[OOG: all of these prices include a discount for being a well-known hero of the local lands and city. Outside of Adaern and the surrounding villages, these items would cost much more.]
Wendell votes for selling the treasures the party located, barring magical items, and dividing the profits equally.
He'll spend the next tenday bouncing between the Arcane University and O'Cusloo Van's shop researching hags.
Balasar adds his vote in support of Wendell's proposal.
Balasar will spend the next tenday making the rounds of the local merchants searching for potions and magical items for sale. He will also attempt to learn more about the properties and uses of Warpstone.
Wendell: Investigation check for the time at the Arcane University, Persuasion check with advantage for O'Cusloo Van.
Balasar: Perception or Persuasion check for perusing potions and magical items, and a description of how/where Balasar goes about learning more of Warpstone.
None of the party (who have attempted to test their knowledge) know anything of Warpstone. That said, Elaric recalls that he, Wendell, and Reeves came across an odd notation in an old account of items loaded onto the Emperor of Waves - something about mining equipment being alchemically treated to withstand the effects of "warps-". The word was smudged, but it very well could have been warpstone. Recalling this detail, he also remembers that the trio came across an altered map that day, one in which a set of islands had been added. Comparing the map Balasar found against his memory, Elaric is almost certain Balasar's map matches the drawings added to the old map! His excitment ebbs slightly as he realizes he doesn't know what any of this means, but it's still a mystery and therefore worth investigating!
When the party gathers for their evening meal at the Goat and Bagpipes, Balasar catches everyone's attention. In a voice much quieter than his normal booming thunder, he addresses the party: I have received word today that my cousin has been killed by parties unknown. I must return to High Hills at once to aid in the investigation and avenging of his death. I know little of the circumstances, but I have been asked to bring allies with me. I would be extremely grateful if you would join me in this task, and I'm certain my family would be grateful for your assistance as well.
Balasar glances at Elaric and Wendell: As I'm sure you're aware, High Hills has an Academy of UnderDark Studies; as an added inducement, I'm certain we could procure access to its archives for your learned pursuits.
Wendell sits back in his chair, "No... not the large fellow who followed us into the ruins? I'm sorry for your loss, Balasar. Of course I'll come. Gods... his poor wife."
Wendell sits back in his chair, "No... not the large fellow who followed us into the ruins? I'm sorry for your loss, Balasar. Of course I'll come. Gods... his poor wife."
Not him... his younger brother. Still quite the introduction to the family for his wife, though. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm more concerned by the fact that this happened, or by the fact that somebody apparently thought they could get away with it. Thank you for your aid and your condolences; both are very much appreciated.
With a somber look, Elaric addresses the Dragonborn, "I am truly sorry to hear of his death; you and your clan have my deepest sympathies. I have, unfortunately it seems, accepted a rather time-sensitive commission from Sir Marius which promises to be arduous and will keep me in Adaern for at least the next tenday. I sincerely hope you are able bring your kin's murderer to justice swiftly, but, should your investigation prove to take longer than mine, I will make my way to High Hills as soon as I am able. In the mean time, if there is anything with which I could assist from here, you need only inform the Arcane University's outpost in High Hills - they will see that such any message is passed along. I wish you well in your hunt, Balasar, Scion of Delmirev, Warrior of Torm." The Elf claps Balasar on the arm as he adds a final statement in Draconic, "Vucoti, ini oth, gix, vur ternock, wux geou tiichi omin’ iejirkkessh."
[For those who speak Draconic, the translation is in the spoiler below.]
"I know, by tooth, claw, and scale, you will honor the-clan-that-is-in-the-blood."
[OOG: “By tooth, claw, and scale” is a common Draconic proclamation that one will overcome a difficult obstacle with whatever means available. “Omin’ iejirkkessh” or “The-clan-that-is-in-the-blood” refers to the things a Dragonborn knows without any teaching that he owes his clan (such as avenging a kinsmen’s murder).]
Wendell nods, "I'm ready to leave as possible. Pyrringham is on the way to High Hills. Let's plan to stay at least the night there, maybe see if we can round up Gong and Skoth. Ah... before we go, what should we do with the non-magical treasure? Sell and split?"
Balasar replies to Elaric: My sincere thanks, and I understand. I wish you well in bringing your commission to a successful conclusion, and we will of course call on you if need be. Likewise, if there is any way in which we can assist from High Hills, please contact us immediately.
Addressing the group more generally, Balasar indicates his agreement with selling the nonmagical treasure and splitting the proceeds. He assents to Wendell's plan to leave as soon as possible and to overnight in Pyrringham, and indicates that the party should probably stock up on potions of healing if possible, both before leaving Adaern and while in Pyrringham, as there is no telling what awaits them on the road or once they reach High Hills.
Balasar finds 3 Potions of Healing (feel free to purchase and deduct as you see fit). After selling the non-magical treasures, the party ends up with a 5-way split of an additional 1,210 GP each.
The three day ride to Pyrringham is uneventful and the friends arrive safely to find their friends and the town in good health. More than good, actually; the town seems to be thriving. During their approach, the party comes across several tents of varying size and quality. The streets seem quite a bit more full since last the party was in the area. Seven wagons bearing digging equipment, camping supplies, and a sizeable amount of lumber are stabled by Bruna's house. The foundation for several new building have been set... possibly the beginnings of a new inn, a bakery, and what appears to be an addition to Bruna's house. Evidently, word of the Inverted Tower has spread.
Bruna greets everyone and offers her condolences to Balasar on hearing the news, and offers to put everyone up for the night. At first light, the party sets out on the road to High Hills to the north. The journey takes a tenday, even on horses, but the road is well traveled and safe. The woods gradually diminish and are replaced by rolling plains broken by tall, strangely vertical hills. On many such hills, especially those near the road, the party can see fortified towns and villages.
Far off in the distance can be seen white towers which, Balasar notes, mark their journey's end.
Once arrived at the main gates, Balasar guides his companions away from the city and towards one of the manors that dot the massive plateau. Though of modest size compared to some of the other estates in the area, it is nonetheless an enormous and sprawling complex or manicured lawns, gardens, and fountains. Halfway up the massive main lawn, a tall golden dragonborn waves everyone over.
"Good to see you, little brother. It's unfortunate it had to be under such circumstances."
[OOG] Seeing as Gong used several potions of healing during his side quest, would he have been able to find any more for purchase during the interim? Or at least ingredients so that he could craft a few on his own?
[OOG] Gong has an herbalism kit and proficiency as I recall. At the cost of 1 work day and 25 GP, Gong can produce as many potions of healing as he wants during the interim.
Good to see you as well, Rajan; I see you haven't changed a bit. Everyone, this is my older brother Rajan. Rajan, these are my associates, Wendell, Gong, and Skoth, Balasar motions to each of the party members in turn. They have graciously agreed to assist in this matter.
The circumstances are unfortunate indeed. How is Karash handling the news? And what can you tell us about the crime?
Rajan inclines his head to the party as they are introduced, "Calling what happened to Thaan a murder would be generous... butchery more by the sound of it. I can't say any more, as I've just gotten back myself from Amn. I was going to go see our healer once I'd settled in and walked the grounds for more details, you and your friends are welcome to accompany me."
He sighs, "As for our cousin... I've not had a chance to pay my respects yet, but I suspect Karash is taking it poorly. A paladin, being unable to save someone from such brutal evil, or heal their own kin from a fatal wound... that can't be good for his pride or his heart. Still, he has his new bride, and she seems sensible enough. Perhaps she can give him some perspective. Thaan may be dead, but the danger looms for the living."
Rajan seems lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head slightly, "Will you all follow me? I can take you to the guest quarters. Bal, I believe your room has not been touched, but that may have changed since I was last here. Help your friends get settled and I'll confirm."
Balasar nods. Lead the way, brother. Once we're settled, we would like to accompany you on your walk through the grounds and visit to the healer. Whatever this evil may be, the sooner it is identified and crushed, the better. And as for Karash, depending on the state he's in, action may be the best salve for his soul. Avenging his brother and guarding the living will be a better focus for him than things he could not control.
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Balasar finds the following items for sale (starting with the very rare and moving down):
[OOG: all of these prices include a discount for being a well-known hero of the local lands and city. Outside of Adaern and the surrounding villages, these items would cost much more.]
All characters who wish to may make both a history and arcana check to recall what they may of Warpstone.
Elaric and Wendell must make these checks if they intend to help Balasar
Elaric: History 16 and Arcana 17
History: 21
Arcana: 3
Investigation Check: 9
Persuasion Check: 14
None of the party (who have attempted to test their knowledge) know anything of Warpstone. That said, Elaric recalls that he, Wendell, and Reeves came across an odd notation in an old account of items loaded onto the Emperor of Waves - something about mining equipment being alchemically treated to withstand the effects of "warps-". The word was smudged, but it very well could have been warpstone. Recalling this detail, he also remembers that the trio came across an altered map that day, one in which a set of islands had been added. Comparing the map Balasar found against his memory, Elaric is almost certain Balasar's map matches the drawings added to the old map! His excitment ebbs slightly as he realizes he doesn't know what any of this means, but it's still a mystery and therefore worth investigating!
When the party gathers for their evening meal at the Goat and Bagpipes, Balasar catches everyone's attention. In a voice much quieter than his normal booming thunder, he addresses the party: I have received word today that my cousin has been killed by parties unknown. I must return to High Hills at once to aid in the investigation and avenging of his death. I know little of the circumstances, but I have been asked to bring allies with me. I would be extremely grateful if you would join me in this task, and I'm certain my family would be grateful for your assistance as well.
Balasar glances at Elaric and Wendell: As I'm sure you're aware, High Hills has an Academy of UnderDark Studies; as an added inducement, I'm certain we could procure access to its archives for your learned pursuits.
Wendell sits back in his chair, "No... not the large fellow who followed us into the ruins? I'm sorry for your loss, Balasar. Of course I'll come. Gods... his poor wife."
Not him... his younger brother. Still quite the introduction to the family for his wife, though. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm more concerned by the fact that this happened, or by the fact that somebody apparently thought they could get away with it. Thank you for your aid and your condolences; both are very much appreciated.
With a somber look, Elaric addresses the Dragonborn, "I am truly sorry to hear of his death; you and your clan have my deepest sympathies. I have, unfortunately it seems, accepted a rather time-sensitive commission from Sir Marius which promises to be arduous and will keep me in Adaern for at least the next tenday. I sincerely hope you are able bring your kin's murderer to justice swiftly, but, should your investigation prove to take longer than mine, I will make my way to High Hills as soon as I am able. In the mean time, if there is anything with which I could assist from here, you need only inform the Arcane University's outpost in High Hills - they will see that such any message is passed along. I wish you well in your hunt, Balasar, Scion of Delmirev, Warrior of Torm." The Elf claps Balasar on the arm as he adds a final statement in Draconic, "Vucoti, ini oth, gix, vur ternock, wux geou tiichi omin’ iejirkkessh."
[For those who speak Draconic, the translation is in the spoiler below.]
"I know, by tooth, claw, and scale, you will honor the-clan-that-is-in-the-blood."
[OOG: “By tooth, claw, and scale” is a common Draconic proclamation that one will overcome a difficult obstacle with whatever means available. “Omin’ iejirkkessh” or “The-clan-that-is-in-the-blood” refers to the things a Dragonborn knows without any teaching that he owes his clan (such as avenging a kinsmen’s murder).]
Wendell nods, "I'm ready to leave as possible. Pyrringham is on the way to High Hills. Let's plan to stay at least the night there, maybe see if we can round up Gong and Skoth. Ah... before we go, what should we do with the non-magical treasure? Sell and split?"
Balasar replies to Elaric: My sincere thanks, and I understand. I wish you well in bringing your commission to a successful conclusion, and we will of course call on you if need be. Likewise, if there is any way in which we can assist from High Hills, please contact us immediately.
Addressing the group more generally, Balasar indicates his agreement with selling the nonmagical treasure and splitting the proceeds. He assents to Wendell's plan to leave as soon as possible and to overnight in Pyrringham, and indicates that the party should probably stock up on potions of healing if possible, both before leaving Adaern and while in Pyrringham, as there is no telling what awaits them on the road or once they reach High Hills.
Balasar finds 3 Potions of Healing (feel free to purchase and deduct as you see fit). After selling the non-magical treasures, the party ends up with a 5-way split of an additional 1,210 GP each.
The three day ride to Pyrringham is uneventful and the friends arrive safely to find their friends and the town in good health. More than good, actually; the town seems to be thriving. During their approach, the party comes across several tents of varying size and quality. The streets seem quite a bit more full since last the party was in the area. Seven wagons bearing digging equipment, camping supplies, and a sizeable amount of lumber are stabled by Bruna's house. The foundation for several new building have been set... possibly the beginnings of a new inn, a bakery, and what appears to be an addition to Bruna's house. Evidently, word of the Inverted Tower has spread.
Bruna greets everyone and offers her condolences to Balasar on hearing the news, and offers to put everyone up for the night. At first light, the party sets out on the road to High Hills to the north. The journey takes a tenday, even on horses, but the road is well traveled and safe. The woods gradually diminish and are replaced by rolling plains broken by tall, strangely vertical hills. On many such hills, especially those near the road, the party can see fortified towns and villages.
Far off in the distance can be seen white towers which, Balasar notes, mark their journey's end.
Once arrived at the main gates, Balasar guides his companions away from the city and towards one of the manors that dot the massive plateau. Though of modest size compared to some of the other estates in the area, it is nonetheless an enormous and sprawling complex or manicured lawns, gardens, and fountains. Halfway up the massive main lawn, a tall golden dragonborn waves everyone over.
"Good to see you, little brother. It's unfortunate it had to be under such circumstances."
[OOG] Seeing as Gong used several potions of healing during his side quest, would he have been able to find any more for purchase during the interim? Or at least ingredients so that he could craft a few on his own?
[OOG] Gong has an herbalism kit and proficiency as I recall. At the cost of 1 work day and 25 GP, Gong can produce as many potions of healing as he wants during the interim.
[OOG] Then with a three day interim, he'll spend 75gp and make 3 potions of healing. I have updated his sheet to show this.
[Balasar purchased all three Potions of Healing]
Good to see you as well, Rajan; I see you haven't changed a bit. Everyone, this is my older brother Rajan. Rajan, these are my associates, Wendell, Gong, and Skoth, Balasar motions to each of the party members in turn. They have graciously agreed to assist in this matter.
The circumstances are unfortunate indeed. How is Karash handling the news? And what can you tell us about the crime?
[OOG] Not to be a killjoy, but Gong wasn't planning on selling his potions; the idea was that he was replenishing his personal stock.
[No worries; I was referring to the potions Andy mentioned at the beginning of his post, not to the potions Gong made]
Rajan inclines his head to the party as they are introduced, "Calling what happened to Thaan a murder would be generous... butchery more by the sound of it. I can't say any more, as I've just gotten back myself from Amn. I was going to go see our healer once I'd settled in and walked the grounds for more details, you and your friends are welcome to accompany me."
He sighs, "As for our cousin... I've not had a chance to pay my respects yet, but I suspect Karash is taking it poorly. A paladin, being unable to save someone from such brutal evil, or heal their own kin from a fatal wound... that can't be good for his pride or his heart. Still, he has his new bride, and she seems sensible enough. Perhaps she can give him some perspective. Thaan may be dead, but the danger looms for the living."
Rajan seems lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head slightly, "Will you all follow me? I can take you to the guest quarters. Bal, I believe your room has not been touched, but that may have changed since I was last here. Help your friends get settled and I'll confirm."
Balasar nods. Lead the way, brother. Once we're settled, we would like to accompany you on your walk through the grounds and visit to the healer. Whatever this evil may be, the sooner it is identified and crushed, the better. And as for Karash, depending on the state he's in, action may be the best salve for his soul. Avenging his brother and guarding the living will be a better focus for him than things he could not control.