The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

"Even if the Goblinblood Wars flowed around the town... That does not mean that the town was unaffected by the war. There would have been refugees, breakdowns in communication and supply, and uncertainty about what was happening to friends and family outside the wall." Cup looks at the priest with respect. "How did you find your daughter, after the war? Would you be willing to tell us a little more about both it and her?"

Mr Peppers nods at Cup. "Yes those fortunate enough to live within the walls likely weren't too terribly affected. But those who were forced or chose to live in the outskirts likely suffered horribly. Goblins are a cruel, chaotic force."

Almost got cross-posted by the sneaky elf and gnome!

Ildris looks impressed. "No, that's very accurate. You and Miss Cup are quite knowledgeable when it comes to history, I see. Nolaria's parents, both officers in Isger's army, fought bravely... But they didn't survive the War. Our village at the time was burned to the ground by goblins, and I just managed to escape. I knew her parents well, and when I went back to search for survivors, I found little Nolaria in the ruins of the Temple of Erastil there, hiding under the bell tower's giant cracked bell. I knew it was a sign and so I've been raising her in Saringallow ever since."

"Now if you're willing to help, I'll tell you what I know. My duties here leave me with little time to search for her, so I thank you for offering your time."

"Nolaria would never knowingly endanger her friends, but she often overestimates her abilities. I know Ms. Pricknettle doesn't think of Nolaria too fondly, but it's only because she deeply cares for Gellion. The last place I saw Nolaria was the old Graveyard, about two days ago. She had her pet raven with her."

Mr Peppers listens respectfully and takes out his journal to make notes. "What sort of abilities are we talking about here? Has she taken to some arcane teachings perhaps? Ravens are a common familiar choice." As he says this he forces his eyes to not stray towards Sirettis and Isa.

"A pet raven?" Cup glances at Isa, and suddenly feels a clue drop into place.

This town hates magic, and hates witches most of all. Oh no. What would it be like to grow up as a closet witch here? Is that why she and her friends were so secretive?

"You know how gnomes are with animals, right? We love them! Tell me, is this raven particularly bright?"

Mr Peppers again blows the smoke from his wand and twirls and reholsters it. Then gives Miss Cup a wink.

"Sorry! Too excitable! I didn't mean to talk over you, Mr. Peppers."

I also did not want to out Nolaria to her father if he didn't already know.

Then she smiles up at the priest. "Don't worry about us telling anyone if Nolaria is doing some sort of arcane studies... We're from out of town, where such things are much more accepted, but we know that can be a problem here."

"Yes, her raven is bright and loyal to a fault. She is very rarely seen without it."

"I don't believe she has dabbled in the arcane arts at all. She is skilled at tending to any injured locals who may come here, but I have never heard her speak of the arcane."

"Isa speaks the language of the wind, and has followed me for several years." Sirettis turns and speaks to Isa.

"I am acquainted with... avian companions." Sirettis turns back. "Some people take this as a bad omen, but it has a greater potential for hope. With your guidance, Nolaria will be a great boon to Sarringallow."

"I would like to see this bird."

..."Not having heard her speak of it, doesn't mean anything.
Some individuals merely choose not to speak of their capabilites."

It sounds like a witch to me.

Ya Mr Peppers is not one to hide his mageyness. He's very proud of his abilities and doesn't mask what he is in the least. He will be somewhat sneaky though casting detections as you've seen.

Mr Peppers looks somewhat disappointed to hear she's not an arcane caster but smiles when hearing she is an accomplished healer, agrees with Sirettis "It sounds like you've raised a good person, you and the town are lucky to have her. We'll do our best to locate her and her friends. Do you have a picture we could look at?"

Damn! Doubled down on by 'stashes and the Bird Lady!

"Are the graveyard and orchard near each other?"

Ildris smiles at Sirettis' words. "You are very kind. Her raven is darker in color than your avian companion here, but just as beautiful."

At D, he raises an eyebrow and sighs. "You may be right, but I'd like to think my daughter tells me everything, just as every parent would."

"Here," He pulls a picture out of his pocket. "This is Nolaria and her loyal pet." He stares at it for a moment and then hands it to Mr. Peppers.

"The Graveyard is just outside the temple and to the west. You can see it from the front door. The orchard is right in the center of town, so they aren't very close to each other."

Gallix takes a seat at the long table and listens to the discussion. "Father Idris, as one who grew up as an arrogant and rebellious rebellious child, I would venture a guess that there is more to Nolaria's wandering than simple curiosity. I agree with the others that there may be something she has kept from you. Regardless of her reasons for running off, though, we'll make sure we find her and bring her back safe. Do you know what Nolaria was doing in the graveyard?"

"That would be most appreciated." Ildris smiles at Gallix. "She was likely praying. The graveyard is crowded with bodies, many of whom were innocent people hanged for no reason other than superstition. Accusations of practicing witchcraft and the like. I insisted they were all given proper burials. It was the least I felt we could do."

Praying in a graveyard.. that sound creepy. Hope she didn't get into raising the dead..

"How horrible. The history of this place is indeed disheartening. I hope things have turned around for the better." Mr Peppers takes a look at the picture, shows it to the rest of the group, and returns it to the priest.

"Thanks, that should be helpful."

"Father, may Sirettis and I have a minutes to talk privately to your other apprentices?" Cup asks. "Some of them might remember something in a private conversation that might be hard to speak of in a larger group. Even small details can be helpful in such matters." Cup looks earnestly up at him, playing shamelessly on her small size and non-threatening appearance.

Now it's screaming 'witch' even more.
How is that not a reason to keep quiet about latent witch powers?

I love that you guys are guessing. All will be revealed in due time... >:)

Ildris shrugs as he considers Cup's question. "Yes, although I do not know if they'll know more than I did. I have asked in passing if they might know where Nolaria went, and I haven't learned anything from them. While they were certainly all friends with Nolaria in that they all worked here together, they didn't spend very much time together outside of the Temple."

Well, I did plan to keep a low profile, but Sirettis has been outted here, lol

"Thank you for your permission. We won't be long." Sirettis motions Isa back onto her shoulder and prepares to talk to the acolytes.

Diplomacy(Aid): 1d1 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Good thing I chose to Aid, lol

While speaking to Father Idris, she did not seem nervous about her identity, but now it's clear she is too hesitant to speak to the young priests.

"One more question. You mentioned that she did not spend time with your other apprentices. Do you know who Nolaria spent most of her time with?"

Witch ummm more like a coven people!

Not completely outed. We have deniability.

"Thank you, Father."

When Cup smiles to the apprentices. "I bet this place has a great kitchen garden like most Erastil temples. Why don't we go out there for a couple minutes? I'm Cup, this is Sirettis and Isa. Oh, and this is my puppy, Oolong!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
I bet you ALL want my cookie recipe.

She lets the nervous kids pet her dog, allowing Oolong to shamelessly lick their faces and seek their attention. "We want to help Nolaria, I understand she's a talented girl. There's more scope for such talents in Absalom, but I bet there's more need here."

"Can you help us? No detail's too small to be considered." Cup pauses. "I'm also interested in any of you knew Gelly. I understand he boarded somewhere in town?"

"I think it was that boy Gellion that she'd spend most of her time with," Ildris says in response to Uesugi.

The apprentices scurry outside with Cup and Sirettis, giggling as Oolong licks their faces and petting him lovingly.

I consider this group of apprentices to be a variety of ages, with some being children and others, like Nolaria, teens.

One of the female acolytes wears a grass green cloak with bright pink stones embroidered on it. She keeps her brown hair tied back with a small clip. "I'm Sara. Your dog is soooo cute. Oh, Nolaria? She's the best! She made my booboo disappear. Hehe." She points to a scarred up old wound on her ankle.

"She's always been so nice to us. She comes out here and dances with us when it rains!" She giggles as she looks at the flowers. "And Gelly? Gellion and Nolaria are the bestest of friends."

While the little gnome and the spirit speak to the children outside Uesugi makes another inquiry about the town. "Priest Idris how is it the orchard is in the middle of the town? From where I come from the orchard is found outside of the town tended to by the people of the land. Is this a result of the war which you spoke about with the goblins?"

"It's an apple orchard, planted there because its caretakers once lived close by to it. It also meant the harvest could be brought right to nearby shops. The family that used to tend to it left to fight in the Wars and never returned, so the responsibility of caring for the trees has rotated between a few citizens who lack the proper oversight for such a task... It has seen better days."

"We had heard something about that," Gallix says. "We've heard that there's been some kind of buzzing coming from the orchard recently, and some lights like flying torches. That and there's been a mess of trampled fruits. Have you noticed anything similar?"

"It sounds like giant fireflies.
Are fireflies common in these lands?"

Cup grins at Sara. "Want to see me ride him sometime? It's funny because half the time I fall off! I'm just learning, and I swear Oolong laughs at me." Then she smiles. "Dances in the rain sound great. I'm a bard and I love to dance and sing."

Then she cocks her head. "I know that Gelly boarded somewhere in town. Would you happen to know where that was? Mistress Pricknettle has been so worried about him, and I'd like to ask at his lodgings if they've seen him."

When the kids ask, Cup rides poorly around the garden on Oolong, bumping and barely hanging on to her precarious seat in the saddle as the puppy sniffs plants and chases squirrels.

♫ My name is Calpurnia
But you can call me Cup
Hope I don't get a hernia
Hope I stay rightside up! ♫

Untrained Ride: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

"Whoa!!!" She stops when she gets all the kids laughing again. "Thank you! It was so fun meeting all of you! If you think of anything else... Please tell me?"

"Buzzing noises?" Ildris seems confused. "No. I haven't heard anything about that nor the trampled fruit. We do have fireflies here, but not anything unusual for this part of Isger."

You get the idea he's told you everything he knows.

Back outside, Sara shakes her head. "Umm, sorry, but I don't know where Gelly lives."

The kids giggle and jump around as Cup mounts Oolong and takes him for a ride. "You're so funny, Miss Cup. I'll tell you anything I hear, okay? Come back and play with us!"

While Cup and Sirettis are outside with the children Mr Peppers will follow up the questions with one of his own. "Would you mind us taking a quick look at your daughter's room to look for any clues? It could make all the difference."

"Thank you Priest Ildris. I will see if our companion is finished speaking with the children." Uesugi stands up and heads outside while the elf inquires on the adopted daughter's room. Upon making it outside he watches the little gnome ready to fall off the young riding dog. "Madame Gnome I think we have occupied Priest Ildris and his charges long enough. Let us be on our way."

Curse you ELF!

"Okay!" Cup nods. "I have to go now, but we will come back and play," Cup promises.

When they rejoin the others out of earshot of the temple, Cup shares what they learned from the kids. "They're sweet kids, and very open, but mostly I confirmed what I think we already knew... that at least one if not all of our missing apprentices was messing with the arcane. Shall we check out that orchard now?"

Ildris frowns. "I understand that you wish to help, but rifling through Nolaria's belongings isn't something I'm comfortable with. Not at this point. Like I said, she's a good girl, even if we don't always agree on everything. While I wish to serve Saringallow from within these walls, Nolaria has a thirst for adventure and would rather go out into the world to do Erastil's bidding. It is not unusual for her to disappear for a day or two. I just wish that she would tell me."

"I understand. If the situation changes we'll return and discuss other options, but for now I'm sure they're just off being kids. Have a good afternoon Ildris."

He closes up his journal and heads off to join the group outside.

Outside

I confirmed what I think we already knew... that at least one if not all of our missing apprentices was messing with the arcane. Shall we check out that orchard now?"

"What's to say for sure they are practicing the arcane verses some divine shenanigans? They also have access to some alchemical expertise but I don't think that's the base of what's going on.. but it could be involved. I don't think we're at the point yet where we can determine one over the other. Something is definitely going on though. The orchard may narrow our search."

"Sometimes young people might feel not even their parents could understand."

Witch!! :D

Cup looks up at tall dark and analytical with respect. "You're right. I've heard of druids and bards with familiars and a love of the natural world. Still there is the matter of the town's history and the prayers in the cemetery over those accused of witchcraft. She had many reasons to hide her talents, whatever they were. Poor girl. It's hard enough to be a teen without that kind of secret to keep."

"I'm also leaning towards possible witchcraft but as you say, a raven familiar could be many things. I'm glad I didn't have to grow up in a place like this.. if so I'm sure I'd be carrying around a bow instead of a handful of wands. Not somewhere you can spend a few decades in wizard school."

"Bird could just be a bird, too. Ravens are smart, as far as birds go. Why, I even knew a man and his bird, and the bird was the brains of the operation!"

These children are so innocent...my childhood is a blur.

Sirettis lets Miss Poshkettle entertain the children. Once they are done and leave, Sirettis confirms Miss Poshkettle's idea. "Yes, let's look for the orchard and find some clues. As Mr. Peppers mentioned, the raven may be a pet, a companion, or an equal. We may never know- even Nolaria may not know."

Your investigation so far has taken 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 hours, and there is still plenty of daylight. Exiting the temple, you travel back southeast towards the centre of Saringallow using Baker Gunty's general directions of where the orchard is.

Cue Goin' to the Orchard

Rows of neglected apple trees sway in the wind, and the occasional rotting, worm-eaten fruit falls with a wet thud to the ground below.

The earth is heavily trampled near the southern end of the orchard, and an overturned barrel of apples lies broken on its side, exuding a sickly sweet scent.

Survival?: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

D. is thus distracted by the poor condition of the orchard, that the details elude him.

"A waste....."

♫ Where have all the apples gone, long time passing?
Where have all the apples gone, long time ago?
Where have all the apples gone?
Sad and abandoned, every one
Oh when will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn? ♫

Cup sings sadly to herself, too sad about the orchard to notice anything.

Survival: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (4) + 0 = 4
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Mr Peppers picks his way carefully through the mud trodden, and rotten apple strewn orchard. "Soo... other than looking like a crew picked a bunch of apples then left them to rot in this here barrel... nothing seems out of place." He picks up a foot and scrapes off a mooshed apple.

Maybe there's something magical here that escapes me... hiding under the mud? Mr Peppers casts his detect magic spell and scans the area for anything that normal sight doesn't reveal.

Considering how often he casts detect magic I'm going to assume you all know when he does, spellcraft or not. Taking 10 on spellcraft for a 20.

Someone can also roll Blaster's Survival and Perception, please.

Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

With Isa at her side, Sirettis takes a look at the orchard. She feels the branches and Isa chirps suddenly at her and looks at the branches.

"Oh, look at those beetles, up in the trees. They are...glowing. Can anyone identify them?" She looks at the tree. "What, is this substance? I think it's killing the tree. Look how all of the fruits fell out of this one, but not in this healthy one."

Sirettis looks down at the ground near the overturned cart of apples, looking for some kind of clue when she notices a trail. "Yes, I agree Isa. I think two people fought here. The larger one carried the smaller... South. I think the trail doesn't leave the orchard."

"Curious...no one in town has noticed this. Or those who did are no longer here."

Click. Whirr.

BOTTING BLASTER

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Nothing escapes Blaster's sharp eyes. He nods at Sirettis. "You're right. This is very strange."

Thanks Bot Buddy! With Sirettis (and now Blaster) having made those rolls, everyone may look at those two earlier spoilers.

Cup looks up with dismay at the tall tree. There's rope in Oolong's saddlebags, but she didn't want to draw it out and show off her terrible climbing skills in front of tall dark and dubious. "Can someone boost me up so I can get a better look at those bugs?"

Mr Peppers shakes his head in disgust. "Nothing magical to be found here, I hope you all have better luck than I am."

Once Sirettis and Blaster call everyone over Mr Peppers squints his eyes and tries to follow the supposed trail, not to mention spotting the odd looking beetle up in the tree.

"Maybe Isa can fly up and grab a beetle? Or am I misjudging the size from here."

"Oversized beetles? More likely the little bird is going to be lunch if it tries."

D. peers up.
If there is no decision made, he takes aim to 'obtain' a bug for Cup to examine.

Rolling for 3 shots.
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 231d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 181d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10