Dog will ritually identify the amulets we have. He will then seek out Sister Muna and ask about the reformed thief who spied on the accords for the angels.
"What does this thief, your cousin, look like? Where does he live? How could we speak with him?"
"His name is Ritter. Well, at least that is what he goes by now." Muna seems to roll her eyes a bit at his adopted moniker. "I won't tell you where you lives, but I can set up a meeting with him here or nearby. How about at the botanical gardens? He loves that place dearly."
The amulets appear to have two enchantments on them. One is a form of the spell Hex. The other is a simple curse to make it difficult to remove. Each of the hexes on the amulets are slightly different, affecting one's strength, reflexes, constitution, wits, charm, and intelligence.
Gargus is sitting on his usual bench feeding the pigeons and a few rats. It is not an especially beautiful part of the city, having not been kept up for some time. The gnome seems to be deep in a conversation with one or a couple of the birds.
"Well, no, I wouldn't agree that the humanoids are trying to step on you on purpose.... No, we already established that they don't even need to eat you so it isn't that... Well, if you do that they will defend themselves and they are bigger than you still..."
Eventually, the old gnome notices Martin watching him and a big smile spreads across his face. "Martin! I did not expect to see you back in Masa! What brings you away from the forest?"
(Feel free to improvise your relationship with Gargus. I'm good with a little give and take as long as it isn't too outrageous!)
Most of the pigeons and rats scatter at the sight of a non-druid so close to them.
Althus:
Althus wanders randomly through the city, feeling no guidance from Lathander. It is as if the gods are making him wait for something important to happen. A clearing of someone's throat draws his attention to the fact that he has ended up in a dicey part of town, staring down three rough looking half-orcs.
"You new to the city, fella?" one of them says while the other two smile toothy grins.
"Gargus. Hope your diplomatic actions are going well," Martin gives a nod and a smile towards the bird. "And you know, just thought I'd pick up some supplies, maybe spend a little bit of that money I've made. And now: I'm here for a good conversation with my favorite teacher."
(I figure Gargus could be the one who taught him the basics of the Druidic type magic Martin uses. I wrote up that Martin's friend died in the woods fighting together with Martin, perhaps that person could be a relation or friend of Gargus, too?)
Gash packs up his things, "I am going to head over to Nev's inn. You three can come if you wish but I do intend on spending the day inside and working with my scrolls. It might just be nice to do it there."
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Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
"Ah, you know I don't like such labels," says Gargus, blushing with pride at the compliment. "We are friends first and foremost. Now, when was the last time you were out here...?"
He ponders for a moment. "Ah yes, it was before Tia..."
A stiff silence falls between Martin and Gargus.
"You know, I haven't thought about my daughter in...a long time," says the old druid at last. He laughs at a sudden memory. "You and she came down the river and got your boat stuck in the reeds east of the city. Tia was arguing with a pair of beavers when I came looking for you..."
Althus:
"Oh, right," says the lead half-orc. "Then we's like best mates now!"
The others guffaw in response.
"How's about you let me try on your new cloak, since we's such close friends now," says one of the other half-orcs.
Gash and whomever accompanies him:
Gash arrives at the Wheat and Mane to find Neventi and Gentoa playing outside the entrance to the inn. Gentoa is giggling as her mother tickles her lightly on the back of her neck. Then the little girl runs away and rubs her neck vigorously. She runs back to her mother giggling all the way to repeat the game.
Seeing Gash, Gentoa runs over to hug the goblin. "Gas!" she says instead of making ribbit noises.
"Hooray!"Neventi says to Gentoa in a sing-song voice. "We can get going! Where is everyone else?"
"Hello little one!" Gash picks up Genny and walks back over to Nev. He pulls out the Feytok figure and hands it to Genny. "Good morning Nev, how are you feeling? Glad to be seeing you. We have definitely missed you. I was hoping I could hang out in your room today or if you guys are going to be outside a while I could find a nice place to sit. I need a little time in my books. I just didn't want to skip out on seeing you and Genny today."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Martin opens his mouth a few times before speaking. "Y-yeah. The beavers. That was funny." But he's not laughing. He clears his throat "look. I'm not here to... I'd rather just talk about you." He sits in silence then draws himself up, and opens his mouth again, but no words come out. He slumps down, and says quietly, "I don't think I can go back to those woods... I'm tired, Gargus. I'm tired of the tent, and crappy weather. I'm tired of being alone. I just don't think I can do this, anymore... I hadn't really realized it until just now." He's flushed with embarrassment by the end of it.
"Sister Muna, that would be very helpful if you could set up a meeting. How did your cousin get wrapped up in all this again?" Dog says, brow furrowed.
He tells Gash, Tock, and Bulwark about the nature of the curses on the amulets he identified. He wishes Gash well and tells him to use Sending if he needs backup or help of any kind. (He also reminds him, unnecessarily, to keep them in Masa until they can find out if the herald is above-board.)
Dog would love to go to the meeting with Ritter if it can happen right away, and if not, he'd stop by the temple of Milil, waiting for Ritter to come. If Bulwark and Tock want to come with him, he'd welcome them. He's looking to find out about any word of the meetings, the accords, or if anyone can point him to a celestial representative or someone who would know them. If not, he'd move along to the meeting with Ritter in the garden.
If he had a lot of time, he'd stop by the shop and check the price of the alchemy jug and the vials again. He'd really wished to find some item that would protect people from divination magic or that might provide some aid in divination of answers (such as if that professor orb item had specialty in heavens and hells). Or if there is an item that would allow for the removal of cursed items, he'd be very interested in that!
Main priority is following the lead with Ritter, the spy on the accord talks...
"He was requested by a deva!" Muna says, glowing slightly at the memory of her personal divine encounter. "I will send one of the acolytes with a message for him straight away."
Gargus pats Martin on his arm tenderly. "I miss her too," he says. "But let's talk about the future. You have a lot of useful skills. A guide or trapper? Bounty hunter? I hear tell of a divine war on the horizon. Demons and devils fighting against celestials in the remote eastern lands. Maybe the towns out there could use your bow."
Gargus leans in very close, lowering his voice to a whisper. "The rumors from the city fauna are that devils and angels have been meeting here in Masa. In secret."
The old gnome sits back up again, pulling an old piece of dried bread from his pocket and crumbling it up in his hands. "That's not helpful to your dilemma, of course. But who doesn't like a little juicy gossip?" He grins at his friend and student. "What is it you would do with yourself? Any ideas?"
Martin sighs in relief that Gargus always seems to know just how to let things pass. "I am not sure at all. I am more talented than many, but they're the sort of skills that are really only useful for one type of work... I don't think I could turn around and take up banking." Martin says with a laugh. "Sigh... I'll figure it out. Maybe go find a job posting board. I'm tired of this day-in, day-out work. I don't know, I'll have to think about it." He stares down the street where the birds went. "Did they really tell you about angels and devils? What could they possibly want in Masa?"
Althus gives the half-orcs a good natured smile, "Well, I would, but it hasn't really been cleaned yet. You know, you should always wash clothes right after purchase, since you never know who could have worn it before. Maybe I'll go wash it, and if I see you around, you can have a wear."
"Oh, yes," Gargus says. "I laughed when they first told me. But I believe them now. The angels are probably staying, or were staying, in the Temple District. I'm not sure exactly where."
Gargus turns and speaks to a little squirrel that takes a piece of stale bread and munches on it. It seems to nod and then dashes off into the streets of the city, weaving between the legs, hooves, and wheels on its little mission.
"Most druids forget about the life in the city," Gargus says for perhaps the 80th time. He looks at Martin kindly. "There is a place for you, Martin. It will find you, if you don't find it first."
Althus:
Before one of the half-orcs can respond, a new voice calls out. "Oi, Lucus, leave the tourist alone."
Turning, Althus sees a half-elf dressed in black. His clothes are neatly pressed and a his hair styled just the same. He gives a toothy, relaxed grin at Althus. "Don't mind the Orko boys."
"We wuz just havin' some fun," says the leader.
The stranger tilts his head and waggles a finger at Lucus. "We've talked about this, my boy. If you lot are the only ones laughing, then you're being a bully."
Lucus snorts but nods grudgingly. "Sorry, friend," he says to Althus. "We wasn't tryin' to rob you."
The Orko boys slink away down into the alley and the stranger approaches Althus. "I'm Ritter," he says, holding out his hands. "The Orko boys aren't so bad. They try, at least, which isn't the case for a lot of people in this part of the city. What leads you this way, stranger?"
Gash and company:
Neventi looks crestfallen. "Well," she says. "I suppose we can wait another day. Come on up, I guess."
As they walk into the inn, she says to the young woman that helped them the day before, "I will be keeping my room for another night."
"Yes ma'am," the woman replies.
While Gash sits in Neventi's room, studying his scrolls, Gentoa and her mother ride horses in the pasture behind the inn.
Dog and company:
After an hour, the acolyte returns with good news. Ritter will meet with Dog (et al.) at the botanical gardens. He will be there at 4 bells past noon, which is in about an hour.
Althus tilts his head at the mention of trying to rob him, "Of course not, you're not bad people, are you?"
As the stranger approaches, he holds out a hand for a shake, "Nice to meet you Ritter, I'm Althus. I'm just wandering around this fair city of yours, getting a look at the sights. What's fun around these parts?"
Gash will spend the first chunk of time copying intricately dispel magic. Three hours will go by before he finishes it. If she hasn't returned from the horses, Gash will head down to talk to Nev, but before he goes outside he would take the extra ten minutes to ritually cast detect magic, look around the room for anything giving off an aura.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
The dapper man claps his hands together as his smile widens. "Wonderful that you should ask! I am headed right now to my favorite place in the city: The Botanical Gardens. I have a meeting there but I would be honored to show you the gardens before then."
Ritter gestures for Althus to follow and then heads towards one of the main streets and, presumably, the direction of the gardens.
Gash (presumably alone?):
Neventi and Gentoa spend hours outside while Gash expands his spell library. Snooping around the room, he finds nothing unusual, mundane or magical. She has a cloak that she seems to recall she had before her abduction and a trio of small, magical goat figurines that Gash is also certain are Gentoa's. Heading down to the pasture behind the inn, she finds Neventi and her daughter enjoying the cool autumn day, brushing a sleek brown mare together.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Outside:
Gash presumably sees the amulet on Nev still lit up with magic? Before he gets too close about 100ft away Gash will start muttering and trying to slyly wave his hands and casts dispel magic
If a roll is necessary to end the spell Intelligence check: 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
"You can change your list of prepared spells when you finish a long rest. Preparing a new list of wizard spells requires time spent studying your spellbook and memorizing the incantations and gestures you must make to cast the spell: at least 1 minute per spell level for each spell on your list."
"You can change your list of prepared spells when you finish a long rest. Preparing a new list of wizard spells requires time spent studying your spellbook and memorizing the incantations and gestures you must make to cast the spell: at least 1 minute per spell level for each spell on your list."
Ah of course, I got too excited.
Outside:
Gash goes over to Nev and Gen. "I have more work to do but I wanted to spend more time with you both. I'm so happy to finally see you again, and in such high spirits. Would you be willing to tell me more about your decision for the warlock? As we are protectors I just want to be educated as much as possible."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gash- Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
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"His name is Ritter. Well, at least that is what he goes by now." Muna seems to roll her eyes a bit at his adopted moniker. "I won't tell you where you lives, but I can set up a meeting with him here or nearby. How about at the botanical gardens? He loves that place dearly."
The amulets appear to have two enchantments on them. One is a form of the spell Hex. The other is a simple curse to make it difficult to remove. Each of the hexes on the amulets are slightly different, affecting one's strength, reflexes, constitution, wits, charm, and intelligence.
Martin (How is this color for Martin?):
Gargus is sitting on his usual bench feeding the pigeons and a few rats. It is not an especially beautiful part of the city, having not been kept up for some time. The gnome seems to be deep in a conversation with one or a couple of the birds.
"Well, no, I wouldn't agree that the humanoids are trying to step on you on purpose.... No, we already established that they don't even need to eat you so it isn't that... Well, if you do that they will defend themselves and they are bigger than you still..."
Eventually, the old gnome notices Martin watching him and a big smile spreads across his face. "Martin! I did not expect to see you back in Masa! What brings you away from the forest?"
(Feel free to improvise your relationship with Gargus. I'm good with a little give and take as long as it isn't too outrageous!)
Most of the pigeons and rats scatter at the sight of a non-druid so close to them.
Althus:
Althus wanders randomly through the city, feeling no guidance from Lathander. It is as if the gods are making him wait for something important to happen. A clearing of someone's throat draws his attention to the fact that he has ended up in a dicey part of town, staring down three rough looking half-orcs.
"You new to the city, fella?" one of them says while the other two smile toothy grins.
"I like your cloak," says another. "Izzat new?"
"Gargus. Hope your diplomatic actions are going well," Martin gives a nod and a smile towards the bird. "And you know, just thought I'd pick up some supplies, maybe spend a little bit of that money I've made. And now: I'm here for a good conversation with my favorite teacher."
(I figure Gargus could be the one who taught him the basics of the Druidic type magic Martin uses. I wrote up that Martin's friend died in the woods fighting together with Martin, perhaps that person could be a relation or friend of Gargus, too?)
Paladin - warforged - orange
Althus gives the lead orc a friendly wave, "Well, I was new a few days ago, so maybe I'm not new now?"
When the other one compliments his cloak, he responds with a wide smile, "Thank you! It is new, I just got it. It's very nice."
Gash packs up his things, "I am going to head over to Nev's inn. You three can come if you wish but I do intend on spending the day inside and working with my scrolls. It might just be nice to do it there."
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Martin:
"Ah, you know I don't like such labels," says Gargus, blushing with pride at the compliment. "We are friends first and foremost. Now, when was the last time you were out here...?"
He ponders for a moment. "Ah yes, it was before Tia..."
A stiff silence falls between Martin and Gargus.
"You know, I haven't thought about my daughter in...a long time," says the old druid at last. He laughs at a sudden memory. "You and she came down the river and got your boat stuck in the reeds east of the city. Tia was arguing with a pair of beavers when I came looking for you..."
Althus:
"Oh, right," says the lead half-orc. "Then we's like best mates now!"
The others guffaw in response.
"How's about you let me try on your new cloak, since we's such close friends now," says one of the other half-orcs.
Gash and whomever accompanies him:
Gash arrives at the Wheat and Mane to find Neventi and Gentoa playing outside the entrance to the inn. Gentoa is giggling as her mother tickles her lightly on the back of her neck. Then the little girl runs away and rubs her neck vigorously. She runs back to her mother giggling all the way to repeat the game.
Seeing Gash, Gentoa runs over to hug the goblin. "Gas!" she says instead of making ribbit noises.
"Hooray!" Neventi says to Gentoa in a sing-song voice. "We can get going! Where is everyone else?"
for those with Gash:
"Hello little one!" Gash picks up Genny and walks back over to Nev. He pulls out the Feytok figure and hands it to Genny. "Good morning Nev, how are you feeling? Glad to be seeing you. We have definitely missed you. I was hoping I could hang out in your room today or if you guys are going to be outside a while I could find a nice place to sit. I need a little time in my books. I just didn't want to skip out on seeing you and Genny today."
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Martin opens his mouth a few times before speaking. "Y-yeah. The beavers. That was funny." But he's not laughing. He clears his throat "look. I'm not here to... I'd rather just talk about you." He sits in silence then draws himself up, and opens his mouth again, but no words come out. He slumps down, and says quietly, "I don't think I can go back to those woods... I'm tired, Gargus. I'm tired of the tent, and crappy weather. I'm tired of being alone. I just don't think I can do this, anymore... I hadn't really realized it until just now." He's flushed with embarrassment by the end of it.
Paladin - warforged - orange
"Sister Muna, that would be very helpful if you could set up a meeting. How did your cousin get wrapped up in all this again?" Dog says, brow furrowed.
He tells Gash, Tock, and Bulwark about the nature of the curses on the amulets he identified. He wishes Gash well and tells him to use Sending if he needs backup or help of any kind. (He also reminds him, unnecessarily, to keep them in Masa until they can find out if the herald is above-board.)
Dog would love to go to the meeting with Ritter if it can happen right away, and if not, he'd stop by the temple of Milil, waiting for Ritter to come. If Bulwark and Tock want to come with him, he'd welcome them. He's looking to find out about any word of the meetings, the accords, or if anyone can point him to a celestial representative or someone who would know them. If not, he'd move along to the meeting with Ritter in the garden.
If he had a lot of time, he'd stop by the shop and check the price of the alchemy jug and the vials again. He'd really wished to find some item that would protect people from divination magic or that might provide some aid in divination of answers (such as if that professor orb item had specialty in heavens and hells). Or if there is an item that would allow for the removal of cursed items, he'd be very interested in that!
Main priority is following the lead with Ritter, the spy on the accord talks...
[Edited after publishing too quickly!]
Dog:
"He was requested by a deva!" Muna says, glowing slightly at the memory of her personal divine encounter. "I will send one of the acolytes with a message for him straight away."
Martin:
Gargus pats Martin on his arm tenderly. "I miss her too," he says. "But let's talk about the future. You have a lot of useful skills. A guide or trapper? Bounty hunter? I hear tell of a divine war on the horizon. Demons and devils fighting against celestials in the remote eastern lands. Maybe the towns out there could use your bow."
Gargus leans in very close, lowering his voice to a whisper. "The rumors from the city fauna are that devils and angels have been meeting here in Masa. In secret."
The old gnome sits back up again, pulling an old piece of dried bread from his pocket and crumbling it up in his hands. "That's not helpful to your dilemma, of course. But who doesn't like a little juicy gossip?" He grins at his friend and student. "What is it you would do with yourself? Any ideas?"
Martin sighs in relief that Gargus always seems to know just how to let things pass. "I am not sure at all. I am more talented than many, but they're the sort of skills that are really only useful for one type of work... I don't think I could turn around and take up banking." Martin says with a laugh. "Sigh... I'll figure it out. Maybe go find a job posting board. I'm tired of this day-in, day-out work. I don't know, I'll have to think about it." He stares down the street where the birds went. "Did they really tell you about angels and devils? What could they possibly want in Masa?"
Paladin - warforged - orange
Althus gives the half-orcs a good natured smile, "Well, I would, but it hasn't really been cleaned yet. You know, you should always wash clothes right after purchase, since you never know who could have worn it before. Maybe I'll go wash it, and if I see you around, you can have a wear."
Martin:
"Oh, yes," Gargus says. "I laughed when they first told me. But I believe them now. The angels are probably staying, or were staying, in the Temple District. I'm not sure exactly where."
Gargus turns and speaks to a little squirrel that takes a piece of stale bread and munches on it. It seems to nod and then dashes off into the streets of the city, weaving between the legs, hooves, and wheels on its little mission.
"Most druids forget about the life in the city," Gargus says for perhaps the 80th time. He looks at Martin kindly. "There is a place for you, Martin. It will find you, if you don't find it first."
Althus:
Before one of the half-orcs can respond, a new voice calls out. "Oi, Lucus, leave the tourist alone."
Turning, Althus sees a half-elf dressed in black. His clothes are neatly pressed and a his hair styled just the same. He gives a toothy, relaxed grin at Althus. "Don't mind the Orko boys."
"We wuz just havin' some fun," says the leader.
The stranger tilts his head and waggles a finger at Lucus. "We've talked about this, my boy. If you lot are the only ones laughing, then you're being a bully."
Lucus snorts but nods grudgingly. "Sorry, friend," he says to Althus. "We wasn't tryin' to rob you."
The Orko boys slink away down into the alley and the stranger approaches Althus. "I'm Ritter," he says, holding out his hands. "The Orko boys aren't so bad. They try, at least, which isn't the case for a lot of people in this part of the city. What leads you this way, stranger?"
Gash and company:
Neventi looks crestfallen. "Well," she says. "I suppose we can wait another day. Come on up, I guess."
As they walk into the inn, she says to the young woman that helped them the day before, "I will be keeping my room for another night."
"Yes ma'am," the woman replies.
While Gash sits in Neventi's room, studying his scrolls, Gentoa and her mother ride horses in the pasture behind the inn.
Dog and company:
After an hour, the acolyte returns with good news. Ritter will meet with Dog (et al.) at the botanical gardens. He will be there at 4 bells past noon, which is in about an hour.
Althus tilts his head at the mention of trying to rob him, "Of course not, you're not bad people, are you?"
As the stranger approaches, he holds out a hand for a shake, "Nice to meet you Ritter, I'm Althus. I'm just wandering around this fair city of yours, getting a look at the sights. What's fun around these parts?"
Nev's room:
Gash will spend the first chunk of time copying intricately dispel magic. Three hours will go by before he finishes it. If she hasn't returned from the horses, Gash will head down to talk to Nev, but before he goes outside he would take the extra ten minutes to ritually cast detect magic, look around the room for anything giving off an aura.
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Althus:
The dapper man claps his hands together as his smile widens. "Wonderful that you should ask! I am headed right now to my favorite place in the city: The Botanical Gardens. I have a meeting there but I would be honored to show you the gardens before then."
Ritter gestures for Althus to follow and then heads towards one of the main streets and, presumably, the direction of the gardens.
Gash (presumably alone?):
Neventi and Gentoa spend hours outside while Gash expands his spell library. Snooping around the room, he finds nothing unusual, mundane or magical. She has a cloak that she seems to recall she had before her abduction and a trio of small, magical goat figurines that Gash is also certain are Gentoa's. Heading down to the pasture behind the inn, she finds Neventi and her daughter enjoying the cool autumn day, brushing a sleek brown mare together.
Outside:
Gash presumably sees the amulet on Nev still lit up with magic? Before he gets too close about 100ft away Gash will start muttering and trying to slyly wave his hands and casts dispel magic
If a roll is necessary to end the spell Intelligence check: 15
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen
Gash:
No newly learned spells until after a long rest.
"You can change your list of prepared spells when you finish a long rest. Preparing a new list of wizard spells requires time spent studying your spellbook and memorizing the incantations and gestures you must make to cast the spell: at least 1 minute per spell level for each spell on your list."
Ah of course, I got too excited.
Outside:
Gash goes over to Nev and Gen. "I have more work to do but I wanted to spend more time with you both. I'm so happy to finally see you again, and in such high spirits. Would you be willing to tell me more about your decision for the warlock? As we are protectors I just want to be educated as much as possible."
Gash - Lvl14 Goblin Wizard - The High Court of the Aasimar Queen