Talbard the Grey's page

Karnog starts to make small piles of coin for the equipment he requires.

The evil ax that you took off the warlord cyclops can be sold. Talbard buys it for himself to study. The loremaster looks to group, "I understand the need to give the demon general the Fallen Angel's weapon, we needed information. Regrettable the price for the information was the powerful weapon. I'll give you 3/4 the value for the evil ax, I know you will put those funds to good use."

Karnog you will be able to get the items you need fi you ahve enough cash.

That was the only items left to sell right? All the mundane magical items can be sold without incident.

"Good at least this wasn't for naught."

Three is a sense of relief that everyone survived an encounter with General Chaos.

In a fatherly stern tone loremaster looks at Desmond, "so was she worth this....I mean all of this?" He eyes have the look of disappointment. he shakes his head briefly and addresses the others, "Well it looks like you have a few hours before moonrise that gate opens to the demiplane."

Post beginning the task

"You all have some limited time to prepare."

What do you plan to do.

The great demon shows it's nasty fangs when Felicitas speaks. but just before he gives an answer Talbard steps up. He does his best to gain his composure, "Oh great General of Chaos let us not spiral into insults. Surely, your aura is enough to quash most of us lesser mortals but I expecting one of your lieutenants, not a legendary General." He lets the flattery sink in a moment but not trying to appear weak, he quickly presents the question. "Knowledge is sought at a bountiful price."

His eyes shift over to the party but ultimately he glances at Nym. "Show him the item."

Nym you can show him the fallen angels greatsword.

Everyone needs to figure out what they want to ask. Remember you don't have him contained nor controlled because the protective circle is broken. This is a tenuous negotiation. You all will need to pay if you want information and he knows exactly what he wants for payment. :-)

One other thing, you gather that this is not the creature Talbard was summoning to answer the questions...this creature is much more powerful.

Well I wouldn't mind fighting a god...but maybe later.

"That is not the way I intend to die...myself."

"Oh.... NOOOOOOO." The wizard quickly responds. "He must do as i direct climb and walk on the table, it's part of the process."

The group returns to the library, and Felicitas insult-riddled training grounds, for a meeting with Talbard.

Before the group can do anything the caster begins to casts a series of protective spells. Including the finishing of a complex chalk diagram on top of a massive round table which stands in center of the large room. The fragrance of sweet oily fills the room from the seven wall sconces.

With a little coaxing Nym is persuaded to remove the remaining weapons. The bushy-eyed scholar's brow raises as the two weapons are unwrapped. Talbard's hand shows the slightest tremble when the fall angel's weapon is revealed.

to Nym in undercommon, "Place the axe on the ground, but do not put the fallen angel's weapon there. That needs to go in the middle of the table. You need to climb on the table....but be careful and do not disturb any of the lines...you need to walk on that table and put it in the dead center where that sword rack is placed. If you disturb a line rest assured we will all end up before the god of the undead in greatly tormented state."

Nym you can climb on the table DC 12, then I need 3 DC 18 acro to not touch a line on the way to the sword rack and 3 DC 18 to safely get back.

<A look of disbelief.>

"So do you or don't you have these weapons you all were panicked about?" The wizard taps his foot three times, clearly perturbed that his time is being wasted. He looks at the dwarfs as if this is their problem.

The learned scholar nods as Felicitas explains her ability frustration. "Yes, yes...retraining by an experienced hand. I can handle that dilemma.

Felicitas do you have or have the link to the riddles you discovered in the dungeon on how to weaken Orcus? This is something Talbard could provide some insight to.

"Where is this Brother Karnog, I can send a runner to find him and bring those items with him."

He smiles at Felicitas, "So your companion wants some unusual items inspected and lore reviewed,but what is it that I can do you you?"

"A d..d..d...death," he gulps, "...Knight, you say?" His eyes widen fill his spectacle lenses. He exhales and looks over the dwarf and around his grounds as if dwarf was bringing trouble with him. He quickly waves the three strangers into his keep, he quickly bolts the door and then says a series of complex wards. He totally ignores his guests until he is finished.

"Where are these items?" Suddenly an attractive girl appears from a nearby doorway, she is carrying three massive tomes.

The large iron door opens without a sound. "Yes, how can I help you?" the aged man wearing a floppy yellow hat blinks a few times. He smiles at three strangers at his front door: the male dwarf, the female human, and a fluttering bright faerie dragon. "What an odd lot, you make." The wrinkled man comments out loud.

You all may want to bring the deathknight and the fallen angel weapons to Talbard's school for study.

The wizened clerk looks up inquisitively, Dinetta? His bushy uni-brow rises, "That rhymes with ol'Pinetta, which reminds me of Fenechia, who was behead by the Aeshma." He blinks rapidly. "Foolish battle really...foolish...never fight an Aeshma, it won't fight fair." He rambles then looks back at the ancient tome.

"Like I mentioned his family has had a string of bad luck in all this chaos, he lost several cousins and brother during the random violence looting." Talbard looks at everyone. "I'm afraid things have been hectic and information is scarce."

Talbard the Grey is present, the nobles are not there. "I have spend a great deal of time trying to scry those two. Unfortunately, Eccardian has powerful wards preventing his location each time that I have tried."

"I did catch a glimpse of Chammedy, and we were able to confirm some rumors, that she has taken a "lover" and she's not as warded as her sibling. Her besotted lover is noble and priest of Abadar named Vuiper Ghivel, whose townhouse is located in north-central Rego Corna. His family has fallen on some hard times recently."

"I've a bit more bad news, it appears as if the navy is closer than expected...I don't think you have a full days time."

"I was unable to find the Duskmarket but admittedly, I only had a few minutes to look for it before my spell concluded."

When the group settles in for a tactical update they hear from Talbard who informs the group that he did some scrying on Walcourt.

The wall surrounding the grounds is built of river stones with crumbling mortar and is 10 feet high. It does not look difficult to climb but the old mortar appears fragile. The walls are over grown with ivy.

There are actually two buildings in the compound, they are both decrepit appearance. The caretaker's house is in the back and that building is actually leaning onto the main house. Both buildings have chipped masonry and rotting wood, the roofs are sagging in spots. The windows are boarded up.

The upper two levels look empty other than a few remnants of furniture and an occasional old toy. There are debris-strewn chambers occupied by the a few drunken derelicts but it did not otherwise appear to be occupied. There are no lights other than in the caretaker's home which is lit by a few simple candles and an occasional lantern.

Only one old lady has been observed shuffling around the property picking up debris. After a while she then shuffled to leaning caretaker's property.

Gerard gratefully accepts the ghost salt.

We might as well know where the Dusk Market is, just in case. Could you divine the location of the sewer entrance to Walcourt?

"I will spend the late morning trying to scry that information for you."

Gerard accepts his dagger and awaits the wand.

I will gladly buy what you have. The laws of supply and demand dictate a price increase?

Two more questions. Do you have anything you think would be useful and are willing to part with? Also, illegal items, where can they be found? I currently have no qualms.

"I've been able to secure a few doses of ghost salt." He has four doses of this material if you are interested.

He ponders Gerard's last question, "The dusk market is where such goods can be obtained...I could try to divine its location for late today but if it is operating, I'm certain there will be many council present. They always did have an interest in that specialty market."

Talbard listens intently to the magical gear requests and glumly shakes his head back and forth, "When the attack happened I only had a few moments to grab a few items. I lost most of the items in my shop, other than a few personal items that I'll need for the defense of this house and others, but I did have your dagger secured Gerard."

Still speaking to Gerard and his requests, "I have one partially charged wand of messenger wand that I can sell, but it only has 15 uses remaining. I don't have the other wands that you request and I haven't had the fine seeing goggles in a long time. "

He pauses and turns to Orsin, "I've 2 lightning bolt scrolls that I can spare and my own glove of storing but I can't help with the other items you require."

He weakly smiles at Euphemia, "I've two daylight scrolls and you can check with Tobian or McAllister for the oils and eyesight enhancement."

Turning his attention to Andrea, "I think the Lord Tileneros may have a better shield for you, I was working on one a couple days ago. Mcallister or Tobian may be able to assist with your cloaks. Actually, they may be able to assist all of you with that type of item."

Lastly, he addresses Daniel's requests, "Your cloak can be addressed with Tobian. I've a pearl of power that I can sell you. You may want to check with the others for items."

Your half-brother looks up, semi-smiles which is much for the man, and raises waving everyone over. "Good to see you all....welcome back."

Talbard looks at Andrea and orsin and grins, "D...did you lose anyone....where that rogue and Lucrezia?

"Aye, it's been busy here today." He levitates up towards the ceiling and slides out a wand from a cubby. He blows off what is probably 3 years of dust from it and floats back down t the ground. Yes, I've one but it only has 10 charges on it.

He ponders the other requests, "I only have the scroll of invisibilty on hand."

You can do the math for the partially charged wand.

"Hello there Orisn, your looking fit and that by the way, was a splendid performance the other night." He shuffles out form behind his counter, "How can I help you today?" He listens to the requests.

He continues to shuffle around his shop pulling scrolls as he goes, sometime glancing at them and shoving it back into its slot. "Yes, yes. I've got the black tentacles, cloudkill....Faelyn asked that I prep that one actually,...and I have ice storm, wall of fire and rock to mud on hand."

The 4th level spells -BT, IS, WF are 700 each, the 5th level spells CK and RM are 1125 for a total of $2340 retail. However he will sell them at 10% discount so take 234 off the price 2106.

"A tree feather token or two would be a decent gift." He pulls out a small box of tokens.

Talbard bushy eye brows raise a the mention of the Mother of Flies, "She resides in Hagwood which isn't that far from Westcrown at all, the southern expanse of the dense woodland is a mere 2 miles from the city’s western edge, across the waters of the Adivian River to the northeast. Might need a method to cross that river though."

"She is as old as time, or so they say, and has numerous secrets. Her magic is powerful or at least it was at her height."

"Why to you ask?

Gerard when you arrive at Talbard's to discuss getting a few magical items.

"I've several amulets in stock...yes, I have one with the minor enhancement that you seek."

He inspects the dagger that you want to enhance, "Leave it, it'll be ready in two days time."

"You may want to go to Fizzles for those potions that you seek."

does Orsin, Faelyn or Andrea have locate object spell? you'll have range issue from you at this location but you can cast it when you are in that area of town.

'You'll have problems with locate creature spell if she is in the sewers, running water will block the spell.'

I assume Faelyn will need an hour to refill his spell slots that he used the day before.

Unfortunately, I don't have locate person prepare or in stock...let me look for locate object I may have scroll around here. Mark my words you won't find an alchemist open for that remedy your talking about. people are scared and hoarding right now.

Talbard mentions, "The slaughterhouse area does encompass quite a few buildings and unfortunately, I did not recognize, or observe enough information to get an idea of which one she is located in." He casts a concerned look, "They have more than one hostage."

It is apparent that the pock-faced man is taking Sascar someplace else, the seem to be following Henk. What you can hear through the scrying is the sound of hacking and chopping, then there is the sight of blood on the floor in a much larger room. That blood is flowing into a waste drain. You can make out several pairs of boots moving, some workman like boots but most are high leather marching sturdy footwear for rugged terrain.

"Take 'er down, and no friggin' fun with 'er or you'll be tastin' my pick in yer skull"

"right boss."

There is a sewer drain in the slaughterhouse and the noble and poke faced man disappear. The man arrives at "T" intersection and turns right, "I'll 'ave fun wit or witout 'is say, besides ye are a corpse soon anyways, ye lush." Then the spell disappears.

Lucrezia look about I did a small edit and spoiler to you.

Yes, you recognize this as a pig slaughterhouse. Slaughterhouses tend to be in the northern end of the city or in the ruined district. other than what i mentioned above you do not know this particular man or his companion.

The second man there has scar down his left cheek, he is big and burly, his brown hair is cropped short. For a ruffian he has some nice gear on including a heavy pick tied to his back, and light pick to his left side. His ornate cloak is blood red and covers his armor for what you can see. He spits through a his gappy front teeth and the stream of brownish liquid splatters the scared noble's face.

I'm using Talbard's avatar since he cast the spell.

There is pock-faced wiry man, with long greasy black hair that gets within the field of vision, he puts his his calloused hands on the noble and begins to touch her roughly, right before he grabs her by the hair lifting her to her feet. The sensor picks up a chart of a pig that is pinned to the wall. "I'm g'nna give ya t'mble down below, 'fore we sell ya back."

Lucrezia it looks like there's a desk pushed into the corner, on the periphery of Sascar's vision. The room itself is dark, then there is beam of light that suddenly shines over Sascar's body as door is opened. the sound of heavy boots on the creaking wood can be picked out.

While focusing on the image before him, Talbard states "I'm going to try to link message through the scry to find out more information."

30% change of failure: 1d100 ⇒ 16

He shakes his head in frustration, she's not receiving my message.

Talbard leads everyone to a small room on the second floor, Lucrezia has been there once before, and there is a small basin there. He begins to recite the scrying spell using the scarf as his connective focus. An image begins to appear it's fuzzy at first showing an old knotty wooden floor, and Sascar laying bound on the floor, gagged and bruised.

The room appears to small and there are two other bound humans within 10 feet of Sascar in a similar state. Orsin recognizes one of the other captives as Harvey Penwick, the gem cutter he and Duncan rescued in an alley. campaign tab, book 3 NPCs From what you can determine right now it looks like either house or warehouse type facility.

Talbard maintains the scrying trying to pick up move information or get lucky with some sound.

"If the sword was the only item available to us, it would do but a better connection would be stronger. Since a better connection is available at the Lord's manor, we should use that."

Fast forward an hour or so, and Daniel would be back with a ring or scarf.

"The means should always matter, you don't want to become one of the them." He looks through some racks pulling the scrolls that you want, "Spider walk....spider walk..."going through his scrolls, "do you mean spiderclimb?"

Talbard nods that he has the following scrolls, "Gust of wind, Break enchantment, Locate object, Clairvoyance/clairaudience, Levitate" He frowns at the the infernal healing spell, "I wouldn't stain this shop with that cursed garbage. Devil's blood or unholy water boy..."he looks over at the paladin "be careful."

Make fame check but deduct 2 from your total from the mention of an infernal scroll.

"Frankly speaking getting Sescar Tilernos back is good business for all...Lord Tilernos would be a powerful ally" He looks at Daniel.

When there is break in the conversation Talbard cuts to the chase, "There are multiple layers of complexity happening in this city, mind you most are bad but there are few kernels of goodness, and it's all of our jobs to shelter that fruit."

"There are the terrifying shadowbeasts lead by Ilnerik Sivanshin but you have the morrowfell and means to fight him. There is a division within the Council of Thieves - siblings, Chammady and Ecarrdian, verus their grandfather, Vassindio Drovenge. This is for control of a vast criminal underworld and perhaps the Noble house itself." He makes eye contact with everyone before continuing, "Then there is the noble house conflict. Certainly House Drovenge has issues, but there is an effort for a mass power grab that has been brewing, House Grulios, House Missepe and yes, House Tilernos are in the middle defending themselves against known and unknown usurpers. Find the Sescar Tilernos foil whatever plot is brewing and House Tilernos should stand with House Grulios and Missepe."

Taking a deep breath, "the residents of this city stand to be in a much better place if those three houses and their beholden allies join and stick together."

"Yes my dear I can get you an Incandescent Blue Sphere Ioun Stone, they run $8000 gold,"

Make a fame check to see if he can it for slight discount and pass the saving on to you.

His eyes widen some as Orsin presents is parchment lisitng the scrolls that he would like to purchase. "I've several of these spells on hand, but do you have a priority of what you are looking for?" he looks over the list, "Some of the divine spells can be purchased from Tobian along with that vitality wand."

Andrea you would, also, know that your patron priest Alister Mchuffin can to scrolls and wands.

The group gather's in the room, Talbard nods to Orsin, "I'm sure you could use a few scrolls, what are you looking for to help out?"

"Aye, yes that is a hint of wine on my apprentice's breath if I do say so myself, I'm sure there's a story to be told about that..." his voice trails off to long pause. "it is good to have you back, but others await at my shop to reunite with you."

He bows to Tobian, "Change is in the air and you played a huge part today." Then his eyes turn to Daniel, "Would you be so kind as to join us at my shop...it maybe, interesting." He smiles."Besides, Faelyn could use a change of clothing."

The old wizard waves Lucrezia to follow him, "Interested in the arcane arts are you." More of a statement then a question. "let me show you some magic techniques, we must contact Lord Tilernos and Tobian to prepare for the resurrection." With that he will lead Lucrezia into a small room. "Join hands with me." With a few words "Ali tele porto tilernos" there's a quick rush through your body, your stomach feels like it dropped off a cliff then suddenly you are in an inviting room, that brightly colored in yellows, orange and greens, it feels full of life.

Standing there is the Noble that Andrea spoke to at the perimeter barricade, he is joined by a handsome half-orc that could pass for human. "Lord this is Lucrezia, we have lost my apprentice this afternoon and I need your assistance with Tobian's to bring him back....his deeds in this city are not concluded." The aged wizard smiles, "Daniel you have grown since the last time I've seen you, I heard you were coming but did not expect you yet."

"Yes...yes his room," the shows you upstairs to well appointed chamber. "I'll contact Tobian the Divine, he can bring him back tomorrow." he touches the elf, "To...morrow.'

The door to the 'Talbard's Wonderous Items' is locked when Truk and Lucrezia arrive.The door slide opens and bushy eyebrows appear, "Ohhhh, it's you Truk and Lucrezia, one second let me unlock the door." The sound of five locks can be heard, then some mumbling behind the thick oak door. "come in ....come in...the city is a mess today, everyone has locked up with all the looting going...." His voice trails off when he sees the charred body held by Truk. A tear runs from his eye and he sighs heavily. "How?

"your always asking...so demanding....tsk...tsk....tsk, well yes I have a rod of lesser extend it is half charged (25 charges) and the price is prorated."

"Is there anything else that I can do. Oh, by the way tell Andrea that goblin spawn will haunt her dreams this evening." He chuckle again.