As the cold, rainy winter turns to spring, the southern trade routes dry up. The first caravan of the season rolls out of Aiden’s Wall, on route to Erian’s Glen. The merchants’ trail stretches a quarter mile interspersed with carts carrying goods, roofed wagons providing living arrangements, and guards, seemingly alert, providing defense on both flanks. Also with the caravan are many travelers that signed on to make the journey including teams of expeditions, transients hoping to find work and stability, and members of the church commissioned to Worship Halls in settlements along the way.
One day into the journey, a horse merchant, apparently from Sheldon, loses control of several of his horses. They buck and whinny upsetting a horse carrying a guard on the creatures’ flank. The guard, unable to settle the brown and white gelding, is flung to the ground with a ’crunch’. A young human male on horseback with long dark hair, wearing an open cloak revealing fine studded leather armor and a polished exquisite hilt of a longsword, and a wild elven female with ivory skin, light brown hair, and a wolf at her heals, move in quickly. Instantly, using some type of affinity towards animals and nature, they provide a calming effect on the startled horses. Meanwhile, a cloaked man with sun-bleached dark hair, a pony tail trailing down his back and into his cloak, moves up to the wounded guard. Displaying a holy symbol to Fharlanghn, the tan skinned man prays over the guard and heals a broken arm.
The first stop along the journey is Sibley. More of an outpost than an actual settlement, merchants meet to barter, sell, and purchase goods and food stuffs for the continued journey. Using one day and night to rest the horses, replacing any in the process, it is a night spent under the stars sharing stories with the local farmers from the small outpost.
The next stop along the journey is Sceotend. The settlement was established in and along large patches of Sceot Trees, known for their fine wood in bow making. This is a three day break for the caravan. More deals are made between merchants. Food stuffs, weapons, and magical supplies, imported in from Stedman, are the main purchases. During the first night, bandits from the surrounding forest, probably reaching in from nearby Lake Sihtric, make an attempt to steal some horses. While the bandits lead the horses away, a young human male making the journey with the caravan, his short dark hair blending into the night, catches sight of the theft. He follows the bandits and confronts them. Using intimidating words and the gleam of his bastard sword in the moonlight, he scares off the bandits and rescues the stolen horses. That morning it is revealed that the young man is a Knight of Aidens Wall.
There is one final stop for three days in Rodor to acquire more supplies and complete trade deals. During the evenings while the sun sets in the west, great shadows spread out over the town created by the towering Rodor’s Peak. The few days break with warmer weather and the beautiful landscape allows for outdoor leisure. While kids play in town and elders rest, the young man who helped with the horses earlier, walks west out of town to get a better look at the great peak. Taking out some sketching tools, he catches the smallest details and records them to scale on a map he is working on.
The caravan is smaller when it leaves Rodor as many expedition parties, hired by private contractors and sanctioned by church officials, stay to venture into the great peaks. As the caravan continues, the temperatures increase. This far south, Spring is in full swing. Animals scamper about chattering, chasing and developing territorial boundaries. At one point, the female elf and her wolf companion, from earlier, venture off the trade route and into the forest. About a day later, she reunites with the caravan.
Throughout the journey, friendships are made and contracts are agreed upon. A female elf, who purchased boarding from a wealthy merchant for the journey, speaks with many members of the caravan. She asks questions and inquires of her traveling companions about their goals and plans when they reach the growing city. During the last stages of the journey, there is talk of rest, but there is also excitement in the air regarding reaching their destination of Erian’s Glen.
The final day of the journey is greeted with cooler temperatures and a missing sun. It is two hours past noon and clouds are rolling in as the North Gate comes into view. Erian’s Glen is situated in a small valley surround by GoldLeaf forests, rolling hills and plains, and rock formations. As you view the city from the north, the Skyward River is on your left, flowing south. There is a man-made channel diverting some of the river flow directly through a gate in the wall on the northeast side of Erian’s Glen. The channel extends throughout the east end of the city and apparently vacates the city through a southern gate before it reconnects with the main river.
The wooden palisade-like walls stretch two miles on all sides forming a huge almost-perfect square. After a quick meeting between the caravan leader and the North Gate guard in charge, the North Gate opens and Erian’s Glen welcomes you. The main road as you enter is Erian’s Way. It is a fifty foot wide, well cobbled street stretching northeast into the city. Unlike most cities, the sights are not automatically interrupted by building after building. There is an airy feel with trees, rock formations, and nature surrounding you. Shortly after the gate, walking southeast as Erian’s Way nears its first intersection, there is a fifteen foot black marble statue of a human male. The man is handsome with a strong jaw line, piercing eyes, and a handle-bar moustache. He wears an explorers outfit and his right hand rests on the hilt of a sheathed blade. His left hand is on his hip and a smoking pipe extends from closed lips. At the base of the statue, in common, simply reads Danaus Erian.
At the first intersection of Erian’s Way, the west / east roads have different names. To the west, the road is simply called the West Road. To the East, in honor of a founding ancestor of Adiens Wall and Rutania, the road is called Hamia’s Passage. At the intersection, on the north side of the West Road is a simple Worship Hall. Built of thick wood with stone stairs leading up to its simple double-doors, it bears a slight resemblance to the Great Temple in The Holy City of Cein. It’s colored, paned windows revolve around the single-story building each outlining the symbol of a deity. From this view, not being able to see all sides of the Worship Hall, you can only assume there is a window for deity as they extend around the building. Behind each window, you can also guess, lies a shrine to that deity.
Directly across the West Road from the Worship Hall is a large multi-level stone building. It stretches further down the West Road before it is met by several other shops. The architecture has been adopted from the styles of Aidens Wall. On the higher levels, several balconies look out over Erien’s Glen and the surrounding valley. Near the base of the West Road, there are stone steps leading up to the long front porch which extends the length of the building. On the porch are several tables and chairs. You can see people relaxing, sharing a drink and conversation, and playing games of checkers, cards, and dice. Above the porch hangs a large red wooded sign engraved with ordinary straight letters. The letters are painted in a dark blue, and the sign reads ERIAN’S REST.
As you step on the first stone step leading up to the porch, you can almost feel this building’s history. The smooth, worn-down stones that make up the steps and porch of Erian’s Rest provide a solid foundation that tell a story of community. The top of the steps place you on the center of the porch. Many of the patrons sitting at the game tables and settled in wooden rocking chairs turn a casual glance and extend a warm smile and nod as you approach the large wooden double doors that allow entrance into the large inn. To both your left and right are long windows allowing a view into the establishment.
The doors open into a foyer. The fifteen foot ceiling is aided by the dark wood floors contrasted with the light stone walls to give the room an airy feel. To both the left and right of the doors, on the outside wall, are small fireplaces sending light and warmth into the room. Straight ahead is an upward staircase leading to a hallway extending left and right. There are several chairs and couches placed around the fireplaces for guests’ comfort and leisure. To your right is a chest high (by medium standards) welcome desk. Currently there is a human female standing behind it ready to greet you. There are two more exits in the room. On either side of the staircase and five feet away from the opposing walls are two open doorways. Each doorway is labeled with a red wooded sign painted in with blue coloring. One reads TAVERN and the other reads DINING ROOM.
As you step into the foyer, you are greeted by a young human female. She has auburn shoulder-length hair, a light tan complexion, and sparkling green eyes. She greets you with a warm smile. “Good Afternoon. How may I help you?”
The creek and rumbling sound from the wagon wheels finally stop as the drivers rein in their teams in the trading center of Erian's Glen and Memnon pulls his horse to a stop and swings off the saddle. Walking to the front of the horse he strokes it's muzzle "I will miss you Voyager my friend, you were a fine travel companion on the road from Aidens Wall".
Memnon takes the reins and leads the horse to the one of the wagon masters. "Thank You for allowing me to ride Voyager on the journey here and I hope to see you on the road again sometime, may Fharlanghn continue to bless you on the road home."
After shaking hands with the wagon master Memnon collects his gear from one of the wagons and starts walking into town. Looking around he can see several of his travel companions wandering off to complete some of the personal business but Memnon remembered that several of them were staying at an in called Erian's Rest. 'Maybe I will try to get a room there also and since I am new here it would be nice to be around at least someone I know even if for only a couple days.'
Memnon walks through the city hoping to find a Worship Hall and leave thanks to Fharlanghn for the good fortune on the journey here but he set eyes on the inn everyone was talking about. Memnon walks up the steps and enters the foyer as one of his travel companions walks up to the counter before him. 'Lady Janus I think, well I guess she will be staying here also.' Memnon walks up behind her and patiently waits his turn.
When it is Memnon's turn, the young woman’s eyes widen, and for a moment, there is a certain gleam in them. Her smile broadens into something genuine and she attempts a surreptitious glance of your arms, torso, and chest then says, “Hi, I’m Aedre, . . . Er . . I mean,” she then attempts a more professional tone. “Ahem. Welcome to Erian’s Rest. How may I help you.” She smiles again looking almost dreamily into your piercing blue eyes.
As many travelers enter the worship hall on the right and many more seek rest and refreshment at Erian’s Rest, Aradove Dawntracker and Ethelwulf turn left and stroll down Hamia’s Passage. This is a 30 ft wide well cobbled road. After passing the huge building labeled DEALER’S BARGAIN, the roadside is guarded by evenly spaced Goldleaf Oaks. Their stout frames and reaching branches conspire to block out the cloudy sky. Squirrels chase each other up and down trees, through ankle deep grasses, and over and in between the small rock formations that incorporate the landscape, while birds fly about chirping and fighting for the fattest insects.
After Shepherd Veirax finds accommodations in Erian’s Rest and takes a short nap, he rises to journey through Erian’s Glen. He ventures east down Hamia’s Passage to the Worship Hall at the intersection with Freya’s Lane. This Worship Hall is much larger than the Worship Hall across from the inn. Having multiple levels and carrying a strong resemblance to the Great Temple, the main floor is very similar to the other Worship Hall while the outside of the other floors have a more residential feel. As you approach, the front double-doors beckon and you feel the need to thank the Dweller on the Horizon for the safe journey.
The Worship Hall’s inside is of similar form as others you have visited. There is a long hallway 20 ft wide stretching in the distance. Arches line each side forming doorways. Above each arch is the symbol of a deity.
The Worship Hall’s inside is of similar form as others you have visited. There is a long hallway 20 ft wide stretching in the distance. Arches line each side forming doorways. Above each arch is the symbol of a deity.
For the DM:
"Pelor, mighty Sun Father..." Veirax's graceful steps falter as the young cleric catches sight of a middle-aged, balding man who is sobbing within Pelor's shrine. He hesitates, not knowing whether he should say anything. He looks over his shoulder, to the left and right, and sees no one else in the Worship Hall. At last, he gathers the courage to enter the shrine, stopping a few paces behind the sobbing man. In a gentle voice, Veirax asks: "Sir? Forgive me for troubling you... but is there anything an Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker might do to soothe the worries of one of Erian's children? Or shall I fetch a priest of the Sun Father for you?..."
Aradove Listen check: 9 + 9 = 18; Spot check: 4 + 9 = 13.
Ethelwulf Listen check: 3 + 3 = 6; Spot check: 13 + 3 = 16
Aradove and Ethelwulf walk down Hamia’s Passage towards the worship hall located at the intersection of Hamia’s Passage and Freya’ss Lane. “The size and sheer beauty of these trees still amazes me”, Aradove says to Ethelwulf as she smiles watching the squirrels play a game of tag up and down the massive trees. Aradove makes a mental note to try to not make herself noticed when she passes the Dealer’s Bargain, for she is not sure what has been said about her father, her mother or Kerian and what repercussions it may have on her now that she is out on her own. As they get closer to the worship hall Aradove is intrigued by the size of the hall and feels a need to enter through the Goldleaf Oak front double-doors. Aradove tells Ethelwulf to stay and let her know if there is anything she should be concerned about outside while she is in the worship hall.
As Aradove enters the hall on the main floor she sees that above each archway is a deity. Aradove finds her deity; Ehlonna, the goddess of the woodlands, and feels a sudden calm come over her. A noise behind her brings her back to the moment. She turns and sees a the half-elf Shepherd Veirax, whom she had noticed and heard of during her trip to Erian’s Glen.
Lady Janas settles into her room, putting her things away, and laying out a fresh set of clothes for tonight. As she is looking into the full mirror on the wall, combing her hair and straightening her dress, a folded piece of parchment slides under the door and into the room.
“Ahem. Welcome to Erian’s Rest. How may I help you.” She smiles again looking almost dreamily into your piercing blue eyes.
Memnon smiles back at the flustered dreamy eyed girl "Yes I would like a room with a window please. And I was also wondering when they serve dinner here." Memnon pulls out his purse as he looks looks back at the girl.
Also, Aradove, although you did not see anyone following you along Hamia's Passage, you feel you may have heard something, and you had a sense that you may have been followed.
The young shepherd of the Far Walker ducked into one of the archways, just as Aradove entered the Worship Halls. He apparently did not notice her. A few heartbeats later, pain-wracked sobs ring out from the archway in which the shepherd disappeared.
For the DM:
Erian rides through the Northgate of his namesake city with a look of obvious joy on his face. Ah father, I do so miss the days of traveling with you. I still recall our last visit here, you tipped your hat to old Danaus as we passed... This thought coming to him just as the young man himself passed the statue, Erian looks to his left and, wearing no hat, instead bows his head at the icon of the community.
Erian watches as the others from the caravan pour into the city--most head for the inns and taverns, while a few faithful first seek out a Worship Hall. As always, however, he is more interested in seeing the place, what had changed and what was the same, before letting the rhythm of the journey fade away. "Come Sherwyn, I will show you this place as my father did me." The chestnut Solanic horse bearing Erian looks back at his rider, then turns down the West Road at the subtle pressure from Erian's legs. The pair head down the thoroughfare in a trot, Erian jotting down notes on a patch of paper as he rides.
Ride check to guide with knees is auto-success (minimum roll of 6 against DC 5)
Initiative (1d20+2=16)
Listen (1d20+8=21)
Spot (1d20+8=9)
Craft (cartography) (1d20+8=15)
Erian has also been working to teach Sherwyn more then just Riding (which covers come, heel, and stay). He's working on fetch, work, and perform, in that order. Not sure how long the trip has been, but each is a DC 15 and requires a week of training. The first three weeks training on fetch fail...Erian's not such a great teacher so far!
Handle Animal (training fetch, work, perform) (1d20+3=9, 1d20+3=12, 1d20+3=6)
Lady Janas dresses in a dark satin tunic and black short skirt with tassles. She does this quickly. She takes her purse (of spell components) and descends to the common room.
Quickly the Lady decides to move on to more salubrious surroundings. The Oakleaf Inn beckons, a home for the more discerning clientele.
Leaving by a side door, she quietly moves through the town and into the Inn. It has only taken half an hour in all.
Buying a small wine, Lady Janas takes a seat between the central log fire and the back kitchen door. Methodically Janas begins to play an old childhood game of guess the person. A game her nanny taught her. One by one she assesses each individual in the bar and at the tables, trying to gauge their wealth, and reason for being in the bar. Then she continues doing this on everyone that enters the Inn.
Also she tries to listen in on any nearby conversations to get a feel for the doings of the well-to-do of the Glen.
Just noticed this post.
Lady Janas books into a simple room (5sp) and will spend about four hours investigating. She starts with the alchemists and then Market Square. All she does is try to engage the locals in conversation as a newcomer and ask if they know of anyone who may be employing mages. Hopefully this will naturally lead on to discussing the various magicians and sorcerers that they know of in the area.
The Worship Halls can wait - after all Janas is not a religious individual .
Memnon smiles back at the flustered dreamy eyed girl "Yes I would like a room with a window please. And I was also wondering when they serve dinner here." Memnon pulls out his purse as he looks looks back at the girl.
Aedre shakes her head slightly as her eyes refocus. She smiles again, then says, "I would be happy to provide a room with a window. Our dining area opens at 4pm and our tavern is open now." She gets very excited for a moment and says, "And Galen the Bard is entertaining tonight. He is really great, I hear." She then opens a book in front of her and uses her index finger to guide her hand down the page. Here we are, Room 407. She writes something in the book, then closes it. She then reaches under the counter, produces a key, and hands it to Memnon.
"The room is up the main steps, make a right and go to the end of the hallway. Then enter the stairwell and go to the 4th floor. Then, just follow the signs." She glances at your arms and chest and gives an appreciative smile, "Would you need help carrying your things or can you manage by yourself?"
"Would you need help carrying your things or can you manage by yourself?"
Memnon flashes a big grin, "No I think I can handle it, Thanks." He reaches down and grabs his bag and heads towards the stairs.
Memnon quick gets settled in his room and stops for a minute to admire the view of the goldleaf trees swaying slowly in the wind. 'Well time to get a lay of the land' Mamnon thinks as he closes the door and locks it.
Memnon slowly walked down the street watching the merchants and travelers argue over prices and a group of small children trying to make a light paper box fly in the wind.
As he walked down a road bordered by the goldleaf trees he finally approaches one of the Worship Halls. As Memnon walks to the door he notices the one elf girls wolf sitting in the shadows watching him, Aradove was the girls name. Memnon smiles as he thinks about all the new people he met on the road here. 'Hopefully our roads will stay joined for a while longer.' he thinks as he push the doors open and steps inside.
Memnon hears voices further down the hall.
** spoiler omitted **
Aradove turns to see Shepherd talking to someone and decides to take a closer look. She arrives to see Shepherd and a knight who she thinks is named Memnon, talking to a man whom looks horribly in disarray. She hears this man, Ormod, speak of his daughter, Estra missing. Aradove looks at Ormod with compassion, as she knows what it feels like to lose someone whether it be to death or to other circumstances. "My name is Aradove Dawnwalker, I would like to help you if I may." "Whom is this boy that you speak of?" "What relations does Estra have with him?" Aradove looks at both Shepherd and Memnon to see what their expressions are and perhaps to get a sense of what they are feeling.
Aradove turns to see Shepherd talking to someone and decides to take a closer look. She arrives to see Shepherd and a knight who she thinks is named Memnon, talking to a man whom looks horribly in disarray. She hears this man, Ormod, speak of his daughter, Estra missing. Aradove looks at Ormod with compassion, as she knows what it feels like to lose someone whether it be to death or to other circumstances. "My name is Aradove Dawnwalker, I would like to help you if I may." "Whom is this boy that you speak of?" "What relations does Estra have with him?" Aradove looks at both Shepherd and Memnon to see what their expressions are and perhaps to get a sense of what they are feeling.
:
:
** spoiler omitted **
Aradove turns to see Shepherd talking to someone and decides to take a closer look. She arrives to see Shepherd speaking with a man whom looks horribly in disarray. She hears this man, Ormod, speak of his daughter, Estra missing. Aradove looks at Ormod with compassion, as she knows what it feels like to lose someone whether it be to death or to other circumstances. "My name is Aradove Dawnwalker, I would like to help you if I may." "Whom is this boy that you speak of?" "What relations does Estra have with him?" Aradove then hears footsteps coming from the front doors of the hall and looks to is a knight whom she recognizes from the trip into Erian's Glen and think his name is Memnon. Aradove then looks at both Shepherd and Memnon to see what their expressions are and perhaps to get a sense of what they are feeling.
During the three and a half week caravan journey, Erian continued in his efforts to train Sherwyn. Without much down-time for the Solanic to get the needed rest during stops, there was little time for training. The training that did occur was a lost effort, for now.
As the caravan breaks apart upon entering Erian’s Glen, the ranger takes the fine chestnut Solanic on a trot through the spread out town. While on this ride, through bouncing and weaving around road travelers, Erian is able to draw a working map of the area, if not one of great value. Galloping down the West Road then back again to the end of the GoldLeaf forest, then paralleling the trip through the GoldLeaf Forest, past the Druids’ Circle, and following the line of luxurious merchant backyard landscapes, he starts approaching a north/south road cutting through the forest that the ranger remembers as GoldLeaf Walk.
As Erian nears, he notices a vegetable cart on the side of the road. A human male, quite fit but wracked with age, is attempting to get his cart back on the north road, but the wheels appear to be stuck in mud. Unfortunately, the elderly man’s efforts are allowing the wheels to adhere to the muddy ground to a greater degree with each pull.
In the Worship Hall,
A gnome that is wearing grey studded leather and other traveling gear steps up, where he came from was rather unnoticed, but some may remember him from the caravan and that the service he performed was checking locks and boxes to ensure they were not being tampered with, "ah, a baker with a mystery; I have always had a fondness for bakers and their craft, but boys and girls will be as all blooded creatures are, but perhaps it was a scheme of dark sundry creatures, like goblins, that lured her away. I ask you revered baker, show us your shop and her lodgings that perhaps hold a clue to this mystery and surely this boy is not just any boy if he lodges in this city he too must have friends, family and other concerns of earthly nature. Did you come here seeking an oracle about her fate perhaps or just consolance? Surely some action is better than sitting on a bench in misery, for all we know the gods have sent you us, hehe. My time is worth a loaf of bread or so, what say you?
<gm; let me know if you want a diplomacy or some other skill roll, some may perhaps notice that the gnome barely glances at the old, balding man as he, while talking, examines tapestries, how the chairs and benches are constructed, people in the room; the ceiling, the floor apparently just interested and not looking for anything in particular...
In the Worship Hall,
A gnome that is wearing grey studded leather and other traveling gear steps up, where he came from was rather unnoticed, but some may remember him from the caravan and that the service he performed was checking locks and boxes to ensure they were not being tampered with, "ah, a baker with a mystery; I have always had a fondness for bakers and their craft, but boys and girls will be as all blooded creatures are, but perhaps it was a scheme of dark sundry creatures, like goblins, that lured her away. I ask you revered baker, show us your shop and her lodgings that perhaps hold a clue to this mystery and surely this boy is not just any boy if he lodges in this city he too must have friends, family and other concerns of earthly nature. Did you come here seeking an oracle about her fate perhaps or just consolance? Surely some action is better than sitting on a bench in misery, for all we know the gods have sent you us, hehe. My time is worth a loaf of bread or so, what say you?
At the gnome's entrance, the youthful, delicate-framed shepherd raises an eyebrow in astonishment, which has the effect of stretching one end of the thin V-shaped scar that originates between his eyes. Under his breath, he mutters: "By Fharlanghn's walking shoes... does the path of every last member of that caravan lead here???" Then, addressing the latest arrival: "Friend, does every good deed require a reward? Did this man call upon thine aid? I think a little bit of tact and sensitivity would be in order here. But perhaps you could start by giving us your name?"
Shepherd Veirax then looks at the small crowd that has now gathered in Pelor's shrine, and then back at the baker, clearly at a loss for words. "Sir, forgive me, I know not what to say..."
ah; economy was not invented by me; are all goods and services free? Truly I would help regardless just to discover the mystery as I wonder if there is any foul deed here or not; we have not the knowledge of what goes before or what deeds any party involved has done in the past; perhaps this is a lure for those as you at the cost of nothing for at least I would think a loaf of bread or so is little cost to relieve such a troubled brow. I would help gladly, generousity one sided is like a kiss one sided - not as good a thing as could be; what say you revered baker?
Dinpel; still looks around; his face full of wonder.
As Lady Janas sits in the dimly lit but finely furnished OakLeaf Inn, she sips her wine and pays close attention to her surroundings. This time of day there are few patrons in the Inn’s restaurant, but certain clients have peaked her interest.
There is a table of four well-dressed Gnome females in a very excited conversation.
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There is a table of six explorers.
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There is a table of two dwarfs dressed in fine clothing.
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There is also a table of two customers. On customer is a shifter with long, straight black hair wearing sturdy leathers. Another is dressed in plain, non-descript, simple clothing.
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If you unroll the parchment:
lady janas,
i hope this letter reaches you. Please be diligent and efficient. my resources are completely and Utterly involved in this project. you would Think them to extend farther, but they do Not. i Am grateful for your assistance, and contact My clerk if you believe more aid is Required. i Am confident that you will complete this task and report back.
thank you
ND
Lady Janas understands that the actual contents of the letter are meaningless, but there is a code in the letter to be deciphered.
Clue:
Answer:
The baker first looks at Aradove. He seems to calm from the sound of her delicate elven voice. Shepherd’s words also seem to relax him. When the Gnome arrives, the baker tilts his head in confusion at first. “If I give you bread you will help me? Help my daughter?”
He shakes his head to alleviate the confusion then says, “I only know the boy works at the mill. My Estra goes there every day to watch him work and fawn all over him. I told her that this is not how a young lady acts. Girls these days!”
Then thinking how he just scolded his daughter, he starts blubbering again. “I just want her back. I just want her back. Will you brave people find the boy for me and get my daughter back?” He then looks directly at the Gnome. “I promise, you can have all of the bread that you want. The boy, he works at he mill. He is probably there now.” He uses his arm and index finger to point south toward the direction of the mill. “I only know his first name. It is Earm. She talks about him all the time. I just wished I listened. Please save her.” He puts his hands together, as if praying, and shakes them toward you, his moist face showing complete helplessness.
The baker first looks at Aradove. He seems to calm from the sound of her delicate elven voice. Shepherd’s words also seem to relax him. When the Gnome arrives, the baker tilts his head in confusion at first. “If I give you bread you will help me? Help my daughter?”
He shakes his head to alleviate the confusion then says, “I only know the boy works at the mill. My Estra goes there every day to watch him work and fawn all over him. I told her that this is not how a young lady acts. Girls these days!”
Then thinking how he just scolded his daughter, he starts blubbering again. “I just want her back. I just want her back. Will you brave people find the boy for me and get my daughter back?” He then looks directly at the Gnome. “I promise, you can have all of the bread that you want. The boy, he works at he mill. He is probably there now.” He uses his arm and index finger to point south toward the direction of the mill. “I only know his first name. It is Earm. She talks about him all the time. I just wished I listened. Please save her.” He puts his hands together, as if praying, and shakes them toward you, his moist face showing complete helplessness.
Shepherd Veirax seems surprised by the gnome's quick-witted response. "I must concede that you may have a point there, my diminutive friend."
Then, in reply to Ormod :"Come, on your feet my brave man, we shall help in whatever way we can. But first, I must ask... have you ever gone to the mill yourself to speak to this lad? What makes you think he is a danger to her? And forgive our ignorance, for we are new in town, but where is this mill? Would you be inclined, good sir, to make the journey with us? A father had better play an active role in finding his lost daughter and speaking openly with her and the lad she so loves, methinks, than to pray tearfully on a temple floor for the gods to bring her home... What think ye?"
Hmm interesting; shall we head yonder to this mill and see what can be found?
<gm>
.... Methodically Janas begins to play an old childhood game of guess the person. A game her nanny taught her. One by one she assesses each individual in the bar and at the tables, trying to gauge their wealth, and reason for being in the bar. Then she continues doing this on everyone that enters the Inn.
Across the Oakleaf Inn, a half-elven waiter moves from table to table making sure that no one wants for anything. Gaining his attention, a young fair-haired woman in glittering robes points towards the centre of the room. For the briefest moment, Janas thought "I am being pointed at."
By the candlelight it is difficult to tell.
Then the waiter starts moving purposefully passed the clientele, he seems to glide almost unnoticed until he stops five foot from Lady Janas with the logfire between them.
The man bends forwards and gently whispers over the logs.
Lady Janas hears the murmured words of artful magic and then the log begins to summon music into the chamber. Music that doesn't intrude upon conversation, but gently wafts around every table and floats up into the dark canopy of trees.
The waiter straightens, and tilts his head back at the glittering elven maiden who smiles and nods. Then she resumes her meal.
Lady Janas lets the music fill her for a moment and relaxes. Then returns to guessing the motives of the Innfolk. After all she wanted to be first to the meeting to give her a chance to prepare the ground. The kitchen exit is fifteen feet away and she could be out in the open and away. The shadowy candlelit room will give her a chance to use her spells if necessary or escape if otherwise.
Then, in reply to Ormod :"Come, on your feet my brave man, we shall help in whatever way we can. But first, I must ask... have you ever gone to the mill yourself to speak to this lad? What makes you think he is a danger to her? And forgive our ignorance, for we are new in town, but where is this mill? Would you be inclined, good sir, to make the journey with us? A father had better play an active role in finding his lost daughter and speaking openly with her and the lad she so loves, methinks, than to pray tearfully on a temple floor for the gods to bring her home... What think ye?"
As if in recognition of his own thickness he stops talking, but then a grin of cleverness passes his face and his eyes get bright. "My first thought was to seek help from the clergy. They told me to pray. I prayed and now you came. Thank Kagen Ru. You Came! Yes, I will show you where the mill is." Then his voice rises in a spark of hope, "Maybe he is even keeping her there."
spot: 13+2= 15
Sense motive: 6+0= 6
initiative: 12+2= 14
move closer to the elf; whisper in elven; "know you this Kagen Ru?"
move closer to the elf; whisper in elven; "know you this Kagen Ru?"
Aradove looks around at this strange jumble of different races and thinks to herself, "Well, this should be interesting". Aradove then looks towards Ormond and says "I hope you don't mind having so many new faces seeming so eager to help you?" Aradove moves closer to the gnome as he speaks to her in her native tongue and responds "No I am not sure who he is speaking of, do you?, Perhaps one of the other knows who this is." Shall we go.
move closer to the elf; whisper in elven; "know you this Kagen Ru?"Aradove looks around at this strange jumble of different races and thinks to herself, "Well, this should be interesting". Aradove then looks towards Ormond and says "I hope you don't mind having so many new faces seeming so eager to help you?" Aradove moves closer to the gnome as he speaks to her in her native tongue and responds "No I am not sure who he is speaking of, do you?, Perhaps one of the other knows who this is." Shall we go.
Overhearing Aradove and the gnome's whispered conversation in elvish, the shepherd addresses in the same tongue their uncertainty concerning Kagen Ru.
"Are you serious??! How can you not know who Kagen Ru is? He MERELY was responsible for providing the religious and social foundations upon which Rutania was built, and for opening the doorways to the gods. He is the most important person in the entire history of our land!!! This Hall of Worship we stand in, and every other, exists because of him... the Holy City of Cein arose because of him!"
Memnon walks up to one of his brothers in faith and druid elf as they are talking to a distressed man telling them about his missing daughter. Suddenly a gnome appears almost out of no where and starts questioning the poor man about where his daughter, Memnon recognizes him from the same caravan that he came in on but during the whole trip he never had a chance to talk to him much.
As the baker tells everyone where they could find his daughter and the boy she is infatuated with Memnon adds "Don't worry good sir we will find your daughter and return her safely." Memnon looks at the rest of the group and asks "Is everyone here settled in or do you need to drop off your gear somewhere?"
As the baker tells everyone where they could find his daughter and the boy she is infatuated with Memnon adds "Don't worry good sir we will find your daughter and return her safely." Memnon looks at the rest of the group and asks "Is everyone here settled in or do you need to drop off your gear somewhere?"
"Depending on how far we need to travel, and whether we anticipate any risks on the way there or while dealing with the young man, then I may need to go back to Erian's Rest to pick up my armour... I thought I could finally spend a few days without feeling its weight upon my shoulders! How far go we, sir Orvold? Do you think that we will be able to resolve the situation peacefully?"
Memnon looks at the rest of the group and asks "Is everyone here settled in or do you need to drop off your gear somewhere?"
Aradove looks towards Memnon and answers, "I do not need to drop off my gear, I have everything with me and I will be fine." "Do you need to drop or pickup anything?" She then looks towards the Gnome waiting for his response to Memnon's question.
I am ready and willing; as you can see, I carry all I own with me as things have a tendancy to wander, curious that. As for settling, well, I agree; lets get this matter settled. As for armor, I hardly think you need it to check out a mill *chortles* but then I am wearing mine as are some others so who can know such things.
**mumbles** sheesh you forget one guys name...sounds like me old history teacher.
As Erian nears, he notices a vegetable cart on the side of the road. A human male, quite fit but wracked with age, is attempting to get his cart back on the north road, but the wheels appear to be stuck in mud. Unfortunately, the elderly man’s efforts are allowing the wheels to adhere to the muddy ground to a greater degree with each pull.
Seeing the fellow in need, Erian jumps down from his saddle. "Hey there. Need a hand with that cart? I'm sure between Sherwyn and I, we can get that thing back on track." Erian pats his horse on mentioning Sherwyn, then starts digging through his saddlebags. Pulling out a length of rope and a grappling hook, he states, "Here, these should help as well."
spot: 13+2= 15
Sense motive: 6+0= 6
initiative: 12+2= 14move closer to the elf; whisper in elven; "know you this Kagen Ru?"
FYI: Kagen Ru is the most important figure in all of Rutania. Double check the very beginning of the discussion thread to get a history of the setting and an understanding how important Kagen Ru is.
**mumbles** sheesh you forget one guys name...sounds like me old history teacher.
Aradove looks over the gnome and gives him a curious look, "I am Adadove Dawntracker, may I have the pleasure of knowing what your name is?" "Now that I think about your earlier question I have heard of this Kagen Ru he is very important to this country and is held in the highest regard".
I am ready and willing; as you can see, I carry all I own with me as things have a tendancy to wander, curious that. As for settling, well, I agree; lets get this matter settled. As for armor, I hardly think you need it to check out a mill *chortles* but then I am wearing mine as are some others so who can know such things.
**mumbles** sheesh you forget one guys name...sounds like me old history teacher.
"My apologies, I absent-mindedly called you Orvold, sir Ormod... I meant no disrespect," he tells the baker. Then, facing his companions again: "My name is Veirax Keltan, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker. I am well acquainted with Sir Memnon, but have not had the pleasure of exchanging formal introcutions with Miss Dawntracker, and Sir...??? What was your name?" he asks the gnome.
"I won't worry about picking up my armour, if it's out of the way. I feel well protected in the company I'm in, and trust the Dweller on the Horizon to keep me safe... but who knows when misfortune will strike... fate works in mysterious ways, as does the Dweller on the Horizon..."
"Depending on how far we need to travel, and whether we anticipate any risks on the way there or while dealing with the young man, then I may need to go back to Erian's Rest to pick up my armour... I thought I could finally spend a few days without feeling its weight upon my shoulders! How far go we, sir Orvold? Do you think that we will be able to resolve the situation peacefully?"
Ormod Lucan looks over the foursome that his distress has attracted. "The mill is straight down Freya's Lane on the other side of The Glen. It is about a mile and a half that way." He points again to the south. "Danger. Oh my, when that boy see all of you, if he had a tail, it would be between his legs." Then he mumble something barily audible, "Should cut off something that is between his legs." Then he looks around at you with a bit of urgency. "Shall I take you there?"