Durnham enters the yurt and looks around before putting his pack down. “Orvo. Let’s talk to Orvo first. He might tell us we need specific supplies before heading out and we may need to make plans with him for tomorrow”
Noting that the majority of the rest plan to leave the tent as soon as they arrived, Qidira tosses the supplies into the Bag of Holding. "I'd rather not leave them here, just in case some of the other travelers note our absence and help themselves. I hope you don't mind, we can sort it out among us later as needed. I'm just carrying it for the group." As long as noone objects or collects any of the pile, she'll continue then stand up ready to be off to see Orvo. "We can always drop it if we don't need it. Everything in the Bag is the group's."
With the late Bertron’s items stashed away in your bags, you follow Morgo out of the yurt and through the settlement of Syrinlya. It is bright, almost midday, but the air is bitingly cold and you are welcome for your thick winter clothing (or, in Kotar’s case, your natural resistance to the elements).
Morgo moves between tent ropes and campfires with a learned agility and you have to risk turned ankles in order to keep up. As she skips and hops her way towards Orvo’s tent, the dwarf talks over her shoulder or even spins to walk backwards as she points out landmarks and prominent characters.
“About a hundred yards yonder is the common area, where food and ale gets served up around the clock – although quality and wait times can vary. Just beyond that is the medicine tent, no accident it’s next to the food hall haha.
Oh, that tent there belongs – maybe belonged – to Professor Gulrim Shalebrow. He convinced Queen Fruunast of Uthodurn to allow him to set up Syrinlya and discovered artifacts which got everyone all fired up for Eiselcross. He left on an expedition months ago and hasn’t returned – I worry about him.
Mind your step! You nearly ended up in that guy’s lunch haha, he’s always hungry too so that was a good save.
OK, here we are...”
The scruffy, heavily-clad dwarf comes to a stop and takes a slightly more sombre tone.
“Orvo doesn’t know about Urgon yet, his buddy was in good health when they parted and Urgon returned to Palebank. Elro thought it might be fitting for the team that is here to find the cure – and a relation of Urgon – to let him know. That’s if you wish to of course”
She shuffles awkwardly, awaiting your response (if any) before taking you the rest of the way to Orvo’s tent.
Qidira admires the dwarf's agility and the quick pace is appreciated as it means back into warmth again sooner.
"Professor Gulrim Shalebrow was it?" Qidira pipes up trying to pronounce the professor's name carefully. "Did anyone look into the tent to discover where in Eiselcross he was headed or looking for? It's at least possible we might run into him in our travels. Or maybe you could give us a description? We could look out for him."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Durnham looks about with interest as they travel to Orvo’s tent. At the mention of professor Gulrim, he gets excited. “I uhm... think I’ve read about some of the professor’s work. It uhm... sounds familiar... at least!”21 History check to see what Durnham can remember from his time studying in Uthodurn.
Once in front Orvo’s tent he nods to Morgo. “Urgon... was my Uncle. I’ll uhm.... talk to Orvo. Was he close with... uhh Urgon?” Durnham feels uncomfortable with the subject as well as talking so much to someone he doesn’t know.
Morgo smiles warmly at Qidira’s correct pronunciation and says “Yes, Gulrim. He was – is – a popular leader, keen to uncover as many secrets of Eiselcross as possible so that Uthodurn might thrive in peace. I carried out a search for clues in his tent when his party was late returning, but that only supported what he had already told us; that he was heading as far north west as possible to search the Mutalos region of Foren. He is a male dwarf, late middle-aged at about 250, red hair turning white, and is missing the first joint in both pinkies thanks to his time here in the ice”
Morgo’s eyes seem to focus on the horizon as she describes the missing professor, and you suspect that the two were somewhat familiar – that the amiable host is hiding real pain at his absence.
Durnham racks his brain for memories of Shalebrow or his reputation; the name is immediately familiar to any native of Uthodurn or Palebank. Frustratingly, he knows that some artifacts that he studied at the Vellum Steeple were acquired during one of the professor’s many excursions but he fails to recall any more details of the man or his work. Durnham knows that if his old books were to hand then he could unearth a wealth of information that might reveal more about the missing explorer.
Morgo winces sympathetically at the young wizard's revelation and offer to break the news: “Yes, Elro said that Urgon’s nephew was coming. I’m so sorry for your loss, Urgon was a regular fixture here and we considered him to be one of our own, although he also journeyed south to the Empire and even the Clovis Concord from time to time.
Orvo and Urgon were very close, they ran many expeditions across Eiselcross together. He was clearly shaken by what they saw on that last run with Urgon and hasn’t gone very far since; just milk runs to keep him in supplies. I can’t promise that he will take the news well, but he has a good soul and will help you in any way that he can”
Ressys followed the others as they made their way through the camp. He noted the locations that were pointed out but nothing struck him as particularly interesting. When Morgo speaks of Orvo and how he was shaken by what he saw on his last run his ears perked up.
"What exactly did they see on the last run? Did they tell you or speak of it to anyone?" Ressys ask, genuine curiosity in his voice.
Durnham nods at Ressy’s question. “Uhm... Are you sure Orvo is well? If he uh... went along with Urgon... then uhm... he may have been exposed to what made Urgon sick...”
Qidira sits patiently and listens to the conversation. Then considers something. "Did the Professor keep notes? Journals or something? Maybe we could look? I mean, um, if its not to forward of me to ask?"
Durnham gives Qidira a look, “Dont we have more pressing matters? Unless this professor happens to be along our way and we stumble on him. Let’s try to stay focused on the lives we are trying to save.”
When Ressys asks for more detail about Orvo and Urgon’s expedition, Morgo looks apologetic “He really won’t talk to me or anyone else about what they saw; maybe you will be able to get him to open up, especially with the connection you have to his friend. All he has said to me was something about a ‘vault’ when they first got back. Urgon tucked him up in the tent and jumped on the next ship heading back to Palebank”
Answering Qidira she says “Yes, the tent is full of journals and maps although I suspect he took all his route details as I couldn’t find anything specific in what he left behind. You are welcome to take a look yourself though, I’d rather I missed something than have to accept that no clues remain to his whereabouts”
She says nothing to Durnham’s obvious desire to move along, just tightens her lips politely and raises her eyebrows, looking around the group to see if this view is shared and you are ready to meet Orvo.
Durnham shakes his head “I think you misunderstand me Morvo. It isn’t that uhm… I don’t care about the professor. In fact I could spend my whole life happily working with him and exploring Eisselcross. But uhm… we’re in a race against time. There’s a uhm.. family and two children exposed to the disease that Urgon uh… had. And uhm… well I think we need to save them first. We can look in the professors tent and maybe we’ll uh find something but those children are not going to make it if we spend too much time looking for someone else.”
Brandon turns to Durnham. “Don’t be so quick to dismiss the idea of checking the professor’s tent. I agree we don’t need to launch a search for him and his party, but if he had notes of this vault or thin sheets, or even this illness, they could be useful. I do share your concern of the children, our time is short.”
Brandon notices the concern in Durnham’s questions surrounding Orvo’s health and immediately scolds himself for not thinking about it sooner. What if Orvo suffered the same fate? Their best lead would be gone! He asks Morgo “Has anyone seen Orvo recently? Durnham’s right, he could be sick, or worse, as well. We should go check.”
Ressys's ear twitch at the disagreement in the party. "We do not all have to speak to Orvo. Qidira, why don't you and Brandon go search the professor's tent while Durnham breaks the news to Orvo. Kotar can stay with us and his knowledge of Eiselcross will be needed if Orvo can provide information of where to we need to go. When you are done return here as I suspect ours will be the longer task."
Kotar answered Qidira nodding his head. After almost a dozen days and a couple of life-threatening fights he had come to trust the gnome, the whole of the group, quite strongly. He followed in silence as Morvo guided their way to Orvo, names he found funnily similar, happy that the group was of one mind about who to see first.
When their guide mentioned Urgon he felt at a loss of words. Durnham had not spoke of his uncle since Paleblank. Maybe he needed the time, thought the goliath. Maybe it still too early to speak of this again. Ideas that took hold of his mind until he heard Ressys suggesting a brief division of the party.
“I agree with Ressys.” As he noticed he would more often than not. “But it may be a better idea for Brandon stay. He is good with words and that can definitely help since Orvo is not that inclined to speak about what happened in the expedition.”
Kotar heard when Morvo mentioned a vault. Orvo was sure to know where Urgon found the vials and, the way he saw it, that was the best clue they had in their search of a cure. They needed to convince the dwarf to speak, tell them everything.
Durnham nods “I’m glad Orvo is ok. Uhm… I can go in alone and talk with him.” He’s suddenly nervous as he realizes that Morvo was probably his Uncles close friend… and he hadn’t spoken to his Uncle in years.
Durnham squares his shoulders and walks into the tent. “Orvo… uhm… hello. My name is Durnham… Durnham Wenth. I think you know my Uncle?”
Durnham steps inside the tent while Morgo stays outside with the others. Inside the tent sits a young dwarf whose face is scarred as though scratched by a large claw. A shortsword is casually laid across his lap as he warms his outstretched hands on the fire pit before him. He is facing the entrance and seems at first not to notice Durnham’s arrival, but his eyes dart up as soon as the young wizard starts to talk.
“Durnham...Wenth? Yes, Urgon spoke of you. So you’re the prodigal son, eh?”
His voice is cracked from whatever he has seen and experienced, but it is clear that a strong spirit once drove this man. Maybe it is still there under the pain, it is hard to tell.
He looks over your shoulder for a moment, seemingly lost in a memory before he snaps back to focus on his new guest. He sits up slightly and when he speaks again he has added a sheen of confidence:
“So did you see your uncle before heading over here? When’s the old git heading back with my share of the finder’s fee?”
***
Outside the tent, Morgo smiles wanly at the rest of the party and says “If anybody wants to join him then it’s best to go in now, avoid too many surprises for Orvo"
When everyone has decided their destination, Morgo leads the way to Professor Shalebrow’s tent.
“It’s a little tidier now, we stacked the books and maps into relevant piles. Gulrim was always pretty organised, especially in his expedition planning, but his excitement leading up to a new excursion could sometimes affect his housekeeping”
You reach a rather grand-looking tent, red canvas treated with some sort of waterproofing and ropes inlaid with gold-coloured thread. Morgo strides through the entrance without ceremony and stands in front of a hardwood desk facing you as you enter. The desk’s top is barely visible under a layer of parchments, and documents of all types are staked in neat piles on every available surface – even the floor, which is protected by a heavy groundsheet and even a carpet. the piles are around five feet high at their tallest point, whether stood on the ground or on another surface.
“I would ask where do you want to start, but...I have no idea what is where”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Durnham looks Orvo over... there’s something off about his mannerisms... Morgo said he wasn’t himself lately. 17 Insight check to assess body language and speech to figure out what is going on with Orvo’s behavior. Did he suffer from some huge setback? Is he hiding something? What caused this change in behavior Morvo talked about.
”Uhm... can I sit down? I think we have a lot to discuss.” At Orvo’s assent Durnham sits down and gets comfortable. “So uh... Urgon is my Uncle... not my father.” He grimaces as he doesn’t know how to bring up Urgon’s death easily. “I should have said, uh, that he WAS my Uncle. I was told you didn’t know but uhm... my Uncle is dead.” His voice wavers a bit and he takes a moment to clear his throat before continuing. “I’m sorry... uhm... I have to be the one to tell you. You and he were... close friends? I... didn’t know my Uncle well. He and I fought after my parents died and... I hadn’t spoken to him in years.” At this point tear are selling up in his eyes and Durnham angrily wipes them away. “I’m sorry. I was... angry at him for so long. But.. uhm... I never wanted... I never thought... I wanted to be like him. I wanted to go explore with him and he wouldn’t let me and I went to Uthodurn to study magic and prove I could be helpful enough to join his explorations and now I’ll never be able to.”
“So... uhm... anyway, That’s why we are here. Uhm, my friends and I. Urgon died from something he got from his last trip... uhm...his notes mentioned you, something called thin sheets... and a vault. He had sold some vials of blue liquid... they were cracked and contained some spores that affected anyone that came in contact with them. Uhm... there’s been a few other deaths and there’s a family that are infected... we came to search for an antidote or cure for them.” He looks at Orvo and asks “Is there anything you can tell us about that last trip? Or anything you can do to help us?”
Durnham enters the yurt and looks around before putting his pack down. “Orvo. Let’s talk to Orvo first. He might tell us we need specific supplies before heading out and we may need to make plans with him for tomorrow”
Noob
Noting that the majority of the rest plan to leave the tent as soon as they arrived, Qidira tosses the supplies into the Bag of Holding. "I'd rather not leave them here, just in case some of the other travelers note our absence and help themselves. I hope you don't mind, we can sort it out among us later as needed. I'm just carrying it for the group." As long as noone objects or collects any of the pile, she'll continue then stand up ready to be off to see Orvo. "We can always drop it if we don't need it. Everything in the Bag is the group's."
Qidira gathers up her own things not wishing to leave anything behind either and makes for the exit to the tent with the others to meet with Orvo.
With the late Bertron’s items stashed away in your bags, you follow Morgo out of the yurt and through the settlement of Syrinlya. It is bright, almost midday, but the air is bitingly cold and you are welcome for your thick winter clothing (or, in Kotar’s case, your natural resistance to the elements).
Morgo moves between tent ropes and campfires with a learned agility and you have to risk turned ankles in order to keep up. As she skips and hops her way towards Orvo’s tent, the dwarf talks over her shoulder or even spins to walk backwards as she points out landmarks and prominent characters.
“About a hundred yards yonder is the common area, where food and ale gets served up around the clock – although quality and wait times can vary. Just beyond that is the medicine tent, no accident it’s next to the food hall haha.
Oh, that tent there belongs – maybe belonged – to Professor Gulrim Shalebrow. He convinced Queen Fruunast of Uthodurn to allow him to set up Syrinlya and discovered artifacts which got everyone all fired up for Eiselcross. He left on an expedition months ago and hasn’t returned – I worry about him.
Mind your step! You nearly ended up in that guy’s lunch haha, he’s always hungry too so that was a good save.
OK, here we are...”
The scruffy, heavily-clad dwarf comes to a stop and takes a slightly more sombre tone.
“Orvo doesn’t know about Urgon yet, his buddy was in good health when they parted and Urgon returned to Palebank. Elro thought it might be fitting for the team that is here to find the cure – and a relation of Urgon – to let him know. That’s if you wish to of course”
She shuffles awkwardly, awaiting your response (if any) before taking you the rest of the way to Orvo’s tent.
Qidira admires the dwarf's agility and the quick pace is appreciated as it means back into warmth again sooner.
"Professor Gulrim Shalebrow was it?" Qidira pipes up trying to pronounce the professor's name carefully. "Did anyone look into the tent to discover where in Eiselcross he was headed or looking for? It's at least possible we might run into him in our travels. Or maybe you could give us a description? We could look out for him."
Durnham looks about with interest as they travel to Orvo’s tent. At the mention of professor Gulrim, he gets excited. “I uhm... think I’ve read about some of the professor’s work. It uhm... sounds familiar... at least!” 21 History check to see what Durnham can remember from his time studying in Uthodurn.
Once in front Orvo’s tent he nods to Morgo. “Urgon... was my Uncle. I’ll uhm.... talk to Orvo. Was he close with... uhh Urgon?” Durnham feels uncomfortable with the subject as well as talking so much to someone he doesn’t know.
Noob
Morgo smiles warmly at Qidira’s correct pronunciation and says “Yes, Gulrim. He was – is – a popular leader, keen to uncover as many secrets of Eiselcross as possible so that Uthodurn might thrive in peace. I carried out a search for clues in his tent when his party was late returning, but that only supported what he had already told us; that he was heading as far north west as possible to search the Mutalos region of Foren. He is a male dwarf, late middle-aged at about 250, red hair turning white, and is missing the first joint in both pinkies thanks to his time here in the ice”
Morgo’s eyes seem to focus on the horizon as she describes the missing professor, and you suspect that the two were somewhat familiar – that the amiable host is hiding real pain at his absence.
Durnham racks his brain for memories of Shalebrow or his reputation; the name is immediately familiar to any native of Uthodurn or Palebank. Frustratingly, he knows that some artifacts that he studied at the Vellum Steeple were acquired during one of the professor’s many excursions but he fails to recall any more details of the man or his work. Durnham knows that if his old books were to hand then he could unearth a wealth of information that might reveal more about the missing explorer.
Morgo winces sympathetically at the young wizard's revelation and offer to break the news: “Yes, Elro said that Urgon’s nephew was coming. I’m so sorry for your loss, Urgon was a regular fixture here and we considered him to be one of our own, although he also journeyed south to the Empire and even the Clovis Concord from time to time.
Orvo and Urgon were very close, they ran many expeditions across Eiselcross together. He was clearly shaken by what they saw on that last run with Urgon and hasn’t gone very far since; just milk runs to keep him in supplies. I can’t promise that he will take the news well, but he has a good soul and will help you in any way that he can”
Ressys followed the others as they made their way through the camp. He noted the locations that were pointed out but nothing struck him as particularly interesting. When Morgo speaks of Orvo and how he was shaken by what he saw on his last run his ears perked up.
"What exactly did they see on the last run? Did they tell you or speak of it to anyone?" Ressys ask, genuine curiosity in his voice.
Durnham nods at Ressy’s question. “Uhm... Are you sure Orvo is well? If he uh... went along with Urgon... then uhm... he may have been exposed to what made Urgon sick...”
Noob
Qidira sits patiently and listens to the conversation. Then considers something. "Did the Professor keep notes? Journals or something? Maybe we could look? I mean, um, if its not to forward of me to ask?"
Durnham gives Qidira a look, “Dont we have more pressing matters? Unless this professor happens to be along our way and we stumble on him. Let’s try to stay focused on the lives we are trying to save.”
Noob
When Ressys asks for more detail about Orvo and Urgon’s expedition, Morgo looks apologetic “He really won’t talk to me or anyone else about what they saw; maybe you will be able to get him to open up, especially with the connection you have to his friend. All he has said to me was something about a ‘vault’ when they first got back. Urgon tucked him up in the tent and jumped on the next ship heading back to Palebank”
Answering Qidira she says “Yes, the tent is full of journals and maps although I suspect he took all his route details as I couldn’t find anything specific in what he left behind. You are welcome to take a look yourself though, I’d rather I missed something than have to accept that no clues remain to his whereabouts”
She says nothing to Durnham’s obvious desire to move along, just tightens her lips politely and raises her eyebrows, looking around the group to see if this view is shared and you are ready to meet Orvo.
Durnham shakes his head “I think you misunderstand me Morvo. It isn’t that uhm… I don’t care about the professor. In fact I could spend my whole life happily working with him and exploring Eisselcross. But uhm… we’re in a race against time. There’s a uhm.. family and two children exposed to the disease that Urgon uh… had. And uhm… well I think we need to save them first. We can look in the professors tent and maybe we’ll uh find something but those children are not going to make it if we spend too much time looking for someone else.”
Noob
Brandon turns to Durnham. “Don’t be so quick to dismiss the idea of checking the professor’s tent. I agree we don’t need to launch a search for him and his party, but if he had notes of this vault or thin sheets, or even this illness, they could be useful. I do share your concern of the children, our time is short.”
Brandon notices the concern in Durnham’s questions surrounding Orvo’s health and immediately scolds himself for not thinking about it sooner. What if Orvo suffered the same fate? Their best lead would be gone! He asks Morgo “Has anyone seen Orvo recently? Durnham’s right, he could be sick, or worse, as well. We should go check.”
Ressys's ear twitch at the disagreement in the party. "We do not all have to speak to Orvo. Qidira, why don't you and Brandon go search the professor's tent while Durnham breaks the news to Orvo. Kotar can stay with us and his knowledge of Eiselcross will be needed if Orvo can provide information of where to we need to go. When you are done return here as I suspect ours will be the longer task."
Kotar answered Qidira nodding his head. After almost a dozen days and a couple of life-threatening fights he had come to trust the gnome, the whole of the group, quite strongly. He followed in silence as Morvo guided their way to Orvo, names he found funnily similar, happy that the group was of one mind about who to see first.
When their guide mentioned Urgon he felt at a loss of words. Durnham had not spoke of his uncle since Paleblank. Maybe he needed the time, thought the goliath. Maybe it still too early to speak of this again. Ideas that took hold of his mind until he heard Ressys suggesting a brief division of the party.
“I agree with Ressys.” As he noticed he would more often than not. “But it may be a better idea for Brandon stay. He is good with words and that can definitely help since Orvo is not that inclined to speak about what happened in the expedition.”
Kotar heard when Morvo mentioned a vault. Orvo was sure to know where Urgon found the vials and, the way he saw it, that was the best clue they had in their search of a cure. They needed to convince the dwarf to speak, tell them everything.
Durnham nods “I’m glad Orvo is ok. Uhm… I can go in alone and talk with him.” He’s suddenly nervous as he realizes that Morvo was probably his Uncles close friend… and he hadn’t spoken to his Uncle in years.
Durnham squares his shoulders and walks into the tent. “Orvo… uhm… hello. My name is Durnham… Durnham Wenth. I think you know my Uncle?”
Noob
Durnham steps inside the tent while Morgo stays outside with the others. Inside the tent sits a young dwarf whose face is scarred as though scratched by a large claw. A shortsword is casually laid across his lap as he warms his outstretched hands on the fire pit before him. He is facing the entrance and seems at first not to notice Durnham’s arrival, but his eyes dart up as soon as the young wizard starts to talk.
“Durnham...Wenth? Yes, Urgon spoke of you. So you’re the prodigal son, eh?”
His voice is cracked from whatever he has seen and experienced, but it is clear that a strong spirit once drove this man. Maybe it is still there under the pain, it is hard to tell.
He looks over your shoulder for a moment, seemingly lost in a memory before he snaps back to focus on his new guest. He sits up slightly and when he speaks again he has added a sheen of confidence:
“So did you see your uncle before heading over here? When’s the old git heading back with my share of the finder’s fee?”
***
Outside the tent, Morgo smiles wanly at the rest of the party and says “If anybody wants to join him then it’s best to go in now, avoid too many surprises for Orvo"
When everyone has decided their destination, Morgo leads the way to Professor Shalebrow’s tent.
“It’s a little tidier now, we stacked the books and maps into relevant piles. Gulrim was always pretty organised, especially in his expedition planning, but his excitement leading up to a new excursion could sometimes affect his housekeeping”
You reach a rather grand-looking tent, red canvas treated with some sort of waterproofing and ropes inlaid with gold-coloured thread. Morgo strides through the entrance without ceremony and stands in front of a hardwood desk facing you as you enter. The desk’s top is barely visible under a layer of parchments, and documents of all types are staked in neat piles on every available surface – even the floor, which is protected by a heavy groundsheet and even a carpet. the piles are around five feet high at their tallest point, whether stood on the ground or on another surface.
“I would ask where do you want to start, but...I have no idea what is where”
Durnham looks Orvo over... there’s something off about his mannerisms... Morgo said he wasn’t himself lately. 17 Insight check to assess body language and speech to figure out what is going on with Orvo’s behavior. Did he suffer from some huge setback? Is he hiding something? What caused this change in behavior Morvo talked about.
”Uhm... can I sit down? I think we have a lot to discuss.” At Orvo’s assent Durnham sits down and gets comfortable. “So uh... Urgon is my Uncle... not my father.” He grimaces as he doesn’t know how to bring up Urgon’s death easily. “I should have said, uh, that he WAS my Uncle. I was told you didn’t know but uhm... my Uncle is dead.” His voice wavers a bit and he takes a moment to clear his throat before continuing. “I’m sorry... uhm... I have to be the one to tell you. You and he were... close friends? I... didn’t know my Uncle well. He and I fought after my parents died and... I hadn’t spoken to him in years.” At this point tear are selling up in his eyes and Durnham angrily wipes them away. “I’m sorry. I was... angry at him for so long. But.. uhm... I never wanted... I never thought... I wanted to be like him. I wanted to go explore with him and he wouldn’t let me and I went to Uthodurn to study magic and prove I could be helpful enough to join his explorations and now I’ll never be able to.”
“So... uhm... anyway, That’s why we are here. Uhm, my friends and I. Urgon died from something he got from his last trip... uhm...his notes mentioned you, something called thin sheets... and a vault. He had sold some vials of blue liquid... they were cracked and contained some spores that affected anyone that came in contact with them. Uhm... there’s been a few other deaths and there’s a family that are infected... we came to search for an antidote or cure for them.” He looks at Orvo and asks “Is there anything you can tell us about that last trip? Or anything you can do to help us?”
Noob