4E Keep on the Shadowfell IC

[Hesquidor]

Raella

Resisting the temptation to roll her eyes at the Elderin's last comment, she instead just shrugs. "What you say is probably true enough, but still... His warning wove the strands to our victory even stronger. For that I am grateful."

Raella takes a few steps further along the path. "Of course your own abilities were very praiseworthy. If it isn't entirely too presumptuous of me, could you maybe tell me more about your magic as we walk?" she asks with genuine interest.

[fortebraccio]

The dwarf shakes the flake of glue off his hand in disgust. He then makes a short run to catch up with the others.

"Shouldn't we inspect the boulders a little more carefully? Those scaly brigands could have a small stash hidden under those rocks... or maybe they were just a fraction of a larger gang of marauders, like the one that worries the merchants in Fallcrest so much. Our infallible Durik could search for more tracks and determine where they came from, and in what numbers."

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

Why of course. Though I must warn you that it will be nigh impossible to understand the intricacies of the Art without proper training, I can put it in layman's terms like no others can. So the basics are in controlling the pervasive energy that is within everything known as mana...*blabbers on for awhile*

The eladrin's long ears pick up the sound of troubled village and he says,

Plagued by these unsightly critter you say? Sound like a task for a hero, like me...*pause*... and us.

[Razarac]

You travel further down the worn road for the remainder of the afternoon to find yourself climbing a steep hill. As you finally reach its top the forest gives way, revealing a large valley ahead of you. The road winds down from here through large fields of wheat and corn that wave gently in the breeze. At the end of it, in the middle of the valley on another large hills, a walled town resides. You can spot several watch-towers in the sides of a stone wall. From beyond it the roofs of many houses can be seen, some thatched, some gabled. A single tower stands high above the others inside the walls and several lonely farmhouses can be seen scattered across the valley. Far off to the north impressive mountain peaks loom over wooded foothills, while the west and south side of the valley give way to more level forest.

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

Upon arriving at the gate of the town, Aramil turns and speaks to the party.

Ah, we have arrived. I'm sure it has been a great pleasure to travel with me. Well then, we each have our own business around these parts, maybe we'll meet again. If you need my help, just look for me in town, I'm impossible to miss. So long then.

He gives a bow and is off to the inn to acquire a room and gather information.

[Sotto]

Korash

"Winterhaven, at last!"
Now it begins - he shall redeem his sacred vow!

Sure - he thinks - alone, in a new town, and asking "difficult" questions... I'll be rat-meat in two days, tops.
Maybe if he could impose on his travelling companions - it's a longshot, but he must try it. They have already proven their valor - and valor is the first part of honor, after all. This evening, he'll tell them...

"Thorgrimm, we'll both need to find an inn - would you think of sharing a room, and drink up what we're saving?"
Knowing his words won't stop the master of arcana (and could fall quite badly with the others as well), he continues anyway
"Better yet, we could all five go and bunch up in a common room - even there, we'll avoid all of the... usual troubles if we stick together"

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

The eldarin looks quizzically at the dragonborn and answers,

I'll have to refuse, no less than a private room for the genius that is me. How would rooming together deter the flocks of people that try to get a glimpse of me or their constant plea for help? Besides, I enjoy the troublesome beings, strange as it may be.

[fortebraccio]

"Excellent idea, Karosh! I could really use a pint of good ale or three. Onward then, to our well-earned rest!"

[Razarac]

It is getting late in the afternoon and the sinking sun is basking the valley in a deep golden orange. As you move down the road through the fields, the walled town of Winterhaven comes closer at every turn. It leads to a large, heavy wooden gate set between two small towers. As you come closer, a passing Farmer respectfully doffs his hats and a large, empty ox-cart passes you on the way out of town. When you finally reach the gate, you notice two guardsmen carrying hauberks of mail and long halberds standing on either side of it. They look at you thoughtfully while Aramil says goodbye and everyone decides to head off towards the nearest inn together. Afterwards one of them steps a little closer with a stern look on his face and calls out a greeting:

"Hail travelers! What brings you to Winterhaven?"

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

Aramil struts and puffs his chest, although the effect is minor in his frail frame.

I believe I need no introduction, but just in case, I am Aramil Silverleaf, wizard extraordinaire, savior and hero. Take me to your leader so we may talk of what the great hero can do for this humble village and garner your praise and worship.

Sparks burst from Aramil's back, decorating his little introduction.

[Sotto]

Korash

The dragon's eyes lose focus for a moment, hearing the mage bragging
He *is* damn good... but what is he trying to do? The leaders could be part of the cult! Or maybe opposing it... with some luck...
Maybe he's right - thise city needs him.

When he comes back to reality, he spurs with a bark the guardsmen reaction - he knows he wouldn't be so happy to bring "heroes" to the higher-ups, in their shoes... more so if the heroes were armed and armored.
"Haven't you heard the hero? Announce him! The lord mayor needs him!"

[Razarac]

The guard's jaw drops open at Aramil's introduction and he positively jumps at Korash' orders.

"Ehm, yessir. Lord Padraig, sir. Right this way."

With that he stalks off through the gate, looking nervously over his shoulder to see if you'll follow. His fellow guardsman straightens and salutes as you pass him.

You climb the winding cobblestone road that moves uphill through town past several houses. You pass a large stone building with a sign that says "Wrafton's Inn", opposite a large wooden stable with a thatched roof. The people passing on the streets all look at you, whispering behind their hands. Ahead much clamor can be heard and soon you pass through a large market square crammed with stalls, hawkers crying their wares all around. Produce, lifestock, farming tools, everything an honest farmer could want seems to be represented.

As you make your way though the square, you can see a large tower looming ahead in the distance. Some ways behind it to the west the roof of a small church can be seen, bell tower and all. As the guadsman leads you north, the din of the marketplace makes way for the clanging of a large smithy at your right. Opposite it is a building carrying another sign that says "Bairwin's Grand Shoppe", right next to a large timber hall with a thatched roof. Up ahead another gate seems to lead to the highest spot on the hill, where you can spot a large manor house standing behind the walls. Another set of guards is standing in front of a closed gate along with a positively rotund fellow with greasy black hair and a rough beard wearing chainmail and a sword at his side. He is talking to the guards in a heated voice, going suddenly quit as he sees you arrive.

"What's this then? Why aren't you at your post?"

He barks at the guard that led you here. The young man jumps up again, stammering.

"Ehm, err, this is... ehm... err... sir... sir Silkerbief! And he sayeth Lord Padraig be having some business or another with him Rond... it's true, he says he does!"

He steps aside, pointing clumsily at Aramil. The big man puts his thumbs in his belt, eying your party over intently with beady black eyes under thick bushy eyebrows.

"Does he now lad? Does he now... Good day, sir. And what business might you be having with our good Lord Padraig?"


P.S.>how do you do that 'spoiler' text thingy?

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

Aramil follows the guard, still walking every step with pride. He positively glares at the guard as his name is butchered,

Silverleaf! And that was in Common so you could actually pronounce it right and you still get it wrong... You need to train your men better, captain or whatever you may be. Anyway, business. You humans being what you are, obviously must have troubles in the village. I am here to fix them, and I need your leader, Lord Padraig, to arrange the rewards and festivities after they are corrected.

Spoiler

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You put {spoiler} and {/spoiler} around the text except the {} are [] instead.

[Hesquidor]

Raella

Raella wistfully glances back at the road she had just followed not entirely sure why she hadn't just made her excuses and left yet. Both the inn and market had looked busy. Someone's bound to remember him-

"...I am here to fix them, and I need your leader, Lord Padraig, to arrange the rewards and festivities after they are corrected."

-but instead I seem to be playing nursemaid to a strutting Knave of the Chalice.

Stepping forward towards the guard, she leans forward and speaks in hushed tones. "Sir, please forgive his abrupt nature. He didn't er- have his porridge this morning and you know what these masters or the Arcane arts are like when they haven't had their breakfast. I mean between rewriting the laws of nature and controlling that ever powerful energy of mana, I'd start to get a little cranky too when my stomach starts grumbling. Don't worry though, I'll ensure he's on his politest behavior in front of his Lordship, I believe he is expected."

[Razarac]

The large guardsman frowns deeply at Aramil's words, apparently trying to figure out whether he really should feel honored... or insulted. As Raella leans forward and whispers something he chuckles, his belly shaking along with him.

"Hohoho! Yes, well I believe our Lord might just find him a welcome sight indeed. Tom, open the gate and announce them to Lord Padraig!"

He bellows at one of the Guardsman before addressing Aramil in more formal tones.

"My name is Sir Kelfem, captain of the Winterhaven guards, Master Silverleaf. If you are here to aid us you are most welcome and Lord Padraig will certainly see you. What, pray tell shall we call your illustrious company?"

Spoiler

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After Aramil gives the captain the name of your company, the gates swing open to reveal a large courtyard leading to a small fortified manor at the top of the hill, flags snapping in the wind above the towers. One of the guards rushes off to announce your arrival and another escorts you to a set of stone steps that lead to an impressive wooden door set in bronze. The guard pulls at a cord next to the door and the sound of a bell can be heard. After a few moments the door opens into a large vestibule with high ceilings. A servant looks at you in surprise as the guard announces you before letting you in. You find yourself in an entryhall with a double door leading off north and smaller doors to the east and west. You are ushered into the west room, which seems to be a large dressing room of sorts. A few simple wooden benches stand along the wall with several armor stands and weapon racks. A beam of golden sunlight glitters off several steel shields hung from he wall. The servant directs you to an empty corner and coughs nervously as he speaks to you with a small bow.

"I'm afraid you'll have to leave your weapons and armor here for the audience with Lord Padraig good sirs..."

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

Aramil pauses for a moment at the question.

Company? Oh, you mean these people I met on the road. We are not affiliated, as they are tagging along for a taste of heroism. You may announce just my name and illustration.

The eladrin gives a shake of his head to let his hair fall into place.

[Diego]

just about sums up Durik's reaction to the whole affair...

[Sotto]

Korash
I really hope they know what they are doing...

With the situation getting a bit too... delicate for his approach, the dragon removes his weapon-belt, his axes, and his hauberk, offering all around the sad show of a dragon in a leather shift, and begrudgingly hands it overs.

With no metal on himself anymore, he starts to feel... naked.
And ready to breath angry fire on anyone who as much as looks at him - thank the gods Riella seems to be handling things...

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

My greatest weapon is my mind, and I don't think I'll be leaving that anywhere. Of course, you speak of those crude thing-bashers when you say weapon, and naturally, I have no need for them.

Aramil enters open handed into the Lord's chambers.

Spoiler

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Aramil is wearing leather armor under his robes, but it is light enough to be treated as clothing, will the guards stop him if it's discovered?

[Diego]

<because I missed the spoiler text in the GMs last post originally>

Durik carefully puts his longbow aside, and then places a short blade and large hunting knife next to it. He then removes the leather vest and bracers he wears as armor. (with clothing underneath since I imagine a town named "Winterhaven" is not known for warm weather)

[Hesquidor]

Raella

Looking mildly displeased as she unbuckles her leather cuirass before placing it on the table, followed by the dagger at her belt. She attempts to straighten the crinkles out of her linen undershirt before glaring at the servant.

"This had better all be here when I get back."

[Razarac]

The servant nervously rubs his hands as you all take off your armor and weapons. After you have done so he motions for you to follow him.

"Lord Padraig will see you now."

You are ushered back into the entrance hall where the guard that brought you here is still standing. Very much armed and armored of course...

At the end of the hallway, to the north, is another set of double doors. They open to reveal a grand hall with high windows, long wooden tables, a fireplace and several wooden chandeliers on the ceiling. At the East end a raised dais holds a large chair. Standing in front of it is a tall man with gray hair and sideburns and a hard, narrow face. He is wearing blue and white livery picturing a large boar and carrying a sword at his side. At the foot of the Dais is captain Kelfem accompanied by 4 guardsmen. Lord Padraig looks intently at you all with piercing, black eyes before addressing you.

"Welcome, travelers, to my hall. Forgive my precautions in having you leave both arms and armor behind, but there are trying times. My captain informs me there is a master Silverleaf amongst you and that he would speak with me about our troubles. Speak, and I shall listen."

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

Aramil clears his throat at the mention of his name and speaks,

Yes, it is I, the great wizard Aramil Silverleaf, that generously chose to bless your village with my aid. Speak of any trouble that besieges Winterhaven, and I will solve it, for a price and recognition.

Sparks ensue once more.

[Razarac]

Lord Padraig raises an eyebrow at Aramil's words. He seems to be considering things. He then turns to Karosh:

"Tell me, Sir Dragonborn, why do you think this master Silverleaf is capable of dealing with our troubles when we are not?"

Spoiler

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Please make a skill check along with your answer that you think should be appropriate for the situation.

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

While the mayor questions the dragonborn, Aramil sees if he has heard anything of this Lord Padraig, possibly for any information that can be used as leverage or just general information.

Spoiler

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History: (1d20+11)[16]

[Sotto]

Karosh

Great - now he's playing "ask the dragon"...

His eyes half opened the dragon studies the mayor... he has a blasted death cult to mind - what is he looking for?

Remembering the times he got sassed from townies when he still was a city guard, he answers the same way he did back then
"He is a professional - a professional hero.
We'll take care of what your town needs. That's what we do."

OOC: Diplomacy? Bluff? The modifier is the same, anyway... (1d20+4)[7]

[Razarac]

Lord Padraig raises a surprised eyebrow at the Dragonborn's words and then chuckles slightly before shaking his head.

"Forgive me sir Dragonborn, I had forgotten about your kinds penchance for valor. Pray tell, what is your name?"

[Sotto]

Korash

Not expecting common curtesy - in fact, he was expecting nothing at all... but he's not anymore in "his" town, and it shows - the dragon fumbles with his words, mixing human and draconic etiquette:
"I... hu... I was... I am Korash, egg of El-Whur."

[Razarac]

Lord Padraig nods empathicly before continuing.

"Well then Sir Karosh, I must say it is rather refreshing to hear you talk of honor and heroism. All too often, people asking to enter my service are nothing short of rough mercenaries and greedy treasure hunters."

He coughs before continuing.

"Well then, as for our trouble. As you have no doubt heard, we have been bothered by an increasingly large number of kobold raids. And it's not just the odd traveler anymore, they've gone and burned down some of the outlying farms in the past months. Some of our woodsmen have found the location of the kobold's lair and I've been trying to raise the local militia to deal with this problem, but I'm afraid most locals just aren't taking it seriously enough."

He lets out a tired sigh.

"And I'm afraid I cannot send out the small regiment of guards I have stationed here, it would leave the town entirely unprotected. A small group of dedicated *heroes* like yourselves however, might just be able to rout them out for us..."

He looks expectantly at Korash and Master Silverleaf.

[Xilehxt]

Aramil

Giving a scoff, Aramil exclaims,

More of those little critters? They'll vaporize at my sight! We just fought a small band of them on the way here, and they were nothing. So, what are you offering me to rid your town of these menaces?

Spoiler

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And since you probably want a Diplomacy check once more here it is. Although this is more of just hearing what his initial offer is, unless he's trying to enlist us for free. Diplomacy: (1d20+1)[12]