Torsus was ultimately more interested in exploring the city for the short time he had the chance, passing by whomever happened to be there as gracefully as possible. The city was ... amazing despite its simplicity. The shops had little to offer him of interest, though the spices he had picked up, he hoped the others would appreciate - he was a rather talented chef afterall... Regardless, passing from one place to the next, slipping in and out with relative speed. Torsus was much faster than many would expect. Eventually stumbling off some hole-in-the-wall shop that looked more like a storage shed than a place of business, but rather than looking annoyed or upset by this, Torsus only seemed intrigued. 

As the proprietor of the establishment attempted to reach his front desk, Torsus had cast Mage hand to hold up the items that were about to fall on him, though in the end it seemed it wasn't needed... but regardless, Torsus looked around at the place, less with wonder as he had the outside of the city, and more with curiosity. Those who were more eccentric, or odd, were usually more interesting the Tortle went dark for a moment, hoping his allies would never see his dark side, but it came and went when it pleased, and he had little control over it. Shaking his head to clear that thought as the owner had finally arrived, and was exactly as the Tortle expected, bringing a smile to his face.

A pleasure to meet you Cyrus, I only pray that boiling water never find its way to you, for you shall defeat it without a second thought! But yes, please, show me what you have. As for my shell, I promise, that should I fall and my corpse be retrievable you can have it, so long as my death isn't caused by your hands. I have already placed a contingency spell on it just for such a scenario. 

First, the man introduces the wand, and Torsus gives him a sidelong glance as he explains the properties of the wand, looking ever more perplexed as he continues to divulge its secrets. Crossing his arms in front of him as he then asks Why is it called the want of lightning if it keeps you  from being hungry? Or at-least feeling it? I would expect it to shoot electricity or some other similar effect... But removing the pangs of hunger is the last thing I would expect from such a wand... I wonder what they were thinking when they crafted and named it so...

Listening to any response the man gave before moving onto the next item. Not this one mildly intrigued the tortle, he could see a few uses for it, should it not be cursed in some fashion, but unlike the wand, he had no questions for it.. it was self explanatory enough. However the tortles eyes brightened more once the Journal was revealed it both piqued his general curiosity, and made him wonder how he could use it in daily potential situations..... How exactly does it work? Does it repeat what it see's and hears? Or can it be manipulated to for example... say 'yes' to a specific question or some-such? Like if I were trying to convince someone of something, and I had prepared for such an event, could I use it to say 'See, the book confirms it!' ??" waiting until an answer had been given, and the journal currently being in the lead.

Once the final item had been revealed, Torsus was moderately interested in it and he could see a way to use it against an enemy stupid enough to parley, but ultimately decided it was too 'niche' and finally spoke one last time I appreciate you taking the time to show me these, they are all quite interesting in their own ways but the Journal is the one that sticks out to me the most so far. But I am a mind reader, do not think I was unaware of you holding out on me. So once you are done telling me the price of the journal, show me what you have hidden directly beneath you in the counter.

In reference to the wand Cyrus shakes his head and says No no no my friend you misheard. Not a wand of Lightning, a Wand of LightENing. Its meant to help the user lose weight and thus lighten their own load so to speak. Be giggles and places the wand down before picking up the book again. Tbe journal as you say simply records what it sees. From my testing it seems to be able to see out to about 30 ft. If it does see any further than that then it doesn't record it. It cannot see through illusions or invisibility but if someone cast such tricks within its sight it may record it but it is possibly it can be tricked and miss it. It cannot sense things underground either though if the ground were rumbling it would feel it and record the event. The best way to think of it is like a pair of mundane eyes. Well perhaps not too mundane, it can see in the dark up to its normal 30ft based on my tests. It will also write like a journal. Do not expect every conversation to be recorded verbatim. It would record our meeting and even that we spoke at length and perhaps made a sale but it would not be quoting either of us directly. It also makes its own assumptions I find. It may describe what I see as a potentially customer as "a shady figure". Perhaps this man wishes to steal from me? Maybe he seeks to pawn of illegal goods? Or maybe he is simply dressed in a particular way to make him seem shady. Its hard to tell and the books impressions of people are to be taken with a grain of salt. Still for an item like this I suppose I could part with it for a sum in the realm of...100 gold coins. Ah but since you read minds you must already have known my asking price, and that I am willing to take items in trade. But let's discuss that shortly. You are wise to know I keep some special items close. One moment please. Cyrus bends down beneath his desk and mumbles to himself before exclaiming Ah ha! I present to you my friend! The dearest item in my shop currently! He stand back up and places a sandwich on the desk. It appears to be a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich and the bread as small amounts of mold growing on it. My lunch! For some reason I find I am no longer hungry so I'm willing to part with it at an exceptionally low price!

Once Narz had his coin, which he'll look again for Dondon if Rida hadn't, he left without another word to the others. The hobgoblin yet had a map of the city to find, and with Vigo in tow, a new stable and inn to stay at for the night. More than that, he would try to settle up on at dawn, assuming anything came to mind.

Narz you won't need a new stable as the stable isn't associated with the Ante but if you insist there's the stables by the gate as pointed out by the guards. If a map is what you're looking for just across from the Inn is Laran's Cartographers. As for inns the surrounding area has plenty of choice, The Beer Golem, The Safehaven Inn, Tymora's Blessing to name them. A little off the beaten path but still close is Midnight Sun, an Inn located about halfway between the armor smiths and the rest of the little market area.

Torsus can't help but laugh a bit at the 'reveal' and he honestly should have expected it after the revelation of the Wand and its properties. But pulling out his coinpouch, which, since Dondon, he'd kept where his neck could sink into his body, slipped out the required coinage and placed it on the table, and then whatever was going to be paid for the sandwich, as he had plans for that too. Thank you kind sir for your excellent service, I will make good use of these two things. And I am sure joy will be found with them. Unfortunately I am on a somewhat tight schedule so I must cut our meeting short. Perhaps if I'm still alive, I'll meet you again sometime. he said, as once the payment was given, he'd take his items keeping the book slung under an arm, and the sandwich in hand.

On his way back to the Ante since that's where he assumed everyone would be anyway he made an active attempt to look for someone who looked less well off, especially if they were a child or elderly, regardless of race to give the sandwich to before finally returning, his pockets a little lighter. So, what has happened in my absense?

"Some kerfuffle over Dondon's agreement to pay us, but it was sorted out.  Aeyd, Rollo and I elected to donate our share back to Frida, since Dondon was taking from the inn's coin reserve.  Narz pocketed his before heading off to find a different Inn to stay at.  Here's your portion," Claire explains as she hands him a sack of 50 gold.  "I won't judge you for taking your share, but personally I didn't feel comfortable doing that when, for poor inn owners, that amount of gold can be the difference between maintaining their livelihood and going hungry in the winter."  Claire sighs.  "If it was just that oaf Dondon I wouldn't think twice about it, but I feel bad for Frida."

Rollo just shrugs. "I personally have gotten more gold in these past few weeks than I will ever be able to spend in a lifetime, especially if I am able to go back to what I want to be doing when this is all over. I have no need of gold in the woods and once these giants are dealt with I believe that is straight where I will head back to. These cities and civilizations have become too much for me it seems, this is not the path I'm meant to live on."

Narz will then leave Vigo where he is then, and secure a room at Safehaven Inn. Though before then, he'll make a stop at Laran's Cartographe's Perhaps even purchase some other maps while he's at it.

(Will discuss maps in discord then once that settles assuming no one else has plans I'll push things forward)

(no other plans)

(no other plans)

(Nothing from me DM sir!)

(Deducted gp now. Ready to rock. Let's go die by kill some giants!)

(Rollo has nothing to do in the city either.)

With shopping completed you all turn in for the night and manage to get a decent enough sleep. The morning comes quickly and you're give a moderate breakfast of oatmeal eggs and juice. As you leave the Silver Ante Dondon waves you off thanking you again and yelling for you to come again soon. Frida gives you a very professional farewell as she collects the keys back before immediately getting back to work. The outside air is bitter cold as the sun has only just risen this early winter morning and the heavy winds help the cold to bite right down to the bone. Meeting up with Narz he points out Goldenfields on the map, and shows the Northfurrow road that leads straight there. Leaving through the eastern gate you're soon leaving the City of Wonders behind. 

Following the road East for two long and cold days you find that you're mainly passing through the country side. There is little tree cover and most of the surrounding area is open fields that have a small layer of frost covering them. Because of this you're afforded a nice view of all your surroundings making an ambush quite unlikely amd as such you're able to relax for this trip. As the sun sets you all stop at a few of the farm houses along the road  and, perhaps a little shocked initially by the appearance of the group, with Claires help you're able to secure shelter and warm meals for the night. All in all the trip takes two days, during which the cold only seems to get worse. On the third day it finally begins to snow, light at first but after a few hours it starts coming down hard. Luckily relief is close at hand as your destination comes into view. 

Large open fields and orchards dominate much of the area ahead, surrounded by a tall stone wall protecting the precious fields beyond them. Despite the frozen fields you just walked through for two days the fields here appear to be lush and prosperous. Its hard to tell what they are growing from here but you know that the druids and priests here grow food that many people of the North would never have access to otherwise. As Lord Bladesemmer said, Goldenfields is responsible for feeding tens of thousands of people. A tempting target for the hillgiants you've been told are in the area, especially now when the other fields they might target are barren. 

The road ends before a magnificent stone gatehouse carved with images of a full-bodied woman (religion checks for those who care to recognize). The gatehouse is a veritable fortress. Above its tall, thick wooden doors are arrow slits that seem to peer down suspiciously on all visitors. From somewhere up above you hear a womans voice call down as you approach the closed gate. Hold there travelers!! You've arrived at the Goldenfields, fortress of the Emerald Enclave and protectorate of the Noble houses of Waterdeep! I am is Priestess Parsissus. You finally see her poke her head down from over the stone wall, 60ft above you. A young golden haired, pale skinned woman dressed in priestly robes. She looks down at you all a bit curiously and says Just one cart eh? I take it that means your not here to collect for a settlement then? Good because you'd be too early anyway, the next harvest won't be for some weeks I hear. So who are you then and state your buisness. She then seems to notice Narz for the first time and asks You with those Mercs?

In spite of the relative peacefulness of the journey Narz never relaxes on the safety protocols when it came to the erecting magicail dome dome every night out. Even if its only for himself in the end for cases in which Claire helps the group secure lodgings with some of the locals. Now more often than not Spaz is also sent regularly on aerial patrol. Which was much to annoyance whenever he sees Rillex get to lounge around during the trip for the most part. On another note Narz made sure to question [Torsus] about his ability to speak to others mind. Namely just to confirm it had truly been him, if there was no naturally occuring elements that might block it, and frankly why he hadn't spoken of it before, when he had been so free to speak of his other magics.

With that mystery hopefully being more or less resolved, the hobgoblin remained wary about the tortle regardless, yet cordial in any future dealings. And apart from working on some cue cards for Rillex to ease future communication, the hobgoblin otherwise keeps himself occupied journaling during the quieter moments of the trip.

Finally, the group appear to arrive at their destination. Although yet fascinated in the abundant life of the fields, Virgo's grumbling in goblin about something soon had him looking from mount to the images adorning the gatehouse. "Hmm...."

Religion: 20.

"Eh?" Narz attention finally jerks to the golden haired woman up at the top. After giving the rest of the group a quick glance he then looked back up at the woman, "By mercs are you referring to the group I am traveling with, which would make sense, or.. is there yet another band of goblinoids working under you by any chance?" He asked with a mix of genuine confusion and concern on his face.

Claire waits for Narz's question to be answered, and then speaks up to answer Parsissus's. "We are here at the bequest of Lady Bladesemmer to investigate the Giant attacks, to assist in that regard if need be, and evaluate the probability of any potential threats... among some other more mundane business."

During the trip, Torsus had sat whenever the opportunity arose, lazing about like an old man, preferring to sit on the back of the cart whenever possible so as to stare at the scenery behind them as long as possible. Torsus always seemed to be amazed by the simplest and silliest of things, despite usually possessing at-least general knowledge of it. There was, in some ways, a sadness behind it, a longing. Despite this he remained chatty at all times, usually speaking with his voice as he answered questions to anything he knew the answers to, and asked where he did not. Making sure to feed his pony every day, and insist on allowing the mounts time to stop for water to refresh themselves.

Eventually Narz broached a certain topic and Torsus looked legitimately shocked, as if he'd expected the Hobgoblin to understand. Telling him that the 'voice' was indeed his own, and that he could do so whenever he wished, but without some level of protection, an un-shielded mind couldn't stop him from doing so, though he could prevent others from speaking to his (Torsus) if he (Torsus) wished. Or in layman's terms, Torsus could speak to others minds unbidden but they could only do so to his if he allowed it. Though Torsus assured Narz he couldn't read inner thoughts ... yet - he could however hear active, mental responses.

Torsus then went on to explain he thought you all understood since no one else had lodged any complaints or concerns, let alone even mentioned it prior. And then went on to list the advantages of such a function, strategy could be given in the midst of battle, without shouting it so the enemy could hear (so long as everyone was within thirty feet) as well as other similar functions like aiding in stealth should they find themselves on the other side of a door and need to discuss the next steps without alerting those on the other side. However, Torsus neglected to mention how he had come across this ability.

Once finally reaching their destination, and being hailed by the one who had seen them, Torsus quickly devoured the view of the fortifications, absorbing as much of the design into his eyes as he could within a few moments as the others speak.  It is as Lady Claire has said, we are here on behalf of the Bladesemmers (Primarily) in the function of investigating giant activity, and preferably from preventing violent activity if needed. And to Deliver a cat somewhere relatively nearby if my memory serves. But in the end, we are allies. Is there anything on the giants you can tell us now?

Narz, inspecting the carvings you are able to recognize them as depictions of Chauntea, a goodly goddess primarily worshipped by druids, rangers, gardeners and farmers. She is the goddess of agriculture and though Parsissus is too far away to tell if she carries her holy symbol its fair to assume, given the imagery and nature of the Goldenfields, that Parsissus is likely a priestess in the service to Chauntea.

Parsissus listens to each greeting attentively and calls back down Lady Bladesemmer? I know the family name but not her personally. Still, if you've come inquiring about giants you've come to the right place. As for you sir hobgoblin, to answer your question, I had assumed you might belong to the Mercenary group that showed up here about a tenday ago. Their leader is a hob like yourself and from what I've seen all the members are goblinoids as well. We had thought they were here to attack us, as the hill giants in the area are known to recruit goblinkind at foot soldiers. But were we the fools when it turned out they were here to help, albeit at quite the cost I hear. Anyway if you're not with them you'll likely meet them soon enough. We'll discuss everything else further in a moment. Let me get permission from the Castellan to allow your entry. Please wait there a moment. 

Parsissus disapears behind the wall and all is silent for several minutes. Though you appear to be alone the arrow slits looking down on you seem to stare into your souls and you can't help but feel you're being watched. A few more minutes of waiting elapse before the large wooden door begins to creek open. Passing through you enter a large corridor of sorts. On either side of you are the stone foundations of the gatehouse and infront of you is another door similar to the last but closed. Inside waiting for you is the Pirestess, who you can now see does wear a small sheaf of wheat around her neck as a Chauntean holy symbol. To her left stands a human male with clean, golden blonde hair wearing an emmaculately clean teal doublet under a fur cloak. The priestess smiles in greeting while the Noble looking fellow looks rather annoyed by all this. Also with them in the room are 4 guards of varying genders and ethnicities but otherwise all human, another human female dressed in priestly robes but less decorated than her counterparts, likely still only an acolyte, and a middle aged human male with a dark complexion and a salt and pepper beard dressed in traditional wizard garb. The guards, acolyte and wizard all stand to the side while the Parsissus and the well dressed man stand in the middle of the room to greet you. As soon as you enter the door behind you closes.

Once the door has fully closed, leaving you with no way out you might notice, the well dressed man speaks up but not after giving Narz and Torsus a shocked look and shaking his head as if he saw a couple of circus freaks. Really now, more goblins, and whatever that is? He asks to Parsissus who simply shurgs and rolls her eyes. Well, no matter. Parsissus tells me you were sent here to help with our giant problem. Good. Because the Abbot has been driving me up the wall trying to have me do something. If I told him once I told him a thousand times we can't do much without more aid from Waterdeep. The mercs may be useful but they'll bleed us dry of coin in the process. Parsissus tells me the Bladesemmers sent you? I'm not familiar with Lady Bladesemmer but perhaps Taeros has become less of a prude since last I saw him. Anyway, I am Hantanus Tara, Waterdavian Nobility and, as of a couple ten days ago, the Castellan here at the gate house. Allow me to officially welcome you to Goldenfields travelers. I would ask that once we are finished here you head straight to the Abbey and speak to Abbot Darovik. He will surely have some use for you I'm sure. Now, with the formalities taken care of, I leave the rest to you Parsissus. 

Thank you sir. The Priestess bows and the doors entering to the rest of Goldenfields open. The castellan leaves through the door and a few moments are allowed to pass to assure he is quite gone. I apologize but I'm afraid we must do a search of your cart and persons. This is done for anyone wishing to enter Goldenfields I'm afraid, we cannot risk you might bring in something that could harm the crops, even if unintentionally. Without waiting for permission the guards are singaled to begin searching the contents of your cart while the Wizard and Acolyte both inspect your person and the cart with divining magic. The old wizard eventually comments You folk have quite a few magical items on you. Makes me miss my own adventuring days. Meanwhile the acolyte, while inspecting Claires horse says Such a beautiful creature. Whats their name? I'm sure you'll find our stables in town to be quite well furnished. Should be more than adequate to house such a fine horse. After a few more moments the guards declare that all is in order and with acolyte and wizard confirmed that you're not carrying any magic items that raise concerns. The priestess thanks them and sends them off. The guards, acolyte and wizard all bow slightly to the priestess and walk off leaving you alone with her. The way is open to you friends. If you follow the road just ahead you'll wind up in town. The Abbey is just on the edge of town on the hill there, can't miss it. There's an inn and stables that should suit your needs as well. If there is anything you wish to know before continuing on please feel free to ask and I will try my best to assist.

(also a good time to remind and just have this in one spot. You are here on a joint request by Lord Taeros Bladesemmer, a Waterdavien Noble, and the Duchess Morwen Daggerford of Daggerford. However you're mainly working Through Bladesemmer now as he has been tasked by the Lords Alliance to help secure the areas surrounding Waterdeep. Also may be a good time to remind that side quests are fairly common and encouraged by the module. Basically, if you want to do something then do it, the main quest lines aren't going anywhere so feel free to take your time in an area and explore what it has to offer. Many side quests have powerful and useful rewards and you never know what'll come in handy.)

Hantanus Tara, Castellan of Goldenfields.