The Journey of a Thousand Miles (Jade Regent AP)

Game Master Sensen

Riftun glances around the home with interest, the wall scrolls were quite beautiful after all and as a worshiper of Shelyn (by her relation to Desna) he appreciates art in all its forms... Well almost all, nothing his little sister would currently consider 'art.'

"Some warm bread sounds lovely a-and I think we would all appreciate the warmed ale. My friends aren't quite used to the climes of our homeland yet a-and I have to admit, after spending so much time abroad, I could use something to warm me up to." The bard smiles congenially. "Mera sounds lovely shall we be meeting her? If not please send her our most sincere gratitude."

"Oh but forgive me we aren't here to talk about bread and baking." Riftun rubs the back of his head embarrassed. "W-We were looking for a fine blade of Minkaian make, magically enchanted to be sure... would you happen to have or be aware of such a blade?"

"O-o-oh, w-we do not really need anything, but th-thanks" Yuto says but kindly accepts a fresh tea and some cookies.

The man let's the more socially inclined ones to lead the conversation but adds his two cents at some point "S-so Fynn San, a-are you some kind of co-collector that like to retain the pieces yourself, or you are a broker f-for other clients?"
Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Torra finds that many of the books are written in either Skald or some sort of Tien language - they're Tien characters, anyways - it's hard to know whether it's Minkaian, Tien, or some other form of language spoken on that faraway continent.

"Mera's probably busy in the kitchen at the moment, but I'll send her your regards." Fynn replies to Riftun with a genial grin as he rings a bell. A servant appears at the door, and Fynn requests the refreshments in Skald. "A blade of Minkaian make? I've many of those, but only one magical. You must be speaking of Suishen. I wore it when I was younger, but it always made me a little comfortable to do so."

The merchant's smile fades. "Alas, just a couple weeks ago, a group of masked, black-clad thieves broke in and stole the sword. I've had it for nigh on sixty years now, and it gets stolen... More worryingly, a few of my servants were killed by the thieves."

He looks to Yuto. "Young man, I do prefer to keep my collections here, as you might be able to guess. Unfortunately, it seems to have been an ill choice for me and my employees this time."

"Oh, suck!" Yuto exclaims on discovering the destination of the blade "Tha-that is terrible... have you found any clue of w-who might be behind this stealing?"

"So-sorry for your loss... it must have been terrible after so many years, probably had an emotional va-value to you..."

"Most troubling, indeed, you have my sympathies," Andochtuir says, frowning upon hearing this news. "Did anything unusual lead up to this event? Anyone showing unusual or uncommen interest in it, or such?" he adds to Yuto's question.

"Thank you for your kind words... but I have no clues from the guards, that's for sure." Fynn replies to Yuto. "I reported it to them then, but nothing's come of it. The only thing that I heard from the sole survivor of the attack was that one of the intruders was much taller than the others, and seemed to be in charge."

He looks to the half-elf. "I'm afraid not." The elderly merchant scratches his beard. "You're the first to express interest in it that I've heard of. Now, I've a proposal for you. It's been sitting here gathering dust for almost as long as I've owned it. I'm old, and I have no heirs."

"Under the laws and traditions of these kingdoms, I've a right to wergild, as my property was stolen and my employees attacked. But no one has offered any such thing, so I've a right to blood vengeance. You all look like able-bodied combatants, and I'm an old man... If I appoint you proxies and you took vengeance on my behalf, you would be protected from retribution by law."

"Now, I would not do this without payment, of course. If you can take vengeance and discover Suishen, I would be more than willing to reward you with the blade." Fynn looks to each of the heroes' faces. "What do you think?"

Torra's eyes go wide at the proposal, although she doesn't understand the custom that the merchant is referring to? "What is wergild? And what is blood vengeance? Do you want us to kill these thieves?"

As the waits for the answer, her mind is spinning. Were these the same assassins who attacked their caravan weeks ago? Were they connected to that thane who had sent his raiders out only a couple of nights ago? And why steal the blade now?

"From the sound of it, his servants that day were all slain save the one. Making it not just robbery, but manifold murder on innocents. Strange that the guards were not able or willing to uncover anything, considering the severity of these crimes. I imagine the retibution for such would have to be harsh," Andochtuir muses calmly, trying to suppress his excitement over the incredibly generous and helpful offer just made to them. He looked around to see if anyone was against taking him up on it?

"No, he died shortly after of his wounds." Fynn says grimly. "All of the servants in the house were killed. I've since increased the number of guards, and hired on a mage to set alarms for anyone breaking in... but I fear it may not be enough. My people are afraid, and that is intolerable. If I have a reputation of being unable to protect my servants... it will ruin me, and they won't be able to be safe, either."

He looks to Torra. "Wergild's repayment for injuries done. Sometimes in gold, sometimes in other valuables. It's an old Ulfen tradition, and is meant to keep blood feuds from forming. Doesn't always work, of course. And aye, I want those murderers found and killed. It's right and just."

Torra's brow creases as the merchant explains. "Why kill all the servants? That doesn't make sense. Did they take anything else, or just the sword?"

Killing the assassins wouldn't bring the slain back, and what the merchant wants them to do is perilously close to the same thing - killing people for someone else's reasons, but... She clenches her fists. There was already so much blood on her hands.

"We-wergild?" Yuto swallows at the idea of fighting someone who killed professional guards but they came for the blade anyway "Su-such payment is more than generous, I-I am interested to help "

"Did they happen to have some kind of rings coat of arms?"

"Killing should always be a method of last resort as the dead cannot be redeemed." Riftun frowns. "But the laws o the land and the traditions or our people are important. Should these villains not submit themselves to justice then... w-we'll do what must be done."

The bard bows to their host, "We are honored by your most gracious offer and I vow we shall set things right for you and your departed servants. Also just know that Suishen will find honor in purpose after you have turned it over to us. I-I just have to query... Do you have any idea of where we might start in our pursuit of these murderous thieves?"

Fynn grunts at Torra with a shrug. "No witnesses, maybe? I couldn't tell you." He runs his fingers through his beard. "The only thing I noticed that was missing was the sword. Nothing else valuable was gone."

He glances at Yuto with a wry smile. "Your help is most appreciated. As for rings... no, I don't think so." The merchant sighs. "It would have been an identifying mark of who they worked for, and I doubt they wanted that."

The older Ulfen looks skeptically at Riftun as he mentions his feelings on violence, but shrugs and replies. "No... I don't think... Wait. He did say something about 'paying the lion's price' before he died." Fynn scratches his chin again. "Hold a moment..." His expression darkens. "Perhaps I do have an idea. You mentioned arm-rings, no? And the lion's price... a local ring-giver named Asvig Longthews hands out rings with lion's heads carved on them. Longthews is also quite tall... like the leader of the thieves."

Slamming the table with his hand, he curses in Skald.

Andochtuir shares a look with his friends. "Tell us where to find this ring maker and we will take care of the rest."

"Tha-hat one issuing the rings se-eems a good place to start our search. Where can we find Asvig Longthews or ask about him?" Turó asks while leaving some space for the man.

"I'm afraid I don't exactly know where his farm is, but it's outside the city walls somewhere. He's got a fair few - several dozen - retainers and warriors in his service. Be careful." Fynn scratches his chin. "Asking around the city to find him shouldn't be too hard."

Do remember that many of his retainers attacked you back at the bridge, so there're at least a dozen or so less.

"All right. We will keep you updated should anything happen," Andochtuir says, then gives the man a respectful bow and walks outside. "Perhaps we should ask some of the caravan members to accompany us," he muses, once outside. "If this guy is really as powerful locally as Fynn claimed, it would probably do to at least ask Koya, Spivey or Teruko with us so we have a healer for the assault. And maybe Ameiko as well... since it will be a fight for her heirloom and birthright, perhaps we should offer her the chance to be there."

Do we need any more shopping done? Anyone have suggestions for things that would be good to have with us for this attack?

Riftun joins Andochtuir in a bow of respect as the group exits the man's estate.

After exiting the bard seems to puzzle over what information they had just learned. "So the man who had our caravan attacked is the same man who just recently stole Suishen not too long after we found what we did at the keep. It all seems like it could hardly be a coincidence. Who could this Asvig Longthews really be? What allegiances does he hold? I-It's unsettling being so in the dark I must admit."

Riftun is looking for a Page of Spell Knowledge - Cure Light Wounds and keeping an eye out for anything to replace the artifact they destroyed that Zaiobe had wanted, preferably something with a similar non-evil effect.

"Thank you for your help, my young friends. I am deeply grateful." Fynn bows in return to the heroes.

The statuette was (effectively) a headband of alluring charisma +4 to Pazuzu worshipers. It's, uh, a bit out of your price range. A page of spell knowledge for cure light wounds would cost 1000 gp, and is thus available at at least one the local temples.

Yikes! That is indeed a little on the expensive side... perhaps something to consider as an end game present if she's still with us then xD I will go ahead and grab that Page of Spell knowledge though. More heals are always good.

Unless someone objects, Andochtuir would join the others in asking around subtly for Asvig Longthews' mansion, pretending to be interested in his famed ringmaking skills.

"So... if anyone is against an attack, this would be a good time to speak up. We don't know *entirely* sure if Asvig is the guilty party here, but it seems very likely, and we *do* know that he is bhind the attack on the Caravan. It seems the Laws of Wergild would give us the right to strike back for that as well, even if we do not find the katana."

Should the group assent and succeed in finding out the address, he suggests heading back to the Inn to consult with Caravan leadership, and if done inquires if one of the many divine healers would accompany them on what was probably a direct assault on the local Thane. Should Ameiko be there, he would glance at her to see if she wanted to join now that the investigation was more or less concluded. It was, after all, her family's Katana, and he didn't know how strongly she felt about leaving this entirely to others.

"I... suppose this is our best way forward at this time. But are you sure that those were-laws apply to us? We're not Ulfen." Torra seems a little ill at ease with the idea of choosing to kill people outside the heat of battle and immediate threat, but the dwarf will follow the group decision.

"I suppose we could ask around for the specifics of Wergild first as a precaution," Andochtuir agrees. "Though it seems likely that as a resident, they at least apply to Asvig. He'd know he could get targeted by Wergild in revenge for any attacks he would orchestrate. And if not, Master Fynn just directly indicated him and gave us the right as someone we know both ends of this law apply to."

I'll roll someone's Diplomacy for Gathering Information to figure out where to find Asvig's farm.

Andochtuir Diplomacy, aid another: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Riftun Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 12 + 2 = 29
Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Poking around the area, the party discovers that Asvig Longthews has a farm about two hours (by foot) to the southeast of the city - a bit of a ways away, and with the sun setting and the air already beginning to bite harder, it might be advisable to hold off on trying to visit. On the other hand, an attack by night might be easier than during the day...

They also discover that wergild would protect if they were attacked by Asvig's followers in the past - however, claiming that would require them to acknowledge they were part of the caravan - or at least risk revealing it.

After learning this, Andy would proceed back to the tavern to share the knowledge with any Caravan leaders they could still find. Would any healer there related to the Caravan be willing to join us? Does Ameiko wish to come to claim the sword herself now that we probably know where it is, or is she still okay with us doing it? Essentially he does the planned things from his before the last post.

"We should talk to the others first. What we do will affect them as well, so they need to have a say," suggests Torra.

Returning to the caravan takes another half an hour or so, and the sun has already set by the time the party arrives.

Quick rundown, unless you want to RP it out:

Ameiko expresses interest in joining the party in the attack on the farmstead, but Sandru and Koya express their concern, as does Shalelu. Koya looks slightly uncomfortable at the thought of going into combat, but Spivey volunteers to join the heroes. "I have some experience at going unnoticed..."

Shalelu points out that she is rather obvious if she is seen, but acknowledges that no one yet knows she is present.

With regards to taking Suishen herself, Ameiko points out that she wouldn't know how to use it, and that Yuto certainly does.

Rift un would like to ask if Zaiobe would like to join.

Yuto stutters when Ameiko points at him but he does agree on avoiding to put the caravan leaders into risk "I-it seems we are better set to do this as subtly at possible. U-unless we ha-have a cover up to approach them directly, I s-say we first stealth around for a day or so to see th-their movements and de-defenses. Then we try to g-go in and claim the ownership of our Lord" he looks at Ameiko and lows his head "E-Empress"

"I-I only ask you let me inform Asvig we are claiming Wergild once we face him. Th-the code of the samurai would not allow me other way."

"We'd be happy to have you with us, Spivey," Andochtuir says, smiling at the small Azata, just as his animated beard familiar looked up from his pocket and tried to pet her. "Oh, ah, this is Feosag. A local dialect for 'beard', I heard. Seemed as fitting a name as any. I might have forgotten to introduce the two of you." He says, watching the beard try and chase the flying creature rather unsuccesfully, but not deterred in the least.

He then nods at Yuto's suggestions. "Staking out the farm for a day seems wise, if we could do that unnoticed, though that might be more difficult in practise than in goal. Still, it doesn't hurt much to try. And of course, you're welcome to declare the Wergild for us if you choose, my friend. It seems whether Tian-Min or Ulfen, both cultures have similar concepts of honor. Though to which degree they are followed varies on the individual..." He adds, thinking of how despicable it really was if this guy was truly guilty of both the robbery-murder and the slavery-like system he employed to control his men.

Zaiobe doesn't seem terribly interested in going initially, but seems more interested when she hears that there will be a chance to kill people. With that, she seems to have decided to go with the companions.

Ameiko waves away Yuto's use of the title. "Not yet, Yuto. Please. Not yet." There's an edge of desperation to her words, and she looks away from him.

"I can't recommend telling your enemies you're coming for them too early on. If you must let them know, though... how would you send word?" Sandru asks his foster brother. "It might be dangerous for any messenger you send."

"Oh, I know! We write a formal challenge, wrap the parchment around an arrow and fire the arrow so that it sticks right above the door! Or have Zaiobe drop it from the sky!" Torra enthusiastically suggests. She must have read that somewhere.

"Would it not be a lot safer to shout out the challenge once we burst into the compound? That gives him much less time to prepare. Or, for that matter, flee once he knows someone is coming to challenge him," Andochtuir muses.

Yuto giggles amused by Torra's cool suggestion "Th-that would be dreadful and in style"

"Yes, Andochtuir, th-that would work for me" the man brings his hand over the katana pommel "As long as they know the rightfulness of the combat before they die, i-it works for me."

Further on, Yuto will propose to wake up early in the morning and direct themselves to the farm for the initial recognizance. If the caravan can provide with a spyglass, he will take the chance. Also, he will let the more gifted ones to be closer, keeping himself a bit on the back for this.
Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Riftun is both happy and concerned that Zaiobe will be joining them. He felt safer with her around knowing how powerful she was and that she could be their eyes in the sky but her bloodlust...

A shiver went down the bard's spine. It could prove useful and there was a certain level of excitement reminiscent of the old skaldic sagas filled with death, glory, and adventure and yet... Riftun would have to be sure that it was always pointed in the right direction.

"Perhaps Zaiobe could fire the message from her bow from the sky then? O-Or I could just deliver the message by hand under the flag of peace. I-Its taboo to attack the messenger so I'd probably be fine and besides, I have some tricks to help me run if I need to... A horse would be appreciated though, just in case I need a quick get-away." Riftun suggests.

"I agree with Andochtuir." Shalelu says, though she seems a little amused. "If you're going to announce yourselves, it's best to give them as little time to prepare as possible."

Ameiko runs a hand through her streaked hair. "Appropriate though the arrow idea is, I'm forced to agree with him as well." Amaya nods briefly in turn, but (predictably) says nothing.

Once everyone is ready, we'll move on. Yuto: while the caravan doesn't have a spyglass, there's almost certainly one available for purchase in the city. That would mean cutting a bit into your time early in the morning, but...

Yuto will buy a spyglass at town and will use it to patiently lurk the farm from the distance and fetch as much information as possible through the day.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Oathday, 19th of Lamashan, 4711

The following morning is cloudy and a tad warmer than it was the previous day. The party ventures into the city to pick up the last few supplies they desire before heading out into the brisk autumn morning. Traveling to the farm takes about two hours, during which the party's cold weather preparations pay off, as they remain fairly warm - if not comfortable. Spivey and Zaiobe stay in the air for most of the journey.

Eventually, they stop outside of the farm - far enough away that it seems likely that no one will see them at a glance. Spivey and Zaiobe land nearby as the party stops. The farmhouse is surrounded by sheds and barns, but is itself not that large - perhaps only a hundred feet long. Wooden posts of unclear purpose surround the farm at about sixty feet away from its outermost buildings - one every thirty feet in a wide circle.

"There are a lot of them..." Spivey says softly, her brows furrowed. "And the posts are enchanted somehow."

"Perhaps we can challenge their leader and avoid too much bloodshed," Torra suggests, hopeful. The idea of fighting this many people sits ill with the dwarf.

"If it's this far from the village, and we're outnumbered *that* badly, perhaps we could ask some of the Caravan members for support. If not for combat then to try a diversion while we infiltrate the compound." Andochtuir muses, and he looks around for something that could work for such an idea.

Are there any remote buildings in the compound that a fire could be set to, for instance? "

"The problem with challenging him directly is that the last raiders were literally bound to do his will on penalty of death. Not to mention how he supposedly killed innocent servants. He doesn't strike me as the honorable sort who cares about what others think of him. It seems much more likely he would just order them to attack and kill us," he answers Torra, though looking to the others for their opinions.

"So-sounds we really found the same ones that attacked us" Yuto points at the way the farmers are dressed for raiding "Asvig is their liege and they sh-shall follow the same e-end as their master" the man draws a bit his katana, letting part of the blade be seen by the others to show what he means by his words "W-we promised wergild"

The Tian looks intently at the farm and the people working there "L-let's just keep looking, let's see w-what they do for a d-day or two so we learn their routines and fi-find out better how to face this. W-we seem well under cover from here"

The man does so, trying to let the day evolve to fetch more information from the site.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Alright, you know a lot more about these things than I do, so just tell me what to look for." Taking Yuto's example and tips, Torra helps observe the movements of the raiders.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Earlier

------------

Now

Riftun seems nervous as the time comes and the party approaches the farm where the enemy is supposedly residing. Thoughts of violence and death never weighed lightly on the concious of the bard and yet he knew sometimes such things were unaviodable. And besides, by the cultural rights of his people blood vengence was a righteous course of action in this scenario.

There was comfort in knowing his friends were there to support him however.

Taking note of Spivey's warning Riftun nods and casts his spell of detection causing a familiar blue glint to appear in his eyes as he analyzes the posts.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

But his efforts are all for not as he can't seem to get a proper grasp on the spell from this distance.

"I'm afraid I can't read it... but it could be an alarm spell given the layout it seems fair to assume it is defensive in nature." He murmurs.

"It won't be good to stay out in the cold too long so I don't know how long we can wait." the ulfen observes ntoing the chilling temperatures of his homeland.

While some of the barns and all of the sheds are made entirely of wood, they are also alive with activity - it would take some level of stealth to approach them to set them ablaze without being noticed.

Spivey looks over at the companions. "How long do you wish to wait? I haven't prepared any spells that would ward off the weather."

I'll get you the results of your perception checks when you share how long you intend to wait.

"That's all right, my friend. I can comfortable keep you warm under my cloak should you wish," Andochtuir offers to Spivey as they kept up their reconnaissance. From beneath the edge of his cloak the 'dead' of his animated beard scuffles aside as if to make room for the Azata and its 'arm' pats the empty space as if to welcome her there. "If we're not planning on a diversion and insisting on doing it without the caravan, perhaps it is best to strike the moment it looks as though his bands have moved out. Eventually the cold will start to hinder us."

"The cold won't bother me at all, Andochtuir, but thank you for your offer." Spivey says with a smile. Her expression grows grave and she runs a hand through her green hair.

"I'm afraid I can't read it... but it could be an alarm spell given the layout it seems fair to assume it is defensive in nature." He murmurs.

"Yo-you can han-handle those Riftun. C-can you disable them? I be-belive in you." Yuto inquiries about the strange magical posts.

Spivey looks over at the companions. "How long do you wish to wait? I haven't prepared any spells that would ward off the weather."

"I-I think a whole day at the bare minimum, s-so we can check th-their day and night routines a-and find the best ti-time of the day to approach the barn." the man adjusts the warm cloak around his neck and clenches his teeth "Fa-fall back to the caravan if you f-fear the cold. I-I am staying. I only need someone to take my position for a nap at so-some point."

The young man seems determined to fulfill his promise and claim the rights of his liege and the wronged Ulfen merchant. He will stay 24 hours watching, and will try to stay asleep if no one can give him a switch at night.
Fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 Honor in all things ability for a +4 if necessary.

"I'll stand watch as well," offers Torra. "I can see well in the dark, although not very far." The dwarf glances longingly at Andochtuir's open cloak as the half-elf offers a warming spot to Spivey.

"I-I could try to disarm the traps but I'd have to get close enough to them to do so without being spotted or it will all be for naught." The bard responds to Yuto's request.

For clarity: it would take two hours to get back to the caravan, unfortunately - they're still in Kalsgard, rather than joining you here.

"As can I." Spivey says, fluttering around Yuto. "And I need no sleep, either."