Liwen

"Thanks for the information and the rooms and I will be at the wake promptly" he then looks to his companions "If anyone needs me, I will be in the offered room for a little while before heading out to mail the letter" 

He briskly walks to the offered room. Ha won't my family be surprised about my day today. Once in the room he looks for a table and chairs if there are none, he will pick a quiet corner of the Brass Crab to write about his eventful day. Afterwards he seeks out Authur the Bargemaster of Ladies Laughter

"Hello fine sir. I want to send this letter to Port O' Call to the Southern Gale Boatwrights.  How much would it cost?"

Vardok

”I want to head to the market and see those bone puppets!”  He smacks Vexi’s arm and says “You wanna go too?  Maybe I can find some bread like that.  Or try one of those "soulcakes".  Do they go well with ale, or cider?  Who knows, but I'm about to find out!"  He tones down his banter and tries to control the excitement of being in the big town of Vogler, remembering why he is here yet again, but there is a spring in his step as he wants to explore, if he can only convince his buddy to accompany him.

Cassian

The paladin gives a lighthearted smile as he recalls a faint memory of meeting Becklin years ago. More peaceful times...But he must focus on the present. "Yes, one of them was carrying a staff, and it looked as if the knights had been hit by explosive magic. Unfortunately it escaped while we were taking on the warriors."

DM

Liwen took his letter to the river and found Arthur busy loading his large barge with food for Kalaman. Arthur welcomed him and asked for 3 copper pieces for him and a silver for the mail wagon.

Becklin laughed at Vardoks enthusiasm, yes go and find Gladys the kender, I bought one myself, the dragon puppet is very skilled work. While you are there try the cider at Red Annies stall, she hides away the best but you have a gift with words. Don't eat too much there, we have a grand feast planned here, be back by nightfall.

Becklin listened to Cassian with a deep frown, Did it look any different from the others, colour of scales for instance? Sounds like a lightning bolt spell. If it's part of a bandit group we need to find them, worse case scenario they are a scouting party for the Dragon Army.

Liwen 

He pays with 1 steel coin and pockets the change "Thank you for your service" He then admires the buoyancy of the barge. After that he examines the map and walks towards the market in search for incense worth 10gp as he needed it to summon a familiar. Though at times he slows to admire the festivities. 

Kaelthor

Kaelthor inclined his head to Becklin in silent thanks, his hand tightening slightly on the staff as he absorbed her words. “The Vallenwood will do,” he said quietly. “More than well enough.” There was a faint glimmer in his eyes — reverence perhaps, or relief — before he added, “I would speak a while with its keeper.”

He excused himself with a respectful bow of the head and slipped from the warmth of the Brass Crab into the cool air outside. The bustle of the streets faded behind him as he made his way toward the village circle, guided more by instinct than memory. The great tree awaited there, its vast trunk like a living monument. As he approached, his steps slowed, reverent, each one quieter than the last.

When he reached the roots, Kaelthor placed a hand against the bark, closing his eyes to listen — not for voices, but for breath, for the pulse of life within the wood. The world seemed to narrow until it was just the two of them — the druid and the ancient tree — and he whispered low enough for only the wind and whatever spirits might linger there to hear, then he enters the tree's sanctuary.

Vexi

The smaller kender laughs at Vardok's words and happily chases after them as they head towards the festival.  She waves back at Becklin as they exit the Brass Crab, pleased with how friendly the female knight was.  Turning to her friend, "What an eventful day!  Do you think Ispen had days like this all the time when he was out traveling?  My word, now that would be the life!  And a bone puppet??  Wowee.  Yes!  Some cider sounds delicious!  Let's go" and she bounds ahead, looking for that fancy baker Becklin mentioned.

Salty

The gnome listened to the conversations between the knights, he watched as the wizard and the druid departed separately, then the Kender.  He fumbled with casual conversations with the nobles and only interjected rather small talk from a small one such as himself.  He felt a bit odd at this particular moment.

"Perhaps Ispin didn't have any relatives left, but I don't believe he lacked family.  Howmanyletterssuchasoursweresentout,ifyouplease?" He turned red with embarrassment as he caught himself shifting on to the gnomish way of speaking.

Shortly thereafter, he too departed the Brass Crab to wander the festival streets.  After a while he found himself having a quiet time looking at the water of the harbor.  His thoughts adrift like the boats there.  Thought of Ispin and their own adventure.  Thought of the group he'd recently met on the road here.  Thought of the draconians, and what else he might recall of them.  He gave a small prayer in the quiet space.  "If there are troubling times ahead, grant us the ability to meet it.  But also, grant us a reprieve to honor our friend."

Salty would return to the Brass Crab well before the memorial, magical music box in hand, ready to listen to the others and celebrate Ispin as he'd wished

Vardok

Vordok laughs and runs along outside with Vexi, saying as he goes, “Bone puppets!  Can’t wait!  Let’s go, c’mon slowpoke!  I’ll buy ya a cider, my treat!”  And he runs along to take in the sights and find these puppets and foodstuffs, being mindful to not overfill (not possible) before returning for the feast at nightfall.  His head is on a swivel as he takes in the sights, sounds and smells of this exciting new place..

DM

Becklin smiled at Salty, you are right he had no family to speak of left. I sent out twenty invitations as per his will. He didn't know if everybody was still alive and able to travel. I'm glad that some of you came. From what he said you'd like the docks and improving the designs of the many barges and boats there. The harbour master is Jacob Fellbert. 

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Becklin didn't know whether to laugh or cry as the two eager Kender raced for the door. Perhaps later she'd tell them about the courageous Kronin Thistleknot the Kender general who had beaten back the Dragon Army fighting for Kenderhome. An army of Kender, it was an astounding idea, but they'd managed to kill the Highlord before the Army withdrew.

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As Kaelthor entered the tree he found a small altar with a horn placed on it, the smell of sage in the air. He felt an intense feeling of peace pervade him, a green light that flowed through his body and he could swear that he was in a great forest that spread for miles. It was an image of what Vogler used to look like. The energy of the tree flooded him until he felt well rested within.

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Vardok and Vexi took a quick look at the map then sped off to find the puppeteer.

Gladys' stall was behind an awning of canvas gaily striped. They watched as a gold dragon flew across the tents stage to fight a blue dragon. A knight sat on the gold dragon. Damn it she cried I need more hands. She stuck her head out of the canvas and grinned at the two kender, you'll do! Want to play with a puppet? It's just a show for the children. You can pick one from my wares to keep as payment.

Cassian

The paladin frowns in thought, jaw clinching slightly as he tries to remember any details about the caster only to be met with the horrid sight of the last knight being killed before their eyes. He shakes his head. "I didn't notice anything else. My apologies. I do believe they will strike again if given the chance, scouts or not."

DM

Becklin, in that case keep your armour and weapons close to hand she says to Cassian.

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Liwen watched the Kender run down the main path of the maze that was the cities Marketplace. He was overcome by the smells of fresh food from the vendors. Finally he finds a book stall run by a burly dwarf and gained directions. Go right on and then take a right at the wine tent.

The delicate scent of Temple Incense wafts around him. Can I help you asked the monk behind the stall.

Liwen 

The scent that coils and lingers in his nose tells him he is at the right place "I am looking for incense of good quality. The ones at least worth 10 steel pieces. By any chance do you have any for sale?" 

DM

The monk rifles through his cart, is this for conjuring a familiar? Did you know that the scent used effects the familiar? I have three scents that match your requirements, one being the inner Temple of Paladine blend, another from the Temple of Reorx and the last a special mixture for those who are red robed, the Tower of Lunitari. I would recommend the Lunitari mixture. Would you like a sample or do you want to smell it? He says as he lifts a generous pouchful of incense from a drawer in the cart and hands the pouch of herbs over for Liwens inspection.

Cassian

He gives Becklin a nod and small salute, resting a hand on the hilt of his longsword. "Always." Pausing to consider how he might pass the time until the wake, he seems to come to a decision after a few moments. "Is there a temple nearby? I should try to shake this solemn mood before the ceremony begins."

Liwen

"Yes, indeed the incense will be used to summon a familiar though I was not aware the type of incense affected the familiar summoned." It must have been when Liwen was tacitly trying to ignore Master Erlanthor. He brushes a hand across his red robes and says "The last option will suit me perfectly. I need not test the others. Here is 10 steel pieces for the special mixture" 

Once the incense is bought, he will head back to the private room in the Brass Crab to entrench himself by lighting the incense, weaving signs, and speaking incantations for the next hour as he seeks a familiar. In time an owl appears by his side. Small in stature standing at 6.7 inches tall.

"Though our bond is new I welcome you as my familiar. I will call you Clio." He spends the next few minutes with the Owl before he enters the common room ready for the wake

DM

Becklin

There are no full temples here, a couple of shrines to the gods of agriculture, and the druids altar in the great Vallenwood tree. We have two small shrines in the keep, one for Kiri Jolith and the other for Paladine. If you go to Kalaman later there are full Temples there.

If you want to get clean before the wake, try the bathhouse and steam room, it's also a laundry so you can arrange for your travel clothes to be laundered.

Vardok

”Oooh, yes, absolutely!  I want to play the gold dragon!  Oh how I wish I could fly!  Look, it is so beautiful!”  Childlike fascination exudes from Vardok, he walks right up and volunteers, touching all of the puppets for a minute, then putting his hands on the control of the golden dragon, trying it out.  “I can handle the knight too, I think, with my other hand.  Maybe.  Lemme see if I can get the hang of it…”.  He nudges Vexi with his elbow, saying “Pick one out, this is awesome!”  

Cassian

The paladin listens curiously, glancing down at his clothes at the mention of the laundry. A nice bath certainly couldn't hurt either. "That sounds like an excellent idea. I must look my best to say farewell to our friend." He gives Becklin a final nod before heading off to the bathhouse.

Kaelthor

Kaelthor sank to one knee before the small altar, fingers brushing the wood of the horn resting there. He didn’t pray — not in the way the temple folk did — but he opened himself to the hum of life pulsing through the Vallenwood. Every sound in the grove seemed to breathe in rhythm with it: the rustle of leaves, the low whisper of the wind, the distant chatter of the market beyond.

He placed his palm flat against the bark, closing his eyes. I am here, the gesture said — not as a supplicant, but as kin greeting kin. The warmth that answered was wordless, a memory of sunlight through leaves, of soil and rain and long ages of quiet watchfulness.

When the pulse of the tree began to slow to something steadier, Kaelthor rose and glanced around the shaded interior. “You keep good company,” he murmured softly to the unseen druid whose work this was. If he finds no one there, he settled cross-legged near the altar, silent again. He would wait — for the keeper’s return, or for the stillness within him to tell him it was time to go back to the noise and stone beyond the grove.