Jaye's Carrion Crown (Inactive)

Game Master Jason Sonia

I appologize, Master Dm. But...this city is the parties destination, is it not?

Madeline actually looks to the guards, her gaze having never left looking at the city since it became visible as the group left the forest.

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

"We have business with the University." Madeline replies succinctly.

Smith stops as the group stops. His eyes also looking over those who would challenge his Mistress..

Perception:1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Madeline does have a 'Disguise' skill (Of +5). Plus, her sense of fashion is much like the dress as the pair of heroes from "Brotherhood of the wolf". Image

The guards give Madeline a confused look and say, "There is no university here."

Sorry...my internet is slow. I did ask whether this was our destination. So...another stop over on our way to handing over the late Professor's books?

Madeline brusquely waves the guards off.

"We have business in town. What is it you need to see of our documentation?" She demands.

Your group knows where it is going. It is up to each of you to either remember that, or, to look it up when you forget.

The guard looks at Madeline and takes a step back. He visibly puts his hand on his weapon and says, loudly, "Does this woman speak for your group? Tamrivena does not tolerate witchcraft of any sort and this woman stinks of it...."

Two of the guards look right at Smith.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Valen - distracted by the size and look of Tamrivena - fails to notice the guards initial agitation. He perks up, however, at the rising tones between Madeline and the guardsmen. Hoping to stave off any potential conflict, he places a calming hand on Madeline (to hopefully ease her irritation) and faces the guardsmen.

"Apologies for any confusion, good sirs. We are looking to rest at an inn for the evening on journey northward to Lepidstadt. The good lady is a noblewoman, and this fellow(pointing at Smith) is merely her manservant and bodyguard. As a servant of Pharasma, I can assure that she bears no ill-wind of sorcery if that will put you at ease." As he speaks, Valen does his best to recall what he has heard of the city - but given his rustic background it is likely not much.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
KN(Local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

FYI - can't speak for anyone else, but the website's been giving me problems since Friday night trying to get on. Don't know if it's a stateside only problem.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Alexa easily notices the guards unease and recalls the town's distrust of magic, especially any that might be considered witchcraft. After Valen speaks, she adds:
I am Alexa Grunward. I lived within this good town several years ago before leaving to learn more of the land. If the good Innkeeper Markon Harkov of the Gutted Orc is here, he can speak for me. I worked in his Inn for more than a year.

As a former resident, I can speak for my companions to tell you that we mean no harm. We are traveling north to Leipstadt to deliver books. We ask only that we be allowed within to rest our weary feet and allow our good animals to sleep in hay covered stalls.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Weehawk casually rest one hand on his sword and the other near his shield ready to don it if trouble erupts. He looks not only at the guards but side to side for any other trouble that may come his way.

I had trouble with the website as well last night

Yep, site wouldn't load for me either.

Vaghn smiles disarmingly. "I understand, herren, you are only doing your jobs, and my companion here does look a mite strange. Frl. Peshtussle is a bit lax in her geography lessons, I am afraid, and thought we had already reached our destination of Lepidstadt, rather than your fine town." He chuckles self-depricatingly, his manner inviting the guards to share in a bit of mirth at the foolishness of the nobility in confusing the two settlements. "Too bad we are less than halfway there! Still, the sun is close to setting, and, as I'm sure you'd agree, it is never truly safe to spend the night in the Ustalavic countryside, especially this close to those demon-cursed orcs. So to answer your question as to our business, it is as my companions have said, we wish only warm beds and something wet to wash the road's dust from our throats. We will be gone again in the morning, less a bit of coin, and there will not be one whit of witchcraft in the meantime, on that you have my word as a Professor of Lepidstadt University." He stands, smiling, his posture relaxed and non-threatening, hoping his companions follow his lead.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Madeline continues to sit imperiously, if a bit ridiculously, atop her pony.

The guards listen to you for a few moments, but after hearing Valen and Vaghn speak, nod politely and stand aside. "Thank you, gentlemen, for your explanation. You clearly understand the threats we face, so close to the Orc-Cursed Lands and know the orcs are constantly seeking to send in infernal servants of all sorts. It is our duty to turn them aside, by whit or blade, whenever they appear. Your noble companion struck us as odd and she clearly is confused. That confusion is, we've learned, normally a sign of witchcraft. Of course, if you'll swear by her, we'll say no more. Come, enter, and be at peace."

The guards continue to scowl at Madeline, but stand aside.

Website has been giving me trouble since Friday.

Weehawk relaxes and follows the others through the gate, inquiring about a livery for Mule as he passes the guards.

With a bit of relief, Valen nods at the guards in acknowledgement of their explanations before moving on.

"The stories I've heard of Tamrivena tells that it is a very superstitious place and anything even hinting supernatural could get us in trouble. We must be cautious." His last sentence is muttered with a glance towards Madeline.

Alexa nods, her recollection of the town similar to that of Valen.
Yes, with the orcs to the west, they are very suspect of witchcraft and anything that might hint at shaman like powers.

With that, she leads the others into the town and toward a suitable inn.

Madeline remains quiet, though her countenance is dark... (¬_¬)

Valen turns to Alexa: "I wonder - is there a Pharasman church in Tamrivena - to your knowledge?"

Open question; don't know if player knows or RGM wants to pipe in.

Personally I have no idea. I suppose I probably know most of what is in the Inner Sea guide. RGM will have to let us know what I would know about the town.

If you want to know something about a town, ask the question and make a Knowledge (local) roll. This is particularly helpful when it comes to a town's customs, landmarks, and so on. Technically, a Knowledge (religion) roll would work for this, too. I never assume players know everything about their town or country because it's a little presumptive. And unless you were a literal genius, I highly doubt you'd know everything in the Inner Sea Guide.

As you pass through the first set of gates, you walk only a short distance before encountering a second gate - this one smaller and well lit - with a man sitting behind a small, wooden table. He's dressed in grey and black, his tunic bearing a silver pattern outlining the city's heraldry. Several heavily armed guards stand around him, looking at you wearily. As you walk up, he nods and says, "Five silver a head for entry and five copper for livestock. By my count, the the good people of Tamrivena will require three gold and seven silver from your motley group."

He waits patiently as you present your money.

Madeline calmly counts out four gold from her purse before handing said coins to her manservant who, in turn, dutifully hands said coins on to the town clerc.

Madeline only arches her eyebrow slightly at the fellow's use of the word 'motley'.

Weehawk nods back respectfully to the guard, the pun regarding Mule, if intentional, sailing right over his head.

Thank ye kindly Swordbrother for the tip, what be your name? I be called Weehawk if you care to know.

As he says this he offers his hand out to the guard.

After those niceties he hands his and Mule's portion of the entry fee to Alexa.

It soun' like Babrick's Hall is the place for me, unless someone has another idear...

OK - should have thought as much on the question. Thanks!

As the exchange of words and money takes place, Valen inquires as to directions for The Soldier's Rest and it's Pharasman shrine - if any of the guards or coin collector has any insight.

Once the group is inside, Valen will add:"Once we are settled on lodgings, if it's alright I would like to visit the Grey Lady's shrine for guidance and blessings on our journey to Lepidstadt."

The guard takes Weehawk's hand, shakes it firmly, and says, "I'm Jeremiah. And I'm happy to send you over to Babrick's. It's my uncle's place. He's a good man who has taken the blade to more orcs than I would ever hope to see!"

The clerk takes the four gold coins from Smith's hands, but pulls back suddenly and let's out a little gasp as he does. He drops the coins on the table and looks up at Madeline's manservant. "His hands are so cold." The clerk looks nervously at the silent Smith as he counts out his change and slides it across the table. He clearly does not touch Smith's hands again.

Well met Jeremiah - I'm not much for telling tales, but I'll gladly listen to all of yourn, and buy you a pint for your trubl' an help, later this eve, if'n your free and willin' I'll be over at your Uncle's place, at least for a draft and a meal

Weehawk plans to spend some time at Babrick's but will stay at whatever inn the party elects to stay at. He'll get Mule stabled for the night and seek out lodgings with the others

Madeline pays the clerk little attention eve as she responds to his comment, "The weather here is not what some of us are used to. The deserts far to the South, Osiria and Katapesh, those lands are much warmer."

Should I actually start rolling for Madeline's disguise skill?

Moved to OOC discussion

The man raises an eyebrow at Madeline, but then shrugs his shoulders and mutters something under his breath. He then says, far more loudly, "Yes, right miss. I suppose not all who come from through the South Gate are locals to our fine, mist covered lands..."

Alexa looks over at Madeline.
Perhaps it would be best to have Smith stay wherever it is he goes when he is not with us. These folk seem a little jumpy and we all know that he is not exactly . . . human.

------
Remember, Smith does not exactly look human:

From the APG:

The eidolon’s physical appearance is up to the summoner, but it always appears as some sort of fantastical creature. This control is not fine enough to make the eidolon appear like a specific creature. The eidolon also bears a glowing rune that is identical to a rune that appears on the summoner’s forehead as long as the eidolon is summoned. While this rune can be hidden through mundane means, it cannot be concealed through magic that changes appearance, such as alter self or polymorph (although invisibility does conceal it as long as the spell lasts).

------

Based upon this, he might look sort of human, or at least humanoid, but is unlikely to really look close enough to pass off as a human except to the most unobservant (Wisdom 6 or less probably).

Your group weaves its way through the darkening, dank, and twisting streets of Tamrivena for about twenty minutes before finally finding Babrick's Bar, Grill, and Inn. The inn doesn't appear to be much, at least from the outside. Its walls are grey and most of the black trim is either fading or peeling away in patches. Several dark shingles lie around the perimeter of the building, suggesting its roof is in some need of repair - which a quick glance up confirms. When the front door final swings open, a rotund man, his cheeks the color of cherries, nods and waves you in.

"Well don't stand there looking at me inn like it's the last one in Ustalav, at least not this close to curfew. Come in, weary travelers, and partake of the best Blackwood Beer this side of the Eshirwood. Now hurry, the Wallguard will be about shortly."

Well met, and if ye be Babrick himself, yer nephew Jeremiah sent us yer way

If we have not already found a stable for our mounts, Weehawk will inquire where one is - and offer to take Mule and the other mounts there

Once inside Weehawk will survey the public room

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Weehawk will also take note of his lodgings whatever they may be as it looks like this will be the place we are staying

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Once settled, Weehawk finds himself a shadowed corner, and slowly draw on his pipe so the glow briefly illuminates, his eys only, beneath his cloak hood, while staring at the two Hobbits by the fire. If anyone asks, I tell them my name is Strider ---- JUST KIDDING

Weehawk settles himself in with Blackwood Beer and requests a meal, casting his eye about for anything that might be of importance.

Alexa also surveys the room as they enter, looking for anything, or anyone, out of the ordinary.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

She also looks at the structural integrity of the building and wonders how long it will be before these people allow the structure to fall into ruins so that nature may once more claim it. She recalls finding more than a few such abandoned structures in the forest over the years. Usually places where less than good creatures congregated.

The rotund man looks at Weehawk, smiles a big toothy grin, and says, "Aye. That'd be me nephew on the wall. He's smart to send you me way. Now come in, come in, before the watch gets curious. I've some nice pies for dinner and the best Black Beer you'll taste in a long while."

Weehawk settles himself in for a beer and some pie - relaxing a bit but still keeping a casual watchful eye

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Valen looks around as they enter as well; trying to get a feel for the place. He does glance worriedly at Madeline, after the brief rebuff from their entrance and tries to assist her in settling into the place, if she accepts the offer.

To be welcomed in puts him at ease, and he eventually joins the others in taking in the pie and beer after a long day of travel. Hearing the information about a curfew and the watch, he will eventually inquire of Babrick if it is possible for a priest to make it to the shrine this evening or if any such travel is frowned upon.
Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Babrick looks at Valen and says, "Ah, of course. Soldier's Rest. I'll summon a man to take you there if you require it."

Babrick looks at Valen and says, "Ah, of course. Soldier's Rest. I'll summon a man to take you there if you require it."

"Once we have settled in, that would be most welcome, good sir." He gives the man a gold coin from his new reserves for his troubles. Valen has a somewhat puzzled look - as the notion of giving someone coinage for their troubles is still new to him, but he is happy for the aid.

Madeline regards their abode of rest darkly. Though Valen's assistance does bring a slight smile to her features.

How is the pie and beer? As good as Babrick boasted?

Alexa sits down with Weehawk and tentatively samples the fare at the inn.
So, how long do we need to stay here? I am never comfortable in human settlements any more. Especially large ones like this. I only hope that the University has more trees and gardens.

"Only stopping in for the night, just as I told the guard. Don't worry, we'll be sleeping under the stars again tomorrow night." Vaghn tucks into a meat pie with relish.

Madeline, for her sake, enjoys the relative comforts of 'civilization'. Of which this inn seems very relative to the term 'civilization'.

Valen - enjoying the pie as well - nods in agreement with Vaghn's assessment. After the meal - if Babrick can still aid him - he will make his way to Soldiers Rest and commit a long prayer at the shrine. He plucks a little soil from a pouch - grave dirt from his old cemetery in Crow's Bridge and places it as sign of his devotion and profession.

Each of you find the inn, although old and somewhat questionable, is comfortable. The beds are, without doubt, soft and warm. And the food is everything that Babrick promised. Around midnight, with the moon full and low in the sky, things in the tavern start to quiet. An hour later, the whole place is quiet. Only the sounds of the occasional guard, his mail boots clicking on the stone roads outside, can be heard.

*zzzzzzZZZZZZZZZzzzzzz* (-_-)

Given Babrick's courtesy and aid, Valen is glad to give the place a Pharasman blessing before turning in for the evening.

When she gets the rest of the party together:
I feel like we are being watched. I do not know what, but I could have sworn that I saw something with yellow eyes watching use. I did not sense anything, but my sight does not detect evil as a paladin, more unnatural creatures such as the undead and creatures from other planes. It could be a werewolf or something similar, they have yellow eyes, don't they?

When and where did you see deez eyes? Might be good idear to 'ave a watch up during the night?