The Forgotten God (Table 3) (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

ah, i misremembered. going to my RL game here in a few, i will update you when i get the level up complete but i imagine it'll take me a bit longer.

The great thing about solo games is that we don't have to wait on anyone else. XD Take as much time as you need - after all, you have a very complicated character to build!

The elder tilts his head slightly, clearly still waiting for an answer to his question - you've saved the village and driven off the strange foes, but honestly, you don't seem like the type who plans to simply settle down and farm for the rest of your life.

"I hadn't really thought about it. I haven't seen much of the world, and I feel the need to travel. I'd like to find, in particular, a much larger city with an established library or academy where I can learn more about what has transpired in the last few thousand years, get a general idea about geography, that sort of thing."

The elder nods after a few moments, and pulls out a large map. "The closest place of that type is probably our capital, Canorate." he explained, indicating a major city marked on the map before tracing to a hand-marked spot a little to the west. "This is where we are now. I'm afraid the city doesn't have anything like a true university, but the libraries they do have should be more than sufficient for basic history." he explained.

Harath looks for any roads that connect his current location to Canorate.

"Is there anything I should know about the city? Or the road to it?"

The map does note a road, though it heads a little away from the city at first - apparently joining a main road that heads straight to the goal. "With those beasts gone, it should be safe enough to travel. It will take a few days, though, so be sure you're ready to sleep outdoors." he said, nodding slightly.

"Yes, I will need to spend a bit of coin around here before I leave. I lack necessary supplies. Are there ever caravans from here to there?"

"Not until you get to the main road, but they do travel along there on a regular basis to bring supplies into Canorate." the Elder explained, seeming happy about the question. "You'll probably have to prove yourself to the leader of the caravan, but as long as you stay away from the wagons, they're usually willing to let people travel with them."

"Ah, they're afraid of thefts them? Is that a common occurrence on these roads?"

"There aren't too many people interested in stealing large blocks of stone." the Elder noted. "It's more of a formality than anything else, just to be certain that everyone in the group is legitimate." Though there were always caravans with a few additional goods to help satisfy the masters of the city...

"large blocks of stone? Is there a big construction project going on?"

"Always." the Elder said. "The city has a large population of halflings, and they're constantly working on expanding buildings and putting up new works of art. It takes quite a lot of stone to do all of that, and a few groups have been able to make a solid living by supplying the raw materials."

"Ah, I see. Thank you for your information, Elder. If there is no other information you feel like imparting to me, I suppose I will get out of your hair. I'll visit some shops in town before departing."

what time of day is it?

Towards mid-day, after your talk with the elder, you are able to begin browsing around the shops within the small residential area - and, eventually, realize that you're rather fortunate to have found what you were looking for, since anything much higher in price probably wouldn't have been available. Of course, if you do end up going to the capital city, then finding things to buy is unlikely to be a problem... it's earning money to get them that you'd have to consider. More relevantly, though, you still need more information on the fragments of your power, and those libraries should be quite helpful once you arrive...

forgot to mention that i would sell the leather armor back if possible. If so, how much do i get for it? so i got all the other items? assuming so,

Harath heads out the next day after shopping, content with his equipment and the image it puts forth. Shield, spear, chain shirt... a typical warrior if ever there was one. Eager to move along the road in front of him and put the small town and its erstwhile frog monster infestation behind him, he steps out an hour before first light.

5 gp. Per standard rules, mundane equipment can be sold for half its listed value. Magic items, of course, may occasionally be too hard to sell because of their prices...

The road ahead of you turns out to be much like the Elder promised - for quite some time, there's nothing except a long, slightly overgrown path on the ground. Later in the day, however, the path turns sharply to the side and brings you to a far larger road. Stones line the path, wide enough for three carts to each pass on - and remembering the map, it seems your destination is on the left. Another few hours of travel brings you closer to your destination, but there are no Inns to be found - if any do exist on this route, they're probably staggered a little differently. It seems that sleeping outdoors may be your only option...

Harath will look about for places where others have obviously camped before, but should he fail to find any, he will find a spot to settle. If there are woods nearby, he will try to make a camoflauged place to sleep. Otherwise, he will try to find a decent place near the road.

1d20 ⇒ 10 not sure what skill to roll, but here is a d20

Let's just call it Survival.

The trees have been cleared back from the main road - a basic maintenance precaution, it seems - but you're eventually able to locate a thicket that serves well enough and pass the night in peace. Animals are skittish as it is, and not many of them come close to well-traveled roads like this one... much less close to you. As morning arrives, however, you're woken by the sounds of other people - a number of wagons are visible on the main road, steadily moving forward while carrying a number of truly massive rocks. You seem to have found one of those caravans.

Harath packs up his campsite and stretches, then moves non-threateningly towards the road. Remaining on the side so as not to block their path, he will let them catch up to him and walk alongside as they continue (assuming they continue).

"Mind if I tag along? I've a slight idea where I'm going, but you lot look like you're surely headed to Canorate. Haven't seen an inn or a signpost yet."

The caravan indeed continues - they don't stop for much, though the driver of one of the wagons does look down towards you. "Aye, well..." he speaks a few short, arcane words that you have no trouble identifying as a Detect Evil spell. "It'll take coin if you want to ride, but you're welcome to walk along. We've got a group of walkers further back if you want company. Next Inn on the road ain't until this evening." He nodded to the path up ahead. "Circle of wagons ain't bad once you get used to it, though."

Harath will fall in with the walkers, imagining them to be a more interesting sort. When evening comes, he will likely stick with the circle of wagons, intent on collecting stories and knowledge of what the world has become.

It isn't very difficult to hear stories of the world - the rise and fall of nations, dragons and rumors of dragons, the death of one of the gods... something about travel encourages people to speak their minds and tell their tales. There are only a few guards around, presumably because the caravan doesn't need much in the way of protection, but there does seem to be a rise in the danger that other parts of the world are experiencing, including a place further east from the Capital...

Harath will inquire as to what exists further east, wondering if it is due in part to the machinations of those that cast him down...

"Well, there's been a few more bandits than usual that way." One of your fellow travelers (an older man) noted. "The big-shots in the city never liked them much - they'd rather bleed us dry themselves - but it's been quite a bit worse over the last few years. Be nice if they could at least slow down their construction jobs inside the city... but then we'd have to find other jobs." He sighed a bit and shook his head. "Maybe all those dreams they're having are getting to them..."

"Dreams, huh? Bandits or officials? I haven't heard any rumor of weird dreams."

"All the officials. And, well, everyone else in the city." the man sighed, shaking his head. "They're saying that everyone in the city has vivid dreams every night - sometimes great ones, sometimes nightmares... doesn't seem to be hurting anyone, but it does sound a bit tiring. I prefer actually sleeping; these bones are too old for that kind of excitement."

"My, that is interesting. I can't wait to get there to see what they're like. Any rumors as to what is causing them?"

"As many as the stars in the sky." the man said, sighing a bit. "Curse - or blessing - from the gods, magical spell gone awry, experiment by the rulers, experiment by a reclusive wizard, message from some oracle, magical item intentionally brought in, magical item accidentally brought in... take your pick." He chewed thoughtfully on a piece of jerky. "I liked the one where it was something in the water supply, but they actually tested that one and proved it wrong. Might've made more progress researching it since the last time I visited, though."

"Ah, good that they've already tested that. It was my first suspicion. How much longer until we reach this place?"

"'Nother two days, I reckon." he said, tipping his head slightly. He didn't seem to have much else to say, and got up a moment later - but he would likely be available for conversation during the rest of the trip if you felt like talking. Otherwise, it was mostly just walking - such was the way of travel.

Harath continues walking with the others, figuring few others would be such a wealth of information.

The journey from then on is rather unremarkable - which, of course, is how many travelers want it to be. Finally, about mid-morning a few days later, you reach the gates of Canorate. The city is... well, 'impressive' is just the start. The walls are truly massive fortifications, thick enough to inspire jealousy in a nation of dwarves, but remain intricately designed. Further in, stone fortifications have been mixed with spires and spirals, statues and delicately-carved streams. A majority of the people you see as you head inside are human, but perhaps two or three in ten are halflings. Most wear collars, but don't seem particularly distressed - the others look wealthy and successful in their own right.

Directly ahead of you is a castle that towers over the rest of the city, protected by defenses every bit as impressive as those surrounding the city. The others of the caravan - including the man you talked with before, who simply tips his hat to you as he passes by - seem to have no interest in it, instead heading for a nearby market while a few of their personal guards stand watch over the wagons. It seems you're free to do as you please... from browsing the shops to searching for work, investigating rumors, or simply reading a few books, Canorate certainly has plenty to activities.

Harath will spend most of his first day in town plying for rumors. While not particularly adept at wringing information out of folks, he figures the city's hot topics will be all the drunks buzz about at the taverns.

gather info untrained CHA: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 supplemented by some detection of surface thoughts.

Isn't that a second-level power?

The city seems normal enough for now. Most people seem interested in the local news - Lord Prisius, who owns a smaller keep just outside of town, has offered a rather sizable reward for anyone who can find his missing daughter. More locally, several people have been talking about statements from the city's small lycanthrope community, who are apparently talking about forming some kind of guild to improve their status with the army and obtain better rights. One man - a rather shady looking fellow with a large ring of keys on his belt - gives you a dark smile and asks how much money you've got before waving you away. He seems like a slaver of some kind, and one who has a rather special catch, but he's not interested in anyone who doesn't have money.

Finally, of course, there are the dreams. A few are grumbling about their night, but most people seem rather used to it - and the lack of an immediate catastrophe seems to have convinced many that they're safe enough for now. However, they've made no progress in determining the source of the problem, though most people are leaning towards the idea that it's something the rulers are doing - public opinion seems to be "they'd be trying harder to stop it if it bothered them so much", and the fact that it hasn't (aristocrats not being known for their tolerance) is taken by many to be a conclusive sign that they're up to something.

i was referring to this: Perceptive Talent (Psionic): While maintaining psionic focus you are more aware on a subliminal level of the thoughts and intentions of those around you. You gain a +1 bonus on initiative and on Perception checks while you are psionically focused.

Harath attempts to see if there are any connections between the enslaver of the rich and the aristocracy having something to do with this dream business. Perhaps they are dealing with this man, who is the real cause? But then why affect everyone? Whether or not he implicitly finds a connection, he asks around about the strange man and what the keys might be to. Is slavery legal? If so, under what circumstances? How do others feel about this? What happens to his slaves, and their money?

Is the missing daughter related to this? Harath will check with Lord Prisius first thing in the morning, to see if there is a connection between the daughter of a Lord and the enslaver of the rich, and to see if the Lord has his thumb on the pulse of the aristocracy in any way. This could be my 'in', to see if the nobles have any more information on this dream business.

It doesn't take very long to uncover the information about slavery within the city - it's common knowledge that it's entirely legal. In fact, it's even possible for slaves to become citizens if they work and study hard, and more protections seem to be in place than usual, making the nation one of the better places to be a slave in. Nobody seems to know exactly what the keys are for, though a few suggest that they're simply the keys to cages and kept on his body as an additional security measure. The generally positive treatment of slaves means that most people aren't too upset about it - though, as always, there are rumors that some people have unusual tastes that slavers might be supporting... particularly in regards to exotic captives.

However, perhaps that's an issue for later, as you head out to the keep where Lord Prisius lives...

The road leads directly to a large, wooden gate set in a protective wall. Inside the walled area, beyond the gate, you see the roofs of Melina’s Dream, an odd fortress designed by a child.

Even from this vantage, you realize that the architecture of the fortress makes little sense. A haphazard mishmash of shapes and angles, curves and corners, it does indeed resemble a child’s pile of blocks. Thick-headed gargoyles keep watch from the gables. Giant statues peer over the walls, their gazes cast either outward toward distant lands, or downward toward you. These stone men and women, courtiers and heroes, further lend the fortress an air of whimsy.

As you approach the front gates of Melina’s Dream, also known as Melinas for short, a guard looks down from atop the wall. Human, he has a long, swaying mustache and graying hair. He calls a greeting, stuttering, “Ho th-th-there! S-s-state your b-b-business.”

"I'm hear to speak with the resident Lord about the reward he is offering. I'd like information to help me return his daughter to him."

"Y-y-you do!? Just a m-m-moment!" the guard says, hurrying down from the wall and opening the gates. "I'll t-t-take you to the Lord." It doesn't take any special talent to notice his mood - if you're here to help find the lord's daughter, then he's more than willing to welcome you inside. With that, he begins walking briskly forward, though you do have the opportunity to see if you can get any information from him as you go. If not, it will only be a few minutes until you reach your destination.

As they walk, Harath asks the guard, "So, have you heard any rumors regarding her disappearance? I'd like to know what the men on the ground have heard, insulated as his Lordship is likely to be to the rumors of the common men."

"Well, the l-l-lady accepted a p-p-proposal from Lord Kranship the n-n-night before she disappeared." he stammered out. "She and her f-f-father have always been c-c-close, especially after her mother d-d-died. M-m-mark my words, it was b-b-brigands who took her, and they'll be demanding a r-r-ransom any day now!"

By now, you've passed into the open front area of the keep. A large statue of a sleeping cat lies in the open-air courtyard. You can easily imagine a child playing upon the cat’s back, sitting astride it, sliding down its tail, or crawling up between its ears. The floor’s old tiles create several children’s games, the colors, once bright and cheerful, have dulled over the years. Trees grow in the courtyard’s corners—two apple trees perfect for climbing, a cherry tree, and a pear tree. Several tables and wooden benches provide seating. At one such table, a middle-aged man sits hunched over some parchment. He dips his pen in the inkwell, ponders, then writes. He has dashed a dark smear of the ink across his cheek. Thin and birdlike, he carries himself with a flamboyance that screams Bard. Red and gold garb match the large, scarlet feather flowing from his puffy hat. “Hmmm...” he ponders. Then, with the drama of an actor, he proclaims, “Why dost thou steal my daughter?!”

Ignoring the question, assuming it was directed at some brigand in future days, Harath interrupts.

"Lord Prisius, my name is Harath. I have come to assist you in your search."

The guard coughs slightly - but before he can say anything, the man leaps up and points. "Ah, the heroes have arrived! But a case of mistaken identity - not a bad scene to work in!" With a flourish, he quickly writes down a note. "But I won't let you steal my ideas, knave! When this is done, I shall have written a masterpiece for the ages!"

The guard finally manages to get into the conversation. "This is the L-L-Lord's nephew, Master H-H-Horonimo." he said. "P-P-Please wait here while I alert the L-L-Lord to your presence." With that, the guard stumps off, leaving you with the... ah... literary artist.

Horonimo simply watches the guard go, scribbling down more notes as he does so. "Ah, yes, such a tragedy." he says, smiling widely. "Still, a man must obtain his inspiration from somewhere, and the tragic story of one's own family can truly resonate with audiences! But no, no, I shan't give you a preview - even the best playwrights will go through many drafts, you know! Wait for the real thing and you'll enjoy it so much more!"

"Fair enough. Do you know anything of the disappearance at hand, young Master?"

6d20 ⇒ (12, 15, 18, 20, 17, 8) = 90

"Well, Uncle is very distraught, of course. Excellent material!" Horonimo declared. "That happens when people are close, though I dare say audiences won't understand it unless they're shown. Of course, it's not exactly the first time Uncle's had to deal with a bit of craziness - his own wife went a bit senile, you know, and locked herself in some passages inside the keep! Quite mad by the time they found her two days later, and died not long after."

Horonimo doesn't seem particularly bothered by this, despite the fact that he's talking about his family. It's increasingly apparent that his only true interests revolve around the plays he's writing.

"Melina was becoming friends with the stableboy, though. Lad named Ossal Larsha. Teaching him to read and write, behave a bit better, that sort of thing. Her father hates her fiancee, though." he nodded knowingly. "Of course, I hear all fathers with girls are like that. Wouldn't know, myself - never wanted to be one." He's been talking quite freely and for some time now, and thus...

Brecken returns and beckons you into the main hall. The main hall holds all the trappings of a lord’s receiving area. Tables line the outer edges, awaiting courtiers and feasts. Banners hang from the high ceilings, their markings revealing Lord Prisius’ political and religious affiliations. The lord’s table stands at the far end of the room with a giant chair in place at its center point. A row of panels hides the entrance to the kitchen and several banquet tables designed to hold heaping bowls of food before serving.

Lord Prisius stands near his table with Brecken, the guard, just behind him. He holds his head high and his shoulders straight. A touch of wear steals some of the richness from his clothing, but there’s no doubting the nobility in the tilt of Lord Prisius’ head. “Greetings, traveler,” he begins, his voice deep and resonant. “Come and share a drink with your host. I am Lord Prisius, overseer of these lands. And who might you be?” He gestures, and Cora Sir emerges from behind the panels, carrying a pitcher and a tray of silver goblets.

"Ah, looks like i must be going" Harath says to the playwright.

Entering the hall, Harath proceeds as beckoned over to Lord Prisius's table, and sits down after him.

"Well, your lordship, i am but a traveler finding my way in the world. While looking into the business of dreams in Canorate, I overheard that you were offering a reward to find your daughter. I came to see if that was still the case, and if so, what information you could provide to hasten my search."

"She is still missing." Lord Prisius confirms, nodding - and seeming quite sad at his own words. "She is my precious daughter, and I want her back safely no matter what I must do. Still, if you are willing to help, then I insist that you at least stay for dinner. A man can't work on an empty stomach, and there are guest rooms should you need to spend the night. Cora, make sure one of them is ready!" The servant nods as they head back into the kitchen area, and Lord Prisius turns back to you. "She hasn't been seen since the night after accepting that Krashnup boy's proposal. He's in one of the guest rooms now, I believe, or I'd have already had my hounds chasing him down. Insisted on staying until we found her, too." It's clear that he doesn't like the person he's speaking of... but very grudgingly, he's willing to accept that his daughter's fiancee might not be behind this.

"Hmm, then i shall have to question him as well. Alas, I am not a trained investigator, as one of the city guard might employ, but I will do my best. Does the girl have any other known associations? Perhaps friends or people with shared hobbies? Also, not to speak ill of your family, but I presume she is the sole heir to your estate... Are there any who would seek to access that through her kidnapping?"

"Not that I can think of." the Lord says, shaking his head. "We've received no demands, either. I do not think any kidnappers would wish to call attention to themselves this close to the city - the other lords would start worrying about their own children. The only real friend she's had is that stableboy - teaching him to read and some other nonsense he doesn't need, but it made her happy, so I allowed it to continue. We don't actually get many visitors out this way, and she hasn't spent much time around children her own age."

"Ah, in that case, I suppose i shall have to call upon the stableboy after dinner. If there is any other information that you think might be pertinent, any at all, it would aid me greatly to hear it, m'lord."