She smiles at Mort's thoughtfulness, but declines [the diadem].
"Ah well, let me know if you ever change your mind," Mortimer responds. He folds a napkin into a rectangle, then wedges it onto the front of the diadem before placing the artifact upon his own head. "Look! I'm a giant version of Canary!"
~~~~
"The question has never come up, until now. If I understand Eligos correctly, Loris has already made an attempt on your lives by hiring Zyrxog. So, for you, this is personal, is it not? I would only caution you against a direct assault on Loris, because you would never make it out, alive."
"Eligos told you all that?" What else did he tell you, I wonder... what else do you know of us? "Yes, I suppose I could see why you'd call it 'personal', but we try to reserve judgement until we can determine the actual motivation. For my part, there are no -- and never have been -- thoughts about assassinations of any kind." ...and if you're actually a doppelganger, you'd probably already know that.
"Are you the Heart of this group? You are the first to ask about the killing."
Mortimer tries to conceal a scowl. Leave her alone.
He shakes his head and clears his throat. In an effort to draw Celeste's attention away from Solrisa he launches a series of questions (as is his way) in rapid succession at her.
"You would like more questions? Very well, then, I'm a lover of fun! What of your stakeholder 'Ekaym'? Who is he or she to this town exactly, and what does she or he do? Also, what happens if a team doesn't surrender? Does the competition take its natural course, or is the obvious losing team or creature forced to forfeit? And what happens to the losers? Do they at least get to retire as spectators for the rest of the rounds?"
"Ah well, let me know if you ever change your mind," Mortimer responds. He folds a napkin into a rectangle, then wedges it onto the front of the diadem before placing the artifact upon his own head. "Look! I'm a giant version of Canary!"
Ascaria laughs at the visage and wonders if he looks as funny. He decides not...
"The question has never come up, until now. If I understand Eligos correctly, Loris has already made an attempt on your lives by hiring Zyrxog. So, for you, this is personal, is it not? I would only caution you against a direct assault on Loris, because you would never make it out, alive.""Eligos told you all that?" What else did he tell you, I wonder... what else do you know of us? "Yes, I suppose I could see why you'd call it 'personal', but we try to reserve judgement until we can determine the actual motivation. For my part, there are no -- and never have been -- thoughts about assassinations of any kind." ...and if you're actually a doppelganger, you'd probably already know that.
”Well, we’re NOT assassins. If the time comes where we must cross swords with the man, then we shall - even if it destroys us. But we’ll not do so as assassins. We’ll confront him honestly and to his face. We do have some reservations about him, but we do not know if we have the right man - so yeah, we are interested in getting to know him. We do not rush to judgement.” he adds, hoping it’s true.
He listens to the answers to Mort’s other questions. He is pleased things seem to be going their way. He just hopes they haven’t bitten off more than they can comfortably chew.
”Celeste looks directly at Eri as he makes his pronouncement, and nods, a pleased look on her face.”
“Hmm, yes well I um…” Eri tries to not think about how much he is blushing.
”I also have some questions.” Eri looks down a little, trying to not stare too much at Celeste’s eyes. Shoot, man. Get it TOGETHER!
”Are the groups mixed that we’ll be fighting? I mean, warriors and magic and god-folk? Will there be healers on hand in case someone goes too far? Has anyone needed to be resurrected?” He pauses and adds more quietly. ”Is there betting involved? How does that work?”
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Tynan is the last to arrive in the private meeting room, having taken the time to arm and armoring himself.
You're not gonna catch me off-guard again...
He closes the door after entering, stationing himself next to it, much as if he were once again manning the entrance to Lazare's gambling hall. He eyes Celeste and her companion warily, sizing them up should the situation go south as it so often does. Listening to the others converse all too freely with someone they've only just met, and know absolutely nothing about, he involuntarily tenses.
"You sir. You must be Tynan. Or should I say 'Shy-man'? You have yet to speak here. Are you reserving judgment until the very last? What would you like to know, if it hasn't already come to light? From the accounts, it was your life that was saved, wasn't it? Has that given you pause? It would be most understandable."
"If I may correct you, it was my life that was almost TAKEN. It was my companions alone who saved me." He eyes the pair through narrowed eyes. "I do have a question for you, now that you mention it. Why should we trust anything you say? Our experiences with many in this city have been nothing but deception and betrayal. Convince me why I should trust you and the merchant you represent."
"Are you the Heart of this group?"
Solrisa shakes her head, indicating that she was no such thing.
"The heart of this group and of this party was summoned back home by Mum. My sister, Rae, was the best. She was the heart of the party...and my friend," Solrisa responds, missing her sister. "And no, I shall not kill what does not need to be killed if I can help it."
Solrisa ponders more.
"Why can we not get close to Loris without becoming an entrant? Where does he live? Sport?"
"You would like more questions? Very well, then, I'm a lover of fun! What of your stakeholder 'Ekaym'? Who is he or she to this town exactly, and what does she or he do? Also, what happens if a team doesn't surrender? Does the competition take its natural course, or is the obvious losing team or creature forced to forfeit? And what happens to the losers? Do they at least get to retire as spectators for the rest of the rounds?"
Celeste frowns lightly, then allows her face to grow placid, before speaking. "This is fun for you? I find that odd, but alright. I suppose the promise of battle in the arena can be its own sort of fun. You must be the Passion of the group." She tilts her head for a moment, then continues.
"Ekaym Smallcask is an Egorian businessman. He brokers art and antiquities. He's interested in the Gauntlet for the status it brings him as a Sponsor. The first evening's dinner is especially important to him, because it will allow him to socialize with the Elite of Egorian."
"A team that doesn't surrender is likely brought back by its Sponsor. At his or her expense, of course. If you lose, you are allowed to watch the rest of the tournament, from the comfort of the stands."
"Well, we’re NOT assassins. If the time comes where we must cross swords with the man, then we shall - even if it destroys us. But we’ll not do so as assassins. We’ll confront him honestly and to his face. We do have some reservations about him, but we do not know if we have the right man - so yeah, we are interested in getting to know him. We do not rush to judgement."
Celeste smiles and nods in understanding. "You must be the Resolve of your group."
"I also have some questions. Are the groups mixed that we’ll be fighting? I mean, warriors and magic and god-folk? Will there be healers on hand in case someone goes too far? Has anyone needed to be resurrected? Is there betting involved? How does that work?"
Celeste renews her attention with Eri. "Perhaps you are the Pragmatist for your group? There are no restrictions on the skill sets of the teams entered, so I would imagine that you'll see a wide variety of combat coordination. Combatants can choose to waive any healing that would contradict their religious beliefs, but there have been several resurrections in previous years. And, yes, betting is a hearty business aspect of the Gauntlet. I'm afraid I can't tell you more about that, because it didn't interest me enough to learn about it. Perhaps Ekaym will be able to inform you."
"If I may correct you, it was my life that was almost TAKEN. It was my companions alone who saved me. I do have a question for you, now that you mention it. Why should we trust anything you say? Our experiences with many in this city have been nothing but deception and betrayal. Convince me why I should trust you and the merchant you represent."
"My. You must be the Skeptic." Celeste no longer smiles, hearing Tynan's words. "I didn't mean to offend you. I stand corrected. A life saved is certainly a life almost taken. I choose to see the heroic nature in the act of saving your life, while you seem to dwell on its near loss. I can't fault you for doing so."
"Well, you seem to have passed your trust from Allustan, to Eligos. Unless you fail to trust him, I hope you take his word that I am friend. Is that enough? If it is not, what would it take to convince you?"
"The heart of this group and of this party was summoned back home by Mum. My sister, Rae, was the best. She was the heart of the party...and my friend. And no, I shall not kill what does not need to be killed if I can help it. Why can we not get close to Loris without becoming an entrant? Where does he live? Sport?"
Celeste acquires a mournful look. "Oh, I am sorry for your loss. Rae must have been a very good person, the way you speak of her. How did she die?"
"The Coenoby is key. Only the participants are allowed into the deeper structure of the Catafalque, and it is there you'll have greater access to the goings on, for the duration of the event. Loris goes to ground for as long. I understand he lives and breathes the Gauntlet, supervising every aspect of it."
Celeste looks to her companion. "What do you think of them, Eidi? They are very thoughtful. Let's be open, and share your thoughts. Let yours commingle with theirs. Do you think Ekaym will approve?"
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"Thanks Celeste" Eidi makes his right hand into his tunic. The bald half-elf oldie produces a cookies pot he gently offers to the rest of the participants in the conversation. He then takes one and eats it staring carefully at the members of the party. Looking deep. Gauging their capacity.
"They look like real adventurers. The Gauntlet is a hard, tough, extremely ugly competition. But I see strong bonds and a sense of working together in them. Even traces of honor " he looks back at Celeste "They might survive enough time in the competition to get access to Loris inner circle"
He turns to Tynan adding in a suffocated voice "I like you are sceptical. You will live a long life my young fellow" and winks his right eye.
"Our best hint are the Scrolls. If Loris got them there is chance we might fulfil our goal by entering the competition" he eats calmly but industriously his cookie while he continues "And provided their intentions and rivalry with Loris, it will be quite easy to convince Ekaym Smallcask to sponsor them into the competition"
"This seems like a solid plan and strong reasons for us all to work together. What else will our new colleagues need?" adds Eidi turning his attention to the woman but letting also them to speak.
"How did she die?"
Solrisa smiles at the woman's confusion. 'Oh no, Rae isn't dead," Solrisa explains. "Nothing could really kill Rae...she's so strong. But she's away. "
"The Coenoby is key."
"Oh Ken Obi is key?" Solrisa asks, trying to learn more. "What does that mean?"
* * *
Solrisa offers one hand to shake Eidi's hand and other going into the cookie pot, taking two with a deft motion. "Nice to meet you," Solrisa says with the big, happy smile of someone who earnestly enjoys meeting and knowing new people. "My name is Solrisa Iome Arabasti."
Resolve huh? She's quite the labeler.
Ascaria reaches in the pot for a cookie, and munches it while Sol responds, also curious what 'Coenoby' means.
"Our best hint are the Scrolls. If Loris got them there is chance we might fulfil our goal by entering the competition" he eats calmly but industriously his cookie while he continues "And provided their intentions and rivalry with Loris, it will be quite easy to convince Ekaym Smallcask to sponsor them into the competition"
"Eidi, what do you know of the Scrolls? Seems Eligos has said quite a bit to the pair of you." he says uneasily.
"Not to be disrespectful at all, but what's your angle in all this? I'm guessing Celeste is getting a commission, and it seems that the pair of you might also be opposed to Loris for some reason. I'd like to hear why, if you don't mind."
He chews the cookie thoughtfully and wonders if the wine is a good pairing or if he should have prepared something more mead-y.
Eidi shakes hands with Ascaria a bit amused and takes mental note of how many cookies Solrisa and her decide to pick from the pot "Nice to meet you". He nods to the gnome "Sure. The Scrolls"
"The Apostolic Scrolls detail the creation of the ulgurstasta. These massive undead creatures are capable of consuming the living and regurgitating them as undead." the half-elf makes a pause to keep eating his cookie bit by bit "The Apostolic Scrolls are said to contain rituals that allow an ulgurstasta to create even more powerful undead, spewing them out at a tremendous rate."
"It is not necessary to say how dangerous would be if those Scrolls end in the wrong hands" and bending to the front he adds "And yes, I have glanced at the Scrolls before. Which makes it for me very easy to recognise them if I ever saw them again, even from afar"
"As for how this concerns Celeste and me..." she looks at the beautiful woman at that point "Well, we are old friends and companions. We have walked far in the world and seen things that would make you shake in disgust. We are here trying to avoid things going south as we have done before in so many other places"
Solrisa leans in, munching on a cookie, and gets used to the idea of becoming an entrant herself.
"How long does each match last? How long beforehand will we know when we are fighting and who we are fighting? That would be good to know? And when our match starts, are we walking onto the fighting floor and starting combat immediately? Or is there pomp and circumstance beforehand," Solrisa asks, getting excited about pomp and circumstance and ceremony.
She moves on to eating the other cookie, her eyes darting to the cookie jar.
”I also have some questions.”
Whoa! Maybe it's me, but he's beet red! Mortimer looks around to see if someone has a wardrobe malfuntion or something, but sees nothing for anyone to be embarassed about. What's his deal? He tries to catch Eri's eye. "You O.K.?"
"You must be the Passion of the group."
Passion... Despite the folded arms across his chest and the raised eyebrow, it is clear that at this dubbing of Celeste's for him, Mortimer relaxes a little.
"A team that doesn't surrender is likely brought back by its Sponsor. At his or her expense, of course. If you lose, you are allowed to watch the rest of the tournament, from the comfort of the stands."
"I had to ask as we're not too used to actually losing, you see," he responds casually.
The bald half-elf oldie produces a cookies pot he gently offers to the rest of the participants in the conversation.
Mortimer politely declines. Cookies and wine before proper breakfast? What is the world coming to?
"The Apostolic Scrolls detail the creation of the ulgurstasta. These massive undead creatures are capable of consuming the living and regurgitating them as undead -- "
It's hard to tell given his usual hue, but you're all pretty sure Mortimer has turned a shade paler.
-- the half-elf makes a pause to keep eating his cookie bit by bit.
Mortimer's eyes grow wide. Those must be some really special cookies if he can talk like that and still eat them... He unfolds his arms and leans forward a little. "Why would anyone create such a thing, and what kind of cookies did you say those were?" he asks out of genuine curiosity.
"And yes, I have glanced at the Scrolls before. Which makes it for me very easy to recognise them if I ever saw them again, even from afar."
Mortimer cocks his compromised eyebrow. "How is that, and when? And what other part in the Gauntlet do you both intend to play? Will you just be spectators? If you obtain The Scrolls, what would you do with them?"
Observing Solrisa's look at the cookie jar, Eidi smiles and saves the jar back inside his tunic.
To Mortimer he answers "In my opinion because of power and craziness. Some people would want to have such an army to destroy their neighbors without understanding they cannot control it. Others are simply so crazy out of this world they will want to create such a doom for themselves." he smiles at the well build man and adds "Butter cookies. My matron back in Merab show me the receipt during my years in Thuvia. I have taken it with me ever since"
"During my studies at the Occularium in Rahadoum I took my specialization in Life magic." Eidi seems enthusiastic at the opportunity of talking about his past life "Thus, when I found the opportunity to check the scrolls, it was most interesting for me. Back at that time some decades ago I did not understood the danger of them though"
He then turns to Celeste "And about the Gauntlet. Well, Celeste can tell you better about her own commitments, but in my case I might join you temporary if you need a member to complete your team. I can try to guide you through the social contacts there too and help you get access to Loris ans his inner circle." he places his right hand on a silvered staff with a winged eye engraved at the top of it "After decades, the visit to my roots can wait a bit more"
Solrisa leans in, munching on a cookie, and gets used to the idea of becoming an entrant herself.
"How long does each match last? How long beforehand will we know when we are fighting and who we are fighting? That would be good to know? And when our match starts, are we walking onto the fighting floor and starting combat immediately? Or is there pomp and circumstance beforehand," Solrisa asks, getting excited about pomp and circumstance and ceremony.
"Yeah, and how much time is there to recuperate between matches?"
"If you obtain The Scrolls, what would you do with them?"
"I think we plan to destroy them if we find them. Especially after what you've just said about them Eidi. Nasty things those."
He then turns to Celeste "And about the Gauntlet. Well, Celeste can tell you better about her own commitments, but in my case I might join you temporary if you need a member to complete your team. I can try to guide you through the social contacts there too and help you get access to Loris ans his inner circle." he places his right hand on a silvered staff with a winged eye engraved at the top of it "After decades, the visit to my roots can wait a bit more"
"Join us huh? If we're up against teams of eight, it would be useful to have another member to help balance their actions with ours. Yet I worry - you say you've seen much, but so have we. Are you sure you can manage it? For that matter, I haven't heard what we're up against so I'm not even sure we can manage it!" he laughs a little uneasily, but amiably enough.
As the conversation continues, Ascaria takes out a scrap of paper, smudged with charcoal and pencil, and finds a little corner unblemished. He begins to draw a simple pattern in charcoal as they chat. He sets the drawing in some spilled wine and it soaks up the color, adding a depth to the drawing unexpected, but not wholly appealing.
He crumbles the scrap and tosses it into the fire, where it flares up appreciatively and burns briefly before floating up into the flue.
"Oh Ken Obi is key? What does that mean?"
Celeste turns to Solrisa. "The name of the floor below the Catafalque. The Seh-no-bee," Celeste nods to Solrisa, hoping she understands the pronunciation more easily, when spoken slowly, "is named after coenobites, or religious members who live together communally. All teams will be housed together. Alas, I haven't seen the Coenoby personally. I expect the second night to be much roomier for you, since several teams will be eliminated by that time. The Catafalque is a public domain, which means that Loris resides somewhere on the same level as the Coenoby."
"As for how this concerns Celeste and me... Well, we are old friends and companions. We have walked far in the world and seen things that would make you shake in disgust. We are here trying to avoid things going south as we have done before in so many other places."
Celeste nods and smiles. "You are right to ask what we expect from you and from this event. Your business with Ekaym will be yours and yours alone. I am only here to facilitate your meeting, now that I know of your existence. To be more forthcoming, I am due back in Westcrown within the week, so I won't be staying through the games." She rests a hand on Eidi's. "As for my friend, I am glad that he agreed to remain."
"How long does each match last? How long beforehand will we know when we are fighting and who we are fighting? That would be good to know? And when our match starts, are we walking onto the fighting floor and starting combat immediately? Or is there pomp and circumstance beforehand?"
Celeste shrugs her shoulders. "The matches last as long as is necessary to determine the winner, is my guess. The rest of your questions are best answered by Ekaym himself. He's been to several Gauntlets."
"I had to ask as we're not too used to actually losing, you see."
Celeste regards Mortimer, but doesn't answer, only allows her lower lip to purse outwards.
"Well, Celeste can tell you better about her own commitments, but in my case I might join you temporary if you need a member to complete your team. I can try to guide you through the social contacts there too and help you get access to Loris and his inner circle."
Celeste looks from Eidi, to each of you, as if studying your reactions to his offer to join the team.
"Yeah, and how much time is there to recuperate between matches?"
"Again, as a Sponsor, I believe Ekaym will have the relevant information. From your questions, I see mutual interest. Yes, we'll want to destroy those Scrolls, if that wasn't already clear. We tracked them from an auction in Westcrown, Eidi having determined them to be authentic. We lost the trail, once the buyer entered Egorian. In hindsight, it makes sense, having learned that Zyrxog employed doppelgangers."
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Eri looks up briefly to see Mort with a look of concern.
“You O.K.?”
His face finds a deeper red as he nods his head and tries to smile.
sheetEri smiles and grabs a cookie, shaking Eidi’s hand as he looks him in the eye.
”These massive undead creatures are capable of consuming the living and regurgitating them as undead.”
He pauses and gives the cookie a quick sniff before taking a pensive bite.
”but in my case I might join you”
Eri nods as he munches and looks to the others as he’s nodding.
"Well, if that's all you can teach us, then I suppose we should meet this Ekaym in person." he stifles another yawn, "But can we do it tomorrow? Or does it need to be tonight yet."
He eyes the last few swallows of wine, and decides, either way, he's had enough. He's quite ready to go back to bed, but he waits for Celeste's response in case further action is required this night.
Lesser restoration removes fatigue. he thinks to himself and considers it to brighten up...
"Manage it?" Eidi answers Ascaria with a smile "That's an interesting way to look at it. I plan to survive this contest, I would find dying before procuring a mausoleum for myself quite annoying"
Eidi looks at the gnome's work with the drawing with interest. The half-elf observes then how he burns the piece of work but makes no comment.
"Good, it seems we decided to have a meeting with Ekaym as soon as possible. Let me know when you are ready and I will join you during the meeting" he says while playing with an empty glass.
Eidi nods to Ascaria "I would take profit of a nap myself. The trip has been long and my bones are not as much resilient as they were in my youth" he stretches in his chair, but remains sit while the rest of the party dismisses. He will certainly talk about the arrangements with Celeste and discuss the result of the meeting. Only then go to sleep to his own room.
Solrisa wrecks her brain thinking of questions to ask, but fails to find any new questions before finishing her remaining cookie.
"No, I have nothing to ask now. Tomorrow, I'd like to shop for some supplies for this, I suppose. I really hadn't planned to enter myself, but it does seem like fun. As long as I'm not hurting anyone...I don't want to hurt people unless they are bad people."
Solrisa eats and chit chats for a while longer before retiring to sleep. It's quite late.
"I'll make the arrangements for Ekaym to meet with you in the early afternoon this day, alright? Hellhound Hill. Not too far from here, but you'll need this." She pulls a flat, metal bar from her hip pocket. The metal is bluish, with a stamped indentation. Within the stamp, an imp sitting on a barrel.
"Should the dottari stop you, simply present this. Its a summons to House Smallcask, and should allow you ease of passage through the district."
Celeste stands, and turns to Eidi. "Old friend, would you wait outside the room for a moment? Thank you. Oh, and close the door behind you." As Eidi steps from the room, the blue-eyed woman turns to the sleepy-eyed team before her.
Celeste turns to Tynan. "You asked to be convinced. I find something pure in each of you, so I will trust you with something before I depart. I may, in fact, call on you again, should the need arise."
With a deliberate shake of her hair, her body begins to shimmer. Her blue eyes become glowing white orbs, then her entire body becomes Light. She looks on each of you, a pulse of light enveloping those in the room. She then changes back into her original appearance.
A feeling of protection and increase in inner strength lingers. You almost feel as if sleep is unnecesary.
"Your ability to trust has been rightfully shattered. With time, all things can be mended. The only motivation both Eidi and I share is the eradication of evil. If you'll have him, you'll find Eidi very easy to trust, for what little you know of the man. Take my word."
She extends her hand towards the door, and readies to leave with you all.
The party leaves the private dining room, joining Eidi for last moment goodbyes. Eidi and Celeste depart the Crooked House together, leaving you to finish your night's rest, should you desire to.
"I'll make the arrangements for Ekaym to meet with you in the early afternoon this day, alright? Hellhound Hill. Not too far from here, but you'll need this." She pulls a flat, metal bar from her hip pocket. The metal is bluish, with a stamped indentation. Within the stamp, an imp sitting on a barrel.
"Should the dottari stop you, simply present this. Its a summons to House Smallcask, and should allow you ease of passage through the district."
Ascaria takes the rod, ”Thanks for your help. Early afternoon is perfect.”
He says to Eidi, ”Let’s meet back here at lunch and we’ll head over together.”
vs DC 11
”Whoa! What are you? Thanks for your help!”
- - -
Ascaria goes up to his room and sleeps the rest of the night, though his mind tumultuously churns over the new information and it’s a while before he nods off. Up late, he prays fervently to Cayden and prepares his gear. He meets the others over breakfast.
”I need to pick up my armor today, but that won’t take long. Mort, can you come with? I don’t know my way around a suit of armor, and though it’s only a breastplate, I could use some help figuring out the buckles. If you don’t mind.”
When he sees Tarquin, he excuses himself from the table and walks over to talk with him.
”I wanted to talk to you about Scout. She seems quite happy working here, and I wondered if you wanted to keep her on, longer term.”
”I don’t mean to pressure you, and it’s certainly up to you, but I kinda feel a little responsible for her since we saved her and all. I think she’s happy here, and it seems like you could use the help just now. To further sweeten the pot, I’ll gladly give you a stipend toward her care of 150 gold. That should get her off on the right foot, and help cover her wages as you expand.”
”You are paying her wages I assume? It’s not just room and board?"
If Tarquin agrees, Ascaria hands over a small sack of mixed coins totaling 150gp.
- - -
Ascaria hands Tarquin a small sack after a short conversation and returns to the group. ”I’m ready to run a few quick errands before lunch. Anyone need anything I can help with? Other than my armor I’ve got lots of time.”
Spellcraft
Fort
Solrisa waits for her eyes to adjust before looking at Celeste and seeing what remains to be seen.
Solrisa nods solemnly at Celeste's final words.
"Yes, we'll be careful. And don't worry, I'll protect them, and Eidi, I'm very good at protecting."
Upon parting, Solrisa will offer Celeste a hug when they depart. Because Solrisa likes to hug new best friends.
In the morning, Solrisa will do some shopping.
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"In my opinion because of power and craziness. Some people would want to have such an army to destroy their neighbors without understanding they cannot control it. Others are simply so crazy out of this world they will want to create such a doom for themselves."
Mortimer nods gravely, feeling completely confident he understands. Evil individuals aside, masses of people can be willfully and dangerously ignorant!
"Butter cookies. My matron back in Merab show me the receipt during my years in Thuvia. I have taken it with me ever since"
Interesting, people do that? I wish I could remember more of my past! Mortimer nods again.
"Back at that time some decades ago I did not understood the danger of [the Scrolls] though. After decades, the visit to my roots can wait a bit more."
Decades!?? This guy has been around a long time! At least he knows from whence he came.
""I had to ask as we're not too used to actually losing, you see."Celeste regards Mortimer, but doesn't answer, only allows her lower lip to purse outwards.
Noting this, Mortimer's mouth engages in the noise making once more before his groggy brain can deploy itself to stop him.
"Well, I mean -- I find somethings are *fun* to lose to -- but that's more of an individual effort and not a team effort -- I find, uh..." he trails off. Egads, WHAT am I saying?! Why is she doing that pouty thing?! What is she doing to me?! "... I mean, I do, don't you?" he finishes, finally.
"I'll make the arrangements for Ekaym to meet with you in the early afternoon this day, alright? Hellhound Hill. Not too far from here, but you'll need this."
Mortimer regards the stamp on the bar dubiously. "O.K., but what is this?"
You can send the others away, too.
Her blue eyes become glowing white orbs, then her entire body becomes Light.
Mortimer's eyes once again widen as all thought is obliterated from his mind.
"What -- what -- " Mortimer stutters, as his brain attempts to recover. Not quite the fun I had in mind, but fun nonetheless... "What was that? What did you just do? I feel as if I could stay up all night! Can you do that again?!" Or, something else just as fun? he pleads.
"Your ability to trust has been rightfully shattered. With time, all things can be mended. The only motivation both Eidi and I share is the eradication of evil. If you'll have him, you'll find Eidi very easy to trust, for what little you know of the man. Take my word."
Mortimer turns to the group. "What do you say, everyone? It's fine by me if Eidi joins us."
”I need to pick up my armor today, but that won’t take long. Mort, can you come with? I don’t know my way around a suit of armor, and though it’s only a breastplate, I could use some help figuring out the buckles. If you don’t mind.”
"Sure thing, Canary. I need to stop by the armory and check in on those balls anyway."
Eri’s mouth opens and a couple flies investigate his tonsils before he gives his head a little shake and closes it. whoa
”I’m cool with attaching Eidi. I’m cool with doing just about anything right now.”
In the morning, Eri expecting perhaps the last opportunity for a long luxurious breakfast, takes it. He’ll read the paper and graze on all manner of breakfast and kava.
"I like you are sceptical. You will live a long life my young fellow"
Tynan gives the elderly half-elf a nod of appreciation.
At least someone understands..."Thank you, Celeste. It is comforting to know that we are not alone in this struggle. We will gladly accept Eidi's help."
"Well, I mean -- I find somethings are *fun* to lose to -- but that's more of an individual effort and not a team effort -- I find, uh... I mean, I do, don't you?"
Celeste lifts a single eyebrow, but can't seem to find the appropriate words in response.
"O.K., but what is this?"
"As I have said, it is a summons. Without Smallcask's identifying sigil, you would be escorted from Hellhound Hill. You'll return it personally to Ekaym, I hope?"
"”Whoa! What are you? Thanks for your help!”
Celeste's form does not change, only its substance. While Light, you can still identify all that is Celeste, simply defined by brighter and less bright edging. "I am 'friend', to you all. Trust your senses, if not my words alone."
"Yes, we'll be careful. And don't worry, I'll protect them, and Eidi, I'm very good at protecting."
Celeste smiles, and clasps her hands together. "For that, I am grateful. These are dark times, and now, more than ever, we'll need to be strong for each other if we are to endure, and bring change."
"What -- what -- What was that? What did you just do? I feel as if I could stay up all night! Can you do that again?!"
"I’m cool with attaching Eidi. I’m cool with doing just about anything right now.”
"Thank you, Celeste. It is comforting to know that we are not alone in this struggle. We will gladly accept Eidi's help."
Celeste smiles, but says nothing.
When you embrace Celeste, she does so without reservation. For a moment, you could swear that you are in the arms of Raella.
You feel certain you are in the presence of an Outsider. Of more than that, you are unsure.
The group enjoys a peaceful early morning, awake or no.
Celeste tightens her collar against the brace of the early morning cold and damp of Egorian. As you both depart the Crooked House, she speaks. "I allowed them to see my true nature, Eidi. I sensed troubled minds. Well, at least one of them. I think you'll find them quite welcoming on this next chapter of your long and storied life. I pray for your success here. I hope we meet again."
By the time you finish your walk, you arrive back at Eligos's. Reginald is there to welcome you both in, but Celeste waves him off, politely. As you enter the estate, Celeste is gone.
...
The day moves from damp cold, to damp rain. The Crooked House wakens, the sound of thunder occasionally dotting the breakfast conversation.
"I wanted to talk to you about Scout. She seems quite happy working here, and I wondered if you wanted to keep her on, longer term.”
”I don’t mean to pressure you, and it’s certainly up to you, but I kinda feel a little responsible for her since we saved her and all. I think she’s happy here, and it seems like you could use the help just now. To further sweeten the pot, I’ll gladly give you a stipend toward her care of 150 gold. That should get her off on the right foot, and help cover her wages as you expand.”
”You are paying her wages I assume? It’s not just room and board?"
Tarquin initially looks confused, but straightens his face as he comes to understand what you ask of him. "Oh, well, now. It's only been a day or two. Haven't really thought about her, long-term. Certainly Christine has taken a shine to her, so I don't think there are any rough roads down that alley. As for the gold, you are most generous. For her help here, I might even look into some education for the girl, since our afternoons are usually quiet. You've got yourself a deal, Ascaria."
Ascaria and Mortimer find the Bear and Bellows busy as ever. One of the attendants spots the pair, and shuffles off to retrieve the breastplate. He comes out, holding a crimson cloth, which he proceeds to uncover a quite shiny piece of work. Gnome in size, it's easy enough for him to handle. The breastplate is as pristine as it will ever be. Underneath it, a small leather bag, containing shine and polish for leather and metal, as well as two rags for each.
You're made to sign for it, as usual.
...
The afternoon continues, shrouded in grey sheets of rain. Eidi meets with you all at the Crooked House, before you all make your way into the Hellhound Hill District. Almost immediately, you are set upon by the dottari. Just shy of the full intimidation of Hellknights, these guards are still daunting. Four of them, though you feel more than four sets of eyes, while you wait as the lead extends his hand, and takes a good look at the bluish metal bar. He hands it back, and points you towards a winding road that leads to three separate manors, each with their own impressive lands. It's easy enough to place the imp and the barrel, as four large banners gaudily announce the Smallcask residence, behind a grand wall. A single, bluish metal bell remains inset into said wall. The rain continues to fall.
Mortimer retires to his room and falls back asleep, wondering what manner of creature just refreshed him. He enjoys a peaceful dreamless nap.
~~~
"Hey Eidi, Raziel and Everyone," Mortimer calls out to the group before heading out of the Crooked House with Ascaria. "We're on our way to the Market District. Does anyone need anything or want to come along?"
As the attendant comes out with the shiny breastplate, Mortimer intercepts and inspects it.
He figures out the buckles, at least. "It's easy! Like so, Canary," he explains, showing the gnome how it goes on.
"Oh --" he calls out to the attendant, "is the Proprietor about? You know -- a pretty Young Lady, sometimes looks bored, talks about the Queen a lot? I dropped some items off with her for appraisal, and was wondering if she had any update for me."
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = None
Life Link (9)(100’) = Eidi, Eri, Mort, Raziel, Sol, Tynan
Channel Energy (9/9)(7/7) (DC: 22)(Avoid 6) (5d6+1)
Amiable Blunder (1/1) (if Diplomacy failed by >5, reroll to avoid worsening attitude)
Rod of Extend (lesser) (3/3)
Melee Attack: BAB +6/+1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Ranged Attack: BAB +6/+1, Dex +1, Size +1 Damage: +0
Spells (Caster Level 9, Concentration +15)
Once per Day: Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Message, Read Magic
Zero (16): Create Water, Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Spark, Stabilize
First (17): (8/8) Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Diagnose Disease, Enhance Water, Liberating Command, Remove Fear
Second (18): (8/8) Burst of Radiance, Cure Moderate Wounds, Lesser Restoration, Light Prison, Pilfering Hand, Suppress Charms and Compulsions
Third (19): (5/7) Cure Serious Wounds, Daylight, Magic Vestments, Neutralize Poison, Prayer
Fourth (20): (5/5) Blessings of Fervor, Cure Critical Wounds, Protection from Energy Communal, Restoration
”One more thing. I gave Scout a necklace. One that I’m inclined to leave with her. However, you should know, it’s a magical item that may just save her life someday. She shouldn’t sell or lose it.” he chuckles, ”Or at least not sell it for less than it’s value. In fact, she should keep it under her shirt so as not to become a target for some thief or other.”
- - -
When he has the breastplate fully situated he straps on the buckler, likely still with Mort’s help the first time. Then he casts a pair of Magic Vestment spells - one each for shield and armor.
Fully kitted, he looks to Mort. ”I need to get this thing ensorcelled next. It overrides my whole ensemble doesn’t it?” his armor glitters in the sun.
”Oh —“ he calls out to the attendant, “is the Proprietor about? You know -- a pretty Young Lady, sometimes looks bored, talks about the Queen a lot? I dropped some items off with her for appraisal, and was wondering if she had any update for me.”
Ascaria waits patiently for Mort to finish his shopping, while playing with his buckler.
- - -The afternoon continues, shrouded in grey sheets of rain. Eidi meets with you all at the Crooked House, before you all make your way into the Hellhound Hill District. Almost immediately, you are set upon by the dottari. Just shy of the full intimidation of Hellknights, these guards are still daunting. Four of them, though you feel more than four sets of eyes, while you wait as the lead extends his hand, and takes a good look at the bluish metal bar. He hands it back, and points you towards a winding road that leads to three separate manors, each with their own impressive lands. It's easy enough to place the imp and the barrel, as four large banners gaudily announce the Smallcask residence, behind a grand wall. A single, bluish metal bell remains inset into said wall. The rain continues to fall.
As the group walks toward the mansion, he sides up to Eidi. ”Good sir, as you’ll be accompanying us for a time, I should tell you I plan to add you to my healing circle. It’s a painless process, for you, but should you suffer an injury, I can absorb some small part of it, to help distribute our injuries more broadly for subsequent healing.”
”That is, if you don’t mind.” He looks at the new man and wonders if he’ll be up front much. From his hands, I’d say he’s a scholar, but it’s hard to know. Maybe he uses moisturizer.
When they arrive, Ascaria blinks through the rain dripping off his hat and wonders briefly if his armor can rust. Does mithral rust? He decides he’ll ask Mort later.
Eidi walks by Celeste's side while trying to cover himself with his tunic "I will never become used to this damp coldness of the North" he listens her with attention and his usual soft smile "I feel my time is coming to an end Celeste. But meeting with you is always reinvigorating. I also look forward for our next encounter"
As the peculiar couple of walkers arrives to Eligo's state he adds "You brought back hope to me once. Let's see if we can bring hope for this people too" The half-elf greets Reginald and when he turns and finds Celeste gone he murmurs "Bye friend. I really trust your instinct. I hope you have chosen the right ones"
Eidi is sit on a chair and drinking thee when the group gathers in the Crooked House main room "How was your rest?"
When Mortimer proposes about the Market District he merely says "I guess we can take a detour. It is always good to impress your next to be sponsor with proper shiny garments" he observes Mortimer and Tynan's weapons to make clear what kind of garments he refers to "But let's make it fast. It would be rude to make our sponsor wait"
To Ascaria he nods "Sure go ahead" then with a soft smile he adds "That's interesting. How does it work exactly? I guess you will not take the rheumatism this weather is condemning my back to" he laughs.
------------------------
Eidi stoops slightly over his staff as he walks below the rain, his red hood over the head to cover himself from the falling water. The half-elf smiles at the dottari as they stop the group and feels relieved as they let them continue the walk.
Once at the manor's doors he makes the bell ring and waits. "Is it always like this here?" he points out the rain soaking his clothes then knocks the door three times with the eyed tip of his silvered staff.
To Ascaria he nods "Sure go ahead" then with a soft smile he adds "That's interesting. How does it work? I guess you will not take the rheumatism this weather is condemning my back to" he laughs.
Ascaria chuckles back, "No, thankfully I shall not share that pain." he concentrates on Eidi, and seems to glow slightly with a faint green tinge - full of life and invigoration.
He concentrates on Eidi, who feels no differently on the surface, and then relaxes. "There, the link is in place. Now, should you take an acute injury, I'll know, and I can accept a portion of the suffering upon myself, or sever the connection - if it's too much to bear you understand - so long as you do not stray too far that is. My reach is only about a hundred feet. I'm not really sure, but it's something like that from what the others have said."8
He stands tall, well, for a gnome, "I take personal pride in the protection of my people. You'll do well with us. We're a solid team I think." he looks over the others and smiles.
Solrisa breaks her hug with Celeste feeling very strange, but her smile is radiant (not quite as radiant as something else, but very radiant and happy).
* * *
Solrisa thinks and thinks and thinks. She tries to see herself in the arena, as a real entrants. She thinks about the battles she will be fighting and how she might best protect the party. When she makes up her mind, she goes to find Mort.
"Mort? Mort? Are you there? It's me, Solrisa, remember?" Solrisa knocks on Mort's door. "Mort! I have an idea."
When Sol has Mort's attention, she will confirm with the giant and see if they can come to an agreement on how best to protect themselves so they can protect others in the area.
After she explains her idea, she looks at Mort with wide and excited eyes, a smile on her lips.
Later that day, Solrisa will accompany those going to the Market District.
* * *
As they walk to the Market District, Solrisa will sidle alongside Eidi, looking over her new friend. She eyes glance about for the cookie jar and where it might be stowed.
"Eidi, where did you say you were from again?" Solrisa says, making sure her blue light special shield and her long sword, Memorae, is where she can get them as needed near her backpack. Her full plate is nicely polished and there is a slightly wilted blue flower in her golden hair. A holy symbol dangles from her right shoulder crease on a strap. "If I'm going to protect you, please don't too close to bad things. Let me go first or you'll end up like Ascaria. He had tentacles put everywhere on his body when I couldn't protect him." Solrisa says with a wistful, not mean, smile. She just wants to help.
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Eidi looks at his hands while Ascaria works on his connection "I am intrigued to see this into work. You gnomes are surprisingly ingenious" he nods before adding "Ok. Hundreds of feet. I will try to remember on that. I can also do some healing of myself, hope it is of use in our quest"
--------------------
While waiting for the door opening Eidi notices Solrisa looking for something in his long humble tunic of worn down red color. He smiles in reply without showing his teeth. The lively expression in his thin lips contrasts with the tired look deep inside his eyes "I have certainly not said where I am from Solrisa", his voice paused but energetic "I was born in Cheliax. Yet the country that saw my first breath has long time ago disappeared" he looks at some undefined point in the doors and you do notice that despite the elven blood gives to this one the appearance typical of youth among the humans, his white beard and almost totally bald head betrays him as a half-elf elder "What about you? Where are you from?"
Currently Eidi seems to trip just with the most basic stuff, although behind the tunic you can appreciate numerous cylindrical objects protruding. "I appreciate your concern Solrisa. I am happy we can count on you to be our hammer and shield against the unknown" he strokes the polished silver of his gleaming walking staff and you do notice intricate runes engraved all along the metallic stick. On top of it there is a gemstone with the appearance of a winged eye "I do entrust my protection to faith and my faith is on you now Solrisa" he knocks the door once more "What happened with the tentacles in the end?"
You do recognized the winged eye as the symbol of Aroden. The dead god of humanity.
You do recognize Eidi's staff as typical symbol of the Knights of the Ioun Star. An old order disappeared after the death of Aroden.
"Your faith is on very old gods I see"
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Know (religion)
Solrisa's eyes light up as she finally catches the symbol among Eidi's folds.
"Oh! I know that! That's the same symbol Unky Barrel used to know!" Solrisa exclaims excitedly. "Unky Barrel stopped visiting my Mum for sleepovers a long long time ago. I think. I don't really remember too well. Mum was really unhappy about it, I think. I was young..." Solrisa's voice trails off among memories from long ago, a smile on her face.
"My sister, Rae, the best sister ever, and I grew up in Kaer Maga, which is a City in a big cave! Later, after Mum said she had work to do, we left to go to Diamond Lake. My sister, Rae, and I lived in Diamond Lake. She was the best big sister..." Solrisa smiles and relates a lot about her realtionship with Rae.
Sol explains why you have to apologize.
And more apologizing.
Rae speaks languages unknown to Sol.
Rae 'helps' Sol eat her dessert.
That time that Sol & Rae walked Sunset Strip the painted whore walk.
How to play AARRROOO-DEN!!
Rae and cleaning rooms.
When Rae liked quiet.
Sol doesn't have good eyes.
Rae plays mean.
Rae and mirrors.
Sol on family.
Sol on being alone (sad).
Sol apologizes to Tynan.
Sol gets in trouble for making herself bruise.
Playing 'Stampies' with Rae.
Rae and Sol's dolls and bad spirits.
Sol gets lost in the woods...by 'accident'.
"What happened with the tentacles in the end? ... Your faith is on very old gods I see""
Solrisa finally stops sharing enough to answer Eidi's questions. She smiles, remembering Ascaria's misery...but not in a mean way, but in a redemptive, happy way.
"Oh, those tentacles were everywhere, I think. That's why you can sometimes see Ascaria limp. There is something like the 'down there' itches going on, I think," Solrisa explains. "And you like my symbol? Yes, it's a good one. I am promised to the Dragon and he to me. And that is the way it is."
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Mortimer awakens from his nap, but tarries in situ a moment to daydream.
He imagines those multicolored beams coming together and condensing into one single pinpoint of bright white light centering over the petite dragon's breast, then filling its form with the same blinding white light -- a pulse of light that envelopes Mort, filling him with a feeling of warmth and strength.
He then falls out of bed, completely startled.
"Mort? Mort? Are you there? It's me, Solrisa, remember?" Solrisa knocks on Mort's door.
Solrisa?!
"Mort! I have an idea."
Mort clears his throat. "Uh - Yes! Just one second!" How long has she been knocking?! He hastily grabs his chain shirt and heads to open the door. "Barkskin? Sure. Hey -- what did you think of Celeste? What was that thing she did? How does that work -- do you think?" Trying to recover, he wastes no time leading her to the Market District pulling his mithral chain shirt on as he goes.
As they purchase the item, Mort turns to Solrisa "If you don't mind -- would you carry it? I have a strange feeling that I'll be carrying -- almost everything else."
Fully kitted, he looks to Mort. ”I need to get this thing ensorcelled next. It overrides my whole ensemble doesn’t it?” his armor glitters in the sun.
Mortimer trails slightly behind Ascaria to take a closer look as the rain plinks down relentlessly upon them. What is he talking about? He always glitters like that!
He shrugs to himself and trudges on behind Ascaria to the Ensorcelling Shop.
Mortimer follows the others in silence to Hellhound Hill. He regards the guards indifferently as they pass by them, then stands waiting with the others at the Smallcask manor door.
Solrisa smiles and relates a lot about her relationship with Rae. [WikiSol(™) ]
Once at the manor's doors he makes the bell ring and waits. "Is it always like this here?" he points out the rain soaking his clothes then knocks the door three times with the eyed tip of his silvered staff.
"Like what?" Mortimer asks.
Eidi looks at his hands while Ascaria works on his connection "I am intrigued to see this into work. You gnomes are surprisingly ingenious" he nods before adding "Ok. Hundreds of feet. I will try to remember on that. I can also do some healing of myself, hope it is of use in our quest"
"No, no." Ascaria cautions, "One hundred feet. Not hundreds of feet. And, frankly, it might be shorter, but it's in that neighborhood. You see, I'm blind past about that tree over there." he gestures to a tree about sixty feet away. "Can't see much but a dark blur past that so I really don't know how far it goes." he smiles showing very bright teeth.
Interesting. Quite a collection we are.
He waits for the door to open.
"Hey -- what did you think of Celeste? What was that thing she did? How does that work -- do you think?...If you don't mind -- would you carry it? I have a strange feeling that I'll be carrying -- almost everything else."
Solrisa smiles, making the joint purchase with Mort. She is, of course, happy to carry things...she always has been.
"Oh Celeste?! Oh, she was really nice! I like how she glowed. I wish I could do that," Solrisa says flashing a radiant smile. "I don't know much about how to do that kind of magic, but sometimes it reminds me of how Mum used to do magic. She was really good at magic."
Solrisa puts the wand in her pouch. She feels a growing excitement about the Gauntlet.
"Mort? What kind of enemies do you think we'll face first? I hope it's zombies! I haven't faced zombies in forever!"
"I am not used to this rain" Eidi points his soaked tunic to Mortimer when he asks.
Eidi listens with interest all of Solrisa's stories. His face shows concern at some points, fun at others. Although Solrisa could probably go on with her stories for long, the half-elf makes a pause when her stories come to an end, to then say "Your compassion and out of normal loyal trust will one day save Rae's soul Solrisa" Eidi's face takes a lighter expression then "It reminds me of certain twins legend"
The half-elf extends his left palm and let's the rain stop it's path there. Leaning his staff against his chest he picks a glass bead from his pocket and very carefully approaches the bead to a very large drop in his palm. The drop disappears into the glass bead and Eidi stores the bead back into his pocket with the drop trapped inside.
Eri listens to the stories sipping Kava. He switches to fruit juice and then just sits (in between trips to the facilities.) When they conclude, he sits in wonderment. Again, this is the craziest s#!t I've ever heard. When the others get up to gather their things, Eri does the same. He tries to repress the instinct to shake his head.
Tynan listens as Solrisa relates story after story of Rae's abuse, growing increasingly uncomfortable as the incidents seem to be without end. Just as he's certain he can't listen to another, Eidi interrupts her.
Oh, thank all that is holy... Tynan shifts his thoughts to the Gauntlet, and the danger it might entail as a distraction.
------
As the group waits outside the door of the Smallcask residence, Tynan does a quick inventory of his weaponry, hoping they are well enough concealed to escape unwanted attention. Wrapping his cloak tighter around himself, he waits as patiently as possible in the cold rain.
Eri looks pensive at the bar. He leans over Eidi.
”I have a question for you. Do you know a particularly artful tattoo artist in town?”
"We're on our way to the Market District. Does anyone need anything or want to come along?"
Raziel emerges from the Crooked House's kitchen, perking his head up at the mention of his name. "Ooo, I'm fond of smelt. If you can secure some, I would be indebted to you. Ocean-caught preferred, but I understand if there is only freshwater."
"Oh, is the Proprietor about? You know -- a pretty Young Lady, sometimes looks bored, talks about the Queen a lot? I dropped some items off with her for appraisal, and was wondering if she had any update for me."
The attendant smiles, then excuses himself to retrieve the Proprietor. This is no bored, young lady, who returns. This is an older man, in his fifties, nose red from drink, eyebrows mostly singed off from the day's work, eye sockets well protected and pink from the goggles worn 'round his neck. He looks to his attendant, to make sure he's not getting this wrong, before welcoming you two back to his office. The office is in the back of the establishment, so you are escorted through the smithy itself.
Quite a setup. You can see at least two levels of activity, where the floor is sectioned, allowing the main fires to work below, tended by well-protected stokers, while the metal-workers on the main floor continue their assaults on forming weaponry and armor, and others still simply work raw into pours which descend through the floor into various veins of casting.
By the time you've traveled the floor, you're well and truly sweaty. The older man turns to close the door, sealing out the heat, and the noise.
"Name's Blaise. Blaise Gandervall. I'm told you're the ones brought that metal. I'm here to tell you that I've been authorized to secure more of it. How much you got, and when can you deliver it?"
"One more thing. I gave Scout a necklace. One that I’m inclined to leave with her. However, you should know, it’s a magical item that may just save her life someday. She shouldn’t sell or lose it. Or at least not sell it for less than its value. In fact, she should keep it under her shirt so as not to become a target for some thief or other.”
Tarquin listens, then speaks. "You've got my word, she'll be instructed, from your words. I'll be sure to tell my wife, too."
...
The group stands in front of Smallcask Manor, before Eidi beckons the Summons bar forward. Taking it, he brings it back, then rings the bluish bell, announcing your presence. The sound of the bell is resonant, but muted. You almost think you can hear the same sound ringing off at a distance, at the same time.
In the same instant, the gate opens smoothly, allowing you entrance. There is no one to meet you at the gate. As you enter, presumably, the gate closes behind you with a gentle shush.
The grounds are magnificent, if somewhat small. Given the acreage within a predetermined city limits, Ekaym has done well, from the looks of it. Well-groomed lawns, several fountains dotting paths at intervals, and inviting you into many differently-shaped groves.
The center path is wide enough for wagon, and obvious enough that you can easily find your way to the Manor itself. Darkwood front doors await your arrival, though you have to apply the Summons bar use a second time to see them open. Again, no one is there to meet you, immediately. The foyer is marble-floored, so your wet garments begin to mess, if not sully, the interior.
Eventually, a middle-aged man wanders up, languidly. A glass of wine punctuates his gesture, as he welcomes you forward. His eyelids slightly lowered, he looks over you all, a slow smile crossing his face.
"Come. Dry yourselves by my fire, will you? We... we have much to discuss. I have already spoken with Celeste. She's spoken for you, at least to the extent that I know what you have endured. What you have survived. Very admirable. I like survivors. They have stories. Not the boring kind, either. Do you drink? I have quite a selection. Let's settle in."
He guides you to a largish room, with not one, but three fireplaces. Bookcases, statues, paintings, so much to assail the senses, and somehow, Ekaym reins them in, so you focus on him as he speaks.
"Speak. Tell me your strengths. I want to hear your voices. Can they carry across an arena, I wonder?" Ekaym stands and waits, slowly sipping deeply of his wine glass.
Eri looks expectantly at Ekaym's wine and then for a tray of glasses.
"Well, in general I cast spells and shoot arrows. I'm better at spells than arrows, but that is currently adjusting. I'm a trapper, too, but only small animals and not for a while. There are better story tellers than I, so I'll leave it to them."
He moves over to a fire to warm himself and look for some wine and glasses.
"Ooo, I'm fond of smelt. If you can secure some, I would be indebted to you. Ocean-caught preferred, but I understand if there is only freshwater."
Aahhh! A pseudodragon after my own heart! Mortimer pulls out his list and adds "fresh smelt".
"Got it!"
Unsure of just how much smelt a pseudodragon can eat, Mortimer buys 10lbs of fresh smelt and hauls it back to Raziel and the The Crooked House kitchen, hoping there is some left over for the group's later dining experience.
~~~
"Oh Celeste?! Oh, she was really nice! I like how she glowed. I wish I could do that, I don't know much about how to do that kind of magic, but sometimes it reminds me of how Mum used to do magic. She was really good at magic.
Mort? What kind of enemies do you think we'll face first? I hope it's zombies! I haven't faced zombies in forever!"
Mortimer laughs. "I had not really thought much that. I figured we would be up against some humanoid rogues for starters, but you are right -- zombies would be much more fun!"
That reminds me, I wonder if the contest allows coup-d'gracing in the event that an opponent fails to surrender... ?
~~~
Mortimer is rendered speechless by the enormity and productivity of the Bear and Bellows. This puts Osgood's to shame!
"Name's Blaise. Blaise Gandervall. I'm told you're the ones brought that metal. I'm here to tell you that I've been authorized to secure more of it. How much you got, and when can you deliver it?"
Taken aback by this completely unexpected (but welcome) response, Mortimer stammers, "Uh - uhh. Well, it's a couple of days of um " don't give too much away... he tries to look thoughtful, as if he were doing math, "... to do that, followed by ... Well, actually to answer both of your questions, I think the only real bottleneck here would be the size and mode of transport. The timing -- well obviously -- would also depend on the mode and size of transport. What are you offering per pound?"
~~~
"I am not used to this rain," Eidi points his soaked tunic to Mortimer when he asks. "Your compassion and out of normal loyal trust will one day save Rae's soul Solrisa. It reminds me of certain twins legend."
Wow. This guy is all right. He sat through that not just being patient -- I think he was actually interested -- and she didn't even mention the 'Kissy Ghost Incident'... although to be fair, it is probably because Rae wasn't present in the room when it happened.
The half-elf extends his left palm and let's the rain stop it's path there. Leaning his staff against his chest he picks a glass bead from his pocket and very carefully approaches the bead to a very large drop in his palm. The drop disappears into the glass bead and Eidi stores the bead back into his pocket with the drop trapped inside.
"Whoa! Did you see that everyone?! It was like a little glass sponge! Sol -- could your Mum do that?"
He turns to Eidi. "If you had enough of those, maybe you would be able to dry out your tunic!"
~~~
Mortimer tries not to tap his foot in impatience as he stands in the foyer waiting. He tries not to positively scowl when Ekaym arrives in none-too-much of a hurry to guide them further into the manor.
[Ekaym] guides you to a largish room, with not one, but three fireplaces. Bookcases, statues, paintings, so much to assail the senses, and somehow, Ekaym reins them in, so you focus on him as he speaks.
Before his eyes rivet back on Ekaym, Mort looks around in wonder at the mind boggling display of are those trophies too?! decor. This place can't be bigger on the inside than on the outside, can it? How did he ever get all of this in here?! How do you get to be -- whoever this guy is?!
"Speak. Tell me your strengths. I want to hear your voices. Can they carry across an arena, I wonder?"
Mortimer, tired of stammering for the day (and slightly miffed by being made to wait), remains standing in silence for the time being in order to observe Ekaym a while longer while he himself gathers his thoughts.
”Good sir, we’ve quite a bit of this stuff, so the real problem is getting it all to you, but we might have a solution for that too before long. Anyway, we can get you many pounds of it though we only have a little with us now. But like Mort managed to mention there at the end, how much do you want to pay per pound?”
- - -
"Come. Dry yourselves by my fire, will you? We... we have much to discuss. I have already spoken with Celeste. She's spoken for you, at least to the extent that I know what you have endured. What you have survived. Very admirable. I like survivors. They have stories. Not the boring kind, either. Do you drink? I have quite a selection. Let's settle in."
”Oh, very much so, thanks for the hospitality.” Ascaria grabs a flagon of light ale, if one’s about, or a wine if not. He finds a chair not too horribly tall, and quite settles in.
”Speak. Tell me your strengths. I want to hear your voices. Can they carry across an arena, I wonder?” Ekaym stands and waits, slowly sipping deeply of his wine glass.
”Well, sir, my voice tends to squeak if I get too loud, but it’ll carry enough to be heard by my mates here. And others can bellow louder than I” he looks at Mort, ”but I don’t suspect you want a bunch of blow-hards now do you?” he eyes the sponsor with a grin.
”That said, it’s something of an odd question considering we don’t know what we’re up against. What are our strengths in combat? Is that what you want to know? Against an unknown opponent bent on slaughter?”
”Well, I suppose I help the group remain in the fight, whether by healing or improving our edge with various battlefield adjustments.”
"A tattoo artist you say?" Eidi thinks about it for a second "To be fair this is the first time I am in Egorian in the last ninety years, and by that time this was just a small city. The capital was still Westcrown. But I guess we can find one for you near the Arena" he shows a sly smile then adds "You planning to tattoo the face of some girl Eri? Or some other kind of triumph perhaps?"
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As the group steps into the manor Eidi explains to Mortimer "Oh well, I have enough with one drop. I would not know what else to do with more and anyway I have not that many of those beads" he laughs a bit amused at the thought. The half-elf says a magic word 'prestidigitación' while hitting the floor with his staff. His tunic and all the clothes of the party afterwards clean magically "Better"
Eidi greets Ekaym with a nod, then let's the group answer their host before saying anything of himself. They are the stars here.
"Speak. Tell me your strengths. I want to hear your voices."
Solrisa offers a sharp intake of breath as her initial reply to the question...as she has a hard time thinking what her strengths might be.
"I'm not sure I have any strengths," Solrisa says with smile, looking down and trying to think of what strengths she might have. "I guess I'm okay at protecting, but that's really not what you mean, I think. I'm pretty good at stonescuplting! Did you want me to show you?" Solrisa begins to excitedly go through her backpack for her stone cutting tools.
"Oh! I'm very good at sharing! And hugs! Would you like a hug?" Solrisa exclaims as she continues to hunt for her tools.
"I can make a nice small stone horsy, or pointed tower, or little man if you'd like! Do you have any stone you want me to work with?"
* * *
"Whoa! Did you see that everyone?! It was like a little glass sponge! Sol -- could your Mum do that?"
"See what? What?!" Solrisa spins her head to look at wherever Mort was indicating. She completely missed it, but she smiles about it anyway.
"Oh no, I missed it. Maybe next time, right Eidi? You'll show me?"
"Uh - uhh. Well, it's a couple of days of um... to do that, followed by ... Well, actually to answer both of your questions, I think the only real bottleneck here would be the size and mode of transport. The timing -- well obviously -- would also depend on the mode and size of transport. What are you offering per pound?"
"Good sir, we’ve quite a bit of this stuff, so the real problem is getting it all to you, but we might have a solution for that too before long. Anyway, we can get you many pounds of it though we only have a little with us now. But like Mort managed to mention there at the end, how much do you want to pay per pound?”
While Mortimer's initial words begin to do their damage, Ascaria's words manage to keep the wheels on the cart. It doesn't seem to change Blaise's dour expression, however.
"Are you trying to renegotiate the terms? The terms, I might add, that you laid down at the first? I'm told you were interested in 8 gold for each of these. That's presuming you're trustworthy enough to have manufactured each ball to the same weight. I'd assume you're interested in living long, prosperous lives. The Queen doesn't take too kindly to con artists."
...
"Well, in general, I cast spells and shoot arrows. I'm better at spells than arrows, but that is currently adjusting. I'm a trapper, too, but only small animals and not for a while. There are better story tellers than I, so I'll leave it to them."
Ekaym points to a wine rack ensconced between two bookshelves. "If you pull that out, you'll find more selection." With a light tug, the wine rack rolls from the wall, revealing a wall of bottles, eight deep, all very expensive. "Do you deal in arrows specially tipped? Magic is good, of course. Can't have too much of that." He seems to glance over the part about trapping.
"Well, sir, my voice tends to squeak if I get too loud, but it’ll carry enough to be heard by my mates here. And others can bellow louder than I, but I don’t suspect you want a bunch of blow-hards now do you? That said, it’s something of an odd question considering we don’t know what we’re up against. What are our strengths in combat? Is that what you want to know? Against an unknown opponent bent on slaughter? Well, I suppose I help the group remain in the fight, whether by healing or improving our edge with various battlefield adjustments.”
Ekaym rolls his eyes as the gnome takes forever to get to his declaration. "This is a gladiatorial event. What did you think you were being asked? You're not a fighter, then. The healer. A well-prepared team should have one of those, especially if you can't put down your opponents quickly."
"I'm not sure I have any strengths. I guess I'm okay at protecting, but that's really not what you mean, I think. I'm pretty good at stonesculpting! Did you want me to show you? Oh! I'm very good at sharing! And hugs! Would you like a hug? I can make a nice small stone horsy, or pointed tower, or little man if you'd like! Do you have any stone you want me to work with?"
While turning his attention to Solrisa, Ekaym gets closer to the silent giant, appraising him over his glass of red. It seems to take him a moment to tear his eyes away from Mortimer to answer the maiden.
"Stone sculpting? Hugs? Are you having me on, or are you an imbecile? I hope you're having me on, for your team's sake."
Ekaym turns back to Mortimer, Tynan, and Eidi. "And you all? How are you in combat? We have an archer, healer, and protector, so far. What do you bring to this team. Oh! That's another thing. I'll need a name for your team. I'm up for suggestions. Don't want to saddle you with something the other teams can taunt you with."
“You planning to tattoo the face of some girl Eri? Or some other kind of triumph perhaps?”
”Actually, I want an arrow crossed with a wand with some fire and dark smoke swirling around and behind it. I just entered into a new phase in my training and I want to commemorate it, ‘cos I think it’s awesome.”
”I’ll need a name for your team.”
”How about Diamond Lake Cutters, or Artists and Outcasts, or Diamond Lake Thumpers, or Artists, Outcasts, and Thrashers, um…”
"And you all? How are you in combat? We have an archer, healer, and protector, so far. What do you bring to this team."
"I bring my blades, and the knowledge of where to strike with them most efficiently." Tynan fixes himself a drink, making sure it is from the same bottle as Ekaym's drink was poured.
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"Are you trying to "Are you trying to renegotiate the terms? The terms, I might add, that you laid down at the first? I'm told you were interested in 8 gold for each of these. That's presuming you're trustworthy enough to have manufactured each ball to the same weight. I'd assume you're interested in living long, prosperous lives. The Queen doesn't take too kindly to con artists."
Mortimer shakes his head, trying to snap himself out of his stunned stupor. What happened to the pretty bored girl?
"If you pull that out, you'll find more selection." With a light tug, the wine rack rolls from the wall, revealing a wall of bottles, eight deep, all very expensive. "Do you deal in arrows specially tipped? Magic is good, of course. Can't have too much of that."
What? No way! Clever use of space, I suppose.
Ekaym rolls his eyes as the gnome takes forever to get to his declaration.
For as much time as it took for him to answer the gate and get to the foyer, Ekaym is not exactly what I’d call patient…
"I'm not sure I have any strengths. I guess I'm okay at protecting, but that's really not what you mean, I think.”
”Stone sculpting? Hugs? Are you having me on, or are you an imbecile? I hope you're having me on, for your team's sake."
Mortimer struggles to conceal his rage. First, being condescending to the gnome of all folk -- what did he call Solrisa?! He wants to know why we're a good team? Fine. I'll explain it to him. Hopefully the words aren't too big for him to comprehend.
Mort turns to Eidi and says ”I can not speak for you.” He turns back to Ekaym and begins speaking in a steady but quiet tone.
”Look -- Eri is extremely spontaneous and flexible between his use of magic and bow -- and Ascaria is most vigilant -- not prone to stumbling into traps. He’s full of his own surprises, above average in efficiency!” He turns to Solrisa, the amplitude of his voice increasing. ” And no Sol!” he exclaims adamantly. You are good at protecting -- really good -- and whether - “he looks around at the decked out room again, his voice beginning to normalize, ”- Ekaym realizes it or not -- it is exactly the sort of thing he means! And Tynan is most excellent at filling in the gaps when and if they occur!”
He turns to Ekaym, looking him in the eye and trying not to visibly shake at these insults to his companions. ”Hug her without her permission at your own peril,” he adds evenly, keeping his ever rising ire in check, and she’s not kidding about the sculpting, either.”
”Oh! That's another thing. I'll need a name for your team. I'm up for suggestions. Don't want to saddle you with something the other teams can taunt you with."
So the deal is already done?! We’re not here to convince after all?! Mortimer pauses, lost in momentum, but not in thought.
”I have a question for you. Do you know a particularly artful tattoo artist in town?”
He remains standing, and faces Ekaym with a question of his own. "What happens when a team doesn't surrender? Can the opposing team fight to the death or coup de grace, or is that taboo?"