With Simon's breakfast finished, he takes the napkin from his lap and stands, brushing lint and crumbs from his impeccable uniform.
"Well, I should do some rounds and check on my horse. I've received word that I have been returned to active duty; hopefully I'll meet you all tonight with Itaden but if my duties take me elsewhere I'd just like to say that it's been a distict pleasure to work with you all. Please do take care."
He shakes hands around the table (even Addy's) and strides off to look around the fortified hamlet.
So when Herral arrives, he has been on rations for three days! The halfling heads straight for the kitchens and starts helping the manor cooks by sitting at the table and regaling them with tales of the last week. In between, Herral eats his weight in fruit, vegetables and meat before looking around for puddings and tarts. Sleep can wait, some things are much more important.
After getting acquainted with the head cook and her staff, Herral heads upstairs to find a comfy bed to sleep in.
The following morning, Herral sleeps in a bit and comes down stairs hungry again, just in time for the kitchen staff's late breakfast. He helps them finish off the kippers and bread, offering his healing powers and luck to help with any minor burns or cuts around the place.
Finally Herral heads outside to see how everyone else, now that he feels more like himself.
Around lunch time, Addy grabs the bottle of Taldan Red as well as the prepared lunches, and heads out to see Gorzal.
Will scribbles furiously in his book, oblivious to the time until someone knocks on his door to remind him of his 'appointment'.
Herral spends an hour or two praying to Desna by walking around the area and seeing the sites. He stops whenever anything or anyone interesting takes his fancy. curious to a fault the halfling starts conversations with a chat about whatever question comes to mind.
"So that's a lot of bread to bake for today. Do you want me to help get rid of a few? No. Pay! Well I s'pose I could come back with some money I mean."
Herral spends an hour or two praying to Desna by walking around the area and seeing the sites. He stops whenever anything or anyone interesting takes his fancy. curious to a fault the halfling starts conversations with a chat about whatever question comes to mind.
"So that's a lot of bread to bake for today. Do you want me to help get rid of a few? No. Pay! Well I s'pose I could come back with some money I mean."
Herral sighs, everyone and everything seems a bit normal and boring. Sigh. The halfling heads back towards the inn towards the end of the afternoon. He has an early lunch and gets a few extra mugs and a jug of cider for Will and the rest when they arrive.
"This fish is good, especially with the nut bread," chomps Herral.
He eats his breakfast and gets to work making himself presentable: grooming his beard, making certain that his uniform is properly up to inspection.
With Simon's breakfast finished, he takes the napkin from his lap and stands, brushing lint and crumbs from his impeccable uniform.
"Well, I should do some rounds and check on my horse. I've received word that I have been returned to active duty; hopefully I'll meet you all tonight with Itaden but if my duties take me elsewhere I'd just like to say that it's been a distict pleasure to work with you all. Please do take care."
He shakes hands around the table (even Addy's) and strides off to look around the fortified hamlet.
Simon
Simon-
Exiting Vestang manor, you see several servants are going about picking up decorations still left from the grand ball that took place a week ago. From the looks of things, it was quite grand a look - albeit there are signs of the chaos that must have ensued when everyone was struck with hallucinations.
As you approach the stables, you see Sorgi having an animated discussion with a couple of stable-men as they brush the horses down.
Your familiarity with the soldier's tales makes you recognize he's retelling some fight on the border to the men.
A punctuated chuckle and the men realize that you have arrived. They politely defer to your presence and move away a little, while Sorgi merely grins - partially you suspect as pride in your growing reputation and partially as he admires his handiwork in preparing your equipment.
"Ho, my captain!" he utters as he salutes you. "Come to see about your mount for your appointment? I can assure you she's as ready for an appearance before the general as yerself!"
Then more quietly as you approach he continues, "I took care of polishing her good bridle and repairing the saddle. She's still a little worn, and I could use more time to get a shoe replaced, but if you want to ride her today she'll be alright."
More quietly, he speaks without looking at you - busying himself with checking the horse. "Word is that the general's daughter still hasn't woken from her slumber; rumor has it he's looking for someone to blame - so be careful, eh?"
Addy-
She'll look around for one of the servants, and inquire, "Hate to be a bother, but looks like I'll be taking lunch later out by my tent. Any chance I could get something packed up for me and my ... servant; and maybe a bottle of Taldan Red? 4700, if you have it."
The servant, an older gentleman, acknowledges your request with a warm smile and no doubts to you who might be. "Of course, mi-lady. We have a lovely fish fresh this morning and a spicy wheel of Katapeshi cheese." He scratches his chin a bit, and adds, "Not certain about the 4700 red - perhaps a 4701..." As you go about breakfast, he moves off to begin the preparations.
Around lunch time, Addy grabs the bottle of Taldan Red as well as the prepared lunches, and heads out to see Gorzal.
As you prepare to go out, you find little things have been done for you while slept. Your clothes have been cleaned and hung for you to wear; a lovely hairbrush and a few perfumes have been left in your room; and promptly at your departue the older servant awaits you with a basket packed (including the Taldoran Red 4700).
As you make your way down to the tent of "Lady Albercroft," Gorzal's observations are fairly accurate. Several of the larger tents and stands of the nobles or traveling merchants are either gone or in the process of being broken down. As if the fair was leaving town, the small town is awash with people making last-minute trades; workmen and servants preparing wagons for travel (some of who pause as you pass to look at you with noted attraction); and townsfolk going about clearing trash from their lawns or shops. Adding to this flurry of activity is the obvious presence of at least a few noblemen and women - some barking/screeching requests at their over-worked manservants; others merely fanning themselves while sitting beneath umbrellas or personal tents; and few others walk past you making for other appointments (and eyeing with a look of disdain or curiosity).
As you reach the place where your wagon and tent were, you find it is being taken apart by several workmen instead of Gorzal. The halfling sits happily already having a sandwhich and looking on. He gives you a grin and waves you over.
"Hey thanks, Red! This lunch will go great with my snack!" He proceeds to pull out a smoked, wrapped filet of fish and munch down as soon as he polishes off the sandwhich. He also grins happily at the sight of the Taldoran Red adding, "This will help me quench my thirst after working so hard this morning." (He looks like he's hardly broken a sweat from the look of his clothes).
Addy-
As he munches down, the halfling mutters quietly for you to hear:
"They were aleady here when I came down - at first I thought the Taldoran Guard was here to put me in irons." He pauses to pick something from his tooth.
"Instead they started packing up 'Lady Albercroft's' materials - including the Osirian artefacts. Someone's been telling the townsfolk you were helping with the captives, but would be heading off soon. Beats me how they knew; some of the nobles even came by to pay their respects and praise your efforts. You and that Gellner fella are already being held up as examples of heroic Taldan nobility!" All of this he utters with a broad, amused grin on his face - as if the whole thing were a great joke.
Out of the corner of your eye, you spot a black-clad individual come around the other side of the tent area and making towards you with calm but quick pace. A quick assessment tells you it is a nun - dressed in full habit with an amulet of a golden sword dangling just at her chest. As she moves, the metal leggings of plate armor are revealed just under her skirt.
"That would be our contact," Gorzal states while munching and very quickly adds, "she clearly has been waiting for you. I gave her the statue as you requested and she gave me a polite smile and thanked me." The halfling seems to cringe a little and mutter, "It was like being in room with a courteous cobra. I don't think she means you any harm, but definetly wants answers."
The halfling says no more and seems to busy himself with the rest of the lunch as the woman approaches.
The woman is plain in looks, perhaps a side-effect of her attire, but possesses brillaint, grey eyes. She smiles very pleasantly, as if greatly relieved to see you.
"Greetings, Lady Albercroft! Your generous donations in the past merited I come and see you to assist you in this moment of crisis."
She pauses as if reading you, and adds:
"As you know, there are many Sisters in Darkness that have benefited from your efforts today and in the past. Can we discuss this in my humble place of meditation?"
She points to a fairly wide, portable tent that you didn't notice has been placed in the alley of tents near yours. You're fairly certain it wasn't there before.
Addy sits down next to Gorzal, having a bit of the cheese and some of the wine. Watching him wolf down the sandwich, she smiles, "Glad I could provide you some much-needed nourishment."
Continuing to snack on the cheese, she watches the nun approach and smiles broadly as the woman approaches. "Why thank you, Sister! Greetings. I hope your trip here was pleasant, and that you've had an easier time than I've had recently. And I thank you for your kind words, but as you also know, my own efforts can't compare to those of yourself and the other Sisters of Light. I am but a humble servant. Yes, let us retire to your tent to discuss this."
Herral-
The cooking staff finds itself surprised and amazed by the whirlwind that zips through their kitchen during the night and morning! At times it looks like they might barely be able to keep pace with halfling's appetite as they strive to feed him and the rest of the household!
As you makes your way around the town, you find the same chaos Addy has encountered - townsfolks going about cleaning in wake of the festival and attacks; workmen and servants packing tents and equipment; and a noticeable number of guardsmen walking around checking wagons and some folks as they leave.
The scents of baking bread and fried meats wafts with a mixture of animal scents and human stink. Although most of it is simple foods cooked by travelers or the passing merchant, you are able to snatch the occasional snack to "fortify" yourself. Most folks pay you no mind, although a few cooks give you looks that look like annoyance - but why?
Furthering adding to the hodge-podge is something you missed when you arrived: Nobles! People in colorful robes, dresses, or coats; hats and headresses that are supposed note their stance in the nation's nobility. The spectrum of brightly colored people is further mixed with the scents of perfumes and the glitter of jewlery and ornamentations. Most of these folks seem to directly sneer at you; manservants shoo you away from their masters; and a few younger maidens seem to smile and giggle as they see you pass.
As you make your prayers in observation, the world seems to blend in and out in your mind.
The world seems to turn gray; and the voices and noise seem to blend into the background. A brilliant blue butterfly floats into your sight - it wafts in around the crowds, seemlingly dodging the people and things that move around it with ease.
As you snack on a sweetbread, it lands on your knuckle.
"Hello Herral Hinn! Hee hee - that sounds funny!" The voice chirps like a tinkling bell at you, originating from the butterfly.
"You seem a little bored," it pouts, something you feel more than see from the little creature.
"I have wonderful thing to show you; and I think you'll can provide a helping hand too!" The little voice chirps with excitement, and says takes off again!
"Follow me," the little voice lets a tiny shout as it does so.
Will & Mal
Concerning the amulet:
It is apparent to Will that Mal has some discomfort parting with the amulet - not so much a magical compulsion as the look of someone giving away a family heirloom.
In any case, "hauntings" are not your speciality - although there are certainly plenty of Pathfinder tales of cursed, possessed, or intelligent items in the Chronicles and library. But nothing in your studies matches what Mal describes, so you are somewhat at a loss.
The amulet however is a wonderfully crafted item - despite the apparent age. The silver has been shaped in a fine Azlanti design, although degraded from the High Azlant forms - so you'd guess it might be from a post-empire colony like Cyndicea. The gem, however does seem magical - nothing that you detect - more the perfection of the stone and the lack of degradation would imply preservation magics at least.
Based on the experiences you had in the crypt room - of experiencing old memories; of having a personal visions - you would suspect that perhaps this item operates in a similar fashion based on what Mal has described. Perhaps a device to entice such as state - for meditation perhaps. As you study it, you briefly feel a pressure in on your ear...
Will:
You briefly feel the presence of woman's voice. It whispers sensually into your ear, "You aren't the one...send me home..."
There's no menace in the voice, just a direct request. Just as quickly as feel it, the effect disappears
Mal, you notice that briefly Will's eyes seem to glaze over in study - moreso than usual for the absent-minded student-mage.
Simon-
Exiting Vestang manor, you see several servants are going about picking up decorations still left from the grand ball that took place a week ago. From the looks of things, it was quite grand a look - albeit there are signs of the chaos that must have ensued when everyone was struck with hallucinations.
As you approach the stables, you see Sorgi having an animated discussion with a couple of stable-men as they brush the horses down.
Your familiarity with the soldier's tales makes you recognize he's retelling some fight on the border to the men.A punctuated chuckle and the men realize that you have arrived. They politely defer to your presence and move away a little, while Sorgi merely grins - partially you suspect as pride in your growing reputation and partially as he admires his handiwork in preparing your equipment.
"Ho, my captain!" he utters as he salutes you. "Come to see about your mount for your appointment? I can assure you she's as ready for an appearance before the general as yerself!"
Then more quietly as you approach he continues, "I took care of polishing her good bridle and repairing the saddle. She's still a little worn, and I could use more time to get a shoe replaced, but if you want to ride her today she'll be alright."
More quietly, he speaks without looking at you - busying himself with checking the horse. "Word is that the general's daughter still hasn't woken from her slumber; rumor has it he's looking for someone to blame - so be careful, eh?"
Simon nods politely to the stablemen walking in and claps his valet on the back as he examines his mare.
"Ah, Sorgi. How did I ever show my face at court without you? She does indeed look splendid; let's hope the General doesn't decide he'd prefer her service over mine!"More quietly, he adds,"If the General Vestang doesn't send me off immediately, you'll have the time to replace her shoe and she'll be rested better. Poor girl's had it worse than many of us. With the general's trusty hands I should think she'll be ready and fresh without much trouble, yes?"
Bluff for a hidden message in his question to Sorgi- Hasn't Vestang's staff or local priest looked at the Lady?
Will's eyes glaze over, and he tilts his head slightly to the side, as if listening to something. He blinks, looks confused, sticks a finger in one ear, and rubs vigorously.
"Well. That's new!" The mage mutters as he gently, slowly, and very deliberately, hands the amulet back to Mal.
"Well, I'm not properly prepped right now, but there are few tests I'd like to run on it when we get a chance. Maybe I can figure out what it is and where it's from? Exactly." He says casually, but he's looking at the amulet, not Mal, as he speaks.
Mal takes back the amulet, putting it around his neck then tucking it into the front of his tunic, watching Will closely. Then he grunts and nods.
“Seeing Itaden for lunch?” he asks.
"Hm? Oh, yeah, sure." Will replies distractedly. He idly nibbles on another bit of breakfast as he hastily scratches something in his journal.
"So. Is she nice?" he asks out of the blue, still writing.
Herral gives chase, "you know I just knew something like this was going to happen! I mean its so boring round here a halfling could get fat."
Mal squints at Will for a moment. “You hear her? She sounds ... familiar. Nice? Don’t know ... my ex-wife seemed nice when I met her.”
"X-wife? Not the most encouraging of references. I heard,... someone. Or someTHING. She, (If it was a 'she') told me to give her back to you. But 'she' didn't sound,... irate, about it. Just insistent."
Will steeples his fingers and looks down his nose, perhaps unconsciously imitating the favorite pose of their Venture-Captain when he was about to have a 'talk' with a Pathfinder. It would have been a lot more impressive if Will was anywhere near as tall as the Captain. Or as muscular. Or as deep a voice. Or,... you get the drift.
"So." Will says, clearing his throat nervously. "When did you first start hearing voices? Was it when you found that necklace? Or before?"
He looks longingly at his notebook, then back to Mal.
"We can keep this off the record, if you want." He adds reluctantly, obviously curious to know what's happening.
“Doesn’t bother me,” Mal shrugs, gestures to Will’s notebook. “Write. Long as you don’t try to have me committed. And it’s just the one voice for the record ... you know when we first entered the room where we found this?” he touches the amulet beneath his shirt. “Everyone started feeling tired? I was looking at the wall carvings, of the king and queen, heard a woman’s voice singing, something about true love. Think it was the same voice from this amulet.”
PS - I'm typing this from my I-Phone, which is little awkward for BBC code.
Simon
Bluff for a hidden message in his question to Sorgi- Hasn't Vestang's staff or local priest looked at the Lady?
Sorgi nods and mutters quietly as he gives the mare a once-over to make sure her coat is resplendent.
"Aye - supposedly his personal servant of Iomedae and the local Erastilian man have both checked her. The folks talk that she looks unharmed and rests peacefully - she just simply won't awaken."
He pauses to check the bridle and saddle, acting as if he's discussing the horse's health with you. Despite his soldierly devotion to both Taldor and yourself, you sometimes wonder if Sorgi's life before the army was more...questionable.
"Rumor has it one of the Royal Collegium's physicians has been requested."
Very quietly he adds: "Best watch yerself, Captain. Vestang's usually a level man, but wounding his child - no matter the fact that she's a grown woman - can make a man lash out. You may have saved 'er, but he may also lay blame at your feet. The others...most of them aren't Taldorans - they'll be dismissed as being irresponsible foreigners if push comes to shove, but you on the other hand..."
He lets the words dangle and clearly shows concern as he continues: "The bright lady won't allow you I suspect, but perhaps I can work to direct attention towards the red-haired woman...Addy I think you called her? That would keep your devotion safe and above censure."
The words have a deceptive aura, although there is no dark intent - merely the specuation of a practical aide.
Sorgi finishes the conversation by sending Simon in the right direction of the General's tent, as he has been splitting his time between the manor and his field station for the contingent in town.
As you make your rounds around town, like Addy and Herral, you notice the flurry of activity as the town begins to shrink to a sleepy little burg again. The difference is the manner in which people respond. Most people stop to give you some attention! Most of the shop keepers or workers give you a wave while the numerous guardsmen salute or stand at attention as you pass. But most of the attention comes from the various nobles or their servants. The gentlemen point excitedly or bow briefly in acknowledgment. The ladies curtsey eagerly or flap their traveling fans in excitement as they smile or acknowledge you as "Milord Gellner." All of them seem amazed to see you out and traveling.
Then comes the servants. A dozen butlers or handmaidens come running up in the name of too many people to keep track. Full letters, perfumed notes, handkerchiefs, and various tokens of favor seemingly appear from nowhere and you find yourself stuffing a saddle bag full of the stuff.
There's even a few chaste hand-kisses from the maidens, representing their mistresses' interest.
After all the traffic you encounter, it's a wonder you manage to make it to the tent on time for your meeting, but you manage to do so with time to spare. Several messengers stand close by, their dress and demeanor reminding you of Corporal Daylen Vors. The tent itself is practical compared to the more ornate affairs that were clumped in the village. Still, it is a large thing and would stand-out in a true battle camp. Two soldiers stand attention as you approach, but don't seem ready to let you pass. A third man exits the tent and waves them off. He then approaches you in a polite manner and seems to address you in a relaxed yet direct manner.
"Simon Theodorus Gellner II, Captain of the Taldoran Horse's 10th Company in his Grand Prince's Army. May the Lions ever roar." He says in a manner that is precise, but with no emotion - as if he is forced to make these recitations constantly.
"I am Viscount Greflin, the General's aide. He'll be ready for you momentarily, but please enter and make yourself comfortable. Would you prefer a Taldoran Red or perhaps a Zimaran whiskey to begin?"
As he follows this discussion he leads you into the tent's interior...
“Doesn’t bother me,” Mal shrugs, gestures to Will’s notebook. “Write. Long as you don’t try to have me committed. And it’s just the one voice for the record ... you know when we first entered the room where we found this?” he touches the amulet beneath his shirt. “Everyone started feeling tired? I was looking at the wall carvings, of the king and queen, heard a woman’s voice singing, something about true love. Think it was the same voice from this amulet.”
Will nods as Mal talks, his quill pen scratching furiously.
"Did the voice seem to help with resisting the effects of the room? Or seem to be contributing to the magical lethargy?" Will asks, dipping his quill in the bottle of ink. He doesn't seem to be judging. Simply interested in the details.
"Singing. About True love you say? Interesting. And the voice seems to come from the amulet. And sounds like your X-wife." He actually looks at Mal.
"Not to be insensitive. But COULD it be your X? I mean, is she still living? No. Silly. How would your X-wife's voice end up in an obviously antique amulet?" He shakes his head and continues to write,...
Simon
You enter the tent to find be a spacious, but spartan affair. The tent is big enough to accomodate a sleeping space, meeting area, and dining service without being too crowded. A large table showing Southern Taldor is planted there, with a few markers and flags to inidicate some movements, but nothing that you readily find apparent.
Beyond that is the scent of fresh food laid upon a table. The only ornate furniture in the room is a set of finely crafted chairs that are set for the table. Greflin politely nods towards the table as he goes to pour you a drink. Fresh fruits sit upon the table, accompanying a roasted pork; a platter of what looks like cooked venison; and a mixture of some pickled vegetable and nuts.
Your wait is short, but seems extremely long as Aide Greflin proves to give little insight into your visit or even less general conversation - but always manages to be polite in his aloof demeanor.
Finally, Thorenbrad Vestang makes his arrival. He's taller than you by a little bit and bearing the broadness that comes with age but with not so much fat as you might expect from such higher-ups. His features are classically Taldoran, with the a wreath of grey around his temples and a similar trim in his beard. He wears a dark tunic and pants that he supplements with an ornate leather breastplate, covered by a green and blue sash to indicate his rank. Aside from that, the only other obvious piece of attaire is a rapier at his hip with a jeweled pommel. His appearance is well-kept overall, but its clear that some tiredness is visible in his eyes.
"Ah, our guest has arrived! And promptly, no less. Good man, there."
"General Thorenbrad Vestang - Commander of his Grand Prince's Army for the Southern...,"Greflin proceeds to announce the man's full title, which would be followed by the formal exchange of title for yourself.
"That'll be enough of that, Armand,"Vestang interrupts and waves him off.
"I've known this young man's father for years and I am very much hungry enough to bypass formalities in this case."
"Now, take these documents to the guard captains for dissemination. And,
pour me two draughts of the Taldoran red before you go."
Turning to you, he signals that you are free to eat and he himself sits down as well. He prods you with simple questions as you eat - how are you; what brought you down to his summer home; have you been home yourself - nothing requiring deep discussion given his breezy and casual demeanor.
After the meal is done, he offers you a light brandy and rises himself. As he swirls the drink in a cup, he turns his back to you and his tone suddenly changes. For a moment, the same feeling of being in your father's study being lectured comes back.
"Now to the matter of this invitation...I would ask that you recount what exactly brought you to that old ruin rescuing my daughter. I have many questions, and I need answers from a solid, Taldoran man like yourself."
He pauses at his, stares at you with a stronger gaze than you had seen previously - a look of iron.
Addy
Addy sits down next to Gorzal, having a bit of the cheese and some of the wine. Watching him wolf down the sandwich, she smiles, "Glad I could provide you some much-needed nourishment."
As Addy watches Gorzal chow down and witness her "tent" and materials get packed up, several folks continue to come by and thank "Lady Albercroft" for her aide. Like Simon, she receives a few tokens of attention from servants on behalf of their noble masters - invitations and a few jeweled fans as a sign of interest. Even a cleric of Iomedae thanks her for her good deeds.
The nun seems to brighten at your acknowledgement of her phrase, and bowing deeply leads you on towards the tent.
As soon as you enter, the sense that something is a bit amiss about the tent becomes apparent. Whereas the outside seems a small, humble affair, the interior is much larger - nearly three times as large - rivaling the nobles' tents who came here easily.
Adding to that sense of amazement is that the tent is part living quarters; part workshop; and part museum. Simple, functional furnitire is the norm, but here and there strange items dot the room - a reddish stone divan sticks out here; a set of ivory inlaid tables there; and the partial skeletal jaw of a dragon functions as a coat rack dominates one corner. Although there is natural sunlight streaming in, some of the darker corners or tables are illuminated by a set of silvery thin lamps - their surfaces etched in golden script and they each possess a soft glowing sphere atop them. A few antiquated armors - maybe Osirian or Katapeshi - stand off to one side resting upon wooden display dummies. Two table dominate one side - one a workbench with tools and a half-assembled mechanism of gears judging by the looks of it.
The other table includes small antique pieces - armor, jewelery, etc., but most notable is the statuette of the evil merwoman you gave to Gorzal. Several other small items you noted in the pyramid have also made their way to the table.
"Well, it's about time you showed up, Ms Harthos. My feet were getting tired, and I can't keep asking every person in a small area for alms before they get suspicious."
The simple tone of a polite nun has disappeared and been replaced with a voice more direct and sarcastic. You note that the woman pulls off her habit's headpiece as she speaks. As if shedding a layer of water, her whole attire melts away - revealing a suit of fine, black leather armor underneath.
The woman has a slim build, but stands slightly taller than before. She looks a little older than yourself and bears a plain look about her face. Still, there's no denying that the paler skin and black hair mark her as a Chelaxian. Her eyes are most notable - having changed from simple brown to a jade green color.
She continues in a tone that is part explanation; part lecture. She motions to a small couch and table crowded next to the red divan, upon which sits several bottles and glasses.
"Feel free to pour yourself a drink from that table - there's a Chelaxian Red and a Katapeshi ale." She sits herself in a chair near the workbench, and without preamble continues her conversation.
"Our mutual associate sent me down here on what was supposed to be a simple retrieval mission - information or maybe some old mask that Vestang pulled from that dig site. I don't like being stuck waiting on the messenger to show up," she rumbles.
"But, I'll give you credit...I didn't expect to get something like this." She pulls the green statuette closer, and gives it a simple pass in examination.
"So despite the whole situation being messy, I think we can make it work...but I need more information. Tell me what happened and what exactly you found out there, hmmm?"
Her tone remains direct, if a little less harsh than a moment ago. She continues to give the statue an examination as she awaits your response.
Herral
You find yourself dashing throughout town - chasing a butterflying being an inexact science at best and nearly toppling over several people as you pursue it.
But everyone seems to just be moving slowly in your vision - and the greyness of the day remains unchanged as you chase your little visitor.
"Almost there!" It chirps several times as you follow.
Finally your chase ends at the edge of the village - amidst the wagons and tents of the Varisian travellers who had come for the party. There is a stillness to the place that seem like a cemetary.
Nonetheless the butterfly seems to radiate joy as it leads you towards a central tent. Unlike the greyness of everything around, it is painted a bright blue and has an open roof. The stars seem particularly brilliant in this space - twinkling almost as if they were alive and a sense that you are not alone surrounds you.
Most notable are two floating bird-cages that sit at the center. Each gives off a brilliant white light - although one is dimmer than the other. In each one flit about a dozen brilliant white moths, their very color emminating the glow that you see.
The butterfly lands on the brighter of the two cages, and chirps "here here please...they are itching to go...please let them out!"
It awaits your response...
The halfling laughs, "of course!" He pulls at his butterfly symbol and then slowly and then faster and faster mist grows and streams out of the ground all around.
The he opens the cages, if he can, checking first to see if there are any big traps on them.
On the walk over to the tent, Simon does his best to be polite and gracious for all the attention and to keep the nervousness and worry from his voice and mannerisms. He is cool and collected when he reaches the General's tent, saying a silent prayer before he enters following the Viscount.
Keeper:
"Being so close to the Jalrune (and due to the smell on the breeze) I had assumed it was a Qadiran incursion, so I ventured closer to take a look before reporting back. As it happens, they were rather a horde of goblins- a group of them appeared through magic, your daughter and her guests in tow, after I had seen the bulk of the force. They set upon me and I likely would have been slain were it not for Itaden's intervention." (He's hoping the comment about Qadirans will remove the idea that his "friend" was a spy of some sort, making it more likely the General will assume there was a paramour awaiting him.) From there, his account of events is straight forward with little embellishment.
Bluff:
Mal & Will :
Mal:
As you discuss the details of the amulet's effect, Mal reveals the contents of the hidden cache he found for Will's further examination.
As mentioned, there's a masterwork bastard sword; a dagger; and two bags. The bags contents turn out to be 50 gold pieces and (3) potions - two in bottle of dark glass; one is clear glass - or would be if not for the layer of dust and grime that sporadically covers it.
Will:
Knowledge - Arcana:
Knowledge - History:
Knowledge - Religion:
Knowledge - Nature:
Linguistics:
The dagger and sword are both well-crafted. The flourishes in the pommels and cross-guards indicate elements of late-Azlanti styles, although there's derivation in the design that (like the amulet) would suggest a post-empire era. The sword shows it's age more - the weapon seems sound, but centuries of disuse have dulled its edge; worn away the grip to bare metal; and left a layer of coarse, metal powder upon its surface. It should be servicable with some work, you suspect. The dagger by comparison looks fairly new despite the same style - the grip retains a braided steel wrap and the blade looks like it is still freshly sharpened. You might suspect its magical, but no markings indicate its true nature.
The potions give away little as to their nature - except perhaps age again. The dark glassed vessels look fairly new, and the only thing that distinguishes them is that each has a wax stamp of a different color - bluish with an elven letter akin to W; red with a similar letter akin to H. The other bottle looks like it was dug out of the ground. The clear glass is caked in a layer of old mud; bits of root; and cobweb. Despite its fragility, the bottle remains sealed with cork and melted wax - retaining what looks like a sluggish, amber fluid.
Finally, the gold itself looks unlike any coin you've seen. Slimmer than a Taldan Gold Crown and uneven along the edges, the coins are stamped with the profile of an elven woman - her face poised with a neutral look, and long hair rising in a ponytail. The lettering is of elven dialect you've never seen, but you piece together that the woman's name is Arezali and mentions a place called Pora-Tzni - "Black Pedestal." The only major elven nation you are aware of - Kyonin - rarely traffics in minted coinage, outside silver pieces. They generally interact through direct trade exchange or via gems.