Return to enjoying the festival.
Keep an eye out for either the dwarves from the flail who offered me a job, or Mule and his group.
" That information could prove most enlightening to us. We shall seek out this knowledge tonight after I have written in my journal. I have oft' wondered what our world would be like were death more permanent and could spirits not choose to stay on this plane. Likely we would not take lives so freely. What say you to that supposition?"
"Great minds think alike," Jinjer says with a sly grin. And then she asks, "When do you want to head out? And what's this 'journal' you are writing in? Some kind of life story or something?"
The tone of her voice almost sounds sarcastic, but from the look on her face, you can tell she is being serious.
" We shall head out shortly after sunset I suppose. My journal is a collection of my thoughts and supposings from each day. You know, friend, that I am a man of knowledge and of understanding. Writing a journal helps to keep me organized and it will make things that much the easier for historians to look at my life after I die. " Magnus responds smugly. It is clear that he has a bit of self-importance in the idea that he will survive his own death through the information he passes on.
"Works for me - I'll be ready. Are you writing about me in your journal? Did you spell my name right?"
Jinjer elbows Magnus in the ribs and says, "I'm glad we're doing this together. As far as I'm concerned, it's just a matter of time before the Dwarven Thanes decide that even the Gnome race would make good slaves."
Tarrana follows closely behind trying to ignore the stares, both real and percieved. "I do not suppose you know what task I've been called for? The spirits here seem greatly troubled despite this celebration given in their name."
"I've an inkling," Brodgar answers, the mirth gone from his voice. "Somebody did Stilgar a favor so he could keep that pretty face o' his, and I imagine they've come to collect on it. Put two an' two together and it probably has somethin' to do with all the late unpleasantness."
After letting the thought hang a while, he adds, "'Course I'm sure he'll be more'n happy to let us know when the time comes. Just don't go expecting it to be a jolly ol' barn raisin' or anything."
"They plan on taking his face? I can see why he might be determined not to lose it. Still, I doubt my involvement will improve matters with them all that much. Unless, you're planning on rubbing his nose in it? He'll need his face for that."
"They plan on taking his face? I can see why he might be determined not to lose it. Still, I doubt my involvement will improve matters with them all that much. Unless, you're planning on rubbing his nose in it? He'll need his face for that."
Gaius: Considering the company he's keeping, Brodgar should be easy enough to spot, if you'd like to speak with him. The Mule and his party are still at their table outside the Flask and Flail.
Gaius: Considering the company he's keeping, Brodgar should be easy enough to spot, if you'd like to speak with him. The Mule and his party are still at their table outside the Flask and Flail.
Gaius purposely wanders past Mule's group at the Flail. It was slightly rude of him to leave earlier so he gives them the option of beckoning him over.
If they do not then he goes in search of Broggar.
"Aye, now what could have happened here...?" Stilgar murmured to himself as he left the chapel. It was difficult to notice, but the people in the town were notably less active than before. As he passed by a few crowds, he overheard the news of what had occurred just moments before.
"Grundar? Here?" If there was one thing the cleric had not expected, it was for the Thane's son himself to show up at the very place he had been murdered, during the festival of all times. Though he hated to admit it, he was happy to miss the opportunity to meet him face to face - if his conversation with the Speaker had not been an indication, small talk was not exactly his forte.
"There is no point in delaying any longer, then," he muttered as he walked about, now looking for a particular person. He had asked for the assistance of several people, among them Brodgar, an old friend of his. Stilgar had considered delaying their meeting until the next day, when the celebration was over, but something about Grundar's appearance just rubbed him the wrong way.
In time, he would happen upon Brodgar and Tarrana, greeting them with a nod.
"Greetings, Brother Brodgar. And Tarrana, I presume?" he would begin, having only a description of the latter to go by, "It is good to see that you are enjoying the festivities, but I fear that things must be put into motion sooner than I planned."
Tarrana smiled brightly as the newcomer approached them and said innocently. [b]"Greetings, Stilgar. I'm glad to see you've still your face. Hmm, tell us then what you have in mind."
Gaius: Considering the company he's keeping, Brodgar should be easy enough to spot, if you'd like to speak with him. The Mule and his party are still at their table outside the Flask and Flail.
Gaius purposely wanders past Mule's group at the Flail. It was slightly rude of him to leave earlier so he gives them the option of beckoning him over.
If they do not then he goes in search of Brodgar.
While the group do not beckon you to their table, they nod politely as you pass, and the Mule raises his tankard to you in a toast. You see that he, oddly, wears a gnome mask. It bears a noble aspect and is topped with a golden crown. The mask has a broad, open smile, allowing the Mule to drain his drink with little trouble.
With Jinjer's words echoing in his head, Magnus writes out his journal while nursing a honeyed lager.
Slavery.... Is this what that is? I had never thought of it that way. Always I had assumed that this was the natural order of things. I've never been made to question that. Willem and Annah are clearly intelligent people, very capable, yet they live in near squalor. They can't even afford education for their child. For me, this came freely. And what of what the Thane's son said? He was so firm in his opposition of humanity. Can I really change his mind? I will need some help.
These are his thoughts as Magnus leaves his room. He searches the crowd for a familiar face. He does not have too much trouble finding Stilgar speaking with a number of people.
[b] "Friends, I am pleased to meet you. Would you join me on a walk this evening? I intend to meet Jinjer by the hill facing town. She suspects that there may be some important information we can gather from there. Will you join us?" [/b}
With a node to the group and a friendly wave to Mule, Giaus goes in search of paying work.
Finding the group in a quiet side street he speaks
"There you are!" the voice is perhaps a bit louder than needed, but perhaps it is focused by the narrow walls.
Turning to the entrance of the alley you see a figure in a faded once-blue cloak and weather faded travelers’ clothes. He is wearing a mask that represents a cloud over the top half of his face, clever patches of dyed gauze cover the eyes. Many strings of light beads depend from the mask representing rain. Sharp eyes will catch the tiny beads of yellow glass worked cleverly amongst the larger blue and grey. Occasionally the movement of the strings align and the yellow beads form a lightning bolt.
Quite the festival you have here though the dour dwarven dignitary did dampen things for a time. Well in the midst of joy there is sorrow and so in the midst of this festival I seek honest toil. What would you have me do?
Turning to Tarrana. "Please forgive my manners, I blame the excellent wine." Bowing deeply he continues. "I am Gaius Cornelius Gracci, please consider me your humble servant."
"Aye, seems we got lots o' folk lookin' to put a damper on things, Brother Stilgar." He sighs deeply before removing his great antlered mask and adding, "Shame the festivities end so soon, but I am more than a mite curious about the goings on."
Brodgar nods to the others as they approach, meeting their eyes and not attempting to hide the brand on his face.
Addressing Magnus, he says, "I could go for a walk,"[b] he remarks as he puts the mask back on. [b]"Couldn't hurt to have our talk outside o' town, either."
"Excellent wine makes the worst of the best men Gaius, it's a pleasure." Tarrana said mischievously. "There are so many faces, both fake and real and the spirits are at their worst right now. Forgive me if I don't recognize any of your names for a while. Magnus?"
Tarrana followed behind closely whispering to unknown voices under her breath.
"Indeed, it is best that we discuss this somewhere away from town," Stilgar would say, nodding towards Magnus and Brodgar, "The hill would be an ideal place to meet; perhaps we could meet Jinjer there. All I can say now is that it is of relevance to what I have to tell and show you all."
Stilgar looked over to his companions, having only personally known Brodgar and Magnus - the others were new faces to him. Tarrana struck him as strange, especially with the way she spoke, though the vibe it gave him was not particularly negative. He met her words with a grin, aware of their unfamiliarity.
"And perhaps we should become better acquainted - this is the first time we are meeting in person, after all. I am Stilgar Fulgrum - I tend to the chapel here in town."
"I am Magnus Thunderf00t. Seer and seeker of knowledge and understanding. I am working with Stilgar in this town at present. It seems my wanderings have brought us together here for a purpose. But I suspect our group is not yet complete. My friend, Jinjer will be awaiting us on the hill. Shall we walk while we speak?"
Meta-diplomacy ... or someone else can fill that role..... haha!
"I am Magnus Thunderf00t. Seer and seeker of knowledge and understanding. I am working with Stilgar in this town at present. It seems my wanderings have brought us together here for a purpose. But I suspect our group is not yet complete. My friend, Jinjer will be awaiting us on the hill. Shall we walk while we speak?"
Meta-diplomacy 1d20+6 ... or someone else can fill that role..... haha!
"Pleased to meet you Stilgar, Magnus." The half elf bows to each of you in turn.
"Please call me Giaus." "Though I am loathe to leave this delightful festival, some things are best said under an open sky."
Gaius turns to Tarrana and offers his arm. "Shall I escort you fair Fräulein."
"I am Magnus Thunderf00t. Seer and seeker of knowledge and understanding. I am working with Stilgar in this town at present. It seems my wanderings have brought us together here for a purpose. But I suspect our group is not yet complete. My friend, Jinjer will be awaiting us on the hill. Shall we walk while we speak?"
Meta-diplomacy 1d20+6 ... or someone else can fill that role..... haha!
"Pleased to meet you Stilgar, Magnus." The half elf bows to each of you in turn.
"Please call me Giaus." "Though I am loathe to leave this delightful festival, some things are best said under an open sky."
Gaius turns to Tarrana and offers his arm. "Shall I escort you fair Fräulein."
Tarrana takes hold of his arm with a small smile. "Of course. It's Tarrana by the way. Not Frownline."
Giaus will escort Tarrana. Pointig out the way the light leaves the high ice clouds last.
Are we high enough and is the night clear enough for gegenschein?
Jinjer will try to catch a nap and then move out to the hillside to wait on Magnus.
When the sun begins to set, I shall journey to the hillside. Arriving early, I seek out any rabbits or small burrowing creatures that are bound to be around. I ask them to come to me if anyone passes their burrows tonight. I will send Tuboo out on a similar task tonight, but not until the group has arrived. Once all of us are here, I use my clairvoyance for a third time tonight to look around from a great height (casting straight up, about 50 feet) I am searching for any persons on the hillside moving towards us.
survival to find animals (?)
diplomacy to request animals help
perception check from clairvoyance (range not factored in)
Perception check from Tuboo, the Weasel
Tarrana is either completely dazzled or completely distracted. She stares skyward as you lead her onward and talk of the marvels of the sky. She nearly trips and turns to scowl angrily at the rock that offended her. After a few minutes like this she turns to you with narrowed eyes and interrupts you midsentence. "Are you a spirit?"
Giaus will escort Tarrana. Pointing out the way the light leaves the high ice clouds last.
Are we high enough and is the night clear enough for gegenschein?
Giaus will escort Tarrana. Pointing out the way the light leaves the high ice clouds last.
Are we high enough and is the night clear enough for gegenschein?
Tarrana is either completely dazzled or completely distracted. She stares skyward as you lead her onward and talk of the marvels of the sky. She nearly trips and turns to scowl angrily at the rock that offended her. After a few minutes like this she turns to you with narrowed eyes and interrupts you midsentence. "Are you a spirit?"
Smiling, Gaius takes the change of subject in stride.
"A spirit? That is somewhat open to question. There are those who would consider what spirit I have to be of lesser value than theirs. Some would even challange that I bear a spirit at all, though given the wine I drank earlier I feel confident in saying that I do indeed bear spirit."
Jinjer heads off to her room at the inn and catches forty winks. Meanwhile, Gaius and Tarrana stroll about the village engaged with the scenery and interesting conversation. Hours pass, and when the time draws nigh, Magnus heads out in advance, traveling north and walking for about ten minutes to reach his destination.
The hill in question is is low and round-topped, with two other hills rising step-like behind it in the distance. While the higher peaks have scattered trees and undergrowth upon their summits, the top of this one is barren. The sky above is darkening to purple as the sun sets. A breeze begins to pick up, bringing a bit of a bite to the evening air. Back in the village, strains of music begin to rise, the sounds of strings and pipes are happy, but distant.
After a quick search about the base of the hill, Magnus is able to find a rabbit burrow and converse with its occupants. They agree to warn him of any two-legs approaching in exchange for some food.
That done, Magnus and his furry companion sit leaning against a small tree and await the arrival of the others.
Jinjer rises from her nap, straps on her weapons and armor, checks her provisions, and leaves the inn. She makes her way through the village quietly, trying not to be too obvious, and avoiding anyone she can.
When in view of the hillside, she stops and stands off to the side in cover and watches for several minutes before approaching and finding Magnus.
Noting the rabbit, Jinjer grunts and says, "Is that your buddy or is it tomorrow's breakfast?"
Stilgar spent his time between midday and nightfall at his chapel, watching over the ongoing festivities in a casual manner, chuckling and nodding his head every so often. When the sky darkens, he would excuse himself from any present company, stopping by his room to retrieve the scroll tube that contained the documents the Inquisitor had given him. He had most of its contents memorized already, but felt that he should bring it should one of his companions wish to see it.
Before leaving he would glance over at his warhammer, which laid beside his bed, but would decide against bringing it, imagining that it would be quite difficult to hide on his person. With that he would leave the chapel, telling any whom asked that he was simply taking a late night stroll, to take a breath of fresh air - it was not entirely untrue.
In time, he would find where Magnus waited; "Good evening, Magnus - and you must be Jinjer." All that remained was to wait for the others; amidst their search, he had several things that had to be said.
" Jinjer, perhaps you don't appreciate that the information we exchange tonight may not be intended for all ears. Say hello, Tuboo"
Tuboo crawls up Jinjer's leg, tickling and giving her quick weasel kisses
"My rabbit friend is giving me a hand keeping things clear. and safe. I'm sure you can appreciate that, Stilgar? "
Noting the scroll case on Stilgar's person, Magnus asks to see the contents as Tuboo moves to say hello to Stilgar as well. Noting the approach of the remaining members of the group, Magnus sends Tuboo to make the standard greeting.
Tarrana is either completely dazzled or completely distracted. She stares skyward as you lead her onward and talk of the marvels of the sky. She nearly trips and turns to scowl angrily at the rock that offended her. After a few minutes like this she turns to you with narrowed eyes and interrupts you midsentence. "Are you a spirit?"
Smiling, Gaius takes the change of subject in stride.
"A spirit? That is somewhat open to question. There are those who would consider what spirit I have to be of lesser value than theirs. Some would even challange that I bear a spirit at all, though given the wine I drank earlier I feel confident in saying that I do indeed bear spirit."
"Noooooo~" Tarranna said. "Are you a creature of mortal flesh or a voice of the wind? Or maybe storms? No, storm spirtis aren't so polite."
Seeing the figures of Tarrana and and Gaius strolling towards them, the assembled group ascend the hill. From the top, the village can be seen laid out below in the near distance, the warm glow of light coming from bonfires on the green, twinkling from torches, lanterns, and of course the carved gourds of the spirit lanterns that are hung from homes and trees.
By the last twilight, the party can see two great scorched areas on the hilltop, bare of grass or any other growth. The areas overlap slightly, and appear to be perfect circles, some twenty feet across. In the center of one stands a wooden post erected in the ground, about seven feet tall and a foot wide, charred and blackened by fire. All that remains of the second post is a stump, surrounded by chunks of charred wood. Overhead, the stars are coming out, like cold distant eyes opening to behold the bleak scene below. All is quiet except for the wind and the quiet voices of your other two party members as they make their trek uphill.
"Good evening, Magnus - and you must be Jinjer."
"Yes, I am," Jinjer replied, giggling at the "kisses" from Tuboo. But then she soon regains her composure and gives the dwarf a blank look. "You must be Stilgar - I've heard Magnus speak of you."
At the top of the hill, Jinjer cautiously approaches the remains of the posts where the two scapegoats were burned. She squats down and looks around the area for a long time, trying to pick out anything that isn't obvious.
As Tuboo returns from scouting about, I feel his sense of alarm and I question him for as much detail as he is able to give. I share with the group that there is an unease surrounding this place and we should speak and act carefully. I suggest that anyone who might glimpse the invisible world should try to do so.
"Noooooo~" Tarranna said. "Are you a creature of mortal flesh or a voice of the wind? Or maybe storms? No, storm spirtis aren't so polite."
The conversation continues as we walk up the hill.
"Is that a question that can be answered?" Gaius asks with a smile. "I think I am 'too too solid flesh' but I have been wrong about many things. Am I a man thinking of a cloud or a cloud thinking of a man? Or a Half-elf escorting a lovely woman in the gloaming? The world may never know."
At the top of the hill, Jinjer cautiously approaches the remains of the posts where the two scapegoats were burned. She squats down and looks around the area for a long time, trying to pick out anything that isn't obvious.
Your look over the area doesn't give you much in the way of information except for a few obvious things:
1)You see no remnants of fuel that one would normally expect for burning a victim at the stake.
2)The scorched patterns on the earth are strangely geometrical.
3)The broken post to the right seems to have suffered much more damage than the the other, as if the fire burned hotter or longer, causing the post to burn through and fracture.
4)This bare earth is clear of tracks, not even the marks of small vermin can be seen.
As Tuboo returns from scouting about, I feel his sense of alarm and I question him for as much detail as he is able to give. I share with the group that there is an unease surrounding this place and we should speak and act carefully. I suggest that anyone who might glimpse the invisible world should try to do so.
"Badsmellsonthewind. ButIcannotseeorhearjustsmell. Longwayawaymaybebutthere," chirps Tuboo, still bounding around and standing himself up to peer around and sniff incessantly at the wind, "Nothere. Onthewind. Ishouldbeunderyourcloak. Niceandsafe. Yes? Yes."
As Tuboo returns from scouting about, I feel his sense of alarm and I question him for as much detail as he is able to give. I share with the group that there is an unease surrounding this place and we should speak and act carefully. I suggest that anyone who might glimpse the invisible world should try to do so.
To Tarrana: "Excuse me my lady."
Gaius's eyes grow faint, the blue lost in the grey. Strange breezes play about the hilltop. There is the scent of the sea and a moment later the smell of a frozen forest. The stars seem closer somehow.
1)You see no remnants of fuel that one would normally expect for burning a victim at the stake.
2)The scorched patterns on the earth are strangely geometrical.
3)The broken post to the right seems to have suffered much more damage than the the other, as if the fire burned hotter or longer, causing the post to burn through and fracture.
4)This bare earth is clear of tracks, not even the marks of small vermin can be seen.
Jinjer nods at Magnus' suggestion while watching the newcomers, especially the half-elven spellcaster. Patient and quiet, Jinjer waits until he casts his spell before saying, "Take a look up here, if you will. Note these strange scorch patterns...and there are no tracks anywhere."
Gaius stands for several moments, still but for the breeze ruffling his hair. Several times he turns in place, his face fixed into an emotionless, far-off stare.
Tarrana stared suspiciously at the sorcerer as they crested the hill and said nothing. She gave a sharp intake of breath as she looked over the posts.
Knowledge Religion
Knowledge Nature
Tarrana stared suspiciously at the sorcerer as they crested the hill and said nothing. She gave a sharp intake of breath as she looked over the posts.
** spoiler omitted **
Knowledge(nature): It has been five years since the hilltop was burned. In normal circumstances, grass and other undergrowth should have reclaimed the barren earth by now.
I permit Tuboo to withdraw into my cloak, thanking him for the good work. I stand with my nerves on edge. Ready both to cast and to wield my crossbow. I load a bolt, trying not to show too much apprehension to my allies, but suggest that this meeting be a brief one.
Tarrana frowned as she kicked at the dust surrounding the poles. "Baal's fire has been here. It's left a wound in the world that will be long if ever in healing. Ignorance. They play at slaying demons and only work to bind them to this world. Who knows what black things have been attracted here by this cleansing."
She spat the last word showing a righteous indignation.