To the waitress: Thank you my good woman. And thank you for your advice. It is well taken. I give her a silver piece.
I push one of the tankards of honey mead over in front of Nästród and say, Here's one for you. And yes, I would like to know my future. Here is a silver piece. Please tell my fortune. Then I take a long draught of the excellent honey mead.
Nästród smiles and tries to let the visions enter him. He takes the tarot deck and starts dealing them out on the table in an elaborate pattern.
"You are a woman of action," he begins, "You are the quickest amongst many in the body and quicker than most in the mind."
Nästród flips over more cards. "you have a knack for avoiding danger but finding fortune."
He flips over another card. "You are kind to your friends but frightening to your enemies."
He flips over over another card: "The Judge." Nästród raises an eyebrow. "You will find yourself the instrument of harsh law."
He flips over "The Traveler." "A man will arrive here in just a short time."
He flips over another card. "He will offer an adventure."
He flips over a couple more cards. "If you take it, you will find what you have been seeking. You will recognize this man in a way he does not see himself."
Nästród flips over the final card: "The Fool."
Gezzo bows again, as he exits the Tower and heads to the Laughing Wolf Inn. His trip is quick, following the same path as he how he arrived, and enters the establishment. He pauses at the entrance to evaluate the Inn’s occupants.
His gaze falls on the table of tarot cards. A dark countenance falls over Gezzo’s face as he turns toward the table.
Quicker then what some would expect from a Svarog, he leaps on the table, snatches one of the cards and grabs the Dasun’s collar. He pulls the Dasun up out of his seat, holding the card in front of him.
What is this! By your look, I assume you don’t have a license or approval from the Brotherhood to perform such witchery? And in such public and overt way! I should run you directly to the Tower!
You are lucky, though.
He loosens grip and throws the card back to the table.
You and your accomplice may be able to redeem yourself prior to meeting the justice you deserve.
He gives the woman sitting at the table a quick glance.
Both of you look like travelers and not from this area, although that is no excuse for your public transgression with the black arts, it may be of some use to the Tower. If you agree to help me with a particularly delicate situation, I will forget what I have seen and not haul you both in for witchcraft. What do you say?
Sitting back nursing his ale, Argyros watches the unfolding drama. The fool can't even differentiate between card tricks and real magic.
Nästród seems unimpressed by Gezzo's outrage. He has dealt with this many time before.
"My visions are inspired by the Gods themselves." He calmly explains. "You will find no witchcraft, sorcery, or wizardry here."
That is highly suspect, but not my concern at this time. You have not answer my question, Dasun.
And you! Gezzo says as he points a finger at Argyos.
You appear to be unusually interested in this matter, human. Do you practice arcane magic? Where is your license?
The Svarog looks Argyos over with a steely gaze.
Or perhaps you are looking for absolution? Providing your service with my matter would be looked upon favorably by the Brotherhood. I am sure your registration and licensing would be, let’s say, expedited, if you offered such assistance.
From the table he shares with Flug and Fener. Thorgrim, with a slight color in his cheeks, says to Gezzo a bit louder than neccessary: Calm down my friend! Sit down, have an ale and tell us about this venture of yours. It sounds as if you need proper warriors!
Gezzo’s head cocks to the side, towards the voice of the barbarian. He slowly turns and faces Thorgrim. He sizes him up and then surveys his two companions.
Yes, some muscle would be very advantageous on this chore. But, I am not sure your companions are of the same cut as you.
He jumps down from the table and saunters to Thorgim’s party. Pulling up a chair, he hops on the seat and stands with the three, leaning on the table like a bar top.
A glass of porto, lass. He says with a thin smile as he waves to the waitress.
I suspect my original offer would not interest you, my barbarian friend. But, your friends may be interested in the safety and hospitality found within the Tower.
Gezzo eyes Fener, then Flug suspiciously.
But, for you of course, provisions and remittance would be made for your service. And, I suspect, that would apply for anyone that doesn’t need to be registered with the Brotherhood.
I will explain the details of the task, once a party is fully assembled and we are in a more private surrounding. If you three agree, we will be well on our way to having a suitable group. If the Dasun and his two accomplices decide to take me up on my offer, I believe our party will be complete. If they don’t, well, an agent from the Brotherhood will be here shortly to collect them for the Tower.
Fener stand up to his full 6' 2'', petting Gezzo on the head, and says..
Rudy and I are in little fellow.. We don't have much care for your organizations, registrations, or this so called Brotherhood thing, But we could use the funds, we are a bit short at the moment.
Scratching his beard he states.
I have some calming tea that will work wonders for that condition of yours.
Gezzo smacks Fener’s hand away from his head and hops on the table, red faced and glaring at eye level with the human.
I would suggest you educate yourself on the Brotherhood of Magus, especially if you practice the arcane arts while making your teas.
Taking a deep breath and straightening his armor, he hops back down to the chair and takes a sip of his drink.
My apologies, where were we?
Something about drinking money I believe.. Just when I was thinking my purse was getting a bit light, and my mood a bit dry. My jumpy friend and I are in.
To Fener in a not so low voice, but in Orindir You have a tea for posture like that?
This is not supposed to be a jerk move, it's because Thorgrim feels an inappropriate bond towards the first person from 'home' he has met for months.
Flug twitches. "I—I will come."
Why all my teas are natural and are provided with the assistance of the forest spirits. Why this particular ahhh... Calming Tea...... comes from the tribes to the north west. You see... the tribes up in those regions have herds. A particular fungi tends to be found in the ahhh... Natural process...of those bovine creatures... dried, this fungi then mixed with certain other herbs can ahhh.... help with tension, one may be experiencing. I have quite often used this tea.
Fener looking at Flug On the other hand, our friend may need a different sort of tea. Sometimes children unable to focus while the older Druids tell story's of the forest, are given a tea that helps them to maintain that attention during the long stories. I believe our good friend may need that tea. Unfortunately the particular berry is found far to the south.
Fener continues to mumble on about teas...
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Through the windows of the Inn you all see a horse-drawn flatbed wagon pull up front. The driver is Sirena, and the wagon bed contains oak barrels, crates, boxes and other items, with a tarp tied over the load. She jumps down from the seat and enters the door.
She stops in the doorway, looking around the common room, until she spots Gezzo. Gezzo! Are you ready to go?
Aye, Sirena
Gezzo turns to Nastrod.
So, dasun, what is your's and your friend's decision? Stay and meet your fate or go with us and make your fate.
If your decision is the latter, then meet us on the wagon. The details will be explained once we get started on the road.
Quietly I say to Nästród, Your accuracy is astounding, especially with that last card! Well done! Thank you so much!
After hearing Gezzo Wrathforge's tirade about our "card game" I say to him, We are only playing a friendly card game, Sir, which he either doesn't hear or chooses to ignore. As he continues his verbal assults on others at nearby tables, I carefully note how each responds to his "proposal".
Catching Nästród's eye I ask, "And what do you say? Are we going to "redeem ourselves" by helping him with his "particularly delicate situation"? Then I have another long draught of honey mead from my tankard while I await his answer.
While I my faith may be secure in the light of Septimus, and I have little fear of the Brotherhood suddenly hunting me down, I am always looking for work little man. My sword can be yours for a modest fee.
Argyros stands and walks over towards the group, mug of ale slowly frosting over as he approaches. As for my magic, if you were as familiar with the Brotherhood as you claim you might be more aware of its local membership. For now, however, I'm only selling you my sword.
Finishing off his ale, Argyros sets the empty mug on the table. It seems your friend is awaiting us. Are you going to tell us exactly what this job entails so we can get started?
"I have no need of that tea," Flug says to Fener, "though I do like drinking tea in general."
He drink the rest of his ale quickly, in large swigs. "I will have to repay that round some other time."
He stands to follow the Svarog.
Good enough for me He stands up wobbles a bit, walks out and sits down on top of the boxes. What are we waiting for?
A follower of Septimus? Gezzo gives Argyros a quick stare and then breaks into a large smile.
Fellow Brother! It’s good to meet you! May the Good Friend always be our guide!
He raises his glass, finishes contents and sets it back on the table; then ceremoniously kisses his fist, places it on his heart, his forehead and briefly raises it in the air.
I am no local here, so I wouldn't know who is registered or not. I assumed you were not from this area either, but perhaps I am mistaken. But, as they say, you have nothing to fear, if you have nothing to hide!
He tightens the belt that holds his greatsword to his back and hops down from the chair.
Do not fret, my friend, the details will be explained soon enough. I will say we will be travelling into the surrounding wilds and swamplands, meeting unknown dangers. Please bring your best equipment! If you need something more, speak up and we will try to procure your requests.
Gezzo walks to the door and stand next to Sirena.
Sirena is an expert of the area and will be giving the party the appropriate details of what we can expect. We will be waiting for only awhile longer for anyone else to join us.
He turns and exits the Inn. Nimbly leaping on the back of the wagon, he takes a seat next to Thorgrim, humming happily to himself.
Fener shuffles out of the Inn, still holding his right boot in his hand.
He looks at Sirena raises his eyebrows and says I have a hut in the woods....
Diplomacy
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As soon as everyone is situated, Sirena flicks the reins and the wagon moves slowly out of the city and follows a path into the marshland. She explains that the group is going to visit several of the villages located in the surrounding area, and the primary mission is to look into the reasons that products of the land have stopped being shipped to the city. She acknowledges Fener has lived in the woods, and engages him in periodic conversations about what he knows of the area.
As you get deeper into the marshlands, it is apparent the roads are little more than often-used tracks that meander from one high spot to another. Several times is it necessary to dismount from the wagon to lighten the load as the horse tries to pull it across streams and areas still wet from the mountains’ spring runoff. The travel is slow, and Sirena projects that the first village will take two days to reach.
The swamp land is varied, and the wagon track winds along areas of high ground separated by bogs, marshes, overgrown lakes and small streams. The foliage is dense, and the air is moist and full of the sounds of birds and insects. Even though it is spring, the sky is overcast, the air is crisp, and the low-lying areas have persistent fog until midday. Despite a full day of travel, the trail is strangely devoid of other travelers.
In the late afternoon Sirena spots a clearing atop a low hill, and stops for the night. There is evidence that others have used this spot as a stopping place, as many wagon tracks are evident, as well as a circle of stones used to contain campfires. After releasing the horse from its traces and picketing it in some tall grass to graze, she announces:
I hope someone can cook. There is a large cast iron stew pot in the supplies. Fill it with water and get it boiling, and toss in some of the root vegetables in that box. I am going to see if I can get some fresh meat to add, and we’ll have a fine stew for supper. She nocks an arrow in her bow and quietly enters the forest to hunt.
Hopping down from the wagon, Argyros walks briskly about the perimeter of the camp for several minutes stretching his legs before seating himself on a nearby rock.
The sooner you get that fire started Gezzo, the sooner we'll all have a hot meal.
Sorting through his backpack, Argyros pulls out a small leather pouch containing an oily rag and begins cleaning his scimitar. The antique blade glistens in evenings light as he slowly polishes it, the blade obviously having seen considerable usage over the years.
As the company begins to settle into the camp, Gezzo sits on one of the barrels and lights a long pipe.
My apologies for being vague with the nature of our mission at the Inn. The disruption of the commerce routes has been rightfully upsetting the local populace. It was requested that we don’t raise suspicion during our investigations. I felt announcing our intent at such a public setting would hinder our ability to maintain anonymity.
And speaking of mysteries, I may not have introduced myself properly to all present. I am Gezzo Wrathforge, hailing from Sirmium at the foot of the Cecsana Mountains, Inquisitor in the service of the Brotherhood.
He hops off the barrel and bows deeply.
I have many talents, but unfortunately cooking is not one. Unless, of course, if you like a burnt pot of water!
Gezzo bursts out in a peal of laughter, obviously amusing himself.
Fener walks about the camp and looks around the camp for unusual tracks or other signs that there may be danger near.
Perception
Survival
Fener then whistles loudly and the group sees a silent shadow move into the camp. The shadow turns out to be the most skinny, mangy, wolf they have ever seen. It has 2 different color eyes, scars on his nose and face, and patchy fur with a bald red spot on his left hip.
Everyone, meet Rudy. He is a friend, but don't get to close, he is grumpy and I have no idea what's wrong with that bald red patch.
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Nästród turns around with a few stick of beef jerky just as Rudy appears from the shadows.
"I am Nästród, a dasun. I feel the Gods have deemed that our fates are to be intertwined for a higher purpose." He says.
He holds out the jerky for Rudy.
I muse about this perhaps being the fulfilling of my "fortune according to Nästród". Back at the Inn I had hastily drained my tankard and quickly and quietly gone out to join the rest of Gezzo's group on the wagon. It has been a long and interesting day, traveling ever deeper into the marshlands and swamp. It is nice to finally stop and wander around exploring the campsite and nearby surroundings. And it is good to finally learn from Gizzo the reason behind our recruitment into his service.
Perception:
I gather kindling and head for the circle of stones. There I get a campfire started, and once it is going I grab the cast iron stew pot from the supplies and fill it with water per Sirena's instructions, and set it on the fire to start heating. I rummage around in the box and get out some of the root vegetables and set them near the stew pot, ready to add when the water is boiling.
Fener tells Rudy to go over by the wagon, settle in and keep an eye out..
Rudy snaps up the jerky from Nastrod and almost looks like he smiles as he walks off to the wagon.
Fener picks some herbs and mushrooms and starts to help chop up the vegetables. When no one is looking he drops in a bit of his "tea" as well.
slight of hand
Flug is at the back of the group, staring into the night sky, seemingly immersed in the stars. He sways slightly where he stands and a closer look reveals that the pupils of his eyes have turned totally black.
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Result = Nothing. (Thanks for linking to the reference)
And not sure if you mean that I failed when you say "missed it by one", but that was a successful augury since a 70% chance of success means that anywhere from 1 - 70 is a success (or however you want to slice it).
Also not sure if I get the increased chance for caster level because Prophetic Visionary only says as augury with 70% chance of success, but up to you!
Gezzo strolls over to Flug, craning his neck to look at what he is staring at. After a few moments of staring into the night sky, he looks at Flug again and then back at the sky, finally giving up with a shrug.
He turns and walks to Argyros. Gezzo pauses and examines Argyros' sword while it is being polished.
That is a fine blade, Brother. It looks like its seen its share of battle.
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** spoiler omitted **
Weal and Woe
Flug contemplates the results of his vision, interpreting the signs he has been given before deciding to stay where he is.
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As the sun nears the horizon and begins to set, you hear a noise and see Sirena coming back to the camp, a pair of rabbits hanging from her belt. She is not walking normally however, and has an arrow nocked and the bowstring pulled back. She keeps looking back down the trail, and says, I'm being followed...we might have trouble.
You notice the horse neigh nervously, and look in Sirena's direction, it's ears cocked up. Rudy growls and turns to face that direction in a crouch.
Suddenly, Sirena raises her bow and lets an arrow fly back down the trail! A creature yelps, and then the air is filled with howls and a pack of strange-looking canines burst from the trees and attack!
Seems we will be working for our meals tonight people
Initiative
Fener tries to identify the creatures ( on his turn)
Knowledge Nature
"I see," Flug says, impassive. He looks in the direction of the creatures.
Initiative:
To Thorgrim: 'Fraid you are right!
I pull out my shortsword and dash over toward Sirena to help fend off the creatures' attacks.
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Canine Foes Initiative:
In the fading daylight you see that these creatures appear to be wolves, but there is something abnormal about them. Two have bulbous, weeping humps on their backs; one drools disgusting black ichor; another has two vestigial limbs sticking out from its back; they appear to be larger than normal wolves, but their bodies are a twisted approximation of a natural wolf with cancerous masses that pulse and ooze.
Gezzo spins around, drawing his greatsword at the same time.
Evil hellhounds! Prepare to meet my steel!
@Gezzo Llafn Du was father's blade, and his father's before that. It was given to me on my sixteenth birthday, and one day I shall pass it on to my heir.
Heeding Sirena's warning, Argyros quickly shoves his oilcloth in his pocket and moves into position in time to see the twisted shapes of the approaching wolves.
Come Llafn Du, it seems we earn our pay tonight