GM of Rust's "Whims of Fate" Table 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Knight of Rust

As you leave your humble bedroom on the first floor of the Tebede Dormitory and enter the space you share with your team, you notice that a red letter has been hung on the doorknob. A letter wrapped in red could only mean one thing: it’s finally time for a new mission.

The writing on the front of the envelope is small but easy to read, almost mechanical in its efficiency, and reads “Room Tebede-1-B.” Those of you who have been with the House for some time will immediately recognize Konishi’s handwriting and, as you open the envelope, you soon find that you are correct.

Attention, adventurers.

P.S. Someone get the new girl up to speed on how we operate before the meeting.

You have been summoned for later this morning. You know that Konishi’s office is near the top of the colosseum with an excellent vantage point to overlook the arena. Those of you who are more martially inclined know that today is a day when the arena has been generously given over to the elite of the Zimarian military for training, and it’s rare that they allow outsiders to join in or even watch their elite soldiers train.

Regardless, you do have a few hours to yourself before your meeting to prepare yourselves for what seems to be a long journey.

Feel free to start your roleplay and introduce your characters proper! While this is “started,” I’m going to start the meeting with Konishi on the 7th and interact with anyone who wants to do so before then. Whoever posts first can have the privilege of waking the others if they so choose. I’m assuming that everyone slept in their own rooms last night, but feel free to have something else going on if you prefer!

It was not shocking that Crow was up early, as his daily devotions were usually performed in the first rays of the sun, when the sky was blood red and truly suitable for his offerings. Padding to the kitchen barefoot, Crow glanced at the door and smiled slightly. Downtime was all well and good, to heal and to rest and peruse there own goals and studies, but a job was more interesting. More exciting. More challenging.

Moving to the door, Crow plucked the note from the handle, carefully opening the envelope with calm, precise motions. Ripping it open was simple, as mere paper didn't stop a child, but ripping a missive in half was...awkward. People tended to get the wrong idea if they found there letter in two halves, and it was a pain holding both halves in a way that it could be read.

Instead, Crow put in a table and ran his thumb nail under seal in a smooth motion. Flipping open the flap, the massive Warpriest pulled the letter out and held it up, squinting at the words on the paper as he studied them.

The task didn't seem too arduous, that was certain, but he doubted they would be summoned for a job that just anyone could do. Or perhaps it was, and they were simply the next on the rota to go out. A nice boat ride - River might enjoy that - and a stroll down the mines. Crow flexed an arm, his fire ink tattoos glowing. At least he need not fear the dark.

"It would seem," he rumbled to the room in general, and quite possbly the bedrooms, "That we have a task." He laid the letter down where the others could read it.

1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

Crow’s sharp ears may pick up the telltale sound of Edmund’s slippers shuffling across the floor, or his nose may pick up a whiff of old pipe smoke. In any event, as the warrior reads the missive, the breadbox opens and a couple slices of bread both cut and butter themselves, though this isn’t anything new, nor is it unusual for the kettle to place itself onto the wood stove or for the fire to stoke itself. Tea leaves fall into the pot of their own accord and a pair of cups and saucers float over to the table. Once the tea has been brewed and floated over to the table, a chair slides out and back and two cups are poured.

”Anything interesting?” Edmund’s disembodied voice asks. Crow isn’t sure how, but he’s quite certain the old man is reading over his shoulder.

"We'll be given the details at 11.00am, in Master Konishi's office," Crow replied, resisting the urge to see who was behind him with some effort. He knew no one was there, and yet he could feel all the hair on his body - and there was quite a lot of it - standing on end at the voice behind his head. His own magic didn't allow for such tricks. Or perhaps he simply didn't bother with them.

"A noble wishes us to journey, by river boat and then under our own abilities, to the World's End Mountains. A small town near the Crimson Coin Mine is our objective, although I would be surprised if our task doesn't involve the mine proper." Mines seemed a favourite habitat of various creatures. He'd been down enough to know that they were varied, dangerous, and usually cramped by his standard. Still, his helm was quite sturdy.

"Our patron wishes to remain nameless for this task," he added after a moment. It was an oddity he hadn't picked up on first.

”Indeed. I shall consult my maps after I have broken my fast. Sugar?”

The problem with extended periods between assignments. Tekaronhió:ken found that he almost always slipped into his childhood habit of sleeping well past sunrise when given more than a week or so to dictate his own sleeping patterns. Of course, the late nights in the Adobe District were not helping either.

The rougarou cracked open one eye. A single sunbeam took the opportunity to stab at his cornea causing Tekaronhió:ken to wince and squeeze the eye shut again. He pulled one arm over his face and let out a groan.

“If any deity wants a new worshipper,” Tekaronhió:ken said as he slung one leg out of his bed, ”I offer my services in exchange for a hot cup of coffee and a ham steak waiting by my bed.” He let his arm drop and sat up, planting both feet on the cool floor. “I’m serious,” he added before opening one eye, then the other.

”Your loss,” Tekaronhió:ken said with a sigh. ”I wouldn’t have been picky on the deity either. He started to slip on his clothes for the day and was still buttoning up the front of his shirt when he stepped out into the common room.

“Good morning!”

”Good morning,” invisi-Edmund replies. ”We have a new mission today!”

"Lemon, if you have it, please" Crow said after a moment's consideration. Sweet had it's place, but Crow typically preferred a more savory breakfast.

He nodded to Tekaronhió:ken as he entered. "Indeed, a morning well met. We'll get the rest of the details when we meet the Master later, but the summons is on the table if you wish to read it." He nodded over as he moved to the kitchen, looking for the items he needed to make food. "The most important parts are to be Konishi's office by 11 this morning, and that we'll be travelling the the town by the Crimson Coin Mine in the World's End Mountain."

Edmund gives Crow an exasperated look which the larger man obviously doesn’t see, then uses his magic to float a lemon and knife over to the table, before very carefully carving a few slices off the end for Crow’s tea. Double-checking to confirm that all ten fingers are still present, he floats the knife and lemon back to the cupboard.

The sound of humming precedes the next bedroom door opening and River waltzes out, spinning easily on one foot as she pivots across the room. Her passing ruffles Bian's fur and she pauses, poised on the ball of one foot, to place a kiss onto Edmunds face. Practise means she gets the height right even if the odds of hitting hair rather than cheek are pretty high.

"What's happening?" She asks, sliding into her chair with her usual liquid movements. "We have to go to a mine somewhere? Those are like caves right? Where people dig for things? I hope there's nothing bad down there." She steals Crow's tea cup, sips it and gives it back with a scrunched up face of disapproval.

"That's horrible!"

She reaches for the letter and reads it slowly, silently mouthing the words to herself as she does so.

"Am I the new girl? It feels like I've been here for ages!"

Crow sighed as his tea was ruthlessly pillaged, and then sighed again as it was returned. He pulled out a large iron pot and began to stoke the embers until the fire lived again with a prod from the poker - he'd gotten out of the habit of simply using his finger out of fear of others burning - then stoked it with wood. "I'm afraid the rest of us are unlikely to be thought of as ladies of any age, and most of us have been here a while longer than yourself. So it would seem likely." Although River was by no one's measure a girl. She was old enough to have seen his grandmother born, he'd imagine - not that he had any idea who his grandmother was.

Crow pulled the milk he had sealed with wax and poured it into the pot. "Would everyone prefer sweet or savory porridge to break there fast? I shall also make sausage, bacon, egg and sliced fruits." True to his word he pulled out a smoke-blackened frying pan and put it on the stove. "Also, I should remind everyone that the Zimarian military is at the arena, if anyone wishes to try training with them before 11," Crow added.

He would certainly like to see if they had any techniques, equipment of magic that he might be able to acquire for his own abilities, or at least grant him ideas for new uses of what he had, but if the others had better ideas of how to prepare for there task it would certainly not be a bad thing.

"Well, it's about time!" Jebediah exclaims, wearing his hauntingly wide goblin grin just as the others turn to look down at him standing right in their midst, fully dressed. "Nameless patron, no doubt a dark and spooky location, no details? I wouldn't have it any other way. This last week has been excessively dull; if this trip doesn't involve some form of mystery, violence or explosions, I'm likely to start a few myself."

He then makes his way to the table, hopping up to stand on a chair before smoothing out his shirt. He puts up a hand at Crow's offer. "Nothing for me, thank you. Don't want to start gorging myself just out of force of habit." He rolls his eyes at his own memory of younger days. "Glad that's over...so! Anyone placing wagers on what will face us? Outbreak of disease? Undead uprising? Rampaging beasts? ...Miner's union on strike?"

Edmund, seeing River coming, ensures that her kiss is successful, then ends his invisibility spell so she can see his smile. ”My dear, I must agree with Crow. Though it is possible he has many deeply submerged feminine traits, you are indeed most likely the target of that addendum to our instructions. I fear the good master of the blades is still a bit sore concerning the incident with the brandy bon-bons, though really, it only took a day or two to get all that water out of his office.”

River blushes and ends up staring at her bare feet. "I didn't mean to. It's just that chocolate is so tasty and his office is so..." She makes an inarticulate sound and waves her hands around in a vague gesture of unpleasantness. "I was just going to - "

Then the Doctor appears and River's demeanor shifts immediately as she sits up straighter in her chair.

"Good morning Doctor." She says, suddenly sounding awkward. "I hope that those things do not happen. Is it common?" She pauses for a bare second to let him respond before rushing out. "Apologies, I should help Crow with the cooking!" and fleeing the table for the kitchen.

“A new mission? Thank the spirits,” Tekaronhió:ken sighed. “I think my fur was beginning to mat waiting around here.” He punctuated the sentence by tugging at an imaginary patch of matted fur.

The rougarou had only taken a few steps toward the table when River flowed into the room. He flashed a toothy grin and nodded respectfully as she passed by him. “Good morning, Ohneka.” Back home, Tekaronhió:ken would never have been so informal with a being like Ogneka. But then, home had not been home for some time now.

Tekaronhió:ken took another step toward the table and again was cut short as Jebediah hurried by and climbed into one of the chairs. ”I was just saying something similar, Jebediah” Tekaronhió:ken said as he finally claimed a chair for himself. ”Though I think I could - oh, I would appreciate a fair helping of bacon - I could do without any undead - and maybe a few sausages as well? - since they almost always smell terrible.” Tekaronhió:ken furrowed his brow as he realized Jebediah was turning down a meal. “What? You’re not eating? Crow,” He said, ”I’ll have the Doctor’s share if you already started it. If not, well, I suppose that is okay as well.”

And suddenly, time skip!

The sounds of men screaming and blades clashing come from the arena grow louder as you approach the colosseum. Today, the elite of the Taldan River Guard trained in formations outside of the prying eyes of the people, keeping their skills sharp for the inevitable (in the eyes of Taldor) war with Qadira.

You and your party climb the stairs into the colosseum proper to find scores of military men and women sparring in the traditional Taldan style of Rondelero, a fighting style revolving around a falcatta and buckler. In the center of the sea of navy and green military outfits, you easily catch sight of Konishi in his trademark red hakama that clashed so brilliantly with his pale blue skin. While he looked calm, the man in front of him was red faced and screaming. As if disinterested, the tiefling’s piercing red eyes flash towards you, noting your presence.

Konishi raises his hand to stop the man, who seems to do so reluctantly, and turns to face you fully. Reaching into his pouch, Konishi makes a quick hand sign and his voice is heard clearly in your ears. ”I may be a tad late,” he explains, his baritone voice gentled with age. ”Feel free to wait for me in my office as I deal with Officer Gossman.” Know Local for who that is at the bottom of the post. His words seemed to start the man back up again, and you could swear you could see the ever-professional Konishi roll his eyes.

As you nod and affirm, you turn towards the stairs upwards. The path to Konishi’s office was known as The Long Climb for a reason. The colosseum was nearly eighty feet tall, eclipsing the buildings around it and even the walls to the city, and his office was at the top of it.

Unless you are in peak shape, the climb is taxing. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to rest along the way. As your gaze returns to the sole red figure in the sea of blue and green, you realize that Konishi might be a little more than a tad late.

And then, after defeating the colosseum stairs, you arrive. The door to Konishi’s office is open, revealing a red and gold motif meant to awe and inspire. On the walls leading up to his desk are mannequins wearing various armors from around the world, from the airy Elven Leaf Armor from the Mwangi Expanse to the stifling Dwarven Stoneplate from the Five King Mountains to a beautiful set of mithral Kikko Armor from Minkai. The walls behind each set of armor held weapons native to the region that they had come from, and were no less wondrous than the armors.

Behind the door-facing desk was the most prized piece in Konishi’s office, a Black Blade in the form of a katana. Its case was raised high enough that those with keen eyesight could see it from the arena floor and, despite being still, it felt like something to be cautious of. Before any of you have the chance to sit in one of the seats in front of the desk, the master of blades himself appears out of thin air as if stepping through a door.

Running a hand along the black blade, he nods to himself and turns to face you. ”As we have arrived at nearly the same time, let us say that our timing is perfect,” he claimed with a chuckle before sitting down. ”Please, all of you, take a seat. Is there anything I can offer you before the briefing? Brandy? Bonbons, perhaps? Maybe a tall glass of water?” He asks, pouring himself a glass of water.

”Thank you, sir, but we ate a good deal of porridge and bacon for breakfast, so couldn’t possibly,” Edmund replies, gently placing one hand on River’s wrist.

"A cup of water would be lovely, thank you," Crow replied as he dragged his eyes from the panoply of war in the room. It was both heartening and saddening to see such a variety and style of weapon, and to know most of them were now more art pieces - but at least well cared for art pieces. His black eyes couldn't see a speck of dust.

Crow stood behind the chairs, since between his body and his armour it was a lot of weight for poor, abused furniture to take. There were a few chairs around the House that were reinforced - there was more than one massive individual around the place, and Crow was fairly sure he wasn't the biggest or heaviest - but still, he didn't feel it wise to start a meeting with the sound of wood under strain.

knowledge local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Making a conscious effort not roll his eyes at the collection of 'toys of war,' a phrase he has uttered only once in the blademaster's presence to his lasting annoyance, Dr. Castle hoists himself up into a chair and plops down with a distinct lack of grace, exhaling a huge breath through his gaping maw before straightening up. He flashes Konishi a barely perceptible squint at his offer of water--you snide old son of an aboleth... --and holds up his left hand, waggling his fingers to flash his ring of sustenance. "Nothing for me, thanks. Little Gossman getting too big for his trousers again?"

River has no trouble with the stairs, she can (and has) made the climb while thoroughly intoxicated and it's clear from her dancing feet that the only thing keeping her to the rest of the group's pace is the fact that she's offered Edmund her arm.

"Bon-" She cuts off with a dejected look when Edmund's hand falls on her arm, the message clear. Her appetite may be a fraction of a normal person's but that doesn't mean that she turns down chocolate willingly! "Water, thank you."

Instead she folds herself neatly onto one of the chairs, slipping her feet out of their embroidered sandals and folding her legs under her. Once the water arrives in its glass she lets the glass sit in front of her and lifts the water out of the glass in a small, swirling globe which she manipulates lazily as the swordmaster speaks. A centuries old fey certainly does not sulk but an unknowing observer might assume that River was doing exactly that...

Tekaronhió:ken’s darted to Jebediahthen Edmund, the confusion clear even on the canine features. All of these years and still he found it off how the people of this continent could so easily turn down an offer from one’s host. “I would be honored to accept a brandy or some water,” he said.

His eyes fell on the kikko armor. He knew that Konishi was from Tian Xia, you could tell just by looking at the man, but it still gave Tekaronhió:ken pause to see the foreign armor here in Avistan. Growing up with the Okaiyo Ocean in his backyard, it was not such an oddity to see sailors or adventurers in similarly styled armor. But here, here one might struggle to find a smith with the knowhow or skill to make something in the fashion.

The rougarou pulled his eyes away from the armor and moved to stand next to one of the empty chairs, though he waited for Konishi to sit before seating himself.

“Bonbons are those little chocolate confectioneries? I probably shouldn’t, chocolate tends to upset my stomach.” Tekaronhió:ken straightened, ”However, if you are offering, I’d like one of those as well.”

Konishi nods along as he listens to everyone's requests and fulfills them, including giving Tekaronhió:ken a single wrapped chocolate from a drawer in his desk. "Well, that's just how he gets. For once, it's understandable," Konishi said to Jeb as he takes a seat. "Apparently, the navy is getting no less than a dozen new warships while he's getting, how did he put it... less than ten that would be more suited as trawlers." He shook his head. "But that's none of the House's concern. Take a look at this."

While taking a drink from his glass, Konishi's slim tail fetched a silver coin from his pocket and flipped it to Jebediah. The silver coin sparkled crimson as the light hit it at certain angles before becoming silver once stationary. "The Crimson Coin Mine," he started like an old man about to tell a tall tail. "Is about a week's journey north of Pol by horse in the World's End Mountains. It's the only mine in the world that has a vein of silver that, after pressed, has a crimson glint to it when the light hits it in the right way."

"This mine is your destination," Konishi explained. "The House has been paid a not inconsiderable sum to go to the mining town that services the Crimson Coin. The nobility never got around to naming the town, because of course they couldn't, they're just so busy doing everything else, and I'll stop before I begin rambling."

Taking a breath, Konishi's eyes met each of yours to make sure he hadn't lost anyone so far. "The job I have for you comes from a member of nobility who wishes to go unnamed. Of course, it would be easy for someone to figure out who the owner of the mine is. Please do not do this. We are being paid for discretion in our services. A few weeks ago, when the season of rain on the mountain was raging for its final time, all contact with the mine was cut."

"Twice a month, there's a few wagon-loads of silver that come down the mountain to be handed off to a caravan on its way to Oppara. The first time the caravan stopped and waited, no one came. This, apparently, is not unusual this time of year. What is unusual is that, even after they had ample time to clear the roads down, they still did not show up with their wagons of silver. They sent up a scout, and returned to Oppara to deliver the news as fast as possible."

Konishi took a breath and stood up, looking down at the arena, he continued. "When word reached the mine's lord, there was some panic, and they attempted to reach the miners magically." Raising his hand, the tiefling counted off. "Sending brought nothing back, and they tried to reach multiple people. Scrying showed an empty town as if everyone stood up and walked away. There wasn't a sign of the scout, either. Vanished into thin air."

He turned, looking back at your group. "When they asked the priests of Abadar to commune with their god... The response wasn't even cryptic, but a resounding, easy to understand... No."

"But while Abadar is the god of coins, his word does not stop noble greed," he sighed. "So Teladora comes to me with this mission, gold coins covering her eyes, and I'm meant to send you." Konishi cleared his throat. "Forgive me, I've begun to ramble some. You're to head to Pol by boat, I've already secured you passage later this evening, and trek the rest of the way towards the Crimson Coin Mine. I suggest securing horses when you arrive. Find out what happened at the Crimson Coin Mine, and report back once you've investigated properly. Are there any questions?"

The World's Edge Mountains

The mysterious silver vein

The mysterious quest giver

geography: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
alchemy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35
nobility: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Dr. Castle catches the coin, turning it over between his fingers, eyeing it intently as the crimson fades in and out and sniffing at the metal. "Ahhhh yes... THAT crimson mine. Word travels on curiosities like this but I've never actually had my hands on a bit of it. Perhaps I should take a portion of my cut in this silver; more's the fun to study."

He pockets the coin and purses his oversized lips in contemplation. "Vanishing without a trace" doesn't sound like Orcish style; there would probably be a lot more blood and bones...if scrying turns up nothing, then either everyone really is gone or something immensely powerful is obfuscating the entire area. If sending returned nothing then either there's no one there TO answer, or they simply chose not to. so many possibilities... The priests, though? Of Abadar, of all gods? If the priesthood of coin wants nothing to do with missing coin, then there's either a very good reason...or a very bad one. This ought to be juicy.

Jeb lifts a finger, shelving his further thoughts for the moment. "Did the priests give any hint at all as to why they would shrink from this? Communing with their god is usually the FIRST thing I see priests do when a mystery presents itself, especially when someone threatens the wealth of an Abadaran sect."

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

”Don’t worry, good sir. There’s no need to figure or find out who owns the mine. I already know and what’s at stake for our anonymous client. I am certain we can all be the truest exemplar of discretion. The question I have is, has anybody determined if the Gouged Eye Orcs had anything to do with anything.”

Crow grimaced at the mention of horses. He was too big to be a good rider, and most horses too small to make good mounts. He'd no doubt be charged twice as much for draft horse. He noted that Jebediah seemed to know more about the area, and was intrigued by the idea that an Orc tribe might be involved - but he suspected if the Orcs were involved it was tangentially. They typically left plenty of evidence of there presence, and they were a known danger - certainly not something to make the coin god get upset.

Perhaps the answer had been more to do with the strange, tainted silver? If something could corrupt a precious metal Abadar, of all the gods, would be the most offended. Crow took a sip of his drink.

"Were they able to scry the mines proper, or was something preventing that?"

"It'll still be raining in the mountains." River says, slightly dreamily. "I love it after the rains, the willow tree would gleam and drop tiny drips into the pond. It was beautiful."

She remains lost in reflection a little longer and then shakes herself. "I'm sorry. Tak always said that the rains made travel difficult in the mountains, something about the paths disappearing. But we, I, lived much further north than this." Her usual good mood has disappeared.

Taking liberty with the knw geo spoilers since River actually lived in these mountains for a long time, although much further north.

Geography: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13HEY!

The rougarou crunched on the bonbon and looked from person to person as they spoke, his ears turning to face them before his eyes. So much new information being tossed around. A mine with weird silver. The World's Edge Mountains. Orcs? Priests of Abadar. Magic failing to turn up answers. Tekaronhió:ken blinked and shook his head.

Sometimes, he really wished his village had been able to provide a better education to their pups. Not that Tekaronhió:ken was simple, if you needed someone to explore a cave system or help build a basic bridge, Tekaronhió:ken could do it. Better yet, if you needed someone to do some reconnaissance, he was your wolf.

Still, he could never keep that tinge of shame from creeping in whenever he found himself lost in conversations.

“Question: Casmaron. That’s Qadiran land, correct? I’m sure it will not be long before the blame starts to be laid at their feet. Regardless if they are responsible or not.”I hope that's okay.

River shakes her head with a smile. "No, Bian!" She says fondly, seemingly quite enjoying knowing something someone else doesn't.

"Qadira is south of here." She points (in the wrong direction), "Casmaron is east, it's its own land. Tak said the plains went on forever and the winds never stopped. It sounds magical. And lonely."

Konishi answers as the questions are directed to him.

Jeb lifts a finger, shelving his further thoughts for the moment. "Did the priests give any hint at all as to why they would shrink from this? Communing with their god is usually the FIRST thing I see priests do when a mystery presents itself, especially when someone threatens the wealth of an Abadaran sect."

"If they did, it wasn't in the information that Teladora told me. I'm not as familiar with the gods as some others in the House are, but whatever is going on there must be dangerous. As for the silver, the client said that they don't mind taking some spoils, but to leave the silver alone. Understandable, considering its rarity."

”Don’t worry, good sir. There’s no need to figure or find out who owns the mine. I already know and what’s at stake for our anonymous client. I am certain we can all be the truest exemplar of discretion. The question I have is, has anybody determined if the Gouged Eye Orcs had anything to do with anything.”

Konishi frowns at Edmund's proclamation that he had already figured out who the client was, but just shook his head. "I know that I can trust you lot. As for the Gouged Eye tribe, from the reports it seemed like they had a small trade agreement with the foreman of the mines, which made them unlikely enemies. The town would have been ravaged if they had attacked, or at least littered with bodies. We're not sure yet how the tribe is involved, if at all."

"Were they able to scry the mines proper, or was something preventing that?"

Konishi shook his head. "Apologies, I was unclear. After the Scrying spell failed to find any of the targets, they moved on to their next resort, some strange mirror magic from the witches up north."

"They used it to look through three separate mirrors. One in the foreman's office, one in the local tavern, and one set near the square. All of the buildings were untouched. They didn't have any mirrors in the mine, though that seems like a horrendous oversight now."

"Qadira is south of here." She points (in the wrong direction), "Casmaron is east, it's its own land. Tak said the plains went on forever and the winds never stopped. It sounds magical. And lonely."

"River's words are right. You shouldn't have to pass the Headwater Gap in order to get to the mine. I can't imagine a situation where you'd have to travel that far East to get to your destination."

Crow didn't know arcane magic, but nodded. It seemed like a bad idea to leave the mines unsupervised, but if the scrying was so limited it meant the town may not be nearly as deserted as initially assumed. Basements and attics were good places to hide. But it was much more likely that something had dragged the miners, then the townsfolk, into the mine. Perhaps whatever turned the silver red needed the occasional sacrafice.

"Do we have any numbers for the vanished, or even better, a census of the town?" It would be useful to have some idea who was missing, if they found bodies and the like.

He also made a note not to touch the silver even after this job, unless they found whatever made it red. It seemed like a bad idea somehow.

Know Arcana: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28

”Irriseni Mirror Sight. Don’t know that trick myself. Could be useful someday.”

"Do we have any numbers for the vanished, or even better, a census of the town?" It would be useful to have some idea who was missing, if they found bodies and the like.

He also made a note not to touch the silver even after this job, unless they found whatever made it red. It seemed like a bad idea somehow.

"Last they heard, it was just over three hundred total," Konishi answered. "Which makes it all the stranger that there appears to be no movement in the town."

”Irriseni Mirror Sight. Don’t know that trick myself. Could be useful someday.”

Konishi nodded. "That's the one. Hard to find when you're this far from Irrisen, but not that hard when you have the money and resources of a noble house."

Tekaronhió:ken shrank a little. Another instance of being out of his depth and still trying to contribute. “I forgot that the mountains run along both borders,” he muttered.

"Three hundred people vanished without any noticeable tracks. Seems, fairly obvious that they went down into the mines, no?" Tekaronhió:ken risked further embarrassment to ask another question.

I actually did make that mistake with the mountains lol

River hops up and goes over to give Bian a hug.

"That makes sense." She says to his suggestion, tightening her arms to give him a proper supportive squeeze.

River is ready to go when everyone else is!

Dr. Castle taps his chin a few times, then hops out of his chair. "Well then, let's not keep a good mystery waiting, shall we? Time to go mine up some missing persons." He starts toward the door, but stops and swings his big goblin head around to Konishi, a sardonic grin stretching from ear to ear. "anything else we should be on the lookout for? Lost swords? Magical whetstones? Rare mannequins?"

"Three hundred people vanished without any noticeable tracks. Seems, fairly obvious that they went down into the mines, no?" Tekaronhió:ken risked further embarrassment to ask another question.

"Either into the mines or down the mountain. Or hiding. We can speculate all we want, but that means nothing when we're sending you there to investigate."

Dr. Castle taps his chin a few times, then hops out of his chair. "Well then, let's not keep a good mystery waiting, shall we? Time to go mine up some missing persons." He starts toward the door, but stops and swings his big goblin head around to Konishi, a sardonic grin stretching from ear to ear. "anything else we should be on the lookout for? Lost swords? Magical whetstones? Rare mannequins?"

"As a matter of fact, I am in need of a new burlap sack," Konishi said dryly. "Roughly yea high, yea wide. Actually, if I can fit a big-headed goblin into it, we'll count it as the adequate size."

Alright, for those who have no other questions let me know here or in Discussion and I'll move us along passed the Questions phase.

As your party starts standing up from their seats, minus Crow who stood, Konishi reached towards the floor and pulled up a red toolbox. The toolbox was nothing new to you as adventurers of the House of Fate and Fire. It was standard issue for any group going out to the field. The box usually contained five Potions of Cure Serious Wounds, five Wayfinders bearing the symbol of the House of Fate and Fire, a pair of First Aid Gloves, and a small stone tablet designed by Jargon that allowed Sending 2/day. The House took the safety of its adventurers very seriously when they sent them out on life-threatening missions.

However, as you opened it to check its contents and get your Wayfinders, there are a few extra items. ”Ah, it seems as though I have grabbed Layla’s toolbox by mistake. I’ll probably be in for an earful later, but…” Konishi just shrugged. Inside was a mess of trail rations, a stone wand with a tag that neatly said Stone Shape; 7 charges, and a note saying If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to contact me! I’m here for you if you need it. Sincerely, Layla.

Konishi smiled as he read over the note, and then handed the toolbox to whoever wanted to take it. ”Two PM, so you have a few hours, but report to the docks and find Officer Gossman aboard the Even Odds, his new ship. He’ll take you as far as Pol, and the rest of the journey is up to you.”

”Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll have an early lunch and go see my wife.” Politely, he gestured towards the door.

So, now I’ll ask what everyone is doing before heading to the docks. Purchases, speaking with people, hitting the library, whatever you’d like to do, the game has taken off!

”I shall make my way to the library to see what I can learn about this particular region and this crimson silver, as well as check the House’s journals for any accounts of predecessors who ventured there. Others should check with any local contacts you may have to find any individuals from whom you could get first hand accounts of travel in this region.”

Edmund also finds a good map of the area and spends some time making a precise copy to take along.

Knowledge check to learn about area: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Knowledge to peruse journals for previous accounts of the region: 1d20 ⇒ 14

Not sure which skills you’d like, so here are rolls and you can apply whichever of Edmund’s bonuses is most appropriate. Also, I’m not sure what the library bonus is for this particular collection of books.

Nodding as they were dismissed, Crow took a Wayfinder and a Potion, on the assumption they were splitting them equally, and left the more delicate devices for the others. He also bundled the food into his pack, on the assumption that at least some of his camp chores would likely be food preparation. Given he only slept two hours in his armour, his other task would likely be keeping watch.

Assuming no one protested his pilfering he headed out and acquired himself a Wand of Enlarge Person. Thankfully he was humanoid enough to qualify for it, even if the effect wasn't as impressive as when other, smaller folks used it, the benefits were still quite noticeable. He also picked up additional food, and some waterproof sacks to store the more easily damaged items in, and some other bits and pieces that looked useful.

He did rack his brain as he shopped to see if anything of religious significance - unusual local gods, divine interventions and the like. Anything that might shed a clue as to what happened would be nice, but anything that could cause a problem was better.

Once he was all done Crow headed for the boat. At least, despite his armour, he could swim well.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Dr. Castle turns back, peers over the edge of the case and plucks a wayfinder and a potion from the toolbox. He briefly uncorks the potion for a sniff. "Never can have too many of these, I suppose."

On his way out, he decides to stop in and visit Silus Ceruleus, his old mentor. The old man may not have much left to teach, but he does have eyes and ears... As he enters Silus's workshop, he flips the crimson silver coin up onto his desk. "Got a mission from the House. Lot of people missing and I'm betting this has something to do with it. Any insights, rumors or theories on crimson silver?"

River, who has no local contacts or much useful knowledge, goes with Edmund and helps him with the books. Her help is.. variable, providing good company but nothing which would pass as academically useful.

Aid twice: 1d20 ⇒ 51d20 ⇒ 9

Otherwise she flits around, packing up her ridiculously minimal possessions in her one small bag and generally seeming quite excited to get going.

"This is going to be fun! I love boat rides!"

No prep to make. I'm the second gear lightest class crossed with the gear lightest class!

Tekaronhió:ken pocketed one of the wayfinders. It always felt like doing so was what truly kicked off the next assignment. There was always a rush of adrenaline that put his senses on high alert and he sometimes felt ashamed at how much he craved that feeling. Tekaronhió:ken took the last of the potions before slipping the Gloves, Wand, and tablet into his bag. They could decide who’s holding what later.

After the group split to make preparations, Tekaronhió:ken headed down to the Rainbow Bazaar to pick up a few things. Heading into mines meant heading into dark caves. And that meant the possibility of running into things that were used to living in said caves.

Hitting up some shops for the following items:

Sezelrian. Well, if that was correct, they were more likely going to run into pyromancers among the orc ranks if they got into a fight. Interesting. He'd make sure to mention it the others, and take spells to protect against flames.

He swung by Ironbreaker's forge to pick up a Mastwerwork Mace to give them as a gift, as well. If diplomacy was an option gifts tended to help, and Orcs typically liked the weapons of there gods as much as any priest.

He headed for the boat, as prepared as he was going to get.

Edmund makes careful notes, then in their way to the boat, stops to purchase three casks of decent brandy, and, as an after thought, picks up a small one of nice port.

”These three are just in case we need to make nice with Chieftan Frazan and his heir,” he tells River. ”And this one is to make the journey itself a little more enjoyable.”

I’ll say he plunks down 40 gp for the libations. Wouldn’t due to bring an offensively cheap gift.

Passing a silver coin to the young man acting as porter, Edmund offers his arm to his lady companion and the two make a slow but steady pace to their riverboat. Once gathered with the group, he passes on what he learns and explains the purpose of his purchased brandy. ”If we don’t end up needing to placate some oddly sophisticated orcs, then I guess our journey home will be a lot more enjoyable than the one there.”

Jebediah musters every ounce of his will to keep from rolling his eyes as he listens to Silus ramble. Gods, I hope I don't live long enough to get so crotchety... "Well, if I have my way I'll have time to find out if you're right. Lots more of it where I'm going...and no quacks to get in the way." He retrieves the coin and starts to tuck it back into his pockets and walk out...but stops, turns back to Silus and flips him the coin, raising a finger to his lips. "See what you can do with it, but keep it quiet, would you? Won't do to have folks tearing up your lab over a coin...especially since MY lab would be next on their list."

Dr. Castle bids his old mentor farewell and heads for the boat. what a miserable old hermit...I should get him a pet duck. Stifling his giggling at the thought proves to be futile.

"Make nice?" River says, sounding surprised. "Why would we want to sleep with the orc chief and their son? I thought men didn't like doing that with other men? But lots of men want to 'make nice' with me. Some of them have tried to pay me. They don't seem to understand how these things work."

She shakes her head in sadness at the strange ways of men and carries on, not noticing the look Edmund is giving her. When the river comes in sight she bounces up and down a little but holds herself together enough to finish escorting Edmund onto the boat before she strips off her tunic and dives, completely naked, into the river.

With his new wares safely stored away, Tekaronhió:ken made his way down to the docks. He paused to look up and down the docks at the various ships. Even now, after all these years, he still got that same feeling in his gut that he did as a pup when he looked at a ship. A ship was adventure. It was romance. It was freedom. It was danger. It was anything and everything that its captain and crew wanted it to be.

Someone carrying a cask of some alcohol bumped into the Rougarou and brought him back to his senses. “I guess I picked a poor place to daydream, no?” Tekaronhió:ken said to no one in particular. AFter a moment of scratching at the back of his head, Tekaronhió:ken spoke again, this time projecting over the bustling workers. “So, would anyone care to direct me to the Even Odds?”

The Even Odds was a large wheel-boat painted in garish blues and greens, clashing against the gold trim. Several arrow slits lined the sides, two rows with openings every 5 feet, and then crenelations at the top deck. Several workers in blue bearing the mark of the the River Guard are busy loading ship with various crates and barrels. Upon seeing the motley group of Crow, Jebediah, Edmund, and River, Officer Gossman waved you towards the gangway.

"I'm glad to see that some of the House know how to arrive early," Gossman all but spat. He suddenly whirled around to address one of the workers. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? Arrows don't go in the galley with the food! What do you want to do if we meet any Qadiran patrols, throw hardtack at them!?" Once again, the officer's face became a deadly shade of red before he turned back to your group.

Then he squinted. "Weren't there four of you?" Gossman asked, visibly counting Crow, Jebediah, and Edmund. The splash of River landing in the river drew his attention, and he looked down on her tossed away clothes. The grinding of his teeth was audible, and he rounded on the trio that were still here. "That's your responsibility, I don't have time to deal with anything like a insuring a comfortable ride or what have you. My arm already got twisted letting you lot get a ride to Pol, don't think I'm going to entertain any shenanigans. And don't let that one distract my crew. Clear? Good." Officer Gossman didn't let you answer before he began yelling again. "Joslenaya!"

A half-elven woman wearing Taldan navy garb ran from where she was working on loading the ship. She brushed her brown bangs out of her eyes and began a salute, but Gossman was already walking away. "Show these adventurers to their quarters," He ordered as he stalked away.

Joslenaya, visibly confused, turned to the group. "Um..." she started off, clearly flustered. "Do... do we need to save your comrade?"

Crow forced his eyes away from River, and glowered around at any crew or people on the dock who might be staring. His helmeted head swung slowly around, making it very, very clear that anyone nearby could keep there eyes and there opinion to themselves.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

While somewhat used to River's casual feelings regarding clothing it was still difficult. One, she was a very attractive person, and it was hard not to feel things that she didn't seem inclined towards - with him, certainly - and secondly, it was like staring at the sun, it burned so. He felt the same when he saw most people in a state of undress, but the better they looked the more the feeling of discomfort, of feeling like badly worked clay next to a finished masterpiece.

Turning his gaze to the crew member, he replied, "No, she is of the water herself. I do not think she could drown if she tried. Just make sure anyone who might think her state of dress is an invitation of any kind is aware that she is perfectly lethal on her own, and if that is not enough I will be glad to explain. In depth, if needed." Crow was well aware of how he looked - fully armoured, helmed and with a greatsword longer than some of the crew held casually over one shoulder. It was unlikely any of the crew would take him up on his offer.

He looked over at Edmund, seeing if the older man wanted to reign River in - not that there was much point, given they were travelling on the river - or stand guard for her while Crow and Jebediah checked the quarters. "Is Tekaronhió:ken - our colleague - already here?"