Blood of the Ashlands (IC)

[nettle3305]

Spoiler: Guhzunthite

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The human man sighs and says, "I appreciate the offer, but there's no one back home to foot the bill. If there were, they could take care of themselves and I could just work off my debt here."

"Hang on," says the woman with the necklace. "What if we get back to Borden and pay off the debt plus interest in a month? We're resourceful. We can make it work once we're back in the city." She turns to Guhzunthite. "Is that acceptable? We'd have to agree on interest, but does the plan sit well with you?" (Intelligence check.)

Spoiler: Astella

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Astella follows the dog into the grass. She is able to match its pace for a minute, but loses sight of it when it turns sharply. Astella is lost and the dog is nowhere to be seen. (Survival check.) (1d20+2)[21]

(Waiting on results of roll.)

Spoiler: Theren

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Theren sees the exasperation in the gnome's eyes. It has a tinge of truth; the gnome is not lying when he says the globe belongs to him. On the other hand, Theren recognizes the look in the city guard's eyes. Apathy. Tiredness. The guard has no intention of giving the globe back, and intends to push procedure as far as he can to keep it. Just because. Something else? Yes, there is a brutal glint in the guard's eyes. The guard is looking forwards to hurting the would-be thief. Looking at the thief girl, there is no doubt she is afraid of this exact thing.

As for the human merchant, a cool, detached look in his eyes seems to convey to Theren that he knows how to make this situation better. At the same time, he appears to not want to.

[nettle3305]

Spoiler: Astella

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Examining her surroundings, Astella notices the smallest of signs—rocks, smudges, bent grass, angle of sunlight—and determines both a path back to the trail and a path following the strange dog.

[2D8HP]

Spoiler: Theren

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Theren sees the exasperation in the gnome's eyes..

Theren the Wood Elf Fighter says to the guard If you keep both the globe and the girl, then you do evil!

[Fishybugs]

Evodine Sildacin, Initiate of the Order of the Griffon

Evodine looks up to the guards, somewhat imposing against her small frame. She starts to speak when the doors open and she is greeted by two knights. When called out on her scouting, she starts to answer, "It...I..." she glances at guards she had been watching. "The flowers...they..." She then concedes the point that she hadn't been extremely elusive and stops trying to make an excuse. "Thank you, milord knights, for greeting me at the door."

As Evodine follows the knights into the building, she looks again at the knights guarding the building. Whatever you do, Evi, don't fall from grace. Don't bring shame to yourself. Your family has frontloaded you in that department. Her nerves show as she walks through the building, a slight tremor in her hands, and a small glisten to her brow as she perspires just a bit. After the two knights leave her at the door and walk off, she watches them go for a moment. After they have left ear-shot, she mumbles under her breath, "Nice to meet you, milord knight. You've nearly talked my ear off, milord knight." She guiltily looks over her shoulder before entering the office to make sure she wasn't overheard.

She is relieved to find Knight Pfeiferspiel's office is where she's been led. She visibly lets out a sigh of relief. As he stands and approaches her, a genuine smile crosses her face, and her eyes light up when he offers tea and cookies. "Oh...is that the Camillia tea? It's delicious." She takes a cookie and examines it. "Oh, are these the fruit-filled ones I like so much? They are..." Evodine's face grows a little suspicious and she looks at her mentor. "Why do I have the feeling you're going to be asking me for something?"

She sits and listens quietly to the proposal, tea and cookie resting on the desk now that her mind has turned to business. "They were made...but...did they come back? Am I being thrown to the wolves here? Why me?" She pauses and thinks a bit more. "I haven't travelled that far on my own before...I'm going to need some supplies, ya know. Maps...some better travel gear." Her mind runs for a few moments, then adds hopefully with a big smile on her face, "A horse?"

Before Pfeiferspiel can answer though, something strikes her. "Wait. Didn't you say you don't know what the objectives of the agents was? If that's the case, then how do you know what the next stage of the plan is if I determine there is information worth pursuing?"

Spoiler: Every girl wants a pony....

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Persuasion: (d20+5)[24]

[Emmerlaus]

The Lizardfolk sigh heavily, losing patience:


" Look, I tried to be patient but your misfortune is also because of your bad luck and/or lack of preparation. I will give you ONE final offer: I'll accept the pendant as payment. In exchange, your debts will be cleared, we will give you protection for the rest of your travel and MAYBE if your records are clean with our country in the coming months, I'll consider letting you pay back the pendant from me. You'll have to look for me at the docks of your city. Im often hired there as magical support. "

He cross his arms, his eyes locked on the woman, waiting for her decision.

Intelligence
(1d20)[7] - 1

[Zaydos]

Astella

The half-elf calls out in exasperated sylvan, "You know if you wanted me to follow you then you could at least wait up a bit!" Still she'll do her best to follow the fae-hound's trail, trying to figure out where it was leading her to at least, and hoping that it'll wait to see how long it takes her to catch up ahead.

[nettle3305]

Spoiler: Theren

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The city guard who caught the girl turns and looks at Theren incredulously. "What?" he says. "The girl is a thief and the gnome has no proof this thing is his."

Four more city guards arrive. Two pick up the girl and hold her in place. The other two begin speaking to the city guards who were there earlier.

The guard who caught the girl motions to Theren and says, "Is this elf for real?"

"He saw the girl steal the globe," says another city guard, shrugging. "Deserves a pat on the back."

"Well," says the former guard, turning to Theren, "thank you for your service. Now keep out of our damned way."

The two guards carrying the girl start escorting her into the city. The guard with the globe follows behind.

Spoiler: Evodine

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Pfeifferspiel laughs. "Well, yes, our agents were made, but they yet live. I hear they chose to stay anyways. If only I were so confident of my own abilities. It's the same agents you'll be contacting, mind. And—" he furrows his brow and his tone grows serious "—I would not send you into a death trap, now or ever. Know this, if nothing else." He folds his hands. "In any case, how could I deny my favorite initiate the supplies she needs? Speak with the quartermaster for supplies, and the stable master for a horse." He gives directions to both. "When you meet them, tell them what you'd like to requisition. They should have it ready within minutes, after clearing it with me, of course.

"Now, as for your last question: I do not personally know the plan. Indeed, as soon as you leave town, I'm to pretend that I've never heard of this mission or you. They've assigned me to Norour Estra for the next month." He sighs. "It's a bit harsh, leaving an initiate out in the cold like this, but I wouldn't have recommended you if I didn't know you were capable." He leans back in his chair. "The two agents in the field should outrank me. They also work directly for the Commander Grand Cross. And they have need of people like you.

"By the way, your week's salary, in advance." He tosses a coin pouch to Evodine. It contains ten gold pieces. "We take care of our people around here. But don't expect to be collecting your coins while out in the field, of course."

Spoiler: Guhzunthite

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The woman pauses, then says, "Will we be paying back the pendant at the price of what we currently owe Arashk?"

Spoiler: Astella

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Astella finds her way through the tall grass with minimal difficulty after realizing that even this kind of terrain has natural landmarks, albeit subtle and small ones. She emerges into a small clearing atop a hill with three giant oak trees providing shade. Off to one side she can see Argenweld roughly a mile away.

In the middle of the clearing is a small shrine made of stone and wood. The dog is lying down by the shrine, apparently sleeping.

"Servant of Cuinn," says a disembodied male voice. It sounds young. "Or perhaps, I should say, Champion of Autumn. Ah, the smell of a newly-formed pact." The voice laughs. "I am Oisian, Prince of Luck. And you made a poor, poor decision. Cuinn is my foe, you see. But I won't take my anger out on his mindless servants. I have better things to do. And I have something to ask of you." (Arcana check.)

A shimmering, translucent figure appears, floating just above the shrine. It resembles a handsome young elf man with golden eyes.

The figure speaks. "I do not feel Cuinn's presence. That means you do not feel Cuinn's presence. I can fix this for you, for a price." He pauses. "That Ninian is bothering me again. This time I cannot deny the logic of his words. We immortals know much mortals do not, though this time there a few mortals who know what we do, that great calamity will befall the northeastern seaboard of our precious continent if action is not taken. The calamity will corrupt this very forest, and I shall have to seek a new home. If only I had physical form, I could march to the coast and put an end to this mortal silliness.

"At the same time, I do not have any champions to speak for me." The figure's voice takes a bitter edge. "The Prince of Luck can hardly make promises. An unattractive feature for picky warlocks and binders.

"Ah, but where was I. Right. A demented mortal and his fool followers in the human city of trade. It's near here. They bring corruption from the Ashlands to ours. Stop them, and I shall form a ritual which will allow you to see and speak with your patron. Ah, alright I'll throw in a magic item or two. Mmm... Mortal, do you like this deal? I'm not used to bargaining, and I've been taking lessons from that frightening Ninian."

The figure looks down at Astella inquisitively. The dog yawns.

[Kobold-Bard]

Gelećek

Gelećek thanks Sinda for the meal.

-----
He's not booming the spell out with incense and fireworks, but he's not intentionally hiding it or that he's a mage either. If someone recognises it and takes offence he'd tell them it's a habit; if he's sat somewhere too long he starts casting harmless spells to give his hands something to do. Rolled to see how distracting he's being to others I guess.

Sleight of Hand: (d20+1)[16]

[Zaydos]

Astella

The half-elf understood immediately two things. Firstly that she was in over her head, if Oisian wanted to kill her he could. Secondly that if what he was saying was true she ought to agree. He had openly admitted to being the enemy of her own patron, of course that did nothing to prove that the Prince of Luck was trustworthy. Still she hungered for power, and this was a chance at it. Then again he just called her mindless, still anger at the fay lord would do nothing for her.

She did not, however, want to anger her patron, a misstep here could be very dangerous, but if what Oisian said was true it was unlikely that it'd anger Cuinn. She needed to be in contact with the Lord of Autumn, and she did not think he wanted corruption to spill into the forest.

"Before we make an agreement," She said, her purple eyes meeting the image's golden ones, steeling herself to meet that gaze. "I must know more. What can you tell me about this corruption? What can you tell me about this demented mortal? Do you know his name, do you know a way I can identify him? What can you tell me about his defenses, and what challenges I will have to face?"

More then anything of course she was just trying to get a measure on Oisian.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Arcana (1d20+3)[12]

Also Insight (1d20)[3]. I don't think I can succeed on it, but I have to at least try it, before agreeing to a deal.

[Emmerlaus]

My character snort: " This will include what you own us for escorting you to the city and only if your records are better in our book Miss. Im a good friend with the cleric at our inn on the road too, I'll know if you are paying your tabs or if you guys are being rude guests again. I think you should be more worried about when you are gonna see that pendant again as Im not setting a price here. It will only when I feel a sincere repentance for what happened today that I will give it back... Its not the money loss that irritate me more Miss then the lack of face and disrespect you gave us. I think I would have being willing to compatize more if it wasnt for the fact that none of you guys apologize for what happened. "

He sigh, a bit irritated: " We can discuss how that repentance of yours can manifest on your way back. And it will start with one of those crate of food here that you will leave behind. Our warriors can hunt food for all of us on the way there as we will travel throught the forest. If you guys are nice enough, we might share the product of our hunt with you guys too."

He turn to the others lizardfolk in Draconic: " Go search for at least four of our rangers. Tell them we received payment to guard humans to their city."

[2D8HP]

Spoiler: Theren

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"Well," says the former guard, turning to Theren, "thank you for your service. Now keep out of our damned way."

The two guards carrying the girl start escorting her into the city. The guard with the globe follows behind.

Theren the Wood Elf Fighter mutters Humans?! and spits in disgust.
Then tries to track the guard with the globe unseen until the guard is seperate from his fellows.

Spoiler: OOC/Rolls

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Mask of the Wild,

Stealth: (d20+5)[12]

Survival: (d20+5)[23]

[Saint Jimmy]

As he scansthe room again, Erich answers
"Yes. There always is a chance that they find me out. What then?"

Spoiler: Roll

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Perception (1d20+3)[20]

-the edit was adding a question mark.

[DJCamWozzle]

Stran thought about the job, and smiled. "Seems simple enough, just sneak up close enough to see what I can about Trickstone and the cargo." Stran reached out to shake the old dwarf's leathery hand, but stopped halfway. "Actually, I think I'd like..." He paused, "I'll NEED 5% upfront before anything gets more serious. You know, gotta get some fresh tools before this mission, maybe a costume or two? Could be highly secure, and I'll need every bit of help I can get."

[Fishybugs]

Evodine Sildacin, Initiate of the Order of the Griffon

Evodine takes in the information, delighted at the idea of being able to requisition her own horse. I wonder if I'll get to name it, she thinks to herself. Wallflower. Or Buttons! Breeze? Oh so many options... A moment of daydreaming and she comes back to business. "Okay. It's a bit unusual for a single person to be travelling around by herself. What's my cover?"

The bag of gold disappears into Evodine's pouch so quickly, one may wonder if it had existed at all. "Your faith in me is appreciated, sir. I won't let you down." She pauses for a moment, then raises one eyebrow, a small look of surprise on her face. "Huh, I didn't think people really said things like that." She shakes her head slightly, bringing herself back into the conversation. "If there's nothing else, sir, I'll start my preparations immediately."

[nettle3305]

Spoiler: Gelećek

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(So I assume Gelećek is not concealing his somatic component.) As Gelećek begins casting, the rest of the bar glances over, curious. The half-elf leans back while taking sips from his mug. The card players pause their game briefly. Sinda leans forward on the bar with an expressionless look. The finely dressed human starts eating more slowly, eyes following Gelećek's motions. (Insight check.) His companion watches warily, one hand resting on the handle of his greataxe.

Twenty seconds into the ritual, everyone in the bar returns to their usual activities. (Perception check.)

When the ritual completes, an aura of abjuration emanates from one of the human card players. (Insight check.)

Spoiler: Astella

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The apparition shrugs. "At present, we archfey find it difficult to properly interact with your world. Only by divining the stars can I read the machinations of men. If it is details you seek, seek Lewinna, Consort of the Fire Lord, a lovely woman who is far too friendly with Cuinn and his servants, but knows well the map of mortal affairs. Mmm... Oh yes, your fellow mortal, Segeric Elswin I believe, is not as foolish as the rest of you. Perhaps you should try him. Or perhaps not. (History check.)

"I have reached into the fabric of fate, but I reached too far. I felt the presence of The Other. A perversion of the order of things. The most unholy mind and being. In comparison, the Lords of the Infernos seem tame. I withdrew to preserve my sanity, then followed a strand of this blackened fate back to my homeland. It hides in the mind of one too far gone, but I felt as well tens of thousands of minds connected to this one, their fates bound together by strands of corruption." The apparition stops and shudders, as if reliving an unpleasant memory. With a shake of his head, he speaks again. "Go to the city of trade, where the minds of mortals are preoccupied by silver and gold. If you look in the right places, you too shall feel the blight."

Spoiler: Guhzunthite

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"We were never rude—" starts a human man angrily, but the woman with the necklace interrupts him.

"This is acceptable to us," she says, handing Guhzunthite the necklace. "We'll strive for an end to these affairs which still satisfy our hosts at Arashk."

The lizardfolk militiamen head back to the settlement. After a few minutes pass, during which time the humans prepared for travel, only two lizardfolk return, the original militiaman who confronted the humans, and a different lizardfolk Guhzunthite has never seen before.

The latter speaks to Guhzunthite in Draconic. He says, "Off season, brother. Not many volunteers are willing to travel with you. The human city is a week away, with good weather." (Intelligence check with advantage.) He shakes his head. "I travel to supply Vazak with potions and other enchanted essentials." Vazak is the chief cleric of Arashk.

The militiaman says in Draconic, "I must join my brothers in defeating the swamp raiders. Best of luck. May Farlengh watch over you." He leaves.

"Farlengh," snorts the remaining lizardfolk. "A nonexistent god. How long has Kezhall been spouting that nonsense? It's no wonder Vazak is the chief cleric." Kezhall is the inn cleric. (Religion check.) "Matters not. Are you ready to leave? We must keep a brisk pace."

Spoiler: Theren

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Theren follows the guard with the globe through the gates, leaving the sputtering gnome merchant behind. The streets are bustling with trade and traffic, and Theren manages to hide among the crowd. Just in front of the guard with the globe, the thief girl being forcibly escorted by the two guards attempts to hide her face. Passerbys jeer and yell at her.

After a minute of walking, the guards escorting the girl arrive at a fortified tower. They enter with the girl and the door shuts behind them. There is another guard stationed just outside the door. The guard with the globe whispers to the guard at the door, who nods. (Perception check.)

The tower is on a busy street. There are businesses and stalls nearby, with many commoners and traders walking about.

Spoiler: Errich

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"Deny everything," says Herzfeld. "Deny spying on them. Deny knowing anything. Deny working for me. These are Order knights, not common bandits or smugglers. They won't attack you without good reason. Even if they don't believe you, they won't take serious action without concrete information. The other side of this, however, is that if you're found, you cannot contact me directly. If you can discretely message me your reports, that's excellent. If not, I'll understand. Be careful; if it goes against your gut, don't do it."

The room looks to be a cross between an office and an archive. There are dozens of shelves, locked behind glass and wood, of scrolls, papers, and folders, stacked densely and neatly, marked by dates and locations. There is a plush, cushioned couch and a lamp standing next to it. A sturdy-looking desk sits by the window. On the desk are blank sheets of parchment, quills, jars of differently colored inks, and a glass jug of spiced red wine with an empty tin cup next to it. The chair behind the desk is cushioned.

Spoiler: Stran

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(Persuasion check.) (1d20-1)[0]
(Waiting on results of roll.)

Spoiler: Evodine

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"Your cover is left to your discretion," says Pfeifferspiel. "If you need false identification, the quartermaster will requisition it for you. Or—" he grins "—you could just improvise in the field. That's what I did on my first mission. We were sent to infiltrate an Ostmarkian slaver camp, and my colleagues pretended to be traders from Prespes. They had papers and everything. Their papers were taken by the slavers as collateral, but I, on the other hand, went in pretending to be some village herbalist. No papers, as is typical of villagers, but my skills were needed to heal their wounded, so they let me in anyways. After our mission was complete, when we returned to Tolzburg, they got chewed out by the Commander for leaving evidence at the target site. The slavers managed to learn a lot by studying the forged identifications. They later tried to ambush my colleagues, but we anticipated that they would study the forged papers, so we ambushed them instead.

"Oh, goodness, I've kept you for too long. Sorry, sorry, I have tendencies to daydream of my earlier years in the Order. Just to be clear, it's never a bad idea to have a cover. Just be precise about where you use it." Pfeifferspiel stands up. "Alright, Evodine. I'll see you in a month, in one piece. I'm sure by then I'll have heard of what a success your mission was. Be safe, be smart. Don't take stupid risks."

[nettle3305]

Spoiler: Stran

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"How 'bout no," snorts Goldtooth angrily. "Don't ever try an' haggle with me on my jobs. You do the work, you get paid. Simple, right? Bring this up again an' I'll start dockin' gold. If you don't want the job, I'll just give it t' someone else."

[Saint Jimmy]

Alright. I'll get going then.
Alejandro walks out of the room, down the hallway, out into the street, and to the Barly and the Brew.

Spoiler: Ooc and rolls

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Sorry about the short post, I'm super busy.
Perception to notice stuff on the road if necessary(d20+3)[10]
Perception to attempt to locate the men at the tavern(d20+4)[11] (does this add a bonus due to my successful history check?)
Ok, the second check should be a 10 because it's actually plus three.

[2D8HP]

Theren the Wood Elf Fighter

Spoiler: OOC/Rolls

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Perception: (d20+5)[16]

[Kobold-Bard]

Gelećek

Gelećek keeps his tone quiet and even as people look round, no need to make anyone nervous by flinching.

-----
Insight (well dressed human): (d20+3)[4]
Perception: (d20+1)[2]
Insight (card player): (d20+3)[10]

Well I doubt I come up with anything useful, but lets see.

EDIT: Is the player with the aura the one who's winning?

[Zaydos]

Astella

"How can I find Lewinna, or this Elswin?" She asks, still meeting the apparition's eyes. "Still I can see no harm to helping you in this deed," She says, perhaps rather naively. "So I will accept your bargain, and I hope you'll wish me luck." She breaks her gaze then glancing about, "Also if you could provide me with transport to the trade city I may be able to do something more quickly, hopefully stemming this corruption sooner. Else I had best get started, it is the same duchy but still far."

Spoiler: Rolls and a Question

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History: (1d20+1)[21].

Question: How far is it from Borden to Argenweld? The information just says Argenweld is far south of Borden. I'd be planning to pick up extra food with this information but as long as the land offers berries and plants I can find food (Wanderer feature from Background). Can't afford a horse either way, still nice to know.

[DJCamWozzle]

"Alright fine Goldtooth, only because you've been good business these past years. I'd say a friend, but I don't want to be seen around someone as ugly as you." Stran jokes with the dwarf before taking his leave. He walks out of the office after giving a small wave to his partner. "See you next morning!" Stran takes one more peek at the ragged man before walking out the door, off to find some ink and a small journal before his quest.

[Fishybugs]

Evodine Sildacin, Initiate of the Order of the Griffon

Evodine stands, walks around the desk, and gives a quick hug to Pfeiferspiel. "I'll get this done, then I'll be back to cause you more trouble, don't you worry a bit." She heads out and wanders toward the quartermaster's office, thinking of what supplies she'll need. A horse! That'll be the first thing I ask for. She'll need saddlebags, of course. A map. What'll my cover be?

Spoiler: Rolls

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Int check: What do I know about Borden? Is it near a forest, open plains? Primary source of commerce? Population make-up? (d20+2)[12] (Unless that counts as 'history' then it's a +4)

[Emmerlaus]

Spoiler: Guhzunthite

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"We were never rude—" starts a human man angrily, but the woman with the necklace interrupts him.

"This is acceptable to us," she says, handing Guhzunthite the necklace. "We'll strive for an end to these affairs which still satisfy our hosts at Arashk."

The lizardfolk militiamen head back to the settlement. After a few minutes pass, during which time the humans prepared for travel, only two lizardfolk return, the original militiaman who confronted the humans, and a different lizardfolk Guhzunthite has never seen before.

The latter speaks to Guhzunthite in Draconic. He says, "Off season, brother. Not many volunteers are willing to travel with you. The human city is a week away, with good weather." (Intelligence check with advantage.) He shakes his head. "I travel to supply Vazak with potions and other enchanted essentials." Vazak is the chief cleric of Arashk.

The militiaman says in Draconic, "I must join my brothers in defeating the swamp raiders. Best of luck. May Farlengh watch over you." He leaves.

"Farlengh," snorts the remaining lizardfolk. "A nonexistent god. How long has Kezhall been spouting that nonsense? It's no wonder Vazak is the chief cleric." Kezhall is the inn cleric. (Religion check.) "Matters not. Are you ready to leave? We must keep a brisk pace."

" What's your name, ranger? "

Spoiler: All the rolls

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Knowledge nature (with advantage)

(1d20)[19] -1

(1d20)[11] -1

Knowledge Religion

(1d20)[18] +1

[nettle3305]

Spoiler: Errich

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Herzfeld calls a guard who escorts Errich out of the castle.

Errich now stands just outside the Duke's castle in Borden's noble's quarters. The streets are wide and paved, and iron lamps appear at regular intervals, though said lamps are currently dark being that it is afternoon with the sun shining brightly. There are several mansions and gardens nearby, as well as businesses catering to the wealthy. It is not crowded, though some nobles walk about.

In front of the castle are two guards. Further down the street are four guards.

It will take some searching to find Barley and the Brew. (Investigation check.)

There is an elegant-looking bar and inn nearby called Belia's Rest. Guarding its entrance is a large man wearing studded leather with a scimitar at his side. Nobles and well-to-do merchants frequently enter and exit the establishment, and sometimes travelers as well.

Spoiler: Theren

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Theren could not hear what the guard was whispering. Nonetheless, the guard does not enter the tower, instead returning to the streets and continuing to walk. After about a minute of walking in a giant U-shaped path, the guard turns down a deserted alley, away from the crowded streets. (Perception check.)

Spoiler: Gelećek

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The card player with the aura does not look happy, both with the state of the game and in general.

Spoiler: Astella

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The apparition shrugs. "I know not how you should reach Elswin or Lewinna. Nor can I teleport you from where I stand. If you search my shrine, though, you should find the offerings the locals brought me. I don't know why they think I need mortal currency. What am I going to do with it?"

Astella knows the name Segeric Elswin well. Properly, it is Archmage Segeric Elswin, rector and professor of Altona University in Kempten. Elswin pioneered the enchantment process for many magical items, as well as conducted several bookshelves' worth of original research into arcana and religion, especially on the subjects of planar conjunctions, arcane geometries, and cosmological dynamics. He is well-regarded across several continents for his contributions, both in the civilian domain and the military domain. He has also personally fought in several wars, typically for Votland (though not always), winning all of his battles but three. He carries a reputation for his intelligence. He is also quite old now.

Lewinna has a secluded shrine all the way in Tullinstadt duchy, on a mountain northeast of Tullinstadt city. Many centuries ago, settlers of what is now Votland were very close to nature, living in harmony with wildlife and fey. A mysterious event known only to historians as the Second Disjoining reduced the fey presence in Votland significantly (and perhaps the rest of the world as well), severing the connection between the settlers and nature, causing society in Votland to begin developing past the tribal stage. Lewinna's shrine has since become deserted, being of only archaeological interest now to most.

Searching the shrine reveals 5 gold pieces, 50 silver pieces, a silver ewer, and a gold locket with a portrait of a handsome half-elf man painted inside.

"When you are done," says the apparition, "my most loyal of servants will escort you to the nearest mortal settlement." The dog stands up from resting position and shakes itself. It gazes intently at Astella.

Spoiler: Stran

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Stran walks back to the front office of Goldtooth's business. The shabby man is gone. (Intelligence check.)

Spoiler: Evodine

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Part of Borden is set upon a big cliff overlooking the coast, and the rest is at coast-level. The land around Borden is mostly hilly plains with some rivers. There are trade routes in all the cardinal directions and many of the directions in-between. The population is generally human, with communities of many other races due to the fact that Borden is a metropolitan trade center. Though trade is Borden's primary source of commerce, it also benefits from the local production of the town of Argenweld.

Evodine finds herself in the requisitions hall. There are several people going about their businesses, including among others clerk-looking Order members carrying obviously magical items and soldiers in plate armor carrying large packs of supplies. Doors to the side lead to requisitions offices. Pfeifferspiel's instructions directed her to a specific office.

Upon entering the office, Evodine sees an older halfling woman sitting at her desk, reading a report and humming. The woman looks up.

"Well aren't you the cutest thing," she says. "Name then rank, honey. And what is it you need?"

Spoiler: Guhzunthite

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"I'm no ranger," says the lizardfolk, switching to Common and spreading his arms wide to reveal that he has no weapon. "But do not underestimate my prowess. You may call me Lothzar. Who are you?"

Guhzunthite believes that some clever routing and short cuts through the wilderness, away from the beaten path, could save the trip two days at no cost to safety or practicality.

When the lizardfolk first arrived in Votland, they came with their old gods, including Farlengh, the god of travel. But as the lizardfolk mingled with humans, elves, and dwarves, the lizardfolk began importing the dominant religion of most of the world, which originated from ancient Chanpat philosophy. In this religion, the most attractive gods to the lizardfolk are Gruumsh, lawful evil god of destruction, Kord, chaotic neutral god of strength and storms, and Melora, true neutral goddess of wilderness and sea. Back at Arashk, the leaders generally subscribe to this religion rather than the traditional lizardfolk one, but the occasional lizardfolk still believes in their old gods.

[DJCamWozzle]

Spoiler: Ability Check

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Rolling an Intelligence check only worthy of a man with a smart mind (1d20+3)[16]

[Zaydos]

Astella

Makes quick work of searching the shrine, but hesitates for a moment with the locket, before her greed, or as she justifies it her necessity, gets the better of her. After all the fae lord gave her permission, and whoever left this locket here left it to him. Still she wonders quietly on that for a brief moment. "I had best be on my way then, I will have much traveling to do." She turns then to the dog, "Lead the way."

Spoiler: Rolls and Questions

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Can I try a check to appraise the approximate value of the ewer? I'm guessing that'd be Int (or History which I'm not proficient in), if I'm wrong just tell me, Int (1d20+1)[12]

And the same for the locket Int (1d20+1)[6]

As for questions, from where I am how far (days travel preferably) is it to Borden? How far and what direction to Tullinstadt and Kempton (not assuming they're near each other just asking about both)? Have to decide whether its worth the time to detour to one or both, or whether I should go to Borden and learn what I can there first (somehow this seems like a bad idea, but it is one Astella might make).

Or do I need to make a check for that? Would that be Int or Nature or History or? Int? (1d20+1)[6] (add +2 if nature, add +1 if Survival, I can't imagine it'd be anything else that I'm proficient in, subtract 1 if Wisdom, ignore if I don't need to roll, etc).

[nettle3305]

Spoiler: Theren

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(Perception check.) (1d20+5)[18]

Spoiler: Stran

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As Stran glances at the aisle where the shabby man was browsing earlier, he notices that an item is missing. A closer look reveals that his memory does not deceive. When Stran was in this room earlier, there was a dusty rock-like object sitting on one of the shelves. Now the object is gone. Looking around the shop it becomes clear the object was not merely moved to another aisle.

Spoiler: Astella

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The apparition bows then promptly vanishes in a blink of light. The dog whines (the first sound Astella's heard from it), shakes itself again, then suddenly dashes down the hill into the tall grass. (Dexterity check.) (Perception check.)

[Zaydos]

Astella

She was expecting something like this, and she rushes off after the dog, red hair flowing behind her as she runs.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Dexterity: (1d20+3)[4]
Perception: (1d20+2)[5]

[nettle3305]

Spoiler: Theren

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Theren is standing in the busy streets, looking at the deserted alley across from him, which is where the guard with the globe went.

Spoiler: Astella

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Almost immediately Astella becomes once again lost in the tall grass. (Survival check.)

[Zaydos]

Spoiler: Survival Check

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Survival check (1d20+2)[17]