Well, Oi can leave a trail fer the others to follow, an' Oi can lead us back out. Oi think we should at least follow him to where he's goin'. We don't have to follow him in, but Oi'd like to see what he's up to... We'll just watch, alright? Hey, why don't you swing over and pass that plank over so Oi can walk? This breastplate's not the lightest...
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Acrobatics: <--talk about close!!
I lightly touch to the other side, do a quick double windmill to maintain balance, then wipe my brow. Then I'll put the plank back across so thordak can cross. I'll start at a jog down the passage the dude went (as soon as the plank is up) until I can hear or see him (whichever comes first), then slow down and get quieter to continue following.
Perception:
Stealth:
After Bofus' gallant swing across the river of fecal muck, he puts the plank across for Thordak to follow. The two adventurers race stealthily along the walkway until you come to another intersection.
Across another wooden plank you see the balding man climb through a narrow entryway at the corner of the intersection (-AJ-45) . Next, the door seals shut behind him. From your vantage across the river of muck it appears to be only a grimy stone wall. However, you notice that this time he did not remove the plank.
A little retcon on my response:
Thank you sir, I am from the small hamlet of Uldar located on a tributary of the Elsir River between the Westdeep and the Wyrmsmoke Mountains. It is about a day south of the Dwarfroad.
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If I, or any of the rest of our party recalls anything else important, we will immediately contact you and provide you with the information. Until then, I think that we should all return to the Stone Wyvern as it is getting late and, considering the events of today, I wish to be full prepared for whatever fate brings our way tomorrow.
Florence, Tirion, Mantooth, & Matthias.
After discussing matters with Vellorian and Lars Ulverth you walk back through the town to the Stone Wyvern. Once inside the common room you are greeted by an elderly man in colorful robes.
"Well met, Ms. Danapieré and company. I have to say how absolutely enjoyable your performance was tonight. I am so sorry it had to end on such a tragic note. I am Condar Everimsar. I am a retired priest of Shelyn, and an art teacher at Brindol Academy. Your halfling friend, a Mr. Longfoot, told me to meet all of you here tonight after the performance. By any chance have you seen him? I was hoping to talk with all of you and make plans for the service for Cebrë Ha'Thwe. Perhaps all of you could tell me what you think would be appropriate for her. Did you all know her well?"
Sadly I came to know here for only some mere weeks. Furthermore I don't know anything about elven funeral rites.
Florence chews on her lower lip, not knowing what to say.
Since I never met Cebre other than to see her killed by the Imp, I will have to wait for Mantooth or Matthais to respond. - I do not think that there is anything else that needed to be done at the theatre.
The plank appears fine. Although it strains under the weight of Thordak. Along the curved wall, you find a cleverly hidden mechanism to open a secret door in the wall.
@The Stone Wyvern
"That's fine, I can wait for a while. But what do you think happened to your halfling friend? Is he always late to his appointments?"
I have not known him for a long time, but I believe that he is usually reliably on time. However, we had a bit of a run in with a bearded devil this evening. I am sure your will hear about this through the grapevine tomorrow. I believe he is investigating a lead as to the source of the devil, but should be back shortly.
Bluff:
By moving a loose brick you hear a click and the door swings ajar. Opening the door you find a well built passageway leading forward into a larger room.
@The Stone Wyvern
"Are you kidding, I witnessed the whole event myself. I have never seen such a fierce creature. Tell me, my friend, what did you say to say to that creature to make it attack you? I'm not even sure what language you were speaking."
Florence cocks her head and comments
Yeah, what did you actually say to him?
You appear to be in an empty storeroom of sorts. There is a table in the corner with a candle lit on it. There is no evidence of the bald man. However, there is a door to the north and a hallway to the west.
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Then, once Iv'e determiend that (or if there's nothign of note) I go back to Thordak. OK, I think we've gone as far as we should go alone. We can find this place again easily enough. Let's head back, and explore this place another time.
Er, well, I kinda told it that the queen of dragons, Tiamat, had claimed this land and that it was infringing on her land. You may not know Tiamat, but she is not the type of dragon you would want to meet in a dark alley - or in a heavily defended fortress with multiple gold dragons on your side. My hope was to delay it until more support could arrive.
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As far as the language goes, I was speaking in Draconic figuring that it would lend some credence to my story.
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Hey - you teach at the academy, I know that you focus more on the arts, but have you ever heard of the Warriors of the Kulkor Zhul or Azarr Kul, son of the Dragon? The devil mentioned both just before it struck me. -- Or if you are not familiar with them, would you know anyone at the academy or in the town who might know about these warriors and the Son of the Dragon?
I've been thinking about the events of tonight. Lady Kaal asked why we were still in town and always around when trouble erupts. Perhaps a better question would be, why is Verasa Kaal always around when trouble erupts to ask us why we are there?
@ Condar
"Condar, I only met Cebrë but a few weeks ago when the tournament of Elsir Vale started, but it was very easy to become a friend of hers." Mantooth can be seen glancing around for a way to tell time, his thoughts currently on the whereabouts of Bofus and Thordak. "I've never met quite someone who was so cheerful. She was so quick to laugh and find enjoyment from any situation, but she also possessed a strength on and off the battlefield that made you more comfortable whenever she was around.."
@Stone Wyvern
"Or if you are not familiar with them, would you know anyone at the academy or in the town who might know about these warriors and the Son of the Dragon?"
"Azarr Kul, Son of the Dragon you say? That sounds dangerous! This is not saying much, but I've never herd those names before. This sounds like a foe from beyond these walls. I'm afraid that I am am a mostly retired priest of Shelyn that loves to share his passion for art with a few interested students. Let's hope that what you are describing is not a sign of what's to come!"
"Perhaps a better question would be, why is Verasa Kaal always around when trouble erupts to ask us why we are there?
"She is indeed a very powerful woman with many connections to some very important people both in Brindol as well as beyond. Some say that even Hedvend VI and the Isgeri court in Elidir are in her debt. I believe If she ever decided to cash in on all of the favors and loans owed her, she could whisk rulership away from Lord Brindol in a matter of hours. I was not surprised to hear that her own son is now the new magistrate of Brindol. This is between you and me, but I'm just not sure that I like that much power in one individual with that much ambition."
""Condar, I only met Cebrë but a few weeks ago when the tournament of Elsir Vale started, but it was very easy to become a friend of hers."
"I am so sorry to hear of the tragedy! Her loss will be felt by many people. Would any of you be willing to contribute to the service by sharing a few words, a poem, or a song, tomorrow? I think it would add a great deal to the ceremony."
The room itself does not give away any evidence, but from beyond the door to the north, you can hear the following muted conversation.
. . . "I heard the mention of the name Azarr Kul, my Lord. . . . the black gnome knows . . . deliver the dragon gems. I do not . . . they know you are here, but he . . . know of the Son of the Dragon. I thought that I should come and tell . . . "
Oh I hate people who strive to accumulate power...never begets something good.
@Bofus and Thordak
Your little side adventure takes about an hour. You return to the Stone Wyvern where you are met by Condar Everimsar. "Well, look who has just arrived! I was just about to leave and try and catch up with you tomorrow. I sure am glad to see you safe!"
To Mantooth, Florence and Matthias sarcastically and loud enough for Bofus and Thordak to hear: I really do not understand it, my short little legs managed to get me from the theatre to the Stone Wyvern in only 5-10 minutes, but it took that halfling and dwarf well over an hour. What do you guys think, did they get lost, did they find a better bar, or did they find the red light district?
"I was just becoming acquainted with your friends here, discussing a variety of matters from the Kaals to the Khuls. I am happy to discuss anything you like, however, if we are going to have a ceremony tomorrow, we should talk about what you would like the ceremony to look like."
"I most certainly can. I would be honored to do it. However, if any of you could say a few words, that would also be appreciated."
Condar finishes wrapping up any details that you can think of.
After a while, he gets up and bids you farewell. "Then we are all set. I will see you tomorrow night at the Cathedral around sundown. Until, then, be well!"
You day has been very full, beginning with a battle with the imp, and as you return to your rooms exhaustion overcomes you and you fall into a deep sleep. Morning arrives with the singing of birds and a new day begins.
Wealday, Rova 5th, 4710.
Ok, rule number 1 - I need to speak more quietly or I may get into trouble. On the other hand, this sounds like a pretty good lead on some less than honorable dealings because of what they heard me say.
I shoot Tirion an admonishing gaze and nod
As if we didn't have enough trouble for now...this Brindol seems to be a hotspot for villainous activities.
@Mantooth.
The air is cool and crisp early in the morning of Rova the 5th, as Mantooth Longbrow walks the streets of Brindol and up the hill to the Cathedral of Peace Through Vigilance. It is still dark as the sun has not risen yet when you reach the great oak doors of the Inheritor’s temple. Upon entering the sanctuary, you see Swordknight Kiegar Reestak and twelve clerics of the Inheritor waiting for you at the altar at the end of the cathedral. They are all dressed in formal raiment, a white cassock with gold trim. Swordknight Reestak wears a matching mitre. As you enter the cathedral, he calls out to you, ”Step forth Mantooth Longbrow and bring forth the sword known as Magnimarana.”
As you approach, Master Reestak greets you with a warm smile and a fatherly embrace. You also notice Kiana Lynray give you a wink of the eye and a grin, but she remains still at this serious moment.
”I must ask you once again, Mantooth Longbrow, are you prepared to proceed with the Rites of Magnamak?”
As you give him your affirmative, he announces, ”Then let the rites begin!”
This ceremony begins with the priests singing a low chant.
”Veni, Iomedae Spiritus!”
”Veni, Iomedae Spiritus!”
”Veni, Iomedae Spiritus!”
After several minutes, the chant stops and Master Reestak prays aloud.
”Come, Spirit of Iomedae, visit the minds of your people. Fill with divine grace the hearts of those who serve you. We humbly ask you to guide your servant, Magnamak to us now that we may ask him for the gift of relinquishment of his sword.”
The priests remain silent and still as the new light of the dawn sends forth beams of sunlight through the stained glass window of the cathedral. Next, the chanting resumes. This time summoning the spirit of Magnamak the Just.
”Veni, Magnamak Spiritus!”
”Veni, Magnamak Spiritus!”
”Veni, Magnamak Spiritus!”
”Come, Spirit of Erethusa Magnamak, Mighty servant of the Inheritor and champion of justice. Come and be present with us now that you may hear our words. We call upon you in our need.”
The gathered wait silently. The moments pass slowly...
Suddenly, a ghostly spirit clad in full plate mail armor appears in front of the assembled. In an otherworldly voice, it calls out, ”Who summons me forth from the heavens? . . . Ahh. What is this blade that I see. Do my eyes deceive me or do I see my old sword, Magnimarana? Who stands there with my blade, and why do you summon me here?”
Swordknight Reestak calls out, ”This is Sir Mantooth Longbrow, Servant of the Inheritor. He has come to ask you for the gift of relinquishment?” The swordknight looks to Mantooth and nods to him to speak.
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@Bofus, Thordak, Matthais, Tirion, and Florence.
As you sit and visit in the common room of the Stone Wyvern, Trabalard Yab comes by and brings out a platter of pancakes with a black berries baked into them. "This here is for my hearty heroes. I happily bring them to you with thanks for all that you fine folks do for the good people of Brindol. Please dig in and enjoy the feast. Don't worry about eating too many. There are plenty more where these came from. So what are you good folks up to today? Are you going to do a little sight seeing perhaps?"
I am not sure who other than Tirion is injured, can I assume that I use my remaining channel energy and/or spells so that everyone is fully healed come morning - as long as I will regain my spells/channel energy in the morning.
I would enjoy a little sightseeing as I have hardly had a chance to see the sights here in Brindol. Hopefully it will be a peaceful quite day here in Brindol without attacks by devils and the like.
@ Reestak
Mantooth nods quickly to the swordknight, then looks up to the spirit and promptly kneels down on his right foot, holding the sword vertically in front him. After bowing his head for respect, Mantooth looks up at the spirit, looking into it's otherworldly eyes.
"Magnamak the Just of the Second Circle of the Knights of Ozen, legendary Swordknight and wielder of Magnimarana - I, Mantooth Longbrow of Prosser, humbly summon you to aid me in my service to Iomedae."
"Master Magnamak, I have pledged my life to follow the code and do the justice of Iomedae, and I have put my entire self into dealing with evil and each show of my faith of faith for my entire life. Each time, our Herald has granted me the strength to surpass each difficulty.. But I fear that there is an evil presence in this land that my companions and I simply cannot handle by worldly means."
Mantooth thinks back to this morning, watching Cebrë breathe her last. His thoughts also dart to the sinister face of the bearded devil in the theater. "Master Magnamak, I have already lost two true friends - Once when I when a wicked sorcerer had murdered one of my closest childhood friends and forced me to slay him when he returned undead, and once just this morning when an imp took the life of Cebrë Hath'we."
"While I have mourned both of my losses, after this evening I fear not only for my personal grievances but for those that may come from all of the inhabitants of Brindol. Just hours ago a bearded devil named Barzaxtor entered our world to bring with it only pain and suffering. A life was lost, and several more were grievously injured. Having already helped slay an imp that morning, I am not certain what would have happened to me if the devil had gotten within range of my sword without the power of Iomedae to assist it."
Pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts, Mantooth looks down at the sword and then back to the spirit. "Master Magnamak, I respectfully ask you to reawaken Magnimarana so that the justice of Iomeade may once again be channeled through your sword, and that I may be the vessel for which the protection of this land is served. Have you faith in me, I, Mantooth Longbrow, will not fail you."
With this, Mantooth lowers his gaze respectfully, awaiting the spirit's response.
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Master Yab, you never disappoint, do you?!?! Perhaps you might have some tea to go with this glorious repast??
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Iv'e got some errands to run today, but this evening we're saying goodbye to our friend Cebre, at the Cathedral at sundown. I'm sure she would have loved for you to join in, you've been so kind and given her a home here in Brindol . . .
once we're alone again--
OK, so Thordak and I followed that guy into his sewer hideout and overheard part of a conversation. He's involved with the Son of the DRagon, whatever that is. I don't know who he was talking ot, but I wonder whether it was Baron Trask or some agent of his? *shrug*
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I want to get my armor enchanted today, but I think I vhae enough gold that I might be ablet o get it rushed. I suggest everyone get at least one Oil of Bless WEapon--Matthias, may I suggest that should be a spell you regularly prepare?
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We've got a lot on our plates right now, and I'm not referring to berry pancakes--how do we sort this out, and what do we do next??
@Mantooth
The spirit of Magnamak looks at you and replies slowly.
”Mantooth Longbrow of Prosser, it was very brave of you to call upon me from my resting place. You speak of evil such that I have know very well, for I lived my life battling such wickedness. You remind me of my youth in my early life. You are indeed following a similar path as my own. For I myself once lived in the Elsir Vale in a place north of the Golden Plains called Dennovar. In fact, it was in the Hammerfist Holds that I assisted the dwarves of that region in fighting off the most villainous of undead, viscous beasts known as Ghost Lions. It was for this act that they honored me with the forging of Magnamarana.”
”He has served me well all my life as I used him in many a battle from goblins to ogres to scores of undead. Never once did he fail me. It was not until I was much older that we met our end with a most fearsome foe, a great blue dragon by the name Tyrgarun. We defended a small town not far from your home, a small hamlet called Dauth. It was here that I failed ‘Our Lady’ and was unable to stop that wicked reptilian fiend. I do not blame Magnimarana, but my own weakness. For I was not strong enough to smite it down.“
”Magnamarana, my true blade, I now release you from your bond to me and free you to serve again. Sleep no more and reawaken now to serve our lady in the hands of her faithful knight, Mantooth Longbrow.”
Suddenly the sword glows with a radiance of light and immediately feels lighter in your hands. As if burning off its outer layer, it gleams in the light of the sun.
Magnimarna, Longsword +1
Touch of Glory (See Glory Domain) (1/day)
+1 Magical Enhancement (+1 to attack and damage rolls)
Bless (As the spell CL 3) (1/day)
The ghostly spirit of Magnamak speaks once again ”Tell us Sir Longbrow, what has my sword decided, is he to serve you or not?”
I'm surely not in the mood for sightseeing on a day like this...I can feel that a dark storm is brewing up on the horizon and Cebre's death was only a first foretaste of the evils that are yet to come.
Without saying a word, I push my chair back and leave the inn. If someone asks questions is just shake my head and signal that I'm not in the mood for talking now.
@Matthais and Others
@The Stone Wyvern
Trabalard Yab returns with a pot of tea for the table. "Here you go, my friends. A nice cup of tea to refresh your spirits. Nothing beats it! Hmm? What happened to the Lady Florence. I swear she was here a minute ago. Is she alright? I hope she doesn't think poorly of my service here! If you folks need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. If you don't speak up, how is a gnome suppose to know what you want!"
Thank you very much Master Yab, these pancakes are excellent. I do not think that I need anything other than the pancakes and tea.
@group - I do not have anything planned for the day.
@ group - We should consider investigating the underground passages and the door behind which the voices were heard? I know that we have the funeral this evening and that Mantooth is at the temple to Iomedae, but we should probably start investigating sooner rather than later. Er, not to be self serving, but my name (description) was mentioned, so I assume that someone is going to come looking for me before long and probably for the rest of us as well. Thus, if it were my choice, lets get equipped and take the battle to them on our grounds rather than sitting back and waiting for an assault which might damage good Master Yab's inn.
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Thinking about the underground, were either of you able to discern where exactly you were underground? We can always retrace your route, but if we know where the storeroom was, that would make deciding how to direct our attack much easier.
Thordak lumbers downstairs late, rubbing his eyes. He sits down with an oomph! and piles his plate with pancakes. He chews thoughtfully until Tirion speaks about the plan for the day. Thordak pushes away his dish, patting his belly. Right! Let's get suited up an' get outta here before we bring any trouble here... Oi'm interested in findin' this woman we saved, an' maybe payin' a visit to that Harpwizard character... Hey, does anybody have big plans for the day? If not, Oi could do some work on moi crossbow an' some other odd errands, an' then we could bust up that nest of rats in the sewers an' still be back in time for... he pauses and looks down. ...Cebre's ah... ceremony. he looks around to the others for their input.
If nobody has any objections, Thordak retreats upstairs and returns soon after suited up with weapons and armor and his pack. Well, Oi'm headed to the blacksmith's...though Oi might need a crazy engineer too... He says as he makes his way through the common room and bids the others a good morning.
@Thordak
You walk down the street to the Delightful Shield. Upon entering the shop, Sophia greets you with a smile upon her face, "Well met, Master Thordak. How can I help you?"
Mornin' Sophia! Thordak says. Oi've got an idea, might work, an' it might not... He pulls out his crossbow and places it on the counter. Oi've been shootin' moi crossbow a lot lately, an' it just seems to be takin' so long to reload... Oi miss half the battle! Ye know! Now, Oi've heard o' those crossbows with the boxes of bolts attached so ye can shoot real fast, but Oi heard they were mighty inaccurate... Here's moi thought: Oi want to put a mechanism on moi crossbow so Oi can attach...say five bolts, an' ye can click it to the side to load a new bolt when you're operatin' the windlass, see? he asks, taking out some sketches and showing her. Now Oi could make this at home, but Oi just don't really have the right equipment, so Oi was wonderin' if we could... team up? If not, does this look like somethin' you might be able to pull off?
@The Delightful Shield.
My goodness, Master Thordak. You certainly think of the most unusual contraptions. I am a blacksmith you know, not exactly an inventor. This sounds like a job for a Dwarven engineer of sorts. If you had some plans or something, I could try and follow them, but I have no idea how to make something like that work. I am so sorry, Thordak."
@DM Harpwizard's
The long white bearded wizard looks up from his desk and stands up as he sees you. He accidentally knocks a pile of papers off of his desk and they go flying all over the floor. However, with a small chuckle and a great big smile, he greets you warmly. "Good, morning, Bofus! Err, I mean, Mr. Longnose! or was that Bigfoot? Dratt, what was the current name you are going by, my halfling friend?"
"Well, yes indeed, the Buckler is now enchanted with arcane magic. This will enhance the protection of this small, light, but exceptionally strong buckler. Now how much did I ask you for payment? Was there also another item to be done? Was it some sort of armor or something. Forgive me, my friend, I seem to be rather forgetful today."
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@ HWToday you can call me Bofus as long as no one else is around. I've already paid you the thousand crowns for the buckler--ah, I'll take that off your hands for you, thanks!
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I've also got this mithral shirt. Now, you'd suggested that if I pay extra, you could enchant it even quicker. I can only afford an extra 200 gold for at otal of 1,200--will that do?
@ Magnamak
Feeling as if he is going to let the sword fly away with its sudden lightness, Mantooth grasps the sword a little tighter. Realizing that the sword is now sentient, the paladin then releases his grasp a little to make the sword comfortable. Addressing the spirit, Mantooth looks up at him once again. "Magnimarama has given me his servitude until the end of time. I can already feel his power in my hands. Master Magnamak, I am forever in your - and Magnimarama's debt for allowing me to serve Iomedae in such a way. I can only hope that I will be able to do half the good that you have both accomplished." With this, Mantooth rises to stand in front of the spirit, still holding Magnimama in front of him.
I will go with Thordak to the armorer.
Tirion stays out of the way and browses not really needing any weapons at present. However, upon hearing the discussion of needing engineering help:
Did I hear that you might need some help engineering your crossbow? While I will never claim to be very proficient with a crossbow - or much of any weapon for that matter, I have some training in engineering and may be able to assist with your design and drawings.
Knowledge(engineering)