forever in a circle, their arms outstretched, as if reaching for one another....

Marius appears entranced, watching the box, and only snaps out of it once the box is closed. That was ... there's something odd about that music box ... sad, almost. Marius says this while shaking his head clear.

"Bag of holding? Sweet. Extraplanar storage space always comes in handy!

Janiries starts repacking the loot into the Bag of Holding, before stopping a moment, entranced by the music box as well.

"That music's beautiful.."

Maybe Belgrin can ride in it so he isn't so loud when we are trying to be sneaky.

Belgrin does a slow take at Hezar, eyes narrowed, one brow raised, hand on his maulaxe, staring straight into his eyes for a long moment before he smirks.

"Sneakin's for sneaks, lad. Next time a dozen skeletons come fer me instead of flankin' you, ye be sure and thank me fer makin' so much noise, aye?"

You misunderstand Belgrin! I was thinking we put you in the bag and toss you into the middle of a pack of skeletons. Dwarf maul bomb! Its brilliant.

Examining the music box...
spellcraft with detect magic up: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
if needed
will save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"This box is indeed fascinating, I just hope not in a sinister way."

Matthias bent close to examine the music box together with Landon. "Truly a beautiful piece. There's such a sense of longing unfulfilled in those two little dancers... It reminds me of the elven ballads I've heard."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Yep, that's a music box, derp derp :P

The music box remains a mystery; while enthralling, it's specific properties remain unknown. Perhaps consulting the expertise of someone more experienced is in order?

Marius takes out a map and points to the road leading north from Zazesspur. Kane and his band were operating between Port Kir, to the south, and Mosstone, to the north. They may have moved south since then - obviously, I've lost track of them, given recent events. What I suggest is we depart as soon as possible, moving north through the trade pass in the Starspires. If we've no sign of them, we can check in Port Kir - no doubt there would be reports there, especially if there were further killings. From there - if you want - we can continue up to Mosstone and report to the leader of my circle - and perhaps seek their aid in the struggles to come.

Apollo charges Marius, zipping under Tethys' legs and jumps into Marius' arms and licks his face.

Well Apollo aproves. Let's move out.

"Sounds like a plan. If no one objects, I'll go and sell the assorted loot before heading off.. though I think I'll keep the good looking dagger. More daggers are always a good thing, I've found."

If you need it. Use it.

Hezar says absently while he sticks more arrows in his quiver.

"Aye, I spose coins're easier to carry than armor. Pick up some supplies and equipment if ye can find anythin' more useful. More ta use, less ta steal."

"Any requests on the shopping list, Belgrin? Or from the rest of you?"

A healing potion. Thank you. Also see what we can get for these skins. Let us split the profit equally.

Taking into account the sale of the worg skins here..

Writing on a fresh piece of paper, Janiries speaks up at the prospect of splitting the profit equally.

"How we divide that is a matter I'd like to discuss now. We have 1375 gold left, after I take the Masterwork dagger. There's a few options I can see for how to divide the money.

No matter what we do, I'd suggest setting aside some money to make sure that any funeral arrangements can be sorted out. I don't think I need to remind people that we lost two friends on our last adventure..."

I think 4, and we just have another share going to party items. i think 1. would slow things down and risk people feeling cheated

4 is my vote, a party fund for heal/antivenin/flesh to stone/etc is a good thing
"Since we're dealing with a rogue Druid I think antivenin and anti plagues would be a good idea to pick up before we need them. Anyone know someone in town that may be able to figure out this box?"

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Must be some sort of Bardic college in town?

"Well, if we're going for option 4, we need to decide if we'll take the items people take into account. Personally, I wouldn't do that, as it might discourage people from taking items they need. If someone doesn't take an item, then we sell it and add it to the fund to be split up.

I'd also suggest that we never sell any potions, scrolls, wands or anything like that. We can always use those!"

"I've no objection to whatever we decide. Option 4 sounds fine to me. Shall we meet at the gates tomorrow, after Janiries has sold what needs selling and we've bought what needs buying, and head off with Marius?"

There's no bardic college in Zazesspur per se; however, there is a small musical school, run by a middle-aged follower of Milil named Imanda. While she's a music instructor, she might have some insight into lore as well.

"Sounds reasonable to me, since we should keep anything that is likely to be of use, even if their use consumes the item in question," Amestri says. "But I'm open to anything. Perhaps an extra share for the barony, would be in order as well?"

Sure. You seem to have it in hand Madame Shalaera. Hezar says contentedly as he tries to extract Apollo from Marius' face.

"Bah, wouldnt worry bout the barony fer now, lass. There'll be gold aplenty flowin through the coffers once we get a proper operation runnin'."

ninjad on the post by amestri...i agree no nee for barony money

"Financing an adventuring party isn't that different to financing a Noble House, Hezar.." Janiries grins over to Hezar a moment while continuing to write things down on her paper.

"We can look at how to fund the barony once we get there and have a look at the finances there. Though if we need to fund it ourselves out of money we earn adventuring, then something's gone wrong. Anyway, just to be sure." Holding up the piece of paper she's been writing on, Janiries stands, clears her throat and reads clearly from it.

1: Any items we recover go to whomever wants them.
2: Any items left over get sold.
3: Any potions, scrolls, wands or similar items that are consumed upon use go to the party stash.
4: All money gets shared equally amongst the individual members of the party, with another equal share going to a party fund. This money is shared without consideration to the value of any items taken by any individual.

"If that's fine with everyone, then I can go get the loot sold and buy some things for the party." Sitting down again, the Sun Elf motions over to the music box.

"Oh, and if anyone wants to investigate that, there's a little musical school in town at insert location here, run by a woman called Imanda."

"I can do it," Matthias volunteered. "I wouldn't mind having a look around town before we head off." He lifted the music box with care, then smiled at the others. "Anyone care to join me?"

I have to finish getting things ready here. But I will see you all in the morning. You are all welcome to stay here tonight as well.

"I'll join you Matthias," Amestri offers. "I'm quite interested in that little music box, and could use one last look around town. I suspect we won't see it again for quite some time."