I'm sorry to hear that, Shadowborn. I can't even begin to imagine what that must feel like. I hope that you and your partner find some stability very soon. Once things settle down, I would definitely be up for gaming with you again.
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I've been meaning to ask about this for a while now, so I'll just throw it out there. This has always been a pretty slow game, which I've been mostly fine with, since it is has been running for years now. Every now and then it has its spurts of speed that can last anywhere from days to weeks. I've had very little reason to just up and quit, particularly because I'm still invested in the the story so far, and in the lore of Wounded Earth in general. So just to sum it up as a question, is everyone still on board with this game? How about you, Shadowborn? I'm honestly fine with continuing on as is, but I just want to clear the air and see if everyone is alive. We're hardly the liveliest group, but I have enjoyed our time together, for what it's worth.
"I do not see why not. We will need all the friends we can get in this city," Stilgar says to Kalaya. "At any rate, we should also look into whatever became of Magnus. For all the trouble he has caused, he is still a friend and a comrade... and he did manage to get us to our destination, oddly enough. Perhaps you could include that in your line of questioning...?" He glances at Hansi for a moment before sighing. "Knowing him, he has already found more trouble."
"A month?" Stilgar shifts uncomfortably, turning his eyes back to the towers in the distance. Some part of him had thought that completing their task would be a simple matter. In hindsight, that kind of thinking was awfully naive. There was no telling how long they would be in Fardusk for. And short of Captain Wilde returning safely, or another freak magical accident sending them back across the sea, there was no going home. "I believe that should be adequate."
"There is no telling how long that might take," Stilgar remarks, in regards to waiting for Captain Wilde. "I do hope he and his crew are alright." The captain was a strange one - perhaps a little mad, even - but he seemed like a good enough man. The dwarf chuckles at Hansi's words. "All things considered, I think we would be hard pressed to not return soon. But this is a big city, after all. And if it gets dark out, well. We might be left with little choice but to visit another establishment."
"It seems that would be our best course of action," Stilgar says with a nod, unwilling to be deterred. "Coin should not be too great of an issue." "In the meantime, shall we visit the captain's widow?" he asks, looking to Auric.
"Only if that does not draw you the wrong type of attention, Master Mancino," Stilgar says gruffly, a little on the edge now that they knew where their target's abode was. The dwarf hums to himself for a moment, stroking his beard. "I hate to admit it, but this is more Magnus' element than anything. I know almost nothing of wizardry or the like, much less the way they operate here. So I dare to ask, are there perhaps any among their number that are, well, not notorious?"
"Wizards. Somehow that... isn't surprising," Stilgar mumbles, stroking his beard as he ponders their new little dilemma. Despite Hansi's reassurance, he feared for Auric's safety. As the matter of Captain Harrenhal's widow comes up, the dwarf remembers something suddenly. "Ah, I had almost forgotten. Master Mancino, you had mentioned showing me the rooftop earlier...?" He turns to his companions to elaborate. "As it turns out, Varras is a figure of some renown in this city. His tower is well within our reach."
"A curse?" Stilgar frowns at Auric, and then at Hansi. He did not exactly condone the man's duplicity, but it not seem like he wanted to cause his friend any undue harm. "What is its history, exactly?" he asks, leaning in to take a closer look at the box.
"Yes, thank you, Master Mancino," Stilgar says, smiling amiably at their host. Turning back to the others, he gives them the quick version of events. "I stayed the night at another inn, in the Trade District. I hired a guide to take me here." At Auric's last statement, the cleric frowns slightly.
Before he can give Kalaya the disappointing news, Stilgar feels Auric's hand on his shoulder and spins around. "Auric! Jon!" he exclaims, quickly spotting the druid. "I did not expect to run into both of you at once, but I am not one to complain about good fortune." The priest grimaces at Auric's mention of Magnus, leaving alone the fact that this entire debacle had been his fault. He merely sighs, resigned to the gnome's eccentricities. Being friends with him would be impossible, otherwise. "So you have not seen him either. This place must be like a paradise for him; he could be anywhere."
Kalaya & Shadowborn: For a second Stilgar is at a loss for words, settling for a wide smile. "The feeling is mutual, Kalaya," he says after a few seconds, before realizing that he had stood up from where he was sitting. The dwarf awkwardly settles back down, though his smile does not leave his face. "I am glad that you are safe. From what I have heard, this city can be quite... dangerous."
Shadowborn: "That is good to hear," Stilgar replies warmly, his head bobbing up and down. "I suppose I should stop by to offer my prayers when I have the chance. It feels like forever since I have stepped foot in a temple proper."
Shadowborn: Stilgar continues to nod and drink from his mug as he processes all of these details. It was a lot to take in at once, but the dwarf seemed to be getting used to it. At the very least, it helped with easing him out of the culture shock.
"Speaking of, is there much talk of the Iron Marches this far out?" Stilgar asks, his thoughts turning back to home. "And you mentioned Mitras before, but does Baal have much of a presence here in Fardusk?"
Shadowborn: "Ah, quite interesting. Simplicity is not always best," Stilgar replies, mulling over this strange yet logical system of government. "I am used to talk of jarls and thanes. They leave... much to be desired.
"Is Fardusk a sovereign entity? Are there other cities like it in this region?"
Shadowborn: Stilgar flushes slightly. "Ah, I mean, I knew he was here. I suppose that I just did not expect the wizards to all have their own section of real estate in the city. I would very much appreciate it if you could show me, when you have the chance." After a moment, he asks, "I take it that the Overseer is the ruler of this city?"
Shadowborn: Stilgar nods slowly, savoring his drink as Mancino gives him the lowdown on Varras. He was starting to feel more out of his depth than ever.
"That... would make sense. When I last heard of him, he was still in the Iron Marches. And that curse of his... Wait. His tower? It is here?" he asks suddenly, raising a brow.
Shadowborn: "Fascinating indeed," Stilgar says with a slow nod, knowing full well that he knew little more than nothing about his quarry. He was hesitant to continue this line of discussion - as was Mancino, from what he could tell - but he was determined to press on. "He... took something that does not belong to him. We promised a friend of ours that we would get it back." With a weak smile, he adds, "I do not suppose any of the tales about him mention that he is the reasonable sort...?"
Shadowborn: Stilgar raises a bushy brow at the lumbering man before looking back to Hansi. He gives a slight shrug, smiling slightly. "That is a shame, but it is nothing that I was not expecting. We will have an easier time once Auric comes back, I'm sure." The dwarf takes another swig of his ale before setting his mug down, a thought suddenly occurring to him. He lets it brew for a few moments before speaking again. "There is actually someone else I am looking for. It's the reason my companions and I came here in the first place. Would you happen to know be familiar with the name 'Varras'?"
Shadowborn: "Towers..." Stilgar mumbles, stroking his beard as Hansi takes his leave. Process of elimination suggested that he was being offered quite the bargain, but common sense suggested that he had swindled himself at some point. He is quick to smile however when the boy brings him his tankard. The dwarf takes a single sip, slowly sampling its flavor. It was not the worst ale he has ever had, but it was certainly far from the best. The Brazen Bull's offerings had been superior... not that he would utter such a thing aloud.
Shadowborn: Stilgar is clearly disappointed by the lack of news, but he smiles all the same, appreciative of Hansi's efforts. "Well, I am certain that they will turn up eventually. We've been through things worse than being a bit turned around in a big city. At any rate, I will take you up on your offer of hospitality. How much for a room? And I think some ale should help tide me over."
Shadowborn: Stilgar lets out a big sigh of relief when he hears that Auric is apparently alive and well. What was more, Hansi's name sounded vaguely familiar.
"Splendid," Stilgar replies with a genuine smile. "Yes, I think I will wait here for him." After a moment's thought, he asks while glancing about, [b]"Ah, have any of the others happened upon here?"
I have always been interested in the Cthulhu games, so I am definitely intrigued. I just have absolutely no experience with the system whatsoever. :P
Shadowborn: Stilgar raises his own eyebrows in turn, but without hesitation he makes his way over to the bar.
"Greetings, sir," he says to the hatchet-faced man, bowing his head slightly. "My name is Stilgar. I had heard of this establishment elsewhere, and was hoping to find some friends of mine here. We somehow managed to get separated, you see."
Shadowborn: "I will definitely keep you in mind, Mr. D- ah, Weasel," Stilgar replies with a small smile. Only then does he turn to face the impressive breadth of the inn. The cleric mumbles a quiet prayer to Baal before approaching the doors and pushing them open.
Shadowborn: "Thank you, Weasel," Stilgar says, nodding approvingly. He actually rather appreciated the man's informative ranting, considering his circumstances. That and he was quite used to talkative types. The priest fishes out his coin purse, perusing it for the proper payment. Stubborn as ever, he takes a guess at what a "Shield" is - he had guesses what a Drake was, after all. He hands the guide four silver pieces. "Here you go."
Shadowborn: "Very well, then." After eating his oats, Stilgar returns to his room to freshen up and rearm himself. A few minutes later, he heads back downstairs and finds Weasel again. "Whenever you are ready, Weasel."
Shadowborn: Stilgar looks to the scarves on the stick with a wrinkled brow, but decides not to ask for elaboration. Instead he says amiably, "Avoiding trouble would certainly be ideal, Mr. Dodd. I expect that we can depart after breakfast, then?"
Shadowborn: "Oats would be good, thank you," Stilgar says to Jess before turning to "Weasel." He walks on over and joins him at the table.
"Good morning. I am searching for an inn called the Six with Eight Tails. My companions and I agreed to meet there should we get separated. Unfortunately I am, ah, very lost. I would very much like to get there without being mugged."
Shadowborn: Stilgar only gives it a moment's thought before responding. "That would be splendid. As for my friends..."
"Auric has blond hair and blue eyes on him. Face and ears are a tad pointed... has elf blood in him, I think. "Jon looks a little young, but his hairline's receding. Quite the wild beard on that one. "Kalaya is dark-skinned, and has her hair in locks. "And then there's Magnus. He's a short one, even for a gnome. He usually carries his pet weasel around, if that helps any."
Shadowborn: "Ah, just as well. He was going see about finding me a guide. And to hold onto these letters for some friends of mine."
Shadowborn: Having slept better than he had in several long days at sea, Stilgar goes downstairs with letters in hand, to see about getting some breakfast. He walks over the woman at the bar.
"Good morning, Miss. Would Creed happen to be around? There was something I was hoping he could take care of for me."
Shadowborn: "Will do," Stilgar replies with a grin and a nod. "I think I will be getting some rest now. Have a good night, Boyce."
After closing the door, he takes the writing supplies over to the small table and starts to draft some letters, all of them more or less identical. They were not strictly necessary now that he knew where he was, but he had nothing better to do. That, and it never hurt to be extra careful. Spoiler:
Auric/Jon/Kalaya/Magnus,
I do not now exactly what happened on that ship, but I appear to have been whisked away to Fardusk. Under ordinary circumstances I would find this turn of events fortuitous, but our separation complicates matters. I can only hope that you have all arrived at the city as well, unharmed. I seem to recall one of Captain Wilde's crewmen making mention of an inn called the Six with Eight Tails. Perhaps you remember it as well. I will be hiring a guide to take me there in the morning. Should this letter reach you, know that you can find me there. Best wishes, Stilgar Once the letters have all been written, Stilgar folds them all up.
Shadowborn: "Fardusk," Stilgar repeats, with a blank look of his own. It takes a moment for him to regather his wits. "Yes, of course. Of course."
As the boy turns to leave, the cleric suddenly remembers his manners. "Ah, hold on," he says, digging through his hefty coin purse. He holds two pieces of silver out to him. "Here. For your trouble."
Shadowborn: "Thank you," Stilgar says, accepting the writing materials from the boy. Then, taking note of the fact that no one else was around, he finally pops the awkward question, feigning forgetfulness. He leans in and asks, "Ah, I seem to have forgotten. What exactly is the name of this fine city? I might have had a few too many drinks..."
Shadowborn: Stilgar hesitates slightly, not recognizing the currency the man was asking for, but makes an educated guess and presents four gold pieces.
Shadowborn: "That would be splendid," Stilgar replies, sounding rather relieved. "I suppose I will be taking a room for the night, then. Some ink and stationery as well, if you have any to spare. Just name your price."
Shadowborn: Docks? Shades? Stilgar thinks, trying to ascertain his location. He smiles awkwardly and thanks the server, before turning his attention back to his ale. Once finished, he stands and makes his way over to the man she spoke of.
"Creed, is it?" he starts, straightening out his posture. "I was told that you could be of assistance. I seem to have lost my way, as well as my companions. And to tell the truth, I am not even certain of where I am."
Shadowborn: Stilgar knew a tavern when he saw one; it was good that some things in this strange new place were familiar. He walks over to the bar, an empty table, anywhere he could order a stiff drink from. If he manages to flag down a server, he orders whatever kind of ale they served in this corner of the world, and asks some his awkward question.
"Is there by chance some place I can hire a guide? I am new to this... place."
Shadowborn: Stilgar just stands there and stares for a while, stunned by dread and awe. When he eventually regathers his wits, he closes the doors behind him and walks along the wall of the building, searching for a proper entrance.
Shadowborn: "Where have you landed us, Magnus?" Stilgar asks himself as he stares up at the ceiling warily. Reluctant to barge in on an unfamiliar crowd, he will climb the ramp and try the angled doors first.
Shadowborn: With a sigh, Stilgar steps up to the switch and pulls on it.
Shadowborn: Stilgar pockets the rings, far too preoccupied with his current predicament to determine their worth. He hesitates before grabbing the healer's kit; he did not relish the possibility of being called a thief, but under the circumstances, he might very well need it. Calling upon Baal's power, he scans the room for any magical auras, and then moves over to inspect the fairly conspicuous switch.
Shadowborn: "Damn it, Magnus..." Stilgar grunts as he picks himself off the ground and takes in his surroundings. "Magnus! Auric! Can you hear me!?" he calls out.
Left to his own devices, and apparently trapped, Stilgar lets his gaze wander over to the chest in the corner of the room. While rubbing his aching shoulder, he saunters over to it and inspects it. If nothing appears out of the ordinary, he will try to open it.
Stilgar approaches the skeleton and looks upon it with a frown. "I suppose they no longer have any need for these trinkets. Might have been ill-gotten to begin with, in any case." Opening his pack, he very carefully starts to remove the skeleton's jewelry.
Stilgar strokes his beard thoughtfully, troubled by the discovery. "Yes... suppressed. Perhaps we should leave it be. Even if you can get it to work, there is no telling where it might lead. Or if the other circle would allow us to return."
"Transportation?" Stilgar replies dubiously, his bushy brows elevated. "As in disappearing and appearing elsewhere? I thought such magic was lost."
"That's just like him," Stilgar remarks, watching as the eel flies off. Once he's satisfied that it's gone, he returns his hammer to his belt and follows after Auric.
Stilgar's spiritual hammer promptly vanishes, but he continues his assault without hesitation.
Seeing that Magnus is in trouble, Stilgar raises his hammer and charges toward the second eel. The hammer conjured by his spell takes one last swing, before suddenly fading away.
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