With the destination of the Jolly Dwarf in mind, the party of adventurers step into the snow outside of Croaker Cave. The layer of white powder beneath your feet is deeper than it was when you arrived, your footsteps and those of the bandits concealed beneath the fresh falling of snow. Despite the flurry upon the ground, the Paladin searches the mouth of the cave vigilantly for any sign of traps left behind by the bandits. He doesn’t find any.
You begin the trek to return to Palebank Village, following your previous path southward and re-entering the sanctuary of the pines. Traveling along the path between the evergreen trees, your surroundings slowly begin to grow more familiar even as the sun dips below the horizon and the sky’s shades of red melt into violet. It’s beginning to look the way it did the previous evening — when you’d all arrived at the funeral of the Dwarven explorer whose death incited your quest. While stars blink their way into the painted night, the trail leading back to into the glowing village of Palebank emerges before you.
Your first stop is the Jolly Dwarf inn — a cozy two-story wood cabin from which the warmth of a fireplace emanates. Upon entering the inn, the scent of rich ale and burning firewood that fills the air nearly makes you forget about the snow outside. Behind the bar stands a gray-haired Dwarven man, who gives the party a wave as he greets you all with, “Welcome in, travelers!” The only patrons seated at the tables is a single family, two Human men and a pair of Tiefling children laughing together and eating a meal. What will you do?
Carina looks wistfully at the winter evening, wishing she could take time to enjoy such a rare (for her) sight. But as she enters the Jolly Dwarf Inn with her companions, her eyes go immediately to the family with the two children. Irven Liel, a human merchant. If he is one of them and he has infected his family... the children... are we too late? And yet... we cannot barge in and cause a panic. With Urgon and now Pelc's, deaths, everyone may be afraid. She wills herself not to grind her teeth. I would damn you to hell, Tulgi and Hulil, you and your cold hearts, but you will be there soon enough...
Carina plays a lively riff on her dark harmonica and gives the bartender a sweet smile as if she and the others had not just been fighting for their lives in a frigid cavern mere hours ago. As if everyone here were not still in danger from the disease.
"You and your Inn warm our hearts, friend dwarf, figuratively and literally. A round of your best ale for my friends and me, and perhaps soon a meal. My gnomish companion here has a proposition regarding a fine liquor he produces which you will wish to add to your offerings. But first..."
More quietly (not audible to the seated family), as she slides more than double the necessary coin over for the drinks: "We are on urgent business on behalf of Elro Aldataur. I must ask you, have you seen a human merchant named Irven Liel? Is it one of the two with the tiefling kids by any chance? He has done nothing wrong, mind you. It is just a matter involving an ongoing investigation we are conducting which requires some... discretion."
Carina indicates the family with her eyes, making it clear she has no wish to alarm anyone, least of all the children, in case Irven is one of the parents.
The smile of the Mountain Dwarf standing behind the bar widens as Carina plays her tune on the harmonica. It isn’t often he has talents enter his establishment and provide some entertainment, and the family seated at the table seems intrigued too. One of the Tiefling children gives a little clap, watching the Warlock with admiration.
“O’course, ma’am,” the innkeeper responds, nodding happily at both Carina and Brix when the Gnome is mentioned. He seems about to begin preparing the warm drinks for the party of adventurers — but pauses when Carina continues, informing him about your urgent business. He blinks curiously, but doesn’t press the matter and returns the extra coin back to the woman. “That’d be the brown-haired gentleman over there, yes,” he replies, matching the Warlock’s volume.
Carina nods, her heart sinking. The children... Gathering her courage, she plays a plaintive, haunting melody on her harmonica for a few moments and promises the bartender more music (along with samples of Brix's fine liquor) after the situation is resolved.
Taking a sip of her ale, she turns to Taiga, Ragnus and Brix, speaking quietly, privately. "There are four in the family that I see, or maybe more elsewhere. Any of them could be infected. Perhaps all of them, perhaps none of them if the gods smile on us. We can further hope they still have the vial and have not passed it on. Either way, we are random people to them and they have no reason to trust us other than friendliness."
She looks towards the entrance. "The instant we confirm that they are still in possession of the vial, one of us should run to Elro Aldataur's house. I suggest Taiga since she knows Elro the best? We will attempt to keep the situation calm here until Elro arrives. He leads Palebank Village, and the explanation to this family, as well as the order to confiscate and quarantine the vial should come from him, once you describe the situation to him Taiga."
She takes another sip of ale and adds somberly. "Of course, if they no longer have the vial, our search continues. And either way, Taiga... you may also have to break the news to Elro that we seem to have misplaced Elbert." She looks to her companions for comments, suggestions or agreement.
(OOC: @DM minor point, but how much coin should I subtract for the drinks?)
Nodding while listening to Carina's information, Ragnus then moves away from the others, heading towards the gentleman indicated by the bartender. As he approaches, he attempts a disarming smile, unsure if it has the intended effect. He raises a hand in greeting and gestures for the man to come over towards him.
While the innkeeper prepares tankards of warm, foaming ale and passes it out to each of you across the bar — Irven Liel notices the Paladin and gives him a friendly wave in return. After giving a reassuring word to the rest of his family seated at the table, the man stands and holds his hand out for Ragnus to shake. "Hello, sir!" Irven greets, a warm smile gracing his youthful, cheery face. "Nice to meet you! Would you and your companions like to have a seat?" he asks, gesturing towards the wooden table beside his own.
Taiga silently acknowledges the task assigned to her by Carina with a polite, reassuring nod. Then, as Ragnus approaches the trader, she remains at a distance at the bar as to not pressure the man more than the sudden appearance of a group inquiring for oneself certainly does. Anyway, she prefers to sample the warm ale that Carina invited them to. “To the end of the frigid woe,” she says as she lifts her cup, “Cheers.” She remains at the bar and waits whether or not Ragnus wants them to join, otherwise she will remain at the bar sipping her ale.
Carina raises her ale solemnly to Taiga's toast. "To the end," she murmurs.
Taking a sip, she swallows then breathes out slowly, then follows Ragnus' lead towards the family. She plays another melody on her harmonica, for the children's benefit. Pretty, but with a touch of sadness, minor chords reflecting her own apprehension at what may have befallen this family.
"I am Carina Ravenscale and my formidable dwarven companion here is Ragnus Moltenmane. Those at the bar are the gnome, Brix Philbin, and Taiga. We have just returned from an expedition out into the cold today, coming upon some information. I think I already know your name. Irven Liel? I wish you and your family well, and mean that more sincerely than you might believe. We should talk. Have you chanced upon a dwarf named Hulil?"
Carina's heart hurts at not coming right out with the full truth yet about the danger of disease and the implications for Irven's family, but she does not wish to scare the man if she does not need to. Or at least, not without Elro Aldataur present to take ownership of the situation.
As she speaks, Carina observes Irven, his partner, and the two tiefling children for any symptoms of the Frigid Woe.
Irven Liel listens with a warm, welcoming expression as the Warlock introduces herself and the rest of the party. However, when Carina addresses the man by name, his face shifts to one of surprise. "Well met, all of you! Ah, this is my husband, Fenton, and our daughters — Honor andMagic," Irven introduces his family, still looking a bit bewildered but not faltering in his friendliness. "And yes, we passed by a Dwarven woman named Hulil Lutan on the road while traveling on our way here. Beautiful trinkets, she had. Why do you ask?" While he responds, Carina observes his family for symptoms of the Frigid Woe disease — but finds none. Their skin seems to be clear of the telltale blue veins, their cheeks rosy and warm. For now, at least.
Shifting uncomfortably on his feet, he wrings his hands and in a low whisper. "There was a vial, with ah, blue dust... we've uh, been tasked by Elro to wrangle any artifacts that my uncle brought back from some ruins. They happened ta come into tha possession of Hulil, who may have sold some ta ya. If ya happen ta have it, we'd be mighty grateful if ya'd let us have it."
(OOC: well, so much for Carina's stated plan. @Reliq05, we've already been through some misunderstandings together, so I want you to know again, this is nothing personal against you. But I hope you can imagine Carina's frustration IC at Ragnus revealing the vial as the disease source to Irven in front of his kids. She feels like she's gotten no objections to her stated plan in post 426, to just ask Irven about the vial without revealing anything. Then send Taiga to summon Elro to be the voice of authority letting the family know about the disease. It's going to feel to Carina like Ragnus is figuratively smashing her plan to pieces with his maul all over again, except this time, he had a chance to object to it first when she first proposed it and he did not object.
Now this could be perfectly IC - maybe Ragnus doesn't give a fig for Carina's plans and didn't bother to object when she proposed it in post 426 because - screw Carina. Or maybe he didn't understand. I get that. But obviously Carina's reaction is going to be... WTF?? I just don't have the energy to post as angry Carina tonight and I'm sure you all are even more tired of reading it. Maybe I'll think of something tomorrow).
Taiga observes Carina for a sign that she should start running to the major, the merchant hasn’t yet confirmed ownership of the vial but met Hulil. All looks like Hulil’s story was true after all. Perhaps, she should already go and fetch Elro? No, better she waits for a sign or confirmation of ownership. She takes another nervous sip from her mug.
(OOC: Nothing against Carina at all. Ragnus isn't great with deception, even if it's a lie of omission. He's more comfortable with the straightforward facts. I will however retcon it a bit to be more of a whisper to Irven, since Irven didn't come over towards us like he wanted. I'll also adjust it so it doesn't smash your plan to pieces, let me know if that's better.)
(OOC: Well it's much better for Carina's plan in the sense that Ragnus doesn't mention the disease now - hopefully avoiding a family freak out. She's still not a fan of the "let us have it" part about the vial as the plan was for Elro, a trusted village leader, to handle the transfer and quarantine, not us, random strangers asking for Irven to just give us an artifact he bought just because we say Elro wants us to take it. Anyone could say that. But I'll put that IC.)
It takes everything Carina has to avoid wincing as Ragnus basically tells Irven "give us the vial if you have it because Elro wants us to take it." Anyone could say that. Now we're the ones acting like bandits... at least the family shows no signs of the disease.Carina allows herself to hope.
She plays another flourish on her dark harmonica and tries for a warm chuckle and smile at Irven, winking at Ragnus. "My dwarven friend! Sometimes so direct, dwarves, right? In truth, Irven, we do not need anything handed over to us personally, and why would you? We are strangers. In fact, if you have possession of any relics, please keep them tucked away right now. Artifacts and strange effects, thinking on it makes me shiver as if freezing..."
"But it is true, we are tasked by Elro Aldataur, leader of Palebank Village, on an investigation. This Hulil Lutan we mention, she is a person of interest in the investigation, having gained possession of several relics. To be clear, you have of course done nothing wrong, Irven. It is just important for our investigation that you let us know if you have this blue vial Ragnus mentions, and who has come into contact with it."
Trying to maintain a calm external demeanor, Carina is nevertheless on edge inside, ready to nod towards the door at Taiga the instant Irven confirms possession of the blue vial so that the genasi can run to find Elro Aldataur and summon him, explaining the situation to the town leader.
"Oh!" Irven replies, looking more and more bewildered by the second as you speak to him in hushed tones, contradictory directions, and vague mentions of an investigation. The man seems a bit worried now, but still decides to be truthful with the party of adventurers — not yet finding any reason to be distrustful of you all. "Yes, we purchased a vial from Hulil. She did say it was quite valuable, I paid a good amount of coin for it so we could offer it along our wares in Uthodurn. Are you saying... she stole it from your uncle?" he asks, turning to Ragnus nervously. Irven certainly hadn't expected to be caught up in an investigation during their stay here. He glances at his husband, who looks apprehensive and remains silent. "My family here has come into contact with it," Irven adds in response to Carina's final question. Their two Tiefling daughters quiet when they're mentioned — though the one named Magic still watches Carina admiringly, taken by the Warlock's harmonica playing.
"My apologies, tha name is Ragnus. My uncle sold tha artifacts ta a local merchant, it seems that Hulil came by them by shadowy means. Carina here," nodding his head towards Carina, "can probably explain it better."
After passing the torch, he'll breathe out a sigh of relief, then move behind Carina, and stand at attention with his arms behind his back.
As soon as it was confirmed that the merchant obtained Hulil’s vial, Taiga left the tavern, trying to make it look inconspicuous and unrelated to the conversation. Once outside, she tries to find her way to Elro and asks, if necessary, for directions without giving away her reason for looking for him.
Carina's heart sinks as Irven Liel says his family has come into contact with the vial. But they show no signs of the disease... perhaps there is hope...
She nods briefly at Taiga to run and return with Elro Aldataur, hopefully explaining the situation to the village leader on the way back. With Irven and his family, Carina does not try to downplay the seriousness of the investigation, telling truths but skirting around the true danger (the disease) for the moment to try to avoid alarming Irven, his partner and his children to the greatest extent she can.
Stilling her face to be calm, she thumps Ragnus on the shoulder amiably and turns to the human merchant. "Thank you, Irven. Yes My forthright dwarven companion speaks true. We believe Hulil and her bandits stole multiple artifacts, including the vial. You have done nothing wrong, of course, and certainly should not hand over anything you have paid good coin for to strangers such as us because we say so. That is why my colleague Taiga, the genasi, is summoning Elro Aldataur, the leader of Palebank Village so he can decide how to move forward. Please keep the vial under wraps until then."
"It is not my place to speculate on the artifact, but these relics from Eiselcross carry unpredictable magic. I have limited magic myself." She waves her hand and a Minor Illusion appears a few tables down of another Carina sitting, chin cupped in her hand, lost in thought. "But I do know that these items are not to be treated lightly. One thing I promise you: I, at least, will do my utmost to make you whole again in terms of the coin you paid Hulil. We have recovered at least some of her ill-gotten treasure, and perhaps that will cover it. As for the magic part, all we can do is relax and wait for Elro."
Carina smiles at the tiefling child watching her. "Speaking of Magic and making the best of things, I believe I owe you a song, little one."
She turns to the gnome at the bar. "Brix! While this ale is warm and delicious, I believe just now, I am in need of something more... fiery. Care to share a sample of your delightful concoction with me, the innkeeper and anyone else who wishes to partake?"
With that, Carina leans back, as her Minor Illusion duplicate at the other table seems to gaze at her, and begins to play a slow and soulful melody on her dark harmonica. A style she heard her aunt Lyra play for her long ago, a music apparently from another world. Called The Blues.
With the destination of the Jolly Dwarf in mind, the party of adventurers step into the snow outside of Croaker Cave. The layer of white powder beneath your feet is deeper than it was when you arrived, your footsteps and those of the bandits concealed beneath the fresh falling of snow. Despite the flurry upon the ground, the Paladin searches the mouth of the cave vigilantly for any sign of traps left behind by the bandits. He doesn’t find any.
You begin the trek to return to Palebank Village, following your previous path southward and re-entering the sanctuary of the pines. Traveling along the path between the evergreen trees, your surroundings slowly begin to grow more familiar even as the sun dips below the horizon and the sky’s shades of red melt into violet. It’s beginning to look the way it did the previous evening — when you’d all arrived at the funeral of the Dwarven explorer whose death incited your quest. While stars blink their way into the painted night, the trail leading back to into the glowing village of Palebank emerges before you.
Your first stop is the Jolly Dwarf inn — a cozy two-story wood cabin from which the warmth of a fireplace emanates. Upon entering the inn, the scent of rich ale and burning firewood that fills the air nearly makes you forget about the snow outside. Behind the bar stands a gray-haired Dwarven man, who gives the party a wave as he greets you all with, “Welcome in, travelers!” The only patrons seated at the tables is a single family, two Human men and a pair of Tiefling children laughing together and eating a meal. What will you do?
Beginner DM & Barbarian
Carina looks wistfully at the winter evening, wishing she could take time to enjoy such a rare (for her) sight. But as she enters the Jolly Dwarf Inn with her companions, her eyes go immediately to the family with the two children. Irven Liel, a human merchant. If he is one of them and he has infected his family... the children... are we too late? And yet... we cannot barge in and cause a panic. With Urgon and now Pelc's, deaths, everyone may be afraid. She wills herself not to grind her teeth. I would damn you to hell, Tulgi and Hulil, you and your cold hearts, but you will be there soon enough...
Carina plays a lively riff on her dark harmonica and gives the bartender a sweet smile as if she and the others had not just been fighting for their lives in a frigid cavern mere hours ago. As if everyone here were not still in danger from the disease.
"You and your Inn warm our hearts, friend dwarf, figuratively and literally. A round of your best ale for my friends and me, and perhaps soon a meal. My gnomish companion here has a proposition regarding a fine liquor he produces which you will wish to add to your offerings. But first..."
More quietly (not audible to the seated family), as she slides more than double the necessary coin over for the drinks: "We are on urgent business on behalf of Elro Aldataur. I must ask you, have you seen a human merchant named Irven Liel? Is it one of the two with the tiefling kids by any chance? He has done nothing wrong, mind you. It is just a matter involving an ongoing investigation we are conducting which requires some... discretion."
Carina indicates the family with her eyes, making it clear she has no wish to alarm anyone, least of all the children, in case Irven is one of the parents.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Brix smiles and raises his hand in greeting when his name is mentioned. The Gnome waits eagerly on the answer to Carinas inquiry.
**This Space for Rent**
The smile of the Mountain Dwarf standing behind the bar widens as Carina plays her tune on the harmonica. It isn’t often he has talents enter his establishment and provide some entertainment, and the family seated at the table seems intrigued too. One of the Tiefling children gives a little clap, watching the Warlock with admiration.
“O’course, ma’am,” the innkeeper responds, nodding happily at both Carina and Brix when the Gnome is mentioned. He seems about to begin preparing the warm drinks for the party of adventurers — but pauses when Carina continues, informing him about your urgent business. He blinks curiously, but doesn’t press the matter and returns the extra coin back to the woman. “That’d be the brown-haired gentleman over there, yes,” he replies, matching the Warlock’s volume.
Beginner DM & Barbarian
Carina nods, her heart sinking. The children... Gathering her courage, she plays a plaintive, haunting melody on her harmonica for a few moments and promises the bartender more music (along with samples of Brix's fine liquor) after the situation is resolved.
Taking a sip of her ale, she turns to Taiga, Ragnus and Brix, speaking quietly, privately. "There are four in the family that I see, or maybe more elsewhere. Any of them could be infected. Perhaps all of them, perhaps none of them if the gods smile on us. We can further hope they still have the vial and have not passed it on. Either way, we are random people to them and they have no reason to trust us other than friendliness."
She looks towards the entrance. "The instant we confirm that they are still in possession of the vial, one of us should run to Elro Aldataur's house. I suggest Taiga since she knows Elro the best? We will attempt to keep the situation calm here until Elro arrives. He leads Palebank Village, and the explanation to this family, as well as the order to confiscate and quarantine the vial should come from him, once you describe the situation to him Taiga."
She takes another sip of ale and adds somberly. "Of course, if they no longer have the vial, our search continues. And either way, Taiga... you may also have to break the news to Elro that we seem to have misplaced Elbert." She looks to her companions for comments, suggestions or agreement.
(OOC: @DM minor point, but how much coin should I subtract for the drinks?)
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Nodding while listening to Carina's information, Ragnus then moves away from the others, heading towards the gentleman indicated by the bartender. As he approaches, he attempts a disarming smile, unsure if it has the intended effect. He raises a hand in greeting and gestures for the man to come over towards him.
(16 copper pieces for the ale, 4 each!)
While the innkeeper prepares tankards of warm, foaming ale and passes it out to each of you across the bar — Irven Liel notices the Paladin and gives him a friendly wave in return. After giving a reassuring word to the rest of his family seated at the table, the man stands and holds his hand out for Ragnus to shake. "Hello, sir!" Irven greets, a warm smile gracing his youthful, cheery face. "Nice to meet you! Would you and your companions like to have a seat?" he asks, gesturing towards the wooden table beside his own.
Beginner DM & Barbarian
Taiga silently acknowledges the task assigned to her by Carina with a polite, reassuring nod. Then, as Ragnus approaches the trader, she remains at a distance at the bar as to not pressure the man more than the sudden appearance of a group inquiring for oneself certainly does. Anyway, she prefers to sample the warm ale that Carina invited them to. “To the end of the frigid woe,” she says as she lifts her cup, “Cheers.” She remains at the bar and waits whether or not Ragnus wants them to join, otherwise she will remain at the bar sipping her ale.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Carina raises her ale solemnly to Taiga's toast. "To the end," she murmurs.
Taking a sip, she swallows then breathes out slowly, then follows Ragnus' lead towards the family. She plays another melody on her harmonica, for the children's benefit. Pretty, but with a touch of sadness, minor chords reflecting her own apprehension at what may have befallen this family.
"I am Carina Ravenscale and my formidable dwarven companion here is Ragnus Moltenmane. Those at the bar are the gnome, Brix Philbin, and Taiga. We have just returned from an expedition out into the cold today, coming upon some information. I think I already know your name. Irven Liel? I wish you and your family well, and mean that more sincerely than you might believe. We should talk. Have you chanced upon a dwarf named Hulil?"
Carina's heart hurts at not coming right out with the full truth yet about the danger of disease and the implications for Irven's family, but she does not wish to scare the man if she does not need to. Or at least, not without Elro Aldataur present to take ownership of the situation.
As she speaks, Carina observes Irven, his partner, and the two tiefling children for any symptoms of the Frigid Woe.
Perception: 19
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Irven Liel listens with a warm, welcoming expression as the Warlock introduces herself and the rest of the party. However, when Carina addresses the man by name, his face shifts to one of surprise. "Well met, all of you! Ah, this is my husband, Fenton, and our daughters — Honor and Magic," Irven introduces his family, still looking a bit bewildered but not faltering in his friendliness. "And yes, we passed by a Dwarven woman named Hulil Lutan on the road while traveling on our way here. Beautiful trinkets, she had. Why do you ask?" While he responds, Carina observes his family for symptoms of the Frigid Woe disease — but finds none. Their skin seems to be clear of the telltale blue veins, their cheeks rosy and warm. For now, at least.
Beginner DM & Barbarian
Shifting uncomfortably on his feet, he wrings his hands and in a low whisper. "There was a vial, with ah, blue dust... we've uh, been tasked by Elro to wrangle any artifacts that my uncle brought back from some ruins. They happened ta come into tha possession of Hulil, who may have sold some ta ya. If ya happen ta have it, we'd be mighty grateful if ya'd let us have it."
(OOC: well, so much for Carina's stated plan. @Reliq05, we've already been through some misunderstandings together, so I want you to know again, this is nothing personal against you. But I hope you can imagine Carina's frustration IC at Ragnus revealing the vial as the disease source to Irven in front of his kids. She feels like she's gotten no objections to her stated plan in post 426, to just ask Irven about the vial without revealing anything. Then send Taiga to summon Elro to be the voice of authority letting the family know about the disease. It's going to feel to Carina like Ragnus is figuratively smashing her plan to pieces with his maul all over again, except this time, he had a chance to object to it first when she first proposed it and he did not object.
Now this could be perfectly IC - maybe Ragnus doesn't give a fig for Carina's plans and didn't bother to object when she proposed it in post 426 because - screw Carina. Or maybe he didn't understand. I get that. But obviously Carina's reaction is going to be... WTF?? I just don't have the energy to post as angry Carina tonight and I'm sure you all are even more tired of reading it. Maybe I'll think of something tomorrow).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Taiga observes Carina for a sign that she should start running to the major, the merchant hasn’t yet confirmed ownership of the vial but met Hulil. All looks like Hulil’s story was true after all. Perhaps, she should already go and fetch Elro? No, better she waits for a sign or confirmation of ownership. She takes another nervous sip from her mug.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
(OOC: Nothing against Carina at all. Ragnus isn't great with deception, even if it's a lie of omission. He's more comfortable with the straightforward facts. I will however retcon it a bit to be more of a whisper to Irven, since Irven didn't come over towards us like he wanted. I'll also adjust it so it doesn't smash your plan to pieces, let me know if that's better.)
(OOC: Well it's much better for Carina's plan in the sense that Ragnus doesn't mention the disease now - hopefully avoiding a family freak out. She's still not a fan of the "let us have it" part about the vial as the plan was for Elro, a trusted village leader, to handle the transfer and quarantine, not us, random strangers asking for Irven to just give us an artifact he bought just because we say Elro wants us to take it. Anyone could say that. But I'll put that IC.)
It takes everything Carina has to avoid wincing as Ragnus basically tells Irven "give us the vial if you have it because Elro wants us to take it." Anyone could say that. Now we're the ones acting like bandits... at least the family shows no signs of the disease. Carina allows herself to hope.
She plays another flourish on her dark harmonica and tries for a warm chuckle and smile at Irven, winking at Ragnus. "My dwarven friend! Sometimes so direct, dwarves, right? In truth, Irven, we do not need anything handed over to us personally, and why would you? We are strangers. In fact, if you have possession of any relics, please keep them tucked away right now. Artifacts and strange effects, thinking on it makes me shiver as if freezing..."
"But it is true, we are tasked by Elro Aldataur, leader of Palebank Village, on an investigation. This Hulil Lutan we mention, she is a person of interest in the investigation, having gained possession of several relics. To be clear, you have of course done nothing wrong, Irven. It is just important for our investigation that you let us know if you have this blue vial Ragnus mentions, and who has come into contact with it."
Trying to maintain a calm external demeanor, Carina is nevertheless on edge inside, ready to nod towards the door at Taiga the instant Irven confirms possession of the blue vial so that the genasi can run to find Elro Aldataur and summon him, explaining the situation to the town leader.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Brix remains silent through the questioning having nothing relevant to add.
**This Space for Rent**
"Oh!" Irven replies, looking more and more bewildered by the second as you speak to him in hushed tones, contradictory directions, and vague mentions of an investigation. The man seems a bit worried now, but still decides to be truthful with the party of adventurers — not yet finding any reason to be distrustful of you all. "Yes, we purchased a vial from Hulil. She did say it was quite valuable, I paid a good amount of coin for it so we could offer it along our wares in Uthodurn. Are you saying... she stole it from your uncle?" he asks, turning to Ragnus nervously. Irven certainly hadn't expected to be caught up in an investigation during their stay here. He glances at his husband, who looks apprehensive and remains silent. "My family here has come into contact with it," Irven adds in response to Carina's final question. Their two Tiefling daughters quiet when they're mentioned — though the one named Magic still watches Carina admiringly, taken by the Warlock's harmonica playing.
Beginner DM & Barbarian
"My apologies, tha name is Ragnus. My uncle sold tha artifacts ta a local merchant, it seems that Hulil came by them by shadowy means. Carina here," nodding his head towards Carina, "can probably explain it better."
After passing the torch, he'll breathe out a sigh of relief, then move behind Carina, and stand at attention with his arms behind his back.
As soon as it was confirmed that the merchant obtained Hulil’s vial, Taiga left the tavern, trying to make it look inconspicuous and unrelated to the conversation. Once outside, she tries to find her way to Elro and asks, if necessary, for directions without giving away her reason for looking for him.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || b'Reh - Stig Cleric - Humblewood || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Zephirah - Demonic Bard - Sands || Merry - Gifted Surgeon - Short || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan - Dwarf Dragon - Wuxian ||
Carina's heart sinks as Irven Liel says his family has come into contact with the vial. But they show no signs of the disease... perhaps there is hope...
She nods briefly at Taiga to run and return with Elro Aldataur, hopefully explaining the situation to the village leader on the way back. With Irven and his family, Carina does not try to downplay the seriousness of the investigation, telling truths but skirting around the true danger (the disease) for the moment to try to avoid alarming Irven, his partner and his children to the greatest extent she can.
Stilling her face to be calm, she thumps Ragnus on the shoulder amiably and turns to the human merchant. "Thank you, Irven. Yes My forthright dwarven companion speaks true. We believe Hulil and her bandits stole multiple artifacts, including the vial. You have done nothing wrong, of course, and certainly should not hand over anything you have paid good coin for to strangers such as us because we say so. That is why my colleague Taiga, the genasi, is summoning Elro Aldataur, the leader of Palebank Village so he can decide how to move forward. Please keep the vial under wraps until then."
"It is not my place to speculate on the artifact, but these relics from Eiselcross carry unpredictable magic. I have limited magic myself." She waves her hand and a Minor Illusion appears a few tables down of another Carina sitting, chin cupped in her hand, lost in thought. "But I do know that these items are not to be treated lightly. One thing I promise you: I, at least, will do my utmost to make you whole again in terms of the coin you paid Hulil. We have recovered at least some of her ill-gotten treasure, and perhaps that will cover it. As for the magic part, all we can do is relax and wait for Elro."
Carina smiles at the tiefling child watching her. "Speaking of Magic and making the best of things, I believe I owe you a song, little one."
She turns to the gnome at the bar. "Brix! While this ale is warm and delicious, I believe just now, I am in need of something more... fiery. Care to share a sample of your delightful concoction with me, the innkeeper and anyone else who wishes to partake?"
With that, Carina leans back, as her Minor Illusion duplicate at the other table seems to gaze at her, and begins to play a slow and soulful melody on her dark harmonica. A style she heard her aunt Lyra play for her long ago, a music apparently from another world. Called The Blues.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk