A few days pass in relative peace. On the evening of the fifth day the city of Steyr rises into view. The city is a ecletic mix of practical Andoran structures and refined Galt Architecture. The main street sports almost as many art galleries as as regular business and shops.
Yay, we are here! we finally made it. Man I'm tired of walking!
Finnigin looks at everything as though he is seeing it for the first time. He seems extremely excited to be in a new environment.
"Here where Finnigin? It's just another city, probably not the place we need to go... Maybe we should avoid it entirely and keep riding along the coast. Balik? Anyone?"
"Anyway, I've been thinking. We got together by luck, or maybe destiny, or prophecy, or whatever. Thing is, the Lamashtu plague was something really worth fighting against. And now comes a war between this two nations, which is a big thing. So, what else is there to see? I mean, if we've been put together for whatever the reason, and we're able to stop this catastrophic things from happening, what is happening in the backstage? Who would give us those visions, and why?"
Later he gets close to Finnigin:
As you walk in the city excited conversation can be hear from every mouth.
"Hmmm," Canim muses. Thinking aloud, he asks "When are we going stop somewhere to eat?"
As they ride along Norbert would have noticed Canim's spellbook.. "When we get a chance would you allow me to take a look at what spells you have? Anything i could add to my formula book would be greatly apprciated.."
Sixth stops to hear the conversation on the city, getting ready to hear rumors of what happened to Cassomir.
Well, at least the news hasn't gotten here yet.
He finds the comments relevant, and stops by someone that looks nice.
"Good morning. Everyone is talking about some 'flight of avorals', could you please explain to me what happened?"
As our 'heroes' Rations are nearly used up during their travel, the suggestion of food grabs the stomachs of everyone.
An avoral is a bird-like celestial that stands about 7 feet tall. Generally
human-shaped, its arms are great wings, and its head has a feathery
cowl instead of hair, typically brown, white, or golden. Its bones
are hollow but strong; a typical avoral only weighs 120 pounds.
An avoral’s wings have a human-like hand at the end, allowing it
to use tools and weapons, though in battle it prefers to attack from
the air and use the large claws on its feet. Like eagles, avorals have
phenomenal vision, and can see fine details even at great distances.
A young boy and an old woman answer excitedly
"Oh the Avorals are great, they flew down from the mountains and when they got to the coast they started touring and visiting all the cities. They are headed west now. Isn't it just fantastic we've never seen a group so large before."
"Let's find a place to rest and take our repast."
Norbert listens with intrest as he drives the carriage..
Leaning over to the boy.. "Hello young sir! Would you mind showing us to the nearest, reasonable establishment for eating and sleeping?" He'll grab out a silver and flash it too the lad..
It would be nice to rest. Take a load off. Put up our feet. I want to be ready should something heroic happen!
As they ride along Norbert would have noticed Canim's spellbook.. "When we get a chance would you allow me to take a look at what spells you have? Anything i could add to my formula book would be greatly apprciated.."
"Sure, as long as you don't muck up the pages."
The young boy peers at you oddly for a moment but, then takes notice of the silver. "Oh yes sir! There is the Lady's Rest it's a bit posh though. There's also the Silver Road Inn for travelling folks with lots of critters to stable. I can lead you to either one for that silver sir."
"What would happen if those Avorals got attacked? They are very important to the country. Why hasn't the king sent out an adventuring party to protect them?"
Nodding to any responses and as the group continues on to the city Cilian waits until they aren't being observed, and places a small hat upon his head turning into an old human woman. Getting up on the cart 'she' strechs and sighs.
"Hey we're friends, and I could trust you with sensitive information correct? We can't talk now, but after we get to whatever inn I need to talk to you and Kyomi alone."
The little boy laughs and puffs out his chest in pride "King? We ain't go no king, we're a Dee-mock-rosy.
Anyways Avorals are tough you'd need to be like a devil or something to take one down. Plus they fly to fast between cities for us to escort em."
He flips the boy the coin.. "Well we got 2 horses to stable, so i suggest we stay at the Silver Road Inn.. I'm gonna go see if i can peddle some inventory before i settle in to eat.."
As they ride towards the Silver Road Inn he'll look for a city guard to speak with.. If he's able to find one he'll ask stop him and ask if there's any specific laws in this town regarding the selling of alchemical items.. He'll tip the man a gold piece for any information he gives him..
A guard nods and refuses your coin "It's my job no problem sir, Rules here are simple; no poisons, no explosives except on the week leading up to Liberation Day.
"Thank you sir!.." Looking to the group "Im gonna find a place to set up for a few hours.. Try to the get the lowdown on this area.."
After dropping off everyone he'll take the carriage to what appears to be a market region.. He'll ask directions if needed..
Once he finds a place to setup he'll announce.. "Come one come all, And see Norbert's Ample Alchemical Supplies! I've got all sorts of fine items at discounted rates!"
Byron hung back, quiet and polite. He had been able to brew his tea and his anger had calmed down considerably, enough to put on his mask again.
Norbert was remarkable in how he marketed his material and the sheer quantity he could produce. Byron's research was slow and painstaking but produced products that lasted a lifetime. Every once in a while someone would stumble into Norbert’s shop and also need Byron’s services, though this was rare. Most of Byrons creations ended up going into a small warchest of useful items, most of which burnt up in the fire.
Byron produced a small catalog featuring items that Byron could construct and costs. If it isn’t in here then I can’t make it, but what you need should be in there… I’ll post the sign, it wouldn’t hurt to show off the wares.”
Byron walked to the wall calmly placing his foot on it and then proceeding to walk straight up it. Taking his time to place their banner up nice and high.
|
Yay, we are here! we finally made it. Man I'm tired of walking!
Finnigin looks at everything as though he is seeing it for the first time. He seems extremely excited to be in a new environment.
Balik smiles along with Finnigin, appreciating the optimism and eagerness of some of her lowland cousins. "Finnigin, it is indeed a grand new place to explore." Somewhat wistfully she adds, "Perhaps they have a dance hall, and we could take a turn or two."
--------------------
It would be nice to rest. Take a load off. Put up our feet. I want to be ready should something heroic happen!
"A bit of rest and hospitality are certainly in order. At least for a day or two. We should also get out a bit, and hear what rumors are in the wind. It is possible our past may leap forward into our present."
'hrmm.. parasol. Might want to get me one of those. A little one."
----------
After settling into the inn with the rest of the group, Balik will excuse herself. "I'm off for a fast turn outside the city walls. I'd invite anyone interested, but I plan to fly on swift wings. And some of my informants are... skittish. If I'm not back by morning, something has gone amiss. I plan to be back to seek out a dance hall in the evening, but... betimes the night calls. But expect me by morning."
More quietly to Hyoki, though not too quietly for any of the group listening intently, "I doubt you need prompting, but we may need to know about the political leadership here. Portents of radical change are afoot."
So saying, Balik betakes her across the town, through the main marketplace.
Once on the Andoran side of town, Balik strikes into the forest some way. She casts 'commune with birds', asking the question, 'Where, near Steyr, am I most likely to encounter an Avoral?'. As Balik waits for the congress of birds to reach a consensus, she transforms herself into a great black eagle, and she concentrates specifically to provide her avian form with a broad golden crest that extends to the shoulders. She leaves her ioun torch on the ground as she transforms. Once thoroughly flight-ready, Balik uses a claw to launch the ioun torch swirling about her head - creating a striking image.
Balik takes wing, following the advice of the birds as to direction, and cruises on high thermals in and around the area indicated for several hours, on watch for an Avoral, her torch a flagrant pennant inviting investigation.
"What would happen if those Avorals got attacked? They are very important to the country. Why hasn't the king sent out an adventuring party to protect them?"
As Cilantro says this Kyomi in Gashur raises an eyebrow and smiles to herself
clever boy,"Ill see you all later at the in, just going to see what I can fine out from the local, noblility"
To Balik Lyrune
"I was thinking the very same thing Balik, it could not hurt us to know what's going on in the halls of power, I'll see you in the morning then and we can share notes"
She bids the group a good day and brakes off, using her Gashur training she seeks to entice a rich mobile to strike up conversation with her, to do this she will go looking in finer art shops, she's looking for possible rich and connected fine gents To gain info from and be courted by.
Eyes flutter small steps etc
Her sister is tucked away where she can not be seen or detected.
With her toxins.
some rolls to add sills to GM
Cilian smiles as he considers what Kyomi will be doing.
I know how this will end.
"Well meet me and Norbert at the bar. I want to regale all of our old stories to him."
He"ll be returning to the inn to talk after hims and Byron do there thing..
Cilian smiles as he considers what Kyomi will be doing.
I know how this will end.
"Well meet me and Norbert at the bar. I want to regale all of our old stories to him."
"I amy not be back untill the early hours, why dont you tell him until then"
The oracle had already ordered a decent sized breakfast for himself, although he is barely recognizable in his human guise.
After paying for his meal (1 gp should cover it) he sits near the group assassin. He glances about suspiciously, ensuring he is out of earshot of casual listeners.
"Cilian, a moment. I've been thinking about what you said earlier, about which of the two adversaries started the fight. Whether it was the imp or the eagle, I cannot say. Only what ended it.
I do remember the fight was over a coastline, lying near a forest. Alas, I do not know geography. Perhaps we should find out where a forest touches the Andoran coastline."
He tears into some freshly baked bread.
Sixth and Seventh will eat something and sleep. Simple as that.
with and eve out and about, and any gifts she got, Info and other,
Kyomi comes back to the Inn as breakfast is being served.
you may note she never seems to eat in front of any of you.
Sixth and Seventh will eat something and sleep. Simple as that.
[dice=Knowledge geography to help Grimward if he asks]1d20+6
Cilian nods at Norbert, and Kyomi and makes sure only Norbert, Grim, and Kyomi can hear him speak. While talking to them Cilian is writing down something on a piece of paper and after he is done talking he hands it, along with a marble, to Norbert as he gets up to get another round.
"I will help, but I will require payment. It won't be gold, or magic. I will need your help, Kyomi's help and yours too Norbert. I will see if I can find any locals who know about what is going on. Norbert, and Kyomi might help, but that's up to them. I will tell you about my payment after I have completed my task, and if you agree. I will also say that this task wouldn't go against any law, or even be considered evil in the slightest."
I need your help with a delicate matter. I want you to help me protect two people. I will pay, or do whatever you ask to acquire your services. I will tell you who they are after I have your word on if you want to help. Also, mind helping me out with Grim? I think that finding out the truth here could be very important, but I don't know much about geography, or the nobility. If you want to ask for your own price that is fine discuss it with him while I'm at the bar. I'm also handing you a marble inside you will see the soul of a man being tormented for apparently all eternity. Please hand it back when I come back with the ale, but I thought you might wish to examine this find, and/or magic. I will be back in about 20 minutes to hear what you think. Don't free the man in there. He is getting the punishment he deserves. Please show this to Kyomi when you are done reading.
Byron joined Norbert. Once again he was like a fly on the wall. The others had even stopped really noticing him. He observed everything with a bit of amusement.
It's all just politicking, trading favors. No different then the wizards court.
We need new identities and new looks He rudely interrupted we cant stay ahead of this forever, messenger birds will catch up. The local politicians will shift the blame from themselves for not containing the plague to a convenient scapegoat.
She looks at what is given her then nods at what Byron says
"Byron has a point, soon someone will come looking for us, but let me tell you what I found out last night..."
Carousing for Information in the night,
To get some thing nice from a rich mark
"For me really of you should not have...
or
"O that looks so nice'
she takes the items and note
look at Gem with soul
Canim will attend the local halls of arcane power (if available to foreigners) to listen to the goings-on as well as lightly peruse their catalogue (if allowed to do so) for titles of interest. He will take heavy meals at least thrice during the day.
-Posted with Wayfinder
As Finnigin sees everyone start to break off to do his own thing, he is trying to talk to each of them.
Hey you want too...
I heard there is a...
Wouldn't it be cool if...
Have you seen the...
One by one it seems that everyone is going to be doing there own thing and leaving him behind. Except for a nice female Halfling.
HEY! I love to Dance. We could find a nice dance hall and dance all night. I love going to human establishments because drinks are the same price, but you get 4 times as much!
He looks extremely shy as he asks Balik...
Would you like to... D-D-Dance with me?
The oracle, still in disguise, sits by himself in the corner. A loner by nature, he sits pondering both the group and the visions while he nurses a mug of local ale.
He nevertheless overhears Finnigin's nervous discussion with Balik and subtly casts a spell on the stuttering halfling wizard from a comfortable distance away.
For the first time in a long time, Grimward cracks a smile.
With his new bolstered courage, Finnigin thinks to himseld If she says no, it wont be the end of the world.
So whadya say? Do we have a date?
He begins pushing back his hair and doing other things in an attempt to seem more attractive.
As their attempting to sell stuffs.. "I agree Byron, we need to come up with a new name.. I figured we would be good for the first day here, since its doubtful news has traveled that fast.. Before we do anything tomorrow we can set down and formulate a new slogan and business name.. It would be nice to make a sell though.." Looking to the crowd.. "Did you not hear me folks! Discounted Alchemical items over here.. The cheapest you'll ever see! Place an order for a magic item with my wizard friend! Lots too see!"
Fast forwarding to tonight. when they return to the tavern.. After getting something to eat Norbert will set down with Cilian to see whats up..
Cilian waits the 20 minutes he promised beofre returning.
"Well if this country is going to start a war it's the nobles who would know about it, and maybe some peasants, but that is a long shot. The people I need you to guard are simple."
Cilian makes sure they are alone and actually writes down the names of the people on another sheet of paper before showing it to Kyomi, and Norbert.
I need you to help me guard Kyomi, her doll, and that small halfling woman. The reason I need to guard them is that they have people who want to keep them safe, and are willing to pay to keep it that way. I should also mention that I think the person was a literal goddess/god.
You will?! Awesome, we can dance at the Juking Angel. I am told they have live music most evenings. Hope you brought your dancing shoes! I'll meet you here around sundown?
Finnigin has a huge grin on his face, and wanders off to make sure that they are playing music at the tavern tonight. In preparation he will cast prestidigitation to clean himself and make his buttons shine. He will do his hair, and make sure his beard is trimmed. He wants to look his best of course. He arrives back at the tavern an hour early so he ensures not to be late.
Cilian makes sure they are alone and actually writes down the names of the people on another sheet of paper before showing it to Kyomi, and Norbert.
Kyomi reads the note raises an eyebrow but says nothing.
"I see.. Well i might be able to figure a name or 2, but i don't know any nobles personally.."
Cilian nods.
"I have no problem having a wizard helping out here. The 'woman' and I use that term without fully believing it said I could get whatever was in her power to grant, so I think we can discuss what would work for all of us and agree for that to be our payment. If 'she' is a goddess then getting coin shouldn't be a problem, and if she isn't then she is powerful enoguh to take someone's soul after they die. Those people tend to have large funds themselves. Getting the group's help would be a good idea, but I think talking to Grim first would help smooth it over. I'm not the most loved person here right now."
After Cilian is done speaking in whispered tones to Norbert, and Kyomi he stands up and walks over to Grim.
"I should have told you that we have a problem from the begining, but when I killed those fellows it was because someone else was there. They were threatening a lady, and I stopped them. The problem is that this 'lady' told me to look out for Kyomi, and Balik. I agreed to protect them because she seemed very powerful, and I don't want either of them to die anyways. I was hoping that you would talk to the other memebers of the group and see if they would be willing to help."
The Inn is pleasant and festive, the meal is decent but not great as they skimped on the spices a bit. The Juking Angel is a exhilirating good time leaving both Finnigan and Balik satisfied and dizzy.
Canim finds his search for arcane study both disappointing and tiring as it seems the closest thing to a mage in this town is an artist who uses cantrips and a few feeble spells to enhance his sculptures.
See, a smashing good time. Nothing but the best when you hang out with Finnigin!
Finnigin is a perfect gentleman the whole evening. After getting back he will go to sleep and wait for morning.