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Captain Lars Ulverth escorts you from the Stone Wyvern at a leisurely pace as he tirelessly limps along and talks much like a tour guide. He points out various buildings along the way.
This here on the left is the Teskerwill Manor.
At the mention of the Teskerwills, Thordak drops back and pulls Matthias to the side.
Whispered to Matthias: Hey, isn't that you? What's this all about? If We're running into trouble I'd like to know!
To Cabre, back in the inn: Don't worry, you make anything look good. The name's Bofus--never caught yours . . .?
To the Captain, between his informative inputs: Captain Ulverth, could I ask you something? This ball we're going to . . . I take it this isn't anything formal, considering the short notice? Can you tell us what we might expect? I mean, none of us wish to appear total country bumpkins!
Sense Motive (target: Captain)
This here on the left is the Teskerwill Manor.
Mantooth is not initially supremely interested in this mention, but once he notices how the dwarf had moved back and grabbed the man he started walking next to, Mantooth focused a little on the two men.
This here is the most distinctive building in Brindol, the Cathedral of Erastril.
With this mention, Mantooth looked at the remarkable Cathedral, Mantooth raised both his eyebrows in awe and in interest.
Religion Check
At the mention of the Teskerwills, Thordak drops back and pulls Matthias to the side.
Whispered to Matthias: Hey, isn't that you? What's this all about? If We're running into trouble I'd like to know!
In a whispered tone Matthias replies
It's nothing to worry about, I just haven't exactly been on speaking terms with my family for a while, I'd rather not get into it now.with that Matthias turned away and kept walking twoards the back of the group peering to see if anyone overheard.
Perception check:
Cabrë whistles a cheerful tune occasionally casting a glance to each of the party members, giving a wink here, and a smile there.
Perform:
Cebrë tries to remember what (concerning music and magic) she's heard about the places and people mentioned by the captain.
knowledge check (local music):
knowledge check (arcana):
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Cabrë whistles a cheerful tune occasionally casting a glance to each of the party members, giving a wink here, and a smile there.
Perform: 1d20 + 5
** spoiler omitted **
Bofus is clearly both fascinated and puzzled by Cebrë's behavior
So, my dear . . . you seem to have gotten over your distress quickly. I'm glad to see it! It's because you get to dance with a fine specimine of manhood like myself that has lifted your spirits, hasn't it? No, no, you can admit it, it's OK.
Not quite able to make out what the dwarf and his comapnion were saying, Mantooth moved among the wandering group to walk abreast with the captain. So, Captain Lars Ulverth, what should we expect from this ball? Will Lord Kerden Jarmaath be greeting us himself?
Local Knowledge Check
So, my dear . . . you seem to have gotten over your distress quickly. I'm glad to see it! It's because you get to dance with a fine specimine of manhood like myself that has lifted your spirits, hasn't it? No, no, you can admit it, it's OK.
Cebrë snorts a laugh, tosses her hair, and replies;
My fine halfling, are you asking me to dance? I hope you're not merely being presumptuous.
she cocks a single brow, and wears a half grin (or half frown perhaps).
So, Captain Lars Ulverth, what should we expect from this ball? Will Lord Kerden Jarmaath be greeting us himself?
Thordak secretly apologizes for having secretly embarrassed Matthias and hustles up to the front of the pack to join Mantooth and the Captain.
Yeees, Oi was just wondering that moiself. Is the lord in this night?
Thordak, noticing the captain's gimp, asks If ya don' moind me askin', what happened to yer leg? He elbows Mantooth and winks Probably did it rescuin' some damsel in distress! Hrahaha! Thordak, son of Throtgar. He says, extending his hand to Mantooth. Oi don't think Oi got yer name.
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So, my dear . . . you seem to have gotten over your distress quickly. I'm glad to see it! It's because you get to dance with a fine specimine of manhood like myself that has lifted your spirits, hasn't it? No, no, you can admit it, it's OK.Cebrë snorts a laugh, tosses her hair, and replies;
My fine halfling, are you asking me to dance? I hope you're not merely being presumptuous.
she cocks a single brow, and wears a half grin (or half frown perhaps).
*blink* *blink* Why, my dear Lady . . . I'm always presumtuous! Now are you ever going to tell me your name--and what you're competing in?
Yeees, Oi was just wondering that moiself. Is the lord in this night?
Most certainly, my good dwarf. In fact he is waiting in great anticipation of this event tonight. In fact all of the most influential people of Brindol will be there. He may be busy hosting his guests tonight, but you will all have a chance to introduce yourself and say a few words.
Thordak, noticing the captain's gimp, asks If ya don' moind me askin', what happened to yer leg? He elbows Mantooth and winks Probably did it rescuin' some damsel in distress! Hrahaha! Thordak, son of Throtgar.
”As a matter of fact I was trying to rescue a damsel in distress. She was my true love, Sidora, the most beautiful woman I have ever known...” The Captain gazes off into the sunset for a moment, distracted in his own thoughts...”Until she was brutally slain by an Ogre we called Razortooth. The battle was tragic and my leg was badly wounded. I blame myself for not being able to save her. Perhaps that is why I haven’t healed my leg magically. It continuously reminds me of that fateful day.
”As a matter of fact I was trying to rescue a damsel in distress. She was my true love, Sidora, the most beautiful woman I have ever known...” The Captain gazes off into the sunset for a moment, distracted in his own thoughts...”Until she was brutally slain by an Ogre we called Razortooth. The battle was tragic and my leg was badly wounded. I blame myself for not being able to save her. Perhaps that is why I haven’t healed my leg magically. It continuously reminds me of that fateful day.
By my granddwarf's beard! Thordak mutters apologetically An' jus' my luck too! The one time Oi mention damsels in distress! An' it's bloody well damsels in distress! Them Ogres are nasty buggers, sure as gold is glittery... Moi apologies anyhow.
Diplomacy Check:
Thordak decides not to make any more jokes that evening for fear of embarrasing himself or insulting people.
The final road up to Brindol Keep is lined with brightly burning braziers along both sides of the street. The impressive four towers on each corner of the castle reach high into the darkening sky. As you approach, Captain Ulverth explains to you, ”Once we get inside, please introduce yourself to the magistrate and present your letter of sponsorship to him. You will then be announced as you enter the great hall. The outer heavy oak doors are wide open and you pass through an open portcullis and past several pairs of serious looking guards. You are lead across a small courtyard and through the doors into the foyer of the great hall. You are met by a richly dressed man who is sitting at a table with ink and quill. Good evening, competitors. Could you please tell me who you are, and where you are from. One at a time, please.
Good evening, competitors. Could you please tell me who you are, and where you are from. One at a time, please.
Mantooth, who had been hiding the humor he found in the dwarf's unfortunate comment to Captain Lars, stepped forward with his letter of sponsorship in hand. I am Mantooth Longbrow. I hail from Prosser, competing in the open combat tomorrow by sponsorship of Deillyr Starcloak.
Good evening, competitors. Could you please tell me who you are, and where you are from. One at a time, please.
Ghrmhrm! Thordak clears his throat They call me Thordak, son of Throtgar, sir, of Ironfist. Oi am here on sponsorship from the Ironfisted Smiths guild of Ironfist, and will be competing in the archery competition on the morrow. Thordak says as he pulls out his letter of sponsorship from behind his beard.
Good evening, competitors. Could you please tell me who you are, and where you are from. One at a time, please.
Matthias steps forward and says
I am Matthias Teskerwill, I hail from Dennovar. Selonias of the Temple of Dennovar is sponsoring me in the steeple chase.He presents his letter of sponsorship and then moves aside to let the next participant announce himself.
One by one, the magistrate inspects each of the competitor's letters of sponsorship carefully. One at a time he gives his approval and kindly asks you to wait until all are checked in. You cannot help but overhear the conversations between each of the competitors and the magistrate.
I am Rowena “the Green” I have come from Talar...
“M...M...My name i...i....is D...D.....Durgin....I h....h....have a g....g....gift f....for the B...B...Baron.” The Drellin’s Ferry native shows the magistrate a box he is carrying. “I...It’s a C....C.....Candle. “
“I am Atwood Legmar of the Marth Forest. I am here this weekend to test my prowess with the bow.”
A an abrasive young nobleman swaggers up to the Magistrate and proclaims. “You know very well who I am and you know I don’t need a letter of sponsorship in this town.” The magistrate replies, “Young Master Kaal, No exceptions can be made. You know the rules.” The young noble tossed the magistrate a scroll.
“Me Dogar of Karshak Tribe. Want food now. Want fight in mornin.”
A mysterious figure you recognize from the Inn presents herself. “Elkira Haskinar of Brindol. Magic, if you please.“
The tattooed faced Varisian slinks up to the Magistrate and drums his fingers on the table impatiently. “Rotskill’s the name. Traps are my game. “After reading the letter of sponsorship, the magistrate looks up and exclaims, “This letter of sponsorship is unacceptable. The Lord Jarmaath will not accept the authority of the so-called Baron Hargil Trask.” The Varisian looks surprised and then grabs the letter back and replaces it with another. “Here... try this one.” . After another read through, he approves the Varisian’s letter.
Anyone else? The magistrate calls out.
Cebrë comes forward, and with a slight bow to the magistrate presents her letter as she speaks;
Cebrë Hath'we of the Witchwood, for the magical contest.
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The tattooed faced Varisian slinks up to the Magistrate and drums his fingers on the table impatiently.
“Rotskill’s the name. Traps are my game. “After reading the letter of sponsorship, the magistrate looks up and exclaims, “This letter of sponsorship is unacceptable. The Lord Jarmaath will not accept the authority of the so-called Baron Hargil Trask.” The Varisian looks surprised and then grabs the letter back and replaces it with another. “Here... try this one.” . After another read through, he approves the Varisian’s letter.
Sense Motive WHEEEEEEEE
Anyone else? The magistrate calls out.
Bofus pulls his letter out of his breast pocket
Bofus Beechnut, hailing from Hillwatch, Maze of Traps trophy will go to me on the morrow! Thanks for your time and efforts, good Magistrate!Baron Hargil Trask . . . I'll ask around about that name
Diplomacy (Gather Information)
After the competitors have finished registering with the magistrate, he addresses all of you. I appreciate you taking the time to come and meet Lord Jarmaath and the other nobles of Brindol. We apologize for the short notice, however, I assure you, you will be most welcome. Everyone is very eager to meet you. Once the doors are open, you will be announced. Please proceed forward to the end of the great hall, where you may all pay your respect to the Lord. You are free to enjoy the rest of your evening with plenty of food, drink and dancing.
An elegant pair of large double doors are swung open and immediately a herald calls out, ”Please welcome the competitors of the Elsir Vale Tournament of Heroes!” As you walk down an aisle you cannot help but swell with pride as a trumpet fanfare is played from a trumpeter up on the balcony. People all around you are smiling and applauding politely as you make your way to a lean man on a modest throne with gray hair and wrinkles that don’t quite belie his thirty five years of age. As you reach the front, he stands up and greets you.
Well met competitors! You have traveled far and near to reached Brindol and we are honored to have you compete in our tournament. You have all been sponsored by some of the most important people in this vale and they all believe in your skills in at least one of the fields of Archery, Horsemanship, Magic, Open Combat, and of course the Gauntlet of Traps. I wish you well in your competitions. May the best of you win. However, tonight, I hope you will all enjoy our diversity, hospitality, music, and of course, dancing. Let the celebration begin!
The crowd cheers exuberantly and the music from the band starts up. People start forming sets to begin dancing.
After being greeted by Lord Jarmaath, Mantooth found Thordak before he dispersed amongst the crowd and returned the nudge Thordak had given him while they were on their tour before finally receiving his handshake as well. Did you hear that, Master Thordak? Jarmaath said we are all "well met". Let's hope the captain doesn't mention that damsel in distress comment or you might be excluded from that welcome. The name's Mantooth Longbrow, by the way.
Can I do a perception check to look around the room and see if I see what the characters I've interacted with are doing? i.e. Durgin and Dogar. Or do I need to find them and then do multiple perception checks?
You are welcome to make a perception check whenever you like. Simply let me know. (i.e. I am keeping an eye on Durgin and Dogar throughout the night.) Then you make one role. It looks like you are keeping a good eye on them or anything else that might happen. If you notice anything suspicious I will let you know.
Did you hear that, Master Thordak? Jarmaath said we are all "well met". Let's hope the captain doesn't mention that damsel in distress comment or you might be excluded from that welcome. The name's Mantooth Longbrow, by the way.
Pleased to meet you, Mantooth. Thordak forces a grin and turns to look for a suitable dance partner, muttering something about Damsels...odds...bastards... into his beard.
After Lord Jarmaath makes his announcements Cebrë approaches the throne and bows courteously,
If it pleases my lord, I pray you will honor your servant this evening and permit her to perform a little sea shanty she has written for his excellency's entertainment.
Cebrë then repeats her bow, this time a little more deeply.
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Well sung, lady!! Bofus applauds heartily.
He then partakes in the partying and schmoozing--he takes care to NOT drink too much, even though he will always have a drink in his hand.
Mattias enters the room and takes a seat with his drink against the wall. He surveys the room, checking to see if any of his family are in attendance of the ball.
If it pleases my lord, I pray you will honor your servant this evening and permit her to perform a little sea shanty she has written for his excellency's entertainment.
Please do tell. Who do I have the privilege, nay the pleasure of speaking to? Upon hearing your reply, the Lord Jarmaath steps down from his throne lifts the half elf's hand up and gently kisses it. He then proceeds to take the half elf by her hand and walk her up the dais. My dear lady, I am very fond of the sea and I miss it dearly. You would raise my spirits greatly to hear such a song in these halls again. The Lord claps his hands and silences the room. The band stops, the dancing stops and all eyes turn toward you. The Lord of Brindol announces you loudly and clearly for all to hear. We have a very special guest with us tonight who is going to sing for us an original sea shanty. It is my pleasure to present to you the lovely, charming, Cebrë Hath'we. The crowd applauds politely and then all hush quietly and listen.
Daughter of musicians. You have grown up in a house where music is valued above all else. You may gain +1 on a perform check for a musical instrument of your choice. Perform is always considered a class skill.
Please do tell. Who do I have the privilege, nay the pleasure of speaking to? Upon hearing your reply, the Lord Jarmaath steps down from his throne lifts the half elf's hand up and gently kisses it. He then proceeds to take the half elf by her hand and walk her up the dais. My dear lady, I am very fond of the sea and I miss it dearly. You would raise my spirits greatly to hear such a song in these halls again. The Lord claps his hands and silences the room. The band stops, the dancing stops and all eyes turn toward you. The Lord of Brindol announces you loudly and clearly for all to hear. We have a very special guest with us tonight who is going to sing for us an original sea shanty. It is my pleasure to present to you the lovely, charming, Cebrë Hath'we. The crowd applauds politely and then all hush quietly and listen.
Cebrë bows deeply again, lets out a joyous laugh and begins singing lines like these in a rich alto voice;
Sea elf girls ain't got no combs
Haul away, haul away
They brush their hair with codfish bones
And we're bound away for Varisia
So heave away, me bully, bully boys
Haul away, haul away
Heave her up and don't you make a noise…
...as she sings she claps and motions others to join in the song. She then repeats the melody on her flute others sing the lines.
perform check:
Thordak, having seen no suitable dance partner, and not about to seek a higher vantage point from which to search further, retrieves himself a tankard of ale and a raspberry tart. He then joins Matthias on his bench.
Not bad, eh? Still.. Oim jus excited for the tournament on the morrow! Thordak's raspberry tart disappears behind his beard. Oim wonderin; you seem like you've traveled...(thoughtfully, through rasperry tart) You ever been up to Ironfist? I've been around the vale a bit, tradin an such, but Oi'd like to see more of it.
@Cebrë.
Kerden Jarmaath intensely listens to the shanty reflecting on his childhood trips to the sea. When you get to the chorus and play the flute, the Lord joins in the chorus with
Haul away, haul away
Heave her up and don't you make a noise…
People in the hall glance over in disbelief to see the Lord singing out. Many follow along and join in with singing and clapping. After a few verses, the lute player and a drummer joins in from the ensemble, picking up your melody by ear. When you finally bring the song to a close, the hall erupts into applause and cheers. The High Lord of Brindol steps over to you with renewed vigor and spontaneously takes you by the hand out on to the dance floor. “Let us do the New Rigged Ship!” he calls out to the musicians. This is an old hornpipe I learned as a kid. Would you do me the honor of being my partner?
@Thordak. A short stocky female dwarf with long white braids appears out of the crowd and grabs you with a strong arm. What’s a handsome dwarf like you doing sittin on the bench when you could be out on the floor with me. She brushes the crumbs out of Thordak’s beard and says,”Stick with me sonny, and I’ll show you what to do.”
@ Bofus. Rotskill slinks around the room not staying still for long. He appears to be looking for someone in particular. Once Cebrë’s song finishes you look over and he has disappeared. You are not certain where he went, however you do notice an open door that you do not recall being open earlier that you believe leads out to the courtyard.
@ Mantooth. A young woman in clerical robes comes up to you and introduce herself, Good evening, sir. Are you one of the competitors in the tournament. I am Kiana, a priestess from the Catherdral. Are you free to dance? I do not know this one, but I would be willing to try.
@Matthias. The young noble, Jared Kaal, recognizes you and approaches. Both being sons of a great houe of Brindol, you knew him from your childhood as well as your time with the Brindol Lions. As a kid he was a spoiled brat and a bully. You are certain that hasn’t changed much. So.... The prodigal sons returns home. Did you forget that cowards aren’t welcome in Brindol. I can see why you don’t want to be noticed. Do you still carry around that silly curved blade of yours? and ride that old nag of yours?... or did she founder from eating too much hay?
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As soon as Bofus sees the open door and no Rotskill, he's on high alert. He looks around for an ally to call upon; he remembers how some of the others behaved in the inn and was hoping to let someione know taht something fishy might be going on . . . but since everyone seems occupied, looks like he's on his own.
Stelth Check
Perception Check
... you know how the Baron would feel if you fail. Just remember the magistrate if you need a little motivator. Here take this. Rotskill tosses the man a pouch of coins. This will make you feel better. Remember, he also rewards for your loyalty. Just make sure that third lock is poisoned and will not open for anything other than my key. You better get out of here and take care of it tonight. By tomorrow the grounds will be swarming with twice as many guards, not to mention the judges. I’ve got a damn halfling to deal with in the meantime.” The cloaked man grunts something and then departs across the courtyard.
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** spoiler omitted **
Wow, this is heavy. This isn't just kid stuff . . .
Before Bofus gets back to the party, he wants to get a careful look at the hooded figure--any distinguishing features, marks, anything.
Perception
as soon as they're done talking, Bofus will quickly get back to the party ahead of Rotskill.
The High Lord of Brindol steps over to you with renewed vigor and spontaneously takes you by the hand out on to the dance floor. “Let us do the New Rigged Ship!” he calls out to the musicians. This is an old hornpipe I learned as a kid. Would you do me the honor of being my partner?
Cebrë replies with a courtesy to the High Lord before she joins him in the dance.
Sets of eight are formed in lines down the hall with men on one side and ladies on the other each facing each other. After the couples are counted off, a herald comes to the front, near the musicians and begins giving brief verbal directions. The first couple will cross down by the right hand as the second couple steps up finishing in the center back to back where the ones will set, followed by casting to your right around your first corner to enter reels of three across the dance. The first man dancing down with the third couples and the first lady up with the second couple. The reels are followed by the ones dancing down the middle and back up followed by a right and lefts all around in a square followed by a circle around to the left and back for everyone in the set. This is the New Rigged Ship. Upon completion of the directions, the chords begin as the couples bow and curtsey to begin the dance.
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Bofus is a little distracted as he joins in the dance--those of you who remember his performance in the Inn are expecting a little more gregariousness from him, but it seems that he's just tyring to "get by" and not draw too much attention to himself right now. As soon as his round of dancing is over, he goes immediately to get another drink, and starts mingling.
Acrobatics:
1) How "important" is the tournament overall? "I thought it was just folks competing, but it sure seems like a big deal . . " (Bofus will take the role of the ignorant country bumpkin here to assist in drawing info)
Diplomacy (GI)
2) What kinds of prizes are there?
Diplomacy (GI)
3) Anyone ever get caught for cheating? What happened to them--or what rules are in place ot discourage cheating?
Diplomacy (GI)
While all of this is going on, my next actions depend upon the answer to the "did I see any indication of where the key is" quesiton earlier--also, whether Rotskill hangs about. Finally, is the magistrate present still?
@Thordak. A short stocky female dwarf with long white braids appears out of the crowd and grabs you with a strong arm. What’s a handsome dwarf like you doing sittin on the bench when you could be out on the floor with me. She brushes the crumbs out of Thordak’s beard and says,”Stick with me sonny, and I’ll show you what to do.”
Thordak titters at being called a "Handsome Dwarf" but is offput by the woman's appearance. He does not show it, and follows courteously. Errrm, Nice Hawk. Thordak says, hoping it doesn't try to bite him when they are dancing. He steps out onto the floor and does his best to follow the herald's confusing instructions for the dance.
Perform Check:
Acrobatics check:
Once or twice he almost stumbles but he catches himself and finds the dance overall a jolly one.
A young woman in clerical robes comes up to you and introduce herself, Good evening, sir. Are you one of the competitors in the tournament. I am Kiana, a priestess from the Catherdral. Are you free to dance? I do not know this one, but I would be willing to try....
My name is Manooth Longbrow, hailing from Prosser. I will be competing in the open combat competition tomorrow, but tonight it would be my pleasure to have this dance. I'm not that familiar with sea shanties, but I have had some practice in the dance. With that, Mantooth took Kiana's hand in his own and led her to join the other dancers.
Perform Check
Sense Motive
Though Mantooth's best dancing has not shown through this time, he does not feel uncomfortable given Kiana's inexperience.
As the dance begins, it is apparent that Cebrë has spent good amount of time dancing among elves. There is also a wild, passionate element to her dancing that may appear more than elven to some. Her long blonde hair tosses about her lean, shapely frame in constant compliment to her wild movement and laughter.
Through all of this she never seems falls out of rhythm with the music or the other dancers.
Perform check:
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As the dance begins, it is apparent that Cebrë has spent good amount of time dancing among elves. There is also a wild, passionate element to her dancing that may appear more than elven to some. Her long blonde hair tosses about her lean, shapely frame in constant compliment to her wild movement and laughter.
Through all of this she never seems falls out of rhythm with the music or the other dancers.Perform check:1d20 + 7
Perception
@ Matthias. The young noble, Jared Kaal, recognizes you and approaches. Both being sons of a great houe of Brindol, you knew him from your childhood as well as your time with the Brindol Lions. As a kid he was a spoiled brat and a bully. You are certain that hasn’t changed much. So.... The prodigal sons returns home. Did you forget that cowards aren’t welcome in Brindol. I can see why you don’t want to be noticed. Do you still carry around that silly curved blade of yours? and ride that old nag of yours?... or did she founder from eating too much hay?
Matthias stands calmly to face the insult. He replies in an even tone I served my time and don't need to be berated by the likes of you. And as for that "old nag" of mine we will be winning the steeple chase tomorrow. Are you competing tomorrow, as I recall you didn't have any notable skills... Matthias, satisfied he had angered Jared, walked off secretly hoping he would face him in the steeple chase tomorrow.
Are you competing tomorrow, as I recall you didn't have any notable skills...
@ Matthias. You can be assured, Teskerwill, you will be eating dirt behind my stallion. The arrogant noble leaves.
@ Cebrë. Kerden Jarmaath is left in awe of your dancing. "My dear elf, you have touched my heart tonight and charmed my soul. You are truly amazing. I will never forget this evening. I do hope to see you again some time. Here take this small token of my appreciation. It is a pendant with my family crest upon it. Should you ever run into trouble, this may help. In Elsir Vale, you may show this to others and you will be identified as being a friend of the High Lord of Brindol. May it help you always. Sadly, I must take my leave now. There is other business that I must attend to. Fare well my elven friend."
@Mantooth. Upon completion of the dance, the kind priestess takes your hand in hers and thanks you. We made it through that one together, Mantooth Longbrow. I will cheer for you at the tournament tomorrow. If you need any healing, I will be near to give what aid I can. May the Inheritor grant you victory! The kind priestess curtsies and then quickly departs.
@Thordak. Nice footwork, twinkle toes! You weren't half bad. Now do me a favor and escort a lady outside. I hear the moon is beautiful tonight.
Did Bofus get anything useful descriptors regarding how the cloaked figure looked? Anything to differentiate him in a crowd?
Unfortunately, you could not get a good look at him. Furthermore, he did not say much but grunt a few words.
When Rotskill said that the last lock should only open for his key, did either conversant give any physical indication of where that key was--like touching a pouch, looking at the other guy's pocket, anything like that? I can only think of 3 places that key would be: on Rotskill, on the cloaked figure, or in Rotskill's room, and I need a clue!!
You are under the impression that the key is either on him or in his room. It did not sound like it was in the posession of the cloaked man.
Bofus starts to mingle, and begins asking questions about the tournament. I'll do a separete Diplomacy (Gather Info) check for each question, because they're specific things I'm looking for Main points of intersts are:
How "important" is the tournament overall? "I thought it was just folks competing, but it sure seems like a big deal . . "
The importance for this tournament is tremendous because it gives recognition to all of the communities of Elsir Vale. This event can sometimes put a community on the map. This is a huge help in terms of increasing trade to and from those villages.
What kinds of prizes are there?
There is a hefty 100 g.p. reward for the first place winner of each of the categories. However, I hear there is a gem called the Dragon’s Eye that is hidden somewhere in the gauntlet. Nobody has ever found that before.
Anyone ever get caught for cheating? What happened to them--or what rules are in place ot discourage cheating?
The judges are pretty strict. The grounds are well guarded. I have never heard of anyone ever getting caught at cheating at the tournament.
Does Rotskill hang about.
Yes. He is sitting in the corner watching the Lord dance with Cebrë.
Finally, is the magistrate present still?
When you check outside the great hall, you notice that the magistrate has gone home for the evening.
@Thordak. Nice footwork, twinkle toes! You weren't half bad. Now do me a favor and escort a lady outside. I hear the moon is beautiful tonight.
Thordak follows reluctantly. In reality, he'd rather return to the bar and have another ale. Well..Okay, Oi suppose. Not knowing what else to do, he offers his arm and escorts the Hawk-lady outside to observe the moon, but remains on the alert.
Survival Check:
He is wary of the Hawk, but gives it a pat on the head.
Improve initial animal attitude:
Kerden Jarmaath is left in awe of your dancing. "My dear elf, you have touched my heart tonight and charmed my soul. You are truly amazing. I will never forget this evening. I do hope to see you again some time. Here take this small token of my appreciation. It is a pendant with my family crest upon it. Should you ever run into trouble, this may help. In Elsir Vale, you may show this to others and you will be identified as being a friend of the High Lord of Brindol. May it help you always. Sadly, I must take my leave now. There is other business that I must attend to. Fare well my elven friend."
Cebrë receives the gift with a warm smile and a touch of surprise in her eyes.
Thank you my lord, I shall always cherish your very kind gift. You cannot image the joy your words have brought me.
With this Cebrë kisses the pendant and bows again deeply. She watches for a long moment as Kerden Jarmaath turns and leaves. She looks at the pendant in wonder for a while before she stowing it away in a pouch.
Cebrë then wanders off in search of wine, her face still glowing...
@Cebrë. An elegantly dressed, imposing noblewoman approaches you. So I see the Lord of Brindol has taken a liking to you, elf girl. Very interesting. You played that hand very well, my dear. Perhaps you would consider coming over to perform for me at Kaal Manor. Mind you, we would not have half the riff raff peasants that Jarmaath invites to these affairs. Think about it my dear and let me know. By the way, I did not catch your name. Know that you are addressing the Lady Verasa Kaal.
@ Thordak. The wild bird woman takes you out to a grove of trees in the courtyard and oddly begins fussing with your beard. My, you do have such a handsome beard. Keekee likes it very much, and so do I. Do you like to get out in nature much, my dear?