The Long Road of the Mage King (Game Thread)

Dog asks if there is anything Keyrie needs that he can go get for her at any of the shops the temple's told them about.

(He also spends 10 mins pressing the ruby of the war mage against the new warhammer until it attaches.)

(Feytok can make his purchases whenever Tamu is back. I'll consider them retroactive to this post.)

As evening approaches, the party bathe, wash their clothes, and prepare their gear for departure the following morning. Mother Mentiri leads the five protectors, along with Neventi and Gentoa, to the gates of the keep. There she bids them good night and a pair of guards lead the party up a sloping path to the front doors or a large mansion. Workers are apparently adding a new wing to part of the massive house. A trio of servants await the arrival of the party, who escorting them instead of the guards to a large dining hall. Benches have replaced most of the upholstered dining chairs. The table is set with fine china, silver forks, spoons, and knives, and crystal goblets for water and wine. The party are seated to await the arrival of their host.

Ten and then fifteen minutes pass before the large doors at the end of the hall swing inward and a tall, thin, man with black hair that is graying at the temples in a handsome fashion enters. At his side is an equally tall and slender woman with blonde hair, her height matching his with some tricks in her footwear and hairstyle. In spite of those tricks, she is obviously naturally tall and extremely poised. Both enter gracefully and the party stands, someone knocking over a bench in the processes with a loud clatter, and remain standing until Lord Camman and his wife are seated. Once seated, Lord Camman finally breaks the long silence of the hall, his voice carrying well in the over-engineered dining room.

"Welcome travelers, especially to blessed Gentoa and her mother, Neventi," he says at last, gazing at the shy child burying her face into Nev's side. His voice rings out against the walls, carrying in a brusque, military fashion.

Lady Camman stands and walks over to Neventi and Gentoa and says, "Let me see your face, child," in a soft, kind voice that is nearly a complete opposite to her husband's. Nev strokes her daughters hair and whispers in her ear. Gentoa peeks out with one fearful eye. "Oh my," Lady Camman says. "Those beautiful golden eyes."

The Lady retakes her seat as the first course is brought out and reveal simultaneously on everyone's plates by nine servants. "Sea bass," announces the steward, "arrived this morning from Dornus." The Lord and Lady begin eating, after which everyone else begins to eat as well.

"I admit that I was skeptical of Mother Mentiri's claims," Lord Camman says.

"Nelton," Lady Camman chides. She turns to Neventi, saying in a softer tone, "We made a lavish donation to the Shrine of Milil in West Bassus. It was the nearest tribute we could make."

"That," Neventi says, swallowing a bite quickly, "really wasn't necessary." Her cheeks turn red at everything unspoken about Gentoa's parentage.

"Feliri," Lord Camman says, "I was merely saying that we have not always been on good terms with the Temple here." He looks at Neventi with unwavering eyes. "That has changed of course. Your arrival was seen more than 100 years ago. I saw the letter myself. And the fiends and devils..."

Lady Camman gives a gasp. "Oh, those fiends."

Lord Camman nods to his wife as his only acknowledgement of her obvious compassion for the country folk suffering at the claws of the nine hells. "Well, let's just say my mind has been swayed. We have...since increased our support for the Temple of Tymora."

"Please," Lady Camman says, clearly trying to shift the subject, "Tell us your story. You are such an...odd assortment of protectors of this child. How did you all come to find yourself in the service of little Gentoa?"

Dog clears his throat, and looks awkwardly from side to side. "Well, for years, we were all with a circus run by Karbet Crowley and it got attacked by fiends. We fought them off, got them to safety, met a unicorn, and in the next town, we met these two. They were in a burned house surrounded by fiends trying to get at them. We put down the fiends and got them to safety. Meant to take them to the army, but the camp was deserted. Lots of adventures at that army camp, and then a few places between here and there. I'm leaving a lot out, but that's how we know them."

He looks again at Genny with a playful bit of peekabo and some grumbly half smiles. "We've grown quite fond of her and Nev on our journey."

He take a respectful, but measuring look at Lord Camman. "Mother Mentiri mentioned a holy war. We've seen some things out there. What can you tell us about it? What's going on? Where does Karkarus stand? I knew fiends existed, but I had no idea they were this... present in our world. We don't want to endanger the city and would like to ask for any assistance you can give to safely send us on our way, hidden from threatening, prying eyes."

Tock keeps quiet, but is very alert and is observing the hosts closely. He has grown quite an understanding while performing at the circus on how to gauge peoples true emotions. (Insight check on the hosts about their assessment of this odd assortment of protectors if I may: 26)

(OOC: Did we ever actually strike a bargain with Bael, the devil? Or even accept his offer of safe passage? He said it was valid if we stayed on the road... I'm guessing that we didn't comply with that because the angels and devils started fighting and we went into the country, to the old monastery, then underground to the cavern city, then through the valley, then to Karkarus, which is on the road, I think?)

(Yes, Karkarus is on the road, but no deal was struck before the heavens interfered.)

"Ah, yes, my good Goliath," Lord Camman says. "You've hit upon a crucial point of tonight's meeting. We are but bystanders in the battle of the heavens and the hells, I'm afraid. Obviously this darling girl is at the center of it all. And if she stays here..."

Neventi finishes the sentence that he trails off of. "The town will burn. Yes, we know we are to leave."

Lord Camman raises a placating hand. "The letter foretold your arrival and it foretold Karkarus in flames should you stay. So I cannot permit you to endanger my city."

Dog begins to speak but Lord Camman cuts him off. "I see that you are willing and for that I thank you."

"Nelton," says Lady Camman with some disappointment. A pleasant smile returns to her face before she continues. "We are offering 750 gold to purchase mounts and a carriage to speed you on your way."

"Indeed," Lord Camman says in a crisp tone. "In the form of a promissory note good here at the keep. Admittedly, there are not many options left for horses or carriages in the city, however..."

"Nelton and I thought of three, at least," Lady Camman says. "I know of a horse breeder, an elf named Atinua Liadon. She runs the largest stable within 200 miles of here, perhaps further. She is very protective of her horses, however."

"I doubt you will make much headway with her, but she does have very fine horses. Another possibility is Ribbles Pilwicken, a gnome who runs a hire cab service here in the city. Pilwicken is old and offered his stable to me for the army but the price was too high. He could be easily persuaded, with the right amount of coin."

"Finally, my good friend Jacoba Altham," says Lady Camman, "has spoiled her daughters with a full stable of horses. I know she would gladly sell of half of them if only her children would allow it."

"We will provide you with the locations of each," says Nelton Camman, "and you will have until noon tomorrow to secure your transportation. Then, I'm afraid, you must be on your way, whether astride mounts or on foot. I do hope it will be the former, for your own safety."

"The farther you ride, the safer you will be. The reports of fiends and devils are much stronger to the north, so riding south may put some distance between you and the devils."

Tock:

The remainder of the evening (within which you may ask questions or make conversation as you see fit!) is filled with idle chatter, stories, and demonstrations of talents. Six complete courses are served, including a decadent mousse that tastes of wild berries. By the conclusion of supper, the party are escorted from the mansion and led by various guides back to the temple for the evening.

Gash stays quiet and removed from most of the people. Still reeling from his encounter at the store. He pushes the food around his plate and stares blankly. 

As soon as they arrive back at the temple he will find Mother Mitiri, “Would you mind showing me to my sleep quarters. I-I would like to go bed early. I-if it’s n-not too much trouble?”

The stutter was new. He avoided eye contact at all costs. As he walked he barely lifted his feet. 

OOC: Aww Gash!! Do we see any of this mood change post shopping? If so Dog would try to chat about new spells and express awe at the new ones Gash learned.

When hearing of the horse options, Dog first asks if any of them have horses big enough to carry a Goliath, and then suggests that the group split up among the three stables first thing in the morning. He also asks, "since we are strangers in town and you are their leader, it seems we would do well to have a letter from you that vouches for us, our good purpose, and that it is in the best interest of everyone in Karkarus for us to be gone quickly from here." He thanks them for the money for the horses and carriage, and starts wondering aloud if there is a disguise of some kind they could apply to the carriage so they could hide from prying eyes - a traveling apothecary, a military transport, a small circus, a woodworker, etc.

(The group has one letter, signed by Lord Camman, promising 750 gold in exchange for horses and carriages. It can be combined with hard coin or bartered goods. It must be signed by Neventi or one of the party upon receipt of said horses and carriage. Let me know who is holding the letter...it won't be Neventi as you'll see come the morning.)

Quote from rkmobius >>

OOC: Aww Gash!! Do we see any of this mood change post shopping? If so Dog would try to chat about new spells and express awe at the new ones Gash learned.

 ooc: hes not really hiding it hes just being reclusive so if thats something dog would notice then he would notice

Keyrie would have spent the dinner quiet only really grunting if a question was asked of her. When they get back to the temple and hearing Gash's stutter she will follow him to his sleeping quarters and ask after him. "Gash you okay? Watching you at dinner I thought I was looking in the mirror for a second. You generally have more fun meeting people than I do."

Bright and early the next day, Mother Mentiri, a pair of acolyte women, and a gnome woman are waiting for Neventi and Gentoa. "We have prepared a ceremonial bath for the blessed child," Mentiri says. "And Mistress Quilla Turen here is an illusionist. She will be capturing an image of darling Gentoa. Her likeness will be permanently displayed at a shrine for Milil here."

"I don't..." Neventi says, but sees a look in Mother Mentiri's eyes that is part insulted and part disappointment. "...see why not. Thank you so much for your hospitality, Mother Mentiri."

Mentiri smiles broadly and invites Gentoa over to her, who happily obliges. "Ba'!" she says and willing is scooped up by the priestess and carted off to the baths.

Neventi looks to those early risers in the party and says, "I'm sorry. I hope you have some luck today in acquiring horses for us. I will see you by noon at the latest."

She then departs for the baths as well.

Time: 7:00 am  -  Location: Temple of Tymora

"Illusionist? Could Mistress Turen fashion something for us to use to disguise Genny, and some of the others?" Dog asks, wiping his eyes. He turns to Nev, lowering his voice. "Also, Nev, are you sure you're okay with the ceremonial bath, and the shrine? We could object..."

"It's fine. Totally harmless. It is definitely not worth throwing their charity into Mentiri's face," Nev whispers back before departing. The illusionist looks to be busy for the morning, but maybe it is something to bring up upon the party's return.

Dog asks Keyrie, "are you up for a quick errand? Why don't we go see Jacoba Altham, the Lady's friend who has a big stable full of horses that she wants to sell, and the daughters who don't want her to. You're good with animals, maybe you could help us convince them that the horses would be happier with us?"

He asks the others, "anyone else have a good idea?"

On his way out, wherever they decide, Dog's going to stop at the armorer and pick up the helm of teleportation he'd claimed, paying with party funds, assuming everyone's good with it (think I got a few yeses and no no's but it's a big purchase). Also did someone else buy healing potions?

“Well Keyrie, I just didn’t have such s great time shopping. You know, I started calling myself Gregory around new folk because you know. Goblin. People don’t like goblins and that’s okay. And you all especially from the circus never really cared about that I don’t think. I felt like family when I join you all. And I always thought doing magic would also help others accept me. But I guess I really am j-j-just a goblin playing w-wizard. I’m not that smart. I’m just barely smart enough to understand this stuff... I’ll n-n-never be any good.”

Keyrie snorts, "These people are from the city, all they know is their little world with their stone walls that protect them from the big scary world, anything different and new is a threat. Not your fault that some people don't have enough manners. So what if you are barely smart enough to understand, the majority of people aren't even barely smart enough to understand. Besides even fate has seen that you are good enough to protect this holy child, what does a silly little shopkeeper know." Keyrie beings walking away before turning around. "And Gash if you really are just 'playing' at being a wizard then you should join a theatre group because you are the best damn actor I have ever seen."

Keyrie turns to Dog, "I am actually interested in talking to the horse breeder, I can hopefully convince her that I could take good enough care of the horses for her to entrust us with some. Oh and buy whatever you want I don't really care for money in the first place, in fact, add this to the group gold pot." Keyrie hands over 550 gold.

Gash finally looks up from the floor. “Thanks Key.”

Tock speaks up, "I'll come with you, Dog."

The party arrives at a smart looking manor, bordered by well-groomed shrubs but little space between the house and its neighbors. It is a city house and not one that anyone would associate with horses. That is, except for the wrought iron horse hanging on the door and two clay statues at the base of the steps to the front door.

Upon knocking, a stiff-looking half-elf answers the door. He looks over the motley assortment of races in front of him with indifference. However, the wheels are clearly turning for a valid reason that a goliath, genasi, firbolg, goblin, and kenku are standing before him. Eventually he gives up on any supposition and asks directly. "Can I help you?"