Brennus continues watching for now, though he tries to identify a good perch to fly to so he can listen when this group exits. It looks like they might be recruiting, which could possibly be good news for him. Hopefully they are the sort of adventurers who uncover interesting and powerful magic...
Caks will stop stuffing her cheeks with food upon noticing an odd raven. When the elf begins to move to the table, Caks will attempt to avoid notice by hiding under the table.
The tall elf smoothly stands up and walks over to the group's table, a friendly smile on his lips. He's good looking, with long white blonde hair and bright blue eyes. His clothes are made of good quality material and well tailored to his slender build.
He pretends not to notice the ysoki who'd been stuffing her mouth suddenly ducking out of sight under the table, instead looking at Telurion and Variel. "Hi." He gestures back at his seat at the bar. "My curiosity finally got the better of me so I thought I'd come over and ask. Are you adventurers? I've always wondered how you get started in that business. I'd be happy to pay for your food if you'd indulge me and tell me your story and answer a few questions."
Stealth
Rail definitely sees Caks duck out of sight. Perhaps he's diving for a scrap of dropped food.
Speaking around the food already in her mouth, Caks stands up and says, "You'll pay for the food? Okay, We stabbed some orcs and stabbed some undead, and stabbed some others too."
”I don’t know if I would call myself an adventurer. At this point it has just been doing what needs to be done and I was fortunate enough to be able to help. But please, have a seat and I’ll answer what I can. Say, I don’t suppose you have a pet raven do you?”
The elf smiles and pulls back a chair. "A pet raven? No, I haven't had a pet since our cat died when I was a kid. Why do you ask?"
He nods at Caks and puts out a hand to shake with Telurion. "I'm Rail." Rail nods in Caks's direction. "You've fought orcs and undead? Sounds like adventuring to me, at least according to the chapbooks I've read."
The tall elf smoothly stands up and walks over to the group's table, a friendly smile on his lips. He's good looking, with long white blonde hair and bright blue eyes. His clothes are made of good quality material and well tailored to his slender build.
He pretends not to notice the ysoki who'd been stuffing her mouth suddenly ducking out of sight under the table, instead looking at Telurion and Variel. "Hi." He gestures back at his seat at the bar. "My curiosity finally got the better of me so I thought I'd come over and ask. Are you adventurers? I've always wondered how you get started in that business. I'd be happy to pay for your food if you'd indulge me and tell me your story and answer a few questions."
"Well I'm the cleric so I guess if we are passing out indulgences, that would be my job. I'm not sure I set out to be an adventurer either; I feel for myself that the adventures seem to happen, one hopes by making good choices, and then the label comes with them. Goodness, am I an adventurer now!? Praise the Father!"
As the newly gathered group makes their introductions and discuss what brought them to this place and time, the Raven outside squawks a bit as the young acolyte walks in the door to the tavern. He quickly looks around and spots the group sitting together.
"I was told to look for three, not four, but otherwise you fit the description. Father Bofred has precisely 10 minutes to hear what you have to say starting as the bell tolls Noon". (About 30-minutes from now).
He then hands you a scroll "Present this when you arrive, and it will allow you access to his chambers".
It's obvious the young acolyte probably doesn't know anymore, and he squirms a bit and heads back with uttered excuses about having other duties to attend if questioned.
Assuming the group advances on the temple at the appointed time, they arrive and find the temple much quieter without a morning service to interrupt. They are greeted at the door by one of the priests that had been setting beside Father Bofred at the service. When presented the scroll he doesn't move to take it instead glancing impatiently and clearing his throat as he looks sternly first at the group, then at the collection box to the right of the entrance.
@ Brennus
Does Brennus tag along, introduce himself, or continue to watch?
When the messenger brings the scroll to the group, Rail looks curious. "Is this about the undead you were talking about?"
[dice=Bardic Lore]1d20+7
[dice=Society]1d20+7
When the messenger brings the scroll to the group, Rail looks curious. "Is this about the undead you were talking about?"
RK: Father Bofred
Though not well loved he is thought to be of high character... and more than perhaps anyone in Bards Gate he is overly lawful in character. It is said that he is only holding the position until Father Abysthor who has been missing for years either returns or is declared dead. Surprisingly he is in full support of waiting to be sure.
Brennus's first instinct when some of the humanoids he's watching start throwing curious looks his way is to hide. Fortunately, he's long since gotten comfortable enough with humanoids that his conscious mind has no problem squashing that instinct.
Instead, after a moment of thought, he decides to give them a very exaggerated wink.
Then he flies over to a roof between them and the temple the messenger came from, waiting to see what they say when they see him there.
to Rail regarding the raven question...
"Well, it seems we have one giving us the eye. I thought you might dabble in magic and have one of those magic pets." Telurion said.
Telurion shakes Rail's hand, "I'm Telurion, the ever generous one under the table is Caks, and this is Variel. As for the orcs and such, that was just taking care of what needed taking care of," Introductions over he looks back at the raven and sees it wink. At least he thinks it was a wink, 'Do birds wink?'
After the messenger delivers the scroll...
"Well, let's get this part over with. You're welcome to join us, see how appreciative people are after you save a town and destroy a dangerous artifact." Telurion then pushes away from the table and lifts the crate to his shoulder. As he exits the establishment he looks around for the raven. Seeing it, he calls out, and offers a bit of the bread they had at the table"Come here buddy, you want a piece of bread?"
As the newly gathered group makes their introductions and discuss what brought them to this place and time, the Raven outside squawks a bit as the young acolyte walks in the door to the tavern. He quickly looks around and spots the group sitting together.
"I was told to look for three, not four, but otherwise you fit the description. Father Bofred has precisely 10 minutes to hear what you have to say starting as the bell tolls Noon". (About 30-minutes from now).
He then hands you a scroll "Present this when you arrive, and it will allow you access to his chambers".
It's obvious the young acolyte probably doesn't know anymore, and he squirms a bit and heads back with uttered excuses about having other duties to attend if questioned.
Assuming the group advances on the temple at the appointed time, they arrive and find the temple much quieter without a morning service to interrupt. They are greeted at the door by one of the priests that had been setting beside Father Bofred at the service. When presented the scroll he doesn't move to take it instead glancing impatiently and clearing his throat as he looks sternly first at the group, then at the collection box to the right of the entrance.
@ Brennus
** spoiler omitted **
Variel very very carfully and very slowly withdraws one, then two, then four pieces of silver for a total of 6. He extends his hand with the coins to the obnoxious rector, pursing his lips.
"I trust that will help."
"Well, let's get this part over with. You're welcome to join us, see how appreciative people are after you save a town and destroy a dangerous artifact." Telurion then pushes away from the table and lifts the crate to his shoulder. As he exits the establishment he looks around for the raven. Seeing it, he calls out, and offers a bit of the bread they had at the table"Come here buddy, you want a piece of bread?"
Brennus tilts his head slightly to one side. There's a part of him that would have liked more time to observe this gropu, but... might as well take the plunge now.
"Thanks for the offer, but I actually ate recently," the raven says, his voice a bit scratchy and rough but otherwise surprisingly human-like. "If you'd care to feed my curiosity, however, that's as hungry as ever. What's a group like yours doing here, waiting for a message from this temple?"
Brennus tilts his head slightly to one side. There's a part of him that would have liked more time to observe this gropu, but... might as well take the plunge now.
"Thanks for the offer, but I actually ate recently," the raven says, his voice a bit scratchy and rough but otherwise surprisingly human-like. "If you'd care to feed my curiosity, however, that's as hungry as ever. What's a group like yours doing here, waiting for a message from this temple?"
Rail jumps a little, eyes wide at hearing the bird talk. "Ades' bony balls!" He points and looks at the others. "Did you all hear that?" The elf dramatically cleans out one ear with his pinky and peers at the black winged bird. "What kind of trick is this?"
Brennus ruffles his feathers while making an odd, irritated squawking sound. "Here I thought you looked like the adventurer types who didn't panic the moment something weird showed up. Yes, I am a magic talking raven."
He spreads his wings, which look as ragged as the rest of him. He's missing a couple flight feathers, and a few others are clearly damaged. "I'm not exactly a danger to you, you see. In fact, I had a bit of a... proposal I wanted to make."
Rail looks back at the others briefly and shrugs. "Well they were waiting to talk to Father Bofred across the street. What, uh... what kind of proposal did you have?"
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A little girl is crossing the street holding onto a womans hand as the party move to cross the street. She points to the bird and exclaims to her mother.
"Hey I want one of those talking birds. Do you think they make pretty ones"?
The mother admonishes her for her vivid imagination, and hurries her along without making eye contact with the group.
Brennus folds his wings and waits a moment for the woman and girl to move out of earshot, then looks back down at the group he'd been watching.
"Well, as you can guess, employment opportunities for a magical raven are a bit... rare, and seeing as you look the sort to go out and find trouble, I thought you might appreciate having a magical raven on your side," he states, bobbing a little as he emphasizes 'magical'. "Not only do I blend in well in most environments, I also have some degree of sorcerous power, enough to be capable in combat as well. You are the sorts who end up fighting monsters and undead and such, right? I could help with that. And you could help me with carrying things and making certain I get treated like a person."
The Raven 3 now with a real raven, and a bard to boot are shown to a private room beneath the temple proper. Father Bofred sits behind a desk signing some documents as they enter announced by the other priest. He finishes signing the document, blots the excess ink, and wearily sits back in his chair rubbing his eyes reflecting his weariness.
"Welcome. I am overwhelmed with work, so please keep things brief".
As the party explains the events leading up to their arrival, he nods with small inquiries to clarify events, his eyes only occasionally drifting to the stack of papers on his desk, and the hourglass with its gently descending stream of sand. Finally, he stands and begins to pace about the chamber pausing to examine some of the accoutrements decorating his chamber.
"I am aware of this temple in Raven, and its priest, though I do not know him well. My first inclination is to turn down the request to take care of this magical artefact for you. We have more than enough challenges as it is... however perhaps we can work out a situation that might be mutually beneficial". He stops for a moment then walks to a rack of scrolls along one wall, and paging through them pulls one forth spreading it out on a side table beside it. He beckons you forward to look at the map, using some trinkets to hold the edges.
He then points to a spot on the map. "North of the city of Bard’s Gate, in the hills of the Stoneheart Mountains, lie the ruins of twin shrines dedicated to Thyr and Muir—the God of Justice and the Goddess of
Virtue and Paladinhood. Near the ruined shrines lies a series of catacombs used as burial halls for the followers of Thyr and Muir. Long abandoned, these catacombs are now home to various evil creatures. The complex has come to be known as the Stoneheart Mountain Dungeon. A few years back our high priest, Abysthor, travelled to this area seeking something that he said was crucial to the future of both religions. He never returned".
He then rolled up the scroll and handed it to one of you. "The fact that you are from Raven, and now have a Raven friend speaks to me of prophecy. If you can travel here, find out what happened to Abysthor and what he might have been seeking, the I would take this evil artifact off your hands. I would be willing to hold it here for a turn of the moon while you seek out this quest".
@Telurion, Brennus & Variel
Your observation of the father leads you to believe that the stress of leading the church is taking its toll on him, and he longs for someone else... perhaps Abysthor returning to allow him to return to a life of religions contemplation.
@ Brennus
Your constant study of human nature leads you to believe that if you were to hold out for some additional compensation, Bofred is desperate enough to offer you additional aid. Have you made it known that your are sentient to the Father yet?
Out with the Raven...
"Where's your master?" Telurion asks. "Would he be ok with you just going off with us?" (It would seem in a magical world where you know wizards and witches have magical pets it would not be super shocking. Just rare.)
In the office...
"That works for me. What about you fellas? I'm assuming the church will compensate us for travel and hazards assuming we can bring back Abysthor?" Telurion asks.
Out with the Raven...
"Where's your master?" Telurion asks. "Would he be ok with you just going off with us?"
"I don't have a master anymore," Brennus replies, shifting slightly on his perch. "It turns out if you shove enough magic in a bird, they can become a sorcerer in their own right. If you don't just explode them. Fortunately, I didn't explode."
There seems to be a glitter of humor in his dark eyes. "Now, can I fly down there and hitch a ride with you to whereever you're going, if you're interested in seeing what sort of damage I can do with my magic? My wings are in rather poor condition at present thanks to my rough arrival, and besides, it won't draw quite so many eyes as a raven constantly circling around you."
The raven watches Father Bofred with keen interest, noting the hint of desperation he shows. He debates revealing he can speak, but isn't quite sure what sort of reaction that would bring, so he waits to see if the humanoids in his new group will push for payment before opening his beak.
Out with the Raven...
"Where's your master?" Telurion asks. "Would he be ok with you just going off with us?" (It would seem in a magical world where you know wizards and witches have magical pets it would not be super shocking. Just rare.)
In the office...
"That works for me. What about you fellas? I'm assuming the church will compensate us for travel and hazards assuming we can bring back Abysthor?" Telurion asks.
"oh, on behalf of good clergy everywhere friend, I will counsel you to make NO such assumption. We were already shaken down at the front door, remember; we shall do the same now. We are not going ANYWHERE for ANYONE without upfront remuneration for dangers & risks encumbered. Enough! This man knows full well what he is sending us into, and hasn't even had the decency to offer us anything for the time and for doing him the favor of bringing back his life of leisure. I worship a benevolent god, not a foolish one!"
Rail had been happy to let things happen as they would until Variel started attacking the priest. He turned to the half-elf. "Hey, now, friend, calm down. We're not even done talking yet, are we? No need to shout." He turns to smile back over his shoulder at Father Bofred. "Apologies for my friend's outburst, Father. He has had a stressful couple of days."
"That said, Father, the hills you mentioned are days away, aren't they? Personally, I am not equipped to leave the city at the moment. There are supplies to buy, horses to rent- various expenses, you understand. You know, my father is a priest himself- Gallio Librumeia? Or perhaps you've met my sister, Nymaris Coolbreeze? Also a priest of Sefagreth, sort of the family business, you see," Rail said with a chuckle.
"I know they both hold Thyr in high regard. Law is the essential foundation of stability and order for a civil society, they say. Without the Lawgiver there would be no civilization. So I understand your resources are limited. Your flock must have so many priorities. But if you could perhaps see it possible to find some spare funds it would help speed us on our way. Soonest begun, soonest done, eh?"
With Brennus...
"Certainly you may ride on my shoulder or pack, never mind your magic. You'd be welcome just as a talking bird. That's quite amazing to tell the truth." Telurion responds and then continues into the church when Brennus lands.
Inside with the priest...
Telurion watches the two exchanges from Variel and Rail. The insinuation Variel makes starts to get Telurion's blood up but then Rail seems to take a different direction. Before Telurion flips a desk or two and threatens the priest for trying to fleece him, he will see how Rail's sweeter tongue fares.
"These are desperate times, and sometimes we must swallow our pride and accept whatever aid is offered though I would suggest you not let your pride and arrogance keep you from making wise decisions".
He then looks at Rail with a raised eyebrow.
"I am familiar with your father and have met him at some events that called for cooperation of the faithful. I can't claim friendship with him, but we have agreed... at least in principle on matters past".
He then stands and gestures towards the door.
"The contributions to our faith have dried up substantially over the past few years, though or coffers remain flush for now. I would offer you some baubles from our past contributions. As our worshipers age they sometimes leave their estates in tribute to their worship. These material possessions are of much less import to the church, than trying to keep evil from proliferating, and resolving open the fate of our holy brothers".
He then rings a small bell on the table, and the door opens with the previous lesser priest awaiting to escort you out.
"Brother Jameson, please provide these fine gentlemen with the items on this list and take the box they have and place it within the Demonbane chest on Sublevel 4".
The list contains the following items:
* Packet of Maps, and sketches of the area around the shrines
* (4) Vials of Holy Water
* (4) Scrolls of Heal Wounds
* A set of (4) golden candleholders (Worth 10 GP each).
Caks whispers to her allies, "Sounds like a good deal to me. We rid this Stoneheart Mountain Dungeon of baddies for the priest, he holds onto the fiddle in a safe place while we do it, we take all -- and I mean *all* the treasure that's been accumulating there, and then he fixes the fiddle."
Caks whispers to her allies, "Sounds like a good deal to me. We rid this Stoneheart Mountain Dungeon of baddies for the priest, he holds onto the fiddle in a safe place while we do it, we take all -- and I mean *all* the treasure that's been accumulating there, and then he fixes the fiddle."
to Caks:
"I am fairly sure there is a message here from Darach-Albith, about the transformative power of good faith. Truth be told, I think "within the Demonbane chest on Sublevel 4" may be a perfect final resting place for the fiddle. Let's focus on helping the church and finding its lost leader."
"Brother Jameson was it? The smallest of gifts, and this could be for you, or shared with your brethren, or whomever lends you inspiration ..." Variel opens his shirt and takes the silver holy symbol of Darach-Albith from his neck. "This belongs to you now, and it should fetch a fair price too, as there are not so many workings of silver in tribute to our Father here in the city. Please?"
Rail smiles at the Father and goes to shake his hand. "Exceptionally generous of you, Father. It's good to deal with men of true faith in troubling times." He looks over at the others to see if anyone disagrees with Caks. Seeing no dissenters, he says "We will return when we have information about your missing high priest. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. I hope we can all say it has been a pleasure."
With that, the tall elf turns to follow the others out the door.
Telurion hands over the crate to Jameson, "Thanks."
Once outside with the gear...
"Anyone particularly good at throwing? If more than one of you, feel free to split the water vials. And again, can anyone use the scrolls? I can't and if none of you can then we may need to sell them and buy potions. As for the candle holders, we need to turn those into cash. Variel, you seemed familiar with the city and Caks is ever resourceful. I'm assuming you two can get a good price for these? Last but not least, does anyone need anything before we head out?"
"I'm pretty good at throwing."
"... and I'm pretty good at Divine Magic. Happy to hold the scrolls until needed."
Brennus is quite glad when they get out of the temple and he feels safe speaking again. "I think you can guess how good I am at throwing, but I can fly over and drop a vial on something. Or I could, if my flight instincts hadn't gotten scrambled by the magic," he complains from his perch on Telurion's shoulder.
"As for what I need? An enchanted pack fitted to me would be rather nice, but quite out of our price range at present, I suspect, so my share of the treasure will have to sit in one of your packs for the time being. As for scrolls, should we come across any of a more arcane or occult sort, those are my specialties... though again, I wouldn't have anywhere to carry them at present."
Rail- the well dressed elf in current city fashion- looks curiously over at Variel and Caks in response to Telurion's comment. "Oh, you know the city? That's good to know. I always like to hear about a good shop I haven't heard of before."
The elf points at Brennus. "That's a good idea, flying over and dropping the vials on things." Rail shrugs. "I can throw just fine, too, but that seems like a good plan."
He looks back at Telurion. "Do you all have horses? Or are we walking the 75 miles? Makes a difference in how many days of supplies we might need."
Caks whispers to her allies, "Sounds like a good deal to me. We rid this Stoneheart Mountain Dungeon of baddies for the priest, he holds onto the fiddle in a safe place while we do it, we take all -- and I mean *all* the treasure that's been accumulating there, and then he fixes the fiddle."
to Caks:
"I am fairly sure there is a message here from Darach-Albith, about the transformative power of good faith. Truth be told, I think "within the Demonbane chest on Sublevel 4" may be a perfect final resting place for the fiddle. Let's focus on helping the church and finding its lost leader.""Brother Jameson was it? The smallest of gifts, and this could be for you, or shared with your brethren, or whomever lends you inspiration ..." Variel opens his shirt and takes the silver holy symbol of Darach-Albith from his neck. "This belongs to you now, and it should fetch a fair price too, as there are not so many workings of silver in tribute to our Father here in the city. Please?"
Brother Jameson eyes the offered holy symbol, then responds with a look of resolve. "While I appreciate the offer, this would be only a bauble... though a fine one in the collection of the Church".
He then closes Variel's fingers over the symbol.
"I'm sure it would prove more than that to you".
You can spend as much downtime as you'd like before leaving. Please review the downtime rules for things you can do.
Selling the candlesticks... Diplomacy (or Deception if selling on Black Market) DC 15
"I think if one of you knows a good buyer or can find one, we can offload these candlesticks and then see about some good horseflesh. Otherwise, we're on foot." Telurion says looking at the assemble group while holding a pair of candlesticks.
"Well I don't exactly have anything to pack..." Brennus says, "Nor do I need a horse, so... I suppose I'll just keep you company while you prepare. I don't suppose any of you want to talk theory of arcana?"
Rail nodded at Telurion. "How are you set for supplies? You just got into the city today, do we need to run by an outfitter too?"
He grins at Brennus. "When we get back to town I should introduce you to my mother. She's been doing arcane research for..." Rail cocks his head as he considers something "I was going to say 'longer than you've been alive' but I don't know the average lifespan for an awakened corvid, so apologies if that's offensive in any way. In any case, I know she would love to talk to you about magical theory."
The elf shrugs and chuckles. "I know a little if you're desperate; you pick up that kind of thing when you live with a scholar."
"Well I don't exactly have anything to pack..." Brennus says, "Nor do I need a horse, so... I suppose I'll just keep you company while you prepare. I don't suppose any of you want to talk theory of arcana?"
"Perhaps I can offer you the pommel of my saddle once we are mounted, I am always happy for a good chat. I can share some of the secrets of the Sky Sages with you."
"I have plenty of personal gear to include rations but a horse and saddle would be welcome." Telurion says in response to Rail.
"Hmmm, I may take you up on that," Brennus replies to Variel.
He turns his head swiftly to Rail. "We'll see how desperate I get. It shouldn't take long for all of you to prepare, right? If it's going to be more than a few hours I may explore around a little and see if I can overhear anything interesting rather than watch you shop."
Rail shakes his head at Brennus. "No, I don't think so. I know a shop where we can trade those candlesticks for coins and then go to Stable Row to the Horse Trader. I need to stop at home to get more appropriate clothes and leave a note for my family, but it shouldn't take long."
Rail has no luck with trying to move the candlesticks among the city markets as the most he is offered is 8-GP each. Frustrated with the efforts he offers to try again tomorrow with better results. Then he remembers something.
Rail
You remember that once you needed to procure some banned manuscripts for a private show. When you mentioned that you didn't have a source for the manuscripts you were introduced to an individual named Tenebrin. This shady character reportedly has deep connections into the "Black Market" of the city. Within a couple of days, he provided the needed manuscripts although at a cost. perhaps you could get a message to him and see if he was interested in trying to move these. Assuming you do so, he guarantees you 12-GP per candlestick... but it would take (2) days... or he could take them off your hands for 10-gp each.
"I suppose I'll keep riding along then," Brennus replies, shifting his perch on Telurion's shoulder slightly. "Maybe you could fill me in on what was in that box while we go?"