Crystal does look to Aeldris for his acknowledgement of Ardil joining them, she smiles in return to the man's more personal compliments towards herself, only a small amount of colour rising in her cheeks. While waiting for Sir Caresti's reply, she returns the man's conversation.
"In what way would one determine...'Elusiveness'?" She inquires back in the more common tongue.
"Greetings sir; I am Sir Caresti, of the Savage Wood." He pauses for a moment, then continues. "Our people do not hear enough of the outside world; we have been charged to...take stock of things, as it were."
Avala catches Ardil's wink and knows he's been listening to the elves' conversation. She makes no move as he gets up and heads to their table, but continues to eat. She's interested, but doesn't want to draw further attention to the fact that their conversation was overheard.
And at any rate, she speaks no Elvish. As the conversation turns to Common, she's listening.
Meanwhile she continues the conversation with Udaya.
"Unusual folks, those elves. I saw that they came in at the same time as you and your companion. Were you traveling as a group?"
Udaya glances over her shoulder at the little tiff between Ardil and the elves over what seems to be natural curiosity. She shrugs and returns to her drink and chatting with Avala.
"Nah, we were on the same boat for part of the trip... but that's about it. They keep to themselves, mostly." She grins at the small woman, "Can't say if that's an elvish trait or a personal one."
Udaya wipes her hand and extends it to Avala with a grin, "Call me UU."
"Sorry I'm late everyone, the life of an academic breeds strong habits of study. I could use a glass of wine if anyone is pouring."
Ardil's ears perk up and he takes the seat offered.
He continues in Elvish unless Aeldris changes over to common. The fine-tuned elven ears of his conversation companions will recognize that his Elvish is accented and somewhat clumsy - just what you'd expect from a human that picked it up third-hand on his travels.
Aeldris notes Ardil's accent, but continues to speak in Elvish. "Not goods, no; we are more interested in the intangible--the cultures and nuances of the world that one cannot truly gain secondhand. And we are already off to a fine start!" He exclaims, gesturing to the recently completed meal.
A stool scrapes across the floor, assisted by UU's foot. "Si'down, Doc. We're just having a drink and talkin' about stuff."
Ardil glances at the newcomer in the room, distracted from his conversation by the noise, but quickly returns his attention to the table. He smiles at Aeldris.
Crystal does smile to the new-comer as thy pass towards the proffered seat so loudly dragged out for them. She adds to Ardil's conversation (In common),
"Yes, even the maids were commenting upon the dearth of Dwarven presence about." Crystal blinks, "Um, forgive me for being rude,"
"But...where is your sister...?" Crystal hesitates, unsure as to whom their table companion is speaking about.
Avala returns UUs handshake. "Avala", she says. "My brother, Ardil" with a jerk of her head backward toward him. "So what brings you to Drokara?"
As she finishes speaking, she catches the female elf's confused comment to Ardil about his "sister". She chuckles inwardly - their obvious difference in race was often a source of confusion.
She's also noticed that although Ardil and the lordly elf are still speaking Elvish - presumably the male elf's choice, since she knows Ardil has only a working knowledge of Elvish and would probably be more comfortable speaking Common - the female elf was now speaking in Common and making no significant effort to keep her part of the conversation secret.
Unusual, and intriguing. Perhaps, like Ardil, Elvish was not her native tongue.
Avala turns slightly sideways in her chair, apparently to continue her conversation with UU, but she's watching the elves and Ardil out of the corner of her eye.
UU settles on an incomplete truth; she hitches a thumb at the Professor. "We're investigating the death of a scholar, one of Doc's friends."
She watches Avala watch Ardil and the elves, trying to figure out what has her attention.
Avala and UU - you notice nothing different to distinguish Crystal different than any other elf.
Professor Lasch
I must say the people of Drokara are friendly; though I cannot count how many times I’ve been mistaken for an elf. Apparently there are not too many in these lands. No matter, I had been warned to be prepared for such misconceptions. We have met our dwarven escorts, all of them from the Mithrilshield Clan, they are a friendly people as well and just as thorough as their cousins in Rant. We shall be spending the remainder of the day here then moving out at dawn to go into the mountains to the outpost. I have spoken with Yesrin as well and all is in order for arrival. I must say again that I am thrilled for this assignment. I’ve heard the travel will be a few days into the mountains so I may not write again till our arrival there.
The Secret Hold, the Minotaurs named it, I believe in honor of one of their deities. The craftsmenship has no comparison. I must confess that I am amazed at its beauty and the lack of magics used in its creation. All save for the entrance. The main doors were grand indeed, but the bridge to cross the chasm is not visible. I can see how this place could be overlooked with one just passing along the upper trails. The main hall; its pillars of the finest obsidian and the detail to the works is a true credit to the craftsman at hand. I shall have to inquire who all was involved in the creation of this place.
Yesrin is pleased with my knowledge and my previous studies, he has assured me I will spent ample more time in study and in particular to fey magics. Apparently the humans of Furp have not explored Havenwood, a wood on their northern border, and we are to assist in the task. There are several rumors of the wood, some ancient fey court ruling the wood, and some old temple to Sunar located within.
Today was a truly blessed day, I can now say I’ve had the pleasure to meet a dragon, and not just any dragon a Bronze Dragon. He is still young, at least by dragon standards, and Yesrin has introduced him as Kalver. Apparently his name is much longer but Kalver being the most pronounceable in most languages. We had to access his hold by magical means, apparently no one, even Yesrin, knows exactly where is ‘chamber’ is. But he is friendly that is for sure and is as full of questions about me and the mortal races as I have of him. I do hope he will be joining us on our expedition.
It has been several days since I could last write. I have been too busy with my duties and for that I apologize. Yesrin has gone, back to True Valley, and I must say I do miss the beauty of the valley. I do grow tired of these stone mountains and their mundane appearance. Ah, just a decade to serve here, then back home. I imagine the experiences I will be able to share when I return, and be able to share with you. It is one of the reasons I’ve kept this journal, I hope that at the end of this ordeal I will have enough coin to begin work on our own home. And with as much as I miss the home I’m thinking more and more…how do you feel about living outside the city? Perhaps near the woods or the lake?
I’ve found something interesting in an old tome; it has brought me back to an earlier thought. If the expedition is to go on into Havenwood I will encourage Kalver to join us. The tome references an ancient Wyrm being involved with the downfall of the temple. And from Kalver I’ve learned that Wyrm is a title given to elders of the dragon races; to add more, in most cases it is a dragon who has lived past one thousand years! Imagine what he has seen? Of course if it is a vile dragon, I’ve also learned there are as many vile ones as good ones, I suppose he would not like to indulge in discussion.
Avala and UU - you notice nothing different to distinguish Crystal different than any other elf.
Professor Lasch
** spoiler omitted **...
Lasch sits quietly, studying his notes, finding little interest in the social jockeying playing out before him.
Lasch
The Journal is not Thomas'. It's someone elses. The mystery to his death is still left with Pirak and his earlier conversation with you and UU. Something about someone else being involved about not wanting 'these' things to be discovered.
To make matters worse there is no established timeline for the journal at least anotated in it. So it still is a question to Lasch as to when it was written.
Lasch
** spoiler omitted **
Ohhhh. Well then I haven't the slightest inkling what's going on yet. :)
No matter. Its a mystery.
Uneasy, Lasch gets up and quietly says "I'm going to get some fresh air. I am uneasy."
Shifting under his cloak, Lasch walks just outside the door to the tavern, palming his dagger as he always does at the corner. The staff rests in his left hand, just inside the door frame. Anyone walking out from that direction will give him a split second warning longer than he might normally have from behind. He can't remember if the martial combat books he read told him to face the door or the corner and decides that his current set up is fine. Death always sets Lasch into an unusual mood and he would prefer Udaya would continue to see him as her teacher, not a rougher man. Old habits die hard.
"What a strange party I've set out with, such an admixture of eclectic taste and active ingredients. "
With that, Lasch sets out studying his immediate surroundings, observing dress, custom, language, and construction. Without moving from his spot, Lasch begins a sociological survey of the urban architecture, a useful exercise in familiarizing himself with the city landscape.
The whole of this exercise takes no longer than 15 seconds. The survey should be completed in a matter of minutes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGCMfprPJoA See minute 1:37
UU watches Lasch leave then looks to Avala, "So that was Doc... not exactly a chatty fellow at times." She turns back to her meal.
Aeldris follows Crystal's lead and switches to Elvish, figuring he's made Ardil work hard enough. "We hear little of the dwarves in our lands...I'm of a mind to take you up on that offer."
Crystal nods to Sir Caresti's comments and wishes, showing that she accepts his lead without question. Though her attention is still politely upon Ardil Larst as she awaits his comment and explanation. The passing of the elder human, Crystal notes but does not show any inclinations about.
UU watches Lasch leave then looks to Avala, "So that was Doc... not exactly a chatty fellow at times." She turns back to her meal.
To himself: "Ah Udaya, it is good to see her again."
I'd like to think you catch me cracking a wry smile on the way out of the lodge. :)
Once outside and settled for a moment. I cast message to say to Udaya:
"Excuse me miss. I HEARD that."
To himself: "Ah Udaya, it is good to see her again."
I'd like to think you catch me cracking a wry smile on the way out of the lodge. :)
Once outside and settled for a moment. I cast message to say to Udaya:
"Excuse me miss. I HEARD that."
UU laughs out loud for seemingly no reason, saying to the air "Well come back in here you anti-social Academic charmer and I'll say it to your face while handing you a drink. And stop with the 'Miss' stuff."
Aeldris follows Crystal's lead and switches to Elvish, figuring he's made Ardil work hard enough. "We hear little of the dwarves in our lands...I'm of a mind to take you up on that offer."
Ardil smiles at Crystal and nods towards the bar.
"The young halfling at the bar is my sister, at least in spirit. He chuckles. And what she lacks in stature she certainly makes up in spirit. Her family took me in as a child and raised me as their own son. Considering them of my own flesh and blood is the least I can do."
Turning back to Aeldris, he continues excitedly.
"Great! I have never imagined I would be able to find companions as elusive as yourselves. What would you want in return for aiding us on our journey?"
Ardil is oblivious to anything else going on in the room at this point, absorbed in the conversation.
UU laughs out loud for seemingly no reason, saying to the air "Well come back in here you anti-social Academic charmer and I'll say it to your face while handing you a drink. And stop with the 'Miss' stuff."
In the least whispered whisper possible:
"MISS, as you well know, my prodigious intellect does not haveI simply an 'off' switch. I needed to secure our surroundings and get my bearings. In the absence of being able to give you a demerit for your impudence, I'm fining you one drink."
The whole speech is delivered with a wry smile. At the end, Lasch uses the spell to deliver a harsh *wsshhhhhhhhing* sound similar to a whistle to startle her. :P
UU jumps noticeably, almost falling off her stool. "Oh, I hate when he does that. 'Prestidigitous intellect', my ass... Barkeep! What is the absolute worst, cheapest, nastiest wine you have? Something close to mule piss, hopefully. I want a glass of that." She thinks for a moment and adds, "...and a glass of a decent wine."
She explains conspiratorially to Avala. "If Doc is sweet to me when he comes back - he gets the good stuff. If he's crotchety and calls me 'Miss' - mule piss."
Jasper looks at UU oddly, chuckles then says "I got just the thing ma'am." He steps back into the kitchen and returns with two pints placing them both in front of UU, "Here ya go!" He pauses pushes the one in his right hand forward hesitantly, "This should be the...ah...mule flavor." He sniffs the other mug, "Yeah, should be that one." Sets it down then goes about his work making sure the few other patrons at the bar are tended too.
You all have roughly been here for about an hour, recieved your meals and partaken in them. The handful of patrons that were here when you arrived have departed and about ten new patrons have come in. They seem oblivious to you all until they sit, take in their surroundings then notice you all. Aeldris, Crystal and Avala gather the most looks and some of the more older patrons linger their view on UU.
None of the stares are hostile or carry ill will, in fact when most notice themselves they are staring they quickly over react looking the other way embarrassed they've been caught.
Aeldris follows Crystal's lead and switches to Elvish, figuring he's made Ardil work hard enough. "We hear little of the dwarves in our lands...I'm of a mind to take you up on that offer."
Ardil smiles at Crystal and nods towards the bar.
"The young halfling at the bar is my sister, at least in spirit. He chuckles. And what she lacks in stature she certainly makes up in spirit. Her family took me in as a child and raised me as their own son. Considering them of my own flesh and blood is the least I can do."
Turning back to Aeldris, he continues excitedly.
"Great! I have never imagined I would be able to find companions as elusive as yourselves. What would you want in return for aiding us on our journey?"
Ardil is oblivious to anything else going on in the room at this point, absorbed in the conversation.
Aeldris's eyes snap to Udaya as she jumps, and just as quickly return to Ardil. "We had no particular destination in mind; we would be happy simply for the safety of traveling in numbers."
UU jumps noticeably, almost falling off her stool. "Oh, I hate when he does that. 'Prestidigitous intellect', my ass... Barkeep! What is the absolute worst, cheapest, nastiest wine you have? Something close to mule piss, hopefully. I want a glass of that." She thinks for a moment and adds, "...and a glass of a decent wine."
She explains conspiratorially to Avala. "If Doc is sweet to me when he comes back - he gets the good stuff. If he's crotchety and calls me 'Miss' - mule piss."
1d20+5
After about five more minutes of study Lasch reenters the room.
Alright Udaya, I'm satisfied. For now. Now I think I promised you a drink. *Offers you a hand up if you fell off your chair*
UU eyes Doc, debating which glass to give him. Well, he did drop the Miss part... She sighs and gives him the good wine then slides the mulish one back to Jasper. "Jasp, would you save this... uh... vintage. I may need it later." She gives him a wink, "Si'down Doc."
UU eyes Doc, debating which glass to give him. Well, he did drop the Miss part... She sighs and gives him the good wine then slides the mulish one back to Jasper. "Jasp, would you save this... uh... vintage. I may need it later." She gives him a wink, "Si'down Doc."
*Sips and sighs* Well this is a good one Udaya. If we're going to get colloquial you might as well call me Lasch.
UU looks slightly disheartened. "You don't like 'Doc'? I thought that was a nice nickname for you."
Avala laughs at the exchange between UU and "Doc".
"Cheers! Nice to meet you, Doc."
"You'll have to forgive me, its been a while since my tavern. Doc it is"
Turns to Avala. "And cheers to you too, little one. Nice to meet you."
"You'll have to forgive me, its been a while since my tavern days. Doc it is"
Turns to Avala. "And cheers to you too, little one. Nice to meet you."
~Ack
You all notice a handsome human enter the tavern, he quickly looks over you all and once his eyes land on Crystal he winks with a sly smile. He's dressed in loose clothing, full of vibrant colors, long blonde hair with green eyes, and seemingly unarmed except for his smile. His smile seems to have a simple charm about it, in fact something about him has a charm.
"Jasper!" He moves quickly to the bar shaking hands with Jasper whom appears to be a bit confused, "May...um...may I help you sir?"
"No, no," The newcomer laughs,"It is I who can help you!" He waves his right arm and hand about in the air turning it all into a slight bow, "Perhaps you have heard of me? Gerald Hymnbyrd?!"
Jasper looks confused, "Um...well no."
"No matter!" The man acts as if the answer was opposite, "I am here to request the honor of entertaining your patrons this evening? A melody? A story? Or perhaps just dance?" The man smiles; which seems to be contagious as others in the room join in to which you too may find yourselves hardpressed to resist, "All of these mighty services I offer you and for just a meal, drink," He leans closer to Jasper moving his left hand over his mouth as if to bar the conversation, "And mayhaps a bed dependent on the night."
Jasper blinks, smiling in return, "A bard then? Well i've none set it for this night and yer earnings are based off your performance." Jasper extends his hand to which the stranger takes, "We have an agreement then."
Just as quickly as the man arrives he leaves and it almost seems as if the charm he brought with him also left with him.
UU raises an eyebrow at the bard's pitch and catches the attention of Avala and Doc as he strides out in his gaudy finery, "Hymnbyrd is it? That's a name that needs a few more vowels."
She turns her full attention on the smaller woman feeling decidedly friendly, "So Avala, your name has the right amount of vowels, but I'm wondering if you've got a nickname? Or maybe, before the night is through, we'll figure out a good one for you." Udaya casts a mischievous look at the halfling's brother. "He's Ardil, right? So maybe Big A and Lil' A? Nah, too easy..."
Spellcraft on the bard.
Lasch eyes the sudden visitor inquisitively
Avala eyes the bard interestedly. She doesn't often see flashy, charming strangers in her line of work.
Turning back to UU:
"A nickname... hmmm, none for me. It's the Halfling way to give a child an easy enough name that no further shortening is required - I suppose you could say we're too leisurely to come up with an extra name when one will suffice! As for my brother, he has none that I'm aware of, but of course I can't speak to anything he may have picked up on his travels. Some I suspect might be too... personal... to share with his sister, if you catch my meaning".
She laughs and winks at UU.
UU smiles and regards Avala's brother more closely, "Oh, a rascal brother. Now, I'm intrigued. I'll have to ferret those names out of him." Her look turns speculative and slightly predatory, "He's a looker, no doubt."
Watching Ardil, she can't help but look at the elves. She eyes Crystal appraisingly. Over 6' and probably a hundred pounds soaking wet. UU looks at her own 'more generous' figure. She leans over to Avala and says very quietly...
Spellcraft on the bard.
d20 + 8
Lasch eyes the sudden visitor inquisitively
Lasch
You are not sure of it's origin, though you could theorize perhaps a Potion of Eagles Splendor, or any other means of such.
Spellcraft on the bard.
d20 + 8
Lasch eyes the sudden visitor inquisitively
Lasch
** spoiler omitted **
What a charmer :P
Happy to have a new set of companions in the elves, Ardil chats idly, asking Aeldris about his journey and as much about his homeland as he can without seeming rude or intruding. When the conversation is interrupted by the loud bard, he realizes that there are new faces in the room. He takes a moment to survey the newcomers, paying special attention to the professor. He studies the man carefully, impressed by the man of knowledge. He then excuses himself from the elves table adding that he'll be back in just a minute. He walks the short distance to the professor's seat.
"Doctor Lasch is it? You look like a man with wisdom to spare... My name is Ardil Larst. Coming into town, I have heard some unusual rumors about the dwarves disappearing from this part of the world. Do you know anything about that? I am a traveling merchant and it would be worth a great deal to me to be able to establish trade relations with these dwarves. If you can help me find them, I would be willing to compensate you for your wisdom, if you so wish!"
Happy to have a new set of companions in the elves, Ardil chats idly, asking Aeldris about his journey and as much about his homeland as he can without seeming rude or intruding. When the conversation is interrupted by the loud bard, he realizes that there are new faces in the room. He takes a moment to survey the newcomers, paying special attention to the professor. He studies the man carefully, impressed by the man of knowledge. He then excuses himself from the elves table adding that he'll be back in just a minute. He walks the short distance to the professor's seat.
"Doctor Lasch is it? You look like a man with wisdom to spare... My name is Ardil Larst. Coming into town, I have heard some unusual rumors about the dwarves disappearing from this part of the world. Do you know anything about that? I am a traveling merchant and it would be worth a great deal to me to be able to establish trade relations with these dwarves. If you can help me find them, I would be willing to compensate you for your wisdom, if you so wish!"
"Well met sir. I suppose I could do some research for you if we are here for some time. Adequately compensated I'm sure I could find out anything you need to know about the Dwarves. I too have heard about dwarves disappearing from the world."
Dwarves in this kingdom seemed to have disappeared, the reasons for it are unknown and the lack of the dwarven trade goods has caused these rumors. You could attempt to learn more, which could only be accomplished from talking with the locals and most likely merchants that deal in dwarven wares. And on that same note you could easily reason that some of those merchants might be appreciating their disappearance because now they can mark up the cost on those wares.
As for your homeland there are no such rumors and dwarves are not that common in Pilaxious. Mainly due to location.
Now on your journey here you did stop in Rant, part of the Dwarven kingdom of Kra, and saw plenty of dwarves.
This disappearance seems to be a local event.
You can however roll Knowledge Geography to jog your memory on what dwarven clans are known to be in the Seacoast Mountains. Information you could have easily read over back in the library. :D
Knowledge geography.
You know the large clan here is Mithrilshield and is appropriately named for producing the rare ore. Though they are very controlling of it as a trade good. You also know there is another clan here but the name evades you, perhaps due to size, or its more secretive nature.