"Ho! Hello! Wait! We just want to talk!" Grugga yells toward the Halflings, then glances toward the others. "Aubrey, Cosette." he says at a normal volume while looking for his companions behind him. "They see us. They look cautious."
"Hopefully these Halflings are friendly - most that I've known have been particularly affable, but... who knows." AND "what's the most interesting place you've been to? Aside from Amnifortis."
"I've met Halfling more fierce and rabid than the most savage Orc I have ever encountered. Sure, you think you can handle even the most hard Halfling. And maybe you're right. But when the come in wave after wave like a swarm..." Raqisat gives a dramatic shiver to illustrate his point but there is also a bit of a smirk upon his face.
"Truth be told, the fabulous Cosette and myself are fairly new acquantances. A couple of weeks now... Or is it months?" Raqisat asks, looking over towards Cosette. "Never paid much attention to such things and time with Cosette seems to fly right by..."
"Personally, most interesting place i have ever been... Interesting is relative, I guess. Some people would prefer unusual customs and such, others would prefer fancified culture and arts. For me, the most interesting was a bar," Raqisat starts in but stops suddenly and looks over to Cosette. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I know! Of course it was a bar! Enough out of you. You'll have your turn!" The banter seems genuine and likely would suggests months instead of weeks...
"A little hole of a bar, judging from the outside. Barely looked large enough to hold six halflings or perhaps one good sized orc. But the sign out front said MacGuffin's and I was looking for a drink so who was I to be choosey?" Raqisat continued. "I stepped in out of bright sunlight and it was dark as witch's... Well, let's just say it was dark. I couldn't make out a thing until I had closed the door and taken a step inside. Once I did, however, it was like seeing for the first time. Or so I imagine. This was no hole in the wall bar, this was festival of sights and sounds and smells and dizzying to try to take it. It was the circus, the freak show, the victory parade, New Years and the best drunk you ever had all rolled in to one and there on display. I know, I know... Sounds like I was under the influence of some bad druid medicines or something, Cosette claims so anyway, but I swear it be true..."
"There was people of every kind of people I ever heard of there, and the same amount of those I never heard of before or since. There were even metal people, not unlike Grugga's Zip there, but only people... The foods and drinks I saw on tables and in hands, even more wild and varied than the people. This little shack I stumbled into was actually a multi-storied Inn the likes of which shouldn't even exist. The hostess, or perhaps owner as she said her name was MacGuffin, wore clothes the likes of which I have never seen and had each braid of her hair colored a different color of the rainbow. She saw my confusion and just smiled, took me by the elbow, and led me down a floor and to a table of others similar to what I would have expected before walking in. We drank and joked and shared stories and had a fabulous night..."
"I'd believe Cosette was right about my mind not being truthful to me... But I found MacGuffin's in a small town near the southern border of the Federation. Next time I found it was when I was spending time in the Disputed Lands. Outsides looked different, to be sure, but the sign was exactly the same... And when I stepped inside, that cute little MacGuffin with the rainbow braids was there to welcome me again," Raqisat says. "Now I have had strange medicinals do odd things and send me on some trips before... But I ain't never had two such trips bring me to the same place from such different places..."
Story told, more or less, Raqisat shrugs and waits for the disbelieving questions and doubts... "But oh, it seems we are here," Raqisat says instead, cutting off further conversation noticing the ship has come close to shore and he heads out for a look. He spots the halflings but tries not to focus on them too much, instead checking out the full scene and environment. He'll step up and assist communication if needed but he'll allow others to do the first contact..
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Amnifortis."The young noble says quietly to himself as he solemnly watches as the ancient majestic walls of the old city comes into view. He feels his chest swell with pride over being here on behalf of his emperor to pave the way for the reclamation of ancient Amnifortis.
As the Empress approaches the wary halflings he stands by Grugga and calls out to the little people on shore. "Greetings, please allow us to provide you with some food and drink, you are welcome aboard if you like, or if you prefer it we can talk like this. We are just curious about these ruins as we have never been here before. We are able to pay you in gold for any information you may have for us." He says in a polite and friendly tone, hoping to at least not scare the halflings away.
Persuasion: 20 Another roll if help action is given: 26
Cosette can’t help but roll her eyes at Raqitsat’s exaggerations and putting words in her mouth. She exhales, then shrugs. Circus life was a large part of her life growing up with travelling merchants, so the magic and whimsy that comes with it is quite natural to her. There could be some truth enough in his tales, however even she couldn’t be bothered to sift through them to make any corrections on her behalf.
At their approach to shore, Cos forgets all about the tales and question. She takes up position next too, and slightly behind Aubrey as he opens up contact with the individuals. While she provides any assistance needed, she keeps an eye out on their body language and any others that could be tucked away along the shore.
The halflings exchange a look and then one - the woman - steps forward. "Greetings, strangers. There is but little we can tell of the ruins. This is a poisoned and dangerous place. We haven't much use for gold, but food and medicines would be welcome. We won't be joining you on any boat, but if you come with a peaceful heart, you are welcome to come ashore and speak with us."
"Be forewarned, if there are dwarves among you, turn back now and with haste. We work with the sick and this place is heavy with plague."
The man, meanwhile, hangs back and watches the boat, vigilant for any sign of treachery.
16
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
With no treacherous intent, Aubrey signals for Captain Neck to let him and those who would follow him ashore to speak with the halflings, also calling for Mr. Faerondaerl to bring some supplies of food to offer the helpful halflings. "We have no dwarves among us but we thank you for your concern, we will come ashore than for a while before we continue into the city."He then calls out back to the haflings as the Empress carefully navigates closer to the western shore of the Breitwasser. "Please join me as you likely can assist with putting the relevant questions forth."The young noble then turns and says to Cosette and Raqisat with a friendly smile.
Grugga listens to Raqisat's story with rapt attention for a while, contemplating what sort of magic could cause such a place to exist. However, as the story progresses, he simply sits, smiles, and nods along. "It sounds like a wondrous place. I hope I'm around when you discover it for a third time, because I'd love to study whatever magic is at play."
Grugga decides to stay in the boat so as not to overwhelm the Halflings with strangers. However, he seems very interested in the outcome of the parlay. "Make sure you ask them about those tents on the standing bridge that Rohuzar was interested in. Oh, and ask about what monsters they've seen! Oh, and tell them thanks for me for helping those poor Dwarves. Okay, good luck!"
Grugga sits back on the bench and watches the parlay from the Golden Empress.
Cosette’s ears twitch at the specific warning for those of Dwarven blood followed by the mention of sick and the plague. She gently nudges at Raqisat before leaning in to whisper, “You know… This reminds me of the old wives tales you’d tell me of the Dwarves that opened the old roadsto settle deep underground. Those who returned spoke of strange sickness and vertigo that befell those who went too deep…” Her brows furrow trying to remember.
At Grugga’s list of reminders, Cosette couldn’t help but chuckle. She’d take hold of her notebook, pluck her pen from its place and jot down some notes. There was definitely more than just talking to be done here… Some investigation. Perhaps not only the silvertongued should be considering to come ashore, but the wise and/or intellectual as well. She was keeping her eyes and ears open while also being prepared to have a conversation with the locals.
Brown eyes look to Aubrey, “We going ashore to simply chat, or ‘we’ willing to spare supplies to their cause?” Considering the halfling stated no interest in gold but in food and medicine instead, Cos wondered if they were going to bring some in a show of good faith and trust.
Mr. Faerondaerl packs a basket with a pound of bacon and a few pounds of figs for you to take ashore. Captain Neck guides the Golden Empress in the now familiar forward - reverse - forward - reverse dance required to edge the boat within reach of the shore. Eventually Mr. Faerondaerl is able to slide the gangplank to make a path for you to go ashore.
The two halflings stay close to each other, not hostile but clearly prepared to defend themselves if you should try anything. They have a long sled made of scavenged materials, presumably pulled by them as there are no beasts of burden in sight. The sled is currently packed with two buckets of water from the river and stacks of damp, freshly washed clothing and bedsheets. There is also a pile of unwashed linens on the shore. These dirty linens are caked with blood and other less wholesome bodily excretions.
The halflings look at you with guarded smiles as you approach.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Aubrey glances over at Grugga and smiles. "Yes my friend, I will make sure to ask about all those things, but you should perhaps come with us ashore? I'm sure you will have other good questions once we find out exactly who these halflings are and how much they know about what is going on inside the city." He says with a friendly smile to the artificer.
"I was thinking we might help them with some supplies to show good faith. I asked our rigger Mr. Faerondaerl to bring some to offer them. Unfortunately we have no medicines and as far as I know there is no cure for the plague that is ravaging dwarvenkind." The young noble answers Cosette with a polite smile.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Mr. Faerondaerl has secured the gangplank, Aubrey walks ashore, carrying the basket the rigger had prepared for him, giving him an appreciative nod for a task well performed.
"We brought you something that will hopefully ease your hardships somewhat at least."He starts, slowly putting the basket in front of the halflings and then taking a step back should they want to examine it. "You are doing a good deed caring for those who need help. I wish we could do more to assist you but we have no medicine and a limited supply of food for our expedition I'm afraid. We are here to investigate the ruins of Amnifortis and anything you could tell us about what we will find inside these mighty walls will be very helpful. We are particularly interested if you know about any monsters inside, and a group calling themselves the Burned Knights, and if you know anything about some tents on the northern bridge inside the city?" Aubrey says with a polite smile, trying to find a rock or something to sit down on to make everyone more relaxed but giving the unwashed linen a wide berth.
Persuasion: 17 Another one if help action is given: 19 Insight to deterine if the halflings are holding anything back in their answers: 8
Curious, Leelan observes from the boat the exchange between the halflings and Aubrey. He considers for a moment if his presence could help the discussion. But seeing as the pair seems jumpy at best, he remains aboard the Empress.
He does however keep his gear ready should the group decide to venture further beyond this point.
“Wives tales?” Raqisat whispers back with incredulity. “All of my tales are the truest form of truth and honesty! But yes, not many of the old tales talk of sickness or disease. Makes me think the ones that do are likely more… factual?” Left unsaid is that there’s definitely a difference between truth and fact.
Upon landing and disembarking, Raqisat hangs back by the ship rather than approach the Halflings. It’s true what he said earlier, they can be fierce… but skittish is more common. Best not to overwhelm them and language already proved not to be a barrier.
Grugga's curiosity is piqued by the connection that Cosettecasually makes. "There have been lots of plagues that only affect Dwarves or Elves that seemingly come out of... nowhere." He seems to have wanted to say something else, but settled on 'nowhere.' "But that's a fascinating connection. Some Dwarven survivors wrote a memoir of the Breach in Viktoris. They spoke of a great mountain that ruptured the city, and from within its depths - the source implied that it descended very deep into the earth - came demons, devils, and a terrible plague. There have been plenty of plagues, but perhaps some of them, or even all of them, originated from the depths of the earth." He sinks into quiet thought, but occasionally mouths the words "the chasm"
Grugga hesitantly accepts Aubrey's invitation down to the shore. "You warm them up. I'll wait a dozen paces back so they maybe feel a bit safer. I can only imagine what sharing a home with cultists and monsters does to your head."
“Elves?” Cosette’s ear twitches to Grugga’s additions. “Let’s put a pin in those thoughts an’ pick that up later.” She notes as Grugga trails off the tail end of his thoughts. For now, she best focus on the halfling’s and the discussions at hand.
While others are more tentative and take their cautions, Cos saunters her way down the gangplank with a warm smile. With the young noble initiating the pleasantries and taking the lead on the discussions, she knew it was in good hands. And with the others standing guard, Cosette took the more relaxed approach. Her brown hues make eye contact with the halflings and she dips her head in respect. “Mind if I…?” She asks as them out of casual courtesy as she she strides by Aubrey and Raqisat, making her way towards the shore.
Softly, and gently, Cosette begins to sing a soft melody as she takes up position by the filthy pile of laundry. And assuming there were no quarrels with her intentions, Cos would pick a piece of clothing from the pile. She’d hold it up and out, stretching it out before giving it a firm flick with her hands, whisking off the filth in one swift motion. Then as she’d fold the now clean clothes, a gentle tuft of fresh scent would top it off before setting it aside to move onto the next one.
(Prestidigitation to clean and freshen their dirty laundry while the discussions take place.)
With Grugga and Raqisat ashore but hanging back, the halfling man eyes the basket of food, reaching out to hook it with his staff and drag it closer. He squats down to inspect the contents, squeezing the figs and keeping one eye on Aubrey and Cosette. He begins to cast a simple spell as he examines it.
Meanwhile the halfling woman listens to Aubrey's questions, her own eyes drawn to Cosette and her cleaning as she speaks. "Someone must care for the sick. Dwarves cannot help dwarves, lest they succumb as well. The disease is unnatural... magical... we have as much responsibility to help the dwarves as we do to work on healing the rest of this blighted land."
The halfling man looks up at her, his spell complete, and he nods to her with a smile. He takes a bite from the fig he is holding and rises back to his feet, his posture more relaxed now.
Aubrey or Grugga, History DC 15:
There is something about the halfling man's face that is awful familiar.
The woman looks back to Aubrey. "We appreciate the fresh food. Our community gets by all right, but the bacon should pick up people's spirits." She extends a hand in greeting. "My name is Esmerelda. My shadow here is Merkil, my husband and partner. We are druids of the Circle of Amnifortis. Our clan has watched over these lands, as best we can, since the Breach took the city."
She turns to take a long look at the walls and then back to you. "Of the inside of the walls, there isn't much we can tell. The city still belongs to the monsters and aberrations, but it has changed some in recent years. It used to be, any humans who crossed inside the walls, other than passing through on the river, would go mad or fall deathly ill. Its not so anymore, but its still foolish to wander inside."
"The 'burned knights'.... yes we were paid a visit from them a week ago. They wanted to shake us down for supplies or conscripts. They turned tail once they saw the plague doctors and haven't been back."
"If you have time to waste, the burned knight problem should take care of itself. Memnikophis regularly sends Guardians to keep riffraff and petty armies away from the ruins. From what I've heard, the burned knights launched a raid against the temple mount southwest of the city. They didn't take it but they massacred the priests of Joshua and killed a lot of Skrillites, too. Once word gets back to Hard Harbour, they'll send a force to rout them. Might take a couple of weeks for that to shake itself out, though."
"As for the tents. Hmmn." She looks concerned. "Be careful. There are people inside the city. Not many, but a few. They claim to have been there since the Breach, that they descend from the urchins and poor who couldn't escape... but they are strange and I wouldn't trust a word they say. For example, they sent a messenger to our camp last month... claimed they had a cure for the dwarf plague only they could access. Despite our efforts they convinced a handful of desperately ill dwarves to follow them back into the city. Haven't heard of them since. Anyhow, they said any dwarves who want to find them should go to that bridge and wait."
"Now, if you don't mind my asking, what brings you down here? Loaded with supplies, a big fancy ship, gold... I hope some rich fool hasn't hired you for a treasure hunt. No doubt the city still holds wealth of the past, but it is a nightmare in there, I tell you."
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Aubrey doesn't get the impression she is holding anything back.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Grugga nods absently at Cosette's suggestion and follows her down the gangplank, his head clearly still in the clouds. However, when the Halflings start talking, he shakes his head, returning to the moment, and pays close attention to what they have to say.
His eyes open wide when Esmerelda suggests that the descendants of some of the survivors still live in the city. He wanders a bit closer to hear better, but otherwise minds his manners and stays back, trusting his companions to handle the situation with more tact than he could.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The young noble briefly glances over with an appreciative smile at Cosette's soft and sweet melody as she helps out with the linen. Sitting back on a rock he then listens attentively to Esmeralda with a polite and calm smile, chuckling slightly at the mention of the Burned Knights turning tail but looking a bit more troubled at the mention of Memnikophian forces coming to Amnifortis. "Good to meet you Esmeralda and Merkil. So you are druids? We had a halfling druid briefly in our team, Eskil Shoreside was his name, a good man but a very brief acquaintance I'm sad to say. Now, the rich fool that hired us would be none other than the Emperor himself." Aubrey says with a smile, making clear he is not offended. "We're not really treasure hunters though..."He says, briefly glancing over at Raqisat and Cosette. "...but rather here to determine what is needed to clear the ruins from the evil that has plagued it for so many years now and possibly making this great city livable again, reclaiming it from the abominations if you will, and maybe by doing so we will be able to lift the curse of this horrible plague as well. We fully expect to face nightmares in there though, in fact we hope so as one of our tasks is to catalogue them, particularly for finding ways to defeat them."Aubrey finishes, then glances over at the others of his team to see if there are other questions to put forth.
Rohuzar will ask after any information for the map of the city they can add. Where are the dwarves, the halflings, the Burning Knights, etc. Any other locations of note
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Paladin - warforged - orange
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"Ho! Hello! Wait! We just want to talk!" Grugga yells toward the Halflings, then glances toward the others. "Aubrey, Cosette." he says at a normal volume while looking for his companions behind him. "They see us. They look cautious."
"Hopefully these Halflings are friendly - most that I've known have been particularly affable, but... who knows." AND "what's the most interesting place you've been to? Aside from Amnifortis."
"I've met Halfling more fierce and rabid than the most savage Orc I have ever encountered. Sure, you think you can handle even the most hard Halfling. And maybe you're right. But when the come in wave after wave like a swarm..." Raqisat gives a dramatic shiver to illustrate his point but there is also a bit of a smirk upon his face.
"Truth be told, the fabulous Cosette and myself are fairly new acquantances. A couple of weeks now... Or is it months?" Raqisat asks, looking over towards Cosette. "Never paid much attention to such things and time with Cosette seems to fly right by..."
"Personally, most interesting place i have ever been... Interesting is relative, I guess. Some people would prefer unusual customs and such, others would prefer fancified culture and arts. For me, the most interesting was a bar," Raqisat starts in but stops suddenly and looks over to Cosette. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I know! Of course it was a bar! Enough out of you. You'll have your turn!" The banter seems genuine and likely would suggests months instead of weeks...
"A little hole of a bar, judging from the outside. Barely looked large enough to hold six halflings or perhaps one good sized orc. But the sign out front said MacGuffin's and I was looking for a drink so who was I to be choosey?" Raqisat continued. "I stepped in out of bright sunlight and it was dark as witch's... Well, let's just say it was dark. I couldn't make out a thing until I had closed the door and taken a step inside. Once I did, however, it was like seeing for the first time. Or so I imagine. This was no hole in the wall bar, this was festival of sights and sounds and smells and dizzying to try to take it. It was the circus, the freak show, the victory parade, New Years and the best drunk you ever had all rolled in to one and there on display. I know, I know... Sounds like I was under the influence of some bad druid medicines or something, Cosette claims so anyway, but I swear it be true..."
"There was people of every kind of people I ever heard of there, and the same amount of those I never heard of before or since. There were even metal people, not unlike Grugga's Zip there, but only people... The foods and drinks I saw on tables and in hands, even more wild and varied than the people. This little shack I stumbled into was actually a multi-storied Inn the likes of which shouldn't even exist. The hostess, or perhaps owner as she said her name was MacGuffin, wore clothes the likes of which I have never seen and had each braid of her hair colored a different color of the rainbow. She saw my confusion and just smiled, took me by the elbow, and led me down a floor and to a table of others similar to what I would have expected before walking in. We drank and joked and shared stories and had a fabulous night..."
"I'd believe Cosette was right about my mind not being truthful to me... But I found MacGuffin's in a small town near the southern border of the Federation. Next time I found it was when I was spending time in the Disputed Lands. Outsides looked different, to be sure, but the sign was exactly the same... And when I stepped inside, that cute little MacGuffin with the rainbow braids was there to welcome me again," Raqisat says. "Now I have had strange medicinals do odd things and send me on some trips before... But I ain't never had two such trips bring me to the same place from such different places..."
Story told, more or less, Raqisat shrugs and waits for the disbelieving questions and doubts... "But oh, it seems we are here," Raqisat says instead, cutting off further conversation noticing the ship has come close to shore and he heads out for a look. He spots the halflings but tries not to focus on them too much, instead checking out the full scene and environment. He'll step up and assist communication if needed but he'll allow others to do the first contact..
"Amnifortis." The young noble says quietly to himself as he solemnly watches as the ancient majestic walls of the old city comes into view. He feels his chest swell with pride over being here on behalf of his emperor to pave the way for the reclamation of ancient Amnifortis.
As the Empress approaches the wary halflings he stands by Grugga and calls out to the little people on shore. "Greetings, please allow us to provide you with some food and drink, you are welcome aboard if you like, or if you prefer it we can talk like this. We are just curious about these ruins as we have never been here before. We are able to pay you in gold for any information you may have for us." He says in a polite and friendly tone, hoping to at least not scare the halflings away.
Persuasion: 20 Another roll if help action is given: 26
Cosette can’t help but roll her eyes at Raqitsat’s exaggerations and putting words in her mouth. She exhales, then shrugs. Circus life was a large part of her life growing up with travelling merchants, so the magic and whimsy that comes with it is quite natural to her. There could be some truth enough in his tales, however even she couldn’t be bothered to sift through them to make any corrections on her behalf.
At their approach to shore, Cos forgets all about the tales and question. She takes up position next too, and slightly behind Aubrey as he opens up contact with the individuals. While she provides any assistance needed, she keeps an eye out on their body language and any others that could be tucked away along the shore.
just an unstable unicorn.
The halflings exchange a look and then one - the woman - steps forward. "Greetings, strangers. There is but little we can tell of the ruins. This is a poisoned and dangerous place. We haven't much use for gold, but food and medicines would be welcome. We won't be joining you on any boat, but if you come with a peaceful heart, you are welcome to come ashore and speak with us."
"Be forewarned, if there are dwarves among you, turn back now and with haste. We work with the sick and this place is heavy with plague."
The man, meanwhile, hangs back and watches the boat, vigilant for any sign of treachery.
16
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
With no treacherous intent, Aubrey signals for Captain Neck to let him and those who would follow him ashore to speak with the halflings, also calling for Mr. Faerondaerl to bring some supplies of food to offer the helpful halflings. "We have no dwarves among us but we thank you for your concern, we will come ashore than for a while before we continue into the city." He then calls out back to the haflings as the Empress carefully navigates closer to the western shore of the Breitwasser. "Please join me as you likely can assist with putting the relevant questions forth." The young noble then turns and says to Cosette and Raqisat with a friendly smile.
Grugga listens to Raqisat's story with rapt attention for a while, contemplating what sort of magic could cause such a place to exist. However, as the story progresses, he simply sits, smiles, and nods along. "It sounds like a wondrous place. I hope I'm around when you discover it for a third time, because I'd love to study whatever magic is at play."
Grugga decides to stay in the boat so as not to overwhelm the Halflings with strangers. However, he seems very interested in the outcome of the parlay. "Make sure you ask them about those tents on the standing bridge that Rohuzar was interested in. Oh, and ask about what monsters they've seen! Oh, and tell them thanks for me for helping those poor Dwarves. Okay, good luck!"
Grugga sits back on the bench and watches the parlay from the Golden Empress.
Cosette’s ears twitch at the specific warning for those of Dwarven blood followed by the mention of sick and the plague. She gently nudges at Raqisat before leaning in to whisper, “You know… This reminds me of the old wives tales you’d tell me of the Dwarves that opened the old roads to settle deep underground. Those who returned spoke of strange sickness and vertigo that befell those who went too deep…” Her brows furrow trying to remember.
At Grugga’s list of reminders, Cosette couldn’t help but chuckle. She’d take hold of her notebook, pluck her pen from its place and jot down some notes. There was definitely more than just talking to be done here… Some investigation. Perhaps not only the silvertongued should be considering to come ashore, but the wise and/or intellectual as well. She was keeping her eyes and ears open while also being prepared to have a conversation with the locals.
Brown eyes look to Aubrey, “We going ashore to simply chat, or ‘we’ willing to spare supplies to their cause?” Considering the halfling stated no interest in gold but in food and medicine instead, Cos wondered if they were going to bring some in a show of good faith and trust.
just an unstable unicorn.
Mr. Faerondaerl packs a basket with a pound of bacon and a few pounds of figs for you to take ashore. Captain Neck guides the Golden Empress in the now familiar forward - reverse - forward - reverse dance required to edge the boat within reach of the shore. Eventually Mr. Faerondaerl is able to slide the gangplank to make a path for you to go ashore.
The two halflings stay close to each other, not hostile but clearly prepared to defend themselves if you should try anything. They have a long sled made of scavenged materials, presumably pulled by them as there are no beasts of burden in sight. The sled is currently packed with two buckets of water from the river and stacks of damp, freshly washed clothing and bedsheets. There is also a pile of unwashed linens on the shore. These dirty linens are caked with blood and other less wholesome bodily excretions.
The halflings look at you with guarded smiles as you approach.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Aubrey glances over at Grugga and smiles. "Yes my friend, I will make sure to ask about all those things, but you should perhaps come with us ashore? I'm sure you will have other good questions once we find out exactly who these halflings are and how much they know about what is going on inside the city." He says with a friendly smile to the artificer.
"I was thinking we might help them with some supplies to show good faith. I asked our rigger Mr. Faerondaerl to bring some to offer them. Unfortunately we have no medicines and as far as I know there is no cure for the plague that is ravaging dwarvenkind." The young noble answers Cosette with a polite smile.
As Mr. Faerondaerl has secured the gangplank, Aubrey walks ashore, carrying the basket the rigger had prepared for him, giving him an appreciative nod for a task well performed.
"We brought you something that will hopefully ease your hardships somewhat at least." He starts, slowly putting the basket in front of the halflings and then taking a step back should they want to examine it. "You are doing a good deed caring for those who need help. I wish we could do more to assist you but we have no medicine and a limited supply of food for our expedition I'm afraid. We are here to investigate the ruins of Amnifortis and anything you could tell us about what we will find inside these mighty walls will be very helpful. We are particularly interested if you know about any monsters inside, and a group calling themselves the Burned Knights, and if you know anything about some tents on the northern bridge inside the city?" Aubrey says with a polite smile, trying to find a rock or something to sit down on to make everyone more relaxed but giving the unwashed linen a wide berth.
Persuasion: 17 Another one if help action is given: 19
Insight to deterine if the halflings are holding anything back in their answers: 8
Curious, Leelan observes from the boat the exchange between the halflings and Aubrey. He considers for a moment if his presence could help the discussion. But seeing as the pair seems jumpy at best, he remains aboard the Empress.
He does however keep his gear ready should the group decide to venture further beyond this point.
“Wives tales?” Raqisat whispers back with incredulity. “All of my tales are the truest form of truth and honesty! But yes, not many of the old tales talk of sickness or disease. Makes me think the ones that do are likely more… factual?” Left unsaid is that there’s definitely a difference between truth and fact.
Upon landing and disembarking, Raqisat hangs back by the ship rather than approach the Halflings. It’s true what he said earlier, they can be fierce… but skittish is more common. Best not to overwhelm them and language already proved not to be a barrier.
Grugga's curiosity is piqued by the connection that Cosette casually makes. "There have been lots of plagues that only affect Dwarves or Elves that seemingly come out of... nowhere." He seems to have wanted to say something else, but settled on 'nowhere.' "But that's a fascinating connection. Some Dwarven survivors wrote a memoir of the Breach in Viktoris. They spoke of a great mountain that ruptured the city, and from within its depths - the source implied that it descended very deep into the earth - came demons, devils, and a terrible plague. There have been plenty of plagues, but perhaps some of them, or even all of them, originated from the depths of the earth." He sinks into quiet thought, but occasionally mouths the words "the chasm"
Grugga hesitantly accepts Aubrey's invitation down to the shore. "You warm them up. I'll wait a dozen paces back so they maybe feel a bit safer. I can only imagine what sharing a home with cultists and monsters does to your head."
“Elves?” Cosette’s ear twitches to Grugga’s additions. “Let’s put a pin in those thoughts an’ pick that up later.” She notes as Grugga trails off the tail end of his thoughts. For now, she best focus on the halfling’s and the discussions at hand.
While others are more tentative and take their cautions, Cos saunters her way down the gangplank with a warm smile. With the young noble initiating the pleasantries and taking the lead on the discussions, she knew it was in good hands. And with the others standing guard, Cosette took the more relaxed approach. Her brown hues make eye contact with the halflings and she dips her head in respect. “Mind if I…?” She asks as them out of casual courtesy as she she strides by Aubrey and Raqisat, making her way towards the shore.
Softly, and gently, Cosette begins to sing a soft melody as she takes up position by the filthy pile of laundry. And assuming there were no quarrels with her intentions, Cos would pick a piece of clothing from the pile. She’d hold it up and out, stretching it out before giving it a firm flick with her hands, whisking off the filth in one swift motion. Then as she’d fold the now clean clothes, a gentle tuft of fresh scent would top it off before setting it aside to move onto the next one.
(Prestidigitation to clean and freshen their dirty laundry while the discussions take place.)
just an unstable unicorn.
With Grugga and Raqisat ashore but hanging back, the halfling man eyes the basket of food, reaching out to hook it with his staff and drag it closer. He squats down to inspect the contents, squeezing the figs and keeping one eye on Aubrey and Cosette. He begins to cast a simple spell as he examines it.
Meanwhile the halfling woman listens to Aubrey's questions, her own eyes drawn to Cosette and her cleaning as she speaks. "Someone must care for the sick. Dwarves cannot help dwarves, lest they succumb as well. The disease is unnatural... magical... we have as much responsibility to help the dwarves as we do to work on healing the rest of this blighted land."
The halfling man looks up at her, his spell complete, and he nods to her with a smile. He takes a bite from the fig he is holding and rises back to his feet, his posture more relaxed now.
Aubrey or Grugga, History DC 15:
There is something about the halfling man's face that is awful familiar.
The woman looks back to Aubrey. "We appreciate the fresh food. Our community gets by all right, but the bacon should pick up people's spirits." She extends a hand in greeting. "My name is Esmerelda. My shadow here is Merkil, my husband and partner. We are druids of the Circle of Amnifortis. Our clan has watched over these lands, as best we can, since the Breach took the city."
She turns to take a long look at the walls and then back to you. "Of the inside of the walls, there isn't much we can tell. The city still belongs to the monsters and aberrations, but it has changed some in recent years. It used to be, any humans who crossed inside the walls, other than passing through on the river, would go mad or fall deathly ill. Its not so anymore, but its still foolish to wander inside."
"The 'burned knights'.... yes we were paid a visit from them a week ago. They wanted to shake us down for supplies or conscripts. They turned tail once they saw the plague doctors and haven't been back."
"If you have time to waste, the burned knight problem should take care of itself. Memnikophis regularly sends Guardians to keep riffraff and petty armies away from the ruins. From what I've heard, the burned knights launched a raid against the temple mount southwest of the city. They didn't take it but they massacred the priests of Joshua and killed a lot of Skrillites, too. Once word gets back to Hard Harbour, they'll send a force to rout them. Might take a couple of weeks for that to shake itself out, though."
"As for the tents. Hmmn." She looks concerned. "Be careful. There are people inside the city. Not many, but a few. They claim to have been there since the Breach, that they descend from the urchins and poor who couldn't escape... but they are strange and I wouldn't trust a word they say. For example, they sent a messenger to our camp last month... claimed they had a cure for the dwarf plague only they could access. Despite our efforts they convinced a handful of desperately ill dwarves to follow them back into the city. Haven't heard of them since. Anyhow, they said any dwarves who want to find them should go to that bridge and wait."
"Now, if you don't mind my asking, what brings you down here? Loaded with supplies, a big fancy ship, gold... I hope some rich fool hasn't hired you for a treasure hunt. No doubt the city still holds wealth of the past, but it is a nightmare in there, I tell you."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Aubrey doesn't get the impression she is holding anything back.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
History: 11 (rolled in game log)
Grugga nods absently at Cosette's suggestion and follows her down the gangplank, his head clearly still in the clouds. However, when the Halflings start talking, he shakes his head, returning to the moment, and pays close attention to what they have to say.
His eyes open wide when Esmerelda suggests that the descendants of some of the survivors still live in the city. He wanders a bit closer to hear better, but otherwise minds his manners and stays back, trusting his companions to handle the situation with more tact than he could.
The young noble briefly glances over with an appreciative smile at Cosette's soft and sweet melody as she helps out with the linen. Sitting back on a rock he then listens attentively to Esmeralda with a polite and calm smile, chuckling slightly at the mention of the Burned Knights turning tail but looking a bit more troubled at the mention of Memnikophian forces coming to Amnifortis. "Good to meet you Esmeralda and Merkil. So you are druids? We had a halfling druid briefly in our team, Eskil Shoreside was his name, a good man but a very brief acquaintance I'm sad to say. Now, the rich fool that hired us would be none other than the Emperor himself." Aubrey says with a smile, making clear he is not offended. "We're not really treasure hunters though..." He says, briefly glancing over at Raqisat and Cosette. "...but rather here to determine what is needed to clear the ruins from the evil that has plagued it for so many years now and possibly making this great city livable again, reclaiming it from the abominations if you will, and maybe by doing so we will be able to lift the curse of this horrible plague as well. We fully expect to face nightmares in there though, in fact we hope so as one of our tasks is to catalogue them, particularly for finding ways to defeat them." Aubrey finishes, then glances over at the others of his team to see if there are other questions to put forth.
Aubrey History: 7
Rohuzar will ask after any information for the map of the city they can add. Where are the dwarves, the halflings, the Burning Knights, etc. Any other locations of note
Paladin - warforged - orange