Unsure if this is truly goodbye, Sagin gives Obsben, and everyone else, a simple wave of the hand.
Deciding to pause their party-composition and public showing discussions for a moment, CRAP determines their most immediate next step should be to visit Mantor's Library. On the way there, Utar is sure to send a message to Lord Ekmond, the Regent at House Brokengulf.
@Utar:
"These are most welcome news! A massive blow to the enemy, though one that will surely make them step up their efforts. Come for supper."
The arrival at the library is quick and smooth. The many attendants have not only been told of CRAP's business with the Master Librarians (Just enough not to question their access), but have also started to recognize the adventuring party members at a glance. Soon enough, the party finds themselves back at Cassra's Brandywine's messy office. The halfling lady looks at the group expectantly: "Fubar, Grass, Meia, Bigsben! You are back from your out-of-town adventure! I hope this means that you bring good tidings." The excitement in her voice alters its pitch just enough for her not to stumble on her own words.
"Indeed. I've done what I could to preserve them as well, but I fear that the manner by which they were handled was less than up to library standards." Obsben said offhandedly while absentmindedly scanning the office with half-lidded eyes. "I... left Basil with you, yes? Or did I take him last? Having a hard time recalling right now, which might've been a side-effect nearly drowning twice on our little adventure." She gives a little off putting giggle, before finally turning her focus towards fetching whatever books sand and torn pages were discovered and in need of being returned to the library.
"On a decidedly different note, do you have any interest in becoming a noble, Cassra?" She asks afterwards.And if questioned back on the whys for the question, Obby just shrugs and says, "Just curious."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Cassra is very happy to hear Graxx's report. Her sentiment is only slightly smeared by Neya's follow-up comment. "Worry not, my dearest pr-pro-problem sol-sol-solvers. The good scribes we still have in the li-li-li-library can mend these damages to the books." The Master Scribe collects the remaining books and the separated pages with the utmost care.
Turning to Obsben, she then responds in a baby-pitched voice (which also temporarily does away with her stutter): "Oh that big mess of fuzzy warmth?! Didn't you see the lovely boy running outside. It is his exercise hour, so some of the attendants are throwing sticks about. He loves the library so much!" Her cheeks get a bit redder and she seems to forget that her broken arm is still bandaged. "He is so soft!"
She is then brought out of her momentary daydream by Obsben's next question: "Hmm.. Wh-Wh-What? Me? A noble? I haven't thought of being a princess sin-sin-since I was a little girl. I have no time for such fancies in ad-adu-adulthood." She moves to a spot behind her desk, opens several drawers until she finds something, and places the object on the table while still thinking of the last topic of conversation. "What a strange question."
"As promised," She points to a small wooden box now on her desk, "Here is the 1,000gp bonus for your success. I tr-tr-trust Lieutenant Burral paid you the-th-the main sum."
Obsben shrugged, not seeming to recognize the strangeness of her own question. "Not quite yet. She said... uhm... Ah~ Right, she said our 'reward' would be presented public in addition to another matter that would ultimately gain this merry band quite the reputation and thensome. If... If you have time, maybe you can swing by the gallows tomorrow for it."She suggest. "... Although... hmm... well, once we have a more exacting time, I'll be sure to contact you later via a bit of magic, a-ssuming word doesn't otherwise reach far, far sooner by other means."
Obsben smiled, and then assuming none of the other CRAPers were quick to take the box, she'd nudge Neya's side and urge the monk onward to do so. "I must admit that I... that I do feel a little bad about taking my fluffy rascal away after we're done here. Especially seeing as he seems to be doing a fair job helping you get out of ya shell a bit it seems." She said, giving Cassra a sly smile. "So if ya want, least till your arm is fully mended, or I need to head out of town for good, mind keeping him company for a bit longer? I'll be sure to drop by of course now and then, and I'll pay for any expenses his care might occur. And... and if'n ya need an excuse to tell the other scribes, I'd prolly tell'em ya borrow him as a service animal. Least till yer arm is fully on the mend."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Not yet," Cassra says in response to the needed repairs Utar referenced. "We focused first on givin-ing-ing Garda a deserved send-off. Sh-she-she is resting now. We tr-trusted her care to the Kelemvorites."
"At the gallows?! Publicly?" Cassra seems afraid for a moment after listening to Obsben's news. "Well, public executions usually take place at the ninth bell, so your ce-ce-ce-ceremony might happen then. I hope it doesn't involve any more death."
"That rascal!" She smiles and blushes some more. She gets a bit agitated again: "I may need him to h-he-help my arm mend. Indeed. I do. Good Idea. It's decided. He stays!" Recovering her composure, she then adds: "Speaking of which, don't let m-me-me keep you. I am sure you have places to be. Allow me to take some of that off your p--p-pl-pla-plate. I will inform Aya, Marten, and Agin of your success. Though they will certainly complain, th-th-their books will be safer at the library."
Clearly but politely gesturing for the party to leave, possibly so she can enjoy her limited time with her new favorite mastiff, Cassra reassures you: "I'll also sing your praise to the Lord Sage, though I am sure they need no more reason to like you."
Utar gives the scribe a wave goodbye and as CRAP start on their out of the library folks them in on their invite from Ekmong
"So, I don't know if any of you have dinner plans, but we've an invite for supper from Lord Ekmong. Might be a little added political weight if you want to see about getting a few more of your tribesmen freed, Graxx."
(@Grx: Ceremony is taking place "tomorrow" in in-game time. You were given a day to run your errands, tie loose ends...)
The group says their goodbyes to Cassra. On their way out...
(OOC: Not much of an update but I feel like we should pause here to address the question in the OOC chat. Is CRAP accepting or declining Cassra's offer to keep the books in the three owners' behalves.)
(OOC: If I understood the OOC discussion correctly, the group is keeping one of the books. Let me know if I misunderstood.)
...CRAP chooses to hang on to the rather old copy of Lords and Lineages of Phlan they recovered from Ellison. The party tells Cassra that they will take care of returning this book themselves. Cassra seems a bit surprised at first, but is content in the end with returning two of the three books. "Very well. I'll summon Aya and Marten to the li-li-lib-libr-library and let you deal with Agin."
Brief farewells are shared and Neya is sure to collect the first portion of their reward before leaving the Master Scribe's office. An attendant escorts the group out of the building, through the courtyard, and to the gate. While walking through the courtyard, Obsben spots a happy mastiff running around and fetching sticks.
With all of the afternoon still ahead of them, the group decides to make their next stop right away. They pay a visit to The Velvet Doublet at the northern tip of Phaln. This fancy festhall is known to be Dornal Whitebeard's hang-out spot. Surely enough, it doesn't take too long before the honorable dwarf is summoned. He comes out of his private dining area within the establishment and waves CRAP back in with a welcoming smile, most of which is hidden by his braided white beard. "What a nice surprise. Come and join me for lunch, would you? Let's catch up."
"Mn~ This won't be your only surprise today." Obsben commented as well. "Isn't that right-..."She pauses for a second, having looked over her shoulder expectantly, only to not find what she'd been after. "Oh my~ It seems I left Sourpuss at home... Hmn~ Oh well!"With that and a shrug, Obsben happily made ready to follow the group to whatever seating arrangements Dornal had in mind. But unless her presence is ever questioned directly, she brings no more attention to it then what the others or Dornal might after the fact.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I see fresh scrapes and bruises," Dornal says as he shakes Graxx's hands. "This will be a good story! Hahaha!" The dwarf's laughter is so loud that many other patrons can't help bu stop their own conversations momentarily and stare at Whitebeard. The dwarf doesn't seem bothered in the least.
"Yes, yes, come back in here. We can talk more freely." The private dining area's main feature is a beautiful, stone, round table that is already full of food. The dishes look delectable, and many of them have already been pecked at. There is more food in here than you could possibly expect a family to eat, yet Dornal was by himself before your arrival.
Baked flat buckwheat noodles with courgette flowers and ricotta and a side of sauteed artichoke and dates.
Braised kidney with peppercorns and sweet chestnuts. Served with monterey jack cheese and hard boiled eggs.
Steamed large thick acorn noodles with greater plantain, wolfberry and areca nut.
Steamed small thick rice noodles with peach, almond and lime with a side of cooked broadleaf arrowhead, sliced amaranth and apples. Served with brown bread, bay leaves pie, colby cheese, and celery salt soup.
Stir-fried flat wheat with poultry and pomegranate with a side of cooked fennel, diced water chestnut and oranges. Served with cucumber pie.
Baked thick wheat with guar, fennel and dillisk. Served with blue cheese and almonds pie.
Trout on a bed of steamed snap pea, sliced courgette and figs.
Broiled toad with kurrajong nuts, snowberries and arrowroot with a salad of cooked tomatillo and blueberries. Served with daikon pie, mixed meat soup, jarlsberg cheese and rice bread.
Horse meat with payapas and canarium nuts with a salad of diced bamboo shoot, welsh onion and mangos. Served with brown bread with honey, pomegranate pie, nori soup and colby cheese.
Charbroiled turkey with rosemary and limes on a bed of sliced pak choy, shallot and pomegranates. Served with paprika soup, poached eggs and bread.
There is also barrels upon barrels of ale.
He waves Neya and the group in: "Have a seat, have a seat, and enough with the stalling. Go on. Tell your latest tale." He pauses for a second, looking at Obsben. "I see you are recruiting as well. Very good, very good. A friend of yours is a friend of mine."
(OOC: I don't want to assume you tell Dornal everything, so let me know what you do/don't share.)
"There also was that strange abomination that, until recently, resided in the library's sub-basement we encountered during our investigation," Neya recounts. "I still wonder what in the world that was."
She describes the creature as accurately as she could, given the events of the past few days.
Dornal is delighted by Graxx's story of how CRAP defeated a dragon. While sloppily raising a tankard to meet anyone else's, the dwarf exclaims: "Now that is a battle worth celebrating!" Dornal has many questions about the fight, regarding the enemy's prowess, their preferred mode of attack, the lizardfolk's summoning abilities, the area in which the fight took place, etc. You can see his bellic interest and knowledge flowing through the conversation. He is enjoying the food, the company, and the tales, but he is clearly also taking the opportunity to study his enemies.
When Neya mentions another creature worth his study, Dornal shares what he might know: "Malformed and unfinished, you say? I have heard of ghastly, unfinished creations of powerful evil spirits, cast adrift and abandoned, a product of other undead, something that has never truly been alive, unlike its creators. I'd guess that not even divine intervention could breathe true life into a horror this hateful and miserable."
(OOC: Just checking: no mentions of the books yet, but are you mentioning Agin Lamark's multi-generational appropriation of a noble house? There is no right answer here. You are more than welcome to not mention it. I am just checking because I understood this to be the purpose of visiting Dornal to begin with.)
Unsure if this is truly goodbye, Sagin gives Obsben, and everyone else, a simple wave of the hand.
Deciding to pause their party-composition and public showing discussions for a moment, CRAP determines their most immediate next step should be to visit Mantor's Library. On the way there, Utar is sure to send a message to Lord Ekmond, the Regent at House Brokengulf.
@Utar:
"These are most welcome news! A massive blow to the enemy, though one that will surely make them step up their efforts. Come for supper."
The arrival at the library is quick and smooth. The many attendants have not only been told of CRAP's business with the Master Librarians (Just enough not to question their access), but have also started to recognize the adventuring party members at a glance. Soon enough, the party finds themselves back at Cassra's Brandywine's messy office. The halfling lady looks at the group expectantly: "Fubar, Grass, Meia, Bigsben! You are back from your out-of-town adventure! I hope this means that you bring good tidings." The excitement in her voice alters its pitch just enough for her not to stumble on her own words.
Graxx steps up and gives a warm smile.
"Cassra Brandywine... It is good to see you again."
"Yes, we have all returned in one piece and the thief has been captured as well as a dragon slain!" says Graxx.
"The town is yet safer as well as your books. These thefts should now be stopped and you can sleep well tonight." says Graxx.
"Unfortunately, the books were damaged by the culprit. Still, all pages are present."
Extended Signature
"Indeed. I've done what I could to preserve them as well, but I fear that the manner by which they were handled was less than up to library standards." Obsben said offhandedly while absentmindedly scanning the office with half-lidded eyes. "I... left Basil with you, yes? Or did I take him last? Having a hard time recalling right now, which might've been a side-effect nearly drowning twice on our little adventure." She gives a little off putting giggle, before finally turning her focus towards fetching whatever books sand and torn pages were discovered and in need of being returned to the library.
"On a decidedly different note, do you have any interest in becoming a noble, Cassra?" She asks afterwards.And if questioned back on the whys for the question, Obby just shrugs and says, "Just curious."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Cassra is very happy to hear Graxx's report. Her sentiment is only slightly smeared by Neya's follow-up comment. "Worry not, my dearest pr-pro-problem sol-sol-solvers. The good scribes we still have in the li-li-li-library can mend these damages to the books." The Master Scribe collects the remaining books and the separated pages with the utmost care.
Turning to Obsben, she then responds in a baby-pitched voice (which also temporarily does away with her stutter): "Oh that big mess of fuzzy warmth?! Didn't you see the lovely boy running outside. It is his exercise hour, so some of the attendants are throwing sticks about. He loves the library so much!" Her cheeks get a bit redder and she seems to forget that her broken arm is still bandaged. "He is so soft!"
She is then brought out of her momentary daydream by Obsben's next question: "Hmm.. Wh-Wh-What? Me? A noble? I haven't thought of being a princess sin-sin-since I was a little girl. I have no time for such fancies in ad-adu-adulthood." She moves to a spot behind her desk, opens several drawers until she finds something, and places the object on the table while still thinking of the last topic of conversation. "What a strange question."
"As promised," She points to a small wooden box now on her desk, "Here is the 1,000gp bonus for your success. I tr-tr-trust Lieutenant Burral paid you the-th-the main sum."
Utar can't recall being paid previously, but he was a little pre-occupied with Ellison...
"How are things at the library since we left? Presumably repairs aren't yet underway, but I hope everyone else is well."
Obsben shrugged, not seeming to recognize the strangeness of her own question. "Not quite yet. She said... uhm... Ah~ Right, she said our 'reward' would be presented public in addition to another matter that would ultimately gain this merry band quite the reputation and thensome. If... If you have time, maybe you can swing by the gallows tomorrow for it." She suggest. "... Although... hmm... well, once we have a more exacting time, I'll be sure to contact you later via a bit of magic, a-ssuming word doesn't otherwise reach far, far sooner by other means."
Obsben smiled, and then assuming none of the other CRAPers were quick to take the box, she'd nudge Neya's side and urge the monk onward to do so. "I must admit that I... that I do feel a little bad about taking my fluffy rascal away after we're done here. Especially seeing as he seems to be doing a fair job helping you get out of ya shell a bit it seems." She said, giving Cassra a sly smile. "So if ya want, least till your arm is fully mended, or I need to head out of town for good, mind keeping him company for a bit longer? I'll be sure to drop by of course now and then, and I'll pay for any expenses his care might occur. And... and if'n ya need an excuse to tell the other scribes, I'd prolly tell'em ya borrow him as a service animal. Least till yer arm is fully on the mend."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Not yet," Cassra says in response to the needed repairs Utar referenced. "We focused first on givin-ing-ing Garda a deserved send-off. Sh-she-she is resting now. We tr-trusted her care to the Kelemvorites."
"At the gallows?! Publicly?" Cassra seems afraid for a moment after listening to Obsben's news. "Well, public executions usually take place at the ninth bell, so your ce-ce-ce-ceremony might happen then. I hope it doesn't involve any more death."
"That rascal!" She smiles and blushes some more. She gets a bit agitated again: "I may need him to h-he-help my arm mend. Indeed. I do. Good Idea. It's decided. He stays!" Recovering her composure, she then adds: "Speaking of which, don't let m-me-me keep you. I am sure you have places to be. Allow me to take some of that off your p--p-pl-pla-plate. I will inform Aya, Marten, and Agin of your success. Though they will certainly complain, th-th-their books will be safer at the library."
Clearly but politely gesturing for the party to leave, possibly so she can enjoy her limited time with her new favorite mastiff, Cassra reassures you: "I'll also sing your praise to the Lord Sage, though I am sure they need no more reason to like you."
Graxx gives a bow.
"Thank you, Cassra. Until we next meet." says Graxx.
Graxx will give a nod of his head and depart.
(OOC: Is it about time for the ceremony?)
"Fortunately, this time is not so grim of a situation. It is news of a different caliber."
"Have a good evening," Neya bids farewell as she pick up the box with the reward.
Extended Signature
Utar gives the scribe a wave goodbye and as CRAP start on their out of the library folks them in on their invite from Ekmong
"So, I don't know if any of you have dinner plans, but we've an invite for supper from Lord Ekmong. Might be a little added political weight if you want to see about getting a few more of your tribesmen freed, Graxx."
(@Grx: Ceremony is taking place "tomorrow" in in-game time. You were given a day to run your errands, tie loose ends...)
The group says their goodbyes to Cassra. On their way out...
(OOC: Not much of an update but I feel like we should pause here to address the question in the OOC chat. Is CRAP accepting or declining Cassra's offer to keep the books in the three owners' behalves.)
(OOC: If I understood the OOC discussion correctly, the group is keeping one of the books. Let me know if I misunderstood.)
...CRAP chooses to hang on to the rather old copy of Lords and Lineages of Phlan they recovered from Ellison. The party tells Cassra that they will take care of returning this book themselves. Cassra seems a bit surprised at first, but is content in the end with returning two of the three books. "Very well. I'll summon Aya and Marten to the li-li-lib-libr-library and let you deal with Agin."
Brief farewells are shared and Neya is sure to collect the first portion of their reward before leaving the Master Scribe's office. An attendant escorts the group out of the building, through the courtyard, and to the gate. While walking through the courtyard, Obsben spots a happy mastiff running around and fetching sticks.
With all of the afternoon still ahead of them, the group decides to make their next stop right away. They pay a visit to The Velvet Doublet at the northern tip of Phaln. This fancy festhall is known to be Dornal Whitebeard's hang-out spot. Surely enough, it doesn't take too long before the honorable dwarf is summoned. He comes out of his private dining area within the establishment and waves CRAP back in with a welcoming smile, most of which is hidden by his braided white beard. "What a nice surprise. Come and join me for lunch, would you? Let's catch up."
Graxx steps up and returns Dornal's smile and extends a hand for a nice shake.
"Hello, my friend." says Graxx warmly.
Graxx gently pats his stomach.
"How could I ever turn down lunch in such a nice place with a good friend." says Graxx.
Graxx motions back towards the private dining area.
"Will we be joining you back there?" asks Graxx.
"It is good to see you again," Neya greets Dornal.
That sounds lovely, actually. We do seem to be on a small celebration tour, today."
Extended Signature
"Mn~ This won't be your only surprise today." Obsben commented as well. "Isn't that right-..." She pauses for a second, having looked over her shoulder expectantly, only to not find what she'd been after. "Oh my~ It seems I left Sourpuss at home... Hmn~ Oh well!" With that and a shrug, Obsben happily made ready to follow the group to whatever seating arrangements Dornal had in mind. But unless her presence is ever questioned directly, she brings no more attention to it then what the others or Dornal might after the fact.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I see fresh scrapes and bruises," Dornal says as he shakes Graxx's hands. "This will be a good story! Hahaha!" The dwarf's laughter is so loud that many other patrons can't help bu stop their own conversations momentarily and stare at Whitebeard. The dwarf doesn't seem bothered in the least.
"Yes, yes, come back in here. We can talk more freely." The private dining area's main feature is a beautiful, stone, round table that is already full of food. The dishes look delectable, and many of them have already been pecked at. There is more food in here than you could possibly expect a family to eat, yet Dornal was by himself before your arrival.
There is also barrels upon barrels of ale.
He waves Neya and the group in: "Have a seat, have a seat, and enough with the stalling. Go on. Tell your latest tale." He pauses for a second, looking at Obsben. "I see you are recruiting as well. Very good, very good. A friend of yours is a friend of mine."
(OOC: I don't want to assume you tell Dornal everything, so let me know what you do/don't share.)
Graxx takes a deep breath.
(Graxx will share the story of the mighty battle and the slaying of the dragon just like before)
(Graxx will omit any mention of the books in his story but is open to sharing the information if others would like to do so.)
"There also was that strange abomination that, until recently, resided in the library's sub-basement we encountered during our investigation," Neya recounts. "I still wonder what in the world that was."
She describes the creature as accurately as she could, given the events of the past few days.
Extended Signature
Dornal is delighted by Graxx's story of how CRAP defeated a dragon. While sloppily raising a tankard to meet anyone else's, the dwarf exclaims: "Now that is a battle worth celebrating!" Dornal has many questions about the fight, regarding the enemy's prowess, their preferred mode of attack, the lizardfolk's summoning abilities, the area in which the fight took place, etc. You can see his bellic interest and knowledge flowing through the conversation. He is enjoying the food, the company, and the tales, but he is clearly also taking the opportunity to study his enemies.
When Neya mentions another creature worth his study, Dornal shares what he might know: "Malformed and unfinished, you say? I have heard of ghastly, unfinished creations of powerful evil spirits, cast adrift and abandoned, a product of other undead, something that has never truly been alive, unlike its creators. I'd guess that not even divine intervention could breathe true life into a horror this hateful and miserable."
(OOC: Just checking: no mentions of the books yet, but are you mentioning Agin Lamark's multi-generational appropriation of a noble house? There is no right answer here. You are more than welcome to not mention it. I am just checking because I understood this to be the purpose of visiting Dornal to begin with.)