"that's alarming but not surprising I suppose" Archie makes a sound like sucking air in through her teeth when she looks at the map, but the sound is garbled through the armour and instead she sounds a little like a kettle ready to explode. "Between studying, Resupplying and getting life saving magics implanted, I really want to do all of it, though none of you guys are really needed for the latter, why don't you all go get a start on the reading whilst I see master Ahvoste and then we can go shopping for things when we meet back up? Then at least you can fill me in on what you've found nd if we need to look other things up after I can lend a hand" she suggests "it'll be more efficient this way"
"Perhaps we do have time to do a bit of research into what we will face there", Corlith says after hearing there were no books he could borrow and take away. "If so, I probably have time to get my own supplies, thanks anyway though Reed".
He looks across to Archie, "It might be good for you to spend a bit of time here to make sure this device works as intended. Not much we can do about it once we have left".
He hopes Reya is not too disappointed at all the talk of delays.
Reya smiles at Reed's response, not really getting the undertone as she is too excited at the moment. "Wow, that is a lot of things to do.." Reya's smile falters a bit as Archie lists things off, "Cmon, I'll come with you to Master Ahvoste, you shouldn't have to go through that alone."
She then looks to Corlith, "But not too long right? Shall we meet at the Hearth for dinner then? I'm already hungry."
Fisk takes a bow as the group talks about their plans, "Thank you all for getting me back here. I take my leave of you all as I believe my debt has been repaid with Miss Savikas gifts? I wish you all luck in this endeavor." And he leaves the room.
"thank you Reya, we should be off." Archie beams as the young woman offers her company.
As Fisk makes his way to leave Archie offers him a handshake and if he takes it says, "you ain't half as slimy and skeevy as you seem at first, third or even fiftieth glance, you should probably work on that. Thanks for your help."
As Reya, Archie and Corlith head off on their own missions, the rest of you take your time looking at the grandeur of Candlekeep as you make your way back towards the entrance of the fortress. The Hearth is easy to pick out and you remember Fisk naming it as one of the places to visit.
From outside, the Hearth appears to be a modest tavern of sturdy construction, with warm light emanating from a pair of small windows on either side of the front door. Upon entering the establishment, visitors quickly realize that it’s three times more spacious on the inside. Inside you see it has a low ceiling supported by massive wooden crossbeams and narrow, shuttered windows. The bar seats up to twenty customers, and patrons can also be seated comfortably at round tables with stout wooden chairs or at rectangular tables with benches. A dozen soft, cushy armchairs encircle the fireplace in the center of the room. Several doors line the walls of the Hearth. Although visible from inside the taproom, they do not appear to exist when the structure is viewed from the outside.
The Hearth’s patrons are a mix of fresh-faced adjutants, stodgy scholars, and eclectic guests, but one patron stands out amongst the rest. An ogre wearing an interesting headband sits by himself in a corner reading a book. Even amongst all those here, there are several empty tables.
Reed thinks about joining the library research team, but only for the briefest of moments.
"That sounds a lot like voluntary school." Reed says. "I think I'll head over to the Hearth and look for Alkrist and get a line on any supplies we might need."
He looks at Archie and nods. "Good luck."
Then he adjusts his pack, smiles at Sylvana then heads into the hallway, pausing in case anyone was heading to the Hearth as well.
After a moment waiting in the hall, the familiar form of a cat with wings comes around a corner, a limp mouse hanging from its mouth.
"I was wondering where you'd gotten too," Reed says to Slobberchops. "Best you weren't here. There's a really little devil in there. Come on and we'll go find some proper food and drink while we wait for the others."
Once they arrive at the Hearth, Reed makes straight for the bar and orders drinks for everyone and a saucer of milk? beer? milk and beer? for Slobberchops.
"Is Alkrist around?" Reed asks a server. "We've a bit of a journey ahead of us and could use some help stocking up."
Then he eyes the ogre, trying to see what they're reading.
"thanks Reed, I'd say 'you too' but I think I'll be needing it more, Reya will come get you all if something goes wrong I'm sure..." Taking Reya by the hand Archie goes off to see master Ahvoste, clanking down the halls as she goes.
As Reed sidles up to the bar, he sees a female tiefling having fun serving the patrons of the pub. "Why hello there! And I haven't seen a tressym in quite some time." She goes to pet Slobberchops and then thinking better of it, she looks to Reed, "Does this one like being scratched under the chin?"
She starts pouring some ale and with an eyebrow raised she pours some beer on a saucer and hands it over. "Here, haven't seen a creature that turns away my ale." Satisfied that Reed has what he asked for, she counts out the 7 mugs and plate, "That'll be 2 silver and 3 copper. Alkrist? Ah, I'm sure he is. The bloke never leaves his shop I swear. Third door from the left." and she points to the wall of doors at the back of the pub.
Looking over at the ogre, Reed sees that he is reading The Sum of Theology.
Reed looks from the bartender to Slobberchops and back before shrugging. "Really couldn't tell you what this one likes besides food. Slobberchops has become more of a traveling companion than anything."
He hands over the coins, and thanks the bartender for directions. Looking around for the others, he gets the mugs and takes them to a table by the ogre.
"Maths?" Reed says, nodding at the book. "Once my mum told me maths helps you keep track of coins, it was the only subject in school I was any good at. Is theology a type of geometry?"
As Reed starts up a conversation with the large orge he looks up and smiles. He looks a bit confused by the question, and then looking at the cover himself, he smiles again. "Ah yes, sums. Maths. And your mum is right, best to keep track of your coins. No, theology is more a subject of religion. This was written by Saint Vetheera, a servant of Oghma. Bookwyrm thought I might enjoy it, but I must confess, it is a bit droll." His smile turns into a grin, then noticing all the mugs with him, "I see you're expecting a party?"
Reed looks at the mugs then smiles. "They're usually close at hand, but I think most have gotten distracted with other things."
He offers the ogre one of the mugs.
"Reed. Reed Underbough," Reed says by way of introduction. He pauses and shakes his head at the air around the table. "No, I'm not introducing you lot. You're ghosts. Ghosts of bad people."
Roo shows up finally, having taken his sweet ass time finding the pub. He steps in, looks about, then sees Reed conversing nearby with a very, very tall featherless. His head bobs about as he studies the room, the tassels of the bearded devils beard doing their thing before he steps over to see what his Halfling friend is up to, and just has enough time to catch that something in this book is about religion.
"Ahh...religion you say? Buck! I bet it's a masterpiece of facts debunking the false idols of the secular modes of worships of these featherless civilizations while uplifting the name of Gallus!"
It is not long after Roo joins Reed and the studious Ogre that Corlith also enters the Hearth, carrying a couple of books.
"That Bookwyrm fellow recommended these two volumes", he says as he puts them on the table. "I don't expect I have time to properly read either before we go, but there might be a gem or two of knowledge that can be gleaned simply by skimming them", he says before acknowledging the Ogre with a nod of his head.
He notices the drinks and reaches for one before realising they are all ale.
"I'll just go and grab something different", he says and heads to the bar to order some unfermented apple cider.
The blue glow of familiar flame illuminates the doorway as the IronMaiden walks in, Reya following closely behind a lingering look of relief on the young woman's face.
Approaching Reed, Corlith and Roo, the ironmaiden takes no notice of the ale and instead states loudly, "This is the place we were to meet?, The operation of installation was a success, but I have not woken Archie yet... I am going to stay out for a time, whilst systems acclimate to the new temporary source. It is necessary for testing functions and observing anomalies, something Archie cannot do... What is our next objective? Have you already acquired supplies?"
Virro spends his time researching what might be needed in Avernus to survive, if there is any such knowledge or tome. Afterwards he flips though any spellbooks that are available, attempting to copy any useful spells, with a bent and interest in the necromantic spells that he can find. He is unclear how many rations or other equipment that they should take, but he prepares the list for purchase or theft and gives it to Reed. He also is interested in some new armor, a breastplate. “Preferably something dark, black in color if you can. Something plain, no fancy bucklers or artwork, I like it plain, and black. I will join up with you shortly after I’ve finished my reading, I’ll meet you at that tavern…”.
Time passes…
Virro walks into the tavern and finds the table with everyone, sitting down beside Archie/Ironmaiden. “How did it go? Was it successful?” He looks over to Reed and says “Any success? Who’s your friend?” He nods to the Ogre, saying “My name’s Virro, nice to meet you.” He can’t help himself, his eyes dart down to look at his large ogre fingers…
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The ogre reaches out and takes the mug from Reed and nods towards him, "Thank you, friend. Name's Little One, pleased to make your acquaintance." Then he raises a large eyebrow that gets lost behind the headband, "Did you say ghosts?"
But the thought is quickly dissipated by the appearance of Roo as he joins the two of them. He regards the rooster amiably and responds, "I'm afraid not good sir, there is no mention of this Gallus you are talking about. I mean, at least not yet anyways. I've only gotten a few chapters in. Featherless you say?" He smiles, "Why, I suppose I am featherless. The plumage on yourself is quite stately I must say."
Little One looks over as Corlith joins, "Ah yes, Bookwyn is superb at suggesting material, may I ask what he recommended? Though Parmak, the scribe? He's young, but he sure has a knack for finding good reads." The tiefling at the bar happily hands over the cider.
Reya sits down with a huff, grabs a mug, side-eyes the ogre Reed is chatting up and takes a big swallow. She starts putting her curly hair up in a pony tail as she listens to IM give the situation report to the rest. She then adds, "You know, Iron Maiden said something that surprised me right before the um, surgery?" She looks at IM with a bit of compassion that she hadn't felt towards the sentient being before, "He said 'If anything goes wrong, help the girl.' "
When Virro walks in, Little One holds out his hand as Virro addresses him, "Yes, your little friend and I have been having a nice chat, I'm Little One, nice to meet you as well."
"that's alarming but not surprising I suppose" Archie makes a sound like sucking air in through her teeth when she looks at the map, but the sound is garbled through the armour and instead she sounds a little like a kettle ready to explode. "Between studying, Resupplying and getting life saving magics implanted, I really want to do all of it, though none of you guys are really needed for the latter, why don't you all go get a start on the reading whilst I see master Ahvoste and then we can go shopping for things when we meet back up? Then at least you can fill me in on what you've found nd if we need to look other things up after I can lend a hand" she suggests "it'll be more efficient this way"
"Perhaps we do have time to do a bit of research into what we will face there", Corlith says after hearing there were no books he could borrow and take away. "If so, I probably have time to get my own supplies, thanks anyway though Reed".
He looks across to Archie, "It might be good for you to spend a bit of time here to make sure this device works as intended. Not much we can do about it once we have left".
He hopes Reya is not too disappointed at all the talk of delays.
Reya smiles at Reed's response, not really getting the undertone as she is too excited at the moment. "Wow, that is a lot of things to do.." Reya's smile falters a bit as Archie lists things off, "Cmon, I'll come with you to Master Ahvoste, you shouldn't have to go through that alone."
She then looks to Corlith, "But not too long right? Shall we meet at the Hearth for dinner then? I'm already hungry."
Fisk takes a bow as the group talks about their plans, "Thank you all for getting me back here. I take my leave of you all as I believe my debt has been repaid with Miss Savikas gifts? I wish you all luck in this endeavor." And he leaves the room.
"thank you Reya, we should be off." Archie beams as the young woman offers her company.
As Fisk makes his way to leave Archie offers him a handshake and if he takes it says, "you ain't half as slimy and skeevy as you seem at first, third or even fiftieth glance, you should probably work on that. Thanks for your help."
"Meeting for dinner sounds good", Corlith replies to Reya.
"Hold up Fisk, I will walk with you. You can help me find Bookwyrm too if you don't mind?", he suggests as he follows after Fisk.
As Reya, Archie and Corlith head off on their own missions, the rest of you take your time looking at the grandeur of Candlekeep as you make your way back towards the entrance of the fortress. The Hearth is easy to pick out and you remember Fisk naming it as one of the places to visit.
From outside, the Hearth appears to be a modest tavern of sturdy construction, with warm light emanating from a pair of small windows on either side of the front door. Upon entering the establishment, visitors quickly realize that it’s three times more spacious on the inside. Inside you see it has a low ceiling supported by massive wooden crossbeams and narrow, shuttered windows. The bar seats up to twenty customers, and patrons can also be seated comfortably at round tables with stout wooden chairs or at rectangular tables with benches. A dozen soft, cushy armchairs encircle the fireplace in the center of the room. Several doors line the walls of the Hearth. Although visible from inside the taproom, they do not appear to exist when the structure is viewed from the outside.
The Hearth’s patrons are a mix of fresh-faced adjutants, stodgy scholars, and eclectic guests, but one patron stands out amongst the rest. An ogre wearing an interesting headband sits by himself in a corner reading a book. Even amongst all those here, there are several empty tables.
Reed thinks about joining the library research team, but only for the briefest of moments.
"That sounds a lot like voluntary school." Reed says. "I think I'll head over to the Hearth and look for Alkrist and get a line on any supplies we might need."
He looks at Archie and nods. "Good luck."
Then he adjusts his pack, smiles at Sylvana then heads into the hallway, pausing in case anyone was heading to the Hearth as well.
After a moment waiting in the hall, the familiar form of a cat with wings comes around a corner, a limp mouse hanging from its mouth.
"I was wondering where you'd gotten too," Reed says to Slobberchops. "Best you weren't here. There's a really little devil in there. Come on and we'll go find some proper food and drink while we wait for the others."
Once they arrive at the Hearth, Reed makes straight for the bar and orders drinks for everyone and a saucer of milk? beer? milk and beer? for Slobberchops.
"Is Alkrist around?" Reed asks a server. "We've a bit of a journey ahead of us and could use some help stocking up."
Then he eyes the ogre, trying to see what they're reading.
"thanks Reed, I'd say 'you too' but I think I'll be needing it more, Reya will come get you all if something goes wrong I'm sure..." Taking Reya by the hand Archie goes off to see master Ahvoste, clanking down the halls as she goes.
As Reed sidles up to the bar, he sees a female tiefling having fun serving the patrons of the pub. "Why hello there! And I haven't seen a tressym in quite some time." She goes to pet Slobberchops and then thinking better of it, she looks to Reed, "Does this one like being scratched under the chin?"
She starts pouring some ale and with an eyebrow raised she pours some beer on a saucer and hands it over. "Here, haven't seen a creature that turns away my ale." Satisfied that Reed has what he asked for, she counts out the 7 mugs and plate, "That'll be 2 silver and 3 copper. Alkrist? Ah, I'm sure he is. The bloke never leaves his shop I swear. Third door from the left." and she points to the wall of doors at the back of the pub.
Looking over at the ogre, Reed sees that he is reading The Sum of Theology.
Reed looks from the bartender to Slobberchops and back before shrugging. "Really couldn't tell you what this one likes besides food. Slobberchops has become more of a traveling companion than anything."
He hands over the coins, and thanks the bartender for directions. Looking around for the others, he gets the mugs and takes them to a table by the ogre.
"Maths?" Reed says, nodding at the book. "Once my mum told me maths helps you keep track of coins, it was the only subject in school I was any good at. Is theology a type of geometry?"
As Reed starts up a conversation with the large orge he looks up and smiles. He looks a bit confused by the question, and then looking at the cover himself, he smiles again. "Ah yes, sums. Maths. And your mum is right, best to keep track of your coins. No, theology is more a subject of religion. This was written by Saint Vetheera, a servant of Oghma. Bookwyrm thought I might enjoy it, but I must confess, it is a bit droll." His smile turns into a grin, then noticing all the mugs with him, "I see you're expecting a party?"
Reed looks at the mugs then smiles. "They're usually close at hand, but I think most have gotten distracted with other things."
He offers the ogre one of the mugs.
"Reed. Reed Underbough," Reed says by way of introduction. He pauses and shakes his head at the air around the table. "No, I'm not introducing you lot. You're ghosts. Ghosts of bad people."
Roo shows up finally, having taken his sweet ass time finding the pub. He steps in, looks about, then sees Reed conversing nearby with a very, very tall featherless. His head bobs about as he studies the room, the tassels of the bearded devils beard doing their thing before he steps over to see what his Halfling friend is up to, and just has enough time to catch that something in this book is about religion.
"Ahh...religion you say? Buck! I bet it's a masterpiece of facts debunking the false idols of the secular modes of worships of these featherless civilizations while uplifting the name of Gallus!"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Reed passes Roo a mug of ale and watches with some amusement at what the ogre may think of the gallus.
It is not long after Roo joins Reed and the studious Ogre that Corlith also enters the Hearth, carrying a couple of books.
"That Bookwyrm fellow recommended these two volumes", he says as he puts them on the table. "I don't expect I have time to properly read either before we go, but there might be a gem or two of knowledge that can be gleaned simply by skimming them", he says before acknowledging the Ogre with a nod of his head.
He notices the drinks and reaches for one before realising they are all ale.
"I'll just go and grab something different", he says and heads to the bar to order some unfermented apple cider.
The blue glow of familiar flame illuminates the doorway as the IronMaiden walks in, Reya following closely behind a lingering look of relief on the young woman's face.
Approaching Reed, Corlith and Roo, the ironmaiden takes no notice of the ale and instead states loudly, "This is the place we were to meet?, The operation of installation was a success, but I have not woken Archie yet... I am going to stay out for a time, whilst systems acclimate to the new temporary source. It is necessary for testing functions and observing anomalies, something Archie cannot do... What is our next objective? Have you already acquired supplies?"
Virro spends his time researching what might be needed in Avernus to survive, if there is any such knowledge or tome. Afterwards he flips though any spellbooks that are available, attempting to copy any useful spells, with a bent and interest in the necromantic spells that he can find. He is unclear how many rations or other equipment that they should take, but he prepares the list for purchase or theft and gives it to Reed. He also is interested in some new armor, a breastplate. “Preferably something dark, black in color if you can. Something plain, no fancy bucklers or artwork, I like it plain, and black. I will join up with you shortly after I’ve finished my reading, I’ll meet you at that tavern…”.
Time passes…
Virro walks into the tavern and finds the table with everyone, sitting down beside Archie/Ironmaiden. “How did it go? Was it successful?” He looks over to Reed and says “Any success? Who’s your friend?” He nods to the Ogre, saying “My name’s Virro, nice to meet you.” He can’t help himself, his eyes dart down to look at his large ogre fingers…
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Reed looks at the newcomers and wonders for a moment if time travels at different speeds in different parts of this place.
”Just sat down and started talking math and religion with a new friend. Haven’t looked for the shop yet.”
The ogre reaches out and takes the mug from Reed and nods towards him, "Thank you, friend. Name's Little One, pleased to make your acquaintance." Then he raises a large eyebrow that gets lost behind the headband, "Did you say ghosts?"
But the thought is quickly dissipated by the appearance of Roo as he joins the two of them. He regards the rooster amiably and responds, "I'm afraid not good sir, there is no mention of this Gallus you are talking about. I mean, at least not yet anyways. I've only gotten a few chapters in. Featherless you say?" He smiles, "Why, I suppose I am featherless. The plumage on yourself is quite stately I must say."
Little One looks over as Corlith joins, "Ah yes, Bookwyn is superb at suggesting material, may I ask what he recommended? Though Parmak, the scribe? He's young, but he sure has a knack for finding good reads." The tiefling at the bar happily hands over the cider.
Reya sits down with a huff, grabs a mug, side-eyes the ogre Reed is chatting up and takes a big swallow. She starts putting her curly hair up in a pony tail as she listens to IM give the situation report to the rest. She then adds, "You know, Iron Maiden said something that surprised me right before the um, surgery?" She looks at IM with a bit of compassion that she hadn't felt towards the sentient being before, "He said 'If anything goes wrong, help the girl.' "
When Virro walks in, Little One holds out his hand as Virro addresses him, "Yes, your little friend and I have been having a nice chat, I'm Little One, nice to meet you as well."