This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Randal scans the surrounding area, seeing no sign of the horse or anyone else. “There is no one in sight, but it looks like the saddle and tack are missing” he points inside the stable “so it seems clear the horse did not just wander off.” he pauses as Tess points out the halfling footprint.
“Interesting, I have seen none of the small folk since I have arrived. I wonder if Dromi knows any in the village. Is there a way to track where they came from, or what direction the horse left?”
Randal looks for additional halfling footprints and for hoofprints or other signs that indicate what direction the horse traveled. Perception: 14.
Lyla stays outside with the others to hear any other clues that come up in discussion, but has nothing else to add herself.
(OOC: Just because we're doing pbp though, to keep it moving I'll now describe what Lyla does next. If the conversation outside continues I'll just assume she's there and this happens after that.)
Lyla walks back inside to talk to Leacy and Dromi. She waits until Leacy seems ready to speak to her, then asks if there is anyone either of them would know who could have a motive to do such a thing. Perhaps anyone who would want to sabotage them in any way... and in particular, do they know any halflings?
When Tess points out the footprint, the others can see it too. It does indeed appear to be too wide for a child or a Gnome, yet too small for any other race. Those who have met Halflings in their past can agree that Halflings' feet resemble this footprint the most.
However, neither Randal nor the others can spot any other footprints which appear to be Halflings', and the others they can see might as well be theirs, or Leacy's or Dromi's. Lastly, hoofprints are everywhere, outside the stable. Considering the horse must have been let out occasionally, it is no surprise. However, that means it is impossible to tell which hoofprints were the last to be made onto the ground. All of the hoofprints either lead into the stable or towards the open area near the shrines, as far as any of the three can tell.
(Does anyone follow with Lyla/wish to do anything else?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Randal follows the others back inside the house, leaning against the wall and watching Dromi and Leacy’s reactions to the questions from the Lyla and Tess, looking for any signs of hesitation or secrets from the pair.
Lyla, Randal and Tess all run through the house. Passing by Ri, they notice she's still sleeping in her bedroll, seemingly undisturbed by the commotion. At the moment, they might not think much of it, or perhaps choose to leave the matter for later, because now, they keep running towards Leacy's room.
In the room, Leacy is quietly sobbing into Dromi's shoulder, almost like a little girl sitting on her mother's lap. A moment passes before everyone remembers they're actually about the same age, in their mid-twenties. Though it is a common reaction for one to start crying when they see another crying, Dromi seems calm and comforting. As it doesn't appear as if Leacy will calm down soon, Dromi answers in her stead. "Halflings? No. None live in the village, and I think the last time I saw one of them was at the height of winter - a few travellers who sought shelter at the inn from the cold for a few nights before continuing on their way." When asked about people who might have a motive to commit this act, Dromi immediately declares: "No. Even if there are occasional tensions with a few people, there is no chance any of them would do something like this." The last sentence is said with as much self-convincing as reassuring as stating a fact.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tess says “Well, I suppose we can try to track, although I’m not skilled at that.. it seemed like all the horse prints were heading towards the shrines. Leacy- we will try to help- chances are the horse is ok- we just need to find it. People almost never hurt riding horses- they are worth too much money trained. Any other ideas for where we could look? Seems strange to steal a horse in a small town like this.“
Leacy stops sobbing. She rotates around Dromi and shifts to sit next to her, facing the three. Her face is red, and her eyes still wet, as is Dromi's shirt around the shoulder. She wipes her tears once more before trying to talk. It comes as no surprise that her weak voice is unsteady and tremulous. "That's the route I usually take when I leave with Mika. Those prints could be old, so following them, if you succeed, will most likely take you to Deserdis. I don't know where to look."
"Theft in the town is very rare," Dromi adds. "At most, it might be a few children playing pranks or trying to... you know, look cool? But I believe they'd know better. Can I ask you three for a favour? I'm going to be too busy with the festival today, and, perhaps more than that. Can you help Leacy find Mika? If there's something else you must do, we'll understand - you're not obliged to help us - but we will be grateful if you do. Umm... We don't have much, but maybe I could find a few coins to pay each of you for the trouble. Will you do it for us?"
Randal considers the situation for a brief moment, but he was a sucker for a pretty face and more friends in town could be useful. “I make no promises, but I will do what I can. Does Mika have any distinguishing features, can you describe her?”
Randal turns to Tess and Lyla “The stableyard was a mess of tracks, it will be hard to tell fresh ones apart old, but maybe someone in the square would have seen something. Perhaps we look for additional tracks and see where the halfling came from?”
So far during her time in Rivulestice, Lyla had been trying to find three things: coin, friends and answers. It seemed this was the perfect opportunity to gain all three at once, if they could find Mika.
"Of course, we will try our best. Leacy, will you be coming with us? Do you have any good ideas about where we should start looking, considering that you know the village a lot better than us?"
Leacy nods. "I will come with you, yes." She stands up. "But I have no better idea than any of you. As for distinguishing marks, I could tell in detail, but the only horses that should be in Rivulestice other than Mika at the moment are the ones who came with those who brought her back to me... just last night." She stops. Just reunited, and immediately separated again. "Both of them are white horses, while Mika is brown, so there should be no confusion." She finishes eventually.
Randal kept a puzzled look off of his face after Leacy’s comments, but the questions followed. “We would enjoy your company during the search. I didn’t realize Mika was so recently returned, where was she coming back from and who returned her? They may have more information. Where are the other horses being stabled?“
He looked over at Dromi “The tavern was buzzing with stories and rumors on visitors from the capital arriving soon. Could these individuals returning Mika be related?”
Lyla listens to anything else Dromi and Leacy say before the party sets off, but she is ready to follow whoever is leading the search (which at this stage looks like Randal).
"My Mika was injured during my recent ride to Desrdis." Leacy answers. "I decided to leave her in the stablemaster's care there, as he is more knowledgeable about horses and caring for them than I'll ever be. I planned to go back to get her after the festival ends. Last night, however, I saw her entering the town, escorted by someone rich's entourage. Apparently, when the stablemaster in Desrdis, who took care of their horses over the previous night, heard they're heading to Rivulestice, he decided to send Mika back with them. She seemed to have gotten better faster than expected." It is not clear whether Leacy thinks the decision to send Mika with another was right or not. Perhaps she's not sure herself. "I do not know where their horses are stabled. The only other stable is behind the trading post, but I don't know if they'd leave their horses there. Not if they slept in the tavern, as I'd expect visitors to do. On the other hand, they did seem quite rich, maybe my assumption is wrong."
Those are many words coming out of Leacy's mouth at once. She speaks quickly and energetically as she put on her shoes, eager to leave as soon as possible. "I do not know if they're related, but you're right checking might be wise. I'm going now, with or without you." She starts for the door, but Dromi stops her, grabbing her hand.
As Leacy looks back, Dromi looks directly into her eyes. "I understand what you must be feeling, but... don't worry. You'll find her, I know you will. I'll pray for Oruthia to aid you." In response, Leacy only nods, and Dromi releases her. Then, as stated, Leacy heads out without waiting for you.
***
On their way out, those who follow Leacy notice Ri is still sleeping. Does any of the three stop to say/do something, or do you just follow Leacy out?
Randal jumped up, startled that she was moving so quickly, and leaving without them. He hurried across the outer room without sparing a second glance at the sleeping Ri, following Leacy and trying to catch up. “Leacy, wait! No need to go without us, we are coming!”
Tess looks at Ri and back at Dromi, “Is RI ok? Seem to be a very sound sleeper..”. But then she quickly heads out after Leacy, so as to not get left behind.
Lyla suggests to Dromi that she should wake Ri up and explain what has happened, but doesn't wait to see it happen. She follows the group, keeping an eye out for Mika along the way.
Hearing their calls, Dromi walks into the living room, puzzled as to why she should wake the sleeping woman up. Anyone who glances back can see her crouching over Ri, but they don't get to see a response before their line of sight is broken.
It is still quite early in the morning, though it's brighter outside than it was when the three were woken up. The skies are clear, with not even a single cloud in sight. There is no wind, but mornings in the desert usually carry the night's cold for a while, and this morning is no different. Leacy, wearing the same thin white dress she did last night, is plainly cold, but she doesn't let that slow her down. Or maybe she's just moving quickly to warm herself up, and be out of the cold sooner.
Leacy walks quickly and with determination, but it is not hard to catch up with her. If anyone asks, she explains again that as suggested, she'll ask those who brought Mika back to her whether they know anything. Furthermore, she explains that while she doesn't know where she might find them, the Living Tree inn is the first place she's going to search. If not there, they'll have to ask around and find out if anybody saw where they went.
There are no people outside, as it is clearly too early for that. Even the earliest risers haven't gone out yet, most likely eating breakfast at this time, if not still making it. When Lyla, Randal and Tess reach the stone bridge, they can see the Living Tree inn. The tree doesn't appear to have changed since the last time either of the three saw it. Leacy continues forward, walking over the stone bridge, towards the inn.
“Halfling footprint… here… see you can just make it out. Too wide to be a child’s.” Tess says. “Are there many halfings around here?”
she seems quite pleased with herself. It was just like the stories she loved as a child.
(sorry I think notifications were down I didn’t see the posts)
“Halfling footprint… here… see you can just make it out. Too wide to be a child’s.” Tess says. “Are there many halfings around here?”
she seems quite pleased with herself. It was just like the stories she loved as a child.
(sorry I think notifications were down I didn’t see the posts)
Randal scans the surrounding area, seeing no sign of the horse or anyone else. “There is no one in sight, but it looks like the saddle and tack are missing” he points inside the stable “so it seems clear the horse did not just wander off.” he pauses as Tess points out the halfling footprint.
“Interesting, I have seen none of the small folk since I have arrived. I wonder if Dromi knows any in the village. Is there a way to track where they came from, or what direction the horse left?”
Randal looks for additional halfling footprints and for hoofprints or other signs that indicate what direction the horse traveled. Perception: 14.
Lyla stays outside with the others to hear any other clues that come up in discussion, but has nothing else to add herself.
(OOC: Just because we're doing pbp though, to keep it moving I'll now describe what Lyla does next. If the conversation outside continues I'll just assume she's there and this happens after that.)
Lyla walks back inside to talk to Leacy and Dromi. She waits until Leacy seems ready to speak to her, then asks if there is anyone either of them would know who could have a motive to do such a thing. Perhaps anyone who would want to sabotage them in any way... and in particular, do they know any halflings?
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
When Tess points out the footprint, the others can see it too. It does indeed appear to be too wide for a child or a Gnome, yet too small for any other race. Those who have met Halflings in their past can agree that Halflings' feet resemble this footprint the most.
However, neither Randal nor the others can spot any other footprints which appear to be Halflings', and the others they can see might as well be theirs, or Leacy's or Dromi's. Lastly, hoofprints are everywhere, outside the stable. Considering the horse must have been let out occasionally, it is no surprise. However, that means it is impossible to tell which hoofprints were the last to be made onto the ground. All of the hoofprints either lead into the stable or towards the open area near the shrines, as far as any of the three can tell.
(Does anyone follow with Lyla/wish to do anything else?)
Varielky | Emma
Tess will go back inside and say “any possibility it was a halfling?”
Randal follows the others back inside the house, leaning against the wall and watching Dromi and Leacy’s reactions to the questions from the Lyla and Tess, looking for any signs of hesitation or secrets from the pair.
Insight 8.
Lyla, Randal and Tess all run through the house. Passing by Ri, they notice she's still sleeping in her bedroll, seemingly undisturbed by the commotion. At the moment, they might not think much of it, or perhaps choose to leave the matter for later, because now, they keep running towards Leacy's room.
In the room, Leacy is quietly sobbing into Dromi's shoulder, almost like a little girl sitting on her mother's lap. A moment passes before everyone remembers they're actually about the same age, in their mid-twenties. Though it is a common reaction for one to start crying when they see another crying, Dromi seems calm and comforting. As it doesn't appear as if Leacy will calm down soon, Dromi answers in her stead. "Halflings? No. None live in the village, and I think the last time I saw one of them was at the height of winter - a few travellers who sought shelter at the inn from the cold for a few nights before continuing on their way." When asked about people who might have a motive to commit this act, Dromi immediately declares: "No. Even if there are occasional tensions with a few people, there is no chance any of them would do something like this." The last sentence is said with as much self-convincing as reassuring as stating a fact.
Varielky | Emma
Tess says “Well, I suppose we can try to track, although I’m not skilled at that.. it seemed like all the horse prints were heading towards the shrines. Leacy- we will try to help- chances are the horse is ok- we just need to find it. People almost never hurt riding horses- they are worth too much money trained. Any other ideas for where we could look? Seems strange to steal a horse in a small town like this.“
she tries persuasion to calm her down 15.
Leacy stops sobbing. She rotates around Dromi and shifts to sit next to her, facing the three. Her face is red, and her eyes still wet, as is Dromi's shirt around the shoulder. She wipes her tears once more before trying to talk. It comes as no surprise that her weak voice is unsteady and tremulous. "That's the route I usually take when I leave with Mika. Those prints could be old, so following them, if you succeed, will most likely take you to Deserdis. I don't know where to look."
"Theft in the town is very rare," Dromi adds. "At most, it might be a few children playing pranks or trying to... you know, look cool? But I believe they'd know better. Can I ask you three for a favour? I'm going to be too busy with the festival today, and, perhaps more than that. Can you help Leacy find Mika? If there's something else you must do, we'll understand - you're not obliged to help us - but we will be grateful if you do. Umm... We don't have much, but maybe I could find a few coins to pay each of you for the trouble. Will you do it for us?"
Varielky | Emma
Randal considers the situation for a brief moment, but he was a sucker for a pretty face and more friends in town could be useful. “I make no promises, but I will do what I can. Does Mika have any distinguishing features, can you describe her?”
Randal turns to Tess and Lyla “The stableyard was a mess of tracks, it will be hard to tell fresh ones apart old, but maybe someone in the square would have seen something. Perhaps we look for additional tracks and see where the halfling came from?”
So far during her time in Rivulestice, Lyla had been trying to find three things: coin, friends and answers. It seemed this was the perfect opportunity to gain all three at once, if they could find Mika.
"Of course, we will try our best. Leacy, will you be coming with us? Do you have any good ideas about where we should start looking, considering that you know the village a lot better than us?"
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
Leacy nods. "I will come with you, yes." She stands up. "But I have no better idea than any of you. As for distinguishing marks, I could tell in detail, but the only horses that should be in Rivulestice other than Mika at the moment are the ones who came with those who brought her back to me... just last night." She stops. Just reunited, and immediately separated again. "Both of them are white horses, while Mika is brown, so there should be no confusion." She finishes eventually.
Varielky | Emma
Randal kept a puzzled look off of his face after Leacy’s comments, but the questions followed. “We would enjoy your company during the search. I didn’t realize Mika was so recently returned, where was she coming back from and who returned her? They may have more information. Where are the other horses being stabled?“
He looked over at Dromi “The tavern was buzzing with stories and rumors on visitors from the capital arriving soon. Could these individuals returning Mika be related?”
Lyla listens to anything else Dromi and Leacy say before the party sets off, but she is ready to follow whoever is leading the search (which at this stage looks like Randal).
***
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
"My Mika was injured during my recent ride to Desrdis." Leacy answers. "I decided to leave her in the stablemaster's care there, as he is more knowledgeable about horses and caring for them than I'll ever be. I planned to go back to get her after the festival ends. Last night, however, I saw her entering the town, escorted by someone rich's entourage. Apparently, when the stablemaster in Desrdis, who took care of their horses over the previous night, heard they're heading to Rivulestice, he decided to send Mika back with them. She seemed to have gotten better faster than expected." It is not clear whether Leacy thinks the decision to send Mika with another was right or not. Perhaps she's not sure herself. "I do not know where their horses are stabled. The only other stable is behind the trading post, but I don't know if they'd leave their horses there. Not if they slept in the tavern, as I'd expect visitors to do. On the other hand, they did seem quite rich, maybe my assumption is wrong."
Those are many words coming out of Leacy's mouth at once. She speaks quickly and energetically as she put on her shoes, eager to leave as soon as possible. "I do not know if they're related, but you're right checking might be wise. I'm going now, with or without you." She starts for the door, but Dromi stops her, grabbing her hand.
As Leacy looks back, Dromi looks directly into her eyes. "I understand what you must be feeling, but... don't worry. You'll find her, I know you will. I'll pray for Oruthia to aid you." In response, Leacy only nods, and Dromi releases her. Then, as stated, Leacy heads out without waiting for you.
***
On their way out, those who follow Leacy notice Ri is still sleeping. Does any of the three stop to say/do something, or do you just follow Leacy out?
Varielky | Emma
Randal jumped up, startled that she was moving so quickly, and leaving without them. He hurried across the outer room without sparing a second glance at the sleeping Ri, following Leacy and trying to catch up. “Leacy, wait! No need to go without us, we are coming!”
***
Tess looks at Ri and back at Dromi, “Is RI ok? Seem to be a very sound sleeper..”. But then she quickly heads out after Leacy, so as to not get left behind.
Lyla suggests to Dromi that she should wake Ri up and explain what has happened, but doesn't wait to see it happen. She follows the group, keeping an eye out for Mika along the way.
A completed pbp forum game:
Harley Atheonaikie in Frozen Sick
-
Current pbp forum games:
Delilah Rose in Rivulestice
Tragedy Whispers (Previously: A Deep & Creeping Darkness & Waterdeep: Dragon Heist)
Hearing their calls, Dromi walks into the living room, puzzled as to why she should wake the sleeping woman up. Anyone who glances back can see her crouching over Ri, but they don't get to see a response before their line of sight is broken.
It is still quite early in the morning, though it's brighter outside than it was when the three were woken up. The skies are clear, with not even a single cloud in sight. There is no wind, but mornings in the desert usually carry the night's cold for a while, and this morning is no different. Leacy, wearing the same thin white dress she did last night, is plainly cold, but she doesn't let that slow her down. Or maybe she's just moving quickly to warm herself up, and be out of the cold sooner.
Leacy walks quickly and with determination, but it is not hard to catch up with her. If anyone asks, she explains again that as suggested, she'll ask those who brought Mika back to her whether they know anything. Furthermore, she explains that while she doesn't know where she might find them, the Living Tree inn is the first place she's going to search. If not there, they'll have to ask around and find out if anybody saw where they went.
There are no people outside, as it is clearly too early for that. Even the earliest risers haven't gone out yet, most likely eating breakfast at this time, if not still making it. When Lyla, Randal and Tess reach the stone bridge, they can see the Living Tree inn. The tree doesn't appear to have changed since the last time either of the three saw it. Leacy continues forward, walking over the stone bridge, towards the inn.
Does anybody say/do anything?
Varielky | Emma