Yep that's about right
-9/32 HP
I say we get out of here and find a mage to enhance our equipment before heading back the Spire. Thoughts?
I don't think we need to look any further than the beautiful Idril here for the enhancing; I do agree with the getting out of here part though.
Given this latest financial windfall, we should probably head to Fort Riverwatch. No sense lugging around what we could better spend to keep us alive.
Let's go.
Kiryl heads back towards the surface
To Riverwatch:
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The low stone walls of Riverwatch come into view after a long day of travel. Ahead you see a gate with guards.
What you collectively know about the town:
Ten miles northwest of Thornkeep, on the banks of the West Sellen, stands the town of Riverwatch. Considered the last settlement of the River Kingdoms before one crosses into Numeria or Ustalav, Riverwatch is a bustling port for barge traffic along the West Sellen. Mosswater’s destruction 50 years ago left Riverwatch as the only port along the river between Lockridge, more than 100 miles to the south, and the squalid village of Dravod Knock 250 miles farther north.
As such, it’s the last outpost of civilization along the West Sellen River for a long way.
Ninety years ago, the Knights of Iomedae established a chain of small keeps along the wild stretch of the West Sellen to protect pilgrims and crusaders bound for distant Mendev along the western route. The knights established a garrison at Riverwatch, and assumed responsibility for maintaining law and order in the area. To this day, the knights are still the effective authorities in the town, governing the settlement and doing their best to keep the river and roads safe for travel.
. . . the knights . . .
Not the Hellknights, right?
Pnin looks around for an inn/tavern.
Idril is ready to rest and cast from the scrolls when everyone has decided who receives the casting.
Yep that's about right
[dice=Reflex]1d20+9
-9/32 HP
I say we get out of here and find a mage to enhance our equipment before heading back the Spire. Thoughts?
No secret compartment.
The gate guards appear to be a pair of men at arms supervised by a tall knight in chainmail and shield belonging to an order dedicated to Iomedae based on the sword surrounded by light on his shield. The men at arms greet you and remind you to conduct yourselves with good order while in town.
The party wanders towards the river, even as dark falls a couple of barges are unloading and crates, barrels and so forth are being taken into nearby warehouses. Adjacent to the river Pnin locates a busy tavern called “The Waterfront”.
Sanrael will look about for a shop or treadesman that might sell compound bows...and anything else of interest aside
Does the Waterfront have lodgings? We did get in towards evening?
Yes, it is evening and there is lodging at the Waterfront tavern.
You can buy any normal goods in town and magic items 4,000 gold or below in price.
Sanreal, I know you do your own thing, but looking for a compound bow right now may not be the wisest action. Lets have a glass of wine or ale and purchase lodgings for all of us before we move out about this town.
Kiryl secures lodging at the Waterfront and enjoys a meal and some drink in the common area before turning in for the night. He will sit quietly and listen to any obvious chatter of interest; Kiryl knows his strengths, and making healthy small talk is definitely NOT on the list.
The next day he inquires about any divine shrines or temples to pay his respects. As well, he asks about for the governing authorities to determine if he should introduce himself or not. Finally, he finds an armorer to acquire a set of MW full plate, draining the near entirety of his funds. He will then kindly ask Idril to use the scroll to enchant said armor.
Let me know anything you want to RP or any rolls you want me to make.
Idril is hanging out in the tavern.
Strong Man Kiryl left.
Idril by nature in this situation tries to get information.
By the fireplace...making friends.
The Waterfront Tavern has a good crowd that appears to be divided into two distinct types of people. Most of the folks in the tavern appear to be bargemen focused on drinking. The rest of the people appear to be blue collar locals that work in the warehouses, they seem to be drinking at a less hurried pace and also are partaking in the food. You definitely stand out a bit from the rest of the clientele.
The owner of the Waterfront Tavern greets you and lets you know food and lodging for the group will be 1gp total for all of you. He is a large man, about 6'3" and 250 pounds, with a dark brown beard with a bit of grey in it. His nose is crooked, likely the result of being broken in the past.
"Name's Bart, welcome to the Waterfront, you look like you have been traveling hard, baths will be made ready for you after you have eaten."
He seats you at the single available table which is away from the bargemen and signals to a woman in the back who brings out heaping plates of fish and chips and mugs of cold ale.
"From the looks of you, I'm guessing you're new to Riverwatch or just passing through, word of warning, the Iomadeans keep order in the fort and don't tolerate no nonsense. And if I can be of assistance during your stay let me know."
Pnin and Curral are the talkers. Idril learned that last time.
but Idril will say
Hello Bart nice to meet you
Pnin joins Idril
Well met, Bart. I'm Pnin, this is Idril. These fish and chips are delicious and just what our adventures call for. May I ask what news you've heard of the surrounding areas? And is there anything we can do for you to repay your generous hospitality? (besides avoiding any trouble with the Iomadeans)
Kiryl remains quiet, thinking about the maximum value of the magical weapons scroll. Also knowing that to open his mouth is probably to start a fight.
Idril looks around and then focuses on bartender.
@GM is my Mage armor still working
If not Idril must use the RuneStone.
“Well met Pnin and Idril. The Knights of Iomedae keep the peace within our settlement and a small surrounding area, but Thornkeep remains a haven for bandits and other lawless types and they plague the roads around here which is why most trade comes via the river. A few days ago a man from Fort Inevitable passed through and said undead creatures were troubling their settlement.”
Idril doesn’t notice anything out of the ordinary about the bartender.
Not sure what you are trying to achieve “being cool” or where you are pulling your +4 and +7 bonuses from to be cool.
Mage armor expired while you were traveling.
Sanrael will forego the stimulating conversation with Bart and get some rest....repair chinks in armour...and fantasize about a composite bow which he will purchase in the morning....
Undead creatures . . . you don't say! Is that man still in town? I'd rather like to hear these tales.
Also, have there been any reports of the undead bothering Riverwatch? Do you think we can make ourselves of service to the knights, or to you?
“Think the man took a barge a couple days ago. I don’t have work for you unless you like cooking, cleaning and such. You’d have to ask the Knights if you want to work for them but they tend not to put a lot of faith in outsiders, no offense meant.”
Well Kiryl, it sounds like we can pay respect to the gods and the city authorities in the same trip, if you want. But it sounds like we might as well head back to the spire.
Before leaving town Pnin purchases Eyes of Eagle Thundera.
Sanrael visits a shop and purchases a compound bow +4...-500 gp
As the group feasts and speaks with Bart, Kiryl finishes his ale and sets it down on the table. Seconds later his body stiffens in his chair and his eyes roll back in his head.
A few minutes later Kiryl opens his eyes.
Kiryl shakes himself and looks about the room. When the moment arises he speaks to his companions-My friends, I don't how to say this but I think my time with you has become short indeed. I'm not sure if it was a vision, dream, or calling but I believe these will be some of the last hours I spend on this plane.
I won't lie and say all of our times have been good, but certainly there has been more good than ill. I wish each of you Falayna's peace and should my visions be false then we will carry on with our struggle against the Hellknights.
sanrael lies on his bed....resting....dreaming of bows....the kind you shoot...not wear in your hair...
oh to fire an arrow true.....take down a foe from afar...then charge into battle...now thats a sigh to behold
Kiryl, can you explain more about what you are saying? You say you are leaving us?
Pnin doubles down with Idril:Yes . . . what the Hell are you talking about!
Kiryl looks at his companions with a rare contemplative look on his face-To be honest, I'm not quite sure. I had a vision of a beautiful woman-warrior and she spoke to me with a heavenly voice telling me that I was going to be rewarded by becoming her servant on the plane of Illumis. She said that by sunset today my time on this plane will come to an end.
The door to the tavern opens and a warrior dressed in full plate walks in.
Bart: "S*#$, the Captain of the Gate, what the hell is he doing in here? Well Pnin if you want to know if the Knights of Fort Riverwatch have any work for you, he's one to ask."
The solidly built man confidently strides towards the bar. His plate armor is polished to a high sheen with a finely crafted greatsword strapped to his back. A clean, white tabard displays a keen looking sword wreathed in golden flames. His well coiffed hair frames a face filled with warmth, and the edges of a smile peak from the corners of his mouth.
Good day worthy Bart. It has been brought to my attention that you might either be currently harboring or know the whereabouts of some 'adventurers' newly come to Riverwatch. They have not reported in to the proper authorities and I thought it best to determine their intentions before anything untoward occurs.
How about you pour me some water whilst you think of the correct answer to my query?
“Captain, those you seek do sit right here having a meal, still covered in dust from the road having only having just arrived at Riverwatch. Perhaps you should reprimand your Lieutenant for passing them through the gate without obtaining the proper information. They’ve done nothing wrong just seeking a meal, a bath and a roof for the night.”
Pnin stares daggers at Bart, thinking: What the actual f%*+, man? Thrown right under the proverbial cart!
Pnin looks over Bart:
Hello, Captain. I'm Pnin. My party and I just got in a few hours ago and were going to make our way to report to the governing authorities in the morning. No nefarious intentions, just the longing for a warm bath and a good night's sleep on an actual bed.
Pnin stares daggers at Bart, thinking: What the actual f$*#, man? Thrown right under the proverbial cart!
Pnin looks over Bart: [dice=Perception]1d20+19
Hello, Captain. I'm Pnin. My party and I just got in a few hours ago and were going to make our way to report to the governing authorities in the morning. No nefarious intentions, just the longing for a warm bath and a good night's sleep on an actual bed.
Idril's response would have been who the f#%# you?
Pnin stares daggers at Bart, thinking: What the actual f$*#, man? Thrown right under the proverbial cart!
Pnin looks over Bart: [dice=Perception]1d20+19
Hello, Captain. I'm Pnin. My party and I just got in a few hours ago and were going to make our way to report to the governing authorities in the morning. No nefarious intentions, just the longing for a warm bath and a good night's sleep on an actual bed.
Idril's response would have been who the f#%# you?
As you say Bart. I have already had words with the Lieutenant in charge of the gate, and needless to say he now more fully understands his duties and responsibilities when it comes to letting dangerous individuals into Riverwatch without proper processing and accounting-the man lets out a hearty laugh-Yes I called you dangerous, and dangerous you must be if the Hellknights are to put such a substantial reward on your capture or death. Fortunately the offer of such rewards are more likely to gain you drinks in Riverwatch than enmity. We have no love for those so called knights and their concepts of law.
I apologize Pnin, you have given your name freely, and yet I have not given mine. I am Kael Cullen, Captain of the Gates here in Riverwatch and responsible for the well being of those inside its walls. Not much happens here that I do not quickly become aware of, and word of a menagerie such as yourselves cannot help but speed its way to me.
Fear not, you are in no danger here. Any that would oppose the Hellknights to such an extent as to earn their wrath as you have are generally welcome here in Riverwatch. No brigand, thief, or murder would think to seek shelter here. Thornkeep gives shelter to that lot.
Kael leans in to Pnin and the rest of the party-All that being said, I have come here for a specific purpose and to make a request of you. The tales being spun are that not only do you stand in opposition to the Hellknights, but that you quest into the Emerald Spire. My request is this-let me join my blade to your cause as you explore the dangerous depths of that place. I seek to find the ultimate fate of my cousin-Jharun, a mage of some note and a member of the Goldenfire Order. The fellows of his Order appear to not place as much value in his life as his family and are unwilling to directly risk their safety to secure his.
The superiors of my Order have granted me leave to join you and I can promise you safe haven here in Riverwatch as well as access to our markets should you need them. I am more than able with a blade, and my goddess grants me many gifts. I vow by the sacred blade of Iomedae, that should you allow me to accompany you I will guard your honor as my own, both thought and deed, and I will have faith in you until whatever ends we may find.
Will you have me as a member of your company whilst we explore the depths of the Spire?
Well, I suppose it's not up to me entirely, but I'm happy to have you along. While it's been some time since we've been back to the Spire, I certainly haven't forgotten that our last trip was not too successful. Six may serve us well. Though at this, Pnin turns and looks at Kiryl, worringly.
We did find evidence of Jharun's partner in the Spire, and have been tasked by the Order to look into Jharun. But, you are right, clearly the Goldenfire Order isn't going in with swords drawn anytime. You say you swore to Iomedae, are you a paladin then?
Kiryl, wow Falayna is calling you. I can't say I understand, but to serve your goddess in person seems pretty special to me.[b]
Curral clasps Kiryl's shoulder, [b]You shall be missed sir. Not only your skill at arms, but your steadfast belief in what is right. I shall try and hold myself to that standard. er, somewhat at least. Let me buy you a drink.
Kael, we shall be glad to have you join us in our spirric adventures.
Indeed. The gracious goddess has accepted me into her service and I serve her will while I still draw breath.
If none of your companions have any question of me, make such preparations as you need and lead me to the Spire so we can resolve whatever secrets it yet possesses.
Well then, Kael, then I am a bit less sure of your suitability. While I've heard tell of paladins' mighty powers, I've also heard tell of some of your brethren's . . . . inflexibilty Let me ask you a question: say we ran into a necromancer on our adventure who wanted to pay us to kill another necromancer. How would you respond?
Idril pays attention. She is not comfortable with a perfect person to come up and join us for a drink or sit with us. Does not seem right.
Touch Pnin with message.
Detect magic
I will return anon.
As Kael speaks with Pnin and Curral, Idril casts two spells drawing stares from nearby tavern patrons with her strange words and gestures. She detects magic items on Kael. She then leaves.
Detect Magic and ‘essays have verbal and somatic components:
Verbal (V)
A verbal component is a spoken incantation. To provide a verbal component, you must be able to speak in a strong voice. A silence spell or a gag spoils the incantation (and thus the spell). a spellcaster who has been deafened has a 20% chance of spoiling any spell with a verbal component that he tries to cast.
Somatic (S)
A somatic component is a measured and precise movement of the hand. You must have at least one hand free to provide a somatic component.
sanrael wonders what could be so entertaining as to keep his companions in the tavern and wanders from the room for some mead or ale....
Kael prepares to respond to Pnin, but stops and watches Idril coolly as she casts her spells, shaking his head with a soft snort-Giving trust tends to be a sign of being trustworthy, but I suppose it's easier for me when my goddess allows me to see into the souls around me and determine whether they are evil or not.
That being said, you are right to question my flexibility. A paladin of Iomedae takes a vow of 'death before dishonor'. Honor tends to be a tricky thing, especially amongst knights and holy warriors. Iomedae also calls on us to let our hearts guide us; for our strength comes from our heart, not from our blade or contrivance of battle. If I lose my sword, I have lost a tool. If I betray my heart, I have died.
I suppose that's the long way of me telling you that in the scenario you present, a little thin on detail you must concede, I'd like to see it end in two murdered necromancers. Accepting money or goods from the first necromancer does not seem overtly bad as I would be bound to slay the second necromancer in any case; getting paid would just be a nice bonus. Of course if I could endeavor to slay the first necromancer to start with and just take his treasures, that would suit me and my honor just fine. As Captain of the Gate, these types of questions tend to come up with frequency-like whether to give shelter to a bunch of wanted criminals that are evading the law.
Part of my oath is to give honor to worthy adversaries; the rest earn only contempt.
Fair enough?