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"I be knowin how to bless a place to the ForgeFather" admits Khaul.
"While me skills may be more with the hammer than the word... I ..."
He looks around, making sure there are no locals around. "I be a consecrated priest of the Forge too. Only the lowest of ranks yer understand. The great workings be as far beyond me as the stars be beyond the land. But we could put a little forge down there and be doin a blessing."
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Tess pauses and sits down next to Khaul. "I'm not sure it's appropriate for us to consecrate this space to any single deity when we're talking about a Pathfinder lodge. Let's cleanse the space. Should we try it tomorrow, the five of us, and Sylvinaa? And then go back to our regular schedule of crafting and such?"
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"Ok, that works. As long as we get rid of that desecration honoring Urgathoa, that's the important part. Let's get Vinny and make sure she's on board, then figure out what we're going to tell the town about tomorrow. I'll go get her."
Faerinaa will go and get Vinny from the scaffolding crew, and ask her to stop by the underground chamber for a quick consultation.
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Bastian furrows his brow. "I'd have been happy to get it consecrated to Hanspur but I'll go with the majority view. It does need cleansing. I worry that it will have been a beacon to the Whispering Tyrant's undead. To that end, should we get the scaffolding up the battlements quite soon so we can have a look out up there?"
"I also think on my next day not working up at the fort that I would like to talk to and do some training with Rakka, Petrus and Mikkel."
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"Maybe, but I think its good to improve relations with the town too, not just look for future pathfinders. Ideally we'll get the lodge set up physically, but also in a good position with regards to future relations with the town."
"We need to finish cleansing this area and get the scaffolding up first, but I think we're on track to finish well before the end of the month. I thought it might be nice to engage the temple guards and get to know them a little better, and I thought maybe some friendly sparring would be a good way to bond as well as keep up our own skills. Would you be interested in joining in a sparring session if I tried to set one up Bastian?"
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"Fair point. I'm just eager to find the people that the Lodge can rely upon -- but future relations also works."
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Tess approaches Mask Lumley, telling him that the team needs an administrative day. "We have to catalog the site. Even a pot shard can have information for future historians about what people ate and how they lived."
"If it goes well, we hope to have crafting crews out tomorrow."
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
Tess leads Sylvina, Bastian and Vinny on a cleansing of the site, laying out the herbs and incense and chanting the cleansing hymns.
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Khaul conducts his normal morning routine. However while the others are busy in the town church, he settles into the area near the forge.
ForgeFather... he thinks
We've been hard at yer work for a week now. And I'm hopin that you be pleased with all we've been and done. Now we've found this shrine that ain't no good. No good at all. And we're goin to be trying to cleanse it today. Yer know I ain't not done this before. So, guide me hand and put the right words into me mouth and the right feelings into me heart.
Then, with unusual nervousness, he joins the others in the trek up to the old fort.
"I be thinkin we want to start with removal of those manacles and blood stains. Let's get the mundane done to clear the way for the ...divine"
He takes water, rags and crowbar and sets to the cleansing and removal with a passion. After an hour or so, when the place is at least looking clean he pauses to look around. "We have permission to do our own religious rites in the keep, right?" he checks.
Then grabs some formal robes from his pack. The dwarf sniffs at the herbs provided but leaves the smells-bit to others.
"Forge Father" he says out loud.
"This here be a place for the followers of many gods. And just as metal must be refined in the fire to remove impurities, so much this old shrine be refined so that the workings of you and other may be done here. Help your smith here and do the cleansing that is beyond what metal and sineu can achieve."
Mask Lumley is surprised when the only person from the village that has work is Sylvina, but does not argue.
The day consists of scrubbing, blessing of water, blessing of tools, burning of incense, burning of herbs, hitting things with hammers, more burning, and spiral patterns of colored sand.
At the end of the day, you check and the magical energy is weaker but hasn’t been completely removed.
Already completed tasks:
* Clean the Fort (Approach Road)
* Patch the Hole in the Outer Wall
* Replace the Main Gate
* Clean the Fort (Courtyard)
* Collapse the Watchtower
* Repair the Well
* Clean the Fort (Great Hall)
* Rebuild Collapsed Stairs
* Clean the Fort (Roof)
* Excavate Stairs Below Great Hall
* Clean the Fort (Dungeon)
* Decipher Ancient Writings
* Clean the Fort (Barracks)
Task: Rebuild Scaffolding for Battlements
Today’s Progress: 0
Completed: 4/12 days
Task: Repair the Barracks
Today’s progress: 0
Completed: 10/12 days
Task: Construct Cover for the Roof
Today’s Progress: 0
Completed: 8/12 days
Task: Cleanse Urgathoan Shrine
Tess: Bastian, Vinny, Sylvania
Khaul: Faerinaa Failure
Today’s Progress: 5 person days, 3 gp, 40 gp materials
Completed: 5/6 days
Money 78 gp - 43 gp spent today = 35 gp remaining
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"We'll be needing Junissa, Wilfred and Braderock to work on rebuilding the scaffolding with Vinny," Tess tells Mask Lumley. "It's tricky work, and we want our best workers on it."
She gives Sylvina the day off, and sets Faerinaa and Khaul to finishing the barracks while she and Bastian tackle the last of the shrine. She spends time scrubbing, chanting, and laying out the colored sand. And she prays. "Mum, can you please bless our work, and ask the blessed Mother of Souls to help us cleanse the last of this taint?"
If she finds a spider, she will wink at it and move it to a nice, safe spot in the ceiling.
Tess meets with Mask Lumley, and lets him know the daily task requests. "We'll be taking Junissa, Wilfred and Braderock once again to rebuild scaffolding with Vinny. Khaul will lead Bessama, Matthild, Sylvina and myself to construct the cover on the roof."
Tess intends to do no actual work on the roof, but she does want to spend time talking with all three women.
"Meanwhile, Bastian and Faerinna want to work with the guards on the town defenses, and just do some sparring and training."
"This lodge requires more than just stone and scaffolding to thrive. It needs people. We need people who we can trust, care about and rely upon."
She spends time talking with each woman individually, noting their strengths and also things that the society can offer them.
"Bessama, you're a hard worker but I don't see your work being appreciated by the Mayers. You're young, fit, caring. All your life you have been on the outside of things, looking in. Do you want to be on the inside, and maybe get the opportunity to travel and see the world? The Pathfinder Society needs friends that we can trust. Can you be one of those friends?"
"Matthild, I know your life is not currently your own. But the Pathfinder Society could offer you connections and a path towards autonomy. We need someone like you, bright, hardworking and curious. Will you help us? Will you keep our secrets?"
"Sylvina, you are both wily and wise." Tess hands her the coin. "We need people like you in the village that the Pathfinder Society can trust. Will you keep our secrets and not betray us?"
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Day 11
Vinny will head to the fort with Junissa, Wilfred, and Braderock to continue working on the scaffolding. "It's so exciting to watch all these projects coming together. Once the scaffolding is done we'll be able to access the battlements so much more easily. I'm sure that's going to come in handy for surveying the land around the fort." The work goes well, Vinny is quite pleased with the progress made.
Day 12
The next day, Vinny picks up Junissa, Wilfred, and Braderock after the church service. "Ready for another exciting day of constructing scaffolding? I certainly am, I think we can finish today if everything goes according to plan!" Vinny's optimism is well placed and the team puts the finishing touches on the scaffolds. Vinny climbs to the top to check out the view and is suitably impressed.
Day 13
Vinny and her team go to help Khaul construct his watchtower now that the scaffolding is complete. "Alright everyone, Khaul has the plans for this tower, so we'll follow his lead here. I'm sure we can get it set up in no time!"
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Tess tells Mask Lumley, "We'll have two teams today, both working on the new Watchtower!" Tess hands him a sheet of assignments. "Vinny will be leading Junissa, Wilfred, Braderock, while Khaul will be leading Plisken, Rakka, Martin and me."
Tess goes along with the roof crew and once again pretends to work while helping everyone.
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Khaul, slightly saddened by his own failures during the cleansing, returns to the solid workman-like way that he knows pleases Torag.
Day 11
Repair Barracks. Leads Faerinaa. Assurance for success.
With no locals helping, but Faerinaa for company, Khaul realises just how tense he had been trying to keep the locals happy and not suspicious. He relaxes into his work, hammering, tidying and generally making the sleeping quarters fit for the habitation of pathfinder and not rats.
Day 12
Construct Cover for the Roof : Leading Martin, Edgar, Mikkel. Assurance for 17. Success.
Khaul eyes up the almost complete roof. "We should get this completed today. And Not a might too soon. It'll rain at some point, and even when it not be raining, the sun be too hot to want to have it beat on your head all day."
Day 13:
Build the Watchtower. Leads Plisken, Rakka, Martin (with Tess riding shotgun!) Assurance for DC 17
"Ahh, this will be wonderful. Look at the view!"
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"Ok Khaul! Lets finish getting the barracks in shape. We've put off finishing them up for long enough. I'll follow your lead here, just let me know what you need me to do."
After her lunch break, Faerinaa will wander over to visit Vinny and her team working on the scaffolding to see how its going. "Nice work everyone! This is looking great. We're going to get this place finished in no time."
"Hey Rakka, since we're beginning to wrap up the projects here, we're going to be winding down construction over the next few days. Bastian and I were thinking it might be fun and a good training opportunity to have some friendly sparring matches tomorrow. Keep the skills sharp and maybe learn some new things from each other. Would you and the other guards be interested in joining us as a little training exercise? I would love to learn some tricks from you all, and I bet we could have a few things to teach as well."
Mid morning rolls around, and Faerinaa knocks on Bastian's door, a wide smile on her face when he answers. "You ready for this Bastian? You had some slick moves when we dealt with those lizards. I'm looking forward to seeing them in action today! Let's go see how the town's defenders stack up, eh?"
Faerinaa and Bastian head down to the temple, and meets up with the temple guards.
Hey, Rakka, Petrus, Aasif! Thanks for joining us! I figure we can pair off, do a kind of round robin matchup kind of thing, feel each other out. Whoever doesn't have partner can watch the two matches going on, rest for their turn, and offer commentary for improvement."
Training swords are handed out, and the matchups begin! Soon the air is full of the clacking of wooded blades and the dull *whump* of wood hitting armor or flesh.
"Nice block Bastian!"
"Good hit Rakka, but he was ready for you. Try feinting high, about...here." Faerinaa adjusts the arm up with her sword in line with her opponent's eyes. "The shield comes up but blocks his vision momentarily, opening up a short window to strike where you can catch him flat footed."
"Ow! Nice hit Petrus! That one is going to leave a bruise."
"Whew! You fight well Aasif, where did you learn?"
As the partners exchange, Faerinaa gets a collection of bruises and a happier and happier expression. She truly enjoys a good scrap, and takes delight both in her own improvement and anything she can offer the others. "Great work everyone! Its good to see such martial skill from the village's defenders." After the sparring, Faerinaa will stay and chat, asking about where and how they learned to fight and going over the fights, both offering frank assessment and soliciting feedback about her own performance.
Ahhh, Sunday!
Faerinaa wakes up at dawn with a joyous heart and a slightly achey body from yesterday's exhertions. It's time for some relaxation!
She prays to herself in her room, thanking Sarenrae for the experiences Faerinaa has had as a Pathfinder, for her aid in cleansing Urgathoa's chamber, for the support of Sarenrae's teachings in resisting alcohol and shiver, and for the protection and support Sarenrae gives her. Then its time for breakfast!
Faerinaa heads downstairs, helps herself to a hearty helping and nods cheerfully to Khaul as she washes up her dishes next to him. After getting cleaned up, Faerinaa takes a stroll outside, breathing in the fresh air and looking up at the sunny sky. "This is going to be a good day, I can feel it!"
A tree next to the inn catches her eye, and a grin breaks out across her face. Faerinaa grabs a branch and climbs up, pulling her self from branch to branch as high as they will bear her weight before nestling up against the trunk and gazing down and out across the hamlet. "This sure is a quiet little place. I wonder how it will change, when the lodge is fully operational? Who knows what this place has in store?" Faerinaa will rest there for a time, watching the leaves sway overhead in the breeze and daydreaming about the adventures that the pathfinders in the new lodge will go on.
After some time, motion catches the corner of Faerinaa's eye, and she sees Mikkel through one of the windows in the inn. Confidently walking out on the tree limb with perfect balance, Faerinaa hops off the end to the roof of the inn. She leans over the edge of the roof down into the window, and waves. "Hey Mikkel, how's it going?"
Faerinaa grabs the lip of the window and flips herself gracefully into the room, flicking off a bit of leaf that stuck to her armor as she does. "Today's Sunday, so I'm taking a day of rest and fun to unwind for a bit. What are you up to today, anything fun?" Faerinaa will try to chat him up to get to know him better; she'll try and tell funny stories about her life, and commiserate and offer to help him with some of his chores if he's stuck doing work. She'll try to coax his interests out of him, to see if she can figure out what he likes doing, and maybe try to do something fun with him later in the day or some other time.
*GRUMBLE* As the scent of cooking wafts into the room, Faerinaa's stomach offers a reminder that its lunch time! "Thanks for the chat, Mikkel, its been fun. Hey, want to get some food?"
Faerinaa will head downstairs, where Lotte is busy putting the finishing touches on the mid day meal. "Hi Lotte! Thanks so much for all of this delicious food. You know, I wanted to thank you and your sons. You've done a really great job helping us feel welcome here. Its been such a busy last few weeks, and you've kept us fed, with a clean and homey place to stay, AND helped out so much with the work at the fort. I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate everything you've done for us. When mask Narsen comes back, I'm going to be sure to let him know what a great job you've done." Faerinaa will share the meal with Lotte and Mikkel, and try to make small talk, inquiring about how they felt about the work at the fort and the pathfinders in general.
After lunch, Faerinaa will bid her hosts goodbye and head out into town. She takes a long walk around town, climbs some trees on the outskirts of town and walks out on the branches for fun, and explores the stairs and tree in the little area directly south of Sylvina's. After an hour or so of this, Faerinaa heads down to the river for a swim. She dries herself off and heads back to the inn, where she climbs up on the roof and takes a nap, drifting off watching clouds.
She wakes up to the setting sun and the sound of hustle and bustle down below, and joins her companions for the evening meal. After dinner, Faerinaa commandeers some jam and toast and heads out into the evening dusk, heading to Plisken's residence and knocking on the door with the back of her knuckles. "Hi Plisken, mind if I come in? I brought snacks."
Faerinaa will split her toast with him, and take some nuts if he offers them. "We're going to be here a few more weeks, but the work at the fort is wrapping up. There might be some more things that come up, but we're probably going to have more free time around town going forward, and I was wondering if you could show me around the nearby forest one of these days? I spent a little time climbing trees for fun today, but didn't go in too deep since I didn't want to get lost. I would love to visit one of those ponds you told me about too, if you wouldn't mind taking me some time?"
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Repair the Barracks
Bastian - Plisken, Benyan, Gerlind
"Right folks, we need to make this habitable. There are going to be many visitors staying here through the years to come. With all of us doing this, it should only take a day or so and we'll have it done." Bastian will never be anything but polite to Benyan and Gerlind. With Plisken, he'll be a little friendlier.
At break times, he will wander around the other teams making small talk.
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Bastian will have returned to his room after early morning exercise and breakfast by the time Faerinaa arrives.
"Good morning. It's going to be an excellent day. This mission is so very different from my last one, when Khaul and I did a hurried quest into the Maze of the Open Road. It feels equally useful though. I still wonder what is going on with Narsen."
After the comment about his moves, "Thanks. I've been lucky. I've had formal training in a very well-drilled military followed by Pathfinder Swords training at the academy. I'm going to try something a bit different today as well."
Bastian's Blade spirit is a shifting rune today.
He will also invite Mikkel along to watch or join in if he has any interest in learning to fight. He won't push it if Mikkel is not interested.
During the training, he will get them practicing with a variety of weapons and also shifting his War Flail into other weapons in order to find what they are most comfortable with.
"I'm sure you all know this, but against the undead you have to pick your weapon carefully. You want smashing weapons for the bony ones, cutting weapons for the fleshy kind. Make sure you have both and are comfortable swapping between. If they have a necromancer, target them first."
He will join in with the chat afterwards and get some extra sparring with Faerinaa.
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Cleanse the Shrine
Bastian will enjoy a relatively relaxed working day with Tess, getting to know her and not worrying about saying the wrong thing to the locals. Tess is different and has unique experiences and perspectives and he'd like to understand her better.
"Do you feel like trying to get Lumley a little more on side? I think it would help immensely if he were more relaxed about our presence."
At break times, he will wander around the other teams making small talk.
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"I'm sure you all know this, but against the undead you have to pick your weapon carefully. You want smashing weapons for the bony ones, cutting weapons for the fleshy kind. Make sure you have both and are comfortable swapping between. If they have a necromancer, target them first."
"Yeah, that one has always been a tough one for me. I got trained for speed and precision to leverage my natural quickness. Its a great technique against the living, but poking holes in the dead doesn't always stop them as well, even if you hit a critical support structure. I definitely recommend Bastian's approach if you've had less specialized weapons training."
Faerinaa smirks slightly. "That said, even a zombie horse doesn't like it if you ram a rapier straight down the spinal column. Ask me how I know some time."
He will join in with the chat afterwards and get some extra sparring with Faerinaa.
Faerinaa and Bastian prove to be closely matched, though with very different fighting styles. Faerinaa is highly mobile, looking to rapidly feint to open up her target for attack and roll away from strikes, while Bastian's more solid approach defending himself with his shield gradually boxes her in and wears her down.
"You're -- really -- good -- *oof!* -- with that shield!" Faerinaa rubs as sore spot as her leg gets clipped, as she dodges just a hair too slowly.
Tess and Bastian are able to finish the cleansing of the former shrine. Tess doubts she will ever want to eat at that table given what it used to be.
Vinny and her crew are able to make reasonable progress on the scaffolding that will provide access to the battlements.
Khaul and Faerinaa are able to finally complete the last repairs to the barracks. Just needs some furniture now.
When Faerinaa mentions her idea to Rakka, she suggests “Would work best if it was done in shifts so at least one of us is available for duty at all times. I am willing to join in if the other two are or Mask Lumley of the Third Step instructs us to.”
When you get back to town, you find that Plisken the Brown had gone hunting and brought down a deer. Venison tonight!
Already completed tasks:
* Clean the Fort (Approach Road)
* Patch the Hole in the Outer Wall
* Replace the Main Gate
* Clean the Fort (Courtyard)
* Collapse the Watchtower
* Repair the Well
* Clean the Fort (Great Hall)
* Rebuild Collapsed Stairs
* Clean the Fort (Roof)
* Excavate Stairs Below Great Hall
* Clean the Fort (Dungeon)
* Decipher Ancient Writings
* Clean the Fort (Barracks)
Task: Rebuild Scaffolding for Battlements
Vinny: Junissa, Wilfred, Braderock
Today’s Progress: 4 person days, 3 gp
Completed: 8/12 days
Task: Repair the Barracks
Khaul: Faerinaa.
Today’s progress: 2 person days
Completed: 12/12 days
Task: Construct Cover for the Roof
Today’s Progress: 0
Completed: 8/12 days
Task: Cleanse Urgathoan Shrine
Tess: Bastian Failure
Today’s Progress: 1 person day
Completed: 6/6 days
Money 35 gp - 3 gp spent today = 32 gp remaining
Tess is thrown for a moment as Khaul wants a different crew than she expected. She quickly adjusts her plans and stays in the village today.
Khaul is very consistent and his crew finishes the cover for the keep right on schedule.
Vinny and her crew successfully finish the scaffolding slightly ahead of schedule.
Mikkel points out to Bastian that he is scheduled to work with Khaul today. Bastian then offers to spar with him individually after dinner. The young man seems much more receptive to that idea.
Already completed tasks:
* Clean the Fort (Approach Road)
* Patch the Hole in the Outer Wall
* Replace the Main Gate
* Clean the Fort (Courtyard)
* Collapse the Watchtower
* Repair the Well
* Clean the Fort (Great Hall)
* Rebuild Collapsed Stairs
* Clean the Fort (Roof)
* Excavate Stairs Below Great Hall
* Clean the Fort (Dungeon)
* Decipher Ancient Writings
* Cleanse Urgathoan Shrine
* Clean the Fort (Barracks)
* Repair the Barracks
Task: Rebuild Scaffolding for Battlements
Vinny: Junissa, Wilfred, Braderock Critical Success
Today’s Progress: 6 person days, 3 gp
Completed: 12/12 days
Task: Construct Cover for the Roof
Khaul: Martin, Edgar, Mikkel
Today’s Progress: 4 person days, 3 gp
Completed: 12/12 days
Task: Talk to Locals
Tess will talk with Bessama, Matthild and Sylvina.
Faerinaa will talk with Rakka, Aasif and Petrus.
Bastian will talk with Rakka, Mikkel and Petrus.
Money 32 gp -6 gp spent today = 26 gp remaining
Tess finds Matthild as she is taking care of some of the farm work outside. Their conversation gets interrupted a few times as Gerlind calls for Matthild from the window of their house. Matthild thinks nothing of running from the fields back to the house and then back. Good thing she is in such good health!
Tess doesn’t know if today’s conversation made any difference in Matthild’s disposition towards the group, but she was already friendly so Tess offers the token to the halfling. Matthild accepts it and Tess believes her when she promises not to report it to anyone.
When Tess finds Bessama she is hanging sheets on the line to dry. Bessama takes a break from her chores to talk with Tess. She seems very pleased by the compliments.
She accepts the token and Tess believes that she will not report it.
Tess comes by Knicks & Knacks in time to join Sylvina for afternoon tea. Sylvina offers to share some tea and she is quite willing to chat with her. When offered the coin, Sylvina looks at it and shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but there is too great a risk. Nothing against your group, but any leak would have severe repercussions for me.” The good news is that Tess does not think she will report it.
Faerinaa and Bastian give the guards quite the workout. After the workout, you are both convinced that in a one on one fight you could beat any of them. Petrus relies on brute strength too much, while Aasif is too aggressive in his attacks. Rakka shows promise, but really needs a good teacher.
Aasif starts out rather cold towards the group, but by the end of the day he is friendly. Faerinaa does notice that in fights he is always going for a disabling or killing blow. It is somewhat disturbing how much he focused when Faerinaa was suggesting Rakka feint for the eyes. He certainly appears to enjoy fighting.
Petrus also seems to enjoy the battle, especially as Bastian shows off his weapon. Faerinaa isn’t able to tell his attitude was changed at all, but Bastian is sure that he would be willing to help the group.
Rakka is the easiest to work with but her attitude is a bit different than the other two guards. Bastian can’t seem to get a read on her, but Faerinaa thinks she was impressed by what she experienced. Faerinaa thinks Rakka is more interested in learning what it takes to survive a battle than how quickly she can dispose of an opponent.
Bastian meets with Mikkel after dinner and spars with the young man. It doesn’t seem he has had any weapons training at all. Bastian tries his best, but can not tell if he made any headway with him.
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"Hey Rakka, can I talk to you for a minute?" Faerinaa beckons her over after sparring. "You did a really good job today, and show a lot of promise. You need some additional training with a master, but you have great instincts and a solid foundation to build off of. I think you would be an amazing addition to the Pathfinder Society, if you were interested in joining. What do you think?"
“Although it sounds intriguing, I’m not sure that is the direction I want my life to go.”
Rakka refuses the token and Faerinaa isn’t sure if she will report it or not.
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Bastian has a varied day, speaking to some very different people.
After the sparring yesterday, he takes his weapons, shield and armour into the smithy where Edgar will be working.
"Could I get you to check these, please? I'm ok at maintaining them but I don't have the tools and eye for smithing that you possess."
"So what is life like here in Prophet's Rest? I've not really heard about the good and bad from you."
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Later, he will try to catch Matthild as she goes about working for the Horgats. He will help her out so that his conversation does not get her into trouble.
"You know that you're the person in this place that I'd most like to help? I'd like to chat to you as you work. Hopefully make some of the day more pleasant."
A little later "Could you help me understand the Horgat's relationship please? I'm looking for a way in to changing them"
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In the afternoon, he will track down the 'priest'.
"Mask Lumley of the Third Step, I would like to learn about how you came to be a priest of Razmir. What brought you to faith? How did you come to understand the teachings?"
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Late at night, Faerinaa slips out of her room and knocks furtively on Tess' door. "Hey Tess...I think I might have screwed up. Can we talk?"
When Tess opens the door, Faerinaa checks over her shoulder to make sure she isn't seen before slipping into the room. She has a deeply troubled look on her face, and bites her lip nervously before speaking in a rush.
"Today's sparring session went really well, I thought, and Rakka and Aasif especially seemed to really open up. Aasif's, well...I'm not sure he's a good fit, but I thought Rakka would be, so I offered her a token. She seemed uncertain and refused the offer though, and I can't get a read on if she's going to report me."
"You're really good with people Tess, I've noticed how well you've been getting to know everyone and pulling the team and the town together. Do you think you could try talking to Rakka while you're on the work crew tomorrow, see if you can figure out whether she's actually interested and just needs time to mull it over, or at least whether we've got a problem?"
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Bastian will enjoy a relatively relaxed working day with Tess, getting to know her and not worrying about saying the wrong thing to the locals. Tess is different and has unique experiences and perspectives and he'd like to understand her better.
"Do you feel like trying to get Lumley a little more on side? I think it would help immensely if he were more relaxed about our presence."
Tess nods. "I could try. He certainly makes things unpleasant as it is. I don't like him, Bastian. He's a vain bully who uses his power to make things worse, not better for the town. On the other hand, you're right that we need him." Tess makes a face. "I'll try to swallow my scruples and flatter him into liking us."
Then she turns to Bastian with questions of her own. "Speaking of being at ease... you seem to be at ease with this whole flirting and dating and signaling availability for procreation. How does one learn such things? How does one... figure out how to start friendships that matter long-term? I don't know how to do such things."
Late at night, Faerinaa slips out of her room and knocks furtively on Tess' door. "Hey Tess...I think I might have screwed up. Can we talk?"
When Tess opens the door, Faerinaa checks over her shoulder to make sure she isn't seen before slipping into the room. She has a deeply troubled look on her face, and bites her lip nervously before speaking in a rush.
"Today's sparring session went really well, I thought, and Rakka and Aasif especially seemed to really open up. Aasif's, well...I'm not sure he's a good fit, but I thought Rakka would be, so I offered her a token. She seemed uncertain and refused the offer though, and I can't get a read on if she's going to report me.""You're really good with people Tess, I've noticed how well you've been getting to know everyone and pulling the team and the town together. Do you think you could try talking to Rakka while you're on the work crew tomorrow, see if you can figure out whether she's actually interested and just needs time to mull it over, or at least whether we've got a problem?"
Tess pulls Faerinaa into a hug. "You did not screw up. I've been planning to ask Rakka anyway if she would take a coin. I'll happily approach her again." Tess frowns herself. "Sylvina did not take the coin, though I tried. She won't betray us. I just cannot figure out whether I should keep pressing or not."
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Tess begins with the least pleasant, Mask Lumley. "Mask Lumley of the Third Step, may I have a moment? I would like to consult with you. Building a lodge is more than just physical construction. It's also about building relationships, and a foundation for diplomacy and civil discourse for the area. With you being both the spiritual and secular head of Prophet's Rest, I was seeking your advice. The new Pathfinder Lodge will of course bring quite a bit of business to the town, and bring you to the attention of those higher in your church hierarchy, for Prophet's Rest will become a strategically important posting. If we succeed, money and honors will surely follow for you. The Lodge will be a fortress that we can use to defend the town against incursions from the Whispering Tyrant. Our partnership could be a lucrative one. But for the lodge to truly succeed, we need your help. I don't think all the parishioners share your vision of how wonderful -- and profitable -- this lodge could be for the town. We need you, a man of vision and obvious taste, to provide us with your wisdom and guidance. Can you help us make friends with the town?"
Then Tess visits with Rakka, holding a token in her hand. "I know you want to travel and see the world. I've seen the gleam in your eyes when I have talked of far-off cities. Razmiran is beautiful, but you deserve to travel and see more of the world. Imagine the mist off the Forest of Spirits, when a friendly spirit shares their story, or having a snow ball fight with a village full of kitsune children. Imagine the sands of Osirion, and having a riddle challenge with a sphinx. Imagine solving mysteries, traveling through the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse, and meeting cat folk or negotiating with cloud dragons. There is so much you could do with your life. You're strong, a canny fighter and smart. Would you consider being a friend to the Lodge, and maybe even joining us on the path to adventure some day?"
Tess helps Plisken with his rounds, hunting by his side if he will let her. She asks him about animals, and tells him of the herbs she sees along the way. She knows the trapper does not talk much, so she lets the conversation flow naturally, building a friendship along the way. She takes clippings of the nut bushes, and spends time transplanting them back to the gardens of the lodge. "You never told me if these nuts have a name. Can we call them Plisken nuts? They are so delicious, they should have a name."
She will ask him, "The lodge could use more friends, and I think you're a wise and kind person. Would you consider being our friend, and keeping our secrets?"
Klaus and Vinny each take a crew to build a small wooden watchtower where the stone watchtower used to be looking over the Glass River Valley. They make better progress than expected and only have a few finishing touches to do the next day. They could easily finish it tomorrow without needing any villagers.
Everyone else spends their time talking with the various locals. Mask Lumley is approached by both Tess and Bastian. Plisken is approached by both Tess and Faerinaa. Tess also talks with Rakka. Faerinaa spends time with Lotte and Mikkel at the Inn. Bastian visits both Matthild and Edgar.
Already completed tasks:
* Clean the Fort (Approach Road)
* Patch the Hole in the Outer Wall
* Rebuild Scaffolding for Battlements
* Replace the Main Gate
* Clean the Fort (Courtyard)
* Collapse the Watchtower
* Repair the Well
* Clean the Fort (Great Hall)
* Rebuild Collapsed Stairs
* Clean the Fort (Roof)
* Construct Cover for the Roof
* Excavate Stairs Below Great Hall
* Clean the Fort (Dungeon)
* Decipher Ancient Writings
* Cleanse Urgathoan Shrine
* Clean the Fort (Barracks)
* Repair the Barracks
Task: Build Wooden Watchtower
Klaus: Plisken, Rakka, Martin
Vinny: Junissa, Wilfred, Braderock
Today’s Progress: 10 person days, 6 gp
Completed: 10/12 days
Task: Talk to Locals
Tokens accepted by Bessama and Matthild.
Tess talks with Mask Lumley, Rakka, Plisken.
Faerinaa talks with Lotte, Mikkel, Plisken.
Bastian talks with Edgar, Matthild, Mask Lumley
Money 26 gp - 6 gp spent today = 20 gp remaining
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Tess approaches Mask Lumley shortly after he finishes putting away the papers where he noted the work crews for the day. He agrees to talk with her in the temple. He takes her back to his office and sits in his comfortable chair. There is nothing except a short stool for guests to sit on.
He does have the guard wait just outside the closed door to the office during the conversation. Normally when he is at the temple the guards are stationed at the main door.
Tess thinks that today he was just a little bit too preoccupied with the posturing and dominance games to really consider what she has to say. She doesn’t think he believes that the Whispering Tyrant poses any threat to him. He is still just as unfriendly when he dismisses her with some false platitudes as he has been the whole time.
Mask Lumley is a skilled liar and can be smooth when he wants to be.
Since Rakka is working at the fort, Tess goes to find Plisken next. He is chatting with Lotte when she finds him, and quickly changes the topic when he becomes aware of her. Was he flirting with Lotte before she interrupted?
He is happy to take her along as he checks his traps and forages various plants and mushrooms from the area. She recognizes a few of the herbs, but there are several that are new to her. He shares more of his nuts, even showing her one of the plants that he gets them from. The nuts are called crunch pods by the locals, but he is plainly amused and somewhat pleased by the name Tess suggests. “The church has shown no interest in them, so I see no reason to object.”
Although she doesn’t know much about wilderness survival, the walk is quite pleasant. By the end of it, she feels confident enough that she offers one of the tokens to him and he accepts it. Tess does not think he will report it and that he would make a fine Pathfinder agent if only he could be fully recruited.
Tess catches up with Rakka as she is returning from the fort. It seems that she only needed a little time to think about the offer. This time when approached, Rakka accepts the token. She still wants to hear Tess’s description of other places she has seen. Tess is certain the warrior is being honest with her when she says that she will keep the coin a secret.
Faerinaa surprises Mikkel with her unconventional entry. He was cleaning at the time and likely not paying the most attention. He lets her lead the conversation, only making vague responses. Other than the obvious embarrassment at her giving him so much attention, she isn’t sure what he thinks.
Lotte is pleased to hear from Faerinaa that her work is appreciated. “That would be very nice, dear. Tell me, is there much more work to be done out there?” The meal is simple but good tasting. Faerinaa doesn’t know if her approach made any impact on the hard working innkeeper or not.
When she makes her way over to Plisken’s cabin, he answers it right away. He looks a little puzzled that it is her, but invites her in. He thanks her for the toast and brings over a full jar of the nuts he is always snacking on. “If the work is done at the fort, I see no reason I couldn’t show you one of the swimming spots in the area. How good are your navigation skills?”
It is a pleasant enough conversation and he seems friendly enough. When she later talks to Tess, Faerinaa is surprised to find that she already gave Plisken one of the tokens. The fellow made no indication of it when she talked with him.
When Bastian brings his weapons in, both Martin and Edgar ask how Klaus is doing with the construction. It seems his skills have impressed the two. Edgar looks over the repairs that Bastian has made, and offers to take care of one of the straps that has repeatedly been pulling loose. He points out where the leather has stretched too much and replaces is for Bastian.
Bastian doesn’t know if he made any progress with the fellow, but at least his shield is in better shape!
Edgar tells Bastian “We keep pretty much to ourselves here. Mask Lumley values our service and we don’t make trouble for him.”
Bastian doesn’t know if his conversation had any effect on Edgar’s attitude towards the group.
Bastian has no problems talking to Matthild as she works in the fields. Gerlind is at the window of their house and interrupts a few times, calling out for Matthild to run and run and do some minor task for her.
Matthild initially says there is no need for Bastian to help her, but doesn’t press the issue if he insists. She says “I’m pretty sure that the two of them are happy with how things are. I doubt they would be interested in changing.”
Bastian doesn’t know if he made any progress with the halfling or not.
Just a few hours before dinner Bastian finds time to go speak with Mask Lumley. They are every bit the petty tyrant that Bastian feared. The conversation is illuminating if only because Bastian notes a number of lies that Lumley tells in answering his questions. Although he maintains an air of politeness, Bastian is convinced that Lumley has nothing but contempt for the Pathfinder Society and themselves. He is not the sort of person Bastian would want as a fellow Pathfinder agent and is unlikely to change his ways.
Bastian is sure that Mask Lumley is still unfriendly and believes he is not the sort of person the society should recruit.
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Then she turns to Bastian with questions of her own. "Speaking of being at ease... you seem to be at ease with this whole flirting and dating and signaling availability for procreation. How does one learn such things? How does one... figure out how to start friendships that matter long-term? I don't know how to do such things."
"Honestly, it's strange thing. I didn't used to be like this at all. I had relationships and a child back in old Thassilon. They weren't in Xin-Edasseril. My wife, father and brothers all died because of Belimarius. I decided life was too short. I'm in my early thirties! My mother believed as much and she was an elf. Sorry, I haven't actually answered the question yet. You learn through practice. Taking time is important for long lasting things. Physical attraction is fine for the short term but you need shared interests or ethics or outlook to form long term friendships or more. Trial and error can work, but it might leave you heart-broken. I have no doubt there are plenty of Pathfinders in relationships - lots of similar outlooks and time training together. Passion forged in the heart of battle, so-to-speak. I actually think that a little angst and heartbreak keeps you feeling alive. But maybe that's just me. I like throwing myself into dangerous situations. I'm at ease with the flirting, dating and other 'activities' because they bring me pleasure. You never know where something might lead until you give it a chance. I'm rambling now. I might even tell you how a few things went if you buy me a drink later." Bastian smiles warmly.