Been up since 4:30 and just had to do a LONG post to get another game moving again. I'll get to this tomorrow, Thanks again for your continue patience!
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My approach to Initiative is a hybrid approach where I place similarly situated baddies into a block but differential baddies separate. So the evil wizard who has 3 henchmen will act on a separate initiative from the 3 henchmen who act with the same initiative score. It's how we handled initiative in the original thread and that went fine. During combat I generally enforce a 24 or 48 hour rule where if you don't check in I bot you for that round. I also roll almost ALL Perception checks for the Party, unless there's a special circumstance where only one person or set of persons would roll apart from the group. I hate doors i TOTALLY agree with, there's a scene where DHs hatred of this is on full display as Grumble runs around just opening every door in sight, it's pretty hilarious. If everyone else is on board, that's ok for me. This is a semi democracy so I want to make sure there's no strong objectives to this! --- Updates forthcoming tonight.
I think that's a good place to end this thread. We know how you got here and what you'll be doing for the next several weeks.
The Wandering Friar Morana appears aghast at the nonchalant mention of the death of the rest of your companions. Soren frowns, "Damn. I hope Tiadora doesn't make a big deal out of this. The Cardinal would be disappointed in this setback". Morana does not respond at all when you walk in and close the door. Soren continues, "No doubt the Seventh will realize that you are back and potentially report on that development, there is nothing that can be done about it as we only know what one of them look like. Unless of course you can agree to hold up here for some time and allow the two of us to deal with the Seventh in addition to our rounding duties". Morana nods, "I can have my Phantom stay with you Grumble while I am out to allow for instant communications". Soren shrugs, "I have no such method but I can certainly report back what I find. The three places that you visited were here, Lord Drownington's Manor, and the Crisp Morning. Morana and I can cover these two locations, can Raaven keep an eye out in the common room here?" Morana picks up Soren's thread, "And anyone who visits the Baron, we can just rely on him to relay that visit to us".
The Wandering Friar The door opens with Morana holding the handle with one hand and spell components with the other. Off to the side, just out of alignment with the door stands Soren with one of her firearms. Morana appears shocked while Soren responds, "You're not supposed to be here..."
Updates Wednesday night, I'll be slammed at work between today/tomorrow/Wednesday during the day. Sorry for the delay!
The Wandering Friar You knock on the door to the right, silence, for a while. Then a voice, "It's quite late, if you'd like to keep your spleen intact, you'll walk away, whoever you are". Soren's voice.
The Wandering Friar
You enter the Friar in the middle of the night, there are a handful of folk in the common room drinking. None of whom pay you much mind. You are familiar with the route to your rooms and head in that direction. Using your key you enter. It's empty. You know that your Knot has the room son either side of this room rented as well. Morana or Soren are in either one or both.
Lord Drownington's Manor - Clyde McClod & Tih Clyde The waitress returns to you, "That hit the spot. Keep on stewing or cooking, the next batch of customers will pay good copper for these bowls no doubt!" Garvin slaps his knee, as she exits the kitchen, "I'm not sure if'n I should be mad at ye' or happy to get some time off from workin' the stoves youngster! Clyde was it? What's a cook like you doing at the end of the world?" --- Tih His faces scrunches up at your comment while he waves the waitress off back to the kitchens with a thumbs up and smile over the empty bowl. "It's a shame alright, even more of a shame that Mitra's light doesn't seem to shine all that much down here. Lot of highfalutin talk, but no action". Once you finish your stew, he responds, "The owner installed the finest locks in Drownington for a reason, use em if you leave your stuff behind when you go for a walk".
The Vandermir Orphanage - Malleck Jeremy nods and smiles tightly, "Well, I'll be here, no place else to go". You arrive at the Headmaster's Office and he ushers you in, please close the door behind you, ah, Mr. The Fly".[/b] Once you do he continues, "It seems that indeed, the Baron is waiting for a few people to arrive. He is facilitating a meeting on behalf of someone else, a Sir Balin. I was going to simply send you over once night fell but there's been a change of plans. Have you any clothing that could be considered formal wear? If not, the Baron has granted me leave to give you a stipend to find such formal wear, simply inform whatever tailor you visit that you will utilize the Orphanage's line of credit. There is to be a Party, a gathering at the Baron's home tomorrow evening. You will need a name to receive a formal invitation, whatever you like is fine. Leave your belongings here, someone will fetch them for you when the time is right. For tonight and until tomorrow evening you shall be my guest, the room you currently occupy is yours until you take you leave". He reaches into his desk drawer and pulls out a key, "It unlocks the front door so you can come and go as you please".
Crisp Morning - Mephistopheles & Elliaria Miss Soto nods, "Despite Sir Balin's demands, we must proceed with caution. The Seventh, another cell operating within Farholde, claims that the locals are not aware of the presence of the Cardinal's people, yet. Despite their proclamations, I wish to be cautious. There are too few of us and too many of them to make a mistake at this juncture. Simply rushing to the rendezvous point is sloppy. Mephistopheles, retain this guise and if you have not obtained lodgings already, stay here. I shall have the Baron extend an invite to you and Lady Elliaria to receive you both tomorrow evening. The Party shall be attended by the uninitiated as well to ensure that the gathering appears to be just a party. Perhaps by then the rest of those sent here will either find their way to us, or we will find them. In the meantime, enjoy your last few days in Farholde for your mission sends you away from this place soon enough. More I am not at liberty to say. I shall take my leave now, unless you've questions for me?"
Giving Tih a chance to check in before I move everyone along. I'll move us along tonight.
Would it be amusing if Clyde gets overlooked but still ends up with the group as the cook? Strike from the shadows on invaders and then melt back into the shadows to make sure tea is ready when the group returns. It would be but don't worry, we HAVE to find you!
Giving Tih a chance to check in before I move everyone along.
Certainly one of my favorite Characters I've run game for and I have interacted with a LOT of characters over the years as a DM! The caliber of play on Paizo is generally pretty top notch, truth be told, it's better than all but ONE of my table top players and him I found here ON Paizo LOL. Not that I run a bad table it's just my friends and I spend half the time b~~%*~&~ting and their lives are so busy they simply aren't as into the Roleplay aspect as I'd like them to be. Now that we're older they're more clever at resolving issues and avoiding combat and when the do they fight with better tactics so it's not all hack and slash but the RP isn't really immersive.
The Baron's Manse The Baron exits to fetch his servants out of bed to cook. Mott engages with you while he is gone, you can tell he is quite proud of the Orphanage as it gives he and the Baron fresh, young impressionable men to them to mold into a force that controls a great deal of the underworld in Drowington. Those who prefer a more honest life are treated as well as possible to form bonds with the criminal element to cut down on citizens who would turn against their "childhood friends". The Baron and his chef return with a fresh stew, something whipped up quickly but quite delicious versus the fare you've been subjected to for, well for most of your life really! As you depart the Baron states, "I will have a runner contact you at the Friar once I have a response from Tiadora".
Crisp Morning - Mephistopheles & Elliaria tSH ONLY:
Elliaria Perception
Bluff
"My friends call me Morana, for now, you may call me Miss Soto. I'm afraid my story will need to stay private for now as Sir Balin is anxious to get going and there will be a few steps that must be taken before that can happen. We have been expecting you both. Do you happen to know where the others are?"
The Vandermir Orphanage - Malleck You wash up and set your things down in the guest bedroom getting a bit of rest. A few hours later, there is a knock on your door, "Excuse me Sir, it's Jeremy, the Headmaster asked me to summon you".
Lord Drownington's Manor - Clyde McClod & Tih Clyde The waitress smiles and nods, heading back to the main room to bring the bowl to the Barman. He begins eating it as you watch from the back and is clearly enjoying it. It's clear that you have the job as he has the waitress taste it as well. Sitting next to him sipping an ale is the woman who gave you the hire recommendation. Tih Most of the patrons that were here when you arrived, including the one who offered "help", exit to wherever they need to be or want to be for the day. The ones who do enter keep to themselves, again there are only a handful. The Barman responds to your query, "Here in Drownington yes. Outside of Drownington no and I'd not ask, the Mitrans frown upon that sort of thing. Ones named Mara Meeran. The other, Estelle Slavin. Estelle will often drop in here, if she does tonight I'll point her out to you though my shift ends by 9 pm. Any interest in trying this stew?". Both he and the Waitress are sharing the bowl and it smells quite delicious.
The Baron's Manse "Excellent, I am Bergill Mott, Headmaster at The Vandermir Orphanage. It's best if you appear as someone besides Sir Balin though as I'd prefer not to have such a famous personage affiliated with the Orphanage, at least not openly". The Baron states, "Can I interest you in a late dinner before you take your leave my large friend? I shall contact Tiadora before I retire for the night".
Yes but so would Tiadora, probably better to contact her instead!
The Baron's Manse "Errisaigh as well? That is unfortunate. Interesting, I was under the impression that you had a way to communicate with her yourselves. Very well, I shall assist you, but I believe that two of your compatriots arrived yesterday and were still staying at the Wandering Friar. Have they decided to remain behind rather than face the Horn once more?" The other gentleman speaks, "Reinforcements will take time to arrive. Much as the Baron would love to show his hospitality, it's probably unwise for you to stay here. You have a room at the Wandering Friar Inn already? If not, I can extend to you my hospitality, if you agree to counseling some young men on the finer points of Knighthood". The man grins wickedly at the notion.
A few points I don't believe I mentioned yet: 1. I roll initiative for the PCs as part of the action sequences. I find this speeds up combat instead of waiting for everyone to post especially here where we are all in separate time zones. 2. I roll Perception checks for PCs in most circumstances (on a case by case basis I may have the PCs do so and just put in spoilers any results to be easily accessed by those who make successful rolls) again, I find this speeds up Gameplay. 3. I do not require daily posting as even I cannot meet that requirement due to RL circumstances. I try to give anywhere from one to two days for everyone to chime in before I push things forward. Unlike many games on the boards, I often post on the weekends as it is when I have the most flexibility. In combat, I may bot people to move things along after 2 days, PbPs generally die without DMs constantly moving things forward.
As everyone has checked in, I will post an update tonight to move us along.
The Baron's Manse The Baron is too shocked to respond, his companion though whips around, wand in hand though he does not activate it, "And who may you be Ser?" The Baron responds for you, "That's Sir Balin, a member of the aforementioned Party whose mission is to conquer the Horn". The wand goes back into it's sheath, "While it is certainly pleasant to see you Sir Balin, I have to wonder what you are doing here and in my Manor, unannounced". He appears to be ignoring the fact that you caught part of his conversation.
The Baron's Manse
As you tiptoe, or whatever Grumble does that passes for a tiptoe, up the stairs you hear the Baron's voice, "...enough to hold Hamarhall". The voice responding sounds as if from a man slightly older than the Baron, "Unwise. Alerting the Kingdom now to a presence here will just create a call for reinforcements from the south and in greater numbers". The Baron, "Bah, the Cardinal wishes to keep the glory of these victories for himself. Several clusters of ill tempered and ill mannered ruffians running about can accomplish some chaos, but not a solid victory. The one remaining here is certainly effective in their cloak and dagger activities, especially when no one is looking. Then he sends the more effective group to die at the Horn! The second such group to do so I'd wager. With that Ogre and that Dragon at my side we could have already secured Hamarhall and Farholde". The other gentleman, "Are you mad? That Dragon is a youngling, his presence could bring attention of the worst kind our way. Namely from older more powerful Dragons!" The Baron sniffs, "Perhaps. Regardless, the Horn is a waste of resources. Even if they could reclaim it, the evils that lie there could send plagues across the Countryside. What's the good of ruling over a land of the dead?" That comment silences the companion. That silence lingers on for a few minutes.
The Vandermir Orphanage - Malleck The Headmaster nods in understanding, "I can certainly arrange such a meeting friend. Of course I would need your name and while I don't need specifics, at least an indication of what your audience would be in reference to. Once I can establish that you are expected, I can bring you to the Baron forthwith. For now, there is a guest quarter on the first floor for visitors interested in adoptions, sadly, it's rarely in use and so available now. You can freshen up there if you like".
Crisp Morning - Mephistopheles & Elliaria Before Elliaria can respond to "Lucy" the dark skinned woman approaches. She is pleasant and light smiles as she does so, "Pardon my interruption, but did I hear one of you is the niece of Tia?"
Lord Drownington's Manor - Clyde McClod & Tih The fellow patron Tih rebuffed is seated once more, but watching. The barman hands you a set of keys, "A week eh? Alright, that'll be 35 copper. If you want meals it'll be another... wait, let's see how the new cook performs before I set the price hey?" He chuckles.
Clyde drops his belongings behind the bar and heads to the kitchen surprisingly, it's quite clean. There is an older clearly blind gentleman working the stoves. He agrees to stand aside and "watch" you work. After an hour of what you believe to be, not your best work, the waitress heads to the back and taps you on the shoulder. "Is that ready, ah Sir? Smells amazing out there and a few patrons are already asking for whatever you're cooking!" The blind gentleman, gave a name of Garvin, grins, "It's smellin' pretty terrific for sure".
Aurex nods and states nothing further, he appears to appreciate your lack of crowing over his defeat, at least you assume that to be the case as his look is no longer one of I'd eat you if I could m!@&!@*&~!&@. Raaven reminds you that this operation is to be conducted in the shadows and so you wait until nightfall to have Aurex fly back and drop you into Farholde, specifically the Baron's manse. You easily pick the lock on the back door and enter. You hear voices coming from upstairs.
That should make Aurex more formidable for sure.
FIGHT OVER! Grumble smashes Aurex into unconsciousness. Hours later the Dragon wakes up, his reptilian eyes blinking open. He turns to you, a look of hatred mixed with begrudging respect, and perhaps a bit of fear. "Tell me Ogrekin, what now?"
Round 5 Aurex roars in rage as he's caught in the net! He flexes his wings and his arms to break free and for a moment, Grumble thinks he might just succeed, the netting stretches... tSH ONLY:
DC 25... but try as he may, the Dragon is entrapped by the snare! Round 6 - FIGHT!
Sir Balin: You rest in your room at the Wandering Friar awaiting some word from Morana. Sitting with you, or perhaps hovering there, whatever the hell dead people do, is Morana's Phantom, Vedran Soto.
You have come to understand that this phantom is her late husband. The entire experience wouldn't be so bad if the f!*@er didn't smell like fresh apples... The idea is to keep you under wraps while Morana looks for the new recruits that Tiadora is supposed to send your way. Despite your good behavior the last time you were in town Morana, and Raavan, believed it would be prudent for you to lay low. Soren took a ride on Aurex, your new pet or is it mount, ah whatever. The Wyrm now knows the pecking order, that's what matters. She left to back up Lord Havelyn and Meat Shield, whom the others affectionately call Brian, at the Horn. It's been quite a number of weeks and you are certainly starting to go a bit stir crazy. Still, you realize that it would not bode well to make a mess of the plans the Cardinal has for the Horn and his Seventh Knot is still running around Farholde. While you're not in competition with them per se, you are. Only one Knot can be the favored Knot and you intend it to be this one. The death of your companions doesn't concern you, but failure does. You have yet to take the Horn and it's been several weeks already. This time the group cannot, will not fail. How much of these thoughts are your thoughts versus ideas projected by Raaven, even you're not sure anymore. As you contemplate getting up to stretch your legs, the Phantom speaks... "Morana has heard two females speak of seeking an audience with Sir Jack, arranged by her Auntie Tia. She surmises this is most probably the first two of the five that are looking for you".
Crisp Morning - Mephistopheles & Elliaria tSH ONLY:
Morana Bluff -
Mephistopheles. Perception - Elliaria Perception - A human female, you would say about at 5'5 with a slight frame, dark skin and chocolate eyes, dressed in brown men's trousers, a loose shirt with a dark blue vest, and a old travel stained brown cloak perks up when Elliaria drops those names. Just as quickly she regains her composure, likely no once else in this room noticed but the two of you. She closes her eyes and sighs for a moment. To her credit, at no point does se actually turn to look at either of you. She continues with her late lunch. In the meantime, the waitress does respond to your question, "Oh yes, Sir Balin's companions did stay here briefly several weeks ago, but they left the same day they arrived. I did hear that he recently returned from wherever he was, but his companions did not..." tSH ONLY: Waitress Knowledge Local DC 15 -
The Vandermir Orphanage - Malleck Jeremy raises his hand and grasps yours firmly, "Mister, you've got a deal". You head into the Orphanage and find the Headmaster rather close to the entrance, he sits in a chair in the foyer reading a book. Based on the front cover, it's written in Draconic. He is a human male dressed in a white fine linen robe. He closes the book and looks up at you scrutinizing you then responds, "One of those men is my employer, the other I have heard named before. He is a famed Witch Hunter and while I have heard rumors that he has visited Farholde, I am not entirely sure he is still present Come to my office and we can discuss you business further". tSH ONLY:
Knowledge Nobility The headmaster stands and he is a rather tall man, about 6'4" but rather thin. Jeremy remains in the foyer as you both enter the Orphanage proper. The building is fairly well built and cared for, maple wood throughout with cherry trim both at the ceiling and the floor. He brings you down the hall, still on the first floor. You see boys in actual classrooms attending actual lessons, quite the unusual Orphanage! Soon enough you arrive at the Headmaster's office which overlooks the local Lake Scardynn. He closes the door behind you both and motions for you to sit, "What is your business with the Baron and can I get you any tea?"
Lord Drownington's Manor - Clyde McClod & Tih The Barman scowls, "Do you two know each other?" Though the question seems rhetorical as he adds, "Alright, whip up yer best dish and I'll see what I think". He raises his eyebrows when asked about a private room, "The owner runs a clean establishment little missy, what's the purpose of this private room? Oh wait, you want to rent a room! Apologies... For how long do you need it?"
I am enjoying this Pre-Campaign episode. Allows for us to flesh out our personality, quirks, methods of operation. When I can, I prefer to start this way for that exact reason. The AP initially starts in about as Railroad a fashion as can be so in some ways, I am preferring this start.
Yes, about a month for travel. It's amazingly convenient that everyone arrived the same day, I like to play somewhat grounded in reality but having people arrive on different days, as would happen in real life, is a time waster for PbP. Grumble will have been back for six weeks. I think you will find it interesting where I placed you, I'll be taking some liberties and assuming some RP will have happened that we aren't going to RP. I actually alluded to the idea in the OG thread, but it wasn't followed up on.
An ER visit with the baby and long evening decompression with the wife killed my day today. Updates tomorrow.
The Vandermir Orphanage - Malleck Jeremy's eyes light up, "No foolin'? I've never had tea with the Baron or anything but the Headmaster has, he's the one yellin' about my manners. You can come in and talk to him or you can go straight ta the Manse, but if you don't have a pass ya can't even get into Calliver Green [Area 3 on the Map] District. So you're probably better off starting here". He steps aside and opens the door farther to let you in.
Crisp Morning - Mephistopheles & Elliaria What luck! The exact person you were looking for has just bumped into you Mephistopheles. The woman at the front desk smiles, "Welcome back my Lady".
Post up, slowly bringing the Party together.
The Vandermir Orphanage - Malleck You head to the front door and knock, after several moments a tough looking youth of perhaps 17 answers the door. He eyes you up and down eyeing the blade, "Morning Sir. You look too old to be wantin' to stay the night as an orphan an this ain't no Inn" You hear a voice from inside, "Jeremy, manners!" He chuckles, "Manners, I'm always forgettin' my manners. I suppose the correct greeting is how can I help you today". His facial expression says he wants to do anything else but help thouh his eyes do linger down again to the blade at your hip. ------- Lord Drownington's Manor - Clyde McClod & Tih Clyde inquired at a few taverns in the nicer sections of town, but he is directed to the Drownington area to seek work. Soon enough you arrive there. Drownington's streets are quite different than the other neighborhoods on the hills, the streets are dirty and filled with flotsam. Around every corner, even by day, there are desperate men and ladies of the night (starting early it seems!) that occupy the streets. Yet amidst this danger there are also children running to and fro. Fiends and families fill this place to the brim. Lord Drownington's Manor is a cut above the other waterlogged buildings as its sits on a slab about a foot and a half above the rest of the structures. BY day there are only a handful of people here, some eating or getting drunk or eating and getting drunk. You meet with the man behind the Bar. "Yer a biggin' suppose I tell tha' boss ta' hire ya ta cook, can I tell him ya can fight too? There's extra money in it for you". As he finishes his sentence, a woman, who looks like a waif of a girl enters, her dark shoulder length dark hair is a bit unkempt as if it were chopped with a dagger rather than cut withs scissors. You are not the only one that notices her, one of the patrons stands up, "Can I help you young Lady". Tih, as you enter the tavern/inn, you find it mostly desolate. Plenty of room but not a great deal of patrons, at least not yet anyway. An imposing bald man with a long pointy nose and beady black eyes stands on your side of the bar speaking with the barman, he stands out for his size and due to the fact that he carries belongings with him, as if he too just arrived. The waitress and other patrons take note of you, but as always, there's at least one forward fool quite interested in you for what he believes are your good looks. ------- Auld’Irey - Templeton Rise [Area 8 on the Map] - Elliaria After a brief inquiry you discover that Lady Shalyn Marsten operates her trading business from the an old Temple known as Templeton Rise, perhaps due to it being the literal highest point of the city. You enter and find it to be an open hall market where goods are traded in bulk. Various merchants maintain stalls to display their goods. The place is loud and furious as auctions are held one after another at the entrance of the former temple. At the far end of the hall are the offices of the family. You head to the back of the hall being solicited to buy more goods than you could possibly carry out by yourself, from silks to jewels, to fresh fish just caught this morning! You knock on the door of the office and a women greets you warmly, Melinda is her name, "Greetings Lady Elliaria. So happy that you chose to travel here in person! Lady Shalyn is not present today. I will inform her of your arrival. I am sure she will send a missive to the Morning once she is free to meet with you".
------- Newell to the Crip Morning - Mephistopheles. You approach the workers in Newell who are toiling away readying goods to be be shipped south via the Kings Road or being packaged to oar a vessel to who knows where, and of course, also handling wares that will be provided to the residents of the city. One of the young men takes a liking to your facade and stops to speak with you, "Afternoon my Lady. Yes, Lady Elliaria can be located at the Crisp Morning Inn in Newchurch [Area 9 on the map]. I on the other hand am Adam and can be located here any day or at Lord Drownington's Tavern in the evening if you'd like a drink and a decent meal". You extricate yourself from the forward young man and head to the Crisp Morning. Newchurch is indeed a pleasant area and has contained within its neighborhood the Church of Mitra, which dominates the hill in baroque splendor. Its great central spire, crowned with a Mitran sunburst, can be seen from almost any point in town (and in fact you did notice it while initially milling about). You see fewer Acolytes in the vicinity than you would have expected to. Stepping through the doors of the Inn, a bright light shines in from a set of stained glass windows along the dome of the foyer. The light is a bit of a surprise from the dingy entrances that greet most who enter such places. The light cannot be natural and you suspect it is not. Knowledge Arcana DC 13:
It is likely set with several Everburning Torches above to give the ceiling the look it has. The stained glass depicts the triumphs of Mitra and his minions over evil. Passing through the next set of double doors the place becomes more familiar, a large common room though with a smaller than average bar sits on the far side form the entrance. Two grand staircases with brass banisters bring visitors to their rooms. several patrons sit down to meals. Behind a podium is a woman who smiles at you warmly, "A Blessed Morning to you, what can I do for you?"
OK, first post up! And of course I had a formatting issue, that's what I get for posting when I'm ready to fall asleep! Grr.
OK, first post up!
Farholde As your eyes look upon the city with a little imagination, you can see that the delta is actually a great monster closing its jaws upon Farholde. The town seems like little more than a morsel this great beast will soon devour. Though simply a coincidence of geography, this is an apt analogy. It almost every structure in the city of Farholde is built on one of nine hills that the city is comprised of. --- Elliaria The caravan pulls into Newell, the arrival area of Farholde where the road ends quite literally. With hustle and bustle of the arrival of the caravan you don't notice the disappearance of the blue eyed elderly woman who journeyed with the caravan, but then, you have a great deal to attend to and you never did quite catch her name anyhow. You do see the cook on the trip, Mr. McClod head into Newell, again he is not your concern. Your family has set you up in the finest inn in the city, The Crisp Morning located in the Newchurch section of the city [Area 9 on the map]. Your family’s trading partner in the city is one lady Shalyn
Observing the city, you can see that Castle Hammerhall [Area 1 on the Map] across the river and Bryrwatch "the Trident" [Area 6 on the Map], on this side of the river are the defensible positions which are actually garrisoned by soldiers. Sir Valin Darian is the Knight of Alerion in charge of defense within Farholde. As you head towards the Cathedral in the Newchurch region, members of your entourage bring your luggage to the Inn on your behalf. After your show of piety and generosity, a Brother Thurmond makes your acquaintance. He directs one of the young Acolytes of the Cathedral, Myalee to give you a short tour of the city after your unbeknownst to him wicked donation. The hills here seem to each be a walled city unto themselves with houses rimming each hill in a circle some fenced in some not. Auld'Irey [Area 8 on the map] is the only truly walled section of the city. Auld'Irey was built upon the largest of the nine hills, this is the oldest section of Farholde and the only part of the town surrounded by a wall. It's the mostly densely populated portion of Farholde. Every available plot has been developed and buildings are stacked upon buildings. The majority of commerce is done here and the lionshare of Farholde’s shops, taverns and inns are located in this quarter. Many people live here and the oldest houses in Farholde are located here. Once Auld’Irey was the nicest place to live in Farholde but recently that honor has been usurped by the manors of Calliver Green. As you reach the south end of this hilled neighborhood, a bridge connects this hill to the next. As you look down you can see an area called "Drowningtown" which is crowded with temporary structures, water-logged shanties and traveller’s tents. This transient community is definitely the bad part of town. The walls of Auld'Irey have no break near this part of the town so one would need to trudge through mud to get from there to the shops and businesses, a place you bet where you could find illicit items if you need them. You waive off the Acolyte and begin to listen to the crowd. It seems that rumors of war to the east have the populace a bit spooked, though some are excited by the prospect. After a few more conversations you find out that you are in luck, it seems that Sir Balin is staying at the same location you are, The Crisp Morning.
------- Mephistopheles. The caravan pulls into Newell, the arrival area of Farholde where the road ends quite literally. You sneak off in a new identity taking note that Elliaria appears to be the key member of the caravan as a young Scion of her family who paid for and backed the trip, perhaps you shall see her again on this trip! You wander the city, picking up that there are several sections of the city, some more well off than others as in every city. Calliver Green [Area 3 on the Map] has become home to the wealthiest residents of Farholde. While a pass is required to enter, you are fairly easily able to make your way in with the proper application of magic. There are six estates here that surround a large picturesque communal green. Most notably, one of the homes here belongs to your secondary contact, Baron Vandermir. You exit the Green and enter what appears to be the heart of Farholde, Auld'Irey [Area 8 on the map]. Here, you inquire about a Sir Jack, most of the locals have never heard of him and direct you to either "the Trident" on this side of the river, or Hammerhall Castle across the river to inquire about him further.
-------
The caravan pulls into Newell, the arrival area of Farholde where the road ends quite literally. You pack up and exit Newell and head to the closest area, Jasperhill [Area 4 on the Map]. The houses of this area surround an abbey. That Abbey is filled to the brim with nuns devout to Mitra. They dress in dark blue and white habits and are everywhere you look. Unfortunately, none you speak with are familiar with any Tiadora. They have heard of Sir Jack Balin as he is a famous Witch Hunter, but were not aware that he was present in the city. All though have heard of Baron Vandermir tough you are informed that gaining an audience with him is not easy to achieve.
------- Tih[/] You arrive in a welcome area in Farholde known as Newell. You watched the caravan that is currently unloading here in Newell speed past you about an hour ago. You enter the city greeted by waves and warm smiles, though you know that these smiles would turn to frowns and waves would be replaced by weapons were your true form revealed.
The soggy march through the mud to this section of the city is miserable but your best bet you believe to find the sorts of people who [i]would serve dark powers. Temporary structures and smell of water logged wood fill your nostrils as dirty children flit back and forth underfoot playing as if the condition of this place is normal and not a living hell compared to the rest of this city. You can sense the danger inherent in this place. Men with ill intent watch passers-by as they zig zag through the maze-like shantytown. No doubt the dark alleyways hide bare blades they would enjoy using against those too weak to hold onto their own coin. As the sun is still in the sky it seems these cut throats are content to wait for the cover of darkness to play their trade in blood. Prostitutes are much less shameless, they blow kisses promising all manner of sinful pleasure for a price that seems far too low to sell oneself, if there were a right price for such intimacy. You walk about to get a lay of the land and conclude that there is only one possible structure where you might not get immediately knifed or worse, Lord Drownington’s Manor. This place is the only permanent structure here built on what appears to be a giant slab of rock set about a half a foot above the rest of this sunken town.
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Malleck of Alerion You step onto the docks named Corgan’s Landing [Area 14 on the Map] you chuckle at the name of the vessel that brought you here, the New Beginnings. One of the male dock workers sizes you up, ”You my friend appear to be a man fleeing from something, or perhaps towards something. Well Met, I am Mallory Ritkin assistant harbormaster. Feel free to seek me out should you need something”. His grin is a bit slimy, but it’s not like you’ve never dealt with a seedy element before! You head towards the nearest area of the city, named Estell [Area 5 on the map]. You walk about clutching all or your earthly belongings in one hand looking for something that can lead you towards a meeting with either this Sir Jack Balin or this Baron Vandermir. After a short period of time, you are in luck! The Vandermir Orphanage looms before you and even if this isn’t the Baron himself that founded it, it still bears the family name. You inquire with some of the locals about the place and find out that indeed it was the Baron himself that founded the place to help the most needy of Farholde’s children, not exactly the kind of act of darkness you were expecting based upon the ruthlessness of the being that dropped his name. Regardless, the Orphanage itself is an imposing structure teeming with children of all ages. The nearby children stare you down pretty hard as you stare at the front door to the building.
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