With a reasonably intent audience, Bowls seems to gain some confidence and momentum. He leans forward once more and lowers his voice so that others will not overhear him. "You would all be aware that there is much talk at the moment about the Cains and the treasure hoards which may yet still exist behind hidden passages. Well, I have reason to believe that one of these Cairns" and he lowers his voice further, befitting the name "- The Whispering Cairn - may have some yet undiscovered passages. And I believe I know the entrance to it." He pauses for effect and looks towards Brashen with this last statement.Andolphas raises an eyebrow in evident surprise following Boland's declaration, then fixes him with a frigid stare and responds in an equally cold whisper. "Boland, you know that's non-sense... the Whispering Cairn has been thoroughly explored, and everyone knows there is nothing else to be found there... now is that all this meeting was about? A mysterious stranger wanting to gather a group of strangers to go ... I'm afraid that Boland here was the victim of a hoax, and that we've all wasted our time here... still no sign of this Nikola, is there?" The black-eyed acolyte holds one palm up and looks at the wizard's recruits one by one, hoping they will agree with his assessment of the situation and decide to end the meeting early.
Brash leans in closer to the table, arms crossed before him, matching the whispering conversation. "I dont know about a hoax, but what makes this any different to the last 50 would be hero's seeking for lost treasure in the cairns? What makes you think you know where these secret passages are located even if we can get into the Cairn?" Brash lets his doubt show through in his words, yet the idea of treasure seems to keep Brash from leaving immediately
Strevlik wasn’t too sure what to make of Da’gret turning up with this brutish character. So this was the ‘friend’ that he was meeting. Strevlik hopes that Da’gret is a good judge of character is and that his friend Brashen will not get him into trouble. With this latest development, Strevlik found himself invested in this adventure even before it begins, as he intends to look out for Da’gret.
Even with these troubling thoughts, his ranger’s instinct alerted him to the interest of an elven woman at a nearby table to their discussion. Strevlik tilts his head slightly towards the elf to get a better look at her.
Brash leans in closer to the table, arms crossed before him, matching the whispering conversation. "I dont know about a hoax, but what makes this any different to the last 50 would be hero's seeking for lost treasure in the cairns? What makes you think you know where these secret passages are located even if we can get into the Cairn?" Brash lets his doubt show through in his words, yet the idea of treasure seems to keep Brash from leaving immediately
Years of being bullied and talked over put Boland immediately on the defensive, causing him to miss any implied message Andolphas may have been making. He had no wish to lose face in front of the assembled group and lose what little respect he may have had.
"You're wrong, Andolphas - everyone thinks there is no more to be found in the Cairn, but I know that is not true. Nikola a Hoax? Perhaps - yet I detected no doubt in his voice. And as I have alluded, I have every reason to believe that not all the mysteries around the Whispering Cairn have been solved." He looks again pointedly at Brash.
Calming his voice again, he takes on a reasoning tone. "Look, I cannot gaurantee that were we to seek out the Cairn we would find anything there. But I do believe there is something there to be found. Between us we have a set of mundane and magical skills that will give us a good chance of uncovering something worthwhile." While he reasons, Boland leans forward once more on the table and makes eye contact with each of those present, in turn. "At worst we take a look and waste a day. At best....we uncover knowledge, treasure...and possibly put some past wrongs right". His eyes land on Brash once more for this final comment.
Strevlik, the elven woman at the other table is slim and graceful, with the sharply defined features and long pointed ears typical of her race. She wears simple but well made clothes and a close fitting suit of leather armour.
She is leaning forward in her seat, head tilted slightly towards your table, as if trying to listen in on the conversation. You’re not sure if she would be able to hear a whispered conversation from fifteen feet away over the noise of the tavern – but then elves are renowned for their excellent hearing.
After a moment she seems to notice your scrutiny and leans back again in her seat, returning to cleaning her nails with her sharp throwing dagger – but you almost could have sworn she gave you a subtle wink as she did so.
Years of being bullied and talked over put Boland immediately on the defensive, causing him to miss any implied message Andolphas may have been making. He had no wish to lose face in front of the assembled group and lose what little respect he may have had."You're wrong, Andolphas - everyone thinks there is no more to be found in the Cairn, but I know that is not true. Nikola a Hoax? Perhaps - yet I detected no doubt in his voice. And as I have alluded, I have every reason to believe that not all the mysteries around the Whispering Cairn have been solved." He looks again pointedly at Brash.
Calming his voice again, he takes on a reasoning tone. "Look, I cannot gaurantee that were we to seek out the Cairn we would find anything there. But I do believe there is something there to be found. Between us we have a set of mundane and magical skills that will give us a good chance of uncovering something worthwhile." While he reasons, Boland leans forward once more on the table and makes eye contact with each of those present, in turn. "At worst we take a look and waste a day. At best....we uncover knowledge, treasure...and possibly put some past wrongs right". His eyes land on Brash once more for this final comment.
Brash leans back in his chair, a grim expression on his face. "Some things cant be turned right again Bowls..." The large man leans back in his chair and a slight scowl returns to his face. "Maybe theres something to be said about this treasure business though, there are others in town who also believe the Cairns can still yield treasures..." Brash pauses again. "One day. I'll go with you for one day, and we'll see what treausre we can find." Brash lapses into silence and again glares around at the other occupents of the table
Mothman
Brash leans back in his chair, a grim expression on his face. "Some things cant be turned right again Bowls..." The large man leans back in his chair and a slight scowl returns to his face. "Maybe theres something to be said about this treasure business though, there are others in town who also believe the Cairns can still yield treasures..." Brash pauses again. "One day. I'll go with you for one day, and we'll see what treausre we can find." Brash lapses into silence and again glares around at the other occupents of the table
So, it seems that Brashen has agreed to accompany Boland on his expedition to the Cairn – for a single day at least.
Sense Motive 19+
So, it seems that Brashen has agreed to accompany Boland on his expedition to the Cairn – for a single day at least.
Sense Motive 19+ ** spoiler omitted **
Boland waits with bated breath as those around the table consider his words, suddenly feeling terribly vulnerable. When Brashen speaks on the affirmative, he lets out the breath he had been holding in and his demeanor relaxes visibly. If Brash has agreed, then chances are Da'gret will also come along he thinks to himself. Suddenly the odds of pulling this off without Nikola seemed much better.
He nods a thanks at the big man, and then looks around the table at the others. "Two is better than one, but I would be far more comfortable with five, and our chances of finding what we seek would go up considerably. What say you?". His voice seems surer and his body language much more confident now than previously.
Boland waits with bated breath as those around the table consider his words, suddenly feeling terribly vulnerable. When Brashen speaks on the affirmative, he lets out the breath he had been holding in and his demeanor relaxes visibly. If Brash has agreed, then chances are Da'gret will also come along he thinks to himself. Suddenly the odds of pulling this off without Nikola seemed much better.He nods a thanks at the big man, and then looks around the table at the others. "Two is better than one, but I would be far more comfortable with five, and our chances of finding what we seek would go up considerably. What say you?". His voice seems surer and his body language much more confident now than previously.
A hint of crimson now appears on Andolphas's normally chalk-white face, which is set in a scowl. After a long silence, he speaks in a subdued tone: "I had wished to avoid making this a public discussion, Boland... but did you think to secure the good will of the Green Lady prior to planning this little expedition into some ancient burial chamber? I'm assuming not... and that Amariss," he lingers on the name of the cult's comely head priestess, "will be deeply disappointed by your lack of foresight... Not to mention that those who have not paid proper homage to the Lady before they set off may in turn have the misfortune of suffering an early and less than pleasant demise..."
The acolyte finishes his statement by caressing the amulet of the Dark-Eyed Lady that hangs from his neck.
Strevlik appears distracted by the elf a few tables over, and does not immediately respond to Boland.
A hint of crimson now appears on Andolphas's normally chalk-white face, which is set in a scowl. After a long silence, he speaks in a subdued tone: "I had wished to avoid making this a public discussion, Boland... but did you think to secure the good will of the Green Lady prior to planning this little expedition into some ancient burial chamber? I'm assuming not... and that Amariss," he lingers on the name of the cult's comely head priestess, "will be deeply disappointed by your lack of foresight... Not to mention that those who have not paid proper homage to the Lady before they set off may in turn have the misfortune of suffering an early and less than pleasant demise..."
The acolyte finishes his statement by caressing the amulet of the Dark-Eyed Lady that hangs from his neck.
Andolphas' words have an immediate effect on Boland, his newly found confidence dashed as the sea on a rocky cliff face.
"B-But of course we thought of the G-Green Lady and the need to get her b-blessing before we leave" he stutters. "That's one of the reasons why we...why I invited you along." He too reaches for and pulls forth the amulet he wears around his neck. "You know I have nothing but respect and admiration for the Lady"
A hint of crimson now appears on Andolphas's normally chalk-white face, which is set in a scowl. After a long silence, he speaks in a subdued tone: "I had wished to avoid making this a public discussion, Boland... but did you think to secure the good will of the Green Lady prior to planning this little expedition into some ancient burial chamber? I'm assuming not... and that Amariss," he lingers on the name of the cult's comely head priestess, "will be deeply disappointed by your lack of foresight... Not to mention that those who have not paid proper homage to the Lady before they set off may in turn have the misfortune of suffering an early and less than pleasant demise..."
The acolyte finishes his statement by caressing the amulet of the Dark-Eyed Lady that hangs from his neck.
Andolphas' words have an immediate effect on Boland, his newly found confidence dashed as the sea on a rocky cliff face.
"B-But of course we thought of the G-Green Lady and the need to get her b-blessing before we leave" he stutters. "That's one of the reasons why we...why I invited you along." He too reaches for and pulls forth the amulet he wears around his neck. "You know I have nothing but respect and admiration for the Lady"
Brash snorts at this exchange, brushing off the topic as not very important. "Well im sure between the two of you we'll have all the homage we can manage, so why dont we leave that in our capable hands. What about the rest of you? Coming along for the ride? Da'gret? And Bowls, what exactly did this Nikola say to you? You holding anything out on me?"
Tomb robbing? he realizes. Da'gret sits down and takes a closer look at those he had blown off earlier. Money wasn't all that exciting as he rarely used it, but hidden tombs were for champions. In stories champions were sometimes buried with weapons of legend. Something like that could help as the dead lake's champion once she made her will known...
Intrigued the half-orc leans in whispering unnecessarily, "What kind of treasure you think? Who was the cairn for?"
Brash snorts at this exchange, brushing off the topic as not very important. "Well im sure between the two of you we'll have all the homage we can manage, so why dont we leave that in our capable hands. What about the rest of you? Coming along for the ride? Da'gret? And Bowls, what exactly did this Nikola say to you? You holding anything out on me?"
Andolphas raises an eyebrow as Brashen brushes off the the topic,and then stands up abruptly and slams his fist down on the table. "BLASPHEMER!" he yells out, "mark my words, your complacent attitude will be the doom of us all! The Dark-Eyed Lady can read our hearts, and those who do not hold her firmly within their bosom when they request her blessings -- those who make only token gestures and rely on token words -- skew the odds of success against their companions as well! Her favour is not freely given, nor is it to be taken for granted!"
Realizing that he has been speaking a little too loudly and possibly drawing the attention of other patrons in the noisy tavern, the sinister acolyte casts a few looks over his shoulders, then sits down again and continues with a hushed voice. "Boland, what I was trying to tell you ever so subtly was that you should have obtained the guidance of the Green Lady's servants before you recruited your band of... tomb robbers. We certainly could have provided you with more appropriate associates. This one," he points to Brashen, "we can certainly do without."
Brash snorts at this exchange, brushing off the topic as not very important. "Well im sure between the two of you we'll have all the homage we can manage, so why dont we leave that in our capable hands. What about the rest of you? Coming along for the ride? Da'gret? And Bowls, what exactly did this Nikola say to you? You holding anything out on me?"
Brash snorts at this exchange, brushing off the topic as not very important. "Well im sure between the two of you we'll have all the homage we can manage, so why dont we leave that in our capable hands. What about the rest of you? Coming along for the ride? Da'gret? And Bowls, what exactly did this Nikola say to you? You holding anything out on me?"
Andolphas raises an eyebrow as Brashen brushes off the the topic,and then stands up abruptly and slams his fist down on the table. "BLASPHEMER!" he yells out, "mark my words, your complacent attitude will be the doom of us all! The Dark-Eyed Lady can read our hearts, and those who do not hold her firmly within their bosom when they request her blessings -- those who make only token gestures and rely on token words -- skew the odds of success against their companions as well! Her favour is not freely given, nor is it to be taken for granted!"
Realizing that he has been speaking a little too loudly and possibly drawing the attention of other patrons in the noisy tavern, the sinister acolyte casts a few looks over his shoulders, then sits down again and continues with a hushed voice. "Boland, what I was trying to tell you ever so subtly was that you should have obtained the guidance of the Green Lady's servants before you recruited your band of... tomb robbers. We certainly could have provided you with more appropriate associates. This one," he points to Brashen, "we can certainly do without."
Brash snorts at this exchange, brushing off the topic as not very important. "Well im sure between the two of you we'll have all the homage we can manage, so why dont we leave that in our capable hands. What about the rest of you? Coming along for the ride? Da'gret? And Bowls, what exactly did this Nikola say to you? You holding anything out on me?"
Brash snorts at this exchange, brushing off the topic as not very important. "Well im sure between the two of you we'll have all the homage we can manage, so why dont we leave that in our capable hands. What about the rest of you? Coming along for the ride? Da'gret? And Bowls, what exactly did this Nikola say to you? You holding anything out on me?"Andolphas raises an eyebrow as Brashen brushes off the the topic,and then stands up abruptly and slams his fist down on the table. "BLASPHEMER!" he yells out, "mark my words, your complacent attitude will be the doom of us all! The Dark-Eyed Lady can read our hearts, and those who do not hold her firmly within their bosom when they request her blessings -- those who make only token gestures and rely on token words -- skew the odds of success against their companions as well! Her favour is not freely given, nor is it to be taken for granted!"
Realizing that he has been speaking a little too loudly and possibly drawing the attention of other patrons in the noisy tavern, the sinister acolyte casts a few looks over his shoulders, then sits down again and continues with a hushed voice. "Boland, what I was trying to tell you ever so subtly was that you should have obtained the guidance of the Green Lady's servants before you recruited your band of... tomb robbers. We certainly could have provided you with more appropriate associates. This one," he points to Brashen, "we can certainly do without."
Brash half stands, powerful arms leaning on the table, so he now looks down on the seated priest. Brash talks quietly but in a snarling voice. "Im coming along, with ir without the leave of you and your dark lady. I make my own odds, friend, and need the favour of no one. So why dont you sit your self down quietly while we discuss what needs to be discussed... so you dont get yourself hurt..."
Seating himself again, but still glaring towards Andolphas, Brash claps Da'gret on the back; "And i cant believe Da'gret here is asking the sensible questions. What do we know about the tomb? Who lies there?"
Brash half stands, powerful arms leaning on the table, so he now looks down on the seated priest. Brash talks quietly but in a snarling voice. "Im coming along, with ir without the leave of you and your dark lady. I make my own odds, friend, and need the favour of no one. So why dont you sit your self down quietly while we discuss what needs to be discussed... so you dont get yourself hurt..."
intimidate check, 15+7= 21
Seating himself again, but still glaring towards Andolphas, Brash claps Da'gret on the back; "And i cant believe Da'gret here is asking the sensible questions. What do we know about the tomb? Who lies there?"
As Andolphas’ and Brashen’s confrontation escalates, several people at surrounding tables turn and glance in their direction, or curse and mutter.
Spot 12+
Spot 15+
Boland:
Andolphas:
As Andolphas’ and Brashen’s confrontation escalates, several people at surrounding tables turn and glance in their direction, or curse and mutter.
Boland's response to Brashen's question is quickly cut off by the exchange between the priest and the burly warrior. He watches the confrontation, stunned that the conversation had suddenly turned into a shouting match and unsure for a moment how to respond. He feels eyes watching the table, though he tries not to look past the group sitting here with him.
Once both men have taken seat once more, he gathers his wits speaks quietly, in the hope that they will have to keep quiet in order to hear him. He also wishes no more of their conversation to be overheard by others in the bar. "Andolphas, Brashen. I think you would both agree that if this enterprise has any chance of yielding rewards, then it should be kept quiet! I fear those around us have heard too much already - let's try and keep our voices and backsides down."
He pauses for a moment, struggling to keep a level voice and stern look on his face as he looks at both men in turn. Did I just do that?? Did I just scold them?! He thinks in disbelief.
He now addresses the table as a whole, while his nerve holds. "As mentioned earlier, I asked you all here for the variety of skills you bring to the table. Brashen, be sure that the blessing of the Green Lady is important if we want to keep our necks and be successful in this undertaking. And the magic Andolphas is capable of will bring us formidible aid." He turns to the priest. "Andolphas, I for one don't want to venture into the unknown without someone who knows how to wield a sword, and Brashen will be invaluable should we encounter and dangers along the way. And he had other skills which may also be of use."
"The same goes for everyone. The odds of any one of us finding anything worthwhile is not great. The odds of the 5 of us working together are perhaps not so bad."
Finally he turns to Da'gret and lowers his voice further. "I am not sure about what treasures we are likely to find, but you have no doubt heard the stories of the mountains of wealth and magic that has been recovered from other Cairns in the past? As for whose tomb it is, I am also unsure. It is commonly thought that this particular Cairn is much older than many of the others - 100's if not 1000's of years old."
Strevlik is uncomfortable in this rowdy environment and his irritation showed when he spoke - "Look, I am getting out of here, this is just not my scene and with you lot carrying on the way you are...." he trails off with a grunt of disapproval. "Just know that I will come along to the cairns not for any reason other than to make sure you Boland have not taken on more than you can manage!" Strevlik spoke rather sternly, surprising even himself - he just really wanted leave the pub. "Come on Da'grat, lets get out of here NOW, I am tired of this place and nobody here really have anything more to say that's worth staying for.". With this final remark Strevlik stands up and nods his farewell to the group of men, as he thinks to himself: what a motley group to venture into the omnious cairns with! and sighs hoping that Da'grat is following closely behind him as he exits the pub.
When Strevlik stands to leave Da'gret reluctantly breaks off his stare down of those in the bar who are taking a little too much interest in Andolphas's religious outburst. "Maybe you leave too?" He stands and leans in with both fists on the table. In a mock whisper to Andolphas, "Your lady make you so loud? Elf woman," he knocks his head to the nearby table, "and orc-blood by the bar think this talk very interesting. You want to share treasures with them?! We meet later somewhere else."
[QUOTE="DM Mothman
He now addresses the table as a whole, while his nerve holds. "As mentioned earlier, I asked you all here for the variety of skills you bring to the table. Brashen, be sure that the blessing of the Green Lady is important if we want to keep our necks and be successful in this undertaking. And the magic Andolphas is capable of will bring us formidible aid." He turns to the priest. "Andolphas, I for one don't want to venture into the unknown without someone who knows how to wield a sword, and Brashen will be invaluable should we encounter and dangers along the way. And he had other skills which may also be of use."
The acolyte regains control of his temper, and noticed as he looked discretely over his shoulder the interest that he and Brashen had generated from the elf maiden and the half-orc. Speaking again in a quiet whisper, while occasionally flashing lightning bolts from his eyes at Brashen: "Since I seem unable to make you change your mind, Boland, then I shall come along for the same reason as Strevlik -- to help save you from yourself... I do not question your respect for the Dark-Eyed Lady, as I do your companions' lack thereof. But I'll tell all of you honestly -- I would be seriously surprised if we found anything in the Whispering Cairn. While it is quite likely among the most ancient cairns found in these hills – one of those that were old when the Suel first migrated to this region many centuries past - without powerful magic, any bodies interred there are likely to have decayed to dust long ago."
In a mock whisper to Andolphas, "Your lady make you so loud? Elf woman," he knocks his head to the nearby table, "and orc-blood by the bar think this talk very interesting. You want to share treasures with them?! We meet later somewhere else."
Andolphas nods grimly at Da'gret and rises from the table a few moments after his table mates leave. As he makes his way through the crowd towards the exit, he casts a baleful glance at the elf woman while rattling the canary skulls and ruby-skull symbol of Wee Jas that dangle around his neck with dramatic flair. "Remember your prayers, good workers of Diamond Lake, remember your prayers to the Dark-Eyed Lady... for tomorrow is another day, and the new day always brings with it a new death somewhere in the world... and all too often, here, in our community..." The sinister yet charismatic cleric stops at the door, and, with the practiced grace of a showman, looks over his shoulder one last time while smiling benignly at the tavern's patrons. "Remember your prayers..."
And then, he walks out and fades into night's darkness...
The Governor-Mayor employs light-boys to keep the street lamps along the Vein lit at night. Between the lamps and the light that spills from the open doorways and windows of dozens of taverns and houses-of-ill-repute, the Vein resembles a ribbon of light at night, amongst the dark, forbidding hills.
Here at street level, the view is less romantic. The lamps and doorways form pools of light, about which cluster moths, drunks, and ruffians, but seem to do little but make the dark alley mouths and recessed doorways between them seem more sinister.
The street is certainly quieter than the rowdy main bar of the Feral Dog, but it is not quiet. Laughter and music wafts from the lit upper windows of the Emporium, whilst the muffled sounds of chanting and yelling come from behind the fortress-like walls of the nearby church of St Cuthbert. A feral cat (perhaps?) yowls from a dark back lane, whilst a drunken miner vomits noisily against the wall of a tavern.
Mothmaster-
Da’gret:
The lake is right at the edge of town, not too far at all.
Boland is taken aback by the sudden dispersal of the group, and it takes him a moment to realise that it seemed everyone had agreed to join the expedition. He feels a moment of pride, albiet sullied a little by the fact that at least 2 members had only agreed to come as they think him too incompetent to take care of himself. But he had done it, and without Nikola's help. Thought of the missing explorer fills him with a measure of worry.
Before he can dwell on it though, he realises with a note of alarm that everyone was leaving without first having discussed a meeting place and time. He rises and hurries out of the pub, happy to be out of the place. Outside he bids everyone wait a moment and gathers them in close before saying quietly "Let us meet as Taggin's tomorrow morning, at opening. There may be a few things we need to get before we head out. From there I can lead us out to the place."
Andolphas:
Boland:
Brashen:
Da’gret:
Strevlik:
Outside he bids everyone wait a moment and gathers them in close before saying quietly "Let us meet as Taggin's tomorrow morning, at opening. There may be a few things we need to get before we head out. From there I can lead us out to the place."
"I'll see you tomorrow morning at Taggin's, Boland... now rest well," says Andolphas, turning his back on the party and waving a hand as he begins his walk back down the Vein in the direction of the lake with arms wide spread, like some great green bird of prey. Now and again, his voice can be heard in the night, preaching to the drunks, street walkers, and others that cross his path.
Boland is taken aback by the sudden dispersal of the group, and it takes him a moment to realise that it seemed everyone had agreed to join the expedition. He feels a moment of pride, albiet sullied a little by the fact that at least 2 members had only agreed to come as they think him too incompetent to take care of himself. But he had done it, and without Nikola's help. Thought of the missing explorer fills him with a measure of worry.
Before he can dwell on it though, he realises with a note of alarm that everyone was leaving without first having discussed a meeting place and time. He rises and hurries out of the pub, happy to be out of the place. Outside he bids everyone wait a moment and gathers them in close before saying quietly "Let us meet as Taggin's tomorrow morning, at opening. There may be a few things we need to get before we head out. From there I can lead us out to the place."
Brash flashes Bowls a smile. "I think that went quite well! Ill see you tomorrow and we can get this business over with." With that he walks into the night, heading for home.
Andolphas: ** spoiler omitted **
Boland: ** spoiler omitted **
Brashen: ** spoiler omitted **
Da’gret: ** spoiler omitted **Strevlik: ** spoiler omitted **
Mothman
Brash flashes Bowls a smile. "I think that went quite well! Ill see you tomorrow and we can get this business over with." With that he walks into the night, heading for home.
Boland nods absently at Brash's words, but after a moment he calls out to the man. "Brash! A word if you've got a minute?" He motions aside from any of the others and talks quietly to the big man.
Brash & Mothman
"I am a little concerned about Nikola's apparent disappearance" he says with a frown on his face. "He seemed genuine about this venture and it strikes me as odd that he wouldn't show. You know a few people round town, so if you were planning to head out tonight, might be worth keeping an ear out for news of him? Anyway, see you tomorrow."
After speaking with Brash, Boland heads off at a brisk pace for home.
Mothman
On the way home stress and worry creeps back into Boland's thoughts. What if everyone turns up tomorrow and we find nothing! he thinkgs. Or even worse, we find something we can't handle, like the thing that took Kaela! He shivers against the night air and hurries home.
Once there he looks over his spell book, trying to decide what spells would be of most use tomorrow. He vaguely remembers hearing of a spell which detects secret or hidden doors, but is frustrated can't find it among his notes. He tries to think if Allustan has a copy he could get his hands on. [ooc]Is there any chance Allustan has a copy of this spell that Boland would be able to get to?[ooc]
Brash flashes Bowls a smile. "I think that went quite well! Ill see you tomorrow and we can get this business over with." With that he walks into the night, heading for home.Boland nods absently at Brash's words, but after a moment he calls out to the man. "Brash! A word if you've got a minute?" He motions aside from any of the others and talks quietly to the big man.
Brash & Mothman ** spoiler omitted **
After speaking with Brash, Boland heads off at a brisk pace for home.
Mothman ** spoiler omitted **
Motherster
Da’gret:
Later at night, the lakeside is quiet, peaceful – apart from the muffled clangs and roars which emanate from the great fortress-like building that rests on its shore – the building that pumps pollutants and slag into the lake night and day via under-water pipes. The building that is protected by strong stone walls and frequent patrols by the Garrison militia.
Andolphas:
“I don’t wish to listen to you because I’m a devout Cuthbertine, that’s why! My god actually prefers his worshippers alive!”
“The Whispering Cairn? No, I don’t know where it is, but it exists … a child went missing what, ten years ago? They reckon she found the Cairn, went within … and something got her. Not been seen since.”
“Yes, there was a man named Nikola staying up at the Able Carter. Not seen him in several days though, maybe a week. Like as not he’s gone back to the city.”
“Those adventurers from the city won’t find much in the Stirgenest Cairn – a wasted journey for them I’m afraid. Everyone knows all the cairns were looted long ago.”
“If those three came all the way from the Free City to search for treasure, they must know something – there must be something to be found! If not in the Stirge-nest then one of the other cairns around!”
Boland:
You quicken your pace, imagining all the while that you are being followed (but seeing nothing), but finally make it back without incident, your heart racing.
Later, after studying your books, you seek out Allustan, hoping to ask him about the spell you have in mind – but when you find him, the sage is asleep in his chair, snoring gently in front of the dying fire, with that half finished Dragonchess game (half finished throughout your apprenticeship) on the table beside him.
You decide to sneak a look through some of the scrolls on his desk, and manage to find one bearing the spell you are after … you don’t think he’ll mind you taking it and leaving coins in its place … or even borrowing it and replacing it later … probably.
Mothman:
He then heads into his room and copies the spell to his spell book
He reads over his spellbook once more, settling on the spells he feels will be of most use on tomorrow. Once done, with nervous anticipation and some amount of dread, he falls asleep.
He rises early in the morning, grabbing a couple of apples to eat on the road, along with his gear and heads over to town, to meet with the others.
Mothman:
Mothman
Local knowledge 15+4=19
Intimidate 17+7=24
Brashen:
“Nikola? I think I saw him at the Feral Dog a couple of weeks ago. Haven’t seen him for a while.”
“Oh, the Cairns are big news at the moment, just because some adventurers have turned up from the Free City, thinking they might find something.”
Local Knowledge results:
Although it is commonly believed that most of the local cairns have been emptied of treasure long ago, there are persistent rumours that there are still undiscovered cairns in the region, or that some of the known cairns may yet contain undiscovered passages and treasure. This seems more likely in the case of a relatively unknown cairn such as The Whispering Cairn, than a well explored one such as The Stirgenest Cairn.
However, it is likely that if any treasure does remain, so too do traps or ancient guardians.
Intimidate results:
“Hey man, no need for that! Yeah, alright, my sister’s a maid at the Able Carter. That Nikola fellow was staying there, but he hasn’t been to his room for about a week. Didn’t check out, just skipped out, leaving some outstanding bills.”
“Alright then, but you didn’t hear this from me… they found another body in the gully out the back of The Feral Dog a few days ago. It was torn up pretty bad … but it could have been your mate Nikola. Haven’t heard of any blood-feuds or anything.”
“You think you’re bad-ass? Man, those adventurers from the city are hard-core. If I knew what they were after I wouldn’t tell you, I’d rather be beat up by you than killed by them!”
Your enquiries take a few hours and cost you 2gp in drinks and bribes. After that you head home to get a few hours sleep before the meeting the next morning.
Andolphas:
She gifts you with a scroll containing two cure light wounds spells (CL:1) to assist your quest, warning that if the cairn does indeed still hold treasure, then it likely holds guardians and traps as well.
Strevlik:
Night passes.
The next day dawns brightly, clear blue sky, a faint breeze. A good day for adventure.
Taggin runs the largest general store in town, and he opens early to cater for miners who start their shifts at dawn. Within his store tables line the walls, stacked high with rope coils, lanterns, bottles, gloves and other gear. Wagon wheels rest against barrels filled with nails, candles, or one of a dozen other things.
Outside the store, in the shade of Taggin’s veranda, would be adventurers begin arriving for their second meeting.
Night passes.
The next day dawns brightly, clear blue sky, a faint breeze. A good day for adventure.
Taggin runs the largest general store in town, and he opens early to cater for miners who start their shifts at dawn. Within his store tables line the walls, stacked high with rope coils, lanterns, bottles, gloves and other gear. Wagon wheels rest against barrels filled with nails, candles, or one of a dozen other things.
Outside the store, in the shade of Taggin’s veranda, would be adventurers begin arriving for their second meeting.
As on the previous day, Boland leaves home early to try and be the first at the meeting point. He packs his back pack with everything he feels he might need, stows his pet toad carefully in a pouch at his belt and grabs his staff.
He arrives out the front of the store and tries not to look too out of place among the string of miners coming and going from the store. After a few minutes peering into the window, he takes out the few coins he has left and stares at them mournfully. With a sigh, he heads inside and requests 50ft of Hemp Rope, 2 days trail rations and another 2 torches from Taggin, handing the shop keeper the correct change.
Andolphas arrives bright and early with the first skiff into town, waiting for Boland and his mercenaries outside Taggin's shop. In the meantime, he converses with the miners that come and go from the store, and blesses those that request the Stern Lady's blessings.
Andolphas arrives bright and early with the first skiff into town, waiting for Boland and his mercenaries outside Taggin's shop. In the meantime, he converses with the miners that come and go from the store, and blesses those that request the Stern Lady's blessings.
Boland exits the store with the coiled length of rope hung akwardly over one shoulder. He spots Andolphas and waits for him to finish talking with one of the miners before approaching rather nervously. He puts the rope down and says. "I think I owe you an apology. I should have come to you first with this idea. It's just that Nikola was so enthusiastic and persuasive, and insisted on secrecy. Thank you for agreeing to come along though - I feel much more comfortable having yours and the Lady's support." He touches the holy symbol that hangs around his neck with these last words.
Taggin is an amiable and polite man of middle years, with a large moustache and receding blonde hair, who dresses well for a Diamond Lake resident.
He takes Boland’s coin and helps him collect the wares he is after, wishing the mage a good day before he leaves the shop.