"Do not fret, Quinn. No harm done", Normont reassured the genasi the previous evening, before they settled into Lokilia's lean-to.
It takes a little while for Normont to realise Lokilia was speaking and likely to him.
"Oh, hm, Whitestone? About a day and a half I'd say. Maybe two if we are being careful. Speaking of which, I had best send Amber to scout ahead and behind. Those folk at the tower could teleport so they could have got ahead of us if they guessed our destination", he says with a frown.
He then speaks to Amber in gnomish, and she takes to the sky, but remaining low and not too high above the tree tops that she would be seen from a distance and give away their position.
"Perhaps just a quick bite to eat to break our fast and get an early start on the journey?", he says eager to be on the road and to the safety of Whitestone.
Lokilia nods at the information from Normont. "Yes, just quick." As she looks about, she asks the gnome, "What is this place exactly? Do people only live here in warmer weather? It seems like a such a waste to leave it empty for so much time."
"It's a fishing village. You are right, it is only occupied in the warmer months. I assume because the fish go elsewhere for the colder ones", Normont explains. "The people winter in Whitestone, with mages magically locking up the village whilst they are gone".
He helps to make the breakfast, his worries forgotten as Lokilia questions him about Mooren Village. Well, it is closer to town sized these days.
"There is a trail that runs from here directly to Whitestone, so we should make good time. Again, depending how careful we are being".
“Welp,” Dev says, smiling sadly when he hands the tools back to Normont, “I guess we’re sleeping outside. But I enjoyed the idea of sleeping on a bed so much, it’s almost like I have already gotten eight hours stretched out on silk.” This have the teenager’s imaginings always fended off despair following repeated terrors and disappointments.
Accustomed to sleeping with only a broken window between himself and winter winds, Dev sleeps deeply in the shelter of Lokilia’s lean to, and awakens refreshed, his hair — in need of a cut — tousled on one side and flattened on the other. He readies himself, works in good humor to help with breakfast and breaking down the lean to, and hums a merry song as the companions set off for Whitestone.
The companions moved along the well worn trail towards Whitestone, Amber kept an eye out and Lokilia made sure all was well in terms of staying on track, trail rations and avoiding potholes beneath the snow.
Around dusk on the first day Quinn thought he saw the shape of a huge black and grey wolf shadowing them from the treeline but there was nothing there when investigated.
Dev did his best to assist but he had to admit he was better at keeping spirits up than trying to match the Ashari at field craft.
The night was spent peacefully and the next day the journey continued.....eventually the timberland gave way to pastures and fields though all the fields were lying fallow currently and the only livestock out in the cold were a small herd of the massive plains cows and a group of shaggy ponies.
As the afternoon approach the evening the companions approached the south-east gate....
The closer they get to Whitestone, the more relaxed Normont feels about being the prospect of being followed or intercepted. However he is still concerned about how the Chamber of Whitestone will take his news about the tower and what happened to it.
All that is forgotten for the moment when the walls of the city come into view.
"There it is. Whitestone, the greatest city in the world", he says proudly to the others. Of course he hasn't really got much context to that statement having not visited another city since he lived in Emon as a young child.
He looks around from a distance for members of the Whitestone Rifles who are undoubtedly watching their approach from the city walls, and likely manning the gate if it is still open at this time.
Lokilia's eyes widen as she starts to see the walls of Whitestone coming into sight. As Normont praises the place as 'greatest in the world' the Ashari starts to look a bit concerned. They get closer and she steps over closer to Dev, speaking with him in a hushed voice. "What sort of place is this Whitestone? Is like, the whole place filled with people? I mean, I thought Drynna was big!" As they get even closer to the gate, her eyes drift to the forest outside the city to their right.
Her pace starts to slow as she allows the others to move ahead as they near the place.
When Lokilia’s pace slows, Dev, who had been lost in his thoughts watching the ground in its seemingly endless progression, looks at her, then up. The teenager gasps at the famously tall, pale walls ahead of him.
“Woww…,” he whispers, his face that of a child seeing a new delightful gift handed to him unexpectedly. “Wow.”
He only half-hears Lokilia, turns and says, “Sorry, I was… what did you say?” If she repeats her questions, he shakes his head, trying to wrap his mind around what he sees.
“I guess… I don’t know what kind of place it is… an old fisherman on the lake used to sing a song, like…, ‘with aching heart we loathe depart the shining walls of whitestone; with what delight it fills our our sight, with love we call it home,’ or something…”
“Drynna is big. I don’t even…” Dev falls silent, and gawking and turning his head this way and that, keeps a slow pace with his ashari friend.
As the group approaches the gate Normont can see two figures on the top of the wall above the gate who whistle loudly when the companions come in to view causing two others at the closed gates themselves to hurriedly stand from where they were slouched apparently very surprised to see travellers on this particular approach.
The two figures atop the gate level long smooth metal staffs of some kind at the companions ( Normont recognised the muskets) and those on the ground come forward a little with their halberds somewhat raised as the moved in their dark metallic armor with dark gray cloaks lined in pale yellow.
" Good Afternoon! We don't get many folks on the road from Mooren this time of year. Would you mind stating your identities and business in Whitestone."
The young woman's voice was slightly uncertain but steady.
Normont waves up at the two guards aiming muskets at them, and waits for the gate guards to approach. He hopes to recognise the guards, but when they ask who they are he guesses they don't recognise him.
"No problem at all. I am Normont Fizzlepeak, resident of Whitestone and member of the Pale Guard", he says digging in his pockets for his identification. His pistol would likely be evident if nothing else. "These are my companions from Drynna. Dev, Lokilia and Quinn", he adds, motioning to each in turn.
"We have been on a bit of a quest, hence coming from Mooren and being in a bit of a state. We could really use a wash and some food, and to see the Pale Lord of Wardship, or one of the other members of the Chamber. Is the Mistress of the Grey Hunt here?".
The rather bookish looking lad behind the young guardswoman looked up suddenly, " Fizzlepeak? Oh, so it is."
" He's right, Hailie. Let 'em through. Been gone a spell. "
Normont didn't really recall the youngster, but there were a lot of young skinny human lads in training to be Pale Guard or Rifle Corp over the years and they did tend to blend together....
" Commisioner is at the House of the Law Bearer but Trish should be in the office at The Pale Chamber. Lady de Rolo? No idea, sorry."
Dev revels in the power of Normont’s friendship. One word from the gnome and the doors are thrown open. If he’d come by himself, even across as many miles as the group has traveled, the tiefling might have been turned away. Almost certainly would have, judging by his travails in Drynna.
The teenager inches closer to Normont, taking pride in and cherishing the sense of protection he gains from the older adventurer’s presence and authority.
Lokilia was comfortable in letting Normont speak for the group. She was sure that he would know how to properly address the guards. She kept several steps back though, still stealing an occasional glance up at the high walls. 'We're going to go in there and be trapped. It's like a huge walled off prison!' she thinks, worry starting to set in to her mind. She had never imagined a place so huge. She just knew she was not going to like it in there.
And in just a flash of a moment, Normont had got them through. She only just barely caught the mentions of 'Comissioner' and "Pale Hall'. Her mind was spinning and before the group can proceed through the gates though she speaks up, clearly nervous. "Normont, umm... perhaps I should stay out here?" She glances around, her eyes settling longingly on the forested areas alongside the road they had just traveled. "You know, perhaps there are those that could be following us. And I could find a nice spot to stay out here and watch fot them. Alert you all if I see anyone? I wouldn't want us not to know."
"You recognise me, wonderful", Normont replies. "I guess not many gnomes in Whitestone compared to other races, and even fewer that go through the training we did", he adds. "Did I ever tell you there are more tie flings in Whitestones than gnomes? At least so I have heard", he says not looking directly at Dev.
"And thank you for the information".
When Lokilia suggests staying outside the walls, he frowns.
"That is not a good idea, Lokilia. There are things in the woods around here, things that you wouldn't want to across in daylight let alone the dark. That is one of the reasons for the walls in fact. But more important than that, if you stay outside you will miss out on seeing the Sun Tree! You really don't want to miss the Sun Tree, trust me. We can go there first if that you would make you feel more comfortable?", he says trying his best to persuade her.
(OOC: I assume Normont would know who Trish is? I might need a reminder if she is actually from Critical Role too :-) )
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"Do not fret, Quinn. No harm done", Normont reassured the genasi the previous evening, before they settled into Lokilia's lean-to.
It takes a little while for Normont to realise Lokilia was speaking and likely to him.
"Oh, hm, Whitestone? About a day and a half I'd say. Maybe two if we are being careful. Speaking of which, I had best send Amber to scout ahead and behind. Those folk at the tower could teleport so they could have got ahead of us if they guessed our destination", he says with a frown.
He then speaks to Amber in gnomish, and she takes to the sky, but remaining low and not too high above the tree tops that she would be seen from a distance and give away their position.
"Perhaps just a quick bite to eat to break our fast and get an early start on the journey?", he says eager to be on the road and to the safety of Whitestone.
Lokilia nods at the information from Normont. "Yes, just quick." As she looks about, she asks the gnome, "What is this place exactly? Do people only live here in warmer weather? It seems like a such a waste to leave it empty for so much time."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"It's a fishing village. You are right, it is only occupied in the warmer months. I assume because the fish go elsewhere for the colder ones", Normont explains. "The people winter in Whitestone, with mages magically locking up the village whilst they are gone".
He helps to make the breakfast, his worries forgotten as Lokilia questions him about Mooren Village. Well, it is closer to town sized these days.
"There is a trail that runs from here directly to Whitestone, so we should make good time. Again, depending how careful we are being".
( Ok, lets get one roll from each of you to cover the rest of the journey- Any Skill you think might be useful.
Also- 56 and 16 ( Don't worry about those, I'm sure they're nothing). )
“Welp,” Dev says, smiling sadly when he hands the tools back to Normont, “I guess we’re sleeping outside. But I enjoyed the idea of sleeping on a bed so much, it’s almost like I have already gotten eight hours stretched out on silk.” This have the teenager’s imaginings always fended off despair following repeated terrors and disappointments.
Accustomed to sleeping with only a broken window between himself and winter winds, Dev sleeps deeply in the shelter of Lokilia’s lean to, and awakens refreshed, his hair — in need of a cut — tousled on one side and flattened on the other. He readies himself, works in good humor to help with breakfast and breaking down the lean to, and hums a merry song as the companions set off for Whitestone.
(Survival: 6+2=8)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Normont and Amber keep a wary eye on their surroundings to ensure they don't run into, or be caught up by, anything that looks dangerous.
Perception: 16+4=20
(OOC: Perception is same for both, so just rolled once for the pair. It will likely mainly be Amber anyway)
Lokilia will use her knowledge to try to keep the group on track as they proceed. (Survival: 24)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Quinn will follow in the rear making sure everyone is safe and not wondering.
The companions moved along the well worn trail towards Whitestone, Amber kept an eye out and Lokilia made sure all was well in terms of staying on track, trail rations and avoiding potholes beneath the snow.
Around dusk on the first day Quinn thought he saw the shape of a huge black and grey wolf shadowing them from the treeline but there was nothing there when investigated.
Dev did his best to assist but he had to admit he was better at keeping spirits up than trying to match the Ashari at field craft.
The night was spent peacefully and the next day the journey continued.....eventually the timberland gave way to pastures and fields though all the fields were lying fallow currently and the only livestock out in the cold were a small herd of the massive plains cows and a group of shaggy ponies.
As the afternoon approach the evening the companions approached the south-east gate....
The closer they get to Whitestone, the more relaxed Normont feels about being the prospect of being followed or intercepted. However he is still concerned about how the Chamber of Whitestone will take his news about the tower and what happened to it.
All that is forgotten for the moment when the walls of the city come into view.
"There it is. Whitestone, the greatest city in the world", he says proudly to the others. Of course he hasn't really got much context to that statement having not visited another city since he lived in Emon as a young child.
He looks around from a distance for members of the Whitestone Rifles who are undoubtedly watching their approach from the city walls, and likely manning the gate if it is still open at this time.
Lokilia's eyes widen as she starts to see the walls of Whitestone coming into sight. As Normont praises the place as 'greatest in the world' the Ashari starts to look a bit concerned. They get closer and she steps over closer to Dev, speaking with him in a hushed voice. "What sort of place is this Whitestone? Is like, the whole place filled with people? I mean, I thought Drynna was big!" As they get even closer to the gate, her eyes drift to the forest outside the city to their right.
Her pace starts to slow as she allows the others to move ahead as they near the place.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Quinn sees the city limits in awe and hopes they don't see the wolf anymore.
When Lokilia’s pace slows, Dev, who had been lost in his thoughts watching the ground in its seemingly endless progression, looks at her, then up. The teenager gasps at the famously tall, pale walls ahead of him.
“Woww…,” he whispers, his face that of a child seeing a new delightful gift handed to him unexpectedly. “Wow.”
He only half-hears Lokilia, turns and says, “Sorry, I was… what did you say?” If she repeats her questions, he shakes his head, trying to wrap his mind around what he sees.
“I guess… I don’t know what kind of place it is… an old fisherman on the lake used to sing a song, like…, ‘with aching heart we loathe depart the shining walls of whitestone; with what delight it fills our our sight, with love we call it home,’ or something…”
“Drynna is big. I don’t even…” Dev falls silent, and gawking and turning his head this way and that, keeps a slow pace with his ashari friend.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
As the group approaches the gate Normont can see two figures on the top of the wall above the gate who whistle loudly when the companions come in to view causing two others at the closed gates themselves to hurriedly stand from where they were slouched apparently very surprised to see travellers on this particular approach.
The two figures atop the gate level long smooth metal staffs of some kind at the companions ( Normont recognised the muskets) and those on the ground come forward a little with their halberds somewhat raised as the moved in their dark metallic armor with dark gray cloaks lined in pale yellow.
" Good Afternoon! We don't get many folks on the road from Mooren this time of year. Would you mind stating your identities and business in Whitestone."
The young woman's voice was slightly uncertain but steady.
Normont waves up at the two guards aiming muskets at them, and waits for the gate guards to approach. He hopes to recognise the guards, but when they ask who they are he guesses they don't recognise him.
"No problem at all. I am Normont Fizzlepeak, resident of Whitestone and member of the Pale Guard", he says digging in his pockets for his identification. His pistol would likely be evident if nothing else. "These are my companions from Drynna. Dev, Lokilia and Quinn", he adds, motioning to each in turn.
"We have been on a bit of a quest, hence coming from Mooren and being in a bit of a state. We could really use a wash and some food, and to see the Pale Lord of Wardship, or one of the other members of the Chamber. Is the Mistress of the Grey Hunt here?".
The rather bookish looking lad behind the young guardswoman looked up suddenly, " Fizzlepeak? Oh, so it is."
" He's right, Hailie. Let 'em through. Been gone a spell. "
Normont didn't really recall the youngster, but there were a lot of young skinny human lads in training to be Pale Guard or Rifle Corp over the years and they did tend to blend together....
" Commisioner is at the House of the Law Bearer but Trish should be in the office at The Pale Chamber. Lady de Rolo? No idea, sorry."
Dev revels in the power of Normont’s friendship. One word from the gnome and the doors are thrown open. If he’d come by himself, even across as many miles as the group has traveled, the tiefling might have been turned away. Almost certainly would have, judging by his travails in Drynna.
The teenager inches closer to Normont, taking pride in and cherishing the sense of protection he gains from the older adventurer’s presence and authority.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Lokilia was comfortable in letting Normont speak for the group. She was sure that he would know how to properly address the guards. She kept several steps back though, still stealing an occasional glance up at the high walls. 'We're going to go in there and be trapped. It's like a huge walled off prison!' she thinks, worry starting to set in to her mind. She had never imagined a place so huge. She just knew she was not going to like it in there.
And in just a flash of a moment, Normont had got them through. She only just barely caught the mentions of 'Comissioner' and "Pale Hall'. Her mind was spinning and before the group can proceed through the gates though she speaks up, clearly nervous. "Normont, umm... perhaps I should stay out here?" She glances around, her eyes settling longingly on the forested areas alongside the road they had just traveled. "You know, perhaps there are those that could be following us. And I could find a nice spot to stay out here and watch fot them. Alert you all if I see anyone? I wouldn't want us not to know."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"You recognise me, wonderful", Normont replies. "I guess not many gnomes in Whitestone compared to other races, and even fewer that go through the training we did", he adds. "Did I ever tell you there are more tie flings in Whitestones than gnomes? At least so I have heard", he says not looking directly at Dev.
"And thank you for the information".
When Lokilia suggests staying outside the walls, he frowns.
"That is not a good idea, Lokilia. There are things in the woods around here, things that you wouldn't want to across in daylight let alone the dark. That is one of the reasons for the walls in fact. But more important than that, if you stay outside you will miss out on seeing the Sun Tree! You really don't want to miss the Sun Tree, trust me. We can go there first if that you would make you feel more comfortable?", he says trying his best to persuade her.
(OOC: I assume Normont would know who Trish is? I might need a reminder if she is actually from Critical Role too :-) )