On the first day Auger concentrates on getting Tamazaert started. Before setting out he establishes a basic story for her. "Your story will be simple. I have come from the south in search of-- well... someone. I have hired a local, you Tamazaert, to help me search for this person. The name of the person is Safiya and there is good reason to believe she lives in the Vale or did live there during the time of the Shian Rebellion. We think she was a goatherder of some sort. That is the story. You don't really know why I need to know about this person and have been asked not to speculate about it. If anyone should ask after your purpose that is all you know. Make no mention of anyone here other than me."
Auger takes any time that is needed to ensure Tamazaert understands the story as he has laid it out.
"The truth is you should not need to tell the story very often as you will be nose deep in books and records. As I understand there are a few places where records may be kept. To start with we will spend time in the Library in Abziri amboule. There may be birth and death records that could aid us. There may be records of troop movements through the Vale during the rebellion. We may have to get creative in figuring out how to use any records that exist. This is our task. Really, after getting you started it will be your task."
Looking at Tamazaert, Auger pauses to think on her words from the previous night and then continues on an important and related subject. "Those things, this research, that should be most of your day. The rest of the time... Tamazaert, our path is uncertain. In time we will again leave this place, likely on very dangerous roads. Those roads will be no place for a baby or a young mother. Help us as you can but use the rest of the day to-- to establish yourself. Find employment. Arrange for a place to stay once we are gone. While we are here you are welcome to stay with us but you will need to plan for your future as best as you can." Auger looks at Tamazaert to gauge her reaction to the words, wanting to know if she is looking fearful or nodding along.
Either way he pushes two gp into her hands and says, "I saw how you looked at the clothing I found for you. When you can go ahead and shop for yourself and Sura. If you are good with needle and thread perhaps you can salvage what I already got you. Otherwise, use this money as you see fit to help yourself."
After this discussion Auger makes time for Tamazaert to go out herself for robes if she likes, or if she is ready then they head out to Abziri amboule and the library to begin their search.
(OOC: Next sections are reflective of Auger's plans but are separated in case we need some RP)
After helping direct Tamazaert at this library Auger later plans to make his way to the Poppy Citadel with an intent to see the place and to learn what information can be found there.
(OOC: The things at the Poppy Citadel are not clarified on the map. I thought there was mention of a library and records there but did I get that mixed up with the library in Abziri?)
Finally Auger hopes to make his way to Salakta amboule (this might be day 2) seeking a central tradehouse where he might discover matters of how the import and export businesses work in the Vale.
(OOC: Will send a question in side chat on the drug trade in the Vale)
Early the following morning, Auger will head to the public fountain with Py invisibly watchful overhead as he attempts to commune with his patron and where he speaks of a mountain and dreams of flying... and hunting?
No luck at the library. Unfortunate, but Varielky doesn't give up. Perhaps there's a temple of Idiwala's somewhere in the city. She'll search for it tomorrow.
At the arena, Varielky definitely wants to enter a sparring match. She doesn't know whom she should approach, though, so she does the opposite. "Anyone here brave enough to spar with me?" She calls to everyone around. This should hopefully get at least one person up. If nobody seems to accept her general offer, Varielky frowns but decides to wait. As she discovers there are some old folks here, she might be able to find someone who participated in the rebellion among those here. She's happy to see that the elders still have fighting spirits in their bodies. Varielky will try to get them to talk about their experiences, and maybe share some of her own. If anyone decides to challenge her to a sparring match, she'll gladly accept.
No luck at the library. Unfortunate, but Varielky doesn't give up. Perhaps there's a temple of Idiwala's somewhere in the city. She'll search for it tomorrow.
At the arena, Varielky definitely wants to enter a sparring match. She doesn't know whom she should approach, though, so she does the opposite. "Anyone here brave enough to spar with me?" She calls to everyone around.
Can you describe Varielky right now? Who do the fighters see before them?
Varielky - a Human woman in her mid twenties. She is short, only 158 cm tall (~5' 2" I believe). Her skin is a very bright tone of purple, brighter than the common tone for most Humans. She bears many scars on her arms and legs, but none on her face. Her light-brown hair is braided into one thick braid that lays on her back, even like this reaching to the centre of her back. Naturally, it would reach farther down if it were loose. Some might consider her pretty, though that's usually not what crosses one's mind when they see her. At least, not when her weapons are in her hands. Right now, though, all she carries with her is a round, wooden shield that has clearly been used to block many attacks in the past. On her body, she dons a Dwarven-made breastplate armour that perfectly fits her body. On closer inpection, one might notice signs of previous changes to the armour to make it fit. The most obvious ones are remnants of runes that were ruined when the armour was fitted for her. Despite being physically strong, she does not appear particularly muscular. Or, at least, her muscles aren't puffed like some others'. She stands confidently and looks around the people in the arena, her bright-blue eyes challenging each one of them silently once their eyes meet, if they do.
(I believe this should be good enough. I couldn't really remember what she was wearing though, so I didn't describe that. It used to be the livery of one of the Dwarven cores, but I might be wrong. The armour had some kind if skirt, if I remember correctly, but I'm not sure if it's really a substitute.)
Auger, who has no history of research himself, and young Tamazaert, urchin turned runaway turned slave turned mother, set out for the Abziri amboule’s viceregal seat to explore the noble house’s archives.
There is one clerk, an old flatulent woman dressed carefully but with cosmetics in all the wrong places who allows the pair inside. The archives are in a cellar which is cold and dank, and mold blackens the corners of many records and makes others illegible. By mid-afternoon Auger has begun at least to understand two things. One, that Tamazaert will not be able to do anything on her own. She has no idea how to proceed, or how archives might connect to an answer to the question of Safiyah. She can ably read documents in Shian to Auger, and that is all. Two, the archives are a mess, and the old woman seems to make matters worse by the hour, shifting documents unnecessarily, so that even Tamazaert wrinkles her brow and whispers to Auger, “does that really go there?”
By the end of the day, when the old lady stands up, and a long shuddering wind breaks from her as she makes her way to begin dousing lamps, Auger and Tamazaert are both in low spirits, and Sura is crying.
Tamazaert returns to the hotel, while Auger makes his way to the Poppy Citadel. When he arrives, he is not allowed within. He is told the citadel library is private and a snooty bureaucrat asks if he has an invitation.
The warlock perhaps asks a few questions in return, about the Poppy Citadel’s library, and it is described as a repository for valuable and ancient codices, scrolls, and visual artworks, original manuscripts of venerable poems and epics. But, as for recent history? The answer is a shrug, and the bureaucrat, making a face, shoos Auger along as he makes way for a tall, caped man with golden epaulettes who enters followed by a retinue of several men and women.
Deciding to take a proactive approach, Ednyss decides to make an offering of 10 GP (OOC: He will adjust this as he notices other offerings so that his offering is not excessive, but slightly more than what a common folk might leave). As he waits, Ednyss's mind wanders to the dream he had the night before and he can't help but shiver as the dwarf wonders if he is walking into the lion's den. Ednyss has faced down hordes of skeletons, gargantuan crabs, and even a frost giant without fear, but messing with the divine was something that he wasn't entirely comfortable with.
If he sees an acolyte Ednyss waits until it is convenient, and then asks, "Good morning. I know no prayers to Ritha Demsha, but I was hoping to learn. Would you be kind enough to teach me?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
The next morning, in the silence before dawn, Auger walks to the fountain in Benepota district, and spends two hours in quiet meditation attempting to commune with the Dowager. Eventually, he is aware of her presence. He hears her voice in his mind, and she asks what is happening. Assuming Auger updates her, she says, in a voice not unlike his mother’s, “Yes, Auger. That is good. You must be careful now with the awakening of Ritha Demsha. She is...aware...of you, and of those with you. In particular, the dwarves. As for a mountain...your individual connection to the Sea of Stars may result in visions which have little to do with me. If you are curious, perhaps whatever is there will be of interest to you. I ask that you continue beside the dwarf, the old one. He is the question, you are the answer.”
To Auger’s requests for more information, the Dowager is silent. When he comes out of his trance, he finds two unconscious children curled up next to him, their filthy faces serene in sleep. ‘I had to sting them,’ sends Py. ‘They were trying to steal from you.’
Dawn in Kalahata brings industry, and as farmers with heavy carts trudge by, heading toward market stalls, Auger walks the awakening streets past his hotel and through the interior gates to Salakta amboule, and there, finds the Kalahata Guildhall, built in a refined fashion facing the circular plaza, the intricately carved doors of which are already open.
A functionary greets the warlock as he enters, and asks in Shian, then, when Auger does not respond, in not unfriendly Jenghen, “To which guild do you belong, brother, and are you caught up on dues?”
The acolyte stands at the edge of the line with a staff in hand, which he leans upon and impassively regards Ednyss with steel-grey eyes. The Shian man’s long hair, in tight grey curls, extends down between his shoulder blades, where it is tied with a feathered leather band; a red scarf covers his head and neck. He answers the dwarf in broken Jenghen, “Ritha Demsha hears all who live and breathe, and welcomes your offering.” He teaches Ednyss a short prayer appropriate to the goddess’ spring awakening, and when Ednyss’ turn comes, and he stands before the priest in the crowded temple and utters it, he perhaps feels something. (OOC: Ednyss can elucidate.) The priest asks his name and if he has lived long in Kalahata, then nods (whatever Ednyss’ answer is), and the next worshipper in line advances as Ednyss takes his leave.
That night, at the Thacia Casino, Ednyss finds himself in a lavish room, with many wealthy-looking individuals of all humanoid races and nations, including several high-ranking Imperial soldiers, which grants a cosmopolitan feel to the environs which the cleric associates with Ishi Ammah.
No weapons or magic of any kind are allowed in the casino. Weapons drop softly upon the floor at the entry, even out of pockets or sheathes, to be humbly collected— no questions asked— by valets who give parchment tags to patrons to return in exchange for their checked belongings. Ednyss is simply unable to draw upon Takal Demesh’s divine powers while he is inside.
The demeanor of the crowd at the card tables is serious, subtle, and very intelligent. A game is played based upon Slaughterhouse, but which is called Flights and has several variations. Ednyss picks them up quickly enough.
Ante is 3x normal, or higher. There is no limit. The gamblers here are extremely gifted, Ednyss will find.
(OOC: Here, Ednyss can roll to win as per normal, but I will roll for the crowd. It’s not a set bar as it usually is. Ednyss can name the ante, minimum 3GP.)
After a moment’s silence, a very lanky man, maybe thirty years old, wearing djinni-pantaloons, old shoes with pointy toes, and a breastplate, stands and nods at Varielky, lifting his buckler and Morningstar. The pair find an open area not too far within the floor, and circle each other before testing each other’s reach and then exchanging blows. Varielky will win the match. (@Firecat, please describe how that happens.)
Varielky didn't plan to go here when she left the hotel, so she left both the Dreyen sword and her old sword back there. She could try to summon the sword again, but chooses not to. The attention she'll draw to herself is already risky, even without swords materialising in her hand. But she cannot spar without a weapon, so Varielky approaches one if the people around and asks to use their weapon for her match, and return it afterwards. The first might not, but someone will eventually give her a weapon. And, indeed, someone does. It's a spear, not special in any way. It might be different from her longsword, and even require a different stlye of fighting, but Varielky trained with many kinds of weapons so she could always pick a weapon from the battlefield in case something happens to hers. After a few tests, she manages to figure out this weapon's balance and exact length, and she's ready to start.
The battle is, perhaps to some, frustrating to watch, as both sides keep blocking the attacks of the other. Every time the morningstar swings, it's pointy "thorns" meet Varielky's shield and are parried. Every time the spear thrusts forward, it is deflected away by the buckler. Every time her attack doesn't land, Varielky hears Veleif's voice in her mind. "Try again!" It commands. Varielky tries and tries but to no avail. "I'm trying," she thinks, "I'm trying!" But her spear once again gets deflected away.
And then, Varielky has a moment of clarity, and she thinks she understands. She is trying, but she is not trying again. Her attacks are powerful, but they are too slow. Between every attack, the man in front of her has enough time to assume a defensive position again. She needs to be faster. Much faster. Varielky thrusts her spear forward and it gets deflected away. She then tries to quickly thrust again, but the man manages to block it in time. "Too slow, try again." Veleif's voice commands. Once more she tries to thrust, followed by another quick poke. It was faster this time. Just a bit, but faster. "Too slow, try again." A wide swing, followed by a swift poke. "Too slow, try again." But she is getting faster. Just a tiny bit faster each time, but that's progress. Eventually, Varielky swings the spear down on the man. He deflects the attack away, but once again, she follows with a spear thrust, aimed at the hand that holds his morningstar. This time, the attacks are fast enough, and the man is too slow to delect the second one. With a trained manoeuvering of her weapon, Varielky disarms her opponent, and the morningstar falls in the ground a couple of feet away. "It was a good fight, and you're a capable warrior. A worthy one. Yet, I believe I won this time."
As Auger enters the guildhall his mind is wandering. He thinks of Tamazaert sitting at the library with little idea how to proceed. He thinks of what he has learned from his patron and the warning over Ritha Demsha. And then how his dreams are... his own and not something the Dowager can explain. And he must keep following Strewn, who has left him for now. He is the question. And I--
It is at that moment in his thoughts that Auger is confronted by the functionary and not having prepped any particular story, he tells the truth, with no idea if the guilds he names from the south are relevant here in the north. "Hội thợ mộc, Chương bao giờ." Not waiting on understanding Auger translates from the southern old tongue "Carpenter's Guild, the Chapter of Ever." After a brief pause Auger answers the rest of the question. "Guild dues were paid at the beginning of the year of course."Auger pauses again, distracted again by thoughts of home. "I'm not planning on practicing my trade here but I am interested in understanding whether we can establish a trade route between Anshin and the Vale. Can you direct me to someone who can assist me?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
“I had ya pegged. We call it “joiners guild” here, and that’s my guild. Welcome broother.”
Re: "Guild dues were paid at the beginning of the year of course."
(OOC: According to your character’s background, “guild membership” is 5GP per month and comes w benefits.)
The functionary chuckles when Auger says this, but then realizes he isn’t kidding. “Sure, brother, sure. But while you’re here, if you want to remain in good standing you gotta pay dues. I can help ya with that, ledger is right here. Whenever, brother.”
Re: I am interested in understanding whether we can establish a trade route between Anshin and the Vale. Can you direct me to someone who can assist me?"
The functionary looks at Auger appraisingly. “I never hear of Anshin. ‘Sit far? But anyhow it’s you know, supply and demand, brother. Who ya wanna talk to depends on what ya want. Are you providing a market or a product. What are you trading?” The functionary, an older man with long curling sideburns and a bald head, sits at a small desk just inside the main entry. He waves good morning as a pair of well-heeled artisans walk past, then leans back and taps a rhythm with strong fingers.
He thinks of Tamazaert sitting at the library with little idea how to proceed.
(OOC: _Zzozz, just want to be sure you saw post #1651: “Tamazaert will not be able to do anything on her own.” While Auger’s not at the library, she will do cleaning and various chores.)
(OOC: Loved the drama in that sparring match!) The observers cheer on the lanky man, but when he is defeated by Varielky, there is no animosity. Over the course of the afternoon, Varielky discovers that none of those in that first group is her equal, and after several matches, a young woman suggests that Varielky try sparring with two of them at once. The shield-maiden wins that match too.
“Are you going to compete in the Grandeur Games?,” the youngest lad there, barely fifteen but brawny for his age, with innocent eyes set close together under a rash-covered brow, asks in Shian, which Varielky barely understands, then one of the older fighters translates to Jenghen. Apparently, the Games in Kalahata are an anyone-can-fight, as-many-rounds-as-needed contest of pure grit and strength. Show up at dawn on the first of Grandeur (it is now the 22nd of Beauty), sign up, and get assigned a bracket. The winner takes a prize, to be named that morning. Usually, several hundred GP or more. The games mark the end of the Spring Festival.
Ednyss feels strange when saying the prayer. Almost as if he is betraying his own deity, but his own faith remains strong and so he finishes the prayer hoping to make a connection. There is a strange feeling associated with the prayer once it is complete. Almost as if a connection has been made, but the connection isn't quite complete. Resolving to figure out more about the connection tomorrow, Ednyss leaves the temple and spends the rest of the day reciting the prayer in his head. He isn't sure that Demsha is even listening, but he cannot resolve this issue, or even learn more about it unless he tries. Eventually, the dwarf makes his way to the Thacia Casino and quickly realizes that the games will be much more difficult to win. Also realizing that the guidance of Takal Demesh will not reach into the casino, the priest's job is made even harder. Cracking his knuckles Ednyss grins. He is very excited to test his skills against others that are equally as talented or even more so at cards.
Picking up the game quickly, Ednyss sits at an available table and starts to play.
(OOC: Rolls in the next post!)
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“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: I'm not sure if each game requires two sets of rolls to win the pot like Slaughterhouse, so I have just included the number of games that Ednyss will play along with the Antes that he will name depending on his wins and losses. I have also included ~10 sets of rolls (not including guidance) so just use them in that order and however many are needed based on the number of games he plays.)
Game 1 - Ante: 10GP Game 2 - Ante: 5GP (If Game 1 was Lost) or 15GP (If Game 1 was Won) Game 3 - Ante: 10GP (If Record is 1-1) or 20GP (If Record is 2-0) or 5GP (If Record is 0-2) Game 4 - Ante: 10GP (If Record is 2-1 or 1-2) or 15GP (If Record is 3-0) or 3GP (If Record is 0-3) Game 5 - Ante: 10GP (If Record is 2-2) or 20GP (If Record is 3-1 or 4-0) or NOT GAMBLING (If Record is 1-3 or 0-4)
(OOC: I figured I should just add them to a new post that way you knew that I didn't edit my Antes after I saw the rolls... Each of these totals is in order (I really hope I don't end up needing that last roll because it isn't very good.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
During the next matches, Varielky keeps making quick attacks. It seems like something she can do. Probably with her longsword too. It takes some effort, especially since she has to stop the weapon's movement and start it anew in the opposite direction, but Varielky is just strong enough to do it. As time goes by, she is confident in the speed of her strikes. "I'm not sure." Varielky answers in Jenghen, which she hopes someone will translate for the youngster. She has no objection to trying to compete and test her rivals' strength, but she doesn't know if they'll still be in the city at the time. If they do end up waiting that long, she can't think of a reason not to compete. These sparring matches, despite not being the most challenging, were a lot of fun for Varielky. Especially the last one, with the two opponents. She usually prefers to duel with people, but at the time, she could feel her blood pumping and how heightened her senses were. Fighting for fighting's sake was something Varielky didn't get to do for a while now. It was a well-spent afternoon. When it seems Varielky is done fighting for today (if she is(?)), Varielky stays for a while more around the arena. Somewhat watching others' sparring matches, but mostly trying to learn about the people around. Why are they fighting? Did they have any real life or death experiences? If she talks to an older person, do they remember the Shian rebellion? Did they participate in it? If they remember anything, Varielky is especially curious to know what might have caused such damage to the city's walls. Eventually, as night falls and people seem to start heading to their houses (assuming that they do), Varielky will also start heading back to the hotel.
(Assuming no additional significant event occurs that day/night, here are Varielky's intentions for the next day:)
Day 2 - The second day, Varielky takes her old longsword with her, along with the same as the other day. She might spar in the arena again, so she'll come prepared this time. Varielky keeps a similar day order to the previous day. She looks for clues about Idiwala in the morning, maybe early noon too if she manages to find any leads. This time, she searches for the temple of Idiwala, if there's any in the city. If she can find the place, and there're any priests inside, Varielky will try to inquire about any connections Idiwala may have to great battles of old, or if there might be any records or even tales of such battles. Honestly, she's not sure what she's searching for exactly, and the direction she's searching in seems very vague, but it's the best she can think of. Once she's done with that search for today, she'll go to the arena. This time, Varielky doesn't challenge anyone, but she'll accept any challenge she's given. Meanwhile, she keeps trying to find out more about the Shian rebellion. This time, she focuses her questions about any war heroes that people know stories about. She doesn't bring the name of Adilah El Idrissid up, but she hopes someone might tell something about her. If not, she'll enjoy hearing war-tales anyhow.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
1512181511
6764876982
6590668072
6874814278
9681798267
8777809673
7190676365
6072666857
9485682549
7954665175
6277504764
6777925657
2830
126657310237
70528377108
8469395484
7171848794
7180898973
5588677774
6788849486
6779688058
6960806969
8267816441
6240727048
6952917877
2322
91214
128
Ednyss sits at a card table in the company of a dapper young Cat with white and black fur, an older Chimp with fast eyes and heavy forearms, a Shian man, soft and pudgy, a Shian woman, ugly and picking her teeth, and an Imperial military man, Fa Tahesian, smoking a long pipe. The chimp drinks a tremendous amount of liquor -- even by dwarvish standards -- and Ednyss sees that he is getting drunk; yet his skills are so remarkable, it doesn’t seem to make any difference in his play.
The dealer is a half-elf, her mint-green eyes pale and impassive, wearing a smart black casino uniform with golden pin-stripes. As the players sit down at the table, which is covered in black felt with delicate golden embellishments, the chimp stretches his arms high and far back behind him, cracking his knuckles, but in the process upsetting a tray being carried by a waiter in the aisle. The chimp scowls and offers a snide comment to the waiter who quietly picks up the mess and moves on. The players exchange guarded pleasantries and the dealer, for the thousandth time in her career, outlines the rules of the game in a quiet, serious voice. The game begins as a lantern hanging directly above the table from a high ceiling lost in darkness casts a warm glow upon the faces of the participants, while the boisterous sounds of the casino retreat into the background as the players focus intently upon the deal.
Ednyss receives unremarkable hands, and seems unable to gauge the other players as well as he usually can, for their tells are deceptive, untrustworthy. He loses the first hand badly, discovering he has been led into a trap by the Cat who pulls in the ante after raising the bidding significantly. Ednyss loses 24GP on the hand.
The next hand, and the next, play out similarly, and Ednyss finds himself down another 34GP, totaling a 58GP deficit (including antes) almost a week’s work for Strewn.
Finally, on the fourth hand, the dwarf's cards and his play are perfect, allowing him to barely, barely edge out the wiley Cat and win back 21GP. Now down 3-1, he decides to sit out the next hand, and it is a good thing, for the Chimp wins big, despite his obvious inebriation.
It is now past midnight and the players bid Ednyss a respectful good night, except for the chimp, who chuckles rudely over his shoulder, smirking at the newcomer.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Auger hears the question and realizes he has no answer. He knows something about drug trades and little else from the Vale but he also knows that he must come up with a reasonable reply.
"A market, I suppose. The truth is the trade route idea is just that, an idea. I have recently arrived in this great city and I need to learn more of this place and what the interests are here before I can pull a trade route together. Anshin is like many places, a little too much of something, not enough of something else. A balance might work if we can discover things that are unique to each place. Tell you what, why don't I concentrate on learning what I can from you and others here in the hall and perhaps we can dream up some possibilities." With that stated Auger hands over the 5gp. "How does that sound, brother?"
Auger will use the morning (OOC: still day 2, correct?) attempting to learn of existing trades and imports from the vale, trying to be as persuasive as possible in his attempt to gain information. (OOC: some Persuasion rolls for kicks, if needed: 13, 18, 12). He is particularly listening for matters pertaining to goats and goatherding, and if he never hears of them will eventually ask how those who work in the vale support themselves, hoping at least to learn if the herding of goats is unusual. He will also ask how the Shian Rebellion affected markets, and which parts of the Vale were most heavily affected and/or attacked. When queried about what is possibly offered from Anshin he will name some of the usual crops from the area (OOC: Auger should know some - I do not), vouch for the quality of the woodworking and allude to promising markets (some Deception rolls, if needed: 15, 8, 22) for the right product.
(OOC: I used the wrong modifier for the Deception rolls - so subtract 2 if you need to make use of them)
Assuming things above go as outlined, in the afternoon Auger returns to the suite, collects up Tamazaert returns to the library and determinedly goes about the process of learning how to make use of the facility together with her.
(OOC: Auger will want to build up the Investigation proficiency as he will be trying to put facts together. Tamazaert he suggests should just learn as much as she can about the Vale, building a History proficiency for the region.)
(OOC: will post about Day 2 evening once I know how the time at the Guildhall in particular went)
On the first day Auger concentrates on getting Tamazaert started. Before setting out he establishes a basic story for her. "Your story will be simple. I have come from the south in search of-- well... someone. I have hired a local, you Tamazaert, to help me search for this person. The name of the person is Safiya and there is good reason to believe she lives in the Vale or did live there during the time of the Shian Rebellion. We think she was a goatherder of some sort. That is the story. You don't really know why I need to know about this person and have been asked not to speculate about it. If anyone should ask after your purpose that is all you know. Make no mention of anyone here other than me."
Auger takes any time that is needed to ensure Tamazaert understands the story as he has laid it out.
"The truth is you should not need to tell the story very often as you will be nose deep in books and records. As I understand there are a few places where records may be kept. To start with we will spend time in the Library in Abziri amboule. There may be birth and death records that could aid us. There may be records of troop movements through the Vale during the rebellion. We may have to get creative in figuring out how to use any records that exist. This is our task. Really, after getting you started it will be your task."
Looking at Tamazaert, Auger pauses to think on her words from the previous night and then continues on an important and related subject. "Those things, this research, that should be most of your day. The rest of the time... Tamazaert, our path is uncertain. In time we will again leave this place, likely on very dangerous roads. Those roads will be no place for a baby or a young mother. Help us as you can but use the rest of the day to-- to establish yourself. Find employment. Arrange for a place to stay once we are gone. While we are here you are welcome to stay with us but you will need to plan for your future as best as you can." Auger looks at Tamazaert to gauge her reaction to the words, wanting to know if she is looking fearful or nodding along.
Either way he pushes two gp into her hands and says, "I saw how you looked at the clothing I found for you. When you can go ahead and shop for yourself and Sura. If you are good with needle and thread perhaps you can salvage what I already got you. Otherwise, use this money as you see fit to help yourself."
After this discussion Auger makes time for Tamazaert to go out herself for robes if she likes, or if she is ready then they head out to Abziri amboule and the library to begin their search.
(OOC: Next sections are reflective of Auger's plans but are separated in case we need some RP)
After helping direct Tamazaert at this library Auger later plans to make his way to the Poppy Citadel with an intent to see the place and to learn what information can be found there.
(OOC: The things at the Poppy Citadel are not clarified on the map. I thought there was mention of a library and records there but did I get that mixed up with the library in Abziri?)
Finally Auger hopes to make his way to Salakta amboule (this might be day 2) seeking a central tradehouse where he might discover matters of how the import and export businesses work in the Vale.
(OOC: Will send a question in side chat on the drug trade in the Vale)
Early the following morning, Auger will head to the public fountain with Py invisibly watchful overhead as he attempts to commune with his patron and where he speaks of a mountain and dreams of flying... and hunting?
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
No luck at the library. Unfortunate, but Varielky doesn't give up. Perhaps there's a temple of Idiwala's somewhere in the city. She'll search for it tomorrow.
At the arena, Varielky definitely wants to enter a sparring match. She doesn't know whom she should approach, though, so she does the opposite. "Anyone here brave enough to spar with me?" She calls to everyone around. This should hopefully get at least one person up.
If nobody seems to accept her general offer, Varielky frowns but decides to wait. As she discovers there are some old folks here, she might be able to find someone who participated in the rebellion among those here. She's happy to see that the elders still have fighting spirits in their bodies. Varielky will try to get them to talk about their experiences, and maybe share some of her own. If anyone decides to challenge her to a sparring match, she'll gladly accept.
Varielky
Can you describe Varielky right now? Who do the fighters see before them?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky - a Human woman in her mid twenties. She is short, only 158 cm tall (~5' 2" I believe). Her skin is a very bright tone of purple, brighter than the common tone for most Humans. She bears many scars on her arms and legs, but none on her face. Her light-brown hair is braided into one thick braid that lays on her back, even like this reaching to the centre of her back. Naturally, it would reach farther down if it were loose. Some might consider her pretty, though that's usually not what crosses one's mind when they see her. At least, not when her weapons are in her hands. Right now, though, all she carries with her is a round, wooden shield that has clearly been used to block many attacks in the past. On her body, she dons a Dwarven-made breastplate armour that perfectly fits her body. On closer inpection, one might notice signs of previous changes to the armour to make it fit. The most obvious ones are remnants of runes that were ruined when the armour was fitted for her. Despite being physically strong, she does not appear particularly muscular. Or, at least, her muscles aren't puffed like some others'. She stands confidently and looks around the people in the arena, her bright-blue eyes challenging each one of them silently once their eyes meet, if they do.
(I believe this should be good enough. I couldn't really remember what she was wearing though, so I didn't describe that. It used to be the livery of one of the Dwarven cores, but I might be wrong. The armour had some kind if skirt, if I remember correctly, but I'm not sure if it's really a substitute.)
Varielky
Auger, who has no history of research himself, and young Tamazaert, urchin turned runaway turned slave turned mother, set out for the Abziri amboule’s viceregal seat to explore the noble house’s archives.
There is one clerk, an old flatulent woman dressed carefully but with cosmetics in all the wrong places who allows the pair inside. The archives are in a cellar which is cold and dank, and mold blackens the corners of many records and makes others illegible. By mid-afternoon Auger has begun at least to understand two things. One, that Tamazaert will not be able to do anything on her own. She has no idea how to proceed, or how archives might connect to an answer to the question of Safiyah. She can ably read documents in Shian to Auger, and that is all. Two, the archives are a mess, and the old woman seems to make matters worse by the hour, shifting documents unnecessarily, so that even Tamazaert wrinkles her brow and whispers to Auger, “does that really go there?”
By the end of the day, when the old lady stands up, and a long shuddering wind breaks from her as she makes her way to begin dousing lamps, Auger and Tamazaert are both in low spirits, and Sura is crying.
Tamazaert returns to the hotel, while Auger makes his way to the Poppy Citadel. When he arrives, he is not allowed within. He is told the citadel library is private and a snooty bureaucrat asks if he has an invitation.
The warlock perhaps asks a few questions in return, about the Poppy Citadel’s library, and it is described as a repository for valuable and ancient codices, scrolls, and visual artworks, original manuscripts of venerable poems and epics. But, as for recent history? The answer is a shrug, and the bureaucrat, making a face, shoos Auger along as he makes way for a tall, caped man with golden epaulettes who enters followed by a retinue of several men and women.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Deciding to take a proactive approach, Ednyss decides to make an offering of 10 GP (OOC: He will adjust this as he notices other offerings so that his offering is not excessive, but slightly more than what a common folk might leave). As he waits, Ednyss's mind wanders to the dream he had the night before and he can't help but shiver as the dwarf wonders if he is walking into the lion's den. Ednyss has faced down hordes of skeletons, gargantuan crabs, and even a frost giant without fear, but messing with the divine was something that he wasn't entirely comfortable with.
If he sees an acolyte Ednyss waits until it is convenient, and then asks, "Good morning. I know no prayers to Ritha Demsha, but I was hoping to learn. Would you be kind enough to teach me?"
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Auger
The next morning, in the silence before dawn, Auger walks to the fountain in Benepota district, and spends two hours in quiet meditation attempting to commune with the Dowager. Eventually, he is aware of her presence. He hears her voice in his mind, and she asks what is happening. Assuming Auger updates her, she says, in a voice not unlike his mother’s, “Yes, Auger. That is good. You must be careful now with the awakening of Ritha Demsha. She is...aware...of you, and of those with you. In particular, the dwarves. As for a mountain...your individual connection to the Sea of Stars may result in visions which have little to do with me. If you are curious, perhaps whatever is there will be of interest to you. I ask that you continue beside the dwarf, the old one. He is the question, you are the answer.”
To Auger’s requests for more information, the Dowager is silent. When he comes out of his trance, he finds two unconscious children curled up next to him, their filthy faces serene in sleep. ‘I had to sting them,’ sends Py. ‘They were trying to steal from you.’
Dawn in Kalahata brings industry, and as farmers with heavy carts trudge by, heading toward market stalls, Auger walks the awakening streets past his hotel and through the interior gates to Salakta amboule, and there, finds the Kalahata Guildhall, built in a refined fashion facing the circular plaza, the intricately carved doors of which are already open.
A functionary greets the warlock as he enters, and asks in Shian, then, when Auger does not respond, in not unfriendly Jenghen, “To which guild do you belong, brother, and are you caught up on dues?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Ednyss
The acolyte stands at the edge of the line with a staff in hand, which he leans upon and impassively regards Ednyss with steel-grey eyes. The Shian man’s long hair, in tight grey curls, extends down between his shoulder blades, where it is tied with a feathered leather band; a red scarf covers his head and neck. He answers the dwarf in broken Jenghen, “Ritha Demsha hears all who live and breathe, and welcomes your offering.” He teaches Ednyss a short prayer appropriate to the goddess’ spring awakening, and when Ednyss’ turn comes, and he stands before the priest in the crowded temple and utters it, he perhaps feels something. (OOC: Ednyss can elucidate.) The priest asks his name and if he has lived long in Kalahata, then nods (whatever Ednyss’ answer is), and the next worshipper in line advances as Ednyss takes his leave.
That night, at the Thacia Casino, Ednyss finds himself in a lavish room, with many wealthy-looking individuals of all humanoid races and nations, including several high-ranking Imperial soldiers, which grants a cosmopolitan feel to the environs which the cleric associates with Ishi Ammah.
No weapons or magic of any kind are allowed in the casino. Weapons drop softly upon the floor at the entry, even out of pockets or sheathes, to be humbly collected— no questions asked— by valets who give parchment tags to patrons to return in exchange for their checked belongings. Ednyss is simply unable to draw upon Takal Demesh’s divine powers while he is inside.
The demeanor of the crowd at the card tables is serious, subtle, and very intelligent. A game is played based upon Slaughterhouse, but which is called Flights and has several variations. Ednyss picks them up quickly enough.
Ante is 3x normal, or higher. There is no limit. The gamblers here are extremely gifted, Ednyss will find.
(OOC: Here, Ednyss can roll to win as per normal, but I will roll for the crowd. It’s not a set bar as it usually is. Ednyss can name the ante, minimum 3GP.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky
After a moment’s silence, a very lanky man, maybe thirty years old, wearing djinni-pantaloons, old shoes with pointy toes, and a breastplate, stands and nods at Varielky, lifting his buckler and Morningstar. The pair find an open area not too far within the floor, and circle each other before testing each other’s reach and then exchanging blows. Varielky will win the match. (@Firecat, please describe how that happens.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky didn't plan to go here when she left the hotel, so she left both the Dreyen sword and her old sword back there. She could try to summon the sword again, but chooses not to. The attention she'll draw to herself is already risky, even without swords materialising in her hand. But she cannot spar without a weapon, so Varielky approaches one if the people around and asks to use their weapon for her match, and return it afterwards. The first might not, but someone will eventually give her a weapon. And, indeed, someone does. It's a spear, not special in any way. It might be different from her longsword, and even require a different stlye of fighting, but Varielky trained with many kinds of weapons so she could always pick a weapon from the battlefield in case something happens to hers. After a few tests, she manages to figure out this weapon's balance and exact length, and she's ready to start.
The battle is, perhaps to some, frustrating to watch, as both sides keep blocking the attacks of the other. Every time the morningstar swings, it's pointy "thorns" meet Varielky's shield and are parried. Every time the spear thrusts forward, it is deflected away by the buckler. Every time her attack doesn't land, Varielky hears Veleif's voice in her mind. "Try again!" It commands. Varielky tries and tries but to no avail. "I'm trying," she thinks, "I'm trying!" But her spear once again gets deflected away.
And then, Varielky has a moment of clarity, and she thinks she understands. She is trying, but she is not trying again. Her attacks are powerful, but they are too slow. Between every attack, the man in front of her has enough time to assume a defensive position again. She needs to be faster. Much faster. Varielky thrusts her spear forward and it gets deflected away. She then tries to quickly thrust again, but the man manages to block it in time. "Too slow, try again." Veleif's voice commands. Once more she tries to thrust, followed by another quick poke. It was faster this time. Just a bit, but faster. "Too slow, try again." A wide swing, followed by a swift poke. "Too slow, try again." But she is getting faster. Just a tiny bit faster each time, but that's progress. Eventually, Varielky swings the spear down on the man. He deflects the attack away, but once again, she follows with a spear thrust, aimed at the hand that holds his morningstar. This time, the attacks are fast enough, and the man is too slow to delect the second one. With a trained manoeuvering of her weapon, Varielky disarms her opponent, and the morningstar falls in the ground a couple of feet away. "It was a good fight, and you're a capable warrior. A worthy one. Yet, I believe I won this time."
Varielky
As Auger enters the guildhall his mind is wandering. He thinks of Tamazaert sitting at the library with little idea how to proceed. He thinks of what he has learned from his patron and the warning over Ritha Demsha. And then how his dreams are... his own and not something the Dowager can explain. And he must keep following Strewn, who has left him for now. He is the question. And I--
It is at that moment in his thoughts that Auger is confronted by the functionary and not having prepped any particular story, he tells the truth, with no idea if the guilds he names from the south are relevant here in the north. "Hội thợ mộc, Chương bao giờ." Not waiting on understanding Auger translates from the southern old tongue "Carpenter's Guild, the Chapter of Ever." After a brief pause Auger answers the rest of the question. "Guild dues were paid at the beginning of the year of course." Auger pauses again, distracted again by thoughts of home. "I'm not planning on practicing my trade here but I am interested in understanding whether we can establish a trade route between Anshin and the Vale. Can you direct me to someone who can assist me?"
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Auger
Re: carpenters guild.
“I had ya pegged. We call it “joiners guild” here, and that’s my guild. Welcome broother.”
Re: "Guild dues were paid at the beginning of the year of course."
(OOC: According to your character’s background, “guild membership” is 5GP per month and comes w benefits.)
The functionary chuckles when Auger says this, but then realizes he isn’t kidding. “Sure, brother, sure. But while you’re here, if you want to remain in good standing you gotta pay dues. I can help ya with that, ledger is right here. Whenever, brother.”
Re: I am interested in understanding whether we can establish a trade route between Anshin and the Vale. Can you direct me to someone who can assist me?"
The functionary looks at Auger appraisingly. “I never hear of Anshin. ‘Sit far? But anyhow it’s you know, supply and demand, brother. Who ya wanna talk to depends on what ya want. Are you providing a market or a product. What are you trading?” The functionary, an older man with long curling sideburns and a bald head, sits at a small desk just inside the main entry. He waves good morning as a pair of well-heeled artisans walk past, then leans back and taps a rhythm with strong fingers.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(OOC: _Zzozz, just want to be sure you saw post #1651: “Tamazaert will not be able to do anything on her own.” While Auger’s not at the library, she will do cleaning and various chores.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky
(OOC: Loved the drama in that sparring match!) The observers cheer on the lanky man, but when he is defeated by Varielky, there is no animosity. Over the course of the afternoon, Varielky discovers that none of those in that first group is her equal, and after several matches, a young woman suggests that Varielky try sparring with two of them at once. The shield-maiden wins that match too.
“Are you going to compete in the Grandeur Games?,” the youngest lad there, barely fifteen but brawny for his age, with innocent eyes set close together under a rash-covered brow, asks in Shian, which Varielky barely understands, then one of the older fighters translates to Jenghen. Apparently, the Games in Kalahata are an anyone-can-fight, as-many-rounds-as-needed contest of pure grit and strength. Show up at dawn on the first of Grandeur (it is now the 22nd of Beauty), sign up, and get assigned a bracket. The winner takes a prize, to be named that morning. Usually, several hundred GP or more. The games mark the end of the Spring Festival.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Ednyss feels strange when saying the prayer. Almost as if he is betraying his own deity, but his own faith remains strong and so he finishes the prayer hoping to make a connection. There is a strange feeling associated with the prayer once it is complete. Almost as if a connection has been made, but the connection isn't quite complete. Resolving to figure out more about the connection tomorrow, Ednyss leaves the temple and spends the rest of the day reciting the prayer in his head. He isn't sure that Demsha is even listening, but he cannot resolve this issue, or even learn more about it unless he tries. Eventually, the dwarf makes his way to the Thacia Casino and quickly realizes that the games will be much more difficult to win. Also realizing that the guidance of Takal Demesh will not reach into the casino, the priest's job is made even harder. Cracking his knuckles Ednyss grins. He is very excited to test his skills against others that are equally as talented or even more so at cards.
Picking up the game quickly, Ednyss sits at an available table and starts to play.
(OOC: Rolls in the next post!)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
(OOC: I'm not sure if each game requires two sets of rolls to win the pot like Slaughterhouse, so I have just included the number of games that Ednyss will play along with the Antes that he will name depending on his wins and losses. I have also included ~10 sets of rolls (not including guidance) so just use them in that order and however many are needed based on the number of games he plays.)
Game 1 - Ante: 10GP
Game 2 - Ante: 5GP (If Game 1 was Lost) or 15GP (If Game 1 was Won)
Game 3 - Ante: 10GP (If Record is 1-1) or 20GP (If Record is 2-0) or 5GP (If Record is 0-2)
Game 4 - Ante: 10GP (If Record is 2-1 or 1-2) or 15GP (If Record is 3-0) or 3GP (If Record is 0-3)
Game 5 - Ante: 10GP (If Record is 2-2) or 20GP (If Record is 3-1 or 4-0) or NOT GAMBLING (If Record is 1-3 or 0-4)
Insight: 11
Investigation: 4
Sleight of Hand: 7
Deception: 18
Perception: 21
Insight (Repeat): 12
Inspiration: 1
Total:
Insight: 20
Investigation: 4
Sleight of Hand: 11
Deception: 2
Perception: 18
Insight (Repeat): 17
Inspiration: 3
Total:
Insight: 27
Investigation: 9
Sleight of Hand: 20
Deception: 11
Perception: 18
Insight (Repeat): 13
Inspiration: 5
Total:
Insight: 15
Investigation: 8
Sleight of Hand: 7
Deception: 6
Perception: 18
Insight (Repeat): 20
Inspiration: 2
Total:
Insight: 19
Investigation: 18
Sleight of Hand: 13
Deception: 10
Perception: 24
Insight (Repeat): 26
Inspiration: 3
Total:
Insight: 25
Investigation: 1
Sleight of Hand: 16
Deception: 10
Perception: 9
Insight (Repeat): 26
Inspiration: 3
Total:
Insight: 16
Investigation: 5
Sleight of Hand: 4
Deception: 21
Perception: 17
Insight (Repeat): 28
Inspiration: 5
Total:
Insight: 9
Investigation: 18
Sleight of Hand: 19
Deception: 8
Perception: 16
Insight (Repeat): 14
Inspiration: 5
Total:
Insight: 12
Investigation: 17
Sleight of Hand: 5
Deception: 5
Perception: 6
Insight (Repeat): 17
Inspiration: 1
Total:
Insight: 11
Investigation: 11
Sleight of Hand: 14
Deception: 3
Perception: 7
Insight (Repeat): 25
Inspiration: 6
Total:
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Totals:
87
93
97
108
102
107
98
90
103
73
(OOC: I figured I should just add them to a new post that way you knew that I didn't edit my Antes after I saw the rolls... Each of these totals is in order (I really hope I don't end up needing that last roll because it isn't very good.)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
During the next matches, Varielky keeps making quick attacks. It seems like something she can do. Probably with her longsword too. It takes some effort, especially since she has to stop the weapon's movement and start it anew in the opposite direction, but Varielky is just strong enough to do it. As time goes by, she is confident in the speed of her strikes.
"I'm not sure." Varielky answers in Jenghen, which she hopes someone will translate for the youngster. She has no objection to trying to compete and test her rivals' strength, but she doesn't know if they'll still be in the city at the time. If they do end up waiting that long, she can't think of a reason not to compete. These sparring matches, despite not being the most challenging, were a lot of fun for Varielky. Especially the last one, with the two opponents. She usually prefers to duel with people, but at the time, she could feel her blood pumping and how heightened her senses were. Fighting for fighting's sake was something Varielky didn't get to do for a while now. It was a well-spent afternoon.
When it seems Varielky is done fighting for today (if she is(?)), Varielky stays for a while more around the arena. Somewhat watching others' sparring matches, but mostly trying to learn about the people around. Why are they fighting? Did they have any real life or death experiences? If she talks to an older person, do they remember the Shian rebellion? Did they participate in it? If they remember anything, Varielky is especially curious to know what might have caused such damage to the city's walls.
Eventually, as night falls and people seem to start heading to their houses (assuming that they do), Varielky will also start heading back to the hotel.
(Assuming no additional significant event occurs that day/night, here are Varielky's intentions for the next day:)
Day 2 - The second day, Varielky takes her old longsword with her, along with the same as the other day. She might spar in the arena again, so she'll come prepared this time.
Varielky keeps a similar day order to the previous day. She looks for clues about Idiwala in the morning, maybe early noon too if she manages to find any leads. This time, she searches for the temple of Idiwala, if there's any in the city. If she can find the place, and there're any priests inside, Varielky will try to inquire about any connections Idiwala may have to great battles of old, or if there might be any records or even tales of such battles. Honestly, she's not sure what she's searching for exactly, and the direction she's searching in seems very vague, but it's the best she can think of.
Once she's done with that search for today, she'll go to the arena. This time, Varielky doesn't challenge anyone, but she'll accept any challenge she's given. Meanwhile, she keeps trying to find out more about the Shian rebellion. This time, she focuses her questions about any war heroes that people know stories about. She doesn't bring the name of Adilah El Idrissid up, but she hopes someone might tell something about her. If not, she'll enjoy hearing war-tales anyhow.
Varielky
15 12 18 15 11
67 64 87 69 82
65 90 66 80 72
68 74 81 42 78
96 81 79 82 67
87 77 80 96 73
71 90 67 63 65
60 72 66 68 57
94 85 68 25 49
79 54 66 51 75
62 77 50 47 64
67 77 92 56 57
28 30
126 65 73 102 37
70 52 83 77 108
84 69 39 54 84
71 71 84 87 94
71 80 89 89 73
55 88 67 77 74
67 88 84 94 86
67 79 68 80 58
69 60 80 69 69
82 67 81 64 41
62 40 72 70 48
69 52 91 78 77
23 22
9 12 14
12 8
Ednyss sits at a card table in the company of a dapper young Cat with white and black fur, an older Chimp with fast eyes and heavy forearms, a Shian man, soft and pudgy, a Shian woman, ugly and picking her teeth, and an Imperial military man, Fa Tahesian, smoking a long pipe. The chimp drinks a tremendous amount of liquor -- even by dwarvish standards -- and Ednyss sees that he is getting drunk; yet his skills are so remarkable, it doesn’t seem to make any difference in his play.
The dealer is a half-elf, her mint-green eyes pale and impassive, wearing a smart black casino uniform with golden pin-stripes. As the players sit down at the table, which is covered in black felt with delicate golden embellishments, the chimp stretches his arms high and far back behind him, cracking his knuckles, but in the process upsetting a tray being carried by a waiter in the aisle. The chimp scowls and offers a snide comment to the waiter who quietly picks up the mess and moves on. The players exchange guarded pleasantries and the dealer, for the thousandth time in her career, outlines the rules of the game in a quiet, serious voice. The game begins as a lantern hanging directly above the table from a high ceiling lost in darkness casts a warm glow upon the faces of the participants, while the boisterous sounds of the casino retreat into the background as the players focus intently upon the deal.
Ednyss receives unremarkable hands, and seems unable to gauge the other players as well as he usually can, for their tells are deceptive, untrustworthy. He loses the first hand badly, discovering he has been led into a trap by the Cat who pulls in the ante after raising the bidding significantly. Ednyss loses 24GP on the hand.
The next hand, and the next, play out similarly, and Ednyss finds himself down another 34GP, totaling a 58GP deficit (including antes) almost a week’s work for Strewn.
Finally, on the fourth hand, the dwarf's cards and his play are perfect, allowing him to barely, barely edge out the wiley Cat and win back 21GP. Now down 3-1, he decides to sit out the next hand, and it is a good thing, for the Chimp wins big, despite his obvious inebriation.
It is now past midnight and the players bid Ednyss a respectful good night, except for the chimp, who chuckles rudely over his shoulder, smirking at the newcomer.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger hears the question and realizes he has no answer. He knows something about drug trades and little else from the Vale but he also knows that he must come up with a reasonable reply.
"A market, I suppose. The truth is the trade route idea is just that, an idea. I have recently arrived in this great city and I need to learn more of this place and what the interests are here before I can pull a trade route together. Anshin is like many places, a little too much of something, not enough of something else. A balance might work if we can discover things that are unique to each place. Tell you what, why don't I concentrate on learning what I can from you and others here in the hall and perhaps we can dream up some possibilities." With that stated Auger hands over the 5gp. "How does that sound, brother?"
Auger will use the morning (OOC: still day 2, correct?) attempting to learn of existing trades and imports from the vale, trying to be as persuasive as possible in his attempt to gain information. (OOC: some Persuasion rolls for kicks, if needed: 13, 18, 12). He is particularly listening for matters pertaining to goats and goatherding, and if he never hears of them will eventually ask how those who work in the vale support themselves, hoping at least to learn if the herding of goats is unusual. He will also ask how the Shian Rebellion affected markets, and which parts of the Vale were most heavily affected and/or attacked. When queried about what is possibly offered from Anshin he will name some of the usual crops from the area (OOC: Auger should know some - I do not), vouch for the quality of the woodworking and allude to promising markets (some Deception rolls, if needed: 15, 8, 22) for the right product.
(OOC: I used the wrong modifier for the Deception rolls - so subtract 2 if you need to make use of them)
Assuming things above go as outlined, in the afternoon Auger returns to the suite, collects up Tamazaert returns to the library and determinedly goes about the process of learning how to make use of the facility together with her.
(OOC: Auger will want to build up the Investigation proficiency as he will be trying to put facts together. Tamazaert he suggests should just learn as much as she can about the Vale, building a History proficiency for the region.)
(OOC: will post about Day 2 evening once I know how the time at the Guildhall in particular went)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory