Ansalonian Adventures IC II

[Gorgon_Heap]

Caergoth/The Thornberry Inn

Aimee having already shared with Valorean, Attebrooke is a bit taken aback when she realizes you would want to see her personally and not just come to Qwermish for the opportunities. Aimee nudges her and she smiles. "I'm billeted at the castle. You can't really miss it. But my duties to the king often take me on the road. Or ship, in this case. If you leave word once you you're settled I can find you. If you'd like."

"I'm sure he'd like," Aimee says mirthfully. "You may not realize it, but South Shore is a big country. I've been there for months and I've barely seen a bit of it. From what I can tell, every town is its own little fiefdom with its own styles and traditions and problems and they bicker and squabble and threaten to go to war with each other all the time. Sometimes the king intervenes and they promise not to war if they get something out of him, which I think is what they want to begin with. So usually the king stays out of it and leaves everybody to work things out themselves. I think you can imagine how busy a group of professional problem-solvers can find themselves. Never a dull moment if you're willing to butt in or be hired to butt in."

Attebrooke frowns. "You make us sound like greedy, bickering old codgers. It's not like that. We're proud, and each lord has to maintain his strength. Though I suppose they will take advantage of the king if he lets them, which is why he doesn't let them."

"Peace, Francesca. I didn't mean to offend. It's just politics, and politics is the same everywhere. Solamnia is certainly no better, trust me. Two thousand years of nobles and knights and churches clawing at each other for power... even if it's usually for the right reasons, and the good of the people, it's unpleasant. At least your folk are honest and up front about it."

Attebrooke pauses. "That's one way to look at it. How will you keep yourself busy until we return?"

"Oh, I'll find a way. I think I've exhausted Caergoth's research resources, but I've been promised new material, which should arrive soon. Haligoth's no better place for my needs than Caergoth, unfortunately, but I've made friends who can find what I need. And at least your knights don't watch me as if I'm some gnome about to blow them to smithereens."

"That's not really funny. People are dead."

"Well, I didn't kill them. See you in a week," Aimee says with a wink, casually sitting on a large trunk that hadn't been present a moment ago. She shares a radiant smile with everyone in the room. "It's been a real pleasure. I hope to see you all again soon." With a complicated series of hand gestures she and the trunk vanish, leaving only faint hint of roses in the air.



OOC: If you want to continue the discussion please do so, but I will be moving you along in my next post.

[JadedDM]

"She...certainly knows how to make an exit," Jason remarks, a little stunned by the magical display.

[q785921]

"Ah, a wizard," Valorean said. "I suppose that explains some things." He glanced at Jason. "Didn't you say that you had a mage in your company before we met?"

[Gorgon_Heap]

The road from Caergoth to the Garnet Mountains

OOC: I didn't read otherwise, so I reckon y’all walk and lug the box behind you.



Lady Attebrooke, her soldiers, and their dangerously gnomish cargo set sail the following morning.


Meanwhile, you take time to gather supplies for your long land journey, but this will be much different from what some of you are accustomed to, and retrieve the body of Borrik Ironfire from the Abbey of Azure Devotion. Moving east across the southern heartlands of Solamnia, even in the winter, is not particularly difficult, though your cargo does slow progress. No rugged overland march, you make excellent time over an ancient stone Caer Road, marked with mile stones, engraved standing stones denoting directions and distances, and the regular appearance of small villages or singular traveler’s inns.


Grayshore finds the open road far less claustrophobic than the mammoth fortifications and constricted old stone structures of Caergoth, while the presence of inns – though hardly of great quality – at least mean Valorean never once has to camp outdoors. Darrik and Devil are constantly entertained by the assortment of travelers you pass or spend the evening with, while Jason is satisfied with simply putting more distance between himself and the centralized power of the knighthood.


Cold winds and drifts of light snows keep your traveling pace brisk between stops, but you are far from alone on this major route even in this weather. You encounter countless travelers from across the country and a few others, most as intent on their destinations as yourselves and having little impetus to confront a group so obviously heavily armed.


Finally the seemingly endless brown-white horizon is broken by a jagged line which slowly resolves itself over three days as an impressive mountain range. Though lacking the immense scope of the Vingaards surrounding Palanthas, The Garnet Mountains nonetheless form an impressive barrier against the more savage lands to the east, and are home to dwarf clan and kingdom that has long allied with Solamnia. A day’s journey from Garnet you can’t help but notice the dwarf population among the local villages swells immeasurably, and building styles and the writing on road signs and business shingles reflect the change. The last village seems made up of little more than an array of taverns, inns, warehouses, stables, and bordellos. Overlooking its eastern end are a pair of massive gatehouses connecting to a curtain wall and guard towers stretching more than a mile in each direction. Here a squad of suspicious and impatient dwarves, armed and armored, glare at you all – no matter your race or disposition, each of you make them equally unhappy. The sergeant seems initially unwilling to let you proceed until you mention your purpose. He asks to see the cargo – “’Fraid I must,” he says gruffly, and upon doing so says some words in dwarves and waves you through, though two guards travel with you up the road “as escorts.”


You aren’t the only travelers on this road either, though you still somehow get the feeling you’re being watched. A quarter mile up the gentle mountainside you find yourselves looking down into a shallow valley where sprawls Garnet; the open trade and outsider-friendly city where Garnet-Thax’s business is done. It’s surprisingly large and populous, and old boxy dwarf-carved buildings tower four and five stories, some connected by sturdy under-arched bridges. Tall banners bearing the signs of a hundred proud families flap in the cold wind.


There are other sights, depending on your interests/rolls...

Spoiler: OOC

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Go ahead and stock up or go shopping if you want. Caergoth is a city, so you can likely find whatever you want, and though most styles will be traditionally Solamnic, it’s a major port, so there are lots of options. Update in OOC or simply explain what you’ve done or changed in your next IC post. If you want to wait until you reach Garnet/Garnet Thax, you can do so, as these are also cities, just featuring different sorts of goods (mostly dwarf-make).

Your stay in Caergoth or, if you choose to wait on the other end, Garnet, lasts three weeks, while the trip lasts two weeks, and I will ask that you account for your spending, as this is not a minuscule expense. Call it a lump sum for room and board... unless you use class features to stay somewhere for free, which will require Charisma (Persuasion) checks DC 8 where applicable. Additionally, if you like, you are spending enough time with a broad array of civilians that can spend the steel to account for a week in Carousing or Gambling downtime while on the road. While in a city you may actively pursue up to three weeks of downtime activity of your choice. If you have specific questions you want answered or are looking for a particular sort of person, please be specific.

After this, Sorawyl catches up with you at your designated meeting locale in Garnet. You have a mission and much to discuss. What do you do?

[Mr. E]

Grayshore's mood steadily brightens as the land becomes steeper and more rugged, lifting as soon as they leave the city behind. She buys a flute from a tinker on the road, and begins to play with surprising skill for a person with such large hands.

Other than the flute, the barbarian purchases little, arguing that the less she purchases, the less she must carry. Anyway, the need to buy lodging every night takes enough out of her money purse...

But, when they pass through the curtain wall and enter into dwarvish country, Grayshore is nonetheless pleased. This far inland is completely new territory to her, and she looks around with an inquisitive air.

"Is this what dwarvish buildings look like? I really rather expected something, ah, shorter..."

[Majin]

Darrik decides if they're going to stay in South Shore for a while, he'll learn at least the basics of local language. He chats with anyone who has the patience (and good enough reflexes to avoid "dropping" things), mostly other Kender he meets, though bribing people to stay and chat seems to help. Darrik even buys a couple of books (that have enough pictures to keep his interest) written in Estwilde. On the road Darrik mostly focuses on relaxing, though he keeps chattering to Devil in the few phrases he'd picked, though there were some he hadn't quite understood yet. Some passersby might wonder why the Kender is cursing at the wolf so much.

"Is this what dwarvish buildings look like? I really rather expected something, ah, shorter..."

"Hmm, maybe their egos wouldn't fit? Or they want everyone else to feel small?"

"Sora!" Darrik shouts when they meet with the wizard. "You got here? How was the trip? Did anything interesting happen in Palanthas? We fought a mad cleric, and then we tracked a mad gnome! Well, I'm not sure he was mad, but kind of a jerk at least. And I bought these!" Darrik puts on the colored spectacles.

[Ninja_Prawn]

"Darrik! I love the glasses. Are they magical?" I bend down to kiss the kender on the cheek. "The trip was safe and boring - not a single fire bolt was thrown. But I did get you... this!" (It's an old bone I picked up by the side of the road, probably a sheep's leg?)

"The Emperor's Ball was amazing! I danced with Sir Cantroy Wheelwright - remember him? And everyone was wearing such gorgeous dresses. I shall have to show you mine later! Did you manage to find out what your gnomish... thing... does?"

"And Jason Barker. You are looking hale today. I take it you have enjoyed your time in Caergoth? And who are these two?" I assume Jason and Darrik have made some new friends, so I introduce myself with a courtesy. "I am lady Sorawyl Kassonor, apprentice wizard and sometime companion of these two fine gentlemen. A pleasure to make your acquaintances."

Spoiler: Portents

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(1d20)[4]
(1d20)[13]

[q785921]

Martial training. Something Valorean didn't think he would ever have need to revisit. Nonetheless, the incident with Walim and their further adventures beneath the city seemed to indicate that such conflicts might be the norm for this part of his lift. Fortunately, he was able to procure the services of a Sir Taron Broadstroke who happened to be staying at the Temple. The training was more strenuous than Valorean remembered (or preferred), but by the time they left, he felt some of the old knowledge coming back. Besides, the training gave him an excuse to indulge is appetite for fine food and drink as he sampling some of the nicer establishments around town and on their journey.

-----

As the approached Garnet, Valorean chuckled at Darrik and Greyshore's comments, though he was no less impressed. As they entered the inn, Darrik practically threw himself into the arms of an half-elf woman, who moments later introduced herself.

"I am lady Sorawyl Kassonor, apprentice wizard and sometime companion of these two fine gentlemen. A pleasure to make your acquaintances."

“Greetings, Sorawyl Kassonor,” he said with a slight bow. “I am Imbixtellrhyst Valorean. A pleasure to meet you. Your friends speak highly of you.”

[JadedDM]

"And Jason Barker. You are looking hale today. I take it you have enjoyed your time in Caergoth?"

"Good to see you again. Did you have a good trip? I don't know if I would use the word 'enjoyed,' but as Darrik might say, it was certainly 'interesting.' Remember Wallim, that priest of Zeboim who terrorized Dirina? Where we first met. Well, he was on the ship we took to Caergoth. Suffice to say, things didn't end well for him. He won't be harassing any more villages, that's for sure. Then when we actually arrived in Caergoth, we wound up helping a knight of Estwilde hunt down a fugitive from the law...who just so happened to be the same gnome Darrik was hoping to meet. And, of course, we've met some new people along the way, as well," he adds, nodding to the aurak and nomad.

[Mr. E]

"Hello," the barbarian woman rolls the unfamiliar name around in her mouth a few times, before making her best attempt at a pronunciation, "Sorawal. I am called Grayshore."

"Your friends to do you much credit," she adds politely, although not without an inward expression of confusion. The dressy elven maiden in front of her seemed like neither a suitable nor a likely friend for the other two members of her party. After all, it was a touch difficult to imagine her slumming in the sewers...

[Ninja_Prawn]

before making her best attempt at a pronunciation, "Sorawal. I am called Grayshore."

After hearing the Draconian's name, I can sympathise. It's not easy to capture the subtle tones of Elvish words if you've not grown up with them. "Just 'Sora' is fine, darling."

"But, my, what have you boys been saying about me?" I put on a face of mock concern. "Whatever they have been telling you, I promise I am perfectly nice when you get to know me." I'll have to make an effort to get to know Valorean and Grayshore. Judging by their appearances, Valorean is a cleric of Mishakal - and my recent experiences with those have been fairly positive - while Grayshore is clearly not Solamnic. Maybe some kind of nomad, though she looks nothing like the horsemen of Nordmaar from Cantroy's stories.

Shifting gears slightly, I respond to Jason, "yes, I remember Wallim. What he did in Dirina was disgusting - I am sure he deserved whatever punishment you handed to him. How fares the dwarf?"

[JadedDM]

"But, my, what have you boys been saying about me?"

"Only the truth, of course. That you're a talented wizard and adventuring companion."

"How fares the dwarf?"

"Still dead," Jason remarks wryly. "We just need to figure out where his family lives and deliver him there, and then decide what to do next. We met some people from South Shore, Estwilde who invited to the capital there and said there's a lot of work to be found. Ever been there?"

[Majin]

"Nah, not magic. I think." Darrik excitedly picks up the bone, admiring it for a while before stashing it and the glasses. "Oh yeah, that knight. I hope he was nice enough. I think the gnomish thing was a clothes iron, but it seemed really complicated to use. Nevermind that you don't get to wash your clothes too often on the road." Darrik leans in to whisper conspiratorially. "You know, I think Valorean's a good guy, even with the scales. Unless he's just really patiently biding his time."

"Oh yes, South Shore! I really think we'd have some interesting adventures there! I bet it would be a nice change after Palanthas."

[Ninja_Prawn]

"A clothes iron? But I could just..." I cast prestidigitation on Darrik's dusty road-clothes, laundering them instantly. "I have not been to South Shore. That certainly sounds like an interesting opportunity, though I would like to take a look around Garnet first."

To the group in general: "do you suppose there is some kind of registry office or clerk of records where we could look up the Ironfire clan?"

[JadedDM]

"I would guess so," Jason replies. "Dwarves tend to be fairly organized people. But if not, we can ask around in the taverns and inns. Surely there is somebody in this city who knows of their family."

He adds, "What in particular did you want to do or see while we're in Garnet?"

[q785921]

Not quite sure what to make of the half-elf wizard-she certainly had more...personality than other wizards he had met. Though she was the second outgoing he had met recently, so perhaps the studious academics he had met were the exception.

His eyes widened as Sora dismisses the road dust from Darrik’s person. “That is a delightful ability. It is so difficult to maintain one’s standard of hygienie vigor on the road. But I suppose Mishakal has her reasons.”

“I’ve no specific tasks here. If you need assistance delivering your charge I am free to help; otherwise, I will probably take a tour through the city.”

Leaving the others to decide their action, he mingled back into the crowd to see that he could find about the city.

Spoiler: OOC

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I’m assuming we are I a tavern? Maybe I missed it. Rolling for points of interest when we approaching and any tidbits the other patrons might give out.


Perception for points of interest: (1d20+2)[3]
Persusasion for chatting folks up for interesting happenings or rumors. (1d20+3)[8]

[Ninja_Prawn]

Similar to Valorean with his tour, sightseeing is one of my main reasons for being here, so I say to Jason: "I think I just want to see some of the city, enjoy its atmosphere, purchase some souvenirs, sample the local drinks... You know, if you want to ask around some taverns for information on the Ironfires, we could kill two birds with one stone." (The other bird being 'sampling local drinks') "Shall we get started?"

I head to the nearest bar, get myself a drink of whatever the bartender recommends, and look for some noble-looking locals to introduce myself to.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Charisma (Persuasion) to ask locals about clan Ironfire. Information like where they live, what their sigil looks like, the name of their chief, any recent scandals, etc. would be most useful. (1d20+6)[16]
Constitution saving throw, just in case... (1d20-1)[16]

Also, what are the locals wearing? Is there anywhere that might sell clothes in my size?

[q785921]

His initial efforts rebuffed, Valorean circled back around to the group.

”It seems the local interests are strong rocks and strong drinks. I appreciate the latter than the former. I’ll head along with you all for the time being.”

A hearty brew sounded far more interesting than buildings.

[Majin]

"Hey, that's neat!" Darrik sniffs his newly washed clothes. "Wow, maybe I should take a bath, I feel like I'm getting these clothes dirty again by just wearing them."

"So, what Mishakal teaches is... not to take clean clothes as granted? That's pretty wise", Darrik says to Valorean, without an irony.

"Well, I don't have anything against sightseeing. And it's not like poor Borrik's getting any deader. Unless some evil mage like animates his corpse or something, though that might make him less dead actually..." Pondering the philosophy of zombies, Darrik tags along to a bar. He doesn't go talk to the nobles, chatting with dwarves who seem more or less working class, asking about the Ironfire clan.

Spoiler: OOC

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Persuasion: (d20+1)[3]

Also, a sleight of hand, just to randomly Borrow something (if anyone Darrik talks with has any interesting looking trinkets on them etc.): (d20+6)[22]

[Gorgon_Heap]

Garnet

The ales are particularly robust here in dwarf country, and the spirits have an earthy base unlike anything you’ve had before (though Valorean’s refined palate leads him toward mushrooms). As is often the case, Darrik finds himself rebuffed by the suspicious, and more than one tavern owner shouts that the “beast” has to remain outside lest it’s pelt adorn the wall. [He later finds on himself a very expensive looking jeweler’s loupe in a tiny velvet bag, a lengthy correspondence (in dwarvish), and a key bearing a symbol that looks like a burning building upon its bow.]

Sora has better luck, being an attractive alternative to a “blasted pickpocket” and a “scaley-brained demon.” She learns Ironfire is a family minor in influence but large in number, whose distinct veins (dwarves don’t use ‘branches,’ no) long ago gave up particular specialties but whose members are now fighting each other over establishing an overarching family identity. Quite a few live in Garnet, while the rest are under the mountain: “A sure sign they got no power and hope ta git any, you ask me. Most of’em just scrapin’ by out here in the sun rather than workin’ wit the more respected kin in deep Kayolin. Someday, ye mark me, they’ll all up and join the bloody Neidar.”

It takes time and further conversation (and a few more rounds) for someone to divulge the location of Ironfire Hall – home of the family patriarch – in the northwest section of the city, in a neighborhood called Silkensheet (you note it’s said with a modicum of disdain).

Otherwise, you learn of The Gravening (the city’s impressive guildhall), Hornbellow Peak (a massive stone tower that acts as the city’s alarms, somehow), Reorx’s Rivulet (the lengthy road leading from this city deep into the mountains to Garnet-Thax itself).

That said, Garnet is a merchant’s city, and everyone here is on business. There are any number of apparel shops, though the fashions are very different from what Sora’s accustomed to: heavy earth-tone or green fabrics, either plain or featuring geometric embroidered stitching, and thick leather cuffs, belts, bags, and hats. If she cares to investigate, she learns some of the best made (though plain-looking) items in the city are actually shoes. Tireless workers who expect even normal attire to offer some form of protection, dwarven footware for sale in Garnet is comfortable and durable and of exceptional quality (and price). Just like every dwarf crafter, each takes great pride in their product.

Spoiler: Into Garnet

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Obvisouly not exact, but a good (real) example of what you encounter. This is the village at the base of the Garnet range. Just to the left you can make out a trail which leads up toward the right, between the two closest peaks. Over that rise is Garnet proper, sitting in a flat area a couple miles square. And of course the vegetation is yet to grow back from the winter, though there's plenty of budding.

[JadedDM]

"Sounds like the Ironfires aren't too popular," Jason notes. "Well, I can head to Ironfire Hall, if anyone wants to come with me, to deliver poor Borrik. If not, I can take care of that while the rest of you go sightseeing," he offers.

[Mr. E]

"I'll go with you," Grayshore says, sipping another draught of her frankly strange tasting beer. The barbarian woman was never really sold on the drink, anyway. The thin brown liquid sold in Caergoth bore hardly any resemblance to the grainy slurry traditionally consumed at solstices and festival days at home. The current dark brew was closer in alcohol content, although it would still be hard to get drunk with one glass, but the flavour was even odder.

"It sounds," she continues, setting aside her ruminations for a moment, "as though his clan is hardly, ah, popular. Perhaps it would be best if we did not all go, if you have other business in the city. But at least some of us should return the body. It would be tsis hwm, I-think-you-say disrespectful, if he had no honour guard on his journey to the ancestors."

[Ninja_Prawn]

"Indeed. I will join you as well." I had promised that I would see Borrik home, after all. And I'm curious now to find out how he ended up in Palanthas in the first place... if living in Garnet rather than deep Kayolin is so disgraceful, moving to a Solamnic city must be ten times worse. At least he died under a mountain of sorts...

[Majin]

"Oh, I'll come too. I want to see this done, of course." Darrik says, rearranging his pouches, to his surprise finding several new items in them. He takes out the letter to read it. It was probably inconsequential, since if it was important, surely the holder wouldn't have just dropped it.

"Yeah, sounds like the Ironfires aren't doing too well... Maybe that's why Borrik left, you know, pursuing greener pastures and all that. Or maybe darker caves would be appropriate here."

Spoiler: OOC

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Darrik knows Dwarvish, is there anything interesting on that letter?

[Gorgon_Heap]

Garnet/Ironfire Hall


The home of the Ironfire clan is not difficult to find – in fact, it’s in the neighborhood Sorawyl has already been staking out for the best shopping.; Silkensheet. The streets in this quarter look no different to your eyes, but the types of businesses here might best be called “domestic.” Here they sell apparel and household goods, furniture and artwork, and though a minority of these goods (so far as you can tell) are imported, it’s enough to feel very non-dwarf.

Ironfire Hall feels the same. A massive stone townhouse surrounded by same, its details nonetheless bring to mind nobles’ city estates in Palanthas and Caergoth. The heavy brass knocker on the door bears an engraving that looks like a flat building on fire. It’s somehow terribly familiar to Darrik.

A shriveled, bi-boned, matronly dwarf answers the door with solemn dignity only for her withered and wrinkled face to screw in angry suspicion at the sight of your strange group. “Ah, hvag er detten? hvag joukk duag vilm?”


*Darrik sneaks a peek at the letter someone dropped in his pack, and sees it is between cousins, and is about half about common family news and half regarding projected expenses and upkeep at a mine. It’s remarkably boring.

Spoiler: Language fun

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Everyone make Int checks if you want. This is entirely voluntary, but if you don't, you get nothing from the following conversation.

Spoiler: DC 12 pass

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Oh, what is this? What do you want?

Spoiler: DC 12 pass if you know dwarven

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"Oh, what fresh nonsense is this? What do you want here, bunch of mongrels?”

[Ninja_Prawn]

Usually I would be first to introduce myself in situations like this, but not speaking the Dwarven language, I stumble. It would be extremely rude to reply in Common, and this woman already seems negatively disposed towards us. I don't want to anger her further...

I consider my companions. Do we really want the kender to handle this particular interaction? Eyebrows raised in hope, I look at Valorean and Grayshore...

[Majin]

Darrik, not noticing Sorawyl's eyebrows, went ahead and started talking in a bit choppy Dwarvish, not having used the language much in the past few months.""Goddag! Mit navn er Darrik!" he says rather cheerily, before remembering why he was here. He coughed, trying to force at least somewhat somber tone into his voice. "<Dwarvish> We're here about Borrik Ironfire... He's uh... Are you his relative?"

[Gorgon_Heap]

Garnet/Ironfire Hall



Her rheumy and barely-visible eyes sharpen and she tugs on her well-worn apron, continues, "lare. Tha yol da housekeeprumm. Kolun othok keovid oz ekran eron Kaad, Tha'll Zal oz Nadra kronok torrik. Ur Ka'th out. Ekran affrak Nar resdum Fraed latrumm. Aye, sekrek kellum."

Spoiler: Good translation.

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"No, I'm the bloody housekeeper, ain't I? If you want to talk about him, I'll have to find Master Torrik, but he's away at work. Speak your business, and I may have them ready to entertain you properly later. Say, seventh bell."


Her tone makes it quite clear arriving unannounced is rude.

[q785921]

"Of course, mistress," Valorean said, speaking smoothly over his companions. "Mishakal's Tidings be upon you and many apologies for arriving unannounced; however, we have traveled far to give Master Torrik sad tidings of his, ah, of Borik Ironfire." He shook his head sadly, his face the picture of solemnity. "I believe Master Torrik would wish to hear this with all haste."

Spoiler: OOC

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Valorean speaks dwarven

Valorean casts guidance and attempts to persuade her to send a runner to Torrik: (1d10+3)[6] + Guidance (1d4)[3] ....9, of course

[Ninja_Prawn]

Well I'm glad that some of us have some facility with Dwarven, but this discussion doesn't seem to be getting us anywhere.

"Excuse me, miss, but do you speak Common?" Perhaps if she does, she'll respond to a more... nobly-phrased request.

Spoiler: If the housekeeper understands me

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I follow up in my best ill-tempered-noblewoman-voice with "I must say I am quite unaccustomed to be held on a doorstep like this. We have travelled a great distance to speak with your employer about matters grave and personal. If you do not summon them this instant, I shall be forced to make my displeasure felt."

That would be a Charisma (Intimidation) check: (1d20+6)[25]

And if she doesn't comply, I'm writing a sternly-worded letter urging her dismissal.