Chapter 1. The Joy of Extradimensional Spaces

Night has fallen outside the Red Sheaf Inn in the town of Beregost on the Coast Way, where over the dark mass of the Cloud Peaks mountain range zig-zagging the southern horizon, a hundred thousand stars gleam coolly in the night sky. The stars are interpreted as good omens by the local seer who will read their meaning for only a few coins. Or bad omens, if your offering is of copper rather than of silver. For omens are in the eye of the beholder, are they not, while silver in hand is far less negotiable: bread and mead in the belly while the lack thereof is a lonely, hungry night. Such are the risks one faces when putting one’s faith in superstition.

Yet for those who know of the stars, have studied them, they signify more than, say, cards in a deck. The stars, in their exact positions, are tacks on a map, direction-givers. The stars, in their specific configurations, are portals to the realms of the gods, furnaces spewing magical substance. They are one hundred thousand sources of power, each one capable of ravaging all of the lands and seas, or if harnessed, giving life and wealth to every person of every type in Faerûn, seers included. Quite a difference. To know, rather than to pretend to know, or to suppose…

Still, if you were to ask the people of Beregost, they would tell you that the night sky is merely that. The sky. It asks no questions, tells no lies. And the same may be said of the Beregosters. Well, maybe just a few lies. Yet, we mustn’t lose hope, for not everyone in Beregost tonight is so… lacking in curiosity. 

Let us move inside, for the early springtime air is chill and unwelcome in this, the month of Tarsakh, the breeze wafting as it now does, down from the still-snow-capped Cloud Peaks. Let us pass through the inn’s heavy door, creaking on its hinges though ringing a cheerful bell as it does so, and enter into the Red Sheaf’s fire-warmed common room. Here, most of the guests have already finished their meals of soup and baker’s bread and thick butter and retired to their baths or their rooms, for the travelers have spent the day in their saddles, or bobbing left and right in their wagons and carriages, heading north to Baldur’s Gate and Waterdeep, or south to Amn and points beyond.

But a few persons remain behind, now sitting at or standing near a round table where a dwarf with a well-kempt short white two-tongued beard that makes up for the complete lack of hair atop his sandstone-complexioned pate replies in an assured manner to a question (a question, mark you!) which one of the others there has just asked.

“Candlekeep, aye. Yes I’m heading that way tomorrow. I drive a six-horse carriage and have seats to spare. For I journey there to do business, and then further north. I can transport you to the gates, although I’ll ask a fee for it, to be sure.”

(OOC: the five of you are the persons I just mentioned, sitting at or near to, or standing within earshot of, the dwarf’s table, and it is to you (if you are already speaking with him) that he makes this offer. The dwarf, old but not ancient, still strong and proud, introduced himself a little earlier as Tuff Blueschist. Please add yourself to the tableaux.)

In the warm light of the hearth, Erudisia Odewright sits with Tuff Blueschist, at his invitation. Though she has enjoyed the broth and warm bread and other little accoutrements that Master Blueschist has suggested as particularly enjoyable fare, she has not had the stomach for more than two sips of his preferred ale. 

She misses the sweetness of the honeyed wines and spirits of home. 

“A fee is your due, of course, and fair is fair. And I would be glad to have company on the final stretch to the great keep, I admit, though I’ve read of it, I worry I know little up to date of its people or processes. 

“What would you warm a humble scholar on her first sortie?”

She remains in her blue travelling clothes, slightly muddied and creased. Her skin is sun-kissed from the voyage and the long riding. Her hired horse is likely even now returning to Baldur’s Gate with its groom. A carriage would be far better than to walk, though it would fit less well the image of herself as humble pilgrim before the great gates of the world’s centre of learning that she had imagined so often this past month. 

Bell Wheather is slight but, not falling toward thin; far removed from the traditional "stout country lass" stereotype. She is wearing boots and leggings but a rather short skirt and cropped top with arm coverings -- a combination not well suited for this spring chill. Perhaps that is why she is wrapped up in her cloak and sitting so close to the fire. Nibbling on a bit of bread crust, she brushes a crumb from her lips with a fold of her cloak and chimes in.

"Coin for services is acceptable. If you would be so kind, how much coin for what I am assuming is a one way trip to Candlekeep?" She pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose before continuing,  "And might you know if we can find food and shelter AT Candlekeep or will we be looking for return passage each day to the Red Sheaf?"

"Oh, pardon... ,"  her cheeks taking on a rosy blush as she gives a seated half bow, "I am Bell Wheather. Far from home and seeking knowledge." Done speaking, she seems to slightly deflate - as if she spent most of her energy laying out those statements; going back to nibbling her meal.

Erudisia:

“A fee is your due, of course, and fair is fair. And I would be glad to have company on the final stretch to the great keep, I admit, though I’ve read of it, I worry I know little up to date of its people or processes. What would you warn a humble scholar on her first sortie?”

"Ah, Candlekeep,” the Blueschist replies, taking a long, studious sip from his pint glass, warming to the tale. “A sight to behold, yes, but more importantly, an edifice of singular cultural and scholarly import. Standing atop a rocky crag overlooking the Sea of Swords, the massive citadel has endured the elements for centuries and defied the degradations of time.” He continues, describing its architecture and that which you already know about its collection in a gracious manner before turning to Erudisia’s question.

Bell:

"Coin for services is acceptable. If you would be so kind, how much coin for what I am assuming is a one way trip to Candlekeep?" 

Tuff looks to Bell, having already noticed her interest in the conversation and gestures politely for her to sit. “I would charge a small fee. As I mentioned to Lady Odewright, I travel to Candlkeep regardless. But minor considerations do come into play. Passengers will tire the team earlier, which may require tending to, for I am on a schedule. Two gold… per passenger will do.”

Bell:

"Oh, pardon... ,"  her cheeks taking on a rosy blush as she gives a seated half bow, "I am Bell Wheather. Far from home and seeking knowledge." She pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose before continuing,  "And might you know if we can find food and shelter AT Candlekeep or will we be looking for return passage each day to the Red Sheaf?"

“Bell Wheather, it is a pleasure to meet you. Is that spelled the way it sounds, for it almost reminds me of another word…”

"Your question follows my warnings. As I imagine you already know, entrance to Candlekeep is granted on a single important condition. The donation of a work of writing not already contained in its voluminous collection. Therefore, the first warning is that those who show up at the gates without an appropriate gift are kindly but firmly turned away. Do you have an offering?

“Second… All who enter Candlekeep must agree to the Orders of Accordance, rules set forth by the senior staff to prevent misconduct. Violating one or more of these orders results in banishment from Candlekeep, and the banished are seldom allowed to return. 

“However," and now he turns to Bell, "if you are invited in as a Seeker and maintain a civil demeanor while there, then you may take advantage of their lodgings, room and board, such as they are, for a full tenday of study, free of charge."

Rogi weighed his options. He was reluctant to pay the dwarf, since he'd already used up most of his gold. The way to Candlekeep was not one of the most perilous ones, but there was danger nonetheless. Gibberlings, wolves and bandits were a concern. Even a single hungry wolf was something to avoid when traveling alone, but if they all went together he thought they'd be able to handle one, or even a few. He looked around the room, checking the other travelers out. They seemed like caster-types, mages of some kind most likely. It should be OK. Bandits were the biggest threat, he judged. Gibberlings would just charge at them, and wolves as well, but bandits could pincushion them with arrows from behind trees. Being sentient, they would employ tactics designed to maximize their chances - surprise, ranged attacks from cover, perhaps even traps. With that, they'd pose a danger even to a trade caravan - guards and all. That meant that bandits were a danger regardless of whether the five of them were by themselves, or with he dwarf.

Another thing to consider was time. It would take them a full day to get there, walking, so they'd have to stop and make camp at some point. He doubted the mages were up to traveling all night, and anyway it was actually more dangerous especially for those, like him, who couldn't see in the dark. Perhaps one the mages could cast a Tiny Hut while they rested. He reflected upon the ritual. Tiny Hut: a spell which created a temporary impenetrable field which could protect them from enemies as well as bad weather. It even granted privacy. An apprentice wizard could create one at no cost to himself, churn them out by dozens, and yet homelessness still existed and people slept on the streets. After his masterwork was complete, he thought, this would no longer be the case as almost anyone would be able to access the knowledge of how to create one. 

The consideration of the tiny hut swayed him toward not paying. "Rogi's my name. Pleasure to meet you all. I'm from this area, practically, lived in Baldur's Gate most of my life. We can get to Candlekeep from here in a full day. Can one of you cast Tiny Hut? When we stop for the night, it would be a big help." 

"Two apiece seems quite fair," Circe chimed in, looking up from the scribbles she'd been studiously (fervently) taking since first settling down at the table. In minor contrast to her wizardly companion, the tiefling was moderately more dressed for the weather. An embroidered tabard draped over a simple white tunic- the cuffs of which were suspiciously clean given the mage's insistent writing- and belted at her waist. A pendant was situated at her collarbone, the golden chain of which she'd occasionally untangle from the mess of a braid that fell to the small of her back. 

"Circe, Circe Somerset. The pleasure is mine. And I'm afraid not, not yet at least." She seemed more put out by her lack of access to the spell, rather than the protection it's magicked interior could provide. "Though I'm sure whatever trouble we might find on the way to Candlekeep, if any, we'll surely be able to handle. Speaking of," An inquisitive gaze settled onto their caravan master, her tone matching the stare, "What sort of code do they insist upon being adhered to? You wouldn't happen to have a list, would you?"

“I’m sure their rules are sensible and straightforward,” says Erudisia, blithely trusting. The tradition of seekers is a long one, and the lack of mention of the rules implies they are only those of good scholarly consideration and basic humanoid decency. 

She smiles however at the dwarf. His passion and love for the architecture of the Keep is clear. “It sounds that to even see the Candlekeep is such a pleasure that I shall be overjoyed even if I am turned away. However, 2 gold, for a day’s travel for each of us? Do you not think that is too steep?” Her eyes sparkle, as she enjoys the game of bargaining, that he must surely have expected.

”Half a silver (5 nibs, do your people call them, or is that just further east in Waterdeep?) per mile, seems far better, and still generous. I certainly would never show ungratefulness for the kindness and obliging nature you are demonstrating. You are no common carriage driver, I understand.”

”How are you enjoying your supper?” She says, reminding him of their meal at her expense.

Meredith scratched Malaka under the chin and counted out the silver coins for the dwarf, she had nodded along as the rules and price were discussed. All was as Kamal had described so far.....though he hadn't mentioned the chill.  Calimshan could get very cold indeed once the blazing sun went down but Calimport was much milder and she kicked herself for not investing in a warmer cloak. She nodded to Bell who seemed equally unused to the clime and regarded the rest of her apparent fellow travellers as well.

Circe and Bell seemed quite lovely, she hadn't caught the others names....though the singular man looked the serious sort and had not had his nose in a book like herself and most of the others....she instinctively tucked away her ink stained fingers as she noted Circes pristine digits.

" Um....hello. I need to go to Candlekeep as well....if thats alright.....um, my name is Meredith....or Didi....or Ms Lystfuller if you must.."

"Rogi's my name. Pleasure to meet you all…We can get to Candlekeep from here in a full day…”

"Circe, Circe Somerset. The pleasure is mine… Though I'm sure whatever trouble we might find on the way to Candlekeep, if any, we'll surely be able to handle.”

Blueschist regards Rogi and Circe appraisingly, nodding to an open chair in invitation to the former, raising an eyebrow at their words, it is hard to say whether in approval or patronizing.

Meredith:

" Um....hello. I need to go to Candlekeep as well....if thats alright.....um, my name is Meredith....or Didi....or Ms Lystfuller if you must.."

“Well met, Meredith,... and… who have we here?,” he continues, reaching to scratch Malaka behind an ear but stopping short. “May I?”

Circe:

An inquisitive gaze settled onto their caravan master, her tone matching the stare, "What sort of code do they insist upon being adhered to? You wouldn't happen to have a list, would you?"

“Ah, but it’s no caravan. Just myself, and my carriage and team of six percherons. I… in recent years… work alone. But in keeping with what Lady Odewright said,” his eyes shifting to Erudisia, “I appreciate the company, especially when…  en route to Candlekeep,” he finishes with a tight smile. He seems about to change the subject and answer regarding the code of conduct when Erudisia chimes in.

Erudisia:

“I’m sure their rules are sensible and straightforward… 2 gold, for a day’s travel for each of us? Do you not think that is too steep?” Her eyes sparkle, as she enjoys the game of bargaining, that he must surely have expected.Half a silver (5 nibs, do your people call them, or is that just further east in Waterdeep?) per mile, seems far better, and still generous. I certainly would never show ungratefulness for the kindness and obliging nature you are demonstrating. You are no common carriage driver, I understand. How are you enjoying your supper?” She says, reminding him of their meal at her expense.

At this, a distant look in Blueschist’s eye that had crept in when discussing having company on the way to Candlekeep is quickly replaced by a glint of amusement. Chuckling slightly, he answers, “Why, the meal is splendid, and it has been many years since I last found a hair baked into the bread here, thank you. Are you enjoying perusing my Sword Coast picture book? I don’t think you’ve seen the illustration of House Argent’s keep in Neverwinter, it is one of my favorites… here…,” and he finds the page.

(OOC: Drum roll please, for the first rolls of the game!! Erudisia, please roll Persuasion and Insight to attempt to bargain with Mr. Blueschist!)

The young half-elf leans to inspect the proffered picture book, politely puzzled. What could he mean by this, and certainly what is he expecting: to him how does her proposal appear? Has she committed some great faux pas? She has met few dwarves previously. 

(Insight: 2)

Still, he has enjoyed the food, and the pictures are fascinating. She lets out a small sound of delight at the magnificent picture of Neverwinter’s Argent Keep. It is glorious, crowded, and towers off the page. The weight of the building felt in the stroke and perspective of its shadow and light. A style she has never seen before, and clearly composed by one who has truly mastered it and developed it to heights higher than even the keep that is the picture’s subject. 

She finds she has said all this aloud, to Master Blueschist. She cannot hide her smile. She thanks him for a joy and a treasure, freely given.

(Persuasion: 14+5 [19])

(<sound of DM rolling dice…>)

Erudisia and Blueschist discuss price, amiably, for a few moments, until the dwarf calls over the innkeeper, a half-orc or quarter-orc, perhaps, called Quigosh, and asks, “Quigosh, I’d like you to help settle something for us. You are still taking names for transfer to Candlekeep, aren’t you?”

“Yep,” the innkeeper replies in his throaty baritone while pulling a chunky wad of folded paper from one pocket and looking for a quill. “Amistan Adelfi, a local ranger, leads a mule train on a regular route, leavin’ in two days time. The charge is 5gp for up to six, erm, pilgrims. The journey takes three days. Or, Snuff Boxmanson hires his carriage with its eight-gelding team to those who want a more pleasant experience. He could leave in the morning if I told ‘im now someone wanted it. His fee is, erm, 20gp.” The innkeeper, finished unfolding the sheet he was looking for and now having found the quill he’d forgotten he’d tucked behind one ear and holding it ready to write, looks around the table and his eyes drop deferentially when they land upon Erudisia. “I figurred you’d be wantin’ his services, milady… shull I tell him ya want ‘im in the morning?”

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Tuff Blueschist interrupts, “quite yet, but thank you,” and Quigosh bows slightly and backs away as Blueschist turns back to Erudisia, eying her mischievously for a moment.

“Does what our friend Quigosh said have any impact upon your offer, Lady Odewright?”

(OOC: Erudisia’s persuasion roll was high enough that she can stick with her original offer if she wishes. She has won the negotiation and Blueschist will accept that price for her and for the others if she asks.)

“A mule train! How sweet, but only in two days! It is sorely tempting, but it would be without your fine company and the company of fellow seekers.” She crosses her legs, tapping her fingers against the table briefly. “I do so love to ride mules,” she says. “Where I am from, as children, mule drivers offer rides to little ones along the beaches in summer, when families holiday at the coast.”

She turns to the fellow scholars (who she feels she must surely have introduced herself to prior to the meal). “Forgive me, for this seems now to be a broader negotiation, but if all agree … perhaps half a silver a mile, except for every fifth mile, where a full silver be given. And you must tell me what other work the artist of the Argent Keep you find pleasing.” 

Meredith nodded, hoping Malaka would behave herself and not bite this time....

She ignored the bargaining as what money she had wasn't really hers anyway, and took the time to inspect her fellow passengers with interest.

Rogi tried to not make his disappointment show. Why were mages so impractical? Did none of them think that they would ever be out and about, and need a safe place to rest? Was the power to create a magical shelter, even for a few hours, not cool enough for them? A wizard could go to a place frequented by travelers, like the festival by Nashkel, and people there would pay good money for a safe, dry and private space to spend the night. And it had no cost so any coin they got was pure profit. Money for nothing, almost!

He focused on the bargaining, interested. If they could lower the fee, that would be quite beneficial. He mentally jiggled his coin purse - only a few gold left. He wasn't the persuasive type, unless facts and logic would do the trick, but he tried his best. "Bear in mind, also, that we're not just passengers but are also capable of dealing with any dangers which might confront you. Us, that is."

(OOC: Rogi can also roll Persuasion to reduce the fee. 19, Erudisia’s roll, is the baseline. If Rogi can exceed that, then additional fee reduction will result. I generally only allow two rolls for a situation like this, so no further pile-on, please.:)

(Haha well maybe I can get a natural 20: 7 )

A quick note was made, easily readable to those beside, 'Acquire itemized list of rules (guidelines?)'. "That we are," Circe agreed with Rogi with a nod, "While certainly not any and all dangers, but a fair number to be sure. That should be weighed in our bargaining, should it not?"

Her companion's disappointment was noted, and she attempted to clarify. "I do not doubt that such a spell is useful- I imagine it's incredibly so, in fact. I'm afraid that particular spell is a fair bit more complex than a base incantation, simply put." Again, a slight note of dissatisfaction colored the tiefling's words. The knowledge that so much was still out of reach, that instead of bringing their focus upon gaining that knowledge the scholars were hesitant in the mere method of how they'd arrive, and at what price.

"A gold per feels more than fair," She stated, a hand going to her coin purse, "Especially given that we are, as Rogi said, capable in defending ourselves within reason." Five gold pieces were pulled from her purse and placed on the table. "I'm happy to pay for the lot, if it means we may settle the matter in full."

(OOC: Almost! Doesn’t change the outcome, except in an RP way:)

The dwarf, in his comfortable, embroidered tunic, looks around to Rogi, and this time the crinkling of his eyes is obvious as they slide merrily over to acknowledge, approvingly, the young artificer’s confidence.

“Very well,” he says, “you drive a hard bargain, but we can agree on…” holding Erudisia’s eyes, “half a silver a mile, except for every fifth mile, where a full silver shall be given. The distance is twenty five miles, and therefore the fee,” he very quickly calculates, “is 15 silver.” (OOC: I hope my math is correct, lololol!)

“I leave at dawn, and we may complete the transaction in the morning. Until then, good night,” and with a nod to each of you and to Quigosh, he retires to his room. 

(OOC: I will hold on advancing the story until after each of you have posted that they likewise retire for the night. Please don’t post anything to occur following that point though, but feel free to continue conversing. I’m not certain everyone has met everyone?)

Quote from Amorillo >>

 

"A gold per feels more than fair," She stated, a hand going to her coin purse, "Especially given that we are, as Rogi said, capable in defending ourselves within reason." Five gold pieces were pulled from her purse and placed on the table. "I'm happy to pay for the lot, if it means we may settle the matter in full."

Before finalizing the agreement, Blueschist lowers his eyes and shakes his head "No," firmly but not unkindly to Circe, then continues with his final offer of 1.5gp per person (OOC: we cross-posted, so that offer is actually in my prior post.)

Bell slides over a gold coin across the table.  "I always pay my way, no offense to Circe.  Consider it offered for allowing us to ride your fine conveyance, Master Blueschist."

Turning to Circe while holding up another gold coin, "This is my bet.  I am betting you can behave yourself for a tenday... no matter the 'rules'.  I have faith in your ability to control yourself."    

With a wink and a smile, Bell will rise and wander off to her bed.