Kayla eyes the newcomer and his animal companions. The pets in this group are getting rather strange. Next thing you know I'll pick up a man-wolf for a pet, surely it would be no less strange than his...whatever that is.
A bit confused by his question, Kayla remarks; "I don't think we've actually nominated anyone as "leader" of our group yet. We haven't even had that discussion yet. Though I guess Shinami would be the most offical person to speak to."
Kayla eyes the newcomer and his animal companions. The pets in this group are getting rather strange. Next thing you know I'll pick up a man-wolf for a pet, surely it would be no less strange than his...whatever that is.
A bit confused by his question, Kayla remarks; "I don't think we've actually nominated anyone as "leader" of our group yet. We haven't even had that discussion yet. Though I guess Shinami would be the most offical person to speak to."
Cecil holds the parchment to Kayla and responds, "As I have not had the pleasure of your names just yet and I presume you'll all want to read this, I shall give it to you to read and pass to Shinami. As a follower of Sarenrae I assume you've learned to read. If not there is no shame in that. I am happy to read it to you should you require." The last part was said not with condescension, but very matter-of-factly. Any level of sense motive will reveal that his intent was to be accommodating, in his own highly direct way.
Dragoons,
We at the Arcanum send our deepest condolences for the loss of a brother mage and memeber of your elite team.
The bearer of this missive is Cecil Von Spirito. He is a friend of the Arcanum and he will take Maedoc's place within your ranks: if you will have him.
ArchMagus Elemenopes
p.s. Do not fear Owen, he is quite friendly.
Kayla will move forward and take the parchment offered while keeping an eye on the big doggie type thing. "My name is Kayla Adrianas." She opens up the parchment and reads aloud from it: "Dragoons,
We at the Arcanum send our deepest condolences for the loss of a brother mage and memeber of your elite team.
The bearer of this missive is Cecil Von Spirito. He is a friend of the Arcanum and he will take Maedoc's place within your ranks: if you will have him.
ArchMagus Elemenopes
p.s. Do not fear Owen, he is quite friendly." Kayla will then hand the parchment over to Shinami and ask him: "Do you know anything of this Archmagus?" Turning back to Cecil, "Who is Owen?"
Kayla will move forward and take the parchment offered while keeping an eye on the big doggie type thing. "My name is Kayla Adrianas." She opens up the parchment and reads aloud from it: "Dragoons,
We at the Arcanum send our deepest condolences for the loss of a brother mage and memeber of your elite team.The bearer of this missive is Cecil Von Spirito. He is a friend of the Arcanum and he will take Maedoc's place within your ranks: if you will have him.
ArchMagus Elemenopes
p.s. Do not fear Owen, he is quite friendly." Kayla will then hand the parchment over to Shinami and ask him: "Do you know anything of this Archmagus?" Turning back to Cecil, "Who is Owen?"
"Ahh, how rude of me. My apologies. This..." Gesturing to the dog-thing"...is Owen and this..."Gesturing to the raven"...is Poe."
"Hello." Say's Poe
Cecil continues, "They are..." He thinks a moment"They are extensions of myself. After a fashion we are one creature in three bodies. It's a bit complicated to explain and certainly too lengthy of a discussion for today, but over time I will elaborate if you wish."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mi Lady Kayla."
The tall lean figure of Bryce leans comfortably in the corner of the room, and watches as the newcomer makes, all in all, an impressive entrance. His first guess... Arcanist of some sort ... is quickly proved correct as Kayla reads the letter.
Bryce steps forward, hand extended in greeting. "Cecil? I'm Bryce. Good to have you with us. We were just talking over our first mission. Unnatural wolves plaguing some poor town. Hope you can help. So how did you get drafted into this situation?" Bryce's tone is friendly, but his eyes are cool and measuring, judging what Cecil might add to the team. Arrogant or just confident? Hard to tell with nobles.
Osslend stands between his two hounds, neither as large as the newly arrived quadraped, but not small by any stretch. Both the hounds display barely bared teeth and the lowest of growls as they stare at the newcomer on four legs. Osslend, meanwhile, stares at Cecil, doing nothing to quiet his companions.
"I've seen a lot of dogs, mister. I know 'em well. That ain't one I've ever seen. I'd feel a bit better if my dogs could check it out more closely. If they accept it, then I know it's okay."
Kayla looks a bit perplexed over Cecil's brief explanation of Poe and Owen. "Are they not like normal familiars? Would it be inappropriate of me to ask to pet Owen? I've never seen a creature like him before."
Kayla will move a bit to the side to make sure she is not between Owen and Osslend's hounds just in case any decide to charge at the other.
Bryce steps forward, hand extended in greeting. "Cecil? I'm Bryce. Good to have you with us. We were just talking over our first mission. Unnatural wolves plaguing some poor town. Hope you can help. So how did you get drafted into this situation?" Bryce's tone is friendly, but his eyes are cool and measuring, judging what Cecil might add to the team. Arrogant or just confident? Hard to tell with nobles.
Cecil removes a glove and shakes Bryce's outstretched hand."Pleasure to meet you, Bryce."
Thinking a moment "Unnatural wolves? How odd, yet fascinating. I would like to discuss what you've learned so far at length after formal introductions are complete. Regarding why I'm here; I am a novice member of the arcanum. I've been traveling to their various libraries and found everything contained quite fascinating, but unfortunately without becoming more involved with the Arcanum my access is somewhat restricted. I've been currying favor with them and they requested I join this mission to that extent. "
"I've seen a lot of dogs, mister. I know 'em well. That ain't one I've ever seen. I'd feel a bit better if my dogs could check it out more closely. If they accept it, then I know it's okay."
Owen Stares down the growling dogs, but shows no other sign of aggression. Cecil say's very seriously,"Owen is not a dog and others have paid for making that mistake. However, if you're animals need to smell him so we can all be friends that's acceptable. I warn you though, If they bite him the results could be unpleasant, so please avoid that..."
Are they not like normal familiars? Would it be inappropriate of me to ask to pet Owen? I've never seen a creature like him before."
When Kayla makes the comment Owen actually looks to her, then to Cecil a few times. Owen actually nods at that and his very humanoid face actually smiles a bit. Something you've never seen a dog do before. Continuing Cecil refers to Kayla, "...Poe here is what you might call a familiar, however Owen is similar in some respects, he is quite different. He and I are far more connected than any wizards familiar. His very form is mutable over time based on my deepest desires. It's a bit complicated. And yes, as he and I know you as an ally you may touch or pet him."
Taking that for permission, Kayla slowly walks up to Owen and pets him on his head. "By far more connected, does that mean you can see through his eyes or communicate more fully mind to mind?" That could be quite useful for scouting, especially if those wings are fully functional.
Taking that for permission, Kayla slowly walks up to Owen and pets him on his head. "By far more connected, does that mean you can see through his eyes or communicate more fully mind to mind?" That could be quite useful for scouting, especially if those wings are fully functional.
"After a fashion, but that ability is limited. Of course Poe can simply communicate what he sees. Owen doesn't speak. "
Shinami bows lightly to the new guest, his upbringing reminding him of how to treat nobles.
"It is a great pleasure to meet you, Master Cecil. I know of Archmagus Elemonopes. While serving the King, I have heard some in the court mention of the Archmagus' mighty, proud beard. They speak with the utmost jealousy of it."
Shinami smiles lightly, but his eyes dart over Cecil's apparel and familiars, trying to drink up every bit of detail.
That's some familiar he has there. I've never seen anything like it. They seem like they'll be a great force on our new mission.
"We welcome you to our group and hope that you will work as well beside us as Maedoc, bless his soul."
Shinami bows lightly to the new guest, his upbringing reminding him of how to treat nobles.
"It is a great pleasure to meet you, Master Cecil. I know of Archmagus Elemonopes. While serving the King, I have heard some in the court mention of the Archmagus' mighty, proud beard. They speak with the utmost jealousy of it."
Shinami smiles lightly, but his eyes dart over Cecil's apparel and familiars, trying to drink up every bit of detail.
That's some familiar he has there. I've never seen anything like it. They seem like they'll be a great force on our new mission.
"We welcome you to our group and hope that you will work as well beside us as Maedoc, bless his soul."
Cecil bows slightly, "I will strive to exceed your expectations, Master Shinami."
"So what can you tell me of these unnatural wolves?"
"Not much other than that they are reported to rise again after being struck down and like to make organized attacks. So either they are intelligent or are being led by someone. The report we got was rather sketchy, I doubt we'll get much useful information until we get to the town.
"If they are the man-wolf creatures that Kayla described, then it should be an interesting hunt."
Looking thoughtfull for a moment, Kayla stops petting Owen and turns back to Cecil. "I suppose we should also tell you that the night before last we had ninja assassins drop out of the ceiling over there," Kayla points to the area they dropped out of. "and attempt to kill us, but we defeated them. There is an official investigation going on now into it led by Thobir, but we have no way of knowing if such a thing could happen again. I'm not trying to deter you from joining our group or anything, but I figure you should be forewarned that someone seems to want us dead."
Brynn enters the room surprised to find two new...people there. With a sack in one hand, his grip on it tightens until he realizes a bit of hand shaking has been happening the last minute or two. "Well, sorry for being absent, I just ran down the road for a refill on my flask. Don't think I've ever seen someone so upset to be asked to fill a flask of Oldlaw this early in the morning." Setting the sack on the floor, Brynn walks toward the new human with an outstretched hand. "Brynn Halistack. I believe I heard Kayla mentioning something about joining our group on my way in the door?"
"Welcome back, Brynne. Did you get what you needed?" Bryce turns back to Cecil, and answers his latest question, "Unfortunately the bare bones, as outlined by Kayla, are all the information we have so far. I am hoping that a conversation with our servant, Thobir, will lead to more leads. We might also be able to glean something from one of the libraries you mentioned?"
Bryce settles on one of the low chairs as he speaks, grabbing a glass of wine, and still gazing at Cecil intently.
WIth his ungloved hand Cecil shakes Brynn's hand, "Pleasure to meet you, Brynn. I am Cecil Von Spirito. This is Owen and This is Poe" Moting to the correct creatures in turn.
Then turning back to the group, "Re-animating undead, assassins, and political intrigue! How Macrabe!" Cecil say's with just a tad too much excitement in his voice."I see now why the Arcanum choose to send me to you.""There are many libraries and their knowledge is vast, but nothing specific comes to mind. It's also possible that whatever these creatures are is a new phenomena. In which case there would be no written record. Of course it's also possible that the releveant information is simply not in the areas that I am privy to or I simply didn't read the relevant tome. I'm afraid that without further research I have no additional information at this time. My recommendation would be to do out own information gathering at the present time instead of relying on books which may or may not have the relevant information."
Kayla moves over to couch and sits back down upon it. "We should also see what we can learn about the area. Maybe see if there are any known folklore about such creatures or if there are any old abandoned temples or sacred sites that the loggers may have violated and gotten themselves cursed."
Cecil will sit as well. Owen will curl up on the floor next to him and Poe will be roosting on the back of the chair. Both creatures do this witout any direction from Cecil.
"Loggers? Interesting." Cecil says inquisitively. "Lets start with where you were attacked by the undead. I take it it was in a wood somewhere? Perrhaps we can somehow backtrack from there. Some undead only have a certain range they can travel from the site of their death. Even if not we're liable to find some clue if we expand from that area in a cicular search pattern."
"Oh we weren't attacked by undead. The wolf thing is a mission assigned to us by the king and his council. They told us that in the south, the town of Faellstaff is plagued by persistent wolves. That they seem to rise after being killed and that they attack systematically. They also told us that Faellstaff is one of Pollexia's greatest lumber suppliers, which is where my logger comment came from."
"Oh we weren't attacked by undead. The wolf thing is a mission assigned to us by the king and his council. They told us that in the south, the town of Faellstaff is plagued by persistent wolves. That they seem to rise after being killed and that they attack systematically. They also told us that Faellstaff is one of Pollexia's greatest lumber suppliers, which is where my logger comment came from."
"I see. Have you been to the town of Fellstaff yet?"
"No, not yet. I believe we are supposed to set out later today. You've managed to arrive just in time to join us."
"No, not yet. I believe we are supposed to set out later today. You've managed to arrive just in time to join us."
"Well then. I'll just have to gather my travel bag and I will be set to go whenever you all are ready. As a matter of fact..." Cecil takes out a scrap of paper and uses the end of his finger to write on it . He then rolls it up and hands it to Poe who grasps it in a claw.
Looking at Poe "Please take this to Mallory for me and we'll get you some nice grubs this afternoon."
"Back in a flash"Poe says as he flies out the open window.
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Your knowledge nature, history, local, and geography yield some intelligence.
Wolves with enhanced intelligence could refer to Dire wolves, but those don't normally rise from the dead...
Historically, wolves have always lived in forests, and therefore come into contact with any human inhabitants from time to time. Wolves have been known to attack humans if hungry enough or provoked.
Your knowledge of Faellstaff almost suggests you lived there at one point. Good roll!
Faellstaff, as of the last census, maintained a population of nearly 30 men, women, and children. It is a lumber town in the center of Pollexia and it sits between two rivers and borders a great oak forest. It is rumored that this forest was one of the first to spring up in Pollexia and is therefore one of the oldest, and it produces very fine timber.
You seem to recall a being in a pub a few weeks back here in Pollexia in which a lady arrived, claiming to have recently escaped the apparent horrors of the struggling timber town.
** spoiler omitted **
Musing out loud,"Wolves with enhanced intelligence could refer to Dire wolves, but those don't normally rise from the dead. Often they also have spiny protrusions..
Historically, wolves have always lived in forests, and therefore come into contact with any human inhabitants from time to time. Wolves have been known to attack humans if hungry enough or provoked.
I spent a brief time in Faelstaff and as I recall as of the last census, maintained a population of nearly 30 men, women, and children. It is a lumber town in the center of Pollexia and it sits between two rivers and borders a great oak forest. It is rumored that this forest was one of the first to spring up in Pollexia and is therefore one of the oldest, and it produces very fine timber.
Now that I'm thinking about it I recall a being in a pub a few weeks back this city when a lady arrived claiming to have recently escaped the apparent horrors of the struggling timber town.
Further encouragement for us to make haste, but only when well armed."
Brynn eyes Owen a bit and watches as Poe talks and then flies out the window. Well then...this party's pets are becoming stranger and stranger. He returns to the sack left on the ground and empties it into his handy haversack. Over his shoulder, Brynn says, "I guess we should be on our way, or do we have another meeting with nobles trying to stir things up?" He grabs his greatsword from its place propped up against the wall and swings it over his shoulder. I know my sword is fit for creatures of the fey, but undead? Was that the purpose of my silver daggers?
"I could arrange a meeting with the woman from Faelstaff if you wish." Cecil says after a moment of silence.
Shinami looks around the room and reads everyone.
"That definitely would be a wise thing to do before we head off to fight supernatural beasts. Anything to increase our chances of success would be much appreciated. Please do."
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After a time, the servant sent to bring the woman before you returns with her in toe.
"Dragoons command, and Renethen obeys." says the elvish serving boy.
He leaves the room. The woman, a short, muscular thing, wears a simple dress of woven cotton gathered at the waist by a leather belt. He hair is black and unkempt. She looks frightened to be summoned in this way.
"I am Ragna. What can I do for you m'lords?"
She looks a commoner. She must be scared witless.
Osslend stands and steps forward, keeping a respectful distance. He offers a smile and says, "Thank you for coming. I'm sure it must seem odd that we've called you here. We'll try our best not to keep you long from whatever we pulled you away from."
Leaning against the sofa's arm, he tries to look relaxed.
"We're hopeful that you can help us with some information. We're headed to Faelstaff and we want to help the folk there. We're told that maybe you can tell us something about the horrs happening there."
Perception Cecil
Perception Owen (empathic link)
Before the woman arrives:
Cecili pulls out a green hat with a feather. He then places it on Owen's head. Shortly after Owen takes the appearance of a fine specimen of Great Dane and the hat shifts to look like a clip on his ear. Cecil speaks, "I find it best not to startle commoners with 'fantastic beasts' whenever possible."
After she arrives and as she starts sobbing on the floor:
Cecil speaks softly and with a friendly tone,"Calm yourself woman. You are safe here and in no danger. We're sorry to ask you to remember such things, but we wish to help. The more you can tell us the better we may be able to do so. Would you like a glass of wine or something to eat?" Cecil pours her a glass and brings her a plate/bowl of the finest portions of whatever food is available. He places the plate and glass at a table. then walks to the woman, crouches down and holds his (ungloved) hand to her to take. Though he doesn't touch her for fear of frightening her.
Diplomacy
Kayla kneels by the sobbing woman. "We are sorry to upset you so Ragna, but we intend to deal with those creatures and we need to know what you've seen and heard. Please help us so we can help those people still in Faelstaff/"
"Ragna, help us understand what is going on in that town."
Perception Cecil 1d20+2
Perception Owen (empathic link)1d20+12
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Kayla slowly stands back up and takes a 5 ft step away from Ragna. "Ragna, unless you can tell us the truth of what is going on in Faelstaff, we will go there assuming the people there need protection from the wolves which will quite likely end up with the wolves dieing. If you wish to save your friends, tell us what is going on and who needs our help."
** spoiler omitted **