"There's a Legion that never was listed"- The Lost Legion -Kipling

Game Master Ghost1776

Aearn to Finish round one

"These things are far beneath us", Arean judges aloud.

"Creatures, surrender", she demands from behind star-filled eyes, as she moves abreast of the line of engagement, smoke and flame flickering from a casually-curved hand...

Intimidate+14: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15 LOL

Finding his fists rather ineffective, Brad tries to grapple the gargoyle to help others strike it. Grapple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Without asking for permission, Ikvvy draws an arrow from Eldrian's quiver and shoots at whatever creature remains.
Longbow with +1 Adamantine Durable arrow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16! Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Furnok grits his teeth and hacks again.

Falchion,Power attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 112d4 + 6 ⇒ (4, 3) + 6 = 13

Arean tells the creatures to surrender and while the creatures do not surrender they do seem shaken by her words.

Braden succesfuly grapples one of the creatures holding it still long enough for Furnok to kill it.

Ikvvy's arrow meanwhile goes into the other gargoyle.

As far as I can tell Arean needed a 15 to cause the shaken effect and that's what she managed to get. I added a Flank bonus to Furnok's attack roll and that plus Braden's grappling let him hit that gargoyle.

Eldrian is up to finish the start of round 2.

Rapid Shot 1(with magic arrows): 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 2 = 19
Rapid Shot 2(with magic arrows): 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 2 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Eldrian lets loose another two arrows but only 1 hits.

The remaining gargolye with arrows sticking out of it from the party's archers attacks Marcos.

claw 1: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 - 2 = 12 for damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4claw 2: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 - 2 = 15 for damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 bite 1: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 2 = 16 for damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5gore 1: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 2 = 21 for damage: 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

But it can't manage to hurt him thanks to still being shaken by Aearn.

Ikvvy, Brad, Aearn to Finish round Two

"That's enough out of you," says Brad. He tries to grab hold of the gargoyle so the others can finish it. Grapple: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Arean glares at the grappled gargoyle. "Will you make me repeat myself?", she asks with ill-concealed fury.

Intimidate+14: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Seeing the first arrow worked pretty well, Ikvvy tries again!
Longbow with +1 Adamantine Durable arrow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23! Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Arean causes the creature to be shaken again, Brad grapples it, and Ikvvy puts an arrow into it.

End of Round Two

Round Three

Marcos, Eldrian, and Furnok are up.

Marcos, and Furnok can Flank the grappled gargoyle if they want to.

RD 3

Furnok flanks and hacks at the gargoyle

Falchin,PA,flank: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 202d4 + 6 ⇒ (3, 1) + 6 = 10

Chop goes the sword.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (5) + 13 = 18 Power Attack, Flank, Vs. Evil; 1d8 + 8 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 8 + (4, 1) = 17 damage

Rapid Shot 1: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 10 - 2 = 20
Rapid Shot 2: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 2 = 18
Damage 1: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Damage 2: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 wat is this...

Eldrian shoots another 2 arrows, both managing to penetrate the creatures armour.

The Gargoyle is shaken again by Aearn, grappled by Braden, hit by arrows from Eldrian and Ikvvy, and hit by Marcos sword strike as well as Furnok's blow... It's still not dead.

It tries to break Braden's grapple 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 2 = 10 but fails.

Party's up.

1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 chop! 1d8 + 10 + 2d6 ⇒ (7) + 10 + (4, 6) = 27 damage

Marcos delivers a powerful blow which finishes off the last gargoyle.

There are thousands of silver coins on the ground behind the dead gagoyles. Mixed in with the silver is the ocassionaly gold coin as well as scraps of chewed leather bags. Counting and sorting the coins reveal 4000 silver coins and 80 gold ones.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
So that is basically 480gp?

Eldrian retrieves HIS ;) arrows before checking the room. "Quite a bit of money here. What's this?" he notices a bit of leather on the floor amongst the coins and picks it up showing it to the others. "Taxes? Looks like the rats got to the bags."

"Well, these guys won't be needin' ta pay their taxes anymore." Brad picks up one of the "sleeping" Siswa again, ready to continue onward.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

"That is probably the extortion the Rahib demanded from the citizens. The two black panthers must be his pets, remember?" She returns the used arrows to Eldrian. "Do you mind if I keep three of YOUR arrows, brother?"

Ikvvy scans the corner for magic, and checks the rest of the large room with her Dancing Lights.

Arean joins Ikvvy's second-sight search of the surroundings, choosing a different sector to start, perhaps to hide Arean's smirk at the siblings' byplay.

Looks like we'll have to look into more enchanted weapons for us if we are going to be fighting these things. Furnok is ready to follow along.

"Oh, those kind of taxes. That's not very nice."

"Well I suppose it will save you reaching for my quiver every time you want to shoot something." He hands Ikvvy 3 arrows, "Only use them on creatures that we need to though." He crouches down to inspect a few of the coins, looking at their faces to determine perhaps the nation or currency that they were. "A few hundred gold in total I estimate. We can come back later if we make it out of here alive."

No one finds anything else of intrest here.

Eldrian, you're right that's the value of the coins.

After finishing the fight it is easy to that this room is actually open to the outside courtyard.

The courtyard is 80 feet deep and 90 feet wide. Once well cared for, the dirt floor is now choked with weeds. In the center of the yard sits a large pool. Just beyond the pool is a set of stairs leading to the main doors of the temple itself. Four wooden sheds are attached to the west wall, and another four to the east wall. The southern corners of the courtyard are occupied by the building you are standing in and it's twin, small octagonal stone buildings, each covered with a delicate looking dome.

Will Save please

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

You know, I am feeling a mighty big thirst after that fight. That pool has nice clear water. Just the thing I need.

Furnok starts for the pool.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Eldrian walks carefully out of the building carefully, keeping to the edge if he can, looking around to see if anyone else might be there at the moment. Then he sees the pool, and hears Furnok.
Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11 +2 if enchantment spell of effect, meh didn't help anyway.
"Some fresh water might be nice right now. But we really need to keep moving and not get spotted out here."
Unless I was meant to be compelled to drink by the spell/illusion/whatever it is, Eldrian would think of the danger that could be around any corner before stopping to grab a drink when I happen to have a water skin of my own.

My post got eaten.

The enchantment will not force anyone to drink from the pool, it will make you thristy, however

Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 +2 if enchantment spell or effect

Eldrian, have you offended the dice gods lately? what with those 1's for damage rolls and now this ...

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22 will save

"Hey, guys. That water does not look good to drink. Not sure what you're seeing, but its putrid, black, and slimy. Use your waterskins if you're thirsty."

Will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Really? But it looks so cool and refreshing." Brad pulls out his waterskin and draws a big long gulp. "There's definitely somethin' funky about this place."

Will+4: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

"It's clear... there's a mosaic at the bottom... Well, maybe? Please, all of you, stand away from the pool..."

Detect Magic, Spellcraft(Trance 1d6 ⇒ 2 rounds)+20 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (9) + 20 = 29

Arean's eyes fill with swirling stars...

(Edit: maths error, the +20 goes on top of base +6, to 35 total on that roll)

well I'll take your word for it. Furnok drinks from his waterskin

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

"We should not be so thirsty this early." She takes a sip from her waterskin, and then a larger one. "It's clear to me that water is enchanted, and probably is the method used by the Rahib to enchant everyone. But we know better, so absolutely don't drink from it."

She also detects magic and attempts to aid the sister within her burned library!
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

So where to now? We seem to have several ways we can go.

The Tasilman is hidden in the hallway of statues which is up the stairs to the north of the pool and then along side the eastern wall

When crossing the courtyard or going up the stairs please state how close you come the pool.

Furnok gets out his Lucerne Hammer and stays at least 10 feet away.

Eldrian will walk along the edge of the room intending to remain unseen if possible.
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

From a long-burned book, Arean quotes: "Where waters woeful wholesome seem / Where marsh-mire sparkles, spring-fresh dream / When men are lost, and no cry heard / Beware, beware, the Water Wyrd"

"It is a ruse, a hunting trick of a beast in the fountain."

"Ya don't have ta tell me twice," says Brad, keeping as much distance between himself and the pool as reasonably possible.

"We will need to get rid of it eventually, but sure, let it be for now." Ikvvy walks about 20 feet away from the fountain, if possible. She has her bow in hands and, if by chance the thing shows up, she will shoot it!

Up the stairs, then. Still having trouble with the maps?

The party makes it way accross the courtyard to the stairs, staying away from the fountain/pool as best they can. When they get to the stairs however they realize that northern edge of the pool is built up next to the stairs.

It is possilbe to stay 10 feet away from the water by hugging the wall opposite of the pool while going up the stairs in single file. Once you reach the middle landing, you'll have stay away from the edge of the landingby the pool to be safe because the landing is ten feet above the surface of the water.

As long everyone takes there time and is careful you can move up the stairs with no problem. If anyone wishing to hurry up the stairs a DC 10 Acrobatics check is needed, moving normal speed up the stairs requires a DC 5 Acrobatics check. Going up the stairs at half speed requires no check.

Can I recommend a knowledge Arcana skill check?

(I had thought you had done that to the earlier roll I had done vs SpellCraft. That's why I let Arean speak of Water Weird (though that's just my guess). Here's an Arcana, ad-hoc, not Tranced: )

KN:Arcana+7: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 LOL. Ikvvy, got my back?

Furnok goes up at half-speed

Brad has no trouble traveling up at a normal speed.

Certainly.
K.Arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

"Ok brothers, this could get troublesome. I have a request: we need to kill the beast! It is probably a..."

"...Water Weird, as Arean mentioned. Spells that purify water could kill it instantly, but otherwise it will reform and make a new body shortly after. Oh wait!" She takes out the Ivory Scroll Tube and draws a scroll from it. "Yes, we have two of these Scrolls. I don't think I'm able to dominate the magic on these, Arean, do you?"

I feel in The Legend of Zelda right now...

Taking a scroll, Arean ponders the magic on it, then stands well away from the pool. "Must it manifest, or will the magic find it anywhere in the pool?", she asks aloud. "The General's journal did not speak of defeating the creature with prayers."

"CREATURE! CONCEALER of the POLLUTION of the POOL! DECEIVER of EYES and of MINDS! PRESENT YOURSELF to PARLAY, if you HOPE to AVOID UTTER DESTRUCTION!"

"I will need to approach the pool for the reach of the spell...", Arean advises. "Perhaps another stands closer? Not to protect me, but the casting of the spell?"

"Or me.", she allows, smiling.

(Surely if the creature attacks, or if it does not manifest, Arean will cast the spell. If it seems to agree to parlay, it might yet prove useful, and she will hold off, and stand back.)

dot.

The white bear inn. Funny how things remain the same the more things change.

The man walking in could be described as travel-stained but this was no mere traveller, he had fought in major skirmishes to protect these people passing by him without a second glance. He had fought on his pride and had shed blood but now he was but a simple traveller. He was doing so well except his spear was too well maintained to be just a simple traveller.

He had wanderered far and now? He was now home on imperial soil once more, soil he had once shed blood for. Killed for and now? left to his own devices.

He had made it own his own hiring out as a chef but one can only survive so long on the outside without interaction for only so long and thus once again, he had returned to the city.

Maybe the White Bear Inn needs a cook. He could do with a job either way or at least learn a new recipe. Heh...that Gratus he thinks. What would you make of me now?

The figure walks in through the double doors. Something new has occured.

Vigar Savage has something new to do.........learn a new recipe.

Whoops. Missed it. I claim fail in Knowledge (Geography/local)

Walking in he looks up. The people are not dressed in imperial fashion that he knows.

He drags out the map once more.......and glares at it.....why oh why didn't he pay more attention when Gratus was explaining map works......The answer was obvious, he took the wrong ship as he takes out a similar map but with different markings.

He sighs. Yes the more things change the more things do remain the same........

A man and woman stand at the doors to the inn. He looks up at the sign above the door of a bear standing on its hind legs with claws extended in front of it in the midst of pawing the air. "This must be the white bear then," he says, "It won't be the sort we're used to but at least there will be something to eat here." He opens the door for them and walks into the inn. Out of the weather he pulls down the hood of his cape, revealing his elven features, blonde hair, blue eyes and of course the distinctive ears and fine facial structure. His dark green cape and traveling clothes look well kept but several years old and worn.

Sitting in a secluded corner of the Great Library, a girl clad in a faded green vest, undershirt, arm-length bandages, leggings & brown boots peeks out from behind a small stack of books. Her black hair is tied back in a ponytail, and her storm-grey eyes have dark circles beneath them, as if she hasn't been getting enough sleep.

She looks over to the Great Library's entrance. Standing out from the small crowd of scholars and students clad in robes stands a (rather handsome-looking, she noticed) half-orc, his spear & armor giving him the bearing of someone who appears to be in the wrong place.

"Is he a scholar too?" The girl says to herself.

She looks back at her book. The subject matter would be dry & boring to anyone else: it's a treatise on magic and how everyone who can use it must serve the Empire for the greater good. She scoffs. More Imperial propaganda. They really must be getting desperate for mages if they're putting recruitment ads in textbooks now.

She blinks. Once, twice. She starts nodding off. She rests her arm on the textbook's pages, her head following suit. Her cheek rests on her arm.

Well, at least it's good for something... Is her last thought before her eyes close.

@GM: I've got the basic info for Tio up. Is there anything else you'd like to see in the stat bar for quick reference?

Tio quietly sat across from Tassira, an ornate cup in her hands and a nice brew of tea in the cup. They'd met some time before, and she'd been following the student ever since, though she hadn't actually explained why she was doing it - it was amazing what you could get away with when you were religious, kept your calm, and looked at anybody who bothered you like you were a temple priest trying to eyeball children into not running all over the place. Particularly when people wanted to believe just about everything you said... "Tassira, dear, you might be arrested for treason if you ruin that textbook in your sleep."

She was joking. ...Probably.

Rowan scans the room as he walks in, holding a stack of books and several artifacts, hoping to work while enjoying a pint and a meal. He frequents this bar often and knows the regulars. He notices the elves and the half orc, but thinks nothing of it. This inn sees many traveling elf scholars, and he assumes the half orc is someone's body guard.

He sets his books down at the end of the bar and motions to the barkeep for the usual. He then walks to his usual table, or at least tries to. Two women sit there. The taller one he recognizes as Tassira. They have spoken but a few times in the Library, but he does not know much about her. He doesn't know the name of the other, but he has noticed the peculiar behavior of following Tassira, often without her noticing.

He moves to an empty table,placing his stack of books readjusting his new Researchers robes, having recently graduated and finding a job as A Researcher of the Library.

He moves his blonde braid from his back to his front as he opens the first book on the stack, a book on Thessalonian Magic. He quickly becomes absorbed into his work, filling the table with open books.

Tassira is jolted from her impending nap by Tio's remark. A small string of saliva runs from a corner of her mouth to the bandage on her arm. She shakes her head, trying to clear the fatigue from her eyes. She's not very successful.

"Treason?! Wait-wha--?" She sputters. She takes a few breaths before calming down.

...you're in the Great Library. Not Imperial soil. The worst they'll do is fine you.

She looks over at Tio. She didn't really know why Tio followed her everywhere, but she really couldn't care. She was one of the few friends Tassira had; she could forgive a few quirks... such as following her around without her noticing nine times out of ten.

"Hey, it could be worse..." Tassira says, rubbing her eyes. "...someone else might use this as tissue paper." She pauses. "Which, honestly, would be a more productive use of this thing anyway." She closes the textbook and pushes it away from her.

She takes another look around, spying Rowan at another table, his nose buried in yet another book on magic. One on Thassilonian magic, in fact. Read that one. One of my favorites, in fact!

She looks back to Tio, gesturing to the books around their table. "Find any you liked?" She asks with a smile.

The monk raised the cup of tea to her lips and took a calm sip from it. "Why, yes. I found an absolutely charming text on the evolution of wood-carving tools throughout early nomadic cultures. I never realized how fascinating such tomes could be."

Bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

"I do hope there are more enlightening books around here somewhere. Why, I can't imagine what our lives would be like without such knowledge at our fingertips." She was, of course, rather blatantly lying through her teeth... though few people knew her well enough to realize it. On the other hand, it would do Tassira a bit of good to realize that there was more to life than the library, and that knowledge could be found in other places...

Take 10 for Sense Motive: 10+1 = 11

Even Tassira couldn't miss Tio's sarcasm.

"Alright, alright. This place isn't exactly to your taste." She admits, getting up from the table. She stretches her legs a bit, then looks back to Tio.

"Did you have somewhere else in mind you wanted to go?" Maybe some fresh air will do me some good...

Tio laughed slightly - it seemed she'd gotten through to the studious girl after all. It was surprising how difficult that could be when she was talking - unless she made it VERY obvious, most people believed some rather outlandish things if Tio claimed they were true. "Actually, I was just curious about your choice of reading material. Tell me, dear, why are you even bothering with books that seem to have no relation to your goals? Isn't it better to focus on a goal when studying?" she seemed honestly curious about Tassira's study habits... and had made no move to get up.

After all, she still had about three-quarters of a cup of tea left.

Tassira shrugs, then returns to her seat.

"I thought the Empire would've put some thought into what they'd do with their mages if they got them, other than use them to blow things up. Apparently, I was wrong." She says with a slight chuckle.

She gestures to the title of the book she put aside--On the Importance of Magic and Those Who Wield It. Evidently, it was penned by a sycophant looking for funding instead of an actual researcher.

She blinks several times, finally shaking her fatigue off. This wasn't the Great Library: it was the White Bear Inn. The inn was certainly ATTACHED to the library, but you'd have to go down a couple of hallways to get there.

"...wow. I think I was more asleep than I thought." She says, glancing around the pub. Aside from Rowan & the half-orc, a pair of elves catch her eye. One still has her hood up, and the other (a blonde, blue-eyed fellow) was busy looking for an available table.

She digs into her stack of books again. She pulls out a book with the title Magic: a Practical Dissertation on Its Rise and Fall.

She sighs as she looks through the book again. "Right now, I feel like I'm not getting anywhere with these books. I mean, I've read most of them already. At least this one here is new."

I'll be incredibly happy if this isn't more Imperial bull.

Rowan, sitting at an adjacent table, has been watching the pair. He sees the book and overhears her words. He speaks up. "I think you will like that one. Quite an interesting take on the disappearance of magic. Certainly better than that Imperial drivel this is." He holds up a similarly titled book The Empire and the Fall of Magic

He blinks.
This isn't an Inn.
Too many books. It's library.

Keeping the maps and stuffing in his pack, he takes notes of the shelves and notes the placing of the books.
Interesting. Since I'm here, I might as well....I supposed

He begins to browse the books and brings out one that he finds interesting, remembering a time when this came in useful.

The Usage of Spices and their Origins.

Rowan sees, with some amusement, the half orc pull a book off a stack in front of a rather stunned looking first year student. He must think this is the library. A reasonable assumption with all the students and scholars milling about with books. He must see the bar and the food though.

Tassira looks over to Rowan and his book. She gives him a smile of sympathy.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Hardly any research, mostly speculation, and no shortage of pandering to the Empire's interests." Tassira says. "I noticed they were quick to shift the blame on Tien for the cataclysm." She says, quickly glancing at Tio.

She winces at the word 'cataclysm'. Cataclysm. Synonymous with Apocalypse. Magical Apocalypse. Like my dreamsnightmares.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Tio took another polite sip from her cup of tea. "And doubtless Tien blames the Empire. It is easy to blame others for the mistakes of the past, but those of us in the present must continue to deal with the consequences, no? Desperate people will do many things, particularly when faced with losing what matters the most to them." Her tone suggested that she didn't particularly care who was right and who was wrong - the natural world was still out of order, and as far as she was concerned, that was the real problem here. Problems like which magic-users were sent where on which missions were only a symptom of a far greater problem... and the wise would keep that in mind.

Taking 10 - 2 = 8

Being generally oblivious to things like tone of voice and body language, he doesn't notice.

He continues on. "Well that one actually claims it was neither sides fault explicitly. She claims that it was the intense use of magic by both sides, clashing against each other, that eventually caused enough primal magic to build up in the atmosphere to unleash the Catyclysm. Too much unbridled power thrown every which way"

Tassira just nods. "Yes. That seems... plausible."

Her eyes have a faraway look in them, as if she's reliving a memory... or a nightmare.

Armies march upon sand-blasted plains. The storm rises. Thunderbolts and lightning. Magic bent and shaped in every way possible.

No room for dissent in a tight formation no room for 'maybe' in a 'yes or no' question no'greenwithenvy'inablackandwhiteworldThere can be only one.

The magic builds. Crescendo. Both sides contribute. Say they can't coexist. Cooperating in destroying themselves. Not so different in the end.

The end. Life cannot take any more. Magic rebels sick of being used beingabusedbeing*shaped*formoreDESTRUCTION

There's a hole. A wound. It's never been treated. And those who have the power to do so cannot. The lesson goes unlearned.

"Both sides destroyed. No winners. Only survivors." Tassira's voice is shaky, and barely above a whisper. She inhales sharply and closes her eyes.

She reopens them. "Sorry. You were saying something?" She asks.

Rowan had continued to talk about the theory behind the manuscript, having moved over to Tassira's and Tio's table, leaving the other table empty but full of open tomes, going on about recorded weather patterns and magical build up, concluding with that though it is definitely plausible, some of her claims were unfounded. He seems oblivious to Tassira drifting off for several moments until she spoke up.
"I'm sorry, was I going on and on again. I apologize"

Tassira refocuses on Rowan. "It's no trouble. I tend to drift off when I haven't been getting enough sleep."

As if to reinforce what she just said, she yawns.

Rowan reaches back and grabs two books from the other table, Of Horrors and Monsters and a rather lengthy tomeA History of Dwarven Finance
"Well I have two solutions for that. This will keep you awake for days, and this will put you right to sleep."

He looks down at he pile of books in front of her.
"So what project is this all for?"

Having browsed through the book he was holding, finding it the same as the one back at the training hold. Vigar puts it back ignoring the student near him.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
He takes out several books and seeing an empty table next to 3 humans deep in conversation, he takes it. making sure not to disturb them as he moves and takes a seat.
Stealth: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11

Profession (Cook): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Taking a glance at the book titles, trying to see which could be the most useful in either improving his current recipes or learning new ones.

Onions, Staples of a Salad - Reminds me of Alger's Vale
Poultry, Fowl of prepation - Someone must have not spent enough time on this?
Field Cooking - Looks like what Gratus used to teach me my letters
Salt and Spoilage - Hmmmma logistics i think
Recipes of Isger - Finally! Something new. I'll read this first

Vigar settles down for a quiet read. At least as quiet as he can do it. Armor doesn't really settle down well in a setting like here. He should have removd it......

Tassira looks at the books around her. "Oh, these? I got most of these in order to really understand how magic can be used safely."

She points to a smaller pile of books next to Tio. It's a rather messy pile, as if she just tossed them over there and that's how they came to rest. "Those ones are mostly engineering-related stuff, like airships. I've always been fascinated by them; it kind of carries over from my mother."

She blushes and starts twiddling her thumbs as she speaks. "To be honest, I've been using these books to research new ways of helping Imperial citizens. I'm currently brainstorming something with indoor plumbing."

She looks at the books Rowan set down. "I'll certainly take your word for it." She says. She appears to be contemplating stowing them away in the backpack next to her chair, judging from the way her eyes dart from the books to it.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
She's too deep in conversation to notice the half-orc (rather noisily) taking a seat at the table next to her.

Sense Motive on eye movements: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

He doesn't notice her eyeing the books.

"Fascinating!. On all counts! Are you a mage? and what specifically about indoor plumbing?"

Perception on Orc: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

He does seem to notice the orc. He gets up to take his books from the table. He doesn't seem to notice that he takes some of the half orcs books, assuming they must all be his.

"Sorry about leaving my books here. I'll clean them up so you can have the table."

The woman in a hood is relieved to see the Inn so empty. She notices some inquiring looks but since Eldrian has removed his hood the place should be alright. When she lowers her hood you see a blonde woman, probably a human, since you cannot see her ears and she doesn't have elven eyes. She is gorgeous, but somehow resembles the elf who's leading her.

They both find an empty table and speak just a little in hushed tones. The waitress comes, but she doesn't want anything right now. "Give me a couple minutes, lady." She looks to the elf to see if he will order anything, then takes a nice look at the place. She is impressed with so many people carrying and reading books in here, something she would never have guessed possible in a tavern, but maybe this is far from what she knows.

Hey everyone! Merry Christmas!
I do believe Ikvvy will avoid talking with anyone in the beginning, aside from Eldrian, but I suppose something is going to happen...

Tio was (finally) almost half done with her tea. You couldn't rush nice things - in particular, she didn't seem to mind it when normally hot foods were a bit cooler than usual.

For now, the young woman was simply sitting back and watching the others talk, paying a bit of attention to the orc-blooded one.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Larger individuals in armor were... not the most subtle characters in the world. Of course, orcs had been a part of the Empire for a long time, and surprisingly good subjects at that - some people found it hard to accept those of other races, though, something she knew all too well.

Still, orcs were as much a part of the world as everyone else, and if they weren't trying to harm it, then she certainly wasn't going to go out of her way to make trouble.

"...We appear to be turning into quite a crowd. Perhaps it would be best to bring the tables together?" she suggested mildly.

"Fascinating!. On all counts! Are you a mage? and what specifically about indoor plumbing?"

Tassira's blush promptly disappears. "Um... well... sort of. I guess."

She whispers. "Please keep your voice down. That's not the sort of thing I want to see spread around."

The subject of her engineering project, on the other hand, elicits a more enthusiastic response from her. "Well, you know how baths are typically filled? I'm currently trying to come up with a way of doing exactly that via other means." She pauses for breath. "It's still in the brainstorming phase so far."

"...We appear to be turning into quite a crowd. Perhaps it would be best to bring the tables together?"

At this point, Tassira finally notices the armored half-orc next to them with his stack of cookbooks. "Oh, if course!"

"He can if he wants to. Do you want to join us?

He continues to close and gather books and put some wands back in a case.

As he does so, he continues, choosing to skate around the topic of her magery, having been told specifically she doesn't want to discuss it.

"Like without magic or a bucket?" I'm assuming toilets and plumbing (or at least high class ones) in this setting use some sort of magical pump, if this advanced at all. "That's quite interesting. With magic on its way out, we will certainly need ways to emulate what gaps they left. I myself am working on a project to figure out how to make wands last longer and make better use out of them for non magic folk. Or assisting on one anyways."

VIgar looks up as the mage takes some of his books.

"Pardon me but I do believe some of those books are mine, if you wish to persue them, please by all means please do so. I would like them back later however, at least to place them back."

On the subject of table joining.
"I would not oppose such and would be glad to join tables with you. I can only hope I am not a bother to all of you."

Standing up, he shifts the tables easily,, taking care to space the seating evenly.

"Apologies. I..I..just assumed they were mine. Most the orcs we get around here are body guards. Please join us.

He separates out the half orcs books and gives them back. Rowan then goes back to the table and says what was posted in last post.

"I understand. You see one like me, you assume soldier or body guards, a common assumation and Mostly correct. I take no offence. I be Vigar Savage, Cook."

Bluff about his former Occupation: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Vigar smiles as he sets his book down and looks warmly, (he hopes), at the table's occupants.

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Being unusually insightful for once, he doesn't believe Vigar.

"Since when does a cook carry a longspear and wear armor?"

Vigar chuckles. This one is pretty sharp or I'm a pretty bad liar

"When a cook needs to go find ingredients and that said ingredients sometimes objects..........violently."

He smiles at the response. Interesting. Why would he try to lie?

He proffers a hand. It seems unusually worn and calloused for a simple librarian.
"Fair enough. I am Rowan. A Researcher of the Library"

Vigar takes Rowan's hand.
"Well met, Rowan."

Interesting, he seems more a warrior than a researcher. No Libarian carries callouses like these unless he's a researcher on warfare.

Tassira rises from her seat to greet Vigar.

"I-I'm Tassira. Pleased to meet you." She says shyly.

The blonde woman looks up for a second. She heard them talking about magic a few moments ago and it seems the rumors she heard were true. She now looks at the people chatting, a poker face on her features.

Vigar rises from his seat trying his best not to let his spear fall.

Dex Check not to let his spear falls.: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Dex Check to Catch Spear and place it back leaning aginst his pack on the floor: 1d20 ⇒ 16
Seeing his spear start to fall, he acts with incredible reflexs, catching it and once again placing it back against his pack on the floor. His movements smooth and practiced, no movement is wasted as if he's performing a dance.

Diplomacy to laugh it off and detract.: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
"My Apologies Milady Tassira, I forget my manners. I have being on the road for a lengthy amount of time and lack much in the social graces. Please be seated and not rise on my account, for one whose countenance rivals the greatest beauties in the land, should not do so for a rough cook such as I."

Yea, laying it on a bit think I think.

Bluff check to disguise his movement as something else: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Vigar moves and helps Tassira back into her seat, moving her chair enough for her to rise and be seated once more at her ease. Once done he takes his place after arrangin his pack as if to ensure they do not impede anyone's movement.

Tassira promptly turns bright red.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
She also notices Vigar setting up his spear for any potential ambushers.

She sits back down. She looks like she wants to say something, but her mouth refuses to work with her.

Sense Motive on Movement: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (9) - 1 = 8

Perception on elf: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Rowan doesn't notice Vigar's movements as he is too busy watching the pair of elves. The woman seems to be watching them.

Curious. So she isn't an elf. But the features between them are unmistakably related. Half- Elf maybe? And why watch us so intently?

He continues to curiously watch the pair, trying to figure them out as he talks to the group.

The waitress finally arrives with Rowan's meal. Pint of ale, some bread, and some sort of soup.

"So Vigar, what brings you to the Isle of the Great Library?"

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Tassira looks where Rowan is looking... at the woman with the elf she saw before.

Is... is she looking at me?

Her eyes start darting everywhere. Looking for others who are looking at her.

Ikvvy looks elsewhere as soon as Rowan is paying attention to her. She just avoids her gaze, but doesn't do anything other than that.

Eyeing Rowan's meal with great interest and after studying a particular recipe in a glance.

Profession(Cook): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Vigar then makes his way to the waitress and after a brief explanation asks to use the kitchen. A short time later, he us out with a generous helping of soup laden with meats and onions. It smells heavenly.

"Well I'm wandering to seek answers to some questions and hapen to find myself here. Also there is some recipes here I could learn and I think I could try like this one, care to try?.....Excuse me but what are you looking at?"
Noticing Rowan looking around intently at someone......

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

"Oh its nothing. I just noticed the woman over there staring at us. Piqued my interest."
He stops staring and returns to the conversation.

"Well you are in the right place to do so. There is an answer here for nearly every possible question you could ask, and a few impossible ones, somewhere hidden away in a tome."

He accepts the offer and takes a bite of the soup. Quite good.

"A drink. The strongest you've got," he says gruffly. He hadn't been able to taste the drink of his homeland in a long time but it still had no comparison to the stuff humans could make. They were a soft lot humans. He briefly glances about the room, several others with books and words that we wasn't concerned to hear. It was her idea to come here after all. Books. Well he would settle for some peace and quiet while she did what she needed to do. "and some of your vegetable soop. Thanks."

He looks at Ikvvy. "I hope you're right about this place."

She turns to the elf and lowers her voice. "Well, there are no imperial guards, right? Beside, I think I heard them speaking about magic. I think one or more of them are able to use it. Do you think it is a trap?" She takes a quick side glance over the far table.

Tassira turns her eyes back to the soup. Taking a spoon in hand, she tastes it.

Finding it to her taste, she starts greedily slurping it down.

"This--mmh!--is delicious, Vigar! Thank you so much!" She says. She appears to have her voice back after the barrage of compliments from the half-orc cook before.

She's become oblivious to the woman Rowan was staring at. There's more pressing matters to attend to, after all.

The door creaked open just a crack, and a new arrival quietly looked around the area before slipping inside and heading for one of the increasingly small number of empty tables within the building.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Which appeared to be working surprisingly well, actually, considering how colorful her clothes and hair were. She was... rather memorable, all told, and quietly sat down at one of the tables while trying to project an aura suggesting that she'd been there, she'd always been there, and this was a perfectly normal thing for her to be doing.

Charisma Modifier: +5. Unlikely Lie: -5. Net modifier: 0
Bluff: 1d20 ⇒ 4

Which was, perhaps inevitably, a failure. Let's face it, you could only pretend for so long while you were in a big crowd of people, and she'd never been very good at bluffing through things anyway. A bit of sweat ran down the back of Kariel's neck a moment later. All right... she'd gotten into the building, she'd sat down... now what did she do? Holler for somebody? Make eye contact with the innkeeper? Stand on the table and introduce herself?

...

Perhaps it would have been best to ask for help before she'd gotten off of that wagon...