Finding no traces of magic, Vank and Robert wades to shore and begins their half-circle scouting for potential witnesses. The mild night along lake Tarik would have made for a pleasant walk, but the more nefarious purpose gives way and you return certain that no one is in the immediate area. You can not be sure how far away the pyre will be visible though.
"Just sink the damned thing. The Cardinal wanted the boat gone, not specifically burning it to give away the destruction. We're here and he's not. I say we use our own brains to do this."
Vank and Robert return "No one nearby, the land around is fairly flat so the fire might still be noticed but I doubt it." Vank reports before adjusting his circlet.
Vank's circlet changes to a open helmet with the scared face of a veteran of many brawls. The rest of his armour likewise changes to the heavier style half plate. Emblazoned on his gleaming chest is the fist holding a lightening bolt, recognisable but much better drawn than the symbols Vank has been craving in to the flesh of his victims. However the the biggest change is his height, going from his normal little over 5 and half feet to about 7 feet.
He growls "No that won't work, I'll stand out like anything and as soon as someone touches me they'll realise something is wrong."
Adjusting his helmet now he shrinks to his normal height and the armour becomes worn and dented to match his face. The symbol on the chest also become battered and chipped so that all that can be made out is a fist holding something, and only then if you look carefully.
"How is this?" he asks a little more satisfied.
Hat's bonus included
I am a strong swimmer and will sink the boat.
With everyone safely save Stanislav standing on the shore, the Frosthammer is soon guided to deeper waters and with an axe Stainslav opens a fatal hole in the bottom of the ship. It quickly takes in water and begins sinking. True to his word Stanislav expertly makes his way back to shore his powerful strokes takes him there quickly.
With the boat and crew safely tucked away in the depths of Lake Tarik you are ready to make you next leg of the journey.
"Shall we proceed to the town? If they will open up and allow us entry, we could at least take lodging inside. It may seem a bit off to appear at night, but being waylaid on our travels explains that easily enough."
"Sounds fine to me, or aim arrive after mid morning after 'sleeping' rough a couple of miles from town. Lets get going." Vank says taking the front position and setting off in the rough direction the captain indicated.
Nadine makes a face at the thought of sleeping 'rough'. She sighs. "If we must. I suppose it is a good deal less suspicious than arriving at night. It is a small town. We do not want to be the talk of it."
But we are afoot and must be from somewhere? How do we justify showing up in the morning? Stanislav thinks about this.
Vank nods "That why I said no earlier than mid morning. If it was late enough in the morning then we could have been attempting to arrive in town the previous night and didn't make so camped rough a couple of miles from town. Probably better to arrive after midday, depends on how much time we want to waste to lessen suspicion."
.
"Okay, here's our cover: Lady Nadine, you are the Lady Diane, minor noble from Molthune who has funded a Pathfinder excursion to these parts. Some rumors of ancient buried treasure and relics have reached your bored and excitable ears. Captain, you are the good Captain Andres, bodyguard and escort. I am the simple Robert, scribe, valet, and Pathfinder flynky. Vank, you are Hank, sellsword and overall muscle. We made our way here but were waylaid by wild beasts last night, so we camped and made our way into town as we could during the day.
If anyone asks you about the treasure, calm up and mention something about loose lips and ships. As for the whys and wherefores from the Pathfinders, we're trying to get the good Lady her official invite, so this journal and corresponding adventure are on her own copper. Unofficial and an "audition", so slightly embarrassing to talk about and something to make you want to change the subject. Any questions?"
As they march Vank says "I've been thinking, we may need to get a local on our side and two options that might work are: saving them from a horrible monster, either myself or some one else disguised or maybe some image that Robert could create. Or like the Cardinal did for us, get someone in trouble and then rescue them."
Day 2
The grace of Mitra illuminate your just path as the small group makes its way to the town of Aldencross at the feet of Watchtower Balentyne. The town is humming with activity from the numerous smiths, merchants and other villagers. Most of the population seems to be humans with a few dwarves and halflings. Once you reach the unwalled outskirts a few members of the constabulary greet you: "Good morning travellers what brings you to Aldencross?"
Vank nods to constabulary man who greeted them then indicates to Nadine with his head. Slumping into a posture of bored soldier he looks around the small part of the town that he can see.
"Okay, here's our cover: Lady Nadine, you are the Lady Diane, minor noble from Molthune who has funded a Pathfinder excursion to these parts. Some rumors of ancient buried treasure and relics have reached your bored and excitable ears. Captain, you are the good Captain Andres, bodyguard and escort. I am the simple Robert, scribe, valet, and Pathfinder flynky. Vank, you are Hank, sellsword and overall muscle. We made our way here but were waylaid by wild beasts last night, so we camped and made our way into town as we could during the day.
If anyone asks you about the treasure, calm up and mention something about loose lips and ships. As for the whys and wherefores from the Pathfinders, we're trying to get the good Lady her official invite, so this journal and corresponding adventure are on her own copper. Unofficial and an "audition", so slightly embarrassing to talk about and something to make you want to change the subject. Any questions?"
Anticipating Robert's full response to the question Stanislav steps in front of Nadine defensively and looks closely at the men trying to identify if they are truly who they claim. You have some form of identification? he says in a neutral voice.
"Calm down, Andres. This man is just doing his job." She turns to the constable. "Now then, I'm Lady Diane Heatherstone and these men are under my employment. We are here to do some trade and exploration in the north." She brushes back her dirty blonde hair.
"My apologies for my men. We have been traveling for a long way and they have become quite protective of me. Now, we have these seal furs and we are looking for the market. Could you point us in the right direction?"
Robert opens with a smile, "Greetings, constables. As my lady has indicated, we have traveled quite a distance, and would most surely appreciate a hot meal and cool beverage. Perhaps you could direct us to an establishment where we could dine?"
diplomacy
Unaccustomed to such an inquiry the two younger men exchanges looks. Puzzled and perhaps a bit distrustful one of them asks: "Is our uniform not enough?" Nadines words calms both and their faces settels into friendlier poses. "Not a problem my lady. You are most welcome here. The market is down that street, you can't miss it," the other one replies pointing to a street to your 2 o'clock. Robert's inquiry causes a small smile to play on their lips, "Your best and only bet is to seek out The Lord's Dalliance, Bellam runs it and should be able to provide food and shelter. Either head in this direction or take the north western street from the market place."
Stanislav gives a curt nod of thanks and urges his along. All the while he is taking in the lay of the town and trying to note what makes it work.
Nadine nods at the guard. "Thank you. You are most kind." She glances back at the others. "Come along now. Let's find some rooms and then get these furs to the market. I hope to make a good penny on this outing." She moves past the guard and toward the inn.
Vank nods "Might we stop for some food cooked food then I'll lug that crap down to the market for you."
With out any further questioning the constables parts way with you and continues on their path. The directions the gave you were descent and soon you reach a large building. The sign outside states that this is "The Lord's Dalliance" and upon entering the common room you are greeted by a man in his fourties, normal height and a little extra on the side. "Welcome to The Lord's Dalliance, I'm Bellam barhold the Innkeeper. How may I help you?"
Stanislav looks the place over noting possible exits and dark corners. He says nothing as he appraises the innkeeper and waits for Nadine or Robert to speak.
Vank also says nothing and after a quick look around the room nods to the innkeeper and moves to the nearest table and takes a seat while his betters bargain for a room.
"Greeting, my good man. We are travelers in need of food, drink, and a couple of rooms. A hot bath would be splendid, if available. Do you think you might accomodate us?"
Nadine nods, allowing Robert to take the lead. "Yes, a bath would be wonderful." She smiles at Bellam as his head twists around and his eyes pop off.
She blinks.
The Innkeeper was back to normal and speaking to Robert. She turns and whispers to her son. "Now, now, little one. Behave. No playing with mommy's eyes. We'll play soon enough."
A shiver ripples through the innkeeper as something spooks him, not knowing what he gets a grip on himself and focuses on the guests before him. "The Lord's Dalliance should be able to offer you everything you need," he proclaims boldly, continuing: "We have enough rooms available at the moment, will two suffice or should you need more?" pausing for a moment to think he adds: "Bathwater is not available now, but will be tomorrow. I can heat some now but it will cost you more than waiting."
Looking around the common room nothing really stands out. The entrance you used is the only visible one, but an open door leads out into the kitchen, where another exit might be. An open stair leads to the landing above where the rooms must be. Below it is a trapdoor properly leading to a cellar.
"Two rooms should suffice, innkeeper. Many thanks. I believe I could forgo the bath this evening, but I will not speak for my lady's preference. If you could have fresh bed linens brought up, with some water and ale, that would be lovely. And then I believe we shall take our dinner in the common room. I am sure I shall have more questions for you later on, the standard 'who's who?' And 'what's happening in town?' But for now, let us rinse the road dust off and get a bit more comfortable."
Robert smiles and begins the process of undoing his gear straps while heading up to the room.
"I will see to it," Bellam says smiling. Popping his head into the kitchen you can hear him asking someone to bring the requested water, ale and linen up. Turning back to you he says: "If you would follow me," he then leads you up the stairs and shows you two adjacent rooms a large and a smaller. "I hope these are to your liking," he says adding: "I will share what I know over a pint later."
"That sounds lovely, my good man. I am Robert, and I will allow my comoaning to introduce themselves as they will. A pint sounds quite nice, indeed."
A shiver ripples through the innkeeper as something spooks him, not knowing what he gets a grip on himself and focuses on the guests before him. "The Lord's Dalliance should be able to offer you everything you need," he proclaims boldly, continuing: "We have enough rooms available at the moment, will two suffice or should you need more?" pausing for a moment to think he adds: "Bathwater is not available now, but will be tomorrow. I can heat some now but it will cost you more than waiting."
Looking around the common room nothing really stands out. The entrance you used is the only visible one, but an open door leads out into the kitchen, where another exit might be. An open stair leads to the landing above where the rooms must be. Below it is a trapdoor properly leading to a cellar.
Vank will follow the others up stairs and dump his stuff in one of the rooms before returning down stairs to take a position at the bar. Slapping down some small change he says "I believe you were saying something about a pint, I'd be happy to join you with that, particularly if you added some lunch to it, none of my companions can cook worth a damn. I'm Hank by the way."
Nadine allows the men to have the larger room, while she takes the smaller room. "Not a palace, but suitable for now." She deposits her things in the room before returning to speak to the men.
"Now, as much as I would enjoy a bath, we need to know as much about this place and the Tower as possible. Let's see what we can learn. Vank and Stanislav..." Her voice seems to purr as she says the Captain's name. "...can stay here to drink and speak to those who might have loose lips. Robert and I will go to the market to sell the furs and learn what we can there."
Stanislav laughs at Nadine's tone and responds with a smile I know when I am not wanted. I also know what I am good at and what I am not so good at. "Hank" and I will enjoy the tap room while you go and sell what can be sold. He gets up to leave and touching Nadine's hand he adds Do make sure we sell nothing with identifying markings though. And do be careful. I have grown quite fond of you.
Nadine giggles. "Oh, Captain, what if I just don't want the other girls to see you? Perhaps I want to keep you locked up all to myself." She smiles. "Besides, we'll be back before you know it."
Your conversation is interrupted by a polite knock on the door, once given permission a short, smiling woman enters with your water and ales. She introduces herself as Alicia and informs you that dinner is available in the common room when you are before she takes her leave.
A local boy gives you the directions to the market for a copper piece. Once you approach the central square you can hear the sounds of merchants peddling their goods. It takes a little while to find someone interested in your furs. But after a little while on of the few tailors in town bites. Over the course of business you learn that he sometimes sows for the Lord of the watchtower and his family. He has nothing but praise for Lord Thomas Havelyn, though one of his apprentices wonders out aloud if anyone can really be that pure, what hides beneath the surface? That talk is quickly hushed up. The tailors complains a little that only one of the four captains, captain Eddarly purchases new cloths regularly, why that handsome man has no wife is beyond his understanding.
Stanislav and Vank spents a little time in the common room of the Lord's Dalliance in the hours before lunch Bellam Barhold the proprietor of the inn finds time to sit with you for a ale and some gossip. He is most interest in your travels and any new you bring with you over the course of your conversation he talks about his brother, one of the captains in the watchtower and how well liked he is by both town and tower. While he is less pleased with the Lord and the Mitran priest you discover that it is because their piety and not evil acts. In general he concludes that there are worse places to live.
1. Have you ever been to the choir hall of Balentyne? Amazing! The priests are such beautiful singers and sometimes the stone saints that adorn the place join in the chorus. Such a miracle!
2. Mad Martin is a strange one! He tends the rookery in the Watchtower. They say he never leaves except for necessities. He talks to the birds like people and has named every one!
3. Lord Havelyn is a good soul but so grim and gloomy. For so great a lord to be unhappy, he must be guilty about something!
4. That Captain Zack Eddarly is a handsome one, isn’t he? Such a gallant! And still unmarried at his age. He’ll make some lady of proper breeding quite a catch won’t he?
5. Balentyne’s magister, that creepy Tacitus, has been spending a lot of time working on something in his tower! I don’t know what it is, but it’s said that something unnatural was recovered from the north.
6. Ye Merrie Men are coming to town and the handsome William Marcus Marlow is coming with them! Can you believe it? The Bard of Barrington! Here! They are doing the “Fall of Amberlyn”! Oh, I can’t wait!
7. They say the bugbears are massing up north. I wonder what their up to? Well, it doesn’t matter! We’ll be ready for ‘em! You’d think those shaggy walking carpets would have learned by now that the Watch Wall is unbreakable!
8. Soldiers today! A worthless, shiftless lot! Balentyne is in total disarray. Soldiers today are too lazy – not like in my day.
9. There’s a pack of dwarves in town led by a grumpy short fellow named Barnabus Eisenbauch. They’re here to fix up the watchtower or so I’ve heard. A hard working fellow -- just don’t challenge him to a drinking contest. He’ll drink you under the table every time!
10. I’ve heard that Father Donnagin was sent here after the church demoted him from bishop. He got into some sort of trouble – serious trouble I’d wager to be banished to the Watch Wall.
11. Bellam Barhold is such a lush. He does enjoy his wine. He’s always complaining about how he can’t get any of the good stuff here in the borderlands.
12. Have you seen Kaitlyn Mott? She’s the most beautiful woman in town! How did an ugly lump of a man like Captain Franz Mott bag a looker like her? And how does he keep her, that’s what I want to know!
13. Have you had any of Mama Guisseppe’s beef stew? Delicious! I hear she goes up to the Watchtower and cooks a big batch of it for the men every Monday! What a nice old lady.
14. Those dwarves are a thieving lot! I heard one of
them was caught picking a man’s pocket. (False.
This is just prejudice against dwarves. There is
a substantial dwarven community here in Aldencross
– 150 dwarves make this town their
home. But they are clannish and tend to keep
to themselves.)
15. Lord Thomas Havelyn is the most honorable and capable commander that Balentyne has ever had. If he can’t keep the Watch Wall working, then no one can!
16. Did you hear about prisoners escaping from Branderscar? Were they ever caught?
17. Here’s to the soldiers of Balentyne! One hundred of the finest fighting men it’s ever been my privilege to serve with.
18. I hear Captain Varning is leading another patrol out tomorrow. I wonder how long they’ll be gone this time? The last time they were gone for five days! If you ask me, these patrols are a waste of time. They’re just an excuse for Varning to get out of the tower and gallivant around the country side instead of doing his fair share of guard duty.
19. I hear a raven arrived at the rookery last night! I bet it carried important news though I know not about what.
20. Do you know how the Lord’s Dalliance got its name? It was once a brothel! I hear there used to be a secret passage to the basement that allowed the Lord of the Watchtower to sneak in here and have a good time. Of course it must have been sealed up years ago.
Wow - so many possibilities.
Things that stand out to me are:
18 - Lets let Captain Varning clear out before we try anything, Unless we want to ambush him on his way out of town. If we take him out we would gain gear (some of which might be recognizable) and maybe intel too. Thoughts?
20 - Secret Passage? I bet the dwarves (9) might know if it IF they are actually working on the tower. Wait - that passage connects to the Inn we are staying in. Lets look for it!
13 - If we could poison that stew... Ideally something to cause sleep or nausea or something debilitating...
12 - Investigate Captain Franz Mott?
19 - any way to befriend Mad Martin to find out the message?
4 - Why is captain Zack Eddarly still single. Maybe its something we could blackmail him with?
Oh, and remember that Stanislav is pretty much nocturnal lately. I'll think some more about these options. What else do we want to know? Anything in the clues we want to gather info on? Any disinformation we need to spread?
A local boy gives you the directions to the market for a copper piece. Once you approach the central square you can hear the sounds of merchants peddling their goods. It takes a little while to find someone interested in your furs. But after a little while on of the few tailors in town bites. Over the course of business you learn that he sometimes sows for the Lord of the watchtower and his family. He has nothing but praise for Lord Thomas Havelyn, though one of his apprentices wonders out aloud if anyone can really be that pure, what hides beneath the surface? That talk is quickly hushed up. The tailors complains a little that only one of the four captains, captain Eddarly purchases new cloths regularly, why that handsome man has no wife is beyond his understanding.