As the sun goes down over the Hellfurnace Mountains, fingers of shadow extend over the Crater Lake and darkness will fall over Cauldron, the city built on the top of an anciant volcano. But this volcano has not been active for more than three thousand years, so Surabar Spellmason had determined as he founded the city on top of the mountain nearly 700 years ago.
With the darkness comes the fear. The people of Cauldron are wondering, who would be hit next. Who would disappear without trace? No sign of forced entry to their homes, but the belongings and the people would have vanished.
For nearly three months now have the people been disappearing over the city. Terseon Skellerang, Captain of the Town Guard, is under a lot of pressure. He has tripled the patrols during the night, but the raids on the caravans to Sasserine were also taking their toll. What would happen, if not enough food would come to the city, or none at all? The Town Guard was strechted to their breaking point. The Cauldron Herald makes accusations against the Captain, crying out loud, that he is incompetent to stop the vanishing of the citizens. But he is only a man, huge he may be, but easily enraged. Lord Mayor Severen Navalant offered a reward of 100 gold pieces to the one, who would bring him proof, that the "New Vanishing" has stopped, 4 weeks ago. The Town Council raised the reward to 1000 gold pieces a few days ago.
The City is bustling at this time of day. Everyone is trying to get home before the sun is down. Everyone locks himself up in his humble abode and waits for the night to pass. Only in the Ash Avenue would the business thrive, women selling their favors and cheap ale available in seedy taverns. Perhaps the stink of the Crater Lake was responsible, that no one was taken on Ash Avenue. But none of the Lords and Ladies of the Town Council would come down from their high villas on Obsidian Avenue, down the ramps from their high perch with their high noses.
Who would be caught next?
When would the "New Vanishing" strike again?
Lunari Lightchaser:
Lunari Lightchaser:
Another kidnapping. This time it was the Lantern Street Orphanage. Lunari has none in her care at the moment. It would be a dreadful task to tell them about the disappearance of their friends.
Who exactly had been abducted? Was it someone she liked? Or some of the troublemakers, like Terrem? Didn't Seynor have a friend in there, too?
Seynor Hillclimber:
Another kidnapping. This time it was the Lantern Street Orphanage. Deakon Stormshield is there.
Ten years ago... that was the first time you'd seen the young dwarf. He'd been six as Zenith Splintershield took the dwarves from the Malachite Fortress and disappeared ino the Underdark on his crusade to cleanse evil from the face of the World and beneath.
Deakon's parents came to the abode of the Hillclimbers and asked to take care of the young dwarf, until they returned from the small foray into the Underdark. They never came back.
In the next year you had learned the mining craft from your parents, they showed you how to shore up a shaft, what to look for in the rocks to find Diamonds or Obsidian.
Then the earth had shaken, while the whole family had been inside the mines. Everyone except for young Deakon. He went to bring back a rescue team. But who would believe a seven year old child?
You heard the other ones cry out for help, whimper in the darkness, suffer from their wounds and thirst, until they died.
You'd been the sole survivor, rescued after seven days. So long it had taken the team to burrow through the remains of the mine.
After the accident you and Deakon had been brought to the Lantern Street Orphanage. It was not long after you left the orphanage again. You were too old to be brought up there, they had said.
But their eyes told a different story.
You welcomed death with open arms after he took away your family, now your friends. But death had not claimed you. But none of the mines would take you up. Bad luck, they said, you'd bring.
Lunari was growing desperate. But you found the way on your own. The calling of Wee Jas came and you followed.
But you always kept an eye on Deakon, visiting him in the orphanage, as often as you could.
And now there had been kidnappings in the orphanage?
Lindwicket:
You had been pronounced priest of Garl Glittergold at the temple in Greyrax three weeks ago.
Now you had come back to Sasserine on your way back to Cauldron. You'd been entrusted to be the caretaker
of the shrine of Garl Glittergold in Cauldron, perhaps even founding a new temple.
The temple in Greyrax had given you a good sum and some equipment with you, when you stepped on the ship back to Sasserine.
The voyage on the sea was dreadful beyond belief. Sea sickness had claimed you from the first day. And you welcomed the day of your arrival in Sasserine with open arms and an empty stomach.
Sasserine was a bustling town. It took you not very long to find out, that the last caravan from Cauldron had just arrived in the town and would start its way back again in three days time.
You went to the caravan master and secured a place on one of the wagons. hmm.. wagons would sway back and forth... a hint of sea sickness tightened your stomch into a knot. Never again.
So you bought a riding dog and the necessary equipment to stay on the back of your mount.
Tomorrow the caravan would start back home.. to Cauldron.
Dari Lamancha:
Sasserine was a bustling town. It took you not very long to find out, that the last caravan from Cauldron had just arrived in the town and would start its way back again in two days time.
You went to the caravan master and secured a place on one of the wagons. Tomorrow the caravan would start to Cauldron... where Hookface was known to seen the last time.
Hanathan:
28st Harvester 592 CY
A elder citizen of Sasserine had come to the temple of Heironeous, in his hands an issue of the Cauldron Herald from the 16th Goodmonth 592 CY containing an article about the disappearance of Tembor Kalavan, a local minstrel, from his room in an inn.
"My son, what did they do to my son?" The man was greeted with condolescences about the disappearing of his son and reassurances, that the Town Guard of Cauldron would handle this.
You were standing guard duty at the temple entrance and overheard the conversation. Then you remembered a dream you had last month, exactly in the night given by the newspaper when the minstrel had disappeared.
A group of hooded figures had invaded a small room in an inn, taken out the sleeping man and dragged him and his lute out of a house into a street.
One thing you remembered was that the skin of the hands you saw in your dreams always seemed to match the color of the background.
As you stepped forward and asked, if the description of the person in your dream matched the one of Tembor Kalavan, the man emphatically nodded.
"Yes, that is our son. Do you know more? Where is he?"
You could only answer that you saw the man in a dream. At this the High Prior of your temple took notice of your conversation. And took the three of you, the priest, the father of the missing son and you to his office.
"Heironeous works in many different ways. Sending dreams is always meaningful. And this one in particular is a sign of our god's work. Hanathan, I think you were meant to follow the guidance of our Lord when you received this dream. You will go to Cauldron and find the son of Mister Kalavan. Bring the word of Heironeous to Cauldron and send reports to me about your progress."
The High Prior takes the downtrodden man at his shoulder. "We will find out what has happened to your son. Be assured!" The man nods, hope is showing in his eyes as he leaves the office.
After that the priest ask you to pack your belongings and take the next caravan to Cauldron.
Cauldron is two hundred miles to the south Sasserine and about every week there is a caravan running the City on the Volcano and back. But during the last weeks many of those caravans failed to arrive. The next caravan is scheduled to start in four days.
Stergan Rus:
At least you were not cold. The jungle is hot and humid. But hunger gnaws at your stomach. How long has it been since you have escaped the drow? Seven days. Four days since you have found the exit from the Underdark.
And those baboons began to follow you last night. You are tired beyond words. No sleep. The jungle will kill you. But where in this damned chaos of trees and undergrowth would be a place of safety? You need to get your bearings first.
So you climb a tree. In the faraway disance you see the peak of an old volcano. Cauldron. That has to be Cauldron. But it is too far away!
At least, you now have a direction.
Manduzi Steelsong:
Another kidnapping. You still remembered the good times when you were competing with Tembor Kalavan for the hands of the girls in the Laughing Horse Tavern on Ash Avenue. Playing song for song, verse against verse, alternating between players and girls and beer and wine. You two had lots of fun. And then he was gone. From his locked room in the inn he was staying.
From that day on the songs you'd been playing took a different note. Lost friendship, missing company. Hookface-Jack had taken you by the side. "The people want hear happy songs, Duzi, not this melancholic stuff you're playing." SO you played the happy stuff again, but your mood was different. Was that why Olidamara was wearing a mask? So that no one could see her face?
The kidnappings continued. For neary three months people have been disappearing every two to eight nights.
Today is your birthday, normally a day of joy. But the new kidnappings even take the joy out of this day. You finger the locket with the picture of your parents dangling from your neck. Your Birthday always reminds you of your parents.
Hookface-Jack comes to you with a tiny package and a big package.
"Happy Birthday, Duzi. This is my present." handing you the big one "And this I found on my bar this morning, perhaps a guest remembers your birthday?" You open the big package. It is a wonderful cloak. You thank your foster father enthusistically.
Then you open your other present. Therein you find golden coin wrapped in a note.
"Your days of freelance thieving are done.
You are nineteen now.
Do you want to see your next birthday?
Stop freelancing now or become a member!"
The golden coin has a jester on one of its sides, clearly a sign of the Last Laugh.
I won't be safe on here. Those baboons surely know how to climb.
But I'm not safer on the ground. At least some predators don't know how to come up into a tree...
Now what? Do I risk trying to get some sleep on here? Or do I risk getting caught down there? the half-elf bickers with himself and gets stopped by his growling stomach.
Damn that hunger. Damn Triel. Damn the Drow. At least I got fed there. And I could sleep there... from time to time.
Damn you Stergan! That was no pleasant time! Be gratefull to have escaped! Now get your sorry ass moving. Find something to eat. Keep on your feet. And get to Cauldron!!
With that thoughts he takes a few of his surroundings, hoping to find something edible nearby. Then he carefully descends to the junglefloor, keeping the direction of Cauldron in mind.
Find something to eat. Get to Cauldron. If you sleep, you are dead. Keep moving.
Seynor just heard that four children went missing in the Orphanage and now he is on his way to visit Deakon, to asure him and himself that all would be alright.
“Damned city guard, can’t do their work as they should be!” Muttered Seynor on the way to the Orphanage.
Dari was hardly able to bear the suspense. One day and she would get the chance to receive new traces about Hookface. Sure, this will not be an ease task, but she was so fascinated, since she read the legend about Hookface, the famous dragon. What would happen, if she was the first finding the treasure? What would all the people say, who didn't believe the old legends? What would her father say, if she will become famous?
Questions after questions!
With a view looks, Dari carefully chechs her weapons and lugage. "A quick rest und the travel can start. I'm well prepared", Dari smiles.
"Heironeous works in many different ways. Sending dreams is always meaningful. And this one in particular is a sign of our god's work."
Hanathan that rings though her head as she, moves about gathering her things with an excitement and not really paying much mind to her surroundings. Her mind was realing with the though that Heironeous had sent her a sigh, she had visions before of coarse. But this was different, now it was time to leave the temple..her home maybe forever.
She pushes that aside, all thought of home and missing her family are pushed back. The arch-paladin had a place for her, he had a service for her.
Hanathan gathers the last of her things, checks her armor, prays on last time before the alter in her room and sets off down the stairs to say farwell to her parents and siblings. She would miss them. She was an oddity among half elves, born to half elven parents and having 4 siblings of the same race. Parting from her brother and sisters would be the real test for her she knew.
Soon she is off toward the carven, eyes filled with fire and saddness.
So it was done at last. Lindwicket sighed with relief and rubbed the nugget of gold on the new chain hanging around his neck. Maybe the old man would finally give him some peace of mind now. He knew the miser only wanted a priest in the family for a business advantage, but regardless it seemed like the right thing to do. Most of the gnomes of Cauldron had lost so much in the Vanishing while the Berenbiddle's only thrived, expanding to become the dominate quality toymakers. It only seemed right that he could offer something back to the community of craftsmen while continuing work in his father's shop. And it had to be said... the gnomes couldn't help but show their appreciation for an ordained Amethyst of Garl seeing to the shrine in remote Cauldron. He would be a symbol of their changing fortunes. With their generosity and time- the shrine would become a temple. And with more time and Garl's grace- donations could fund more effective mercenary caravan guards. The gnomes would be able to caravan their quality crafts out of the jungle together and make a stronger name for their goods in the larger world. But all that was far away.
Lindwicket sipped his lager and tossed Glimmer another roasted potato from his plate which his new friend eagerly snatched midair. Glimmer was some kind of breed called a boxer. He didn't know much about animals, but eventually he had found a halfling hostler in Sasserine specializing in smaller mounts and interviewed those he had available. It was an easy choice. She seemed to be a happy go lucky sort and had a strong muscular frame. In fact she was a monster compared to tiny Lindwicket, but they had clicked immediately. And so the threat of an extended wagon train journey through the jungle was averted.
The gnome took another sip of his lager and smiled thinking about how his life would be changing as a new priest in Cauldron. Life was good- and about to get a lot better.
DM
Manduzi palmed the coin, quickly hiding it away in the pocket of his linen breeches, just as he had done to so many coins before but this was for different reasons. He didn’t want Jack to see the coin or note and worry about him, indeed Jack was getting up there in years and Manduzi saw no need to worry him about some member’s only thieves club. He didn’t fancy himself a thief or cutpurse, and he hardly wished to associate with those who did. He was simply a rogue, much in the style of his patron laughing deity, and he did what he did simply because he was good at it.
He hadn’t had much to laugh about lately. If Tembor was still around then they’d share laughter as they always had. And they would play long into the night much to the joy of the young maidens and at dawn’s break the next day they’d set down and talk of the night before and clank there mugs of beer together and vow to do it all over again. An audible sigh, which might best be described as the death rattle of Manduzi’s innocence escaped the birthday boy’s lips.
He was another year older and His friend Tembor wasn’t around to share the night with him. Instead, he would put on a fake smile and play his harp with lackluster passion as he spewed upbeat jigs about a lakes of beer and wine and between songs he would do his best to drown his concerns. When everything is hazy then everything will be okay. The ploy couldn’t last.
Manduzi pulled himself away from these melancholy thoughts and enthusiastically tried on his less threatening gift, repeatedly thanking Hookface-Jack.
“My mother and father Jack, I’ve been thinking about them here lately and I’m forced to call into question my future. I love playing music for your patrons every night…but is it what I’m meant for? By my age, my parents had seen the depths of Dreadwood, sailed the Dramidj Ocean and travelled past the Bandit Kingdoms to the Hold of Stonefist!” He said excitedly, until his fervor crashed down at thinking about being left here in Cauldron.
“I don’t know Jack…I’ve just been thinking...Especially with these disappearances, maybe what Cauldron needs is a hero, someone to stand up against the evil cult or dark forces or whatever it is. That’s what my father would do, I’m sure of it.” He stated hesitantly, almost as if asking for reassurance.
“At any rate, it just seems like the right thing to do, to try to figure out what it is that’s going on. If I disappeared, I certainly think that Tembor would’ve looked for me…I’m quite sure of it, I must try to help, that damn Skellerang is an imbecile anyways, he couldn’t catch me if I stole the boots off of his feet, much less deal with Morkoth, if that be what it is.” He stated, jesting.
“I’m just not sure where to start.” He admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
Manduzi Steelsong:
The bar room is quite empty this morning except for a dwarf sitting for his breakfast with two half-elves talking very quitely in a language you don't know. You know these three, the half-elves have been here several weeks, but the dwarf is something like inventory of the inn for several years. His name is Tyro Amberhelm, the name's of the half-elves you were also able to catch, Fario Ellegoth and Fellian Shard...
"Come here, son, and sit down for a moment." Jack says to you. He pulls out two mugs of ale and places one in front of you.
"I am normally a bit quite about Mandragor and Judith, but you know they were dear to my heart. I have often told about our adventures... in the Bandit Knigdoms and who knows where else. But being an adventurer, there is more to it than the tales I have told."
Jack takes a big swallow from his mug, before he continues. "What you hear from the life of an adventurer are only the interesting parts. It is like being a soldier who always waits in the garrison for being called into action. An adventurer needs to find his own opportunities for adventure, opportunities, not the high risk of certain death. That is why you need to find out against whom you are going to stand, what you are going to explore. Because if you don't you are inviting death or worse to knock on your door. In case of your parent's disappearance, it was a simple mission, go to some Kopru ruins and bring back a dragon egg. They did not return, so somehow they encountered something or someone, they did not account for, or they were ambushed on their way back. Might've even been Hookface himself."
"What I want to say is, never get into more trouble than you can handle. If you don't know what or who you're up against, leave it. Okay? Promise me that, Duzi."
After a while during this sermon the two half-elves stand up and leave the inn.
Everyone in Sasserine: (Lindwicket, Hanathan, Dari Lamancha)
The departure of a caravan is a controlled chaos in a din of noise of shouting, baying and whinnying. If the control slips the start will be delayed for hours.
The leader of this caravan, a man named Maavu Arlintal, sits on top of his horse and gives orders to the steering teams of the wagons.
Seynor Hillclimber:
As you get to the door of the Lantern Street Orphanage you find a group of the Town Guards searching the door as if tiny diamonds would be embedded in it. A half-orc is standing next to them, but you know that this is Patch, the janitor, easily recognizable because of his eyepatch over his left eye. Patch had been an orphan himself, and he did not find a job outside of the Orphanage, that why he is the janitor now. He always patches up the kids after fights and things that got broken in them.
The Sergeant from the Town Guards looks up to you and says: "There's nothing to see for you here, go on, move along. You are hindering an investigation."
Patch is taking up the words of the sergeant: "There's no one to see for you here, I'm sorry. Now, move along."
Hanathan looks around at the chaos of the caravan. If this were a temple ran caravan it would have been much more orderly. She looks about the Caravan and sees thing left untidy to her militant minded way of thinking. " This could get , annoying and dangerous if trouble where to arise" she thinks to herself.
Still, this was not a temple run caravan. Tisking to herself she makes her way to the caravan captain to introduce herself and offer her services if needed for defense or any other matter that might arise. She shakes her head in disbelief over the cooking staff. Did they not know underfeed or ill feed people did a half heart ed job. Yes she may have to offer with the cooking as well.
Seynor Hillclimber:
You see two green cloaks disappearing into a small alley, as you look up and down the Lantern Street.
DM:
DM:
Somehow he has the feeling that something is not in order, but he can not put his finger on top of it.
Stergan Rus:
Stergan Rus stumbles in the direction he determined by climbing up into the tree. The sunlight helps to keep travelling to Cauldron and not lose the way.
As the afternoon goes by, dark clouds fill up the sky and not soon after the heavens open up the sluices. Water is pooring down, it can't be called rain any more. It drenches everything and the next trees are barely visible. But audible is the roar of a predator nearby.
Seynor Hillclimber:
As you approach the back door of the orphanage, you also see two guards taking a look at the door and the lock. Moments later a figure from the front joins them. It is Patch, who anticipated your next move.
He steps by the two guards and comes to you. "Thought, you'd come around. Your friend's not here, you understand?"
Everyone in Sasserine: (Lindwicket, Hanathan, Dari Lamancha)
As Hanathan approaches Maavu Arlintal (picture) and asks about aplace in the caravan, the merchant nods and tells you: "Yeah, I've read it. Go over there on to 'The Krew' on the wagon. We don't want to have such a good looking woman run over, don't we?" He also throws a sincere smile with this well-meant quip.
So Hanathan walks over to the wagon the caravan leader has pointed out to you. The man steering the horses pulling the wagon beckons to you to hurry up (picture).
DM:
Rain. Good. I could use a bit of luck here as well. Stergan thinks.
Here is to hope that the water will wash down my appetizing smell and leave that beast trackless.
Too bad I can't see a thing in it too.
Stumbling through the jungle Stergan searches for an decent tree to climb.
He will wait and rest for the rain to stop or at least diminish, then search for the right direction again. After climbing back down he again will search for fruits or other easy food, while heading to Cauldron.
Duzi takes a hearty swallow from his own mug, springing to his feat and Strumming on his harp occasionally as he twirls about the mostly empty inn. “Me, Jack? Get into more trouble than I can handle? Ha! Me, Jack? Manduzi Steelsong! The Charlatan of Cauldron?” He inquires, stooping down low to seemingly produce a coin from Jack’s ear dexterously.
“I know well my limits;” he says, twirling the coin through his fingers until it disappears down his sleeve again and he holds his open hand up as if to showcase this ability, even though Jack had seen the boy do it many times and it was doubtful he’d be impressed.“; I’m more interested in what I’m up against Jack.” He says, sliding the coin out of his other sleeve with the Jester on one side “What do you make of this?”
DM:
She looks for the leader of the caravan and askes him, after she recognized him on his horse. "Are you organizing the caravan to Cauldron? My name is Dari Lamanche, I've ordered one place. Do we leave in time?", she asks, but looks very skeptic.
Caravan Crew:
Caravan Crew
Making her way to the wagon hanathan is seething inside. "Someone as pretty as you he says, humm she would run this caravan better then such a person" she calms herself down as she makes her way to the wagon after all showing a foe he has rattled you is always a bad thing.
And thats how she often thought of things and people, challenges and obstacles to over come. Being small, half elven and pretty often made folks disregard her offhand. But she was a servant of the Arch paladin and would not let herself be brought down by such people.
With that thought she makes her way to the crew wagon
In Sasserine:
Hanathan:
As Hanathan reaches the wagon, the man steering it, introduces himself. "Hello. My name is Skylar Krewis, though I am normally known as 'The Krew' here. Throw your things in the back and climb up! The caravan will start shortly, then the chaos will subside, as the animals are becoming more and more restless, because we don't start. Just waiting for a handful of stragglers that also want to travel to Cauldron."
Dari Lamancha and Hanathan:
Maavu's horse is prancing restlessly as it is getting very impatient, but the caravan leader holds his mount under control. "Ah, go ahead and join these two on their wagon. We will start in short order, just waiting for another passenger. But if he won't show up in the next minutes, he will have to try to catch up with us." On the wagon he pointed to are seated a man with the reigns in his hands and a woman in armor. "Come on! Hop up!" the man besckons to you. "I already see the last ones arriving. Name's Skylar Krewis by the way, and this is Hanathan, a paladin of Heironeous."
Lindwicket, Dari Lamancha and Hanathan:
Maavu holds his nervous horse in check as he is adressed by the gnome and his hireling. "At last!" he cries out loud, then he focusses his eyes back on the two travellers. "Sure, Master Berenbiddle, I could use someone scouting a bit ahead, but not too far please. One cannot be too cautious in these times in the jungle, wild animals and other things are always a danger to lone travellers. Hadran can travel with that wagon." and he points to a smaller ox cart. "The animals can use a bit encouragement, they'd fall back otherwise."
After checking that everyone has reached his appointed wagon. Maavu gives out a shrill whistle and shouts "Hoo! Let's bring this show on the road." and the first wagons leave the big court. The animals are eager to run and the teamsters have to hold them back, otherwise they'd have started at an alarmingly fast pace. It does not take long and all wagons and riders are leaving Sasserine. The road through the fields around the city has a steady nearly unnoticable rise, but as you look back after the first miles, Sasserine and the Azure Sea make a wonderful panorama before the caravan disappears into the jungle beyond the fields.
For the caravan from Sasserine
This is my first visit in Cauldron and I'm very excited. Have you ever been in Cauldron, Hanathan? Is it an interesting city?", Dari asks curiously. "I intend to stay there for the next months and may be longer." She makes a short break, but the she carries on. "I only hope, that I can get some information very quickly."
Seynor Hillclimber:
Patch sighs and you can see his compassion in his eyes.
"No, Seynor. Deakon has vanished. Don't take it too hard. But I am sure, these gentlemen from the guards will do everything they can, to find them. You will do that, right?"
The town guard inspecting the door, looks up a bit surprised to be addressed by the half-orc. "Yeah. Right. We'll look out for these kids."
Seynor:
You are quite certain, that the watch will do its utmost to find Deakon.
Caravan Crew:
Lindwicket nods enthusiastically while Maavu speaks barely supressing a grin til the end at which point he bursts into good natured laughter. "Bwahahaha!" he slaps his knee, "You really had me there for a second you ole dog! I signed on with you for protection and then brought my own protection on top of that! Of course, I'm up for riding out in front of the whole caravan by myself just to see if I can get eaten by some rampaging dinosaur!" Lind wipes away tears of laughter, winks at the ladies climbing into the coach nearby, points up at the teamster captain, "You're good old man! I like you and that glorious mane of yours! But seriously, if you would be interested in any religious iconography to let the gods know to keep an eye out, I'm your man."
Lind calls "Sit!" for Glimmer and once she is still, pulls a case from the saddle pack and a set of folded wooden legs lock into place allowing him to open the case into a kind of display. Various representations of the gods and well known heroes are strapped into cushioned hollows in the felt lining. Though hand carved and painted from various woods, all are fine examples of quality gnomish craftsmanship and attention to detail. His fingers flicker over more representations of Gnomish gods and goddesses than Maavu ever would have known existed including demonic looking badgers and moles before pausing to present something a little more traditional, "Perhaps Mouqal would smile kindly on your trade ventures and negotiations, eh friend?" The young gnome watches Maavu's expression shrewdly and continues on to a figure of an old man in a traveling cloak. The base of the figure makes the crescent moon and road of Fharlaghn. "Ah- what better choice for a man of the road such as yourself? Show the old horizon walker a little love, my friend, you never know when you'll need him to smile on you. What do you say?"
Meanwhile Hadran, a husky bear of an unshaven man with long stringy hair takes off his hat at the sight of Hanathan and (to a lesser degree) the tiny Dari. He tries to smooth his hair down and seems to be unconscious of the fact that he is nervously mangling his floppy hat while awkwardly smiling at the beautiful blonde half-elf. "So- uh, you are going to Cauldron too?" he asks before immediately realizing what a stupid question that was.
Caravan
Before the caravan gets under way Hanathan kneels and preys to Heironeous of safe travel and guidance.
"Well hello then Mr.Krewis, I am Hanathan of Heironeous. I will be traveling on your wagon " With that she climbs into the wagon storing her gear in a very militant like manner before the wagon gets underway.
Dari Lamancha
" No this is my first trip. I know very little of the city , but one goes where one is needed"
Hadran
" Yes I travel to cauldron on behest of my temple" With that see seems to turn her thoughts inward for a moment and then she scans the area as if expecting an attack.
Manduzi Steelsong:
Jack takes a lock at the coin, shakes his head. "Duzi, Duzi. What mess have you gotten yourself into? Those coins are from the Last Laugh. And that means either you're working for them, which I seriously doubt, or that you crossed their path somehow, which I seriously suspect."
He goes to the bar and takes out a ledger. "Who is not on this list, must have gone elsewhere...?" As you read the list, you see most of those, that you have fleeced for money in this and other taverns over the last years, even the name of Tyro Amberhelm is on this list, with exactly the sum you took from him. As you look up, he proposes a toast to you. "Happy Birthday, Manduzi. Took a bit of an effort to track most of them down, but someone did not go to your uncle to get reimbursement. I'll have a word with my colleagues 'bout that."
Caravan:
Skylar Krewis looks at Hanathan. "Well, mah name's Skylar Krewis, called 'The Krew' or jus' Krew by most. And Ah'm pleased to make yer'quaintance. Good t'have someone with us, whose armor will be tough as steel." As Dari also settles on the wagon. "So, ye wanna know all 'bout Cauldron Ah reckon?" Skylar looks left to right and the looks of both awaiting further explanations, seem to hit the mark in his assumption. "Well, well, Our journey's going te take long and on our week's travel Ah can tell ye all about Cauldron ye wanna know..." His voice drops down a bit. "An' perhaps a thing or two, that ye don't wanna..." Conspiratory glances left and right, he waits a second and on a sign of Maavu he smacks the horses the reigns on their rumps as the voyage begins.
Caravan
"Fantastic, Mr. Krewis, eh Krew. I already had doubts, that this travel will become very caotic and boring, but with such a gentleman I think it will become a pleasure." Dari is lucky, that she can get some information about Cauldron already before they will arrive and, that there is an other woman on the wagon, who also travels the first time to that city.
She looks to Hanathan. "What are the odds! I'm sure Mr. Kr..., sorry Krew, can tell us, where to find a good and save place for the night." With a smile she turns to Kylar Krewis. "Where should we stay?"
DM:
But over the next two days he heard more and more rumors about the "New Vanishing", were their number increasing or had he simply not noticed them until now?
In the morning of the third day he went to the guards headquarters to ask about the investigation concerning Deakon.
Manduzi Steelsong:
Your memory is shady, but if you'll see him again, you'll know.
Caravan, Lindwicket:
"That is indeed fine work, Master Berenbiddle, and I will certainly have a look at your craftmanship, but not now amidst this chaos. Come again this evening, and I think I will have another offer to make." With that his attention is caught by the other wagons and his command to saddle up and make ready for departure rings across the court. "Fine work indeed..." you hear him mutter beneath the din of the departing wagons.
Caravan:
Caravan
Hanathan spends much of the time in thought and in prayer. She looks around to see those with her , but really pays them little mind. She really does miss her family, all ready the ache is there. She wonders just how her brother will do as even now he is taking the first steps to fallow their father in the clergy of the arch-paladin. She turns her thoughts away from her family and more to this dream , this calling Her lord wishes her to be in this city. Something , and what she does not know but something is there. She often did not understand her own dreams but she was an instrument of her lord a tool. A creation and a extension of his will. If her lord and master, the architect of her being needed her in cauldron then nothing in this world save her death would keep her from it.
Caravan:
As your caravan rolls through the fields, Skylar is chatting away about the various inns and taverns in Cauldron.
`First we have "The Rolling Barrel": it is just below of the Town Hall. Lots of guards are having a beer after their shifts there, cause the place belongs to the Captain's brother. It's called the Rolling Barrel, 'cause a new beer barrel is rolled down a spiral from the storage up above and the foam from the new barrell is free. Great spectacle, but that has no place to sleep. Then we have the "Drunken Morkoth Inn", this one's for the better establishment, mostly visiting merchants. T'has one of the best kitchens in town and the foster son of the innkeeper plays a mean lute. very fine beds, but a bit pricey though. Then we have "The Tipped Tankard", that one's a simple inn and tavern. If ye don't have much money, there's always "Minuta's Board", she let's you stay, if you help her (or someone else) the next day with work. Then we have the Slippery Eel Tavern. That one's for the working class in and around Cauldron. But watch your pockets there. Sometimes, you leave more money there, than what you paid fer food and drinks. The places for - ahem - other entertainment are down at the Ash Avenue, but certainly not of interest for such fine ladies. The "Coy Nixie" is well beyond of what money ye are carrying around. And the "Cusp of Sunrise" is invitation only, so don't bother to go there. And you should have a look to the Temple of St. Cuthbert. Perhaps the High Priest Sarcem Delasharn will let you stay there... from what I have heard, it also has an experienced paladin, Alek Tercival. If he'd not chosen his path, he'd certainly be on the Town Council, but he has chosen a ... emm.. it seems he has chosen this way." And Skylar points to a group of riders approching the caravan. All of them show the colors and the sign of St. Cuthbert as they pass the caravan solemnly. "Strange." mutters The Krew to himself. "What is the High Priest and most of the church guard doing here? Well, I'll be damned, Hanathan, but it seems you will have to ask Jenya Urekas for a place in the church of St. Cuthbert. Or Embril Aloustinai from the chruch of Wee Jas. If you ask that brute from the Temple of Kord, he'll vertainly ask for a wrestling match with you to prove your worth in the eyes of Kord. Or that young kid from the Temple of Pelor, but that temple is ruins anyway. Did I just say damned? Pardon my potty mouth! My mother always told me, that my mouth would bring me more trouble than my other vices.´
And so the caravan continues into the forest...
Manduzi Steelsong:
Hookface Jack looks at you questioningly. "No clue?" Then he sighs.
"Hm. That will be difficult. Promise me, Duzi! No more pickpocketing!And about your parents? I have told you all I know about them. But go to Skie's Place. Skie Aldersson was also in our group once, before she opened up her shop. And she also knows a lot about adventuring."
Seynor Hillclimber:
The overseeing sergeant in the barracks looks down at you from his elevated position. "So, are you speaking for your church or is this a private matter, lad?"