This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Qidira looks directly back at Brandon and says, "I'll never give you cause for concern, and will earn your trust."
She then turns to Durnham and nods "Hide armor and Healer's kits" then moving about quickly she scans the area for coins or anything that could be considered trade received for goods sold before she leaves with the Glassblade back to town. perception5
Durnham continues his search of the cabin, focusing on the mystery of Urgon’s money and clothing. It is likely that his body was prepared for burial by the priests of Palebank, and as he has already deduced, Tulgi then made a mess of the cabin in her frantic search for a cure.
(OOC: the receipt was for 1,000gp and was from Pelc’s Curiosities)
Durnham carries out his ritual for detecting magic and scans around the room, but finds no sign of any arcane presence or power anywhere (OOC but during the time you spend in the presence of the Aeorian dagger you learn that it is a +1 dagger)
Kotar weighs up the maul before stowing it; the weapon is an imposing lump of silver-coated metal and wood. It is a shame that the splint armour is too small; it is weathered and aged but sturdy and could stop a great deal of damage. You have heard that some beasts can only be killed by silver, and so this may be a fortuitous gift from Urgon.
Qidira takes the money and orders before casting her eye around the cabin at Durnham’s request, looking for ideas of where to store the proceeds of such a large sale.
@Qidira:
If you had been here on ‘business’ she would start by looking...there; a floorboard sticking up slightly above the otherwise flat surface. The fireplace would normally get a look but is now roaring with flame; other than that, no obvious hiding places that haven’t already been searched; Durnham’s initial inspection was impressively thorough.
Her search complete, Qidira starts heading out back into the cold. As the door swings open, her colleagues see Mila the Glassblade stood waiting for Qidira in the dark.
@Qidira:
The journey with Mila is pleasant, and she answers your questions on Barandon’s behalf; The Croaker Caves are so named for the giant frogs that reside there. One in particular, Old Croaker, is potentially lethal if angered or attacked, but the beasts should be placid under normal conditions. The caves are on the shore of the Frigid Depths, north of Palebank. The Uttolots are one of the four main crime families that form the Tribes of Shadycreek Run. They specialize in imports and exports, as well as poaching dangerous beasts and monsters. (OOC will process your trading in the next update)
Qidira not wishing to make the Glassblade wait any longer, whispers to Durnham
"If it were me, I'd hide it there." She whispers quickly gesturing subtly at a loose floor board, "or the fireplace, but..." glancing the already roaring fire. "I'll be back at dawn."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Durnham nods to Qidira and leans in to whisper back
“That hide armor... it needs to fit me so a dwarven fit if you can manage, thank you.”
He also looks Qidira over as she leaves, trying to determine what kind of weapons the gnome uses. 19 Perception
He walks over to the fireplace where Winterwalker and Brandon have worked together to get a fire going. He holds his hands to the warmth and says “Thank you, it’s already warmer.” His gaze roams around the room, taking in the disarray, lingers a moment on the floorboard Qidira indicates, then finally rests on the creature mounted above the fireplace. “Kotar, Winterwalker, do either of you recognize this animal? I’m not sure I’ve seen its like.”
"Perhaps Tulgi wasn't completely honest and stole the money as well?" Ressys muses as he moves around the cabin looking around. But he was unused to staying inside homes like this so didn't really know what to look for. "As for purchases, if that armor fits no one it could be sold to purchase other supplies if needed."
Ressys is oblivious to any sentimental attachment Durham may have for the armor.
"Other than that I see nothing else here that tells us anything we already know. A safe place to sleep out of the elements is what we have."
Quote by Althax: He also looks Qidira over as she leaves, trying to determine what kind of weapons the gnome uses. 19 Perception
As Qidira turns to leave, her cloak sways to reveal two daggers sheathed farther back on her belt and a short sword. She also has a Short Bow slung over her back. She wears leather.
She smiles back at Durnham, "Hide armor that fits, healers kits and as much information as I can come up with. I will rest in town and return with all I have at dawn." She turns and leaves swiftly through the door.
She exits the cabin and greets Mila, thanking her for waiting for her. "Let us move swiftly, you've been in the cold long enough."
@DM
She moves with Mila quickly towards Palebank, "Thank you Mila. I appreciate your company and anything you could help me with. We seek a cure for what caused Urgon's death and possibly others." She shares the questions that Brandon asked of her and thanks her heartily for her answers, "This will save us needless fights and much time. I am in your debt."
Once parted from Mila, she seeks out Tilda ensuring that she is not followed - just in case and hopes that she will agree to see her at this time of day. With respect she asks for contacts to seek supplies at this hour as well as affiliations in this area to be sure she doesn't overstep boundaries. She will go where she is told to go, and seeks a secure place to rest until near dawn and possible assistance in transporting back swiftly with any items she's obtained. Particular interest are items coming back from Eiselcross, more info on Uttolots or any of the other crime families and who she is affiliated with. Possibly some information regarding Pelc. And of course if anything is required of her.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“A safe place to sleep out of the elements is enough for now” Brandon warms himself by the fire. He sees that his companions have made an initial search of the cabin, discovering the receipt and gear. He will move to pick up some of the items laying about the floor and table, trying to tidy up the gear, foodstuffs, and books, taking another look for areas that Urgon could have used to hide items or information on what he discovered in Eiselcross.
Investigation 8
“We should rest while we wait for our friend to return in the morning. Do you prefer to visit Pelc first, or head directly to Croaker’s Cave? Personally, I would like to try to recover the items from the cave as soon as possible. Regardless, we will have a busy day tomorrow.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Durnham is distracted by the strange beast mounted on the wall. At Brandon’s question he turns and looks in Brandon’s direction. He blinks a moment as he pulls himself out of his contemplation and reviews the question in his memory before responding.
”Yes, let’s rest here tonight. There isn’t enough bed for us all but there’s floor space enough and a good fire. I think we should eat a bit and then get some sleep, tomorrow will be busy. We should probably check on Pelc and see if he’s feeling well or if my Uncle gave him any information that might help us. We may also need to get provisions before heading to the cave.”
As they clear floor space Durnham investigates the floorboard indicated by Qidira 7.
Brandon, Durnham, Kotar and Ressys settle in for the night at the cabin, debating the nature of the head mounted on the wall (OOC Nature check to identify it please).
The cabin is warming nicely by now, and none of you are showing any sign of illness.
Durnham inspects a floorboard which seems to stick up ever so slightly more than the others. It has chips around the edge at one end, suggesting that it has been pried up and replaced many times; it seems so obvious now that it has been pointed out. Under the floorboard you find a small metal lockbox; it is unlocked and opens to reveal 5 gold pieces, 3 silver and 15 copper.
@Qidira:
Mila feigns surprise when you mention your search for the cure “Oh that sounds important, I-” she drops the façade “Corellan speed you on your way, the illness has got everyone worried”
You know that the best way to contact Tilda’s agent in any particular town is to enquire at the docks or market for ‘The Uthodurn Speciality’, and start by asking a late-working fisherman checking the bindings of moored boats. A rotund dwarf with wild red hair poking out from under his thick fur cap, he pauses briefly at your request and then says “I heard Tilda had a gnome on the loose. What do you need?”
Once you have relayed your request, the man rubs his beard and ponders a moment “That should all be doable. Hide armour with a dwarven fit, plus two healers’ kits – I can get you all that by morning for thirty gold”
In response to your questions he replies grimly “Lots of stuff comes back from Eiselcross, but you won’t see me touching it – it's as likely to blow an arm off as turn you into a mighty warrior or wizard. Tilda loves it though, finds plenty of buyers down south and makes good markup on it too. Most of it comes to Palebank through Syrinlya (OOC: an Uthodurnian outpost on Foren, Eiselcross’s largest island). We have to contend with competition from the Uttolots, but everyone avoids open conflict so as to stay out of the Glassblades’ attentions. As long as you keep away from their agents you’ll be left alone”
On the subject of further payment or obligation he says “No, the gold should be enough. Tilda will get in touch as & when she needs anything, but of you need anything else then my name is Othark. My boy will drop off the goods at your cabin around sunrise”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ressys settles onto the floor and loosens his cloak as the warmth of the fire fills the room. He looks around the room eventually his attention being drawn to the creature hanging over the fireplace. He was certain he had seen such a thing before but wasn't sure.
Ressys recognises the head as that of a yeti; hulking monstrosities that stalk alpine peaks in a ceaseless hunt for food. They are native to this region and greatly - and rightly - feared by the local people. They are not hunted for food or sport, so one could only speculate as to how Urgon acquired this specimen.
Noticing the abrupt change in expression, Qidira eyes her curiously but doesn't comment. "May He guide yours as well. Thank you." Then by a circuitous route, heads down towards the docks to converse with Othark. She agrees to his price, and hands him 30 gold. (adjusted my funds). "Might you know of a secure place for me to sleep for the night, aside from the Inn and then I can accompany your boy back in the morning?" (if she can work this out, she will give him another 2 gp in thanks, resting for the evening and meeting the others at sunrise at the cabin.)
"That is no mere animal above the fireplace Durnham."
Ressys answers Durnham.
"That is the head of a Yeti. Yeti are hulking monstrosities that stalk alpine peaks in a ceaseless hunt for food. Their snow-white fur lets them move like ghosts against the frozen landscape. A very dangerous creature."
"As for tomorrow I am torn between the two options. But I think the caves is the the place we need to go first. Whatever happened at Pelc's is done. We cannot stop it or prevent it. And we know what happened, we've heard the confession of Tulgi. We are more likely to find answers at the caves. But we should still seek Pelc out and check on him after."
He thinks for a moment.
"Or send word to Elro Aldataur to check on Pelc while we head to the caves."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Durnham looks at the head mounted on the fireplace. “That is quite the trophy. A Yeti? Uncle Urgon must have faced it during his travels at some point.” Durnham will examine it closer to see if he can find anything else out about it
18 Investigation
“You’re right Winterwalker, I doubt Pelc could add much. We should get right on the trail of these goods. Getting a message to Elro to have him check on the merchant is a good idea.”
He then examines the floorboard and finds the chest. He takes the chest out and empties the coins then looks at the others and says “Here’s a bit of coin but nothing significant. That 1,000 gold is either spent or hidden elsewhere.” He replaces the floor board and sits down, opens his backpack again and pulls his spell book out. He then uses the twisting hand motion and arcane word to summon the ghostly hand and directs it into the backpack, pulling out the dagger. The hand floats the dagger to the small steel box and he drops it in and closes it. With that complete Durnham dismisses the hand and places the steel chest at the bottom of his pack.
”I will feel more comfortable having a bit of metal between me and that thing.
He then looks up at the others and says “I’ve spent enough time around this dagger to understand the nature of it’s magic. It seems to be enchanted to help you strike your target and inflict more damage... pretty standard really. It seems to be relatively safe but I can’t be sure. SOMETHING made my Uncle and Tulgi sick.
What do you all think? It could be helpful and powerful in the hands of the right person but it’s not really for me. I did notice Qidira has a few daggers on her person and she has the nimble fingers to use such a small weapon well. I can’t guarantee it won’t make the wielder sick... but then... I can’t guarantee that it hasn’t already infected us all by proximity if it is the source.”
He sighs and complains quietly to himself, “I hate not knowing. There’s so much I don’t understand. So many questions and mysteries. So many secrets and things unsaid. Not knowing or understanding a thing is dangerous.”
“Not all Yeti are like that though.” Kotar spoke in responde to Ressys comment. The Druid was not wrong, generally speaking, but there were exceptions. “The Anakalathai, my clan, speak of having met Yeti deep in Eiselcross that can be reasoned with. It was long before my time, but I’ve heard the tales. It is said that they live in a village, hidden in the frozen wasteland.”
We could know so much more if we still had our elders, he thought bitterly as his eyes rested upon the head of the slayed creature. Part of him curious if the trophy was a present or if Urgon had made it from an enemy felled in battle.
Soon enough the talk turned to what they should do. Brandon reaffirmed his preference of going first to the cave. Ressys followed suit this time, giving a new suggestion of his own. Then Durnham spoke in agreement, mentioning the dagger and his distaste for being, figuratively, in the dark.
“Ressys’ idea seems the best and when it comes to the dagger I favor letting Qidira decide."Kotar talked loosing the belt over his mail and resting it over his shield. “She’s probably the one who would make best use of this weapon, but she may not want to risk any chance of sickness, however slim that may be.”
He removed the bracers of his fore arms, then his gloves and finally the armor itself. Under it the cloth was thin. Too thin for most that braved the cold, but not for those who resisted it.
“I’ll be fine with the floor and if it’s worth something, we’ll start getting answers tomorrow.”
Othark pauses a moment when you ask about lodgings; he seems about to suggest you head back to the cabin that he will be delivering to, but thinks better, assuming you must have a reason. “Well if you’re one of Tilda’s people then I guess this will be OK” he pulls aside a canvas tarp covering the deck of the fishing vessel that he was checking, and a hatch in the deck is exposed. “It locks from the inside, there will be blankets – just don’t mind the smell. The boy – we call him Pickle – will give four quick knocks in the morning and will have your order with him”
@Durnham:
You see no more distinguishing features or evidence to the yeti head, although now that it has been pointed out as such, it clearly matches the stories you have heard. No sign of injury or damage, but then there probably wouldn’t if your uncle had deemed it of sufficient quality to mount.
The fire settles in the hearth, no longer roaring hungrily, but instead radiating heat from coals that glow white. Brandon, Ressys, Durnham and Kotar start to stake out their sleeping spots in the cabin while Qidira makes her own arrangements elsewhere; in a few hours they will be ready to take their next collective step on their journey to solve the mystery.
(OOC: once I have resolved all queries and it is clear that everyone is ready I will move us along. I assume from dialogue that the group are debating whether to visit Pelc or the Croaker Caves next, feel free to RP the discussion here or resolve in the OOC chat).
The heat of the fire makes the tall Firbolg sleepy and he lets out a yawn, his long ears clearly drooping. "Unless you feel it is necessary to set a watch I deem we should be safe here. Let us get some rest and see what the morning brings."
If there is no other conversation directed at him, Ressys curls up in his bear cloak and is soon snoring.
Durnham will double check that the front door is locked before approaching his Uncle’s bed. He imagines his Uncle sick and dying from the cold, with the bulging blue veins that Tulgi displayed. He shudders at the thought of Urgon being so sickened and weak.
Although he knows it is unlikely to be a natural sickness, he decides to make up an area to sleep on the ground rather than climbing into the bed and makes a mental note to have everything in the bed washed before he settles into the cabin himself.
Qidira thanks him politely and slips into the sleeping area of the boat, sinking into sleep quickly. When the boy knocks, she answers quickly, and steps out ready to go traveling as not to slow his pace. As she reaches the cabin she asks the boy to wait just a moment, passing him a silver for his patience.
Qidira knocks softly on the door when she arrives at dawn, just loud enough to be heard without causing alarm.
Brandon wakes up early and welcomes Qidira back. “Good morning, my friend. I hope your evening was fruitful - and quiet.” He rouses the others “It’s time to start the day, as the old sergeants used to warn us - don’t sleep past dawn, dawn is when the Drow attack. Then again, the Drow attacked under cover of magical darkness, so maybe the saying doesn’t hold true. Still, old habits die hard”
As the others begin to prepare themselves for the day, Brandon grabs his longsword, moves to an out of the way corner and begins to work through a series of quick exercises, moving through the stances, slashes, and defensive moves he was taught in training at Bladegarden years ago. Someone paying close attention would see that his movements were stiff and clumsy at the beginning of his routine as he struggles with the weight of the sword, but he becomes quicker and more fluid as the exercises end. “So then” he says “What did you find out from your contacts, Qidira? Shall we head to the caves?”
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Qidira looks directly back at Brandon and says, "I'll never give you cause for concern, and will earn your trust."
She then turns to Durnham and nods "Hide armor and Healer's kits" then moving about quickly she scans the area for coins or anything that could be considered trade received for goods sold before she leaves with the Glassblade back to town. perception 5
Durnham continues his search of the cabin, focusing on the mystery of Urgon’s money and clothing. It is likely that his body was prepared for burial by the priests of Palebank, and as he has already deduced, Tulgi then made a mess of the cabin in her frantic search for a cure.
(OOC: the receipt was for 1,000gp and was from Pelc’s Curiosities)
Durnham carries out his ritual for detecting magic and scans around the room, but finds no sign of any arcane presence or power anywhere (OOC but during the time you spend in the presence of the Aeorian dagger you learn that it is a +1 dagger)
Kotar weighs up the maul before stowing it; the weapon is an imposing lump of silver-coated metal and wood. It is a shame that the splint armour is too small; it is weathered and aged but sturdy and could stop a great deal of damage. You have heard that some beasts can only be killed by silver, and so this may be a fortuitous gift from Urgon.
Qidira takes the money and orders before casting her eye around the cabin at Durnham’s request, looking for ideas of where to store the proceeds of such a large sale.
@Qidira:
If you had been here on ‘business’ she would start by looking...there; a floorboard sticking up slightly above the otherwise flat surface. The fireplace would normally get a look but is now roaring with flame; other than that, no obvious hiding places that haven’t already been searched; Durnham’s initial inspection was impressively thorough.
Her search complete, Qidira starts heading out back into the cold. As the door swings open, her colleagues see Mila the Glassblade stood waiting for Qidira in the dark.
@Qidira:
The journey with Mila is pleasant, and she answers your questions on Barandon’s behalf; The Croaker Caves are so named for the giant frogs that reside there. One in particular, Old Croaker, is potentially lethal if angered or attacked, but the beasts should be placid under normal conditions. The caves are on the shore of the Frigid Depths, north of Palebank. The Uttolots are one of the four main crime families that form the Tribes of Shadycreek Run. They specialize in imports and exports, as well as poaching dangerous beasts and monsters. (OOC will process your trading in the next update)
Qidira not wishing to make the Glassblade wait any longer, whispers to Durnham
"If it were me, I'd hide it there." She whispers quickly gesturing subtly at a loose floor board, "or the fireplace, but..." glancing the already roaring fire. "I'll be back at dawn."
Durnham nods to Qidira and leans in to whisper back
“That hide armor... it needs to fit me so a dwarven fit if you can manage, thank you.”
He also looks Qidira over as she leaves, trying to determine what kind of weapons the gnome uses. 19 Perception
He walks over to the fireplace where Winterwalker and Brandon have worked together to get a fire going. He holds his hands to the warmth and says “Thank you, it’s already warmer.” His gaze roams around the room, taking in the disarray, lingers a moment on the floorboard Qidira indicates, then finally rests on the creature mounted above the fireplace. “Kotar, Winterwalker, do either of you recognize this animal? I’m not sure I’ve seen its like.”
Noob
"Perhaps Tulgi wasn't completely honest and stole the money as well?" Ressys muses as he moves around the cabin looking around. But he was unused to staying inside homes like this so didn't really know what to look for. "As for purchases, if that armor fits no one it could be sold to purchase other supplies if needed."
Ressys is oblivious to any sentimental attachment Durham may have for the armor.
"Other than that I see nothing else here that tells us anything we already know. A safe place to sleep out of the elements is what we have."
As Qidira turns to leave, her cloak sways to reveal two daggers sheathed farther back on her belt and a short sword. She also has a Short Bow slung over her back. She wears leather.
She smiles back at Durnham, "Hide armor that fits, healers kits and as much information as I can come up with. I will rest in town and return with all I have at dawn." She turns and leaves swiftly through the door.
She exits the cabin and greets Mila, thanking her for waiting for her. "Let us move swiftly, you've been in the cold long enough."
@DM
She moves with Mila quickly towards Palebank, "Thank you Mila. I appreciate your company and anything you could help me with. We seek a cure for what caused Urgon's death and possibly others." She shares the questions that Brandon asked of her and thanks her heartily for her answers, "This will save us needless fights and much time. I am in your debt."
Once parted from Mila, she seeks out Tilda ensuring that she is not followed - just in case and hopes that she will agree to see her at this time of day. With respect she asks for contacts to seek supplies at this hour as well as affiliations in this area to be sure she doesn't overstep boundaries. She will go where she is told to go, and seeks a secure place to rest until near dawn and possible assistance in transporting back swiftly with any items she's obtained. Particular interest are items coming back from Eiselcross, more info on Uttolots or any of the other crime families and who she is affiliated with. Possibly some information regarding Pelc. And of course if anything is required of her.
“A safe place to sleep out of the elements is enough for now” Brandon warms himself by the fire. He sees that his companions have made an initial search of the cabin, discovering the receipt and gear. He will move to pick up some of the items laying about the floor and table, trying to tidy up the gear, foodstuffs, and books, taking another look for areas that Urgon could have used to hide items or information on what he discovered in Eiselcross.
Investigation 8
“We should rest while we wait for our friend to return in the morning. Do you prefer to visit Pelc first, or head directly to Croaker’s Cave? Personally, I would like to try to recover the items from the cave as soon as possible. Regardless, we will have a busy day tomorrow.”
Durnham is distracted by the strange beast mounted on the wall. At Brandon’s question he turns and looks in Brandon’s direction. He blinks a moment as he pulls himself out of his contemplation and reviews the question in his memory before responding.
”Yes, let’s rest here tonight. There isn’t enough bed for us all but there’s floor space enough and a good fire. I think we should eat a bit and then get some sleep, tomorrow will be busy. We should probably check on Pelc and see if he’s feeling well or if my Uncle gave him any information that might help us. We may also need to get provisions before heading to the cave.”
As they clear floor space Durnham investigates the floorboard indicated by Qidira 7.
Noob
Brandon, Durnham, Kotar and Ressys settle in for the night at the cabin, debating the nature of the head mounted on the wall (OOC Nature check to identify it please).
The cabin is warming nicely by now, and none of you are showing any sign of illness.
Durnham inspects a floorboard which seems to stick up ever so slightly more than the others. It has chips around the edge at one end, suggesting that it has been pried up and replaced many times; it seems so obvious now that it has been pointed out. Under the floorboard you find a small metal lockbox; it is unlocked and opens to reveal 5 gold pieces, 3 silver and 15 copper.
@Qidira:
Mila feigns surprise when you mention your search for the cure “Oh that sounds important, I-” she drops the façade “Corellan speed you on your way, the illness has got everyone worried”
You know that the best way to contact Tilda’s agent in any particular town is to enquire at the docks or market for ‘The Uthodurn Speciality’, and start by asking a late-working fisherman checking the bindings of moored boats. A rotund dwarf with wild red hair poking out from under his thick fur cap, he pauses briefly at your request and then says “I heard Tilda had a gnome on the loose. What do you need?”
Once you have relayed your request, the man rubs his beard and ponders a moment “That should all be doable. Hide armour with a dwarven fit, plus two healers’ kits – I can get you all that by morning for thirty gold”
In response to your questions he replies grimly “Lots of stuff comes back from Eiselcross, but you won’t see me touching it – it's as likely to blow an arm off as turn you into a mighty warrior or wizard. Tilda loves it though, finds plenty of buyers down south and makes good markup on it too. Most of it comes to Palebank through Syrinlya (OOC: an Uthodurnian outpost on Foren, Eiselcross’s largest island). We have to contend with competition from the Uttolots, but everyone avoids open conflict so as to stay out of the Glassblades’ attentions. As long as you keep away from their agents you’ll be left alone”
On the subject of further payment or obligation he says “No, the gold should be enough. Tilda will get in touch as & when she needs anything, but of you need anything else then my name is Othark. My boy will drop off the goods at your cabin around sunrise”
Ressys settles onto the floor and loosens his cloak as the warmth of the fire fills the room. He looks around the room eventually his attention being drawn to the creature hanging over the fireplace. He was certain he had seen such a thing before but wasn't sure.
Nature 20
Ressys recognises the head as that of a yeti; hulking monstrosities that stalk alpine peaks in a ceaseless hunt for food. They are native to this region and greatly - and rightly - feared by the local people. They are not hunted for food or sport, so one could only speculate as to how Urgon acquired this specimen.
@DM
Noticing the abrupt change in expression, Qidira eyes her curiously but doesn't comment. "May He guide yours as well. Thank you." Then by a circuitous route, heads down towards the docks to converse with Othark. She agrees to his price, and hands him 30 gold. (adjusted my funds). "Might you know of a secure place for me to sleep for the night, aside from the Inn and then I can accompany your boy back in the morning?" (if she can work this out, she will give him another 2 gp in thanks, resting for the evening and meeting the others at sunrise at the cabin.)
"That is no mere animal above the fireplace Durnham."
Ressys answers Durnham.
"That is the head of a Yeti. Yeti are hulking monstrosities that stalk alpine peaks in a ceaseless hunt for food. Their snow-white fur lets them move like ghosts against the frozen landscape. A very dangerous creature."
"As for tomorrow I am torn between the two options. But I think the caves is the the place we need to go first. Whatever happened at Pelc's is done. We cannot stop it or prevent it. And we know what happened, we've heard the confession of Tulgi. We are more likely to find answers at the caves. But we should still seek Pelc out and check on him after."
He thinks for a moment.
"Or send word to Elro Aldataur to check on Pelc while we head to the caves."
Durnham looks at the head mounted on the fireplace. “That is quite the trophy. A Yeti? Uncle Urgon must have faced it during his travels at some point.” Durnham will examine it closer to see if he can find anything else out about it
18 Investigation
“You’re right Winterwalker, I doubt Pelc could add much. We should get right on the trail of these goods. Getting a message to Elro to have him check on the merchant is a good idea.”
He then examines the floorboard and finds the chest. He takes the chest out and empties the coins then looks at the others and says “Here’s a bit of coin but nothing significant. That 1,000 gold is either spent or hidden elsewhere.” He replaces the floor board and sits down, opens his backpack again and pulls his spell book out. He then uses the twisting hand motion and arcane word to summon the ghostly hand and directs it into the backpack, pulling out the dagger. The hand floats the dagger to the small steel box and he drops it in and closes it. With that complete Durnham dismisses the hand and places the steel chest at the bottom of his pack.
”I will feel more comfortable having a bit of metal between me and that thing.
He then looks up at the others and says “I’ve spent enough time around this dagger to understand the nature of it’s magic. It seems to be enchanted to help you strike your target and inflict more damage... pretty standard really. It seems to be relatively safe but I can’t be sure. SOMETHING made my Uncle and Tulgi sick.
What do you all think? It could be helpful and powerful in the hands of the right person but it’s not really for me. I did notice Qidira has a few daggers on her person and she has the nimble fingers to use such a small weapon well. I can’t guarantee it won’t make the wielder sick... but then... I can’t guarantee that it hasn’t already infected us all by proximity if it is the source.”
He sighs and complains quietly to himself, “I hate not knowing. There’s so much I don’t understand. So many questions and mysteries. So many secrets and things unsaid. Not knowing or understanding a thing is dangerous.”
Noob
“Not all Yeti are like that though.” Kotar spoke in responde to Ressys comment. The Druid was not wrong, generally speaking, but there were exceptions. “The Anakalathai, my clan, speak of having met Yeti deep in Eiselcross that can be reasoned with. It was long before my time, but I’ve heard the tales. It is said that they live in a village, hidden in the frozen wasteland.”
We could know so much more if we still had our elders, he thought bitterly as his eyes rested upon the head of the slayed creature. Part of him curious if the trophy was a present or if Urgon had made it from an enemy felled in battle.
Soon enough the talk turned to what they should do. Brandon reaffirmed his preference of going first to the cave. Ressys followed suit this time, giving a new suggestion of his own. Then Durnham spoke in agreement, mentioning the dagger and his distaste for being, figuratively, in the dark.
“Ressys’ idea seems the best and when it comes to the dagger I favor letting Qidira decide." Kotar talked loosing the belt over his mail and resting it over his shield. “She’s probably the one who would make best use of this weapon, but she may not want to risk any chance of sickness, however slim that may be.”
He removed the bracers of his fore arms, then his gloves and finally the armor itself. Under it the cloth was thin. Too thin for most that braved the cold, but not for those who resisted it.
“I’ll be fine with the floor and if it’s worth something, we’ll start getting answers tomorrow.”
@Qidira:
Othark pauses a moment when you ask about lodgings; he seems about to suggest you head back to the cabin that he will be delivering to, but thinks better, assuming you must have a reason. “Well if you’re one of Tilda’s people then I guess this will be OK” he pulls aside a canvas tarp covering the deck of the fishing vessel that he was checking, and a hatch in the deck is exposed. “It locks from the inside, there will be blankets – just don’t mind the smell. The boy – we call him Pickle – will give four quick knocks in the morning and will have your order with him”
@Durnham:
You see no more distinguishing features or evidence to the yeti head, although now that it has been pointed out as such, it clearly matches the stories you have heard. No sign of injury or damage, but then there probably wouldn’t if your uncle had deemed it of sufficient quality to mount.
The fire settles in the hearth, no longer roaring hungrily, but instead radiating heat from coals that glow white. Brandon, Ressys, Durnham and Kotar start to stake out their sleeping spots in the cabin while Qidira makes her own arrangements elsewhere; in a few hours they will be ready to take their next collective step on their journey to solve the mystery.
(OOC: once I have resolved all queries and it is clear that everyone is ready I will move us along. I assume from dialogue that the group are debating whether to visit Pelc or the Croaker Caves next, feel free to RP the discussion here or resolve in the OOC chat).
The heat of the fire makes the tall Firbolg sleepy and he lets out a yawn, his long ears clearly drooping. "Unless you feel it is necessary to set a watch I deem we should be safe here. Let us get some rest and see what the morning brings."
If there is no other conversation directed at him, Ressys curls up in his bear cloak and is soon snoring.
Durnham will double check that the front door is locked before approaching his Uncle’s bed. He imagines his Uncle sick and dying from the cold, with the bulging blue veins that Tulgi displayed. He shudders at the thought of Urgon being so sickened and weak.
Although he knows it is unlikely to be a natural sickness, he decides to make up an area to sleep on the ground rather than climbing into the bed and makes a mental note to have everything in the bed washed before he settles into the cabin himself.
He curls up in his blanket and goes to sleep.
Noob
@DM
Qidira thanks him politely and slips into the sleeping area of the boat, sinking into sleep quickly. When the boy knocks, she answers quickly, and steps out ready to go traveling as not to slow his pace. As she reaches the cabin she asks the boy to wait just a moment, passing him a silver for his patience.
Qidira knocks softly on the door when she arrives at dawn, just loud enough to be heard without causing alarm.
Brandon wakes up early and welcomes Qidira back. “Good morning, my friend. I hope your evening was fruitful - and quiet.” He rouses the others “It’s time to start the day, as the old sergeants used to warn us - don’t sleep past dawn, dawn is when the Drow attack. Then again, the Drow attacked under cover of magical darkness, so maybe the saying doesn’t hold true. Still, old habits die hard”
As the others begin to prepare themselves for the day, Brandon grabs his longsword, moves to an out of the way corner and begins to work through a series of quick exercises, moving through the stances, slashes, and defensive moves he was taught in training at Bladegarden years ago. Someone paying close attention would see that his movements were stiff and clumsy at the beginning of his routine as he struggles with the weight of the sword, but he becomes quicker and more fluid as the exercises end. “So then” he says “What did you find out from your contacts, Qidira? Shall we head to the caves?”