Ardanto leaves the van der Boren manor in search of a hearty meal, a few stiff drinks and a bath to ease his aching limbs, he is hopeful that his companion Daurros may know a place that can provide all three.
"Daurros, that adventure below has got me thinking, and you of all people know I am not a real thinker, after all actions speak louder than words," he nods in agreement with him self, giving Daurros no time to object or inject a witty retort he continues, "I felt decidedly mortal down there, as if for once our immense talent would not be enough to save us," he looks straight into his companions eyes, "I am not ashamed to admit it scared me a little." He clears his throat before breaking the gaze, unable to believe he has admitted weakness to anyone, "it leaves me confused, this whole time I had been getting close to her lady-ship because I was sure she was part of the plot and had plans to use us as fall guys, yet now I find she is innocent and still I want to spend time around her." He pauses in silence for a few steps before continuing, "what the hell is wrong with me, I used to have a girl in every port, is Lavinia that special that I want to risk opening up to her?" He shakes his head in bemusement, "then there is Whisper, was I really flirting with her that badly?" He continues to shake his head, Daurros thinks he may shake it off his neck if he continues, "I thought she was like a little sister, but when she was gone under water for such a long time I was beside myself with worry."
Again he pauses before gripping his companions arm, "my friend, tonight the beers are on me and it is your job to knock some sense into me, the Salacious Scallywag needs his friend to get him drunk and distracted for the next few days." He grins broadly, "If I can remember any of the next few days or do not get slapped by some one I do not recognise in the next few weeks, then you sir are a failure as a friend and drinking companion." His step quickens and...
"My friend, I will be happy to help you forget as much of the next few days as we possibly can. I will need some time to take care of a few errands, but there should be plenty of time while you sleep a few off ... Let's go straight away."
Later, while they are in the tavern having a few, Daurros remarks to his friend, "Ardanto, I have been thinking a bit about our employer. I find it a bit ironic that our opinions have nearly completely reversed here; you had been convinced she was behind a plot and now believe her innocent whereas I thought she was somewhat naive and innocent, but now ...
"Stop and think a bit. Who knew we were looking for her brother? Only Lavinia herself. Yet somehow, Vanthus found out about it, and set us up to get locked in those tunnels. I am convinced that half-orc was sent by Vanthus, who then double-crossed him, as well.
"Now, I admit I was at first a bit perplexed by what possible reason Lavinia would have to send us after Vanthus, and then let him know we were coming. Then it occurs to me - siblings set up a way to kill their parents. They inherit the money, then suffer a minor set back when they can't get their way into the vault without that ring. They hire our friends to get that back, we join after the fact and help get into the vault. But a great deal of money is already gone; perhaps Vanthus had his own way in and beat his sister to it? In revenge, she sends us after him, but also passes word in the hopes that we eliminate each other. She then has access to all of the money, and no more employees to pay.
"Now, I admit, this is all conjecture, but certainly seems plausible. So, if you want my opinion, I think it may be a good idea for you to continue to try and get closer to her. As for Whisper, you know I don't like to give you counsel on the fairer sex, but I will only remind you what happened the last time you got 'friendly' with a compatriot when we had our adventure of The Crown of Cyre. Perhaps it would be best for her to remain a 'little sister'."
=======================================================================
Forzakhad
Thoven stands there for quite a few moments, the corners of his lips turned up ever so slightly as he watches Whisper dissapear into the crowd. "Truely something else..." he says to himself, returning to the tavern, and to his room, Where he places the other two flasks of holy water in a safe place, and beds down for the night, with no particular plans for the next couple days.
"Oh hell Daurros, now you have got me really confused, at least we can trust each other," he clinks his companions glass again before calling the bar maid over for another drink.
"Oh hell Daurros, now you have got me really confused, at least we can trust each other," he clinks his companions glass again before calling the bar maid over for another drink.
"Glad I could help, my friend!" Daurros lets out a hearty laugh. Then he gets a bit more serious for a moment. "But one thing we can be sure of - it was Vanthus that locked us down there with those foul undead. He didn't just want us dead, he wanted us eaten by the dead. As you overheard me say at the Vanderboren manor earlier, Vanthus better pray it's not me that gets a hold of him first. His suffering will be long and he will beg for death before I'm done."
He takes a long pull on his ale, finishing it off. "But enough of this somber talk! Barkeep, another round!"
=======================================================================
Treasure division:
Treasure division:
odd make
7500cp = 75gp
1500sp = 150gp
Coffer/gems = 720gp
1000gp = 1000gp
Total = 1945gp
Divided by 7, that results in 277gp each with 6gp left over. My vote is everyone gets 278gp, except Daurros who gets 277gp (penalty for not having the right spells memorized when we first dropped into the tunnels). I also suggest we hold the dagger and gem to sell later, again unless someone is in dire need of cash.
Knowledge (local) to determine appropriate individuals to sell the dagger to (1d20+9=22)
Daurros
You know of one noble that may pay up to 350 gp for such an item as you know of his love of odd weaponry
Coffer and gems 720gp + Dagger 250gp + 1000gp +150gp in silver and 75gp in copper.
So we each get 313gp, 5sp and 7cp (with one copper left over).
Wand of mage armour = Finn
cure light wounds - Ardanto
cure light wounds -
cure light wounds -
lesser restoration - Thoren
Invisibility - Whisper
unknown - ?????
cure serious wounds -
swimming - Thoven
"Well, there is in fact one particular noble who might pay more than 250gp; he is a collector of fine weaponry. Let me take the dagger to him and see what I can get."
Lol, I was editing my post to remove the dagger, lets go with not selling it for the cheep price. I will edit my post to reflect that.
Finn
I believe you are short of cash to buy your master work longspear, Ardanto will make up the difference and you can pay him back later. Best to get as many of us as possible to have Master work weapons as soon as we can. Let me know how much you need.
Same offer to Guard if he wants to go master work.
FinnI believe you are short of cash to buy your master work longspear, Ardanto will make up the difference and you can pay him back later.
He has 88 gp from earlier, so he should be fine.
finn
Do you have any plans other then getting some training in and buying the spear?
Finn buys the finest spear that he can find and practices using it on a practice dummy down at the Arena.
That bastard Vanderboren...dropping me into a hole and leaving me for dead...and stealing his sister's birthright...if I ever get my hands on him...I can feel the power flowing through my veins...I'll tear him limb from limb...I'll break his neck...I'll...
Finn opens his eyes. Before him is a wooden practice dummy covered in horrible gashes, and his fingers are tipped with cruel claws. The talons shrink before his eyes, but he sees the destruction they have wrought and he is horrified. Fortunately no one else at the arena seemed to have noticed.
One day during the downtime, Daurros will take a stroll over to visit Guard at his shop. As he walks up, he notices the warforged engaged in repairing his plating. "Good day, Guard. How are you? I hope I'm not disturbing you much; I was hoping to talk a bit."
"Ah, welcome Daurros! No, you don't disturb me. I'm in for a change of task anyway. So, what shall we talk about? Are you in need of a new weapon or armor? Or has it something to do with your friend?" the warforged welcomes him. Hidden behind the massive build of the warforged, but now comming into sight is a small floating ball of blue shine.
Also the arms of the warforged seem to have changed: the dark adamant of his plating has some blue mist inlayed.Looking in the face of the surprised Daurros the warforged says: "Right, you have not met Snem yet. You remember my encounter down in the dungeon? Appearently I helped that little one out. She does not talk, but we can communicate. Sometimes. But she helped me ... get those. I don't know exactly how. I'm at a loss of words to describe it.
From what I gathered, they should be effective against such monstrosities as where down there. But that is just what happened.
Why did you say you came here?"
Same offer to Guard if he wants to go master work.
The day after spending time with Thoven, Whisper can't help but be in slighly higher spirits than normal although she can't help but feel confused by him and all of the other men she's been spending time with lately. Bemused she walks briskly through the streets of Shadowshore, remembering well the places to void and the people not to look directly at, her timid nature quickly returning as in her downtime she quickly reverts to her old lifestyle. Today she smiles a little more than usual however, she has far more money in her pocket than she's used to and knows that she can have a more positive impact than usual with it.
With a spring in her step se pushes open a rickity door and presses through into the shop beyond. A familiar face in the local general store she's now more than entitled to a discount on the things she buys but never takes it, unable to rob the kindly old gentleman who owns the business of a living. Instead she gives the man one of her brighter, more genuine, grins, remembering fondly the time he'd fed her when she was only six or so and had been left to fend for herself for the first time and sets to work ordering foodstuffs.
Some time, and some gold spent, later the young woman wanders out of the shop with a bag heavy with food. Mostly trail rations, biscuits, jerky, things that will sate hunger and keep for a time, but also some fresh bread, knowing the true value of the simple pleasure of bread that isn't as hard as a rock. Weighed down with abundance of edibles she makes her way through the Shadow and to the streets she frequented as a small child, her heart filled with a complex assortment of feelings at seeing the homeless there. Nobody ever came carrying a bag this full when she was young no matter how hard she wished for it.
Tears in her eyes and a smile on her face Whisper kneels as two of the streetchildren who recognise her from a previous visit come running up to her, eyes expectant and hopeful. Digging in her bag she tears off a couple of chunks of the bread and hands them to the children before heading further along the street, sadly smiling at the altogether way too many familiar faces, wishing she could just give them all somewhere better to be.
It takes her a while but she soon composes herself and sets about handing out some more food to the needy, and just as importantly asking a few questions of those in the 'shore about the Lotus Dragons.
Seeker:
One day during the downtime, Daurros will take a stroll over to visit Guard at his shop. As he walks up, he notices the warforged engaged in repairing his plating. "Good day, Guard. How are you? I hope I'm not disturbing you much; I was hoping to talk a bit.""Ah, welcome Daurros! No, you don't disturb me. I'm in for a change of task anyway. So, what shall we talk about? Are you in need of a new weapon or armor? Or has it something to do with your friend?" the warforged welcomes him. Hidden behind the massive build of the warforged, but now comming into sight is a small floating ball of blue shine.
Also the arms of the warforged seem to have changed: the dark adamant of his plating has some blue mist inlayed.
Looking in the face of the surprised Daurros the warforged says: "Right, you have not met Snem yet. You remember my encounter down in the dungeon? Appearently I helped that little one out. She does not talk, but we can communicate. Sometimes. But she helped me ... get those. I don't know exactly how. I'm at a loss of words to describe it.
From what I gathered, they should be effective against such monstrosities as where down there. But that is just what happened.
Why did you say you came here?"
A little taken aback by the small blue light, but recovering quickly (wizards see a lot of strange things, after all), Daurros smiles and says, "Well, the main reason for my visit is to discuss a ... business proposition for you. You'll recall our earlier discussion about repair light damage? I've actually already found it and copied it into my spellbook. In fact, I have also scribed a new scroll of it to keep on hand. What I offer you is this - from this point forward, I will keep a scroll or two of this spell on hand, and as I am able, I will learn the more powerful versions of this spell and keep them on hand for your benefit. All costs of finding the spells, copying them, and scribing the scrolls, I will bear. I ask only one ... well, two, things from you."
Daurros reaches down and draws his rapier, the one that he got from a another who had it made by Guard. "This is a fine weapon, indeed. But unfortunately, it is not suitable for enchantment. I want one that is. I understand it will take some time, so no rush.
"If you create that weapon for me, and continue to keep our foes away from me in battle so I can work my spells (as I am indebted to you for doing in the tunnels), then I will do my best to keep you up and fighting for as long as we work together. Deal?"
Ardanto
"That would be too good a deal for me not to take it. But, I see, you insist on it, and I won't be able to change your mind about it, so yes. Deal." the warforged agrees.
"But: If you ever need a new weapon, or a suit of armor that I am able to provide, just say so and I will gladly work on it, as time is available."
"Now, you said you could tell me some things to better understand Ardanto's behaviour... I'd like to know him better, as I'd like to know you, Whisper, Finn, Thoven, well all of us better, for it seems like we have to work together for some time now.
I even like to know me better, after that incident with Snem. New wonders around and all that, you know." Guard chuckles slightly.
Whisper
As you walk the streets, strays seem to find your way to you. Mangy cats,shaggy starving dogs even a few birds seem to fallow you eyeing the food you give away
Keeper:
Seeker
As Forzakhad enters the enclave, he asks to see the Preceptor, as he has important business to discuss with her. The acolyte that welcomes all visitors shows him to a room in the second basement, a place where the thoughts of the people in the vicinity are not intruding into any scrying and searching done by those that seek out the darkness. A rather thin and gaunt looking woman of elderly years ushers the Captain into her sanctuary. "Ah, Centur Forzakhad, how is your little enterprise faring?" The kalashtar holds both hands in parallel an inch apart as he bows before his superior. "It is going better and worse than I thought. But this is the soonest I could answer the missive you have sent me. What is the will of the Collective?"
Forzakhad
The Preceptor stands "Light greet you Forzakhad" She takes a seat back on the padded cushion. The room is modestly decorated a few rugs , a lamp a few verses of wisdom on the walls. "I have information that you may need to know. You working for the lady vanderborn has opened up a few trade opportunity we seek,however in prusuring them we have uncoved a few disturbing things. As you have no drought heard the harbormaster is dead, what you do not know is agents of the enemy are behind it. Just how and what agents they used we do not know .we do know they are moving to control the city's trade,we want you to gather as much information as you can as you travel among the peoples of this city. The group you have intertwined yourself with will make a fine cover as hunting the lady's wayward brother will bring you into contact with people who may know things." A monk brings in a small table and a tea pot with small tea cup "Would you like some tea Forzakhad?"
Daurros.
Daurros.
** spoiler omitted **
Ardanto
"That would be too good a deal for me not to take it. But, I see, you insist on it, and I won't be able to change your mind about it, so yes. Deal." the warforged agrees.
"But: If you ever need a new weapon, or a suit of armor that I am able to provide, just say so and I will gladly work on it, as time is available."
"Now, you said you could tell me some things to better understand Ardanto's behaviour... I'd like to know him better, as I'd like to know you, Whisper, Finn, Thoven, well all of us better, for it seems like we have to work together for some time now.
I even like to know me better, after that incident with Snem. New wonders around and all that, you know." Guard chuckles slightly.
"Well, armor is not something I would generally be able to make use of, but thank you for the offer.
Guard (and Ardanto, if you like)
"So whenever he does something ... unusual, like talk and kick dead bodies, try and remember that he isn't totally ... himself. He is truly a good man, and a loyal friend."
"Interesting... You have tried to revise his condition? Maybe Lord Thoven has the means to acomplish this task... or knows someone who can help us with that.
That definately clears up some of his... unusualies, but that Ardanto had to be a unnerving person. But I will try to keep that in mind." Guard declares, letting the topic rest for now.
"So, what are you going to do with your share of the treasure? It's not as much as I first thought it would be, but a pretty ammount nonetheless."
"The priests were able to heal his broken body, but his mind proved to be more difficult. For now, he is who he is; sometimes I think his eccentricities make him more fun!"
Daurros ponders Guard's next question a bit. "Well, I have a feeling most of the money I get will go towards expanding my spellbook. I admit I never cared for studying much, but it seems that if I'm to remain useful to everyone, I will need to develop those talents further. I have a sneaking suspicion that this group will do what my parents never could - make me a responsible adult. Of course, I plan to go down kicking and screaming the whole way." Daurros breaks into a grin, a bit uncharacteristic of him.
"How about you? Will you spend it on something fun? And pardon me for asking, but what exactly does a warforged consider to be 'fun', anyway? I don't know much about you guys, but I'm guessing you wouldn't get much out of having a few with Ardanto and myself (though you're more than welcome to) ..."
Over the next few days Ardanto follows the following routine, he fills his nights with carousing and merry making with his companion Daurros and any of the others who care to join them. He wakes late each morning and makes a visit to the vanderBoren manor house to make him self useful to Lavinia, carrying out what ever tasks she sets for him while trying to get to know her better.
On the second day he takes a stroll past the taxidermists place and camps out somewhere he can see the entrance to observe who comes and goes. He will do this as subtle as he can be, but he has no great skills in subterfuge. He gets bored easily and his spying mission lasts less than an hour before he heads off in search of more excitement.
"How about you? Will you spend it on something fun? And pardon me for asking, but what exactly does a warforged consider to be 'fun', anyway? I don't know much about you guys, but I'm guessing you wouldn't get much out of having a few with Ardanto and myself (though you're more than welcome to) ..."
"Some of it will be spent on materials to restock the shop. I will buy a potion or two of those repair-spells for myself again, just to have them around... just as a sort of backup, you know. Apart from that... I think I will treasure the rest for something more expensive, like a magic enhancement to my armor or so." having answered the question of what to spend his money on, Guard thinks for a bit, before going on:
"I consider this forge as 'fun'. Others have to work for a living, but I don't. Still I do the smithing here. Granted, this is hard work, but it's not that hard if you are a warforged.I could hang out with you guys, but, as you sayd, I would not 'get much out' of alcoholic beverage. I tried that once though. Appearently not even the hardest dwarven destilate knocks a warforged off his feet." he laughs.
Guard
Yes they are immune to such things
Whisper
Lavinia seems glad to see you and you share a small brunch in her garden. She seems to have taken an interest in you. She goes on about how brave you are being alone in that dark tunnel and wistful confesses she wishes she was brave and could handle her self as well as you. She gets a impish smile and asks if you think you could tech her how to use a rapier?
Ardanto
You spend most of the day watching the building with little effect people come ,people go your not sure some seem seedy some do not. dead animals and crates come back and forth all day. As the sun drops you make your way to a tavern , upon opening your purse you notice a note tucked within.
"You are being watched
by the Lotus Dragon.
Your questions will
bring you misery—it’s
best to sit back and let
things happen as they
will. Further interference
will only bring
you tears."
Keeper:
whisper
Lavinia is delighted that whisper will teach her. She says she would like to start as soon as you can and will have to purchase a sword then. She seems happy and cheerful after that point
Ardanto wears a stern face, and his sword is placed on the table, when Daurros arrives for their usual night of festivities. "Daurros I am afraid we shall have to put off our plans, can you take me to see Guard and anyone else you know the location of?"
He solemnly passes Daurros a crumpled note, "I found this in my purse after I took a stroll around the location of the Taxidermists, I don't like being threatened, I am thinking of burning the place down and killing every one who tries to leave, but I thought calmer heads should prevail."
The Note
by the Lotus Dragon.
Your questions will
bring you misery—it’s
best to sit back and let
things happen as they
will. Further interference
will only bring
you tears."
Keeper:
whisper
Keeper:
Ardanto wears a stern face, and his sword is placed on the table, when Daurros arrives for their usual night of festivities. "Daurros I am afraid we shall have to put off our plans, can you take me to see Guard and anyone else you know the location of?"
He solemnly passes Daurros a crumpled note, "I found this in my purse after I took a stroll around the location of the Taxidermists, I don't like being threatened, I am thinking of burning the place down and killing every one who tries to leave, but I thought calmer heads should prevail."
The Note
** spoiler omitted **
"Interesting. Somehow, though, I'm not sure burning the place down will serve to accomplish anything. We should be able to collect Guard and Finn both in the Champion's district; let's head there first. By the way, not the smartest thing in the world staking out the place by yourself. Someone who slipped you a note unseen could just as easily have slipped a dagger in your ribs, also unseen. Next time, we should leave the sneaking to Whisper, OK?" Daurros leads the way to Guard's shop with Ardanto in tow.
When we see him, Daurros will say, "Guard! Sorry to disturb you once again, but Ardanto has had a development you should be aware of."
"By the way, not the smartest thing in the world staking out the place by yourself. Someone who slipped you a note unseen could just as easily have slipped a dagger in your ribs, also unseen.
"Your right as usual my old friend, but I was angry with them and not thinking right," he taps the side of his head as he speaks.
At Guards, Ardanto strides across and offers him his hand, "Nice set up you have here my friend, I am sorry to disturb you but I wanted to make every one aware that the Lotus Dragons know who we are and we should be on our guard." He hands the note to Guard for him to read and explains how he swung past the taxidermists guild to see where it was.
"I don't think we are in immediate danger, but we should spread the word to the others and I only knew where Daurros was located."
"Actually, I believe we are in serious danger. From what I've seen and heard before, a warning note is often used to get someone not only to stop what they're doing, but drop their guard when they think that's all they had to do to stay safe. Then, you know what happens ...
"I strongly suggest that we gather the rest of our companions, and all stay together this evening. Perhaps our erstwhile employer will put us up for the night? We cannot afford to have a few of us missing in the morning."
Ardanto reluctantly nods in agreement, "All the more reason to burn the bastards out," he grimaces.