"Thank you very much, father, and I am sorry if you were not expecting me, I will be on my way in a second. Of course, if you folks are also looking for Dar, I would be happy if we could go together. We could make our introductions on the way, I am always happy to get to know new people." Now his initial surprise gives way to curiosity as he studies his would-be companions. "Once again, my name is Nathan Fryer, I am an apprentice wizard, and I was sent here by master Thasiramus to find master Dar." Nathan turns towards the priest and after giving it some thought, eventually decides to ask him: "But before we leave, father, have you noticed anything strange about master Dar recently? Thasiramus is worried that something might have happened to him."
Theodore is still accompanying the main party. "Hello Nathan, always a pleasure to meet a fellow practitioner. My name is Theodore and these are my companions Croak and Urselles"
"I'm sorry, but if this person in this book is you then you couldn't have killed Kyristan. I don't know who you killed but I ripped this book from his hands myself before he was expelled." Dar looks you in the eyes. "To my knowledge, Kyristan is still alive."
Shalech can't stop from shedding tears. He barely controls his voice as he speaks, "I killed someone that was keeping me captive. I heard the name Kyristan many times throughout the ordeal. I was sure that was his name. Now I am even more worried. Do I have free will or not?"
"Call me Normand, and no. Dar has been the same cantankerous old basta..." He cuts himself off. "Since the guild disbanded nearly ten years ago. Before then he was actually pretty happy."
"It's likely that you killed one of his apprentice." Dar states. "Several did go missing, which led to my investigation. As for free will, I'd say asking that question likely means you have it. Maybe you were drawn back here for closer." Dar is trying to do his best but you can tell that he's not good with other people's emotions. Han moves next to you and just begins hugging you.
"Well met, Theodore, Croak, and Urselles. May I inquire as to why you want to meet the aforementioned wizard?" Nathan bows his head towards each of his new companions, then turns to the priest. "I am quite surprised to hear that, Normand. This is very different from how master Thasiramus described Dar in his stories about their old adventures. Hm, the fall of the guild must have affected him pretty badly. I can see that it also took its toll on the whole town..."
Normand nods in solemn agreement. "That it has, son, that it has." He straightens up; "Well, this time of day he'd either be at home or at The Clansman. You'll likely find him in a foul mood."
As you turn to leave you notice the heartbreaking sight of Old Northbank again, and then turn and travel towards the intersection. You notice how it is oddly cut, more of an x than a cross. As you approach you hear various sounds of creatures coming from the zoo to your left; some of the noises you can't recognize. To you right, twinkling in the late afternoon sun, is what could be a thousand gems. The windows of this baubles shop is full of jewelry and precious gems. Easily enough to revitalize the town.
Down the left road you can see the tavern, a few shops, the bridge, and way in the distance a black tower. Down the right road are a number of shops and a few houses.
"Nathan, I owe this wizard a minor apology" and to the rest of the group, "Should we head straight to the tower or does anyone need to stop for anything? I could be persuaded into getting some food."
Dar stands up and walks away, and then begins pacing; his metallic leg marking his every step. Han pulls out a handkerchief and hands it to Shalech.
Suddenly Dar stops. "There may be one other person that may be able to read that book. Kyristan had many apprentices but only one stayed in town. Well, near it. He lives in the hills east of town, but comes thru from time to time for supplies."
Han cuts him off; "Do you mean the hermit? I didn't know that he was an apprentice of Kyristan. Guess the Guild Master gets tons of apprentices."
Dar simply replies; "Quite."
Han speaks up again. "But, didn't he move?"
"Did he?" Was all that Dar responds for a moment and then follows it up with; "We should ask Vel Marka in case. He would know Surrisk best."
"Was that his name?" Asks Han. "I always just called him Hermit."
"If you are hungry, we could stop for a quick bite, after all, the tavern is right here." Nathan stops for a second, and curiously studies the shop window of the baubles shop. "This store is oddly out of place here. I don't think a lot of people in Northbank could be able to afford jewels like these. It must be a leftover from the times of the Wizard's Guild, but I wonder how it can still stay afloat these days?"
"I would not recommend eating anything from this tavern. Also we should not delay in talking to Dar, we know he left the tavern so he must be at his tower. We should check there."
Dar stands up and walks away, and then begins pacing; his metallic leg marking his every step. Han pulls out a handkerchief and hands it to Shalech.
Suddenly Dar stops. "There may be one other person that may be able to read that book. Kyristan had many apprentices but only one stayed in town. Well, near it. He lives in the hills east of town, but comes thru from time to time for supplies."
Han cuts him off; "Do you mean the hermit? I didn't know that he was an apprentice of Kyristan. Guess the Guild Master gets tons of apprentices."
Dar simply replies; "Quite."
Han speaks up again. "But, didn't he move?"
"Did he?" Was all that Dar responds for a moment and then follows it up with; "We should ask Vel Marka in case. He would know Surrisk best."
"Was that his name?" Asks Han. "I always just called him Hermit."
The name Surrisk means nothing to Shalech.
With a direction to take and a task to complete, Shalech regains control. "Then point me to Vel Marka and I will ask him or her about Surrisk. Should I bring the tome with me, or bring Surrisk here?"
Dar says; "I would be hesitant with that book going anywhere; but considering the circumstances I would have you keep it, but tucked away. As for Vel Marka, it would probably be best if Han and I occupy you when you meet him or you might get nothing out of him." The three of you head north towards the shop.
As Theodore and Nathan discuss their path, Theodore recognizes Dar and Shalech as they approach a building just past the intersection. It's back is to the group so you are unsure what kind of establishment it is.
As Shalech approaches the building, it appears to look more like a house than a shop, and not a well maintained one.
"Nathan this man is Dar formally of the Northbank mage guild, the one you seek. (quieter to Nathan) I would approach with caution, he can be a bit temperamental from what we've seen"
As the three of you walk through the door, Shalech is surprised to find it almost completely dark; save three small lights floating in the top corners of the room, one over the top of a man in the corner. He appears middle ages, pudgy and balding.
Moments later the three lights fly over and each hover over your heads following the three of you. The rest of the room is plunged into darkness, until Vel Marka pulls out a necklace with light cast on it so that he can continue reading his book. Even then most of the room is in darkness and only becomes viewable when you approach with the ball of light.
What you see creeping out of the darkness as you approach are a variety of items, trinkets, chunks of metal and even flower petals. Its like someone threw their garbage on the tables, in big piles, but nothing here is rotting. It all is fresh and maintained; just haphazardly piled.
Vel Marka doesn't stir as you enter, but does respond when Dar greets him. "Vel Marka, we come seeking information. Do you know if Surrisk has moved and where to reach him?"
"Well." Vel Marka says, closing his book. "I haven't seen him in months, but that is nothing new. I'd ask Joran, he's the only one I know that's been to his place. Helped him carry a large supply order from time to time."
Dar nods and the three of you walk out; to find a ragtag group waiting outside. Han is startled, quickly looks at all of you and then his eyes lose focus.
Those seeing Han for the first time get the impression that he is easily confused and unfocused; which isn't far from the truth. He is wearing unkept blue robes, with several pouches; some of which are empty while others are overfull. His hair is tangled and his eyes are blue and very unfocused. You don't think he sees you anymore.
Nathan, seeing Dar for the first time, some of your master's stories click. Even at this elder age, you can see the rugged handsomeness that aided Dar and Thasiramus' adventures. You are surprised by his general grumpy demeanor and are greatly shocked to see that he has a metal leg; which was not mentioned in any of the tales.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Nathan gives Dar a respectful bow, and greets him: "Excuse me Sir, but am I correct in assuming that you are Master Dar? It is an honor to meet you in person. My name is Nathan Fryer, and I have heard a lot of stories about you and your accomplishments from Master Thasiramus." Nathan has a lot more to say and even more questions to ask but he stops himself in order to remain respectful and let Dar reply. At the same time he studies the wizard closely.
Dar smiles. It is the first time any of you have seen it. It actually fits him well. "Thasiramus that old trickster! He always used to pull pranks on me, haha. Would always lighten me up; how's he doing?!" He looks around you at the others. "You with this ragtag bunch? You should teach your friends how to make an introduction." Dar slaps you on the arm and walks around you, starting to head towards the intersection.
"So did Thasiramus send you out to check up on me? Or did you kids need something else from me?" The rest of the party is completely confused, never seeing this side of Dar before.
Nathan, this version of Dar seems exactly as your master describes. Like the years are melting off of him as he recalls his youth.
Dar motions for Shalech to follow him; "Come on son, Joran is this way." Everyone else will recognize Jordan's name from the town rumor of him finding Orc tracks to the north of town.
"You too Nathan, you'll want to meet some other friends of Thasiramus and I. You've probably already heard tales of them too." Dar turns towards the tavern.
"Thank you very much, father, and I am sorry if you were not expecting me, I will be on my way in a second. Of course, if you folks are also looking for Dar, I would be happy if we could go together. We could make our introductions on the way, I am always happy to get to know new people." Now his initial surprise gives way to curiosity as he studies his would-be companions. "Once again, my name is Nathan Fryer, I am an apprentice wizard, and I was sent here by master Thasiramus to find master Dar." Nathan turns towards the priest and after giving it some thought, eventually decides to ask him: "But before we leave, father, have you noticed anything strange about master Dar recently? Thasiramus is worried that something might have happened to him."
Theodore is still accompanying the main party. "Hello Nathan, always a pleasure to meet a fellow practitioner. My name is Theodore and these are my companions Croak and Urselles"
Shalech can't stop from shedding tears. He barely controls his voice as he speaks, "I killed someone that was keeping me captive. I heard the name Kyristan many times throughout the ordeal. I was sure that was his name. Now I am even more worried. Do I have free will or not?"
"Call me Normand, and no. Dar has been the same cantankerous old basta..." He cuts himself off. "Since the guild disbanded nearly ten years ago. Before then he was actually pretty happy."
"It's likely that you killed one of his apprentice." Dar states. "Several did go missing, which led to my investigation. As for free will, I'd say asking that question likely means you have it. Maybe you were drawn back here for closer." Dar is trying to do his best but you can tell that he's not good with other people's emotions. Han moves next to you and just begins hugging you.
"Well met, Theodore, Croak, and Urselles. May I inquire as to why you want to meet the aforementioned wizard?" Nathan bows his head towards each of his new companions, then turns to the priest. "I am quite surprised to hear that, Normand. This is very different from how master Thasiramus described Dar in his stories about their old adventures. Hm, the fall of the guild must have affected him pretty badly. I can see that it also took its toll on the whole town..."
Normand nods in solemn agreement. "That it has, son, that it has." He straightens up; "Well, this time of day he'd either be at home or at The Clansman. You'll likely find him in a foul mood."
As you turn to leave you notice the heartbreaking sight of Old Northbank again, and then turn and travel towards the intersection. You notice how it is oddly cut, more of an x than a cross. As you approach you hear various sounds of creatures coming from the zoo to your left; some of the noises you can't recognize. To you right, twinkling in the late afternoon sun, is what could be a thousand gems. The windows of this baubles shop is full of jewelry and precious gems. Easily enough to revitalize the town.
Down the left road you can see the tavern, a few shops, the bridge, and way in the distance a black tower. Down the right road are a number of shops and a few houses.
"Nathan, I owe this wizard a minor apology" and to the rest of the group, "Should we head straight to the tower or does anyone need to stop for anything? I could be persuaded into getting some food."
Dril-lvl 4 Wizard-Forest Gnome-The Bounders https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/HumbleHubris86/characters/3314145
Croak- lvl 3 Fighter- Half-Orc- The Wizard's Challenge https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/HumbleHubris86/characters/3773609
Barbara: lvl 3 Ancestral Barbarian- Red Skies Mourning https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/HumbleHubris86/characters/4593374
"well it would be good to apologize, it being the right thing to do aside it may help with are goal of restoring the town"
Marvarax and Sora (Dragonborn) The retired fighter and WIP scholar - Glory
Brythel(Dwarf), The dwarf with a gun - survival at sea
Jaylin(Human), Paladin of Lathander's Ancient ways - The Seven Saints (Azura Claw)
Urselles(Goblin), Cleric of Eldath- The Wizard's challenge
Viclas Tyrin(Half Elf), Student of the Elven arts- Indrafatmoko's Defiance in Phlan
Dar stands up and walks away, and then begins pacing; his metallic leg marking his every step. Han pulls out a handkerchief and hands it to Shalech.
Suddenly Dar stops. "There may be one other person that may be able to read that book. Kyristan had many apprentices but only one stayed in town. Well, near it. He lives in the hills east of town, but comes thru from time to time for supplies."
Han cuts him off; "Do you mean the hermit? I didn't know that he was an apprentice of Kyristan. Guess the Guild Master gets tons of apprentices."
Dar simply replies; "Quite."
Han speaks up again. "But, didn't he move?"
"Did he?" Was all that Dar responds for a moment and then follows it up with; "We should ask Vel Marka in case. He would know Surrisk best."
"Was that his name?" Asks Han. "I always just called him Hermit."
The name Surrisk means nothing to Shalech.
"If you are hungry, we could stop for a quick bite, after all, the tavern is right here." Nathan stops for a second, and curiously studies the shop window of the baubles shop. "This store is oddly out of place here. I don't think a lot of people in Northbank could be able to afford jewels like these. It must be a leftover from the times of the Wizard's Guild, but I wonder how it can still stay afloat these days?"
"I would not recommend eating anything from this tavern. Also we should not delay in talking to Dar, we know he left the tavern so he must be at his tower. We should check there."
With a direction to take and a task to complete, Shalech regains control. "Then point me to Vel Marka and I will ask him or her about Surrisk. Should I bring the tome with me, or bring Surrisk here?"
Dar says; "I would be hesitant with that book going anywhere; but considering the circumstances I would have you keep it, but tucked away. As for Vel Marka, it would probably be best if Han and I occupy you when you meet him or you might get nothing out of him." The three of you head north towards the shop.
As Theodore and Nathan discuss their path, Theodore recognizes Dar and Shalech as they approach a building just past the intersection. It's back is to the group so you are unsure what kind of establishment it is.
As Shalech approaches the building, it appears to look more like a house than a shop, and not a well maintained one.
Shalech will place the tome in his pack and allow Dar and Han to take the lead with Vel Marka.
"Nathan this man is Dar formally of the Northbank mage guild, the one you seek. (quieter to Nathan) I would approach with caution, he can be a bit temperamental from what we've seen"
As the three of you walk through the door, Shalech is surprised to find it almost completely dark; save three small lights floating in the top corners of the room, one over the top of a man in the corner. He appears middle ages, pudgy and balding.
Moments later the three lights fly over and each hover over your heads following the three of you. The rest of the room is plunged into darkness, until Vel Marka pulls out a necklace with light cast on it so that he can continue reading his book. Even then most of the room is in darkness and only becomes viewable when you approach with the ball of light.
What you see creeping out of the darkness as you approach are a variety of items, trinkets, chunks of metal and even flower petals. Its like someone threw their garbage on the tables, in big piles, but nothing here is rotting. It all is fresh and maintained; just haphazardly piled.
Vel Marka doesn't stir as you enter, but does respond when Dar greets him. "Vel Marka, we come seeking information. Do you know if Surrisk has moved and where to reach him?"
"Well." Vel Marka says, closing his book. "I haven't seen him in months, but that is nothing new. I'd ask Joran, he's the only one I know that's been to his place. Helped him carry a large supply order from time to time."
Dar nods and the three of you walk out; to find a ragtag group waiting outside. Han is startled, quickly looks at all of you and then his eyes lose focus.
Those seeing Han for the first time get the impression that he is easily confused and unfocused; which isn't far from the truth. He is wearing unkept blue robes, with several pouches; some of which are empty while others are overfull. His hair is tangled and his eyes are blue and very unfocused. You don't think he sees you anymore.
Nathan, seeing Dar for the first time, some of your master's stories click. Even at this elder age, you can see the rugged handsomeness that aided Dar and Thasiramus' adventures. You are surprised by his general grumpy demeanor and are greatly shocked to see that he has a metal leg; which was not mentioned in any of the tales.
Nathan gives Dar a respectful bow, and greets him: "Excuse me Sir, but am I correct in assuming that you are Master Dar? It is an honor to meet you in person. My name is Nathan Fryer, and I have heard a lot of stories about you and your accomplishments from Master Thasiramus." Nathan has a lot more to say and even more questions to ask but he stops himself in order to remain respectful and let Dar reply. At the same time he studies the wizard closely.
Insight: 16
Dar smiles. It is the first time any of you have seen it. It actually fits him well. "Thasiramus that old trickster! He always used to pull pranks on me, haha. Would always lighten me up; how's he doing?!" He looks around you at the others. "You with this ragtag bunch? You should teach your friends how to make an introduction." Dar slaps you on the arm and walks around you, starting to head towards the intersection.
"So did Thasiramus send you out to check up on me? Or did you kids need something else from me?" The rest of the party is completely confused, never seeing this side of Dar before.
Nathan, this version of Dar seems exactly as your master describes. Like the years are melting off of him as he recalls his youth.
Dar motions for Shalech to follow him; "Come on son, Joran is this way." Everyone else will recognize Jordan's name from the town rumor of him finding Orc tracks to the north of town.
"You too Nathan, you'll want to meet some other friends of Thasiramus and I. You've probably already heard tales of them too." Dar turns towards the tavern.
”It’s weird seeing Dar like this, considering earlier” Urselles whispers to Croak
Marvarax and Sora (Dragonborn) The retired fighter and WIP scholar - Glory
Brythel(Dwarf), The dwarf with a gun - survival at sea
Jaylin(Human), Paladin of Lathander's Ancient ways - The Seven Saints (Azura Claw)
Urselles(Goblin), Cleric of Eldath- The Wizard's challenge
Viclas Tyrin(Half Elf), Student of the Elven arts- Indrafatmoko's Defiance in Phlan