Evening has fallen and you are all sitting at a table talking and getting to know one another. A rather tasty meal is brought out by the staff of the Wise Piper Inn, compliments of Talia Orem, the Inn's proprietor.
Midway through the meal, the walls begin to rattle like they would if a loud clap of thunder had sounded.
Roll Perception check (DC15)
"Well."
"Well that was unexpected. He seemed like such an honest chap, didn't he. I suppose he was smuggling? The captain did seem fairly admamant. Just as well I don't have an aptitude for rapid evocation - there's a mage I trained with who would have burned a few of the deputies to cinders when they sprung out, and I imagine that could have escalated things considerably!"
"Exceptional job indicating we should stand down Odinbjorn. I was still trying to work out what was happening." Halvar adds "I've read about 'the fog of war' but never experienced something so dramatic. How you kept your head I don't know."
Turning to Mala
"Thank you my dear for convincing the officer that we were unwilling dupes. I was beginning to wonder if I was going to be seeing the inside of a cell. I suppose it was that he didn't want to arrest a noblewoman and a priest of Shelyn, along with your wit and charm? You didn't have to do anything" he pauses delicately "Extra did you? Nothing that might wear off in a few minutes?"
And to Osric
"You're from around these parts, aren't you Osric. I don't suppose you're familiar with this town?"
Preoccupied with the sound of his own voice Halvar doesn't hear the loud noise - or notice that his companions seem distracted.
nodding his head in appreciation of the praise given by Halvar, Odinbjorn is oblivious to any goings on around him.
"Serving Girl! More bread if you don't mind."
Mala shakes her head at Halvar's question "Convincing him of the truth was easy enough. What is most unfortunate is that Silas, that scoundrel, at least got to Cassomir." she angrily tears a chunk of bread, dragging it through the plate of honey before her. The pout on her face has not changed since the guards slapped shackles on Silas. Gesturing across the common room, "It was very kind of Talia to extend her hospitality to us. We should find a way to repay her kindness." Seeing Odinbjorn seemed more interested in the bread, and maybe the serving girl, Mala puts her hand on Osric's arm "Perhaps we could hunt some fresh game for her in the morning? I was thinking that I would create her some menus maybe."
Perception:
"What was that?" she looks around quizzically.
"Yes, Halvar, I was born and rasied in Faldamont, just where I signed on with the caravan. Still, I rarely traveled more than a couple days from home. I know only a little of Belhaim. I heard it was founded some time ago by a famous dragonslayer, but it's been years since I've been this way."
"Lady Mala," says Osric, blushing slightly as her hand touches his arm, "I would be only to happy for the chance to do a little hunting. I find it often very soothing to be be at one with the wild. Tell me, do you enjoy the hunt yourself? I understand many noble ladies accompany their families in hunting parties. Of course, my style of hunting would be very different from that enjoyed by the peerage."
Osric's head jerks up suddenly. "I heard it as well, should we investigate?"
Smiling at Osric, looking around conspiratorially Mala leans in speaking quickly with excitement in her voice, "You would let me join you? Could I really? Ladies in Oppara to not hunt." Looking towards their rooms Mala bites on lower left corner of her lip, "Though I do not suppose I could hunt with a glaive could I?"
Mala and Osric notice that the sound is more like a massive landslide!
Grabbing Osric's hand and pulling him toward the door, Mala rushes outside to see what's going on!
Odinbjorn watches Mala as she runs towards the door. He diverts his attention
to the Jadwiga and shrugs his shoulders.
Halvar look at Odinbjorn and starts struggling out of his chair
"Do you think the dress code is 'war gear?'"
"Always"
Before you get to the door, a young man bursts into the tavern nearly out of breath yelling, The Witch Tower has fallen! You go outside to see for yourselves and notice a large plume of dust rising in the eastern sky. Townsfolk who stop and take in the view begin to panick and head back to their homes.
Mala asks the young man, "Witch Tower? What is that? Are there people in there?"
The man explains, The tower has stood there for many years. In fact the last baron of Belhaim died in there attempting to explore it two years ago. Lady Origena Devy, the town baroness, also his widow looked at the Witch Tower as his tomb. She must be devastated at the news of its demise.. He then bows to Mala and bids her a good day a d rushes off.
Osric awkwardly leaps up when Mala pulls his hand, and rushes with her towards the door. A look of shock spreads across his face as he sees the cloud in the distance.
"That tower must have been huge! Whatever could have caused it to collapse now, after all this time?"
And to himself he thinks: If the tower's that old, why didn't someone explore it before? I don't remember anything about the tower, but I was only here that one time, and I was very young...
Halvar struggles into his enormous leather coat, its armoured folds draping around his bulk. Groaning as he leans down he fumbles a little and comes up with a large wooden shield and a knotted wooden walking stick.
He makes his way towards the door, carefully maneuvering his girth around the patrons. As he moves he considers what he has heard of the tower, and what he remembers seeing of it in the way into town.
"I don't remember any earthquakes recently. The weather is not especially inclement. Logic suggests that if this were purely entropy any gradual deterioration would have manifested during a period of environmental stress. I deduce, therefore, that either this must have been a rapid deterioration or that this was not entropy and was in fact caused by an actor - possibly animal but likely humanoid."
"Either way, we should probably make our way to the tower and assist anyone who may have been injured or trapped by the fall."
Mala nods at the young man taking in what he told her. After he runs off she turns to Osric and says "Poor Lady Devy! Her husband's tomb collapsed? How sad. At least it sounds like it was empty so nobody is hurt. Still, we should go and see if we can be of help. Let's see if Talia can tell us anything more first though."
Mala goes back inside the inn, returning to her table and calls the owner over so Talia, Odinbjorn and Halvar can all hear. "The man said the Witch Tower collapsed. It sounds like it's a tomb, so probably nobody is hurt. Talia can you tell us any more about it? I think we should go and see if we can be of any help though."
"I think we should go and see if we can be of any help though."
"Of course you do girl. Although, maybe we can find something of value in the rubble if we investigate at the tower."
A frown crosses Odinbjorn's face
"I tire of living on charity. Let's change that starting now."
"Прости мой друг - Показалось, невежливо не принять предложение, но я, конечно, имеют достаточно средств для приобретения продуктов питания достаточно для нас, чтобы поехать в другое место. Мои извинения, если я изображал нашего проливы как более отчаянным, чем они на самом деле.
"I'm sorry my friend - It seemed ungracious not to accept the offer, but I certainly have sufficient funds to purchase food sufficient for us to travel elsewhere. My apologies if I have portrayed our straits as more desperate than they truly are."
"Mala can catch up - we're the slow ones."
Talia takes the bread from the serving girl and makes her way to your table at your request. She bows and hands Odinbjourn his requested bread. This is what I know about the fallen tower. I don't know if anyone was in there or not, but townsfolk refuse to enter that sacred place. I've heard rumors of an eccentric wizard who opted to buy the place. He built a manor with a large dome and even leveled part of the forest. Said it blocked his view of the eastern sky. I think he was an astronomer or something. But anyway, Lady Devy refused to sell it because her late husband, baron of Belhaim died exploring it. She, being the baron's widow took his position as town leader and dedicated, what we all call the Witch Tower as his tomb. There have been travelers who have gone against the baroness' wishes and went in anyway. None have ever returned to tell as much as a tale. We fear there is great evil which lies within its walls. When she finished her story she asked, Is there anything if there else you would like before we clear your table?
Taking a large bite out of the warm loaf of bread. Odinbjorn asks aloud and to no one in particular.
"Do you think anyone would mind if we went tromping through a sacred place?"
A glimmer lights up in Odinbjorn's eyes, and the hint of a smile can be seen through his beard.
"But... If nobody has ever returned, who is going to know if we do?"
"So it is quite possible, then, that another traveller has entered in secret and precipitated the destruction? A traveller who may still be trapped inside? And that possibly whatever it was inside that killed so many may now be freed to ravage the town?"
The more Halvar talks, the more worried he sounds.
"That would be grim news indeed, Halvar. Who know what sort of creatures could have taken up residence in such a place? As for invading a sacred place, perhaps we should consult the widow, Baroness Devy. Maybe she'd give us permission to investigate, especially since whatever did this destroyed her late husband's tomb?"
"I was thinking more some sort of magical miasma, but there are guardian creatures that could well have survived. Golems, undead, bound elementals... the list goes on."
"I suggest that we ask someone else to tell the Baroness we've gone to defend the area and [b]not enter and make haste! Once we've seen the situation more may become clear! People could be dying now!"[/b]
Just wondering if you all decide to head for the fallen tower?
"Halvar is wise to be concerned about what might have exited the tower. I'm willing to head that way if everyone else is. I do agree that we should ask someone to relay a message to the Baroness regarding our intentions."
Odinbjorn runs to catch up to his wabbling friend after arranging a deal for his horses boarding.
Talia, overhears Osric and chimes in, if anything in town goes on, you can bet that the baroness is well aware and is on her way to investigate.
Talia, overhears Osric and chimes in, If anything in town happens, you can bet that the baroness is well aware of it and is on her way to investigate.
Mala shakes her head, snapping to as if day dreaming of somewhere far away. "Let us double check there is noone in need, and await the Baroness' arrival at the tower then!"
As you set out for the colapsed tower, you hear rumors that dozens of Kobold corpses were found in the ruins.
Once you reach the site, two local guards, a male and female are puttering about the area. They seem confused as the woman is scratching her head and the man has his hands on his hips, chewing on a blade of grass.
A voice from the crowd yells, maybe someone should knock on the wizard Hunckay's door. Maybe he knows what happened! He does share the hill, well he did share the hill with the tower. The two argue for a few minutes about who will knock on the door until a woman from the crowd pipes in and says, Fine! I'll do it! Upon reaching the door, there is another dead Kobold lying on the steps terribly charred. She knocks on the door a couple times, but there isn't any answer. The female guard goes to open the door, but is stopped by the make guard. What are you doing? Do you not see the dead, barbecued creature on the steps in front of you? The door is probably trapped! she looks at him dumbfounded, turns and walks back toward the crowd.
The town’s baroness, Lady Origena Devy, arrives soon thereafter with a young man. He begins to take charge of the situation giving directions for the crowd to move away from the immediate area. After listening to reports from those gathered at the site, she notices the strange group standing amid the crowd and makes her way to you. I don't believe we've met! I am Origena Devy, the town leader. What brings you to our little town?
A trap on his door? How irresponsible! Anyone could be killed!
When the town leader speaks Halvar looks around for Mala, completely cognizant of his lack of charisma.
But I do have an exceptional grasp of the Nobility!
Mala curtsies to Lady Devy, "My lady, I am Mala of House Salazar. I'm sure you've meet my parents, the Lord and Lady Salazar, last summer in Oppara at the wedding of his Lordship's cousin's uncle's brother's nephew? Marcel Stokes. Fabulous time. No?" Mala was sure that everyone was at that wedding. "My friends and I were passing through on our way to Cassomir as caravan guards then then..." Mala stops herself, shaking her head "We were in the Wise Piper when we heard the commotion. We were worried that someone may be hurt in the collapse. Talia told us that this was the tomb of your late husband the Lord Devy? But..." she motions toward some kobold corpses, "this is rather unexpected. Kobolds? Mala wrinkles her nose.
Good job, princess.
Osric stands to the side, considering the scene.
What a commotion! At least the baroness is taking charge of the situation. I'd best let Mala do the talking, she's used to speaking with nobility.
Yes, she handled that better than I could have.
A trap on his door? How irresponsible! Anyone could be killed!
When the town leader speaks Halvar looks around for Mala, completely cognizant of his lack of charisma.
But I do have an exceptional grasp of the Nobility!
[dice=knowledge:nobility]1d20+8[dice=knowledge:local]1d20+8
Lady Origena's red leather armor is of fine Taldor craftsmanship. It fits her like a glove, showing her curves as well as her tight muscular frame.
Mala curtsies to Lady Devy, "My lady, I am Mala of House Salazar. I'm sure you've meet my parents, the Lord and Lady Salazar, last summer in Oppara at the wedding of his Lordship's cousin's uncle's brother's nephew? Marcel Stokes. Fabulous time. No?" Mala was sure that everyone was at that wedding. "My friends and I were passing through on our way to Cassomir as caravan guards then then..." Mala stops herself, shaking her head "We were in the Wise Piper when we heard the commotion. We were worried that someone may be hurt in the collapse. Talia told us that this was the tomb of your late husband the Lord Devy? But..." she motions toward some kobold corpses, "this is rather unexpected. Kobolds? Mala wrinkles her nose.
Greetings Miss Mala Salazar. No, I'm afraid I wasn't able to make that wedding, for that was around the time I lost my dear Arren. Her voice strains a bit then a tear begins to fall. Foolish man! I still don't know what was going through his thick skull! Poking his nose around in this, this death trap! After his death I decided to make this his tomb. No one was ever to disturb it. But Hunclay, he's been trying to get me to sell this place so he can knock it down. Said it blocked his view of the eastern sky!. Looking around at the crowd of people gathered near the wreckage she wipes away the tear and comments. I think it suspicious that he's nowhere to be seen!
With a change in tone she says, Today is your lucky day Miss Salazar! Mulle and Hodd here can't handle this without the sheriff to hold their hands, and I want to know what happened here. You and your friends seem to be a capable group. If you go in there and look through the rubble, find out what happened and why there are kobolds in my town! I will pay you 500 gold pieces. While you're looking around in the ruins, keep an eye out for any signs of our missing wizard, Hunclay. It seems somewhat suspicious that he's nowhere to be found, especially not answering his door!
Mala curtsies again, "Of course my lady. We are too happy to help you uncover the truth of this matter. Forgive my ignorance, my lady, but did Lord Arren keep any note or journals that may aid my bookish friend here?" she gestures to Halvar. "Anything else you can tell me, my lady, about this tomb before we set out? Err...into. Under?" Mala smiles hopelessly.
Now that's a woman.
Puffing out his chest in a rare display of Bravado, Odinbjorn breaks his silence. He is fully aware of what wanton vixens the widowed aristocracy in Taldor can be.
"Lady Mala, I would be honored to lead the expedition into your dear departed husbands tomb. Kobolds are foul lizards indeed, and my companions and I will get to the bottom of this."
With that he kneels ceremoniously, and awaits her pleasure.
Halvar finds himself straightening at the praise. Alerted by the creaking of some of his supporting gear he slumps back into his habitual pose. He considers kneeling when Odinbjorn does, but then comes to his senses.
"Yes, indeed. Very suspicious."
Halvar pulls out his notebook and starts to jot down some quick structural sketchings as he attempts to work out areas of instability. Once confident that the remaining structure won't collapse under his weight he murmurs a few quick words and starts combing the area for any residual magical auras - especially on the Wizard's door.
An enormous heap of black cracked stone and splintered wood from the tower lies in a low mound here, tumbled partially down the hill to the southeast. The mound of rubble forms a natural ramp that leads up to the now-exposed second floor of the tower. Though the tower’s ancient iron front door remains in place, all the rubble blocking it from the other side prevents anyone from using it to enter the tower.
Knowledge (Engineering)- The bulk of the tower seems to have crumbled into a sinkhole (although from this vantage point it’s impossible to tell how much of the basement survived), and, the rubble is unstable, and could shift if not traversed carefully.
Detect magic- no magic detected.
"Care to lead Osric? Seems like you would be the most sure-footed."
Mala looks at ramp with a worried expression on her face, "What do you guys think?"
"I think someone needs to hold a torch."
Odinbjorn thinks for a moment
"Any flamable gas Halvar?"
Halvar pauses
"No - but I believe I can fulfil your request"
With a few muttered words and a mystic pass Halvar summons four glowing, floating torches.
"Given the nature of the building it may be worth attaching ourselves with rope."
"I can certainly give it a try, Odinbjorn. It does look rather shaky, though, so if you don't mind Halvar I think I will tie some rope around my waist, and if I fall hopefully the three of you can catch me. Once I get to the top I can brace the rope and help the next person up."
Mala perks up, "I can go after Osric."
Please do, that look of lust in your eyes makes me uncomfortable.