The Wizard's Challenge

((So...should I just PM a character for consideration, or...?))

”that is probably a smart choice, you can confirm all this is the missing jewelry and not some nock off someone made”

"Nock off?  You mean like a forgery?  You think these are all fake and were supposed to replace the real ones?" Klandar questions.  Normand adds in; "That might be why they stole everything last night, to take what they were planning to replace with these." He says, motioning towards the jewelry.

"Guess we'll have to talk to Kendrick to make sure." With that said, Normand stands and starts moving towards the exit.  The afternoon sun feels warm as you step outside.  "It's just next door."  He says, moving towards the building you saw shining in the day's light just yesterday.

Quote from RobertHReaper >>

The bear slowly steps out into the room, easily the size of Croak, and quickly devours the dried meat.  It then sniffs hungrily in the group's direction.

Shalech examines the bear.  Is it healthy or emaciated? 

Nature check: 9

It is hard to tell beneath all fur on how healthy the creature is; but the bear is definitely very hungry and is slowly approaching the group, sniffing for more food.

Shalech opens a pack of rations and starts creating a trail of food heading out of the cave.  Once 30 or so feet away, he'll dump another 2 rations on the ground.

The rest of the group moves farther down the cave, avoiding the bear as it passes.  The next 'room' over looks like some kind of sleeping area.  There are a few furs here and there, and the remnants of a fire.  There is a carved out alcove holding many more furs and a pillow; all of which is covered with dust.  There is also a foul smell coming from further down the cave, like rotting eggs; and a bubbling pool of some kind of liquid can be seen at the end of the cave.

Joran freaks out as you lure the bear out of the cave, but doesn't attack.  He does move a bit further away, incase the bear wants to go back in.

With some urgency, Shalech prods the others, "Quickly, lets learn what we can before that bear eats all I offered and comes looking for more."

Investigation to see how long it's been since someone lived here (Heat from hearth?  Dust on bedding?  Rotting food?): 22

Nature check to identify that smell?: 21

Nathan will also check the room for items to identify who lives or lived here, possibly books, letters, etc. He also examines the liquid to see if it is magical or a magical component of sorts.

Investigation: 21

Arcana: 19

Urselles walks along with Normand and Klander  before asking "who exactly is Kendrick, other then a jeweler that is"

Croak moves with the group but keeps himself between the bear and his companions, always facing the bear and splitting the distance between the two. His gaze is locked in, looking for any sign that the beast's disposition might change, sword still glowing.

(Again not too sure which attribute to use)

D20:9

Perception: +3

Insight: +3

Nature: +0

(Honestly, as long as you have a good roleplay reason, I'll allow any skill to be usable in any situation.  Pick the one that you think will give you the best roleplaying opportunity.)

Croak, as the bear moves out of the cave, it shows no signs of aggression; but it does make sure to show that it could become hostile if it wants to.

Nathan and Shalech, you look over the room; examining the furs and firepit, you find that no one has been here in at least 5 months.  You follow the foul smell to find that it is coming the bubbling pool.  Shalech finds that the pool has a sulfur smell to it, likely from the heat source; this pool looks too hot to be of any use.  The one next to it, that was hidden from view by a section of wall, looks perfect.  You have heard of Hot Springs like these, always hidden away.

Nathan, there is nothing arcane about these pools, but the glimmer of light that you and Shalech see hitting the side and back of a stone in the 'wall' does seem to be magical in origin.

Theodore checks out the area that the bear was; finding what remains of a makeshift pantry.

"Kendrick came to town some 20 years ago, during the height of Northbank.  He quickly became popular with the wizards, making several items for magical enchantment; think he may have even been to the wizard's guild.  He's pleasant and likes to talk while he works, often about old escapades of wizards trying to make 'unusual' magic items." Klandar informs Urselles.

"sounds like a decent fellow, if he made items for magical enchantment, that sounds like a quite a skillful trade"

"Indeed." Normand replies.  As Urselles enters the shop she sees countless gems sparkling around the store.  The kind old Kendrick sits behind his desk; with strangely thick glasses on, staring at his hands.  It takes you a moment to realize that he is holding a tiny piece of jewelry.  Without looking up, he says; "How may I help you today?"

"Hey, apparently there is something magical about this stone."

Nathan moves closer and investigates the stone

Investigation: 23

Shalech tells the others, "No one has been here for several months.  This belonged to a wizard's apprentice, search it.  Maybe there are items that can prove useful."

Investigation to search for valuable and magical items: 14

Arcana check to realize items are magical: 6

Nathan begins examining the stone, and in the process ends up moving it just enough to hear a click and suddenly an entire section of the stone wall swings open and the cave fills with light.

Shalech, you can recognize that the familiar glow of magical light is coming from a rod that sits in a bracket attached to the wall.  The room, though slightly dusty, looks significantly better than the cave.

The walls are smooth stone, a large comfortable bed; big enough to hold Croak, three wooden chest, a small table, a stuffed chair, and a long box on the floor make up the contents of the room.  A door going further to the left can also be seen.

A quick examination of the room reveals a folded parchment on the table, the discovery that all three chest are filled with clothes, though one of the three chest holds obvious hermit attire.  The other two, however, hold very modern and clean clothes; including a pair of boots that practically shines in their beauty and quality.

Shalech whistles softly, "So the outer rooms were a ruse."  Shalech will look for signs of recent habitation, as he did earlier.  Then he will go read the folded parchment.

Investigation for signs of recent habitation: 19

It doesn't take Shalech long to realize that the sealed nature of this room makes it difficult to determine how long it has been abandoned.  Picking up and unfolding the parchment, you read the shakily written note; "Surrisk, my old friend.  Long have I waited to see you again.  Come to meet me in three days." It goes on to describe the location of a tower in the mountains northwest of town, before the almost illegible signature; "Kyristan, Guildmaster."

Shalech curses and kicks at the bed for a few seconds.  Then, once calm, places the note with the journal in his pack and then goes about thoroughly distractedly searching the room for anything of value, magical or otherwise.

Perception: 20