(sorry still sick - thats so obvious now that you mention it- deleted post duplicates this one)
Qidira will start searching carefully in Pelc's room then out into the main store. Not using a light source as her darkvision should be sufficient. She's looking for valuable but not distinct items - things that won't be missed. Even peering under the bed, into cabinets, etc. She replaces items as she searches. Aside from valuable items, she will look for items useful for the trip.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I'll take a look." Ressys says as he reaches up and sees if the yeti head can be removed from the wall and takes a look behind and in it if it comes off. He'll also check the chimney and fireplace. Casting Produce Flame the magical flame appears in his hand and he uses it to add some light to aid him. He's looking for loose stones or rocks that might hide something or anything stuck up the chimney.
Durnham sees the light fading through the window and needs to get on to his next destination. He removes the key to the cabin and gives it to Ressys. “You’re all welcome to stay here and help yourselves to whatever food or necessities you find. I have... other plans tonight but I’ll meet you all at the docks in the morning.” He looks at Ressys, “please share with Elro my concerns about the time we have... if they leave before the sickness takes hold they should be well enough for the journey but I defer to his judgement.”
And with that he will head out towards the Moonshadow residence for the evening.
“Let’s assume Thin Sheets is Breyskr Niðr and that your uncle didn’t have to deal with bad weather on his way back from the place where he got the vials with the Woe.”He started as the group discussed Durnham’s proposition. “That means he had at least eleven days more than Hulil or Tulgi had with the spores, if he did get only calm waters.” There were too many things that could delay them, he started to notice. “It may be too hurried to assume we won’t make it in time and say to either the Liels or the criminals to make way for the outpost. The travel by boat alone takes nine days, enough time for them to become too sick midway.”
Worse case the travel could kill them before the sickness had its chance. At least no one will have to deal with that thing anymore. Or so Kotar hoped.
“I’ll stay by here too.” He said as gnome and dwarf said their brief farewells. “Got a lot of things to dry properly after our encounter with the frogs.”
Soon after Ressys’ search caught his eyes. Maybe I should help, though Kotar as the druid started to make squeaking sound.
Ressys searches the cabin thoroughly, gets the yeti head off the wall and looks behind (and inside) it, but finds no other clues. When he calls out in the series of squeaks that resemble mouse noise, a tiny rodent appears from the skirting board and scuttles over to the loose floorboard which was revealed earlier. The tiny rodent circles the panel and then darts back to its home, wary of predators.
***
Meanwhile, Qidira searches Pelc’s for items of interest, use or value. In truth the shop is mostly stocked with bric-a-brack and curiosities which might be of value to a collector, or useful in very specific circumstances. The little gnome does uncover a platinum ashtray worth an estimated 40gp, a brass compass, a copy of ‘Anatomy of a Centaur’ and a simple gold ring which seems to shimmer slightly. Finally, a bundle of poles which at first looks innocuous but as Qidira knocks them over they appear to be linked together by springs and wire; the contraption bursts into shape to make the frame of a sled.
***
Durnham leaves the cabin and heads across Palebank to the Moonshaddows’ home. Driven by habit, he enters without knocking, only remembering himself when it is too late and he has stepped inside. Almost immediately there is a cry of “Durnham!”and his adoptive mother, Imryll, rushes over to embrace him.
All the stress and anxiety from the past 24 hours drain from his body as he walks through the door. His shoulders relax as the weight and burdens he’s been carrying are, at least here, for a time, set aside.
He hugs her back and holds on for a long moment before saying, “Light shine upon you, Imryll,” in Elvish. He then switches back to common “I’m sorry I couldn’t come see you last night. Elro asked Winterwalker, myself, and a few others to look into the sickness that...” his throat tightens and he can’t finish the sentence. He steps back and walks to the table, removes his backpack and sets it on the floor before collapsing in a chair.
Memories begin trickling in of his Uncle when he was a child. Sitting on his knee listening to stories of his adventures, holidays with his Uncle and parents, a time when he was sick and his mother took care of him, his father giving advice. Faster and faster the memories come rushing in. His father, mother, and uncle... hundreds of half forgotten memories come flooding back. It’s too much. The walls he had built to distance himself from the pain collapse and he begins weeping like he hasn’t since he lost his parents. He loses himself in memories and pain for a time as he sobs in that chair.
Qidira tucks the ring and the compass into one pocket, the ashtray into another, the copy (book or scroll form?) into another if scroll or Bag of Holding if book. She then sets about adjusting the sled back into its original pre-sprung form and tries to fit it also into the bag. That seems most potentially useful. She'll glance to see if any foodstuffs were left in the place prior to leaving then if nothing else catches her eye before she leaves trying to leave the place as much as she'd found it relocking the door as she departs attempting to stay out of sight. She'll make her way back to the cabin eager to share the sled that she'd found.
As Durnham starts to gather his senses, he notices that Imryll has left an envelope on the table in front of him. The handwriting is unmistakable, he was reading it in journal notes just an hour ago: "Durnham"
The soft voice of his adoptive mother drifts over from behind him: "He left that with us, said that it contains the things he wanted to tell you himself"
"Well, my little friend says the place in the floor was the place stuff was hidden and we already uncovered it. I don't think there is anything else to be found in this cabin."
Ressys moves to the fireplace and stacks some wood in it and using Produce Flame he lights the wood on fire to warm the cabin up. After stoking the fire and building it up so the room starts to get warmer he wraps himself into his cloak.
"I am going to go out for a few hours. I must leave the village on personal business that I must attend to later this evening and must leave before they close the gate. I will try and return later tonight but if I cannot get back into the village I will meet you at the docks before we set sail."
Before Brandon or Kotar can ask him any questions he slips out the door and into the growing darkness. He follows the paths to the gates hoping to find them still open, or at least be allowed to exit.
Finding the guard at the gate. "Winterwalker must seek the groves of trees nearby but will return in a few hours. Please allow me entry back in when I return. My companions and I are staying at Urgon Wenth's cabin."
Trusting to his reputation in town to get him back in he follows the trail leading out of the village and towards some trees closer to the Flotkep Alps.
Once within a grove of trees he stamps out a spot in the snow that gives him a clear view of the sky. Having made his place he takes out his totem and settles into a cross-legged position and holding the totem he slowly chants in the language of the druids. He then speaks using the Speech of Beast and Leaf calling quietly to the animals and the trees speaking their names, their attributes and strengths. He remains doing this until the light of the moon reaches him.
Abruptly he stops speaking the names of beast and leaf. Getting to his feet he approaches one of the trees and using the blade of the scimitar he cuts some small markings near the base.
Finished he returns to the village and when reaching the gates calls to the guard "Winterwalker has returned."
His hands tremble as he picks up the envelope. Durnham turns to look at Imryll, tears still on his check and in his eyes, his throat still sore and thick with emotion “When... “ He stops to clear his throat and tries again “When I got word... I came as fast as I could. I didn’t know...” he lowers his head and looks at the letter “I didn’t know he was sick. He said... he said he needed to tell me something about my parents.”
Durnham wipes his eyes with the back of his hand. “You’ve always been there for me. Even before... I don’t know what I can say except thank you.”
He then opens the envelope and takes out the letter. Wiping his eyes occasionally to clear his vision.
Qidira reaches the cabin after Ressys has left; only Kotar and Brandon are still there, settling down for the night as the fire burns down to embers.
***
The guard nods wordlessly at Ressys, standing aside as the big firbolg walks past and away from Palebank. The tiny souls of the wildlands flock to him and keep him in soulful company, present without being intrusive. He feels himself connect to the spirits of all the living things, free from the static disruption of civilisation's contraptions and social demands.
***
Durnham opens the envelope and removes the handwritten letter.
@Durnham:
“Durnham, I had hoped to meet you myself and talk you through what I have heard. Unfortunately it seems that I may not be able to make that meeting; I fall weaker every day and at this rate will be passed before you reach Palebank.
My news concerns your parents, and I cannot determine at this point if it is good news or bad; that is a matter for their conscience and your determination.
A few months ago I was sat in the communal area of Syrinlya when I heard a Dwendalian scout telling a story of a pair of Kryn spies that his ship had picked up in the Frigid Depths off Taergoss. He spoke of a married couple – dwarves – who claimed to be fishers from Palebank and thus unconcerned with matters between the Kryn and the Empire. However, they were caught with notebooks and equipment which rather damningly indicated them to be working for the Kryn. At first I was enticed by hearing the name of our hometown, and then a deep sense of unease befell me as the man recited his story. The dwarves he described matched your parents so perfectly that it could be nobody else; that ridiculous chunky jumper of your father’s, the way your mother pronounces the word ‘sturgeon’, the ramshackle boat called ‘Kellertree’ – it could simply have been nobody else.
In a shock I barged into the conversation to ask what fate befell the dwarves – I could not bring myself to say spies – and his words chilled me to the bone. “Well now” he said “they went where all spies against the Empire are taken; Rexxentrum for a chat, and from there? Who knows?”
I hope you see now why I had wanted to convey this message to you myself; the fact that your parents could still be alive, but as wanted enemies of the Dwendalian Empire. I know that as Uthodurnians we claim to have no interest in the war to the south, but truth be told we are expected to have more in common with the folk of the Empire than the ‘twisted creatures’ of Xhorhas.
I must also confess my own complicity of sorts, for I knew of your parents’ enthusiasm for knowledge of Eiselcross and I would update them when we met of expeditions I had seen or heard of across the archipelago. I would be a liar to claim complete surprise to learn of what they did with this information, although the fact that they allied with the Kryn did shock me.
You may now be wondering what to do with this scant information, and believe me I know the frustration of a tenuous lead. My advice is to seek out the Dwendalian scout I heard the story from – a halfling called Digbar Littletree – and trace the ship he was on when your parents were apprehended. That should lead to their captured journals and a clue to their final destination.
I had hoped that together we might have been able to follow the trail, to find your parents as a team. You have grown into a determined and intelligent dwarf, one they would be rightly proud of – as I always have been. Whilst I may not have always shown it, I had expected to have more time to allow your own skills to grow, to gain that independent streak needed in my line of work. Now, as I lie here facing the doorway to what comes next, I regret only that I did not share more of this with you. All I ask is that whatever you do with your life from here, do what you think is right.
Qidira greets the others upon her return and seeing not all of them there decides to save the display of the sled for later. "I found a couple of things that might be of some use, including a sled!" She pats the Bag of Holding at her side. "Its a little bit of work to disassemble again so I'll save it for a time when all are here. And a Compass which might prove useful in the wilderness, though I suspect we'd still find our way with natural markings."
She settles in for rest for the evening in a quiet corner and pulls out the Anatomy of a Centaur and starts to read.
@Dm
as she has the book open (like a poor student), she pulls out the ring and takes a peek at it. Are there any markings or other evidence of what it might do magically?
As he reads, Durnham slowly stands... his tears dry up and he feels a sensation of hope... and fear. “He says my parents may still be alive!” He looks up at Imryll, “They were spies for the Dynasty? I don’t understand... they never talked about the Dynasty.. or the war. They were just fishers... I thought.” He frowns. “Urgon says they were sent to Rexxentrum? What is Rexxentrum?”
“In this case, our searches continue tomorrow.” Kotar said moving closer to the fire and starting to doff his new piece of armor. He still needed to properly dry his arming garment. Ressys excused himself and only Brandon remained in the cabin. Unsure of how to start a conversation, the goliath let the silence take in.
When the steel was shed, he took his shirt and stretched it in the floor, so the warmth of the hearth could dry it. Then he took sit besides the cloth and close his eyes, but not to sleep. He centered his mind into his senses, once again trying to feel all that was and could be. The contraction of a muscle, the uttering of a word, a deep breath. Everything in his being could change. A small change, but a sensible one. Actuality and potentiality. Earlier he saw it on the image of Bennar. Actuality and potentiality. He could do it again, he was closer form the Echo. Actuality and potentiality . He knew he could, then Qidira’s words brought him back to reality.
“Seems like a could idea to me.” Kotar answered getting up. “This way we can have the magic folk check them faster and is there something to make dinner here?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Qidira looks up at Kotar's words. "I hadn't thought about it, but I am quite hungry. I'll check the pantry, it'll likely spoil while we're gone anyways." She tucks her things away and heads for the pantry area of the cabin, looking over what might be left. investigation5
Qidira turns the ring in her fingers and studies its shimmering surface. She tries it on each finger, bemused to find that the ring fits each one perfectly – even her thumbs. After a while of studying it, she comes to realise that she can instinctively know its position relative to hers, even when placing it under her bag and turning away.
@Qidira:
I have added the homebrew item Ring of Attunement to your inventory and attuned you to it
Having discerned the ring’s hidden qualities, Qidira starts to read the book. It is dry and overly wordy, yet heavily reliant on supposition and theory, with very little practical observation from the author.
Turning her attention to food, the little gnome manages to rustle up some dried fruit and a block of mature cheese.
***
Imryll seems locked between a smile and shock: “They’re alive? Praise Moradin and Corellon! Oh, erm, Rexxentrum is the capital city of the Dwendalian Empire, south of the Dunrock Mountains. Your parents followed a path that they believed in, we never really discussed their views or beliefs. But Urgon respected them enough to share with them what he knew or learned”
The elf seems torn by a spread of emotions, but settles on happiness for the insight that Durnham has gained. She moves to embrace him, ready to support or help her adopted son in any way she can.
***
Ressys finds his peaceful commune with nature experience a sudden, short, almost imperceptible blip. Like a single wave of another vessel’s wake finding its way under the prow of a galleon, it should pass without merit, but the Winterwalker is perfectly attuned in the moment that he experiences the sensation. As soon as he registers it, the moment has gone and all is calm again. The ship sails on...
Durnham turns to hug Imryll. “I don’t know they’re alive... I can’t imagine the empire treats captured spies well... but it’s a chance.... a small one.” He smiles and releases her as he wipes his eyes and dripping nose. He then looks at her seriously, “Even if they are still alive... you... and dad... will always be a part of my life... and will always be my family too.” And then he hugs her again.
After a moment he stops and smiles in embarrassment. “So... uh... Elro said to say Hi... he also said Urgon came by sometimes to visit or check up on me... I didn’t know.”
Ressys finds his peaceful commune with nature experience a sudden, short, almost imperceptible blip. Like a single wave of another vessel’s wake finding its way under the prow of a galleon, it should pass without merit, but the Winterwalker is perfectly attuned in the moment that he experiences the sensation. As soon as he registers it, the moment has gone and all is calm again. The ship sails on...
Ressys breathing is calm, steady, and fluid. But for just a moment he catches his breath. What was that? Something was wrong? No. Different? Yes. But how, for what meaning? He resumes his regular breathing. Nothing around him is disturbed. The creatures, so skittish and prone to flee at the slightest hint of danger are still nearby. He can feel them, he knows they are there and they did not run and hide. The wind blows softly in the leaves of the trees around him, the sound undisturbed. He notes the moment, the sensation, for reflection later as he continues to hum and speak to beast and leaf.
Qidira comes back to the others in the room proudly producing a block of mature cheese and some dried fruit, "Look what I found!" She drags over a little stool, starts cutting the cheese and passes some of it and the dried fruit about. "I suppose we could boil some of the snow..." she says looking about for a well pump or any sort of beverage as an alternative, but not seeing any she will gather a large cooking pot, fill it with snow and set it near the fire to boil. "It might take a bit, but that cheese and fruit will make us thirsty!"
"Oh, this book I found. Its The Anatomy of a Centaur. I'm not sure if the author really has any first hand knowledge on the subject, but its sort of interesting. I probably should have left it at Pelcs. We just have a long voyage ahead." She says setting this nearby as well to offer them a chance at a look at it.
She continues to cut at the cheese and split it into piles of cheese and fruit for each of them to take as a back up food source for the trip.
After carving and sorting of food-stuffs, she pulls out a small brass lighter proceeding to oil and test its mechanisms to make sure its in good working order.
(Yep, spoiler says that Pelc has been removed along with the other bodies - sorry for any confusion)
(sorry still sick - thats so obvious now that you mention it- deleted post duplicates this one)
Qidira will start searching carefully in Pelc's room then out into the main store. Not using a light source as her darkvision should be sufficient. She's looking for valuable but not distinct items - things that won't be missed. Even peering under the bed, into cabinets, etc. She replaces items as she searches. Aside from valuable items, she will look for items useful for the trip.
"I'll take a look." Ressys says as he reaches up and sees if the yeti head can be removed from the wall and takes a look behind and in it if it comes off. He'll also check the chimney and fireplace. Casting Produce Flame the magical flame appears in his hand and he uses it to add some light to aid him. He's looking for loose stones or rocks that might hide something or anything stuck up the chimney.
He'll cast Guidance on himself as he searches
Perception 16 + 3
He then squats down and starts making a number of small squeeking noises calling out in mouse to any rodents that may be in the cabin
"Hello little ones. Can you show where anything is hidden in the rooms? Where the old dwarf hid things?"
Durnham sees the light fading through the window and needs to get on to his next destination. He removes the key to the cabin and gives it to Ressys. “You’re all welcome to stay here and help yourselves to whatever food or necessities you find. I have... other plans tonight but I’ll meet you all at the docks in the morning.” He looks at Ressys, “please share with Elro my concerns about the time we have... if they leave before the sickness takes hold they should be well enough for the journey but I defer to his judgement.”
And with that he will head out towards the Moonshadow residence for the evening.
Noob
“Let’s assume Thin Sheets is Breyskr Niðr and that your uncle didn’t have to deal with bad weather on his way back from the place where he got the vials with the Woe.” He started as the group discussed Durnham’s proposition. “That means he had at least eleven days more than Hulil or Tulgi had with the spores, if he did get only calm waters.” There were too many things that could delay them, he started to notice. “It may be too hurried to assume we won’t make it in time and say to either the Liels or the criminals to make way for the outpost. The travel by boat alone takes nine days, enough time for them to become too sick midway.”
Worse case the travel could kill them before the sickness had its chance. At least no one will have to deal with that thing anymore. Or so Kotar hoped.
“I’ll stay by here too.” He said as gnome and dwarf said their brief farewells. “Got a lot of things to dry properly after our encounter with the frogs.”
Soon after Ressys’ search caught his eyes. Maybe I should help, though Kotar as the druid started to make squeaking sound.
“What should I look for?” He asked the firbolg.
Ressys searches the cabin thoroughly, gets the yeti head off the wall and looks behind (and inside) it, but finds no other clues. When he calls out in the series of squeaks that resemble mouse noise, a tiny rodent appears from the skirting board and scuttles over to the loose floorboard which was revealed earlier. The tiny rodent circles the panel and then darts back to its home, wary of predators.
***
Meanwhile, Qidira searches Pelc’s for items of interest, use or value. In truth the shop is mostly stocked with bric-a-brack and curiosities which might be of value to a collector, or useful in very specific circumstances. The little gnome does uncover a platinum ashtray worth an estimated 40gp, a brass compass, a copy of ‘Anatomy of a Centaur’ and a simple gold ring which seems to shimmer slightly. Finally, a bundle of poles which at first looks innocuous but as Qidira knocks them over they appear to be linked together by springs and wire; the contraption bursts into shape to make the frame of a sled.
***
Durnham leaves the cabin and heads across Palebank to the Moonshaddows’ home. Driven by habit, he enters without knocking, only remembering himself when it is too late and he has stepped inside. Almost immediately there is a cry of “Durnham!” and his adoptive mother, Imryll, rushes over to embrace him.
All the stress and anxiety from the past 24 hours drain from his body as he walks through the door. His shoulders relax as the weight and burdens he’s been carrying are, at least here, for a time, set aside.
He hugs her back and holds on for a long moment before saying, “Light shine upon you, Imryll,” in Elvish. He then switches back to common “I’m sorry I couldn’t come see you last night. Elro asked Winterwalker, myself, and a few others to look into the sickness that...” his throat tightens and he can’t finish the sentence. He steps back and walks to the table, removes his backpack and sets it on the floor before collapsing in a chair.
Memories begin trickling in of his Uncle when he was a child. Sitting on his knee listening to stories of his adventures, holidays with his Uncle and parents, a time when he was sick and his mother took care of him, his father giving advice. Faster and faster the memories come rushing in. His father, mother, and uncle... hundreds of half forgotten memories come flooding back. It’s too much. The walls he had built to distance himself from the pain collapse and he begins weeping like he hasn’t since he lost his parents. He loses himself in memories and pain for a time as he sobs in that chair.
Noob
Qidira tucks the ring and the compass into one pocket, the ashtray into another, the copy (book or scroll form?) into another if scroll or Bag of Holding if book. She then sets about adjusting the sled back into its original pre-sprung form and tries to fit it also into the bag. That seems most potentially useful. She'll glance to see if any foodstuffs were left in the place prior to leaving then if nothing else catches her eye before she leaves trying to leave the place as much as she'd found it relocking the door as she departs attempting to stay out of sight. She'll make her way back to the cabin eager to share the sled that she'd found.
(The copy was a book)
As Durnham starts to gather his senses, he notices that Imryll has left an envelope on the table in front of him. The handwriting is unmistakable, he was reading it in journal notes just an hour ago: "Durnham"
The soft voice of his adoptive mother drifts over from behind him: "He left that with us, said that it contains the things he wanted to tell you himself"
"Well, my little friend says the place in the floor was the place stuff was hidden and we already uncovered it. I don't think there is anything else to be found in this cabin."
Ressys moves to the fireplace and stacks some wood in it and using Produce Flame he lights the wood on fire to warm the cabin up. After stoking the fire and building it up so the room starts to get warmer he wraps himself into his cloak.
"I am going to go out for a few hours. I must leave the village on personal business that I must attend to later this evening and must leave before they close the gate. I will try and return later tonight but if I cannot get back into the village I will meet you at the docks before we set sail."
Before Brandon or Kotar can ask him any questions he slips out the door and into the growing darkness. He follows the paths to the gates hoping to find them still open, or at least be allowed to exit.
Finding the guard at the gate. "Winterwalker must seek the groves of trees nearby but will return in a few hours. Please allow me entry back in when I return. My companions and I are staying at Urgon Wenth's cabin."
Trusting to his reputation in town to get him back in he follows the trail leading out of the village and towards some trees closer to the Flotkep Alps.
Once within a grove of trees he stamps out a spot in the snow that gives him a clear view of the sky. Having made his place he takes out his totem and settles into a cross-legged position and holding the totem he slowly chants in the language of the druids. He then speaks using the Speech of Beast and Leaf calling quietly to the animals and the trees speaking their names, their attributes and strengths. He remains doing this until the light of the moon reaches him.
Abruptly he stops speaking the names of beast and leaf. Getting to his feet he approaches one of the trees and using the blade of the scimitar he cuts some small markings near the base.
Finished he returns to the village and when reaching the gates calls to the guard "Winterwalker has returned."
His hands tremble as he picks up the envelope. Durnham turns to look at Imryll, tears still on his check and in his eyes, his throat still sore and thick with emotion “When... “ He stops to clear his throat and tries again “When I got word... I came as fast as I could. I didn’t know...” he lowers his head and looks at the letter “I didn’t know he was sick. He said... he said he needed to tell me something about my parents.”
Durnham wipes his eyes with the back of his hand. “You’ve always been there for me. Even before... I don’t know what I can say except thank you.”
He then opens the envelope and takes out the letter. Wiping his eyes occasionally to clear his vision.
Noob
Qidira reaches the cabin after Ressys has left; only Kotar and Brandon are still there, settling down for the night as the fire burns down to embers.
***
The guard nods wordlessly at Ressys, standing aside as the big firbolg walks past and away from Palebank. The tiny souls of the wildlands flock to him and keep him in soulful company, present without being intrusive. He feels himself connect to the spirits of all the living things, free from the static disruption of civilisation's contraptions and social demands.
***
Durnham opens the envelope and removes the handwritten letter.
@Durnham:
“Durnham, I had hoped to meet you myself and talk you through what I have heard. Unfortunately it seems that I may not be able to make that meeting; I fall weaker every day and at this rate will be passed before you reach Palebank.
My news concerns your parents, and I cannot determine at this point if it is good news or bad; that is a matter for their conscience and your determination.
A few months ago I was sat in the communal area of Syrinlya when I heard a Dwendalian scout telling a story of a pair of Kryn spies that his ship had picked up in the Frigid Depths off Taergoss. He spoke of a married couple – dwarves – who claimed to be fishers from Palebank and thus unconcerned with matters between the Kryn and the Empire. However, they were caught with notebooks and equipment which rather damningly indicated them to be working for the Kryn. At first I was enticed by hearing the name of our hometown, and then a deep sense of unease befell me as the man recited his story. The dwarves he described matched your parents so perfectly that it could be nobody else; that ridiculous chunky jumper of your father’s, the way your mother pronounces the word ‘sturgeon’, the ramshackle boat called ‘Kellertree’ – it could simply have been nobody else.
In a shock I barged into the conversation to ask what fate befell the dwarves – I could not bring myself to say spies – and his words chilled me to the bone. “Well now” he said “they went where all spies against the Empire are taken; Rexxentrum for a chat, and from there? Who knows?”
I hope you see now why I had wanted to convey this message to you myself; the fact that your parents could still be alive, but as wanted enemies of the Dwendalian Empire. I know that as Uthodurnians we claim to have no interest in the war to the south, but truth be told we are expected to have more in common with the folk of the Empire than the ‘twisted creatures’ of Xhorhas.
I must also confess my own complicity of sorts, for I knew of your parents’ enthusiasm for knowledge of Eiselcross and I would update them when we met of expeditions I had seen or heard of across the archipelago. I would be a liar to claim complete surprise to learn of what they did with this information, although the fact that they allied with the Kryn did shock me.
You may now be wondering what to do with this scant information, and believe me I know the frustration of a tenuous lead. My advice is to seek out the Dwendalian scout I heard the story from – a halfling called Digbar Littletree – and trace the ship he was on when your parents were apprehended. That should lead to their captured journals and a clue to their final destination.
I had hoped that together we might have been able to follow the trail, to find your parents as a team. You have grown into a determined and intelligent dwarf, one they would be rightly proud of – as I always have been. Whilst I may not have always shown it, I had expected to have more time to allow your own skills to grow, to gain that independent streak needed in my line of work. Now, as I lie here facing the doorway to what comes next, I regret only that I did not share more of this with you. All I ask is that whatever you do with your life from here, do what you think is right.
Yours with pride,
Urgon”
Qidira greets the others upon her return and seeing not all of them there decides to save the display of the sled for later. "I found a couple of things that might be of some use, including a sled!" She pats the Bag of Holding at her side. "Its a little bit of work to disassemble again so I'll save it for a time when all are here. And a Compass which might prove useful in the wilderness, though I suspect we'd still find our way with natural markings."
She settles in for rest for the evening in a quiet corner and pulls out the Anatomy of a Centaur and starts to read.
@Dm
as she has the book open (like a poor student), she pulls out the ring and takes a peek at it. Are there any markings or other evidence of what it might do magically?
As he reads, Durnham slowly stands... his tears dry up and he feels a sensation of hope... and fear. “He says my parents may still be alive!” He looks up at Imryll, “They were spies for the Dynasty? I don’t understand... they never talked about the Dynasty.. or the war. They were just fishers... I thought.” He frowns. “Urgon says they were sent to Rexxentrum? What is Rexxentrum?”
Noob
“In this case, our searches continue tomorrow.” Kotar said moving closer to the fire and starting to doff his new piece of armor. He still needed to properly dry his arming garment. Ressys excused himself and only Brandon remained in the cabin. Unsure of how to start a conversation, the goliath let the silence take in.
When the steel was shed, he took his shirt and stretched it in the floor, so the warmth of the hearth could dry it. Then he took sit besides the cloth and close his eyes, but not to sleep. He centered his mind into his senses, once again trying to feel all that was and could be. The contraction of a muscle, the uttering of a word, a deep breath. Everything in his being could change. A small change, but a sensible one. Actuality and potentiality. Earlier he saw it on the image of Bennar. Actuality and potentiality. He could do it again, he was closer form the Echo. Actuality and potentiality . He knew he could, then Qidira’s words brought him back to reality.
“Seems like a could idea to me.” Kotar answered getting up. “This way we can have the magic folk check them faster and is there something to make dinner here?”
Qidira looks up at Kotar's words. "I hadn't thought about it, but I am quite hungry. I'll check the pantry, it'll likely spoil while we're gone anyways." She tucks her things away and heads for the pantry area of the cabin, looking over what might be left. investigation 5
Qidira turns the ring in her fingers and studies its shimmering surface. She tries it on each finger, bemused to find that the ring fits each one perfectly – even her thumbs. After a while of studying it, she comes to realise that she can instinctively know its position relative to hers, even when placing it under her bag and turning away.
@Qidira:
I have added the homebrew item Ring of Attunement to your inventory and attuned you to it
Having discerned the ring’s hidden qualities, Qidira starts to read the book. It is dry and overly wordy, yet heavily reliant on supposition and theory, with very little practical observation from the author.
Turning her attention to food, the little gnome manages to rustle up some dried fruit and a block of mature cheese.
***
Imryll seems locked between a smile and shock: “They’re alive? Praise Moradin and Corellon! Oh, erm, Rexxentrum is the capital city of the Dwendalian Empire, south of the Dunrock Mountains. Your parents followed a path that they believed in, we never really discussed their views or beliefs. But Urgon respected them enough to share with them what he knew or learned”
The elf seems torn by a spread of emotions, but settles on happiness for the insight that Durnham has gained. She moves to embrace him, ready to support or help her adopted son in any way she can.
***
Ressys finds his peaceful commune with nature experience a sudden, short, almost imperceptible blip. Like a single wave of another vessel’s wake finding its way under the prow of a galleon, it should pass without merit, but the Winterwalker is perfectly attuned in the moment that he experiences the sensation. As soon as he registers it, the moment has gone and all is calm again. The ship sails on...
Durnham turns to hug Imryll. “I don’t know they’re alive... I can’t imagine the empire treats captured spies well... but it’s a chance.... a small one.” He smiles and releases her as he wipes his eyes and dripping nose. He then looks at her seriously, “Even if they are still alive... you... and dad... will always be a part of my life... and will always be my family too.” And then he hugs her again.
After a moment he stops and smiles in embarrassment. “So... uh... Elro said to say Hi... he also said Urgon came by sometimes to visit or check up on me... I didn’t know.”
Noob
Ressys breathing is calm, steady, and fluid. But for just a moment he catches his breath. What was that? Something was wrong? No. Different? Yes. But how, for what meaning? He resumes his regular breathing. Nothing around him is disturbed. The creatures, so skittish and prone to flee at the slightest hint of danger are still nearby. He can feel them, he knows they are there and they did not run and hide. The wind blows softly in the leaves of the trees around him, the sound undisturbed. He notes the moment, the sensation, for reflection later as he continues to hum and speak to beast and leaf.
Qidira comes back to the others in the room proudly producing a block of mature cheese and some dried fruit, "Look what I found!" She drags over a little stool, starts cutting the cheese and passes some of it and the dried fruit about. "I suppose we could boil some of the snow..." she says looking about for a well pump or any sort of beverage as an alternative, but not seeing any she will gather a large cooking pot, fill it with snow and set it near the fire to boil. "It might take a bit, but that cheese and fruit will make us thirsty!"
"Oh, this book I found. Its The Anatomy of a Centaur. I'm not sure if the author really has any first hand knowledge on the subject, but its sort of interesting. I probably should have left it at Pelcs. We just have a long voyage ahead." She says setting this nearby as well to offer them a chance at a look at it.
She continues to cut at the cheese and split it into piles of cheese and fruit for each of them to take as a back up food source for the trip.
After carving and sorting of food-stuffs, she pulls out a small brass lighter proceeding to oil and test its mechanisms to make sure its in good working order.