This will be the Gameplay thread.
I will dot so it will now be in my regular campaign page...
Aelden watched as the caravan trundled off to wherever caravans trundle off to when they reach towns. He never really cared. They were a ride, or a job...usually both. He made sure to secure the crates that were in his care, checking that the boxes were still sealed. He pulled a note from the pocket of his cloak and read again. For the thousandth time, he thought. Checking the name, he folded it up carefully, then hailed a passerby.
"Fine day, mate. Kin ye tell a wanderin' soul where ta find a healer? Hows about a 'pothecary? Thank ye." He thought for a minute. "Mebbe throw in the local tavern as well? There's a good lad."
The man, dishelved and kind of dirty looks up to you and shrugs. "I have no foggiest clue about a pothecary or a healer. But that woman, who helped my wive with the baby, I can show you where to go. Take the street down south, than take the next right. Its called something with a Tonice.
The best tavern in town, me thinks, is the copper coin. The steelforged stout is really good. Its if you take the upper road from the marketplace here and than at the next corner."
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Iosif would be nearby, asking locals if they met Councillor Baine at any time in the days prior to his disappearance. This pale man with long black hair and red symbols painted over his face and hands, wearing similarly painted white robes would probably approach Aelden and ask the same questions.
His voice is flat and vaguely hollow, like he's talking through a tin can. "Greeting stranger, I am Iosif Laurentia Blandinus Monika Winograd, most simply prefer to refer to me as Iosif and I invite you to do the same. I am researching the disappearance of Councilor Khonnir Baine. I wonder if you encountered him prior to the time of his disappearance or know anyone who did. Please be advised that even the slightest interaction may be of use."
At no point does he actually ask a question, nor does he vary his tone, the effect might be unnerving, along with his bizarre rictus grin, but his body language is so passive and nonthreatening it's unlikely he means any harm.
The man, dishelved and kind of dirty looks up to you and shrugs. "I have no foggiest clue about a pothecary or a healer. But that woman, who helped my wive with the baby, I can show you where to go. Take the street down south, than take the next right. Its called something with a Tonice.
The best tavern in town, me thinks, is the copper coin. The steelforged stout is really good. Its if you take the upper road from the marketplace here and than at the next corner."
"I thank ye again." Aelden says to the man.
Copper coin, eh? Sounds good as anythin' else, he thinks to himself. Better get this stuff delivered first.
He starts off down the road, following the man's directions. When the unnatural voice comes to him, Aelden stiffens, hand to the hilt of his sword. With a flash, he whirls to face the voice, sword drawn and level with the stranger's throat.
"The slightest interaction may cost ye yer 'life', robot. Ye gots 30 seconds to move off, or I end it for ye," Aelden growls. His face is a mask of determination and promised violence. His hand shakes with anger, but the fighter knows better than to cut down someone, even a robot, as a stranger in a new town.
Yeah, even a robot. He thinks.
...but his body language is so passive and nonthreatening it's unlikely he means any harm.
The town of torch, usually full of vigor is utterly subdued. The source of its income, the purple flame has gone out. Through the taxation a relativly modest town, it faces now a depression of gigantic proportions.
The towns resident mage has gone missing and everyone hears the town crier yell his daily news at the marketplace.
"Hear ya, hear ya. For that team of people who manage to find our resident wizard, the town council has offered a reward of 4000 freshly minted gold pieces. IF you manage to return him alive, there will be an extra reward. For those who are brave enought, you shall come to the town council and ask for more informations. "
He clears his throat.
"The copper coin offers tonight its well-loved stew night. Fresh lamb and pork stew, just for a few coppers. The copper coin, a torch original. Also the fresh steelforged stout for 5 coppers the tankard. The copper coin. The workers inn in torch!"
Strapping on his sword, Uran still winched from the wounds inflicted upon him by the Technic League goon, Harloch Balg. He retrieved his musket and headed to the door of his room in the local Inn. He slowly navigated the too big stairs and crossed the nearly deserted common-room and out the door into the dusty streets of Torch.
The town has been his home for the last few months, and while he could never properly thank the inhabitants for all they had done for him, paroling the town was his way of giving a little back. He waved at many of the locals he saw on the street. Many strange happens had occurred in the last few days. The disappearance the towns wizard and the sudden end to the beacon light from the top of the hill made him very uneasy. To top it off, he had heard of some fool dwarves who climbed to the top and dared each other to drink from the odd liquid that now occupied the place where the flame once burned. So he was told, one gained great strength for a short time, while the other almost died as the caustic liquid ate through his stomach. Leave it to dwarves to think such a mixture might be drinkable!
Hearing the town crier, Uran suddenly knows how he can repay the people of this town for their hospitality. He starts to make his way to the council building, when he notices two strangers confronting each other in the street. The one human seems strangely passive, while the other seems ready to do damage to the first.
"Ho there strangers. Is there a problem here?", he calls out in a friendly, but somewhat commanding voice. His musket is still by his side, but would only take a flick to bring to bear.
Uran watches as the odd fellow wanders off, then turns his attention back to the big human.
"You know that fellow? What did he want that rankled you so?"
"We have no quarrel," says the hollow voiced Iosif. And with no more comment then that he begins to head to the council hall.
Uran watches as the odd fellow wanders off, then turns his attention back to the big human.
"You know that fellow? What did he want that rankled you so?"
Aelden watches the one called 'Iosif' walk off, never lowering his sword. Slowly, he he brings it down. Turning to face the gnome, he finally breathes.
"That voice. Robots, friend. Cannae trust 'em. Tho' he didn't look much like the robots I know." He cocks an ear, hearing the last of the crier's message. "Name's Aelden. Aelden Cormallen. Are ye from around here?"
Uran takes the man's hand and replies, "No, not really, but I do owe these people a lot. From Alkenstar, far to the south on Garund, if you know where that is."
Val keeps sobbing in her room and no matter what you try, she keeps the door closed. But suddenly the door opens and she hobbles out, the broken leg impairing her movement. "You are clever. You have powers. Please find father. Find other to help you. I know, it will be hard, but someone has to do something. I feel it deep inside me, he needs help!"
Vanya heard the crier's voice while she was looking for new books in a bookstore at the marketplace. Hm, it seems to be serious now. Serenthra asked me to help in this case.
Vanya pays for a book about Torch history and leaves the shop. Outside she spots a known face, Uran, and hears parts of the conversation with the stranger. "Uran, nice to see you here. How are you feeling? You look better every day. Have you heard the crier?" Vanya shakes Uran's hand. "Excuse me mister, my name is Vanya Ellian. Nice to meet you. And androids, the politically correct term for 'robots', are usually harmless. I think." Vanya says while shaking Aelden's hand. "I'm also heading to the town council now just in case somebody wants to know." she continues and follows Iosif.
Val I understand what you must be going through, I promise you I will do all I can to find your father Aurora hugs the girl, grabbing her staff and moving out in to the town.
Aurora is thoughtful as she walks quickly down the street, stepping around two figures having an altercation, though the one with the blade at his throat oddly did not seem to concerned.
Pausing to gather her thoughts on where she might find some others to help in the search the local tavern maybe?... when the crier starts delivering news in his bass voice, she listens well, and mouths a quiet thanks to whoever it is looking out for her today at the mention of a gathering later. She plans to be there.
As she moves on towards a supply shop, making a shopping list of necessities the same as she would for an extended scavenging trip, she spots her acquaintances Vanya and Uran, talking to the human from earlier who had now sheathed his sword. She greeted them all warmly
It is good to see friendly faces at a time like this, I'm glad I ran in to you both she smiles at Vanya and Uran, giving a brief nod to Aelden.
You'll both have heard the crier, I'd ask that even if you aren't swayed by the reward, I've spoken to Val and sworn to search for her father, I know you both can handle yourselves... she leaves the question unspoken
The gnome takes the elf's hand gently and smile at the woman.
"It is nice to see you too Vanya. I am feeling almost like my old self, thank you. Yes I did hear the cryer and was on my way to the council hall when this gentleman and the android seem to be having some difficulty. I will gladly join you, if you do not mind."
When Aurora arrive and speaks to them, Uran nods his head and says, " Lass, say no more. Vanya and I were just on our way to speak with the council about this very thing. I would be honored to join you in finding the missing wizard."
Aelden shakes hands all around. "Aye lad, I've heard of Alkenstar, tho' I cannae say I've ever been there. As for these 'androids', we'll see about that, lass. One job's as good as the next, we say. And I have some business to attend to. I will meet all of ye there."
With that, Aelden will heft his load and head to the apothecary, once done, he will meet at the Council chambers.
It is not difficult to reach the apothecary, and Aelden is warmly greeted by the owner, Jhestine Imierin, a quite beautiful half-elf woman in her early forties. After checking the seal, she places the box in her arboreum and the pigeons in a pigeonry. After opening the box she reads the letter and returns to Aelden with a little box."With this delivery you have managed your final exam. I am herby presenting you your own wayfinder. Guard it well! I have already a new task for you. The towns mage is missing. If there is a party forming, try to enter the group and help them. There is also quite a hefty reward for his safe return.
And as always. Explore, Report, Cooperate." With a very warm smile and touching his arm in a gentle manner Jhestine sends you off.
Although very warmly greeted, the clerk asks you politly to wait for a moment as there is an emergency meeting in at this moment.
Although the doors are quite thick you can hear parts of shouted sentences.
I know, but the taxa... are anything but desperate, but the situatio...... I shall calm down, I..shall CALM down. A load bang is heard. After that you do not hear anything more for another 40 minutes. Then the door opens and Captain Aaronlu Langer, Councilor Bazlundi Otterbie and Councilor Joram Kyte leave the meeting hall. Their faces are grim and they walk silently toward their next duties
Aelden can only stand and stare at the half-elven woman in a dazed stupor. He manages a weak 'Aye, thank 'e lass' as she shows him to the door.
Shaking his head to clear it, he heads down to the Council chambers. Real smooth, Aelden my lad...real smooth.
Later, at the Council, he is surprised to see the 'android' there. He keeps a close watch on it as the voices rise and fall. When the one called Iosif sets out after the Council, he loosens his sword in its scabbard, and follows.
The clerk moves to the hall and quickly convers with the last councillor and after 2 seconds asks you to enter.
An elderly dwarven woman called Dolga Feddert is sitting in stone chair and greets you with a smile. A heavy black warhammer is leaning next to her and there is a little dent in the stone table in front of her.
"I apologize for not standing up, but those old bones, you know. It seems the idea to send this ne´erdowell around to find a few strong souls was not that stupid. A few of you I do know. A few faces are new. But as long as you find answers you get a big kiss on the cheek, no questions asked. Let´s get down to the bedrock. The purple flame is out. Why? I do not know. But if it is somehow possible, we would like to see it again to lighten the sky. Our resident expert, Councillor Baine was tasked to check it out, and has not returned from his second expedition to the caves below . This is a second Kingpost fallen. We will be generous if you find out what is wrong. Bring him back. We have a scroll to raise him, if the worst has happened. May Torag have mercy and shield him. Well, I guess you have some questions. I will try to answer them! But I have enough questions I want answered."
"Since when is Councillor Baine missing? Is there still a chance he might find his way back by himself?" Vanya asks Councillor Feddert looking at the dent in the stone table.
We should not mess with her or we feel her warhammer.
Watching. And listening.
Listening Dolga nods. "Well lads, Baine left 2 days ago and was supposed to report last evening. Mind you, he is resourceful, but also extremly.... orderly. That is why I am worried. He asked for a dweomer to help with diving, because there’s an underwater passage connecting them to Weeping Pond. Khonnir noticed a large number of human footprints on the pond’s banks—he was there the day the fires went out testing the water to ensure it hadn’t suddenly grown more toxic—and he realized that a sizable group of people had entered the pond but had not emerged. He checked it and reported his findings. I can tell you the following.“The caves are inhabited by several enormous vermin and otherscavengers, along with some strange humanoids who had the ability to blend into the shadows of the cave walls, and a nest of gremlins. Khonnir believed this indicated a deeper connection in the caves to the Darklands, but of more immediate interest was his discovery of a wall of solid metal deep in the caves. A wall made of a skymetal alloy called glaucite. He said it was like the kind we mine from the hills and surrounding plains, but formed into a structure with doors. It was near one of these doors that Khonnir found the broken automaton that he broughtback after his first expedition.”
Without acknowledging his fellow adventurers Iosif states, "I would like to investigate this automaton and then proceed into the caves. Would this be permissible." His voice does not raise at the end of the question. Like everything he says it with a perfectly neutral tone.
"Well, you have to ask Val to do so. But you have my blessings. You might need water breathing for the trip. I know, Joram Kyte has prepared 2 spells to let you breath water. He is to be found in the temple. Is there anything else?"
Aelden stiffens. "Broken automaton ye say? Where is that...thing, now?" He looks suspiciously at Iosif, taking a step back.
"At the Foundry. Anything else you would like to know. Anything else you need?"
"Do you know where we can find Serenthra or her astrologer?"
With a nod and a smile Dorga points to Iosif!
"Well I owe you and this town my life, Mistress Feddert. This seems the best way to pay you back, so count me in on this investigation. Do you know any other way into the caverns other than through the water? My black powder does not react well to getting wet, you see."
"While I have acted as an astrologer in the past I must frankly explain that that service is merely a form of customer service which is used to enhance the receptivity of my clients to my true services as an astronomer. If you'd like to know more about the distinction I will gladly provide you with more details, but past experience has indicated most humanoids I encounter are ultimately unconcerned with the specifics," says Iosif flatly.
Val is fraught with worry, I'm sure she would be agreeable to our looking over the automaton on our way to the caves
Aurora looks around at those assembled
Be you here of good spirit or just tempted by the gold, know you are also helping a daughter find her father, a student of magic find her mentor, and a town find its hope. The flames going out and then our resident mage vanishing is one coincidence too many, it is likely we will find answers to both in search of either
Electricity crackles down her staff as she turns towards the door.
We should be off, thank you Dorga for giving us the information we needed to proceed. I suggest you grab what gear you need for an extended trip and proceed to Baine's house. I will meet you there.
she turns with a flourish of her odd, dark robes and strides out the door.
Dorga raises her hand.[b]"So you are in? All in? I can not offer you much in advance, but.... I will give you my chop, my seal. You should get a decent discount, I do not want you to go out and miss something essential, just cause you couldn´t afford it. I can not do more."[b] With that she offers a writ to you, saying that you should get the councillor discount at the shops and tempels.
"Thank ye kindly Mum. I'm most certainly 'in'." Aelden turns and waits for the group - the whole group - to walk before him, then follows. Keep an eye out Aelden old boy, keep an eye.
I'm also in, Councillor!
You go to the foundry?
Upon arriving at the Foundry-tavern you can see a huge sign. Closed till further notice. The Foundry building itself, black from days upon days of hard labour and smoke, is silent and every window is blackened from the soot. Suddenly you hear a loud crash and then suddenly a whining noice from the foundry building.
"What happened?! Sombody injured?! Hello?" Vanya shouts while knocking at the door.
Uran rushes to the door and checks to see if it will open. If it does he will open the door and enter the building, musket at the ready.
Aurora steps from the shadows nearby without a word, standing near Uran and ready to follow him when he goes through the door. Her staff crackles ominously with electricity.
Iosif, his eyes lightly glowing, will open the door if it is unlocked, he walks in unperturbed by any startling noises.
The moment you open the foundry, you can hear a scream from inside and you see Val hobbling for the door. Behind her a whirring machine starts to dismantle a workbench in the foundry. The little girl shouts:"Help, its destroying everything."FoundryThe robot is in the northern corner, you can see a claw holding a workbenchleg the other using some whining saw to cut it off.
Iosif moves towards the girl and picks her up, he tries to carry her out of the foundry.
Aelden draws his sword as he enters the Foundry. "I knew it! By the gods I knew it!" He moves across the floor, shield and sword at the ready.
"Oy! Bucket o' bolts! Stand down! Someone watch that android! Its got the girl! I cannae watch them both!" He yells over his shoulder as he faces the robot.