"Ah, three gold pieces for that exquisite beauty," Helvur says, clasping his hands in wait.
"Send them up!" his wife's voice calls from the second story after the sound of padding footsteps hastily cleaning up has died down, and Helvur frowns, waiting for Rylan's response before following through on those instructions.
ALDRIC:
"If I have to question everyone in this town, I will. Something is going on in the Valley. For about six months I've been watching the number of bandit attacks, kidnappings, murders, and raids rise. It needs to stop." He takes a swig of his ale, then continues. "I was able to get a little information out of some bandits, and that's what I have to go on. I need to cut off the head so that the rest of the snake dies as well."
"You're right, somethin' sure is," Kaylessa responds. "I told that lady you came in with earlier about a couple hunches I had. Gave her an offer of some pay, too. She seemed interested in helpin', so if you're interested while you're in the area, I'm sure she wouldn't mind splittin' the pay. Investigatin' Lance Rock isn't exactly a one-person job."
ARKUN, RUMBLE & SYLRA:
A sign set on two posts in a scrap of weedy lawn out front of the small house on the northern edge of Red Larch reads "Mellikho Stoneworks". A quarry pit begins just behind the house. Inside, the house is arranged as a small business office, in an orderly sort of disorder, with a desk cluttered with papers and shelves of ledgers dusty from the surrounding environment.
A pot-bellied and fair-skinned human woman in her thirties, with dusty black hair tied back in a messy ponytail, whirls toward the door at your entrance. "Well, you're not myworkers," she says jovially, "Which means you're either in the wrong place, or you're lookin' for work. What can I do you for?"
Rylan, snaps his fingers, quickly handing the hat back... "Oh, blast. I just realized I left my coin purse at the..."He twirls his wrist as if struggling to remember the name of the place. "I'll just run and get it after the, um..."He indicates the stairs. "Beautiful work though. Beautiful work.... We'll talk later."
He eagerly follows Helvur once he's led up the stairs.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Aldric's chewing slows as he thinks about Kaylessa's reply. Telling her that he and the genasi had not come in together does not even cross his mind. What he immediately begins to consider is adding her to his posse. If she is asking similar questions to his, perhaps they should work together. That would make five. Five is a good number. He wonders what her talents might be. She was certainly dressed for combat.
The half-orc swallows the last of the chicken and then polishes off his ale. He stands and takes a moment to fish around in his small purse before dropping the appropriate number of coins on the table for payment and a small tip.
Looking at Kaylessa, he manages a smile. "Thank you for the meal." He considers adding something more — It was good, perhaps — but the words stall. After so long in Westbridge, where keeping a professional distance and projecting authority were part of his job (and survival), even a small courtesy feels unnatural. Politeness, once second nature, now feels like stepping out of character. The teachings of his upbringing echo in his mind, however. He can still hear his mother's gentle words urging him to be polite.
After a brief pause, the half-orc gives a curt nod and turns to leave. One big hand settles his helm back on his round head.
Sir Aldric steps outside and looks around, squinting against the glare. Turning north, he spots the trio that includes the novice and ... the other genasi? Did they come to Red Larch together? he wonders. He knows so little about the unusual folk. Do they travel in packs? Is she also a novice? He hadn't noticed any of Tyr's signs on her, but perhaps he just missed it.
He considers marching up to them to inquire about the novice's progress on the assignment he was given. Thinking about the time, however, he judges it unlikely he has been able to visit the other two locations prior to going north. It appears he's been dragging his feet.
Aldric pokes his head back into the inn and addresses Kaylessa. "If that novice comes looking for me, tell him I went south to question the others. He'll know what that means."
Closing the door again, he hitches up his sack of belongings, and heads for the Wagonworks.
Rumbles smirks at the question, then shook his head. "Can't say we're lookin' for work, so much as we're sorta on the job in a matter of speaking. But, uhh, well met! Name's Rumble. Rumble Siltskin, a novice under the Knights of Samular." He takes half a step back only to go into sweeping bow with his shield arm. Once he comes out of the bow, his smirk falters into a weak smile, and then falls away altogether as look of concern seeps into his visage. Yet, he held his tongue at least long enough for the others to introduce themselves and even cede the floor to them entirely if they were more apt to follow up with answering the woman's question.
But if the latter hadn't occurred, Rumble clears his throat. "Just to be sure, you are Ms. Mellikho? A silly question perhaps, but, uhh, ya know what they say 'bout assuming, even if evidence to the obvious is there." He pauses for a beat, long enough for her to answer, before nodding and continuing on: "Well, the thing is, our reason, or s'pose more accurately, my own reason is two fold. Though, a part of that happens to fall in line with these two fine folks own. So, I'll speak of the latter first... We heard there's been some concerns of late with the mines, and of mind to render aid if such seems possible. The second thing is, uhh... honestly unrelated, I hope. But, ya wouldn't happen to know anything about an, uhh, Riverguard Keep, I think its called? Or some bandits recently causing a kerfuffle along the rivers?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Rylan leaves Helvur disappointed and holding a hat like a soggy newspaper as he walks up the steps to the top floor of the clothier. It is furnished comfortably, with two sofas surrounding a circular table on an ornate rug, and an open kitchenette to the side. A human woman stands with quiet confidence next to the wood stove, pouring tea into a pair of mugs. Her deep bronze skin pairs well with the elegant blue gown she wears, and her intricate jewelry and styled hair seem at odds with the dusty nature of Red Larch.
"You'll have to excuse my husband," she says as she motions Rylan to sit on the couch across from her, setting his tea in front of him. "Business is slow, and he gets so eager when nobility enters our store. You are here regarding Lords' Alliance matters?"
ALDRIC:
The wagonworks across the intersection is easy to find thanks to the dozens of wagons shrouded in worn canvas tarpaulins that surround the workshop. The workshop itself appears to be a cluttered, untidy shed, and a crudely hand-lettered sign over the wide main door proclaims it to be "Waelvur's Wagonworks". Inside, half a dozen wagons stand in various stages of assembly, surrounded by stools, ladders, and benches. Wooden pillars support a loft that is an open latticework of boards, serving as home to some birds and storage for scores of wooden wagon wheels. Half a dozen laborers are working when Aldric enters, the smell of booze just as strong as sawdust and wood.
A sullen human man, looking to be cresting his fifties, saunters over to Aldric. "What'll you have?" he grunts.
ARKUN, RUMBLE & SYLRA:
"Aye, Ms. Mellikho I be!" the woman says, turning from the party to ruffle through some papers. She speaks mostly with her back turned, intent on her task, but certainly doesn't ignore the questions. "Rivergard Keep? Ain't heard of it, unless you're talking about one of them Haunted Keeps you adventurin' types always come here trying to find. As for the mines, there ain't no concern exceptin' the fact that orders for our stone are backed up right now and some of my stonecutters have had to work night shifts by torchlight."
She pauses her frenetic activity long enough to look again at the visitors in her office. "You are adventurin' types, right? I can't help you find your keep but I do know of somethin' that might test your mettle," she says.
Rylan bows deep, summoning a lifetime of training in etiquette, extending his most sincere gesture of respect for Maegla Tarnlar. "Madame, you honor me with your time and attention. I am Rylan of House Belabranta, son of Korvar, sworn deputy of the Lord's Alliance and devoted servant of Lliira, Mistress of Revels."
He stands, straightening himself. "I was drawn to this frontier over a family affair, which may, perhaps, have broader ramifications that would interest our fair Council of Lords..."
He holds for a moment, for emphasis. "The Feathergale Society... Do you know of them? They are a fraternity of Waterdavian gentry with a shared interest in the sport of aerial riding. They recently honored my dear sister Savra with a knighthood in their ranks. Yet.... When I attended her accolade to lend my support and celebration... Well... something... did not sit right with me..." He pauses, searching for the words.
"Forgive me. Perhaps these are just the paranoid wonderings of an overprotective brother, but Savra seemed... Unlike herself... Her devotion to this... association went far beyond a sporting interest... It was as if she had joined something more than an aristocratic brotherhood... It was as if she'd just been welcomed into a kind of sacred order..."
He shakes his head, averting his eyes.
"...Hearing the words myself, I realize I sound mad, but... My prayers to The Everchanging Goddess awoke in me a sense of unease whenever I reflect on the matter... and the Lady of Joy has never steered me wrong about such things." He locks eyes again with Maegla as he continues. "This leader of theirs, a respected Waterdavian named Thurl Merosska, invited me to join their ranks... but told me I needed to travel to their base of operations in the Dessarin Valley in order to do so... So, here I am... Prepared to face the unknown to either stand beside my sister as a member of the league... or convince her to break ties and return to her homeland for her own wellbeing."
His shoulders relax a bit now that his tale is told, but he seems no more at ease. "My contacts in Waterdeep suggested that very little passes beneath your notice in these parts. So, I've come to you for your knowledge and guidance."He bows again. "And to serve the council as honor dictates, of course... So, can you tell me anything about these so-called Feathergale Knights? Are they a legitimate and Gods-fearing enterprise?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
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RYLAN:
"Ah, three gold pieces for that exquisite beauty," Helvur says, clasping his hands in wait.
"Send them up!" his wife's voice calls from the second story after the sound of padding footsteps hastily cleaning up has died down, and Helvur frowns, waiting for Rylan's response before following through on those instructions.
ALDRIC:
"You're right, somethin' sure is," Kaylessa responds. "I told that lady you came in with earlier about a couple hunches I had. Gave her an offer of some pay, too. She seemed interested in helpin', so if you're interested while you're in the area, I'm sure she wouldn't mind splittin' the pay. Investigatin' Lance Rock isn't exactly a one-person job."
ARKUN, RUMBLE & SYLRA:
A sign set on two posts in a scrap of weedy lawn out front of the small house on the northern edge of Red Larch reads "Mellikho Stoneworks". A quarry pit begins just behind the house. Inside, the house is arranged as a small business office, in an orderly sort of disorder, with a desk cluttered with papers and shelves of ledgers dusty from the surrounding environment.
A pot-bellied and fair-skinned human woman in her thirties, with dusty black hair tied back in a messy ponytail, whirls toward the door at your entrance. "Well, you're not my workers," she says jovially, "Which means you're either in the wrong place, or you're lookin' for work. What can I do you for?"
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rylan, snaps his fingers, quickly handing the hat back... "Oh, blast. I just realized I left my coin purse at the..." He twirls his wrist as if struggling to remember the name of the place. "I'll just run and get it after the, um..." He indicates the stairs. "Beautiful work though. Beautiful work.... We'll talk later."
He eagerly follows Helvur once he's led up the stairs.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Aldric's chewing slows as he thinks about Kaylessa's reply. Telling her that he and the genasi had not come in together does not even cross his mind. What he immediately begins to consider is adding her to his posse. If she is asking similar questions to his, perhaps they should work together. That would make five. Five is a good number. He wonders what her talents might be. She was certainly dressed for combat.
The half-orc swallows the last of the chicken and then polishes off his ale. He stands and takes a moment to fish around in his small purse before dropping the appropriate number of coins on the table for payment and a small tip.
Looking at Kaylessa, he manages a smile. "Thank you for the meal." He considers adding something more — It was good, perhaps — but the words stall. After so long in Westbridge, where keeping a professional distance and projecting authority were part of his job (and survival), even a small courtesy feels unnatural. Politeness, once second nature, now feels like stepping out of character. The teachings of his upbringing echo in his mind, however. He can still hear his mother's gentle words urging him to be polite.
After a brief pause, the half-orc gives a curt nod and turns to leave. One big hand settles his helm back on his round head.
Sir Aldric steps outside and looks around, squinting against the glare. Turning north, he spots the trio that includes the novice and ... the other genasi? Did they come to Red Larch together? he wonders. He knows so little about the unusual folk. Do they travel in packs? Is she also a novice? He hadn't noticed any of Tyr's signs on her, but perhaps he just missed it.
He considers marching up to them to inquire about the novice's progress on the assignment he was given. Thinking about the time, however, he judges it unlikely he has been able to visit the other two locations prior to going north. It appears he's been dragging his feet.
Aldric pokes his head back into the inn and addresses Kaylessa. "If that novice comes looking for me, tell him I went south to question the others. He'll know what that means."
Closing the door again, he hitches up his sack of belongings, and heads for the Wagonworks.
Rumbles smirks at the question, then shook his head. "Can't say we're lookin' for work, so much as we're sorta on the job in a matter of speaking. But, uhh, well met! Name's Rumble. Rumble Siltskin, a novice under the Knights of Samular." He takes half a step back only to go into sweeping bow with his shield arm. Once he comes out of the bow, his smirk falters into a weak smile, and then falls away altogether as look of concern seeps into his visage. Yet, he held his tongue at least long enough for the others to introduce themselves and even cede the floor to them entirely if they were more apt to follow up with answering the woman's question.
But if the latter hadn't occurred, Rumble clears his throat. "Just to be sure, you are Ms. Mellikho? A silly question perhaps, but, uhh, ya know what they say 'bout assuming, even if evidence to the obvious is there." He pauses for a beat, long enough for her to answer, before nodding and continuing on: "Well, the thing is, our reason, or s'pose more accurately, my own reason is two fold. Though, a part of that happens to fall in line with these two fine folks own. So, I'll speak of the latter first... We heard there's been some concerns of late with the mines, and of mind to render aid if such seems possible. The second thing is, uhh... honestly unrelated, I hope. But, ya wouldn't happen to know anything about an, uhh, Riverguard Keep, I think its called? Or some bandits recently causing a kerfuffle along the rivers?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
RYLAN:
Rylan leaves Helvur disappointed and holding a hat like a soggy newspaper as he walks up the steps to the top floor of the clothier. It is furnished comfortably, with two sofas surrounding a circular table on an ornate rug, and an open kitchenette to the side. A human woman stands with quiet confidence next to the wood stove, pouring tea into a pair of mugs. Her deep bronze skin pairs well with the elegant blue gown she wears, and her intricate jewelry and styled hair seem at odds with the dusty nature of Red Larch.
"You'll have to excuse my husband," she says as she motions Rylan to sit on the couch across from her, setting his tea in front of him. "Business is slow, and he gets so eager when nobility enters our store. You are here regarding Lords' Alliance matters?"
ALDRIC:
The wagonworks across the intersection is easy to find thanks to the dozens of wagons shrouded in worn canvas tarpaulins that surround the workshop. The workshop itself appears to be a cluttered, untidy shed, and a crudely hand-lettered sign over the wide main door proclaims it to be "Waelvur's Wagonworks". Inside, half a dozen wagons stand in various stages of assembly, surrounded by stools, ladders, and benches. Wooden pillars support a loft that is an open latticework of boards, serving as home to some birds and storage for scores of wooden wagon wheels. Half a dozen laborers are working when Aldric enters, the smell of booze just as strong as sawdust and wood.
A sullen human man, looking to be cresting his fifties, saunters over to Aldric. "What'll you have?" he grunts.
ARKUN, RUMBLE & SYLRA:
"Aye, Ms. Mellikho I be!" the woman says, turning from the party to ruffle through some papers. She speaks mostly with her back turned, intent on her task, but certainly doesn't ignore the questions. "Rivergard Keep? Ain't heard of it, unless you're talking about one of them Haunted Keeps you adventurin' types always come here trying to find. As for the mines, there ain't no concern exceptin' the fact that orders for our stone are backed up right now and some of my stonecutters have had to work night shifts by torchlight."
She pauses her frenetic activity long enough to look again at the visitors in her office. "You are adventurin' types, right? I can't help you find your keep but I do know of somethin' that might test your mettle," she says.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rylan bows deep, summoning a lifetime of training in etiquette, extending his most sincere gesture of respect for Maegla Tarnlar. "Madame, you honor me with your time and attention. I am Rylan of House Belabranta, son of Korvar, sworn deputy of the Lord's Alliance and devoted servant of Lliira, Mistress of Revels."
He stands, straightening himself. "I was drawn to this frontier over a family affair, which may, perhaps, have broader ramifications that would interest our fair Council of Lords..."
He holds for a moment, for emphasis. "The Feathergale Society... Do you know of them? They are a fraternity of Waterdavian gentry with a shared interest in the sport of aerial riding. They recently honored my dear sister Savra with a knighthood in their ranks. Yet.... When I attended her accolade to lend my support and celebration... Well... something... did not sit right with me..." He pauses, searching for the words.
"Forgive me. Perhaps these are just the paranoid wonderings of an overprotective brother, but Savra seemed... Unlike herself... Her devotion to this... association went far beyond a sporting interest... It was as if she had joined something more than an aristocratic brotherhood... It was as if she'd just been welcomed into a kind of sacred order..."
He shakes his head, averting his eyes.
"...Hearing the words myself, I realize I sound mad, but... My prayers to The Everchanging Goddess awoke in me a sense of unease whenever I reflect on the matter... and the Lady of Joy has never steered me wrong about such things." He locks eyes again with Maegla as he continues. "This leader of theirs, a respected Waterdavian named Thurl Merosska, invited me to join their ranks... but told me I needed to travel to their base of operations in the Dessarin Valley in order to do so... So, here I am... Prepared to face the unknown to either stand beside my sister as a member of the league... or convince her to break ties and return to her homeland for her own wellbeing."
His shoulders relax a bit now that his tale is told, but he seems no more at ease. "My contacts in Waterdeep suggested that very little passes beneath your notice in these parts. So, I've come to you for your knowledge and guidance." He bows again. "And to serve the council as honor dictates, of course... So, can you tell me anything about these so-called Feathergale Knights? Are they a legitimate and Gods-fearing enterprise?"
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"