Lady Janas goes to the bar, not far from the conversation she overheard. Her first port of call is the barman. She offers him a drink and a chat when he gets a chance. She will bring up the subject of the goblins and the problems they are causing Erian's Glen.
However one eye is on the militia men. Lady Janas is confident that the talkative man was a soldier and will seek to confirm this further. Does he sit ramrod straight in his chair? Are his words and gestures direct and to the point like orders? His clothes are they neat and clean, like a uniform?
The bartender is a half-elf named Hallvard. His looks favor his elven heritage and he takes to you right away. He offers you the wine of your choice then starts in on conversation. “Golins. Waste of breathable air. Our trees should not produce for them. Erian’s Glen is right at the north end of their territory. The walls keep them out, but every once in a while the watch sees them at night. When too many of them get to close they sound the alarms. One by one the alarms echo throughout to the whole of the Glen. Wakes everyone up. Well, except beautiful elves like you who require no sleep.” He says with a soft smile. “Also, and I do not know if this is goblin related, but something is wrong with the fields outside the walls. Here let me demonstrate.” He pours a mug of ale and hands it to you. “Now, I know this is not your drink of choice, but taste it.” He waits until you take a sip. “Really bad, right? The fields are not producing. We are getting enough rain, but the lands dry up as if there is a sponge underneath. Many believe it is the goblins. I hear that GoldLeaf is looking into it.”
From his posture, clothes, rough hands, and the verbiage of his wording, you believe he is or was a lumberjack. He is definitely involved with the lumber industry. You believe that the man barely listening to him is an officer in the city watch. He just keeps repeating himself on how important extra men on the east wall is.
"Hi, I would like a mug of ale please. That will be it for now. Thank you" Ava says with a smile. Ava watches the two humans and dwarf while waiting for her ale.
"Hi, I would like a mug of ale please. That will be it for now. Thank you" Ava says with a smile. Ava watches the two humans and dwarf while waiting for her ale.
The young dwarf smiles and bows, then turns and walks behind the bar. You see him take a mug, fill it, then walk it over to you. "Just wave me down if ya need me. I will check with ya in a little bit." He then walks away. On your first sip, you notice how weak the ale is. It almost tastes like nutty water.
As you sit there watching the other patrons, eventually one of the humans at the card playing table slams his cards face down and stands. This brings laughter from the other players. He momentarily gives them a scowl, but then looking up, he notices you. He starts walking your way. When he reaches you he asks with a sly smile, "May I join you?" Before you can answer he turns the chair backwards and sits down. "Your pretty. What's your name?" The smile that he gives you is lacking teeth.
“Oh my.” Ormod looks at the gnome in bewilderment. “That shouldn’t be necessary.” Referring to the loaded crossbow. “Those men down there are just the mill workers. Earm should be there. There should not be violence,” he spouts off rapidly. He then puts on a scared smile, “Uh, maybe I should just do this myself. I am here now with enough sense to talk to the lad. I just hope he knows where my daughter is.” He says this in a high pitch and starts fast-walking toward the mill.
Aradove watches and takes in all that is being said. "I agree that there is some caution to take as we are not locals and I am not sure how it will be perceived when we all go waltzing in like we are taking over the place. I think that Memnon is right and maybe Shepherd should go inside with Ormod while the rest of us take a look around and perhaps talk to a few people to see if they know anything. Ethelwulf and I would be more than happy to take a look around the back of the mill down by the river. Would you care to join me Dinpel?"
Dinpel pauses and hangs back a bit; unsure of what to do, finally sighs and takes his bolt out of his xbow and puts it back in his quarrel case, but straps the cocked bow to his backpack and loosens his mace wondering if this is going to be the end of his tale.
Ava looks at the man and smiles "My name is Ava. May I help you?". "Do you normally walk up and introduce you self to strange women?" Ava sits there waiting his respose wondering what he'll come up with next. She also wonders if he'll have any useful information or will he just waste her time.
Erian shrugs his shoulders, then hops down from Sherwyn. "I'll see what folks are up to over at the silos. I'd like to get a closer look, anyway, so that I could put a bit more detail into my maps..." He begins walks toward the grain storage, guiding his horse by a lead tied to his bridle.
Aradove watches and takes in all that is being said. "I agree that there is some caution to take as we are not locals and I am not sure how it will be perceived when we all go waltzing in like we are taking over the place. I think that Memnon is right and maybe Shepherd should go inside with Ormod while the rest of us take a look around and perhaps talk to a few people to see if they know anything. Ethelwulf and I would be more than happy to take a look around the back of the mill down by the river. Would you care to join me Dinpel?"
"I trust Erian, Memnon and Aradove's judgement. Ormod, you have my word that none in this party will initiate violence. I would be happy to accompany you into the mill to find and speak with Earm and Estra, if such is your wish..."
Ava looks at the man and smiles "My name is Ava. May I help you?". "Do you normally walk up and introduce you self to strange women?" Ava sits there waiting his respose wondering what he'll come up with next. She also wonders if he'll have any useful information or will he just waste her time.
"If the woman is as pretty as you . . . and well depending on how many mugs of ale I got in me, I talk to women a lot. So Ava, what's a pretty girl like you doin' in a place like this." He gives you another semi-toothless smile.
So you dont trust my judgement Shepard? Goblins are fearful nasty things and they find allies in even the most unlikely of places. Am bit surprized at you seeing how the church is fighting actively against their kind, very curious, but no mind, I am true and faithful have no doubt.
Erian chuckles at the cautious gnome, "I don't think any of us are suggesting that goblins aren't dangerous--this scar across my nose is from a goblin spear. But Erian's Glen is a well-established, secure community. I don't think goblins could sneak into the heart of the city, infiltrating one of the most important sites of commerce and community support, without folks knowing...I mean, the guard barracks are right across the way there..." Erian points away from the mill, just across a large expanse of field and trees, to a large building.
As everyone starts walking away Memnon looks to find himself alone and he starts after Shephard and Ormod "Ormod since I am the only one that is not checking out our surroundings could I also accompany you and Shephard. I am good with people so I might be of assistance." Memnon looks at the baker with a big smile "Better that waiting out here."
"I'm just exploring the city" Ava responds in a calm voice. Ava looks at the man and with a peacful voice says "Now if you will please leave so I may finish my ale and see the rest of the city".
<for the gm>
well, nobody vetoed my looking around or anything like that; how high is the grass; as Erin says this is in the middle of a community; I thought it was more rural and outside of town; if we are still in town, I will just follow the knight and just hang back keeping an eye out and coverty looking around; wont be on till much later so here are a few spot rolls if needed: 19+2=21 3+2= 5 lol, 9+2=11. If we are rural and there are not really any people around or there is no line at the mill as one would expect getting stuff ground and it is more wildernessy :) then I will do some sneaking around at this distance and circle the place looking for anyone else that might be looking at the party or obvious tracks; maybe I cannot read them very well, but might be able to find them with search; up to you. Search rolls 15+3= 18; 13+3=16 20+3 natural =23; hide rolls 13+4 = 17 (remember I am small too) 7+4=11 16+6=22; move silent 14+ 4=18 13+4=17 9+4 = 13; will only circle and search about if it looks like I could hide out there and somebody else might; am also thinking that it might be good to have someone outside who knows where everybody went in case things go sour; either way is good; so if the knight wants me to follow when I am going off then I will just follow him and keep an eye out - just trying to help.
So I have this straight. Aradove and Dinpel are going to the south side of the mill to look around.
Aradove stays back as she watches Shepherd, Ormod and Memnon go towards the mill. She looks around to find Dinpel behind her as well. "Well I guess that would be our cue to go around the back of the mill. I hope that Ethelwulf's presence does not bother you. I have faith that you will be faithful. I will help you if we run into trouble, you have my word." Aradove starts towards the southeast side of the mill noticing several workers looking strangely at her and Ethelwulf. "Perhaps you would like to lead the way Dinpel?"
For Dinpel:
Dinpel gives Aradove a smile; this way he whispers and slinks off into the grass to circle the mill; after a few feet he reloads his xbow just in case any goblins are about. Moving carefully and keeping his eyes out for things and pausing now and again to listen and watch the mill as well as give Aradove and her compainion a chance to look about too; they circle and head to the rear of the mill area by the river.
As Erian guides Sherwyn into the foot trodden grass and dirt towards the silos, several workers stop and give a brief glance. They quickly return to their work without actively responding to your arrival. Sherwyn guides Erian around both empty and semi-full carts. Some have newly harvested crops being taken into the mill, while some have bags being loaded onto them possibly for exporting.
DC +10
DC +15
DC +20
DC +24
DC +18
DC +22
DC +24
Seeing that the workers seem focused on the most southerly granaries, Erian walks Sherwyn in that direction, "Hello, My names Erian. Just arrived with e northern caravan earlier today and wanted to check out the mill to see what's changed since I was last here."
Spot Check (1d20+8=11)
Listen Check (1d20+8=14)
Dinpel, Aradove, and Ethelwulf make their way to the south side of the mill. Workers are everywhere unloading, loading, cutting, and carrying lumber. They glance at you, but quickly return to their work. Aradove is surprised that no one is really startled by her wolf companion. She reasons that it could be the population of druids in the area. South of the mill there are many carts filled with uncut trees. The ground is of foot trodden grass and dirt. In the distance, you can hear the turning of the water wheel and the flow of the river channel.
DC +18
DC +20
DC +22
DC +24
DC +18
Ormod looks at Memnon and Shepherd, “Thanks for not leaving me.” He then heads toward the open double doors on the north side of the mill. Several workers pass you by while giving you only passing interest.
When you reach the doors and look inside you see a huge mechanism of turning gears on the left hand side. These gears are connected to a big metal container that workers are dropping newly harvested crops into. You hear the sound of wood on wood as the gears turn. This room is only half of the entire room. You notice a wall with a door in its center leading into the rest of the mill. A man is standing in the center of this room apparently supervising the operation. As you enter, he looks over with a confused look and asks, “Is there something you need?”
"I'm just exploring the city" Ava responds in a calm voice. Ava looks at the man and with a peacful voice says "Now if you will please leave so I may finish my ale and see the rest of the city".
"Ah, so ya wan' ta' see Erian's Glen, do ya? Well I'm your man. The name's Snell, and I know every nook and cranny. How 'bout I show ya around. I even have me own place. I could show ya that too. What dya say?"
Seeing that the workers seem focused on the most southerly granaries, Erian walks Sherwyn in that direction, "Hello, My names Erian. Just arrived with e northern caravan earlier today and wanted to check out the mill to see what's changed since I was last here."
A worker carrying a bag on his shoulder stops for a moment and looks up at Erian, "Feel free to have a look around. Not much to see that I know of. I'm here every day. I'm sick of looking at the place. These things can get heavy though, so I just ask that ya keep the path clear for us, ok." With a grunt and a breath he continues his journey to a cart he his helping to load.
19+9=28 yea for me
Survival check: 10+6=6 crap
Dinpel, Aradove, and Ethelwulf make their way to the south side of the mill. Workers are everywhere unloading, loading, cutting, and carrying lumber. They glance at you, but quickly return to their work. Aradove is surprised that no one is really startled by her wolf companion. She reasons that it could be the population of druids in the area. South of the mill there are many carts filled with uncut trees. The ground is of foot trodden grass and dirt. In the distance, you can hear the turning of the water wheel and the flow of the river channel.
As they start walking there seems to be patch of grass that is laying down. Upon closer look Aradove sees a trail of blood in the dirt mixed with strands of hair. She turns to Dinpel, "Take a closer look at this, I think that this may have something to do with Estra's disappearance." Aradove looks towards Ethelwulf. "Can you pick up a trail?" Ethelwulf tries to pick up the scent but is unable too. Aradove then turns back to Dinpel. "Do you think we should alert Erian, the ranger. Maybe he will be able to track just were the blood trail goes to or where it originated from."
"Snell is it? LOok I said leave me be? If ya don't I will make you regret you even talked to me." Ava says in a stern voice.
Looks grim; hmm; let me see an any burrowing animals are about; perhaps they saw something and can tell me; perhaps there might be some items like jewelry or bit of cloth here abouts; lets make a quick search; if you see a burrowing animal like a mouse let me know; might be hiding due to your wolf though; he seems to be acting parculiar; any idea how old this blood is; is it red and sticky or dry and crumbly; hmm, I am not a tracker or a physician nor enough of a mage to make the drop tell us who lost it or what race it was. <Dinpel searches the flat area and about 3 ft out from it for more clues or some rodent: search roll: woot 19+3=22 spot 16 +2=18 and puts his ear to the ground and listens: <in case there is a goblin tunnel :) listen: 12+6=18 heeh or an animal; you never know :) >
while searching:
yes, we should tell them, but not just yet as they might yet uncover something in there; this looks grim; wouldnt want anything inconvienient like a campfire get started here or anything; if you can ascertain where the trail leads perhaps we could see a likely hideout from here; if they dont find the girl then we should all follow this trail perhaps and if that fails; I can come back tonight and covertly check around if needed; we dont as yet know if this was caused by a person or a beast; does your four legged friend perhaps smell some perfume or anything to tell us race or sex; perhaps if I find a mouse, it can tell us.
This room is only half of the entire room. You notice a wall with a door in its center leading into the rest of the mill. A man is standing in the center of this room apparently supervising the operation. As you enter, he looks over with a confused look and asks, “Is there something you need?”
"Greetings. My name is Veirax Kelten, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker," says the cleric as he raises an open palm while resting against his staff. "With me are Memnon Varial, Knight of Rutania, and our friend, Ormod the Baker, who has come in search of his daughter Estra. She reportedly frequents the mill and has been in the company of one of your workers, a lad by the name of Earm. Would Estra or Earm be on the premises at this time, and if yes, would it be possible for Ormod to have a word with them, kind sir?"
19+9=28 yea for me
Survival check: 10+6=16 crap
Utak please read
Dinpel: waiting on some info before I can post
"Hallvard, that's great. Please could you tell me something of the people of Erian's Glen, the leaders and the like? For instance, that noisy lumberjack and the calm militiaman he is discussing the goblin situation with, what's their story?" asks the Lady, as she slowly twists her wineglass.
"You see I'd like to find work, preferably using my minor magical talents, and perferably with someone wealthy. My guess is all the money is tied up in the mines and wood folk. One rich miner may benefit from having elven magic to call on."
Lady Janas listens and watches the half-elf barman then she continues,"It may be that you know of someone with their finger on the pulse of the town." She gently reaches out and touches his wrist.
"Someone who can help me, as a friend I would appreciate that," the elven mage finishes, stroking his inner arm once lightly, "I would appreciate that very much."
"Snell is it? LOok I said leave me be? If ya don't I will make you regret you even talked to me." Ava says in a stern voice.
Snell sees Ava‘s eyes glow silver for a moment, instantly erasing his smile. Not expecting the sudden outburst, Snell flinches backward and unceremoniously drops off the chair and onto the floor. Shaking his head, dazed for a moment, he looks back in confusion. Snell starts to crabwalk a few paces not releasing his bewildered gaze from the mysterious woman. He bumps into an empty table behind him, knocking him back into the realization that he is still on the floor. Using a chair to clutch onto and boost himself to a standing position, he clumsily moves back to the card table. He takes his old seat , and not so casually, glances back a few times in fear of the uninterested woman.
Dinpel starts searching the ground itself. Although he does not find goblin tunnels, about 40 ft away he does see a groundhog munching on some grass.
"Greetings. My name is Veirax Kelten, Errant Shepherd of the Far Walker," says the cleric as he raises an open palm while resting against his staff. "With me are Memnon Varial, Knight of Rutania, and our friend, Ormod the Baker, who has come in search of his daughter Estra. She reportedly frequents the mill and has been in the company of one of your workers, a lad by the name of Earm. Would Estra or Earm be on the premises at this time, and if yes, would it be possible for Ormod to have a word with them, kind sir?"
The man looks at the three of you. He seems to recognize Ormod’s name, if not his face. “You three shouldn’t be in here getting in the way of my men. Don’t know this Estra, but Earm is working in the lumber side. Go out and use the south doors. Now I need you to leave.”
"Hallvard, that's great. Please could you tell me something of the people of Erian's Glen, the leaders and the like? For instance, that noisy lumberjack and the calm militiaman he is discussing the goblin situation with, what's their story?" asks the Lady, as she slowly twists her wineglass.
"You see I'd like to find work, preferably using my minor magical talents, and perferably with someone wealthy. My guess is all the money is tied up in the mines and wood folk. One rich miner may benefit from having elven magic to call on."
Lady Janas listens and watches the half-elf barman then she continues,"It may be that you know of someone with their finger on the pulse of the town." She gently reaches out and touches his wrist.
"Someone who can help me, as a friend I would appreciate that," the elven mage finishes, stroking his inner arm once lightly, "I would appreciate that very much."
“Those two?,” Hallvard referencing the men in conversation. “Well, the one doing all the talking is Pleoh. He owns a major share of the lumber industry in the Glen. Now he is talking to Sergeant Dreng Elne. Elne is in charge of guard positioning on the walls. I guess some goblins have been spotted at night on the east side. Pleoh is concerned that they will target the mill. Makes sense, I guess, a lot of our food is stored there. Also, if the mill shuts down, the lumber industry would slow its pace into the southern goblin lands. I don’t know. We are still far north of The Vines. This is all speculation.”
Hallvard’s smile brightens from the feminine touch of the elf. “Now the mines, although many merchants make a fortune distributing what comes out of them, is overseen by the Church. Putnam Rand, he’s the Senior Cleric here in the Glen and is in charge of the mining operations. He follows Boccob and some say he is a powerful mage. He just came back about five weeks ago. The word is that he was attending an important meeting in The Holy City of Cein. My guess is that it has something to do with the mines.”
At this last statement, applause from the growing crowd erupts in the tavern. Up on stage, a man starts playing a flute. It is a merry tune that enlists several patrons in dancing.
"So they may want help with the Goblin problem,"muses Lady Janas.
She meditates on this information for a minute or two while Hallvard serves more customers and soon-to-be thirsty dancers. Then the Lady orders a couple of decent drinks for Pleoh and Elne.
Just before the drinks reach their destination, the Lady has one last question for the helpful barman,"this Puttnam Rand, before I make any social gaffes or mistakes, could you tell me any gossip you have on him? He sounds like he has many friends and probably a few enemies?"
Lady Janas waits for his response and watches the two men to see if they acknowledge her largess. The elven mage is keen to join them at the slightest opportunity.
>
yes, we should tell them, but not just yet as they might yet uncover something in there; this looks grim; wouldn't want anything inconvenient like a campfire get started here or anything; if you can ascertain where the trail leads perhaps we could see a likely hideout from here; if they don't find the girl then we should all follow this trail perhaps and if that fails; I can come back tonight and covertly check around if needed; we don't as yet know if this was caused by a person or a beast; does your four legged friend perhaps smell some perfume or anything to tell us race or sex; perhaps if I find a mouse, it can tell us.
"I am sorry to say that Ethelwulf doesn't seem to be picking anything up other then the scent of animals that have come to pass. I am going to have Ethelwulf go and fetch Erian as he seems to be the best of our group to come and have a look at the blood and hair we have found. He was not going inside the mill so I don't believe that it will be an issue for him to come over to us. If he is preoccupied with something else Ethelwulf will wait for him to return to us. In the mean time we can look around further and hope that indeed there is an animal that perhaps we will be able to speak with."
With that said Aradove turns towards Ethelwulf and tells him to go and find the Ranger. Aradove also instructs Ethelwulf to ensure that Erian knows to follow him back to her.
The man looks at the three of you. He seems to recognize Ormod’s name, if not his face. “You three shouldn’t be in here getting in the way of my men. Don’t know this Estra, but Earm is working in the lumber side. Go out and use the south doors. Now I need you to leave.”
Memnon looks at the surly foreman and raises one eyebrow "Well sir sorry to bother you and thank you for your help we will try the south doors." Memnon looks to the other two and nods towards the door they came in on and starts walking outside.
"So they may want help with the Goblin problem,"muses Lady Janas.
She meditates on this information for a minute or two while Hallvard serves more customers and soon-to-be thirsty dancers. Then the Lady orders a couple of decent drinks for Pleoh and Elne.
Just before the drinks reach their destination, the Lady has one last question for the helpful barman,"this Puttnam Rand, before I make any social gaffes or mistakes, could you tell me any gossip you have on him? He sounds like he has many friends and probably a few enemies?"
Lady Janas waits for his response and watches the two men to see if they acknowledge her largess. The elven mage is keen to join them at the slightest opportunity.
Hallvard looks back as he is serving a glass of wine to a half-elf three chairs down from you. With a smile and a nod he sets the glass down then takes a step towards you. “Putnam Rand? Hmmm, Well, I guess he is well thought of. To become Senior Cleric here in the Glen, the Church Council here has to vote and appoint you to the position. Also, many of the mine merchants like him. The Senior Cleric has put quite an emphasis on delving into the Skyward Mountains. This venture has created many jobs, a strong economy, and a growing city. It has made the merchants wealthy along with the caravan exporting the goods. We get more and more trade caravans arriving here with empty carts only to leave with full carts. Now, I guess you can say, with power and money, you can also make some enemies. I guess someone gets walked on for another to get to the top. Then again, I know for a fact that the Senior Cleric is also well respected for his research. Like I mentioned before, he just returned recently from The Holy City of Cein. He is well noted for his advancement in inscription comprehension and his ideas on Kotkelum use. I don’t know what else more I can say. I go to Worship Hall regularly, but I leave politics and Church business to the higher ups. If you want to know more, well it is probably closed now but, check out Dealer’s Bargain tomorrow. You may be able to talk yourself into getting a look-see at some contracts, and you may get some contact names. All of the merchant contracts go through the merchant guild house. Excuse me my Lady, you are wonderful company, but I must see to some of my guests.”
With this he goes about taking more orders and supplying drinks. As you turn around, the drinks you purchased have reached their destination. It seems that the men were waiting for you to end your conversation and look their way. The talkative man, Pleoh, raises his drink in thanks, and although there is still a look of worry on his face, he gives you a smile. Now Elne, straight-backed and formal, looks at you curiously and gives a nod of his head in gratitude. Then Pleoh slides the empty chair next to him out a few inches, and with a wave of his hand, invites you to join them.
Dinpel approaches the Aradove after the wolf is gone, I have found a creature that may or may not give us some information; with your wolf gone he is unlikely to be frightened; I will communicate with him and see what can be found; do you perhaps have some treat or bribe or suggestion that would help encourage a groundhog to want to help?
mechanics info
am planning to use my 1/day racial ability to talk to burrowing animals and hoping to get a synergy bonus from Aradove to make the groundhog more friendly and likely to help and relate if he saw anything. I will approach the groundhog quitely; move silent - take a 10 as I just dont want to spook him.
As the three companions leave the inside of the mill, they notice Ethelwulf round the corner and run past them at all haste toward the grain silos. Then they make their way south toward huge open double doors in the south side of the mill. On this side of the mill there are many more carts. They are filled with cut trees heading toward the mill and finished lumber getting prepared for exporting. There are many more workers on this side of the mill working the lumber than there are with the grain on the north side. The workers seem to be moving at double-speed also, compared to the grain workers. As you step inside, you notice a similar gear setup on the east wall, but the gears are attached to saw like machinery for cutting. The air is filled with a cascade of dust from the lumber. You see many workers and a man supervising the operation.
The foreman turns, and you notice that he is wearing a symbol of Fharlanghn around his neck. He recognizes the church affiliation of Shepherd and Memnon, puts on a helpful smile, and says, “Greetings revered, what do I owe this honor and pleasure.” He then bows his head in respect.
DC +10
DC +15
DC +20
As Erian circles the grain silos adding in details to his map, Ethelwulf runs up and yelps. As Erian looks down to regard the lone wolf, Ethelwulf stops, makes eye contact, yelps again, and turns around and runs a few paces. He then stops and repeats this process.
Aradove hands Dinpel some dried vegetable rations that she believes the groundhog will like. Dinpel uses his natural racial ability to communicate with burrowing animals and slowly approaches the groundhog. The groundhog looks up as you slowly approach, and he squeaks. Dinpel understands the squeak as “You have treat for Gumbo? Gumbo likes treats.” He stands up, his front two paws in front of him as if he is begging, and sniffs at Dinpel.
Dinpel says "good gumbo, Dinpel share treats, Gumbo thirsty Dinpel share water <put dried rations and cup of water from my skin before the groundhog> Tell me Gumbo, see two legs by that two legs earlier? <indicate the druid who is standing by the dried blood> Dinpel find dried blood there.