"Thanks Cedric, it was a considerable success of a day. At least we still have hopes to find the knowledge about the phylactery we are seeking. This Darl Quethos and his band are still in the run too though..." Eidi is more than happy to take sit and eat some cheese with a bottle of fresh water.
Cedric seems happy to hear it, and in fact thoroughly enjoys hearing about the parties exploits, often asking questions for more details or if there’s confusion on his part.
Mortimer Smith wrote:
"Cedric, I think it's time..." Mortimer takes a position on the stage in the south east corner of the room.
Cedric nods to Mort, and quickly takes out a very fine well-used recorder casts a quick spell, and begins to play.
The room slowly darkens a bit while the light seems to pool around Cedric as he plays. The light dances too, little motes with light smoke trails as they fly around the room, playing with the notes. The entire effect is quite exhilarating, even if the playing is a little uneven - he at least keeps the beat.
Perform Wind:1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 2 = 14 (heroism)
As Mort begins his part, Cedric’s lights shine on the big man most brightly, outlining his features and setting him apart.
”Ah, Welcome back my lords and ladies.” Cedric greets the weary travelers as he comes out of the little library where he had been passing a pleasant evening reading. ”You look tired, though whole, which is something. Was it a successful day?” He inquires as he prepares drinks at the bar.
When drinks, and a few crackers and cheese are dispersed, Cedric disappears into the kitchen to prepare some supper for the tired team.
Cedric smiles at his masters excitement, and if he’s to be honest, he feels it himself. He’s never had a lord with his own plane of existence before. He bows his head to Ascaria and smiles at the others, ”We’ll have refreshments in the main bar in about a half hour if you’d like to get comfortable until then. I’m afraid the darts and dartboard are still being made, but I’ve most everything else here.” He gestures to a bag on his belt.
”Also, this may be a deeper issue, but there has been some, ah, vandalism. One night, late, a window in the estate, in Diamond Lake, was smashed by a rock, and the other, a dead animal was thrown in the farm's well. Perhaps a few other small signs of dislike. I have not had an opportunity to investigate. I have however freed myself as requested.” he bows to Ascaria, ”The foreman will finish with the house in a couple of days and secure the estate, so I may travel with you my lord.”
He heads upstairs to his rather large and already elegant chambers, dropping one bulging pack on the bed and another in the office. He’ll then head downstairs and takes some time emptying his type II bag of holding, filled to the brim with some 500 pounds of food, liquor, and more supplies for the kitchen as well as the billiards for the billiards table, a few decks of cards, dice - all manner of time wasters including a variety of miscellaneous books to sit on various shelves throughout the building - especially the study though most of its shelves are bare.
First he places a few entertainment materials around the main bar, then he returns to the kitchen and pantry where he assembles some light snacks and a selection of drinks on three large trays. Dutifully, he carefully carries the trays one at a time out to the bar area just on time as he said he would.
He then returns to the kitchen to get to work on unpacking and preparing for dinner, though he’s already done most of the prep, if he can just find the right box. He also keeps an ear open for any needs the party may have.
A disappearing shadow in an upper window hints at a watcher. About a flight of steps later, Cedric opens the door to the manor house. He’s impeccably dressed as always, as he bows slightly to the group, ”Lady and gentlemen, ah, welcome home.” He takes the party around the structure showing what’s been done, and what is yet to do. ”The estate is not quite yet complete as you can see, but the infrastructure is all sound. Really just window dressing remains, but that’s often the harder part to get right.”
He seems about to say more, when the tour ends in the common area. Piled on the middle of the floor are packs, designed to hang on the front, one for each person, including Eri, along with a few other satchels and miscellaneous boxes, crates, and kegs scattered around the room. Even about a dozen very finely crafted pool cues.
”When I prepared these I had not yet learned of Eri's departure, but I imagine you’ll need it anyway.” he explains regarding the extra pack. He turns to Ascaria, awaiting further instructions.
Bard(Geisha) 14
+5hp (73)
+1 BAB (10/5)
+1 Reflex & Will saves
+9 Skills (6 class + 2 int + 1 favored) (Perception, Perform Act, Perform Oratory, Perform Wind x4, Profession Innkeeper, Profession Cook)
+1 Geisha Knowledge (7)
+2 Bardic Performance (34)
+1 DC Fascinate, Suggestion (21)
Frightening Tune (Sp): A bard of 14th level or higher can use his performance to cause fear in his enemies. To be affected, an enemy must be able to hear the bard perform and be within 30 feet. Each enemy within range receives a Will save (21) to negate the effect. If the save succeeds, the creature is immune to this ability for 24 hours. If the save fails, the target becomes frightened and flees for as long as the target can hear the bard's performance. Frightening tune relies on audible components.
+1 Versatile Performance (Wind (Diplomacy, Handle Animal))
Spells (Caster Level 14, Concentration +18)
+1 fourth level spell per day
+1 fifth level spell per day
+1 second level spell known (Dream Shield)
+1 fifth level spell known (Persistent Image)
AC = 12 (f11/t12)
HP = 68/68
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = Deadeye Lore, Detect Scrying, Fastidiousness
Melee: Attack: BAB +9/4, Str +1 Damage: Str +1 (unarmed: +1 trait)
Performance 32/32r
Slippers (Spider Climb) 10/10r
Spells (Caster Level 13, Concentration +17)
Once per Day: Create Water
Zero (14): Detect Magic, Light, Mending, Message, Prestidigitation, Spark
First (15): (3/6) Cure Light Wounds, Deadeye's Lore, Fastidiousness, Silent Image, Tears to Wine, Unseen Servant
Second (16): (5/6) Bestow Insight, Cure Moderate Wounds, Heroism, Invisibility, Locate Object
Third (17): (4/5) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Major Image, Phantom Steed, Scrying
Fourth (18): (3/4) Animal Ambassador, Bountiful Banquet, Cure Critical Wounds, Detect Scrying
Fifth (19) (1/1) Mass Suggestion, Shadow Walk
Having discovered the warehouse after some time, he heads over there to check out the offering before looking for Mort to report. He pops his head in to see Mort and Sol already there, and quickly ducks out again. He heads to the pub, picks up a few things in the kitchen, and and heads out to the range with a silver tray (his own).
He knocks this time, though somewhat quietly at first, so as not to disturb any shots at the moment, and eventually strides into the chamber.
”Sir Mortimer and Lady Solrisa, I have brought some refreshment when you wish to take a break.” He takes out a folding table from a bag at his hip (must be extra dimensional for the table, though small, is much larger than the satchel). He sets down a tray of pickles, sandwiches, and drinks - though he’ll clean the surface with Prestidigitation first so that the tray remains spotless and no dust is kicked up onto the food and drink. He’ll then remove two folding chairs from the same bag, a pair of candlesticks, candles, and a few other serving utensils. He lights the candles with a flick of the wrist (Spark) and turns to the others.
He’ll look at the spacious room a moment before proceeding, ”I was lead to believe there would be some dummies and pots we could shift around on ropes and the like. May I head downrange and see what can be done to give you more, ah, appropriate targets to practice upon?”
If replied in the affirmative, he will head downrange, and do what he can to give Mort and Sol some better, more animated targets for their practice. He will, if he must, get his hands dirty pulling ropes (though he puts on some white gloves first), but he’ll first try with an Unseen Servant. He will even have the Unseen Servant carry dummies and other objects across the field of fire at random intervals to provide an additional challenge. He’ll recast the spell as needed in case the Servant his hit by flying arrows (up to two times total).
He will, if time permits, also create a squad of ruffians sitting around a campfire using Major Image and send them against the pair of archers in singles and pairs, dodging and weaving, to give them something more appropriate to aim at.
"Ah, my lord, I'm sure there are such places here, with all the martial capability abounding in the simplest of servants."
Knowledge Local:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Given that he apparently knows of nothing off the top of his head, he promises to look into it immediately. "Where can I find you when I've found a suitable spot for your practice my lord? Back on the beach perhaps?"
Cedric spends the time working. He tries to spend as much time with the party as he can, without actually being underfoot. He’s trying to learn their habits, get a feel for their wants and desires, and generally discover them.
During this time, he will of course try to cater to their voiced needs. Eri needs a masseuse, he arranges it. Mort needs some privacy on the beach, he tries to keep people away. Eidi needs more butter for his next batch of cookies, Cedric hunts it down. Sol needs someone to talk to about Rae, he listens to the stories.
(If anyone needs something specific, let me know.)
Naturally he spends most of his time with Ascaria. However, Cedric makes very few suggestions to the tavern he’s trying to create. He doesn’t know the party as yet, and so doesn’t want to suggest something improper. But he does listen and admire the multitude of drawings produced by the shiny gnome. He’s even so bold as to suggest a shrine to glorious Cayden Cailean, which Ascaria immediately incorporates on the second floor.
"Ah, I'm sure I don't know, but I can inquire. Goat Yoga? What is a 'Yoga' lord Eidi? I'm not familiar with the term, but languages were never my strong suit."
Cedric returns after a few hours and eventually finds Eidi in the kitchen. ”I found two options for your tired muscles my lord. The inn does have it’s own masseuse, and a room in the basement for their use. You’d not need to travel far, and they should be, if not excellent, at least acceptable to the task.”
He seems to consider a moment, and then continues, ”There is, ah, another gentleman, an older boatbuilder's son by the name of Tophir, who finds time to help his elders with the daily aches and pains brought on by the sea toil. I think I could convince him to assist you. He may have a greater understanding of your particular aches you understand, but you’d need to go to him at the marina. I may be able to arrange a coach if your injuries prevent the walk.” He tries to anticipate need without knowing Eidi well.
He hesitates, waiting for Eidi’s desires to become known so he may assist further as needed.
"Welcome, shiny halfling. Let's sit down and get t know each other, but later. Right now, I need to unravel a little. I imagine we all could use a little of that."
”Of course lord Eri.” he demurs bowing.
Eidi wrote:
Eidi curves over the new halfling closely observing him while Ascaria checks the provided documents "Have we requested a servant?" the elder seems clueless in front of the stylish Cedric "Do you know how to perform back vertebrae massages? My rheumatism is killing me with all this popping out back and forth..."
”My lord, that is not among my skills.” he looks around the room. ”However, as fine an establishment as this should surely have someone. I shall endeavor to find someone suitable to take the knots from your form.”
Mortimer wrote:
Growing more impatient by the interruption, Mortimer's steady scowl turns into a steadier scowl with a raised eyebrow. ”How is it then, that you intend to serve our shelter needs -- among others -- when it is evident that you can not sort out the issue for yourself?!”
He kneels down to peer into Cedric's half shut eyes. He looks half asleep. ”Do you intend to follow us? Join us? What are your strengths? Can you fight, or do you just intend to bring us sustenance in battle? How will you protect yourself?!”
”Quite right my lord, quite right! In fairness to, ah, myself, I have just arrived, and wished to seek you out without delay. I’m sure shelter will not be difficult to obtain in such a fine village as you have found here. I am also, somewhat, skilled in roughing it should that be required. But should I fail, that would indeed press poorly upon me as a provider would it not.”
”As for my strengths? I must admit I am no fighter, though I was a bouncer for a time in Absalom. Ah, the things we had to contend with in such a cosmopolitan place as that! Why there was this troll… excuse me, but I digress. My apologies, perhaps another time. But to answer your question, I would not join you in battle, but rather I would be your basecamp. I doubt I would travel with you, but rather improve upon your residence in Diamond Lake, and wherever else you may hold property.”
”I will assist you in obtaining that which you need,” he nods to Eidi, ”And, ah, attempt to pre-guess your future needs and see to them as well. But your friend has asked that I withdraw,” he nods to Eri, ”And I do have work to do - a masseuse, and shelter to obtain to prove my worth, at least a little. If you’ll forgive me.”
He bows lightly and hesitates a moment for further questions before departing toward the bar if none are forthcoming.
GM Rat Sass:
Cedric starts with the bartender, and works his way into the town. He’s seeking a fine masseuse for Eidi and a place to spend the night (though the masseuse is the priority). Upon finding one, he’ll negotiate a decent rate, and send him along to the inn to provide a good deep tissue massage.
A looming shadow steps through the doorway from the courtyard. As the light whips away the darkness like fog in a stiff breeze, it resolves into a much smaller creature - only 3’ tall. He sees the party and smiles lightly, walking crisply over.
The halfling before you has a not inconsiderable wardrobe, layered primarily in dark subdued colors though the shirt is intensely white, with a crispness that betrays the heavy starch. His shoes are clearly designed to impress - a smooth black surface, shining so brightly in the light that they look positively wet. There’s a hint of spring cleaning about the man, even his nails shine smoothly, with just a touch of gloss. His hair is of medium length, but his sideburns go all the way down and his eyes survey the world carefully though half lidded. The only weapon you see is a slightly curved dagger at his belt, though the pommel looks very fine.
He steps forward, ”What luck,” he begins, ”My lords and lady.” he slightly bows to the party deferentially. ”I have come far - from Egorian itself! - searching for you. My name is Cedric Gammidge, and I am here to humbly place myself in your service. I, ah, have here letters of introduction from a number of former employers and lords I’ve touched in one way or another to prove my bona-fides.” he produces a short stack of carefully folded and sealed documents and hands it to Ascaria.
”My goal is to see to it your more subtle needs are covered. Food, shelter,” he looks Mort up and down, ”…style. Whatever, ah, honorable services you lords may require. My fees are quite reasonable for the measure of safety, security, and more importantly, comfort I can provide.”
”But I do not wish to harry you further. I know you must be quite tired from your recent, ah, journey, and it is my goal to make your lives easier not more complex. Please read through my materials. I am staying here, ah, perhaps here if they’ve room. As I’ve only just arrived and wished to press myself into your service quickly, I have not yet found a place, but I shall endeavor to be easy to find.” he finishes with a reassuring smile.
He leaves you with his documentation, and promises to be available. He lingers politely for any questions, but will depart with haste after that short pause so as not to be an inconvenience.
