The World of Athema (IC)

[dyslexicfaser]

Edgar

Edgar, having finished devouring his meal, spoke up. "Tales of woe seem to be surprisingly common, these days," he observed. "I know neither Khaldun nor Foresti, but I would hear more of both if there is time." He glanced at Dominic.

For himself... he doubted that the High Holy Father's reach extended this far, but he felt better erring on the side of caution: best to keep his introduction brief. "This is my first true meeting with you all, and so perhaps should introduce myself. I go by Edgar, and I was also forced to leave my homeland for.. various reasons." His calm face gave away none of the emotions roiling beneath the surface. "I am sure it will be a pleasure working with you all."

[Sxoa]

Turning to Sage, "As you wish Sage. Perhaps when I am Empress you will stay with me as my high court wizard and alchemist..." she says with a wry smile.
Miyuki gives Paggan a sideways glance, not sure what to make of the wise woman. If you will, when we are on the road you may tell me of your gods . I make no promise to convert, but I do have genuine interest in the faiths of the world.
When Hekesh makes his comment, Miyuki smiles back at the desert born warrior,Of this I have no doubt my friend
She nods solemnly at Edgar's comments, Perhaps we shall hear more of your reasons in due time and at your leisure as the bonds of trust grow.
Miyuki turns to the bar and calls out in Dwarvish, And what of you Master Kilbain? Come eat drink at our table and share a tale of your past!

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Ah! So many conversations! I like our crew. We're "motley"

[TheMeanDM]

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Ah! So many conversations! I like our crew. We're "motley"

and we have girls, girls, girls!

***

(after Kilbain speaks)

Dominic comes out from behind the bar.

"Thank you all again for undertaking this small task. The forest is about an hour's walk to the northeast of the town. There is a permanent 'camp' that the loggers have established. They know the woods pretty well, and someone is bound to know where Silas makes his home."

[Seribro]

With a sour looking grimas, Bresk comes walking down the stairs, just in time to catch the majors words. It seems like his dreams may not have fallen him lightly since his eyes are small and narrowed to mere slits as he battles the morning light. The breakfast tastes him well though, even though he seems a bit slow about it. With two halve an ears he tries to catch what the stories of this early hour are about.

[Threeshades]

Raising his drinking-horn in approval Kilbain walks over to the group table.
"Me past ye want ta hear about?", hew sits down, "I be hailin' from Lorgin's clan. 'e's me pappy. Hence tha name. I left me clanmates in search of great battles, glory an' fame. I wanna earn me place at the great table in Valhalla.", he takes a sip from his horn "Well... that be it in short."

[Sxoa]

Your peoples reputation precedes you master dwarf. When I was serving as mercenary in the Rothgar-Korr clan war I heard tales of the Lorgins valor and strength.
Miyuki continues chatting amiably with the others until Dominic makes his appearance.
Lord Mayor, perhaps you would know of a reputable horse dealer in town? I need to purchase mounts for a couple of my companions.

[Proven_Paradox]

At the mention of horses, Sage raises an eyebrow. He shakes his head and says, with a low voice, "If you were talking about a mount for me, I can make my own for about six hours or so; there's no need for that. Besides, it's not like there's a rush." He seems to have been put off by her comment about her future as an empress.

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Sxoa, I just noticed your question about Amanuensis. I got it from the SpC, and it copies written text, in a nutshell. Just something I can't see Sage not preparing if it's available.

[TheMeanDM]

-- I'm on vacation atm, will post more tonight when I get back :)

Dominic chimes in "Well, I could spare a couple of horses that the guardsmen keep ready for business outside of Threshold. I will go and tell young William to have them ready."

He he heads back through the kitchen, and is gone for a couple of minutes before returning.

"They will be ready for you momentarily, so when you are ready to embark, so too will your mounts."

[Sxoa]

"There is no rush, but time not spent traveling can be spent brewing potions or tea. I meant to purchase mounts as I had promised last night for Hekesh and Bresk, not just for this mission but for future travels as well."

Seeing Sage's discomfort at her earlier comments she goes on, "My dear Sage, do my aspirations disquiet you? For this I am truly sorry. We all seek something greater though. You perhaps seek noble and pure knowledge but I wish my people free from oppression and tyranny. This cannot be while that elf," her face twists grimly as she spits out the word, "sits on his throne of thrones. My people have been second class for hundreds of generations. Is it wrong that I wish to put an end to their hardship?"

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Cool! Yeah it definitely seems up Sage's alley.

[TheMeanDM]

"Well, the availability of horses is somewhat limited here in Threshold. We only keep fifteen, for use by the guardsmen on occasion. I purchased them from a man in Alseric...Gareth Gryphon...was his name, owns Gryphon Stables." Dominic explains. "While in the service of Threshold, you are more than welcome to use our mounts."

[Zimmia]

Paggan

"Perhaps if we spread the word we are looking to buy good horses, an enterprising livery owner or two will come into town about the time we come back," Paggan suggests. "And then in the meantime those who need them can use the mounts provided for by the constabulary." She then looks to Dominic "If I can have the bill for breakfast I will see to my own mount."

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If he looks like he's going to object (or does object), "Please kind Sir, you have provided for our evening meal, entertainment and accommodation; I appreciate that we are providing a service to Threshold but it should not be at the expense of your inn."

If he still insists then she will let it go (she's keeping a running tab in her head anyways)

(It's also her intention to pay for the group)

After laying down gold to cover their meal and a resonable amount for service, Paggan stands. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to the stables. I will be ready when the rest of you are."

[TheMeanDM]

Dominic starts to object, but seeing the resolve in Paggan's eyes, and hearing her determined tone, he merely smiles and picks up the coins. "As you wish, Lady Paggan."

(everyone let me know if there is anything else you want to do. otherwise, we'll get this movable feast going)

[Proven_Paradox]

Sage shakes his head to Miyuki and replies, "Your aspirations are none of my concern, really. They seem noble enough." He raises an eyebrow and gets a wry half-smile and says, "However, do you understand how arrogant you sound when you talk about having another serve you once you achieve that goal?" He seems unconcerned with the talk of horses and payment.

((I don't have anything else major to do here.))

[Sxoa]

Miyuki looks very confused for a moment at Sage's comments, "Serve? I do not understand? I said nothing of serving me..."
Her eyes light up with understanding after a moment, "Ah! I believe this is a cultural misunderstanding. A wizard of the high court does not "serve" the Emperor anymore than a road builder "serves" a traveling peddler. All must play their role in cosmic order. The lord's duty is to guard and protect the people and keep them safe from harm just as much as it is the farmer's duty to plow his fields and bring forth food. Truly Sage I meant no disrespect. You seem a clever fellow and I would think any man or women could only benefit from your thoughts on matters arcane.

(Miyuki fetches Rakuda from the stables, but other than that I've got nothing but chit chat.)

[Seribro]

As the food fills his stomach, his head begins to settle down again and the colour of his skin becomes its full healthy green again. He is just about to wash it down with the goblet standing next to the plate when he notices its again filled with this stuff humans call ale. Without a sip, bresk puts it back down again and oppens his own water skin to take a few big gulps out of it.

May I ask one quo... kwue-uh... thing? Will there be an stream of fresh water we cross in forest?

((Only this and nothing more. Push the FF button whenever your ready))

[TheMeanDM]

(pressing FF button )

Dominic nods to Bresk. "Yes, you'll cross the Windrush river. It's not large, by any means, but in some places it is deeper than a man. There is a bridge if you take the eastern fork of the road. That will lead you to the logging camp."

(map of Threshold again, and surrounding area)



Mounting up, you all head out the northern 'gate' of the city. It takes about half an hour of quick walking by the horses for you to reach the fork in the road. You've reached the top of a small hill. Below you you can see the Windrush River. The western fork leads on north and west--away from the Windrush River.




The eastern fork takes you down the hill to the banks of the river. The river has narrowed here, due to a natural narrowing of the banks and a natural dam, which has created a small waterfall with a drop of about three to four feet.

Across the other side of the river you see the road continue on toward the dark green forest.

Maintaining you pace and following the obvious path, you find yourself among the trees of the forest.

The passage of heavy wagons has forged a deep set of tracks along the foliage-covered ground. The green plants struggle to reclaim their lost ground, but the passage of humans and their wagons seems to be keeping the vegetation at bay.

A fine morning mist still hangs in the air, as yet untouched by the upcoming rays of the sun.



You follow the path deeper into the forest, and soon you come upon a large, ramshackle campsite. There are five large tents setup in the clearing. Stacks of long, cut trees occupy the left hand side of the clearing. A large bonfire is in the middle of the camp. On the right side of the camp there are eight massive horses milling around in a make-shift corral. You notice that the path you have been following bends around in 'front' of the camp and then heads on through the forest near where the horses are.

You see two huge flat-bed wagons with large, sturdy steel-rimmed wheels sitting near to where the logs are being kept. A number of burly men are hoisting logs onto one of the wagons.

A slightly hunch-backed old man approaches you. His face is weathered and wrinkled, and his shaggy white beard is unkept. Over his plain pants and shirt he wears a dingy apron stained over time by various colors. At one time, that apron might have been white, but no longer. In his right hand he holds a spatula and he points it at you.

"What be ye wantin?" he grumbles. "Ye be lost, mayhap?"

[fendrin]

Hekesh

Hekesh sits upon his borrowed horse, a brown mare with few distinguishing marks. His guisarme stands couched in the stirrup like a lance.
He clears his throat, but waits for someone else to speak to the spatula-wielding man.

[Sxoa]

Miyuki smiles warmly at the man from the back of her well laden camel, but defers to Paggan. While the young women seemed to have less formal training in the courts her natural charm more than made up for it, and she would be more acquainted with the northern customs. Miyuki didn't want to make another social blunder in less than a day.

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While Paggan technically has lower Diplomacy modifier than Miyuki, she is significantly more acquainted with local customs. Is the guy speaking Common, Seric, or Meril? I presumed common, but I don't speak any of the others, to boot.

[Zimmia]

Paggan

Paggan takes a moment to look sideways to Miyuki before prompting Alphie to move slightly forward at the mans question. "No good sir, we are not lost. We have come from Threshold in search of your camp as we have been told you can direct us to the cabin of Silas Redfern" she says in a respectful tone. "Would you be able to assist us?"

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Did we remember to pick up Master Edgar?

Interesting decision in Miyuki's part - Paggan would have naturally deferred to her since her status is obviously higher than her own - after all she just may be Empress some day. That it's of a land Paggan doesn't really know doesn't matter all that much.

[TheMeanDM]

(yes, he's speaking common)

"Redfern?" he says, then turns his head to the side and spits. "If ye be after Redfern, more's the power to ye." he lowers his spatula. "Crazy, he is. He be too much alone in these woods, if'n ye ask me."

He points his spatula over toward where the men are working at moving logs onto the wagon. "Ask 'em, if ye want. They'll tell ye the same. He be touched. He be crazy, runnin 'round wavin' them claws o' his. He's behind those attacks. We be sure of it...an that be why the boys jumped...." he stops, speaking right then, clamping his mouth shut.

He eyes the group, cautiously.
(sense motive, anyone?)

"Redfern, he have a place out there." he turns around and points his spatula in the direction of the dense woods. "That a-way." he says.

He looks back over his shoulder "Yer horses won't make it in thar." He jerks a thumb over to the corral. "Hitch 'em if ye want. We won't bother 'em, unless ye don't come back."

[dyslexicfaser]

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OOC: Oh, he's here, I just made the mistake of playing the strong, silent (or at least not very chatty) - not to mention suspicious and rather paranoid - type.

Edgar

As they make their way from Threshold to the logger's camp, Edgar has to marvel at the natural beauty of this place. He had always been a city rat at heart. His only real experiences with nature had involved a fearful flight through the Swamps of Barrazar - it was nice to see a place where nature was not actively out to get you.

Not that he was likely to ever entirely relax his guard. That got you killed, or worse.

Edgar listens to the conversation between Paggan and the local with only half an ear, his attention on the lush greenery around them - and what it might potentially conceal - until he catches phrases like 'waving those claws of his' and 'behind those attacks' and his focus is brought back to the old man.

He murmurs nearly under his breath, "Well now, what might this be about?"

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Sense Motive: [rollv]1d20+7[/rollv] D'oh - forgot you can't roll when editing a post. Got a 26 in the OOC thread.

[Zimmia]

Paggan

He has... claws? Paggan asks with a slight frown on her face.

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One sense motive coming up: (1d20+6)[23]

[Proven_Paradox]

Sage spend the time on his summoned pony on the way to the camp taking in the scenery and perhaps chatting idly with his traveling partners.

When they reach the camp, he listens to the old man's explanation intently and seems surprised by his words. "My, it seems sending several people was the right idea then..." He mutters to himself under his breath.

Rolls:

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Sense Motive: (1d20+1=11)

[TheMeanDM]

It's pretty obvious to everyone that he is not talking about...something...what that might be is still unknown without more...persuasive...methods of asking, apparently.

However, from what you recall of Dominic's conversation, they want to question Silas about a fight he was involved in....perhaps it was a fight with the loggers?

"Aye, claws. He be thinkin' that nature be so grand and great that he be wantin' to fight like tha animals." he shrugs, and hobbles over to a pot that is suspended over the fire by a chain attached to a tall steel tripod. He takes a large wooden spoon out from underneath his apron. "So he be havin tha smith make him some weird metal claws."

[fendrin]

Hekesh

Hekesh dismounts and leads his horse to the corral, listening carefully to the odd man.

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sense_motive - (1d20+0)[20]
betcha I get 3's and 4's come combat...

[Sxoa]

En route, Miyuki converses with Sage and Hekesh, trying to keep up with her small (1 rank) understanding of matters arcane. She also rides with Paggan for a while, learning about the holy warrior's divine lord.

At the camp Miyuki raises an eyebrow behind her mask as the man claps his mouth shut.

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(1d20+2)[9] Not that it matters after our inquisitor is through with him, but I hope might know something for myself before Edgar tells us.

I think she was referring to the man from the bar who was to accompany us.

I'm aware that Paggan is not from Almeric, but I presumed Trillian has more in common with the land then Shangtai does (like Germany, France and Switzerland have more in common with each other than any of them do with Japan or China.

Miyuki furthermore just looks weird. Her skin, clothes, and possibly he accent all mark her distinctly as an outsider. She is dressed in extremely fine clothing but wears a mask over her face. Paggan, while having a more imposing presence, I would think looks more like someone "the common man" 'round these parts would want to talk to. Presuming they're not engaged in any illegal activities which is becoming less certain I admit.

Miyuki also tries not to hold herself above anyone. She was born to a fisherman, and she knows what it's like on the bottom. She can come across as snobby sometimes because she had luxury and fineries when she was younger, but she's also slept out in the open and barracksed with some of Hyperborea's rough and tumble troops.

[Zimmia]

Paggan decides to drop the questions since she's pretty sure this cook is going to stay tight-lipped unless they press him physically which is unnecessary at this stage. It's always good to meet someone with a different viewpoint on life, she says with a grin. Is there someone here who can be any more specific about where Redfern's cabin might be?

[Seribro]

When Bresk notices the others dismount, he gladly follows their example. To finnaly get that tail out of a knot feels like heaven to his sorrow bottom. He sniffs around a bit to catch the odd scents the forest has to offer. It is different then the swamps of home, and also hard to make anything of it as the delicious smell of lunch keeps clouding up your nose. Oh well, he never was the best tracker of the pack. But practishss makes maszter, Shjammie alwaysssaid he grins to himself as he walks back to the group gathering at the coockingpot.
We huntsz from here?

[Sxoa]

Miyuki dismounts Rakuda and leads the bactrian camel over to the corral. She doesn't tie the camel, but holds his face in front of hers while looking him the eye. "Stay," she says firmly in Mu. She joins the others as they gather. "Is it a far walk?" she asks pleasently.

[dyslexicfaser]

Edgar

It was obvious to Edgar that man was lying, or at least omitting part of the truth.

Thankfully, even if being persuasive had never been one of his strong suits, he had other ways of uncovering information. As soon as the old man began hobbling away, he withdrew his holy symbol, began murmuring a prayer to his God to allow him to reveal what the cook was hiding, and focused his gaze on the old man by the fire.

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Casting my Domain spell, Detect Thoughts on the old guy: will save DC of 15, I think? It's normally a 2nd level spell, but the Truth domain gives it out at first level.