Vraxel to himself. "Did Randtam just say noble house of Arse of A%!$%%&#?"
To Uuranx and Alamin (not loud enough for noble boy to hear): "Run along Tusky and Shield Maiden. Bookworm and I will hold down the fort and get some grub while you're out on the hunt, bring us back some fresh game preferably venison or boar."
In a voice only our group can here. Maybe he will come back with boar or venison, but that is not his goal Vraxel. He hunts werewolf.. Glancing towards Uuranx and Alamin He seems to have taken a liking to you two. Do as you choose, the choice is yours. The bookworm will, as Vraxel said, have a nice meal and relax in my room.
To our group. "I was joking Randtam, shouldn't we stay together, we are more vulnerable when we split up. Perhaps we should all go with his high and mighty lordship of splendiferousness, we can tell him that Randtam is a scribe to record the deeds of his hunt and that I am a tracker or some such, whatever gets him to agree to take us all."
I am game for whatever is decided.
You guys do as you choose. I am going to rest after an arduous trek. I also believe we have been set up with rooms by Belik, leaving immediately for me is not an option. We just arrived, called out in front of the lodge, and now bail instantly like the trouble many thought or have heard we were. We have no idea who this clown/noble is or what his intentions are. He is going to hunt wolves. The Shudderwood is known for werewolves who most likely are in hybrid form. They most likely are in or around Ascondar Lodge. Do we wish to make enemies immediately? This Duristan we can deal with later. I still wish to introduce myself to Estovion. Once again do as you choose. Making friends with "this noble" could come in handy, but I shall leave that up to the rest of the group.
So to be clear is anyone going or not? Alamin will go if someone else does.
I don't think I want to split up the party, so I will stay.
If the noble wishes to wait another day it might look a lot better for us. Maybe we can learn more about his motivations and beliefs. We are in the lodge less than fifteen minutes and we run out right away. This Would be ooc for Randtam. He used his voice, skills, heart to get inside. It would look terrible and in my opinion could be quite disasterous for us. Only my opinion though.
As he waits for your answer you notice the man taking your group in a little more fully with an appraising eye.
My apologies friends. I had not realized that I was addressing such an able group of hearty souls. My excitement for the hunt at hand blinded me to your true nature and I spoke in some haste. I entreat you, please, join my hunt. We are after the most dangerous and exciting prey this forest has to offer-Werewolf! If I can enlist your aid in this endeavour I will gladly pay for your accomodations during your stay at Ascanor as well as buy us all a sumptuous celebratory dinner upon our successful return. What say you brave hearts?
We just arrived, sir. Perhaps we could be persuaded to join your hunt on the morrow, after a spot to eat and a bit of rest.
"The good Uuranx speaks true and I believe the phasing of the moon will be more favorable for werewolf hunting on the morrow, tonight is for food, drink and meeting new friends."
Duristan seems impressed and has now completely changed his tone, Fair words noble halfling. Enjoy your night of revelry. I hope to meet with you soon and tell you tales of a successful hunt!
With that he gathers up his retinue and heads out the gate. The rough-and-tumble woodsman simply falls in behind the group shaking his head and muttering to himself.
The party walks up the large flagstone steps and enters through the massive wooden doors into the grand hall.
This huge hallway serves as the centerpiece of the ground floor. Golden pine floor planks, over a foot in width and sanded smooth, stretch almost the entire length of the hall, while four massive tree trunks serve as pillars, running down run the center of the room supporting the ceiling overhead. Large hide rugs and trophy heads of bears, bucks, and snarling wolves adorn the floor and natural log walls, boasting of some of the lodge’s patrons’ finer kills. Garlands and banners embroidered with the crests of various aristocrats, secret orders, and hunting clubs hang from exposed rafters high overhead. Stone fireplaces on either side keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
After a few minutes a plump, middle-aged human woman enters with two human teens; one male and one female. She introduces herself as Ruessa Webbe and her niece and nephew, Bisthe and Vasoray.
They bring you some refreshment and snacks while you wait.
A while later Belik enters the room escorting a slight human apparently in his sixties, with a long face, myopic eyes, dirty spectacles, and a permanent squint. Despite his decrepit appearance, however, he seems alert and seemingly spry.
The older man speaks, Welcome to Ascanor Lodge. I am Estovion Lozarov, Warden here. Belik has shown me your invitations and although this is quite an unusual event for us your paperwork is in order and I welcome you as honored guests. Before my staff sets to getting you to your rooms is there anything I can do for you to apologize for any inconvenience you suffered at our gates? Our next meal is this evening, about three hours from now and I can introduce you to the other guest here at that time.
Nodding my head in appreciation for the snacks and refreshments Ruessa, Bisthe, Vasoray...thank you very much for the refreshments. We have had a long journey and these will definitely hit the spot.
Seeing and listening to the WardenGreetings Warden. My name is Randtam. Gesturing to the group. These are my companions Vraxel, Uuranx, and Alamin. Thank you for your assistance and consideration. We apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused. I know we arrived unannounced and might have caused a stir at your Lodge. The individual who wrote the letter needed us to be here.
We would enjoy meeting all of the other patrons of the Lodge at dinner shortly. We will wash up and make sure we are more presentable than we appear to be. As for now, the wonderful refreshments that were brought to us will suffice. But please make sure you have a lot of food, the Master Halfling Vraxel is quite hungry.
Handing you each back your invitations:
Please do not hold the actions of my porter against him. The error in your improper greeting was entirely mine. I neglected to inform my staff of the open invitations I gave to the Order, —he pauses here to wink— and they did not recognize the reservations. Rest assured, however, that all of the lodge’s facilities are at your disposal, including our libraries. While the general library is down the hall, this one, he says, gesturing at the book-filled shelves, is likely better suited to your research.”
Any questions or RP here? Otherwise:
Estovion departs and leave Belik to show you to your rooms.
The rooms are finely appointed; more posh than anything you have ever seen in all your days. You get the sense that the Lodge is set up to receive Royalty or at least Great Nobility at a moment's notice and you wonder how much exactly it cost the Judge to gain your admittance here. She must be well connected indeed!
That night at dinner you are introduced to most of the inhabitants of the Lodge. Tell me if you want to RP all the conversations or who you want to talk to and what you want to find out. Couple that with a diplomacy roll and away we go.
You've met most of the staff:
Estovion Lazarov-Human; Lodge Warden
Belik-Halfling; Lodge Porter
Ruessa Webbe-Human; housekeeper
Bisthe-Human; housekeeper
Vasoray-Huamn; houskeeper/footman
That night you meet the head chef Ladimeur-Human.
Madame Ivanja-Human; entertainer
Delgros Kroitzcer-Human; huntsmaster is out with Duristan Silvio Ariesir who you met in the courtyard during entry.
Duristan is the son of one of Ardeal's most wealthy noble families and is trying to make a name for himself as a werewolf slayer having taken 3 pelts already.
Other guests:
Cilas Graydon-50 year old human male; the Margrave of Sturnidae
Graydon stands nearly 6 feet tall, with a slender build, long features, and a sharp nose. He wears his hair cropped short and has a carefully trimmed goatee and waxed mustache.
Corvin Tergsvor-Mid-20's human male. Fine looking face with well kept long blond hair. [spoiler=DC 15 knowledge local or nobility]Second son of one of Courtaud's most influential families.
Concerned for his family’s name and reputation, Corvin’s status-conscious father exiled him to the lodge for his indiscretion.inor scandal when he engaged the young wife of a wealthy courtier in the upstairs bedchambers of his father’s manse during a dinner ball.
Concerned for his family’s name and reputation, Corvin’s status-conscious father exiled him to the lodge for his indiscretion.
Markiza Welgory-early 40's human female. Attractive brunette accompanied by a broad-shouldered and handsome young huntsman named Ostovach.
[dice=sense motive]1d20+11
[dice=know local]1d20+9
It should be a knowledge check for each opportunity, not just one blanket check.
Can I even roll the sense motive check? Will a natural 20 be good enough?
Someone needs to make that DC sense motive check. Go Uuranx and Alamin.
What do I know about the Barstoi invasion of Ardeal? Why did he defect?
Last opportunity on nobility 25 check.
Vraxel keeps to himself, eating his fill and slipping some choice items into his pockets for later consumption.
. How does Estiovan know about the Order? I will do my best to make sure this knowledge is closed to those who need it. He has suggested a certain library for me to study. Sounds inclusive.
Warden, your porter has caused no issues with my companions and I. He was doing his job admirably. Thank you for the invitation to your Libraries.
I am looking over at Master Vraxel eating heartily. Alamin seems to be eating daintily, but Uuranx is attempting to eat in a noble manner with some success.
If I have information...or not, but wish I did. I have chosen to sit next to Gravlon.
Good evening sir.
Can I even roll the sense motive check? Will a natural 20 be good enough?
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20 + 1
[dice=knowlocal]1d20 + 12
[dice=knownobility]1d20 + 8
Someone needs to make that DC sense motive check. Go Uuranx and Alamin.
I believe you can always make an untrained sense motive check.
What do I know about the Barstoi invasion of Ardeal? Why did he defect?
[dice=know history]1d20 + 8
It was caused by an escalation of tensions from the Count of Barstoi-Aericnein Neska. His strict rule of law and harsh punishments of anyone in his domian meant war between Barstoi and the counties of Ardeal and Varno.
No one is exactly sure what drove Cilas to defect but it is believed that he tired of the excessive cruelty of Aericnein.
. How does Estiovan know about the Order? I will do my best to make sure this knowledge is closed to those who need it. He has suggested a certain library for me to study. Sounds inclusive.
Warden, your porter has caused no issues with my companions and I. He was doing his job admirably. Thank you for the invitation to your Libraries.
I am looking over at Master Vraxel eating heartily. Alamin seems to be eating daintily, but Uuranx is attempting to eat in a noble manner with some success.
If I have information...or not, but wish I did. I have chosen to sit next to Gravlon.
Good evening sir.
Gravlon gives you calculated look, Good evening. Randtam isn't it? Come for the libraries of the Lodge I suppose. You don't seem to have the looks of a forester or gamesman about you. How do you find your visit thus far?
Alamin engages with those seated next to her and relates the recent troubles in Lepidstadt, trying to exchange news for the goings on in the Wood and the Lodge. She keeps the party's involvement in the events regarding the Beast to a minimum.
Recognizing this man is a strong military man,
Yes my name is Randtam. I should have introduced myself properly. You are correct the libraries entice me, but I used to hunt growing up. Food was scarce at time, if my crossbow missed we had to eat "rock soup with herbs."
Meeting his calculating look. My visit thus far has been mostly uneventful. But, I only just arrived. It was interesting a noble gentleman asked us to hunt with him before we could get settled. What do you know of the Gentleman? he seemed quite serious.
The man lets out a genuine round of laughter, HAH! 'Rock soup with herbs'! There might be more to you than I thought; that's an old campaigner's motto and no mistake. Hunger makes the aim keen they say.
He refills your glass, Well then, let me toast your company and say I will be honored to spend an eve of conversation with you Randtam. The other guests here are generally good company but take more than they give I think in good conversation. As for the 'noble gentlemen' you described my guess is that you have had the honor of meeting the lordling Duristan. He's not a bad hearted young man, but his mouth is bigger than his balls I think for all his handfull of werewolf kills. True valor come from defeating a foe on equal ground or better yet defeating an enemy superior in size, strength, or position. Killing a savage beast with a small horde of men-at-arms does not seem all that keen an activity in my eyes; but that could be the grumblings of an older man with many winters and scars to remember.
Drinking from his glass, Now what of you Randtam? What brings you to Ascanor? You are clearly no noble, but have the smell of the tome about you; and yet your words and face show you are no librarian and that hard times you have had and shared with others. Tell me of yourself.
Randtam' eyes go distant and a rueful smile crosses his lips. "Rock soup with herbs" is something my dad used to say a lot. But it was true. If the farm did not produce...
He never spoke of the past, but I watched him train with weapons when I was young.
Randtam with a true smile on his face and a quick chuckle. He tried to train me in his ways, but as he said I "wasn't the sharpest sword in the scabbard" when it came to rough and tumble. The proudest look I ever saw on my fathers face was the day I decided I needed to leave to be a better person who followed a different path than my father.
Your words remind me of my father. True victory is when you best a stronger opponent.
As to why I am here now, I am following the path of my mentor. He helped me to see there was a whole world out there that I need to explore.
If I may ask, what brings you to the Ascanor?
Gravlon takes a deep breath, Well the whole of it would take longer than this dinner so I'll keep to the silver piece tour. I'm sure you have heard of my involvement in the civil war between Barstoi and Ardael. Turns out that being an incredibly successful general has its drawbacks; namely everyone wants to get you to fight their next war for them. After a few years of relentless recruitment I decided what I really needed was a place to be alone where my name and my deeds would not be as in demand. Apparently Ascanor is that place; not many are will to tread the Shudderwood just to pester an old man. I've been here for several months and I must say it has been a delightful break. I've been anticipating the arrival of a friend of mine from the 'old' days. I'm expecting him any day now and will introduce you to him when he arrives. You two should get along famously.
I look forward to meeting an "old" friend of yours. This seems like an isolated place to relax. Since you have been here, have many individuals or groups have passed through. Seems you could get lost here and away from the world like you have said.
If it is too late in the evening I will retire to my room. Not sure if he wants to chat or I will see him tomorrow morning.
No, this is a quiet place. No more than a score of guests a year and some stay for some time like me. You are the first new faces in quite some time.
You have ample time to chat with Gravlon, antoher guest, look around, or some other activity.
I will just grab a drink and ponder on Iomadae's awesomeness!
Vraxel thinks to himself.
Mmmm they have food here, just wish we weren't surrounded by nobles.
@Gravlon I look forward to meeting your friend very soon. Tomorrow? Would I know of his name? But now I see something that is distracting me.. Look towards the Madame. I have enjoyed our conversation and would like to speak more about your incredible military capabilities that have been spoken about, but being on the road with my companions...you do see those companions hah...It's been a long road. I do wish to meet the Madame. .
Randtam shakes his head. I apologize for bringing up your past service. I am not asking for any service or aid to others. I would like to know the intricacies of War. I might not be a front line soldier like my father, but if something should happen that I truly believe in and support, I would like to know I could help. Once again I was never the sharpest sword in the scabbard. Maybe I can direct the weapons and be one at the same time.
I wonder if he would buy my Wizards Guide To Survival.? It only cost 999 gold and 99 coppers.
Graydon tells you that his friends name is Echtmoor Dravin, a long-time aide-de-camp. He tells you to enjoy yourself and he looks forward to talking to you again during your stay.
Madame Ivanja looks at you appraisingly as you walk over to her while the staff cleans the table and serves after dinner aperitifs.
Good evening...Randtam, wasn't that it? How did you enjoy your meal with with the legendary Graydon? He's quite a man.
Good evening Madame. I absolutely enjoyed my conversation with Greydon. It is refreshing to hear honest conversation when you enter a new situation without knowing anyone.
Greydon seemed to be here for a while. I wonder if they know each other.
Yes my name is Randtam. It is a pleasure to meet you. if I may ask, how long have you been staying at the Lodge?
Yes, Graydon is quite a glass of fresh water. Have I been here long? Well yes and no. I'm a traveling entertainer but am usually here at the Lodge or at Courtaud. So on some level I suppose you could say I have been here for quite some time. What brings you to Ascanor? You don't look like the hunting type.
With his best bit of charm...Did I tell you I have traveled a great distance of time with a surly halfling, a know it all Aaisimar, and a half Orc that is at best tough to look at. I could use some entertainment. What form of entertainment do you provide for Ascanor.
Looking directly in to the eyes of the Madame I actually need some diversion from my group. But I would not give my group up for all of Uusalav. Certain timeouts are necessary from time to time.
I am here for fun and on a serious matter. We should always have fun no matter where we are. I am following a group who has committed very evil deeds. They even harmed a man I held in very high-esteem.
Watch her reaction.
She looks at you blandly, Well in addition to reciting poetry and and singing here in the main halls I also perform other services as requested. You should come visit my travel wagon later so I can show you my...wares. I have a few assistants that may be able to help you if you prefer. Travel broadens the horizons even if you must keep strange company. Bring your friends if you think they might be interested. I and my associates have traveled far indeed and have VERY broad horizons.
She finishes her drink and gives you a kiss on the cheek goodnight as she walks out.
The Madames words register in Randtams head. "Other services requested" could mean anything. Randtam will find out where her travel wagon is located. Depending on that he may broaden his horizons. I wonder if she saw the cabal move through here. She seems very discreet. At thus point I do not think Graydon knows anything.
Tell the group what information I have gleaned if possible.
Randtam, very sober because he sipped his booze, will retire for the evening. He says goodnight to all and carefully goes to his room. What are the room arrangements? I make sure my room is as safe as it can be.
Wish to continue to speak with Graydon tomorrow. Liked him, think I trust him, want to learn more about how military battles are fought. Possibly meet his friend Echtmoor Dravin.
Will pay a visit to the woman who "blandly" kissed my cheek. Blandly because she thought I was a rube, or she would not want anyone noticing us talking.
Or bland:
a : smooth and soothing in manner or quality <a bland smile> b : exhibiting no personal concern or embarrassment : unperturbed <a bland confession of guilt> 2. a : not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating : soothing.
Also, she gave you a bland smile. No adjective for the cheek kiss she gave you; I'll leave that to your imaginations! :D
The Madames words register in Randtams head. "Other services requested" could mean anything. Randtam will find out where her travel wagon is located. Depending on that he may broaden his horizons. I wonder if she saw the cabal move through here. She seems very discreet. At thus point I do not think Graydon knows anything.
Tell the group what information I have gleaned if possible.
Randtam, very sober because he sipped his booze, will retire for the evening. He says goodnight to all and carefully goes to his room. What are the room arrangements? I make sure my room is as safe as it can be.
Wish to continue to speak with Graydon tomorrow. Liked him, think I trust him, want to learn more about how military battles are fought. Possibly meet his friend Echtmoor Dravin.
Will pay a visit to the woman who "blandly" kissed my cheek. Blandly because she thought I was a rube, or she would not want anyone noticing us talking.
Each party member has their own poshly decorated and furnished room: clean, well lit, no leaky windows, with crisp clean linens and down filled pillows and comforters. There is a stout lock on the door. After all of your time on the road you feel like you have landed in some palatial surroundings!
You visit Ivanja's travel wagon and it is a magnificent piece of work. Steel shod wheels, complex springs, fine woodworking, and almost as large as a small cottage.
After you knock on the door it opens slightly to reveal a dusky skinned beauty with a husky accent dressed in a near see-through night gown, Yes, may I help you? she purrs out at you.
Am I on this solo, or is everyone with me? Do not want the party split up.
This ones all you big boy