"I can't really think of anything, might just be a coincidence we find them here. Unless he planned to attack us or any caravan here I tend to agree with you. But just in case someone in port saw the chest we transfer and informed people like him about it, I'd say we keep an extra eye out for others along the route to Kyonin." Nicenzia responds unfolding her umbrella again to shield her from the sun once again.
Thorn follows the dead man's likely path, seeing the well made (bag?) hidden in the tree.
Climbing up after the satchel its clear that it has lain there up there for some time. Inside the satchel you find three days of old rations, 22 gold coins, 14 silver coins, a handful of copper coins (7).
A book and a journal are also within. The journal appears to be writing in a strange language but it appears almost a mix of draconic runes and elven script. The book, if any of you have the ability to read magic, appears to be a tome of spells. a strange stone statue... actually half a of stone statue, about 3 inches of it was wrapped inside a silk handkerchief, the outer edge trimmed in a thick copper wire.
"I can't read the journal, I haven't learnt draconic or elven, the the book of spells I would very much like to read as we travel." Nicenzia says taking the book and giving the rest of the items a look with her magical senses.
Casting Detect magic on the remaining items. If nothing of interrest Nicenzia will turn her focus to read the spellbook with Read magic.
I do speak Draconic. Let me take a look.
"Sure." Thorn says showing Aurelain the journal.
The next few days are quiet and boring from the standpoint of action. The little gnome each night shows you some of his wares, For the sake of not being too obvious he kept the tiny shows to things whizzed and sparked along the ground.
During the travels looking through the journal it was clear that the owner was probably writing in some form of code, the switch between the two languages was merely an additional layer to the puzzle.
Nicenzia, the book is indeed a spellbook. If you could memorize spells there are at least a dozen of them in the book, including Cause fear, Chill touch, Itching curse, Ray of Enfeeblement, Repair Undead,Boneshaker, False life, and Ghoul touch.
Birb!"
It agrees
Having read through the book Nicenzia enjoys watching Swen trying to teach the bird new tricks. "I'm not sure how smart the bird really is or if it's just mocking you being unwilling to learn what you want it to. I would help you if I could, but I think animals are a bit out of my area of expertise. This book on the other hand is full of necromancy spells, enough to start some newly wizard's apprentice up. I can't use this for anything as I don't momerize spells, but it could sell for a fair bit with the amount of spells recorded in here." she says joining her.
I can read the Draconic parts but this Elvin script is throwing me, likely just like it was intended to do. Aurelain complains.
"I can help you with that part." Thorn adds.
"I would love to help, but I think we need to find some magic to aid me. Either that or the two of you will have to teach me some elven and draconic. Perhaps than I could try and figure the code out." Nicenzia says wanting to aid them in translating the strange journal, she was quite curious about the nature of what could be hidden.
It takes a few days time, but as you travel to your destination, there is well plenty of time to work over the journal. It becomes clear that it was merely the personal journal of the man found there dead, old almost associate or not. It came across as the ranting of a bitter person. At some point in his life he had become the apprentice to a necromatic wizard specialist... though how he ended up killed to the very creatures he had studied how to control and create remains a mystery.
It does mention something about his former master seeking something far to the east, in a land where many tribes of hobgoblins dwelt.
"This thing his master is seeking far to the east could be something interresting and useful. Does anyone know of a region where hobgoblins have large settlements?" Nicenzia asks after the three of them have gone over the journal.
"Now that you mention it didn't we get attack on the last mission by hobgoblins? It kinda seems no matter where we go we run into them in some form or another." Nicenzia says having her memory resurfaced at Swens words.
"I believe one of the other teams mentioned something about encountering hobgoblins as well." Thorn mentions, recalling the chatter around the headquarters. "It's beginning to sound a bit like an invasion."
"Perhaps once we arrive at Kyonin, we should ask around and see if they have had an trouble with hobgoblins recently. Or if they can tell us about which region has a large population of them, that could be the same area as the journal talks about. I wouldn't mind looking for something powerful that this master is also looking for." Nicenzia suggest a little curious about what the journal could be talking about.
Riverspire slowly rolled into view your new gnomish friend chattering the whole way about alchemical recipes and colors for the fireworks. The bird training came along slowly but you found it was smart enough to wait for some sort of treat before it played along for now at least. The town itself was built along the edges of the river Kyonin heading to the southwest. The buildings seemed made of an almost seemless wood, clearly elven craftmanship extended even to building planks.
That however was on the eastern shore, there were a half dozen buildings on the Western shore that were clearly not elven made at least not by skilled crafters. It was to those buildings your firework making friend was leading his cart.
"Mostly the elves stay over on that side of the river, They are kind of prickly you see to most other races. Tend to leave us gnomes alone. You miss Thorn should be fine as well, clearly the elven blood'll help. They let folks across to the elven side of the river during the day though, sometimes at night if you know the right folk or buy a pass. That Tavern you were looking for Hero's Rest, Its that large two story building there on half over the water."
He began pointing to the now obvious tavern and inn. It appeared to be well built though clearly not of the flowing elven designs across the river. Half of the building was built over the water, long wooden beams sunk down into the river where a couple of boats were moored underneath, no doubt ferries to run to the elven side of the river. It looked pretty busy for it being so early in the morning.
"I hadn't planned on it, but I have a cousin who lives here, might stay a few extra days before I swing out torwards Ornesta. Look for a pink and green building just over there. But first... lunch and i'm buying."
He began pointing to the northwest from the large tavern before he slowly hopped off the wagon staking the mules down outside along some wooden poles.
"go on go on, I'll be right behind ya."
He added as he finished getting his wagon ready for a bit of a stay.
On the long travel to Riverspire Nicenzia enjoys watching the bird training and will offer her help whenever asked, she is slowly getting more accustomed to the idea of have animal companions as she watches Swen and her new bird. Perhaps one day I will find the right animal for me to have around me.
Nicenzia looks to the buildings the gnome points out, the tavern looks a bit perculiar to her, but it looks like a fine place despite she probably wouldn't like a room in the part hanging over the water's edge, but who knows untill you try it. "I think we should go and get our lodgings sorted out before we head for lunch. Just so we have a place to put our stuff and don't have to worry about getting a place to sleep yeah?" Nicenzia asks around
Aurelain takes in the two sides of the town. Hmm. Quite a set up for strife. I shall expect trouble and then I can be pleased if none comes. At the invitation for lunch Aurelain smiles a welcoming smile. Well that is a splendid gesture Master Gnome and an appreciated one. A fitting end to a fine trip if I do say so myself. I'll give Nicenzia and hand with the baggage and securing a room and will be back directly.
Amed jumps off the wagon and begins to massage his aching joints, starting with his behind. Yawning, the magus helps Aurelain with the luggage.
There was a calming din of noise as you entered the tavern that only partially died down as most of the folk inside quieted down just a noticeable amount as you stepped inside. The patrons of the establishment all seemed to take a moment to appraise you folk in the doorway before they mostly went back to the conversations.
A long wooden bar ran the length of the entire floor, the narrow length behind it just enough for one person to work comfortably with another squeezing past if need be. There were no open tables just a line of booths opposite the bar. Every other booth had windows that could be swung out to over look the docking areas and catch a breeze on stuffy days. It looked like to you that you could easily sit 60 folk in here between the tables and the stools at the bar.
A young elven maiden, hair the color of spun gold was at the far end of the bar refilling a tankard with a small cask. She half turned to face you all and called out.
"Welcome to the Hero's Rest. if you are seeking a meal, find a seat and my brother will be with you in a moment, a drink find an open stool at the bar, I'll be right with you... a room? take the southern stair, rooms are upstairs."
"Gods.." Amed mutters taking in the beautiful elven woman with hair spun from the rays of the sun itself. The magus patiently waits to be served.
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"Mhmm... Amed, your jaw." Swen points to a spot on the floor between the Magus' feet.
She gives her crow a pet as it sits on her shoulder and pushes to the bar, where she grabs a seat.
"Barkeep, two shots, whiskey."
Koyo hops from her shoulder and onto the back of the chair to her right. The chair to her left remains vacant.
There is a figure about six booths down, not paying attention to you all at all, in fact he seems to be trying as hard a possible not to look at you, which was a dead giveaway he was looking at you all. A waft of breeze fluttered through the windows and you thought you caught a hint of brimstone.
Your bird kek's happily on the back of the sight as it glances about the bar.
"I've got Talden Whiskey from Sopphra, A dwarven Whiskey from one of the Five King holds, and a chellish Rye whiskey. Whats your poison miss?"
She called over as she slid two more drinks to current patrons and wiping her hands on a towel starting to head down your way.
"Hmm... I don't think your jaw is supposed to touch the floor." Nicenzia says as she move over to join Swen and Koyo. "Mind if I join your for a drink? she says looking to the barkeeper. "I'd like a glass of red wine, any local recommendations? Otherwise I hope you have a decent chellish red."
If Aurelain notices the beauty or disfigurement of the elven barkeep he does not show it. I'll take this load up and claim us some rooms. he states cheerfully. Order me some kind of cold cider if you would. Pear or cherry would be nice but apple would serve.
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Neither does Swen react to the barkeep's scarring, but answers "Make it the dwarven whiskey. Dwarves know how to make it strong."
She smiles to allow Nicenzia to join her, and whispers to the dhampir, "Don't look now, but we're making someone nervous. Six booths down."
When the barkeep returns with their drinks, she's sure to put it Aurelain's order.
She moved down to you folk at the bar finally and it became clear that left side of her body had some pretty serious scarring, though she hid it well behind a half mask covering that side of her face and a shirt sleeve that went to her wrist. Her left hand was exposed but you could only see traces of a burn scar along the top of her hand. what was more apparant were the two missing fingers from her left hand. Well one and a half missing fingers, her middle finger was missing at the knuckle.
She pulled out three shot glasses and filled them from a thick decanter and placed them on a tray along the shelving along the bank, humming to herself she pulled out two bottle from the multitude in the racks along the back and glanced torwards Nicenzia for a moment before putting one back and popping the cork and filling a wine glass. Finally She took a hold of the tray and stepping half a dozen feet called into a door.
"Illu... can you go down and grab a flagon of the pear cider please. I've got a strange one up here with refined tastes."
She moved back to the group, placing the two shot glasses in front of you Swen, handing the wine to you Nicenzia, and setting the third shot in front of herself.
"What brings you here my new friends?"
She asked glancing torwards Ahmed before raising the shot glass and shooting it down quickly. Their was just a hint of eye watering before she shot an infectious grin.
"I forgot how strong that Dwarven stuff can be eh?"
Nicenzia smiles as she takes the seat, she leans a little closer as Swen begins to whisper to be hear. She doesn't look around at her observations but rather replies "Perhaps we should give him something to be nervous about, up for something a little mischievous." she says but doesn't go any further as the woman joins them, as she is not really sure how to respond to her.
The feeling of the building shifted as you walked upstairs The downstairs tavern had seemed a bustling busy place, the upstairs seemed calm and quiet. An older woman... no make that a half elf sat in a chair behind a well made wooden desk. She smiled and slightly nodded her head though you could see her eyes widen just a tiny amount. It was clear she didnt see many well groomed half orc clientele.
"Good afternoon sir, how can we help you?"
She asked her voice clear in tone but warm.
Aurelain gives a slight bow. Well met fair maiden. I am Aurelain. Might I have the pleasure of your name? My companions and I require rooms for the night, if they are available. I assure you we are a well behaved lot and intend to cause no problems for this fine establishment.
She tilted her head at your words Aurelain looking a little at loss for words before she settled on a confused smile.
"Very will, well behaved is good. How many rooms will you be needed, and for how long?"
She began
"Oh please call me, Allairdra, or Al that works for most folks.
She paused and glanced down towards the tiefling and made a slight frown and drummed her injured hand against the bar for a moment.
"Thats Grimmy... at least thats what he goes by. He sells hallucinogenic powders. They work most of the time. I dont let him approach folks, but if you have business with him, thats well your business."
She said smiling as an elven man, slighter than her but bearing a resemblance carried a small cask to her at the bar from a door that led behind the bar. He was as gorgeous as she was only without evident scarring.
"Ici, tu es la sœur aînée. Le cidre de poire."
He began in elven with a smile, his eyes ran along the group at the bar and he slightly inclined his head.
Two rooms will suit us dear lady. I'll deposit these things in one of them and rejoin my companions.
Two rooms will suit us dear lady. I'll deposit these things in one of them and rejoin my companions.
" Would you prefer the merchant view room or one of the common rooms? The merchant view room overlooks the river and costs 8 silver a night, the common rooms cost 4 silver."
She opened a book and took out a quill preparring to right information down it appeared.
We will take the nicer rooms, since we are sharing. Aurelain reaches for his coin purse. Only one night, for now.
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The half elven woman slid the large ledger in front of you and pointed out the spot for you to sign your name and handed you two large keys after you handed her the 16 silver.
"Enjoy your stay sir, these rooms are the first and second rooms on the right at the far end of the hallway. If you have any needs please just drop by here and we will do what we can to accomodate you."
She began politely taking the ledger back and setting it back into the desk in front of her.
Amed sheepishly sits down with the rest of his party.
"What brings you folks to town? You have the look of hero's for hire, not a very common thing here. Are you."
She paused as high pitched laughter erupted from the same door you folks just came through.
"Mon bel oiseau chanteur, chante-nous tes combats dans le fléau."
A raven haired elven man with an exquisite looking bow strapped to his back began as he moved towards a corner booth. Your host's smile was genuine and she looked pleased to see the elven male even though she shook her head and replied back in elven.
"Venez maintenant, vous avez écrit la chanson, vous savez que je ne peux pas la chanter aussi bien que vous. Voulez-vous votre foire habituelle?"
Most of the bar laughed even as he nodded and started to speak to a slightly older looking elf seated in a booth across from him.
Her " Oh come now, How can i sing about as beautiful as you do, you wrote the song to begin with."
"Well we certainly don't want anything to do with his powders, although the might be usable in some spellcasting, but I think that is more for wizards than my kind." Nicenzia says returning her attention to the beautiful elf, her cheeks darkning a little. "I think I'll go with Allairdra, it always feels weird to me shortening others names without knowing them, specially one as beautiful as you. I'm Nicenzia we have been told to seek out a Hamdan the cunning, we are told he owns this tavern. Our employer sent us along with some ancient items he found and would love to have Hamdan take a look at, since he has such a vast knowledge of old legends and myths." she says smiling.