Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
After the Adventures were done, Randu Riggling set about to reforming Falcon's Hollow with the help of others in the town. 'The Frolicking Cauldron Feasthall & Gambling Den' booms, and could make Randu a VERY Rich halfling by the standards of the Darkmoon Vale, except his own insistence on sharing ownership and the profits mean he ends up as simply very well off or 'just rich' instead of 'very rich'. It's fine by him, and he's not hurting. More importantly is the shot to the arm of the Hollow's economy overall. A rising tide lifts all boats they say, well, Randu tries to make sure all his coworkers and their kin have a boat too; metaphorically speaking.
While he encourages more halflings to move into the area, he also helps Rrruh with his efforts to form a catfolk colony of sorts! Why not? Despite his surly attitude (Which does lessen a bit as the town prospers) a few of the new halfling ladies show an interest but Randu's not the easiest fellow to love. Eventually, one perky halfling lass, as sunshiney as he is sourwind, seems to win him over.
Her having associations with the Bellflower Network might have something to do with it.
Knowing that the logging will eventually run out; the Witch of the Hollow builds up options. One of which is a stopping point for Dwarven pilgrims on their way to a holy site he helped rediscover! A lot of reseeding so the next generation will still have trees is done. Herbs are cultivated too, particularly ones good for healing and that becomes a minor draw and yet another export good. Woodcarvers of amazing skill are encouraged to settle down.
Speaking of healing, he is often pestered by folks who hear he removes disease or removes curses for (relatively) decent rates. In truth, he charges on some fickle factors... pretentiousness costs extra.
Knowing the best defense is sometimes a good offense, Randu makes sure a price remains on Bloodeye's head. While Randu seems retired from adventuring, now and then he vanishes, his patron still having demands that he shares only with those he trusts most then returns not too long after.
All in all, thanks to the help of adventurers like Randu, the Darkmoon Vale ends up as a better place. Not a perfect one, and still dangerous, but the oppression of the Lumber Consortium is dealt a huge blow in other areas and loses its grip on the Falcon Hollow entirely. Randu Riggling would scoff to be called a hero, but that is the legacy he'll be remembered for.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Understood. RL comes first and you've got to prioritize. I've enjoyed Randu a great deal and as he was my first Witch, it's been an education. Thank you!
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
My bad I misunderstood I was at the top of the round. Let's say I am withdrawing so I don't mess up what you've got.
WHen next Randu goes, glad to be out of close contact, he will attempt an old standby, a burst of sound only the target can hear. Focusing on the one on Layla to return the favor for her getting the last kill shot for the one on him.
Ear Piercing Scream. DC 16 fort save to half damage and avoid daze3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5) = 10
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
"Rrruh and I fought one once with the help of others, and to be honest about it, we let it tangle with consortium goons first if I recall. Seemed to take forever to finish that off..at first I didn't know who to cheer for."
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Randu freezes like a rabbit in a hawk's shadow as the dragon like creature flies overhead. He relaxes when it is gone.
When they get to huge dark wood tree, "The Forest Elder? We should pay our respects. The moss that grows on it is great for healing too, but still, this is a prince among trees."
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Randu is happy to let someone else do the cooking, and fights the urge to make suggestions on spices. "Food before hand was a good idea. Not sure what other precautions we'll need. I'm not a forester."
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
So they go on for another hour unless anyone objects. The legends can sing of courage all they want; no one with a nose and sense wants to tangle with a skunk let along a giant one.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
"Phew, Skunks can get bad enough, but Giant Skunks, looking to mate are in the area. I think we might want to go on for another hour or so rather than camp here, but up to you folks."
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Knowledge Nature:1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Randu is no druid or ranger, but perhaps you don't work with feeding lumbermen for years without hearing some of their warnings about getting lost in the wood and how best to avoid it.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
"Oh dear, folks, that name... Ulizmilla, some think she's just a story to scare bad children into behaving. Smart folk know that she's quite real. They say she's the daughter of old Baba Yaga herself, can kill with a word, turn a man into a goat, and cast lightning bolts with a glance. She left a long time ago they say, leaving that cottage behind deep in the Darkmoon wood, but few dare look for it. They assume she was a powerful witch, but just a mortal woman. Truth is, she was a powerful green hag, she and her children were a threat to all of Darkmoon vale. Big Harpy-Hag Massarcre of 4603 AR... till a son of the Larko line married one of the hag's daughters." He ponders "If she is gone from that cottage, it's likely got a lot of nasty tricks in it."
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
"Aye, Layla." A bit amused at a thought "For you this might be clearing out the attic of a bought sight unseen house. Let's hope it's tidy but be ready."
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
At the mention they get to settle in, he smiles.
At the mention they have to hunt the boy's father, he mutters "Well, first good mood I had in years, no way it was going to last. Do we have any leads mentioned by testimonials?"
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Ingrid Odeber wrote:
"One of the first things we did upon being stationed in Falcon's Hollow was taking a census of its residents - documenting their vocations, skills, and the like," Commander Odeber reports when consulted by Randu in search of potential tutors for Savram. "It seems that Sharvaros Vade was the only user of arcane magic in the town. I suspect that Gavel Kreed was very wary of magic users not obedient to him, so he ran them out of town.
"In my capacity as your liaison with both the army and the government, I can send a request to Almas for one of our battle mages to be assigned as tutor to the boy. Alternatively, we can also canvas among private citizens - those affiliated with the university or the Pathfinders, for instance - who might volunteer for the duty."
Randu ponders both options, "No disrespect to you or other members in service to our armed forces, but if we can find a civilian of good character that can be vouched for, I think a private citizen volunteer might be better. I don't want the boy to feel pressured to become a battle mage as if it were the price for his training. Maybe a retired battle mage would be fine, but active service? No. THank you though."
Quote:
Commander Odeber withdraws some new documents from a desk drawer, signalling a change in subject.
"It's actually a positive turn that you're setting down roots here because General Marusek has assigned your unit to Falcon's Hollow indefinitely. New agents are being recruited and trained for your intelligence division to operate in Almas, Augustana, and along the Chelish border. However, the frontier region here in Darkmoon Vale has been made a priority for your department.
"The nearby Isgeri border has been identified as a likely point of infiltration by agents from both Cheliax and criminal organizations, so we need our own top agents near at hand to counter their threat."
Randu smiles at that, "Well, I've made some fallbacks for when I must leave town, but this as our headquarters works dandy for more than one of us." He nods to his friends.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
DM Vayelan wrote:
As for young Savram, he sheepishly admits to Randu that he finds magic fascinating and wants to learn more, but he's scared of the ways his father put magic to use. He doesn't want to follow in Vade's footsteps, experimenting with dead flesh and disturbed bones.
Randu mmms, and admits to the boy, quietly, "Well, I'm no wizard, and I don't think my path's for you. But we'll try to find you a mentor who knows other schools of magic. In the mean time, I can talk shop with you any time while you study it on your own. Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, and transmutation are also avenues... I know that much." And he chats up the boy about just how WIDE the spectrum of even just arcane magic is, seeing which if any appeals to the boy. He won't suggest the boy become a witch, but knowledge arcane, and spellcraft? That he can give lessons in.
Later, he'll see if there are any wizards moving in the area of goodly nature that might take an apprentice, or plot a way to lure one to town. IT may not be instant, but perhaps over the course of a year. He can pay for some modest tuition.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
No one can say Randu didn't play nice, and while he wouldn't encourage his co-owners to give anyone the glare, he does have to wonder if Pulk and some of the ladies didn't do it on their behalf.
The fact fear of Bloodeye returning might be a factor isn't lost on him, but he will make sure the place has security ready for trouble. Regardless, when he.. no, when THEY win the auction, a rare smile crosses his features. So much coin saved means he can make over the interior all the more...
The Rouge Lady will be no more and in it's place? Well, he glances over at Sage and the two have a conversation. To name Ambrosia in the place's new identity might be unwise without his patron's given approval. And might reveal too much about him as well.
Sage hoots
Owl speak:
"You and I are tied to the shadows, but the name need not be. Perhaps you should actually LET it be happy? You know, expand a bit."
Randu snorts at the dig, but nods. Sometime later in celebrations, he'll suggest to his fellow co owners they name the place 'The Frolicking Cauldron Feasthall & Gambling Den'. No doubt locals will shorten it soon anyway.
Okay, given they each got roughly 1500 GP from their last pure coin split just to start I think he's doing quite well. He might see if a friend is in need and help them with a plus purchase or get a small house for guests if there's a good fair price
Doing better than he thought he would, while he must reserve some coins for renovations , he does keep an eye out for a bargain or two as a back up. But mostly, he's just hoping others, like Miya, get what they hoped for.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Looks like Miya p wants skill rolls. I'm less confident in the die roller but heck will roll some and cross my fingers. If he had a hero point he'd burn it ;)
Of course, Randu has already appraised the property
Appraise:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
He could go around threatening people, but that was the OLD way of doing things so he TRIES to be nice...
Untrained Diplomacy:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
Even going as far as to arrange for food to be at the auction even for rivals to lighten the mood, and hoping it doesn't count as a bribery attempt.
Profession Cooking:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
He's tempted to use his Detect Thoughts to get an edge, but it seems the wrong way to begin a new Hollow.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Miya Setsuko Fuyaki wrote:
She is a Magus, Local magic come Alchemist shop, have them move to the tower :)
This seems like a good suggestion to me. Maybe she could train some locals in the gunplay, and even produce Blackpowder? That would be a resource rare enough to get business to the town eventually
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Very sorry about my long delay when you were trying to hurry things up. I've made my post. Randu will try for the the Rouge Lady. My overly long post in the spoilers should explain Randu's plans, and he'd welcome his adventuring companions at chipping in.
EDIT: And while he's not thinking of adopting Savram himself, if anyone else had a plan for helping the kid, Randu would be happy to step aside.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Okay, very sorry for the LONG wait, but I think I've made up my mind. Obviously all the below (And one of them is very long) is subject to DM Vayelan's approval, alteration, or flat out rejection but here we go. Feel free everyone to look at the spoilers as Randu won't hide this from his friends.
Randu's purchase plans! The NEW Lady!:
Randu Riggling, cook, witch, agent, and all around sourpuss halfling begins to investigate purchasing the Rouge Lady. He decides he has plans for it, big ones. It's not enough to just close the bordello side of things. If he really wants to help folks in this town, then it is time to empower the people. In this case, the women who were pressured to work there with little other option.
He tries to gather all the former workers up who weren't part of the Redrock guild or too loyal to Bloodeye or Kreed. He will arrange a meal for their time, and talk to them. Some have done better since it was closed, but others are now just selling their bodies on the side in no safer conditions.
With the power to detect thoughts, his knowledge of the town, and such, it's not too hard to find out which workers were cruel or openly criminal, and leave them out of this. Or so he hopes.
"Ladies, and some sirs?" He says as he gathers them around the table that is, ironically, almost too tall for him to put the food upon, fortunately he has a step stool to do that when needed, "I thank you for coming, those of you that did, and ask you to keep this quiet until the auction is done, though it will not truly hinder me much i suppose if word gets out, just annoy."
One working girl, emphasis on the word 'Girl' for she is far too young to be plying the trade in Randu's opinion, immediately starts eating. Others look at the halfling questioningly, and he realizes that word has gotten out that he is a being of power. They may not know of all he can do, or how he does it. They may not know he has authority with Andoran's orginzations, but they do know that he was part of those that hindered, nay, toppled, Kreed and his Cronies.
"Oh dig in, please," He says. The food is nourishing AND delicious. He gives them time to do so, then resumes his pitch "The Rouge Lady is many things, a gambling den a... how to put this delicately..." "A cathouse," One prostitute , an older woman whose beauty is fading thanks to a hard life chuckles, "And that's as delicate as it gets, isn't it?" "A cathouse," Randu agrees, "And, as you all know, as a place of abuse and torture, or so it was. It will NOT be again." The halfling is firm in his voice, "It's up for sale, and we're going to clean that basement and transform it, we're going to wink out the bordello... I would advise entirely... and switch to dancing which will still cause a scandal but be a lot safer, we'll make sure the gambling is honest, with more options, though of course, the House will still make a profit as host, AND we'll open a feasthall. Best food in Falcon's Hollow where parties can be held around tables. Banquets and gathers and so on around local farm produced meat, fruit, greens, and grain! Mark me, farming will increase now that fair prices for the goods are being offered, that means farmers will save money trading food to us than far away towns. At least on the perishibles. Our Gambling Hall feast hall dancing hall will be a place where a working man can fill his belly and have a good time, without women bullied to work on their backs or starve." "You keep saying us?" Says Orvis, who like Pulk is probably wondering why they're even here as they never worked at the Lady. "But Pulk and I are confused we got the invite."
Pulk nods.
"You got the invite, Orvis, because you can cook, and I won't always be here. I need you to cook, and teach others to cook when I can't. Pulk? Well, Pulk's my friend and I'd like him in on this and also we could use a big fellow like him, sober on the job mind, to escort folks out who can't behave if he wants the job. And I say Us..." He looks to the women mostly at this, "Because I don't intend to be the only one owning this new place. Have you folks heard of what's known as a Worker's Cooperative?"
Many, of course, had not, and Randu explains as best as he himself understands, and the caveats "I'm offering a chance for each of you here to donate some money to the bid, to work at this new Lady as dancers, gambling guides, food servers, bouncers, bartenders, and cooks. I intend to make sure there are lessons in cooking and dancing for those what want it, though as I can't dance a lick I'll have to hire someone to teach others that. If one of you ladies is a good dancer and would like that task, please speak up. This money is not just being thrown into a pit. You will own a share of all profits based on how much you chip in. I want this place to be owned by the folks who work there. Oh me too, and I know I won't be cooking here as often as I should. Now, some of you ... well, you aint' got that much saved up, and you can't really chip in but you'd like to. Same as it ever was, the more coin you have, the easier it is to make more coin. It's costly being poor, cheap being rich. You put the bare minium down though ,and I'll cover a small remainder that you can pay me back later on." He clears his throat, knowing what some of the worried looks indicate, "At NO interest! This isn't meant to be one of the Consortium's bloody debt traps. Now there will be a time limit, and agreement not to sell your shares outside of things. Have to have that last or the first time on of us hits hard times, the Consortium or some other opportunist will snatch up shares covertly and we'll end up without control of our fates again."
Some relieved looks spread as he clarifies that they won't be in perpetual debt as rates go higher and higher, "You willing to put this in writing?" One cautious woman says.
"Yes I am, and as I HATE Paperwork, that should tell you a lot," Randu admits.
"We'll get votes on buisiness choices?" One of the younger working girls finds her courage.
"Thank Folgrit and Cayden yes." He says and his own relief shows, "I maybe gone for a time, and I'd feel guilty leaving things in a lurch. Obviously, I'd have the largest shares of things as I am putting most of the money forward, but in theory you all might be able to over ride me, and plenty of times I'll be happy to go with whatever you all agree too .It's not proper democracy, I admit. But it's the best I think I can do that will allow every Andoran here a chance to get a leg up. The more money this place makes, the more money each of you will make... and I don't mean tips. I mean profits. We'll hammer it all out with effort. Who knows, maybe I'll get sick of the whole thing and once I make my money back I'll offer to sell my control to it and wipe my hands of it. I think this will get us training, finicial security, and choices we never had under the old powers. We change the name, as the Rouge Lady has bad memories on it. Maybe the Dancing Lady, or the Lucky Lady or maybe something without lady in it at all. Now, who is interested in being more their own boss than they ever were before?? "
If the plan falls apart, he'll make the purchase on his own though it may cost him dearly. If only some join in, he'll understand and try to adapt his plan for fewer members in the workers co-op. If the majority are for it, and eager, his eyes light up, for he will have turned a formerly abusive place into a place where folks can have a say in their own business, and the Consortium will have a hard time getting hooks into it! Hell, he'd even save some coin meaning more can be spent for new furnishings and those tutors!
Calling all local dwarves:
Falcon's Hollow does NOT in fact have many dwarves, being mostly human with a distant second number of halflings but there are a few... and Randu remembers a promise made.
Quote:
"... if the town you protect has any good-hearted dwarven residents, use some of this wealth to help them and their neighbors. Also encourage them to visit these halls of their ancestors, if only once."
Randu visits every decent dwarf he knows of in town, and may surprise them, as knocks on their door, and when the answer, he hands over a small bag "Within this bag is ten gold. Keep nine for yourself and your family, but the tenth should go to a worthy neighbor in need of help even if they be not a dwarf. I bring you news from Ulfgar the Chalkost, of the halls of worship he would hope every dwarf of good standing visit if only once." And directions are given.
Falcon's Hollow has, at least in book 14 'other' on races of which there are some dwarves, which means gnomes, half orcs, half elves, etc to share that 14 with so I think Randu won't break his bank with however many dwarves are in that :) I'm guessing it will be no more than a hundred gold total, and probably less than that.
The reactions of the various dwarves should be interesting. They don't normally seem to be the sort to surprise. "My message delivered, my promise kept. Folgrit be with you and yours."
Savram:
Obviously, Randu can't take the boy into his new business, even if his plans work, and yet, something occurs to him... has anyone asked Savram what the hell HE wants?
He seeks out the boy, too young to direct his own life perhaps, but old enough to have an opinion, and Randu wants to hear it, "Pardon me, Lad. I'm Randu Riggling. Sorry about you being without a home right now, and your father and all that. I understand you don't want back in that tower. I was going to ask you if there was a family you were going to that you favored? Or if you liked the idea of the good temple folk caring for you? You've got little reason to trust me, but I figure with a bit more coin on your side, the family or place you prefer might keep you on if they're of a like mind. Willing to talk about it?"
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
DM Vayelan wrote:
Okay. Making an admittedly overdue push to move things along.
What kind(s) of homes, businesses, shops, or other property are you guys interested in bidding on? Have any ideas of your own, or would you like to brainstorm some ideas?
I think Randu is of two minds chiefly...
Either he buys a small gathering of houses that he rents out cheaply to undercut any attempts at greedy landlords to gouge folk, while still making steady coin for himself. In the center of that, he has a rather nice spot (maybe even a tower) for himself.
Or he buys up a place where he can serve good food and entertainment. He might want to convert the Rouge Lady just to keep it from getting corrupt and abusive again... a cleaner establishment, yes gambling and dancing girls might stay but they'd be treated a lot better. etc. With decent bouncers to protect the staff. Or he might just make it or a new place a fine feasthall so it doesn't intrude on the more drink focused Sitting Duck.
Those are just to initial thoughts. I think he is aware that eventually lumbering will die out, so it is probably wise to have fall backs for economic change in a few years.
He would be happy to take any advice from friends or locals he trusts.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Randu nods and helps out"Of course... sorry good man. I am no father but you've my sympathy for the troubles. Like Layla says, we're happy to help. Figured it was better you learn from us than just find all this."
We should give them some share of the wealth I'm thinking, I'll see what the others think.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Randu watches Rrruh go off with the innkeeper, and... is satisfied with that. The good catfolk had more sense than many. He'd explain things just fine. Now if he would only marry that nice lady he was so smitten with.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
"Apologies, Mister Berekland, commander you as well. I'm afraid there's much skullduggery afoot near your home. And we've had to put a stop to it. The merchants from Druma were slain by the men posing as their guards" He looks over at his companions to see if one of them wants to lay on what is known as 'charm'
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Randu has had a horrid bloody night and as the Watchman makes demands, he says "Glad you're up. We need to talk to the Becklands. Make sure they're safe, and we've matters to talk to them about."
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
"Let's mosey on down then." He motions the others to follow if they would. Assuming they do, he figures whether they go to the stable first to check the hayloft, or talk to the Bereklands, depends on if they meet the latter on the way to former.
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Randu contemplates his own gifts in the department of 'tact' "Times like this, I wish I weren't a surly curmudgeon and borderline misanthrope. We'll try to tell the Becklands, gently, somehow, of the bloody events." He ponders, "And I suppose we best check that hayloft in the stable."
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Some spare socks and hoseriey maybe used. But Randu will make sure each gets a make shift blindfold.
"By the authority vested in us, you have been tried by agents of the Andoran government for your crimes. You have been weighed, and found wanting. May the Boneyard be your final court, and Pharasma send you to your earned fate."
He nods to the others "Try to make it quick and painless"
Male Halfling (HP: 29/29; AC: 16,t14,ff14; F +3, R +5, W+ 8(+10 vs fear) Witch 6
Randu ponders over this. Being all law abiding was never his forte because so often the law was used against good folk. "Seems to me, that turning a blind eye to execution ain't really going to keep anyone's hands clean, Miya." Frankly, Miya's talk of death has him raising a brow. Iomedae knows everyone of us has talents, but we're quite the grab bag"Not saying Layla and you wouldn't be right, given what these folks have done. But... let's at least make it somewhat official and united.." He glances to Rrrruh "What do you think, Old friend?"
