GM Dak - RotRL AE (Group 3) (Inactive)

Game Master Dakcenturi

Ioxeia rubs sticky globs of blood off her fingers. "I don't know. I think that's the most natural explanation, so that's my hypothesis in the absence of any suggestion of evidence to the contrary. If it holds, it was a reasonable plan: anyone could do it, the skeletons might be able to get rid of anyone who happened to notice anything, or even the next person to open the tomb for any other reason, and the whole business would, as we see, give investigators pause."

"I don't mean to be paranoid, but I also want to avoid being rash. Why let us know how it was done by leaving the robe here rather than wearing it back out? It's probably nothing, but before anyone feels too ambitious, it is just possible, though I doubt likely, that whoever was here raised the skeletons by her or his own power, and left an already drained robe to throw us off the scent. Let's just think twice before confronting any suspicious magic-users on the assumption that whoever this was could only have produced the skeletons from the robe, shall we?"

Taking note of the sun, it is getting close to midday.

How long is it until our meeting this evening? If over 8 hours Chimaeryus will rest and keep out of the unrelenting rays of the sun. If under 8 he will probably hang out with Gabriel and talk to the performer.

"I could use another drink, yesterday was pretty stressful."

The doughty dwarf frowns for a moment as he tries to keep up with the much quicker-thinking elf, but eventually works his way through what she said and nods. "Aye, well, I wasn't planning on chasing down any suspicious spellcasters anytime soon." He looks back at the wall to which the trail led. "Wonder what's on the other side of that? Getting the priest's coffin over the wall was probably a trick."

Why doesn't he just ask the wall. It worked on the floor earlier.

"I don't think there's any harm in taking a look on the way back to the inn, but I'm not sure they bothered. How long ago did he die? I don't mean to be unnecessarily morbid, but on a wet coast ... could they have just shoveled his bones into a bag and been done with it? Though again, that doesn't strike me as a particularly interesting form of desecration on its own - merits? I suppose."

Sorry, almost skewing into an Eberron elf moment. Are there any remnants of a coffin in the sarcophagus? Do Desnans even do it that way, or do they simply deposit the deceased on a bier in the stone? It might be an idea to ask Father Zantus, since I don't know if any of us would know. Seeing as it's coming up to noon, after we finish searching the graveyard for clues (Ioxeia will try to lend her untrained eye to Thorfinn's efforts), I agree with a rest until the afternoon. And a bath! So as not to go to our next meeting dripping blood. Keeping up appearances, and all that! :)

"Ya, I'm having a bit of trouble wrapping my head around the whole thing. It's like the pages of the script are all a tumble."

Nothing is ever as it seems

If no one interferes, Thorfinn will check the other side of the wall. He'll climb over, if need be.

Forgot to note a specific time, but early afternoon was when he had wanted to meet.

Gabriel will make sure to have a nice lunch and a pint of ale before the meeting.

"Hmph. Better get ready to meet the fancy longshanks, then." Thorfinn makes his way back to the Rusty Dragon to get somewhat cleaned up.

Chimaeryus follows Gabriel to the pub, dusting off his swesome new robe.

"Mind if I come along Gabriel?"

"Not at all, lemme show you their Dragon Stout Ale, it's got a nice kick."

After Thorfinn disgustedly gives the all-clear from the end of the graveyard, Ioxeia returns to the inn and has a hot bath drawn while the others have their drinks. She soaks for a while before gingerly applying a styptic wash to her side and bandaging it as tightly as she can manage. She emerges wan but glad it wasn't worse, and, after a glass of wine to restore some colour, promptly obscures it by putting on her mask again.

Gallus takes one last look at the wall. I suspect we will find out soon enough what they are planning to do with a dead priests remains?

Gallus follows the others back to the inn deciding that he should probably have some food before meeting up with Aldren. Glancing at Ioxia as he follows the others noting the her wound still bothers her as they return. I wonder if he would even notice if the rest of us showed up as long as Ioxeia was there...

After a good meal of venison stew and a large mug of mead Gallus feels ready for anything. Even dealing with a pompous aristocrat.

After taking some time to yourselves you head off to meet up with Aldern. Heading to the White Deer Inn you find Aldern waiting for you at a table in the corner. Noticing your entrance he waves you over, as has become custom over the last day people in the tavern thank you for your aid, patting you on the back or just saying thanks as you walk by.

Aldern welcomes you all over to the table. "Ah my friends. Welcome!" He waves for one of the waitresses to bring over some drinks or whatever else anyone might want. Aftwards he grins and looks to each of you for a moment before looking to Ioxeia and speaking "Well I'll be heading back to Magnimar soon, but before I go I was hoping you..." he glances at the others "...all would accompany me on a boar hunt in the nearby Tickwood. I'll supply the mounts of course." He flashes a wink at Ioxeia before continuing "Although word is, it sounds like you may be busy with all this other greenskin nonsense." A flash of disappointment comes over his face briefly but then he shrugs and continues "So I would understand if you must decline. In either case, here is a reward for helping me to defeat those unruly goblins yesterday" He tosses a coin purse on the table that has 300 gp. Afterwards, looking around at everyone a moment before looking at Ioxeia for a response.

Ioxeia is flattered by the attention, though not hugely impressed. A wink, of all things? What sort of dull peasant girl does he take her for? Then again, he is only a man... Her head turns a fraction of an inch in a hopefully imperceptible motion of shaking off the uncharitable thought. She chooses her next words carefully. "You are most generous, sir. It has been a fair while since I've been able to enjoy the hunt. As you say, though, it would be remiss of us not to assist with the town's efforts at tracing the goblins. The matter is disturbing, to say the least, and at the moment we're not entirely sure where they might have come from."
Ioxeia gives Thorfinn a quick look, hoping for a sign of confirmation to make sure she's not setting herself up for conflicting commitments. Turning to Aldern again, she continues, "But if we can assure the sheriff that we are willing to lend our aid once a plan for the search has been made, rather than beating the woods at random, I'm certain we might have a day for a hunt before then, or within a few days, at least. How soon must you return to Magnimar?"
She waits for a response from anyone around the table, hoping one of the other adventurers might find the idea amusing. Fun's fun, but as much as she enjoys the prospect of a hunt and, ideally, a bit of sophisticated gallantry, Ioxeia has no intention of leading the poor beggar on, so having someone else along might make it less awkward if she ends up having to send strong signals that Aldern's not her type.

A wink? Cross species mating rituals are strange.

At Aldern's invitation, Thorfinn comes close to choking on his beer. "I'm not built for riding. Though I doubt time will be a problem, if the sheriff's not chasing us down now. Maybe Gallus?"

"Assuming it doesn't put the sheriff in a tizzy, I'd be delighted."

Gallus sits quietly enjoying aglass of Chelaxian red as he listens to Aldern's offer of hunt. He chuckles quietly to himself as Aldern clumsily flirts with Ioxeia butsays nothing.

I have little intrest in hunting boars. I will happily come along for the ride just to ensure nothing untoward happens. You never know what might happen.

He smiles at the last part looking directly at Ioxeia before returning to enjoying his glass of wine.

Oh, naturally... tease a girl trying to fend off Squire Clodhopper here! :) I wouldn't bother trying to manage him if any of us were local, but he might know people, so if Ioxeia can keep him in line, he might be able to put in a good word for us wherever he gets to. But anyway.

Catching Gallus' hint, Ioxeia squints briefly at him, eyes narrowed behind her mask in an expression of mock exasperation. Well, and I thank you! I hope Gabriel is sufficient, if it comes to that. Turning her glance around the table again in a manner she hopes is not too affectedly casual, she says, "I'm sure I wouldn't dream of pushing you to do something you don't care for. After a thwarted raid, I'm sure at worst we'll have an uneventful ride in the forest. With better luck, we'll bring back dinner for all of us."

Chimaeryus stares at his feet, listening as the others talk.

Thorfinn chuckles. "Well, if you can find something that'll carry me, I'll join you."

Aldern raises his arms in a cheer "Wonderful, shall we depart a first thing on the morrow then? I'll need some time to prepare of course. The Tickwood is not far of course so we should be back before nightfall, hopefully with a nice boar to roast!"

"That sounds wonderful! Thank you again for extending your hospitality and inviting us. I do hope we catch a nice boar."

........

Hmm. I suppose that went fairly well, all things considered. Is he always this enthusiastic about everything?

Chimaeryus silently returns to his room, dwelling on his mixed emotions concerning the hunt.

My ship has long left for Magnimar. I suppose I can throw in with this lot, maybe we'll get a boar, somehow I doubt it.

As the party is on its way back to the Rusty Dragon and before Chimaeryus returns to his room, Thorfinn motions the misshapen misfit of science over. "Chi, would y'mind coming along, too? A boar hunt two days after the goblins invaded the town...it's not a smart idea, right? So I'd be happier with some more magical backup. Know what I mean?"

Chimaeryus turns to the dwarf, and drops his head in disappointment.

"I understand."

With that he lifts his head, and cracks a quarter smile.

You all have an uneventful evening at least in comparison to last night, finally able to get a decent nights rest. Though recent events such as the missing priests remains may weigh heavy on your thoughts. You wake to a clear, new morning. A great day to go hunting.

Gabriel will get up early and make sure there's breakfast available for all his companions.

The sleep does Chimaeryus well, he dons his awesome new robe and sulks downstairs. He makes sure to grab a plate and thank the pretend human.

Gabriel is nice, probably in his blood.

In a droning sarcastic tone.
"Are we ready to go hunting?"

I'm glad I didn't hear that. :)

A few minutes later, Ioxeia appears, still a bit wan and definitely sore, but pleased that her wound has scabbed over, at least. She is pleasantly surprised to find breakfast already arranged, and voices her thanks as she joins the others. She piles spear, quiver and shield in the nearest corner, glad that the Rusty Dragon isn't the sort of place that she feels too out of place in doing so, but still self-conscious. She shrugs apologetically, "I know that it's not quite the thing to bring a bow to a boar hunt, but after yesterday, I think I might want to keep my distance. How are you gentlemen this morning?"

It occurs to me, did anyone grab the purse Foxglove gave us, or should we assume that our characters just divided the gold between them in case they wanted to do the shops?

"I'm doing great, until the nobleman decides it's more fun to hunt a... whatever I am."

I would assume someone would have picked it up. :P

Gallus arises before the rise of the sun and heads out to the beach area to perform his morning ritual of exercise and training. He rtuns to the Rustsy Dragon shortly after sunrise to see the others already gathered downstairs. Gallus sets his weapons in the corner as well and joins the others as they break their fast.

Looking at Ioxeia Looking forward to your romantic morning ride? His expression showing he is clearly having trouble holding back his laughter. Trust me Chimaeryus, Aldern is hunting only one thing in those woods today and it is no boar.

Laughing he turns towards Chimaryus Either way friend I will not let anyone hunt you. They will have to get past me first! Gallus gives him a pat on the shoulder. Lets not keep his lordship waiting after all

[ooc]Gallus is going to have some fun with this I am sorry Ioxeia. :) BTW Gallus will happily carry the coins for weight reasons but would prefer someone else to do the money tracking. I have enough trouble keeping up, I would hate to mess the treasure tracking up because I do not have the time to do it.

Either way friend I will not let anyone hunt you. They will have to get past me first!

Chimaeryus smiles at the chelaxian, and nods in appreciation.

Like the skeletons?

Since I brought it up, I volunteer to track treasure we find until we divide it. Sigh. Between managing Foxglove and party finances, it looks like Ioxeia should add "sugar mommy" to her resumé. Everyone line up, and she'll distribute largesse. :)

Ioxeia decides that preserving a dignified silence is the best response to the boisterous giant's teasing, for now, and tries to control a warm blush. This Foxglove person can hunt and hope as he pleases, but he'll be disappointed if he wants more than a morning in pleasant company. She quickly finishes her breakfast and is relieved to tie on her mask again and present her public face to the world. As she gathers her things, she answers Gallus at last, disingenuously, "If he's made a mistake and there's no boar, surely we might find a deer, or start a fox..."

As you head out of the tavern you find Aldern waiting for you. He has 7 horses and a pony. Two burly men, dressed in studded leather accompany Aldern. "Ah good morning all! I'm extremely excited about our hunt." He motions to his other companions "This is Rufus and Argil, they are my assistants." Turning to Ioxeia he smiles "Are we ready then?"

Gabriel makes a low sweeping bow.

"Greetings, good to see you again Aldern. And I am pleased to meet the two of you as well. My name is Gabriel."

Gabriel will offer his hand to the two companions in turn.

Thorfinn claps a mailed fist to his chest in salute to the noble and his assistants. "Good morning. Pony is for me, I think?"

After looking around to make sure no one's at risk of getting left behind, Ioxeia picks out a light roan that looks energetic, and lifts herself into the saddle. (She's not a trained rider, but ladies do not hoist.) She sets her spear in a convenient loop to point up gaily behind her and takes up the reins, feeling immensely gallant. "I think we're ready," she says cheerfully. "Lead on."

By the way, I'm assuming the horses just have regular saddles? Just before I try any mad untrained Ride checks.

Chimaeryus gazes at the available horses.

They all look so delicious.

he chooses the most docile looking one.

Gallus nods at Aldern. Good day Lord Foxglove. A fine morning for a hunt.

Gallus plants his Glaive in the ground and mounts his horse. Yanking his glaive free he plants the but in his stirrup like a lance and turns nodding his head that he is ready to head out.

Heading off to the Tickwood at an easy pace Aldern starts asking questions "So what brought you all to Sandpoint? Have you known each other long?"

"Hadn't met any of these fine fellows 'till the goblins showed up. I grew up in Opara, came out to sand point for the festival though."