Athalaric's page

DM Quoth, thanks for all the hard work you put into this. I have really enjoyed playing in the campaign. Great writing!

"Oh well, so much for my simple errand..."

A part of Athalaric is not quite so eager as the others to seek out the source of this seemingly supernatural sounds. The other folks might be here to answer some summons for help but he was not and should best keep out of it all, the part said. On the other hand, two things compelled him to take part nonetheless: First, he felt somehow obligated as he had been received as a guest and treated with respect and generosity. And second, he was not quite convinced that some strange ghostly apparition was reponsible for all this. As much as he loved those adventure stories, he couldn't quite believe that something like that would happen to him here and now.

As he came here with no relevant gear to speak of, Athalaric directly runs after Alfred to discover the source of the sounds.

Athalaric runs after the others, clutching at the pocket in which he carries the tiny bamboo cage. He can sense his familiar's restlessness and indignation with the sudden violent movement. "Shhh, Prickles. It's gonna be over in a moment." he murmurs, trying to calm the scorpion while trying to keep up with the group.

Perception Check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Athalaric clears his throat and explains "We are still unsure of that ourselves. Someone or something seems to disturb the peace of House Dulapont and even resorts to as much as lethal force. Chalmers here was just about to show us the evidence of the phenomena." He points to the writing. "This is, however, all we have seen so far."

Athalaric, still examining the painting, is so surprised by the halflings bold and sudden entrance that he needs a few moments to find his words. However, just as Garra's exchange with Hobbes leaves her in an awkward position, he manages to come to the rescue by getting the newcomer's attention.

"Well met, Sir Hobbes. My name is Athalaric, scholar of the arcane arts." He gestures at the writing on the wall. "It may well be that an extermintator is exactly what is needed here. Especially if you know how to handle vermin that won't stay dead... I have the distinct feeling that something evil is afoot here."

Athalaric frowns at the sight of the writing. "With your approval, I would like to see if this ... manifestation is of a magical nature." Without really waiting for Chalmers consent, he casts detect megic. The young wizard's eyes begin to glow in a pale white as he examines the painting and the wall for magical auras.

At the same time, he searches his memory for some relation to magical, natural or other-worldly effects that he may have read about.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Just so you know: I am still with you but for work-related reasons I am currently stuck in a hotel with no Wifi in the rooms. So my posting is going to be a little sporadic.

A picture of Garra, no I did not do it.

I did commission it though, so check it out. Definitely did not have her pictured as a busty woman in my head, but it works.

So, now that we have an image to put with the personality, any thoughts?

Well, she definitely looks a lot grumpier than the avatar. But otherwise I think it fits what you wrote very well. Nice work.

Athalaric clears his throat if only to keep the two men from getting at each other's throats again.

"Surely, the solution to this ... mystery cannot be deduced from this table. Hence, I propose that the matter should be investigated there and then. It is reasonably late now. Why don't we just go and have a look..."

Even while he speaks the words, the young wizard muses if it is wise to prevent bloodshed here only to put them all in a potentially more dangerous situation. But a proper mystery was always enough to let him throw caution to the wind...

Jeremy hesitates, but then goes to sit down. He pauses when he notices Traven, still standing by the door and apparently admiring the wallpaper. He goes over and pulls the older man along, settling him down at the table to his mother's left, while he settles on her right.

On seeing the older man's behavior, Athalaric cannot help but shiver. Could it be that Traven Dulapont had gone mad? That would certainly explain something. For the remainder of the dinner, Athalaric keeps a keen eye on the old man, trying to pick up clues as to Traven's sanity.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

*

As the strange noises begin, Athalaric involuntarily straightens in his chair. The time had come to discuss the reason for their gathering? Well, at least now he would hear what all this was about... If only he did not have the feeling that he might be drawn into events that he would rather have no part in...

Athalaric sits down next to Tik and takes in the regal feast prepared for them. As for him, his master could send him on errands like this more often. This was definitely better than the pale green stew that was served in the Unfeathered Arrow where he normally dined. Just as he wonders which soup to taste first, a commotion outside can be heard and the door bursts open as the two men make their dramatic entry.

By the gods, is that Traven Dulapont? I would never have imagined him to be so old. He looks so frail. Might be he does not even have interest in talking to me at all... And the other one. Must be this Master Jeremy that the servant at the gate was talking about.

Quietly Athalaric watches the exchange between Sir Gavin and Master Traven.

Oh well, this is going to be an interesting dinner. If they keep this pace, one of them will end with a knife in his back...

Athalaric is obviously lost in thought. Noticing that everyone else is waiting for something from him, he shrugs and mumbles: "I'm here. Where else should I go anyway?"

Although I have to say that I'm out of town for the next two days. Probably won't be able to post. Anyway, the slow pace suits me fine.

Athalaric still wonders what that comment about his shoulders was supposed to mean when Wells speaks to Tik. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of Goblins.

"Goblins? Well, in that case you're lucky that the manor still stands! I mean ... I've never seen one, actually. But I've read that they are mean little creatures with a particular fascination of flames... Anyway, I'm ready for dinner."

With that he grabs the wrapped-up book from the side table where he had left it and looks at the others expectantly.

Perception Check in the anteroom: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Athalaric makes a mental note to check out the anteroom later if the chance should arise. When the butler leads them into the dressing room, the young wizard is simply amazed. Such a fine array of clothes he had only seen before through large windows of "Wanda's Vestments" in the merchant's district. But although he rarely spends the (meagre) pay he earns at the Bookwyrm, he would have had to save a long time to afford such silks.

Being inexperienced with the finer points of noble attire, he forlornly pokes through some of the robes and finally haphazardly picks a blue tunic and a black doublet with silver embroidery. The tunic is incredibly less scratchy than his normal robes and the doublet looks as if it is worth more than half the Bookwyrm. Uneasily, Athalaric examines his outfit in one of the mirrors.

"So, what do you think, does this look alright?"

Athalaric quietly follows as Chalmers leads them to their chambers. His master would not expect him back in the store anytime soon, so he would wait and see what all this was about.

The others are obviously here to answer some kind of call for help... Strange that I haven't heard anything about it.

Then again Athalaric has to admit that he generally takes more interest in matters of ancient history than in the day-to-day dealings of those around him.

I can just stick around for dinner, talk to Master Traven and then be off to talk to Master Golgrafom about it...

After Tik and Astrea have introduced themselves, Athalaric nervously steps forward. "I ... I am Altha... Athalaric. I bring you the greetings and best wishes of my master, Golgrafom, proprietor of the Bookwyrm." He lets that linger for a second, unsure how to continue before he notices the questioning glances from the others. "Oh.. the Bookwyrm, that is a rather well-known shop for books, maps, scrolls, and the like. Although you certainly have no use for such a..."

He breaks of and nearly bites his tongue when he notices his horrible misstep and then continues to finish his speech, trying to get out of the center of attention as quickly as possible.

"Anyway, my master was acquainted with Master Traven of your House and he sends him his greetings and wishes to impart this gift..." He waves the wrapped up tome about before noting that this could be seen as yet another impoliteness in front of a blind woman. "Forgive me, I... I am just not used to... Well, in any case, I would be honored if Master Traven chose to receive me..."

Slumping, Athalaric retreats back into the shadowy corner where stood before and wishes for a hole to hide in.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Athalaric remains silent as the group is lead though the servant's area. However he tries to absorb as many details as possible and draw his conclusions from them. Already he has the strange feelings that there is a picture forming here, only he cannot quite recognize it as all the parts are in the wrong places...

In the hallway, a chill runs down his spine. He absently touches his pocket which holds the small cage with Prickles in it. As they enter the somewhat gloomy dining room he lingers at the back of the group, letting the others do the talking. At least, that he has in common with the mysterious silent stranger who had barely has said a dozen words by now. It seems that this shady character was equally content to stand by and watch how the events would unfold... for now.

"Athalric. Good to meet you." The creature gives another quick bow. "You a wizard? Maybe we can do business later."

Athalaric tries to make the best of the situation and gives the ratfolk what he thinks might pass as an amible smile. Returning the bow, he says "The name's AthAlaric, if you please. I would be glad to talk business with you, should the opportunity arise."

"My sincerest apologies for acting out of propriety Master Athalaric. I have just arrived from the Dulapont family branch in Ustalav, and am unfamiliar with the finer etiquettes of this great city. If I have done anything to offend you, please do speak your mind."

Being addressed by the beautiful woman, Athalaric is sure that his skin has just changed color to perfectly match the crimson of his robes. He tries to clear his voice and manages a reply. "No offense taken at all, my lady. And from you Lady Garra." He gives the other woman a nod. "It is I who seems to have forgotten his manners. I..." He searches for words, painfully aware of the pause as he cannot find them. Oh great, making a fool of yourself again, are you? The unexpected but welcome rescue comes from the butler who suddenly appears in the doorway. With an inner sigh, Athalaric turns his attention to the servant.

Ist schon gut. Tue nur was du kannst. ^^

I see you put some points in Linguistics right there. :)

As more and more people start gathering at the entrance, Athalaric breifly closes his eyes and sighs. Had he known that he would arrive in the middle of a reception (or whatever this might be...), he would have taken the longer way along the lake side to delay his arrival a bit.

It was not so much that he did not like people per se. But ever since his childhood, he felt very uneasy around people he did not know. Especially women...

However, seeing that standing there for himself any longer would be considered incredibly impolite, he hesitantly walks over to the group and mumbles "Athalaric's my name.... It is a pleasure to meet you, good sers. Mylady..." He gives an awkward not to the young woman before he seems to find a sudden interest in the mud at his feet.

What is your first language?

I'm from Germany. But I'll do my best not to fall too far behind your writing standards. ;-)

OK, first post in the gameplay thread. Oh, and English is not my first language so please indulge me if I get something wrong.

Athalaric takes a deep breath as he leaves the trade district behind. Opportunities to visit the Nobles' District are rare and the sight of clean streets, carefully tended gardens and spotless manors is a welcome change from the rest of the city.

At first, Athalaric passes by Dulapont Manor, completely ignoring it while adjusting the package with the book that he is carrying. Only after reaching the end of the street, he scratches his head. "To Dulapont Manor?", he asks an elderly man that is hurrying past with a basket. "Right over there, ugly black ruin. You couldn't miss it, son." the old man replies while shuffling on.

As Athalaric approaches the house at last, he feels a shiver running down his spine. Must be the cold..., he thinks but secretly he isn't so sure.

The servant greets him and sends him round back.

Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Accepting the servant's explanation, he makes his way around the house. As he turns round the corner, he stops dead in his track though. A young woman is already standing at the door, obviously waiting to be let in. Athalaric steps back a few paces and looks the other way, his eyes on the withered garden, trying to appear as if he had not noticed her.

Thanks for picking me. I'm excited to be on board. :)

At the moment my equipment is still a little off (no value and weight calculated and probably lots of gold to spend). I'll fix that on the weekend if that's ok. I promise not to meta-game by buying stuff that has become useful for plot reasons...

Athalaric, scholar of the Arcane Arts, and of Varisian origin to the rescue.

I am definitely interested. I will fill in the missing aprts of the profile, including background story, asap.

Just one question: Is Clearvale-by-the-Lake intended to be somewehre in Golarion? Or is it in a homebrew world?