Stormcrow's Return of the Runelords

Game Master stormcrow27

Sense Motive (Eric's Intentions): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Does Koshon know Eric is not threatening him?

Eric pauses, reconsidering his assumption that one who recognices Abyssal probably speaks it.

Adressing Koshon in common:
Do you speak Abyssal? You recognized the language so I thought you did, as many of the Angelic hosts indeed understand this tounge, for pretty much the same reason as why I do. He says with a smile.

Truth to be told, it is not that useful for fighting actual demons, as these tend to communicate telepathically between them in a battle, but it can serve one well when fighting their cultist serfs, or infiltrating their hideouts.

I was referencing its great use for swearing earlier though, it is a very expressive language and does have some rather unique and colorful terms, I mean, in Infernal, which I also speak, one mostly swears or insults by not using honorifics, Abyssal, it does have some hilarious metaphors. It is also short. An insult that takes 10 seconds in Abyssal can take 2 minutes in Infernal.

With a somewhat impish expression, he asks Koshon

Does though speak celestial? How would one say "Thy fat braggard of an abyssal sewage overflow containment failure cannot slay a celestial hedgehog with its wart riddled pus filled naked arse-face?" in celestial? It is a great way to make Abyssal foes charge into your braced and readied blades!

Eric is both brave and Galtan enough to go full French taunting on any Demon he encounters. On any Demon who is not a cultured Succubus that is. Kind of waiting if Koshon gets a brain aneurism though.

"Just because I don't speak it, does not mean I do know when it is said to me", Koshon said in a a very dry tone. "And yes, I do speak Celestial."
Clearly annoyed, the gregori turns to the others and asks, "Do any of you know what happened?"

Thurin shrugged. "Was hoping to know the same. Plenty of chaos and commotion caused by this stunt. Can't say that I approve."

"Who would approve?" Lorel wonders. "It said something about a cove. Do you suppose it meant Roderic's Cove?" She gasps "Was that Roderic?"

I know nothing about Roderic

"I'm unsure." The gregori stands there unsure of himself. "Please pardon my manners. I'm Koshon, I work as an aide for the Port-Governor's office." Koshon makes a small bow of introduction.

Morelda Valerique wrote:

Morelda casts Detect Magic, her only spell of analysis memorized, as she magically analyzes the scene of the disturbance.

Morela detects no magic on the water, so it's definitely sea water from the bay. Whatever that creature was, it wasn't a sustained illusion, or any type of mind affecting magic that Morelda has heard of. Nothing psionic or psychic either.

Thurin Foehammer wrote:

Thurin walked over to the mage. It felt odd to see the streets so empty, making it seem like they were on some sort of stage. The gray dwarf looked up at her and said ”So? What happened here?” He didn’t see any point for idle chatter or polite banter. A waste of time, when one could get right to the point.

In the midst of concentration upon her casting of Detect Magic, Morelda barely notices the sound of somebody approaching her until a rough voice brusquely cuts into her occupied attention by asking her what had happened.

Not wishing to lose track of her arcanely-inspired findings, the Young Wizardess of the Twilight Academy turns to face the lone greyish-skinned Duergar and with a brief gesture of putting her upraised fingertips to her closed mouth in the universal gesture for silence along with a slight shake of her head, Morelda soon goes back in rapt attention towards visually tracking whatever remains of any arcane signatures that the watery figure may have emanated within the watery spot at the Marketplace. Why Morelda didn't immediately respond to Thurin before the others, plus Audrahni and Stormborn the Dino-Raptor, make their appearance/re-appearance to the Circle Marketplace. ;)

Koshon cautiously returns to the Circle Market after walking back from his flight of fright. The gregori notices what appears to be two individuals who stood their ground. A human woman and a druegar?

Eric de St. Cyr wrote:

Constantly checking if his hair is still where it should be, Eric returns as well.

Scott "Lorel" Millerson wrote:

Lorel pulls out her sickle, as she stops running. She walks back to the circle market. She asks "What was that?"

stormcrow27 wrote:

As you gather back together, a familiar figure approaches. It's Audrahni, the elven cementary groundskeeper.

Koshon wrote:

"Hello, Audrahni. Are you alright?" Looking to the others gathered, Koshon adds, "Is everyone alright?"

Scott "Lorel" Millerson wrote:

"Audrahni, it's good to see you." Lorel points where the apparition had been. "one of yours?" she jokes, settling her nerves a little.

Stormborn‎ wrote:

Stormborn angrily gathers up a group of children to protect them from the ghost, hissing and growling in the general direction from which the apparition had appeared...

Some banter, Abyssal and Otherwise:

Eric de St. Cyr wrote:

Eric, still shaken but now also somewhat angry, mumbles under his breath in a harsh sounding language. Perhaps a perception check to notice. ** abyssal banter omitted **

Koshon wrote:

Koshon lowers his brow at the approaching Eric. "Was that Abyssal I heard?"

Eric de St. Cyr wrote:

Eric answers, in Abyssal: ** abyssal banter omitted **

Eric de St. Cyr wrote:

Eric pauses, reconsidering his assumption that one who recognices Abyssal probably speaks it. Do you speak Abyssal? You recognized the language so I thought you did, as many of the Angelic hosts indeed understand this tounge, for pretty much the same reason as why I do. He says with a smile. Truth to be told, it is not that useful for fighting actual demons, as these tend to communicate telepathically between them in a battle, but it can serve one well when fighting their cultist serfs, or infiltrating their hideouts. I was referencing its great use for swearing earlier though, it is a very expressive language and does have some rather unique and colorful terms, I mean, in Infernal, which I also speak, one mostly swears or insults by not using honorifics, Abyssal, it does have some hilarious metaphors. It is also short. An insult that takes 10 seconds in Abyssal can take 2 minutes in Infernal. With a somewhat impish expression, he asks Koshon Does though speak celestial? How would one say "Thy fat braggard of an abyssal sewage overflow containment failure cannot slay a celestial hedgehog with its wart riddled pus filled naked arse-face?" in celestial? It is a great way to make Abyssal foes charge into your braced and readied blades!

Koshon wrote:

"Just because I don't speak it, does not mean I do know when it is said to me", Koshon said in a a very dry tone. "And yes, I do speak Celestial." Clearly annoyed, the gregori turns to the others and asks, "Do any of you know what happened?"

Thurin Foehammer wrote:

Thurin shrugged. "Was hoping to know the same. Plenty of chaos and commotion caused by this stunt. Can't say that I approve."

Scott "Lorel" Millerson wrote:

"Who would approve?" Lorel wonders. "It said something about a cove. Do you suppose it meant Roderic's Cove?" She gasps "Was that Roderic?"

Koshon wrote:

"I'm unsure." The gregori stands there unsure of himself. "Please pardon my manners. I'm Koshon, I work as an aide for the Port-Governor's office." Koshon makes a small bow of introduction.

Fairly certain that she has found all that she could've found through her extended concentration of Detect Magic, Morelda finds her consciousness centered back to the now slightly more occupied Circle Market- banters of the unfamiliar sounds of Abyssal notwithstanding.

Quickly giving a nod over to Thurin's direction, Morelda begins with, "Apologies for not answering your question right away, it was of the utmost importance that I kept track of my findings through my casting of Detect Magic."

Now glancing over towards some of the others now gathered close by, plus a small nod and a wave given over to Audrahni's direction, the Young Wizardess weighs into the conversation with, "I'm sure most of you present saw what I saw, a water-logged figure that appeared in our midst before a fight could truly break out at the Market.", as she briefly gestures towards the direction of both Koshon and Eric.

"I can tell you all that it was no illusion nor of any mind-affecting magic, psychic or otherwise, that I am aware of. Certainly there's nothing arcane-wise that could draw out or leave the waters from the Bay to remain undisturbed here upon this very exact spot where the figure had suddenly appeared and disappeared before our very own eyes."

Glancing over to Lorel, Morelda adds, "Whether that figure who appeared today was truly this... Roderic, who presumably founded this town, that I cannot say. I fear that such knowledge is not within my realm of expertise."

"Hello, Audrahni. Are you alright?" Looking to the others gathered, Koshon adds, "Is everyone alright?"

Audrahni, a younger female elf with a lanky, but guarded build, clothed in blues and grays, looks at the group and says in a concerned mezzo-soprano tone, "Koshon and Lorel, it's good to see you. I gather from your conversation that something claiming to be Sir Roderic appeared and started this commotion? Is anyone hurt or in distress?"

My name is Eric de St. Cyr mademoiselle, I have to admit that it gave me and many others quite a fright, a relatively potent source of fear given how many normally strong willed individuals it was capable of affecting. Eric says, looking at the other party members that fled, inspite of fairly high will saves vs fear on anyone but himself.

The question of course is, assuming that this was Sir Roderic, was this a warning, and if yes of what? I doubt he would be all that concerned of a little scuffle between competing gangs, so something else and more important is likely in play here.

Eric opines while giving Audrahni a friendly if midly concerned smile.

Eric uses his knowledge of history to recall anything about Mr. Roderick, in particular the circumstances of founding his city, the manner of his death, and any enemies he may have had in life.
knowledge history: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Thurin crossed his arms. He could feel the rune on his hammer acting up, the psychic connection between he and it causing him to feel a rush of anticipation. The forge-god had driven him from his homeland, and it seemed like he wanted Thurin to be here at this time. But for what? Unhappily he crossed his arms, and with some bitterness in his voice said ”It would seem that fate has brought us here, to determine what has brought the visage. I’ll offer me hammer and skills to whomever is investigating this.”

"I would be happy to help put this spirit to rest."

Koshon nodded gravely. "It appears this does need to be investigated. I will visit the port-governor's office to let them know of the situation and plan accordingly." Turning to the volunteers, the gregori added, "I would appreciate any assistance in this matter."

Once the children have been gathered up by their parents, Stormborn stomps to the remaining group of people in the center of the square. He approaches the remaining child - the stocky, grey-skinned one - and nudges him towards the people who are retreating into the safety of their houses and businesses. Come, tiny one. This is no place for you.

One does not live to four-hundred years by being flighty and prone to bouts of strong emotion, so Grandfather Mossbeard is unsure how to process the feelings of terror instilled in him by the ghost, however briefly. He returns to the market from which he fled in his usual, slow manner. He thought he had seen an apparition of some sort, and the talk of those still in the square supported that. He did not know much of tormented spirits, they say ghosts are the spirits of the dead who are bound to the mortal realm by some duty or responsibility left unfulfilled. He expected humans, reckless and shortsighted as they are, might be prone to becoming ghosts in their overzealous pursuits of their goals.

Mossbeard recognizes, in passing, some of those who chose to remain in the square after the spirit attacked. One was a storyteller of sorts, like himself. Another worked in some capacity for the governor, but Mossbeard had no interest in human politics. He does recognize Audrahni as she approaches, and he gives her a welcoming smile. He had spent many hours telling the morose elf tales in her quiet cemetary. There was little better than a good listener. "Dear Audrahni, it is good to see you out and about. I, ahh, don't suppose you know anything of spectors?" Spectors were often associated with cemetaries, and Audrahni lived in one, but it was not polite to assume.

Gawking somewhat at the incredibly tall bearded figure [towering well above even Koshon by nearly 2 feet, easily!] that was inquiring about the Undead, like specters, to her local town friend, the Young Wizardess of the Twilight Academy wisely decided not to interject into matters that she was ill-qualified to espouse upon for once. Instead, she opted to approach closer towards the other members of the group that was already gathered nearest to the Grigori Angelic Adjunct to the Port Governor.

In response to Koshon's prior request for assistance in the matter of the now-departed mysterious figure that was made by the Angelic Adjunct, Morelda pipes in with, "I believe that I could offer some of my assistance to unraveling this mystery as well- in so far as most things I can provide in terms of knowledge's of the arcana-wise or the esoteric... with, however, ah, some minor bit of... exceptions; things pertaining to illusions or necromancy and such things of that ilk. Father Marphan of Pharasma's Clergy was quite particular about the latter due to my family's... prior experiences in that arena.", as the Young Wizardess gives an embarrassed side-wards glance over in Audrahni's direction.

Having offered her expertise to this occurrence, Morelda then muses to herself by stating aloud,"Strangely enough, that waterlogged figure never really said who he was. Just only loudly declared, really, something about this place- this Cove- being his before disappearing and leaving all this bay-water here. At least, it smells like it's from the Bay; nothing like the fresh spring waters that most divinely-inspired casters could easily summon forth.", as she gestured towards the remaining pool of water that the figure had left upon the ground. "Perhaps that waterlogged figure was some unknown rival contemporary to Roderic with designs of his own for the town? Besides, wouldn't somebody as important as the Founder of this very Cove be interred in some grand family Mausoleum instead- if he's being seen to by the Lady of Graves?"

Not being a town local, this might be a reasonable presumption to make.

waiting if my knowledge history turns up something

Sorry, work and teeth have been an issue lately. I apologize for the delay. Eric, your history knowledge turns up that Sir Roderic was the founder of the town. He died fighting pirates from Riddleport in full view of the Cove and his family, all of them being slaughtered. Perhaps his spirit doesn't reset due to the threats appearing in the town?

Audrahni says to Morelda, Hello Grandfather, Morelda, and good to meet you Koshon, Eric, and your two other companions. If that apparition was Roderic's ghost, then things have become far more deadly for the Cove then just mysterious battles between gangs. We should discuss this away from prying ears, though, since we may stir up more problems than solutions talking in the open air.

How about I buy you dinner at the Creekside and we can make more solid plans. I worry about any who don't rest well, especially if it ends up falling into both the port governor's and Father Marphan's areas of influence. Then I can relate what I know about spectors, ghosts, and Sir Roderic's final moments.

Far be it from me to ever refuse a dinner invitation Eric says with a smile. My understanding is that Sir Roderics fate was a grim one, but I am just a travelling scholar.

Eric of course accepts the dinner invitation.

"Dinner? You're buying?" Lorel's stomach growls.

Free dinner? It was hard to turn that down. Pragmatically speaking, he had nothing to lose.

The gregori simply bows his head in acceptance of the meal.

Audrahni turns and leads you towards the Creekside Inn and Tavern. Her step and carriage are cautious, as if she's trying to Guard from future assaults. Meanwhile, the guards have assembled and are bringing order back to the market, as business slowly begins to resume.

The Creekside Inn and Tavern is the only establishment acting both as bar and inn within Roderic's Cove. Audrahni nods to Garleena and Thevin Knodston, a Varisian brother and sister pair who run the Creekside. A table is quickly prepared with enough space for eight counting Stormborn (animal companions are note common in Varisia then you might think), and menus are placed in front of you. Garleena asks "What's the occasion?

A most surprising reunion blessed by chance and Lady Luck, some increased degree of privacy would be most auspicious. There is much to discuss about old times.

Says Eric, with a smile that states he means other patrons with the privacy and not the staff.

technically true, as the group was seperated then reunited, so it shouldnt take a bluff roll. Also, I cant wait till I am level 2 and can actually do social things hahaha

Following alongside the others in this newly-formed volunteer group, Morelda eagerly accepted the invitation to Dinner, which promises to provide some further clarification about what has been going on in this town as well as shedding some light upon the history of this small town.

And it's not like I've memorized anything from my Spellbook today that would be of any help in cleaning up after the Market either. Ended up using up my Mage Armor from my Bond far too soon. Better yet, why didn't this purported Specter of Lord Roderic show up during the last time there was a fight at the Circle Market?

Going to have to go out on a limb and presume that dining out at the Creekside Inn and Tavern is not a regular thing for Audrahni to do? On the other hand, Garleena and Thevin didn't seem to need any further explanations nor promptings from the Elven Gravedigger though. ;)

Thurin looked around warily and sniffed at the aromas. Restaurants didn’t have a habit of eating at restaurants. This was because they were more expensive to eat at than to bring the food back home. Tips they called it, to pay for use of the restaurant’s slaves. Given that he could fill his own cup and carry his own food, he didn’t see it as an expense that was worth it. But if someone else was paying, then the Duergar cared little for how much coin they spent on such frivolity.

Typed on phone and have a stupid typo and can’t edit it. Blah, that bothers me. Ah well…merry Christmas all!

"Er..what is on the menu tonight?" Koshon asked his hosts.

Garleena says "We have red herring with creamy white sauce on top of cauliflower, beef and barley stew mixed with potatoes and leeks, and the special this week is roasted reefclaw with tomato sauce and basil, complete with a side of butter for dipping. Our drink selection runs from grog (rum cut with water and flavored with lemon juice), rumboozle, fire in the hole (two parts kill devil rum, one part gunpowder), many fine spirits, and the house specials, Damsel in Distress and Half a Doubloon. (One will notice lots of rum on that list. Apparently pirates love their rum.))"

Excellement! I will be taking the roasted reefclaw as the meal and some grog to round it up if it would please you, ahh tomatoes again, you have no idea how difficult it is to get those in Galt after someone threw a tomatoe at a grey gardener, and the government at that time then viewed tomato farming as a counter-revolutionary activity... .

Eric reminiscence about why he is glad to not be in Galt anymore.

"I'll have the same." Koshon nods amicably.

”Reefclaw and fire in the hole.” Thurin said. He wondered if the Reefclaw would taste like the cavern-critters of back home, and the drink sounded strong enough. Not like the piss-water that humans often tried to pass as alcohol.

"I'll have the red herring and grog." Lorel tries to disguise just how hungry she is.

After giving careful consideration to all the dinner choices, Morelda- dimly recalling all of that seawater that was left in the wake of the drowned figure of the late Lord Roderic- opts for something less associated with the Bay water of the Cove.

The Young Wizardess places her order to Garleena with, "I'll have the beef and barley stew and a Damsel in Distress house special."

Stormborn, unable to read, samples to menu for flavor.

Grandfather Mossbeard sits awkwardly at the too-small table but of course, were it tall enough for him it would be too tall for the rest. "I'll just have a salad, please." All the strange and exotic dishes that came to coastal human towns were interesting, but he was not sure he trusted all the strange names and stranger ingredients.

Audrahni says "I'll have the beef and barley stew without the leeks". Garleena scurries off to relay the orders to the cook, and soon enough, the party's meals and drink orders arrive. Audrahni says "Dig in, and I'll tell you why I invited you to dinner. Some of you I know, and others I've heard of by reputation. So I'll come to the point. Something strange is going in the Cove. Between the battle between rival gangs, the death of several of them via some form of supernatural occurence, and the rose of Sir Roderic's ghost, I think we're in for a tough time. I need a group to investigate and stop what's going on in the Cove. Ate you interested?"

An intriguing mystery for sure! I do consider myself to be reasonably competent at both violence and investigation, and as such am quite interested in investigating this. Pausing for a moment he considers his financial situation. I would however need to ask for an appropirate degree of reimbursement and payment, part of it in advance as the likelihood of facing ethereal enemies demands some equipment I cannot currently purchase with my current funds. .
Thinking of what would be most useful in combat with ethereal undead and be achievable with limited finanical resources he proposes:
An advance payment of 60 gold would suffice, in my case, to purchase a cold iron battle aspergillum filled with holy water, and some holy water to either refill it or directly dump it on an adversary. Of course, if you have ready access to holy water as part of your duties, then I would certainly accept an equivalent advance-payment in kind. I believe many of my new found comrades would also find it hard to effective oppose non-corporal foes with their current equipment.

10 gold for a cold iron battle aspergillum, 25 gold for some holy water to fill it, 25 gold for a second bottle of holy water. Erics level 1 spells are CLW and Grease, while he could try to use CLW as a touch attack vs a non corporal undead, it isnt exactly the greatest option. Eric has no intention whatsorever of being unfaithfull here, and believes this is a pretty reasonable thing to ask for.

@GM In terms of compensation-negotiation, Eric wants an advance payment as high as possible mostly with an eye to increase his combat options in the actual quest. He is willing to make a vow involving Callistrias name to "make reasonable effort to investigate and solve the cove's mystery, explicitly including violent efforts to do so." as security for Audrahni, who does not know him but knows that only a complete idiot would risk Callistrias wroth over an advance payment of 60 gold.
He would also insist on "Salvage rights" for the group for anything they find in the cove, if this isnt a given anyway. I dont want to hold up things by negotiations too much.

The gregori gives the 'archeologist' a sideways glance then ignores him and asks, "What the best path toward the cove?"

Audrahni looks at Eric and says, "No, no, I don't mean you need to battle Sir Roderic's ghost or slay some other spirit. We need answers to why his ghost has returned, prevent more murders, find the source of the frightening terrors that slew some of the gang, and so on. The last time Sir Roderic's ghost appeared, it was due to the previous postmaster general embezzling funds meant for the defense of the town and sending them onto shady partners in Riddleport.

Our town is in danger, but I don't know from what or how. That's why I'm asking you to help me find out and stop it."

Thurin felt that pull again. The pull to help from the damned rune. Out of spite towards it, he leaned in to the table. "We going to be compensated for it?" The duergar said. The idea of working for free didn't sit right to him. And if it made whatever possessed the rune angry, then all the better!

Lorel shifts uneasily. "I want to help you Audranni, but my talents are not for investigating embezzlement. If that's what Roderic's ghost is warning us of, you'd be better off with Koshon here."

"So this Ghost of Sir Roderic has made other appearances in the past...", Morelda muses to herself before glancing over to Audrahni and answering with, "and he's always in this form of a watery, drowned figure that leaves behind some of the bay waters?"

Pausing to stop herself from getting much too curious about the circumstances behind that little detail, the Young Wizardess adds, "Of course, I'd be more than happy to help out in such an investigation, Audrahni- after all, the Market isn't likely to stay open with all these strange 'goings-on'... even if that one supernatural source of terror during the last week helped me to make a major breakthrough in magical psychic phenomenon."

Then, as if recalling who is currently present at the dinner company- nay, the primary reason that everyone is gathered around the table at the Creekside Inn and Tavern, Morelda gives a self-conscious cough and sheepishly mentions to Audrahni, "But I can readily assure you- and Father Marphan- that the resulting spell research that I recently made into that very occurrence last week has absolutely nothing to do with necromancy in the least... just some mere psychic conjuration stemming from reaching into the ethereal plane and drawing forth a bit of ectoplasm."

Taking a quick swig from her Damsel in Distress drink, Morelda half wonders if she should change the subject by bringing up anything of relevance that could aid in the preparation of discovering what else is happening at the cove to warrant Sir Roderic's appearance.

Int check, if needed: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16.

Grandfather Mossbeard leans on the table, one hand propping up his chin. A low, distant rumble emanates from him, though it is difficult to tell if he is sighing or if the wooden table is creaking under his weight. Probably both. "This apparition seems... eclectic." He says slowly. "I do not think I have ever heard of a protective spirit that appears for embezzling. In the stories, heroic spirits only rear their heads in times of dire need. I do not know what use an old druid can be in matters regarding the afterlife, but Stormborn and I are willing to help."

"I doubt Sir Roderic would appear simply because someone was stealing money. He usually appear as a watery specter in any case. If you want to investigate his house, it's in the outskirts of town called Eoderick'a wreck. Checking out the bodies from the massacre and interviewing the witnesses of it is another good lead. As for compensation, I can offer some money and perhaps the postmaster general will offer a reward for bringing the perpetrators to justice."

In my opinion, checking the bodies and interviewing the witnesses could perhaps be done first, both in terms of logistics and because the witnesses memories will cloud and the bodies will decompose and removing valuable clues.

Eric does not have a strong opinion, and will just follow what two other people are doing.

"I would rather investigate Eoderick's Wreck first, but will cede to the popular opinion", Koshon offers.

"I don't have a strong opinion, but Eric's logic seems sound."

Thurin nodded. "Aye. He makes a good point as towards the memories of mankind. And we're already here. Might as well get the more onerous task done first."

Eric chuckles at Thurins comment.
Well said, there is a reason why humans write a lot after all.

He thinks to himself
Like, that one time I didnt even know in which country I was in. Note to self, handle with great care and respect any Cocktail named "Naughty Nocticula". To this day, I have no idea how it apparently made me teleport half way to Rodericks Cove from central Andoran after I fell asleep. Good that it did, some non-friends from Galt may have caught up with me otherwise.

While asking Lady Valerique, Signeur Mossbeard, what are your opinions on the matter?

"Hmm." Grandfather Mossbeard grumbles. "We may as well start with the closer objectives in town. I may be able to tell if something not of the natural world effected the slain, but I am no coroner."