I do not want to overwhelm the Lady with more questions and this man seems a competent investigator. He has good instincts. Arklos sits back and takes a sip from his mug. He is watching the teifling woman's facial expressions and body language.
Lethia feels excitement stirring within her. She knows that if she was on the previous expedition, then she would have conquered the mist. Um... in whatever way one conquers mist. However, she also feels a tiny bead of fear and doubt. What if I just mess everything up?She wonders, but then quickly buries that bead. I'm fine. I got this. I have fought worse. I hope...
Lethia waits for the response to the brown haired man's questions. She believes that Jameson was his name.
EMERIA: "Not one trace. It was as if they were never there."
In response to Jameson:
EMERIA: "The people who told us of the castle were human. They had a small encampment on the outskirts of the village, living out of covered wagons. I believe them to have been nomads. As for their clothing, there was not one who's garments were like another's, save for some similarities I presume to have been due to their culture. The adult women all wore headscarves of varying colors and patterns, and ankle-length dresses. Some of the younger women had scarves wrapped around their faces, leaving only their eyes visible. The men wore loose shirts and trousers made of worn fabrics, embroidered with pictures and patterns I can't quite recall. As for footwear, many of the younger folks were barefoot, while some of the men had leather boots. The man who told us about the castle had a maroon silk vest and several gold teeth, and was quite decrepit with age."
The description of this man matches that of the man you met in the tavern who had first told you of Emeria and her search for her missing comrades.
EMERIA: "As for my comrades, there was Gerard. An academic fellow, like myself. His father had served in the army as part of the Righteous Brand, so he was raised in a rather military household. Skilled with the crossbow, he examines everything with great precision. He was always the most serious of us five. We met at a party when we found out we share the same taste in literature. He's human. Tall, thin, light-skinned and dark-haired. He wears a set of customized spectacles, so as to aid his marksmanship. Then there was Lucas. A farm boy inside and out. He had an eye for humor, and while uneducated, is very bright. He had lived in the village near my father's estate, so we played often as children. He was always enamored by swordplay, and is now specializes in bladed weapons. He too is human. Short, toned physique, light-skinned and blond haired. He has a scar on the side of his neck from when a brigand leader tried to decapitate him. Next there was Eshe. My father, a merchant, had business with her family, so I went with him to their estate across the country. She's our blunt weapons master, her favorite weapon being her silver warhammer, which she had obtained from the crypt of a monster hunter, and used to slay the werewolf I mentioned earlier. She is a half-elf, with dark skin and hair. She's quite tall and muscular. Lastly, there was Oscar. A half-orc, grey-skinned, very tall. He is blind in his left eye, and is missing a finger on his left hand. He has long, dark hair that he usually keeps well-groomed and braided. He looks brutish, but is quite charming and polite. He is selfless, and would willingly give up his life to save someone he'd never met, and... Sorry, I'm getting into unimportant details."
Time of Day: 10:55 AM
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"And that day, a red rain fell from the sky here."
Elzah furrows her brow, puzzling it all out. "Your comrades sound like capable folks -- killed a werewolf and such. I mean, I've heard of folks disappearing, but there's usually a body eventually. Either you find the pieces, or they're still alive and come slinking back into town to apologize for making everyone fret."
She turns to her party. "I dunno. I'm up for taking a look at the castle if y'all are. If the only danger is a thick fog, I think we'll be all right. The worst thing a fog has ever done is make my bedroll wet."
Elzah has one more thing for Emeria: "How much you paying?"
Qazka, although not particularly suspicious of Emeria's intentions, grows increasingly curious as to how she alone made it out. And, just in case, he lowers his eyes for a moment and lets his mind become still. He reaches out around him with a 'sixth sense' he acquired sometime, somewhere along the way during his time at the chapel.
Qazka uses Divine Sense.
(ooc: I should've done this earlier but I forgot Qazka had it lol. also if anyone knows if there is a tooltip for divine sense please let me know!)
Hearing Elzah's remark, Emeria flinches in mild annoyance, as though she had just remembered you were all simply hired help.
EMERIA: "I will pay a sum of fifty gold pieces to anyone who searches the area for a sign of them. I will double this sum if you find any trace whatsoever. If you discover their fate, then you will each receive two hundred gold pieces. If you want confirmation that I have the money, I can show you the chest in my quarters."
She takes another drink of water and begins twisting a ring on her finger.
Guyu, your Divine Sense reveals no abnormal presence. Also, there is no tooltip for that.
Qazka lifts his eyes at the mention of gold, "you and your companions were delightful. Even without reward, for just the good you have done, whatever that has occurred to your companions does not deserve to be left unattended. It is curious though, do you know of anything in your possession that may have protected you from whatever it was that happened?"
"No uniformity among them, which likely rules out a cult or an order with strict edicts, though it does not rule out nefarious intent. Perhaps it would be worth our time to seek them out. Do you know if their encampment remains?" Jameson asks.
He smiles when Emeria cuts off her description of her companions. "No detail is unimportant, madame," he says, though he does not press any further.
Noticing her balk slightly at the question of payment, he mentions, "Were it not for the distance we traveled I would be in this simply for the mystery, but unfortunately we do have expenses to incur. For one, I would like to find some parchment and ink somewhere in town."
"Might I ask the significance of your ring?"Jameson adds upon hearing Qazka mention protective possessions.
EMERIA: "I carry nothing to my knowledge that would ward off dark magic. I have searched my possessions multiple times, and found nothing of magical nature that I had no prior knowledge of. I do, however, have a theory as to why the mists spared me. In the castle crypts, I had hid myself in the crypt that contained the intact coffin. I suspect that crypt may have some significance in the matter."
To Jameson:
EMERIA: "When I returned to Belfrem after the disappearance of my comrades, I had immediately went to the nomads' camp, only to find it gone. According to the townsfolk, they departed in the direction of Barovia a couple hours after my companions and I had set out for the castle. I attempted to track them with the help of a local ranger, but their wagon tracks mysteriously stopped." (after being asked about the ring) "A month before his disappearance, Oscar had asked me to marry him. I accepted."
Arklos makes no outward change of expression, but mentally raises a brow at the description of her companions. This Gerald...Righteous Brand connections huh? Oscar the dashing and charming half-orc? I wonder if that is his real name, or if he has read some of the same books I have and used the name to his advantage.
"Ahh, excuse me Fraulein. Out of curiosity, do you know your friend Gerald's father's name?"
I'd like to do two things, please. First, does Arklos know this Gerald's father from his own time in the Righteous Brand? Arklos is in his late 30s. Secondly, do I sense if Emeria is being on the level with us regarding her whole story?
Hearing Jameson, Qazka comments: "The people Emeria mentioned sounds like the Vistani, they have passed through here many times. Some say they are bad luck. I have not met them personally but to my knowledge, they have not done anything malicious."
"'Disappeared' too? Interesting... All the more reasons to investigate then." Qazka ponders the coincidence in the disappearances, absentmindedly fidgeting with the chains on his glasses.
Lethia, quickly turning to the task on hand, turns to Emeria. "Oooohhhh, the gold sounds nice..." she mutters silently. Quickly noticing how bad that sounds, Lethia talks a bit louder and gives a nervous laugh. "Not that it matters, of course... Anyways. How thick was the mist? You mention losing your comrades in the mist, but not how thick the mist is."
EMERIA: "The name of Gerard's father was Mattis. Herr Willem Mattis." (turning to Jameson) "I have ink and parchment to spare among my possessions." Arklos recognizes the name as belonging to one of his superiors in the Righteous Brand. Quite an unpleasant fellow.
To Lethia (giving her a skeptical, confused look):
EMERIA: "The mist was quite thick. It was more akin to a cloud of smoke than mist, only for the way it moved."
ArkadeyBloodwild, to get a better idea of whether Emeria is being honest or not, an Insight check can be made.
Time of Day: 11:00 AM
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"And that day, a red rain fell from the sky here."
Arklos tries to get a read on Emeria, studying her face and body language. He doesn't notice any suspicious mannerisms. Her hands are neatly folded beneath the table, and her gaze have become less erratic.
((ooooof First roll of the game was a Natural 1 lol))
[OOC: Nowhere to go but up!]
Elzah stares at Qazka until she gets his attention, then motions to her bowl as if to say, "Is there any more?"
Her mind begins to wander as the rest of the group interviews Emeria. The strange smoke Emeria mentioned earlier is concerning. How do you kill smoke? And, she also mentioned fighting werewolves. I will need to ask her how they defeated such a creature. There are so many questions to ask, but the rest of the party seems to have a better understanding of what is at stake. So, Elzah shifts her focus to supplies and travel -- this is what she knows.
Waiting for a lull in the conversation, Elzah leans forward and asks both Qazka and Emeria, "Is there a good place to get ourselves equipped before we set out after your friends?"
Upon Emeria's explanation of her ring, Jameson lowers his head and responds, "We will do all that we can to ensure that your companions are returned safely."
OOC: DM, how much parchment/ink would Emeria be willing to part with for Jameson? Would you prefer to manage additions to our inventory or should I add those to Jameson's sheet?
Qazka does catch Elzah's eye at some point and tilts his head amusedly. He responds: "as much as our dear guest would like," and refills her bowl.
As he sets the bowl down, he ponders for a bit before speaking again: "We have no place for armours or weapons if that's what you are looking for, but we do have the one shop- both a smithy and bakery. It's managed by a lovely family. They have metalwork, baked goods- which is very good, by the way, and things like torches and ropes; suppose that count as equipment?"
Addressing the whole adventuring group: "So I see that you will be accepting this request?" Qazka grins amiably and points to himself, "how do you feel about an extra hand in this quest?"
"I don't know about the rest of my group," Lethia starts to say, "But I just want to get started. So please hurry up and make a decision." She directs that last part to her companions.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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I do not want to overwhelm the Lady with more questions and this man seems a competent investigator. He has good instincts. Arklos sits back and takes a sip from his mug. He is watching the teifling woman's facial expressions and body language.
Lethia feels excitement stirring within her. She knows that if she was on the previous expedition, then she would have conquered the mist. Um... in whatever way one conquers mist. However, she also feels a tiny bead of fear and doubt. What if I just mess everything up? She wonders, but then quickly buries that bead. I'm fine. I got this. I have fought worse. I hope...
Lethia waits for the response to the brown haired man's questions. She believes that Jameson was his name.
Time of Day: 10:55 AM
"And that day, a red rain fell from the sky here."
Elzah furrows her brow, puzzling it all out. "Your comrades sound like capable folks -- killed a werewolf and such. I mean, I've heard of folks disappearing, but there's usually a body eventually. Either you find the pieces, or they're still alive and come slinking back into town to apologize for making everyone fret."
She turns to her party. "I dunno. I'm up for taking a look at the castle if y'all are. If the only danger is a thick fog, I think we'll be all right. The worst thing a fog has ever done is make my bedroll wet."
Elzah has one more thing for Emeria: "How much you paying?"
Nell: Call of the Netherdeep
Qazka, although not particularly suspicious of Emeria's intentions, grows increasingly curious as to how she alone made it out. And, just in case, he lowers his eyes for a moment and lets his mind become still. He reaches out around him with a 'sixth sense' he acquired sometime, somewhere along the way during his time at the chapel.
Qazka uses Divine Sense.
(ooc: I should've done this earlier but I forgot Qazka had it lol. also if anyone knows if there is a tooltip for divine sense please let me know!)
Guyu, your Divine Sense reveals no abnormal presence. Also, there is no tooltip for that.
Time of Day: 10:56 AM
"And that day, a red rain fell from the sky here."
Qazka lifts his eyes at the mention of gold, "you and your companions were delightful. Even without reward, for just the good you have done, whatever that has occurred to your companions does not deserve to be left unattended. It is curious though, do you know of anything in your possession that may have protected you from whatever it was that happened?"
(ooc: gotcha thanks! worth asking anyways haha)
"No uniformity among them, which likely rules out a cult or an order with strict edicts, though it does not rule out nefarious intent. Perhaps it would be worth our time to seek them out. Do you know if their encampment remains?" Jameson asks.
He smiles when Emeria cuts off her description of her companions. "No detail is unimportant, madame," he says, though he does not press any further.
Noticing her balk slightly at the question of payment, he mentions, "Were it not for the distance we traveled I would be in this simply for the mystery, but unfortunately we do have expenses to incur. For one, I would like to find some parchment and ink somewhere in town."
"Might I ask the significance of your ring?" Jameson adds upon hearing Qazka mention protective possessions.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Time of Day: 10:58 AM
"And that day, a red rain fell from the sky here."
Arklos makes no outward change of expression, but mentally raises a brow at the description of her companions. This Gerald...Righteous Brand connections huh? Oscar the dashing and charming half-orc? I wonder if that is his real name, or if he has read some of the same books I have and used the name to his advantage.
"Ahh, excuse me Fraulein. Out of curiosity, do you know your friend Gerald's father's name?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'd like to do two things, please. First, does Arklos know this Gerald's father from his own time in the Righteous Brand? Arklos is in his late 30s. Secondly, do I sense if Emeria is being on the level with us regarding her whole story?
Hearing Jameson, Qazka comments: "The people Emeria mentioned sounds like the Vistani, they have passed through here many times. Some say they are bad luck. I have not met them personally but to my knowledge, they have not done anything malicious."
"'Disappeared' too? Interesting... All the more reasons to investigate then." Qazka ponders the coincidence in the disappearances, absentmindedly fidgeting with the chains on his glasses.
Lethia, quickly turning to the task on hand, turns to Emeria. "Oooohhhh, the gold sounds nice..." she mutters silently. Quickly noticing how bad that sounds, Lethia talks a bit louder and gives a nervous laugh. "Not that it matters, of course... Anyways. How thick was the mist? You mention losing your comrades in the mist, but not how thick the mist is."
ArkadeyBloodwild, to get a better idea of whether Emeria is being honest or not, an Insight check can be made.
Time of Day: 11:00 AM
"And that day, a red rain fell from the sky here."
______________________________________________________________
Insight check
18
((ooooof First roll of the game was a Natural 1 lol))
Time of Day: 11:01 AM
"And that day, a red rain fell from the sky here."
Elzah stares at Qazka until she gets his attention, then motions to her bowl as if to say, "Is there any more?"
Her mind begins to wander as the rest of the group interviews Emeria. The strange smoke Emeria mentioned earlier is concerning. How do you kill smoke? And, she also mentioned fighting werewolves. I will need to ask her how they defeated such a creature. There are so many questions to ask, but the rest of the party seems to have a better understanding of what is at stake. So, Elzah shifts her focus to supplies and travel -- this is what she knows.
Waiting for a lull in the conversation, Elzah leans forward and asks both Qazka and Emeria, "Is there a good place to get ourselves equipped before we set out after your friends?"
Nell: Call of the Netherdeep
Upon Emeria's explanation of her ring, Jameson lowers his head and responds, "We will do all that we can to ensure that your companions are returned safely."
OOC: DM, how much parchment/ink would Emeria be willing to part with for Jameson? Would you prefer to manage additions to our inventory or should I add those to Jameson's sheet?
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Arklos nods as he rises. For some reason, I trust this woman completely.
(ooc: oof at least getting the 1s out now!)
Qazka does catch Elzah's eye at some point and tilts his head amusedly. He responds: "as much as our dear guest would like," and refills her bowl.
As he sets the bowl down, he ponders for a bit before speaking again: "We have no place for armours or weapons if that's what you are looking for, but we do have the one shop- both a smithy and bakery. It's managed by a lovely family. They have metalwork, baked goods- which is very good, by the way, and things like torches and ropes; suppose that count as equipment?"
Addressing the whole adventuring group: "So I see that you will be accepting this request?" Qazka grins amiably and points to himself, "how do you feel about an extra hand in this quest?"
"I don't know about the rest of my group," Lethia starts to say, "But I just want to get started. So please hurry up and make a decision." She directs that last part to her companions.