"The ring became invisible? How odd." Alata shook her head as though to shake the thought of the ring loose. "Can you elaborate on what the orb does? The spirits only gave me a subtle nudging."
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
"I think I get it. But a sword, you say? Tell me more about that. I'm well read when it comes to weapons."
She listened as the arrogant Akkad spoke of the shard of the orb of power (or from one of the swords) belonging to his family and its theft, along with other treasured items. Seka did not know whether to believe him or not but kept her tongue still on the matter.
Upon Gene's question, in lowered voice she answered with the little knowledge she had, "A very long time ago, a holy blade came to be crafted to fight demons, devils and the fell monsters most difficult to kill. It was designed to eat the souls of those slain by it. Alas, the holy blade became tainted and corrupted and in turn so did its wielder. Because of this, a second blade was crafted, an unholy blade designed to destroy the first. There were many deaths and, with the passing of time, both blades became things of legend. So, there were two blades: A holy blade turned evil and an unholy blade used for good. We have the shards of both, although as yet, no one can tell which shard pieces belong to which blade."
You all enter the fancy establishment, (I assume) immediately coming upon an odd sight. Behind the door A hallway with a wooden stair case heading downward, the walls lined with tightly packed stone bricks. At the bottom another door equally as fancy as the first, entering a large room with a fine wooden floor, a large fire into the center with a whole roasting boar sending the smell wafting through the room. Many people, mostly merchants, off duty guards, and business owners both traveling and from around town are sitting at various tables
A man in a nice suit walks up to the group, Welcome to the Silver spoon, how may I help you?
Alata stands in the back of the group looking on edge. Her spear is on her back but she has a tight grip on her sling. She expects the others lead in this instance.
You've heard very little about the blades, almost nothing. You can confirm that the story you've heard is entirely true, and that both blades were broken long before the world changed.
You do know that both blades aren't from varisia, they're from a kingdom long since disappeared.
Akkad once again takes lead while the group walks, evidently a subconscious disposition to the position.
"Yes, my good man. A large table for 5 please. We'll have your best wine as well."
Yes, sir right away. the man leads the group to a large table beside the fire, do we have any meal requests? Our stew is second to none, we have ale, mead, whatever you desire for those of you looking for something stronger than wine.
Seka silently glanced at Akkad before moving inside the establishment and then to the large table by the fire. She discreetly waved to Alata to come in and take the seat beside hers. When the man asked for their orders, she simply added cordially, "Your house wine will do well enough and the stew does sound good. Thank you... Apologies, I do not know your name. I am Seka."
Alata takes the seat as offered with a nod of thanks to Seka.
"Is that boar for everyone?"
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
Gene sits last, getting the seat furthest from the fire.
"I've heard that story before. The tale of those swords is ancient, to say the least." He leans back in his chair and places his hat on the table. "This is the last place I'd be searching for those shards though. The swords aren't from here."
"Speaking of here," Gene clears his throat. "I still feel like I'm missing something. What exactly are we doing here? What's the mission? I'm a little confused as to why I was hired if these shards are already found."
Then the Shadowhunter smiles as an idea comes into his head.
"Also! Also..." He turns to Akkad and puts his hand on the master conjurer's shoulder. "Before I forget. Do you know any interesting cantrips? I'd very much like to see some. It has been a long time since I've come across someone who works in the arcane."
"I've heard that story before. The tale of those swords is ancient, to say the least." He leans back in his chair and places his hat on the table. "This is the last place I'd be searching for those shards though. The swords aren't from here."
"Speaking of here," Gene clears his throat. "I still feel like I'm missing something. What exactly are we doing here? What's the mission? I'm a little confused as to why I was hired if these shards are already found."
Seka nodded at Gene's words and assessment as to town being the last place on earth - perhaps that was the reason Greywater Hollow was chosen.
She answered the fighter's question as best as she could,
"Greywater Hollow is a sanctuary and the people within and just beyond the gates have come under recent attack from the Undead. So, we have been hired by Captain Gnashbone to aid the harried city guards; to trek and scout into the wildlands and nearby swamplands to gather information on the Undead, especially locate the places where they gather the most, to discover those practising necromancy and to deal with the enemy head on before they get too close to Greywater Hollow. The shards were an unexpected find, but perhaps related to the increase in the Undead. We returned to town to make our initial report and learn more about the shards before continuing in our task. That is all we have been told of our duties so far."
Akkad brushes the Chelish man's hand off of his shoulder.
"While I am no mere entertainer, I suppose I can indulge a fellow spellcaster. tell me, how do you usually handle Sen's Axiom? There are roundabout traditions that have come and gone, but I find many to be flawed and inefficient."
After Akkad speaks he raises his hand and a shimmer of golden light gradually appears, growing brighter hovering above the center of the table over the course of several seconds.
"The undead. Yes. I see why my skill will be needed. Those unfamiliar with the practices of the arcane tend to fear it. However these shards are of particular import to my interests. As such, they will take priority."
"Ale, stew, boar, and some bacon and egg sandwiches thanks." Targan ignores the room, he has a serious hole to fill after wandering through a swamp.
Though he still wonders how crocodile would taste?
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
Gene listens and nods, slowly, as he wracks his brain to figure out what in the world Sen's Axiom is and marvels at the light show that Akkad has created.
"Oh I'm just a dabbler I'm afraid. I can't do much. While Gene talks the team's drinks comes. "I can however, make sure your beverages are cold." With a flick of his finger, each drink becomes chilled.
Seka's opal eyes moved from Akkad to Gene and their magic tricks which meant to impress. The master conjurer's light display over their table would only draw unnecessary attention. Seka quietly sighed and steadily/discreetly advised, "Best we don't garner such attention, gentlemen," her opal eyes lingering on Akkad a little longer for his magic had been the more obvious. Targan had seemed more concerned with filling his hunger. At least it seemed Akkad had heard her say what their duties involved. The Half Elf's answer had made her grit her teeth - Is he always this arrogant and imperious?
"The shards may be of import, but if we are set to another task then that will take precedence. Here we do not get to pick and choose our duty." Seka lifted her mug of wine, now chilled by Gene, and took a sip.
Alata went on edge at Seka's words. "Are there enemies here?" She said reaching for her spear.
The man nods taking in everyone's orders mentally. I'll have those made up for you. It will only be a moment the man leaves returning a few minutes later with a large tray filled with everyone's orders. please enjoy, if you need anything else Let me know the man leaves you with several goals of a thick hearty chicken stew, a bottle of wine and several goblet's, several. Bacon and egg sandwhiches, a large mug of ale, and a large tray of sliced boar steaks.
In the corner of the Tavern you see a young pale skinned woman, with long green hair wearing a leather tunic and dark green shirt, as well as a blindfold across her eyes. Those of you who have been here for at least a day, know this would be the mayor, she is sitting alone, eating a meal much like yourselves.
"It is always a possibility Alata."
Seka's opal eyes moved from Akkad to Gene and their magic tricks which meant to impress. The master conjurer's light display over their table would only draw unnecessary attention. Seka quietly sighed and steadily/discreetly advised, "Best we don't garner such attention, gentlemen," her opal eyes lingering on Akkad a little longer for his magic had been the more obvious.
"I can assure you, there is no unnecessary attention in regards to my person. If these locals don't bat an eye at my elven features, a simple light show won't do any harm."
Akkad takes a tentative bite of his meal.
"Ah, quite good. I had feared the local cuisine would not suffice. It appears those fears were unfounded."
"I can assure you, there is no unnecessary attention in regards to my person. If these locals don't bat an eye at my elven features, a simple light show won't do any harm."
"You're only a half-blood. If any attention is to be levied, it would be on Alata. However, since you are new to Greywater Hollow, then perhaps you should heed my caution, Akkad."
"Are there enemies here?" She said reaching for her spear.
"There could well be spies. I cannot say for certain. You do not need your weapon at present, Alata. Let us break our fast in peace..." and quiet she thought to herself, aiming the private thought toward the conceited summoner.
Seka took one of the bowls with the hearty stew and spooned some into her mouth.
Noting someone of import, she discreetly pointed out the woman to the newcomers, speaking in lowered voice, "The blindfolded lady seated alone in the corner, there, is the town's mayor. We have spoken to her once - just yesterday."
"What is this word: 'Mayor?' Is this a good thing?" Alata said.
"Aye. She is the primary leader in town. She holds authority over the guards and local people to ensure the well being of all." The Aasimar wondered at the structure of authority and leadership in Alata's home land. She was wild, not like the folk in the urban settlements, for certain, and Seka made a mental note to explain things a little more thoroughly/clearly in future. The Elves grew ever more isolated when the world began to change and return to the wilderness and they were blamed for it. It shouldn't be surprising to you, Seka.
"So *she* is the chieftain then. I had wondered who led this town. She must be a powerful Shaman to lead while blinded."
Alata had a sip of the wine. As soon as it entered her mouth, she blanched. "What is wrong with this juice? Is it spoiled?"
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
"Sorry," says Gene with a smile, apologizing for the theatrics. Secretly, however, he is already thinking of what else he can do while he still has the spell active, and he keeps his eyes open for opportunities.
He takes the bottle of wine and pours a small amount into his goblet, looking over at the mayor as Seka points her out. She looked young, and the blindfold and green hair were interesting. Was she some kind of elf too? Gene turns to the group.
"Is she blind? Why does she wear that?"
The Shadowhunter smile turns into a smirk at Alata's question. Her naiveté was cute and starting to grow on him. Besides, this was just the kind of opportunity he was looking for. Nothing cruel though, Gene wasn't that sort of person.
"Ah, yes. It's supposed to be spoiled. Is there something else you would prefer in its stead? I can get it for you."
All this talk first thing in the morning is making Targan edgy. :)
Glancing over at the Mayor Targan shrugs, around a mouthful of Bacon and egg sandwich (With extra hot sauce!) he remarks. "Dunno. She says it's a curse or something."
Washing down the sandwich with good dark ale.
Vimana gives a lazy look around the restaurant, only catching the peculiar sight after others point it out. She sits by Akkad, bony tail gently clacking upon the floor.
Akkad responds to Seka, leaving Eadgart to his ploy.
"Very well then. Let us speak of caution. Would you consider it too forward to introduce ourselves to the mayor? I would consider it only polite."
"Introductions should be fine, but perhaps allow her the courtesy of finishing her meal before moving to her table and speaking with her. Targan and I are known to her so we could lead the introductions, if you'd like."
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Most of the time with NPC's I just haven't given them names, I see it as unimportant for people like the waiter. Sometimes i also just forget, and due to my current posting situation Editting is difficult. With the mayor however she hasn't given her name purposefully, only a few people around town actually know her name.
But yeah most of the time with random NPC's I just haven't named them or forgot.
Alata cocks her head to the side. "Why would anyone want spoiled juice? I think I'll stick with water."
"I would very much like to meet the chieftain if possible."
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
Gene raises his hand and snaps his fingers. Instantly the wine in Alata's goblet is changed to 'water'.
"Check your cup again."
"I see you are touched by the spirits as well," Alata said before taking a drink. "What other gifts were you graced with, Gene?"
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
He is quite pleased with himself, and happy that Alata is taking interest. There was plenty more to show off in regards to magic, but looking to the others sat around the table, Gene wondered if something else might be more appropriate. Perhaps if he told them all a little about himself? Gene tucks into his meal as he speaks.
"Well, I'm a Shadowhunter by birth. Which means I'm gifted at fighting those things that lurk in the shadows. And typically those things are undead..." He produces a small figurine of a zombie, seemingly from nowhere, and places it in-front of him. "... ghosts. and other monsters" Followed by a figure of a stereotypical 'bedsheet' ghost and a goblin. Then Gene pauses and thinks for a moment, before finally adding a figure with horns and a tail, slightly larger than the others. "Devils too, I suppose."
"You speak of bad spirits. We fight them too in our forest. In your words, they are fiends but they are also those who are touched by them: Orcs, Charau-ka, and wicked elves. It is could that they are not unknown to the outside world. To think a human would be so advanced in combating them."
"Introductions should be fine, but perhaps allow her the courtesy of finishing her meal before moving to her table and speaking with her. Targan and I are known to her so we could lead the introductions, if you'd like."
** spoiler omitted **
"Very good." He says this in a manner suggesting he wanted that answer. "We shall wait for her to finish of course. If you would like to introduce me, you have my permission. Though, mind that you use the proper title of 'Prince'."
His attention turns towards Alata next.
"You speak of Orcs as if they are creatures possessed. More than merely brutish. What is it that the Fealindir say of Orcs?" He leans over the table moreso. Alata seems to also have Vimanas attention as well.
Alata's face went dark as spoke of the Orcs. "They are our enemies. Servants of the darkest spirit of all: the Great Beast. Your gods named him Rovagug and the Orcs are among his most fervent followers. They crush and destroy without cause or plan.
It is the Faelindr way that whenever something must be destroyed, it must always be for a purpose. A branch cut down must be placed in a fire or used to construct shelter. For the smallest, most necessary destruction, we ask forgiveness of the spirit of what we must destroy. The Orc silences many spirits with their destruction. I do not know if they can commune with the spirits as we do but I know that, if they could, they would revel in their silence.
They are creatures of malice and chaos and destruction. They gain power from the most wicked spirits that would consume this world and purge it of all goodness, beauty, and life."
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
Gene opts against adding a figure of an orc to the table.
Seka had listened to Akkad and acknowledged him with a simple nod of her head. Whatever she thought on the subject, she kept to herself. For a time she ate and simply listened to the conversation between Alata and Gene, and noted Alata's loathing of all things Orc. The Aasimar looked across to the mayor's table and supposing they had given her some time to enjoy her meal, wiped her mouth on the linen napkin and stood up. "If you care for an introduction to the Mayor, please join me now," and waited a moment for those who would follow, leaving her coin on the table for her portion of the meal and drink (6 gp), and then made her way to the corner table.
She politely introduced herself to the blinded woman, although Seka believed deep down that the Mayor had other ways of sensing and recognising people.
"Good morn, Lady Mayor. We met yesterday - I am Seka of Captain Gnashbone's hired scouting party. I would like to introduce our newest members, if you are amiable to the presentation and company."
Seka paused to receive the Lady's approval before continuing. "By me there is Gene Pentti, Shadowhunter from the former empire of Cheliax; Alata, Huntress of the Fealindir tribe and Akkad Min-Alqadima, Princely Master Conjurer and his sagely outsider companion, Vimana. We've regrettably lost Ikkit and Jokulmorder from our ranks - they have moved on to devote themselves to more personal quests."
The Aasimar then moved back to allow the newcomers room to respectively converse with the Mayor.
The meal and feasting continues though eventually you do finish, you spy the mayor finishes and is about to leave. As you finish the waiter takes the dishes away, He puts a paper On the table, the price of the delicious meal circled 30gp.
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
Wealth: 26 pp -> 25 pp
Gene replaces his hat and joins Seka, but not before leaving a single platinum on the table. Unfortunately, he didn't have any smaller coinage.
The Shadowhunter stands at the ready, waiting to be addressed before speaking.
The blindfolded woman stops, giving a slight bow. I remember, it is nice to have some new faces staying in town. turning to the new arrival's welcome to Grey water, if there's anything you need please ask. I cannot give my actual name, but you may call me Nerissa. I am the leader of Grey water. she suddenly claps her hands together, that's right, before i forget. Your property is all set Seka, Targan. I would stay longer but I have some things to handle, nice to meet you all. I will have some time later if you wish to talk about taking another contract, there's plenty of work. she gives a quick polite bow again, before hurriedly walking off.
Upon hearing their warehouse was ready to move into, Seka gave a relieved smile and thanked the mysterious woman, "Mayor Nerissa, thank you. We shall go this morning, look it over and move ourselves in. We will come to see you regarding the next contract once we're settled. Have a good day."
As the Mayor moved to exit the tavern, Seka turned to Targan, "This is good news. A home base to work from and return to and a new contract to undertake."
Looking to the others, she added, "Let us proceed to our home," and with that picked up her belongings and made to leave the Silver Spoon, heading in the direction of the town market.
Alata follows Seka's example and leaves the exact amount of change that she does.
She bows before the Mayor. "Chieftain Nerissa, I greet you in the name of the Faelindr. I thank for your welcome in this village."
Alata seems confused at the idea of the home. "I was told travelers were to stay at inns? Is there a place for my horse?
Akkad looks to the payment, appalled. After the mayor takes her leave he walks over to the dining table and replaces the payment entirely with coin out of his own pocket, including tip.
"Paying for a nobleman's meal. Oh it is quaint, I'll say that much. Perhaps it would be best to focus on the new subject of conversation. You just mentioned a base, yes? How many towers does it have? Beds?" He gives the money each person paid into the meal back to them. Evidently he's considered it an insult for the others to have paid for the food for some reason.
"My lord, I don't expect there to be towers." Vimana finally says something.
Alata seems confused at the idea of the home. "I was told travelers were to stay at inns? Is there a place for my horse?
Seka heard Alata's question and turned to answer her, "Yes, travellers may stay at inns. They may also have other places to rest and work from. We were given an abandoned building, a warehouse, where they once stored things like grain, fish and other goods, as reward for a recent mission we completed. It has been slightly improved to be a place we can sleep, eat and work from. I cannot say if there will be a stable, as yet. We will find some place for your horse, Alata."
He gives the money each person paid into the meal back to them. Evidently he's considered it an insult for the others to have paid for the food for some reason.
As the arcane caster attempted to hand back her six gold pieces, Seka shook her head. "No, I prefer to pay my own way. I thank you for the courtesy, but respectfully keep my coin. Thank you, Akkad."
Perhaps it would be best to focus on the new subject of conversation. You just mentioned a base, yes? How many towers does it have? Beds?
"It is modest accommodation - a repaired warehouse - so I don't believe it has towers. As to furniture, I cannot say, for this is the first time we will see it. The Mayor did say it would be brought up to basic living conditions."
"I thank you, Seka," Alata said with a small nod of her head.
"You should heed the counsel of Vimana, Prince."
"Horse? Towers? Talking bones?" Targan shakes his head in dismay, helping himself to a handful of the complimentary chocolate mint wafers.
He lights up his pipe as more talking looks to be looming, but perks up when he hears the warehouse is ready to use. "Quick work indeed."
He looks at Seka, "Well lets go and look it over shall we?"