When Jabari says that the eye is being used to spy on her, she clicks her tongue in frustration.
"Great, now I have no trophy of our first mission together. However, it's for the best to just get rid of this thing. Thank you, Jabari. You've been very helpful."
Marlede turns to Perrin and asks him to use his fire to destroy the eye. And after that's done, she looks at speaker Waylen with a bit of a smug expression before saying:
"I told you we'd bring results, not just pretty words. It might not be enough to convince you of seizing the sacrifices, but we're only getting started. Only the people of Ten-Towns can help themselves. And it won't be by paying tribute to HER. So remember us the next time the townspeakers gather. I'm sure speaker Nimsy Huddle will testify of the great deeds my companions accomplished in Lonelywood before I joined them."
She would have nothing else to say to anyone in town hall, so she listens if anyone has any parting words before bidding them farewell and making her way towards the merchants.
Axe Beaks: [ Anyone could have joined me. ]
Thank you, Ignomity. I appreciate you being forthright with me. If there's anything else you can find out about where Phantom came from, I'll be more than happy to reward you. I'll be staying in the White Lady Inn while in Easthaven, so you know where to find me.
Marlede goes to hold Ignomity's hands and when she let's go, Ignomity is holding 51gp. After which she addresses Phantom before time runs out.
"Little one, I want you to come with me. I know you're scared and you want to go home, but it's going to take some time before I find out where you came from exactly. I swear to take care of you until this promise is fulfilled. Until then, will you lend me your strength?"
Marlede will take Phantom with her if he agrees. Before leaving, she looks at Ignomity one more time.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Faust is a nervous wreck. Don't let any adventurers take him, it's a recipe for disaster. Groom is a kind and gentle soul. She would do well somewhere where young ones can practice riding here. Razor is mistrusting, but he'll be an asset to anyone that feeds him well and keeps him warm. Zixalix is beautiful and her no nonsense attitude would make her an ideal partner for me. But sadly, I can only take care of one Axe Beak. Make sure whoever buys her is a good person. That's all I can really ask of you, not that I'll be here to oversee your sales. And Behemoth, well, you know I know..."
With that, she gathers her belongings and rides towards the Inn.
The White Lady Inn:
"Regrettably, I know very little. The legends say her ghost can be seen walking over Lac Dinneshere, haunting the spot where her rich husband drowned."
She looks a bit arrogant when Sirius asks about her past.
"When I was 16, I was making my way towards Lonelywood when I stumbled upon a merchant caravan being attacked by goblins. I couldn't just stand by and watch them be murdered, so I used my ability to camouflage into the surroundings and swiftly dispatched of them one after another! I've been traveling all over Ten-Towns slaying monsters ever since. My father is the one that taught me about archery and woodwork. He even crafted my first longbow! If you ever need anything related to wood and find yourself in Bryn Shander, look for Valenthe Oakhurst. The carpentry workshop is on the first floor of our home. My mother's name is Jade and my darling little brother is called Amber. I miss them so much it hurts!"
Marlede dramatically groans as if she were in pain, and when she realizes she's making a scene, she embarrassingly straightens herself.
Perrin gladly pockets the gold that the Townspeaker hands to them. Seeing that there were a few hours of downtime until they’d need to meet up again and finding himself alone after the others run about their various errands, Perrin finds himself alone for the first time in a while now. Not quite knowing what to do, he just stands there in front of the building he just exited, fiddling thoughtfully with the pouch of gold he just received as he ponders what do next. It probably wasn’t the best idea to be playing with a pouch full of coins in a city like this, but he was a bit distracted to fully think things through. Remembering that he wanted to go get a journal, he tucks away his gold in his boot and starts shambling towards one of the stores in the are he knew would sell journals and writing utensils.
After finding a suitable store, he shuffled inside and finds the items he needs. It cost way too much gold in his opinion for an empty book, but thankfully, he had plenty of money to spend as of late.
Elated with his purchase, he walks cheerfully back to the tavern where his friends said they were going to meet. As he trotted along, he starts humming a tune he heard a passerby hum, and if he could, a wide grin would be splitting his face.
Once in the inn, he goes and sits with the others, only listening to their conversations with half an ear as he cracks open his journal and hovers his writing utensil over its fresh pages, pondering where to start. It takes a moment to decide, but he eventually recording his encounter with the harpies. He writes about their insidious song, and he finds himself humming the enchanting tune as the scribbles away. After he records what he experienced, he closes the book with a contented sigh, pleased to finally have a journal again
Aubreen emerges from his thoughts, more questions than answers remain.
"Have you looked for her Sirius?" he asks. "I don't think I have ever come across a dwarven baker, not a typical vocation for one of the stout folk." He smiles, a rough and unaccustomed gesture. His implication that a Dwarf of such talent should not be the hardest to track down. "If it is meant to be, you will find her I am sure, Torm be willing"
"That was very brave of you Marlede, not many of such young age would endanger themselves in such a way for the aid of strangers. Is it just fire within your breast that drives you, I sense there is something more, a tragedy in the past that fuels your vengeance." He turns, feeling a little embarrassment. Not comfortable at this point to reveal the deeper guilt that still haunts his decisions and yet here he was prying into the past of another.
"We need to decide our future, I feel we are no closer to the answers we seek, yet it has I hope created some sense of peace and comfort to the people. A further safety to their lives. If all we do is make the Dale safer, I guess Torm would be satisfied, for now." He tries to remember the hectic whirlwind details of the last several days. "We have left the Kobolds to fester and breed. We promised Yurgunn we would look in on her sister. And now the White Lady, perhaps a distraction but perhaps answers to what we seek."
His eyes look into the distance as he ruminates "A frost wielding dead, a talking Moose, Harpies, hags and now a phantom we seek. Are we fools, or driven by our personal demons?"
"Let us decide upon the morn, I could use the rest before we move on, unless the ritual is tonight, I guess I have a little left in me if needed"
If nothing else is occurring he will retire for the night.
Waylen smiles a Marledes words. "These times have not given people much to hope about. You've certainly changed that here. I'll not forget that when the town speakers next meet."
Speaker Waylen, Captain Arlaggath and Jabari of Blackstaff Tower bid you farewell as the group departs the town hall.
Easthaven streets
Some of the townsfolk recognize you and express greetings and feelings of thanks as you make your way to the White Lady Inn. Perrins whistling gets a few amused glances.
Axe Beak Vendor
Ignomity carefully inspects Marledes gold and nods. "If my business takes me to Bremen again, I will make sure to ask around." The tiefling listens wide-eyed at her explanation of each animal, failing to keep a neutral demeanor. "Uh... I... had no idea. Much appreciated!" Ignomity looks at the axe beaks with some confusion, clearly grappling with some private concept, then bids farewell to you.
Phantom gingerly walks after Marlede with little encouragement, squawking softly. Marlede:
"Home? Care. Master? Safety! Trust?" Some of the concepts Marlede had communicated seemed to go over its head, but it communicates feelings of vague hope.
Cyclops obediently follows Aubreen, showing little interest in its surroundings.
White Lady Inn
Rinaldos eyes sparkle at Sirius' tale, recognizing a fellow talespinner. His eyes widen as Sirius hands him a respectable pouch of gold. After just a second of recovery, he lets the money disappear with a practiced motion. "Of course sir, such a tale will not fall on deaf ears. The locals have already started talking about the heroes that avenged the fishers. I will make sure that they won't soon forget."
Sirius can recall much of Marlede tells him as well. In these times, the White Lady is a well known local myth of the vengeful wife of a rich merchant who sank to the bottom of the lake with his riches.
The bard continues in his whisper, talking a bit faster: "Oh we can do it as soon as this night! I can get the word out in short order. Your traveling companions are welcome to join. I've talked Bartaban into being able to use a back room here at the inn. No better location for this particular occasion, after all."
Marlede pays the dwarf stablehand and leaves Phantom with a blanket, gently petting his head so he feels less scared or stressed.
She thinks about buying a blanket for the other Axe Beaks in the party, too. But that'll be for another day.
Now she's curious to see how Bouncer and Cyclops are once she's able to speak with them again.
The White Lady Inn:
Marlede looks up at Aubreen and he would be able to tell that the arrogant demeanor she had been showing you all fades the moment he mentioned 'tragedy' and 'vengeance'.
"If I had to avenge anyone, it would be the people who's lives were lost to these senseless sacrifices in the name of a deity who cares not for any of us. I thank whoever has kept my family from sharing this fate, but I cannot rest until the townspeakers see the merit in halting these inhumane practices."
Aubreen knows that Marlede's words speak the truth. Her family has been spared thus far, but you imagine that being a resident of Bryn Shander since birth, she has has seen many people be sacrificed.
When Marlede hears Rinaldo mention the ritual happening tonight, her attention is drawn to him.
"So you're telling me you can call the spirit of the White Lady just like that? Well this I have to see! We can ask her anything?"
And Marlede will follow Rinaldo to where the ritual will take place.
Stabling a mount, like room prices, can vary from location to location. Here in Easthaven it costs 4 sp if you bring it there yourself and an extra 1 sp if you wish someone to bring it there and return in the morning.
An old ruddy dwarf with a frazzled beard collects the money at the stables, gruffly mumbling under his breath but handling the axe beaks gently.
Rinaldo, turns to Marlede with an air of confidentiality. "Indeed, so the stories go! If our plea for help in this cold darkness reaches the White Lady, she may deign to tell us what she knows."
Later in the evening, those of you who chose to agree to Rinaldos proposal are lead into a small room in the back of the inn.
Smoke from burning incense clouds the room. Multicolored lamps and silks are hung from the rafters, and the light from several candles illuminates a circle of uncomfortable-looking guests sitting cross-legged on the floor. They introduce themselves as friends or aquaintances of Rinaldo, here to seek guidance from the White Lady.
Rinaldo pushes back the sleeves of a newly donned robe, raises his hands, closes his eyes, and intones, “Lady who watches from the lake, come to us in our darkest hour! Tell us what you’ve seen!” After a moment of silence, thick frost forms on the inside of the room’s windows, turning them opaque, and the candles go out one by one.
The halflings eyes have turned upwards, only the whites showing. "I can feel her presence! Ask her what you wish to know!"
We can only ask her what she's seen? Then maybe...
Marlede watches all these supernatural events with skepticism, still not convinced completely that what's happening isn't just Rinaldo messing with us to gain popularity or something else. However, she asks the following:
"Lady of the lake, are there any other dangers in Easthaven we haven't been able to see yet?"
Perrin politely declines when offered to join the others with the seance. He wasn’t a huge fan of undead and meddling with spirits, and his ma always told him that it was best to leave spirits alone. The last thing he wanted was some angry ghost haunting him the rest of his life.
Once evening inevitably arrives, Perrin packs up his things and tries to get a room for the night. Sleeping in a nice, warm bed would be great after sleeping out in the cold last night.
Aubreen joins the seance, finding a chair in the corner. Could this halfling really call the dead, a soul that had not gone to eternal life with its god, did that mean it was godless. What would you ask such a creature. Would it be angry if pulled from the aether to speak on their command.
None of that mattered, he didn't believe the man could do it. But interested, and intrigued by the possibility he will join any way. If she appears, and is willing he will ask "Has the Lady of the lake seen any of the Followers of Auril?"Seemed like a question worth asking. It felt like the only clue they actually had to end this interminable winter.
Sirius joins the gathering though remaining somewhat doubtful of the wisdom of the ghost. Since he was already doubtful, he decided to really stretch the knowledge of the ghost to the limits. ”Lady of the lake, how would one end the eternal winter?” A faint smirk breaks out on his face as he ponders what the ghost would say to that.
There is a lingering pause after Marlede has asked her question. Rinaldo and the other townspeople wait quietly, their breath billowing out in swaths of condensed air. There is so much that it seems like the room is filled with smoke. The candles contribute an acrid scent.
The frosted over windows make a pained, faint cracking sound, as if under pressure. Then you hear the scrathing of a finger across a frozen surface. Slowly, without anyone in the room moving, two words are being etched into a window pane.
Several of the people have noticed and are staring at the words, nudging each other.
Following upon Aubreens question, four words appear.
"beyond the moving ice"
Then Sirius asks his question. The room waits with bated breath.
A faint crack. Then a bang. A window pane shatters violently. Chunks of glass tumble through the room and into the streets outside. Rinaldo snaps out of his trance at once. "Ah!"
The townspeople get up in a hurry, moving away from the window. Cold air seeps into the room like a thief entering unbidden. Bartaban throws open the door to the tavern room. "What in the hells are you doing Rindaldo?!" The halfling hastily launches into an explanation. "Bartaban, we spoke to the White Lady! Any sacrifice is worth hearing her wisdom, wouldn't you agree? It may be the only chance these heroes have at saving the Dale!"
Bartaban is not having it. "You fool, they're not going to be helped by superstition and reckless vandalism. You'll pay for that window."
The townspeople are hurriedly, embarassedly, moving past Bartaban and Rinaldo, not wanting to be involved in the repercussions of the séance.
Aubreen grins at Bartaban, "It was a good show my man, I will pay for the window, put it on my tab for the meal and room." He turns to Rinaldo. "Which of the folk were your accomplice Rinaldo. It was a great show, i have seen similar in the gate. Cons, swindlers using a simple touch of the arcane from the shadows to make tables move, lights to blow out." His demeanor is questioning but still pleased by the trickery that has unfolded. "I didn't see you cast any spells but that's the trick isn't it, distraction, subterfuge. You are very good at it."
"Tell us, what does your cryptic message mean, 'Invisible dwarves'. Doesn't really lead to much, I guess that's good, not wanting my companions to see too deep into such a statement and drag me all the way North to the moving ice after all". He smiles at the thought, followed by a small shudder at the thought of such a place. The towns are frigid, he can only imagine what the ice floes will be like.
"Sirius, please use the wand. Perhaps there's traces of whatever magics were used just now."
Marlede was skeptical before, but she wants to believe that what just happened is true. No matter how frightened she was, if these 'invisible dwarves' are real, she must investigate.
Rinaldo, a look of confusion in his eyes, says: "No I really felt her presence, you have to believe me! I wasn't sure it would actually work! That's the first time I've managed it." He thinks for a moment. "I don't know about invisible dwarves."
Bartaban grumbles. "All the dwarves I know are the opposite. And you better not send any people to their death in the sea of moving ice."
The halfling protests: "I don't mean anyone any harm!" By now he's sweating, pulling off the robe he donned for the ritual, dropping it in a heap.
Scrutinizing his demeanor, Marlede can come to the conclusion that Rinaldo isn't putting up a show. The practiced dramatic flairs you'd expect from a conman plying his trade are missing.
As Sirius scans the room with the wand, he does pick up a faint aura of divination. It is in the process of dissipating, like settling dust.
Bartaban is somewhat soothed by the offers to pay for the damages. He scratches his head, first looking to Aubreen, then addressing Sirius: "Uh, mighty kind of you sir, standing up for Rinaldo and all. He's got talent with the fiddle and with words, but he often exaggerrates."
"I believe you," says Marlede to Rinaldo. There is no doubt in her mind. And as soon as the words are uttered, she looks at Bartaban. "I'll be taking a room for the night. How much will that be?"
After Marlede pays for the room, she will deposit some equipment, lock the door, and make her way out of the Inn.
If anyone in the party asks what she will be doing, she responds with "I'm just going to patrol for a few hours. We can meet up for breakfast in the morning."
"A room's 5 silver." Bartaban replies. He collects the money from anyone else that books a room. Anyone that wishes to have their axebeaks brought to the stables can have that done for another 5 silver each (Shadow's already there).
Once the party settles down in their rooms, the night comes quickly. The sounds from the tavern room are muffled, serving as a lullaby to those used to it. Rinaldos fiddle is absent this evening on account of the halfling leaving quickly for home after the incident with the window. Around midnight, a heavy storm comes up, battering the walls of the building, shrilly blowing through even the tiniest crack it can find. The windows are painted an opaque white, demonstrating how one can't see one foot in front of the other during such a blizzard.
Long Rest Complete
The next morning, Bartaban has his signature small breakfast on offer, the knucklehead trout ever-present, the bread somewhat stale and thinly sliced (1 sp). Outside, the clouds are still billowing across the Dale from the nights storm. The townspeople present are in a dour mood. It is all too obvious that a new sacrifice is scheduled for the next day, on the day of the new moon.
[ 5 sp for the room, 4 sp for Phantom (already payed), and 1 sp for breakfast. Done. ]
Marlede understands what's coming, but she knows that the townspeakers will only respond to results. Once the party gathers for breakfast, she'll say:
"Is there any other business we need to attend to here in Easthaven? I know you guys said there's someone's sister you had to check up on in Caer-Dineval. Or was it Caer-Konig? Either way, we should get going soon. But before we go, I feel like I should at least ask captain Arlaggath or speaker Waylen if they've had any incidents involving 'invisible dwarves'. Whatever that means."
And that's just what she's going to do after the conversation during breakfast ends. She'll pick up Phantom on her own, before going to Town Hall.
Aubreen packs his bag, ensuring everything is in place. The rope needs to be replaced, perhaps if they find a location on the way out. Heading to the common room his stomach turns at the smell of cooked trout but with no other fare offered, and no desire to eat any dry rations if possible, he washes the fish down with a mug of weak ale.
He heads to the stable, bringing Cyclops a treat from what he didn't finish for breakfast. After rubbing the bird and trying to form a bond with the strange creature he saddles up and joins Marlede at the Town hall.
"We can stop and speak with the town speakers as we move through the dales. See what other issues we may resolve and hopefully get a more concrete clue than, "Invisible dwarves' and North to the Ice floes". He pets Cyclops absently as he waits for the others.
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Town Hall:
When Jabari says that the eye is being used to spy on her, she clicks her tongue in frustration.
"Great, now I have no trophy of our first mission together. However, it's for the best to just get rid of this thing. Thank you, Jabari. You've been very helpful."
Marlede turns to Perrin and asks him to use his fire to destroy the eye. And after that's done, she looks at speaker Waylen with a bit of a smug expression before saying:
"I told you we'd bring results, not just pretty words. It might not be enough to convince you of seizing the sacrifices, but we're only getting started. Only the people of Ten-Towns can help themselves. And it won't be by paying tribute to HER. So remember us the next time the townspeakers gather. I'm sure speaker Nimsy Huddle will testify of the great deeds my companions accomplished in Lonelywood before I joined them."
She would have nothing else to say to anyone in town hall, so she listens if anyone has any parting words before bidding them farewell and making her way towards the merchants.
Axe Beaks: [ Anyone could have joined me. ]
Thank you, Ignomity. I appreciate you being forthright with me. If there's anything else you can find out about where Phantom came from, I'll be more than happy to reward you. I'll be staying in the White Lady Inn while in Easthaven, so you know where to find me.
Marlede goes to hold Ignomity's hands and when she let's go, Ignomity is holding 51gp. After which she addresses Phantom before time runs out.
"Little one, I want you to come with me. I know you're scared and you want to go home, but it's going to take some time before I find out where you came from exactly. I swear to take care of you until this promise is fulfilled. Until then, will you lend me your strength?"
Marlede will take Phantom with her if he agrees. Before leaving, she looks at Ignomity one more time.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Faust is a nervous wreck. Don't let any adventurers take him, it's a recipe for disaster. Groom is a kind and gentle soul. She would do well somewhere where young ones can practice riding here. Razor is mistrusting, but he'll be an asset to anyone that feeds him well and keeps him warm. Zixalix is beautiful and her no nonsense attitude would make her an ideal partner for me. But sadly, I can only take care of one Axe Beak. Make sure whoever buys her is a good person. That's all I can really ask of you, not that I'll be here to oversee your sales. And Behemoth, well, you know I know..."
With that, she gathers her belongings and rides towards the Inn.
The White Lady Inn:
"Regrettably, I know very little. The legends say her ghost can be seen walking over Lac Dinneshere, haunting the spot where her rich husband drowned."
She looks a bit arrogant when Sirius asks about her past.
"When I was 16, I was making my way towards Lonelywood when I stumbled upon a merchant caravan being attacked by goblins. I couldn't just stand by and watch them be murdered, so I used my ability to camouflage into the surroundings and swiftly dispatched of them one after another! I've been traveling all over Ten-Towns slaying monsters ever since. My father is the one that taught me about archery and woodwork. He even crafted my first longbow! If you ever need anything related to wood and find yourself in Bryn Shander, look for Valenthe Oakhurst. The carpentry workshop is on the first floor of our home. My mother's name is Jade and my darling little brother is called Amber. I miss them so much it hurts!"
Marlede dramatically groans as if she were in pain, and when she realizes she's making a scene, she embarrassingly straightens herself.
Currently DMing:
Perrin gladly pockets the gold that the Townspeaker hands to them. Seeing that there were a few hours of downtime until they’d need to meet up again and finding himself alone after the others run about their various errands, Perrin finds himself alone for the first time in a while now. Not quite knowing what to do, he just stands there in front of the building he just exited, fiddling thoughtfully with the pouch of gold he just received as he ponders what do next. It probably wasn’t the best idea to be playing with a pouch full of coins in a city like this, but he was a bit distracted to fully think things through. Remembering that he wanted to go get a journal, he tucks away his gold in his boot and starts shambling towards one of the stores in the are he knew would sell journals and writing utensils.
After finding a suitable store, he shuffled inside and finds the items he needs. It cost way too much gold in his opinion for an empty book, but thankfully, he had plenty of money to spend as of late.
Elated with his purchase, he walks cheerfully back to the tavern where his friends said they were going to meet. As he trotted along, he starts humming a tune he heard a passerby hum, and if he could, a wide grin would be splitting his face.
Once in the inn, he goes and sits with the others, only listening to their conversations with half an ear as he cracks open his journal and hovers his writing utensil over its fresh pages, pondering where to start. It takes a moment to decide, but he eventually recording his encounter with the harpies. He writes about their insidious song, and he finds himself humming the enchanting tune as the scribbles away. After he records what he experienced, he closes the book with a contented sigh, pleased to finally have a journal again
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Aubreen emerges from his thoughts, more questions than answers remain.
"Have you looked for her Sirius?" he asks. "I don't think I have ever come across a dwarven baker, not a typical vocation for one of the stout folk." He smiles, a rough and unaccustomed gesture. His implication that a Dwarf of such talent should not be the hardest to track down. "If it is meant to be, you will find her I am sure, Torm be willing"
"That was very brave of you Marlede, not many of such young age would endanger themselves in such a way for the aid of strangers. Is it just fire within your breast that drives you, I sense there is something more, a tragedy in the past that fuels your vengeance." He turns, feeling a little embarrassment. Not comfortable at this point to reveal the deeper guilt that still haunts his decisions and yet here he was prying into the past of another.
"We need to decide our future, I feel we are no closer to the answers we seek, yet it has I hope created some sense of peace and comfort to the people. A further safety to their lives. If all we do is make the Dale safer, I guess Torm would be satisfied, for now." He tries to remember the hectic whirlwind details of the last several days. "We have left the Kobolds to fester and breed. We promised Yurgunn we would look in on her sister. And now the White Lady, perhaps a distraction but perhaps answers to what we seek."
His eyes look into the distance as he ruminates "A frost wielding dead, a talking Moose, Harpies, hags and now a phantom we seek. Are we fools, or driven by our personal demons?"
"Let us decide upon the morn, I could use the rest before we move on, unless the ritual is tonight, I guess I have a little left in me if needed"
If nothing else is occurring he will retire for the night.
Town Hall
Waylen smiles a Marledes words. "These times have not given people much to hope about. You've certainly changed that here. I'll not forget that when the town speakers next meet."
Speaker Waylen, Captain Arlaggath and Jabari of Blackstaff Tower bid you farewell as the group departs the town hall.
Easthaven streets
Some of the townsfolk recognize you and express greetings and feelings of thanks as you make your way to the White Lady Inn. Perrins whistling gets a few amused glances.
Axe Beak Vendor
Ignomity carefully inspects Marledes gold and nods. "If my business takes me to Bremen again, I will make sure to ask around."
The tiefling listens wide-eyed at her explanation of each animal, failing to keep a neutral demeanor. "Uh... I... had no idea. Much appreciated!" Ignomity looks at the axe beaks with some confusion, clearly grappling with some private concept, then bids farewell to you.
Phantom gingerly walks after Marlede with little encouragement, squawking softly.
Marlede:
"Home? Care. Master? Safety! Trust?"
Some of the concepts Marlede had communicated seemed to go over its head, but it communicates feelings of vague hope.
White Lady Inn
Rinaldos eyes sparkle at Sirius' tale, recognizing a fellow talespinner. His eyes widen as Sirius hands him a respectable pouch of gold. After just a second of recovery, he lets the money disappear with a practiced motion. "Of course sir, such a tale will not fall on deaf ears. The locals have already started talking about the heroes that avenged the fishers. I will make sure that they won't soon forget."
Sirius can recall much of Marlede tells him as well. In these times, the White Lady is a well known local myth of the vengeful wife of a rich merchant who sank to the bottom of the lake with his riches.
The bard continues in his whisper, talking a bit faster: "Oh we can do it as soon as this night! I can get the word out in short order. Your traveling companions are welcome to join. I've talked Bartaban into being able to use a back room here at the inn. No better location for this particular occasion, after all."
Stables:
Marlede pays the dwarf stablehand and leaves Phantom with a blanket, gently petting his head so he feels less scared or stressed.
She thinks about buying a blanket for the other Axe Beaks in the party, too. But that'll be for another day.
Now she's curious to see how Bouncer and Cyclops are once she's able to speak with them again.
The White Lady Inn:
Marlede looks up at Aubreen and he would be able to tell that the arrogant demeanor she had been showing you all fades the moment he mentioned 'tragedy' and 'vengeance'.
"If I had to avenge anyone, it would be the people who's lives were lost to these senseless sacrifices in the name of a deity who cares not for any of us. I thank whoever has kept my family from sharing this fate, but I cannot rest until the townspeakers see the merit in halting these inhumane practices."
Aubreen knows that Marlede's words speak the truth. Her family has been spared thus far, but you imagine that being a resident of Bryn Shander since birth, she has has seen many people be sacrificed.
When Marlede hears Rinaldo mention the ritual happening tonight, her attention is drawn to him.
"So you're telling me you can call the spirit of the White Lady just like that? Well this I have to see! We can ask her anything?"
And Marlede will follow Rinaldo to where the ritual will take place.
Currently DMing:
Stabling a mount, like room prices, can vary from location to location. Here in Easthaven it costs 4 sp if you bring it there yourself and an extra 1 sp if you wish someone to bring it there and return in the morning.
An old ruddy dwarf with a frazzled beard collects the money at the stables, gruffly mumbling under his breath but handling the axe beaks gently.
Rinaldo, turns to Marlede with an air of confidentiality. "Indeed, so the stories go! If our plea for help in this cold darkness reaches the White Lady, she may deign to tell us what she knows."
Later in the evening, those of you who chose to agree to Rinaldos proposal are lead into a small room in the back of the inn.
Smoke from burning incense clouds the room. Multicolored lamps and silks are hung from the rafters, and the light from several candles illuminates a circle of uncomfortable-looking guests sitting cross-legged on the floor. They introduce themselves as friends or aquaintances of Rinaldo, here to seek guidance from the White Lady.
Rinaldo pushes back the sleeves of a newly donned robe, raises his hands, closes his eyes, and intones, “Lady who watches from the lake, come to us in our darkest hour! Tell us what you’ve seen!” After a moment of silence, thick frost forms on the inside of the room’s windows, turning them opaque, and the candles go out one by one.
The halflings eyes have turned upwards, only the whites showing. "I can feel her presence! Ask her what you wish to know!"
We can only ask her what she's seen? Then maybe...
Marlede watches all these supernatural events with skepticism, still not convinced completely that what's happening isn't just Rinaldo messing with us to gain popularity or something else. However, she asks the following:
"Lady of the lake, are there any other dangers in Easthaven we haven't been able to see yet?"
Currently DMing:
Perrin politely declines when offered to join the others with the seance. He wasn’t a huge fan of undead and meddling with spirits, and his ma always told him that it was best to leave spirits alone. The last thing he wanted was some angry ghost haunting him the rest of his life.
Once evening inevitably arrives, Perrin packs up his things and tries to get a room for the night. Sleeping in a nice, warm bed would be great after sleeping out in the cold last night.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Aubreen joins the seance, finding a chair in the corner. Could this halfling really call the dead, a soul that had not gone to eternal life with its god, did that mean it was godless. What would you ask such a creature. Would it be angry if pulled from the aether to speak on their command.
None of that mattered, he didn't believe the man could do it. But interested, and intrigued by the possibility he will join any way. If she appears, and is willing he will ask "Has the Lady of the lake seen any of the Followers of Auril?" Seemed like a question worth asking. It felt like the only clue they actually had to end this interminable winter.
Sirius joins the gathering though remaining somewhat doubtful of the wisdom of the ghost. Since he was already doubtful, he decided to really stretch the knowledge of the ghost to the limits. ”Lady of the lake, how would one end the eternal winter?” A faint smirk breaks out on his face as he ponders what the ghost would say to that.
There is a lingering pause after Marlede has asked her question. Rinaldo and the other townspeople wait quietly, their breath billowing out in swaths of condensed air. There is so much that it seems like the room is filled with smoke. The candles contribute an acrid scent.
The frosted over windows make a pained, faint cracking sound, as if under pressure. Then you hear the scrathing of a finger across a frozen surface. Slowly, without anyone in the room moving, two words are being etched into a window pane.
Several of the people have noticed and are staring at the words, nudging each other.
Following upon Aubreens question, four words appear.
"beyond the moving ice"
Then Sirius asks his question. The room waits with bated breath.
A faint crack. Then a bang. A window pane shatters violently. Chunks of glass tumble through the room and into the streets outside. Rinaldo snaps out of his trance at once. "Ah!"
The townspeople get up in a hurry, moving away from the window. Cold air seeps into the room like a thief entering unbidden. Bartaban throws open the door to the tavern room. "What in the hells are you doing Rindaldo?!" The halfling hastily launches into an explanation. "Bartaban, we spoke to the White Lady! Any sacrifice is worth hearing her wisdom, wouldn't you agree? It may be the only chance these heroes have at saving the Dale!"
Bartaban is not having it. "You fool, they're not going to be helped by superstition and reckless vandalism. You'll pay for that window."
The townspeople are hurriedly, embarassedly, moving past Bartaban and Rinaldo, not wanting to be involved in the repercussions of the séance.
Aubreen grins at Bartaban, "It was a good show my man, I will pay for the window, put it on my tab for the meal and room." He turns to Rinaldo. "Which of the folk were your accomplice Rinaldo. It was a great show, i have seen similar in the gate. Cons, swindlers using a simple touch of the arcane from the shadows to make tables move, lights to blow out." His demeanor is questioning but still pleased by the trickery that has unfolded. "I didn't see you cast any spells but that's the trick isn't it, distraction, subterfuge. You are very good at it."
"Tell us, what does your cryptic message mean, 'Invisible dwarves'. Doesn't really lead to much, I guess that's good, not wanting my companions to see too deep into such a statement and drag me all the way North to the moving ice after all". He smiles at the thought, followed by a small shudder at the thought of such a place. The towns are frigid, he can only imagine what the ice floes will be like.
Could the halfling really be lying?
[ Rolled an 18 for insight. ]
"Sirius, please use the wand. Perhaps there's traces of whatever magics were used just now."
Marlede was skeptical before, but she wants to believe that what just happened is true. No matter how frightened she was, if these 'invisible dwarves' are real, she must investigate.
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Sirius flicks the wand into action and points it around the room. ”Nonsense Aubreen, I asked the question, I’ll foot the bill.”
Rinaldo, a look of confusion in his eyes, says: "No I really felt her presence, you have to believe me! I wasn't sure it would actually work! That's the first time I've managed it." He thinks for a moment. "I don't know about invisible dwarves."
Bartaban grumbles. "All the dwarves I know are the opposite. And you better not send any people to their death in the sea of moving ice."
The halfling protests: "I don't mean anyone any harm!" By now he's sweating, pulling off the robe he donned for the ritual, dropping it in a heap.
Scrutinizing his demeanor, Marlede can come to the conclusion that Rinaldo isn't putting up a show. The practiced dramatic flairs you'd expect from a conman plying his trade are missing.
As Sirius scans the room with the wand, he does pick up a faint aura of divination. It is in the process of dissipating, like settling dust.
Bartaban is somewhat soothed by the offers to pay for the damages. He scratches his head, first looking to Aubreen, then addressing Sirius: "Uh, mighty kind of you sir, standing up for Rinaldo and all. He's got talent with the fiddle and with words, but he often exaggerrates."
"I believe you," says Marlede to Rinaldo. There is no doubt in her mind. And as soon as the words are uttered, she looks at Bartaban. "I'll be taking a room for the night. How much will that be?"
After Marlede pays for the room, she will deposit some equipment, lock the door, and make her way out of the Inn.
If anyone in the party asks what she will be doing, she responds with "I'm just going to patrol for a few hours. We can meet up for breakfast in the morning."
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"A room's 5 silver." Bartaban replies. He collects the money from anyone else that books a room. Anyone that wishes to have their axebeaks brought to the stables can have that done for another 5 silver each (Shadow's already there).
Once the party settles down in their rooms, the night comes quickly. The sounds from the tavern room are muffled, serving as a lullaby to those used to it. Rinaldos fiddle is absent this evening on account of the halfling leaving quickly for home after the incident with the window. Around midnight, a heavy storm comes up, battering the walls of the building, shrilly blowing through even the tiniest crack it can find. The windows are painted an opaque white, demonstrating how one can't see one foot in front of the other during such a blizzard.
Long Rest Complete
The next morning, Bartaban has his signature small breakfast on offer, the knucklehead trout ever-present, the bread somewhat stale and thinly sliced (1 sp). Outside, the clouds are still billowing across the Dale from the nights storm. The townspeople present are in a dour mood. It is all too obvious that a new sacrifice is scheduled for the next day, on the day of the new moon.
[ 5 sp for the room, 4 sp for Phantom (already payed), and 1 sp for breakfast. Done. ]
Marlede understands what's coming, but she knows that the townspeakers will only respond to results. Once the party gathers for breakfast, she'll say:
"Is there any other business we need to attend to here in Easthaven? I know you guys said there's someone's sister you had to check up on in Caer-Dineval. Or was it Caer-Konig? Either way, we should get going soon. But before we go, I feel like I should at least ask captain Arlaggath or speaker Waylen if they've had any incidents involving 'invisible dwarves'. Whatever that means."
And that's just what she's going to do after the conversation during breakfast ends. She'll pick up Phantom on her own, before going to Town Hall.
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Aubreen packs his bag, ensuring everything is in place. The rope needs to be replaced, perhaps if they find a location on the way out. Heading to the common room his stomach turns at the smell of cooked trout but with no other fare offered, and no desire to eat any dry rations if possible, he washes the fish down with a mug of weak ale.
He heads to the stable, bringing Cyclops a treat from what he didn't finish for breakfast. After rubbing the bird and trying to form a bond with the strange creature he saddles up and joins Marlede at the Town hall.
"We can stop and speak with the town speakers as we move through the dales. See what other issues we may resolve and hopefully get a more concrete clue than, "Invisible dwarves' and North to the Ice floes". He pets Cyclops absently as he waits for the others.