Nimsy has a look at the stone that Aubreen holds up with interest. "That is a large one. I'm sure anyone in the bigger towns can give you a good deal on that, especially during the light hours when the markets are most busy."
The halfling smiles at Marlede in greeting. Then, recognizing the half-elf, her old eyes widen. "Oh, if it isn't the older Oarkhurst child! My apologies, my eyes aren't what they used to be. And you've grown so much!"
She insists that Marlede take some of her cookies, then continues "Don't worry about it love, you know how it is. In these times the towns need to look out for themselves. It's very kind of you to travel out here and check up on us, folks will remember that."
Looking to Perrin, Nimsy also adds. "Iriskree over at the Happy Scrimshander would probably be interested in the antlers, if you're willing to part with them. Don't let her sour mood mislead you, she is always on the look for good carving material."
Marlede smiles and when she goes over to grab the cookies, she hugs Nimsy, if she allows it. "I'm so glad you remembered me and my family, Lady Nimsy. Amber will love these. Do you mind if I take some for him? He can't go out as much, so I'm always bringing him things from my travels. And I'll always make time to check on up y'all. You can count on me."
After taking the cookies, she puts most of them in a pouch after eating 1 or 2. And listening to Nimsy mention Scrimshaw, she clicks her tongue with annoyance, but quickly shifts her expression, believing to have come across as rude. Seems like it's a sore subject for her.
Aubreen looks to Perrin and chuckles, "If you wish I will carry the antlers, I should have said so back in the woods but watching you wrestle with them was just too good to let pass." Collecting his now dry coat from beside the hearth he looks to his companions. "The day is wasting, shall we see this scrimshander then head on to Bryn?"
"Of course not dear, take as many for your brother as you want. I wish him all the best." Nimsy offers each of you a small bundle of freshly made cookies on top of what Marlede already took. "Be careful out there!"
As you step out, it is some time before noon. The precious dim light is bathing the Dale in a glittering mantle, illuminating the clouds of frozen flakes that get dragged across the lake by the biting wind. The townspeople go about their business, more often than not acknowledging you, recognizing you. Nods of thanks and murmurs of blessings accompany you on your way. Perrin gets most of those, and some smiles on top, as he is a walking testament of your success.
The shop named "The Happy Scrimshander" is a little wood construction facing the docks. The dilapidated carving of a large beast with the body of a lion and two heads - a dragon and a goat, is seen along the wall. It must have been a sight to behold once.
Inside, it smells of old bone and wood, fishy and musky. The dim light shining in through the small windows illuminates many small works of art. Figurines depicting animals both mundane and fantastical, a small diorama of Lonelwood itself being the centerpiece of attention. Along the walls, you see the tools of the scrimshaw trade, needles and knives in a wide array of shapes and sizes, inks in a rainbow of colors, and wax used to seal an engraving when it’s done.
A doughy human spinster looks up as you enter, her white whispy hair standing off in all directions. Her eyes immediately dart to Perrins haul, then back to you, narrowing with suspicion. "Avent seen you lot around here. Towns all abuzz, everyone whispering of newcomers. That be you, yes? You be wanting to sell me some old cadaver you found lying in the woods?"
Aubreen, Marlede [P. Insight]: The old womans eyes were sparkling with interest for a moment, afterwards skillfully concealed. She's eminently interested in the antlers.
Aubreen leans towards Perrin whispering clearly but quietly in his ear (at least where he thinks an ear should be). "Lady Nimsy said you might be interested in these antlers, what would you pay for them." he then pats the bird on the shoulder, "hope that helps," then heads outside to wait.
When the woman speaks to them, Perrin shakes the antlers excitedly at her while repeating Aubreen, “Lady Nimsy said you might be interested in these antlers, what would you pay for them." Hopefully they would get some decent coin out it then. After all, risking your life in the defense of a town should warrant a nice reward, right?
The old woman shoves a box to the side and emerges from behind the counter to inspect the antlers up close.
[Retroactively checking how well a job Perrin did at harvesting the antlers [survival 21]]
She looks them up and down, stares at the kenku a moment longer and then sighs. "Standard rate for antlers this size is 4 gold pieces, but you've gone and hunted the white moose, haven't you. And you know your way around carving horns. I'll pay double for that."
Rummaging around behind the counter, the woman produces a small bag of coins, shoving it in Perrins direction (8 gp).
"In case your huntin' continues with success, you come here, you hear? Iriskree will give you a good deal. Especially if you hunt anything big. I can make all kinds of toys with these."
As she says that, you notice that one of her hands is missing. In its place, a complex construction out of wood and bone, a masterpiece of tinkering.
In case you want to move on, you can estimate that you could reach Targos today, if you're traveling through Termalaine. Moving on to Bryn Shander would be exhausting, but doable (amounting to 10 hours of travel total, since you already traveled 2 hours today, from the tomb). Con Save of 10 and 11 respectively to push on, potentially taking levels of exhaustion.
Aubreen grins at Perrin, "You got a deal my friend, as far as I am concerned that is coin in your pocket, watching you lug them from the forest was well worth it." Looking to the failing light, the dance of Aurora in the sky. "Let us push on to Bryn, I would like to get there quickly, the wicked never rest."
"Siruis, I would like to visit the temple of the Triad, perhaps tomorrow, are you interested in joining me. To see the House of Torm in the forsaken land would lift my spirits."
If Perrin offers Sirius money from the antlers, he, too, politely declines.
Sirius sets a brisk pace for the trek. ”Though there doesn’t seem to be any imminent threat, every day we waste, someone innocent might be sacrificed. We have a duty to protect them.”
With every step towards Targos, Sirius grows more and more excited. It seems that actually working for something makes achieving it all the more pleasurable. In Targos, Sirius immediately starts to ask around for an Axe beak to buy. He then rides the rest of the journey on the back of it. It seems I’ll have to think of a name for this lovely beast.
”After a good night’s sleep, a visit to the temple would certainly be most pleasurable. It has been a while since I’ve been in one. Though it may not be quite as flamboyant as back home, I’m sure it serves it’s purpose."
((OOC: Can the axe beak fit any more than one person on the back? Also not sure how the constitution check works with riding an Axe beak for the end bit so I'll let you roll.))
As you head into Targos, one of the guards by the gate tries to get Sirius' attention. "Sirius of house Barwin? Wystan sends his regards. I'm to tell you that he heard no news of Torrgs passing through since they left a few days ago. That is all."
The guard nods to you and returns to his post by the brazier at the gate.
By the time you arrive, the Dale is already plunged into darkness, the first traces of Aurils aurora becoming visible. Thanks to the torches and street lanterns provided by the city and the citizenry, you're able to orient yourself easily within Targos and Sirius finds what he is looking for: an animal tamer and trader. The man is roughly hewn, face like chiseled stone, but probably human. Aubreen might suspect that the man hails from one of the reghed tribes.
He introduces himself as Nilo and has a selection of axebeaks and other animals on offer. The axebeaks all stem from the sturdy stock acclimatized to Icewind Dale. For 50 gp, Sirious gets to pick from: Bouncer (particularly fluffy and rotund), Shimmer (feathers give out a faint gleam in the right angle of light), Scarlet (with a distinctive blood-red beak) and Bronzeridge (uniquely dark feather pattern running down the back of the spine).
DM: Axe beaks can carry one person comfortably. They have a carry limit of 420 pounds, so if you're creative I'm sure you could fit more people on it somehow. Like most creatures, their overland speed is severely reduced by the snow, but still faster than most other beasts of burden: 2 miles per hour.
Moving on to Bryn Shander proves an arduous treck up the hill for some of you. Aubreen gets one level of exhaustion. If Sirius is riding his axebeak, the axebeaks endurance counts instead, so he has a much easier time of it.
As you arrive back in Bryn Shander, it has started snowing heavily. The gates can be made out by the glowing dangle of lanterns as the guards try to make you out. You are being questioned as to your purposes here, but it's quickly established that you're no threat.
Back where you started from. The Northlook to your right is well crowded, but you still spot the sturdy outline of Yurgunn in the back corner.
Aubreen stops at the bartender, catching the attention of a lass, "Please mi'lady if you could rustle up a bowl of something warm, perhaps bread and cheese, an ale. I will be at yonder table with the Lady Dwarf." He begins to turn then looks back, "maybe make that four, and sleeping accommodations for three. Much obliged."
He then heads to Yurgunn's table, pulling a chair out and with a sigh of exhaustion settles in, looking back to make sure the lass was following through, he was famished. "Lady Dwarf Yurgunn, I hope we find you in good stead. I am not sure it is either good or bad information we bring, or if you even care for the details. The deed is done, you were right, Sephek was murdering the citizens of Ten-towns. However he defended himself by stating the Lottery was corrupt and it was the cheaters and scoundrels he was cleaning up. In the end he attacked us and was darked."
Aubreen leans his head against his open palm, struggling to stay awake, waiting for the food and listening to Yurgunn speak. When the fragrance and steam of stew arrives he pounces upon it, answering and filling in details between scoops of stew and bread. "Please help yourselves, but no worries, I will eat it if you dont."
Aubreen has no trouble wedging himself between some patrons to make his order. A sturdy bronze dragonborn barmaid catches his eye and nods. "Sure bud, we'll bring it over in a bit. Don't let her bite you", referring to Yurgunn with a playful head motion.
The old dwarf looks up as you seat yourself, a grim smile already forming on her creased face, sending crinkles around it like canyons into a mountain chain. "Ye find me in good stead indeed, seeing that you returned in person, rather than as another cautionary tale. The tiefling showed up earlier, taking his share and leaving in a hurry."
She intently listens to Aubreens recollection of the events, her pipe untouched and forgotten on the table.
"Corrupt lottery, now why ain't I surprised.", she says with sarcasm. "Course people are gonna cheat, it's about their lives. It's a good thing what you did. May Sepheks soul rot in the nine hells."
Leaning backwards, she grabs a hold of a bag that was safely tucked under her chair. Bringing it onto her lap, you hear the clinking of coins. The dwarf counts out 25 gold pieces to each one of you. "Here, as promised."
"In case you want to do more good, I've heard rumors of problems all around. I'm sure you did too, so I'm just going to mention a personal matter: my sister. She lives in the castle of Caer Dineval, along the Lac Dinneshere. If you get around to that town, you could do me a kindness if you check on her. She's in the service of the town speaker there, Crannoc Siever. He hasn't shown his face either, staying locked up in the keep. I'm suspecting something is afoot."
As four meals arrive, Yurgunn grunts appreciatively and partakes in the warm stew.
Aubreen takes the offered coins, tucking them into his waistband. "Appreciate Lady Dwarf. Do you feel your sister or the Speaker are in imminent danger? I believe we agreed to help Termalaine with an infestation."
Stifling a yawn, "It has been a long day, perhaps share the details you know and my companions and I can discuss it." He will fight sleep as long as he can before recusing himself to bed.
Perrin keeps to himself for the most part as they make to long trip back to Bryan Shander. After all, there wasn’t much to say even if he wanted to. He does watch Aubreen’s axebeak with curiousity. If it ends up being able to get through the snow easily, he might end up borrowing its form in the future whenever they needed travel cross country.
In the inn with Yurgunn, Perrin stifles a yawn as the others converse. He wouldn’t mind checking out the castle over in Caer Dineval. He looks to the others to see what they thought about the offer.
Sirius thanks the guard and throws him a couple of silver pieces for his troubles. From the litter of the Axebeaks, Sirius picks Bouncer, the fluffiest one. ”Those fluffy feathers will come in handy if I ever have to sleep outside.” Sirius then proceeds to ride the rest of the way on his new best friend occasionally throwing bits of carrots as treats for him.
In the Northlook Sirius accepts the payment and thanks Yurgunn. After the discussion draws to a natural conclusion, Sirius goes to ask the innkeeper, if he may bring Bouncer into his room.
Nimsy has a look at the stone that Aubreen holds up with interest. "That is a large one. I'm sure anyone in the bigger towns can give you a good deal on that, especially during the light hours when the markets are most busy."
The halfling smiles at Marlede in greeting. Then, recognizing the half-elf, her old eyes widen. "Oh, if it isn't the older Oarkhurst child! My apologies, my eyes aren't what they used to be. And you've grown so much!"
She insists that Marlede take some of her cookies, then continues "Don't worry about it love, you know how it is. In these times the towns need to look out for themselves. It's very kind of you to travel out here and check up on us, folks will remember that."
Looking to Perrin, Nimsy also adds. "Iriskree over at the Happy Scrimshander would probably be interested in the antlers, if you're willing to part with them. Don't let her sour mood mislead you, she is always on the look for good carving material."
Marlede smiles and when she goes over to grab the cookies, she hugs Nimsy, if she allows it. "I'm so glad you remembered me and my family, Lady Nimsy. Amber will love these. Do you mind if I take some for him? He can't go out as much, so I'm always bringing him things from my travels. And I'll always make time to check on up y'all. You can count on me."
After taking the cookies, she puts most of them in a pouch after eating 1 or 2. And listening to Nimsy mention Scrimshaw, she clicks her tongue with annoyance, but quickly shifts her expression, believing to have come across as rude. Seems like it's a sore subject for her.
Currently DMing:
Aubreen looks to Perrin and chuckles, "If you wish I will carry the antlers, I should have said so back in the woods but watching you wrestle with them was just too good to let pass." Collecting his now dry coat from beside the hearth he looks to his companions. "The day is wasting, shall we see this scrimshander then head on to Bryn?"
Sirius starts packing up his stuff. ”Yes, I think that would be best.”
Marlede gathers her things and thanks Nimsy again for her kindness. She turns to the group.
"Well, then I guess I should start this partnership by leading the way back home. Though I guess it wouldn't be your first time to Bryn Shander."
Marlede gathers her things at the entrance and prepares to head back to Bryn Shander.
Currently DMing:
"Of course not dear, take as many for your brother as you want. I wish him all the best." Nimsy offers each of you a small bundle of freshly made cookies on top of what Marlede already took. "Be careful out there!"
As you step out, it is some time before noon. The precious dim light is bathing the Dale in a glittering mantle, illuminating the clouds of frozen flakes that get dragged across the lake by the biting wind. The townspeople go about their business, more often than not acknowledging you, recognizing you. Nods of thanks and murmurs of blessings accompany you on your way. Perrin gets most of those, and some smiles on top, as he is a walking testament of your success.
The shop named "The Happy Scrimshander" is a little wood construction facing the docks. The dilapidated carving of a large beast with the body of a lion and two heads - a dragon and a goat, is seen along the wall. It must have been a sight to behold once.
Inside, it smells of old bone and wood, fishy and musky. The dim light shining in through the small windows illuminates many small works of art. Figurines depicting animals both mundane and fantastical, a small diorama of Lonelwood itself being the centerpiece of attention. Along the walls, you see the tools of the scrimshaw trade, needles and knives in a wide array of shapes and sizes, inks in a rainbow of colors, and wax used to seal an engraving when it’s done.
A doughy human spinster looks up as you enter, her white whispy hair standing off in all directions. Her eyes immediately dart to Perrins haul, then back to you, narrowing with suspicion. "Avent seen you lot around here. Towns all abuzz, everyone whispering of newcomers. That be you, yes? You be wanting to sell me some old cadaver you found lying in the woods?"
Aubreen, Marlede [P. Insight]: The old womans eyes were sparkling with interest for a moment, afterwards skillfully concealed. She's eminently interested in the antlers.
Aubreen leans towards Perrin whispering clearly but quietly in his ear (at least where he thinks an ear should be). "Lady Nimsy said you might be interested in these antlers, what would you pay for them." he then pats the bird on the shoulder, "hope that helps," then heads outside to wait.
When the woman speaks to them, Perrin shakes the antlers excitedly at her while repeating Aubreen, “Lady Nimsy said you might be interested in these antlers, what would you pay for them." Hopefully they would get some decent coin out it then. After all, risking your life in the defense of a town should warrant a nice reward, right?
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
The old woman shoves a box to the side and emerges from behind the counter to inspect the antlers up close.
[Retroactively checking how well a job Perrin did at harvesting the antlers [survival 21]]
She looks them up and down, stares at the kenku a moment longer and then sighs. "Standard rate for antlers this size is 4 gold pieces, but you've gone and hunted the white moose, haven't you. And you know your way around carving horns. I'll pay double for that."
Rummaging around behind the counter, the woman produces a small bag of coins, shoving it in Perrins direction (8 gp).
"In case your huntin' continues with success, you come here, you hear? Iriskree will give you a good deal. Especially if you hunt anything big. I can make all kinds of toys with these."
As she says that, you notice that one of her hands is missing. In its place, a complex construction out of wood and bone, a masterpiece of tinkering.
In case you want to move on, you can estimate that you could reach Targos today, if you're traveling through Termalaine. Moving on to Bryn Shander would be exhausting, but doable (amounting to 10 hours of travel total, since you already traveled 2 hours today, from the tomb). Con Save of 10 and 11 respectively to push on, potentially taking levels of exhaustion.
Once everyone leaves the shop, Marlede will direct her attention to Perrin:
"You got a nice deal for those horns, Perrin. Good job carving them."
And says to the rest of the group:
"So... What should we do? I'm alright with pushing my limits to make it home tonight. But if y'all want to rest over at Targos, I won't complain."
Currently DMing:
Aubreen grins at Perrin, "You got a deal my friend, as far as I am concerned that is coin in your pocket, watching you lug them from the forest was well worth it." Looking to the failing light, the dance of Aurora in the sky. "Let us push on to Bryn, I would like to get there quickly, the wicked never rest."
"Siruis, I would like to visit the temple of the Triad, perhaps tomorrow, are you interested in joining me. To see the House of Torm in the forsaken land would lift my spirits."
Constitution save: 20, followed by 6
If Perrin offers Sirius money from the antlers, he, too, politely declines.
Sirius sets a brisk pace for the trek. ”Though there doesn’t seem to be any imminent threat, every day we waste, someone innocent might be sacrificed. We have a duty to protect them.”
With every step towards Targos, Sirius grows more and more excited. It seems that actually working for something makes achieving it all the more pleasurable. In Targos, Sirius immediately starts to ask around for an Axe beak to buy. He then rides the rest of the journey on the back of it. It seems I’ll have to think of a name for this lovely beast.
”After a good night’s sleep, a visit to the temple would certainly be most pleasurable. It has been a while since I’ve been in one. Though it may not be quite as flamboyant as back home, I’m sure it serves it’s purpose."
((OOC: Can the axe beak fit any more than one person on the back? Also not sure how the constitution check works with riding an Axe beak for the end bit so I'll let you roll.))
As you head into Targos, one of the guards by the gate tries to get Sirius' attention. "Sirius of house Barwin? Wystan sends his regards. I'm to tell you that he heard no news of Torrgs passing through since they left a few days ago. That is all."
The guard nods to you and returns to his post by the brazier at the gate.
By the time you arrive, the Dale is already plunged into darkness, the first traces of Aurils aurora becoming visible. Thanks to the torches and street lanterns provided by the city and the citizenry, you're able to orient yourself easily within Targos and Sirius finds what he is looking for: an animal tamer and trader. The man is roughly hewn, face like chiseled stone, but probably human. Aubreen might suspect that the man hails from one of the reghed tribes.
He introduces himself as Nilo and has a selection of axebeaks and other animals on offer. The axebeaks all stem from the sturdy stock acclimatized to Icewind Dale. For 50 gp, Sirious gets to pick from: Bouncer (particularly fluffy and rotund), Shimmer (feathers give out a faint gleam in the right angle of light), Scarlet (with a distinctive blood-red beak) and Bronzeridge (uniquely dark feather pattern running down the back of the spine).
DM: Axe beaks can carry one person comfortably. They have a carry limit of 420 pounds, so if you're creative I'm sure you could fit more people on it somehow. Like most creatures, their overland speed is severely reduced by the snow, but still faster than most other beasts of burden: 2 miles per hour.
Moving on to Bryn Shander proves an arduous treck up the hill for some of you. Aubreen gets one level of exhaustion. If Sirius is riding his axebeak, the axebeaks endurance counts instead, so he has a much easier time of it.
As you arrive back in Bryn Shander, it has started snowing heavily. The gates can be made out by the glowing dangle of lanterns as the guards try to make you out. You are being questioned as to your purposes here, but it's quickly established that you're no threat.
Back where you started from. The Northlook to your right is well crowded, but you still spot the sturdy outline of Yurgunn in the back corner.
Marlede would separate from the group once they made it to the Northlook.
"I will meet you all here tomorrow morning if we are to go back to Termalaine and deal with the Kobolds. I'm going to head home now."
She looks tired from all the traveling she has done.
Currently DMing:
Aubreen stops at the bartender, catching the attention of a lass, "Please mi'lady if you could rustle up a bowl of something warm, perhaps bread and cheese, an ale. I will be at yonder table with the Lady Dwarf." He begins to turn then looks back, "maybe make that four, and sleeping accommodations for three. Much obliged."
He then heads to Yurgunn's table, pulling a chair out and with a sigh of exhaustion settles in, looking back to make sure the lass was following through, he was famished. "Lady Dwarf Yurgunn, I hope we find you in good stead. I am not sure it is either good or bad information we bring, or if you even care for the details. The deed is done, you were right, Sephek was murdering the citizens of Ten-towns. However he defended himself by stating the Lottery was corrupt and it was the cheaters and scoundrels he was cleaning up. In the end he attacked us and was darked."
Aubreen leans his head against his open palm, struggling to stay awake, waiting for the food and listening to Yurgunn speak. When the fragrance and steam of stew arrives he pounces upon it, answering and filling in details between scoops of stew and bread. "Please help yourselves, but no worries, I will eat it if you dont."
Aubreen has no trouble wedging himself between some patrons to make his order. A sturdy bronze dragonborn barmaid catches his eye and nods. "Sure bud, we'll bring it over in a bit. Don't let her bite you", referring to Yurgunn with a playful head motion.
The old dwarf looks up as you seat yourself, a grim smile already forming on her creased face, sending crinkles around it like canyons into a mountain chain. "Ye find me in good stead indeed, seeing that you returned in person, rather than as another cautionary tale. The tiefling showed up earlier, taking his share and leaving in a hurry."
She intently listens to Aubreens recollection of the events, her pipe untouched and forgotten on the table.
"Corrupt lottery, now why ain't I surprised.", she says with sarcasm. "Course people are gonna cheat, it's about their lives. It's a good thing what you did. May Sepheks soul rot in the nine hells."
Leaning backwards, she grabs a hold of a bag that was safely tucked under her chair. Bringing it onto her lap, you hear the clinking of coins. The dwarf counts out 25 gold pieces to each one of you. "Here, as promised."
"In case you want to do more good, I've heard rumors of problems all around. I'm sure you did too, so I'm just going to mention a personal matter: my sister. She lives in the castle of Caer Dineval, along the Lac Dinneshere. If you get around to that town, you could do me a kindness if you check on her. She's in the service of the town speaker there, Crannoc Siever. He hasn't shown his face either, staying locked up in the keep. I'm suspecting something is afoot."
As four meals arrive, Yurgunn grunts appreciatively and partakes in the warm stew.
Aubreen takes the offered coins, tucking them into his waistband. "Appreciate Lady Dwarf. Do you feel your sister or the Speaker are in imminent danger? I believe we agreed to help Termalaine with an infestation."
Stifling a yawn, "It has been a long day, perhaps share the details you know and my companions and I can discuss it." He will fight sleep as long as he can before recusing himself to bed.
Exhaustion saves: 14, 6
Perrin keeps to himself for the most part as they make to long trip back to Bryan Shander. After all, there wasn’t much to say even if he wanted to. He does watch Aubreen’s axebeak with curiousity. If it ends up being able to get through the snow easily, he might end up borrowing its form in the future whenever they needed travel cross country.
In the inn with Yurgunn, Perrin stifles a yawn as the others converse. He wouldn’t mind checking out the castle over in Caer Dineval. He looks to the others to see what they thought about the offer.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Sirius thanks the guard and throws him a couple of silver pieces for his troubles. From the litter of the Axebeaks, Sirius picks Bouncer, the fluffiest one. ”Those fluffy feathers will come in handy if I ever have to sleep outside.” Sirius then proceeds to ride the rest of the way on his new best friend occasionally throwing bits of carrots as treats for him.
In the Northlook Sirius accepts the payment and thanks Yurgunn. After the discussion draws to a natural conclusion, Sirius goes to ask the innkeeper, if he may bring Bouncer into his room.
How much did the 4 meals and rooms cost?