Shattered Star

Game Master Zesdead

Teldon's normally pale cheeks blush visibly at Zee's comment as he begins carefully returning the dagger, ring, and gemstones to the box.

"Hm... so if they're annoying, or about to hurt someone, or might hurt someone..." She's still confused, but shrugs. "Ok." Guess I'll just follow their lead on that one. She bends down and starts picking things up, trying to undo some of the damage they'd just caused.

"In the civilized world it is generally considered acceptable to slay monstrous creatures if they present a danger to person or property." Teldon remarks to Nalathi, somewhat relieved that the conversation is moving on, "in this case, it seems, we were a danger to property as well but, thankfully, humanoids enjoy different protections under the law."

You have very little time to start straightening the room, although you do make a start by piling the Pugwampi corpses next to each other, when Shiela Heidmarch and Koriah Azmeren burst through the door, weapons in hand...

"What's happened? Is everyone alright?"

...and then the Venture Captain takes in the extent of the damage to her prized library,"oh...oh no...", looking at the toppled Paradox Box, the smashed table, the soaked (and slightly scorched) carpet and the papers scattered everywhere, it takes her a few moments to find words, "So...talk me through your method of opening the Box...did you use some form of alchemical explosive? Because, I'm sure you could have attempted that outside..."

Koriah, a wry smile on her lips, does point out that you did manage to open the box...

Sheila acknowledges the comment, "There is that I suppose...."

Joanna faces Lady Heidmarch, trying to keep the anxiety out of her expression and voice.

"I am terribly sorry for the damage, milady. Teldon solved the riddle of how to open the box, when those two things," she nods to the pugwampis, "Appeared and started making a mess. I tried to reason with them, but they, didn't stop." She picks her words carefully as her eyes glance to her feet, obviously embarrassed about something, and perhaps the reason she's in her stocking feet. "One of them was distracted by Ziomarra, and the other began tossing books everywhere. I killed the one on the book case, and then there was an explosion, that I guess killed the other one. We were beginning to clean things up as best we could when you arrived."

Joanna looks around sheepishly after she finishes, not even sure what she should do now.

"The pugwampi which had been entranced began helping itself to her ladyship's spoils," Teldon says offering the coffer to the two women, "so I tried to deal with it... however, there was a... mishap, as is, of course, prone to happen when pugwampis are about."

She stands up and turns toward the doorway when Lady Heidmarch enters, clasping her hands behind her back. Far too used to getting in trouble, she tries to appear as nonthreatening as possible. She stands very still and looks at Lady Heidmarch with apologetic eyes, but says nothing.

Any trinkets around that I might wind up walking out of here with? One of those bell-on-a-handle things, a paperweight, whatever. It doesn't have to be valuable.

For the first time, Sheila Heidmarch's sees the slain Pugwampis, and her mood lightens immediately, "Koriah warned me that the box was likely trapped...it seems she was correct in her assessment...you have done well to deal with the menace before they burnt the manor to the ground". Hearing the barely hidden anxiety in Joanna's voice, Koriah suggests Sheila tells you about the time Pugwampis filled her husbands tent with wasps, Sheila however is less keen to share her experience, "Hmmmm, another time maybe Koriah..."

"It seems you have done well...better than I expected...and there are many more tables and rugs to be found in the bazaars of Varisia", Sheila's smile is warm and genuine. Before she continues though, Koriah interrupts that she must be on her way and that, in fact, she has another appointment to keep. "Very Well Koriah, I thank you for your reports and trust that I will see you again soon". The Half-Elf replies that she very much expects so, gives you a half-bow wishing you the best of luck as Pathfinders and hurries from the room.

Image of Koriah Azmeren

Image of Sheila Heidmarch

Acknowledging Teldon's offer of the Box's contents, "They are yours...consider them a reward for your work here today...and a taste of what discoveries you may make in time...the box though, the box is truly a wonder and belongs to the Pathfinder Society"

Outside of the meeting you will have time to assess the Box contents and find them to be:

• A Masterwork Silver Dagger
  
• A Ring of Feather Falling
  
• 3 Garnets, each worth 50GP

"Shall we find somewhere more pleasant to sit and discuss the true reason for this meeting?", leading the way, she escorts you from the wrecked library into a solar at the corner of the building...the sunlight comes down in rays through the exotic foliage...and the floral smells are delightful. Offering you a seat at a bench, she herself sits and first requests that whatever is about to be discussed should not be shared with anyone else.

Nalathi - With the amount of trinkets on display in the lodge, it is inevitable that one accidentally finds it's way into your pockets...feel free to imagine something appropriate

Joanna lets out a quiet sigh of relief. She returns Koriah's bow and gives the more experienced Pathfinder a brief blessing of Iomedae before she leaves.

When they arrive at the solar, looks around in wonder, ignoring the voice of her step-mother squawking at her not to gawk. Once things get down to business, she nods her head and says, "I promise that I will not share this information, but I cannot, and will not, speak for my new-found friends."

Her voice is solemn, and she some how manages to take on an air of dignity despite being in her stocking feet and looking as if she'd gotten a little too close to a fire.

I'm imagining her hair is singed, and the tips will have to be cut off, as well as her clothing being covered in light burns and soot from the blast. Her boots are outside somewhere and I plan on taking care of that after the meeting.

Briana smiles brightly as the group is ushered into the solar, obviously enjoying the atmosphere. She takes a seat on the offered bench, with Rowenna situating herself underneath the bench at Briana's feet.

Joanna has presence...it must be from her training for the clergy.

"I was taught from a young age that discretion is an important character trait to cultivate, so you have my word as well," she offers. "And I promise that Rowenna here is truly the cat she appears to be, albeit more intelligent than the average," she chuckles.

hmm... in all my studies I never opened a single book on ettiquette... Joanna and Briana seem to know what they're doing perhaps I could mimic them for now and I'll read up on the nobility and their ways when I have the time...

"I promise that I will not share this information, too," he says stiffly, "because discretion is an important character trait to cultivate."

* * *
Earlier...

Briana had been eyeing Teldon and Ziomarra somewhat apprehensively as she made efforts to find something to sponge up the worst of the damage to the papers. She had no idea what was being said, only that there was shouting....which quickly gave way to laughter and smiles.

"I'm not sure what's being said, but I'm glad you two seem to have reached some sort of understanding," she says with a bit of a bemused smile.

"Sorry. I slip into my native tongue when I lose my temper, which is more often than I would like to admit. Teldon and I had a bit of a disagreement over how we dealt with those drăcuşori... uh... gremlins. I said a few things I now regret, and I have tried to take those words back. I hope our scholar has accepted my apology."

Briana Kaddren wrote:

Nalathi Estrid wrote:

She replaces her trident at her back and looks at the two dead bodies, a puzzled expression on her face. "So... how do we know when we can kill things? Are we going to eat these?"

She then gives Nalathi an odd look in response to her questions. "I...I guess in most cases, you just "know"? If they're going to hurt other people or you..." her voice trails off as she looks rather perplexed.

"In the civilized world it is generally considered acceptable to slay monstrous creatures if they present a danger to person or property."

Joining in on the answers to Nalathi's questions, "It can be a difficult decision on whether to use deadly force. Like Briana and Teldon said, if someone or something is threatening the life of someone else, it's usually acceptable to use deadly force. There's also a difference between using deadly force against people and monsters. It's never a good idea to try to kill people unless there is no other choice. People who have done bad things should have the right to explain themselves to and be judged by their elders. The judges then decide what should be done with them, depending on the circumstances.

"Monsters, like those drăcuşori, are usually a scourge on people in general. It's usually OK to root out and kill monsters if they threaten people. It can get tricky, though. Some monsters can appear to be people. Some people are worse than most monsters. And some things that look like monsters aren't really bad, and should just be left alone.

"I say, it's always best not to kill, unless there is no other choice."

As Ziomarra says that last line, Joanna returns to the library, looking much less green. "Joanna, you serve the Inheritor, no? Would you agree with that assessment?"

* * *
Now...

Ziomarra has a sheepish look as Lady Heidmarch and Koriah enter the room. To her questions, she replies, "Yes, we were expecting a trap, but not drăcuşori. I'm not sure how much of this mess was caused by them or by us."

Relieved that Lady Heidmarch isn't sacking her and the rest, she follows her hostess to the next room to continue the conversation.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." Nalathi means it sincerely, though one wouldn't know it by the tone of her voice or her mannerisms. So distracted is she by the exotic plants surrounding her that her promise comes out sounding off-handed. There's so many! She inhales deeply. Plants were a new experience to her when she first started exploring the surface-- the only plants that grew in the underground were moss and mushrooms. Hardly anything to look at. She loved the softness of grass beneath her, and trees were a wonder to behold, but the flowers were her favorite. So many colors, and all of them smelled so sweet! Here she's surrounded by them, and she means to get an eyeful.

To Lady Heidmarch's request to keep this conversation in confidence, Ziomarra replies,"I hold many secrets already. I will add this conversation to my collection."

Winding back the clock. Joanna looks a little confused at first, but she's quick enough on her feet that she manages to figure out what they are talking about.

"Yes. My mentor, Brother Titus, told me of the Shelynites view on fighting. They say that the stroke of a pen and the stroke of a glaive can never be undone. He said that is true of the sword as well. If an enemy will listen to reason, can be persuaded to take a righteous path, then I will try, but there are some enemies that will not listen, that are so lost to their own wickedness, that I must defeat them, killing them if they do not yield."

She shakes her head and looks sheepishly at Ziomarra.

"Sorry, that was probably more than you were expecting."

Assured of everyone's discretion, Sheila starts to talk, “First, allow me to apologize for that unpleasantness regarding the gremlins — but it does provide an excellent object lesson. The life of an adventurer is not one for the weak-hearted. That you not only took care of the gremlins but also got the box open in the first place is all the confirmation I need that my gut was right—you’re the perfect group for the job I have in mind."

Smiling at Jacanne who has brought a platter of fruit pastries into the solar and placed them on the table next to the benches, “You see — I’ve recently had trouble with one of my informants here in Magnimar, Natalya Vancaskerkin. She’s a half-Varisian who recently approached the Pathfinder Society with an offer to serve as a street informant. She runs with the Sczarni — I’m not sure with which group. A week ago, Natalya sent me a cryptic hint that her gang was on the verge of uncovering an item that would be of great interest to the Society. Since the Sczarnis’ methods of uncovering something often involves an armed robbery or breaking into somebody’s personal chambers, we thought it prudent not to press for further details and instead wait to see what it would produce. Suffice it to say, she hinted strongly that it pertained to Thassilon, and promised to meet with me to discuss this find three days ago."

“She never kept that promise — instead, she seems to have simply vanished. Initially, I assumed that the acquisition of this item was simply taking longer than expected, but now I’m hearing rumors that the Sczarni are looking for her as well."

“It seems likely that Natalya has absconded with this item she’s discovered. And this is where you enter, my friends. I want to know what it was that Natalya and the Sczarni found. In fact, I’m more interested in that than in what happened to Natalya herself. For now, I’d like to keep all of this quiet — if you can find out what happened to Natalya without letting a lot of people know she was also working for me as an informant, that would be preferable — that’s a big part of why I’m coming to you, as new members of the Pathfinder Society, with this task. You don’t yet have a reputation in Magnimar, and as such, the lowlifes and criminals you are likely to encounter may be more likely to talk."

Sheila places a pastry on a plate and gesturing for you to do the same, she finally makes her request, “So... go out there and look for Natalya. Find out what happened to her, and to this item she and her gang discovered. If you can secure the item, all the better — bring it back to me and I’ll have a reward of 500 gold pieces for you. And if you can bring Natalya back alive for me to speak to, I’ll double that!”

Natalya Vancaskerkin... Where have I heard that name...?

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Any chance of a circumstance modifier since Ziomarra has been living in a Sczarni-run camp in Dockside for the past few months while working as a fortune-teller?

EDIT: And that might not be necessary anyway!

Ziomarra - you haven't heard the name specifically being mentioned by the Sczarni within Magnimar....however, the name Vancascerkin is certainly familiar from your time on the road, Saul Vancascerkin was, at least at one time, one of the seven major Crime Lords of Riddleport

knowledge(local), untrained: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"I will take on this task for you and for the Society" Teldon states. Then, remembering his plan for feigning etiquette, he hastily adds, "but I cannot, and will not, speak for my new-found friends."

"I would imagine that my background is one reason you sent for me. No, as far as I can tell, my people don't yet know that I have chosen to be shuffled into the Pathfinder Society's deck. Yes, I have some contacts with the Sczarni. We shall see what they will tell us of what they know of Miss Vancaskerkin. You say she is half-Varisian. Is she related to Saul Vancaskerkin of Riddleport?"

Joanna picks out a pastry that looks like some thing she'd never tried before. She ponders over what Lady Heidmarch tells them, trying her best to hide her disgust when she hears that some of the people the Pathfinder Society associated with considered armed robbery and burglary legitimate methods of acquiring something.

No reputation. HA! That's an understatement in my case. I'm almost completely unknown within the circles of nobility, and I am completely unknown outside of that. She smiles at Shelia's statement that they have no reputation in Magnimar.

"I will help in anyway I can, though I have some small favors to ask, in private, if it pleases, milady." She looks up a bit timidly, obviously uncomfortable with asking someone she just met any sort of favor.

Kn. Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

"Hm...I've heard a little about the Sczarni. It sounds like they do good for some of the poorer neighborhoods, in their own way. You're right about not having much of a reputation but are we going to run into resistance from the locals once we start poking around in the Sczarni's business?"

Nalathi forces her eyes away from her surroundings and turns her attention toward Sheila's story. The notion of breaking into someone's private quarters doesn't strike her as odd-- Why make it private if they don't want people to look there?-- but armed robbery is a different matter. To her that spells bad news, and she wonders briefly whether she's now allowed to kill them. No reputation, huh? Thank the gods those shopkeepers don't work for the Society! She breathes an internal sigh of relief. "Dirty thief," she says, helping herself to a pastry. "Any idea who might know where she was looking?"

Replying first to Ziomarra, "We're not sure there is a connection there...certainly the Vancascerkins of Riddleport are unsavoury characters and, to find that one of their kin is running with Sczarni, wouldn't normally be such a great surprise. IThe connection, if indeed there is one, may be worth further investigation... if she's left Magnimar...to go back to Riddleport for some reason...that'll make things very complicated, let's pray she's still nearby..."

Speaking generally to all of you after Nalathi raises the question about where Natalya may have been looking ,"I really don't know much about our missing friend, sometimes it's best not to ask too many questions, but what I do know, I'll share. Natalya approached us a few weeks back and offered to be a sort of double agent among the Sczarni. As the Pathfinders have recently forged fruitful alliances with the Sczarni in many cities throughout the Inner Sea, I judged that having a member of a Sczarni gang as a double agent here in Magnimar could be useful — Unfortunately, one of Natalya's requirements was that she would retain a high degree of anonymity and autonomy, so she’d be free to handle things as she saw fit." Sheila seems quite wistful and toys with the rings on her fingers when she admits that she now realises that agreeing to these terms may have been a mistake, "...but until I know more, I can't write her off as a traitor"

"One thing she did let slip...she mentioned that one of her informants posed as a fortune teller down on Washer's Row in the Dockway. The fellow goes by the name of the Amazing Zograthy...although I doubt there is little amazing about his skills in predicting the future...you could do worse than starting there"

"There are two other possibilities, neither of which would be very positive for Natalya; she may well have been picked up by the City Guard, they are leading a hard crackdown on organised crime at the moment so there's a lot of Sczarni spending time in the cells or, and this is much worse, there are rumours about Nidalese slavers combing the streets late at night...and finding rich pickings in the less salubrious parts of the city."

"That's all I've got to offer at the moment...do you have any questions or requests? I hope you can start straight away...clearly the sooner you can start your search, the less chance there is of the trail becoming cold..."

And finally to Joanna, "If you seek a private audience I can make some short amount of time available when we are done here", taking in Joanna's singed hair and her missing boots, "I hope you aren't having second thoughts? I have great trust in ALL of you"

A fortune-teller called The Amazing Zograthy on Washer's Row... Have I heard of this person...?

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

That's probably a no...

Teldon fidgets in his chair, struggling to be patient while the alchemical cocktail he chugged only a few minutes ago continues to super-charge his already considerable intellect...

an artifact of Thassilon, most interesting, if it was originally recovered by a pathfinder it may be in the logs somewhere, if it was purchased some merchant must have records... was she serious about the cards or was she teasing me? she is rather attractive, I hadn't noticed that before... I wonder if Lady Heidmarch has any records here I could examine, and how long we have to eat pastries before courtesy allows us to get started?

"Lady Heidmarch, do you have any adventure logs or archived Pathfinder Chronicles which I could peruse for mentions of Thassalonian artifacts that might still reside in this region in private collections? That might provide us with some of the Sczarni's potential targets as well as allowing me to be productive while enjoying this fruit pastry."

ninja'd... pretend this was posted before Lady Heidmarch spoke

"Thank you milady. I promise you that I am not having second thoughts, though I would like some advice, if that is not too much trouble," Joanna says, "and thank you for your generosity with your time. I promise to be brief."

I didn't want hold things up, so I figured it'd be okay to go ahead and post the audience in spoilers. I hope this is alright.

"Well...should we go speak to this Amazing Zograthy first since it sounds like the best lead? Talking to the City Guard probably wouldn't take too long but then they might wonder why we're asking. As for the other option...I really hope she hasn't fallen prey to slavers," Briana says with a shudder. "Even if it's just a rumor, we should be extra careful if we're out after dark and take care to not wander off alone."

Looking to her fellow agents, Ziomarra says, "Lady Heidmarch, we will track down this Natalya Vancaskerkin and will return her to you in one piece. I think we should start our investigation with this Zograthy character. If he is misusing the Harrow, he and I would need to have a chat anyway."

She pauses, as if hesitating to continue. "One question, though. Getting information out of a Sczarni often requires gold. I cannot speak for the rest of us, but gold is one resource that I find myself in short supply of. Would it be possible to have an advance on our reward so as to grease Sczarni wheels?"

Ziomarra – you haven’t specifically heard of the Amazing Zograthy, but the Dockway is littered with such ‘fortune-tellers’. Some are ‘Locals’ setting themselves up as Varisian mystics, Harrow readers or even descendants of ancient Thassilonia whilst some, allegedly from far-off lands, offer fortunes and readings based on traditions from regions around the Inner Sea and beyond.

At Teldon’s suggestion that Thassilonian Artefacts in Private Collections may be a Sczarni target, Sheila concedes that there is a possibility that the Sczarni were planning on offering the society stolen goods, ”But, I think, the chances of that are low. The Sczarni know that we have good records of the artefacts in such collections, including those held in Academia…they would know that we would recognise anything that had recently gone missing. But…if you fail to discover anything through other lines of investigation, come back and I can suggest possible targets for such a theft”

Returning to Briana’s concern that poking around in Sczarni business may cause some trouble, ”It may…it may, that is why I would like you to be as discrete as is possible and, if anyone asks, I would prefer if you did not mention my name nor the Society…someone like Natalya would have made a few ‘interesting’ acquaintances over the years, I’m sure you can pretend to be such people…”

”Greasing the Wheels? It could well come down to that, few people associated with the Sczarni will volunteer information without some form of incentive…consider this an advance”, clearly anticipating your request, she passes Ziomarra a pouch of coins.

The Pouch contains 100GP

”May I ask that you report on your progress this time tomorrow? I have already lost one person in my ‘employ’, I have no intention of losing another five!", smiling, she stands, "If you have no further questions, Jacanne will show you to the door…and I look forward to hearing some news”

Rising as Lady Heidmarch stands, Ziomarra replies, "Yes, we will report back on our progress tomorrow. We shall see you then."

Standing on the veranda while waiting for Joanna to join them, Ziomarra stands next to Briana. Leaning in, she speaks softly. "Briana, earlier you mentioned seeing spirits and started to ask me a question. You seemed troubled by the sprits, or by your questions about them-- I could not tell which. I would be happy to hear your stories about them. Spirits manifest to different people in different ways. Perhaps the spirits that whisper to me would also provide some counsel to you through a reading."

She finishes her pastry and stands up. "We'll track her down. I'm good at finding things." This was only partly true-- Nalathi had quite an impressive history of finding things, as evidenced by the contents of her pack, but rarely were they things she was actually looking for. Still, how hard could finding this girl be? As she follows Jacanne out the door, a small polished letter opener engraved with the seal of House Heidmarch accompanies her.

When/if you want me to make Sleight of Hand checks for that, let me know. In a shop or in the seedier parts of town, I definitely will.

As Lady Heidmarch stands and Ziomarra follows suit, Teldon quickly rises as well. After Zee and Nalathi make parting comments he struggles for something to say...

Neither Briana nor Jo has spoken... blast these formal settings... well, Zee seems to have some understanding of them..

"Yes, we will report back on our progress tomorrow. We shall see you then," Teldon says before stuffing the last bite of his pastry in his mouth, handing the plate to the Osirian lad, and heading for the door. He seems relieved as he steps out on to the veranda but immediately begins pacing while waiting for Jo to join them.

perception to overhear Zee and Briana (passive, not actively trying to eavesdrop): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
if he does overhear he will immediately stop pacing and pay far more attention to their private conversation than a better socially adjusted person would.

"Thank you, Lady Heidmarch. I'm sure that between the five of us we'll be able to find Natalya and whatever this object is as well. As the others have said, we'll be sure to keep you informed," Briana says brightly and with more than a little naivety.

As the rest of the group mill about on the veranda while they wait for Joanna, she jumps slightly as Zee moves next to her to speak. "Oh, you startled me! I guess I was lost in thought," she smiles. Her voice then drops to match Zee's. "As for earlier...you're right. I do see spirits sometimes, but not in the way that you described with your cards. They aren't specific people but almost more as if they embody...concepts or ideals. The life force that pulses within all living beings, the essence of strength of arms, the soul of the earth and stone beneath our feet. I...just got excited because you're the second person I've ever met who seems to know anything about spirits; the first was an old Shoanti woman. But I'm curious, because it seems like you both see and interact with them differently than she or I do. I hope that we can talk more about it, in time. I would certainly be interested in a formal card reading, if you think it might offer guidance."

With all of the excitement of Riddles, Pugwampis, Thassilonian Relics and Missing People, it is hard to believe that, as you step out onto the veranda, it has only just passed midday.

To Briana, quietly, "It sounds like you are in tune with the spirits of nature. That is a different gift than what the Great Dreamer has blessed me with. A reading may help, or it may not. The cards always provide answers, but not always to the questions you ask."

When Joanna joind the group, she says, "Ah. It would appear that we are all together. Let us go down to Dockside and find this so-called Amazing Zograthy."

Briana frowns, obviously somewhat disappointed with Zee's response. "I guess you're right...I would still like to try the reading at some point but it sounds as if I'll have to try and find answers for myself. Maybe it's part of why I'm here in the first place." Shaking her head, she conjures up a smile. "But my personal questions can wait. I believe we've got a job to do and here comes Joanna now."

Once Joanna rejoins the group, Briana gives her belongings one more check and seems satisfied that she has everything that she might need. "Ready to take a visit to Dockside, Rowenna? Remember, stay close to Zee because it seems like she knows her way around. It wouldn't do for you to get lost."

"Maow..."

Teldon absentmindedly straightens his gear and sets off after Zee and Briana.

More talking, why couldn't it be something we could read up on? I suppose if I were cloistered in a library here it would be no different than working in the archive back in Absalom... I'm here to becoming an adventurer, not to merely continue doing what I've done in the past. Just the same, I better leave the talking to the others. Its a shame my cognatogen will have run its course before we arrive... I wonder how soon I can brew another dose...

"Briana, I am sorry to disappoint. I do not want to give you expectations that I cannot meet. Let us try a reading later tonight, after we have completed our assignment for the day."

As Joanna joins the group, she leans in and speaks quietly to her, "Glad you seem more like yourself now. I remember feeling the same way years ago on the road. Our caravan blundered across a large group of goblins, and there was much fighting. It was the first time I had ever seen so much blood. I did not feel so well myself when the fight was over."

Looking to Teldon, "You have seemed agitated since out encounter with the drăcuşori. Are you all right?"

Waiting on the answer to Joanna's question before I post. depending on how pungent her boots still are, her mood could be happy to a little on the gloomy side. While she's not as vain as her step-mother, she does like to make good first impressions.

"Aggitated? What? Oh yes," he begins, noticing that he has begun pacing again, speaking rather quickly he continues, "so I am... You see, in my studies I have learned to brew a number of tinctures and tonics which augment my mental faculties. While those faculties are employed, for instance in the deciphering of encrypted runes or the solving of forgotten riddles, those drafts are most beneficial... however, when reduced to waiting and eating sweet fruit tarts my unoccupied mind races and often gives rise to physical manifestations like pacing or the rapid tapping of my fingers. It will pass before we arrive in Dockside."

Teldon has forced himself to stop pacing but begins rocking quickly but subtly side to side. He adds as if speaking aloud to himself, "Το μεγαλύτερο εργαλείο ανθρωπότητα διαθέτει είναι το μυαλό , και αυτό είναι το πιο συχνά παραμελούνται ."

"Oh no, it's not your fault! I'm the one who should be sorry, we've just met and here I am putting my expectations on you when I've no right to. It will be fine, things will work themselves out in the long run."

As they walk and talk, she regards Teldon curiously. "It almost sounds like what happens when you drink coffee," she chirps.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Zee nods at Teldon's explanation, with a look of relief followed by a different sort of concern.

"O poțiune de a te face mai inteligent? Știu că a dependenților de pesh care spun același lucru."

"I would be cautious of such things..." She then shrugs her shoulders and with a gesture of acceptance concludes, "Dar eu sunt sigur că știi ce faci.

As you step out of the Heidmarch Manor, past the grand House of Lords and arrive at the square where the Avenue of Hours and the Lord Mayor’s March meet, you fall into step with each other…an eclectic group of disparate individuals united by a common cause…

…Where is Natalya Vancascerkin?

A GAME AFOOT IN MAGNIMAR

Your journey through the Summit (the general term for the affluent area of Magnimar sitting atop the Seacleft) is quite slow as the midday traffic of merchants and dignitaries with their attendant retinues crowd the streets. Although the slope that leads from the Seacleft is less than half a mile from the Heidmarch Manor, it takes you the best part of half an hour to reach the top of the descent. Looking over the lower part of Magnimar (the districts below the Seacleft are collectively known as the Shore), you take in the harbour and the hundreds of docked vessels, the multitude of small plumes of smoke arising from the markets, an intoxicating cocktail of smells…and a background hub bub of voices as thousands of Magnimarians go about their business…

Taking a last breath of clear air, you start the slow trudge from the Sea Cleft…the tall marble statue of Indros Cul Vydrach looming behind you. The smells and the voices of the city seem more intense under the shadow of the Cliff…maybe because the light wind that caressed the Summit seems to be absent down here. Arriving at the foot of the slope and into the Dockway, the paved roadways have been replaced by dirt tracks…fortunately the weather has been kind of late; any puddles along the tracks are shallow and easily avoidable.

Behind a large statue of two adventurers battling a swarm of spiders, known locally as ‘Eyes of the Hawk’, lies a large spread of tents. This brightly coloured encampment, a sign proclaiming it as ‘Carent’s Camp’, is visibly occupied by a wide spectrum of people…local Varisians and ethnicities from far away, sit outside their tents, chatting, reading and eating their midday meals…the smell of various cuisines is simultaneously delightful and repugnant…

As they began their trek out of the Alabaster district, Teldon answered Zee, "Câți dependenți de pesh ai cunoscut a descoperi misterele unei cutii vechi paradox Thassalonian ?"

Unfortunately, though he made a valid point, his slightly defensive tone did little to assuage her concerns.

Then turning his attention to Briana, he addressed her comment as well, "That is a fairly astute observation. In fact, one of the raw ingredients used in the extract I consumed is the uncooked seed of the coffee plant. I'm slightly surprised that you're familiar with it though... it must be a terribly expensive commodity in this part of the world?"

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As the smells and noise grow invasive, Teldon speaks again. "I am not well versed in the subtleties of these sorts of interactions," he offers, his voice having returned to the slow measured diction he had demonstrated when you first met him on the veranda, "if anyone needs translation I speak a number of languages, but I think someone else should do the talking."

Wandering into the city, she looks all around her. The bright colors and exotic smells are simply fascinating. She quickly detaches herself from the group, paying no attention to Teldon's attempt at a gameplan, and wanders in search of some food for sale. Her dark form easily and unconsciously blends into this shadow and that. She doesn't stray far from the others, but keeping track of her movement isn't easy.

Passive stealth (taking 10) = 22

She plops herself down in the midst of a group of strangers eating and chatting with each other. "Hi!" she says brightly. "What's that delicious smell?"

In response to Ziomarra's comment about her looking like she felt better.
"I am, although now I'm feeling hungry." Joanna laughs, a little nervously, as she follows the others.

She chooses to listen and observe on the trek to the docks. When they arrive at Carent's Camp, she takes in the sights and the smells, memories from the times her father was home come to the surface of her mind and she could almost feel his arms around her and her half-sisters as he told them of far-off places and the people that lived there. She recognizes some of the spices she smelled, but others are new and exciting. How long had it been since she'd tried a new dish from, well, anywhere?

Then something strikes her. She isn't breathing as hard as when she arrived at the Heidmarch's manor, and her shoulders didn't feel as heavy.

"Ah, blast it. I left my pack back at the manor." she mumbles as she realizes she'd forgotten to grab it when she grabbed her shield.

Joanna is currently wearing her armor and an explorers outfit. She has her coin purse, holy symbol, signet ring, shield, dagger, and longsword on her person. The holy symbol is hanging from her neck on a silver chain and the signet ring is also hanging from a silver chain, but it's hidden under the tunic and padding she's wearing under her armor.