Destiny's Call (Inactive)

Game Master Nightfiend

Berta was shocked by Ingra's words for two reasons. First, she'd told no one of what happened with the arrow that night. Second, Ingra had never before told Berta of her clan name. For the past ten years, she had been Berta Far-Spear, thanks to the incident with the tent pole. Now she was of two names, and truly of two worlds. With tumultuous emotions, she left for Kaer Maga and her destiny.

The thunderous forges of the Dwarven Sky Citadel echoed through its labyrinth like a smoldering heartbeat. The smell of smelting iron and churned soil identifies strongly with the city’s deep-rooted Dwarven history. Being one of the few Sky Citadels still employed by its original founders, Janderhoff serves as a testimony to the Dwarven people’s mastery in both architecture and engineering.

It is here that Berta’s story begins.

The track from Janderhoff to Kaer Maga would prove to be a dubious one to say the least. It took Berta less than a day to find a Dwarven caravan willing to accommodate her passage in exchange for a little help defending its wears. By the following day both Berta and the caravan were ready to disembark.

A strong northern wind continuously beat down on the caravan’s overhead tarps like a continuous drum roll. The rustling of the wagon canvas’s blended in with the sound of its heavy wooden wheels as they made their way down the worked cobblestone streets of Janderhoff. The sound reverberated as it echoed off the city’s massive iron curtain walls and down its hewed tunnels. Berta watched as the caravan made its way through the city’s many crafting halls and onto the trade route to Kaer Maga.

No more than an hour into the trip, the caravan was approached by four Shoanti warriors on horseback. The small group of warriors seemed distressed as they rode towards the caravan with hast. Upon spotting the Shoanti, the caravan leader called for the wagons to stop.

It didn’t take long for the riders to close the distance on the caravan and approach its lead wagon. After a few moments the lead wagon’s driver points the four warriors in your direction. As the warriors approached your wagon you realized that you’ve seen two of them before. Although you don’t know them personally, you have seen them in passing on more than one occasion. The largest of the warriors urges his horse forward and presents you with a blood covered shirt. “I am Grissm of the Sklar-Quah. The Shoanti were raided last night from the Mindspin Mountains. Bands of orc’s have taken many of our people, including Lurks-in-Light and Two Stars.” You look at the blood covered shirt and recognize it as belonging to Lurks-in-Light. Grissm urges his horse a little closer and then continues. “We have picked up their trail, but need more warriors to pursue them. Even though you are a dwarf, I have seen you among our people, and I recognize you as Shoanti. Will you fight to free our people?” He exclaims while urging his horse back in line with the other three warriors.

The wagon driver looks over at you with concern and then shrugs. “Aye lass, are ye heading to Caer Maga or staying behind?”

Since that event, Caro has been travelling from city to city, attempting to gather samples and continue her research as she can, while supporting herself by selling healing potions and extracts and signing on with adventuring parties to supplement her income. She has discovered that her knowledge of anatomy and ability to create extracts and mutagens has much use outside of just the research world, but her goal is to find a place where she can establish a new lab and continue her research in order to ultimately create a new hybrid humanoid vastly superior to the existing races.

Each night the gloom of Ustalav bellows forth like a relentless plague. Shadowed movements lurk in every building recess and every corner window, while looming clouds slowly part enough to allow the pale moonlight to peer down upon the city of Caliphas. A city of majesty and history. A city that stands tall among the dark vales of Ustalav. Even with its elegance and doctrine, it submits to the dark gloom that takes hold of the region each night.

It is here that Caro’s story begins.

Over the last few months you has been traveling across Ustalav looking for a suitable dwelling for your experiment. You recognize that creating a new life form is no small endeavor and it would not likely be accepted by any community. You also know that, because of the unique nature of Ustalav, finding a deserted out of the way location, shouldn’t be too difficult. The only real challenge is the fact that most dwellings, vacant of ownership, are generally overrun by undesirable and potentially deadly squatters. In your travels you have witnessed things ranging from walking lifeless corpses to exiled humanoids taking up refuge in such places. Even local thugs, who deal in undesirable trades, seem to be in no small demand. Place after place, you have searched the land with little success. In fact, the last location you approached was inhabited by a less than friendly owlbear, who sent you running for your life. It was only by sheer luck that you managed to circumvent the beast. Ultimately, you came to the conclusion that you would need a little muscle to secure such a place, or at least the funds necessary to buy one. This has brought you to Caliphas, the capitol city of Ustalav, in search of opportunity.

A cold night embraced the city of Caliphas, which caused a chill to run down your arm. A thick blanket of fog shrouded the city in what seemed like a habitual layer of never ending gloom. Having just climbed down from a merchant wagon, you recollect that this is the first time you have ever set foot in the capital city. You watch as a light breeze carries a handful of leaves under the wagon’s carriage. Soon you wave to the wagon’s driver, letting him know you have safely exited the coach. Shortly after your wave, the wagon pulls away and blends into the relentless fog.

The streets of Caliphas appear to be void of life, which seemed to be the case with most places you have visited. From your experience, the people of Ustalav are untrusting and skittish. It generally takes a few days to get to know any of the locals. Unlike the other locations, Caliphas feels extremely different. You look around for a moment and catch sight of movement in a few vacant windows. You have little doubt that you are being watched. You also notice that many of the commercial buildings are sitting behind darkened, unoccupied windows. The lack of activity, in such a large city, leaves you feeling a little concerned.

After taking stock of the area you observe a couple commercial buildings still open for business. The city’s docks are also active with workers responding to currently moored ships. Just in front of the docks you see a general store named, The Silver Talon General Store, a rundown tavern with a broken sign that reads, “Flanagan’s Grain and Grog”, and a side shop with a crystal ball displayed on its front door. The sign hanging on the shop’s door reads, “The Looking Glass”. Aside from those three buildings you can hear door chimes echoing through the fog, which leads you to believe that other shops are still open, but hidden behind the fog.

As I moved from town to town, I eventually made my way to Sothis and, out of necessity, fell in with a group of thieves.

After a while I got back in touch with my old contacts from the world of hired blades. I had learned quickly that there's money to be made in that business, especially with my set of skills; getting into and out of impossible places costs more than just another sword hand. If I'm an independent contractor I don't have to take the more distasteful jobs - I'm not above slitting a throat or two, but it's not my first choice if I have other options.

The Capitol City of Sothis has seen better days. The attraction of its giant beetle husk has slowly waned, causing a small decrease in the city’s tourist market. To make matters worse, a dry storm has recently presented itself, which caused a noticeably downward influx to the city’s import and export trade. Even with the city’s recent economy, the Eyes of Sothis has managed to maintain a steady level of order in all sixteen districts. With the River Sphinx now unsteady, only the truly desperate dare to make use of the city’s ports.

It is here that Haddek’s story begins.

A dry breeze shifts a small amount of sand across your path as you make your way to the city’s docks. The River Sphinx has become virtually unmanageable, leaving the docks void of most activity. A perfect place for a meeting, or perhaps an ambush. The vibrant moonlight that generally illuminates the streets of Sothis wanes behind dark overhead clouds. The city’s dimly lit sand filled streets, now harbors only small pockets of clarity around poorly maintained street lamps. The lack of light would have made most travelers uneasy, but you find the environment inviting. A refuge of sorts, that brings back memories of days long past.

The note you received earlier in the day said to meet at the docks. It mentioned a job involving a trip to the city of Caliphas. The note was clear, almost too clear, and the job sounded almost too easy. You glance down at the document one last time and run a finger over its heavy wax seal. The seal looked to be genuine, but it left a lot of questions unanswered.

Before long a hooded young woman, escorted by two heavily armed men, emerge from one of the dock’s darker alleys. All three of them approach you while maintaining a respectable distance. The young woman appears to have long black hair that hangs slightly below her dark hooded collar, where you can see her fair complected bosom being held tightly together by a dark green bodice. “You are Haddek?” The woman asks while trying to keep her face sheltered behind the hood of her cloak. The two heavily armed men stand slightly back from the woman, where they stand quietly supporting two rugged looking halberds. Both men stair off into the distance as if neither of you were there.

Upon arrival, Ileum’s discovered many more of his people had survived and were thriving in a beautiful elven stronghold within the forest of Kyonin. Instead of asking for local rumors, Ileum sought the written history of these elves. He found himself spending much of his time in the library eager to learn the truth of his people. The elves of Kyonin came to know Ileum for his unique skills of archer and herbalism, for he spent his off time taking small requests to gather herbs and passing his teaching on to the younger generations.

A cool breeze, bathed with the scent of pine, kept the library at a comfortable temperature. Natural lighting, shinning down from its skylights, warmed the room just enough to retain its pleasantness and keep it well lit. The libraries of Kyonin have always been legendary about keeping a history on things pertaining to elves. It is known that the library has kept a well-documented timeline dating back to the first doctrine of recorded history. Endless walls of aged books and ancient tapestries testify to this vintage history and the significant role the elven people have played throughout the world of Golarion.

It is here that Ileum’s story begins.

More than thirty moons have passed since you arrived in Kyonin. The warm bustling life of the forest is significantly different than what you are used to. The trip to the elven city was long and eventful. In that time, you’ve undergone a crash course in diversity. You’ve experienced what seems like a never ending complexity of races and culture that stretches from Kyonin to the crown of the world. That experience has only heightened your desire to know more about the world and the people in it. Your time in Kyonin has been exhilarating with a colorful foray of history, culture, and art. Much like your people, the elves of Kyonin believe strongly in seclusion. To that end, they were originally reluctant to allow you admittance to the city, but their curiosity about your secluded heritage eventually won out over their skepticism.

Over the course of your stay in Kyonin, the elves have made their libraries available to you in exchange for stories about your people. Stories that they seem to take very serious as they document every word. During this process, many of the city’s elders bombard you with questions about the location of your people, the differences in your culture, and the history behind their survival.

While deep in your studies, you have recently observed another elf who seems to have a similar appetite in reading material. He has waited, on more than one occasion, while you finished with a book. Aside from the occasional interruption, where he’s asked you about the availability of your book, he hasn’t taken the time to converse with you. Today you find yourself sitting across the table from him, reading a small history book, when one of the librarians walks over and sits a heavy leather bound book down in the middle of the table. The book appears to be an extremely old journal, of sorts. The author of the book isn’t clear, as its spine faces the opposite direction. The other elf, who is also eyeballing the book, has a look of anticipation on his face. Along the top of the book, you also notice a deep red stain that covers a small portion of the book’s title and appears to have also bled into its pages. The librarian, who sat the book down, now stands over at a card file where she watches with anticipation. It’s obvious that she sat the book down to see which of you would end up with it.

He gathered some information about caves to the south of Eto where he might find information of ancient Shaitans. He set to Eto and found the journey refreshing. He seemed at home in the intense environment that is the deserts of Osirion. After arriving at Eto to resupply he could feel the energy of his holy symbol call to him. He sat in meditative prayer for two days in the hot sun and cool nights. When he stopped feeling the call and was on the brink of exhaustion and dehydration Torag reward his stoic perseverance. In his minds eye the path to his destination played over and over again until he could never forget it. On he went to the caves, hopefully he was also going toward answers.

The sweltering heat of the Osirion sun faded slightly as a blanket of dark clouds formed over the city of Eto. Rainless, dry storms periodically provide refuge from the relentless heat that generally plagues the dessert cities this time of year. Before long, the darkened sky ignites with a display of lightening that causes even the most distracted to pause and watch in amazement.

It is here that Sustos’s story begins.

Even though the incoming storm wouldn’t be considered uncommon for the area, you find the event to be somewhat unnerving. The journey to The Pillars of the Sun was going to be difficult enough without having to deal with a weather anomaly. The threats along the way would be very real and would most likely require all of your attention. It would definitely be a test of your faith to see the trip through.

The first sign of lightning split the night’s sky as you tied down the last of your provisions. Most of the city’s denizens hastily took refuge from the approaching storm in small sandstone buildings that line the city streets of Eto. A few of the city’s more sturdy men stand close by while you finish the last of your preparations. Before you leave, one of the men approaches you. “Well met traveler. It looks like you are about to head off for an adventure. I don’t see anyone else with you, so I was wondering if you would like to hire a little muscle to tag along. Me and my friends would be willing to join you for, say, I don’t know, twenty gold.” The man appears to be moderately well armed with a shortsword, small shield, and a light crossbow. In addition, he is wearing a loose fitted set of studded leather armor that blends in with the sandy colored environment. The three other men, which he points at, looks to be equally equipped. All four men have travel bags set aside just in case your response is favorable. “So what do you say? Would you like some company?”

Tiasar focused his studies on outsiders and the planes, searching for any weakness the creature may have. He knew that death would not stop such a monstrosity, and conventional methods of confrontation may not be enough. But even upon finishing his education he still had no answer to the questions he sought. Once he scoured the libraries and probed the mind of every elder willing to talk to him, he realized the answer could not be found within Kyonin. He must expand his search. Perhaps it would take decades, centuries, but he would travel Golarion and maybe beyond to gain the power needed to confront Treerazer.

A cool breeze, bathed with the scent of pine, kept the library at a comfortable temperature. Natural lighting, shinning down from its skylights, warmed the room just enough to retain its pleasantness and keep it well-lit. The libraries of Kyonin have always been legendary about keeping a history on things pertaining to elves. It is known that the library has kept a well-documented timeline dating back to the first doctrine of recorded history. Endless walls of aged books and ancient tapestries testify to this vintage history and the significant role the elven people have played throughout the world of Golarion.

It is here that Tiasar’s story begins.

Among the books and schoolers of Kyonin you come across a kindred spirit of elven decent. His pale white skin and grayish colored eyes set him apart from the majority of elves within the city. On many occasions, during your course of study, you have seen this elf deep in study. Most of his focus has been on the history of Kyonin and Earthfall. Your paths have crossed on more than one occasion when you found yourself waiting for a book that he was immersed in. It has crossed your mind to introduce yourself, but the timing just hasn’t presented itself. Until now!

The light skinned elf now sits across from you as you both stair at a very old leather bound book that rests in the middle of the table. The book was brought over by one of the library’s more mature librarians who has been keeping track of your studies. She assumed the book would peek your interest. You observed a small smile appear on her face when she sat the book down, dead center, between you and the other elf. It was almost like she knew both of you would have an equal interest in the thing. After reading the book’s spine you realize it’s a journal of sorts. The decor along the journal’s bindings leads you to believe its elven, but you are unable to make out who specifically wrote it. Both of you sit there staring at each other, wondering who’s going to reach for it first.

Sustos gives his most pleasant smile and turns back to his things to give the man a moment to think about it.

I'm sure I could avoid the washes but having someone familiar with the landscape would be worth the 10 gold if the rain ends up being as unforgiving as I've heard.

I think if I was to find a location for my lab, it would be in a lesser-known place that has little immediate traffic. I'm sure the woods and valleys near here may have suitable areas, and being close to Caliphas I'd be close to the city's markets and docks, and there's this new museum I've heard of. Perhaps I could obtain access to the Quarterfaux Archives.

Feeling the eyes on her, she sits quietly and does her best to seem nonthreatening, but not so innocent that she will attract the wrong type of attention.

Bastardhall is certainly avoided by the locals, but the site is too active to attempt to occupy it, or even to study it. Perhaps I should investigate this supposedly abandoned temple. It's also avoided, which allows privacy, and they say it is unoccupied. As a temple of Urgathoa I may find interesting extracts and diseases to study, and even if it is inhabited, there might be interesting specimens. To be able to dissect a daughter of Urgathoa would be fascinating...the tentacle that propels them alone would be worth the danger.

She realizes that in any case, there is nothing more that she can do this evening. Intrigued by the potential amusement of a visit to "The Looking Glass" tomorrow, she decides that she has been visible and non-threatening long enough to placate the suspicious locals. She stand and strides confidently into the tavern and approaches the bar.

"Excuse me sir, or ma'am I find myself without suitable lodging for the night. Do you have rooms safe for a traveler, and if not could you direct me to a place where I might find some?" She realizes that she has not eaten since morning, so she takes a seat at the bar. "I would also like to partake of a glass of your finest, along with whatever food you might have available."

Looking around the rundown establishment, she scans for potential threats, and unobtrusively watches the bartender for any sign of trickery.

Perception to look for threats: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Sense Motive on bartender: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Huh. Way to start the game off all perceptive and stuff, girl. You're gonna get yourself shanked or abducted before you meet the rest of the party

She hurries to the Shoanti warriors, gesturing for them to lead the way. She slips back into her native tongue with some relief. Speaking Dwarven is always uncomfortable for her. [color=blue]"Where were they taken from? Were they taken from the village? Are my siblings alright?"[/color]

Tiasar's eyes open. Enough daydreaming. You've barely scratched the surface of this topic.

Tiasar closes the cover of A Comprehensive Manual of Devils on the 7th Ring of Hell, setting the thick tome aside. Mostly conceptual musings on hierarchies and planar political struggles, nothing practical. He reaches over to the towering pile next to him, grabbing the next large tome. The Practicalities and Applications of Rare Metallurgy in Binding and Combating Outsiders. At least it had being practical in the title, which is promising.

Tiasar's eyes flick to the elf sitting across from him, scanning the cover of the history book he is engrossed in. So much historical research...I wonder what it is he seeks to learn? It was never a topic he studied in any great depth, but he had seen the grayed elf captured by historical tomes so often now he couldn't help but wonder what the appeal was. Especially when their research crossed and he had to wait on a book. But as his mind wandered a book softly plops down between the two of them. He looks at the knowing smile of the librarian, then turns back to his silent reading partner and locks gazes with him.

"Well...I suppose I am between books right now." Tiasar's voice rings out over the quiet library as he releases the book on metallurgy and outsiders, reaching for the journal instead. He turns it over to read the spine and cover. "So how is your historical research proceeding? Are you discovering the answers you seek?" He asks.

Gorgeous image GM. Not that this is any detail of great consequence, but Tiasar will likely default to speaking elven while within Kyonin and talking to other elves.

"Well...I suppose I am between books right now." Tiasar's voice rings out over the quiet library as he releases the book on metallurgy and outsiders, reaching for the journal instead. He turns it over to read the spine and cover . "So how is your historical research proceeding? Are you discovering the answers you seek?" He asks

Lost in thought, Ileum peers up at the skylights of the library. Momentarily readjusting to the comfortable smell and temperature. Thinking back to the desolate land of ice, Ileum could remember a time when things weren’t so pleasant.

With a long sigh of relief Ileum abruptly shifted his focus to the old leather bound book placed between him and the familiar elf across the table. Waiting a moment for the thin elf to read the title on the spine, Ileum pulls out his journal and flips through a few pages of notes.

“Let me see, the books of the Kyonin library have definitely taught me a lot. However, with each page, I learn something new. With each new fact that I uncover, I develop more questions. Perhaps it would be better to seek answers through adventure rather than just past knowledge.” Ileum then reaches over and flips the book back his direction to read the spine and cover. “Within this library, I haven’t learned very much about my people, but I have learned quite a bit about Kyonin." Ileum flips through the pages of his journal to an empty page and retrieves his ink and pen. “We seem to share a similar interest in reading material. Are you also studying about the history of the elven people?”

Nodding with acceptance of your decision, Grissm urges his horse further back and then kicks the beast in its sides. The horse quickly bolts forward towards the front of your wagon. After bringing the horse to an abrupt stop, he pulls out a knife and cuts a heavy stack of furs from its saddle. After being cut free, the furs abruptly fall to the ground, creating a small bellow of dust in its wake. “We need another horse.” Grissm exclaims after presenting the furs to the waggoneer.

The Dwarven wagoner then points to a brown mare that had been tied off to the side of his wagon since you left Janderhoff. Without hesitation, Grissm moves over to the mount and unties it. He then escorts the horse back over to you. “Come, we must make hast. The trail will grow cold if we take too long. The Orcs raided the village. Many were killed. Others survived. A lot where taken away in caged wagons. I am unsure about your siblings. If there is any hope for the ones captured, we must go now.” He then waits for you to mount the unsaddled horse.

(DC 12) Ride check to mount the unsaddled horse.

Upon entering Flanagan’s Grain and Grog, you observe a tall brown haired man, with a beard, tending the virtually empty establishment. When you walk in, he looks up with a surprised look on his face, and then gestures to a nearby table. “Please make yourself comfortable.” He states while finishing with a tankard he was in the process of cleaning. You also notice four other men, who are quietly observing you from one of the corner tables. With the exception of the barkeep and the four men in the corner, the establishment seems absolutely desolate.

The barkeep Listens intently as you begin placing your order. Before you finish, he holds up the tankard to a low burning candle and begins inspecting it. Unsatisfied with the result, he then spits into the tankard and begins rubbing it with a grimy looking towel. After finishing your order, he reaches over to a rack of tankards, pulls one out, and begins filling it with a dark looking fluid. While presenting his best rendition of a smile, he then places the full tankard down in front of you. “Let’s see. Lodging? Well I suppose you could hold up here with me a night or two. That’s assuming you don’t hog the blankets. As fare as something to eat, I would be happy to prepare something for you. What would you like?” The man comes across as being genuine in his offer, as repulsive as it might be.

The man runs his hand over his chin as he consider your offer and then glances back over at his three other companions. After taking a moment to contemplate, he looks back over at you. “Ten gold seems quite low, even for only two of us, but I can see how you came to that offer. Truthfully, I would feel a little unsafe with just the three of us venturing off into the dessert alone. That’s assuming you are intending to head out on foot. We are most certainly interested in the work, depending on where you are heading. About how long do you think we might be gone?”

The other three men, who have yet to say anything, begin to look at one another with concerned expressions.

"Plain meat and bread, some cheese if you have it, would be fine." Don't think I'm going to see much here in terms of vegetables... "I'm not looking for anything fancy. Thank you in advance for whatever you have." Smiling right back at the barkeep, she continues. "In terms of the lodging, do you mean 'here with you' as in a private room for me upstairs, or 'here with YOU'? ... As if it's the latter, you might not be too pleased. Not only do I hog the blankets, but I tend to kick and scratch and scream in my sleep. The snoring is pretty bad too. I'm probably better off, and everyone else is safer, if I have a room of my own somewhere." She takes a big swig of whatever is in the tankard and makes an appreciative noise. "Thank you for the offer though, it is quite kind."

She takes the tankard to a nearby table, sitting where she can keep an eye on both the door and the men in the corner without seeming obvious, to wait for the barkeep's response.

Ride: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

Despite the lack of saddle, Berta manages to hop up to the beast using the wagon as leverage and hold on for dear life. [color=blue]"I am... not much of a rider,"[/color] she admits, [color=blue]"but I will manage. Lead the way."[/color]

Whew! Lucky.

"I'm sorry, you have me at a disadvantage. You know my name, what may I call you?

"As for the job, without more precise information on the exact location or likely defenses, I can't give an accurate price. It won't be cheap though." He begins ticking things off on his fingers. "For starters, it's a hell of a long way from here. That adds travel time and expenses. I've never been there so I'd likely have to develop some local contacts, which isn't cheap. I might need those contacts to help me find some muscle for hire or a distraction of some sort, depending on the conditions at the job site. Again, that won't be cheap. Also, depending on the situation I may need to acquire some specialized equipment for the job, which can cost quite a bit. I don't intend to carry those types of tools from here to Caliphas and back, I'll tell you that right now. Then, after all that and the job's done, there's the travel back home. I'm sure you love the place, it being your home and all, but I don't intend to stay in Ustalav a day longer than necessary for the job."

Finished with his itemization, he shrugs nonchalantly. "As you can see, if I had more information I could give you a better price, but with what you've given me I have to be prepared for the worst case scenario. My price for all that is a thousand gold. I'd also need a deposit up front to cover costs. Let's say 200 now and 800 after."

If I know who she is or who she's working with (see rolls) I might have an idea of how much she can afford to pay, which might change my price. I also haven't played in forever so I have no idea what is considered normal for a quest reward at this level. I'm sure 1000 is high, so whatever amount she agrees to you can skim some off the top for "expenses" before giving me an appropriate amount.

Can I identify the seal on the note I'm holding? (should have done this last post, but oh well)
Knowledge(Nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 + inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 2 = 14

I assume the seal is the same as on the document she's holding now, but if not I'll try to ID that one as well.
Knowledge(Nobility): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 + inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 4 = 22

Do I recognize the woman? Either the woman herself or something her guards are wearing to represent a specific family, whether noble or simply wealthy (uniform/badge/coat of arms etc).
Knowledge(Nobility) or (local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 + inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 5 = 22

Is she lying in any way?
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9 + inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 1 = 10

What caused that unusual sheen in her eyes as she looked at the moon? Was it magical?
Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22 + inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 2 = 23

Inspiration on knowledges, spellcraft, and linguistics is free, so after spending wasting one on Sense Motive I'm now at 3/4 left for the day.

“Let me see, the books of the Kyonin library have definitely taught me a lot. However, with each page, I learn something new. With each new fact that I uncover, I develop more questions. Perhaps it would be better to seek answers through adventure rather than just past knowledge.”

Tiasar pauses as he turns over the journal. How many times have I heard that there is no substitute for experience? Perhaps I am gaining diminishing returns on my research. I am seeking practical answers...my time may be better spent on more practical work.

Ileum then reaches over and flips the book back his direction to read the spine and cover. “Within this library, I haven’t learned very much about my people, but I have learned quite a bit about Kyonin." Ileum flips through the pages of his journal to an empty page and retrieves his ink and pen. “We seem to share a similar interest in reading material. Are you also studying about the history of the elven people?”

Tiasar's brows raise. "You speak of the elves as if you aren't one of them. Or at least born outside of and a stranger to Kyonin." He notes. He turns over the journal and scrutinizes it, eyes suddenly going wide. "I...only study elven history as it pertains to Treerazer..." he mumbles. He seems distracted, something about the journal either exciting him or putting him on edge, possibly both. Kothar Soseshtian, what other name could fit? Cautiously, as if it may bite him if antagonized, he opens the journal.

"You speak of the elves as if you aren't one of them. Or at least born outside of and a stranger to Kyonin."

Ileum runs a hand through his hair, pushing it back behind his ears and pauses a moment recalling the history of his people. “I am for sure of elven decent however, I am a stranger to Kyonin.” Ileum pauses chuckling lightly under his breath remembering the difficulties he had trying to convince the secluded elves of Kyonin to grant him access to their city and how similar their way of life was to his distant home. “I am actually from a small collection of elves that reside in the crown of the world that dates back to sometime before Earthfall from what I was told.”

He turns over the journal and scrutinizes it, eyes suddenly going wide. "I...only study elven history as it pertains to Treerazer..." he mumbles. He seems distracted, something about the journal either exciting him or putting him on edge, possibly both. Kothar Soseshtian, what other name could fit?

After writing a small note on the elf’s interest in Treerazer, it suddenly dawns on Ileum that most of the books the elf had been waiting for were the ones that pertained to the demon.

Cautiously, as if it may bite him if antagonized, he opens the journal.

Looking up from his notes, his attention shifts to the open book. Ileum stand and relocates himself to a seat next to the elf to view the contents still trying to determine if the book is of any historical importance.

"Well if my contact is right we might be gone for about three days. Do you know the deserts to the south of here? The mountains specifically, that's where I'm headed. If that's not a contract you're willing to take on perhaps you can just give me some information about them? If it makes a difference I'm a well versed fighter myself, I'm clergy of Torag and I'm fairly adept at cartography. My name is Sustos by the way, and yours?"

Sustos reaches his hand out in greeting.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Orc Encampment.

The hurried ride back to your village is less than enjoyable. Most of the horses struggle over the uneven soft ground that lines your path. This causes them to quickly jolt from side-to-side in order to maintain a steady pace.

Before long, you reach the outer perimeter of the Shoanti camp. The sound of babies crying announces the preceding chaos that quickly comes into view. A ridged makeshift fence, which you personally helped to build, now lays in ruin and shattered beyond redemption. Exposed wooden beams jut out of half burnt homes that you remember visiting in your youth. Stacked bodies lie piled up, off to one side of the village, in a grotesque display of carnage. Multiple children scurry about in an attempt to find their parents while hoping that they are still alive. Finally, you approach the place of your childhood. Only a small amount of the charred building resembles that which you so fondly remember. Fragments of furnishings lay scattered across the soot covered ground like a trail of evidence testifying to the horrors that took place while you were gone. Fond memories of warmth and joy now lay beneath a charred shell of debris and ash.

Your state of shock is quickly broken by Grissm’s deep voice. “We haven’t the time to morn. If we delay any longer the trail will grow cold. A couple of our scouts have spotted the Orc’s trail. Their carts dig deep into the ground. They tried to cover it, but the attempt was feeble and foolish. If we leave now we can catch them.” The large Shoanti waves his hand at the other three before urging his horse forward. Soon all five of you move out of the encampment and on to the Mindspin Mountains.

A full day’s ride proved to be more taxing than you thought it would be. The sun took its toll on everyone before giving away to the approaching moon. The relentless night brought with it a coolness that chilled the air around you. Shortly after the sun faded from the sky, your horse began to breath heavily. The weight of your armor feels almost twice as heavy as it did before. Although exhaustion is the last thing from your mind, you can’t help but recognize the effect it is having on everyone. Soon Grissm raises his hand, which brings everyone to a stop. You feel more than ready for a rest, but it quickly becomes apparent that a rest isn’t the reason for the stop.

Beneath the moonlit sky, you and the other four warriors gather around a small, fresh pile of horse manure. Grissm points at the manure and then whispers in a low voice. “They are close. The horse poop is still warm,” He then pokes his finger deep into the poop to confirm his suspension. Afterwords he turns and begins tying his horse off to a nearby tree. “We will proceed on foot from here.” He states just before heading off into a thick layer of brush.

(Stealth check) If you want to move undetected.

You and the other Shoanti move up through the underbrush. You reach a point where you can see a small fire burning in the distance. Around the fire sits four thick looking Orcs who are currently engaged in a heated conversation.

One of the Orcs points over at a large wooden makeshift cage. The cage looks to be made out of crudely severed tree limbs, scrap wood, and loosely fitted hemp rope. Within the cage you count about fifteen Shoanti villagers, which includes three children who appear to be between the ages of eight and twelve.

Grissm whispers to you and the rest of the group. “How do you want to do this?” The other three warrior’s shrug with lack of creativity. One of the females leans forward and whispers, “maybe we should just rush them.” Again the others shrug with uncertainty on how to proceed. Eventually Grissm looks over at you. “What do you think we should do?”

Flanagan’s Grain and Grog (Map)

The dark stout ale has a deep bitter taste, which seems far less disturbing than some of the concoctions you have made in the past. After watching you finish off a fair amount of the ale, the barkeep smiles. (I didn’t think she had it in here.) “Can’t be angry at a guy for trying. I do have a couple rooms available upstairs. Private, individual rooms if you don’t mind the mess. I haven’t had anyone helping me keep up with the cleaning so they are a little messy. You’re welcome to a room for five silver a night. It will give you a good view of the ships entering and leaving the marina. That’s assuming you like that kind of thing.” Shortly after advising you of the room’s rate, he heads upstairs to gather a few things for your meal.

Shortly after the barkeep leaves the room, the four men in the corner begin to argue between themselves.

(Perception check) To overhear anything that they are talking about.

As the argument begins to escalate, one of the men stands up, pulls out a shiv, and stabs one of the other men. Within moments, the wounded man crumples to the ground. Almost instantly, the remaining three men look your way. One of them shouts, “Quick you idiots, grab her!”

Initiative (Caro): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Initiative (Thug Blue): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
Initiative (Thug purple): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
Initiative (Thug Red): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14

Thug (blue) drops to the ground and begins searching the unconscious man.
Thug (Red) steps forward and draws a sap.
Thug (Purple) Also steps forward and draws a sap.

Initiative Order (Bold is up)
Thug (Blue)
Thug (Red)
Thug (Purple)
Caro

The woman considers your words carefully. “I understand the difficulties involved with what I ask. Especially now that the dry storm has taken its toll on the marina. I would assume passage to Ustalav will be hard to come by. As far as my name, you can call me Shiela. Of course, a man in your position probably knows that names aren’t always what they seem. Anyway, the amount you have requested, is not unreasonable. That’s assuming you follow through with the job.” She cracks an evil grin after her last statement. “I would caution you about running with the upfront gold. I can assure you, it won’t be worth it.”

(Diplomacy) check while negotiating the fee.

Knowledge Nobility: (14) You don’t recognize the seal. You do notice that the seal has a small icon within it that represents Ustalav

Knowledge Nobility or Local: (22) She is wearing nothing distinguishing that would identify her as nobility. The way she carries herself and the fact that she has a crested seal does lead you to believe she is someone of importance.

Sense Motive: (10) You believe she is being sincere in both her request, as well as the threat she made about running with the gold. The two men standing next to her, on the other hand, stand absolutely still. Not a flinch from either of them.

Knowledge Arcane: (23) The glint was definitely unnatural. Although you’re not sure what actually cased the glint, you do feel that there is something unusual about it.

The man reaches out and shakes your hand. “I am Sokaro. To be honest, it’s not so much the fact that we can’t handle things with three people. It’s more an issue with me and my friends being able to feed our families. All four of us need the work and frankly it’s going to be difficult to choose who gets left behind. I’ll tell you what. If you would be willing to pay fifteen gold, we would be willing to make the trip for that. Besides the natural hazards that the dessert presents, there are a few potential dangers between her and the mountains. In fact, just the other day we came across a pack of dessert wolves that looked like they were starving. Although they are a smaller variant of wolf, they can become dangerous if they get desperate enough. Besides, a larger group of travelers presents a more formidable front. Our numbers alone would likely ward off many of the riffraff who frequent the borderline areas of the city. I realize me and my friends aren’t as seasoned as you, but there is something to be said about numbers. What do you say, fifteen gold?”

You observe the group a little closer and notice that two of the younger looking men have poorly maintained short swords. The blades look like they haven’t been removed out of their scabbards in quite some time. All four of the men look thin for their size and appear to be poorly fitted in their armor. All in all, the group looks frail, but would probably provide some support in a fight and possibly an extra set of eyes on watch.

After reading further, you come to the conclusion that the book is a timeline and historical account of Kothar’s journey to confront Treerazer. Although many of the entries are mundane in nature, there are others that notate Kothar’s concerns about his confrontation with the Demon Lord. One of the more notable entries clearly identifies his skepticism about Baelesti’s ability to offset the Demon Lord’s power. It also makes multiple references to ancient dragons. In one specific entry, he comments on the fact that he believes an ancient dragon’s power would surpass the Demon Lords. Being absent of such a creature, he chose to make his stand with the aid of Baelesti. History now judges that decision to have been a mistake. While reading further, you wonder how old the surviving silver dragon would be today. Another point of interest is a more recent marker on the cover page that indicates the journal is the second of five. This leads you to wonder about the other four books.

In addition to some clarifications about Kothar’s conflict with Treerazer, there are many historical references in regards to Earthfall, the Time of Darkness, and Verinias’s ability to communicate through the Sovyrian Stone. Although the journal doesn’t give specific reference to the Stone’s activation, it does hint about the process. This makes you even more curious about the other books and their historical value.

“Baelesti’s wings sent rippling waves of force through the air with each powerful beat. Together we sored through the sky like a silver arrow of purity. It was a miracle that I was able to hang on long enough to witness what this creature experienced every day. High overhead the sun pierced through the night’s sky and declared itself, once again, the master of the heavens. I have never witnessed a sight so beautiful in my life. The sun’s radiance cascaded down onto the clouds like a serenade of color. The clouds, in turn, lit up vibrantly with different hues. A true moment to remember.” The journal’s last entry was one of peace. A moment belonging to Kothar and Baelesti that reflected a union of friendship that went beyond a simple agreement to confront Treerazor.

Off in the distance the librarian warmly smiles, with a look of accomplishment, after watching the two of you reading the book together.

Berta is not stealthy lol.

Despite her sturdy constitution, Berta finds herself weary from the hard ride, and her thighs burn with saddle sores. She has never been much for riding, like some of her brethren. She was always a bit jealous of the burn riders, but she simply never had the rapport with horses that her kin had. She has always suspected it had something to do with her dwarven heritage, but having only ever lived among one other dwarf, she has not had much of a measure by which to gauge her suspicion.

She watches Grissm follow the tracks, a small, cold logical section of her brain taking notes on his tracking expertise even as the rest of her brain is a wash of angry buzzing, making it difficult to think straight. The anger, the fear, and the anxiety have mixed with travel fatigue to make a sort of blanket of rushing noise in her ears that makes thinking difficult. When Grissm says they are not stopping to rest, part of her aches with despair, and another part hates herself for it. Nevertheless, she continues forward with the others, doing her best to keep low and quiet -- that is, until she sees the cage.

Seeing the children locked up, Berta's mind returns unbidden to the horrific deaths of Ag and Dargon. The blood rises to her face, and all thought of rest, all thought but the orcs before them, vanishes in a moment.

She turns to Grissm, eyes flared. "Move fast. Move hard. Kill them." She gives the others only a moment to ready their weapons before drawing her massive longhammer and charging forward, letting the blood rush with the strength and speed of the raging river, bellowing a battle cry to shake the heavens.

"Blood of my enemies, salt the burning earth!"

Berta is not stealthy lol.

Despite her sturdy constitution, Berta finds herself weary from the hard ride, and her thighs burn with saddle sores. She has never been much for riding, like some of her brethren. She was always a bit jealous of the burn riders, but she simply never had the rapport with horses that her kin had. She has always suspected it had something to do with her dwarven heritage, but having only ever lived among one other dwarf, she has never had a measure by which to gauge her suspicion.

She watches Grissm follow the tracks, a small, cold logical section of her brain taking notes on his tracking expertise even as the rest of her brain is a wash of angry buzzing, making it difficult to think straight. The anger, the fear, and the anxiety have mixed with travel fatigue to make a sort of blanket of rushing noise in her ears that makes thinking difficult. When Grissm says they are not stopping to rest, part of her aches with despair, and another part hates herself for it. Nevertheless, she continues forward with the others, doing her best to keep low and quiet -- that is, until she sees the cage.

Seeing the children locked up, Berta's mind returns unbidden to the horrific deaths of Ag and Dargon. The blood rises to her face, and all thought of rest, all thought but the orcs before them, vanishes in a moment.

She turns to Grissm, eyes flared. "Move fast. Move hard. Kill them." She gives the others only a moment to ready their weapons before drawing her massive longhammer and charging forward, letting the blood rush with the strength and speed of the raging river, bellowing a battle cry to shake the heavens.

"Blood of my enemies, salt the burning earth!"

Tiasar's eyes go from the bloodstain to the name. He looks over at the librarian, then back at the journal. "By Alseta...this is my father's journal." He whispers. The next chunk of time is a tense silence as his eyes rip through the journal. He then goes through it again, slower, jumping around to the more dense portions. Once he is done he sits back, a conflicted and stressed look on his face. He raises his voice slightly to call out to the librarian. "Where did you find this?"

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

As soon as the scuffle starts in the corner, Caro stands and backs towards the south end of the bar to increase the distance between her and the group while facing them.
I can't edit the map so I cannot move her on it, but it seems if she moves to there they are at least 2 move actions away from her so she has prep time.
She addresses them calmly. "Gentlemen, I am not interested in whatever issues you had with that man, and have no intention of involving myself in it in any way. There is no need for hostilities; feel free to finish off your business before the barkeep returns and go about your evening, I assure you I don't know who you are and I won't bother to make my visit here more complicated by talking to anyone about what happened here." Well this is a nice welcome to Caliphas. I almost wish the barkeep hadn't backed down so quickly, he'd probably be useful now.

Diplomacy to de-escalate the situation: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (6) - 1 = 5

She keeps her hands away from her weapons to seem like less of a threat, but does quietly reach into her pouch to palm her mutagen, ready to drink it if they continue to approach. Sleight of Hand is untrained, so I assume that they'll notice that if they are paying attention to her actions instead of just approaching.

"You've got yourself a deal friend! I'd like to leave as soon as now, of course if you think that's a bad idea I'll reconsider. I'm not afraid of the rain but I don't want to put you and your men in more danger then necessary. Here, before I forget..."

He digs into backpack and pulls out exactly 15 gold, handing it to Sokaro.

"I try to keep a steady pace, you lead and I'll follow right behind you. Once we get to the mountains I'll take the front and hopefully we find what I'm looking for."

Haddek steps forward, reaching out his hand to shake on it. "Very well. We have a deal, Shiela. And in regard to me running with the money, there's one thing you should know. When I take on a job, I finish that job. No exceptions. Doing otherwise would be bad for business." He smirks slightly.

"Now, I'll need that scroll you're holding along with the 200 gold piece deposit and unless there's anything else I'll be on my way. I've got a lot of traveling ahead of me, after all."

I also need to find out who this "Shiela" is, or at least what organization or family she belongs to. I don't like getting mixed up into someone else's mess unless I have at least some idea of what kind of mess it is. Maybe I could identify this seal with some help at the library?

Off in the distance the librarian warmly smiles, with a look of accomplishment, after watching the two of you reading the book together.

Excitedly, Ileum looks up towards the librarian and waves her over to the table after finishing his notes.

Orc Encampment.

Initiative (Berta): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Initiative (Shoanti Black): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Initiative (Shoanti Brown): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Initiative (Shoanti Olive): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Initiative (Shoanti Gray): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Initiative (Orc Green): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Initiative (Orc Blue): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
Initiative (Orc Red): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12
Initiative (Orc Purple): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Initiative Order
Orc Blue (18)
Orc Green (16)
Orc Purple (16) (11 Damage)
Orc Red (12)
Shoanti Brown (70
Shoanti Olive (40)
Shoanti Gray (4)
Berta (3)
Shoanti Black (2)

You draw your longhammer and begin the charge. Anticipating the look in your eyes, the Shoanti warriors had their weapons at the ready. Your voice found similar battle cry’s across the orc encampment as all four of you charged into battle. The orcs, on the other hand where a bit unprepared. You and your companions manage to cover a bit of ground before the orcs draw their weapons.

(Surprise round) You and the group manage to cover 30’ distance during the surprise round. The Shoanti have their Great Clubs ready because you were able to prepare for the attack.

After recovering from the shock of seeing you charging in their direction, the orcs draw shortswords and begin moving in your direction. The larger of the Orc’s (Green) shouts, “take them down boys. An extra skin of ale if any of them live to be sold!”

Orc (Blue) Draws his sword and moves 30’.
Orc (Green) Draws his sword and moves 30’.
Orc (Purple) Draws his sword and moves 25’.
Orc (Red) draws his sword and moves 30’.
Shoanti (Brown) Moves up and takes a swing at orc red. Attack (red): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Shoanti (Olive) Moves up and takes a swing at orc purple. Attack (purple): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Shoanti (Gray) Moves up and takes a swing at orc red. Attack (red): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

As the two substantial groups clash, the Shoanti are the first to land a blow. Brown and Gray both swing hard, but are deflected by the Orcs thick armor. Olive on the other hand manages to deliver a heavy blow to the Orc’s head. Although the durable creature remains standing, it is obvious that it is terribly injured.

Berta is now up. Because she has a reach weapon, she is welcome to make an attack of opportunity on the Orc (Purple) for moving through a threatened square.

You back away from the argument after listening to it escalate. It didn’t take long for the disagreement to escalate into valance. The two approaching men do not look dissuaded from their intent by your less than convincing plea. An altercation seems to be immanent, but is cut short by the barkeep’s loud voice echoing across the room. “What in the hell is going on down here!” He shouts while running down the stairs. Both approaching thugs pause after hearing the unexpected cry of the bartender. A second voice, from behind the two approaching thugs’ calls out, “I have it. Let’s go before this gets ugly.” All three of the thugs turn and brake for the door, leaving the body of their victim laying in a thick pool of blood. Just before exiting the room, the killer turns to you and states, “We’ll come back for you latter.” He then turns and exits the tavern.

Out of Combat
Note: I sent you a PM with the results of the perception check. Also I changed the map from view to edit, not that it matters to much at this point.

With the thugs now gone, the barkeep looks over at the dead man lying on the ground. “What happened?” He shouts while moving across the room. Standing tall over the dead man’s corps, he looks back over at you. “Did you know this man?”

Shiela looks down at your out stretched hand and then back up into your eyes. “I have spoken to one of your associates about you and he has reassured me that you are a dependable man. Although I’m not sure what types of jobs you’ve undertaken in the past, I am willing to bet on your reputation and discretion.

Secondly, no one within the nobility of Ustalav can find out that you work for me. If either of those conditions are broke, then the final payday gets reduced to an overall four hundred gold. Two hundred now and two hundred upon partially completing the task. That’s assuming you retrieve the locket in one piece. If we can agree upon those terms, I think we may have a deal.”

After adding her stipulation to the bargain, she pulls out a small, silky black pouch. “Within this pouch is twenty platinum. Your upfront payment should you accept the job.” She states while tossing the pouch into the air a couple times.

If you accept the offer you may add 20 platinum to your profile.

All four men seem pleased with the prospect of making a little coin. Just before leaving Sokaro turns to you and offers a suggestion. “Make sure you have enough food and water.” You have estimated the days of travel to be approximately three days, so the men have packed enough food and water for five days each.

If you need to buy more food or water, you may do so and assume it was bought before leaving town.

The Osirion dessert churns modestly under the cloud covered skies of the dry storm. Dunes stretch almost as far as the eye can see before abruptly coming to a halt in front of a ridged outcropping of sand and stone. The darkened sky persists to a point that it becomes difficult to separate day from night, while the dry native heat seems to take only a short reprieve. The four men, who have been traveling with you, seem almost too comfortable. They trudge forward kicking sand with each step. It has only been a day of travel, yet the environment of the Osirion dessert makes it feel much longer. You breathe heavy from exertion as you glance up to see a cave imbedded deep into the stony outcropping of the maintain ridge. All four men look at each other with an expression of concern as you press forward towards the cave’s entrance. One of the men finally voices his hesitation. “You’re not going in that cave are you?”

Remove one day of food and water.

The cave’s dark ridged outline sets it distinctly apart from the surrounding softer sandstone. Some distance beyond the caves entrance, the smell of stagnated water emanates from much deeper in its bowls. All four men hesitate at the entrance and appear to be intimidated by the prospect of going inside.

Off in the distance, howls from dessert predators echo throughout the area like a warning to their intended prey. Your foot slightly sinks into the sand as you turn to peer deeper into the cave with the vision granted to you by your ancestors (60’ Darkvision). The gray undertone of the caves rocky cavern descends deeper into earth. Your darkvision follows the cavern’s walls until the decline extends beyond your field of view. The tiny sound of droplets faintly echo from deeper in the cave.

Let me know what you would like to do from here.

After reviewing the library card, she returned it back to its original spot in the card file. “We tried to trade for the other four journals, but he didn’t have them with him. He said he would come back with them at a later date, but never did. A bit disappointing. I would have enjoyed having the complete collection.”

That's all I should say for now. I don't think I should mention this 'Flycatcher' they were talking about. The less involved in this I am, the less chance that it follows me.

"They did mention returning for me, probably want to get rid of any witnesses to what happened. You already have enough to deal with now that there's a body in your tavern, are you still ok with me staying tonight even though it might create more problems? I understand if you'd prefer I move on."

Well this is interesting. Barely even get in town and I already have a group of thugs to watch out for.

Sisu moves back to her table and finishes her ale. "Unless you'd like some help cleaning up, I'd like another of these. I don't know how things are done here, so I don't know if there is anyone you are going to have to report this to. If you cannot take the time to prepare a meal after all this, I understand."

Tiasar looks to the mountain of books. He had already been through over half of them and was checking again if he had missed anything. It had been years. Decades. His progress was quickly plateauing.

"Perhaps it would be better to seek answers through adventure rather than just past knowledge.”

Tiasar clenches his fist. It wouldn't be too risky, right? Caliphas is a trade center and a port city. He could charter a vessel from Greengold directly there, or perhaps through Thornstep. Than a visit to the museum. Perhaps he could even stop by the Quarterfaux Archives while in the city.

Tiasar stands, going to the librarian with journal in hand. "I'd like to purchase this, or trade for it." He says, raising the journal. "Or at the very least have your permission to make a copy. I intend to finish the collection."

With a glance at the two silent guards, he turns on his heel and leaves the waterfront. Slipping through back alleys and zigzagging through side roads to ensure he isn't being followed, he makes his way home for the night.

Perception to see if he's followed: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 + Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 1 = 12
Stealth to get away just in case: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Wow, my inspiration dice suck so far.

Waking early the next morning, he makes a quick stop at his mother's cottage to let her know he'll be away for some time and see if she needs anything before he leaves. After cutting some firewood for her (It won't last the entire time I'm gone, but it's better than nothing.) and helping weed her backyard garden for an hour he's on his way.

The Canal district of Sothis is bustling, as always. It takes a little time and some hard wrangling, but he manages to find passage aboard a cargo ship crossing the Inner Sea to the Taldane city of Cassomir. It won't have the comfort of a passenger ship, but it's cheaper and he'd have less chance of being noticed. That's the best I can do for now, I guess. I'll have to find a way up the Sellen River and across the lake to Caliphas when I get there.

Diplomacy to haggle a price for ship transport: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

After paying the captain he boards the ship and finds a comfortable, out of the way spot to lay out his bedroll and start looking over the map he'd been given. The voyage to Cassomir will take some time, so he'd best put the time to use studying all the information he'd been given.

How much does passage on the ship cost?

Attack of Opportunity: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (3, 3) + 4 = 10

I assume that does not hit. :P

In her fury, Berta swings just a bit wide when the orc enters her space. She steps back, letting the rage engulf her, and comes down as hard as she can on the greenskin's head.

5ft step back, activating Rage, and Power Attacking. Let's see if we can knock this one outta the park.

Longhammer: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 1) + 9 = 16

That's more like it!

Orc Encampment.

Initiative Order

Orc Blue (18) (-7 hp)
Orc Green (16)
Orc Purple (16) (-27 hp, Dead)
Orc Red (12)
Shoanti Brown (70
Shoanti Olive (40)
Shoanti Gray (4)
Berta (3)
Shoanti Black (2) (-4 hp)

Shoanti (Black) Moves up and around to engage Orc (Blue). Attack on (Blue): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

End of round (1)

Round (2)

Orc (Blue) moves up 5’ and takes a swing at Shoanti (Black) Attacks on (Black): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Orc (Green) Move up 5’ and takes a swing at Shoanti (Black) Attack on (Black): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Orc (Red) Takes a swing at Shoanti (Gray) Attacks on (Gray): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Shoanti (Brown) Takes a swing at Orc (Red). Attack on (Red): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
Shoanti (Olive) Takes a swing at orc (Red). Attack on (Red): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Shoanti (Gray) Takes a swing at orc (Blue) Attack on (Red): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Round (1) Continued
Your attack of opportunity swung past the Orc as he closed the distance between you and him. It didn’t take you long to recover from the missed attack and bring your Longhammer back around. Needing some distance to wield the large weapon, you step back just enough to bring the heavy hafted weapon down into another powerful swing. This time the hammer's head sank into the Orc’s skull while shattering the entire top portion of his head. Off in the distance you here a young voice shout out, “Mom did you see that! She smashed the brains right out of that stooped orc!” followed by a woman’s voice, “Jacob, cover your eyes!”

Shoanti (Black) moves around the group and engages Orc (Green) on the fare side of the battle. He brings his large club into a side swing but misses his intended target.

Round (2)
Many blows echo across the battle field as large wooden clubs splinter off of crude Orc armor. Orc (Blue) brings his small blade into a side long swing but misses. Orc (Green) drives his blade deep into Shoanti (Black's) left side. Orc (Red) swings high and misses. Shoanti (Brown) Also swings high and misses. Shoanti (Olive) lunges forward with a thrust, but misses. Shoanti (Gray) brings her large club down hard onto the shoulder of Orc (Blue), which causes the Orc to stagger a bit.

Berta is now up.

The barkeep spends a moment to gather his thoughts and then looks back over at you. “You are certainly most welcome to stay. I don’t intend to let a couple thugs discourage business. As far as the ale is concerned, you are welcome to another one on the house.” He then moves back over behind the bar and poor’s you a second drink. “By the way, my name is Bobby,…….. Bobby Taterhead, My friends call me Spud. If you are serious about helping to clean up around here, then your first night’s room and board are covered. The only question I have, before the law gets here, is whether you want me to mention that you witnessed the murder or not? I have little doubt that the law is going to ask.”

The offer for room and board, in exchange for work, makes you wonder if accommodations for a longer stay could be reached in exchane of skill, work, or other means.

"Don't open the locket and don't let anyone know I'm working for you, got it." Haddek slips the pouch into an inner pocket. "I'll expect the other 800 gold to be ready for me in Caliphas before I hand the locket over. Fare well."

After your eager response, Shiela smiles in a way that could only be defined as evil. The look in her eye seems almost as if she is able to foresee the outcome of your task. “Of course.” She responds after you make your demand about the payment.

With a glance at the two silent guards, he turns on his heel and leaves the waterfront. Slipping through back alleys and zigzagging through side roads to ensure he isn't being followed, he makes his way home for the night.

Perception (12) Cautiously you watch the environment as you make your way through the side roads. People peer out their windows, in awe, at the electrical display that routinely lights up the sky. Although many people are observant during your departure, they don’t seem to pay you much attention.

Stealth (25) Citizens and vagrants alike seem to pass you by as if you don’t exist. To your best estimate, your attempt to move on the fringe of the community is successful.

Waking early the next morning, he makes a quick stop at his mother's cottage to let her know he'll be away for some time and see if she needs anything before he leaves. After cutting some firewood for her (It won't last the entire time I'm gone, but it's better than nothing.) and helping weed her backyard garden for an hour he's on his way.

The Canal district of Sothis is bustling, as always. It takes a little time and some hard wrangling, but he manages to find passage aboard a cargo ship crossing the Inner Sea to the Taldane city of Cassomir. It won't have the comfort of a passenger ship, but it's cheaper and he'd have less chance of being noticed. That's the best I can do for now, I guess. I'll have to find a way up the Sellen River and across the lake to Caliphas when I get there.

The Canal district of Sothis is virtually vacant of activity do to the increasing level of danger presented by the dry storm. Merchant vessels and tradesmen alike have hunkered down to ride out the storm’s and are VERY unlikely to brave an attempt to cross the sea.

Diplomacy (20+) In your attempt to find passage you come across two different options. First, many of the merchant captains, who are willing to take on a passenger to Cassomir, agree to do so only after the storm clears. The cheapest cost for the passage is around 24 GP. To the best of your ability, you estimate that the storm will last anywhere between one to three weeks.

The second option is a captain by the name of Flack. For whatever reason, they say he is more than willing to brave the unstable waters during the dry storm. In addition, he is known to visit Cassomir on a regular bases. Although many of the sea faring merchants speak highly about Captain Flack, none of them seem to be able to tell you what it would cost to become a passenger on his ship. The best information you have is that his ship, The Widows Nest, is ported down in the lower marina.

On a side note, you have managed to gather some personal information about the man. It seems he is the sole benefactor to a small orphanage that resides somewhere in the middle of Sothis. Although he doesn’t run the orphanage, he has been seen on more than one occasion supplementing their income with a large donation. In addition to that, he is known by almost everyone who sails the open sea, to be a pirate among pirates. As it stands, he is currently recognized as a security vessel by most trade factions, who keeps the shipping lanes clear of thieves. Simply put, he pirates other pirates, and from what you hear, he is quite good at it.

The Cave.

Given the choice, all four of the men decide they would rather guard the entrance of the cave rather than descend into its dark depths. You have zero doubt that the prospect of entering the cave scares them A LOT.

Taking your leave, you begin the descent into the cave. Your darkvision allows you to see quite fare into the cave’s dark depths. Slowly you make your way down an increasingly degrading slope that seems to stabilize after about three hundred feet into the mountain. You estimate the overall depth you have traveled to be around one hundred foot deep. The cave's naturally worked stone abruptly ends at stone stairway. The stairway drops about another twenty five foot before emptying into a twenty five foot square room. The room’s ceiling extends ten foot above your head. Across the room, two smooth corridors stretch to the right and left, where they eventually fade into the darkness. The grayish outline of the environment seems to be built with purpose. The smell of mold and decay lingers in the air, while the faint sound of water dripping disturbs the dead silence every so often.

From deeper in the darkness, a soft voice echoes throughout the cave’s inner structure. “Sustos, please come in. I have been waiting for you.”

The librarian considers the journal for a moment and then responds. “I don’t think they would allow me to sell it, but the library would allow me to make a copy. So, you are considering going after the other four books? If you manage to find them, we would be VERY interested in making copies of them as well. We would even consider buying the originals. That’s if you decided to sell them of course. I will need a day in order to have one of our wizards prep a spell to copy the book.”

Power Attack seems to be working, and I say if it ain't broke... hit it again.

Longhammer (Power Attack): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 1) + 9 = 13

Caro walks back over and looks at the body again. "In terms of cleaning up, I have some experience in cleaning up what's left after this kind of...incident. I fell that is a fair trade for a night's room and board." She pokes around a little in her bags. "I even think I might have some supplies here that will help speed the process up, but I'm guessing that we should leave it alone until after the law is done."

Despite his initial offer, Spud here might end up being a pretty useful local contact. I should see if he can help me get settled in

"I'll be in town a while at least, I'm looking for some information and doing some research and study. Until I find a more permanent place to stay and some income, I'd be happy to take a couple hours a day to help out here if it might offset the cost of lodging as well. If you'd prefer a paying guest over a helper then any assistance you might have in finding local employment will enable me to stay longer."

Since you mentioned people travelling and downtime in discussion, and it seems like I'm not one of the travelers (yet) I sent you a PM about my general desires in town just in case you want to transition to less RP at some point to speed up the timeline.

Heading down to the lower marina, Haddek asks about until he finds the Widow's Nest tied up alongside the wharf. He stops at the gangplank, deciding he'd better announce himself before stepping onto the ship. He holds his hands empty and away from his weapons, clears his throat and shouts,"Hello! I'm looking for Captain Flack, may I come aboard?"

Thank you, Torag, for your guidance. Please keep my companions safe and guide me true. I march forth in your name.

Being as quiet as possible (Sneak): 1d20 ⇒ 1

Curious of the new opportunity in front of him, Ileum approached the librarian and carefully listened to the conversation.

“First, I’d like to thank you for bringing this book to my attention. It has revealed information on a topic I am most interested in, for that I am appreciative that you found it and thought to bring it to my attention. This well written journal holds a great deal of historical information and further copies may reveal knowledge lost to Kyonin and the elven people. I also intend to pursue the other copies in hopes that they may hold additional historical information that could be of great value to the library. For sentimental reasons, I believe these books mean a great deal to that man.” Ileum points over at the elf sitting at the table. “And whatever family he may have.”

“Perhaps you’d be willing to part with the original journal if I were to obtain the others and bring them here to be copied for the records of the library. I believe the knowledge of what’s in those other books would be of great value, regardless if it is the original copy or not. Surely the library can let go of the original for four new copies. Also, I assume Aldeen Walsh will most likely not be willing to part with such a collection free of charge….."

Orc Encampment

Initiative Order
Orc Blue (18) (-13 hp Bleeding, Unconscious)
Orc Green (16) (-9 hp, Bleeding, Unconscious)
Orc Purple (16) (-27 hp, Dead)
Orc Red (12) (-13 hp, Bleeding, Unconscious)
Shoanti Brown (70
Shoanti Olive (40)
Shoanti Gray (4)
Berta (3)
Shoanti Black (2) (-9 hp)

Shoanti (Black) takes a swing at Orc (Blue). Attack on (Blue): 1d20 ⇒ 11

End of round (2)

Round (3)
Orc (Blue) returns the attack back onto Shoanti (Black). Attacks on (Black): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Orc (Green) takes a swing at Shoanti (Black). Attack on (Black): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23Critical: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Shoanti (Brown) Takes a swing at Orc (Blue). Attack on (Blue): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Shoanti (Olive) Moves up and takes a swing at orc (Green). Attack on (Red): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Shoanti (Gray) Moves up and takes a swing at orc (Green) Attack on (Green): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17Damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round (1) Continued
Shoanti (Black) brings his heavy club up to his shoulder and then swings at Orc (Blue) with a powerful two handed swing that misses its target.

You move around behind Orc (Red) and bring your Longhammer into a powerful side swing that knocks the Orc to the ground, where lays bleeding to death.

Back in the cage, the voices continue to add to the foray. “No No No!.........I want to watch!” The child’s voice calls out as if he is truly excited over the combat. The sound of a second child crying quickly adds to the chaos, while multiple adults let out cheers each time one of you land a blow.

Round (2)
The battle continues even after two Orcs fall to might of your powerful hammer. Orc (Blue) thrusts his small blade forward but misses. Orc (Green) drives his blade back into Shoanti (Black's) left side. This time the blade looks to have done some real damage. Shoanti (Brown) Swings at Orc (Blue) and connects. Shoanti (Olive) moves up and takes a swing at Orc (Green), but misses. Shoanti (Gray) moves up and brings her large club down into another powerful swing. The blow catches Orc (Green) off guard and sends it to the ground, bleeding.

Out of Combat

Once the last Orc falls, the other Shoanti warriors have to take a moment to catch their breath. The cheers from the makeshift cage begin to swirl in your head with the exhaustion of the day causing you to feel dizzy.

You are now fatigued.

Caro walks back over and looks at the body again.

Make a (Perception) check.

Spud wipes his forehead with a small dingy towel and then lays it on the bar. “Well, if you are looking for work, I could use a little help around here. If you are willing to spend the day helping out, you are welcome to room and board in exchange for the help. The first thing is this corps. The law will likely hall away the body, but the mess will need cleaning. That alone will buy you a room for the night and a meal.”

After taking a look around the room for anything that might be out of place, Spud walks over to the door and shouts down at a dock worker. “Hay, you, tell the constable that we need help in here.” After alerting the dockworker, he shuts the door and heads over to one of the grills. Alongside the grill, sits a fairly large basket, which he carried down earlier from the upstairs loft. After firing up the shop’s grill, he pulls out a moderate sized fish from the basket and lays it spread open on the grill. The heat of the grill’s fire quickly begins to roast the fish, sending a pleasant aroma across the entire room. Before long, he pulls out a number of spices and begins to season the fish. “It might not be exactly what you ordered, but it’s all I have right now. Besides, I’ve gotten quite good at preparing fish. I hope it satisfies your hunger.” He says while taking out a couple potatoes from the basket. Soon the entire room becomes enveloped with the smell of a well prepared meal.

Caro can add Bob Taterhead (Aka: Spud) down as a contact. Any interactions with the man going forward will receive a +2 on diplomacy checks. In addition, while working at the tavern, you will receive a +2 on Diplomacy checks made to gather information.

The Widow’s Nest

Nestled among four other ships, sits the Widow’s Nest. Its Darkwood hull supports a large number of embattled parapets. A heavily reinforced ballista sits in front of the ship’s forward sail and appears to be in rough condition. The length of the ship’s quarter deck harbors four smaller ballistae on each side and provides two iron laid stairways to the ship’s heavily reinforced poop deck. Your first impression of the Widow’s Nest is that it looks like a vessel of war.

The presence of the dry storm continues to provide an overcast sky that is broken up by powerful displays of lightening. Although most of the dock’s staff have taken the night off, two rough looking men stand watch in front of the Widow’s Nest.

Both men are surprised when you approach. It’s almost as if they didn’t see you coming. One of the men, who happens to be standing on the ship’s lowered plank, looks down at you with a scowl. “Who the hell are you, and what business do you have along these docks?” He asks in a tone that leads you to believe he is extremely on edge. The second man, who is now standing tall on the ship’s main deck, slowly lowers his hand to the hilt of his cutlass. Even though both men seem equally daunting, the one on the top deck seems eager as he waits for your response.

The Cave.

Stealth (1) Following the voice, you begin to move stealthily down the right passage. The boarders of your vision slowly bring more and more of the room’s interior into view. Clank, clank, clank, you recognize the sound of your armor echoing down the passage while large clumps of dried dirt crunch beneath each step you take. Crunch, crunch, crunch! You feel fairly certain that you are NOT sneaking.

After a short distance down the passage, the outline of a frail looking woman brakes the boarder of your vision. Her wrinkled, crusty looking complexion, resembles that of your own. Although the years haven’t been kind to the woman, you feel certain that she displays the earthy signs of being Oread. “Please Sustos, come in and be at ease. I am Darkwillow. You have come a long way to see me and I am certain that you are tired and have a lot of questions.” She beckons you to follow her further down the darkened corridor. Crunch, crunch, crunch, it seems as if your boot is finding every damn dirt clod in the place. Soon she turns left around a corner, where you temporarily lose sight of her. Crack, you manage to step on the only dried branch in the entire room and begin to wonder how the hell a dried branch found its way into a cave in the middle of the dessert.

What would you like to do?

After both of you assert your intentions about finding the other four journals, the librarian starts to say something, but then retracts the thought. She then picks up the book and begins to walk away. “Do both of you intend to travel to Ustalav? I’ve heard the place has quite a wretched reputation.” She says in an attempt to deflect from answering Ileum’s question. After pausing a brief second she makes her way across the room where a spiral stairway twists down into the lower levels of the library. Faintly her voice fades as she makes her way down the stairs. “I think an arrangement could…. Soon her voice fades to a point that neither of you hear the end of her statement.

After about fifteen minutes she returns from library’s basement, without the book, and heads back over to the card file.

With each step Sustos cringes internally, knowing full well that he wasn't someone who went unnoticed. This, however, didn't stop his pursuit and seeing the old woman actually put him at ease. Although he couldn't trust this her just yet, he can deal with problems that he can see.

I don't quite have a reason to distrust this woman, plus she's the only other person I've ever seen that looks anything like me... I know Torag wouldn't lead me astray. Not now, not ever.

"Yes ma'am, I have many questions for you. I am weary and I have comrades waiting for me. I hope that you are the one I seek. In fact, I know you are. Please, help me find the answers I long for."

Sustos straightens himself up to his full shortness and follow the woman around the corner, still brandishing his arms.

As the librarian goes downstairs Tiasar takes a breath, looking at the grey elf with furrowed brows. "You are interested in the collection as well? You are a rather dedicated historian." An idea flashes across his mind. He shifts in his chair to fully face the other elf. "If we are both intent on gathering the other journals...why don't we travel together? As the librarian says, Ustalav isn't the safest place, and a couple of bookworms venturing into such lands is precarious. The two of us would be safer together, and if we are venturing with the same objective we would travelling in parallel anyway." Not to mention it would make the idea much easier on my mother's mind.

Caro walks back over and looks at the body again.

That was intended to be just descriptive but I'm more than happy to roll dice and retcon that I'm still standing by the body :P

She looks over at Spud and remembers her manners. "Here you are being so hospitable, and I just realized I never even introduced myself. I am Caro Martisova, traveler and alchemist, new in town looking to see if this is where I'd like to stay for a while. Your offer of work is quite generous and I'd like to take you up on it. Being new here would you mind if I took a day or two to explore town and started afterwards? That would give me a chance to acclimate to the area and get some rest after being on the road. I'll pay cash for any days that I don't work. I have an idea that might help you increase your business, but that depends on several factors and we could discuss it later, or in the morning."

Caro stretches, and sits back at the bar unless the results of her checks give her information that she can act on regarding the body. Spud's willingness to both employ her and believe her about the scuffle have put her completely at ease around him, and she feels comfortable asking his advice. "You know better than I do how things work around here. Should I remain here while the law comes, or will it look odd for me to be eating a meal at a crime scene? Although I'm interested in how they will handle this issue, if it makes things run smoother I could take my stuff to my room and wait for them to be done. Not everyone understands that due to past experience and employment I am not uncomfortable around bodies, and sometimes they find it suspicious."

She looks at the door, puzzling over the lock. She looks to Grissm and almost asks if he knows how to pick a lock, then shakes her head. Stupid, she chides herself. She turns to those in the cage. "Step away from the door."

Once they have obeyed, she gathers enough strength to heft the longhammer once more and brings the massive weapon down on the bars of the door.

Power Attack vs. Door: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 - 1 = 20
Damage: 2d6 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (1, 1) + 7 - 1 = 8

That was some underwhelming damage. :S

Scowling, she takes a deep breath and tries again.

Power Attack vs. Door: 1d20 + 3 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 1 = 6
Damage: 2d6 + 7 - 1 ⇒ (6, 1) + 7 - 1 = 13

Good grief. I think unattended objects have AC 5 so I think I hit, but barely lol.

I don't know what I was expecting. Pirate hunters, if that's what they are, probably wouldn't be the most trusting men in the world. Haddek keeps his distance until the men are at ease, careful not to make any sudden moves. "I can pay my way, and I'm useful in a fight if needed. I just need to get across the Inner Sea to Cassomir. Please let the Captain know I'm here." He looks up at the man on the deck.

Do I recognize one of them as being Captain Flack? Or at least know what he looks like?
Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 + Inspiration: 1d6 ⇒ 2 = 12

After pausing a brief second she makes her way across the room where a spiral stairway twists down into the lower levels of the library. Faintly her voice fades as she makes her way down the stairs. “I think an arrangement could….” Soon her voice fades to a point that neither of you hear the end of her statement.

Ileum stands in silence as he watches the librarian leave in the middle of her response quickly losing interest.

"You are interested in the collection as well? You are a rather dedicated historian."

“Oh yes, I’ve spend most of my life curious. I yearn for nothing more than to better understand the past as it is written. The other books being in Caliphas is only another opportunity for me to experience, explore, and understand.”

"If we are both intent on gathering the other journals...why don't we travel together? As the librarian says, Ustalav isn't the safest place, and a couple of bookworms venturing into such lands is precarious. The two of us would be safer together, and if we are venturing with the same objective we would travelling in parallel anyway."

“Well, I don’t see why not. Traveling together would definitely be safer, especially if the city we seek is as wretched as the librarian says.” he pauses for a moment considering the trip. “I may need a bit more coin before setting off depending on how we plan to get there. Putting that to the side for now, an introduction is long past due. My name is Ileum, what is yours?”

All four of the other warriors follow your lead as they each take a minute to regain their stamina. The four Orcs, who are lying in blood soaked pools slowly bleed to death. The large group of hostages seem overwhelmed as they watched you bring your hammer down upon the rickety gate of the makeshift cage. After striking the gate repeatedly, you send wood fragments and tree branches flying across the field. The loose fitted rope, that held the monstrosity together, quickly drops to the ground in a knotted mess. Soon, the way to the prisoners becomes clear, where you count a solid fifteen Shoanti.

Your eyes quickly cover the confined area, as your heart once again begins to pond with anticipation. You begin to feel nauseated as you realize that neither of your step parents are present among the hostages. The other four warriors quickly mingle with those you have freed. They each, in turn, embrace someone who was taken from them the night before. You, on the other hand, find only fifteen thankful friends. Many of the Shoanti, who you have released, congratulate you on your powerful display of skill. More than a few of them attempt to hug you with gratitude and attempt to learn your name. It all seems a blur together as your mind races to the one question that burns deep in your soul. Where are your parents!

Perception (9): While glancing down at the corps lying on the ground, you notice a black looking signet ring, which bears a small green flame in its center. The ring is on the victims left pinkie finger and is otherwise in plain sight.

Heal (19): After considering the injury that the dead man suffered, you don’t think it was enough to have killed him out right. The fact that he crumpled over as quickly as he did, causes you to wonder what else might have had a role in his death.

After considering your question, Spud agrees with your observation about being present when the law arrives. “Eating your meal upstairs would make things a bit easier. I’ll come get you after the law takes the body away.”

The Widow’s Nest

After considering your request, the watchman standing on the ship’s plank, nods over at the other man on the deck. The deck-man then moves away from the ship’s side and out of sight.

The plank watchman continues to standby, quietly, as if he is waiting for something. Soon the deck-man returns to the side of the ship with an escort. A large brimmed hat crests the head of a thick bearded man, who peers down over the side of the ship’s main deck. The man looks extremely seasoned with a large scar that runs down the left side of his face. His thick, black, knotted beard hangs long enough to clear the ships main railing, where it swings freely in the storm’s wind.

“What business do ya have with the Widow?” He asks in a rough, dry tone. Soon after asking the question, he begins to make his way along the ship’s railing, towards its main plank.

While watching the man, you notice that he only has one arm. Where his left arm use to be, now hangs the limp fabric of an armless sleeve. “Perhaps ya didn’t hear me son. What business have ya with the Widow? I urge ya to make hast with the answer before something unpleasant happens.” He repeats as he reaches the top of the dock plank. Just as he finishes his last statement, four other rough looking crewmen peer over the side of the ship.

The Cave

As you make your way down the corridor you peer into multiple small rooms that harbor different sized stone sarcophaguses. Most of the sarcophaguses appear to be sealed, but a few are still open and empty.

As you round the corner you see a large outcropping of hay, which sits up against a small pool of stagnate water. Sitting nestled in the pile of hay, rests a small canine. It watches you closely as you follow Darkwillow. You can hear a slight rumbling coming from the canine as it begins a deep growl. Almost instantly, the woman turns to the beast and shouts, “SHUSH!” Upon her order the canine quickly stops. Soon you both enter the chamber's main room, which also houses many larger sarcophagus's along each of its walls. Here a small table rests in the middle of the room. Upon the table sits two small cups and a tea kettle. “Could I offer you some tea?” She asks in an old cracking voice. While awaiting for your response, she moves over to the table and sits in one of the two wooden chairs that rests up against it. “Please sit. Make yourself comfortable, and then begin with the first of your questions.”

The smell of decay still hangs heavily in the air while the sound of water occasionally dripping into the small pool disturbs the absolute silence that resides between your questions.

The librarian listens intently as you two begin conversing about your intentions to travel to Ustalav. At some point in the conversation, she moves over to your table with a card from the card file. After laying the card on your table she looks at both of you. “If you bring this card back tomorrow morning, you will be able to exchange it for the copy of the book. There will be a two gold piece fee for the creation of the copy. I hope this is OK with you?”

“And as I stated earlier, if you manage to make copies of the other four books, the library would be willing to trade the single original for a copy of all the journals. To that end, I am a little curious about something.” The librarian turns to look at Ileum. “Earlier you mentioned something about this book being sentimental. May I ask why the book has such sentiment?”

Assuming no one has an actual answer for her, Berta will attempt a Survival check to look for more tracks. Wheel ruts, a large band of footprints, anything she can see.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

I also wish I had time to really investigate this body. He did not die from that wound alone.
Is there time to quickly take a sample of blood to investigate upstairs or do another heal check to identify a cause of death? heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 if so

After checking out the body, Sisu heads towards her room upstairs. "Thank you for your hospitality Spud. Some might think that helping me stay out of this is a lot to do for a stranger, and I really appreciate it."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

The librarian turns to look at Ileum. “Earlier you mentioned something about this book being sentimental. May I ask why the book has such sentiment?”

A flush of accomplishment brightens Ileums expression realizing his words were not wasted on deaf ears. His expression quickly fades to a look of inner conflict towards the librarian’s question. Trying to buy himself time he pulls out his journal and begins flipping through the pages as he considers the question. Ileum found himself unsure of what to say realizing the thoughts he had of the writer were primarily speculation. He turns to the elf beside him, then looks back to the librarian and stops at a page in his journal. After insuring the journal was on the correct page, he then slides it to over Tiasar to read.

"Tiasar Soseshtian. Conjurer. Do you also specialize in a school of magic?" He inquires. "As for the journey, our destination is a port city and a major trade center, so hopefully we can find moderately cheap transport aboard a trade vessel."?"

Looking at the page of notes taken by Ileum you notice a small collection of facts and questions he wrote down at the bottom of the page in regards to Kothar Soseshtian’s journal.

“I do not specialize in a specific magic but I can use it with this.” He says pointing to a well-made elven longbow strung over his shoulder. “Although a trip overseas sound exciting, maybe a trade caravan would be the safest way of travel. I’m not exactly sure how to swim, being on a boat surrounded by water sounds… frightening.”

After giving Tiasar time to look over his journal entry, Ileum turns back to the librarian and final answers her question. “I believe that question is best suited for Tiasar and what he is willing to say.”

Looking at the page of notes taken by Ileum you notice a small collection of facts and questions he wrote down at the bottom of the page in regards to Kothar Soseshtian’s journal.

My god that is a beautiful image. How did you do that?

Tiasar indicates the written notes. "Baelesti was-or is, a silver dragon. I know little about him, including if he is even still alive or where he may be. Perhaps more of the journals may give us a hint."

“I do not specialize in a specific magic but I can use it with this.” He says pointing to a well-made elven longbow strung over his shoulder. “Although a trip overseas sound exciting, maybe a trade caravan would be the safest way of travel. I’m not exactly sure how to swim, being on a boat surrounded by water sounds… frightening.”

Tiasar nods, but his brows go up when the pale elf points to his bow. Ah, not a wizard than. A magus. An out of the ordinary one who uses a bow no less. "If you are adverse to naval travel we can consider other options, but I imagine it's the safest and fastest option. A trade caravan would have to go northeast through Razmiran, and would pass by or through several forests as well as the Hungry Mountains. I fear the interception chance from bandits and wild creatures would be significantly higher. But if we go by ship we can use Lake Encarthan to go directly from Greengold to Caliphas, perhaps with a stop in Thornstep."

At the librarians question he glances back to Ileum. "Kothar was my father, and he was slain by Treerazer when I was still a child. I would like to know more about him...as well as his confrontation with Treerazer, and what can be learned from it."

Your adrenalin begins to surge as you make your way through the fifteen freed Shoanti. Each gives an account that sounds similar to the others. “When we arrived at this location, there were two black cage wagons waiting. The drivers of the wagons where human. A total of ten men guarded the wagons. They carried sword and shield and were wearing black, metal adorned armor. They spoke with the large orc,” referring to the (Green) Orc, “and gave him a pouch of coin along with an old scrolled up paper. Then they separated us and took half of our people away in their wagons. Both people you seek, Lurks in Light and Two Stars, where in that wagon. Once they had what they came for they rode out hard and fast.” Many of the accounts varied slightly, because of different perspectives, but most of them sounded very similar. One of the details that stood out above the rest is the fact that every witness mentioned a green burning torch that hung from the side of their wagons.

Survival: (DC 14) After listening to the hostages, you begin a thorough search of the area and find that the ground is overly saturated with footprints, wagon tracks and a number of drag marks. After evaluating the chaos of trails you and Grissm both come to the conclusion that anything left by the dark wagon would be impossible to follow.

Spud kneels down and takes a close look at the ring and then looks over at you. "Yes, I have seen this before. On more than one occasion, I have seen a rough looking crew transporting questionable goods across the docks at night. They don't seem like the type of crew I want to mixed up with, so I generally keep my distance. From what I've seen, they seem to deal mostly in slaves.” After commenting about the ring, Spud heads back over to the door and takes a look down the road. “Nothing yet.” he comments about the arrival of the law.

Heal (DC 10) After making a quick inspection of the body you definitely feel the man was poisoned, but you aren’t sure what kind of poison was used. After taking a small amount of blood from the victim, you head upstairs.

Before long you hear a knock at your door with the voice of Spud following it. “They've gone.” The meal that spud prepared was very tasty and the law didn’t seem to take more than about twenty minutes to vacate the body.

The Widow’s Nest

Diplomacy: (DC 25) The dark bearded man considers your request and then looks over to the rest of his crew. After watching many of them shake their heads no, he looks back over at you. “Ifin you know what we’re about and ya still want to gamble a trip across the sea, in this tired old bucket, then I’m of the mind that you might have enough salt survive the trip. Keep in mind, everyone on the Widow works! And ifin we fight, you fight……If we fight and you don’t,” he cuts his last statement shot and points down at the water. “Knowing all that, if you still wish to go, you can come aboard. We make sail in an hour. My boys will help you get situated in one of the Widow's crew quarters. Don’t mind the smell, you’ll get used to it!”

Assuming Haddek accepts the Captains offer he will be considered in rout. Once everyone else has completed their introductions, then we will pick back up with your arrival.

The old woman sits quietly running her finger over the brim of her cup as she waits with anticipation over your inquiry. The look on her face reflects a deep understanding about depths of inward reflection. "No doubt I have caught you little off guard" she says after taking a small drink from her tiny tea cup.

"Kothar was my father, and he was slain by Treerazer when I was still a child.”

After Tiasar finishes his statement, the librarian’s face drops a bit. Almost immediately she pauses in silence, which creates an unsettling moment. “ So you are personally connected to this journal? That might change things a bit. Please give me a moment.” She states just before walking back over to the spiral staircase and descending back down into the library’s basement.

After about twenty minutes she comes back up the stairs and heads over to your table, where she places the original journal down. “I had no idea.” She states with a look of sadness. “When I originally brought the book over, I thought it fell into your preferred reading subject. I had no idea that you where personally linked to it.” The librarian slides the book over to Tiasar. “Here, the elders have given permission for me to give this to you as long as you agree to someday share with us what’s in the other four journals. That’s assuming you find them of course.”

After pushing over the original copy of the Journal, the librarian comments on your prospective trip. “Here in Kyonin, we never charges our own kind for transport out of the city. It’s one of our customs. So from her to Greengold, you should have no problem finding an outbound trade transport to join. Now from Greengold to Caliphas, that might set you back a little if you can’t find a trade ship willing to take you on as a worker or guard’s men. I would think that a couple highly intelligent elves, like yourselves, should be able to barter passage."

Tiasar can now add his father’s journal (2/5) to his inventory (Value unknown). When you are prepared to attempt the trip, let me know what rout you intend to take, land or lake, and how you intend to pay for the trip. If you wish to barter work, protection, or skill for the transportation, then make a diplomacy roll or skill check representing the skill you wish to offer in exchange for the passage.