The Third Great Elemental War (Inactive)

Game Master BigP4nda

"Or a combination of the two. I could easily send Nijena a message through a spell to signal for her to fly lower."

"That will work splendidly. I can also cast the message on multiple people I believe, but it still doesn't allow mass coordination, but in a pinch, we will be ok."

You all travel for a good part of the day before you can see a fairly large town ahead. A tall smokestack can be seen very clearly. To the south you can see the lake and can make out a couple of carrier ships floating to and from the docks. This town definitely is a trading market and medium for importing and exporting goods. Beyond the trees north of the town you can make out what looks like a series of farmlands.

As you approach the town you enter what looks like the sector that houses the less-wealthy citizens. There is a small market circle, but only has small game and make-shift clothing. You presume the better goods are with the city walls, which are about 10 feet high and built out of cobble.

You can see a couple of guards patrolling the peasant area, and four guards posted at the city entrance with the gate held open. People are coming and going through the gates and the guards don't seem to mind. You had caught up to a trade caravan during your travels and are now behind it as it makes its way into the city. One guard stops the merchant and they exchange some inaudible words, after which another guards comes around the back of the carriage and takes a look inside. After a few seconds pass he peeks around the side and shouts, "All clear! Let him in."

He continues through the entrance.

Nijena will you still be flying or will you walk through the entrance?

Nijena decides custom and laws would dictate she should enter through the gate or perhaps be shot at by archers, so she descends to the ground, landing gracefully and folding her wings behind her. She greets the group and the guards. Approaching the guards she asks "What are your customs for flying visitors entering or leaving the city?"

Sorry for not posting yesterday. Was at work all day then went to go see Ant-Man

As Nijena lands in front of you all, the guards fixate their attention towards her. After she asks her question the same guard who had stopped the caravan before you speaks up, "You aren't from around here are you?"
He turns to the guard to his left and nods. The guard turns around and reaches into a bag sitting on the ground and pulls out a rolled up piece of paper with a string around it and hands it to the first guard. He then hands you Nijena the paper. "Here are all the necessary rules and regulations of the city, as long as you are not selling you don't have much to worry about, just the usual no stealing or killing, etcetera. Keep moving please, enjoy your stay." He waves you onward.

As he stated, the only unusual laws are pertaining to merchants who bring in a shipment of goods, which need to be checked for legality and legitimacy, and merchants are also required to carry a license to sell in Fairgrove, unless you are selling non-consumables in the Quarry, the merchant circle in the peasant district. There is a fee for the license, which is 500gp, but it is a one-time payment that only needs to be renewed every 5 years.
For those who are not selling goods, the laws are just like anywhere else, no special rules for unique persons or anything pertaining specifically to how this town is governed.

Some of the notable laws:
Free religion, speech, and protection of rights.
Weapons are allowed but may be disallowed inside buildings at the owner's consent.
Any destructive and/or necromantic magic disallowed, for obvious reasons.
Obviously, no stealing, raping, murdering, threatening, etc. the usual stuff.

"Nothing gets past you my clever guard! Indeed I am not from around here, thus my question. I wholeheartedly thank you for welcoming me and helping me better understand your laws and customs. A solid foundation for any stable society!"

Nijena, attempts to ingratiate herself with the locals, in a very friendly but awkard manner. Despite being a century old, she had not always had the chance to mingle, explore or participate in the everyday hustle and bustle of a busy city.

As you enter the gate into the Main district the chatter of people bargaining, shouting, and conversing grows louder. Many people can be seen walking around the city, most of which are carrying goods. You can see people showing off their new clothing to friends and family, women picking out jewelry, kids running about playing with wooden toys. There aren't very many buildings in this city, much less than in Cyridia. You can see a huge ten-story Inn near the northern wall; definitely the largest inn you have every seen. You can see a few other inns that are also fairly well-kept and spacious, though not as impressive as the main one. There are also a few smithies, bars, tailors, and apothecaries. The central area of the city is filled with scattered kiosks selling various items and shouting merchants.

Also, at the entrance, to your right as you walk in, there is a building that has three openings along the wall, each with a person leaning out of, you can see them exchanging funds with customers, through inference you can gather that it must be a currency exchange bank.

This city is much smaller than Cyridia, but seems to be much more populated, which may be a bit uncomfortable to some.

"Ah, good ol' Fairgrove, Alban's trade city. This is only my second visit. As much as people fork over there life's savings here, they never seem to pay much attention to entertainment of sorts. They are much too focused on shopping, hence why I don't come here often; it's a waste of effort. Anyways, I do believe hearing one or two of you mentioning stocking up on rations here, I believe I will be doing so as well." He continues talking as you head to the stables, which take up almost the entire southwestern corner of the city, he pays for the stay and for some food for the horses.

"I suggest we all pitch in some gold for some healing potions, I've read they are a great adventure companion and can bring great aid when in a bind. The last time I went to the apothecary I believe I saw them priced at about fifty gold a flask, so two would be a hundred, four ways is twenty-five gold per person. Any disagreements?"

"I've only got 8 gold, but I'll be happy to put it toward a potion. I spent my money on the rations before we left."

"I will have no money left for healing potions. After purchasing food, I will be flat broke."

Nolath shakes his head, I'm afraid that I only have 3 gold pieces left, but I'll gladly contribute those.

"What would y'all have done had I not found you? It doesn't matter, I can muster up enough for one potion, we will just have to keep in mind to purchase more as soon as we get some more gold. You can ezplore a bit, get whatever you can afford, but be wary, don't get coaxed into a bad deal. Meet back here in two hours. "

-Posted with Wayfinder

So what are you all going to do?

"Had you not found us, we would have no need of healing potions. I have my own healing magic, and as for money, my spellcasting abilities are always sought after and provide me a living as needed. If you are the one who has organized and devised this, should not you be the one who should be chastened for poor planning?" Nijena folds her arms across her chest and raises an eyebrow at Gonzo. She pauses a moment for it to sink in and then turns on her heel, disappearing into the crowd to look for an outfitter of wilderness gear. While they may not have the trail rations she sought, they would know the purveyors who did.

"I'll just have a wander around. I've bought everything I need already."

Unless trouble finds us, I'm ready to go.

Nolath turns to join Jonuli, If you don't mind, I'll accompany you. I have everything I need as well.

Are any of you looking for anything in particular?

Jonuli turns to Nolath, "Delighted for the company. It's my first time on this continent and I'd like to see what I can. It will be good to be out of that saddle for a while." Jonuli rubs his bottom having said that.

Just wandering through the streets to see the town. I've got everything I need.

After you finish up your shopping you meet up back at the stables and pack up. As you head out of the gate you hear a female voice, she sounds frantic and worried. When you look you see a small girl about the age of 13 in the regular peasant rags pleading to the guard, "Please mister, he hasn't come back in three days! I'm worried something happened to him." You can see wetness on her cheeks where she must'v wiped off some tears.
"I wish I could, but our guards have already been commissioned to the other cities and to the trade caravans, we don't have enough to form a search party, not without jeopardizing the security of this city. When the next platoon returns I'll see what I can--"
"NO! We can't wait that long, he could DIE!"
You see her tears resurface.

The guard lets out a regretful sigh and looks at two of the other guards, who then escort her away as she flails and screams in tears.

The guard scratches his head, "Poor child, I really wish we could do something..."

Nijena was just about to take to the air when the girl began to cry. Sighing, she turns and walks over to the commotion. "Hello guard. Who was that young woman and who was she missing? Person or perhaps her cat."

Sensing that Nijena is about to volunteer to help, Jonuli catches up to the two guards. "Excuse me, but my friends and I may be able to assist in this. My name is Jonuli Mudarch. Can you tell me who is missing and where he may have went?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Nolath moves to the girl, ignoring the guards entirely, If you don't mind my intrusion, who is missing? My companions and I may be able to assist you.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

"Hold it fellas, let her go. These travelers wish to speak with her." The guard commands the other two; they let the girl go, being sure she has her balance and doesn't stumble. They make their way back to their posts.

The girl wipes her eyes and sniffles, "W-will you r-r-really help my father? *sniff* She looks up to you two Jonuli and Nolath and her eyes glisten from the tears as they widen when her gaze meets with the radiant paladin You look like a hero in her eyes, haha.

"It shouldn't be difficult to arrange a search party. Does not the family have other friends or family? I shouldn't take much to get some people together. I any event, it would appear we can take things from here."

Seeing the girls big eyes at the "hero" Nolath, Jonuli steps back to put Nolath in the forefront and waits for him to lead in the questioning.

"Hmm, sounds like some cultural and safety issues as well at work here." Nijena taps her lower lip with a long index finger pondering the societal issues pointed out by the guard as if possibly she could offer a suggestion that would solve such problems. "In any event, you and I won't be solving those problems now, will we? Thank you for your diligence." Nijena strides over to Jonuli and Nolath to join them.

Nolath smiles reassuringly at the girl, I'll do everything in my power to make sure he's returned safely to you. Could you tell us more about where your father was going, so we know where to look? I'm Nolath, by the way.

The girl smiles and her eyes glisten with joy as she hears Nolath's words; she nods, "Mhmm, he goes to the steephollow grove deep in the forest north of here," She points in the direction of the forest. You hear horse hooves approach behind you and notice Gonzo listening in.

She glances at him for a second and continues her explanation, "That's where he sets up camp and he hunts within a mile radius from that point; he will go a different direction each time. He used to take me with him, but last year he stopped because he said it was becoming too dangerous. That's why I'm worried, he's been out there once before for two and a half days, but that was only one time and it was because he broke his leg and had trouble getting back home. This is the fourth day since he left and I'm worried something terrible has happened."

Her eyes water some more but she wipes them before any rolled onto her cheeks and she sniffs again. "Momma is worried too, but she has faith in him; I have faith too, but I don't think that's enough."

Don't worry, we'll go out and look for him, tell your momma that we'll try to bring him home.

"Is there a map or a way to know how we can get to the grove? A trail perhaps? Rest assured we will do our best to find him."

Jonuli looks at the others to see if there are any more questions.

"I have several questions. What is your father's name? What is your name? Where can we find you if we discover his fate? Can you give us a description of him? You said you went there one time, so you can give us a fairly detailed description of the grove, the trails there, the camp and other details regarding the area, since he hunts in a one mile radius. The more information you give us, the more successful we will be in finding him."

"I-uh..." She begins to answer but stops as she listens to Nijena interrogation. She stares downward for a moment, she looks like she is thinking. After a bit she speaks up, "I don't know how much information I can give you, it's been a whole year since I've been and I don't remember everything that well, and some things might have changed. I know he always returns to camp before dusk and sets out just before dawn. Oh, his name is Gabril, and my name is Oliria; Momma's name is Tessa if that helps any. Details about the grove... If I remember correctly, it consists of 7 trees, pine trees. They are separate from the rest of the forest, in a clearing of about 20 meters in radius. There is a trail that leads through it from the edge of the forest that goes all the way through." She straightens up and her face seems to light up some, "I know! Papa says I'm not allowed to enter the forest because the animals have become more aggressive since last year, but I can show you where the trail begins at least."

Nodding, Nolath looks down at the girl with an intent expression on his face, That would be very helpful. And could you tell us what he looks like, so we'll know him if we find him?

"Thank you very much. I'm Jonuli. Do you think your mother would be able to add anything that may help us? "

"No, she's never been on a hunting trip with him, and it doesn't look like you guys have any kind of tracking animal, so giving you his scent won't help any. As far as what he looks like he is about six feet tall, same color hair as me She has a dark brown hair color and has a beard. His hunting outfit is black fur armor and he uses a longbow, he also has a shortsword. Is that enough information?"

"Unless the others have any more questions, I think you should take us to where the trail starts. The sooner we start the sooner we can find out what happened." Jonuli, goes and grabs America's reins and walks along with Oliria.

"Yes, the time would seem to be of critical importance."

Nijena follows on foot for a little bit before taking to the air.

Her face beaming with joy she nods, "Thank you so much! This way, hurry up!" She waves you forward and begins running out of town.

She leads you around the edge of the city and north towards the forest's treeline. As you get closer you begin to see a small spacing with a picket posted to the right. You reach the trail and can see it clearly for a few meters before it turns around a tree.

"If you follow this trail it'll take you strait to the grove, if something has happened to Papa, his camping gear would most likely still be put up. Please be careful, Papa says the animals have become very aggressive lately."

The trail is not wide enough to take a horse, let alone 3 horses, through. You can tie them up at the fence post. She says she can bring them food and water as a thank you for your help.

Jonuli looks at her and smiles. "We will find out what happened and return as soon as possible, Oliria."

"Looks like we are walking from here. Do you want to take the lead Nolath?"

"I will keep to the air and use my signal whistle if I see signs of danger. Do we have any other precautions to take?"

"With a canopy this thick, you wouldn't be able to see much from the sky. It would be best for us to stay together from here on. "

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Nolath takes his bardiche from his back, With pleasure. Oliria, we'll do everything we can to find your father.
With that, he strode down the trail.

"Fair enough."

Nijena stays on the ground and readies her bow and follows Nolath at a distance giving him room to use his polearm should he need to.

You all enter the forest via the the gravel and dirt trail. Almost immediately the temperature seems to rise and the humidity level skyrockets. You can't feel any wind.

"By the gods, I think I'm already sweating." He gripes as he removes his hat and wipes his forehead with the sleeve of his forearm.

"Yes, and that's strange. Usually in the shade of a forest it is cooler."

"Why do you wear all those fancy garments. Maybe you are unfit for the exertions of travel?" Nijena does her best to tease, possibly losing the humor in the process.

"Image is important in my profession, it attracts attention from my audience and catches the eyes of potential fans. Though you are right that this outfit isn't very suitable for adventuring, it is much better than heavy steel," He looks at Nolath. "I do have other clothes I can change into once we make camp, I wasn't expecting to be in the forest so soon. Ah, speaking of camp, I think it best if we set up in the clearing around the grove, where Gabril's tent should be. We can make that our base during our search. Anybody good at tracking?"

Nolath shakes his head, Afraid not, but the grove is probably the best place to look.