[Non-PFS] [3PP Class Only] Shadowed Keep on the Borderlands (Inactive)

Game Master djpika

.

Evening at the The Silver Bulette brings the familiar smells of slow simmered stews mixed with stale beer quickly washed from the heavily weathered wooden floors. Grooves carved into the wooden planks hide the original grain in heavily trafficked areas. Conversations echo loudly in the large, spartan tavern where there's little more than tables and simple iron chandeliers to soften the noise. Despite all this, the place is filling quickly as it offers the key ingredient that it's patrons seek - price.

On the eastern wall is a "Help Wanted" board, where a newly added sheet of parchment is pinned just above waist high. "Adventurers Wanted: See Tenho Isotalo, evenings at the Silver Bulette."

Feel free to introduce/describe your characters...

In front of the shop stands a young man, whose clothing gives the distinction that he probably does not belong there, while its mudded and dirty from travel it looks like at one point it was a rather nice set of pants with an overcoat of white with lengths of darker purple. Clearly looking like he belongs in a library or perhaps a local temple's education staff. Of note are his two packs he carries; a backpack that looks to be well used but well maintained a bundle of torch sticks, and bedding can be seen on a strong examination. The stark white messanger pack on his side catches the eye, however most would likely not recognize it as a tool kit of his own design containing healing materials and other sorted tools. Its well maintained and surprisingly clean-showing it's owner's care and trust in his tools.

Taking a deep breath outside the entry way-partly to steel his nerves for a social location-but mostly to enjoy the smell of tasty food, or at least warm food. Finding time to slot his torch into its holder at his side, ; securing it tightly with a knot Zupon shakes off the filth of travel entering the Silver Bulette. 'I wonder if Bulettes are native to this area, that would seem troublesome. Although an albino variety would make for a well kept namesake'

Feeling the relative lightness in his pocket compared to the week prior, the new parchment proclamining work catches his eye. Speaking to himself mainly "Tenho Isotalo, a name but seems rude to just call out in the bar." Motioning to the Keeper, "Do you happen to know Mr or Miss Isotalo? I see the new notice up there. Also, can I have a bowl of your stew and tea if you have any, water if not.

Xef's shift had just begin. The big guy had stowed his armor and weapons in the employee area and had just put on a newly-laundered apron. Today his section was by the bar, which he enjoyed. The over 6-foot tall being would jump in and help the bartender if orders came in too quickly. Xef, the 'astral deva', as he liked to call himself, wore his sleeves short to show off his muscular arms and keep him cool at work. His comfortable leather pants and well-conditioned boots help him move quickly from table to table.
This waiter looked out of place, as a general order. Like he should be served by waiters, not be one.

Kurian blunders into the door, eyes not really resting where they should, as if he was watching something else. Mosquitoes maybe. Midges perhaps.

Though he carried himself with the gracelessness of a clumsy youth, his face was marred by dirt and an almost habitual frown - his dark tousled hair and general unkempt appearance made him seem a vagabond of middle age - unless he smiled, as he did now.

He liked it when Xeph was in. Xeph was different. New. And in Olfden, new was always different. Looked like someone else new was in town, and quite..foreign. Not one to mince words, or rather, mostly unable to, the youth sauntered haphazardly to the bar.

”Heya Xeph.” then, turning to the newcomer:

”Who are you? I’m Kurian.”

Xephkiel looks over when called and sees on of the new regulars come in. "Good evening, Kurian. Hope you are doing well." The big guy motions to the larger round table corner from the bar. "Will over there be acceptable?"

then, turning to the newcomer:

”Who are you? I’m Kurian.”

Taking a moment not positive if it was himself to which the ..rather traveled looking fellow, was talking to.

A big guy enters the tavern, big as in more than 6.2 ft tall and 15 stone. Long black hair and full beard, he wears a brown leather jacket and pants and a big round shield on his back shows over his broad shoulders. Despite all of this, his more characteristic feature is his color disparity between both eyes, each a different shade of blue.

Being told that the Silver Bulette is the right place to find a job, he looks around and locates the wall with the message board. On his way there, he makes a sign to the bartender as if asking for s drink. After reading the employment now carefully, he walks to the bar, leaving a coin on it as he grabs the glass and takes a long sip.

"Thank you" he says, writing the drink remains from his beard with the back of his hand. "Do you happen to know a certain Tenho Isotalo?"

Andrei opened the doors to the Silver Bulette, He had been tipped off to the help wanted notice by his friend in the Diamond Regiment so he was dressed for the occasion. a few snorts of derision followed his entry. he had bland travelling clothes, a gray shirt and wool trousers, with a sturdy belt and plain well worn boots. a heavy hooded cloak with a hood and a vest with several pockets.

Thats not what looked odd. He wore a harness that had several panels on his shoulders attached to the harness and dangling from it were a few cords with copper attachments at the end. A heavy backpack loaded rested on his back. A dagger on his belt and a crossbow in a harness on the side of his pack. Completing the oddly equipped man was a metallic frameworks over each boots with a dial on the side of each. A odd tube was in his belt next to the dagger. a second odd tube was opposite it, but this one had a strange horseshoe shaped end. Finally a third red tube with some sort of grip at the end was next to the horsehoe shaped tube.

he hunched the heavy pack on his shoulders and ignored the snorts and looks and walked up to the bulletin board. Nodding he turned to the bar.

Excuse me. Im looking for the work on the poster. Where can I find Tenho Isotalo

Excuse me. Im looking for the work on the poster. Where can I find Tenho Isotalo

The big waiter turns to address the hooded man. "Oh sir? The work board is just over there", Xef pointing to a large papered board under a hanging candelabra. "Can I start you with anything? The lager is a nice price a 3cp, but the appleleaf whiskey is the best at only 8cp."

I've added a map for the Silver Bulette under Campaign Info and marked where Tenho is sitting. Feel free to use that info to direct folks Xeph as you see fit.

"Thank you" he says, writing the drink remains from his beard with the back of his hand. "Do you happen to know a certain Tenho Isotalo?"

Wow! I am helping so many people tonight! Praise Be to Cayden Cailean!!

The big waiter turns to address the hooded man. "Oh sir? The work board is just over there", Xef pointing to a large papered board under a hanging candelabra. "Can I start you with anything? The lager is a nice price a 3cp, but the appleleaf whiskey is the best at only 8cp."

Andru scowled with a puzzled look and said I don't think you understood.im looking for Tenho Isotolo.

Then heard him telling a bearded warrior type that he wasn't in yet and nodded.

Then remarked I'll take an apple leaf whiskey sir. handing him 1 SP saying balance is yours. Where would you suggest I sit to you insure i get a chance to see him

"I'll take an apple leaf whiskey sir", handing him 1 SP saying, "balance is yours. Where would you suggest I sit to you insure i get a chance to see him?"

"Along the wall over here by the bar", he big man suggested. "It's a good vantage point, assuming you seat facing the inn and not the wall. And I'll be back with your whiskey, sir."

Kurian sniffs the air, as trying to sense something. He winces, or squints. It’s difficult to telL which.

”Xeph. Why’s everyone looking for Tenno Eyes of Tallow?”

The scruffy lad puts his back to the bar and observes the burly northerner, the scholar and the...man with odd accoutrements variously.

”Huh. Weird.” he mutters.

”Xeph. Why’s everyone looking for Tenno Eyes of Tallow?”

"He's suppose to have work available. I'm sure the work board has more details", Zef smiled, and returned to busing tables.

Feeling a tad left out and potentially ignored; although he's certainly not as loud as the other guests. Zupon clears his throat and restates his order-but giving up on the tea, "I'd love some of the stew I could smell from the outside, and some water, maybe bread or some sort rice or grain to soap up the stew please."
Noting how many others are all collectively entertaining the thought of work-competition or coworkers, not enough information on the work to guess. Motioning towards where the other patron loooking for work was directed. "Should I pick it up here, or sit down with the others hoping to catch the employer? I don't know the custom for service here."

Zupon will pay (probably isn't much?), then head over and eat while waiting. Giving the other potential coworkers a nod and a greeting. "Seems like plenty are wanting some coins."

One would think the big waiter was part wax golem, for all the twisting his body does to address all the questions and orders. Xephkiel makes some quick calculations in his head. "Alright..stew..bread..water.., that will be two silvers and three coppers. Paid upon delivery. Please sit down and I'll grab it for you."
The big waiter rushes to the kitchen to place the order.

Docking the cost now for convience

"Wow."

Raising his voice, Braggi introduces himself. "It seems we're all here for the same purpose. I'm Braggi; escort, guard, mercenary and raider, all for the right price." He finishes his drink and asks for another one while he takes a look at the rest of the candidates.

”Work? Sounds...onerous. I’ve my hands full with the chickens, goats and...things.”

Kurian looks at the newcomers.

”Still...coin is king, and they don’t know me, so perhaps the two put together equals better than I’ve got.”.

Studiously avoiding the job board, and without ordering a thing Kurian takes a seat at the table, back to the wall so he can see what’s what and who’s who.

”Kurian. A local.” he tells Braggi. One eye squints conspiratorially. ”With a blade. And...armor and the like.”

Names Andru Cardei. I grew up here in Olfden. Went away to Almas for 6 years to study science at the University there. Recently returned. For lack of a better word I'm a Mechanist, that is...the laws of the universe expressed in the working of Man created objects and power. See these shoulder squares I have...the draw in the power of the sun and give power to the objects I create. That power is stored in these battery packs I have on.my uniform here and here. I plug one if these plugs in to the object and it transfers power activating the gadget.im also good with locks and traps. he stops realizing his passion for his chosen career had got the better of him again....

"Chigao, I believe that it is time for you to put into full practice the lessons that I've taught you ever since you were a child; this will be a practice, however, that you must do so...without my aid. Go to the Silver Bulette Inn; there inside, you shall meet with the one called Tenho Isotalo to learn more of what you must do. I know that this old man's request may seem a bit sudden but I have the utmost faith that you will do your best with whatever may come about."

Those foreboding last words from Master Naru Fisnaeth, uttered during the evening's dinner-meal of noodled broth and deep fried fishcake, echoed through the young silver-haired woman's mind as she made her way towards the Silver Bulette Inn with no small amount of trepidation in her steps. Much of the field work during the past few years had been done under the watchful supervision of Master Fisnaeth; indeed, the hazardous work of disarming the various hidden traps laid by mischievous Kobolds went so much easier under his serene attentiveness.

Nonetheless, her Master was absolutely right- eventually, Chigao would have had to start making her way through the world all on her own; still she would have never imagined that it'd be so soon! There's nothing to be done for it now. I'll just have to see what this Tenho Isotalo wants to have done..., Chigao nervously thinks to herself as she absentmindedly fiddles with the single fresh rose adorned within her hair. Unsure of what may be requested of her, Chigao wisely sets her magical sleeve of many adornments to her default appearance of wearing slightly mismatched dilettante wear. Hopefully, there would be nothing to call for any less appropriate wear, certainly not at a place like the inn!

Upon arriving at the Inn in question (having grown up in Olfden, Chigao knew where in town it was located at), the lithe young Kunoichi Ninja woman with a single lone braid running perpendicularly across her silvery, bang-covered forehead takes a deep steeling breath and makes her way inside.

Upon catching sight of somebody that she knows of, Xephkiel, the famously handsome (and tall) waiter of the Silver Bulette Inn as he goes about his waiting duties, Chigao tentatively catches his attention when it isn't preoccupied with other pressing matters and asks, "Um, Xephkiel, I was told by my master that someone named Tenho Isotalo would be present tonight; I th...I think he may be expecting me."

Andru Cardei and Kurian, wasn't sure of either of your characters' current respective ages but would they have known about Chigao (21 years) or her master (much older) while growing up in/near Olfden? If so, would they know of her or her master? If not, it could be easily explained away that they were comparatively more later or earlier remote residents. :)

Upon catching sight of somebody that she knows, the famously handsome waiter of the Silver Bulette Inn, Chigao tentatively catches his attention when it isn't preoccupied with other pressing matters and asks, "Um, Xephkiel, I was told by my master that one named Tenho Isotalo would be present tonight; I thi...I think he may be expecting me."

"Ah. God evening, miss", Xephkiel bowed slightly before the tian lady. "Mr. Isotalo has not shown yet, but he is scheduled to arrive later tonight. These men behind me", the big waiter motions to those he's spoken with already and have sat down, "are also waiting for Mr. Istalo as well. Can I get you an appleleaf whiskey while you wait?"

"Ah. God evening, miss", Xephkiel bowed slightly before the tian lady. "Mr. Isotalo has not shown yet, but he is scheduled to arrive later tonight. These men behind me", the big waiter motions to those he's spoken with already and have sat down, "are also waiting for Mr. Istalo as well. Can I get you an appleleaf whiskey while you wait?"

After returning Xephkiel's polite bow with a practiced, customary bow of her own, Chigao quickly glances over at those already seated at the table indicated by the Unearthly waiter. An entire group? That is unexpected... but not unwelcome; at the very least, Mr. Isotalo's request would be something more suited for working with others. It shouldn't be any issue- I can deal with that.

Perhaps, for the purposes of waiting for Kurian's and Andru's response, Chigao easily sees both Zupon and Braggi from her view (mebbe only Kurian and Andru can be seen from their backs?) and notes that she doesn't recognize them as being locals to Olfden?

At the mention of Appleleaf Whiskey by Xephkiel and by the number of strangers present at the table- four others and all of them men by what the Astral Deva Waiter said, the lone young Kunoichi immediately decides that drinking any form of hard liquor while being among so many strangers would not be very advisable or wise.

Trying to hide an embarrassed flush, Chigao leans in closer (but not too close though) to ask Xephkiel, "D-do you have anything that's not alcohol to drink?"

Trying to hide an embarrassed flush, Chigao leans in closer (but not too close though) to ask Xephkiel, "D-do you have anything that's not alcohol to drink?"

The big waiter nods knowingly. "Be right back, miss." After a quick minute, Xephkiel comes back with a tall, black mug filled with clear liquid and sets it down at the tian lady's table. It's water.

Perhaps Kurian is merely hidden by being closest to the wall, a known huncher-of-shoulders and easily missed if you aren’t looking for him. Which, let’s face it, no-one usually is.

Kurian tries to follow along with Andru’s technologically advanced terms but is easily and appropriately distracted by Chigao.

Cue sunbeams blinding Kurian as butterflies float past him in a warm light drenched meadow as bunnies and deer wander past.

”Chigao...” he unfortunately says aloud, snapping back to reality and finding that he is staring at the girl at the bar.

Kurian would definitely know of Chigao, but won’t have had very much to do with her. I’d say Kurian is roughly 19-20...

That utterance probably wouldn’t have been heard by Chigao and will likely jsut confuse Braggi, Zupon and Andru...

Heh, I think Xeph's holding out on everyone as I placed Tenho with the map :P.

"Did you hear that? 500 gold for some map!" blurts out a rugged-looking Chelaxian as he slaps the back of his companion, the pair just turning the corner and heading towards the bar. "I'll finally be able to pay off that bastard Vancaskerkin," he continues, eyes wild with excitement.

"Hmph. Must have talked to that Tenho fellow, those two," comments one of the waitresses as she picks up several filled mugs from the bar to distribute.

...

Sitting in the back corner of the tavern sits an older man with a Caesar haircut that's complemented by an Anchor beard; hints of copper remain hidden behind silver-grey. He wears a grey shirt with a mock turtleneck covered by simple brown robes. Various pieces of parchment lay scattered around his table, circling his place setting.

Honestly could not see Tenho on the map.

Honestly could not see Tenho on the map.

Yeah no worries. I was waiting for our last to chime in as well.

Kurian indicates the table where the notable man sits.

”I guess that’s where the job starts...”

Trying not to draw attention to himself, Kurian makes his way over. Then hovers, unsure of what to do next. Because loitering near a table is entirely not conspicuous.

Noticing the commotion, and others startign to go over, Zupon will get up and walk over. "Sorry for the bother, would you happen to be Tenho Isotalo? If so, I believe a vertable gaggle of us are here to inquire about work. Unsure how many you're looking to hire; or if you just hired someone." Gesturing to where he came from; and presumably multiple people looking and making their way to Isotalo's tabling area.

Looking up from his papers, the man answers, "I am Tenho," as he pauses to consider the gaggle of adventurers, "And you are correct. I am seeking folks to retrieve something for me. Maps, specifically. Tell me, are you familiar with Ironwolf Keep?"

+2 for characters that have been in Olfden for more than six months.

Pausing to read the answer from the group's facial expression, he continues, "I have reason to believe that the maps I'm looking for are located in Ironwolf Keep. Specifically, maps detailing the location of the dwarven hold Hadramkath. Valentin's adventures included purging several goblin infestations. Some of these tribes had taken up residence in fallen or conquered caves and tunnels of dwarven make, where it's said two maps were found. I'm offering 500GP to anyone that can bring these maps to me."

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
"I know some of it, not a happy place-plenty of unsavory occupents. Orcs and a goblin horde or two I iamgine; and a corpse."

Listening the the rest of the request; "So.. effectively infiltrating a stronghold created by Valentin, now full of enemies, to find specific maps?" Thinking a moment "How many have you sent at this point? I'm guessing they're probabl aware if that previous group wasn't the first. Are the maps in Dwarven or Common if you know? There may be many, or may be none given the habitat for the last 40 some odd years."

Quietly to himself Zupon ponders the risks and rewards. The mission sounds a bit similiar to his past; unsure how to feel, but it might be the perfect way to overcome it, earn some coin. And most importantly; if the maps are preserved, there may be more maps, literature, or valuable items for the Library.
A foolish errand, but mayhap one worth the risk.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20
As the group of adventurers talked with Mr. Isotalo, Xephkiel quickly bused the tables the adventurers vacated. While wiping down the eating surfaces, Xephkiel could get the tale of Valentin out of his head. The astral deva had been thinking about starting a heroic adventuring career, like Cayden Cailean once did. But this venture seemed more mercenary than he would have liked.
Well, I guess I should start somewhere..? The astral deva thought. Without even thinking, Xephkeil found his tables clean and standing behind the other adventurers, listening to Mr. Isotalo.

Andru followed the rest of the table to the man with the maps spread over the table...here was a chance to make some much needed coin. He hadnt heard a thing about the tower, such was his study. He listed to The man in the white robes and weighed what he heard. He had never seen a Goblin. He had heard they were like pests. No Matter He was in Mr Tenho. Ill offer my services to obtain these maps. When do we start, and do you have a map of the location. Oh Yeah My Name is Andru Cardei. Can we talk specifics of the job now.

knowledge local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

[dice=Knowledge History]1d20+8

"I know some of it, not a happy place-plenty of unsavory occupents. Orcs and a goblin horde or two I iamgine; and a corpse."

Listening the the rest of the request; "So.. effectively infiltrating a stronghold created by Valentin, now full of enemies, to find specific maps?" Thinking a moment "How many have you sent at this point? I'm guessing they're probabl aware if that previous group wasn't the first. Are the maps in Dwarven or Common if you know? There may be many, or may be none given the habitat for the last 40 some odd years."

Quietly to himself Zupon ponders the risks and rewards. The mission sounds a bit similiar to his past; unsure how to feel, but it might be the perfect way to overcome it, earn some coin. And most importantly; if the maps are preserved, there may be more maps, literature, or valuable items for the Library.
A foolish errand, but mayhap one worth the risk.

"I've only been here a couple of days and just a handful have inquired about the task. Some looked a little green to the task although I can't say with certainty if any of them are trying or not. I believe one should be in Dwarvish and the other more recent, probably in common."

"Any methodology to acertain its the right maps? Other than hoping the labels are clearly marked. I'd hate to end up bringing back a different map with similar markings. I don't speak Dwarven; do you? If so, could you write down the names you mentioned; at the least could cross compare."

Andru looked at the Scholar and remarks I speak Dwarf...and Goblin and a few others

Andru followed the rest of the table to the man with the maps spread over the table...here was a chance to make some much needed coin. He hadnt heard a thing about the tower, such was his study. He listed to The man in the white robes and weighed what he heard. He had never seen a Goblin. He had heard they were like pests. No Matter He was in Mr Tenho. Ill offer my services to obtain these maps. When do we start, and do you have a map of the location. Oh Yeah My Name is Andru Cardei. Can we talk specifics of the job now.

[dice=knowledge local]1d20+5

Andru followed the rest of the table to the man with the maps spread over the table...here was a chance to make some much needed coin. He hadnt heard a thing about the tower, such was his study. He listed to The man in the white robes and weighed what he heard. He had never seen a Goblin. He had heard they were like pests. No Matter He was in Mr Tenho. Ill offer my services to obtain these maps. When do we start, and do you have a map of the location. Oh Yeah My Name is Andru Cardei. Can we talk specifics of the job now.

[dice=knowledge local]1d20+5

Tenho takes in a deep breath as he considers Andru's offer. "You're by yourself then? Or is it the two of you. Ironwolf keep isn't within the civilized circle Olfden offers. You'll be out in the wild. There is a small village closer to it - Swallowfeld - but I wouldn't expect to do more than find lodging there."

"I will offer my services as a astral deva", Xephkiel chimes up at the back of the group.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

"Polygot are you? Excellent, I'm on my way to learning more, but I've mostly learned from my former lifestyle; old books mostly, and some local hired help-I know a bit of orc from that; which may come in handy."

At Xephkiel's offer, as well at Tenho's suggestion of not going alone;

"I'm happy for more company. I've certainly been in the position of being outnumbered, and underequipped We'll have to split the reward; but in such a place there will be much to gather. I'm interested in what other records of old may still be preserved. The library would benefit from it. Regardless of the amount; dying or failing gains nothing. So it is still a net gain with more."

Ahhh a Learned man? excellent. Im all for assistance, besides Im sure there could be other coin we may find while performing this mission. and looks like we have the Barkeep, who is a self proclaimed Deva. wanting to come with us. Excellent. He looks quite capable.

Then Andru looks at the others who'd joined them and said and you 3?

"Any methodology to acertain its the right maps? Other than hoping the labels are clearly marked. I'd hate to end up bringing back a different map with similar markings. I don't speak Dwarven; do you? If so, could you write down the names you mentioned; at the least could cross compare."

"Besides asking a Dwarf familiar with Hadramkath? I'm afraid not. But I might be able to give you a potion to confirm the age of any material you drip a few drops on. Let's see here...". Tenho fumbles around various pockets and pouches before producing a small ink vial that contains a scintillating deep green liquid. "Dribble 1-2 drops of this on the corner of the map. If the color turns a coppery hue, then it should be approximately the same age as when Hadramkath was in it's prime."

"I will offer my services as a astral deva", Xephkiel chimes up at the back of the group.

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 6

Tenho's shoulders appear to relax slightly, more confident in the group's capabilities.

Note that I added a map of the area with Swallowfeld and the keep location marked.

Kurian sighs in relief as others break the ice. He follows along as best he can.

”I’m in. Got to go home first. Feed the chickens and goat. Grab my weapons and armor.” he shrugs by way of explanation.

He turns to the brawny northerner.

”You’re in, right Braggi?” then looks past Braggi trying to catch Chigao’s eye by not catching her eye.

Braggi is about to introduce himself when he hears the waiter's claim to be an astral deva. He looks amazed, having heard of these divine beings and their capabilities. Surely he needs to join such an expedition.

"I offer my hands if there's need of them."

He then has a revelation on the matter at hand, that is, identificating the map.

"We could just bring back every map we find which appears to be dwarven in crafting. I guess we won't find like a million maps." He was paying attention to other things and didn't catch the man offering a potion.

Yeah, sorry guys, as I said, Christmas holidays last for a while down here...