...He sticks out his hand, his velvety robes sway from his wrists as he juts his hand out toward you."Oleksandr Blackwind. A pleasure to meet you. "
"Anyway, you may try practicing with the book and feather with your own hands to get used to the heft of the book and the movement required. I find that if I understand how things feel on the physical level it makes it easier to manipulate them on a magical level."
<He picks up a few stones and begins juggling them between his hands and an empty space in front of him>
[dice=dex check?]1d20 + 3Are you studying with someone nearby? You seem a little...young...for the adventurer's guild. I'm hoping to enlist myself today. Would be nice to start earning a reliable income soon."
Mallark listens intently to what you have to say and nods vigorously. Once you demonstrate your finesse, his eyes widen. "Your ability to be so fluid, precise and nimble with your use of mage hand is amazing! Oh, I uh, studied with someone for awhile but we had very different philosophies when it came to how magic should be taught so we parted ways. I've gone on one job with some others" he motions over his shoulder towards the tents. "Nothing too exciting, but it paid well. You should check in with Malcolm in the clerks office if you havent already, he'll get you registered, then you'll head over to Samuel and he'll evaluate you. Once he has a handle on your skills, he'll team you up with others of complimentary skills and send you on a job that fits your team's skillset."
...Oh, I uh, studied with someone for awhile but we had very different philosophies when it came to how magic should be taught so we parted ways...
"I do hope you keep at it. It appears to me that you have the dedication which is of utmost importance. As long as you are inhabiting this area we should be able to keep contact, I'd like to see how you advance in your studies, perhaps help you when I can, but I should be off to see the clerk now."
Oleksandr makes his way into the clerk's office.
"Hello, my name is Oleksandr Blackwind and I am hoping that you may have some work which would make use of my...self? Err...how do I?...I wish to register myself with the adventurer's guild!"
...self? Err...how do I?...I wish to register myself with the adventurer's guild!"
Malcolm explains what you've overheard from others, takes your sketch, some basic personal information (next of kin etc.) hands over your paperwork and tells you to seek out Samuel Wymshadow for your evaluation.
"Well Oleksander...Samuel get's the final say so on whether or not we can find a use for you. Figure out what makes you useful and find a way to show Samuel after handing over these papers I've drawn up for you and you can leave for a job as soon as tonight if you'd like. We have lots and lots of jobs to do that require all sorts of different skillsets. We have quite a few out on jobs as we speak. We'll find something for you, assuming you're useful!"
Thravum is clearly impatient waiting for Florr and Oleksander waiting to have their sketches finished. He doesn't complain, but leans against the wall by the door, occasionally glancing at his wrist- which is strangely unadorned.
As Malcolm finishes up he says "Right. You guys finally ready to find this Wormshadow and go earn some coin?"
He stamps out the door without waiting for a reply, assuming they're behind him.
Olias strides through the gates of Haven's Cross as the sun begins to set. With his lute in his hands and his disarming smile, he turns to the guard. "Good evening, ser. I am the famed traveling minstrel, Olias of Sunhillow. Might you point me towards the nearest tavern? I'm looking for work."
The guard looks at Olias with suspicion. After a moment, he shrugs and gestures towards the center of town.
"A social one, I see. Well, you've been lovely company, but I really can't stay to chat. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction," Olias responds with a bow before turning towards the inn.
Along the way, Olias makes special note of the homes and shops along the way. "Hmm, that one holds promise...," he thinks to himself.
Before long, he finds himself in front of the inn. "Well, certainly not the fanciest establishment I've visited, but I suppose it'll do," he whispers to himself and then enters.
"Good evening, gentlemen! I have been traveling long and far looking for work. What do you say we liven this place up a bit with a few songs?" He turns towards the barkeep. "My price is quite reasonable, considering my talent." He looks around the bar. "This place could use some cheer, no?" And a good, thorough cleaning... he thinks to himself.
The barkeep snorts and begins to reply...
Florr tries to catch the eye of the dwarf Thravum next to her to introduce herself. She shakes the hand of Malcom, locks eyes, and listens intently as he explains the procedure. When he mentions her young eyes, she blushes a little. And when he guesses her profession, she nods vigorously. "Yes, actually. I'm from Cordon's Village on coast of the Yellow Sea. And my family members are the founders of the Hemera Fishing Company. Spent all my life so far on the boats, and now I'm ready to be on land for a while and spread the wonder of Valkur."
Florr's fingers reach up to rearrange her sparkling amulet to be in the center of her chest as she sits quietly for the portrait. As she sees another person come up to talk with Malcolm, calling himself Oleksandr, she tries to catch his eye as well to introduce herself to him.
As the dwarf exits, she is eager to follow him out the door and find Samuel. "Thank you, Malcolm!" she calls as she exits to the yard.
The barkeep snorts and begins to reply...
"Welcome to town stranger. I'm Hilda." she grins with a charming confidence and raises a slightly sultry eyebrow.
"Can I get you something? You hungry? Thirsty? If you're looking to make some money, you'll be wanting to go to the guild, it's on the hill."
"Well Oleksander...assuming you're useful!"
Oleksandr engages in Malcolm in a semantic argument over the meaning of "next of kin" for much longer than anyone would want to hear.
"Yes, I understand what your intended meaning is but I'm just emphasising that the words we use have their distinctions for a reason. He is not my kin but upon the unlikely moment of my demise a halfling by the name of Nikolai Barleyburrow should be notified, and I'd appreciate if you would ensure he receives this message."
He hands a note to Malcolm with an indecipherable script written upon it.
"Don't try to read it!"
Oleksandr pays no apparent mind to the dwarf but follows him and the woman out the door in hopes in finding employment.
Oleksandr pays no apparent mind to the dwarf but follows him and the woman out the door in hopes in finding employment.
Florr, finding the dwarf unresponsive to her greetings, turns to the man following her out the door. "Hello there! My name is Florr Hemera, and with Valkur's might I greet you! This will be my first chance at an adventure. Have you traveled far?"
Samuel is a tall, burly, bald man with a moustache. He has a fierce intensity in his eyes but he speaks with a genuine affection. He's leaning on what looks like a square mahogany table leg, one end having been rounded and wrapped with leather to form a handle. He wears a simple unadorned breastplate and is speaking reassuringly to a very young, out of shape looking male, wearing a guard's uniform. The boy is sitting on a stool outside of a sparring ring. The boy is shaking his head, sweaty and out of breath. Samuel looks up to acknowledge you with a smile, then turns back to the boy. He finishes whatever he's was saying to him, then and looks up to you with a wide smile.
"New recruits! Wonderful. Before we find you a job, we need to find out what you can do. This isn't a test. You won't be denied entry. The more creative and impressive you can be, the more skills you can show off, the better the work I'll find you.
So don't just tell me about yourselves. What can you SHOW me?"
Florr, finding the dwarf unresponsive to her greetings, turns to the man following her out the door. "Hello there! My name is Florr Hemera, and with Valkur's might I greet you! This will be my first chance at an adventure. Have you traveled far?"[\quote]
"Well met Florr, my name is Oleksandr, my feathered companion here is Myra. I've spent the last several weeks travelling here on foot from the far north. We should meet with this Samuel fellow and see what kind of work he can get for us. Though, I'm admittedly looking forward to the pay more than the labor."
So don't just tell me about yourselves. What can you SHOW me?Oleksandr pulls his the hood of his cloak over his head and Myra flaps her wings dramatically and takes to the air circling far above the training grounds.
He reaches one hand into the opposite sleeve of his black and blue robes and retrieves a milky white crystal. He gestures upwards slightly and the air is filled with an unnatural groaning <casts minor illusion>
He ignores the reactions of anyone around and calmly turns to face a nearby archery target. He thrusts a free hand forward and a orange flaming bolt erupts from his palm.
He turns back to face Samuel and Myra returns from flight to his shoulder. He lowers his hood and points to the main gate of the Adventurer's guild.
"A stout bald man with a yellow beard carrying a woven sack over his shoulder and eating an apple is about to walk through that gate."
"Can I get you something? You hungry? Thirsty? If you're looking to make some money, you'll be wanting to go to the guild, it's on the hill."
Olias smiles and responds, "Thanks for the tip. I'll make my way there soon. In the meantime, I'd love a bite and a pint to wash it down, thank you!"
Olias scans the bar while he awaits his meal. I don't like the way that dwarf is eying me. Better ask the Halfsy about that.
When she returns, Olias whispers to her, "Hilda. That fellow over there." He gestures with his eyebrows at the dwarf. "What's his story?"
When she returns, Olias whispers to her, "Hilda. That fellow over there." He gestures with his eyebrows at the dwarf. "What's his story?"
Hilda leans in and speaks softly.
"That's Guldal. He, Lord Haven and Old Bill Wiseman founded this town and used to adventure together. Twenty years ago, shortly after she was born.." Hilda motions to the young dwarven girl eating with her father. "her mother was killed by elves for 'trespassing' while she was hunting. Guldal went out to find her once it got dark but by the time he found her, the elven poison had done its work. Guldal found the elven hunting camp, killed everyone there and burned it down. It took Wiseman days to finally put out the forest fire. You can still visit the spot. We call it Scorchwood. I've heard it's starting to grow back....anyway, I wouldn't suggest talking to him."
She shakes her head slowly, looking over her shoulder towards Guldal. Guldal wipes his mouth with both hands, dusts off his beard and lifts his daughter onto his shoulder and calls out to Hilda. "Tell your mother her cooking is even better than yesterday!" and he starts for the door.
She turns back to you.
How much are you looking to spend for food? You need a room too? They'll let you stay in the yard of the Guild after your evaluation.
......points to the main gate of the Adventurer's guild.
"A stout bald man with a yellow beard carrying a woven sack over his shoulder and eating an apple is about to walk through that gate."
Florr watches Oleksandr throw what seems to be a fleck of fire at the target, making a flame spring up on the dry fabric. ”Wow, that was a pretty impressive display! Does your god grant you the power of fire?” she asks him.
She listens to his prediction as she deftly strings a long, wooden bow; the top half of the bow was grooved with branches of lightning, and the bottom half featured intricately carved waves. She nocks an arrow and takes aim at the target.
The arrow flies straight but doesn't hit the center of the flame as she had intended. Ignoring this, she decides to show another of her skills. “Let me go ahead and put that flame out,” she says, lowering her bow and walking across to the target. With her right hand she touches her amulet, which catches the sunlight and sparkles white and blue. She then closes her fist, places it in the air above the flame, and calls ”Valkur, give me water!” Opening her hand, a gush of water erupts from her palm and douses the target face. ”Now, away!” With a sweep of her hand, the water soaking through the target disappears, leaving a soggy-looking, burned mark that would be completely dry to touch. In case anyone watching was standing too far away to see, she mutters a couple words and aims two fingers at the spot. An orb of light shines with a fuzzy halo around the dark spot, illuminating it with a blue-white light.
Walking back towards the crowd of people, Florr says, ”I can also use the blessings of Valkur, mighty god of the sea, to cast down lightning upon anyone who hits me with an attack.” She reaches the group and stands with her feet planted, right arm gesturing towards the sky. She knows she looks a little silly and overdramatic, but she wants to make an impression. “Valkur will grant me the grace to keep you from dying and heal you back to your usual health.” She casts her eyes towards Samuel. “Anyone care to volunteer?”
Thravum nods silently with approval as Oleksandr's fire strikes the target.
As Florr douses the target with water he says "If Valk-whats his face lets you create beer like that he may have a new convert!". After seeing it's effect on the target he looks less eager.
After letting the other 2 show their skills, Thravum shrugs "Sorry Wyrmshadow, I don't have any fancy tricks like those to show you. My only trick is guarding trade caravans and killing raiders, bandits and monsters" He holds up his hand- on which is several plain steel rings.
"If anyone wants to step into the sparring ring I can show you what I can do... Maybe the girl can heal their bruises afterwards"
How much are you looking to spend for food? You need a room too? They'll let you stay in the yard of the Guild after your evaluation.
Olias turns to Hilda and responds, "I'll be careful, then. Here, take a gold piece."
Olias enjoys his meal and beer, telling jokes all the while, charming the room.
Charm/Charisma Check: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 2 + 3 = 13. [Effect? How many people are taken by me/not?]
After he finishes his meal and pays up, Olias heads towards the hill to visit the guild.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Upon entering the guild gates, Olias greets Captain Samuel Wyrmshadow.
"Evening, Captain! I heard you are the man to see, the man with the jobs. Tell me, what do you have for a musician, especially after hearing this..."
Olias takes out his lute, tunes it, and begins to play "The Lay of Sir Savien Traliard."
Lute Performance: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒(4) + 2 + 3 = 9
The song sounds a bit off, but Olias laughs it off. "Well, perhaps I shouldn't have drunk that pint, eh?" He attempts to talk his way out of that somewhat embarrassing performance.
Charm/Charisma Check: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 3 = 12.
"Heh heh," he chuckles uncomfortably. "I also play the flute!"
Flute performance: Charm/Charisma Check: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 3 = 7.
Damn, I'm off today. Note to self. Never drink before a big performance.
"I also play the drums!"
Drum performance Check: 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 2 + 3 = 16.
Olias beats a syncopated rhythm seldom heard by the typical traveling minstrel. Getting into the beat, he begins dancing along.
Acrobatics Check (Dance): 1d20 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 3 = 7.
He stumbles awkwardly through the performance, but doesn't lose the beat with his hands. He decides to end it, however.
"Eh? What did I say? Can you afford not to hire a musician of my talents?"
"Quite an impressive display from the two of you! (he motions to Florr and Oleksandr), but tell me Oleksandr, How were you able to tell that Billy Potter was here already?"
"Olias...while I can't say I have an ear for your music, or know of a specific use we may have for it, you seem to be awfully personable and clever. Men with your skillset tend to be fast and smooth talkers and no offense to the others here, but they're not the most particularly charming. Often we need people to be diplomatic or good at influencing powerful people. I'm sure your skills will be excellent for keeping up group morale on long treks through the wilderness as well."
"Thravum, a protector and enforcer is a universally useful role. This is a dangerous place and your companions will need your muscle and battle knowledge. And I'm willing to bet Quara would love the chance to box a few rounds. Not many people here enjoy fisticuffs. Our new guard initiate didn't even make her break a sweat."
"Florr, I think I may regret this, but here goes." He steps up and makes a quick jab strike to your jaw with the handle of his club.
Thravum nods silently with approval as Oleksandr's fire strikes the... is several plain steel rings.
"If anyone wants to step into the sparring ring I can show you what I can do... Maybe the girl can heal their bruises afterwards"
A tall and wiry female leans out of a tent with a wry smile and a slurred casual speech.
"Time for a show, eh? When's the last time you got a tooth knocked out new fish?"
She hops over the fencing to the sparring ring behind Samuel and slides a shiny pair of studded brass knuckles onto her thick knuckles.
"Show me what you got, I'll give you the first shot."
She wipes the back of her hand across her cheek and starts shadow boxing.
Thravum glances around, appearing slightly nervous and glancing at the rack of blunted duelling weapons. Appearing to draw on some inner resolve, he strides into the ring, ducking under the rope (barely).
Raising his fists, he gives the impression that he's giving Quara a chance to change her mind about surrendering the initiative. He appears uncomfortable with "boxing".
When she (presumably) declines to strike first, Thravum steps in and reaches up to deliver a blow to her chin ..
Thravum glances around, appearing slightly nervous and glancing at the rack of blunted duelling weapons. Appearing to draw on some inner resolve, he strides into the ring, ducking under the rope (barely).
Raising his fists, he gives the impression that he's giving Quara a chance to change her mind about surrendering the initiative. He appears uncomfortable with "boxing".
When she (presumably) declines to strike first, Thravum steps in and reaches up to deliver a blow to her chin [dice=attack]1d20+6;1d1+4..
Quara slyly slips your punch, but as she weaves around your punch with her hands down, a last minute adjustment you make catches her as she slams jaw first into your ham-fist. She's slightly dazed, spits out a took and a dark trickle bubbles from the corner of her mouth.
She smiles and pulls a large punching dagger from a scabbard at her thigh. With a flick of the wrist, two other blades sping out from the center blade and she stands in a wide stance.
She looks up at you with a mouthful of blood.
"Choose your weapon old man."
Thravum glances around, appearing slightly nervous and glancing at the rack of blunted duelling weapons. Appearing to draw on some inne+4..
Thravum glances around, appearing slightly nervous and glancing at the rack of blunted duelling weapons. Appearing to draw on some inne+4..[dice=Intimidate ] 1d20+5
Olias looks over to see Thravum sparring with Quara.
Solid punch, but that muscle looks like they're about to get mean. Let me give the old boy a hand.
Olias whispers something that only Quara can hear.
(Dissonant Whisper -- You whisper a discordant melody that only one creature of your choice within range can hear, wracking it with terrible pain. The target must make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, it takes 3d6 psychic damage and must immediately use its reaction, if available, to move as far as its speed allows away from you. The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit. On a successful save, the target takes half as much damage and doesn’t have to move away.)
5+6+6=17 psychic damage.
Olias then pulls out his lute and plays a tune softly, casting bardic inspiration on Thavrum (grants him an extra d6 added to his next d6 roll of their choice).
For clarification, Thravum would prefer to fight with blunted duelling weapons and shield, if available. If not he'll draw his axe and fight without a shield, which is still "in the shop".
Whether he fights with his axe or chooses a duelling weapon, his attackk is , subject to being intimidated or not.
"Florr, I think I may regret this, but here goes." He steps up and makes a quick jab strike to your jaw with the handle of his club.
[dice=Great-club pommel strike(non-lethal] 1d3+3
Olias sees Florr take a strike from the Captain.
Damn, that looked like it hurt. She could probably use a pick-me-up.
Olias goes to check on Florr, putting his hand on her shoulder.
"You all right there, lady? This might help..."
Olias casts Heroism: A willing creature you touch is imbued with bravery.
Until the spell ends, the creature is immune to being frightened and gains temporary hit points equal to your spellcasting ability modifier at the start of each of its turns. When the spell ends, the target loses any remaining temporary hit points from this spell.
Florr gets +3 temporary health (+3 CHA modifier) each turn.
He pats her on the back and steps back to the sideline with his lute, casting bardic inspiration on Florr (grants him an extra d6 added to his next d6 roll of their choice).
Olias cheers the fighters on.
"Well, you seem like a group of adventurers that have a lot of potential.
Thravum, I don't think I've seen someone that has both the stones to hope in the ring with Quara, and the skills to knock a few of her teeth out!
Olias, in times such as these, with the things adventurers see, someone who keeps spirits high and inspires their comrades to new heights is often the glue that keeps a party together. Not to mention that many problems can be solved with a silver tongue, not just steel or sharp wit.
Florr, you clearly have a very real and powerful connection to Valkurr. He's not a very well known god out in these parts and I don't pretend to know much about religion, but from what I know, the more people appreciate the works of a deity, the stronger and more influential that god becomes. If at this point in your journey you're able to wield his powers with such devastating effect I can only imagine what you'll be capable of once you get more experience. Your ability to live off the sea will hopefully translate to a rugged resourcefulness in living off the lands. This wilderness is quite unforgiving and I'm not sure your companions are used to fending for themselves in the outdoors.
Oleksandar, your spinning of the arcane forces is already elegant and clever. There are many lost secrets and relics to find and unlock in these lost wilds. Once you've shown you're trustworthy, Old Bill Wiseman will give you access to his libraries, which are filled with all sorts of tomes and talismans he collected on his adventuring career with Lord Haven and Guldal.
Usually, I'd assign each of you to groups and send you on missions but you've demonstrated that you mesh quite well together as a team and quite frankly, I'm not sure what skills sets we'll really need on the mission I want to send you on. The Deepflagons are out trying to wipe out the last of a tribe of hill Giants that have been tearing through the hinterlands to the southeast displacing a benevolent tribe of nomadic Gnolls and the adventurers that are hanging around here waiting for work seem a little one dimensional and potentially reckless for a job like this.
There's a manor north of here. It takes about Four days to get there on foot. Two on horse. It's mostly a vineyard and usually they come through and sell some bottles of wine once a month at our market and pick up supplies they'll need for the month. Occasionally they'll miss a month. We haven't seen them in two. I have no idea what happened. Maybe they're fine. Maybe they were pillaged by a band of orcs. I don't know, but we need to figure it out, I got a bad feeling. 'Rubrum Grima' is the name of the manor. You'll see signs from the road. Stay on the road. Scout out what happened. The more information you can get the better, and if you're in over your head, get the hell outta there. You won't do anyone any favors if we need to send people to figure out what happened to you AND the manor.
I'd recommend stopping by the general store to get supplies you'll need. It gets pretty swampy and it's getting cold.
Feel free to set up tents in the yard. Try and leave by tomorrow."
Sam scratches his beard.
"Hope I can still grab some stew down at the Horse."
Florr looks around at the crew. "I can be ready by tomorrow! And I have a horse down at the stables." She starts to stash her bow on her back. "And yes, I do have some survival skills. Took me several weeks on horseback to get here from the east, and I learned a lot along the way."
She centers her amulet on her chest. "Shall we all head down the Drunken Horse for dinner and fellowship? I'd like to get to know you all more before our journey."
The town general store is owned by John Mercy. He's a bit of an anxious and lanky man in his late 20s with a patchy beard. He's friendly, but awkward. He seems extremely knowledgeable about survival equipment and the wilderness. His shop is simply called "Mercy's Supplies: Dry goods and General Store."
The inside is packed quite full with shelves, racks, crates and cabinets. Each has a piece of parchment that has been lacquered onto the front as a label.
Barrels full of shovels, pickaxes and cart axles are sprinkled throughout the shop. In the center is a square counter with a man standing behind it reading a book. On his left is a small stack of books, a very tall jar of pickled eggs, a taller jar of pickled vegetables. On his other side are quite a few pairs of tall wading books, mosquito netted helmets, small folded parchments squares labeled "maps" and fur lined cloaks. Under him in a class case are small crates of vials with tiny labels tied to them with thick twine.
Three open crates are by the door labeled "Dwarven Iron Rations, Elven Trail Rations, Hobbit's packed lunches and Tavern Meals."
Dwarven rations are the cheapest and last the longest. They're 2 silverpieces per day and will keep for a month. They contain a tightly packed tin of mutton pemmican, 4 rock hard green biscuts and a small jar containing a pickled egg and a pickled cucumber. It can be difficult for those who aren't hardy to eat these rations for long periods of time.
Elven trail rations are 1 silver piece per day and have a small, thinly knit bag of dried fruits, nuts and a crumbly, dry lemon cake. They keep for about a week. Most find subsisting on Elven trail rations aren't enough to eat for long periods of time and are meant to supplement foraged and hunted meals.
The Hobbit's packed lunch are 5 silver pieces and contain a half of a summer sausage, a small wheel of hard cheese with a thick wax rind, an apple, a small loaf of spongey crusty bread and a small jar of fruit preserves wrapped together in a handkerchief. They keep for 2 or 3 days depending on temperature.
The crate labeled "Tavern meals" contains cloth wrapped packages containing a half loaf of thick rye bread, a small pie made from onions, potatoes and venison. These last about 24 hours and cost 3 silver pieces and include a watered down bottle of wine.
"I believe I'll head on over to Mercy's store. I'll meet you all at the gate. Here's to happy adventures!"
Olias plays his lute and sings to himself as he makes his way to Mercy's.
"Hello there, my good man! I was told you're the man to see before heading out of town. The captain mentioned it gets cold in these parts. How much for a mosquito netted helmet, a cloak, and a map?"
"I believe I'll head on over to Mercy's store. I'll meet you all at the gate. Here's to happy adventures!"
Olias plays his lute and sings to himself as he makes his way to Mercy's.
"Hello there, my good man! I was told you're the man to see before heading out of town. The captain mentioned it gets cold in these parts. How much for a mosquito netted helmet, a cloak, and a map?"
"Good call on the mosquito nets. It's chilly enough that most of the bugs are gone...but the hardy ones, well, they're the ones to worry about. Bloodbugs are no joke!
This time a year it's getting real cold at night, not bad during the day if it's sunny. You can follow the road, but the swamp has flooded a bit in the last few weeks I've heard, we've been getting a lot of rain, traveling by road could get a bit annoying."
"You the ones they're sending off to the Orchard?" He scribbles a bit on your map and slides it to you.
"You can cut through the forest and save yourself some time (coming back, or heading there.) That's the route I usually take."
"Need anything else? For the Map, the Cloak and the helmet will run you 8 silver."
Stopping in the general store, Florr stocks up on halfling rations ("Four please!"), dwarven rations ("Four please!"), six pickled eggs, four pickled cucumbers, and horse oats. She shows John Mercy her homemade fish jerky, asking if he would like to try it for a potential barter. "Have you traveled north of here? Any tales of bandits or beasts in the woods? I want to be as prepared as possible!"
After her visit to the store, Florr returns to the stables to check on Storm Surge. When she sees Constance, she will ask, "Have you ever traveled north of Haven? Is it easy on horseback, or would you recommend walking?" After she feeds Storm Surge an apple and brushes his mane, she will return to the Guild yard to sleep under the stars.
Also:
"Quite an impressive display from the two of you! (he motions to Florr and Oleksandr), but tell me Oleksandr, How were you able to tell that Billy Potter was here already?"
"Myra is not of this world. She is my familliar. Through my studies I learned to summon her from another plane. At times our thoughts can be one in the same. I saw through her eyes when she took to the air and I was able to spot the gentleman quite easily. Her usefulness in scouting has kept me safe in my travels many times."
"I am very much interested in this library you speak of. I hope this Bill Wiseman to find me worthy of purusing his tomes in time."
To the group: "I think I have what I need for this journey; at least enough to eat. I will be at the Drunken Horse if you wish to discuss our travelling arrangements. I have a room there if any of you would rather sleep indoors (on the floor). Or if one of you wishes to contribute to my travelling fund I would be willing to sacrifice my long awaited opportunity to sleep in a bed."
"I look forward to working with and getting to know each of you in time."
Also: [dice=Survival] 1d20 + 4
"Excuse me, Mr. Mercy," Florr says, motioning to the book, "Is this a work of yours? Might I take a look? Also, I'd like to get some supplies along with my food order... let's see. How about a tent? I've been sleeping out under the stars, and it's going to get chilly soon. I'm also going to need a couple fire starters and anti-toxins in case of those pesky bugs." She pulls out her coin purse. "I'm hoping one of my colleagues gets the map. I'm rather short on gold right now. What's my total for the food, tent, fire starters, and anti-toxins?"
"14 days of iron rations and a cask of something hard to choke them down with Mercy". Thravum plunks some coins down on the counter.
To the party "I don't know about Fellowship, but I'll gladly fill my belly and liver at the Horse. Can't leave tomorrow until Guldar's done with my shield. Who else is walking on foot to this Rumrum Griba place?"
Olias takes one last look around the store before leaving to make sure he has everything he needs.
He turns to Mercy, after overhearing his conversation with Florr. "Some of those anti-toxins might be useful. How much for a tent and anti-toxins?"
To the group: "I purchased a map, and it shows a pretty direct route through the woods. I suggest we head in that direction. I'm sure we'll encounter some trouble either way, but I rather get there more quickly."
Also, (to convince the group to go into the woods)
Thravum grunts at Olias in agreement, nodding. "Agreed, let's get this done as quickly as possible.".
"Agreed! And on horseback would make our journey even faster!" chimes in Florr.
"The horses would be negligible if you go through the woods, the terrain doesn't have a path, you'll need to find your own path a bit, but it's not for very long, just half a day so horses won't make your trip any faster overall. But there are plenty of other things that a horse can come in handy for."
If you use the book you bought from him, it will allow you to reroll 1 Survival check. (Assuming it's something you can take the time to look up.)
To Florr: "Yep I wrote it over the years... Been living here for nearly ten years now. Sometimes I add to it, but that's the classic edition. It's a general guide to the terrain, plants, and animals. If you are looking for books on more specific topics, let me know and I'll help you find them. You are welcome to take a look but you gotta buy it to take it with you."
To Thravum: "I have expensive stuff, or I have cheap stuff that'll get you by. The cheap stuff some guy makes on the edge of town, and it's 5 copper for a barrel. The expensive stuff we got from Angus Deepflagon before he joined the guild. He still brews from time to time. A small cask of Deepflagon Ale will cost you 5 gold, and will give you 2 drinks a day."
To Olias:
You set out in the morning. It's chilly, foggy, but starting to get light out. Thravum's shield is ready, and is fitted with some new brass fittings to help prevent splitting.
Florr's horse Storm Surge is looking bright eyed and bushy tailed, and is currently munching some apples. He's been brushed, fitted with a thick blanket, and his saddle has been cinched and his bridle awaits. (He has two saddle bags packed with food that should last him in case the frost takes away some of his grazing options.)
Olias and Olek's stay at the inn way very toasty and warm, with clean linens (which you haven't had in a while) and your stay comes with breakfast - roasted potatoes and a large sausage.
As you head up north along the road, it's fairly quiet (feel free to make conversation).
About 2 hours before sunset, Myra lets your know the Woods are coming up on the horizon. They're thick.
While appearing to consider briefly, Thravum pulls 5gp from a pouch and leaves Mercy's with a small cask under his arm. As he tramps up to the gates to meet the rest of the party, you notice a strange cask shaped bulge wrapped up into his bedroll and blanket. He is also know armed with a shield to go with his battleaxe, that he didn't have on the training grounds. "Who knows the way?"
Florr pays for her rations, fire starters, antitoxins, tent, and decides to buy the book (even though she is now out of gold).
"He said he had a map!" she says, gesturing to Olias. "Storm Surge is all packed and I'm ready to head out!"
Oleksandr returns from his room with a basic but functional pack that seems fairly new and well stocked (ooc: I bought a explorer's pack before arriving to town).
Though a bed roll was already tied to the top he buys another rolled up item from John Mercy's store and manages to tie everything together.
Thravrum: "...Who knows the way?..."
"Myra can help scout ahead, but in terms of navigating the woods I may need to rely on some of you. I'm unfamiliar with these parts and spent most of my days reading books rather than climbing hills and forging paths. Without company I would have chosen the road. I'm sure I can assist in keeping us safe while we rest in the evening though."
Myra vaults into the air in a disruptive flap of her wings.
Florr: "...He said he had a map!..."
"Wonderful!I know we aren't quite at sea, but I assume, Florr, that you know your way around a map and could help interpret its meaning in case things take a turn for the worse?"
He turns to Olias and reaches a hand forward
"I haven't had a chance to formally introduce myself. Oleksandr Blackwind, scholar and spinner of the arcane arts."