Kajetan is very open about not wanting to go out in the snow, so he will stay in the cabin and rest for a day.
"We'll have another opportunity to go to town before we head out in search for the monastery, right? That being the case, I'll stay here with Kajetan and Alton--but please see if you can find out when the next market day is.
"New words of power have come to me in a dream, and I should like to spend some quiet time to see what I might do with them in the waking world... And I think this also remains my best opportunity to obtain some tutelage from my two mentors before we hit the trails again...
"But if you suspect this might be our only opportunity to go to town, then I may go with you. I think the purchase of new boots and clothes is best done by oneself."
"I need more arrows. Maybe buy a set of clothes or two, nothing fancy just something more down to earth. And I'd like to go to the inn to find out what is happening round here. What about all this ancient treasure? Do you think there will be someone I can sell them to in the village?"
Alton nods at Keildrithe, smilling broadly, and pulling forth his rapier and dagger, starts to wave them around in the air, parrying imagined thrusts and stabbing at unseen foes.
'We'll I don't know how long we got here, probably not enough time to impart all of my considerable knowledge in the use of two weapons, but I'll see what I can do for you... Pay close attention and you'll learn alot old friend... All though to be fair most of what you learn will probably be what not to do.'
Alton grins again at his friends as he sheaths his blades.
'If someone could pick me up some rations and some arrows I'd be grateful.'
"The path sounds fine and please remember that I am Pharris the mortal girl, a huntswoman and archer seeking arrows, food and rest. I will take the silver and gold coins too."
After a solid rest, Laithe, Nicolai and Pharris set out towards the village, marked as Spindlethorp on Stonty’s map. They make their way from the cottage, down the hill towards the main trail.
Kajetan spends the day learning the spells in the other book and studying them so he can copy them into his spell book when he has the proper materials at hand. He will use this time to fill Keildrithe on the basics of magic and how everyone who can use magic sees the mystic power in a different way, so even though we all use the same language of magic to cast it, every one records the words of power in their own unique way way which is unique and personal to them. So even though he can not control the magic in the same way as me and Nicolai, he can learn the language.
Hopefully this information on the basics of reading magic will help with your Use Magic Device.
Spells in books to learn:
Spellcraft: +12 (+5 Int, 4 ranks, +3 class skill)
-5 to learn (e) and (a)
Level 1: DC-16
Magic Missile(e)
Silent Image
Shocking Grasp(e)
Ray of Enfeeblement
Alarm(a)
obscuring mist
sleep,
summon monster I
Protection from evil (a)
Level 2: DC-17
Blur
Summon Monster II
Well that was an awesome set of rolls, so I can copy everything apart from shocking grasp and protection from evil when I get the materials.
Alton quickly tires of sitting around the cottage listening too all the talk of magic, and decides to have a scout around the area near surrounding the hut.
He takes a walk, looking for any interesting features of the landscape, and also seeing if theres anywhere that affords a good vantage of the . He also looks for a place where one could watch the trail that the party used to approach the cabbin and the path to the village.
Alton, the path back down the hillside to the main trail runs through a wooded area which really obscures village from the cottage – you can catch glimpses at best of the trail. IT might be possible to climb one of the trees to find a better vantage point (the roof of the cottage, partly built into the hillside as it is doesn’t offer much of a lookout point), or you might try to climb up to the rocky summit of the hill above. Of course, either of those options is made more challenging by the recent snow which dusts the limbs of the surrounding pine trees and makes the bare earth and rocks icy and slippery.
As for interesting features, there is the hilltop and the gully behind the cottage; looking down, there appears to be a steep, narrow trail that runs down there, littered with sharp rocks and pine needles, beside the small cataracts and waterfalls of the stream.
The village group:
It takes about an hour to get back down from the cottage to the main trail, and then along the winding trail to a ridge overlooking the small valley that houses the village. Looking down from this vantage, you can see that the trail winds down into the valley (another fork from here leads further into or through the hills). Small cottages and farm houses dot the gentle near slope of the valley wall, some of them by the main trail, others connected to it by meandering paths. The village proper lies near the base of the valley, on one side of a small river that flows through, and seems to consist of a couple of dozen houses and other structures centered about a small village square.
As I have:
Wealth carried in pouch beneath robes.
PP: 0
GP: 29
SP: 71
CP: 69
Gems: 12 Misshapen Pearls (Est. 10 GP Each)
I am hoping the rest can come from selling treasure we found in the tomb, although I feel it may be difficult to sell some of it here.
Kajetan is also going to cast a detect magic over the other items he has:
* 28 ancient gold coins
* 64 ancient silver coins (tarnished)
* 1 x bracelet / armband
* large emerald (set in rusted iron sceptre),
* four ceramic inscribed tablets
* large silver bowl (carved with animal images)
I will appraise them, but the DC is 20 and if I fail by 5 or more I am widely wrong, so I can't take a 10 and get a value, therefore 50% of the time it would be a wild guess, 25% of the time I would be with in 20% of the value and 25% of the time I would be spot on. As I guess you want to keep me from knowing which ones are valued inaccuratly and which ones are good guesses, I will let you roll, I have +5 on the roll.
I have added the wand on to my sheet, although in hindsight, with Keildrithe taking use magic device, that might of been a mistake, as he would of got more use out of it.
;)
Nicholai, anxious to get back to 'civilization', (Or at least as close to it as this town can offer), actually wakes early and is sprightly as they prepare, urging the others to hurry. :)
Keildrithe also has the following to offer for sale (if the party feels it is wise to try to sell such items in Spindlethorp), and will gladly add the proceeds to the purchase of whatever Kajetan or other party members may need.
From wights:
* 28 ancient gold coins
* 64 ancient silver coins (tarnished)
* 2 x bracelet / armband
* gold medallion with 6 sapphires (engraved with galloping horse);
* two golden stirrups hanging from a rotten saddle;
* ceramic painted dish.
He also has coins of his own (please also see the discussion thread).
Village seekers:
Approaching the village in the morning, you see smoke rising from many chimneys, and goatherds and farmers working in some of the tilted fields on the slope. A guard in a watch tower near the (unwalled) village notes your approach, but makes no obvious hostile moves. You notice that one of the buildings surrounding the village square appears to be a small Artonite church – a wooden star adorns a sort of gantry at the front of the building, which looks rather run down and ill-kept.
Laithe is troubled upon seeing the all-too familiar wooden star symbol as the approach the village. "These Artonites are worse than rabbits!" he comments to Nicolai and Pharris, quickly adding "No offence meant, Nicolai!"
As they approach the watch tower he falls silent, happy to play his role as a woodsman guide and allow his companions to do the talking.
Village Group:
Nicholai nods absent-mindedly to Laithe as he also takes in the view of the town.
"None taken Laithe." He says with a smile and casual wave to the guard in the tower.
"Well! Let's see what this charming village has to offer, shall we?" He says, rubbing his hands together briskly.
Village group:
The buildings you pass are of varying styles, mostly small cottages, some of timber boards, some of mud or clay bricks. Some have steeply sloping timber shingle or thatch roofs, whilst others (especially on the hillside) are built in the style of your cottage, partly recessed into the ground and with turf over their roofs.
Soon enough you find yourself in the village square, a neat little place paved with cobbles of varying sizes, and decorated with clay pots filled with bushes that will no doubt flower brightly in the spring. Patches of snow nestle in the hollows between stones. The square is bordered by several buildings, some of them likely houses, but some no doubt serving different purposes. The Artonite church is small, little more than a chapel, with a steeply pitched roof and peeling timber boards for its walls. The front doors are open, but the interior is dark and the building looks neglected.
A large, simply built hall faces the church across the square, it too with its doors open but apparently empty. You imagine it serves as a market or a town hall (or both) on certain days.
Several old men watch you closely from the covered porch of what must be the village tavern. A nearby building’s sign proclaims it as a General Store. From somewhere nearby you hear the loud rapping of hammer on anvil.
Village Group:
Laithe looks around the town as they enter, scanning for any sign of danger. He also watches the faces of the locals, hoping to detect any indications of recognition or otherwise unusual or hostile reactions to their presence in town.
Laithe (and other village-goers):
Kajetan spends the day learning the spells in the other book and studying them so he can copy them into his spell book when he has the proper materials at hand. He will use this time to fill Keildrithe on the basics of magic and how everyone who can use magic sees the mystic power in a different way, so even though we all use the same language of magic to cast it, every one records the words of power in their own unique way way which is unique and personal to them. So even though he can not control the magic in the same way as me and Nicolai, he can learn the language.
Keildrithe reflects on what he has been taught by Kajetan thus far. "So... if I had found the rod and held it in hand, would its secrets and activation words come to me unbidden? The words of power I have learned and mastered came from lessons handed down by my grandfather, which return to me in dreams. Somehow, I don't see this deciphering or activation process for unfamiliar arcane items working the same way... or does it?"
Keildrithe reflects on what he has been taught by Kajetan thus far. "So... if I had found the rod and held it in hand, would its secrets and activation words come to me unbidden? The words of power I have learned and mastered came from lessons handed down by my grandfather, which return to me in dreams. Somehow, I don't see this deciphering or activation process for unfamiliar arcane items working the same way... or does it?"
"Ah, no, with training you can see the arcane flow of magic in an item, like faint eddies or zephyrs in the wind and these allow you to work out what magic if any an item contains and I have magic formula that can reveal more of the powers, but this takes an innate understanding of magic," Kajejatan replies, then excitedly he adds "but I have heard of people, people who through willpower alone can force the magic of an item to respond to their desires, bending the magic to work through force of personality. This I think you could do, you know enough of magic and your ancient teaching and songs, they are brought out from with in you, aye, maybe you can do that?"
Kajetan is trying clumsily to explain the difference between using spell craft to work out an item and use magic device. "mmm, I think the wand you could use anyway, but do we have something else of power we could try with?"
A little later Kajetan is all a gush with excitement when he finds the ceramic tablets are scrolls, although he is heard to moan that parchment would be much lighter.
Alton returns to the hut and stamps the snow from his boots before entering the warm room. Seeing his two companions still engaged in talk of magic, he lies down on his blanket and contentedly starts to doze
A little later Kajetan is all a gush with excitement when he finds the ceramic tablets are scrolls, although he is heard to moan that parchment would be much lighter.
"So... you think I could use that wand even without knowing the command word? Fascinating... my grandfather never told me that... I must have been misled by too many laymen's tales... Would that be the case with all magical wands I came across? And what of those tablets?"
Keildrithe eyes the tablets that have Kajetan so excited. "They're also magical, aren't they? Could I trigger their powers, regardless of their content?"
Villager-ers
Nicholai looks around, nodding politely to the men, and smiling at the women-folk when his gaze passes over them. He indicates the 'store' with a nod to Laithe.
"Not the most genial of sorts, are they? Makes one wonder what happened. It's been my, admittedly limited, experience that smaller villagers are usually more,... excitable, when strangers show up." He gives a weary half-smile.
"Ah well, beggars can't be choosy! Let's go and procure some supplies, shall we? Oh, and I think we should take a look and see what they have before we ask after Kaj's more unusual items? No sense in making them suspicious. I just noticed that most of his needs are herbal,... Maybe we can get what he needs from the town healer?"
The dandy waves Pharris to precede him with a flourish.
"After you my lady!" He grins cheerfully.
Village group:
The steel dragon-fist sceptre radiates magic; Nicolai or Kajetan are soon able to identify it as ‘The Dragon’s Fist’ a +1 light mace of throwing. The liquid in the clay flask is also magical, soon identified as a potion of protection from elements (fire).
The silver comb is worth about 15gp you think, and the mirror about 25gp; you’re not sure about the rest. None of the jewellery radiates magic.
"So... you think I could use that wand even without knowing the command word? Fascinating... my grandfather never told me that... I must have been misled by too many laymen's tales... Would that be the case with all magical wands I came across? And what of those tablets?"
Keildrithe eyes the tablets that have Kajetan so excited. "They're also magical, aren't they? Could I trigger their powers, regardless of their content?"
"I am sure you could do both, although the tablets loose all their power with just one successful activation, where as if I learn them and understand them I can cast them repeatedly as their secrets will be mine." He holds up the last two, although these are both far beyond my understanding and use words of power I have never managed to master."[/b]
Village-goes:
Laithe nods as Nicolai indicates the general store. "It's as good a place as any to start, and we can ask the store owner for news while we shop. If he is getting a fair sale out of it, he may be more willing to talk?"
Laithe allows Pharris to pass, and then follows her and Nicolai into the store.
Village group:
A door in the wall behind the counter soon opens and a heavily built, middle aged woman with rosy cheeks, a bosom like a shelf and strong looking arms bustles through. She stops in momentary surprise upon seeing her customers, but soon recovers, smooths her skirts, smiles and moves up to the counter.
“Good morning strangers,” she says, pausing and looking at you closely. Upon realising that (at least some of) you understand her Thuringian, she continues in that tongue. “Welcome to Spindlethorp, I am Margeet Hotham. How may I help you today? We have rations for travellers and clothing for this cold weather if you are after such.”
Village Group:
"So... you think I could use that wand even without knowing the command word? Fascinating... my grandfather never told me that... I must have been misled by too many laymen's tales... Would that be the case with all magical wands I came across? And what of those tablets?"
Keildrithe eyes the tablets that have Kajetan so excited. "They're also magical, aren't they? Could I trigger their powers, regardless of their content?"
"I am sure you could do both, although the tablets loose all their power with just one successful activation, where as if I learn them and understand them I can cast them repeatedly as their secrets will be mine." He holds up the last two, although these are both far beyond my understanding and use words of power I have never managed to master."[/b]
"I understand... I think," says Keildrithe with a nod, though in a not altogether convincing manner. "At least, I understand what you are saying in principle. I'm still not sure I understand the specific techniques that might enable me to unlock magic that does not... how shall we say... flow directly from the oral traditions of my people? I can certainly recognize some distinct magical effects when they are cast, but guess I will just have to wait for us to find some other arcane items that hopefully will give me an opportunity to test some of the theories and techniques you have alluded to. I thank you for your time and patience, my friend, I know you have much on your mind..."
The Karand looks at the sleeping halfling, wondering whether he should nudge him awake for some two-bladed sparring lessons. Thinking about everything the group had gone through in the previous weeks, he thinks better of it and allows his diminutive companion his rest.
The bard is on the verge of opening the door and stepping outside of the cabin, but then hesitates and looks back at the scholar. "What languages do you speak again, Kaj? Thuringian and...??? I dreamed last night that my grandfather spoke to me in languages that I had never learnt before, yet somehow understood everything he said and could answer in kind... I wonder if...???"
"I can hold a conversation in Lorin, Atuscan, Halfling, Thuringian, Karandic and Norsk," Kajetan replies proudly, "what did he say, maybe I can translate."
"I can hold a conversation in Lorin, Atuscan, Halfling, Thuringian, Karandic and Norsk," Kajetan replies proudly, "what did he say, maybe I can translate."
"No, the funny thing is, I understood every word he said and was able to respond in the same tongue! But before that, he said something like... lemme see..." Keildrithe furrows his brow in concentration for a moment, then hums a few syllables.
"Now speak tp me in one of the languages I told you I do not know... Any of the ones you mentioned, save Karandic or Atuscan... Speak to me as if I were a native speaker... Tell me of your magic in your mother tongue, or some such..."
Village Group:
Nicholai smiles at the shopkeeper warmly, the roguish gleam in his eye showing that he may have momentarily forgotten he is trying to remain discrete. (OR it's just such a habit he can't help himself!)
"Good day fair lady Hotham!" He responds in Thurinigan enthusiastically. "Spindlethorp you say? Lovely town, and graced by lovelier people I see!" He adds, turning his most charming smile upon the shopkeeper.
"Yes, we find ourselves in need of some supplies. It would appear that I did not take my guide's advice seriously enough when we set out, and could use some foodstuffs, and warmer travel clothes." He adds ruefully.
"May I introduce my companions, the Lady Cinna, and our guide, Master Greyscale." Nicholai gestures to his friends, making up new names on the spot.
"Now speak tp me in one of the languages I told you I do not know... Any of the ones you mentioned, save Karandic or Atuscan... Speak to me as if I were a native speaker... Tell me of your magic in your mother tongue, or some such..."
Kajetan obliges, although he is uncomfortable talking of his mother, he is more forth coming about his magic. He looks at Keildrithe, studying his face to see if the words sound familiar.
"Now speak tp me in one of the languages I told you I do not know... Any of the ones you mentioned, save Karandic or Atuscan... Speak to me as if I were a native speaker... Tell me of your magic in your mother tongue, or some such..."Kajetan obliges, although he is uncomfortable talking of his mother, he is more forth coming about his magic. He looks at Keildrithe, studying his face to see if the words sound familiar.
A glowing smile quickly spreads across Keildrithe's face as he listens to Kajetan speaking in Lorin. The Karand in turn responds, also in fluent Lorin and without an accent, as if he had known the language his whole life.
"Hah! In the dreaming, my grandfather taught me words of power that should enable me to understand and speak any language perfectly... and they work!" The bard seems as excited as Kaj was when he discovered that the tablets were magical.
"Thank you my friend!" he exclaims, clapping the scholar on the shoulder. And on that bright note, he leaves the cottage momentarily...
Village Group
Village group:
“You flatter me – us, Master ...?” she says, trailing off when she realises that Nicolai has introduced his companions but not himself.
“Well, we have suitable trail rations, as well as clothing for hiking in colder weather ...” The woman begins to describe wares and prices.
“Now, was there anything else you were after?”