Firefly makes a quick flick of hand movements and summons a prayer to her lips to get a better idea of what is going on out there.
Detect Thoughts
Divination [Mind-Affecting]
Level: Brd 2, Knowledge 2, Sor/Wiz 2
Components: V, S, F/DF
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: 60 ft.
Area: Cone-shaped emanation
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 min./level (D)
Cast as a Level (4+1) = 5 for having Knowledge domain]
Saving Throw: Will negates; see text
Spell Resistance: No
You detect surface thoughts. The amount of information revealed depends on how long you study a particular area or subject.
1st Round
Presence or absence of thoughts (from conscious creatures with Intelligence scores of 1 or higher).
2nd Round
Number of thinking minds and the Intelligence score of each. If the highest Intelligence is 26 or higher (and at least 10 points higher than your own Intelligence score), you are stunned for 1 round and the spell ends. This spell does not let you determine the location of the thinking minds if you can’t see the creatures whose thoughts you are detecting.
3rd Round
Surface thoughts of any mind in the area. A target’s Will save prevents you from reading its thoughts, and you must cast detect thoughts again to have another chance. Creatures of animal intelligence (Int 1 or 2) have simple, instinctual thoughts that you can pick up.
Each round, you can turn to detect thoughts in a new area. The spell can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.
Arcane Focus
A copper piece.
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Each of you hear as you pass through the crowd or from the gathering in the square the words "Red Raven" spoken by almost everyone in some manner. Upon concentrating on one person you gather enough information to put together what is going on right now.
Someone has stolen the Vernal Key(you are not sure what this key is at this time) by the Red Raven who is a bandit in these parts who steals from the rich and give to the poor. Most folk can't believe he would steal the key. A large amount of folk are in shock and not sure what to do, panic is starting to set into the crowd! You pick up conversations and thoughts about the weather and how are we going to survive.........
An official messenger breaks through the crowd and steps into the inn, spots Artemis, and hands him a paper!
The paper says "You and your new friends are requested to help this small village in its hour of need! Please come right away to the Inclusive Hall to hear our plea!!!"
Antero Ikonen
The messenger leaves the inn right after he hands the message to Artemis
An official messenger breaks through the crowd and steps into the inn, spots Artemis, and hands him a paper!
The paper says "You and your new friends are requested to help this small village in its hour of need! Please come right away to the Inclusive Hall to hear our plea!!!"
Antero IkonenThe messenger leaves the inn right after he hands the message to Artemis
Artemis accepts the paper and reads it, looking up for the messenger after he finishes, but notices that he is gone. He wonders why someone would want his help, he was only a small town sheriff and not that noteworthy. He decides to wait for Erelle to come down and see what she thinks of the note.
Sensing that folks are not mad at him or his kin, Peitor gets out of the wagon, freshens up a bit, and heads to the inn to meet with the others. On the way, he tries to engage townsfolk about what they were excited about, pretending to already know some of what was going on.
Making her way downstairs, Serne perched on her shoulder as usual, Erelle can't help but notice the inn seems much busier than normal. Catching various snatches of conversation as she moves through the room, she eventually spots Artemis and makes her way over to him.
"..Do you know what's going on here?" she asks him, a puzzled look on her face.
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As Peitor moves through the crowd to his friends he hears bits and pieces of information, "The Red Raven has stolen the Vernal Key, what are we going to do..." "Winter is almost upon us we won't have enough supplies to get through....." The wind is picking up you notice too, it seems a lot cooler even from the short walk from your wagon.
Artemis, Erelle and Firefly are all together at the end of the bar looking over the note that Artemis has read to them and has reread it to himself a few times....
Firefly Approaches Artemis as he seems to be the leader, or at least the man in charge for the moment.
Elven:
"Salutations, and may the sun shine upon you." She says in Elven before switching to common.
Common:
"I couldn't help feeling the errand boys thoughts as he delivered that summons to you, an object was taken I believe. It's significance is unknown to my person, but the fact that many minds ponder their survival currently is causing much distress. So many disjointed thoughts floating around though, it's hard to get a fine picture of whats happening."
She pauses as if listening to unheard voices, a vacant look in her eyes.
"I would like to help out if possible, and you look like the kind of person that could use my talents."
"I would like to help out if possible, and you look like the kind of person that could use my talents."
Artemis still looks intrigued by the letter as he hears the elven woman speak to him. He flashes her one of his wide smiles and answers her.
"I'm sure that your talents would come very much in handy. Apparently someone named Antero Ikonen wants to see me and my new friends in the Inclusive Hall. It must be something to do with the disappearance of this item you spoke of. You are quite welcome to join us."
Common: "Forgive my manners, I got swept up in the confusion. My name is Cathel'Lilliamial Sel'Nellill-El'Narboulilliam but please, even for an Elf the name is hard to roll off the tongue, call me Firefly. That was the nickname given to me by my fellow priests."
"I too have been remiss in my manners and for that I am truly sorry.
My name is Artemis Grayson, faithful servant of Lady Desna at your service."
A small surge of suprise crosses her features, as she realizes she stands before a potential Paladin.
Common: "Sir Artemus, a pleasure." she says with a curtsy. "This is a pleasant surprise. You will have to introduce me to your lady friend here."
Artemis looks a little embarrassed by the title.
"Please, it is just Artemis. I am merely a traveller in service to Lady Desna. This is the Lady Erelle and Serne and that," he points to Peitor moving through the crowd towards them, "is Peitor. I don't quite know what to make of this note, so perhaps we should go and meet with this Anteros Ikonen and see what he has to say. I can only assume it is about whatever is happening that has gotten everyone so worked up."
Good Morrow Artemis, who is the beauteous creature beside you? Also, what do you know about the goings-on?
"This charming lady's name is Firefly and she wishes to join our band. As to the trouble, I believe something has been stolen from the village and I received this letter asking for my help. I believe the two to be connected, but until we meet with a man named Anteros Ikonen that is all I know. We should get going soon after everyone has had their fill of breakfast."
Artemis asks the Bartender for directions and then waits patiently for everyone to be ready before leading them to the Hall.
We're off to see the Reev-E, the wonderful Reev-E of... where have I heard that one before...?
Firefly quickly ends concentration on her spell, not wanting to pick up anymore thoughts by accident.
Artemis leads the others through the streets, being careful to avoid large gatherings and keeping an ear out for anything that may be of use.
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You easily find your way to the Inclusive Hall, the towns large church and meeting hall. As you walk up you find quite a crowd has gathered outside awaiting the council. They let your group pass through into the Hall. You hear people whispers, "Who are they? I hope they can help? and the such. Inside, at a table strewn with papers, the elders sit in earnest conversation beneath the gaze of gods. At the head of the table sits the Azurestones reeve, who you guess is Antero Ikonen.
He stands and the conversation stops as the group all looks up to see you enter. Ah you have come, we are in need of your help. My name is Antero, please come and and take a seat and let me tell you what is going on here. Last night around midnight, the rector Ilmanu heard a noise from inside the hall. He points over to an holy man sitting to his right. He opened the doors just in time to see a man in a tattered red cape steal away with the Vernal Key. Not long after, Larno, in his job to gather the night soil, says he saw a man rush past his hut, cape flapping like wings behind him, carrying a sack under his arm. He swears it was the Red Raven..... He pauses for a few seconds to let what he has said to sink in to each of you....
Peitor uses his Arcane knowledge skill to see if Red Raven would be anything he has heard of.
Artemis leads the party up to the man and bows before him.
"Milord. I am Artemis Grayson, faithful Servant of the Lady Desna and these are my companions, Lady Erelle, Lady Firefly and Peitor. We have come at your request to help with this problem. I have heard tell of this Red Raven, but what I have heard has been mere tavern talk. Would you please care to explain who this man is and why he would wish to steal your Vernal Key."
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Peitor and Firefly both rack their brains trying to come up with any knowledge they might have heard in their travels about the Vernal Key or the Red Raven but as they are thinking the Reeve begins to answer Artemis's question. Well as for the Red Raven he is a swashbuckling bandit, the scourge of nobles and hero of popular song. We have no idea why he would take our artifact or who he really is for that matter, he has helped many people in need. The Vernal Key is an artifact of old with magical properties. It keeps our town from having extreme winters, most people would not be able to survive here during a full winters blast, its protection only works for maybe 5 miles out from the center. You floks would do us a great kindness if you could capture the Red Raven and return the Vernal Key. As you know, the relic is the only thing that stands between us and the cold breath of Gozreh. I've got to plan for the possibility that we'll have to face the winter unaided. If I can trust you with this task, it would free up the militia to batten the village. We have scant weeks to prepare..... He and the rest in the room look upon you with hope that you will help and fear that you might not........
"Fear not good man. I would be remiss in my duties if I were to let a villain such as this Red Raven get away with his crime.
Do you have any idea where we might begin looking for him?"
Peitor hastens to add: " we are but humble travellers -myself more than others. It there some type of aid the town may bequeath us in our task. Some wine, a blanket perhaps? ( under his breath) some company to share it with?
He smiles and looks around the room while fiddling with his Harrow deck.
Firefly: "Of course you will have my help, Sarenrae's light will shine on this problem in time I am sure of it."
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Ahh thank you all very much for your help in our time of crisis and of course you will be compensated for your effort in helping our village out although you are on your own good sir about bedfellows. The group around the table chuckles at the comment and a middle aged man even winks Peitor's way.....
After the laughter quiets down the Reeve again addresses your group, He's most likely heading south into the Boarwood Forest to loose pursuit, if he keeps going he'll cross the Kantele River and head up into the Fog Peaks Mountain Range. If your not familiar with the region I would look into hiring a guide and I would recommend Ost Untamoinen, he knows the land pretty good as he's helped rescue many people who have become lost in the forest. He can be found at the Deerstalker's Lodge which he owns. I wish you good luck and if you don't need anything further the council and I need to get working.......
"Rest assured good townsfolk that we shall bring the perpetrator to justice. Thank You for your advice. We will look into hiring this Ost Untamoinen"
Throughout the exchange Artemis has been writing details into a small notebook and finishes as he says Ost's name.
"Farewell. The next time you see us we will have your Vernal Key, I swear on the Lady Desna."
He leads the others out after asking for directions to the Deerstalker's Lodge.
Smiling, Firefly adds.
"With some luck she may just hear you. That is one of her specialties after all."
Peitor gives a little laugh at the man, loving the attention and follows the ladies 'admiring the view', as it were.
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With their mission accepted the Reeve bid you good day and a wave, he then turns back to the group as they start to plan. The man kinda taken by Peitor gives him a small wave as they leave as the group leaves the Hall. You are greeted by towns folk immediatly as you leave the Hall all asking you questions as you pass through the press. You have no trouble finding the Lodge, its a two story wooden building, one of the better built buildings in the village. There are men standing and sitting on the porch as you approach all talking about todays events and what they should do, everyones throwing out their own opinions and not much listening is going on, they see you but keep talking amonst themselves. There is a double door leading into the lodge with one of them open, you can see inside there are even more men talking loudly about the same topics. All the men seem to be dressed about the same, leathers and outfitted with hunters gear......
I think it would be wise to find ourselves a guide for this area. Besides, the extra sword may come in handy.
Artemis leads the party up the steps of the Lodge and through the front door. Inside he stops and looks around for someone who might be in authority, going over and asking them where they might find Ost Untamoinen.
Peitor travels with Artemis, still keeping an eye out for a sword-for-hire.
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The group follows Artemis lead into the lodge and approaches a middle age man in leathers who seems to be busy trying to quiet the crowd down as this could get out of hand any moment. He looks up at Artemis's words and gives a nod towards a closed door at the back of the great room you are in. After knocking on the door and hearing an enter, you procede into a small office looking chamber. A noble looking half elf sits behind a desk looking up from some paper work at your enterance, How may I help you folk? he asks.......
"Good Sir. My name is Artemis Grayson, Faithful Servant to Lady Desna. I am not sure if you have heard about the current goings on in the town, but they are in trouble and have asked us to help them recover the Vernal Key from the bandit Red Raven who has stolen it. We have been told to seek out Ost Untamoinen to commission him to act as our guide in tracking down the villain and your compatriots out there directed us to this room."
YEah beautiful, what he said. He smiles and winks.
Firelfy tries to be a bit nosy glancing at the paperwork, but not being overt about it.
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The half elf looks over the group checking each out. He nods his head in approval and says The Reeve has choosen wisely I can tell, I was wondering who they would send to me....I will definately help you on your mission to retrieve the Key......Give me a few minutes to get with my staff and then we will leave, time is not on our side as you well know, every minute put the Red Raven farther away. If you need to get thing do so now quickly, you might even look into some cold weather gear you never know where this is going to lead us and winter is fast approaching us. I will meet you outside shortly.......
Firefly
Peitor heads back to his wagon to get his heavy cloak and boots. He buys a flask of whiskey for the road if it availiable. He also takes a small bottle of wine, just in case he can't get the whiskey. .
Artemis tells the others to buy what they need and then meet back here in half an hour.
He then heads off to buy some Cold Weather Gear making sure to include a hardy Fur-Lined Cloak with a hood.
He also makes sure to buy enough Trail Rations to last for at least a fortnight. One can never be too sure.
He then makes sure all of his gear is ready and heads back to the Lodge to meet Ost and the others.
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Once everyone is equipted and ready to leave, Ost leads you all out of town along the dirt road leading out of the village in the direction the Red Raven took. After an hour or so on the road, Ost picks up the Raven's trail. He is diffinately moving fast by these tracks here and over there. He points them out to you. And he is not slowing to hide them either but he has a good head start on us. At his speed I am guessing he will travel about 12-14 miles per day depending on when he stops from fatigue. He continues to lead only stopping to check for tracks and give everyone a quick rest and water break. You start to travel through winding low hills and in some places some of the hill are now scarred and pitted by rock quarries that give Azurestone its name. The packed dirt path picks its way though the rocky hills covered with brush and scree. You are making good time, the road is snaking its way between two hills, the sun is out and you are warm from all of you walking so far, its about mid day.......
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Ost is a ways off in front of you checking for the Red Ravens trail. Its quiet except for the normal sounds of nature. You can see empty stone quarries around, Ost had told you all a ways back that they are closed for the season due to the workers are off helping with the harvest. As you are travelling between the two hills Artemis thinks he spotted something on the south hill, some kind of movement but his attention, and all the others is drawn away as you hear small stones trickling down the hill here and there......Ost turns at the disruption in the calm days normal noises, looking back at the group thinking it came from you all...........