, a town in southern center of the River Kingdoms, aboard with Venture Captain Holgarin Smine, a dwarf of few words on this journey so far, who seems to prefer to communicate by action, pointing out ship-faring tasks for the party to do on their journey here!
Sparking Character Introductions:
When introducing yourselves in your opening post, choose one or more Intro Questions below to answer (first spoiler). Then, at your option, please post your Proficiency and Modifier in the following skills that represent your Background Knowledge (second spoiler):
Q) How did you arrive on the boat headed for Artume? Where did you come from? Describe your long journey here!
Q) In the Downtime that occurred before this adventure, what did you do? How does it tie into joining this mission?
Q) Do you favor Order or Chaos? Why? How does this show up in your life? How willing are you to brook ideas to the opposite view?
Q) What about Government? What function should Government play in the lives of Citizens? How should it make decisions? Who should?
Q) Are you more inclined towards Warfare or Court Intrigue? Or both? What skills do you bring? Why did Holgarin Smine choose you for this mission?
Recall Knowledge
-Geneology Lore
-Heraldry Lore
-Pathfinder Society Lore
-Revolution Lore
-Society
Gather Information
-Diplomacy
-Sailing Lore
Next, if you could each proceed to Discussion to complete the Check In.
Finally, without further ado, let us incite a
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The wind flowing over his skin felt good as he stood at the side of the ship. Valdris remembered his being asked to help investigate an old lodge and to bring his knowledge of both society and medicine to aid his other Pathfinders. This air was pleasant compared to his last mission, that had him delve in the rotting confines of the Puddles district of Absalom, and its crumbling structures.
Checking the clasp of his cloak, as so to make sure it was secure, he checked all of his belongings that were close at hand. Though he was a wizard, Valdris was a medic a heart, trying to keep those around him as healthy as he could without divine help. From tinctures to help with nausea to sutures for cuts, lending his hand to help others came in second nature to the wizard.
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It had been a matter of days since returning from Minkai before Brimley received the summons to the River Kingdoms. To be honest it only took that long in Absalom for him to hear the call of the sea, so he didn’t mind at all. Brimley assumed he’d been selected based on his demonstrated negotiation and investigative skills, not that Smine would ever say. The VC seemed as laconic as Brimley is loquacious. That’s fine. There are always people to talk with, and Brimley had spent the voyage swapping tales with the crew while helping with any tasks that needed doing.
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Mimi has one hand on her wide-brimmed red-feathered cavalier hat to keep it from flying off in the wind. She's a tall human female, made taller yet by the heels of her knee-high dark brown boots. At her waist you spy a sheathed rapier and main-gauche; one on each side. A long royal-blue coat flaps behind her like a flag in the strong breeze. From under her hat, a mop of bright red hair flutters similarly, framing a pair of clear green eyes set in an attractive light-skinned and freckled face.
The swashbuckler was wondering how a landlubber like her from Gralton was finding herself on so many boats recently. Fortunately, she'd taken to it without too much difficulty and had developed a good set of sea legs in the process. Unlike her recent adventures at sea, this river cruise was a more casual affair.
She'd been back in Gralton visiting her grandfather and teaching a few classes at the fencing academy when word reached her from Venture Captain Smine that she would be needed for a mission in Artume. She'd taken a boat down the Yhalt to Novoboro and joined Smine's boat as it was heading north up the Sellen. Mimi wasn't entirely sure why Smine chose her for this mission. Perhaps it was that she was from the River Kingdoms and happened to be conveniently nearby; perhaps he thought he could use her skills with a sword; or perhaps it was merely her dashing good looks and irrepressible personality. She didn't really care which, as long as there was some adventure to be had.
She'd been brought up by her grandfather with stories of old Galt with its brilliant poets, artists, and philosophers. She'd heard the story of how the revolution had destroyed everything, forcing him and his parents to flee their home in beautiful Isarn, ending up in Gralton with barely the clothes on their backs. The old man still pined for the return of Galt to its former glory, but as the passing years turned to decades, his hopes of ever seeing his birthplace again had dimmed substantially.
Mimi suspected that her grandfather, once a member of the Galtan nobility, had a rather myopic view of how wonderful Galt had been. She guessed that most Galtans at the time must have felt rather differently about how wonderful the place was or they wouldn't have revolted. Regardless, Gralton was the only home Mimi had ever known and she quite frankly didn't care much about Galt and definitely had no interest in visiting the place anytime soon. If the Galtans were happy with the chaotic state of affairs in their country, then who was she to tell them otherwise.
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Though a man well past his adventuring days, Clem found himself on a boat. His ragged brown robes would have blown in the breeze if it hadn't been for all the holes in them, but his sandwich board clacked loudly as we walked up and down the deck. Objects constantly fell from his pockets, from blocks of moldy bread to yo-yos with no string, Clem is a walking mess. He proudly carries around a bundle of sticks tied together with fishing line and butcher's twine .
You! Coil the rope! And you, get to moppin'! And Clem... just keep doing what you're doing.
The Venture Captain let out a sigh as the old man smiled with a one-toothed grin and gave a thumbs up. Smine couldn't help but feel pity for the man, he had given up his best years for the Society and his first mission as a Seeker had caused him to lose his mind. Hopefully this mission does more to jog the old man's brain, it had taken over a decade just to get him to the point where he could be around the public. Clem had once been the poster boy for the Pathfinders, hopefully one day he returns to being even half the man he once was.
Clem is unconcerned with war and political intrigue. All will come to an end eventually, so why bother? But knowing this doesn't fill him with sadness, quite the contrary. Clem is the very vision of joy! Why be sad about what can't be changed? Clem is just happy to be here for the ride.
Clem spent the past few months hitching his way from Absalom to the River Kingdoms; he would often walk aboard ships, join caravans, or just hop on to wagons and most people were too afraid of his constant smile and ramblings about the end times to bother him.
While he does babble incoherently at a near constant pace, Clem has occasional moment of clarity. These moments are brief, but when they happen it's as if the old Pathfinder is reliving his glory days and is providing important knowledge for his fellow agents.
One of the ship's sailors, Donovan, found Clem amusing and made it a point to chat up the old man when he could.
Doin' alright this mornin' old geezer?
Clem thought for a moment, a look of deep and serious introspection on his face as he took a large bite out of a raw onion.
The harmonics of the waves are all wrong.
Donovan laughed and continued his way below decks while Clem continued his half-hourly walking ramble.
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An elf glides to the rails of the boat, she lazily looks out across the dull countryside resting her elbows on the railing. Her closely fitting black leather with its lines of yellow gold studs(not real), is more a fashion accessory than it seems armour. She is haughty and with a certain arrogance, she sighs, "I'm here and the dullness weighs heavy on my soul." A sweet smelling perfume lingers in the air as she flicks back her golden and red flecked hair. She stands, her movements seductive and well rehearsed.
She seeks solace and comfort as she fingers the leather whip attached to her black leather belt. She whispers in a sultry voice "Sting." the name warms her very soul.
A longbow made of finest elven elm, is flung over one smooth shoulder, whilst a dagger is held tight against the leather covering one of her long legs, a small thin black belt above her thigh like a garter keeping it in place. The soft red leather hilt with golden symbols sticks out of a sheath for a blade long, thin and ending in a deadly point.
It takes a second or even third look, to notice moving slowly with each breath, a small ornamental charm on a necklace, the charm is of a wasp.
Her arrogant tones ring in the words she speaks, "I have become accustomed to being kept waiting by our superiors in the organisation, as though it were a trial of character." though the word superior is said more with faint praise than truthful feeling. "You may wait with me, so we can all receive the proper instruction. As it appears we are to work together. Though " as her voice drips out the words, disdainfully. "Well if Smine specifically asked for me, seemingly my connections might well be useful in these 'Kingdoms'." the last word falls from her lips to the floor. "My family have long since been involved in diplomatic games with the nobles of Ustalav, I suppose Smine thinks I can do that here, if needs be. Though their heritage and ancestry is, in all honesty, just measured in decades, not centuries." she grumbles to herself and anyone with an ear to listen.
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After trudging through the mountains and slogging through the swamp it felt great to be heading back out on the water. Duncan had finished his duties for the Swords, providing instruction on using words and flourishes to draw your opponent into sloppy swordplay.
As soon as his schedule had opened up Duncan hopped on the first ship with an open berth he could find. It wasn't up to his standards, of course, but that was easily remedied at the next port. It had taken some creative interpretation of his experience to ascend the next ship's ranks a bit, but at least he'd gotten his own room. The captain hadn't agreed and three stops later it was on to a new ship. Two crews later Smine had scooped him up. Duncan wasn't sure if it was his quick blade or gilded tongue that had gotten him picked up, maybe both or just convenient timing.
As the last agent came on board Duncan limped across the deck, leaning on his cane, his weathered features and tricorn making him blend in with the crew.
You lot! Move over by the quarterdeck. Yes, that includes you old lady. he gestures toward the rear of the ship, clearly addressing Hornietelle with the last comment. The captain should be ready for us shortly.
Duncan calls up, Looks like that's everyone captain. You ready to tell us what all of this is about?
Holgarin Smine - a smith by trade - had been tending to the barrels of the ship these past weeks, making sure the fresh supplies the crew needed were tightly sealed and unspoiled - a task he likely tended to alone.
Valdris had worked closely with him somewhat - becoming the ship's "doc" had meant, on this otherwise uneventful voyage, making sure the gnomish crew, as well as the other pathfinders assembled here, had included in their diets, from the very barrels Smine tended to, vitamins available from fruits and vegetables, even as the sailors and engineers would complain that they didn't want to eat them, and instead preferred second helpings of fish and rice, like so many children being cajoled against their will into a luke warm bathtub.
Duncan and Mimi had made fast friends climbing the riggings of the ship - perhaps with some competition between eachother as to who could climb and leap from greater heights? Indeed, the cool weather meant that making adjustments to the sails was a light task, as day after day the forecast was mostly clear skies and calm waters - the perfect recipe for mischief upon the ropes. At night, the sailors would beg them to sing and dance, in order to add some color to the otherwise drab days of sailing for weeks at a time.
Hornietelle's task had been altogether different. She had been chosen as the Captains "first mate", and he had been eager to learn more of her goddess, a quick study actually, and altogether the leadership exhibited by the two of them had overall raised the morale of the entire crew, except on one or two occasions where another of the sailors had "trespassed" into the captain's quarters, and was "reprimanded" publicly, a task also given over to the steady hand of our first mate.
Up ahead - perhaps 48 hours away - the ship would be landing in the docks, and the party would disembark and set on about by wagon to the city of Artume!
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Mimi never tired of the ever-changing views afforded from the crow's nest at the top of the main-mast and spent much of her time there when she wasn't trying to upstage Duncan or provoke Hornietelle.
She remembered Hornietelle from Seedy's tavern a few months back; indeed, her intense presence was such that forgetting the elf was never an option. She intrigued Mimi but was taking to her temporary post as first mate with a little too much gusto for comfort, so Mimi tended to avoid her. She looked forward to seeing Hornietelle in action when they were on a more equal footing.
After spending many long and uneventful days and weeks on the ship, Mimi was impatient to get started on their upcoming mission. She looks down from her perch and sees that the team is beginning to gather around Smine. Not wanting to be left out of anything interesting, she grabs a nearby stay and quickly slides down to deck.
"Ahoy dere mon capitaine! Now dat ve're approacheeng Artoon, perhaps you can tell us more à propos our upcomeeng mission."
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Blinking his eyes rapidly from coming on deck, the temporary medic if the ship has been busy most of the morning until called topside. Stretching his arms from being in cramped spaces during most of the duration of the trip, Valdris smiles as he feels the sun on his face. The fresh air was a nice change from being underside while helping those injured or sick from the journey.
Watching the crew in the rigging, he spots the acrobatic Mimi, and claps slightly as the woman sticks her landing. He had noticed the tension between her and Honrietelle, but figured it was something from the past or the fact that one was a temporary First Mate. He didn't have time for ship politics, and was glad to be off the ship soon enough. Valdris was tired of acting almost like a masseuse, as it seems like most of the crew seemed to pull muscles every day, and was getting suspicious that not all of the injuries were real. He would have to talk to the Captain about that after the contract was up.
"It was a short trip, but still beats staying in a musty library for weeks. I do agree with Miami here, good morn by the way, in that I assume with the call, that a breifing is soon to be underway."
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Hornietelle approaches the deck with a lazy yawn. spreading her arms to the sky. She wipes the sleep from her eyes and smiles at the new day. She doesn't wear the leather suit, but loose fitting yellow shear robes fitting for a priestess of the Savoured Sting, revealing her lithe and shapely form. Looking up she sees a scallywag of a women, very much at home in the rigging and high in the crow's nest. She listens to the woman's strange accent and shrugs, At least she is keen to prove herself.
Looking around the deck, she is astonished that Smine is just a common labourer, bringing up refurbished barrels, Indeed the Society has some strange arrangements. Best we move on.
"Mimi, stop wondering what we will do, tell us what you see!" her voice calls up, not so much full of authority, but more out of fun and a little intrigue.
She looks behind her, to see the captain, she gives him a wink and then a smile. Her training in Calistria's ways can make most of the races eager for another passionate embrace. Certainly the captain had been quite pliable and made her trip, and his, pass pleasurably. She walks slowly back, slips one finger nail slowly down the captain's cheek, "I'll be with you in a moment, I must change and make myself presentable to the nobles and citizens of Artume." A seductive smile appears as she enters the captain's cabin, pushing him back out onto the deck as she shuts the door and changes.
Reappearing later, she fingers her own 'Sting' that hangs to the side of her tight fitting yellow and black cat suit. "You may begin, I am ready."
The ship makes port. The captain remains behind here - but not without saying a formal goodbye to Hornietelle, kneeling and kissing her on the hand, and brandishing her with freshly purchased flowers from a stall updock "My sweetest First Mate..." he begins, reciting her a poem he had plenty of time to compose and rehearse these months at sea...
...Meanwhile, everyone else immediately boards a second vessel - a smaller one, equipped to navigate the River - and another week on the water sees the PCs finally approaching a small dock on the banks. Sliding into the dock as crews of gnome engineers - those who had travelled with you now reuniting joyfully with their brethren after months apart! - operate hoists protruding from the cliffside overlooking the river, large bundles of goods glide through the air at the end of sturdy ropes, down to ships at the docks and up to vaulted openings in the cliffside. Above the Cliff, the White Walls and Towers of a Keep reflect the morning sun.
The ship sways gently in its berth as sailors ready a gangplank and throw ropes to dockhands. Not long after the plank slams against the dock, Venture-Captain Holgarin Smine, dressed in a white shirt and a black vest, crosses his arms - toned by decades of hard work! - and nods towards the Town that spreads on the slopes around the Keep, “Bet you’re eager to get on your way. The Society needs you to find an Old Lodge. I hear it’s northeast of the town. Learn any details you can about Kerinha Napsunar and report back to me. Also. Lot’s changed with the new king and all. People don’t always like change. I’d like to know if there’s trouble brewing. I’ll be conducting some business in town. You can contact me at the River Steed Inn.” Smine points to a fancy three-story building that stands above the cliffside a bit south of the keep, “So that’s two missions: find the lodge and keep your ears open. I have other business to attend." He looks towards the gnomish engineers here.
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You know of the Six River Freedoms.
1) Say What You Will, I Live Free
2) Oathbreakers Die
3) Walk Any Road, Float Any River
4) Courts Are for Kings
5) Slavery Is an Abomination
6) You Have What You Hold
You know of the Six River Freedoms.
1) Say What You Will, I Live Free
2) Oathbreakers Die
3) Walk Any Road, Float Any River
4) Courts Are for Kings
5) Slavery Is an Abomination
6) You Have What You Hold
You have heard of these River Kingdom folk. That everyone in the River Kingdoms hates nobles, and that rebellions are basically a popular pastime, given the constant shifting of power in the area relative to more "politically stable" parts of the world. As, nothing really changes for the common man.
You also know of the Six River Freedoms.
1) Say What You Will, I Live Free
2) Oathbreakers Die
3) Walk Any Road, Float Any River
4) Courts Are for Kings
5) Slavery Is an Abomination
6) You Have What You Hold
You have heard of an obscure Chronicle that contained a story from Artume’s history containing a mention of a hidden passage between the Waterworks and the Keep which Drellis Artume used to outmaneuver a Bandit Lord.
You also know of the Six River Freedoms.
1) Say What You Will, I Live Free
2) Oathbreakers Die
3) Walk Any Road, Float Any River
4) Courts Are for Kings
5) Slavery Is an Abomination
6) You Have What You Hold
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Brimley @ Search w/ Trapfinder
Clem @ ??
Duncan @ ??
Hornietelle @ ??
Mimi @ Avoid Notice
Valdris @ Detect Magic
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"Find the ears and keep the lodge open, yes, yes, of course."
Clem is visibly nervous, his eyes constantly darting back and forth. He didn't know the first thing about running a lodge; was it a bed and breakfast establishment? a hunting lodge?
Kapitano Smiles, I know you are... umm.. busy, but I have something important to discuss with you!"
The two step aside for just a moment as Clem, thinking he is whispering, says all too loudly
"Apparently there is someone here in town named... Kerinha, Kerinha Napsatnoon. You should me with some other agents to go find them, yes, that would be a good thing. I know much about this person, but maybe you should fill these agents in. I know it's your first day with the big promotion, but don't be nervous! I believe in you!"
Smine smiled; apparently Clem is having one of his episodes, but at least he is being somewhat productive in it.
Clem stepped back to join his fellow Pathfinders
"I taught him everything he knows, don't worry, you're in safe hands!"
He leans in entirely too close to Hornietelle,
"Hey Antlernutella, did you know that the River Kingdoms calls roads rivers and rivers roads? That's why they say you can waltz about on any of them! Strange people here, so you better watch out. Don't want any harassing us, right?"
Brimley
Mimi
Duncan
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Hornietelle intrigued by the 'New King', wonders what this new noble is like and has he lineage that might be thought of legitimizing his reign or if he has used might to impose his will on the people. She watches the commoners of Artume scuttle about in their work, none seem to oppressed. "Smine, you talk of a new king, what of it? Has he king ruled long and what history shall this King be remembered for, as a brute who took the realm by might and fear, or by virtue that he was next in line to rule? What know you of this King? And how is this king thought of, are his subjects plotting a rebellion already? I know how they have distaste for nobles in this part of the world and the populace will rebel at the drop of a hat. Though in the end nothing will change for the average citizen, just who they pay their taxes to."
With a grimace at Clem's greeting, the elven priestess straightens her dress, the leathers of black and yellow. With disdain and condescension she replies, "It is known obviously, as the Six Freedoms that underlie the foundations of the River Peoples would not make sense. Especially the 3rd freedom, Walk Any Road, Float Any River." She looks up and straight ahead continuing to speak, as though what she says will be forgotten by her companions once the words have left her mouth.
"So my friends, whilst here remember these 6 basic tenets as the River Kingdom Freedoms:"
'Say What You Will, I Live Free', in other words you are free to say what you like, but your words may have unforeseen or unwanted consequences. For nobles to retain their position, they often must let the words be spoken for good or ill and allow at least a modicum of criticism.
'Oathbreakers Die', so keep to you words, your commitments. Even you all should be able to understand that.
'Walk Any Road, Float Any River', freedom to travel, so Kings and their ilk do not stop passage for anyone.
'Courts Are For Kings', in other words, all laws within a river kingdom are flexible, and that rulers of a kingdom may do as they wish. We as visitors to the River Kingdom of Artume are bound by whatever laws this King has made, be they sensible or not.
'Slavery is an Abomination', so treat your servants well, whilst here. I mean it makes perfect sense when rebellion is considered the norm in these parts.
'You Have What You Hold', just like any noble or town official, if you can't hold down your authority, someone will take it. But not only that here it extends to the distinction between burglary and robbery. Burglary, or the taking of another's property without their knowledge, is considered offensive and is punishable under common law, as it robs the victim of the ability to defend him or herself. In Artume and the other River Kingdoms it is more preferable to face your robber, to be allowed the opportunity to resist and retain what's yours. It is acceptable to take what you want by force, especially when it comes to seats of power and the Kingdom itself.
As she finishes her diatribe, Hornietelle looks to the company she keeps, shaking her head, If only they had listened, such pearls of wisdom have they taken seed or fallen on barren soil. she shrugs.
As they walk with Smine further towards the River Steed Inn, she listens to Smine's reply to Duncan's question, wondering if she had heard of such a tale back in her training.
"Smine, you say it's an old Lodge, are there any maps of the area we can purchase that might indicate the vicinity of the Lodge, I mean did it have a special name?" she looks once more at Smine hoping he will have the answers.
Clem's demeanor takes Smine off guard - he struggles a moment to understand what is happening. "Ok" he says.
"That is right Hornietelle - those are the Laws of the Land" looking a little surprised here at her extensive memory "Maps I dunno - you'd have to ask around I suppose!" He continues here “The old king, Drellis Artume, was assassinated two decades ago. Sir Waike, crusader I think, was made the regent. He tried to kill Queen Sovella. She was pregnant at the time. She fled to a Milanite monastery called Everbloom. Waike was a slag heap, so eventually the populace rebelled with the support of the monks of Milani. Edryd, son of Drellis and Sovella, was of age. He’s King Edryd now.” and shrugs here "His popularity? Unknown to me. I expect you to find that out - shouldn't be too hard for your lot."
He turns to Duncan now "Kerinha Napsunar was part of the Society some three-hundred, four-hundred years ago. One of Durvin Gest’s peers. Pathfinder agents found out about her early exploits a few months back. She was politically savvy and willing to risk a lot for historical artifacts. For one, she established a smuggling ring in Rahadoum to save religious relics. She came here and founded a Pathfinder lodge. After that, it’s your job to find out.”
He looks around as if expecting a few more folks to chime in - making sure to stand a "safe" distance from Clem, who seems to unnerve him a little...
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Mimi had never been the greatest student of history while at school; quite the opposite in fact. She'd tended to view such bookish subjects as a waste of valuable time better put to use training her body and sword; a sentiment that remained with her to this day. As such, on those unusual days when she'd deigned to attend school, she hadn't paid much attention in class. Also, Gralton was a rather insular place, and the history taught in its schools tended to focus somewhat more on the history of Galt and rather less on that of the River Kingdoms.
So it came as little surprise that despite being the only member of the team actually born in the River Kingdoms, she was also the least knowledgeable of its history and politics. She'd only vaguely remembered talk of the Six River Freedoms and wouldn't have been able to list them if her life depended on it. She suspected that Kerinha Napsunar referred to a person, but given that history and geography were taught in the same class, it could just as easily have been the name of a place.
As usual, Hornietelle is a fount of knowledge; there seemed to be no subject that she didn't know something about. Mimi suspected that half the time she was making it up on the fly, but hadn't yet caught her out on any obvious fabrication. Hornietelle was indeed quite impressive in her comportment and the way she dealt with people. Mimi was happy to just watch her and pick up new pointers on the different ways to put opponents off their game with just the right look or cutting quip.
And what was the deal with Clem? The old man definitely gave off a crazy vibe and seemed to be spouting gibberish most of the time. She wondered what he was doing on this mission and whether he would prove more an impediment to its successful completion rather than a benefit. Time would tell she supposed, but in the mean time, she kept her distance in case whatever he suffered from was contagious.
Not wanting to embarrass herself unnecessarily, she left the questioning of Smine to the more erudite members of the team.
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Listening to Hornitelle's explanation of the six basic tenets of the River Kingdoms, Valdris nods and smiles.
"Just remember what those tenets mean. Be courteous above all else, especially when acting as a highway robber. Charm and wit are as commonplace as a knife at your throat from what I have read. Their tactics of warfare on the water are amazing. Why did you know...."
The wizard begins to babble on for a few minutes before realizing that the group was beginning to walk away from him, mostly at the mention of Durvin Gest. Trying to catch up to Clem, the Taldan attemots to place a hand on the old coot.
"Wait, they found a chronicle recently from peers of Gest? I miss all the fun rumors!"
"Well don't let me stop ya"
Seeing that there are no additional questions, Smine nods, uncrosses his arms, and is on his way, following a few gnome engineers up to River Steed Inn.
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Hornietelle thinking back to her childhood as the daughter of the eleven diplomatic mission to Ustalav, she ponders what her father would do, would he demand an audience with the King to immediately? She sees her father, his grand fur lined cloak of elven green with a golden branch like mosaic. He stands tall against the fireplace of their elegant house. His emerald eyes shining as his long slender fingers rub his soft cheek, deep in thought. Hornietelle's eyes feel a tear welling up, but quickly regains her thoughts. No, my father would want to have an advantage, to have cards to play. And this was a city that allows the freedom to criticise authority and where better than to find titbits of information than from the priests and the alehouses.
She turns to her companions, "We should meet back by the docks in a couple of hours after we have all discovered what we can. I will take the time to understand more about the workings of this new king and his court. Some of you should find more about the location of the Lodge, find a map or whatever to locate the place. You are in agreement." she says with an authority that comes from the arrogance of nobility.
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Mimi smiles at Hornietelle's presumptive donning of the leader's mantle. With a big grin on her face, Mimi snaps her heels together loudly and makes a sloppy salute in the elf's direction. "Aye aye, madame. Your veesh ees ma commande." The swashbuckler then turns on her heel and makes an exaggerated show of marching down the gangplank and onto the docks. She asks the first likely-looking person she runs into which tavern has the best beer in town, and heads that way.
Gather Information about what?
For the other sailors - and a few gnomes playing hooky! - the hardest part - a journey across the sea - is over. Whether between jobs, or simply returning home, the pitchers that pass around commemorate something different than they do for our paired (and competing?) swashbucklers, having quickly followed their noses to the nearest pub - a quaint little diveshack by the side of the river.
The rest of the party perhaps dawdle a bit, for by the time they arrive - a short walk across the thoroughfare overlooking the rushing water - both Mimi and Duncan's noses are redder than their engineer friends' - but not without something to show for it!
A scruffy-looking, lanky hunter scratches her head and gives pretty accurate directions a the ruined where you might find the lodge...
A scruffy-looking, lanky hunter scratches her head and gives pretty accurate directions a the ruined where you might find the lodge...
Hobnobbin', you are able to "squeeze" these directions out of the sailors and locals without wasting hours doing so!
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Looking at the two, Valdris sighs and shakes his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. Would it be so difficult to not have a group of agents that rush off to get drunk within the first few hours of a mission? If an old lodge was a part of the town, perhaps the local nobility might have some information and records?
"Question Priestess. Perhaps you can have a chat with the local lord, and I ask to look into their history, namely concerning our prestigious organization? If we did have a lodge, I am sure the local nobles or government might have had some dealings with the Society of yore. I am quite certain the one or the other could have had..... a dispute or three over the lodge's years of operations."
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The Three Pier Keel has gotten noisier since Mimi and Duncan began working through the crowd. Mimi's toasts, and the accompanying rounds, have bolstered everyone's mood. While the cheers went up Duncan worked his way through the crowd, quickly homing in on a woodsy sort in the corner. Despite their opposed preferences for land and sea Duncan is able to charm a bit of information about some likely ruins out of her in short order.
Location in hand Duncan starts working his way back over to Mimi. Spotting the rest of the crew finally making it to the bar he raises his voice.
There she is. What'd I tell you, pretty as a picture, but her nose so high you wouldn't need a crow's nest.
Duncan uses the distraction to slip over to Mimi,
Time to go. I have directions to where the lodge used to be... probably. Let's get the rest and hit the road.
Once the gang is out on the road...
So there we are, Mimi has the great idea to loosen people up with a round and a cheer for Cayden. Pretty soon she's caught up in toasting and chatting when I spot this woman in the corner. Now she lifts her mug with everyone else, but only takes a quick sip each time. Throw in all the greens and browns she's wearing and I think to myself, "Duncan, that looks like a woman who can find things outside of the city." So I head over and start to introduce myself. Now Cailean isn't really doing it for her so I propose a separate send off, Besmara for me and Erastil for her. After that we get chatting and I work her around to the old lodge. Not long after you lot showed up, I grab our master of ceremonies, and here we are. Not a bad start to the day, if I say so myself.
"I am quite afraid our Benevolent Lord is indisposed" the priestess's first reaction is to dismiss the prodding wizard - indeed, had he instead entreated her with a reference to the Local Laws, she might have extended additional patience - but just as much, as one never knows just who's who around here, she second-guesses herself anyway to hedge her (at the moment) low estimation of the man "Who are you?"
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"Well aren't you just an adorable little thing!" the high-nosed woman lays flattery upon the dapper gentleman "But my, what a thin little sword - surely you couldn't hurt anyone with That!" the joke is lewd, and Duncan manages to dodge and swap Mimi into conversation as his surrogate - and shifting subjects, she begins blowing off steam "Ever since King Edryd took over, the game around here has been scarcer and scarcer every year!" it's hard to distinguish here if there is actual causality to her words, if they echo a general feeling of malcontent, if she is just complaining for it's own sake - or all three.
Nesting Duncan's Survival check for now - giving everyone an opportunity to respond here!
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Hornietelle watches Mimi's performance, raises an eyebrow and twists her mouth, expressing her distaste for the petulant display. Then walks with Valdris to the local temple to pay her respects to Calistria and ask the discover from the priests the how the people of Artume feel about the King. "Knowing that the congregation are free to speak their minds and still live free to have their own views, what do they say about King Edryd? Does the King treat the people well, to encourage their loyalty or not?" she listens to the answers and joins in their prayers.
After prayers, she finds Valdris and discusses his findings and if he discovered a map they could transcribe.
Religion +7
Diplomacy - Gather information +7
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Mimi looks up at Duncan from her stool and then looks past him at the scruffy-looking, lanky hunter woman he'd just been talking to.
"Ah, I see you 'ave been talkeeng to Betreece. I ran eento 'er out back earlier vile ve vere relieveeng ourselves. She told me all about de ruines outside of town vere de lodge might 'ave been. Deed your silver tongue get anytheeng more out of 'er?"
She smiles broadly at Duncan, picks up her own beer, and follows Duncan back to the hunter woman to see if they could get anything more from her. When Beatrice seems to blame King Edryd for the loss of game, Mimi raises an eyebrow. "Eet appears dat your Keeng Edreed ees not universallee admiréd. I've 'erd several unfavorebel remarques about 'eem seence arriveeng 'ere and not a single vord of praise. Ees 'e trulee such a bad ruler?" Though she had indeed not heard anything positive about the king yet, she had also not heard anything negative about the man until now. Mimi decided to play along to see if she could get anything more out of Beatrice.
Mimi then downs the last of her beer. Not a bad drop it turned out to be, though she suspected that after her semi-enforced abstinence on the ship, almost any brew would have tasted like heaven. She then goes with Duncan to rejoin the rest of the group. Mimi nods as Duncan recounts their successful foray into the tavern. "A good time vas indeed 'ad by all, and de bière vas quaite acceptebel too."
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Bowing towards the Priestess, Valdris makes his introductions.
"I am Vadris Delsuunes of Taldor, my lady. Currently, I have come into information that the organization I work for may have had a base of operations in the area. The details of that venture would be fine, but I heard there may be a story. One of how Artume had outmanuvered the Bandit Lord using a path between the Waterworks and the Keep, perhaps."
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, while straightening his robes and collecting this thoughts, he then continues.
"While the Lord may be indisposed at the time, I am looking more for information that could help. The Lord's Court is for his own matters, as I am seeking something outside it. Which is why, I chose a religious institution. With how the people revere and confide, maybe there may be something in the archives?"
Valdris smiles before mentioning, "Or, perhaps an oath is keeping you tied down, if it is so, I won't hold anything against you."
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The door to the Three Pier Keel swings wide open as Clem steps through. All the regulars turn, raise their mugs and cheer for Clem's arrival as if he was known face.
"Yes yes, good, nice to see you all. The end is coming so the next round is on me."
More cheers follow as Clem steps to the bar and pours a pile of acorns, lint, and string on the counter.
"Your payment, barkeep. And a little extra..." Clem slides a doorknob over "...if you tell me about the recent goings ons about town"
The chapel keep's temperament changes "I know of no Base" she remarks "Nor of any Hidden Path between the Waterworks and the Keep" this fails to stoke her curiosity "But I can say I prefer our Benevolent Lord to his predecessor - bit of a Tyrant, he was" answering both Valdris's and Hornietelle's questions with her own honest opinion "Let's hope he isn't driven out like Lord Waike was" she steps behind a wooden counter now, under a sign that says "Currency Exchange" and says "Now - do you two have any business with the Master of the First Vault?" trying to conclude the social visit with a business transaction!
Brimley is the third pathfinder this day to redden his nose - Beatrice walks over to him suspiciously "And you! You look like Them! Here to stir the rabble are ya? Sneaking around town with cloak and cape!" it is unclear who the subject of the comparison is as she looks the gnome up and down "Not bad looking, though" her lanky body towering over his, she makes a crude pass, punctuating her compliment with a sloppy wink...
The barkeep looks at the pile of acorns, lint, and string, then makes a suddenly aggressive move - reaching across the counter to grab Clem by the cloth covering his chest and pulling him close to his face in an intimidating fashion "We don't serve no Firebrands here!" he let's go as fast as he grabbed "Now git out!"
And so, snubbed at the chapel and kicked out of the bar, our Plucky Heroes quickly find themselves on the road following Duncan, who steers them according to directions he received from a drunken Beatrice!
Rolling plains stretch to the horizon outside Artume’s walls. The road leads north alongside the Sellen River. Smaller paths and side roads branch off towards the eastern plains, where mounted riders herd livestock across the grasslands. Beyond the grassy hills opens up a gloomy valley, where a snaking river flows sluggishly toward the Sellen. Over the centuries, the river has turned the valley into marshland.
Nestled next to a lone hill is a drab-looking village where many of the houses have collapsed, sinking slowly into the morass. On a hillside, overlooking the village, resides a weathered, two-story house with a broken tower...
The directions "end" here...
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To Mimi - I can hear the accent in my head as I read your posts (but it does take a moment)!
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Brimley @ Search w/ Trapfinder
Clem @ Scout
Duncan @ ??
Hornietelle @ ??
Mimi @ Avoid Notice
Valdris @ Detect Magic
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During her prayers, Hornietelle asks Calistria to light the sting in one of her arrows, which she places in her quiver, darkening the light.
When the priest offers an opportunity to conclude some business, Hornietelle offers to buy some scrolls from the churches store, a scroll of grease and a scroll of befuddle.
She catches up to Mimi and loudly starts to discuss the politics of the Kingdom, "So, my Lady Mimi" she starts in a voice suggesting an attraction to the swashbuckler's confidence, wit and agility. "So what did you learn of these common people, do they believe that the King will hold his crown or were they likely to test his hold on Artume. Certainly the priests consider that the King is liked, he is not the tyrant he replaced, he is even beneficial to the common people, or so the church believes."
Continuing to talk with Mimi, Hornietelle let's it be known that she could enhance Mimi's weapon's with Calistria's power of vengeance if they get into trouble.
Hornietelle searches the surroundings as they make their way through the marshland, picking her way through the mud, in the effort to keep her black leather boots and robes from getting too muddy. Every so often, once the muck is too great, she stops momentarily, utters a few words and commands her apparel to repel the mud and dirt. Her voice is quiet and sultry, "Calistria, my passion, withstand the earth's mud that dirties your subjects attire." as her hand sweeps down her body, the mud and water drop to the floor, leaving her clothes clean and dry.
As they walk, she sidles up to Duncan, and with her silky voice, "I congratulate you Duncan, your ability to find this path was not something I had expected of you. I hope that is not all you offer us, I hope you have something to protect us as well." She fingers her 'Sting' the whip by her side, "I can make pleasure as well as pain."
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Duncan limps along using his cane, keeping his eyes peeled for trouble.
It was mostly Beatrice. I just had to do a bit of sweet talking. Protect you, eh? Well, I'm a decent shot, if that's what you mean. I figured that was what you had the whip for.
A small hand crossbow is visible over his shoulder, but no other weapons are apparent.
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Hero Point: To Mimi - I can hear the accent in my head as I read your posts (but it does take a moment)!
Mimi is somewhat encouraged by Hornietelle's new tone. "It seems that miss snooty-pants does occasionally come down off her tower to mix with the plebs."
She responds. "I am not much of von for politeecs per se, but my jugement ees dat de people are quaite divided on de compétence of deir Keeng Edreed. Von teeng ees for certain; eet ees, 'ow do you say, a sensiteeve subject vith strong feelings on both sides."
As to Hornietelle's offer of weapon enhancement, "Dat ees veree généreuse of you madame, and vile I am confident dat mon ami 'ere..." she uses her slightly calloused fingers to caresses the rounded pommel of her sheathed rapier, "...veell vork juste fine as-ees, a leetel 'elp on occasion ees alveys vell reeceived."
Moving through the valley, Mimi, rapier in hand, chooses her path carefully to avoid the worst of the marsh and uses whatever cover there is to conceal her progress. When they see the ghost village up ahead and the house overlooking it, she stops for a better look.
She nods toward the house on the hillside. "I veell vager von gold piece dat de 'ouse over dere ees our misseeng lodge." She gives it a second or two, but she doubts anyone will take up her bet. "Shall ve confirm my 'unch, then?"
The party walks up to the dilapidated wooden house that looms on the windy hillside. The empty window frames and doorways reveal the first ten feet or so of the building’s dreary interior. An old tower juts upward from the building’s southwestern corner.
The party proceeds cautiously towards the building, careful to make observations before entering, and circling around...
Besides the obvious entrance to the south over the porch, there is a second entrance on the western side, and feasibly, a third entrance, wading through collapsed section on the northeast corner - though it does look a little treacherous...
Furthermore, none of the two intentionally-constructed entrances seem to be booby-trapped!
You keep a lookout while your comrades case the building. The coast is clear!
Besides the obvious entrance to the south over the porch, there is a second entrance on the western side, and feasibly, a third entrance, wading through collapsed section on the northeast corner - though it does look a little treacherous...
Besides the obvious entrance to the south over the porch, there is a second entrance on the western side, and feasibly, a third entrance, wading through collapsed section on the northeast corner - though it does look a little treacherous...
You remain carefully hidden while your comrades case the building.
Besides the obvious entrance to the south over the porch, there is a second entrance on the western side, and feasibly, a third entrance, wading through collapsed section on the northeast corner - though it does look a little treacherous...
No auras register, having pulsed the entire perimeter of the outside.
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Brimley @ Search w/ Trapfinder
Clem @ Scout
Duncan @ Search
Hornietelle @ Search
Mimi @ Avoid Notice
Valdris @ Detect Magic
Front @ Duncan and Mimi
Middle @ Clem and Brimley
Back @ Hornietelle and Valdris
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Once everyone is back together from scoring the grounds...
I don't know about you, but I see three ways in; main door here, side door around that way, he gestures to the west side or, if you're feeling sure footed, part of the far side of the place is collapsed and we could probably push through the debris.
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"So this is abandoned, there's no point in skulking around the back or going through any dangerous structures. Shall e=we just go in by the main door, I assume the porch is safe? Anyway it's degrading to enter by the servants portal." says Hornietelle. "At least Duncan seems to have done a good bit of discovery about the building so far. So come, who is brave enough to enter?" she issues the challenge to her companions, fully expecting either Mimi or Duncan to raise to the bait.
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Mimi hears Hornietelle urging them to get on with it. She draws her main-gauche, and with the rapier still in her other hand, she calls back. "Ah madame, as I am alreadee fullee degraded, I veell not suffer by entereeng vith de servants. Duncan! You go een de front. Yes? Ve meet een de middle. On de count of dree. Von... two... dree..."
Assuming Mimi got some form of acknowledgment from Duncan, she moves quickly up the western stairs and enters the building, being careful where she steps so as not to twist an ankle, or worse.