With the introduction to the Baron accomplished, Tiadora’s mission in Farholde is complete. She reminds you of the small clay tablet given to you by Cardinal Thorn. “Break it when you need to speak with the Master. Be sure not to waste his time. He can be most unforgiving about that. The Seventh Knot is already close at hand. They arrive tomorrow on a river barge named ‘The Lucky Lady’. You should probably meet them and come up with a plan for seeing our master’s will done. It matters not to me of course. Not my problem. Goodbye, dearest, and good luck.” And with that, she teleports away to her next assignment. A devil’s work is never done.
Johan sighed, inwardly disappointed that beating manners into the baron now appeared to be off the table.
Another knot came here before us, led by an elven ranger named Aiden Kael. Did he contact you? Do you know where he was staying, or where he went?
”He was staying at a nearby inn” he says dismissively ”I’m not sure it’s name. Last I heard of him, he and his dupes went into the Bryr, and as so many others before him, never came back.” he says finally ”There are rumors of dire creatures and talking trees in the forrerst…” he stops a bit then says ”I’ve just recalled a rumor, about the elf staying at the Wandering Friar Inn that disappeared now three weeks back. He went into the Briar and weren’t never seen again. Alternatively, so the rumor says. I may be the same elf you are seeking.”
Wodin rubs a hand through his beard, thinking about this possibility. "Wandering Friar? Should make of visit, no?" the dwarf queries his comrades. "Have drink, listen to tale, worry about elf-friend?" he grins, but the word comes out covered in venom.
The Stonelord picks up his glass and tastes the drink contained within, smiling. "For country of fools, at least drink is good," Wodin says, before polishing off the rest of his cup. "But when gone, I find way to make coping."
Oh crap... has the dwarf forgotten our hosts race?
Ignore my friend here, too much to drink I dare say, My Lord.
Wodin hiccups. "Too much? Not enough," he says, his grin still in place.
”It matters not to me. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve other matters to attend to. The servants you’ll show you to your rooms.” after bowing, the baron leaves you to your designs.
Could have gone better friends but then again could have gone a hell of a lot worse
Wodin drains his drink before shrugging. "Getting of allies is good. Make plan more likely succeed," he states, before stretching. "Think will eat more, before sleep. Full belly is source of strength." With that, the dwarf wanders off to continue enjoying the food offered.
He is an ally, even if he is a little reluctant. Now, how do we benefit from this relationship? And what should be be doing in this town?
At this point, not much I think. Tomorrow we follow up on this missing elf; see if we can retrace his steps. We should also provision ourselves for a trek into this fearsome forest.
I've new allies to meet in two days. I may need some party funds for bribes and such. They'll help me get Agrippa what I need and form an additional support base
Agrippa nods in agreement with Eldred. Getting Agrippa what he needed was high on his list of importances as well.
Indeed, give us some time to enjoy civilization before we go traipsing back into the wilderness.
Eldred reverts to a neutral expression at that comment Interesting... not as fervent a devotee of Asmodeus as I thought... Perhaps its just all power to him, rather than religion, he thinks.
Hrmmph. The pleasure cruise is over, Johan grumbles. They had a mission to accomplish, and bullish and single minded Johan didn't understand why Agrippa and Eldred wanted to linger in this town any longer than they had to. But he held his tongue for fear of exposing his ignorance. Intstead he said, Do what you must. Tommorow I will visit this "Wandering Friar" and let you know what I find. With that he stomps off to the room offered by the Baron.
In any case, tomorrow we hit the taverns looking for that elf and in the interim, I'll ask the Barons' assistants to acquire the most recent and as well made a map of our destination as possible. I think we'll also need to dip into party funds for both bribes and drinks for the tavern crawl and also for a wayfinder or such. I am very clued in when I am on the cobbles, but my sense of direction in a forest? That may suffer without some sort of aid
I will travel with you Johan. Best we travel in groups. Sidious also retires.
Eldred goes off to ask the head butler who the Barons factor is for estate and business operations so as to secure maps and details on provisioning needed.
As this is likely to be a long stay Eldred is thinking they may need upwards of 20 or 30 mules for provisions.
Comparing the Baron’s house to the last inn you stayed is almost a crime. Comfortable and large beds were provided for each of you, and each had his own room. Richly decorated, suited more to royalty than to nobles, and for those that wanted to rest, you don’t remember having a nicer place in your entire life.
The night goes and morning comes. Breakfast is served, a variety that you don’t thought possible was at the table. The servants always busy with their affair, providing you with every need.
After eating, making prayers, reading spellbooks, you move into the port to wait for the Seventh Knot.
A very beautiful woman, dressed all in white, mostly furs and tribal looking clothes, with a white raven at her shoulders, is the first one to leave the barge. A very tall half-elf, dressed as manners of the wild people, in white furs, is the next one to follow; he carries a greatsword and lots of javelins. After the half-elf the twin brothers using light armors, one with dual shortwords and the other with a composite bow and a battle axe, they clothes and cloaks all white.
She looks at your party, a friendly smile on her face. ”I see you have acquired more members… makes me guess what happened to the others…” she says as she gets closer, then dropping to a whisper, she continues ”It is my intention in the next few months to have spies set up in every inn, tavern and anywhere else adventurers and explorers might congregate. When you do find the Horn of Abaddon, contact me. For those groups I can’t personally dispatch, I’ll send a messenger with any information I can gather.”
Edit:
@Eldred
You go searching for the head butler and ask him for provisions and mules and a map. The good servants then asks ”May I inquire which day you wish to travel? And when those supplies should be ready? Also, I may add that no one ever mapped the Briar, and I’m not sure that such map exists, I’ll however do my best to acquire it.”
Comparing the Baron’s house to the last inn you stayed is almost a crime
She looks at your party, a friendly smile on her face. ”I see you have acquired more members… makes me guess what happened to the others…” she says as she gets closer, then dropping to a whisper, she continues ”It is my intention in the next few months to have spies set up in every inn, tavern and anywhere else adventurers and explorers might congregate. When you do find the Horn of Abaddon, contact me. For those groups I can’t personally dispatch, I’ll send a messenger with any information I can gather.”
Well Met - I am an admirer of your work. By my conversations with the Cardinal, you've been very successful in decapitating the regional leadership. I am curious how you may locate us, have you a mystical means to help your messenger find us? It could be useful
Of course not dear! she laughs "I'm sure it's in your best interest to keep us updated of where you are, but given your mission, I think it'll be hard for you to stay anywhere else other than the horn. After all, the blasted artefact you need to destroy is there, correct?" asks the woman
”By the way, while we were travelling with Tiadora on our way here, It had come to my attention you may not know us that well.” she says ”I’m Elise Zadaria, this big one here is Dostan Alfson and the brothers are Tallus Rackburn and Titus Rackburn, or Trak and Trik, as we call them.”
Eldred gives her a careful bow.
Eldred, this big one here is Johan, the educated one is Agrippa, the other big one there is our spiritual leader, Father Sidious and our newest companion, a dwarf, is Wodan. Johan and I were responsible for the destruction of Brandescar before we came to serve the Cardinal. Our mission in his service, was thankfully, a success... , he pauses and looks pained.
Our mutual master does not tolerate failure gracefully.
Agrippa sizes up the newcomers, and seeing an Arcane spellcaster is immediately less dismissive of them. He recognizes potential rivals and a possible threat. Best to get to know their weaknesses.
Agrippa clears his throat and says Lord Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Netteshiem, at your service madame.
In his apartments he rented for the month in the most opulent Inn in Farholde, Agrippa speaks with his manservant, a man he renames Jeebs.
You will attend me at all hours. You will have one personal day per week, my choice of the day. You, of course, will follow my directives to the letter and will ask no questions and speak to no one about what you see or hear while in my employ. Failure to do so will net....very severe consequences.
The man, a balding close to middle aged peasant whose name Agrippa never even asked nods mutely.
Good. Your pay will be five Golden Sovereigns per week. Which is probably more than you have ever made, but be warned, I am like no Master you have ever served. Serve me well, and I will reward you in ways that you cannot imagine. Fail me...and you cannot imagine the ways in which you will be punished.
The man, a bit less sure of himself now, continues to nod.
Take this pouch. In it you will find three weeks pay as well as a stipend for your personal clothing and effects. Go now and dress yourself the part. Your livery should be blacks and reds, to match mine.
The man nods and grabs the pouch before disappearing onto the city streets.
Elise seizes Agrippa up and down a lewd look in her eyes.
”If you are as big as your ego and your name, I’m sure you’ll be a divine lover!” she laughs, this makes the twin Trak, look at you with murder in his eyes, he however does nothing and says nothing.
Sidious nods as he is introduced. As noted, I am father Sidious. I can attend to any divine needs your group might have. Fore unless I am mistaken, you have no divine caster with you. He looks at the twins with interest.
Meanwhile the raven on his shoulder also looks over the knot and studies the white raven carefully.
Wodin gives the fellow Asmodeans a discerning look, before nodding approvingly. "You are... very bright," he says in reference to their clothing. He bows slightly, continuing, "Am Wodin Earthbreaker. Am pleased to be making of acquaintance. Is good to have more of our kind near." He grins wickedly at the gathering, patting a leg and chuckling. "Of pretty picture, we make, no? Thrice-damnded Talinraens will not see coming," he finishes the last bit in a quiet growl, some bloodlust seeping from his tone.
Maybe we can establish a dead drop until further notice? We have a means of getting a messenger back here. You can leave a message at a certain place - say the roof of a particular inn, and we can arrange to have it picked up?, Eldred says, thinking simultaneously of Sidious' imp.
Elise Amulet, ring, circlet and cape are magical.
Dostan Sword, belt and circlet are magical.
Trak Composite bow and cliclet are magical.
Trik both swords and cliclet are magical.
Or the woman did not heard you, or she ignored your comentary about divine.
"Nay,it's count too much with luck. But we'll see." she turn to the others and says "We have work to do, by the end of the day, I want the name of every inn and tabern in this town. Now move." she commands. Lastly she turns to you again "Where can I find you, if I need to deliver any message?" she asks all business.
Eldred names the inn they were previously in and the name 'Timeon'.
As the groups separate Sidious speaks to his familiar in a very quiet voice. [b]Follow her. Watch. Bring word of her actions. The raven vanishes from his shoulder and takes flight.
Aware that the last few times he has opened his mouth have proved nearly disastrous, Johan stands by quietly playing the role of the muscle while Eldred and Agrippa interact with the leader of this seventh knot. All the while he keenly observes their reactions, bearing and body language.
Once the groups go their separate ways, Johan is eager to be off following the trail of the missing Aidan Kael. As he and Sidious walk down the crowded street to the inn the baron pointed them too he remarks to the other man, I am grateful for the company. I still don't know what Eldred expects to accomplish with thirty mules.[b] he shakes his head in exasperation and walks on in silence for a few mommnets then asks, Eldred and I encountered these white clad allies of ours before, back when we were first training with the cardinal. They kept much to themselves then. What do you make of them?
Your business concluded, the White Ravens bid you farewell and move about into town, to their own devices.
Wodin and Johan now wonder about something, The Ravens don’t appear to be asmodean followers, and Sidious is quite suspicious about one of the twins, Trik, as he appears to be more than it shows.
That done, you head into the Wandering Friar inn, searching for any notice of the missing elf.
The inn is on Bear's Row, in a market district of noisy taverns and wealthy merchants. Its neighbors include the office of a female human moneychanger named Burha and a large public square.
The Wandering Friar is a two-storey timber and brick building, with a white tile roof. Accomodations consist of several large rooms with beds and woolen mattresses.
The innkeeper is a young male elf named Elion.
Of the several patrons, here is the most common ones you can find in the place:
Female Halfling that has braided white hair and gray eyes. She wears modest garments and several small tools hang from her belt.
Male Dwarf thin, with brown hair and soft blue eyes. He wears modest garments and numerous rings.
Male Human that has copper hair and light blue eyes, and an unusual tattoo on his leg. He wears fine raiment and jewelry.
A female human who is exceptionally beautiful, with uneven red hair and soft hazel eyes. She wears fine clothing and numerous rings.
Adventurers, says Eldred softly Sinks of information, says from his man-boy form of Timeon. Also seem to be cashed up... I think this is an opportunity.
Speaking with Johan Sidious offers I do not trust this new group, especially that Trik fellow. Did you notice how they completely shunned my offer of spiritual assistance. They are not devout I tell you. I have tasked Abraxus to watch them.
Wodin strokes his beard in thought. "Is most strange. May have take care of problems on our own," he states, a rough edge to his voice.
Eldred peels off from the group, goes to the bar for a cup of ale and to get some cognisant dissoudence from the group and then approaches the woman. Nervously.
Errrr ummm hello miss. Would you and your friends be 'adventurers'?
Agrippa raises his perfectly (now finally) groomed eyebrow Perhaps they have simply grown accustomed to caring for their own needs?
To Sidious: That is prudent. Lets not lean too heavily on the assistance.
Once in the tavern, Johan approaches the inn keeper. Could you help me? I am here to meet an associate. A woodsman by the name of Kael?
The woman look at Timeon, a curious look in her face ”I be knowing none of the others. I be no adventurer myself. What be making you think that?” she asks.
==/==
The innkeeper, a smiling elf loses his jovial smile as Johan asks about Kael ”An associate right?” he goes into a drawer and pick up a small book, after searching for some pages he turns to Johan again ”So here is the deal, Kael is missing payment for three weeks now, plus a bonus for me to keep his things here, safe. Pay up and clear the room. He is not welcome here anymore!” he finishes.
Oh sorry milady - you dress very finely and well, while you don't look rough and tough like many adventurers, you look wise and dignified... and I heard adventurers come here some times, Timeon looks sheepish, and says Looks like I came to the wrong conclusion.
I'm Timeon, I'm sorta trying my hand at adventuring - on account of my family ... well... they aren't around any more.
”Oh you poor thing.” says the woman, clearly pitying you ”I be knowing not much about adventuring. Try not the Briar, as they be saying it be a dangerous place.” she looks around and asks ”What about family? What happened?”
Ballentyne, says the conman simply. Sorry but it hurts to talk about it. Thanks for your time. May I know your name milady?.
Wodin rolls his eyes as the innkeeper airs his grievances to Johan. "Are looking for Kael," the dwarf explains, "because owes us, too. Helping of find him, we make sure he pay debts." The Stonelord nods deeply, a calm look on his face.
The innkeeper gives a deep sight as he continues ”I knew I should not have trusted him because he was an elf!” he curses ”I pity you,” he says ”he went into the forest, and we’ll probably never see him again.” he picks up his lodge book and guard it again in the drawer.
”Please, make yourself comfortable. We have good drinks and food. A nice bath for those tired of the trip and good and clean beds for those wishing to lay his head.” he says finally.
==/==
”I be called Lethia Livolsi. What about you youngster?” Lethia asks Timeon.
Johan does his best to look annoyed at having to pay off Kael's debt, but inside is grinning like a kid in a candy store as he hands over the 42 gp. Sorry for your trouble, we'll have the room cleared out by mid day. We'll just add this to what he owes us.
Johan grabs the key from the innkeeper and bounds up the stairs to Kael's room.
Just call me Timeon MiLady. Sorry to have wasted your time - but if you know of any quests or anything you need help with, you just tell me.
Sidious makes disparaging comments about anyone who would walk out owing an inn keeper money and then asks His thing, they are in his room, or you have them put away? We home tp use them to help track him.
"Hey, not so fast!" says the innkeeper ”If you’re going to pay his debt, pay in full! You are missing 8 gold marks.”
Johan fumes a bit before handing the money to the owner, as he gets the keys and move to Kael room.
While Sidious continues to question the man, to what he answers ”I’ve moved nothing. It’s all as he left.”
Johan walks to Kael room and when he opens it, the first thing he notices is a map laying out on a table weighed down by a common dagger, with instructions on how to find the horn.
Complete searches in the room reveals besides a few worthless personal effects, Kael’s emergency funds are also hidden under the mattress in a sackcloth bag (containing 132 gp in mixed coinage).
