Esa probably sees Grimbald trying to be sneaky and cannot physically roll her eyes hard enough. She says, "I mean, you can come with us, just don't go saying anything foolish..." She then asks Augustin to take her to the figures, but to keep his distance just to be safe.
Stryke / RustlingLeaves summons his fey owl who wings it on high. There does not appear to be anything that might suggest an ambush.
The grass outside the fence up to the hill is cut short, perhaps to deter any type of sneaking that Grimbald is considering. Assuming Grimbald then chooses to accompany Esa and Augustin, the three move towards the guards at the gate. As you get closer you see two are actually guards with spear and shield, and in a chain shirt. The person in between them is dressed differently, dark clothes and dark hair. Her skin is olive and her eyes dark brown, almost black, indicating a southern heritage. She is perhaps 30 years old. Augustin knows her as Alesia Gravelstoke, younger sibling of the Gravelstoke patriarch, Xander Gravelstoke.
"We expected you yesterday," she says, without emotion. Her dark eyes flick to Esa and Grimbald before returning to Augustin.
Alesia notes Vakiel and RL moving up, her eyes linger on Vakiel. Then she looks back at Augustin.
"Interesting company you keep these days, Augustin. Anyway unless you want to stand there gawping like a fish out of water you can follow me to the manor." She steps back and one of the guards opens the gate to allow the party in.
Alesia peers at Augustin. "What has happened to your nose? Tell me it was something exciting and that you didn't just walk into a door while you were drunk."
She walks alongside Augustin to hear his response.
Esa gets a bit annoyed at the woman's attitude, and even takes a bit of a "I'm the only one who's allowed to bully him" attitude. She quickly pipes up before Augustin can respond, knowing he will most likely downplay the story. "He was injured in the heat of battle. We were vastly outnumbered, however Augustin, myself and the others were easily able to overcome the attackers and put them to rest. Augustin's nose is a battle wound, a showing of his bravery and strength."
She checks herself and straightens up. "I am Esa, and this is Grimbald. You obviously know Augustin already. Our two other companions in the back are Rustling Leavves and Vakiel. We weren't expecting guards upon our arrival, so I'm sure you'll understand our initial caution."
"I am Alesia Gravelstoke. That sounds like an interesting story which I am sure Xander will ask you to tell at dinner."
As you walk there are people tending the land and then all drop their eyes when Alesia passes. You wonder if this is from respect or fear.
Gravelstoke manor is two-storey, old, and needs repair - just like every building in Harkenwold. As you approach the main double doors, a tall thin man neatly dressed appears.
"Now would you like to retire to your rooms that we have prepared? You will all be adjacent to each other. If any of you wish to double up, that can be made possible, just let us know. Jarn here will tend to any requests you may have. I must leave you now, but please enjoy and rest. We will meet again at dinner. Feel free to explore the mansion and the grounds if you wish."
"I am Alesia Gravelstoke. That sounds like an interesting story which I am sure Xander will ask you to tell at dinner."
As you walk there are people tending the land and then all drop their eyes when Alesia passes. You wonder if this is from respect or fear.
Gravelstoke manor is two-storey, old, and needs repair - just like every building in Harkenwold. As you approach the main double doors, a tall thin man neatly dressed appears.
"Now would you like to retire to your rooms that we have prepared? You will all be adjacent to each other. If any of you wish to double up, that can be made possible, just let us know. Jarn here will tend to any requests you may have. I must leave you now, but please enjoy and rest. We will meet again at dinner. Feel free to explore the mansion and the grounds if you wish."
Rustle (for short) will ask if its ok to run around the estate as a dog, will that scare the people or any animals?
Grimbald will briefly check out his room, however he is more interested in clambering out the window and up onto the roof, or towards ,large enough, trees. Much more to his liking than the confines of 4 walls
"I am Alesia Gravelstoke. That sounds like an interesting story which I am sure Xander will ask you to tell at dinner."
As you walk there are people tending the land and then all drop their eyes when Alesia passes. You wonder if this is from respect or fear.
Gravelstoke manor is two-storey, old, and needs repair - just like every building in Harkenwold. As you approach the main double doors, a tall thin man neatly dressed appears.
"Now would you like to retire to your rooms that we have prepared? You will all be adjacent to each other. If any of you wish to double up, that can be made possible, just let us know. Jarn here will tend to any requests you may have. I must leave you now, but please enjoy and rest. We will meet again at dinner. Feel free to explore the mansion and the grounds if you wish."
Rustle (for short) will ask if its ok to run around the estate as a dog, will that scare the people or any animals?
Alesia laughs, and it is a genuine expression of delight.
"Amazing! Of course, but if you don't want to get treated like a dog, you should probably be a specific dog and I'll let them know to leave you alone."
Grimbald will briefly check out his room, however he is more interested in clambering out the window and up onto the roof, or towards ,large enough, trees. Much more to his liking than the confines of 4 walls
The room is two beds, recently cleaned, a chest, drawers, mirror, paintings of pastoral scenes.
There are no trees near the manor but some about 100 feet away above some benches. Two women sit at one of the benches talking, they are dressed like the staff of the house.
"I am Alesia Gravelstoke. That sounds like an interesting story which I am sure Xander will ask you to tell at dinner."
As you walk there are people tending the land and then all drop their eyes when Alesia passes. You wonder if this is from respect or fear.
Gravelstoke manor is two-storey, old, and needs repair - just like every building in Harkenwold. As you approach the main double doors, a tall thin man neatly dressed appears.
"Now would you like to retire to your rooms that we have prepared? You will all be adjacent to each other. If any of you wish to double up, that can be made possible, just let us know. Jarn here will tend to any requests you may have. I must leave you now, but please enjoy and rest. We will meet again at dinner. Feel free to explore the mansion and the grounds if you wish."
Rustle (for short) will ask if its ok to run around the estate as a dog, will that scare the people or any animals?
Alesia laughs, and it is a genuine expression of delight.
"Amazing! Of course, but if you don't want to get treated like a dog, you should probably be a specific dog and I'll let them know to leave you alone."
In front of Alesia, Rustle will wild shape into a mastiff with blonde hair on a totally black body so that he is really distinctive. He will then go for a sniff around the estate for an hour before coming back to the house. As much around the perimeter of the estate as he can get to in that hour.
Perception 16 on hearing and smell. movement speed of 40ft.
As mentioned before, each room is two beds, recently cleaned, a chest, drawers, mirror, paintings of pastoral scenes.
There are enough rooms for everyone to have their own rooms, or you can double up. While you decide who sleeps where, a woman who looks like she might be a tailor arrives and takes notes on your physiques. Jarn tells you that some dinner attire will be sent to your rooms. The tailor woman does a double take when she first sees Esa, perhaps wondering how she will fit the dress around the wings.
"Dinner is always formal," Jarn explains. "Master Xander insists. Armour and weapons will not be required, although a small weapon like a dagger or shortsword can be accommodated. There are bathrooms at each end of this corridor and hot water and towels will be provided. Dinner will be around sunset and you will be given ample warning to prepare. Should you have any needs in the meantime, please ask."
Another servant arrives, a younger woman with dark hair and pale skin. She keeps her eyes on the carpet.
"This is Annie," said Jarn. "She will wait at the end of the corridor near the stairs and answer any questions or attend to any requests. I say this next sentence with the greatest respect. We look after our staff, so please do not think to take advantage of Annie. We do not think you would, we know Master Augustin," Jarn nods to the paladin, "and trust his judgement of companions. She will naturally report to me any interactions she has with you, so that I know she has served well."
Jarn and the tailor woman, still making last minute notes, leave and Annie with her eyes still downcast sits in a chair at the end of the corridor.
Grimbald has already gone into one room and is out the window on the roof, looking around.
There are no trees near the manor but some about 100 feet away above some benches. Two women sit at one of the benches talking, they are dressed like the staff of the house. Grimbald is not very familiar with dress codes of human house staff, so he can't tell where they work. He strains his ears and hears snatches of conversation.
"..not very nice. I don't know what to do about it, I don't want to lose my job."
"I'll have a word to the Housekeeper," the other, older woman says. "She might be able to talk to Lady Regan, maybe she can help. Honestly, why did you get involved with Master Vincent? You've been told from the day you started..."
The second woman trails off as a tall woman in a dark dress arrives, a servant but clearly superior to the other two. She speaks without preamble.
"Your breaks are being cut short. We have dinner guests and the cook requires you back in the kitchen, and there are pots to scrub already."
The woman who spoke first scurried off, presumably to the kitchens. The slightly older woman walked alongside the tall woman who you would later know as Mistress Magda, the Housekeeper. They talk, but they are out of Grimbald's hearing.
Rustling Leaves, in the form of a black dog with long blonde hair, bounded around the Gravelstoke estate. It felt good to run as a dog, and his nose told him stories of events in the recent past as well as the present.
Rustling Leaves finds out the following information, from listening to workers, observation, and scent:
The estate comprises of some grain fields, vegetable gardens, a small sty of pigs, some hunting dogs (they barked at Rustling Leaves but did not try to get out of their pen), sheep dogs were out rounding up sheep to be put away and not interested in Rustling Leaves when there was still work to be done. There were some orchards with a variety of trees. There were workers all tilling the fields, and an overseer but there was no whip. The overseer was diligent and watchful, no one was being mistreated, but there was little room for slacking.
There were servant quarters near a corner of the estate, a fishpond nearby. There were many buildings that would be expected on a rural property for processing meat, grain, and vegetables. The tanning shed was an assault on Rustling Leaves' sensitive nose and he stayed well away. There was a barracks for the soldiers and some were practicing nearby with bows and spears, watched over by a sergeant who bawled at them with unenthusiastic vigor, as if he were going through the motions.
There was also one single storey building with an open door and Rustling Leaves peered in. Here people practiced unarmed fighting, or fighting with shortswords, all wearing some kind of dark grey robes. There were not many, but Alesia was here. She saw Rustling Leaves and smiled, her severe face lighting up. There were some people who were teaching others, and these teachers had a similar look to Alesia, so Rustling Leaves suspected they were her family. The oldest one would be Xander Gravelstoke who, despite his greying hair and beard, moved with fluid grace.
Having seen most of the estate, Rustling Leaves decided to head back to the manor.
The party were summoned for dinner by Annie. Their dinner attire had been sent up to them while they were having their warm baths. These garments had not been simply created but adjusted from existing clothing. Most needed a few more alterations, and the party were patient while the tailor and her assistants made the necessary adjustments. Only Esa's appeared to have been made from scratch, and it was a sparkly, backless gown. While it would not have been something she would have chosen for herself, the fey recognised the effort that went into making it in a few short hours. The sack of smelly goblin heads were stuffed into a wardrobe, and Rustling Leaves hoped they wouldn't scare any maid who went to put clothes or blankets in it.
They followed Annie down to the Dining Hall and finally met all of their hosts. This first part was a stand around some tables of finger food and socialise.
Xander Gravelstoke was the man Rustling Leaves saw in the training room, teaching others unarmed fighting. He was tall and strong, with short greying hair and goatee. He had a warm smile and good manners and showed them equally to all party members. He greeted Augustin with particular warmth, saying he had heard "much about you".
His much younger siblings were Alesia, who had met the party at the gate, and the twins Mikus and Tovin. They were friendly, although were somewhat guarded and did not have their older brother's disarming charm. Vincent Gravelstoke was the complete opposite of his father Xander. He was sullen, unfriendly without being rude. He was undeniably the most handsome of all the Gravelstoke men, but it was soured by his dour countenance. He said as little as possible to the party, and seemed uninterested in either asking questions or talking about himself.
Alesia was taking an interest in Vakiel, much to her younger brother's amusement. She asked him questions but Vakiel gave little away, other than he was from "down south", from "all over" and that he had spent many years travelling. He was equally vague when asked where his family were from. Rather than taking the hint, Alesia gave a broad smile and changed the subject to what he thought about various matters down south.
DM's Note: If the party would like to ask questions of their own, this is one of the times they can do it.
Stryke will summon a wild companion fey owl to do some scouting from above to ensure the party doesnt wander into an ambush
Esa probably sees Grimbald trying to be sneaky and cannot physically roll her eyes hard enough. She says, "I mean, you can come with us, just don't go saying anything foolish..." She then asks Augustin to take her to the figures, but to keep his distance just to be safe.
Grimbald's shoulders tense for a moment as he appears to consider his net. He exhales deeply and continues
Stryke / Rustling Leaves summons his fey owl who wings it on high. There does not appear to be anything that might suggest an ambush.
The grass outside the fence up to the hill is cut short, perhaps to deter any type of sneaking that Grimbald is considering. Assuming Grimbald then chooses to accompany Esa and Augustin, the three move towards the guards at the gate. As you get closer you see two are actually guards with spear and shield, and in a chain shirt. The person in between them is dressed differently, dark clothes and dark hair. Her skin is olive and her eyes dark brown, almost black, indicating a southern heritage. She is perhaps 30 years old. Augustin knows her as Alesia Gravelstoke, younger sibling of the Gravelstoke patriarch, Xander Gravelstoke.
"We expected you yesterday," she says, without emotion. Her dark eyes flick to Esa and Grimbald before returning to Augustin.
RL and Vakiel will follow about 20 to 30 ft behind Esa and Augustin
Alesia notes Vakiel and RL moving up, her eyes linger on Vakiel. Then she looks back at Augustin.
"Interesting company you keep these days, Augustin. Anyway unless you want to stand there gawping like a fish out of water you can follow me to the manor." She steps back and one of the guards opens the gate to allow the party in.
Alesia peers at Augustin. "What has happened to your nose? Tell me it was something exciting and that you didn't just walk into a door while you were drunk."
She walks alongside Augustin to hear his response.
Esa gets a bit annoyed at the woman's attitude, and even takes a bit of a "I'm the only one who's allowed to bully him" attitude. She quickly pipes up before Augustin can respond, knowing he will most likely downplay the story. "He was injured in the heat of battle. We were vastly outnumbered, however Augustin, myself and the others were easily able to overcome the attackers and put them to rest. Augustin's nose is a battle wound, a showing of his bravery and strength."
She checks herself and straightens up. "I am Esa, and this is Grimbald. You obviously know Augustin already. Our two other companions in the back are Rustling Leavves and Vakiel. We weren't expecting guards upon our arrival, so I'm sure you'll understand our initial caution."
Alesia looks at Esa as you all walk together.
"I am Alesia Gravelstoke. That sounds like an interesting story which I am sure Xander will ask you to tell at dinner."
As you walk there are people tending the land and then all drop their eyes when Alesia passes. You wonder if this is from respect or fear.
Gravelstoke manor is two-storey, old, and needs repair - just like every building in Harkenwold. As you approach the main double doors, a tall thin man neatly dressed appears.
"Now would you like to retire to your rooms that we have prepared? You will all be adjacent to each other. If any of you wish to double up, that can be made possible, just let us know. Jarn here will tend to any requests you may have. I must leave you now, but please enjoy and rest. We will meet again at dinner. Feel free to explore the mansion and the grounds if you wish."
Rustle (for short) will ask if its ok to run around the estate as a dog, will that scare the people or any animals?
Grimbald will briefly check out his room, however he is more interested in clambering out the window and up onto the roof, or towards ,large enough, trees. Much more to his liking than the confines of 4 walls
Alesia laughs, and it is a genuine expression of delight.
"Amazing! Of course, but if you don't want to get treated like a dog, you should probably be a specific dog and I'll let them know to leave you alone."
The room is two beds, recently cleaned, a chest, drawers, mirror, paintings of pastoral scenes.
There are no trees near the manor but some about 100 feet away above some benches. Two women sit at one of the benches talking, they are dressed like the staff of the house.
In front of Alesia, Rustle will wild shape into a mastiff with blonde hair on a totally black body so that he is really distinctive. He will then go for a sniff around the estate for an hour before coming back to the house. As much around the perimeter of the estate as he can get to in that hour.
Perception 16 on hearing and smell. movement speed of 40ft.
As Rustle changes Alesia smiles. She looks at Jarn who nods and summons a servant to go out and spread the word.
Alesia leaves and Jarn seems to become more relaxed and allows himself a smile of welcome to you all.
"If you'll come this way I'll show you to your rooms"
As mentioned before, each room is two beds, recently cleaned, a chest, drawers, mirror, paintings of pastoral scenes.
There are enough rooms for everyone to have their own rooms, or you can double up. While you decide who sleeps where, a woman who looks like she might be a tailor arrives and takes notes on your physiques. Jarn tells you that some dinner attire will be sent to your rooms. The tailor woman does a double take when she first sees Esa, perhaps wondering how she will fit the dress around the wings.
"Dinner is always formal," Jarn explains. "Master Xander insists. Armour and weapons will not be required, although a small weapon like a dagger or shortsword can be accommodated. There are bathrooms at each end of this corridor and hot water and towels will be provided. Dinner will be around sunset and you will be given ample warning to prepare. Should you have any needs in the meantime, please ask."
Another servant arrives, a younger woman with dark hair and pale skin. She keeps her eyes on the carpet.
"This is Annie," said Jarn. "She will wait at the end of the corridor near the stairs and answer any questions or attend to any requests. I say this next sentence with the greatest respect. We look after our staff, so please do not think to take advantage of Annie. We do not think you would, we know Master Augustin," Jarn nods to the paladin, "and trust his judgement of companions. She will naturally report to me any interactions she has with you, so that I know she has served well."
Jarn and the tailor woman, still making last minute notes, leave and Annie with her eyes still downcast sits in a chair at the end of the corridor.
Grimbald has already gone into one room and is out the window on the roof, looking around.
11 perception check from the roof.
There are no trees near the manor but some about 100 feet away above some benches. Two women sit at one of the benches talking, they are dressed like the staff of the house. Grimbald is not very familiar with dress codes of human house staff, so he can't tell where they work. He strains his ears and hears snatches of conversation.
"..not very nice. I don't know what to do about it, I don't want to lose my job."
"I'll have a word to the Housekeeper," the other, older woman says. "She might be able to talk to Lady Regan, maybe she can help. Honestly, why did you get involved with Master Vincent? You've been told from the day you started..."
The second woman trails off as a tall woman in a dark dress arrives, a servant but clearly superior to the other two. She speaks without preamble.
"Your breaks are being cut short. We have dinner guests and the cook requires you back in the kitchen, and there are pots to scrub already."
The woman who spoke first scurried off, presumably to the kitchens. The slightly older woman walked alongside the tall woman who you would later know as Mistress Magda, the Housekeeper. They talk, but they are out of Grimbald's hearing.
Rustling Leaves, in the form of a black dog with long blonde hair, bounded around the Gravelstoke estate. It felt good to run as a dog, and his nose told him stories of events in the recent past as well as the present.
Rustling Leaves finds out the following information, from listening to workers, observation, and scent:
The estate comprises of some grain fields, vegetable gardens, a small sty of pigs, some hunting dogs (they barked at Rustling Leaves but did not try to get out of their pen), sheep dogs were out rounding up sheep to be put away and not interested in Rustling Leaves when there was still work to be done. There were some orchards with a variety of trees. There were workers all tilling the fields, and an overseer but there was no whip. The overseer was diligent and watchful, no one was being mistreated, but there was little room for slacking.
There were servant quarters near a corner of the estate, a fishpond nearby. There were many buildings that would be expected on a rural property for processing meat, grain, and vegetables. The tanning shed was an assault on Rustling Leaves' sensitive nose and he stayed well away. There was a barracks for the soldiers and some were practicing nearby with bows and spears, watched over by a sergeant who bawled at them with unenthusiastic vigor, as if he were going through the motions.
There was also one single storey building with an open door and Rustling Leaves peered in. Here people practiced unarmed fighting, or fighting with shortswords, all wearing some kind of dark grey robes. There were not many, but Alesia was here. She saw Rustling Leaves and smiled, her severe face lighting up. There were some people who were teaching others, and these teachers had a similar look to Alesia, so Rustling Leaves suspected they were her family. The oldest one would be Xander Gravelstoke who, despite his greying hair and beard, moved with fluid grace.
Having seen most of the estate, Rustling Leaves decided to head back to the manor.
The party were summoned for dinner by Annie. Their dinner attire had been sent up to them while they were having their warm baths. These garments had not been simply created but adjusted from existing clothing. Most needed a few more alterations, and the party were patient while the tailor and her assistants made the necessary adjustments. Only Esa's appeared to have been made from scratch, and it was a sparkly, backless gown. While it would not have been something she would have chosen for herself, the fey recognised the effort that went into making it in a few short hours. The sack of smelly goblin heads were stuffed into a wardrobe, and Rustling Leaves hoped they wouldn't scare any maid who went to put clothes or blankets in it.
They followed Annie down to the Dining Hall and finally met all of their hosts. This first part was a stand around some tables of finger food and socialise.
Xander Gravelstoke was the man Rustling Leaves saw in the training room, teaching others unarmed fighting. He was tall and strong, with short greying hair and goatee. He had a warm smile and good manners and showed them equally to all party members. He greeted Augustin with particular warmth, saying he had heard "much about you".
His much younger siblings were Alesia, who had met the party at the gate, and the twins Mikus and Tovin. They were friendly, although were somewhat guarded and did not have their older brother's disarming charm. Vincent Gravelstoke was the complete opposite of his father Xander. He was sullen, unfriendly without being rude. He was undeniably the most handsome of all the Gravelstoke men, but it was soured by his dour countenance. He said as little as possible to the party, and seemed uninterested in either asking questions or talking about himself.
Alesia was taking an interest in Vakiel, much to her younger brother's amusement. She asked him questions but Vakiel gave little away, other than he was from "down south", from "all over" and that he had spent many years travelling. He was equally vague when asked where his family were from. Rather than taking the hint, Alesia gave a broad smile and changed the subject to what he thought about various matters down south.
DM's Note: If the party would like to ask questions of their own, this is one of the times they can do it.
Grimbald will be particularly observant of Vincent and his interactions and body language with the staff in particular.