Qidira looks briefly disappointed at Durnham's comment in front of Morgo but fixes her face quickly knowing he's right to want to move things forward quickly then glad to hear him explain his comments.
At Ressys' suggestion she perks up as she was thinking along the same lines. She wasn't needed at Orvo's tent and could catch up on info from the others later. "Morgo, I am exceptional with books, journals, histories and have spent most of my life studying in a large private library. I will spend every minute we have here reviewing his documents and take with us any that you might allow for study along the way. Not too many because we need space for gear, but a couple that might prove more useful? As soon as the group is ready to leave they can send for me and I'll meet them immediately, but they don't need me to be there for the conversation with Orvo or any other errands. I can go there straight away and be it 10 minutes or an hour, I'll make the most of it." She says quickly to lighten the mood.
She follows Morgo to the Professor's tent and immediately sets to work going through the books and papers on the desk as that's where the old elf used to put the things most important to him. "I'll start here. This is where I think he'd put the most recent or important documents."
Note: Although Qidira doesn't have any particular talent with books and such unless it pertains to items (I probably should have picked that given her backstory) She may consider herself to because of what she said above. A large portion of her life was spent sneaking into a library to be later caught and allowed to be there. She mainly says this to redirect Morgo's attention and give her some hope.
Brandon waits a moment, then follows Morgo’s advice and follows Durnham into the tent, thankful that the dwarf was not ill. Waiting respectfully in the background while Durnham breaks the news of Urgon’s fate, he scans the inside of the tent carefully, taking in the surroundings and looking for any clues from Orvo’s last trip.
Perception: 8
“Good day, I am Brandon, one of Durnham’s companions” Brandon greets the dwarf “You have my condolences. I know it is tough to lose a good friend that you have shared adventure and hardships with, may the Matron guide him in his next journey. We are hoping to hear more of your last trip with Urgon, perhaps it can help us find a cure and save the children from the sickness.”
Orvo’s mannerisms, his shift in mood, suggest to Durnham that the explorer is suffering from some form of trauma. He nods when Durnham asks to sit and listens impassively as the wizard relays his story.
When Durnham has finished, Orvo says nothing for a while – his expression barely changes and it seems at first as if he hasn’t been listening. After about a minute of awkward silence, Orvo looks down at the sword in his lap and runs a finger along the flat of the blade.
“I know you’re not – weren't - really his son, but he spoke as if you were; so proud of your intelligence and curiosity. But he was not good with...people, he didn’t know how to be around you”
Orvo squeezes his eyes shut and seems to be holding back his simmering emotions.
“I can’t believe he’s gone. He could track a yeti in a blizzard, crack a puzzle that looked to everyone else like shapeless graffiti, and he gets brought down by some pathetic powder we found in an old vault? That’s not how adventurers like Urgon Wenth pass to the other side, and he certainly wouldn’t want to have left that poison behind for others.
Damnit, those vials seemed like a bad idea when we took them; we’ve found Aeorian tools and even weapons before, but this was the first time we’d found...substances. We nearly left them too, but the opportunity seemed too good to pass up. There were other liquids there, maybe an antidote was among them.
Thin Sheets is a region of Feron, the island we’re on. It starts about forty miles west of here and is big – massive. It’s where we found the vault, two hundred miles north west of here. The vault was partially submerged, like it had sunk slightly. We found it by following an ice mephit, they seem to be attracted by something there”
Brandon doesn’t see anything that relates to an excursion, just well-stowed equipment. As he offers his condolences, Orvo nods in appreciation and looks down at his sword.
“It’s just so unexpected. I thought that we’d survived the vault”
***
Morgo winces regrettably at Qidira’s request: “I’m sorry but these are not mine to give or lend. You are welcome to read and study the Professor’s materials but please do not remove any”
(Qidira and anyone else looking through the professor’s stuff may make an Investigation check – Qidira can add proficiency bonus for her background)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
It did not really matter to Ressy which way he went. Seeing that Kotar and Brandon intended to stay with Durnham he leaves with Qidira. "I'll help you then at the professors Qidira. We should not be alone." as they move to follow Morgo.
Books had never been his thing, but maps were interesting. They showed the land and that was of interest to him. He sifted through the pile of maps looking at them trying to find anything that may be useful to them. As he does he whispers a quiet prayer in druidic to gain Guidance on his work.
Investigation 2 + 2
He'll give Guidance to Qidira also as they search.
I hope I don’t end being an unsettling surprise. Kotar thought as the shaggy dwarf started guiding Qidira into the lost professor’s tent. With Brandon agreeing with his suggestion, Ressys decide to accompany the gnome. What happened in the tavern in Paleblank was not exactly an isolated occurrence. Outside of the lands of his clan folk often felt threatened by his size, not that all the weapons he carried helped to appease anyone’s mind. At least not outside of the field of battle.
He followed Brandon inside, nodding his heard at what could only be Morvo. The goliath expected an older dwarf, as old as Urgon, not that he had met the man, but he imagined Durnham’s uncle was visibly older than the wizard, with at least visible gray hair. Instead, the guide was young and where it not by the claw marks on his face probably wouldn’t caught his eye.
“I am Kotar Ironhunter Akalanathai.”He said trying to sound as gentle as he possibly could. After that he listened attentively as his both his friends and Orvo each said their pieces. There was hope.“Are there any creatures or traps we need to be especially wary about?”
It was always good to have some idea about what to expect.
Durnham nods at Orvo’s description of Urgon. “I don’t think I ever... really... knew him. When my parents... uhm... disappeared... I wanted to live with him. I wanted that... more than anything. He was the only family I had left and... he wouldn’t let me live with him.” Durnham’s eyes drip tears as he continues on. “I was angry because I thought he didn’t want me. He left me with others and continued on exploring and... uh... didn’t let me go with him.” He wipes his eyes on his sleeve before going on. “I was probably too young and didn’t understand how dangerous it was and he was trying to protect me. Or... uhm... maybe he just loved the exploration and couldn’t give it up to raise a child... I guess I’ll never be able to ask him now.”
He looks up at Kotar and nods at his question before returning to Orvo “I can see that... uhm... something happened on that last trip. You have the look... of someone who... is used to danger and risk... yet was pushed past even your considerable limits... what... happened to you and Urgon?”
Qidira smiles at Ressys' company and nods to Morgo at her request not to take anything. "Of course, and it was expected but I had to ask."
Qidira moves to the desk checking any drawers it may have first, then sifting through the papers and books quickly to get a general idea of the topics and material covered by them before returning to take a deeper look.
Ressys paws through some piles of paperwork in Shalebrow’s tent but doesn’t seem able to make any sense of them. Every time he starts to read a journal it seems long-winded and lacking any relevant text to catch his attention. Any route plans he finds are written in some sort of code – numbers and mathematical symbols – when he is used to navigating by stars and landmarks.
Qidira by contrast sets about the papers and journals like an expert librarian. In her first sweep of the assorted documents the little gnome produces two piles of the items that seem most relevant; one of maps and documents relating to the planned route, and a second pile consisting of journals that contain clues to the expedition’s planned activities along the way.
(Qidira may make a second investigation check with advantage)
***
Orvo nods sympathetically as Durnham talks of his desire to travel to Urgon, then says quietly “He knew what a dangerous endeavour this life can be, and I think in his own way he was trying to save you. For the last few years he had been saying ‘next year we might take Durnham on a short run’, but he couldn’t bring himself to put you in an ounce of danger. And then when the space at the Vellum Steeple he saw a chance to help you achieve your potential while keeping you safe – everything he had saved to that point went on securing your tutelage”
When Kotar asks Orvo about creatures and traps, the scout shrugs “We didn’t get that far in; we were only able to explore three chambers before we were attacked by some suits of walking armour and forced to flee. The doors can get iced up, I think we may have roused them by smashing the ice with our hammers”
He seems to notice Kotar for the first time, taking in the goliath’s features: “Are you native to these parts, or from elsewhere?”
“I’m from here.”He answered nodding his head. “Well, actually deeper in the island. Folk like me tend to stay closer to the mountains.”The goliath was fast to add, noticing that he answered almost sounded like he was natural to Syrinla. Moments like that made Kotar feel how Common could be a tricky language for him sometimes, at least in comparison to Giant. “I don’t want to be too intrusive but I’m guessing that by now our group here is betting on the hope that one of the substances on the vault is an antidote so it would be really helpful if you could tell us more about these armors. Things like their numbers, size, how fast they seem to move. If they fight close or at range, with magic or weapons or unarmed. Did they seem hesitant to cause damage to the chambers? How far did they follow you? Anything can help, really.”
Anything could be the difference between life and death, for them and for those waiting for them, sick in Paleblank. At least he shouldn’t be completely unfamiliar with the Thin Sheets. By what Orvo described of the place Kotar was sure it was the same area his clan called Breyskr Niðr. It’s a start, he though.
Durnham blinks through his tears “wait, what did you say? Urgon paid for my schooling?! I…I had no idea! I thought my parents, I mean my adopted parents, paid for that… and he… he actually considered having me come on a trip?” Durnham smiles faintly at the thought. “I thought… I don’t know… I guess I felt like he didn’t care about me.” He shakes is head. “He must have spent so much just to send me to the academy. I can’t believe nobody told me… and they just let me think differently.”
Qidirailluminates the area brightly where she studies. She takes out her bedroll, unrolls it and magically records an image on each side of it to include as much area as possible of notes, maps or other details. Editing and re-editing the image as she finds more detail and information.
Then digging through her pack, she pulling out the vial of ink but seemingly frustrated that she failed to obtain some parchment or a pen she pulls up a sleeve and lightly scrawls additional notes first on one arm then on the other with the handle of a utensil from her mess kit awkwardly. She waits for them to each dry before re-covering hoping it will last long enough. She continues in this fashion until the others are ready to go remembering to refill her waterskin with some water before leaving if possible, otherwise it should still be good from before.
Magical Tinkering of the bedroll(she can do two)
A static visual effect appears on one of the object’s surfaces. This effect can be a picture, up to 25 words of text, lines and shapes, or a mixture of these elements, as you like.
"I am sorry Qidira, I do not seem to be much of any help. I do not know the land and so the maps are foreign to me. This man seems to use symbols and markings I do not understand. I prefer a more natural way of knowing where I am and where to go."
He'll continue to assist Qidira in any way he can, providing Guidance where he can.
"I'm not familiar with the land either, but perhaps we could sort out their meaning by looking at various places they are used in the documents to determine what they might mean. These symbols here and here, I saw them on another page," She shuffles through various documents, "Here! He uses them again see? Maybe we can decipher their meaning this way..." and looks back at where Morgo was standing to see if she's still there. "We could ask her, she seems more than a little familiar with the him."
She hops to her feet and goes back to the entrance to the tent and looks out, hoping to spot her nearby. If she does, she'll usher her back to the tent. If not she'll search for her and ask her to return with them to help translate.
After finding her...
"Morgo, I could really use your help. There are symbols that he used and phrases that are in Dwarvish that I need your help in translating. Would you come help us?"
Qidira’s organisation skills serve her well. As Ressys helps by handing her books and maps from higher or further-away locations, the little gnome manages to formulate a theory.
@Qidira:
The emphasis on coastal conditions and waterproof gear, as well as discussions of collapsible water vehicles, suggest that Shalebrow was considering a coast-hugging route. To make the whole journey by sea would be madness, so you think that his plan was to travel south west to the coast line and hug it as far as possible, taking to the sea where mountains would have driven the party too far inland.
Using her tinkering skill and newfound arcane powers, Qidira produces a map of Foren marked with what she calculates to be Shalebrow’s most likely route.
Morgo steps into the tent when ushered and looks at the pile of papers with impressed puzzlement: “Wow, you really went to town. Oh hey, good system! I never thought of that”
Checking over Qidira’s (and Ressys’) work so far, Morgo nods in assent: “Yes, that would make sense. These documents that you identified as relating to the journey all bear dwarvish words for ‘crossing’ or ‘traversing’”
***
Orvo seems fascinated by Kotar as the goliath speaks, and Durnham recognises the look as someone who lives to learn being presented with a new discovery:
“I’ve always wanted to meet a goliath of the mountains, I heard that their fighting techniques were on a different level to the other tribes”
His wonderment is broken as Durnham visibly struggles with the revelation about the funding of his education. The explorer goes a deep shade of red and it is suddenly apparent how pale he is.
“I’m so sorry, I had no idea it was a secret to you. I should have realised, his generosity was one of his greatest gifts but also his most hidden. I’m still in shock at hearing he is gone, I didn’t stop to think he might have secrets still to keep. I’m sorry”
Coughing down his embarrassment, he returns to Kotar’s questions about the vault’s defenders, seemingly happy to be talking about practical matters: “They can’t be blinded, we tried that. I’ve been pondering their nature and I was thinking – they might be magically animated. If that is the case, and you have any way to nullify magical essences, then that may work to your advantage”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“You have found Aeoron tools and weapons before? What do you do with them?” Brandon’s mind races with thoughts of the knowledge and secrets those could unlock. After searching for information on these artifacts he was closer than he ever has been before. But now was not the time, there were more pressing matters to discuss.
“I would love to hear more about your adventures and discoveries. Would you be willing to lead us back to this vault? We would find it much faster with your expertise. You could finally take Durnham on that adventure his Uncle discussed, and help save the lives of these innocent children. The frozen sickness is a terrible way to go, your body slowly being turned to ice” Brandon shakes his head sadly, then motions to himself and Kotar “We will be with you this time to help with the threat of the armor and other hazards. What do you say, are you with us?”
Qidira shares what she's discovered from his notes with Ressys and Morgo. "Yes now I understand a bit. It looks like he was going to travel Southwest until he reached the coast, then by water along the coastline the rest of the way. So waterproof gear and a collapsible water vehicle would be very much needed. Although in this snow, the waterproof gear would be nice either way, save getting sick from being wet and cold most of the time. I wish I'd have thought of that. If he traveled his route on land, the mountains would have taken him far inland, so this appears to save some time also. It is possible he was headed to the same place we need to go?" She looks up at Ressys and Morgo realizing that she's more talking to herself at this point. "The kids we are looking to find the cure for have very little time. If this will get us there faster maybe we should consider it. But a collapsible vessel big enough for all of us? The coast would be rough, and I don't think any of us know anything about sailing along a rugged shore."
In Orvo’s words Kotar found common ground. It was not long ago that he, a goliath from the mountains, thought on how he always wanted to meet the people of the outpost, then the folk beyond the sea, in Paleblank and then Uthodurn.
“I admit I have not met other tribes so I can only speculate about the difference in fighting techniques.” He told honest, thinking about the best warriors of his clan. “Eiselcross is a harsh land with no lack of dangerous creatures so even if we have the same drilling, it’s probably harder to do, well, anything here. Maybe the end result of that gives the mountain tribes an edge when it comes to training results and battle experience.”
Not that he knew of the lands of other tribes. Maybe there was not difference in the challenges the many tribes met or in the level of their fighting techniques. Either way, that was a question for later.
“Ok, no blinding. What about their fighting style and speed?” Kotar questioned soon after time Brandon asked the dwarf to guide them to the vault, thinking on how to better adapt. Most likely than not a blade would of little help against these armors. Good thing he had a maul at ready.
Durnham responds to Orvo’s apology by shaking his head “No... don’t apologize. I’m... glad to know he cared so much. I need to think about things... I was angry for so long” and he releases a big sigh, “I was wrong... I was so hurt and angry and he was only trying to keep me safe. Don’t apologize for telling me. I’m glad to know... and it could have been years for me to learn it another way.”
He clears his throat again before continuing, “As my friends here have said... we are on an important mission. You and Urgon found something dangerous and we need to find an antidote... I can tell that... something happened on that trip but... will you help us?”
Qidira will continue to research, tweaking her maps and notes where she can. She will try to determine his ultimate destination based on the map and possible routes to take to get there besides his coastal option. She will also review any notes on creatures, items recovered, concerns about terrain or hazards.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Qidira looks briefly disappointed at Durnham's comment in front of Morgo but fixes her face quickly knowing he's right to want to move things forward quickly then glad to hear him explain his comments.
At Ressys' suggestion she perks up as she was thinking along the same lines. She wasn't needed at Orvo's tent and could catch up on info from the others later. "Morgo, I am exceptional with books, journals, histories and have spent most of my life studying in a large private library. I will spend every minute we have here reviewing his documents and take with us any that you might allow for study along the way. Not too many because we need space for gear, but a couple that might prove more useful? As soon as the group is ready to leave they can send for me and I'll meet them immediately, but they don't need me to be there for the conversation with Orvo or any other errands. I can go there straight away and be it 10 minutes or an hour, I'll make the most of it." She says quickly to lighten the mood.
She follows Morgo to the Professor's tent and immediately sets to work going through the books and papers on the desk as that's where the old elf used to put the things most important to him. "I'll start here. This is where I think he'd put the most recent or important documents."
Note: Although Qidira doesn't have any particular talent with books and such unless it pertains to items (I probably should have picked that given her backstory) She may consider herself to because of what she said above. A large portion of her life was spent sneaking into a library to be later caught and allowed to be there. She mainly says this to redirect Morgo's attention and give her some hope.
Brandon waits a moment, then follows Morgo’s advice and follows Durnham into the tent, thankful that the dwarf was not ill. Waiting respectfully in the background while Durnham breaks the news of Urgon’s fate, he scans the inside of the tent carefully, taking in the surroundings and looking for any clues from Orvo’s last trip.
Perception: 8
“Good day, I am Brandon, one of Durnham’s companions” Brandon greets the dwarf “You have my condolences. I know it is tough to lose a good friend that you have shared adventure and hardships with, may the Matron guide him in his next journey. We are hoping to hear more of your last trip with Urgon, perhaps it can help us find a cure and save the children from the sickness.”
Orvo’s mannerisms, his shift in mood, suggest to Durnham that the explorer is suffering from some form of trauma. He nods when Durnham asks to sit and listens impassively as the wizard relays his story.
When Durnham has finished, Orvo says nothing for a while – his expression barely changes and it seems at first as if he hasn’t been listening. After about a minute of awkward silence, Orvo looks down at the sword in his lap and runs a finger along the flat of the blade.
“I know you’re not – weren't - really his son, but he spoke as if you were; so proud of your intelligence and curiosity. But he was not good with...people, he didn’t know how to be around you”
Orvo squeezes his eyes shut and seems to be holding back his simmering emotions.
“I can’t believe he’s gone. He could track a yeti in a blizzard, crack a puzzle that looked to everyone else like shapeless graffiti, and he gets brought down by some pathetic powder we found in an old vault? That’s not how adventurers like Urgon Wenth pass to the other side, and he certainly wouldn’t want to have left that poison behind for others.
Damnit, those vials seemed like a bad idea when we took them; we’ve found Aeorian tools and even weapons before, but this was the first time we’d found...substances. We nearly left them too, but the opportunity seemed too good to pass up. There were other liquids there, maybe an antidote was among them.
Thin Sheets is a region of Feron, the island we’re on. It starts about forty miles west of here and is big – massive. It’s where we found the vault, two hundred miles north west of here. The vault was partially submerged, like it had sunk slightly. We found it by following an ice mephit, they seem to be attracted by something there”
Brandon doesn’t see anything that relates to an excursion, just well-stowed equipment. As he offers his condolences, Orvo nods in appreciation and looks down at his sword.
“It’s just so unexpected. I thought that we’d survived the vault”
***
Morgo winces regrettably at Qidira’s request: “I’m sorry but these are not mine to give or lend. You are welcome to read and study the Professor’s materials but please do not remove any”
(Qidira and anyone else looking through the professor’s stuff may make an Investigation check – Qidira can add proficiency bonus for her background)
It did not really matter to Ressy which way he went. Seeing that Kotar and Brandon intended to stay with Durnham he leaves with Qidira. "I'll help you then at the professors Qidira. We should not be alone." as they move to follow Morgo.
Books had never been his thing, but maps were interesting. They showed the land and that was of interest to him. He sifted through the pile of maps looking at them trying to find anything that may be useful to them. As he does he whispers a quiet prayer in druidic to gain Guidance on his work.
Investigation 2 + 2
He'll give Guidance to Qidira also as they search.
I hope I don’t end being an unsettling surprise. Kotar thought as the shaggy dwarf started guiding Qidira into the lost professor’s tent. With Brandon agreeing with his suggestion, Ressys decide to accompany the gnome. What happened in the tavern in Paleblank was not exactly an isolated occurrence. Outside of the lands of his clan folk often felt threatened by his size, not that all the weapons he carried helped to appease anyone’s mind. At least not outside of the field of battle.
He followed Brandon inside, nodding his heard at what could only be Morvo. The goliath expected an older dwarf, as old as Urgon, not that he had met the man, but he imagined Durnham’s uncle was visibly older than the wizard, with at least visible gray hair. Instead, the guide was young and where it not by the claw marks on his face probably wouldn’t caught his eye.
“I am Kotar Ironhunter Akalanathai.” He said trying to sound as gentle as he possibly could. After that he listened attentively as his both his friends and Orvo each said their pieces. There was hope. “Are there any creatures or traps we need to be especially wary about?”
It was always good to have some idea about what to expect.
Durnham nods at Orvo’s description of Urgon. “I don’t think I ever... really... knew him. When my parents... uhm... disappeared... I wanted to live with him. I wanted that... more than anything. He was the only family I had left and... he wouldn’t let me live with him.” Durnham’s eyes drip tears as he continues on. “I was angry because I thought he didn’t want me. He left me with others and continued on exploring and... uh... didn’t let me go with him.” He wipes his eyes on his sleeve before going on. “I was probably too young and didn’t understand how dangerous it was and he was trying to protect me. Or... uhm... maybe he just loved the exploration and couldn’t give it up to raise a child... I guess I’ll never be able to ask him now.”
He looks up at Kotar and nods at his question before returning to Orvo “I can see that... uhm... something happened on that last trip. You have the look... of someone who... is used to danger and risk... yet was pushed past even your considerable limits... what... happened to you and Urgon?”
Noob
Qidira smiles at Ressys' company and nods to Morgo at her request not to take anything. "Of course, and it was expected but I had to ask."
Qidira moves to the desk checking any drawers it may have first, then sifting through the papers and books quickly to get a general idea of the topics and material covered by them before returning to take a deeper look.
investigation 22 to 3 for guidance (thank you)
Ressys paws through some piles of paperwork in Shalebrow’s tent but doesn’t seem able to make any sense of them. Every time he starts to read a journal it seems long-winded and lacking any relevant text to catch his attention. Any route plans he finds are written in some sort of code – numbers and mathematical symbols – when he is used to navigating by stars and landmarks.
Qidira by contrast sets about the papers and journals like an expert librarian. In her first sweep of the assorted documents the little gnome produces two piles of the items that seem most relevant; one of maps and documents relating to the planned route, and a second pile consisting of journals that contain clues to the expedition’s planned activities along the way.
(Qidira may make a second investigation check with advantage)
***
Orvo nods sympathetically as Durnham talks of his desire to travel to Urgon, then says quietly “He knew what a dangerous endeavour this life can be, and I think in his own way he was trying to save you. For the last few years he had been saying ‘next year we might take Durnham on a short run’, but he couldn’t bring himself to put you in an ounce of danger. And then when the space at the Vellum Steeple he saw a chance to help you achieve your potential while keeping you safe – everything he had saved to that point went on securing your tutelage”
When Kotar asks Orvo about creatures and traps, the scout shrugs “We didn’t get that far in; we were only able to explore three chambers before we were attacked by some suits of walking armour and forced to flee. The doors can get iced up, I think we may have roused them by smashing the ice with our hammers”
He seems to notice Kotar for the first time, taking in the goliath’s features: “Are you native to these parts, or from elsewhere?”
Qidira's second investigation check with adv 10
“I’m from here.” He answered nodding his head. “Well, actually deeper in the island. Folk like me tend to stay closer to the mountains.” The goliath was fast to add, noticing that he answered almost sounded like he was natural to Syrinla. Moments like that made Kotar feel how Common could be a tricky language for him sometimes, at least in comparison to Giant. “I don’t want to be too intrusive but I’m guessing that by now our group here is betting on the hope that one of the substances on the vault is an antidote so it would be really helpful if you could tell us more about these armors. Things like their numbers, size, how fast they seem to move. If they fight close or at range, with magic or weapons or unarmed. Did they seem hesitant to cause damage to the chambers? How far did they follow you? Anything can help, really.”
Anything could be the difference between life and death, for them and for those waiting for them, sick in Paleblank. At least he shouldn’t be completely unfamiliar with the Thin Sheets. By what Orvo described of the place Kotar was sure it was the same area his clan called Breyskr Niðr. It’s a start, he though.
Durnham blinks through his tears “wait, what did you say? Urgon paid for my schooling?! I…I had no idea! I thought my parents, I mean my adopted parents, paid for that… and he… he actually considered having me come on a trip?” Durnham smiles faintly at the thought. “I thought… I don’t know… I guess I felt like he didn’t care about me.” He shakes is head. “He must have spent so much just to send me to the academy. I can’t believe nobody told me… and they just let me think differently.”
Noob
Qidira illuminates the area brightly where she studies. She takes out her bedroll, unrolls it and magically records an image on each side of it to include as much area as possible of notes, maps or other details. Editing and re-editing the image as she finds more detail and information.
Then digging through her pack, she pulling out the vial of ink but seemingly frustrated that she failed to obtain some parchment or a pen she pulls up a sleeve and lightly scrawls additional notes first on one arm then on the other with the handle of a utensil from her mess kit awkwardly. She waits for them to each dry before re-covering hoping it will last long enough. She continues in this fashion until the others are ready to go remembering to refill her waterskin with some water before leaving if possible, otherwise it should still be good from before.
Magical Tinkering of the bedroll (she can do two)
"I am sorry Qidira, I do not seem to be much of any help. I do not know the land and so the maps are foreign to me. This man seems to use symbols and markings I do not understand. I prefer a more natural way of knowing where I am and where to go."
He'll continue to assist Qidira in any way he can, providing Guidance where he can.
"I'm not familiar with the land either, but perhaps we could sort out their meaning by looking at various places they are used in the documents to determine what they might mean. These symbols here and here, I saw them on another page," She shuffles through various documents, "Here! He uses them again see? Maybe we can decipher their meaning this way..." and looks back at where Morgo was standing to see if she's still there. "We could ask her, she seems more than a little familiar with the him."
She hops to her feet and goes back to the entrance to the tent and looks out, hoping to spot her nearby. If she does, she'll usher her back to the tent. If not she'll search for her and ask her to return with them to help translate.
After finding her...
"Morgo, I could really use your help. There are symbols that he used and phrases that are in Dwarvish that I need your help in translating. Would you come help us?"
Qidira’s organisation skills serve her well. As Ressys helps by handing her books and maps from higher or further-away locations, the little gnome manages to formulate a theory.
@Qidira:
The emphasis on coastal conditions and waterproof gear, as well as discussions of collapsible water vehicles, suggest that Shalebrow was considering a coast-hugging route. To make the whole journey by sea would be madness, so you think that his plan was to travel south west to the coast line and hug it as far as possible, taking to the sea where mountains would have driven the party too far inland.
Using her tinkering skill and newfound arcane powers, Qidira produces a map of Foren marked with what she calculates to be Shalebrow’s most likely route.
Morgo steps into the tent when ushered and looks at the pile of papers with impressed puzzlement: “Wow, you really went to town. Oh hey, good system! I never thought of that”
Checking over Qidira’s (and Ressys’) work so far, Morgo nods in assent: “Yes, that would make sense. These documents that you identified as relating to the journey all bear dwarvish words for ‘crossing’ or ‘traversing’”
***
Orvo seems fascinated by Kotar as the goliath speaks, and Durnham recognises the look as someone who lives to learn being presented with a new discovery:
“I’ve always wanted to meet a goliath of the mountains, I heard that their fighting techniques were on a different level to the other tribes”
His wonderment is broken as Durnham visibly struggles with the revelation about the funding of his education. The explorer goes a deep shade of red and it is suddenly apparent how pale he is.
“I’m so sorry, I had no idea it was a secret to you. I should have realised, his generosity was one of his greatest gifts but also his most hidden. I’m still in shock at hearing he is gone, I didn’t stop to think he might have secrets still to keep. I’m sorry”
Coughing down his embarrassment, he returns to Kotar’s questions about the vault’s defenders, seemingly happy to be talking about practical matters: “They can’t be blinded, we tried that. I’ve been pondering their nature and I was thinking – they might be magically animated. If that is the case, and you have any way to nullify magical essences, then that may work to your advantage”
“You have found Aeoron tools and weapons before? What do you do with them?” Brandon’s mind races with thoughts of the knowledge and secrets those could unlock. After searching for information on these artifacts he was closer than he ever has been before. But now was not the time, there were more pressing matters to discuss.
“I would love to hear more about your adventures and discoveries. Would you be willing to lead us back to this vault? We would find it much faster with your expertise. You could finally take Durnham on that adventure his Uncle discussed, and help save the lives of these innocent children. The frozen sickness is a terrible way to go, your body slowly being turned to ice” Brandon shakes his head sadly, then motions to himself and Kotar “We will be with you this time to help with the threat of the armor and other hazards. What do you say, are you with us?”
Persuasion: 11
Qidira shares what she's discovered from his notes with Ressys and Morgo. "Yes now I understand a bit. It looks like he was going to travel Southwest until he reached the coast, then by water along the coastline the rest of the way. So waterproof gear and a collapsible water vehicle would be very much needed. Although in this snow, the waterproof gear would be nice either way, save getting sick from being wet and cold most of the time. I wish I'd have thought of that. If he traveled his route on land, the mountains would have taken him far inland, so this appears to save some time also. It is possible he was headed to the same place we need to go?" She looks up at Ressys and Morgo realizing that she's more talking to herself at this point. "The kids we are looking to find the cure for have very little time. If this will get us there faster maybe we should consider it. But a collapsible vessel big enough for all of us? The coast would be rough, and I don't think any of us know anything about sailing along a rugged shore."
In Orvo’s words Kotar found common ground. It was not long ago that he, a goliath from the mountains, thought on how he always wanted to meet the people of the outpost, then the folk beyond the sea, in Paleblank and then Uthodurn.
“I admit I have not met other tribes so I can only speculate about the difference in fighting techniques.” He told honest, thinking about the best warriors of his clan. “Eiselcross is a harsh land with no lack of dangerous creatures so even if we have the same drilling, it’s probably harder to do, well, anything here. Maybe the end result of that gives the mountain tribes an edge when it comes to training results and battle experience.”
Not that he knew of the lands of other tribes. Maybe there was not difference in the challenges the many tribes met or in the level of their fighting techniques. Either way, that was a question for later.
“Ok, no blinding. What about their fighting style and speed?” Kotar questioned soon after time Brandon asked the dwarf to guide them to the vault, thinking on how to better adapt. Most likely than not a blade would of little help against these armors. Good thing he had a maul at ready.
Durnham responds to Orvo’s apology by shaking his head “No... don’t apologize. I’m... glad to know he cared so much. I need to think about things... I was angry for so long” and he releases a big sigh, “I was wrong... I was so hurt and angry and he was only trying to keep me safe. Don’t apologize for telling me. I’m glad to know... and it could have been years for me to learn it another way.”
He clears his throat again before continuing, “As my friends here have said... we are on an important mission. You and Urgon found something dangerous and we need to find an antidote... I can tell that... something happened on that trip but... will you help us?”
Noob
Qidira will continue to research, tweaking her maps and notes where she can. She will try to determine his ultimate destination based on the map and possible routes to take to get there besides his coastal option. She will also review any notes on creatures, items recovered, concerns about terrain or hazards.