We always go in heavy, friend. I am sure you will fit right in.
Narnel spins his staff deftly before alighting quietly on the barge.
Keaton walks directly to the keelboat, stopping on the dock and not going aboard.
Ahoy! Your attention for a moment.
Seeing the stance the armored priest has taken, Molok also unsheathes his sword and follows suit, mimicking the cleric.
Kenna stays close behind, not wanting to show aggression for now.
To the group.
Put the weapons away, this is not the guy.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As Keaton calls out to the barge a dirty looking fisherman comes out from the cabin of the keel-boat followed by two younger men, they do not look armed or to be wearing any armor. Seeing the armed men at the docks and one already aboard his ship he calls out.
"What is this? Another group of bandits come to take what we don't have. No coin to be had here, no fish either. Now let us be and go harass someone else unless you intend to kill us outright because you have nothing better to do."
One of the younger men protest and grabs up a piece of wood from the deck "Father, you can not let us be robbed yet again. We must stand our ground and fight."
The older man quickly grabs the piece of wood from the younger mans hand and throws it overboard. "And do what? Die. Do you not see their armor, their weapons, their magics. What would a small piece of wood do? Fish are not worth dying over son. If they wanted us dead, then that we would be already."
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 10:53pm
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Aterro chortles. It's a deep, rumbling sound like war drums tuning up for battle. "Rest easy, son. We are not here for you. A Brother of Torm would not be moved for your few coppers or a bucket of fish heads. We investigate murder most foul. Speak to us only truth and we'll bother you but little.
What is your name, young man? While Mr. Falerathon speaks to your father, let me talk to you about the benefits of service to Torm. You would be a good candidate for the acolyte trials...."
Addressing the older man.
Rest easy we are deputies from Red Larch. We seek Scholar, that bogus-bilefilled-blueskined-brigand just pulled a heist over from the Zhent inn. He stole from me and the inn, and wrote us cocky notes to put salt in the wounds. We are looking for him, or information to where he would of gone.
May I be so bold to ask if you have any knowledge of the blue man?
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As the priest pulls aside both young men and begins talking to them about his faith, the young men both seemed intrigued if only to listen to the tales that are told. They seem intrigued by the tales but seem to not have understanding of much of it. Simple fisherman's sons that have known little else.
Keaton addressed the older man about the genasi that they sought and he asked Keaton to come into his cabin to talk further. "The docks have ears." he said as they made their way inside, leaving the priest and the boys outside to cover their conversation within.
"Scholar is one of Grimjaw's boys. North, up the river about fourty miles from here in the Sumber Hills, there is a small but strongly built castle on the banks of the Dessarin River, Rivergard Keep they call it, it is one of the Haunted Keeps of the Sumber Hills that so many whisper about. A taciturn mercenary lord named Jolliver Grimjaw and his band of sellswords occupy the keep. They are repairing the old castle and protecting trade along the river from the depredations of monsters and bandits, or so they claim. In fact, Grimjaw and his followers are the very outlaws from whom they claim to be defending trade. We have had to pay a toll to use the river more than once to them. Fee of protection they call it. As long as we pay then they make sure we are not the victim of pirates or worse. Basically we pay to keep their own from pirating us." he says.
"This is there southern limit I guess, their pirate boats smuggle goods up and down the river but all seem to dock here before going back north. Guess they don't want to travel south with the Goldenfields being down that way. We have tried fishing south where it is safe but the fishing is not so good down that way. We have to pay to venture north to have a good catch. Be careful if you go north, they have patrol boats watching for 'unpaid' boats on the river and they stop most even if they have paid. At least to accost us of what they can and brag about how we are protected." he adds.
"But I must ask, what brings deputies of Red Larch all the way to Wormford? Surely you know you have no real jurisdiction here? and why are deputies interacting with the Bargewright? Do the Zhents own the law here now too?"
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 10:58pm
I can assure you the Zhents do not own the law in Red Larch. It is a long and complicated tale, just know the deed is for the Harpers and that is all I can say. What are the Goldenfields?
The pirates accost boats forty miles up river? Could your services be bought to bring us up river maybe thirty miles? You plan to go and fish there anyway yes? Allow us to pay your toll for a round trip for simply ferrying us part of the way to our goal. You may get lucky and find there is no longer a toll to pay on the river when we are done with them.
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Brother Aterro gives a good recruitment speech to the two young men. He focuses on the Glory of righteous battle and Manly Men doing Manly Things in Manly Fashion.
"...and then the Order of the Golden Lions met the warband of the BloodHand orcs upon the plains of Dawnsmoor. Though outnumbered 10 to 1, they formed the Phalanx of STEEL and met them in open battle. Seven times the orcs crashed against the iron-banded shields of the Golden Lions, and seven times they retreated, denied any weakness in the solid line.
At last Lord-Commander Martel held aloft the Blade of Light and signaled all lines forward. The iron-shod boots of the Lions advanced as one unto the weakened BloodHand tribes, and one last time their lines met with mighty crash! The greatswords and war-hammers of the Golden Lions rose and fell like a wheat-thresher, slaying orcs left and right, steadily advancing until the lines of the evil demi-humans broke and ran in cowardly retreat. Four days and four nights the Lions chased the remnants of the BloodHand until at last every green-skinned tusk that rose in anger and laid seige the Temple of the Divine Sun was lain low by powerful STEEL.
And that is where your path may lead. When you at last hear the call of Torm's Right Hand, and you will, tell them Brother Aterro hath send you, has granted you patronage, and you will be tested at the Trials....
And THERE you shall find of what stuff thy inner mettle is made!"
Aterro claps each lad on the back. His patronage meant little, but at least the Trial Sergeants at the gate will know they were sent by a brother, and are not random urchins off the streets. He rejoins Keaton. "Well, have we found vile target upon which we might pour our sublime rage like molten metal out of the red hot forge?"
Despite himself, Molok ends up listening to Brother Aterro's talk to the young men. When he is done and moves off to talk to Keaton, the stoneman speaks to the young fishermen.
"Are either of you going off to join this Torm's church? It does sound rather...interesting, don't you think? Hummm..."
The large warrior wanders off back to where the others are talking, a thoughtful look on his face.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"Goldenfields is a huge walled temple-farm dedicated to Chauntea, the goddess of agriculture. Called “the granary of the North,” it’s the only reason many Northerners ever taste soft-fleshed fruit larger than bush berries. Waterdeep, Secomber, Yartar, and points beyond consume the temple’s reliable output." the old man replies.
"More than five thousand people live and work in Goldenfields year round, farming more than twenty square miles of tillage in gangs of hard-working gardeners. No guest at Goldenfields ever leaves hungry, and the farmer-priests expect that everyone should leave with plenty of food and seeds." he continues.
"The pirates accost people on the river between here and the keep that is forty miles up river. I could arrange to carry you up river but you don't exactly look like the fishing type. You also don't seem to understand just how slow one of these here keelboats actually move going upriver. We can cover about 1 mile per hour, so you are looking at 30 hours of rowing to get you up river. I suppose about 3 gold per person should pay for the ride."
"You do know you could walk up the side of the river bank much faster? Only take you about 15 hours of walking to get the 30 miles upriver."
The two young men just shake their heads at Molok's question. "Sounds dangerous, I think fishing is much safer than this righteous might."
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 11:01pm
Narnel turns to the others.
I say we walk. I have an interest in visiting the Goldenfields. A member of the delegation we seek was carrying items of value that were destined for the Abbey there.
Keaton looks ill at the thought of walking, why couldn't they just take the slow ship put their feet up and let this fisherman and kids paddle them up river. Three gold is a lot of money but at least they would be comfortable. He thought of how he needed to make his betterer disk be pulled by something else them himself.
Fine we will walk. What side of the river is that fort on? Is there anything else we should know about it? Like a moat of broken glass and cyphlus.
After the responses he will address the group.
We may want to let Chalaska know what we are doing so she does not think we double crossed her. She would be the type to send assassins out for us.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Turning to Narnel the old man says "That will be kind of hard if you are hiking toward the keep. See, the keep is north on the river, like I said, about 40 miles upstream. While the Goldenfields are south, about sixteen miles south on the river. You see, two different directions."
Turning back to Keaton "If you are pointed north then the keep is on the left side of the river. Don't know much about the place, only seen it from a distance. Never been inside, never want to go inside either. If its all the same to you, I will just keep my distance."
The group headed back towards the Bargewright Inn, Chalaska would not be happy that Keaton was taking off days of his assigned duty to head upriver. Especially with inn gold still missing.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 11:04pm
Keaton finds Chalaska immediately on his return to the inn, taking her aside for a private talk.
I have found out some information about this Scholar bastard. He is part of a group that follows someone called Grimjaw. They are fixing up a castle some forty miles up river in the slumber hills. Do you know of this Grimjaw or castle?
I seek your advice, would it be better to abandon my post here at the inn to track down the stolen coin, crush the pirates, set fire to their castle, break Grimjaw's jaw to wire it in a more jolly look, and take their stuff for the hassle of this entire event. Or would you prefer I finish my duty here and try and track them down when it is complete. I do not know your boss well, your organization well, or this town well. I assume finishing out the duty is the safe bet, but that will send a message that the inn can be messed with. But charging out the door sends the message that your inn is impulsive. I will take your advice to heart and I trust your judgment.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Returning to the Bargewright with all intentions of talking to Chalaska as they enter the main taproom they see that the woman and a contingent of guards have a dwarf in custody and are in the middle of interrogating him. As Keaton pulls Chalaska aside and explains what he has discovered then she explains what has transpired at the inn while he was gone.
"We found a chest in the southern tower meeting rooms with the missing two hundred gold in it. But we also found tracks in the dust, that of a dwarf. The only dwarf on staff here is this one, 'Inglor Brathren', our handyman. Was just about to take his confession when you showed up." she says.
"Now that no gold is missing from the inn, and all the keys recovered, the whereabouts of this Scholar doesn't concern us. If you wish to abandon your duties here at the inn then rest assured that I can handle them but you will have to turn over your keys. Also note that Nalaskur will not be happy with you abandoning the job you had promised to do as innkeep. Especially considering that this is the first day of a tenday duty." she continues.
"But ultimately the choice is yours."
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 11:14pm
I am glad that the gold was recovered. May I sit in and listen to your interrogation? I am curious to hear if he mentions this Scholar, or Grimjaw. Maybe see what he says if you throw those names at him. As for chasing Scholar, I am unsure at the moment, it will not be tonight. I do not wish to break my word even at the expense of loosing my property. If this dwarf owns anything of value he has a debt to pay to me, one hundred and fifty gold piece debt. If has nothing I plan to shave his beard off and shackle him. He will be chained to a sink in the back living off scraps of food from the plates he cleans while scrubbing dishes until he pays me back. Does he have any gold teeth?
The last bit was more of a joke, trying to get Chalaska to lighten up since their problems were solved.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Returning to the interrogation of the dwarf Chalaska listens to the mans confession.
"My name is Inglor Brathren, and I am a agent of the Zhentarim." he says looking at everyone.
"I think Nalaskur is lining his pockets at the expense of the Zhentarim, and I suspect that Chalaska is turning a blind eye to Nalaskur’s skimming, but I feared Chalaska and did not want to accuse her without proof. So I decided that I would manufacture that proof and frame them both so that the Zhentarim would replace them both."
"I had the best interest of the Zhentarim at heart by doing this. It was not out of self interest, I had nothing to gain from it."
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 11:15pm
Sounds to me that you Zhents need to get your house in order.
Keaton stays creepy quiet listening to the dwarf speak.
Wait.
Keaton goes to the kitchen, gets a meat cleaver, then returns. Visibly keeping it in his hand as he walks around the inn past the party. Holding it in his hand and mockingly using it to clean under his nails.
He has several questions for the dwarf, if he feels he is being lied to he will shave off the dearf's beard with the cleaver.
Lie to me I shave off your beard with the cleaver. Lie to me after I have your beard I get creative with the cleaver. Understood?
He will let the dwarf answer before continuing.
Tell me about Scholar and Grimjaw. Everything.
You owe me a hundred and fifty gold, how will you be paying me back?
What evidence do you have against Chalaska and Bratrhen that you did not create?
Who else did you work with for this scheme.
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Aterro just shrugs. "I've no dog in this fight. Whether you will it or no, I've no appetite to babysit the cashbox of an inn.
Narnel, if Keaton is kept fettered to his duties here, I will gladly accompany you to Goldenfields. I hear it's lovely and I've often wanted to see it. It will take at least a day, maybe more to reach it, and that will let Keaton put his affairs in order here...unless we march for the keep on the morrow.
Ah, for now, it seems that there is no serving staff available? Visiting the fishery has dried my throat. In the name of Torm I claim a mug of ale as payment for services rendered.
So long as I'm playing the barkeep, can I get anyone anything?"
Aterro heads behind the bar and pours a frothy mug. He sits down at a nearby table and takes a long pull. With nothing else to do and no interest in interrogating a dwarf about events that no longer concern him, he takes out his sword and begins working on it with a whetstone, ensuring it's razor edge.
"I am torn. We did give our word that we would stay and carry out the duties that were left to us, however these are Zhents, and as such they are untrustworthy and such an agreement could be considered void just based on their past actions. I would not, however, wish to dishonour an agreement we entered into knowingly, and so vote we stay...against my better judgement!"
The stoneman looks over at their newest addition to see what the cleric has to say.
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The cleric looks over at the stoneman. He pours another frothy mug and places it before the impressive monk. "Do you people even drink? No offense, but I've little contact with your race.
I've made no promise, and I've received no coin. Were I to remain here, I should think some agreement for the betterment of either myself or the glory of Torm would be amenable."
I will indeed have a drink an ale with you, Brother Aterro. May I sit and regale you with how we got where we are, thus far. I can also enlighten you as to visions that I have discovered about this threat in the area.
In subdued tones, Narnel relates the entirety of the groups travels thus far in the area around Red Larch. He adds the following after motioning for another ale.
During my decades of study in seclusion, I perfected the martial arts and dedicated himself to the studies of the elemental powers. I discovered through many visions that nature is out of balance in the area around Red Larch. Terrible disaster is drawing closer with every passing day. To restore the balance of nature, I know that we must seek out and destroy the four elemental nodes, that are believed to be found in the nearby area of Red Larch. This discovery has forced me out of the seclusion of the monastery and into society to attain the enlightenment I seek as the force that will enable a return to balance for nature.
He leans in close to Brother Aterro.
You see, Brother, while coin may line your pockets as an ancillary benefit of working towards the task at hand. The real value will surely come in the form of heightened worship of Torm by those who see your contribution to the restoration of balance and the avoidance of the destruction of innocents.
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Aterro silently rises and fills his empty mug from the tapped barrel.
He sits back down and takes a contemplative sip. "But where does babysitting this inn work in to such grand plans? Am I accurate to conclude that you have entered a short term contract for some of this ancillary coin to finance a future excursion for these four elemental nodes?
Though of course you have the right of it. Gold is but dross, and if what you say is accurate, this would fall under the Debt of Destruction.
But then where does The Scholar play a role in all this? Did he unleash the elemental nodes? Or does he have some vital clue as to their location?
To that end, do you know where they are or how to find them?"
Unfortunately we still search for the nodes, and as a member of the Emerald Enclave, I should hope the Greenfield may have some idea as to location. However, we have come across another task to track down a missing delegation of various individuals, some of which carried valuable texts that I translated for Keaton. Call this a bit of a side job, related to finding the delegation.
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The big cleric nods. He gets up rummages around behind the bar. He comes out and one massive hand holds a basket of hard black bread, the other carries a woven bin of unshelled peanuts, and he places the pair before the group that are seated. He takes a small loaf and bites through it, crunching enormously and washing it down with a swallow of ale. He picks up a peanut and crushing it in his fist, fishing out the exposed peanut and popping it into his mouth.
"So, it seems our primary goal -is- elsewhere, and taking an oath to guard this inn was...a good idea at the time? You must admit that on the face of it this appears to be burning time best used in pursuit of other goals.
Still, the Chapter of Torm is not above those who seek to keep to vows, though spoken overly in rashness. 'Vow in haste, regret at leisure' is a saying known to us.
In the interest of spreading the immortal glory of Torm, I'll concur to biding here and bringing his veneration to this place, but at first light of the tenth day, we make haste to continue the quest. Agreed?"
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As Keaton threatens the Dwarf with the cleaver and begins asking questions he pleads with the warlock.
"Honestly, I do not know any Scholar or a Grimjaw, whatever that is." he pleads. "I can not answer for what I do not know."
"All the coin that I took has been returned, I owe you nothing for I took nothing from you." turning to Chalaska "Why the hell is a NON Zhent running this inn? Is this not a Zhentarim internal matter?" he states angrily.
"I have told the entire story, truth be it. No one else was in on it. Not Chalaska, Not Bratrhen, no one."
Chalaska finely chimes in after the dwarf's beard is shaved and still no further answers. "The Zhent is satisfied, I will have him locked up until Naskar returns. Unless there is something else, Keaton."
"Like I said, if you feel you need to be running after this person that took your books then so be it. I will watch the inn, I am certainly qualified. Still don't see why Nalaskar didn't leave it with me to start with." she huffs.
The inn work, has absolutely nothing to do with your quest to find the delegation. It was something that Keaton decided to take up when offered. Only nine more days of duty left. lol
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 11:24pm
To Chalaska.
I will discuss with the others and will let you know if I will continue to run the inn.
To the Dwarf.
Your escapades have cost me 150 gold, indirect it may be, it was still your actions.
To the group.
Keaton walks back to the group, cleaver in one hand dwarf beard in the other.
I have an idea, maybe the group could scout ahead and see this fort of the river. Get some information on what we will walk into in a few days. I would like to not tarnish our name by breaking my word.
I will join you on the scouting expedition, Brother Aterro.
"I can remain here with Keaton and help him complete this watching of the Inn, if he needs me. Otherwise I will join you on your trip to Goldenfields."
I fear the Goldenfields, sixteen miles to the South, will have to wait until we scout the keep, which is forty miles north along the river on the west side of it. So, Brother Aterro, first to the north, then if we have time, to the south and the Goldenfields. Lady Kenna, will you be joining us?
"The sooner I get out of here the better. Doesn't matter where, as long as we can leave this smelly place for a while."
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Scouting Riverguard Keep:
A small castle overlooks the mighty Dessarin River, which is a good half-mile wide at this point. A gatehouse and keep stand atop a low bluff, but the walls are built to the water's edge. On the river bank, another low tower guards a boat basin where keelboats are moored. The keep seems old and worn, but new timbers and shingles suggest that repairs are underway. A white banner with a blue gauntlet flies over the keep. The front gate is closed.
The following features are common to the keep.
Arrow Slits. In the castle walls, arrow slits are 9 feet above the ground level, 8 inches wide, and 4 feet high.
Light. At night, windows are brightly lit with small oil lamps.
Walls. The walls are 15 feet high. A crenelated parapet faces the outside. One guard stands watch on each of the four wall sections, pacing back and forth at all hours of the day, ready to sound the alarm.
Features of specific areas.
Front Gate (K1). The keep’s main entrance features a two-story gatehouse attached to a round tower. Arrow slits look out onto the ground outside the gate. The gate itself is a double door of thick timbers reinforced by iron bands.
Water Gate. (K11) The keep’s eastern wall is built into the river, forming a long pier that encloses a boat basin. A heavy chain that emerges from the tower to the south stretches across the entrance. This heavy chain is unhooked and moved by hand when keelboats come and go from the keep. There are always several keelboats in the basin at any given time.
Map of the Scouting of the Keep
It would be best if we continue to watch the keep for a day, or so, to see who comes and goes and get some idea of the numbers stationed here. Unless, of course, Lady Kenna has an idea.
With the dwarf in custody Keaton will go to the dwarf's room and rummage through his things. He is looking for two things; something to pay the 150 gp he feels the dwarf owes him and he is also looking for any other clues that could shed more light on the events of the night.
Keaton will also start doing some spell research on his floating disk. The goal is to be able to cast it so it can target another creature (i.e. the disk follows that creature). The hope of this will be able to have his familiar pull the disk while he sits on it.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Watching the keep from the same side of the river many boats come and go throughout the day, without a better vantage point it is tuff to say how many men might be in the keep, maybe a few dozen but that is just what they have seen come and go. They did find out that Captain Shoalar Quanderil's keelboat was currently parked in the keep's bay area.
Meanwhile back at the inn Keaton discovered that the dwarf janitor had no belongings that really amounted to anything of value.
Just a requote from our earlier conversation about spell research.
The cost would be the same as researching a first level spell. You would also need to rewrite the new "changed spell" into your book and name it. i.e. Keaton's Floating Disk etc.
You could only make a single modification to the spell from the following list.
- Increase duration to 2 hours.
- Increase the weight limit to 1000 pounds.
- Increase the elevation limit to cross from 10 feet to 20 feet or more.
- Increase the height it floats off the ground from 3 to 6 feet.
- Be able to order it to follow someone else such as a familiar, another player, etc. as long as they were not flying beyond its range but the disk has to stay 3 feet off the ground and can not follow it into the air. If they get more than 100 feet away then it would not follow any longer. (As per the spell.)
Also you could give the spell a cosmetic change in addition if you wanted it to appear as say a star shaped disk or manifest as a floating shield laid flat, etc. (No mechanical change, just in how it manifest.
Again, a single modification per spell. Just so we are clear.
I see one further option for scouting detailed numbers and defenses of the internal keep. They have seen me and Kenna, and they know us for what we are. However, I do not believe that Captain Quanderil knows Brother Aterro. Good Brother, how do you feel about infiltrating under your true persona to spread the word of Torm and get a look at the inside of the structure for yourself?
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Aterro nods. "The chapter of Torm is known to spread his proselytization throughout the lands. Though it might be odd to show up to a fortified keep unannounced, 'twould not be outside the realm of the conceivable.
So long as you just mean for me to count heads and see the capability of their mess hall, methinks that to be possible.
Every three hours I shall climb a high point and raise my white gauntlet. That is the signal that all is well. If I miss a check in point, give me 15 minutes, and then you must needs come and rescue me.
Now, brief me on all you know, and I'll see what details I can fill in."