Listening to Gurthun’s response to Mirianna. “humm... yes, yes, yes.. It seems that it has been the target of grave robbers.” remembering that something had to of been dragged out by the markings on the floor; “Tell me my boy, who was your grandfather when he was alive?”
Suddenly the question that Gurthun had ask strikes him odd; Did you find anything of value in the tomb? and thinks to himself; That is an odd question to ask of your grandfathers resting place. The young lad was alive when he was laid to rest... I’ll have to think on this one.
“A tunic sir halfling? I have heard that Gurthun’s Garments is the place to go when acquiring a new outfit for the festivities. Excuse my manors, I am Alurad Sorizan. And you mister halfling are...”
Mirianna looks at the man, tilting her head slightly, "No, we did not enter the tomb ourselves. Was your grandfather buried with some of his possessions that might have lured someone there?"
Listening Gurthun he chimes in when he brings up his father being an adventurer. “An adventurer you say? My boy, I would have loved have had a father who was an adventurer. Were you raised as a child with tales of his heroics?”
Alurad thinks to remember about seeing a belt, or even another body in the mausoleum. Turning to his companions in a whisper; “My mind must be slipping, was there more than one body in that mausoleum?”
The paladin turns to the halfling. "Good afternoon sir. Lucius here" He holds out his gauntleted hand.
OOC: Let's try this again with the correct alias.
IC: Singol takes the offered hand. "Good afternoon to you, sir. Singol is my name. I'm new here in town. Came for the festival."
The shop keeper turns to the halfling. "I am young master. What did you need?"
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Gurthen. I am in need of a simple traveling tunic. I lost one in an unfortunate incident around the campfire."
Listening to Gurthun’s response to Mirianna. “humm... yes, yes, yes.. It seems that it has been the target of grave robbers.” remembering that something had to of been dragged out by the markings on the floor; “Tell me my boy, who was your grandfather when he was alive?”
Suddenly the question that Gurthun had ask strikes him odd; Did you find anything of value in the tomb? and thinks to himself; That is an odd question to ask of your grandfathers resting place. The young lad was alive when he was laid to rest... I’ll have to think on this one.
“A tunic sir halfling? I have heard that Gurthun’s Garments is the place to go when acquiring a new outfit for the festivities. Excuse my manors, I am Alurad Sorizan. And you mister halfling are...”
Addressing Alurad at some point. Singol gives a slight bow to the old (?) human. "Greetings. I am Singol. I'm here for the festival. Are you as well?"
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The man thinks for a moment.. "Yes many heroics of fighting strange beasts and far voyages. But nothing that a shopkeeper can worry about today." He looks down then continues.."Well if you are done purchasing items my friends. Perhaps I can get back to my inventory check" the man smiles. "Thank you for checking into my fathers tomb. I will alert the town guard. I will give you any news I find out if you let me know where you're staying!"
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He seems very dismissive, Duraz thinks, but he gets the sense that there isn't much to be gained here. Still, the information that the man was an adventurer could be valuable. Was he specifically targeted or just victim of chance? Is all of this related to the horse apparition?
Why did your father choose to settle here?, Duraz asks Gurthun junior to make the most of their time here.
Looking obviously confused; “Oh, yes yes yes. Go right ahead. I would detest it if I were to lose you a sale. I am staying at the... you know, I am not staying anywhere.” Looking to his companions; “Where are you all staying? I am sure I will find a room there also.”
“We will keep you apprised when we have news, and you do the same” Alurad will give a nod of his head to Gurthun before turning to head out of the shop. “I need a bit of fresh air. When you are finished shopping I’ll be waiting.”
Outside of the Gurthun’s Garments, Alurad checks the straps of the saddle and saddle bags on Shadow and gives her a comforting pet on the nose.
Once everyone is outside Alurad starts up. “That could have been a dead end, but we did learn what was stolen. A possibly priceless belt. Who in a town like this would bury their dead with a gold belt that is adorned with jewels.” tapping a finger to his lips as he thinks on the situation. “There must be something that we missed... so what do we have? There was grave robbers that have been robbing this towns cemetery. They broke into the mausoleum and stole Gurthun the 1st belt and left drag marks. They resealed it with mismatched stones. There was a ghost horse that disappeared. And finally there was no tracks leaving the mausoleum.”
Continuing to think he adds in; “Was there anything that I missed?”
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Satisfied with the shopkeeper's answer, Duraz follows Alurad outside after waving a goodbye. He listens to the scholar's wonderings and Lucius' reply and says I'm willing to bet that whoever robbed the rich adventurer knew what they were doing. Such an item seems like a display item, so whoever stole it means to hide it or move it away from here so it is not recognized.
Wanting to sound smart, he comments The robber cared enough to cover his or her tracks, but was not very successful doing so. After thinking for a while, he says We should try to investigate what kind of an adventurer Gurthun the first was. Sometimes adventurers are seen as heroes. If so, then knowing what he brought into town could help us somehow. By emphasizing the word 'brought', he meant to reference the horse's riddle.
In any case, Duraz feels that finding out more about Gurthun is particularly important for solving this mistery.
"I will ask around about the horse."
The man thinks for a moment.. "Yes many heroics of fighting strange beasts and far voyages. But nothing that a shopkeeper can worry about today." He looks down then continues.."Well if you are done purchasing items my friends. Perhaps I can get back to my inventory check" the man smiles. "Thank you for checking into my fathers tomb. I will alert the town guard. I will give you any news I find out if you let me know where you're staying!"
Singol finds a tunic to his liking. He pays Gurthen. "Gurthen, did I hear right, your father's tomb was robbed? That's terrible!"
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Before leaving the shop the man turns to Singol.
"Yes but I believe these fellows and ladies are helping me out somewhat"
- - - - -
Asking around town, Mirianna finds out that the beautiful yet weathered statue has been there longer than anyone can remember. The locals say that Storich Duvelna, a paladin of some renown, commissioned it centuries ago. Those who frequent the area claim to have seen a frightening phantom
horse roaming the area around the statue.
She also hears a man mention in a tavern "A sideshow man was showing a winged beast in a covered cart over in the market square. Said it was for
sale."
Singol steps out of the shop. If members of the party are still around, he'll address them.
"Do any of you have recommendations for where to stay in town? Nothing fancy. Not dangerous would be nice."
Looking up in the sky where the sun in Alurad rubs his stomach for a moment. “Lucius I think you are onto something. A nice meal would be nice, I do think clearer after a hot meal and a cold mug of ale. We can go over what Mirianna finds from the townsfolk.”
Turning towards Singol as he comes out o the shop. “Singol correct? We are heading over to the Fireside Inn. I do believe they have rooms, or I hope they do. I have yet to find a place to rest my feet and back for the night. You should join us as we go.”
Leading Shadow through the town Alurad pats the pony on her back; “I am sure they have a stable and someone who will brush you and clean out the muck from your shoes. Oh, maybe... carrots and oats would be good for you. I’ll see what I can find...”
They head off towards the Fireside Inn.
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You all make your way back to the Inn and the Innkeeper brings a round of cider, fresh baked brown bread and lamb stew to your table. After a few minutes of tasting the fine fare of the Fireside Inn, a hooded figure
approaches you. The soft voice of the cloaked figure
reveals that she is a young lady. “Hello good sirs and ladies, may I
be seated?”
After taking Shadow to the stable Alurad enjoys the lamb stew as he breaks off pieces of the brown bread, dropping it into his bowl, scooping up the stew soaked bread with his spoon and fully enjoying the aroma of the lamb and spices used to cook the stew.
In mid conversation. “...and that is when they said Storich Duvelna had the statue commissioned? That is rather....” Alurad abruptly cuts off as the woman approaches the party.
When she takes a seat offered by Duraz, Alurad almost chokes on a piece of bread when she says that her name is Talla Durvelna.
Coughing and grabbing his mug of ale to clear his throat Alurad thinks to himself Durvelna... what are the odds? After a second swig of his ale, Alurad clears his throat one more time and speaks up; “Talla Duvelna was it my dear? Is everything ok... what do you need a champion for?”
You all make your way back to the Inn and the Innkeeper brings a round of cider, fresh baked brown bread and lamb stew to your table. After a few minutes of tasting the fine fare of the Fireside Inn, a hooded figure
approaches you. The soft voice of the cloaked figure
reveals that she is a young lady. “Hello good sirs and ladies, may I
be seated?”
Singol follows the others to the Fireside Inn. He is quiet as the others talk among themselves. He sniffs the bread before biting into it. "Better than what I've been making on the road. If I had a proper oven...oh, I'm a journeyman baker." Singol then falls quiet again, digging into the lamb stew.
The woman nods and pulls out a chair. Once seated, she drops her hood and reveals her beautiful features. Eyes glancing to each side as if
perhaps nervous, she says, "Hello, my name is Talla
Duvelna and I am in need of the service of a
champion."
The halfling sits up taller. "You are in need of a champion?"
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"The noble deed with which I need assistance will save
the life of my beloved suitor, Jerand. Jerand makes his
living as a simple cooper but we are deeply in love. Our
courtship has angered my old-fashioned father because
of the difference in our family’s social standing. My
father has declared that if Jerand wishes to continue
the courtship, he must defeat my father’s man,
Gruthal, in single combat. Without formal combat
training, Jerand is no match for the powerful Gruthal
yet I know Jerand will agree to the duel in order to
defend his honor. In order to save my beloved’s life, I
wish to find a champion who may at least have a chance
at defeating Gruthal."
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After understanding the problem, Duraz looks at the woman with a stern look. It seems that your beloved is in over his head. It is not right to have others fight for you. He will agree to fight for the wrong reasons, I believe. Honor will not get you together, but I understand it is a virtue you would value.
He shifts in his chair before continuing. If you were to ask for someone to train your Jerand for combat, I would gladly participate, and even bless him before the duel. But I will not disrespect his right to stand for himself by fighting in his stead.
He gets back to his stew to avoid raising his voice.
"I will do all I can to prepare Jerand for this fight, or you Lucius if he agrees to allow him to stand in his stead. Or I can try to speak on your behalf, I have somewhat of a way with words."
After hearing Talla’s story Alurad smiles and lets out a reminiscing sigh. “Love... such a powerful thing. When you have it, there is no worry in the world. When you’re without it, sorrow and doubt can fill your life. When something threatens it, you can lose your wits and do something completely... stupid...”
After another bite of his bread and stew, Alurad continues; “I was once young and in love. What a beauty she was, and an intellect that could be matched by none. We were not separated by the social status of wealth. She was an elf and I, well clearly a human. I grew older and she... was ageless. I knew she would not want to end up taking care of an old man... and because of my love for her, I let her go...”
Taking another bite of his bread and stew, slowly he follows it up with a drink of ale and clears his throat. “You see, sometimes in love... you have to hold onto it loosely and be willing to let it go. What joy of love will there be if your beloved dies? What joy of love will there be if he lives but fractures the relationships of your family?”
Alurad holds his mug of ale up to his lips and thinks of his lost love, then takes another drink and smiles; “Or you could always run off with your beloved and start a new life elsewhere in the world. The kingdoms are vast and there will always be a need of a cooper... no need to let an old man rain on your parade.”
Alurad continues to eat, lost in his own thoughts... My sweet Lia...
Thilla thinks about a moment and adds.
"Does the duel has to be with weapons. It could also be a game?
A champion is uncommon, indeed with my people."
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She turns to Thilla "Unfortunately madam the skill tests are with weapons. The contests are archery, horsemanship, lance use and then personal combat"
She turns to Alurad "Alas we cannot run off..I wish we could. We have four meets to meet this challenge. I can sponsor but one person. It is in conjunction with the town's fair. I don't know if I can find a champion in time. They would need a horse and weapons." She smiles at him. "You bring no rain friend. It is glad to hear such kind words from a stranger"
Lucius stands and turns to the group. "I have enjoyed our travels friends. I would be glad to aid this lady in need with your help!"
Singol watches Lucius and lets out a low whistle. "You would be two or three champions of my people.
'
Leaning in towards Alurad, "You did find another, right?"
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Talla continues and looks a bit sad "I appreciate your suggestions. But my father will not give my do dowry unless a champion defeats his man. Jerand and I would live in poverty. Jerand and I's love might not flourish amidst the stress. But surely this man" She points to Lucius "With your help can defeat my father's champion!"
A few moments after Singol addresses him, Alurad snaps out of his day dreaming of a time long ago. With a quick look around and realizing that only a few moments had past he turns to and responds; “Another? Oh yes, I have loved and lost a few times since then. But there is something unforgettable about the first time you fall in love... Do you know what I mean Singol?”
Turning his attention back to Talla and her need of a champion: “Talla, I am not sure about my friends here but I have just arrived in town for the festivities. When would the contest part of the festival kick off?”
Looking at Duraz and how he has almost checked out of this request Alurad continues. “I only ask because I feel similar to Duraz. Shouldn’t Jerand stand up for both of your honors and take part in the contest? These contest are not to the death, I previously misunderstood what you were saying and thought your father wanted him to fight to the death. Would it not show your father that Jerand truly loves you if he were the one to fight for your honor? Win or lose, a man who is willing to go up against all odds for the sake of the woman he loves is something I would like to see for the man my daughter would marry, if I had one. If he is willing to do that, would that not prove to your father that he would do anything in life for you?”
“I suppose either way we would need to know the guidelines for these contest and when they take place.”
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She turns to Alurad. "The contest is in four day. I do believe my father has said my beloved would fight to the death. Magical aid
is not prohibited in the contest but the rules on direct intervention apply. You can cast spells on the contestant to aid them. I do wish to find a champion. My father is very strict and alas the of the difference in our family’s social standing makes it impossible for my father to see reason in the matter. Winning the contest is the only way."
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Well, lady Duvelna, my offer still stands. I can train your beloved to get him at the best of my abilities in 4 days. If you choose to do so, I will use the Stormlord's blessing on him to aid his aim and body. If someone else does it for him, however, I will not give my blessing, as I feel that it is not an action condoned by my god. Duraz says these words with a grave tone in his voice, however not threatening.
As though the matter has been put to rest, he continues to think about the grave robbing. How did Storich Duvelna relate to Talla? And to Gurthun, even? This is clearly not the time to ask the damsel though, he thought. Perhaps after the festival? Or maybe she could be put on another mood. That gave him a thought.
Why don't you bring the lad here, so we can measure the would be man?
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"Yes I will fetch him and bring him back in the morning. Oh before I go, I should tell you that Gruthal is skilled at arms and has a squire who helps him into his plate." She nods and leaves the Inn.
Later that night you hear a group of merchants at one table talking and a group of farmers at another table.
One farmer says. ""If you hear strange noises in your house or barn at night you might have a haunting. Be sure to set out some bread
and milk to appease the spirits and they’ll treat you right.
If not, they’ll set a plague upon your house."
One merchant says "That Mulgond Swamp has got monstrous animals and
vermin ten times the size they should be. It’s not safe to
go there. Our caravan is steering clear of that area. The ruins there are full of demons from the Underdark!"
- - - -
In the morning after a good nights rest and a warm breakfast of hot oats, bread, jam and stewed apples Jerand arrives. He is a man in his early twenties, dressed in leather armor and carries a sickle. "Greetings adventurers, my beloved said you could train me in arms!"
Alurad scratches his beard in thought as he watches Talla leave the inn then turns to Lucius and the rest of the party; “Lucius, if Talla’s father is expecting this Jerand fellow to fight to the death for Talla’s hand, do you think it is possible that is what he would want of the champion put forward? Not that I don’t think it is a noble cause, but is this a matter that complete strangers should get involved in at the risk of serious injury or death?”
As Alurad overhears the talk of the haunting he speaks up to those around his table; “Do you think that they could be talking about the horse we saw earlier?” He continues to eat until he overhears the talk of oversized vermin from Underdark; “Now that is something I would be interested in checking out! Let’s see what shows up with this Talla/Jerand situation.”
After moments of drinking he speaks up again; “You know, we need to come to some agreement about this championing for Talla and Jerand. Lucius has offered to be the champion but Duraz and Mirianna offered to help train him. I don’t know much about combatant training, but I believe that only a couple days is not enough time. I don’t know if this is worth a death...”
Alurad takes a bite of the stewed apples and enjoys the warmth it brings to him. As Jerand shows up looks around at his companions.
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Duraz doesn't reply Alurad about his inquiry on risking one's life for a stranger. He had seen attitudes far more extreme than this. He actually envied such a selfless deed, knowing he himself would never do something like it.
As the scholar comments on the nearby conversations, the cleric thinks a while before answering. These "spirits" are probably someone playing a prank. It doesn't really draw much of my attention.
He is interested about the vermin. These pests in the swamp seem interesting. I would sure like to see one...
When Jerand shows up, Duraz gets an idea. He says I sure can and would, Jerand. Are you willing? It's going to be a tough, but you'll come out another man. One to be beholded by the Stormlord himself.
He then comments to everyone Well, we can do our best to get him in his best shape. Buuut, we could also put the other guy in his worst shape. He blinks an eye as he says so.
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One of the farmers turns to Duraz "It is a fairy some say. There are many creatures out there that we don't understand"
- - -
Jerand turns to the characters "If no one else will help I will use my sickle to win my beloved. It cuts wheat it can cut a man"
His beloved looks concerned. "Hopefully these men and women can teach you a sword in 4 days. It might cut plate better"
Alurad looks to his companions and back to Jerand “Young man, I must ask you a very important question. What does Talla mean to you? Truly think about this... it could possibly cost you your life, or the life of one of these at the table...” Allowing Jerand to think about it for a moment Alurad continues on; “Love is worth fighting for. Would you rather test your merit against Talla’s fathers champion, or would you rather set forth a champion of your own?” Alurad begins to chuckle for a moment and in a tone that is not serious says; “Or you could always challenge Talla’s father straight on... no champions needed...”