GM Rat Sass's Age of Worms

Game Master Governayle

"I really think this is something you'll love, but I don't know if you want to be flaming, freezing, or electric..."

At the mention of 'fists', Mortimer looks at his own in dismay. This magic still isn't good enough? He considers the question carefully.

"Well, I don't know. That Faceless Worm and his friend seemed to be really big into flame and lightning. You think maybe cold will do? Is that good against undead too? It won't get in the way of my magic, will it? Also, it doesn't look like a flower or anything, does it?"

"Hrm. I don't know any creatures immune to cold off hand, but I'm sure there are some. But then I'm equally sure there are creatures immune to flame and electricity too so I suspect it's a wash."

"No, it won't get in the way of your magic. It just, uh, adds, it doesn't replace." Ascaria grins. "And you can turn it off so you're not always wispy with the cold wreathing around you all the time. Just, hrm, will it to happen and it does! I'll teach you - it's easy."

"I'll see if he has anything with cold in it then!" Ascaria bounces back into the house quickly, before the doors are shut on him.

"We'd like a cold amulet please. If you can get it in the next couple days of course. Can you do that?" he looks up with pleading eyes...

"Our investigations alerted us that something was amiss, and a different mine owner pointed us in the direction of the cultists."

Tynan pauses briefly, then continues. "Was it likely done to gain advantage over the other mine owner? Probably. Were you and your mine brought up in our investigation? No, you weren't."

Tynan lets Ellival absorb that fact, then continues again. "Yes, we're aware we were likely played as pawns, BUT... the cult is indeed real, and the threat they pose is dire, so in the long run, it was in the best interest of Diamond Lake that we investigated."

---

"I would be interested in having you enchant a blade for me. What would you require for such an undertaking?"

Our investigations alerted us that something was amiss, and a different mine owner pointed us in the direction of the cultists. Was it likely done to gain advantage over the other mine owner? Probably. Were you and your mine brought up in our investigation? No, you weren't. Yes, we're aware we were likely played as pawns, BUT... the cult is indeed real, and the threat they pose is dire, so in the long run, it was in the best interest of Diamond Lake that we investigated."

Ellival listens, rapt. "Well, it sounds like we're all in your debt, then. I look forward to hearing more, especially at court. I can't imagine the Mine Manager won't be investigated shortly. They bear the sole burden of such responsibility. Which mine was it, again?"

"We'd like a cold amulet please. If you can get it in the next couple days of course. Can you do that?"

"I would be interested in having you enchant a blade for me. What would you require for such an undertaking?"

Ellival hears out the requests, bringing his hands together. "The amulet shall be done, as would a blade. I'd of course need a superior-worked blade, yours won't do. I'm sure you could find a suitable one at the Captain's Blade. I can have both ready by early Toilday, I think. We'll take payment now, and you can pick up your items then."

He looks to both of you, smiling.

Feel free to continue with Ellival, but let's move on here a little...

...

The next morning arrives, and the lot of you gather at Allustan's. Something about safety in numbers while traipsing about town these days.

Allustan greets you at the door, already looking a little tired about the eyes. Nonetheless, he escorts you to the familiar study, where you find two, unfamiliar people waiting, apparently for you.

Allustan looks back and forth. "You should all make proper introductions. I'll leave you to it, for now. I have an egg softboiling, and I don't intend to see it harden." With that, he exits the room for a moment, leaving all six folks in the same room.

Eri stands among Allustan's clutter shifting from one leg to the other deftly maneuvering around the teeter totter piles of wizardly trappings. It's clear that he is trying to find a corner within which to hide as he accidentally finds himself in the center of the room. His clothes successfully blend in with their brown on gray nothing colors with the dark tones of the debris field of a study.

He looks up and says hello to all the new faces. His gaze tends to settle on things beyond the four walls, but his countenance is open and inviting. "I will be coming with you to Blackwell. Allustan is my family and I will accompany you to keep him safe." His eyes flare a little as he speaks and he looks a little surprised at his own fervor.

He pauses for a moment collecting his thoughts. "Allustan mentioned something about a cult here in town." He gives he head a little shake and his eyes get squinty. "What in the 7 halls is that about? I've lived around here my whole life. I'm a little blown away by that. Can you tell me more?"

Ascaria eyes the newcomer, Are you really family? Or just chums...

"Yeap, there was a cult alright. ...do I know you? I think I've met your father, and it wasn't Allustan. How are you related to the man?"

Eri tilts his head and smiles a little to look at Ascaria from the side.

"Aye, you introduced me to Allustan. My father by blood is still down in the mines, will be forever. Allustan is the family I chose." The flare comes back. "I thank you for that."

Seemingly distracted by the piles of papers, perhaps a little too curious Hourpen is surprised by the words spoken by the agile human. Eri, that was his name wasn't it? Just as he recalls the detail it seems its his turn for introductions.

"I have been sent from the Garrison and I don't intend to disappoint the captain. Gesturing toward Eri, Though I was told your name Eri, I have do not know yours. Looking toward Ascaria. I am Hourpen." He does his best to be cordial to Eri, trying to suppress his natural caution toward the lanky types. Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Ascaria looks less happily at Hourpen. The garrison?! We're to have the law with us?

"Well then. Greetings to you both. I'm Canary, also known as Ascaria."

"OK, so there was a cult, the Ebon Cult - a combination of evil religions, each worse than the last."

"It has something to do with a worm infestation - nasty things we keep running into. Allustan says the same thing is happening down at the keep, so he, and we, want to investigate further. Make sure there's nothing left of these folks - they're really nasty."

He shakes their hands.

Tynan gives Ellival a nod at his question.

"We're not at liberty to say at the moment. I hope that doesn't put you in a dour mood..."

After a brief pause, Tynan continues. "Here is the coin required for the enchantment. I will return shortly after selecting a suitable piece at the Captain's Blade."

-----

Tynan eyes the two strangers, sizing them up. (studied target) He gives them each a nod, but doesn't speak yet.

Where have I seen them before...

Lathai returns, carrying various items. She approaches a side table, laying down a long, silken pillow, on which she rests a Snapleaf, Aegis of Recovery, and Cloak of Charisma. Lhoris steps forward and presumably collects the necessary gold to see the transaction completed.

Solrisa clappity claps when her new cloak is brought out.

"Oh! It's brown! My favorite after blue and green! I love it!" Solrisa pays the nice elf and counts the rest of the coin in her purse. "Oh, if I had more money, I'd get a new sword, but I can't afford that right now. No matter, I'm sure it will happen someday!"

Sol smiles and tries to hug the nice elf.

She then tries on the cloak and spins again, beaming with delight. "I can't wait to pair this with my new armor! Won't it look nice, Mort?"

"I will be coming with you to Blackwell. Allustan is my family and I will accompany you to keep him safe." His eyes flare a little as he speaks and he looks a little surprised at his own fervor.

Solrisa smiles, offering a rough hand to Eri. "Nice to meet you, Eri. My name is Solrisa. My sister..." Solrisa cuts off from introducing her sister who is not there, embarrassed. "Oopsie! Rae isn't here. Just me. I'm Solrisa."

"Though I was told your name Eri, I have do not know yours." Looking toward Ascaria. "I am Hourpen."

Similarly, Solrisa offers her hand to Hourpen with an open smile.

"Nice to meet you, Hourpen. I am Solrisa," Solrisa mentions her name for the third time.

"I can't wait to pair this with my new armor! Won't it look nice, Mort?"

Mortimer considers the image carefully. ... her beauty really needs no embellishment. "Yes, Solrisa! It'll look smashing!" It would look even more smashing on her if it were green and not brown.

~~~ Later, at Allustan's
Mortimer crams himself into his personal nook at Allustan's and tries to look as though he's comfortable. Who are these guys, and why are they here?

"I will be coming with you to Blackwell. Allustan is my family and I will accompany you to keep him safe."

Fair enough.

"I have been sent from the Garrison and I don't intend to disappoint the captain."

He seems pretty straight forward. But why would the Garrison send someone?

Mortimer, afraid to knock into anything accidently, nods to both Eri and Hourpen. "Mortimer, they call me." I call me. "Nice to make your aquaintance." He tries to move to shake hands, but his shoulder knocks into a bookshelf. He glares at it, then sinks back into his personal nook.

... I wonder how that egg is coming along? ...

"It has something to do with a worm infestation - nasty things we keep running into. Allustan says the same thing is happening down at the keep, so he, and we, want to investigate further. Make sure there's nothing left of these folks - they're really nasty."

"Worms then. OK."

… <stares intently>

"Um, nice to meet you, sir." Eri gives a wave and moves on.

"Nice to meet you, Eri. My name is Solrisa. My sister..." … "Oopsie! Rae isn't here. Just me. I'm Solrisa."

"Hi, um" Eri's eyes look like he is trying to fight off sleepiness Eyes. Look at her eyes! " Hi, um. Don't see many sword wielding goddesses in the woods, um." Eyes, Nandri, Eyes! "Er, I mean, It's nice to umm…" ….whoa "Nice to um." Get it together, man! "Hi, well, um, it's nice." Ahh, critical fail. Eri's face is now bright red, he thrusts out his hand for the shake and tries one more time to speak. "Ahhh, it's nice, sorry…." He shakes his head and turns to Mort.

"HI, IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU." Oh, so you can speak. shoot

Slowly making eye contact with each individual.

"Well met Solrisa, Mortimer. Suddenly realizing what it is Eri is mentioning. Worms? How strange. Where would such things come from. Assuming of course these aren't the garden variety of worms." Just as Hourpen begins to chuckle softly at his own joke, he witnesses Eri's interest. It is unclear if the growing laughter is at the human or the garden joke. I may grow to like this lanky one in time.

Tynan watches as the halfling observes his companions.

Well, that's refreshing for a change... someone showing a proper amount of caution around strangers.

When Hourpen's attention turns his direction, Tynan gives him an approving nod. He leans back in his chair a bit, and watches with some amusement as the one called Eri grows tongue-tied around Sol.

Dueling suitors. This should prove interesting, and might help take Sol's mind off of Rae's absence. Then again, a stack of pancakes might have the same effect...

Solrisa smiles again. She seems completely oblivious to Eri's awkwardness. Whether that is from that Sol missed it or just doesn't care is unclear (no, let's be honest, she's oblivious to such things).

"Oh yeah, we have worms. Green ones. Ugly green ones," Sol agrees. "We think they are evil and bad too."

Sol finds a place to sit and discuss, floofing her new brown cloak about her happily.

"So we still need a conveyance for Allustan. I figured a good cart or stagecoach sort of deal might be nice, but I'm not sure where to get such a contraption at such short notice."

"For protection, I'd like it to be something enclosed, but we may not have an option. Anybody got any ideas on who we should talk to? I'm sure we could buy a cart from just about anybody, but getting something enclosed might be tough."

...or is it?
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

If we can do a stagecoach thing, I'd like to ride shotbow. Maybe I know a guy…hmm.
knowledge local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Or maybe I don't.

Eri's stammering catches Mortimer's attention, he crosses his arms and watches Eri carefully.

Eri's face is now bright red, [ ... ]

Poor kid. He's hung up. Been there, done that. He watches Eri turn toward him.

"HI, IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU."

Unmoving from his nook, Mortimer raises a compromised eyebrow, cocks his head slightly in surprise and stares at Eri.

"Worms? How strange. Where would such things come from."

Holding his gaze steadily upon Eri, he holds up the jar with the worm in it . "It's this. Grown up versions of these," he says, his voice suddenly an octave deeper than usual. Wow. Did that come out of me? "We found this in a lab, but generally I don't think we know from whence they come."

"Anybody got any ideas on who we should talk to?"

"I bet Faraday might have an idea. Seems more or less up his alley," he says -- again suboctavely -- his eyes still fixed on Eri.

Acknowledging Tynan's gaze, Hourpen returns a slight nod of his own. I wonder what he sees.? Extending a hand, "Hourpen. And you are?"

At Ellival's

"We're not at liberty to say at the moment. I hope that doesn't put you in a dour mood. Here is the coin required for the enchantment. I will return shortly after selecting a suitable piece at the Captain's Blade."

Ellival sours softly. "No, I'll not take your money until you've provided the receiving blade. I'm sure you're in a hurry, of course. If I'm not available later today, you may trust Cynthia to accept your payment."

The trip to The Captain's Blade is uninterrupted. Tyrol is a slightly-overbearing fop of an ex-soldier, who seems to talk more of fine weaponry and its looks than he does its execution in combat. His collection is decent. 900 gp limit to items Unless you're looking for something exceedingly exotic, you'll be able to purchase the MasterWork blades you seek.

Ellival will be able to have enchanted three blades, as well as the cold amulet, by Toilday morning.

...

At Allustan's

Allustan shuffles into the study, seemingly unaware of how cramped the quarters have become for all the bodies in the room. His beard has a droplet of egg yolk, still wet. He looks around the room, taking in the general demeanor of each individual.

"Alright. Are we ready to depart? I'm ready, I think. The sooner the better. You all have what you need? I think we'll need roughly two days travel to arrive at Blackwall Keep. Beyond that, I'd assume three or four days to properly investigate, then another two days to return. I have enough food for all of us, I think." He looks about the room, expectantly.

Tynan accept's Hourpen's proffered hand, and shakes it firmly.

"The name's Tynan. Well met." Tynan pauses briefly. "If I may ask, why is the Garrison sending you on this mission?" His words convey curiosity, but no condescension.

"Alright. Are we ready to depart? I'm ready, I think."

"Not just yet, Allustan... we're still making transportation plans, and waiting for our purchases to be finalized. We should be ready to set out first thing in the morning. Were you able to examine the items we left with you?"

Allustan looks at Tynan with a brief pause. "What items? Wait, those things on my desk. You really have to stop interrupting me, otherwise I'd never get to them. Now, where did I set them..."

The old man moves aside several stacks of books, then puts them back, before coming across your several items on a small wooden table in back of him, and to the left.

He readies to weave his hands above the items, before he sees Eri, sitting there doing nothing. "Ah, yes. See? This is the perfect teaching moment, Eri. Take a look at these items, and tell us what you find about their magics. Your skill in helping the ignorant understand magic better can be quite beneficial. Help your new friends, why don't you?"

He spreads the items out- a ring, a blood-red shirt, a feather, and a leather mask.

Solrisa, ever intrigued by a puzzle, tries to help Eri...and learn a bit of learning for herself.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Spellcraft - ring
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Spellcraft - shirt
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Spellcraft - feather
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16 Spellcraft - mask

She tries to keep her excitement down and to herself as Eri does his own examinations.

Allustan joins in, waving his hands over the items, and looking closely at each of them for several moments.

The old man looks on as a teacher might look upon his class...

...or a visitor at a zoo might look upon the monkeys in their cage...

...or a researcher might watch his rats run the maze...

...or a fisherman might watch his bobber, waiting for a bite...

"Oh yeh, we can maybe find a stagecoach at Able Carter Coaching Inn. Haven't had much use for them myself, but they are here in town."

""Ah, yes. See? This is the perfect teaching moment, Eri. Take a look at these items, and tell us what you find about their magics. Your skill in helping the ignorant understand magic better can be quite beneficial. Help your new friends, why don't you?"

"Hmm. Ah, alright." Eri stares the objects down, cracks his knuckles and does a little razzle dazzle.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 ring
spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 shirt
spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27 feather
spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 mask

"These markings here indicate nothing, but this ring is a ring that protects you from harm." ring of protection

"This feather here turns into a whip." feather token whip

'Don't know about the rest of these."

"Met indeed Tynan. Nodding in agreement, Hourpen flashes a brief smile at the reply before confessing his ignorance. I've been considering the matter myself. I was awoken early with word of the assignment. There was little time to ask questions, but I intend to fulfill the Captain's order." Looking around. Numbers. That must be it. With me and the tall one we make a sizable force.

"Allustan, we need to get you a conveyance for your comfort. We might try both the Lakeside Stables, owned by Lanch Faraday, and the Able Carter Coaching Inn to see what can be purchased or rented."

"I know little of horses other than they're much, much bigger than me, so I look to ride as well, unless we find a suitably sized steed."

Ascaria tries his hand an the remaining items (now that it's finally been a new day).

"Eri, good catch on those two, let me see the others, I haven't looked yet today and have been puzzling that shirt for a while..."

Spellcraft Shirt: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Spellcraft Mask: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

He sighs as his feeble skills fails him yet again.

"I have no idea what these things are. Allustan, I'm afraid you're going to have to help us here, these are hard to figure out."

Allustan looks pleased as Eri manages to sort out two of the four works of magic. "You're coming along nicely, Nandri. I'm surprised you worked out the weave of the feather, but couldn't see the function of the mask. I've seen it elsewhere, on chains worn around the neck, but this one allows you breathe normally in the face of noxious fumes and the like, so I suppose enchanting a mask with its properties is suiting as well. The shirt, well I can't imagine wanting to get close enough to anything to embrace it, and then set yourself on fire. Rather gaudy piece of magic, the shirt. But there you have it." You may read the four spoilers above.

"Unless I'm missing something, we should be ready to leave by tomorrow morning then? I suppose I have no choice, really." When he speaks his last sentence, he looks at Hourpen, and snorts.

"I will await our departure on the morn then. Oh! That reminds me. My brother, Lanod, I'm sorry, Governor-Mayor Neff, would like to see you as well. I spent a good amount of time explaining the situation, and my need to travel south, regarding the worms, and for my troubles I now have Hourpen in my company. Courtesy of Lanod. I expect he wants to meet you all, despite the fact that I vouch for you. Do an old man a favor, and appease my brother sometime today, will you? He attends to Diamond Lake business until mid-afternoon, so don't wait too long, alright?"

"Sure thing Allustan."

On the list...
- Visit Smenk to return the documents.
- Visit Governor Neff.
- Church of Asmodeous.
- Obtain transportation.

"Let's visit Smenk first and get that out of the way, then the governor so he's not kept waiting, then we'll arrange transport. We can stop quickly at the church on our way to and fro. OK with everyone?"

Ascaria looks ready to go... and then he stops.

"Oh, first who should use these items? If we're not going to use them, we should unload them rather than carry them around."

Ascaria wants nothing from the list, but feels the items are, except maybe the mask, very useful to the party.

As if suddenly recalling some foggy detail that was only partially lodged in the sleepy moments of being shouted awake.

"That's right. They're related. I'm usually not so neglectful with such details. Looking to his new traveling companions. Needless to say I do better with such things when I'm awake. The Captain did say as much, to be sure." I hope this meeting isn't on account of my sleep addled brain.

As Ascaria asks for his paperwork back, Allustan frowns. "Well, all of that is now with my brother, of course. I expect you could ask him for it back when you meet with him, but he's very interested in holding onto it until he's completed the investigation."

Ascaria frowns and gives Mort and evil stare...

"I guess we start with the governor then, and then Smenk if we can get the documents back. I don't like the look of this though..."

Solrisa smiles again as she looks over the magics. She would claim the ring if no one wants it.

Sol has a busy morning and afternoon. Might be able to more fully post again at lunch, but please play on. She will follow along and 'help'.

Mortimer has traded in his chain shirt for the studded leather, after letting Ascaria disinfect it.

As Allustan shuffles into the study, Mortimer finally tears his intent gaze from Eri and puts the jarbaby worm away. He watches, seemingly impressed at the magic item identification successes and failures.
It's not just me. Magic isn't green. It's just hard.

"I spent a good amount of time explaining the situation, and my need to travel south, regarding the worms, and for my troubles I now have Hourpen in my company. Courtesy of Lanod."

Ahh, that's it. He nods to Hourpen, grinning. Lucky Hourpen!

"Oh, first who should use these items? If we're not going to use them, we should unload them rather than carry them around."

Without hesitation, Mortimer reaches into the pile and grabs the Red Shirt. He puts it on under his studded leather. He briefly admires the way the colors of his garb work together, then he turns back to the pile and hesitates, considering. He reaches in and grabs the ring of protection.

If Sol doesn't mind, Mort could use the AC.

As Ascaria asks for his paperwork back, Allustan frowns. "Well, all of that is now with my brother, of course. I expect you could ask him for it back when you meet with him, but he's very interested in holding onto it until he's completed the investigation."

Good! It's where I need it to be!

Ascaria frowns and gives Mort and evil stare...

Mortimer shrugs at Ascaria. "Don't look at me -- you're the one who specified the time frame. I just said Smenk could have the paperwork back when we were done with it."

He pulls himself out of his personal nook. "Why don't we head over there now -- to Governor Neff's -- like you suggested?" He strides toward the exit.

"You're coming along nicely, Nandri."

Eri beams at the praise and still smiling, gives a nod to his teacher.

"I don't have any armor to speak of. I would not mind having the ring, but I am the lowest on seniority and lowest on need in the back with the gear. But it would give me something in a field where I have nothing. Please, just don't ask me to fight for it. If I could even bring myself to look you in the eye, Solrisa, I'm sure I would not prevail."

Eri looks sheepish.

Allustan barely says a goodbye, closing the door behind you, mumbling to himself about various things he'll need before departure tomorrow.

The newly minted party heads straightaway to the Governor's Manor. #30 on the Diamond Lake Map

The walled estate is somewhat imposing for its comparative size to other buildings in Diamond Lake, but its gates are open, at least. The guard house comes into view on the right side of the street, with the administrative building to your left. Well-appointed guards greet you at the entrance, waving you by when you identify yourselves. One of them yells across the street, and moments later, a young brunette woman steps from one of two doorways facing the street. She smiles brightly, and waves you to her. "Jillian. Pleased to meet you. Step inside. We have refreshments for you while you wait for the Governor-Mayor to join you." She doesn't wait for a response, walking briskly down a main hall, before turning into a side room. Leather couches facing each other, two central coffee tables between the two. A glass pitcher of lemon water, and several glasses wait for you, as well as several crumbly pastries. She closes the door behind you, giving you time to talk among yourselves.

...

The Governor-Mayor eventually arrives, roughly an hour later. He's wearing riding chaps, and finely-crafted riding boots. Otherwise his dress is plain, very business-like, and the sunburn suggests that his last couple of days have been spent outside. An old man, but well-aged, it's difficult to say if he's a younger or older brother to Allustan. He sets down a pair of gloves on a side table, and strides to the pitcher, pouring himself a glass. He finishes the first pour, then renews his glass.

"So, I understand you are the people I am to thank for this recent purging at the Dourstone Mine. I've heard my brother's take on it, but you're the source. I'd like you to tell me yourselves." He remains standing.

"I don't have any armor to speak of. I would not mind having the ring, but I am the lowest on seniority and lowest on need in the back with the gear. But it would give me something in a field where I have nothing. Please, just don't ask me to fight for it. If I could even bring myself to look you in the eye, Solrisa, I'm sure I would not prevail."

Ascaria laughs in a friendly manner, "Look here, we earned this stuff fighting in the mines. Nothing personal, but I'm not going to just see you take it. Besides, Mort here is in front of us, so he needs the protection. You should buy some armor if you're worried about it."

You'll note that Ascaria wears no armor, just a snazzy vest, a deep green cloak and a bowler with a bright yellow band. Pants, yes he wears pants too.

- - -

Ascaria settles in with water and wishes for something stronger. He considers a moment... but does nothing but sip the thin lemony water.

sigh

When the governor finally shows up, Ascaria has already drawn the group and the room in charcoal on a scrap of paper from his sling bag. He focuses on the newcomers in the foreground leaving the party to fill background roles. As usual Ascaria is not in the drawing. For some reason though the couches are enormous and the lemons in the water are tiny like little ice cubes. Somehow the effect works...
Drawing: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

When the governor is done speaking, Ascaria shoves the drawing, his best to date, in his sling bag and quips, "Afternoon Governor. My name is Ascaria, this is Sol, Mort, and Tynan. Over here are Eri and Hourpen. They weren't with us in the mine, they're just with us now, you understand."

"Well. Where to begin!" Ascaria takes out a few drawings - done mostly in charcoal, but also pencil and chalk. He walks through the events of the mine, in no discernible order - and different from the last time.

This time he starts with the parties sneaking in and out, then jumps to the birdmen, then the foul beast from the well, then onto the dangerous room with the statue that nearly had us all killed, etc.

By the time he's done, the story is complete, and thorough, if a little confusing.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

"Er, Govenor, I would like the documents Allustan provided you back as well. We, I, promised Smenk we would give them to him today so he can press charges against the mine owner."

"I suspect he's going to bring the materials to you to do so, but we promised him those papers and I'll give them to him with my own hand if you please."

Ring is yours, Mort.

@Governor's

A glass pitcher of lemon water, and several glasses wait for you, as well as several crumbly pastries.

Sol's attention is immediately drawn to the pastries, something she just loves. She helps herself to a few, then a few more. She crumbles pastry into her mouth as the party explains what happened in Dourstone mine. She nods and bits of unhelpful information when she get a word in.

She does, however, introduce herself more fully. "I am Solrisa Iome Arabasti, Governor."

* * *

At some point before the party leaves, Sol invites Mort to the armorsmith to pick up her armor. While there, she is again happy to strip down to her skivvies* and change into her new fitted armor.

When donned, she will twirl for Mort, wondering how it looks and if its fitted properly.

"Mort, what do you think? Is this good?"

*=quicksilver shirt

"Look here, we earned this stuff fighting in the mines. Nothing personal, but I'm not going to just see you take it. Besides, Mort here is in front of us, so he needs the protection. You should buy some armor if you're worried about it."

Eri shrugs, "Fair enough."

It was worth a shot.

Listening to the tales of exploration and combat, Hourpen carefully considers the details - including the various drawings. These creatures don't seem to be of natural origin to me. Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Mortimer helps himself to a corner of the couch, happy to find something so comfortable for his stature. He catches a glimpse of Ascaria's drawing. Oh, that's stunning. I should ask him about it later -- it wouldn't be appropriate now. He settles into the couch declining the refreshments, more than happy to let Ascaria and others to all of the talking. He nods to Neff in greeting when the Governor arrives.

Neff's also one eyed. I wonder if -- like Thedrick -- if the missing one has a thorn in it and is in a glass liquid filled glass vial he keeps in a metal box under his bed. Nah. This Allustan's brother, right?

On the way out he queries the Govneror, "Pardon me, if you don't mind me asking -- where did you get your couches? They're fantastic," he begins, then suddenly adds, " -- and what happened to your eye? Again -- if you don't mind me asking."

~~~
At some point, when Solrisa's armor is ready, he accompanies her to the Smithy to retrieve the metal pile. Preoccupied with making sure the coast is clear of Wyon and others, he's taken by surprise when he sees her standing there in nothing but the Quick Runner's Shirt. He turns his blushing face away.

Whoa! -- Why wasn't I ready for that?! Gosh, that shirt is super sheer! Give a guy some warning!
[ ... ]
Shouldn't we at least dance together first or something? What am I thinking?! What am I doing? Why am I here? Wait -- it's my room... He quickly looks to see if she's finished, but she's not.
Whoaaaaaa, gosh. ... Gosh. C'mon Mort, think of something ... else. Ohhh. THUD! He drops his forehead against the wall.

With his head still against the wall, he begins a recommendation that he hopes doesn't wind him up with his foot in his mouth.
"Oh, uh, Sol -- that -- that was your, uh -- Mother that we met." 'I met your mother', yah. Nice move, Choir Boy. "Nice, uh -- she seemed very nice. Did she, um -- ever mention to you anything about the hazards of undressing in front of uh, people like me? -- Er, I mean -- uh, guys? I mean -- It's alright because I'm me... I guess -- but some guys can be, I don't know -- really presumptuous. Not that you couldn't take care of yourself with any of those types, but you might -- you might just want to know that," he says, breaking out in a full sweat and wanting to take off his own studded leather. "I mean -- if you didn't know that already," he adds apologetically.

"Mort, what do you think? Is this good?"

You look perfect to me but -- oh, wait -- she want's me to look now?

He pulls his head off the wall and cautiously turns around to see her wearing her armor. Drained, he slumps a bit against the wall and watches her twirl around.
"It -- it looks great Sol," he lets out a sigh half in disappointment, half in relief, " the fit, too. How does it feel when you move your arms around? If you can freely do that with out getting snagged or pinched, then it's perfect."

Tynan quickly surveys the area as the group is led into the well-appointed sitting room. He watches for Ascaria to take a seat, then moves to stand behind him where he can continue to monitor the room. With the arrival of the Governor-Mayor, he maintains his position, but gives a nod of deference as the older gentleman looks over the group.

Tynan listens as Ascaria relates their experiences to the Governor-Mayor, nodding in agreement at several points during the telling. So much happened in such a short period of time, and he's thankful that everyone managed to survive the exploration. Ascaria's retelling brings the gravity of the situation into sharp focus.

He really knows how to weave a story...

~~~@Armory

Solrisa clasps her breastplate over her impossibly perfect breasts (not that she notices such things) and smiles broadly. Her head turns quickly in reaction to the head-bonking sound, her brow filled with concern.

"Are you okay, Mort? I could help you practice your headbutting later if you want!" Solrisa says with gleeful expectation.

"Did she mention to you anything about teh hazards of undressing in front of, uh, people like me?"

Sol looks confused, her head tilting as she tries putting her left armpiece on.

"We're not supposed to dress in front of friends? Oh, that doesn't make sense at all," Solrisa says. "Presumptuous?' Of what? We're friends, Mort. I'm not worried about you hurting me."

Solrisa continues to be-armor herself and test and move and enjoy your new armor.

Eri finds an out of the way spot and listens to Ascaria's story.

This is going to be....hmm. Different.

Neff paces the room back and forth, finishing one glass of water, then refilling. Bladder of steel, this one. He closes his good eye every so often, possibly to listen more closely to a detail here and there in the gnome's story that he wishes to secure more properly.

As his eye passes over Hourpen, a look of anger passes across his face. "You. Slip. You were assigned to my brother's watch? They didn't have anyone... better?"

"Er, Governor, I would like the documents Allustan provided you back as well. We, I, promised Smenk we would give them to him today so he can press charges against the mine owner."

"I suspect he's going to bring the materials to you to do so, but we promised him those papers and I'll give them to him with my own hand if you please."

Neff looks at you for a moment, but doesn't answer immediately.

"I am Solrisa Iome Arabasti, Governor."

The Governor-Mayor looks at the maiden, and nods curtly.

"Pardon me, if you don't mind me asking -- where did you get your couches? They're fantastic, and what happened to your eye? Again -- if you don't mind me asking."

"I mind. I mind very much." Neff's gaze has returned to the gnome, so he answers Mortimer without as much as a look.

"So, you are agents of Smenk. You acted on his orders, risking the well-being of my town, for what? What did he pay you? What were you promised? Be very careful how you answer me, Canary. Or would you have one of your associates speak now?"

"Well... let's see. He paid us 140 gold at the end, and, I think, 60 at the beginning when he imprisoned us."

Ascaria smiles happily at the man, oblivious of what he may be thinking.