Crypt of the Everflame (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

"I'm sorry about your brother." Still holding his hand, she continued. "I hope I don't ever get sick in my heart."

Looking up at the paladin she realized how dirty his armor had become. She whispered softly and began to move her free hand around the armor. Floating a few inches away from it, dirt and grime slipped away and fell to the ground. The metal took on a polished shine look and sparkled occasionally as the light reflected off of it.

"Bend down big guy, so I can shine the rest."

Allister kneels before Qina. "Thank you, my lady."

He stands and admires his clean armor. "Baeloth never had half the kindness in his heart that you do."

Calling out to Allister, Gad will forcibly lift Mal to his feet.

"Allister, it is time to get these pirates to the local authorities. Would you be so gracious as helping me with the other one?"

Brezik had sat listening to the conversation between Qina and Allister... The honest and deep level of communication had made him uncomfortable so he mainly just stayed quiet and listened. When Gad'larr called out it actually filled Brezik with some comfort.

Okay you two enough of the bedtime stories... we got work to do.

You are able to quickly drop off the privateers with the local authorities who thank you for your services and pay the 500gp bounty on the letter of marque.

Question the first
"The damned priests go on recruitment drives and I guess this is how they get the word out. Not sure, don't listen to religious nutjobs anyways."

Question the second
"Kassen? We don't get too many folk from that area of Nirmathas, too out of the way for most."

Question the third
"Our Speaker of the Leaves, Aromina Yasgon, is probably the one that would know of things in the area, but only because she has spent time wandering the lands as some sort of minstral."

Question the last
"Son, the last man that asked that question was hung by his toes on the docks. I suggest you turn your inquiries elsewhere."

Vivian leans up against the bar and flashes her tom-boy smile at the man. "Recruitment drive? At least it's not always like this then. Where do these priests reside and entertain their recruits? I think I want to avoid those parts of town. Aromina you say? Where would we be able to find her? She sounds just like the type we need to speak to."

Then looking around Vivian's eyes find Brezik and she feels her stomach grumble. "I think I speak for all of us that we'd love a meal. Would we be able to get a couple roasted birds and some mead?" I hope the mead isn't strong, it'd be so embarrassing for everyone to find out I'm a light weight.. We need to walk the walk though, I remember hearing that these tavern folk feed whiskey to their babies..

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

The man behind the bar grins, "If by 'roasted birds' you mean 'grilled fish' then yes we do happen to have that. That'll be four silver. I'll drop it off at your table."

Shortly after you settle in the man returns carrying a tray with mead and fish on it in one arm. What you thought was just a long sleeve for his other arm is actually a cover for a stump. He settles your food before you and leans on the table on his good arm, dropping his voice to a whisper.

"Truth be told those masked freaks set my blood boiling. I don't trust those strangers from across the lake. Their damned faith barges scare away the fish and make it hard for honest folk to make a livin'. They reside at a temple they built a year or so ago, not sure about recruitment. Its on the south side of the city, just outside the slums and the poor district."

The man's voice increases back to a normal speaking volume, "As for Aromina, she's probably at her home at this time of night. Not likely to take visitors almost four hours after sundown either. Let me know if you folk need anything else, just call ol' Puglas and I'll fix ye' up right quick."

Faith Barges? Across the lake? Maybe we won't be staying here for too long after all.. Regardless, I need to find a map. What's across the lake? Where's this church really coming from?

Vivian takes a sip of her mead while some of the others ask questions, finding it is not as strong as she feared and actually enjoys it.
Fort based mead sip Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

"Fish! The birds of the Sea! Thank you very much for everything Mr Puglas, I'm Vivian. One things before you go, is that map on the wall over there current?"

Brezik takes a long deep drink of the mead and then starts in on the fish. He half heartedly listens to the talk about the Priests but whole heartedly sucks the meat, off of his fishes head.

We need to find a man... Mmm... Good fish... Nice and smoky... Cheeks are the best part... His name is Reginar, he knew we were coming by boat and this being the best place to stay close to the docks, has he been around here?

Brezik stops to pull a small bone out of his mouth, drops it on the floor and keeps eating waiting for an answer to his question.

Puglas heads back behind the bar and sticks a glass in the pit of his arm before cleaning it with a (relatively) clean cloth. "That map is accurate around these parts, can't say much outside of Nirmathas, been on the shipping lanes more than trade caravans." Looking at Brezik before replying Puglas chews on his bottom lip. "Reginar...Ah yes! Quiet feller, shows up every now and then, usually when he's too tired after a hunting trip or patrol. His favorite haunt is a feast hall called the Forest Bounty. It'd probably be the best place to look for 'im."

Smiling at the sound of good information, Gad will sit and grab his dinner.

"Sounds like our first stop tomorrow is the Forest's Bounty. Thank you good Sir Puglas!"

After digging in to his meal, Gad points a grease stained finger at the proprietor as he wonders aloud.

"Sir Puglas? How did you lose you arm if I may ask? Was it in the war with Molthune? Sounds like that might be an interesting story there..."

Diplomacy(Unskilled): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Allister finds a seat next to Vivian and eats his fill of fish, which it turns out is very little. He is glad to be on land again.

As he sits by his Captain, the paladin thinks now is as appropriate time as any to try and recruit Vivian to the Dawnguard. First, to ease his tongue, he orders Vivian and himself another round of drinks.

"Cheers, Captain. To our journey." He drinks deep, trying to wash the taste of fish from his mouth. He gives his friend a smile.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

"Vivian, I've wanted to talk with you about the Dawnguard. I think it is a perfect fit for you. A member of the Dawnguard lives by the six teachings of the Dawn-Star." Allister goes into a list of memorized tenants. "A member of the Dawnguard defends the defenseless, destroys evil at the source, and, uh...Be the light in the darkness. I forgot a few, but those are my favorites. We do those things already, right? And you should see their Shield Hall at the Enclave - so many shields and suits of armor it's like the whole place is made of metal that glows in the torch light. You'd love it."

He finishes the rest of his drink and slams his cup down on the wood table.

Spoilered for length...

Allister makes some pretty convincing points, Vivian can't help but feel herself become somewhat interested. "It's a great honor that you're so interested in recruiting me, Al. Like you said, I do agree with the tenants that you remember. Where is this Enclave? I would love to visit it and speak to some more of your brothers to get an idea for the Guard's agendas, been burned once by that before with Earl Bartholomew.."

Vivian cheers and claps with the patrons. "That's an amazing story Puglas! I'm never going out on that lake again!"

As Puglas told his story, Qina listened intently and made numerous facial and hand gestures ranging from shear terror to gross infatuation. She was on the edge of her seat as he described in vivid detail the loss of his hand and managed to swallow down a few untimely mouthfuls.

As the story finished, she clapped and cheered and shouted "Woohoo!! Tell another one!" Looking at the man and with a straight face she asked "did you lose any other limbs that you can tell us stories about?"

Gad belches lightly, tasting the fish all over again, then smiles at the barkeep's humorous and exciting tale.
Gad'larr was glad he had asked for it. He had been worried the man might have found offense at the request.
The group had been too serious back on the docks and had needed something to get them out of their funk Gad felt.

"That was a mighty tale indeed barkeep! I'm so honored by it that I insist you let me buy you a drink!"

Gad will toss a gold coin on the bar counter and wave his mug in the air in salute.

After Allister finishes his drink with Captain Vivian, he has another. Then another and another. By the time Puglas tells his story the paladin is drunk as a sailor and emotions play out fast and full on his face - excitement, terror and humor each have their turn. At the climax, Allister spits mead in laughter and fear.

"Well told, Puglas! You've made me hungry! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!" He laughs until he's out of breath, then orders another drink. "Captain! Brezik! Gad! Bel, yeah, Bel! Have a drink on me! Qina, too! WOOOOO!"

It has been two years since Allister has been in this drunken state but all the impulsiveness and familiarity return to him like an old friend.

Allister's Drunkenness (low=sober): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Allister's drunken romp is loud, but harmless. He is actually quite flattering when drunk.

"Vivian, I alwaysh liked a woman in armor. You'll be the mosht beautiful commanander on the battlefield once Brezshik finishesh your new shuit."

"Gad'larr, I'm shorry I judged you when we firsht met, you're the nicesht Half-Orc ever. Do you remember that time we wreshtled and you beat me up good? HA-HA-HA."

Belathorian accepts the drink, when proffered, with a gracious nod.

He missed the water.

More society, more expectations, politenesses; oh to be out in the world again, with only my thoughts and my friends for company. Elarioth, help me out here...

"We cannot choose our foes or the scars they leave us, only the measure of our courage is ours to define. The fate of all.... isn't that right barkeep."

A chance quietus in the bar means that this last comes out overly loud and sounding an affected and hollow attempt at comradery. Embarrassed, Bel studies the bottom of his tankard intently, cursing inwardly.

Puglas smiles down at Qina and wiggles his other limbs, "Sorry lass, haven't lost anything else, though I'll let you know first."

Puglas scoops up the coin on the counter and pounds back a brew before belching loudly, "Mighty fine of ye lad!"

Puglas nods at Allister and brings out some more grilled fish, "This one's on the house, always good having happy customers around."

Belathorian feels a meaty hand clap down on his shoulder, "Don't you worry none lad. You look mighty young, but you have the wisdom of a man forty summers older."

The night stretches on and Puglas helps any that are too inebriated to their rooms or to the arms of their friends if they live in town.

"We cannot choose our foes or the scars they leave us, only the measure of our courage is ours to define. The fate of all.... isn't that right barkeep."

Brezik stares at Beltharion a look of bewilderment on his face.

Vivian studies the map intently after her meal. "HOLY S%&$! GUYS THERE'S A WHOLE COUNTRY OF RAZMIRAN!" Her hands then slap over her mouth and she hurries back to the table. She starts to arrange the glasses and plates at the table.

"This is us, here. We have Nidal to the west, Belkzen to the North, Molthune to the South, and NOW Razmiran to the East across Encarthan?!" She whispers as she bends forwards over the table. "I thought this was just a cult, not a whole f!!!ing country! What do we think we're doing here?! We could cause ANOTHER war!" She then puts her head down onto the table.

Drinking and Vivian do not mix well, even thought she only had two glasses of mead it was enough to fully loosen her dramatic side. To her credit the stress of the past two months has been making her a bit unstable as well. Once there is talk of rest she willingly leaves while mumbling about Lastwall and the future of Zealot Orc Cults.

Gad will nod knowingly at Belathorian's statement and Brezik's agreement.

"Well said Bel! The measure of our courage IS ours to define. Scars should be used as teaching tools, meant to help us grow...and learn to control our fear."

At that Gad will thump his scarred and oddly tattooed chest.

Qina had never really consumed alcohol before so she simply nursed her drink while some of the others cut lose. Had it been just her and her friends she may have gotten drunk, but there were too many people that she didn't know, even if it was only a handful of faces.

Courage is ours... It made a lot of sense. She wondered if it made even more sense coming from Bela. He seemed to be the voice of wisdom in their small group. He was right though. Qina never really felt brave. She knew Gad was brave, and Allister was brave, and Belathorian and Brezik. Even Vivian was brave and she was a girl like Qina.

Qina suddenly felt very proud of her friends. Maybe the alcohol was doing it, but she smiled widely and couldn't stop. Listening to the stories, enjoying the food, and finally appreciating the success they had had, it made her head and heart swell. She raised her glass in celebration. "Cheers!"

Brezik ate allot of food and drank a little... not really enough to get drunk. But after a few hours he stands up.

You know I've missed sleeping in a bed and am looking forward to introducing myself to a proper mattress. So I'm headed off to bed.

"Yes! Rest is what we all need now. Let the fire burn down and the night wind stir our dreams. The real adventure begins tomorrow for us!"

At that pronouncement Gad will belch again, and head to his rest.

What's our cost for the meal and staying the night? I'll take it out of the treasure we've earned so far or the group funds if needed.

8 silver total
The next morning arrives with chirping birds and bright sunlight. The inn is not very full at this time of day, but that doesn't stop Puglas from serving a fish stew made from the remnants of last night's meal.

When we hit the Forest Bounty, not trying to stop RP, trying to get stuff done on a computer I can do it on.
Made from enormous timbers, the Forest Bounty is a long hall, open at both the front and back, filled with wooden tables and benches. Dozens of people gather here, eating, drinking, and laughing. One table of patrons even carries on with a bawdy song that seems to have most of the folk smiling.

A serving maid points you to a table in the corner with a good view of the door. At the table sits a robust man, wearing green and brown leathers and cloaked in a large bearskin. A longbow rests against the table next to him. He looks up and with a hearty laugh says, “Welcome, friends. I hear that you have been looking for me. I am Reginar Lacklan. Please sit—we have much to discuss.” He sweeps out his arms in an inviting gesture as a serving maid places a tray of roast boar and forest vegetables on the table before him.

That morning.

At some point Allister must have made his way into a room and passed out. He woke up early with the rising sun like he always used to do after a night of drinking. His head throbbed.

Back in the dining hall, the smell of fish made him throw up a little in his mouth, but he held it in. "Milk please, with a raw egg, hot sauce, and a dash of vodka." The drink was vile and every time he ordered it he wondered if his brother had suggested it in jest. Damn him. When the drink was down he felt surprisingly better.

At the Forest Bounty.

Allister's eyebrows rise when he sees Reginar and a smile grows across his face.

Morning, Reg! Allister Sunscale," he says, extending his hand. "Great cloak!"

He sits, and when the roast boar and forest vegetables arrive his stomach forgets the queasy feeling and begins to rumble with hunger. "Ah, a proper meal."

At Breakfast

Having had much worse during his years running and training, Gad easily chokes down the fish stew. Looking at his friends, he gives them a whispered hint to those hesitant.

"Best not to smell it first. Just choke it down quick and as hot as possible, then drink something strong quickly after!"

At the Forest Bounty

"Greetings sir. Yes we indeed have much to discuss! Did the Kassen city elders tell you anything about our 'quest'?"

"Thank you Allister! If you ever have an animal you want to turn into a cloak let me know and I'll help skin, tan, and gentrify it."

Reginar looks Gad'larr up and down before answering, "Yes, they have. What would you like to know? I'll tell you any observation I've made about the cult, their temple, movements I know of, etc."

Vivian picks at the stew but is too distracted to give it her full attention. All her focus is on writing in a notebook, occasionally scratching things out but for the most part cramming every page full of details.

The Forest Bounty!
Vivian sits down bright-eyed. 'Now this is the kind contact I was hoping for!' "Vivian Ferris," she says with her hand extended. She then pulls her notebook and sets an overview for what she's expecting to cover. "Let me start with that you have a lovely city here Reginar, so far it's been very welcoming. We're honored to help you save it. Now all of what you mentioned will be extremely helpful, once we get started I would like to first sketch a crude map of the city and mark the Cult's movements with party numbers and timing, frequency, etc. Buildings they occupy and those of sympathizers will be important as well. Secondly, any information on Cult ships, either names or if you could replicate a symbol they use to identify them. Thirdly, if you been able to get into their Temple we'll need to know of their man-size and get a sketch of the floors you've visited. Lastly, we should speak of rumors and any intelligence you've gathered. I heard the Cult is currently recruiting, if we were lucky we could get some spies inside if we don't have any already." Looking around at everyone briefly she is too enthused to think some haven't kept up with her rambling. "Alright! So we really only know the docks are on the east side and that there is a bay..." She hands the inkpen to Renginar.
Diplomacy if needed..: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Breakfast
At breakfast Brezik show a great amount of excitement for the day. I can hardly wait to see the city. I wonder if they just have one really big forge... Or lots of little ones. And we'll get to see the feast hall... And we should prolly ask about the Rangers Lament... And oh it's dinner for breakfast my favorite.. Brezik quickly downs his breakfast in an eagerness to get out and see the big city.

The feasthall

As the young group of adventurers enter the hall Brezik assumes a role of quiet and serious adventurer... Until the food shows up. Sometimes you have to go whole Hog!!! This is my kind of meeting.. Brezik sits down at the table and picks up a knife to start carving the Boar ignoring all proper etiquette.

Reginar pulls a dagger from his belt and spears a slice of meat Brezik has finished carving chewing on it between sentences. "Well miss you seem to have everything ready for a military campaign. Good head on your shoulders, but wrong mindset for these folk. See they're not here in any sort of militant fashion, they're all about secrecy, bluffs, and innuendo, changing things in a slow and meticulous manner.

"We know too little about the cult to take any overt action, so I suggest you try to infiltrate the temple as prospective members. I won't be able to help myself because I am too well known here. Don't take any needless risks at this stage. Instead,just play along and meet up with me in 1 week to report what they have learned. Hopefully we'll be able to determine a course of action from there if we don't have anything else to go on."

Vivian's initial excitment for planning a military campaign slowly wanes as she learns they'll instead be infiltrating with espionage. She looks around at her group of peers, not one of them are experienced with spying and several of them already have strong faiths with other gods. 'What if we're forced to break our other vows under the threat of our covers, or lives?'

"I see." she says while clearing her throat and closing her notebook. "That Northern incident, that's why we're here. We have proof that this cult is dealing in black magic, they left one of our local sacred sites infested with undead and other, more grim forms of incarnated evil. We'll do this mission, of course, but I think we have a lot of prep to do before tomorrow evening. I feel it would be wise to feint ignorance of some of our associations with each other, maybe break off into pairs or two smaller groups. That seems more natural than a group of six foreigners wandering in for recruitment. How do these people dress who show up for recruitment? Would our armor, weapons, and gear make us stand out?"

Allister nods as he listens, though his attention wanes and he has trouble remembering all the information. The realization that he will have to lie and may need to go against his convictions and the Dawnguard's teachings in order to infiltrate this cult stabs him with anxiety.

They will never believe me if I lie. The Dawnguard would kick me out if they knew I joined a cult, too.

He has much and more to say to his friends, but decides to wait until they are no longer in Reginar's company.

Seeing the worry on some of his friends' faces, Gad is quick to keep the conversation positive.

"Infiltration? The gods do challenge us do they not! While Vivian is correct, none of us are really gifted in subterfuge,
we have overcome all obstacles together as friends, have we not? We will find a way, as we always have."

Reginar nods and smiles with Gad'larr's words. "I understand that this may be difficult, but the cult is so closed off, and so well protected, or ignored, by the guard that I see no other way. Perhaps you can turn others within away from the evil that is sure to be in there."

He hums and sips from his drink, "I'm not sure how they take their recruits, but it'd be best to take your weapons and armor. It will make you look more capable and dangerous, hopefully warding off ill intent and making the cult thirst for your services."

As the discussion is taking place Brezik takes his duties as Carver serious making sure everyone gets enough to eat. He chuckles to himself though as he takes the largest piece of meat he can get and places it on Qina's plate. It's easily three times more food then he has ever seen Qina eat in a single sitting. He then keeps himself busy pointedly ignoring her reaction and not giving her a chance to complain or try and give the food back to him. He even go so far as to cut her off with his own opinion on the plan...

If we're splitting into groups dibs on Qina and Gad'larr. The rest of you are terrible at playing hide and go seek. You other three actually would make an imposing group of mercenaries with all your heavy armor. Just represent yourselves as Swords for hire. Meanwhile the three of us can pretend to actually be interested in the tennets of their faith and then sneak around at night.

"Okay, I trust all of you. If you say we can do it, then we can do it." Allister nods at Bel and Caltain Vivian.

"I will have to keep my sword sheathed. If they see I am from the Dawnguard, well, it wouldn't be good."

Qina was pretty quiet as everyone took a place at the table. She nodded when Reginar's eyes eventually cast their gaze at her, feeling more than a little intimidated in the new surroundings. She let the others do the talking for a change. She certainly enjoyed talking and often did more than her fair share, but when it came to grown up matters, she let the grown ups handle it. At least in her own mind, she was still very much a child.

As Brezik heaped portion after portion on to her plate, she could do little but stare at the dwarf, mouth agape. When he finally finished, she gulped nervously and set about downing as much as the food as she could. She noticed the smile on Brezik's face and didn't want to let him down, so she ate and ate as they talked and talked. She ate way more than she should have, and began to regret taking on the challenge before they had even left the table.

Her ears did perk up at the mention of hide and go seek though, but she quickly lost interest once she realized it was not a suggestion for an immediate game. She liked games. She suddenly realized how much she missed playing games since they had been away from home.

Stabbing a cooked vegetable, Gad waves it towards the busy smith.

"Brezik's got a point! Score one for the dwarf with gravy on his face and a sharp knife. That may be a good way to start our infiltration."

Picking morsels of meat from his helping with his fingers and popping each tiny piece into his mouth, Belathorian follows the conversation intently.

"it would seem, for one evening at least, that we must divide ways friends. Perhaps Viv, Al and I could make our own inquiries? The local temples of our respective faiths are bound to know something."

"I have no idea how many cultists there are. While most wear white robes, some wear gray, and he has seen a few in black. In any case, he cannot get an accurate count because they all look alike, thanks to their masks.

You said he, I assumed this was a typo, but thought I'd check that this guy doesn't have any other operatives kicking about?

Darn. Thought I caught all those. Jig's up, I've been copying/pasting various descriptions straight from the mod.

Brezik had a hard time holding in his mirth ,as he watched out of the corner of his eye, Qina gamely attack the mountain of food in front of her. He chuckled as she showed a determination that he found impressive. Sliwly though, he began to feel guilty as he could see what was supposed to be an enjoyable dinner had been turned into an excruciating trial for the small halfling. He knew she had already eaten more than she should, and her face was starting to take a bit of green look, but still she ate. Finally he just reached over and took the plate away from her a look of shame on his face. Under his breath he said one word to her.

. Sorry

Darn. Thought I caught all those. Jig's up, I've been copying/pasting various descriptions straight from the mod.

(stands and flips snack bowl into the air) ;)

Vivian looks around the table nodding, "Good thinking Brezik, we might have a good chance of finding out more with the different approaches as well. Oh, no thank you, one plate is enough for me." Vivian wipes her mouth as she finishes the first plate Brezik made for her.

"Are there establishments in Tamran for the Dawnguard, Pharasma, and Gorum?" She lastly asks Reginar.

Reginar shakes his head considering. "Only Gorum holds any presence here in Tamran, the city is too small for much more."

"Pharasma has followers in all corners, some do not even know it. Where are the dead lain Reginar? Maybe those who walk closest to the Lady will be of some help to us."

Reginar takes a sip from his drink, "Most often the disposal of the dead is left to the family. Some bury, some take 'em to the forest or lake, some cremate. All depends, but there's no real cemetery around here or anything of that nature."

"Anyone who wishes is welcome to accompany me to the temple of Gorum. Maybe I can be the one recruiting today Allister?" she says to the Paladin with a smile.