City of Ashes (Inactive)

Game Master Grimmy

"I do a bit of this and a bit of that. I come from a minor noble house, so I can afford to be a bit of a dilettante right now. How about yourself? Is exploring dangerous areas your main business?"

lol Lilia is like "350 gold!? That's what this outfit cost!"

Ares thanks the guides help and stops at the street leading to his temple. Taking out a rag the aasimar tries to clean off his face and tries to straighten out his armor. He slowly walks towards the Muir temple and as he reaches the edge of the temple Ares drops down to one knee. He begins a soft prayer, and whispers himself "Muir give me the strength to face them.." As he rises he pulls down his hood, and begins to go up the stairs.

His hand shakes a little bit as he grabs the door handle, with a deep breath he pulls it open and gathers his courage. The aasimar's stride comes to a complete stop as he see's his friend talking with the priests. Tears began to form is his eyes as a sense of joy invades his spirit, and the big man rushes towards the Halfling. Without a word Ares picks up Priss and gives her a massive hug. "My Lady Springhill..........you survived.....I missed you." Ares says inbetween his joyful sobs and refusing to let go.

Barahil had just been looking for the words to tell Urrnir that the Lyreguard had flown to find Ares, when Lilia and Priscilla returned from the treasurers room, and Ares made his appearance. Satisfied, he simply nods to Urrnir knowingly, and watches Ares's display of affection, awaiting Priscilla's response at being lifted off the floor.

"Lovers reunited." says Urrnir offhandedly "Truly this day had many joys in store for us."

Cairenn scowls at Lueck's simple 'hi'. Ugh. Lueck. How long have you been hanging out with him now? And you have yet to absorb even the basics of dramatic phrasing? He doesn't know what he's going to do with you, he really doesn't... He's going to have to rewrite all of Lueck's dialogue when he eventually composes the epic of his own life story, Cairenn thinks.

Fortunately, this Ronen seems far more the sort that can be relied on to provide suitably entertaining dialogue. Cairenn brightens.

Then looking at the rugged man's companion, "I have never heard of such an omen or proverb, but I will take your words kindly. What brings both of you to the City of Ashes? Has a companion fallen that you need last rites spoken to so that they may know the eternal rest? If so I can be of assistance. I am a Ronen, devotee to the Black Tressed Lady, her whose blade will hold back the darkness that enters this land."

"See, Lueck?" Cairenn hisses. "THAT is how to do an introduction! 'A devotee to the Black Tressed Lady'-- that has potential!"

He clears his throat and continues more loudly. "We have no companion in need of rites, good sir. I myself am.... attendant to all those whose souls need further words to help them sleep-- who need their deeds remembered, or their sorrows penned in song. I am called Cairenn Bell, and this is Lueck, my..."

He pauses, side-eyeing Lueck. "My-- companion," he settles for, because he supposes 'squire' is a little insulting.

"But bide a moment. Have you stayed here past the sun's passage?" he asks, eagerly.

Priscilla was about to answer her new found companion when she was scooped up and hugged. She blinked and wiggled to see who it was, but before her mind could react she heard Ares voice and found tears again."You're....You're..ALIVE!" Was all she could stammer out.

Lilia wasn't sure what was going on, but she knew enough manners to keep her mouth shut while the two had their moment together.

Barahil the Faithful stands next to Urrnir watching the display of affection.

"I don't think he has noticed you yet. You'll have your work cut out for you keeping him safe with that one always getting him into trouble, I expect."

As he finishes squeezing the life out of Priss, "By Muir's sacred scabbard, I'm happy you made it back here." Noticing a familiar face, "I'm back thanks Urinnir here, thanks again for guiding me back on track my bodyguard. " Still holding the Halfling he holds out his free hand to Lady Drahaenn and gives her a wink along with a big smile.

Urrnir pulls a necklace out from under her robes, a simple symbol of Freya made from twine, and places it gently in Ares outstretched hand. "A token of fealty" she explains "It means I will continue to stand by your side for as long as you need."

"Pleasantries aside, what will be our first move?"

Lilia turns to Priscilla. "Is this one of the dead you told me about?"

Lilia turns to the man as he drops Priscilla. "Is Lucia with you? Do you have any word from her?"

"Ares...your squeezing...me"She says right before he loosens his grip and holds her in one hand. It was a little embarrassing but she didn't care one of her friends was back from the grave!

after a bit she looks at Lilia and the other woman who came up and smiles."Lilia meet Ares Valorn are most esteemed Cleric of Muir. Great guy amazing healer.Also a decent sense of humor" she chuckled as she wiped away more tears. She seriously hadn't had to cry this much in a long time.

Lastly as she rested on Ares her stomach growled and she giggled"Well I'm Hungry any one else hungry"

"Pleasantries aside, what will be our first move?"

Barahil addresses Urrnir and Ares.

"Miss Springheel and Miss Stinisen have informed me that when they first learned of the arrival of our property from the shrine here in Bard's Gate, it was in transit to a cemetery complex 12 miles from here... the City of Ashes. Ares, I know you must be anxious to return to the valley and redeem yourself, but we must learn first if our enemy is indeed right at our back door. I would like you to investigate the cemetery. Find out who there was to be the recipient of the relic and what they wanted with it."

"See, Lueck?" Cairenn hisses. "THAT is how to do an introduction! 'A devotee to the Black Tressed Lady'-- that has potential!"

He clears his throat and continues more loudly. "We have no companion in need of rites, good sir. I myself am.... attendant to all those whose souls need further words to help them sleep-- who need their deeds remembered, or their sorrows penned in song. I am called Cairenn Bell, and this is Lueck, my..."

He pauses, side-eyeing Lueck. "My-- companion," he settles for, because he supposes 'squire' is a little insulting.

"But bide a moment. Have you stayed here past the sun's passage?" he asks, eagerly.

"No I cannot say that I have. After performing the rites for those that are unfortunate to be lain here I leave with the bereaved before the sun falls to see them safely back to the city." Taking the moment to look around. "May I inquire the reason for your curiosity? You do not appear to be members of the Caretakers guild. Nor do you or your companion appear to be members of any religious order? How do you attend the deceased through song and verse if you never met them during their days of life?"

Lilia turns to Priscilla. "Is this one of the dead you told me about?"

Lilia turns to the man as he drops Priscilla. "Is Lucia with you? Do you have any word from her?"

Ares gives Lilia a somber look,"I am sorry, Lucia did not make it. They retrieved her body and will be bringing here for a proper burial along with my brothers..." His attention moves back to Barahil and tries to regain his composure. "By the Lady of Battle, we will find out who is behind all this!!" As the aasimar states that his stomach growls. "I second that Priss, we all could use some good food."

"No I cannot say that I have. After performing the rites for those that are unfortunate to be lain here I leave with the bereaved before the sun falls to see them safely back to the city." Taking the moment to look around. "May I inquire the reason for your curiosity? You do not appear to be members of the Caretakers guild. Nor do you or your companion appear to be members of any religious order? How do you attend the deceased through song and verse if you never met them during their days of life?"

Caireen strikes a pose. He gazes into the middle distance, looking out over the field of tombstones that stretches far as the eye can see.

"I am one acquainted with unquiet spirits," he says somberly. "The dead speak to me. In my soul I understand their grievances and regrets, and grant them voice to send a last message to the world of the living."

He pauses, smoothing down his shirtfront. "...Lueck just..." Helps carry things? No, Cairenn supposes that won't do. "...Lueck helps me greatly in my quest."

Lilia was saddened yet again. At the sight of a raised-from-the-dead warrior, she had hope briefly, but that hope was quickly dashed at Ares's words. She sullenly nodded at the news, and quietly blended into the background, as the veterans of the previous mission discussed strategy.

"I am one acquainted with unquiet spirits," he says somberly. "The dead speak to me. In my soul I understand their grievances and regrets, and grant them voice to send a last message to the world of the living."

He pauses, smoothing down his shirtfront. "...Lueck just..." Helps carry things? No, Cairenn supposes that won't do. "...Lueck helps me greatly in my quest."

A look of sadness draws over Ronen's face and he reaches up resting his hand gently on Cairenn's shoulder. "A talent such as that must both be a gift and a curse for one so young? The lamentations of those that have departed this realm must truly rest heavy upon your shoulders. And to find yourself here in this place of torment the voices of the departed must scream at you to be heard."

Turning his head to Lueck he smiles and washes away the sadness that was just there. "At least your journey is not one of solitude. Strength is found in numbers and one must know when to lean on others.

But tell me more of this quest you have mentioned. If it has guided you here perhaps there is some knowledge I may aid Lueck and you with."

Lueck beams at the complement and then, feeling like he should say something, sheepishly adds "And Cairenn is teaching me more of what it means to be elf-blooded." When the words are out of his mouth, he realizes that they are really, really off topic. He flushes a little, and focuses on trying to work a cobblestone loose from the path with the edge of his boot.

"So Ares where do you want to eat at, My treat, Also we may have to hire some people to go and figure out what started our quest. Thats when you thaw cause you still feel a bit cold." She says trying to stay light hearted as she looks to Lilia.

"Come now Lilia don't be sad, Their is a saying amongst halflings."Live your life to the fullest, for those who have fallen can't do it for you" granted its not the best saying, but then again we are not very poetic people. You should however live cause Lucia wouldn't want you sulking." she says with a warm smile. She would not let Lilia sulk as she would get all sad and cry too.

"You make sense, little one. I can see how Lucia would have been fond of you. Still, I want to help see her mission done. That's the least I can do for a friend.". Lilia decided to invite herself to a meal with the two, to find out their next step.

After eating at the Felled Ogre in the market district, Priscilla, Ares, Urrnir and Lilia decide to make the 12 mile trek to the City of Ashes. You figure it will take 6 hours with a halfling on foot, so you stop off in the Stable Row to find a mount for Priscilla so you can get to the cemetery before the caretakers guild has gone home for the day.

Priscilla's leads the way to the Dun Coral, a former inn converted into a horse trading post and livery stable. Captain Jaden Roan, master of the stables guild, has a reputation as a thug, his stablehands doubling as street enforcers who collect protection money from smaller businesses.

Lilia looks wistfully as the party passes by the Thundering Drum, private stables owned partially by Cylyria, the High Burgess of Bard's Gate herself. Exceptionally brave, intelligent, and hearty steeds are stabled here, and can be purchased for 10 times the standard price of a horse.

By contrast, Priscilla's destination is a seedy ruined inn turned stable, buzzing with flies, noisy with haggling, and reeking of poorly tended horses.

I took some liberties with your characters in this post, just for the sake of spurring things towards the action. Hope you don't mind.

Priscilla gets a stolen pony for 50 GP

This way you four can get to the cemetery on time.

"Ah, the Drum. Best horses in town. Mounts that are 20 hands high, at least. Cylyria owns this place, and she charges a pretty coin for one of them. It is quite a status symbol around town to have one of those under you when you arrive at a function."

She continues with the group further and turn s her nose up at the sight and smell of the nasty squalor the pony was dwelling in. "Well, at least we are saving this poor little beast from becoming someone's dinner, I'd imagine. At least it should get us to the City in time."

"It is a shame though that we had to lower ourselves to mere thuggery to acquire it."

The area known as Stable Row sits just outside the eastern gate. Traditionally a location where caravans and travelers can leave their mounts and wagons and also negotiate for new ones, this area also features a number of inns and taverns that cater to travelers who don’t have time to stay in Bard’s Gate proper. This is the gateway to the wild lands beyond. The area is somewhat lawless, and is a scene of horse racing and gambling.

Lilia has passed through here before, on the occasions when she traveled to the midnight masquerades at the Vinewood Estate, and it was in this very location that Priscilla snatched the head of Muir for Lucia that fated day from a wagon preparing to depart from Bard's Gate.

The Tradeway goes east from here, onwards towards the City of Endhome, a city state unto itself and another stronghold of Freya worship in the otherwise untamed wilderness frontier. Just beyond stable row, the narrower unkept single lane road to the City of Ashes splits off from the Tradeway and winds north east up into the foothills.

Traffic out of the eastern gate is not a routine daily occurrence. A few caravans a month might venture forth on the Tradeway. Such expeditions are always elaborate affairs, with many other travelers besides the merchants themselves joining the caravans to take advantage of the opportunity for secure travel on the otherwise perilous road.

Today a smaller, private cadre seems to be readying itself for travel. Two draft horses stand idly by, as well as a trio of mules. A narrow wagon is being fitted with new wheels, suitable for traversing a rocky road. A black canvas wagon cover is drawn back, revealing shovels, picks and other instruments you would expect to see on an archaeological dig. It looks like the delvers themselves are not nearby, but the vehicles are being prepared, probably to depart some time tomorrow.

"what thuggery, this little guy is cute.He shall be known as George!"she says happy at her purchase smiling ad she pets on the pony.

"Besides that other place was to fancy, I bet they don't even like halflings. I mean this is why I do what I do, seriously alot of Halflings here struggle so as a good charitable woman, I give money to the halflings in hoped they better themselves...unlike the church, or the nobles so what if it makes me a bit reckless and creative in my money making, at least I am doing something" She says following it all up with a giggle. Granted it was true she gave money to many of the poor halflings she died keep some herself. She hoped to unload a good amount to a couple of halflings who fed and sheltered several orphaned halflings and other children about. That would help them better.

"Was it the recklessness that caused the....failure of your last mission? I do not intend on ever being rash and running into something without the proper preparation." Lilia didn't like the way that the halfling fessed up to being reckless. Was that what caused Lucia's death?

Back at the cemetery the sun climbs towards high noon and the city of ashes looks actually quite beautiful in the autumn air, sunlight washing over the pale antique statuary.

As Ronen, Cairenn and Lueck make their introductions, a woman's voice is heard lilting through a haunting melody in the next plot over.

T'salix the half-orc walks angrily by heading in the opposite direction, grumbling under his breath. "Did anyone else show up today to do any actual work!? Graves don't dig themselves you know..."

Ronen stops at the sound of the haunting melody. Motioning to Cairenn and Lueck he moves over to see what has caused T'Salix such a steer. "The City is quite busy today with new faces."

Ronen began to wonder what was leading to so much interest in the cemetery. The strange meeting with the masked figure earlier this morning and T'Salix's strange comment, 'You seem like the type to fight even if you know you can't win. Just don't go after what might be victim without knowing the whole story is all.' All of it meant something and a part of him was beginning to feel that while the Caretakers Guild was involved they played a minor role.

Peering into the next lot Ronen sees a raven haired woman with blue eyes in dirt soiled leather armor. She is tuning a harp as she sings, and looking at the instrument with a furrowed brow, as if unable to get it to produce the right notes.

Urrnir is keeping a pleasant pace alongside the pony, though she makes sure to always remain vigilant for potential dangers to her new charge.

"Being quick to act can sometimes be a boon though. Fate will not always be so polite as to show her hand."

Though with the warm summer sun shining on the maiden's skin, the words come out far less serious then they would otherwise seem. She walks along humming contently, the simple pleasure of being alive having otherwise overcome her cold demeanor.

"A few people lack the ability to think through the chaos. I myself am moderately okay, except with magic. Seems even I wasn't prepared enough for froggy men who summon demons. Which is true I am more a lover then a fighter. I do however know how to use a blade."she says as she sat comfortably on her high horse.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Ronen spies the woman tuning a harp. Her appearance seems peculiar but given the other events of the day he thinks nothing of it. "Greetings to you. Might I provide some assistance. The melody I heard you playing seems full of sadness. Have you come to bury a companion?"

"Indeed Lady Drahaenn, we were there not only to return the head of Muir but were to investigate what was drawing in so many monsters. Chaos is what we were there to quell and our improvised group took on many challenges that were stronger then us. Like that evil priest with that unholy mace and his minions.....I wonder what ever happen to that vile device of the abyss?" He looks away from his current companions for a moment as he remembers the tough fight that was along side his brother. "So Lady Stinisen, be prepared to think on your feet but your correct in researching our task. Hence why we form a group, for each has a set a skills and experiences to handle deeds like this one."

Lilia nods in response to the others. She still wasn't sure if the rashness of some of the group led to her friend's demise. If they put me at risk, I'm out of here. Lucia would understand that, I'm sure.

at the cemetery...

The bard looks up in surprise when Ronen speaks to her.

"Greetings to you! I didn't know anyone was listening. I am Genevieve. I work here. I usually sing much better than that... I was trying something in a different scale, but I have to retune my harp. I am learning that piece in honor of the people who buried their dead here in ancient times, long before this cemetery complex was built. See there? The barrow mound is still visible just past that wall..."

She climbs atop a large headstone and points beyond the edge of the cemetery wall. Anyone who climbs up on a wall or monument and gazes in the indicated direction can see a low, partially collapsed barrow squatting forlornly in the centre of a small clearing. A half‐dozen tumbled, moss‐wreathed menhirs stand drunkenly about the site.

Turning to Cairenn, she smiles shyly. "Erlend the caretaker told me about you. 'Looks like you have some competition' he said to me. But I'm not like that. I mean... I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds this place fascinating." She peers at Cairenn studying his reaction, as if still uncertain about her choice of words. She seems a little awkward around people.

at the cemetery...

The bard looks up in surprise when Ronen speaks to her.

"Greetings to you! I didn't know anyone was listening. I am Genevieve. I work here. I usually sing much better than that... I was trying something in a different scale, but I have to retune my harp. I am learning that piece in honor of the people who buried their dead here in ancient times, long before this cemetery complex was built. See there? The barrow mound is still visible just past that wall..."

"Forgive me if I my presence startled you. I am Ronen, devotee to the Black Tressed Lady. These two are Cairenn and Lueck." Climbing up he looks beyond the edge of the cemetery wall and his eyes fall upon the sunken barrow."Genevieve would it be too much to ask to hear your song? I would be interested in learning the history of the barrow mound that has captured your attention."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

A pretty woman... with a harp... in a cemetery? Cairenn hates me for taking so long to be able to check in here.

Kn History, DC 18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Nope.

Cairenn's first, instinctive response is to go 'oooooooooh'. His second response is an irritated observation that she is stealing his shtick. Also, she might be prettier than him. He keeps his mouth shut with a great effort while she introduces herself, then sweeps the woman his most aristocratic, subtly-condescending bow.

"Cairenn of the House of the Bell, my lady, and I am sure we need not be... competition. Voices are lovelier when raised in duet, my mother has always said.

"I too would know more of the tale of which you speak... I have heard little of the old histories," he adds on, obviously reluctant to admit his ignorance.

Diplo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

During the trip...

While the others continue talking, Lilia takes the opportunity to record some thoughts and compose a missive to her friend, Janna.

Janna:

Genevieve gives Cairenn, Lueck and Ronen a long look, as though making sure everyone is cool.

"I haven't told Erlend, but I heard music coming from that barrow mound the other night. I recognized the scale. It is from the people who lived here in ancient times. Fairy touched people, married to the gods of the earth. They say their spirits became animals when they passed into death. Isn't it interesting that our civilization has built a cemetery in the same place where they buried their dead? It's as if the earth remembers, and calls us back. But something or someone doesn't want to let them rest. It has been thirty years since the dead marched out of this place in throngs... but I still see overturned graves and churned earth here on a daily basis. We just smooth everything over and pack it back in."

As Priscilla and company approach the cemetery, the arched, cast-iron double-doors of the gated fence part, a squat man in a floppy broad brimmed sun hat backing out and dragging them open.

"It's around the back. Your supplies aren't here yet they should arrive tomorrow.

"Do you recognize that fellow," Lilia asks the others. "Either your reputation proceeds us, or we are expected. The church must have used powerful magics to alert others that we were on the way, in such a short time."

Lilia nervously stepped through the double doors.

The portly little man freezes in place when he lays eyes on the wooden holy symbol worn by Ares Valorn.

"What are you doing here? This endeavor is privately funded, for research purposes as I understand it. I don't see why a fading church should have any interest here. Oh well, as long as you don't get in the way."

He shuffles off without waiting for a reply.

"Best to just go with it for now" whispers Urrnir to Lilia, following her through the gate.

"So, if we aren't the ones he is expecting, then who else is supposed to be here in a graveyard, and for what dire purposes? Could this be more of your cult activity," Lilia asks Urrnir in a whisper.

Once the man was gone, Lilia rifled through her many scrolls and pulled one in particular. Reading the arcane words, she shimmered briefly before the shimmer faded. "Mage Armor. If there is a cult around here, I'm not going to make it easy for them to hit me."

Consumed one Mage Armor Scroll, 3 left. Keeping blank parchment sheet. Current AC is 16 for one hour.

Urrnir shrugs "It seems unlikely that they would be so brazen to operate in broad daylight, more so that they would trust that man earlier with watching the door."

"The statue's head was originally stolen right? On it's way to whoever had ordered the theft as I understand it. Perhaps, then, we are about to stumble upon the brigands responsible."

" Our Equipment, Yes definitely we will need that." She says with a friendly smile and then it soured at the man stopping. Seriously something had gone wrong. They should of just kept going in and come back later to see what sort of Equipment was needed.

" Perchance do you have a list of the equipment we should be receiving I want to double check if all the lists have been updated to the one our clerk has written"Pris says as she looks at Lilia hoping she takes a hint. Maybe just maybe she could get an upper hand on whats been going down here in the City of Ashes

If Priscilla can get her words out before the man leaves, Lilia will try to help.

"Er, ah yes, sir. We need to check your list versus ours. Can't very well have us missing out on everything we came here for."

Not sure if this is gathering information about humans to get the extra +3 to my roll or not. If so, please add three, DM.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

"Ha, no need to fear my fellow. I have promise service to my boss here." He points to Pris. "But try not to do anything that might cause me to get in the way." Ares hides his concern of the mans reaction with a friendly smile and a joking wink.

Trying to get a feel for the guy's attitude
Sense Motive:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26