Nefire is thrilled to have her own room at the Red Branch. She moves all the furniture around to her liking, to the annoyance of the patrons as it is quite loud. She also paints up the walls, warrior depictions of her people, hunting and defeating foes. One wall side of her room was dedicated to battles and enemies, while the other side was full of game and the hunting parties that followed them.
She gets a few things at the shops and checks out the town, she wasn't used to it, so she tries to get her bearings and know the town better.
Nefire doodles all over the walls of her room. Or, you know, halfway up the walls. The staff are... annoyed in that so totally annoyed that they cannot even verbalize their annoyance annoyed. The rooms had been provided for them between assignments. So, temporary. Red Branch didn't usually have permanent residents. The staff decides, between Jordgubb and Nefire's actions, that Imril himself will have to address this and they say nothing...
Though to be fair, Red Branch is much about hunting and fighting and more than a few of those currently also staying here try to grab an appreciative peek at the halfling's art.
Acquainting herself with the City of Bard's Gate, Nefire easily enough learns that while Halflings are one of the smallest populations of the city (no pun intended - this is in term of numbers!) they hold an inordinate number of high positions in the city's mercantile and government positions. There is also a neighborhood in the south of Bard's Gate, on the west side of the river, that is exclusively halfling inhabited. The locals call it Newshire but amongst not halflings it is often referred to as The Shortside. Nefire also picks up some gossip here and there about the halfling community, the juiciest being about the very public ongoing feud between the legendary halfling musician/tavernowner Meloday Hammelstein and the equally infamous halfling adventurer/tavernowner Hellene Hillman. Gossip about these two notorious hobbits and their feud brings no small amount of delight to the small folk of the city.
((Curious World Detail FYI - There are NO male halflings. Some theorize that there are but that they never dwell outside of Halfling Habitats and just have never been seen, others theorize that Halflings reproduce by some kind of magical replication or are grown or something...))
The sickly green cat curled up near krumar's door lifts it's head and raises a paw giving him a thumbs up, despite the lack of actual posable thumbs, he swears the cat speaks mumbling something appreciative about not being mentioned in the song but it could just be krumar's imagination playing tricks on him.
Dabbert is glad to have a new room when they return. He spends a little time making it home; he pushes the bed into the corner, arranges his spartan furniture a bit so he has a desk slash workbench, a night stand, just the basics. He does put some racks on the walls for his weapons and shield, and an armor stand in the corner of the room. The room remains nearly bare otherwise. Clean. Well kept. Completely dust free.
He takes some of the coinage earned and hits the town, finding a nice halberd and putting it in his kit. It looks nice hanging on his wall with the rest of his stuff.
He does eventually wander out to get a meal and a drink...
After an indeterminate amount of time, everyone is summoned back to Red Branch once more, expected at first light of the next day. Red Branch is always open (loose liquor laws back in those days!) but the staffing is minimal and even the breakfast crowd hasn't shown up yet. The one staffer behind the bar all but falls off their stool when the first of you arrive, having been half asleep and then suddenly trying to jump to attention. You are all eventually pointed into one of the side rooms off the main dining area and told that Imril is on his way...
Imril, in fact, has already arrived and is eating a nice breakfast in a room just a bit down the hall but he's certainly not going to stand around waiting on you lot... Nor have to repeat himself several times as you all trickle in. But you all don't know that, of course.
While you are all settling in and waiting on Imril to arrive (you believe) you of course notice new folk in the room. Dabbert, Nefire, Jordgubb and Krumar notice two new people while Raevyn and Garth notice them! ((Feel free to just eye each other uncomfortable until Imril arrives and explains things... Or jump back in time a little and RP self-introductions to one another.)) Once everyone is arrived and any conversation has more or less subsided, the Aspirant walks in, pauses to check that you are all there, then clears his throat to try to get your attention.
"Ah yes, hello everyone..." he begins. "Imril will be here in just a moment so please be patient just a moment more." That said, the Aspirant put a piece of parchment upon the podium at the front of the room then moves off to the corner where he sits and prepares to... take notes or something?
The door opens again and Imril walks in shining and bright and highly polished. He is a highly charismatic man and a natural leader. Being behind a podium doesn't seem to be his natural environment, specially while decked out in shining plate mail and all, but there is no doubt he is a leader of men and his mere presence all but demands attention. He glances down at the parchment and then over to the Aspirant and gives them a nod of thanks before he looks to the rest of you. As the Aspirant did, he takes a moment to scan and make sure you are all there before he begins.
"Nice to see you all again, I'm glad you could make it. I am sorry about the early hour but the sooner we get a handle on this situation that has arrived the better..." Imril says. "Most of you were on the Goblin situation and you handled that beautifully. I never would have thought that girl would still be alive and we're all very happy you were able to keep her that way and return her to her family. Well done..."
"As you may have guessed already there is a slight change to the group for this next job," he says as he gives a bit of a head nod to Raevyn and Garth. "Our Aspirant there did well but he has studies at home that must be completed so he's unavailable for this mission. Luckily these two are rearing to go... I hope." He beams a smile at that to show it's part joke and just part genuine hope that you all work well together.
"Have you introduced yourselves already?" he asks ((and if you haven't he gives you all a quick intro with a name and basic specialty...)) "With you down a healer I have no doubt that Raevyn will be an invaluable resource to you all. Treat her as such. One can never take such skills for granted... And I'm sending you a but further afield than I would normally like with such a new crew so I am pleased to be able to send Garth and his exuberant attitude with you to give you a bit more oomph just in case. Now... As for that mission..."
Imril explains that you are being sent south down to the Barony of Baldenan, a journey of about two weeks travel. There is something going on in the region and the local forces either can't or won't solve it. "Or perhaps they just do not believe it," Imril adds. "But that is being very generous, in my opinion." Reports of missing people first came from small villages and homesteads in the area. Easily enough to dismiss at first. Sometimes people leave. Sometimes accidents happen. But the "sometimes" started getting too often and then reports came from a couple nearby cities as well. From those not easily dismissed as "scared peasants" and such.
"What finally forced my hand into sending you was... Well, I'm not exactly sure how to put it. Boneless corpses, I suppose. Just... floppy and empty of support. No wounds, I am told... Just... no bones. Not even teeth..." Imril adds, obviously uncomfortable.
"I would really rather send a more experienced group, no offense, but none are currently available and I don't want to delay on sending help. I would go myself but the Tower or Acregor is alight and so I can't leave until it is out again," he says as if you should have a clue what that means. ((And you probably don't, since I don't... Just feel free to go with it. lol))
"So I need you to head down there and figure out what is going on and put a stop to it, whatever it is," Imril continues. "Or at least get started on doing so. I of course don't want you jumping blindly off a cliff. If you find something you cannot handle then by all means send word back and I will send reinforcements... But I want eyes on this situation as soon as possible. Eyes I can trust more than I can trust more than those in charge in the Barony of Baldenan, eh?"
"And... Try to keep a low profile. It is best the Barony not know that Red Branch or even Bard's Gate is interfering in their affairs. We are tolerant of one enough which is sufficient for trade to continue and all but if they thought we were trying to extend our reach..." Imril shrugs which kind of sums up everything.
"I'll try to answer any questions but I also must warn you I think I've already told you everything I know..." he concludes and looks out to you all waiting to see what you throw at him...
Jordgubb leans in toward Krumar and whispers something in the green man's ear "why don't you introduce usssss via one of your songsss hm?"
As Imril describes the scenario, jordgubb rolls his eyes at the fact more people are disappearing, there could be a variety of reasons, they could not be connected at all. And then Imril says something that completely encompasses and fascinates the sickly dragonborn. "Boneless corpses" bones were always getting in the way anyway, but what would a boneless corpse taste like, what kind of wonderful mouth feel would that give, deep fried boneless corpse, dry rub, boneless corpse, fresh boneless corpse, pooh he wonders if they might find an alive boneless person that Jordgubb could eat, that would be great.
With a feral smile across his face Jordgubb has apparently stopped listening after those fateful words and transforms into a sickly cat jumping up, bouncing off of Nefire's head and landing higher up on Krumar's wide shoulders to curl up.
Well you don't have to tell Krumar twice to sing. He jumps out of his chair paying no attention to the fact that there was a rather stinky cat on his shoulder and introduces himself "Hello there! My name is Krumar. Perhaps you've heard of me? I have played far and wide in the best taverns, halls, fairs, you name it!" His armor smolders a little providing a sense of excitement and mystery to his performance "Well let me introduce the rest of the crew for you" Krumar clears his throat, plays a chord or two and starts to sing.
Dabbert here tries with all his might, Stumbles in the darkest night. Falls down hard, but up he stands, Ready to give life one more chance.
Keep on trying, don’t give in, Strength comes from the fight within. Though the road is steep and long, We’ll rise again, where we belong.
Nefire’s small, but strong as steel, Her power’s something you can feel. Though her height is not that tall, She’ll lift you up and never fall.
Keep on fighting, don’t give in, Strength comes from the heart within. Though the world may seem too wide, We’ll push on through, side by side.
And then there’s Jordy... oh wait, what’s that? The scent of poison, like a rat. Forgot his name till the final note, But his odor lingers, sharp in the throat!
Keep on trying, don’t give in, Strength comes from the fight within. Though the road is steep and long, We’ll rise again, where we belong."
Nefire tries to whack the cat off her head as it uses it as a jumping board, but misses. She's about to give Jordgubb a mouthful, but rolls her eyes when Krumar starts singing. But when he comes to her part, she actually puffs out her chest a bit as she feels, other than his emphasis on her stature, he was quite right for once!
She smiles at Raevyn, "Welcome, healers are always good to have, especially for Dabbert here. And obviously for the sickly one. Though I don't typically need one." She almost scowls as she sizes up Garth, "Another head basher? You sure we need another one? I thought we handled the last job just fine with what we had...." she didn't want to mention the one that got away.
"I killed a king..." the cat misses in agreement with Nefire, "but more meat on the front linesss can only help, we won't alwaysss be fighting tasty little gobkinsss hmm?,
These boneless corpses have my attention. The fact the disappearancessss started in smaller villagess and townss may mean some kind of beast is the culprit, perhapsss? The boneless nature of those found indicatesss certain arcane elements as afoot hmm? I'm trying to think if I've heard of something like thisss before..."
Curious, the sickly cat stretches and then sits perched on Krumar's shoulder, head cocked to the side deep in thought.
(Jordgubb trying to think back if anything feels reminiscent of this case, arcana check Nat 20 for a 27 total, if any small piece of info is available to set us off with a clue)
Krumar finishes the introductions and sits down with cat Jordy, no less stinky, on his shoulder. "Ah yes boneless dead folks that sounds like something I do not want to investigate. I would rather check out the light show at the Tower or Acregor. Who doesn't like to see that towers lights. They are beautiful this time of year."
Arriving fashionably late, the dark robbed figure wears a real raven-like mask adorned with red glass eyes, its perfectly preserved beak filled with fragrant herbs and oils. The doctor’s mask is said to protect themselves from the sickly and those who have gone insane from disease. Underneath their elaborate hooded robe, they wear worn, yet quality leathers with various reinforcements, belts and pouches.They also carry an arsenal of tools for amputation, cyst popping, healing and the like tucked within their robe. In their full garments, they almost seem like they're floating as they glide along to take a seat next to the halfling. They cross their legs and neatly fold their hands upon their lap. Although their head doesn't move, eyes behind the red gems pan and observe the others at the table without a word.
Silent as a statue for Imril's arrival and speech, the plague doctor pulls out a notebook to thoroughly record the information being presented. For a physician their handwriting was uncharacteristically neat and legible in near perfect calligraphy. Those notes are then accompanied by the habits, characteristics, and rough conclusions of each individual seated at the table. They all appeared to be in good physical conditions without any obvious pre existing ailments. That was satisfactory.
Once Imril's introduction of them concludes, the doctor dips their head in acknowledgement. It wasn't until his dialogue was complete that for the first time since entering the city, they reach up, palm the face of their mask, and pull it free. Beneath the beaked mask and shadowed hood is a pale skinned woman adorned with various markings. She has red irises and long raven black hair adorned with beads. “Death will eventually get its due.”
Of course Raevyn has questions, even if just for clarification. "I suspect there will be someone at our destination available to brief us?" She directs the question the Imril. "While I may not be interested in the corpses for the same purpose as Jord is, I am interested in the phenomena from a scholarly point of view. A diagnosis does intrigue me." She notes simply then listens as the sickly cat considers arcane connections.
At Nefire's welcome, her eyes rest easy on her. “Hello.” She returns a kind smile. With a small flourish of her wrist she blooms a flower and offers it to her. "Thank you Miss Nefire. I look forward to working with you." She dips her head in acknowledgement of her welcome. "Should the time come that you are in need of my services, rest assured you're in quality hands."
Raevyn then looks up and around at each of the others. Then as if naturally routine to her, she flips to a section in her notebook and casually asks in a business tone, “What are your blood types? And do you have any preferences for how your remains are handled, should you perish within my proximity? Any next of kin?”
(Raevyn’s likeness. Artwork not mine. Credit to original artist)
"there must be a reason that they've made a connection between the disappearancesss and the bodiesss, we find the person who made those connectionsss and we find our first clue..." Jordgubb preens from krumar's shoulder.
Cocking a head to Raevyn's introduction, the sickly cat squints in greeting as cats are want to do. "My blood is the type that is goopy and thick, mostly red but sometimes hasss an odd green hue, I would like to be thrown in the nearest ditch when I expire, let my body poison the ground and give way to decay... thankssss"
Nefire takes the flower gingerly and gives it a deep sniff. A grin creases her face as her eyes light up at the small gift. "Blood type? Yeah.. mine is red. And uh, it only turns darker red when it dries.. not like weirdo over there." she nods towards the cat.
"As for my remains? A pyre if you please.. big and bright! A must for a warrior." She lets the others figure out the details for the next job, she was itching to get going.
Imril watches as the group acquaints itself with itself, the pale but dark little girl's oddness seemingly enrapturing the rest, when he realizes a couple of questions have been asked.
"It was disappearances in smaller villages and such first, yes," Imril replies to Jordgubb. "The boneless corpses came later, in cities. I cannot be sure there is a connection but two ongoing weird occurrences happening at the same basic time in the same basic area would be... quite coincidental."
"You're not going to the Tower or Acregor. Another group on another job is going to the Tower or Acregor. You're checking out the boneless corpses," Imril instructs Krumar, rolling his eyes.
"This is your briefing," he says in a much more agreeable tone to Raevyn. "There is no one to meet you in the area. As I mentioned, we're not exactly on the best of terms with the Barony of Baldenan and you will need to keep a low profile. Red Branch and Bard's Gate should not be mentioned at all..."
"If there is nothing else?" Imril offers and waits a moment to see if there is... Once there is not he'll advise that the Aspirant will set you up with horses and a map to the Barony of Baldenan and you all can be on your way... ((But if there are more questions, ask away... though I am not sure there is more answers.))
The cat hops down and saunters towards the door showing everyone it's ass as cats are want to do before turning to Imril, "we get transport there right? I don't want to walk all the way to the baroniesss"
Nefire is thrilled to have her own room at the Red Branch. She moves all the furniture around to her liking, to the annoyance of the patrons as it is quite loud. She also paints up the walls, warrior depictions of her people, hunting and defeating foes. One wall side of her room was dedicated to battles and enemies, while the other side was full of game and the hunting parties that followed them.
She gets a few things at the shops and checks out the town, she wasn't used to it, so she tries to get her bearings and know the town better.
Nefire doodles all over the walls of her room. Or, you know, halfway up the walls. The staff are... annoyed in that so totally annoyed that they cannot even verbalize their annoyance annoyed. The rooms had been provided for them between assignments. So, temporary. Red Branch didn't usually have permanent residents. The staff decides, between Jordgubb and Nefire's actions, that Imril himself will have to address this and they say nothing...
Though to be fair, Red Branch is much about hunting and fighting and more than a few of those currently also staying here try to grab an appreciative peek at the halfling's art.
Acquainting herself with the City of Bard's Gate, Nefire easily enough learns that while Halflings are one of the smallest populations of the city (no pun intended - this is in term of numbers!) they hold an inordinate number of high positions in the city's mercantile and government positions. There is also a neighborhood in the south of Bard's Gate, on the west side of the river, that is exclusively halfling inhabited. The locals call it Newshire but amongst not halflings it is often referred to as The Shortside. Nefire also picks up some gossip here and there about the halfling community, the juiciest being about the very public ongoing feud between the legendary halfling musician/tavernowner Meloday Hammelstein and the equally infamous halfling adventurer/tavernowner Hellene Hillman. Gossip about these two notorious hobbits and their feud brings no small amount of delight to the small folk of the city.
Krumar's hanging around in what is his room for now and begins strumming his lute and singing
"Tiny feet, a hurried dash,
Moving swift in quite a flash.
Though the legs are short and small,
They carry speed that conquers all.
Dabbert tried but missed the mark,
Fumbled steps, the path went dark.
Yet in his fall, he learned the way,
For failure leads to brighter day.
I aimed with perfect sight,
His arrow soared, a streak of light.
Every shot, both true and keen,
A marksman born to hit unseen."
He stops strumming happy with his little diddy but....."Why do I feel like I am forgetting something....hmm no matter this song is a banger"
The sickly green cat curled up near krumar's door lifts it's head and raises a paw giving him a thumbs up, despite the lack of actual posable thumbs, he swears the cat speaks mumbling something appreciative about not being mentioned in the song but it could just be krumar's imagination playing tricks on him.
Dabbert is glad to have a new room when they return. He spends a little time making it home; he pushes the bed into the corner, arranges his spartan furniture a bit so he has a desk slash workbench, a night stand, just the basics. He does put some racks on the walls for his weapons and shield, and an armor stand in the corner of the room. The room remains nearly bare otherwise. Clean. Well kept. Completely dust free.
He takes some of the coinage earned and hits the town, finding a nice halberd and putting it in his kit. It looks nice hanging on his wall with the rest of his stuff.
He does eventually wander out to get a meal and a drink...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
After an indeterminate amount of time, everyone is summoned back to Red Branch once more, expected at first light of the next day. Red Branch is always open (loose liquor laws back in those days!) but the staffing is minimal and even the breakfast crowd hasn't shown up yet. The one staffer behind the bar all but falls off their stool when the first of you arrive, having been half asleep and then suddenly trying to jump to attention. You are all eventually pointed into one of the side rooms off the main dining area and told that Imril is on his way...
Imril, in fact, has already arrived and is eating a nice breakfast in a room just a bit down the hall but he's certainly not going to stand around waiting on you lot... Nor have to repeat himself several times as you all trickle in. But you all don't know that, of course.
While you are all settling in and waiting on Imril to arrive (you believe) you of course notice new folk in the room. Dabbert, Nefire, Jordgubb and Krumar notice two new people while Raevyn and Garth notice them! ((Feel free to just eye each other uncomfortable until Imril arrives and explains things... Or jump back in time a little and RP self-introductions to one another.)) Once everyone is arrived and any conversation has more or less subsided, the Aspirant walks in, pauses to check that you are all there, then clears his throat to try to get your attention.
"Ah yes, hello everyone..." he begins. "Imril will be here in just a moment so please be patient just a moment more." That said, the Aspirant put a piece of parchment upon the podium at the front of the room then moves off to the corner where he sits and prepares to... take notes or something?
The door opens again and Imril walks in shining and bright and highly polished. He is a highly charismatic man and a natural leader. Being behind a podium doesn't seem to be his natural environment, specially while decked out in shining plate mail and all, but there is no doubt he is a leader of men and his mere presence all but demands attention. He glances down at the parchment and then over to the Aspirant and gives them a nod of thanks before he looks to the rest of you. As the Aspirant did, he takes a moment to scan and make sure you are all there before he begins.
"Nice to see you all again, I'm glad you could make it. I am sorry about the early hour but the sooner we get a handle on this situation that has arrived the better..." Imril says. "Most of you were on the Goblin situation and you handled that beautifully. I never would have thought that girl would still be alive and we're all very happy you were able to keep her that way and return her to her family. Well done..."
"As you may have guessed already there is a slight change to the group for this next job," he says as he gives a bit of a head nod to Raevyn and Garth. "Our Aspirant there did well but he has studies at home that must be completed so he's unavailable for this mission. Luckily these two are rearing to go... I hope." He beams a smile at that to show it's part joke and just part genuine hope that you all work well together.
"Have you introduced yourselves already?" he asks ((and if you haven't he gives you all a quick intro with a name and basic specialty...)) "With you down a healer I have no doubt that Raevyn will be an invaluable resource to you all. Treat her as such. One can never take such skills for granted... And I'm sending you a but further afield than I would normally like with such a new crew so I am pleased to be able to send Garth and his exuberant attitude with you to give you a bit more oomph just in case. Now... As for that mission..."
Imril explains that you are being sent south down to the Barony of Baldenan, a journey of about two weeks travel. There is something going on in the region and the local forces either can't or won't solve it. "Or perhaps they just do not believe it," Imril adds. "But that is being very generous, in my opinion." Reports of missing people first came from small villages and homesteads in the area. Easily enough to dismiss at first. Sometimes people leave. Sometimes accidents happen. But the "sometimes" started getting too often and then reports came from a couple nearby cities as well. From those not easily dismissed as "scared peasants" and such.
"What finally forced my hand into sending you was... Well, I'm not exactly sure how to put it. Boneless corpses, I suppose. Just... floppy and empty of support. No wounds, I am told... Just... no bones. Not even teeth..." Imril adds, obviously uncomfortable.
"I would really rather send a more experienced group, no offense, but none are currently available and I don't want to delay on sending help. I would go myself but the Tower or Acregor is alight and so I can't leave until it is out again," he says as if you should have a clue what that means. ((And you probably don't, since I don't... Just feel free to go with it. lol))
"So I need you to head down there and figure out what is going on and put a stop to it, whatever it is," Imril continues. "Or at least get started on doing so. I of course don't want you jumping blindly off a cliff. If you find something you cannot handle then by all means send word back and I will send reinforcements... But I want eyes on this situation as soon as possible. Eyes I can trust more than I can trust more than those in charge in the Barony of Baldenan, eh?"
"And... Try to keep a low profile. It is best the Barony not know that Red Branch or even Bard's Gate is interfering in their affairs. We are tolerant of one enough which is sufficient for trade to continue and all but if they thought we were trying to extend our reach..." Imril shrugs which kind of sums up everything.
"I'll try to answer any questions but I also must warn you I think I've already told you everything I know..." he concludes and looks out to you all waiting to see what you throw at him...
Jordgubb leans in toward Krumar and whispers something in the green man's ear "why don't you introduce usssss via one of your songsss hm?"
As Imril describes the scenario, jordgubb rolls his eyes at the fact more people are disappearing, there could be a variety of reasons, they could not be connected at all. And then Imril says something that completely encompasses and fascinates the sickly dragonborn. "Boneless corpses" bones were always getting in the way anyway, but what would a boneless corpse taste like, what kind of wonderful mouth feel would that give, deep fried boneless corpse, dry rub, boneless corpse, fresh boneless corpse, pooh he wonders if they might find an alive boneless person that Jordgubb could eat, that would be great.
With a feral smile across his face Jordgubb has apparently stopped listening after those fateful words and transforms into a sickly cat jumping up, bouncing off of Nefire's head and landing higher up on Krumar's wide shoulders to curl up.
Well you don't have to tell Krumar twice to sing. He jumps out of his chair paying no attention to the fact that there was a rather stinky cat on his shoulder and introduces himself "Hello there! My name is Krumar. Perhaps you've heard of me? I have played far and wide in the best taverns, halls, fairs, you name it!" His armor smolders a little providing a sense of excitement and mystery to his performance "Well let me introduce the rest of the crew for you" Krumar clears his throat, plays a chord or two and starts to sing.
Dabbert here tries with all his might,
Stumbles in the darkest night.
Falls down hard, but up he stands,
Ready to give life one more chance.
Keep on trying, don’t give in,
Strength comes from the fight within.
Though the road is steep and long,
We’ll rise again, where we belong.
Nefire’s small, but strong as steel,
Her power’s something you can feel.
Though her height is not that tall,
She’ll lift you up and never fall.
Keep on fighting, don’t give in,
Strength comes from the heart within.
Though the world may seem too wide,
We’ll push on through, side by side.
And then there’s Jordy... oh wait, what’s that?
The scent of poison, like a rat.
Forgot his name till the final note,
But his odor lingers, sharp in the throat!
Keep on trying, don’t give in,
Strength comes from the fight within.
Though the road is steep and long,
We’ll rise again, where we belong."
Nefire tries to whack the cat off her head as it uses it as a jumping board, but misses. She's about to give Jordgubb a mouthful, but rolls her eyes when Krumar starts singing. But when he comes to her part, she actually puffs out her chest a bit as she feels, other than his emphasis on her stature, he was quite right for once!
She smiles at Raevyn, "Welcome, healers are always good to have, especially for Dabbert here. And obviously for the sickly one. Though I don't typically need one." She almost scowls as she sizes up Garth, "Another head basher? You sure we need another one? I thought we handled the last job just fine with what we had...." she didn't want to mention the one that got away.
"I killed a king..." the cat misses in agreement with Nefire, "but more meat on the front linesss can only help, we won't alwaysss be fighting tasty little gobkinsss hmm?,
These boneless corpses have my attention. The fact the disappearancessss started in smaller villagess and townss may mean some kind of beast is the culprit, perhapsss? The boneless nature of those found indicatesss certain arcane elements as afoot hmm? I'm trying to think if I've heard of something like thisss before..."
Curious, the sickly cat stretches and then sits perched on Krumar's shoulder, head cocked to the side deep in thought.
(Jordgubb trying to think back if anything feels reminiscent of this case, arcana check Nat 20 for a 27 total, if any small piece of info is available to set us off with a clue)
Krumar finishes the introductions and sits down with cat Jordy, no less stinky, on his shoulder. "Ah yes boneless dead folks that sounds like something I do not want to investigate. I would rather check out the light show at the Tower or Acregor. Who doesn't like to see that towers lights. They are beautiful this time of year."
Arriving fashionably late, the dark robbed figure wears a real raven-like mask adorned with red glass eyes, its perfectly preserved beak filled with fragrant herbs and oils. The doctor’s mask is said to protect themselves from the sickly and those who have gone insane from disease. Underneath their elaborate hooded robe, they wear worn, yet quality leathers with various reinforcements, belts and pouches.They also carry an arsenal of tools for amputation, cyst popping, healing and the like tucked within their robe. In their full garments, they almost seem like they're floating as they glide along to take a seat next to the halfling. They cross their legs and neatly fold their hands upon their lap. Although their head doesn't move, eyes behind the red gems pan and observe the others at the table without a word.
Silent as a statue for Imril's arrival and speech, the plague doctor pulls out a notebook to thoroughly record the information being presented. For a physician their handwriting was uncharacteristically neat and legible in near perfect calligraphy. Those notes are then accompanied by the habits, characteristics, and rough conclusions of each individual seated at the table. They all appeared to be in good physical conditions without any obvious pre existing ailments. That was satisfactory.
Once Imril's introduction of them concludes, the doctor dips their head in acknowledgement. It wasn't until his dialogue was complete that for the first time since entering the city, they reach up, palm the face of their mask, and pull it free. Beneath the beaked mask and shadowed hood is a pale skinned woman adorned with various markings. She has red irises and long raven black hair adorned with beads. “Death will eventually get its due.”
Of course Raevyn has questions, even if just for clarification. "I suspect there will be someone at our destination available to brief us?" She directs the question the Imril. "While I may not be interested in the corpses for the same purpose as Jord is, I am interested in the phenomena from a scholarly point of view. A diagnosis does intrigue me." She notes simply then listens as the sickly cat considers arcane connections.
At Nefire's welcome, her eyes rest easy on her. “Hello.” She returns a kind smile. With a small flourish of her wrist she blooms a flower and offers it to her. "Thank you Miss Nefire. I look forward to working with you." She dips her head in acknowledgement of her welcome. "Should the time come that you are in need of my services, rest assured you're in quality hands."
Raevyn then looks up and around at each of the others. Then as if naturally routine to her, she flips to a section in her notebook and casually asks in a business tone, “What are your blood types? And do you have any preferences for how your remains are handled, should you perish within my proximity? Any next of kin?”
(Raevyn’s likeness. Artwork not mine. Credit to original artist)
just an unstable unicorn.
"there must be a reason that they've made a connection between the disappearancesss and the bodiesss, we find the person who made those connectionsss and we find our first clue..." Jordgubb preens from krumar's shoulder.
Cocking a head to Raevyn's introduction, the sickly cat squints in greeting as cats are want to do. "My blood is the type that is goopy and thick, mostly red but sometimes hasss an odd green hue, I would like to be thrown in the nearest ditch when I expire, let my body poison the ground and give way to decay... thankssss"
Nefire takes the flower gingerly and gives it a deep sniff. A grin creases her face as her eyes light up at the small gift. "Blood type? Yeah.. mine is red. And uh, it only turns darker red when it dries.. not like weirdo over there." she nods towards the cat.
"As for my remains? A pyre if you please.. big and bright! A must for a warrior." She lets the others figure out the details for the next job, she was itching to get going.
“I don’t plan on dying. Ole meat shield over there will provide ample time to run” Krumar makes it known that Dabbert is the meat shield
Imril watches as the group acquaints itself with itself, the pale but dark little girl's oddness seemingly enrapturing the rest, when he realizes a couple of questions have been asked.
"It was disappearances in smaller villages and such first, yes," Imril replies to Jordgubb. "The boneless corpses came later, in cities. I cannot be sure there is a connection but two ongoing weird occurrences happening at the same basic time in the same basic area would be... quite coincidental."
"You're not going to the Tower or Acregor. Another group on another job is going to the Tower or Acregor. You're checking out the boneless corpses," Imril instructs Krumar, rolling his eyes.
"This is your briefing," he says in a much more agreeable tone to Raevyn. "There is no one to meet you in the area. As I mentioned, we're not exactly on the best of terms with the Barony of Baldenan and you will need to keep a low profile. Red Branch and Bard's Gate should not be mentioned at all..."
"If there is nothing else?" Imril offers and waits a moment to see if there is... Once there is not he'll advise that the Aspirant will set you up with horses and a map to the Barony of Baldenan and you all can be on your way... ((But if there are more questions, ask away... though I am not sure there is more answers.))
Krumar has no questions "Right don't mention Red Branch or Baldur's Gate, no contact, missing people, deboned bodies....what could go wrong...."
The cat hops down and saunters towards the door showing everyone it's ass as cats are want to do before turning to Imril, "we get transport there right? I don't want to walk all the way to the baroniesss"
Krumar pulls on the collar of his shirt "Yeh that would be an awful walk....I don't have shoes for that kind of walk"
((Though, really, couldn't Jordgubb just turn into a donkey for Krumar to ride?))