Morning Routine, Scroll Translation, A Night-Time Visit, Trading Post
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; A much needed rest
His sleep was listless and fitful-- there are no grins from Mission this morning, despite the cheery dawn atmosphere. He is edgy and short with the other party members as they pick over the halfling's camp for anything valuable they may have missed the day before.
Rennick's initial cheeriness grates on his nerves, and it is with a twisted satisfaction that he observes that the wild halfling returns to the camp subdued. Mission bites his lip at his satisfaction-- it is a dark thing to enjoy, even a small bit, the misery of others.
As Cadfael is still praying, Mission slips quietly away into the woods to meditate for a bit. When he returns to the camp, his mood has softened.
He finds himself next to Rennick and says softly, "Never mind the pretty birds, the warm breeze, the dawn-- something dark waits for us out there."
When the party leaves, Mission will take his place behind Cadfael, and will try to remain alert for any attack.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; A much needed rest
Farron awakens and immediately opens his spellbook. After an hour of study, he grabs some breakfast (with a quick "Thanks" to Rennik). With a chatter, he sends Jack off to forage, with instructions to come back quickly if he finds anything amiss.
Basics taken care of, Farron next removes the stack of scrolls from their case and places each one side by side on his bedroll carefully. He retrieves the remaining scroll from Cadfael and places it with the rest. He then walks over to the remains of the fire and takes a pinch of soot from the now cool edge of the fire pit with one hand and a pinch of salt from a small bag he retrieves from the rations. Standing a little away from the group, he begins to mutter a few arcane syllables while, in a complicated motion, rubbing the soot and salt together, producing a whisp of smoke into which he leans forward and inhales. (Casts Comprehend Languages). Immediately, he returns to the laid out scrolls and begins studying them.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; A much needed rest
As Farron begins to study the scrolls anew, Sa'id moves to crouch near the other wizard, awaiting any new information with interest.
From: Raja
Subject: Drat and double drat!
I'm STILL not getting into the habit of replacing the reply-to addresses with only game@sakeriver.com. Sorry, guys :( I'll keep trying to condition myself to do it :-P
From: Dan
Subject: Re: First Night: The hunt; A much needed rest
When Cadfael has finished his prayers for the morning he quietly gathers his things, a content smile on his face. Once he's done he'll just lean up against a tree, somewhere that's still fairly well let, close his eyes and enjoy the morning.
From: Ty
Subject: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings
Rennik and Garyth are now both fully healed.
Let me know if there are any other conversations or preparations before the party heads out. If not, I will write the next turn in about an hour or so.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings
I'd just like to know what Farron was able to discern from the scrolls. Other than that, I'm ready. :)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings
Garyth wakens slowly, shaking off sleep heavily. But, before long he is up and about. He stows his gear and slings his pack, ready to move out.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings
Having cast his spell, Farron begins reading the first of the scrolls. He doesn't get far before he starts to look very uneasy. After a few minutes, he even begins holding his head in more than a little discomfort. He turns away from the scrolls and spends several minutes hunched over, eyes closed, shaking his head as if trying to concentrate amid incessant screaming. After a few minutes, some measure of peace returns to his face and some minutes later, he is again able to speak to the group.
"Truthfully, I could not read even one scroll in its entirety, nor will I try again. What I was able to determine is what I have suspected all along. The scrolls are contracts, signed in blood, wherein each of the halflings has given his allegiance and his soul to a being named "Kor Garesh" in exchage for certain "gifts". What exactly these gifts are, I could not make out, but the power of the gift is somehow tied to the power of the signer.
"The language of the scrolls is one of the Devil Tongues, used among the beings of the fiendish planes. Be glad that you cannot read it, for the very characters it uses seem to writhe in agony as they are read.
"I know that we must leave, and I appologize for the delay, but I need a few minutes alone before I can go further."
With that, he walks down to the stream, strips off his robes and kneels amid stream and splashed himself with the frigid water. The shock as the cold water hits his body drives the memory of the twisting agonized text from his head and he returns to the group some minutes later invigorated and refreshed. He quickly packs up and is ready to hit the trail.
From: Ty
Subject: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
Farron's information about the scrolls is what all have suspected, but to have it verified beyond doubt casts a shadow over the party. Why would these men give their souls to such a being? If Rennik is correct, perhaps the Murrkat's were already such savages that this contract only codified their allegiances. But his kinsman, the Logi tribesman. Why would such a person sign over his life? What 'gift' could possibly be worth this price?
As the party heads out, Rennik stops about 40 feet or so out on the path and turns to the group, looking as though he's trying to make a decision within himself. Nodding his head a bit, he looks up at the others.
"There is something you need to see."
Leading the group a small ways off the trail, he points out a stick that appears to have been left sandwiched between two largish flat stones. The stick is pointing directly at the camp.
"Horan and I would play at this when we were young and foolish. We would sneak up on hunting parties and human warrior camps at night to see how close we could get without being seen. Then we would leave a mark, just like these rocks."
He waits a moment for the reality of that to sink.
"Horan was at most at home in the woods. His cursed years seem to have honed his skills, some. We must be more cautious."
With that, he walks back to the trail and moves off ahead, seemingly preoccupied. His axe is in his hands as he tracks the pair of footprints through the underbrush.
The party sets out again, and it seems only too fitting when, an hour after they begin, a massive thunderhead rolls in and begins drenching them. Rennik curses, because the heavy rains wipe away the tracks he follows. He decides to just keep heading due east, and hope he finds a new trail. Sometime after lunch, the original trail you had taken crosses your path. Rennik shrugs and begins following that trail. "If Elise and Horan go to the same place, then one track is as good as another."
As the afternoon wears on, Farron and Sa'id begin to see why horses are not taken to the interior of the island. Ground is getting increasingly soft, and the vegetation thicker and thicker as you progress. The trees are short, and thick, and covered with slimy moss. And ferns and other low undergrowth grow thick here. If it gets much thicker than this, horse travel would be impossible.
Just as evening falls, the rain begins to let up, and the party begins to think of finding the driest place to camp. While you trudge on, looking for tree covered high ground, Garyth points off into the distance. "Is that a house?"
The party moves forward cautiously, and sees what looks like a large log cabin, with an even larger outbuilding, possibly a barn. There are also several small storage sheds scattered about. One of the sheds is giving off great quantities of smoke, and smells like cooking meat. Rennik says, "It's a trading post. The Halflings and humans trade furs and metal tools, among other things. There are dozens of these little posts all around the interior. They often rent rooms to travelers as well. The big building is probably a barn, and the little sheds are smoke houses and tanning sheds."
(The next turn will be your reactions to this place, and what you want to do about it.)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
For what seems like the hundredth time today, Garyth wipes the rain off his face with the back of his hand. He narrows his eyes as he regards the small collection of buildings. His first impulse is, of course, to dry off and get a good meal. But Rennik's words are still fresh in his mind; he must master his headstrong nature. He scans the buildings, looking to see if he can spot anything amiss.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
Garyth can see nothing amiss. The act of smoking meat is so extremely mundane and domestic, that he can't imagine the soulless devil spawn ever doing it.
While he watches, a very large white dog comes around from the back of the house, and begins trotting towards the party.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
Mission winks at Cadfael, and says to Rennick, "Remember, now, Rennick: Garyth is to do the parlaying. This beast looks a bit more ready to chew us up than was our Leggy Dame, so you mind your tongue. And his as well-- gah, look at that drool!"
A sturdy roof and a good set of walls-- Mission is ready to turn in.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
"Just the same," Rennik replies to Mission, "I'd prefer if he covers his rank insignia with his cloak until we know a little more about this trader. Elise may have been headed here as her next stop. She may even still be here."
"Still, I am a halfling with nothing to trade, so I may not get the warmest welcome. Many of these traders think we all sleep hanging by our toes from trees. I think it best if I stay outside and take a look around while you 'parley'. Maybe I can see if Elise or anyone else left any trace of their stay. If all goes well, I'll be right outside. If not, give a shout... and if you can't do that, knock something heavy over."
Rennik grins at that. His body language indicates that he's not overeager to get a look at this trader.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
Just as Rennik finishes speaking, the large white dog trots up to the party. Up close, you realize that it is not a *large dog*, but is in fact an *enormous wolf*. Its fur is a brilliant white, and its shoulder is waist high on Mission, who stands six three. It must easily mass 200 pounds or more. And yet, for all its ferocious appearance, it seems quite friendly. It jogs over to Garyth first, sniffing his chest and crotch, then moves on to Rennik, taking a quick sniff of his head. It will move through the party greeting each member in this way. While it does this, you each look at each other nervously, but it shows no sign of aggression, and you don't want to anger the trader by killing his dog. You are glad you showed this restraint. When the wolf has sniffed everyone, it trots off back to the house, and three more of the huge wolves pop out of the woods around you and chase the first to the back of the lodge, snapping and playing like gigantic puppies.
Rennik says in a whisper, "Winter wolves. I've seen pelts, but never a live one. They live high up the slopes of Kessel, and their skins bring a fortune in the cities. Very few will risk hunting them."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
"I ... I see," stammers Sa'id. He doesn't speak further, and he glances about furtively to ensure no large dogs or enormous wolves are sneaking up on him.
(OOC: Sa'id doesn't have any input as far as what we should do next. He'll go along with the group decision.)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
"Well then," says Cadfael, shouldering his pack, "their animals seem friendly enough. I know I could certainly use a warm fire and some food after a hard day of travelling. I say we head on up and see what there is to see."
Unless someone tries to stop him, Cadfael will hike on up to the house.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
A bit tired of the rain and the hike himself, Farron glances at the group once, then shrugs and heads off after Cadfael.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 2
"Garyth, if this man has Winter Wolves, he will know something of Mt. Kessel. He may know the Murrkat, and something of this black pillar."
He slips his axe back into the sheath under his pack and sets off toward the house.
"Still, I will stay outside. I'd like to get a look at that barn."
(OOC: If the wolves get uppity, Rennik will back away from the barn, but he'll try to calm them using Wild Empathy/Animal Empathy. If he can make nicey nice enough, he'll try to get a good snoop of the place - especially looking for traces of recent visitors... if worse comes to worse, he can always climb up the barn a bit to get out of the wolves' reach)
From: Ty
Subject: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
As Rennik heads cautiously to the barn, the rest of the party moves to the lodge. It is difficult not to run. You have had a full day of being soaked, eaten a soggy lunch, and now are only steps away from (hopefully) a warm bed and a hot meal.
The front door of the lodge has a large sign that says, WELCOME FRIENDS, which seems very promising. Garyth looks at the party, shrugs, and pushes the door open. A gust of warm air comes out, accompanied by the smells of spicy stew. That is all it takes, and the party is pushing inside as fast as you can. The inside of the lodge is roomy, with a roaring fireplace at one end, and a large table. On the walls hang a wide variety of things one might need here in the wilds, and over the fire is a black pot, probably the current home of the wonderful cooking smells.
What appear to be rolled up white rugs at first, turn out to be four of the massive winter wolves. They look up from their napping places and yawn, but make no move to get up. A few seconds later, an equally large man with a leather apron and a big grin on his face comes in from a back room.
"Ah, my customers arrive!" He says in a booming voice. "Cutter warned me you'd be along. Nasty day, wasn't it? Got a nice stew cooking. Staying for dinner? Got a few beds too, if you want em, and enough ale to make em comfortable, eh!" Apparently, he finds this very funny and laughs loudly for several seconds.
(What do you five want to do?)
Meet Gully Patter
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Mission's mouth waters at the smell of the stew, but he pauses outside the door to shake off his cloak and wide-brimmed hat. A little courtesy might go a long way toward hospitality in this wilderness.
There are more white wolves lazing about the common room of the lodge. One yawns, showing a massive mouth filled with dangerous looking teeth. Mission has to grin at the incongruity of the beast because, surely teeth like that were not meant to be placed in the mouth of such a lollagag creature.
Mission wonders how often the wolf has had occasion to use those teeth. And what the circumstances were behind their use. Thoughts better suited for another time.
And were it not for the events of last night and this morning, he would feel at ease here. As it is, his grin is only a little hardened, only slightly more stiff than it would otherwise be.
"A miserable day, and that's the truth!" Mission agrees. He wishes Garyth and Cadfael COULD hide their armor somehow-- but to the best of his knowledge, armor does not just fold up nicely to be put in a pack. Pity-- armor means wealth, and wealth means purpose, and purpose means good and ill depending on who you talked to.
But he is otherwise silent, waiting on Garyth's lead. Automatically, though, he starts looking around the lodge for any work that might need to be done--cleaning, repair work, anything at all that might need a bit of spit and polish.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
At the sound of the word "bed", Farron practically drops on the spot. The only thing that keeps him from heading straight to a room for a nap is the thought that the stew might all be gone by the time he wakes up. And even Jack has perked up at the delicious smell emanating from the stewpot on the fire. "I'm Farron," he says to their host, extending a hand and stepping toward their prospective host.
(OOC - Farron's objectives here are #1 food, #2 securing a bed for the night, #3 subtly plying their host for any information he might be able to give them. (i.e. Any recent guests? Any other current guests? Anything "interesting" happening in his neck of the woods?) /OOC)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Sa'id's stance is relaxed and easy, and he smiles at the host, but says nothing other than introducing himself when it's appropriate.
(OOC: If we ultimately stay here Sa'id is going to want to dry himself off before anything; when he has the opportunity, he'll use Prestidigitation to evaproate one pound of water from his clothes and person -- assuming that's a valid use. :)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(OOC: Ty, did we think to bring any money along with us?)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
You would each have an appropriate amount of traveling money. Say, the equivalent of ten gold pieces in change of various denominations. For a wilderness trip, all your other wealth would have been left back home.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Garyth does what he can to wipe the mud off of his boots before entering.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
The proprietor grins appreciatively at Mission's kind words. Then you all stand around looking at each other, waiting for someone to speak.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(OOC: Heh, let's try that with the whole message this time.)
Garyth does what he can to wipe the mud from his boots before entering, though between the rest of the party pressing to get in and his own hunger being sharpened by the smell of the cooking he most likely misses some.
At the warm greeting from the post's proprietor, Garyth smiles. "A nasty day, indeed! I was beginning to think I'd never find a place to get dry. I think we could certainly be persuaded to take you up on your offer, if the price is right."
He glances around the room then looks back to the man. "I didn't see anyone about, apart from these magnificent animals," he nods toward the wolves. "Have you had much business lately?"
Garyth realizes that there have been no introductions and, grinning, smacks his forehead with his palm. "But where are my manners? I am Garyth, hailing from Overlook." He extends his hand to the man.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Farron, then, (being totally insulted that his obviously friendly greeting was ignored by the proprietor), decides to stand around and look silly like everyone else.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(no introductions???! Is no one getting my emails?)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
No, we're (okay I) am freaking swamped at work.
So you don't get no freakin' introductions until later, man.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(OOC: Sorry, Karl, I got your post but forgot to take it into account. You know, between all the Hmph-ing before and now this, Farron seems to be spending quite a bit of time being insulted. ;) )
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
No no no. My point is that I sent a response *HOURS* ago where Farron introduced himself with outstretched hand and apparently the proprietor has chosen to ignore him and everyone is standing around waiting for introductions (according to our DM).
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Well, you look like a ferret, you get no respect.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
The owner steps forward quickly, wiping his hand on a rag. He shakes Garyth's outstretched hand with a powerful grip, then moves on to shake everyone else's hand, grinning all the while.
"My name is Gully. Gully Patter. I own this place."
He gestures for everyone to sit, and begins getting out bowls and plates from a shelf next to the fireplace. "Yeah, business is booming lately. Lots of people going east these days. And not all of 'em have the gentle look of you folk. Quite a few that I was loathe to turn my back to, if you take my meaning. But I haven't had any problems yet. Most of 'em take one look at Cutter and the other boys, and they get real polite fast."
Once the bowls are out, he begins ladling stew into each of the, and handing out large chunks of bread. "Had a slew of folk yesterday. A noble born woman with a few retainers going east, and a big band o' halflings bringing another woman west. The noble born and her men left her horses here, and paid in gold for the service. Always happy to help those with gold. She was a beauty too, and had a ready smile, but the lads didn't like her one bit. I was glad when she left."
After the food has been handed out, he begins filling mugs with ale from a casket nearby. "We've one guest left here from yesterday, though she hasn't come out since. She came in with the halflings, took a room, and hasn't left it once. She paid in silver for quiet, so I'm not about to roust her out. Least till her money runs out, eh?" He says with a big grin.
At this point, one of the wolves comes in from the back room (this makes fives wolves in this room now), and whines once at Gully. Gully turns to you and says, "You boys didn't leave one of your own outside, did you?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Casket = Cask
Duhhhhhhhhhhh
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Garyth looks mildly embarassed. "Yes, one of our companions wanted to spend some more time outside. He's a bit... skittish. But I imagine he'll be upset if he finds out we ate without him." He stands and moves to the door to call Rennik inside.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
As Rennik prowls around looking in windows, he can hear Garyth calling
out to him.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Rennik emerges warily from behind the corner of the house and walks through the door as though walking on eggshells, throwing furtive glances around the room and mentally marking all the exits.
Nodding his head in the manner of the halflings of his tribe, he introduces himself.
"You keep impressive pets, inkeep. Fearsome guardians. I would like to return to see them when they are fully grown. What happened to their mother?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Gully smiles when Rennik comes in. He looks the halfling up and down, noting the cut of his armor, his accent, and the cast of his features. "Welcome! The brave hunters of the Chorrdath tribe are always welcome in Gully's. I've not had any of your people here in quite some time. Too bad. Good people the Chorrdath. I hope I didn't offend them somehow."
He turns to look at the wolf at his side. His face looks sad for a moment. "Aye, they've only about half their weight on them. Pups, really. I fear I won't be able to keep them too much longer, though Cutter has promised he'll stay even if the others leave."
"As to how I came to have them, *that* is a tale best told after dinner, and over a cup of mulled wine! Pull up a chair, and have some of this stew."
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
Rennik's face brightens a bit at the recognition of his tribe, but then darkens again with memory.
"I look forward to hearing it, friend. There are stories of the Chorrdath you must hear as well... Dark stories best told with full bellies in front of a warm fire."
He glances at the wolves lazing about on the floor with a look of consideration on his face.
"You can't keep them? I guess the costs of feeding so many animals is a strain. I'd offer to foster one for you if that would ease the burden."
Rennik looks apprehensively at the hallway leading toward the rooms. "Are your other... guests... going to join us?"
Conversation With Gully, Cadfael's Spell Goes Awry, OOC Griping
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
The stew is hearty, the slabs of bread thick and soft. Mission devours both with a gusto that is almost embarassing. The ale, however, he sips only lightly.
Like Rennick, Mission is curious about the other guest. Perhaps she was brought west by the same halflings that attacked the party. If so, they should certainly seek her out.
Or perhaps she was just a random traveller.
Mission rolls his shoulders, and belches unexpectedly. He grins. "Delicious both ways, Gully Patter." He keeps his voice aimless and relaxed. "I wonder what brings a lone woman out here in the wilderness. Do you know if she might need an escort?"
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
EDIT:
"Do you know if she might need an escort to wherever she is going?"
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
"No, friend, it isn't the cost. They feed themselves, mostly. It's their nature. Their wild things, born to run the slopes of Kessel, not sleep on a lodge floor. When they get their full growth on them, they'll find living here intolerable, I think. And that's best I suppose. The mountain let me borrow them for a bit, but she'll be wanting them back. Cutter was the first to learn to talk, and he's taken to civilized ways better than the others. The other lads should be talking by now, but I just think it honestly doesn't interest them. That's why I think they'll leave soon."
He glances down the hall and says, "Like I said. My other guest doesn't come out. I doubt she'll join us for dinner. To be honest, she looked a bit sickly to me. Very pale."
He brightens up as he takes a large swallow from his mug. "The meal is a silver piece, but a room with a clean bed and a warm bath is 3 silvers, and I'll throw in breakfast as well. Is that agreeable? Also, if you lack any gear, take a look at my supplies. I've honest prices on all."
He turns to Rennik, "And now that business is concluded, and bellies full, perhaps you'll share a mulled wine with me and tell me the dark story of your noble tribe. I'll share my own tale of the wolves."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 3
(OOC: BWAHAHAHAHHAAA!)
Sa'id enjoys his meal, and smiles at his host whenever their gazes meet, but allows the others to do the talking. He already finds himself missing the bustle of cities like Nesalin and Haifa, and the soggy nature of his clothes (particularly his turban) leave him feeling none too amicable despite his appreciation for the warm stew and full-bodied ale. His clothes chafe his skin, and his scalp itches under his turban, but he is unsure how their host would react to his magics. He is also painfully conscious of the distaste for magic exhibited by Mission, Garyth, and Cadfael. Despite his discomfort, Sa'id refrains from drying his clothes with a spell, at least until the meal is done. He does listen intently to all that is said, however.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(OOC: Sorry to send two turns so close together.)
As the meal concludes, Sa'id rises and bows slightly to his host. "The price is certainly agreeable to me," he says with a smile, "and I suspect it is agreeable to my companions as well. If there are to be fireside stories, I would like to put my things in my room; which one shall I use?"
(OOC: Sa'id will go to his room, spread the contents of his pack out to dry, and dry his clothes as well as he can using Prestidigitation -- in particular, his turban -- before dressing again and going back out to the common area.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Farron listens to the conversation with interest while devouring his portion of the stew. He does discretely drop a morsel or two of the meat into a pocket where Jack lays into it with gusto.
He is eager to hear both Rennik's and their host's stories.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Gully jumps to his feet. "Follow me good sir, I'll see you to your room." He leads Sa'id, and any others who wish to follow, down the hall. "I'm sorry, sir, but I don't place the accent. Are you from the isle?"
He stops in front of two doors, across the hall from each other. "Here you go, these two rooms will be yours. There are two beds in each, and plenty of skins and blankets if someone prefers the floor (in this age, it is quite common for two to share a bed in an inn). You can hang your clothes by the fire if you like."
As he walks back down the hall, you see him cast an uncomfortable glance at the next door down from your room.
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Farron will follow Gully to the rooms and will claim a bed in Sa'id's room. He doesn't really feel like bunking alone in a room full of magic haters. After he gets his sleeping space claimed, he will return to the common room for the stories.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
When Gully returns to the common room, he draws several tankards of wine, and begins warming them by the fire. He turns to Garyth and says, "First though, a bit of news from Overlook, if you don't mind. I've a sister that lives there. Madeline is her name. I've not been back in almost a year. Any news of the town is appreciated."
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
"I am from the isle of Ammar, which is to the east of here. But for the last three years I have trained at the wizards' school in Nesalin," Sa'id explains to Gully as they walk down the hall. He thanks Gully and goes into his room. Not having a change of clothes (OOC: at least, I don't think I do), he will close the door and use Prestidigitation to dry his clothes as much as possible (OOC: Prestidigitation will move one pound of material, which I think should allow him to get rid of most if not all of the moisture in his clothes). Leaving his things to dry in his room, he will then return to the fireside gathering.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(OOC: I'm really curious to know where you all got the idea that Garyth doesn't like magic-users.)
Garyth drops his gear in the as-yet vacant bedroom, not wanting to crowd the wizards, who he knows need their rest. He also leaves his bow, sword and armor, though he keeps his dagger on his belt. After quickly drying his equipment off, he returns to the common room, eager to hear the stories.
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(OOC: Did my last email, regarding Garyth dropping off his stuff, go through? I didn't get it yet. Stupid email server... Oh, and does Garyth know anyone by that name?)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(OOC: I sent out a message about getting to my room, did it arrive?)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(Well, several people have given us attitude, and no one has come to our defense, so Farron, at least, is just going on the assumption that this is the general feeling of the rest of the group.)
From: Karl
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I'm going to be out of town tomorrow and on vacation (local) for the next week. I will still check my email as much as possible when I get back in town on Sunday.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Garyth has not personally met Madeline. Remember, Overlook has over a thousand permanent inhabitants, and hundreds more in the outlying farms.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
His stomach full and sufficiently warmed, Mission begins to nod off, early though the night is. He yawns, stretches, and excuses himself.
"A bit of night air would do me good," he declares.
If Gully or the others raise no objections, Mission will slip out into the night, carrying only his staff.
He will stay close to the lodge-- because what he really wants to do is catch a glimpse of Gully's other boarder. He will keep his ears open for anything suspicious.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
It's the ferret.
It stinks.
:)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
The reminder of their purpose out here sobers the light mood Garyth has been feeling since the meal. He gravely recounts the events leading up to Rennik's arrival in Overlook.
"We are following the trail of those beasts, with the help of Master Rennik, here," he gestures toward the halfling. "He has agreed to assist us, as his own people have also fallen victim to the beasts." He thinks for a moment. "I do not know your sister, but I also do not recall any of the victims being of that name. There had been no new attacks by the time we set out, and we can only pray that there have been none since. But the Guard have been patrolling the outlying farms and hopefully that will deter the beasts for now."
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Cadfael gives a small blessing under his breath before starting the meal. He eats it slowly and happily, seeming to relish the taste, his eyes staring off in the distant as if lost in a memory.
He heads to the room with his fellows and drops off his pack, his mace and removes his armour. Leaving the room with his dagger in his belt, and holy shield in hand.
He does not sit with the others as the stories begin to be told but stands near the fire listening quietly. However, as soon as the discussion begins in earnest he will head back to the hallway. While there and standing near the doorway of the woman he will softly cast Detect Evil.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
While the rest of the party moves to drink wine and tell stories, Mission goes outside. There is little to see in the dark outside the lodge, and the window for the room the other guest is in has a heavy drape drawn. He remains outside for some time to clear his head and meditate, and also to play fetch with a particularly friendly member of the wolf pack. The wolf too looks at the window uneasily from time to time, and when he looks at you, his extremely intelligent eyes seem to say, 'Yeah, I feel it too.'
As the stories progress, Cadfael slips away from the group, and moves to the door Gully pointed out. He clutches his holy symbol, and utters a short prayer to Pelor, asking for his divine sight. After the prayer, he faces the door and concentrates. Immediately, there is a powerful emanation of evil from the other side of the door. Cadfael concentrates further, hoping to gather more information about what source the evil might have. It builds and builds to a mind splitting level, and he drops to his knees stunned by the power of it. And now he can't stop, and the evil hammers him like waves of force blasting through the door.
From the great room, several of the sharper eared party members hear a high, keening whine come from the hallway. It sounds like someone in horrible pain.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
If there is no warning growl from the wolf, Mission will attempt to scale the wall to get closer to the window.
(OOC: Spider-man, Spider-man, does whatever a spider can. What's he like? Listen, bud-- he's got radioactive blood. . .)
From: Mike
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
As soon as he hears the sound, Garyth bolts out of his chair and runs into the hallway to see what's going on.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Actually, the window is first floor. You can just walk up to it. And I assume that you have already. It's just blocked by heavy drapes, and there is no light on in the room.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I am going to wait for everyone except Mission to respond to the sound before I do next turn.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Mission will saunter back inside, after giving the winter wolf a good scratch behind his ears.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Scott, Mission won't be back inside until a few minutes after the events that are happening right now. I'll give you the heads up when he's back in. I want to get everyone else's reaction to the new events first. In fact, it may be possible that depending on what they do, you may wind up seeing things from outside that relate to what's going on inside.
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Then again, it is such a nice night out. . . Mission will do a bit of stargazing whilst Cadfael gets his brain roasted.
:D
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I'm assuming I don't really get an action and am busy trying to end the spell/writhing in agony.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
You will only be stunned one round, and the spell will automatically end. But in the meantime...
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Sa'id bursts through his door at Cadfael's shriek, and, seeing his ally's situation, does the first thing he can think of - he begins casting Dispel Magic (area dispel).
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
(Sorry, at work all day... got some catching up to do)
Rennik would have gone to the rooms and taken off his things and armor, save his axe and sheath. The rest would have likely thought his motions and actions odd, as he is walking as though on eggshells down the hallway, glancing back over his shoulder every so often looking confused.
When questioned about the axe, he would explain that it ties into the story of his village. On the way back to the common room, he would have mentioned his confusion to Mission. He saw Elise's horses in the stable, but the man mentioned a sickly woman only... what gives? Knowing that Elise only left the horses would set his mind greatly at ease, and he would have enjoyed the dinner immensely. He'd joke to Mission that he wished now that he'd left the axe in the room, since it's a tad out of place at dinner if Elise wasn't about to barge through a closed door.
(Soo.... as to the screaming...)
Rennik bolts down the hallway after Garyth, drawing his axe from its sheath, now glad that he held on to it.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
That just leaves Karl, but we might not hear from him till Sunday, based on the email he sent.
So, we are sort of on hold till Karl can check in. (this next turn is important, and I don't want to skip anyone)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Curse wizards and all their confounding ways. . .
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Damn skippy!
;)
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I think if only one character is going to be away for a length of time (and announces it), they should cede control of their character to Slash, in the same way that Slash did my turn for me during the blackout a couple of weeks back. If two people are gone, well, that's a third of the party, so we should wait.
Of course, in rather crucial turns like this one, waiting is probably wise.
On that note, I'll be more or less incommunicado from Friday after work until Saturday evening or maybe Sunday morning, because my work term ends tomorrow and I'm flying home to Nova Scotia.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Damn it, isn't it enough that we wizards have to put up with your hatred? Must we also endure your mockery?
;)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Hey, that's ok. If we all get a long weekend, no problem. We need a break before nasty horrifying party death. :)
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Shush before I hit you with this clay pot...
You must *also* endure our crockery...
Hehe... couldn't resist.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Bwahahahaha! :-D
Damn it, Karl! I want to know what's behind door number two! :-P
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
No, no you really don't...
Haven't you read what it takes to stun someone using a detect evil spell?! Lord knows, it ain't good.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Nope, haven't read it. Basically, if it's not in my spellbook, I haven't read it :-P ...And Detect Magic/Detect Undead don't say anything about stunning, so I assume Detect Evil is special...
So, um, Cadfael, do we beat you up for being so foolish NOW, or LATER? ;)
This Dispel Magic I'm casting will have the longest casting time of any spell ever ;)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Sa'id could cast Command on Ferron. . .
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Our resident wizard despising monk casting spells?
The irony...
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
SOMEONE needs to learn the difference between CHARACTERS and PLAYERS.
:)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Hmmm...
That's tough.
I happen to know that Matt is actually 3'6", and Karl does indeed look like a ferret.
From: Raja
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I seem to recall a certain Mr. Scott Roberts suggesting, OOC, before Dan joined up, that a pary with two wizards and no priest would invariably die a horrible death... the insinuation being that wizards are useless!
;)
From: Scott
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
ANY party without a priest would die.
But one that has two mages AND no priest would die of embarassment.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
He was right about the horrible death though.
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Hmmm... this'll teach me not to knock.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
I had a character in a game I ran once knock before picking a lock. Real bright boy. Well, that is, until the shotgun smeared him all over the opposite wall.
Good thing he was a werewolf, ya know?
...
Thinking about it, Rennik should smear Farron all over the wall, since he's just standing there doing nothing. After all, he *is* a wizard... and what do you call a wizard who's been splattered all over a wall?
... drumroll...
...a good start!
Thank you, thank you... I'll be here through saturday night... try the veal...
Scott Recaps, Cadfael's Reaction
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
Okay, this is my interpretation of events as explained by Gully:
A lady in armor shows up at the lodge, travelling Eastward, with manservants in tow. This group moves eastward, but leaves their horses at the lodge. Rennick finds the horses, and confirms that the horses are Elise's.
A group of halflings, travelling west, arrive at the lodge with a sickly woman. The halflings leave, the woman stays. The woman has some sort of evil aura so powerful it can stun poor Cadfael.
Have I missed anything?
Oh, yeah. Wizard=weenie. Nearly forgot.
:)
From: Dan
Subject: Re: The Second Day: The hunt; Strange meetings 4
OOC - Where the heck is that wizard? We need more game going!
Cadfael's eyes go wide as he feels the evil in the room beating back against him. For a moment he stands his ground, grinding his teeth and staring at the door but then his free hand goes to his head and staggers backwards. He slams against the opposite the wall and slowly slides to the ground, mouth open to scream, never knowing if he was able to make a sound.