The pattering of feet seem to be moving back and forth. You are all aware that the sound is not the distinct metal against stone sound of a guard boot. Locked in though in the stairwell. You accept that you're in some place new. That isn't the most disorienting thing as several of you are hearing voices in your head for the fist time. It almost feels like your consciousness is talking but with a voice that is not your own.
You all hear, “Voices. Not in my head. Can’t hear the gods".
Then, the sound of a heavy door creaking open can be heard around the bed bending staircase. "Something sweet from the north," the female voice says in a very posh tone. "I will pair it with the grouper and pasta. Hurry now. You know master doesn't like to wait on his food." A second voice sounds offers a soft, "yes, mam," in response. Then the sounds of soft padded foot falls begin down the stairs in your direction. Turning around the corner, you see a very young tiefling boy roughly around age 8. He's dressed in rather fine clothing.
[Roll insight, DC 8 to read:]
The boy appears to be a servant based on the clothing he's wearing. The fine details and fabrics have you believe that he is a servant to someone who is rather wealthy.
He takes one look at the lot of you and you see his eyes grow wide in shock. "How'd you get down here?,"he asks with as much wonder as surprise. The boy speaks in common but there is something foreign about his dialect.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jonathan looks over to where the tiefling lad has arrived. Ah, someone who might help, he thinks. Let us get him to direct us as to where we are and what is going on.
"Yes, you there, boy." Jonathan puts on his best authoritative tone. "Indeed, it is a perplexing matter. That is not important to you right now, we are unsure ourselves. Pray tell, where are we? Perhaps we can gain an audience with your master, or mistress, whichever you have."
He may be a noble, but it doesn't make him a socialite.
Jonathan's words come out a mess as the voice in his head fundamentally jams up what he'd been trying to say. However, the boy looks over Jonathan with a bit of understanding. "You're in Thousand Steps," the boy says very confused. "His Grace is preparing for lunch. If you'll let me pass to fetch the wine, I can take you to him so long as mother approves."
History Check: DC 10
Thousand steps is one of several larger castles along the Glimmer Sea. It most likely started out as a small fishing village and grown in size exponentially. The rulers of these castles are Dukes in title and report to a King that governs the entirety of the northern region along the coast.
On an 18 or higher:
Duke Raemon Aoili is the ruler of the castle as well as responsible for several small towns that have grown near the castle proper. He's a half elf and has been known as one of the more understanding and caring of the Lords as he is often doing what he can to make the lives of his subjects better. This is in contrast to some of the lesser Dukes that seem to reign solely for power and wealth. He's been known to take in refugees and offered them work as servants in his castle. This often improves their quality of life magnitudes though the work is often hard and labor intensive.
The castle itself is setup in tiers as it cascades down the cliff face toward the Glimmering Sea. The steps are separated by large platforms that are often used for hosting events or quietly sneaking away in the night to enjoy the view and solitude. At the highest tier is the royal living spaces and where the Duke meets with his advisers and subjects. As you descend in levels the class levels descend in similar fashion until the very bottom which is made up mostly of the teams of fisherman that disembark from a large wharf that's been built to accommodate the workers.
[Jonathan: ooc :
It would definitely work here.
Thanks to your noble birth, people are inclined to think the best of you. You are welcome in high society, and people assume you have the right to be wherever you are. The common folk make every effort to accommodate you and avoid your displeasure, and other people of high birth treat you as a member of the same social sphere. You can secure an audience with a local noble if you need to.]
The boy's posture indicates that he doesn't see you lot as a threat. He seems more fascinated than scared. The response may have been different from someone a bit wiser with age seeing the dirt lot of you caked in clay and armed to the teeth.
The small tiefling moves pass you all and into the chamber you just vacated. He soon reappears carring several bottles of wine with labels showing a small red horn on them not too different what the boys would look like in several years time. "Right this way,"he says with a gesture to follow. He leads you up the stairs and passes several closed doors along the enclosed staircase that is only lit by the light shining through small openings in the stone work. After a few stories you finally reach a large wooden door that sits partially open. He shoulders through the door revealing a large room that is clearly a kitchen based on the various pots and pans hanging from a suspended rack. A small fire crackles under a pot as steam rises from the water. The fire does not seem natural and is in fact a magical spell. Laying on the counter are several large fish that look fresh from the water.
Moving quickly between different prep stations, a young teefling woman tends to the meal. She looks to be just old enough to be the young lad's mother and she's wearing similar clothing that you soon realize to be servant's clothes. When she hears the door open, she says, "Serve the wine and then bring his Grace and his Guest a bowl of soup." The boy moves to the woman and says, "Mother, there were guests in the cellar. They want to talk to his Grace."
The tiefling woman turns to your group with frustration in her eyes."What in..."She grabs a small wand that was sitting on the counter. "You're absolutely filthy! Did you track that all the way up here from the cellar?"A quick flick of her wrist quickly banishes the dirt and debris that managed to cling to your clothes. She moves down the group cleaning each of you as she goes. "Tyler, best you go and serve them quickly. I will need your help with getting this served in an orderly fashion. Then, tell Harold there are guests seeking an audience. The news should come from him."
She seems more displeased with the disruption than anything as she says to the group, "It will only be a moment. Is his Grace expecting you?"Her tone seems as though she already knows the answer to the question.
You would realize that the sounds of the floor above you earlier most certainly came from the floors you passed on the way up to this floor. After seeing the woman, you assume that this portion of the castle is most likely dedicated to the servants that work here. You do notice that the tiefling's hooves are covered in a similar style cloth boot that keeps their steps quiet and unobtrusive. This contrasts with some in the party who have heavier armored boots that give off that familiar metal ping against the stone.
You all notice that the mother's dialect seems to be more foreign than the boy's. He has most likely been raised here around the coast his whole life while she most certainly came from elsewhere.
Falaine clears her throat, "No, his Grace is not expecting us, in fact, we came here under some extraneous circumstances. Who is his Grace and it's there anything we need know in order to not offend him?"
Falaine will begin tying a cord around the hilt of her scimitar and unstringing her bow. Peacebonding the weapons in order to show signs of good faith. (And because at this point she doesn't really need them... Teehee.)
The woman continues preparing the meal and has the fish filleted about as quickly as it could possibly be done. She batters it and prepares it in some oil. You see her scoop out a strand of noodles from the pot and test it seeming rather pleased in its progress. She sprinkles an assortment of seasonings into the pot to let the flavors enrich into the pasta while it is under heat.
"Duke Raemon Aoili, second of his name, Duke of Thousand Steps, Defender of the North, Master of the Broken, and humble Vassal of the King. I'm sure there are other titles bestowed on him, but he doesn't seem too concerned with them." When Falaine mentions things to avoid saying, the woman nods with understanding and says, "Don't speak ill of any races or the Northern Settlements. The last Baron to do so lost his title before he left the room. Best to not lie in his Grace's presence. He was a way of sniffing out deceit and doesn't keep a dungeon.[You get the sense that his judgement is rather swift] ." She thinks for a moment and looks over the group. "Not much else will bother him. Just be civil and don't be threatening. The guards won't give you much trouble for your weapons. Just know that you'll be dead before you hurt the Duke. I can promise that."
The boy returns and grabs several bowls made of bread filled with a hot soup that smelled of onion. He's gone rather quickly doing his best to keep the contents inside of the bowls. Shortly after, a very tall and thin tabaxi enters the room. He's dressed in similar clothes to the tieflings denoting him as a servant. Around his neck is what most would see as a collar but is actually a necklace with gems. He looks over the group with a very keen catlike eye taking note of any exposed weapons as well as anything seemingly magical. "How did you enter this castle?,"The tabaxi asks. The tone is stern but has a great sense of care in his voice that contrasts with the sharp eyes. "It is important that I know of any possible breaches in our security."
The woman looks to Paren with a soft smile as she tries to understand how someone could wind up where they are without knowing how they got there. "This is Thousand Steps. One of the largest castles and castle towns to bear witness to the Glimmering Sea." She tries to see if that answers the question based on your expression. "Part of the Highlands in Northern Koresica."
((Here is the Map again for those wanting a very crudely drawn map: LINK))
The tabaxi thinks for a moment causing the soft rumble of a purr. "Odd. Magic of that nature generally requires there to be similar circle on the receiving end. I'm unaware of any such place within these walls with the exception of the trading circle. I will have it investigated. I assume I just tell the wizards to follow the footprints." He seems similarly agitated regarding the clay that had been tracked through. "His Grace is dining with a guest currently. I apologize that he is not able to see you at this moment, but I can escort you to the grand hall where he can receive you afterwards. Will that suffice?," he asks patiently.
Paren nods. "That's more than fine. It was not our intention to be here so we shall endeavour not to disrupt things too much... Is there any place where we can have a look at the sea? I've never seen one before."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
During the tieflings explanation, Tanni finally puts her warhammer back to her belt. After the tabaxis offer, she speaks up. "Knowing Raemon's reputation, we can count ourselves lucky. I've heard he's a decent fellow." She then waves her hand at the tabaxi "Sure, lead the way." She then glares momentarily at the tabaxi and continues, "And tell whoever it is to keep out from my head. Even if it's some policy of the Duke, I don't take kindly for that sort of thing."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Wow, this moved on quickly in the past couple of hours)
Jonathan, realising how much clay is caked over him, immediately doffs the cloak, hoping it covered most of the appearance. "A thousand pardons for bringing in such a mess into his grace's estate. It would be very improper of us to meet under such a disgraceful appearance and unannounced." He comments, bundling the cloak to put away. Hopefully if he can get the duke's favour, he might be able to get the cloak cleaned; he rather likes that colour.
The pattering of feet seem to be moving back and forth. You are all aware that the sound is not the distinct metal against stone sound of a guard boot. Locked in though in the stairwell. You accept that you're in some place new. That isn't the most disorienting thing as several of you are hearing voices in your head for the fist time. It almost feels like your consciousness is talking but with a voice that is not your own.
You all hear, “Voices. Not in my head. Can’t hear the gods".
Then, the sound of a heavy door creaking open can be heard around the bed bending staircase. "Something sweet from the north," the female voice says in a very posh tone. "I will pair it with the grouper and pasta. Hurry now. You know master doesn't like to wait on his food." A second voice sounds offers a soft, "yes, mam," in response. Then the sounds of soft padded foot falls begin down the stairs in your direction. Turning around the corner, you see a very young tiefling boy roughly around age 8. He's dressed in rather fine clothing.
[Roll insight, DC 8 to read:]
The boy appears to be a servant based on the clothing he's wearing. The fine details and fabrics have you believe that he is a servant to someone who is rather wealthy.
He takes one look at the lot of you and you see his eyes grow wide in shock. "How'd you get down here?," he asks with as much wonder as surprise. The boy speaks in common but there is something foreign about his dialect.
Jonathan looks over to where the tiefling lad has arrived. Ah, someone who might help, he thinks. Let us get him to direct us as to where we are and what is going on.
"Yes, you there, boy." Jonathan puts on his best authoritative tone. "Indeed, it is a perplexing matter. That is not important to you right now, we are unsure ourselves. Pray tell, where are we? Perhaps we can gain an audience with your master, or mistress, whichever you have."
He may be a noble, but it doesn't make him a socialite.
Persuasion: 4
(Called it!)
Jonathan's words come out a mess as the voice in his head fundamentally jams up what he'd been trying to say. However, the boy looks over Jonathan with a bit of understanding. "You're in Thousand Steps," the boy says very confused. "His Grace is preparing for lunch. If you'll let me pass to fetch the wine, I can take you to him so long as mother approves."
History Check: DC 10
Thousand steps is one of several larger castles along the Glimmer Sea. It most likely started out as a small fishing village and grown in size exponentially. The rulers of these castles are Dukes in title and report to a King that governs the entirety of the northern region along the coast.
On an 18 or higher:
Duke Raemon Aoili is the ruler of the castle as well as responsible for several small towns that have grown near the castle proper. He's a half elf and has been known as one of the more understanding and caring of the Lords as he is often doing what he can to make the lives of his subjects better. This is in contrast to some of the lesser Dukes that seem to reign solely for power and wealth. He's been known to take in refugees and offered them work as servants in his castle. This often improves their quality of life magnitudes though the work is often hard and labor intensive.
The castle itself is setup in tiers as it cascades down the cliff face toward the Glimmering Sea. The steps are separated by large platforms that are often used for hosting events or quietly sneaking away in the night to enjoy the view and solitude. At the highest tier is the royal living spaces and where the Duke meets with his advisers and subjects. As you descend in levels the class levels descend in similar fashion until the very bottom which is made up mostly of the teams of fisherman that disembark from a large wharf that's been built to accommodate the workers.
[Jonathan: ooc :
It would definitely work here.
Thanks to your noble birth, people are inclined to think the best of you. You are welcome in high society, and people assume you have the right to be wherever you are. The common folk make every effort to accommodate you and avoid your displeasure, and other people of high birth treat you as a member of the same social sphere. You can secure an audience with a local noble if you need to.]
History: 9
(OOC: That seems about right)
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Falaine insight 4
Falaine history: 21
Falaine immediately upon hearing the boy's approach will transform into her common elvish persona.
Tanni still clenches her warhammer in hand, but relaxes a bit when she sees just a young brat.
Insight check: 10
History check: 20
The boy's posture indicates that he doesn't see you lot as a threat. He seems more fascinated than scared. The response may have been different from someone a bit wiser with age seeing the dirt lot of you caked in clay and armed to the teeth.
The small tiefling moves pass you all and into the chamber you just vacated. He soon reappears carring several bottles of wine with labels showing a small red horn on them not too different what the boys would look like in several years time. "Right this way," he says with a gesture to follow. He leads you up the stairs and passes several closed doors along the enclosed staircase that is only lit by the light shining through small openings in the stone work. After a few stories you finally reach a large wooden door that sits partially open. He shoulders through the door revealing a large room that is clearly a kitchen based on the various pots and pans hanging from a suspended rack. A small fire crackles under a pot as steam rises from the water. The fire does not seem natural and is in fact a magical spell. Laying on the counter are several large fish that look fresh from the water.
Moving quickly between different prep stations, a young teefling woman tends to the meal. She looks to be just old enough to be the young lad's mother and she's wearing similar clothing that you soon realize to be servant's clothes. When she hears the door open, she says, "Serve the wine and then bring his Grace and his Guest a bowl of soup." The boy moves to the woman and says, "Mother, there were guests in the cellar. They want to talk to his Grace."
The tiefling woman turns to your group with frustration in her eyes. "What in..." She grabs a small wand that was sitting on the counter. "You're absolutely filthy! Did you track that all the way up here from the cellar?" A quick flick of her wrist quickly banishes the dirt and debris that managed to cling to your clothes. She moves down the group cleaning each of you as she goes. "Tyler, best you go and serve them quickly. I will need your help with getting this served in an orderly fashion. Then, tell Harold there are guests seeking an audience. The news should come from him."
She seems more displeased with the disruption than anything as she says to the group, "It will only be a moment. Is his Grace expecting you?" Her tone seems as though she already knows the answer to the question.
You would realize that the sounds of the floor above you earlier most certainly came from the floors you passed on the way up to this floor. After seeing the woman, you assume that this portion of the castle is most likely dedicated to the servants that work here. You do notice that the tiefling's hooves are covered in a similar style cloth boot that keeps their steps quiet and unobtrusive. This contrasts with some in the party who have heavier armored boots that give off that familiar metal ping against the stone.
You all notice that the mother's dialect seems to be more foreign than the boy's. He has most likely been raised here around the coast his whole life while she most certainly came from elsewhere.
Falaine clears her throat, "No, his Grace is not expecting us, in fact, we came here under some extraneous circumstances. Who is his Grace and it's there anything we need know in order to not offend him?"
Falaine will begin tying a cord around the hilt of her scimitar and unstringing her bow. Peacebonding the weapons in order to show signs of good faith. (And because at this point she doesn't really need them... Teehee.)
Paren is still looking down at the lack of dirt now on him, this is the cleanest he's been in years. "Also, where are we?"
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The woman continues preparing the meal and has the fish filleted about as quickly as it could possibly be done. She batters it and prepares it in some oil. You see her scoop out a strand of noodles from the pot and test it seeming rather pleased in its progress. She sprinkles an assortment of seasonings into the pot to let the flavors enrich into the pasta while it is under heat.
"Duke Raemon Aoili, second of his name, Duke of Thousand Steps, Defender of the North, Master of the Broken, and humble Vassal of the King. I'm sure there are other titles bestowed on him, but he doesn't seem too concerned with them." When Falaine mentions things to avoid saying, the woman nods with understanding and says, "Don't speak ill of any races or the Northern Settlements. The last Baron to do so lost his title before he left the room. Best to not lie in his Grace's presence. He was a way of sniffing out deceit and doesn't keep a dungeon. [You get the sense that his judgement is rather swift] ." She thinks for a moment and looks over the group. "Not much else will bother him. Just be civil and don't be threatening. The guards won't give you much trouble for your weapons. Just know that you'll be dead before you hurt the Duke. I can promise that."
The boy returns and grabs several bowls made of bread filled with a hot soup that smelled of onion. He's gone rather quickly doing his best to keep the contents inside of the bowls. Shortly after, a very tall and thin tabaxi enters the room. He's dressed in similar clothes to the tieflings denoting him as a servant. Around his neck is what most would see as a collar but is actually a necklace with gems. He looks over the group with a very keen catlike eye taking note of any exposed weapons as well as anything seemingly magical. "How did you enter this castle?," The tabaxi asks. The tone is stern but has a great sense of care in his voice that contrasts with the sharp eyes. "It is important that I know of any possible breaches in our security."
The woman looks to Paren with a soft smile as she tries to understand how someone could wind up where they are without knowing how they got there. "This is Thousand Steps. One of the largest castles and castle towns to bear witness to the Glimmering Sea." She tries to see if that answers the question based on your expression. "Part of the Highlands in Northern Koresica."
((Here is the Map again for those wanting a very crudely drawn map: LINK))
You all feel a moment of clarity and you sense the recent voice that had been in your head is now gone.
Falaine will speak up again. "We were investigating a site near Holden heights when we stumbled upon an arcane circle that deposited us here."
The tabaxi thinks for a moment causing the soft rumble of a purr. "Odd. Magic of that nature generally requires there to be similar circle on the receiving end. I'm unaware of any such place within these walls with the exception of the trading circle. I will have it investigated. I assume I just tell the wizards to follow the footprints." He seems similarly agitated regarding the clay that had been tracked through. "His Grace is dining with a guest currently. I apologize that he is not able to see you at this moment, but I can escort you to the grand hall where he can receive you afterwards. Will that suffice?," he asks patiently.
Paren nods. "That's more than fine. It was not our intention to be here so we shall endeavour not to disrupt things too much... Is there any place where we can have a look at the sea? I've never seen one before."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
During the tieflings explanation, Tanni finally puts her warhammer back to her belt. After the tabaxis offer, she speaks up. "Knowing Raemon's reputation, we can count ourselves lucky. I've heard he's a decent fellow." She then waves her hand at the tabaxi "Sure, lead the way." She then glares momentarily at the tabaxi and continues, "And tell whoever it is to keep out from my head. Even if it's some policy of the Duke, I don't take kindly for that sort of thing."
(Wow, this moved on quickly in the past couple of hours)
Jonathan, realising how much clay is caked over him, immediately doffs the cloak, hoping it covered most of the appearance. "A thousand pardons for bringing in such a mess into his grace's estate. It would be very improper of us to meet under such a disgraceful appearance and unannounced." He comments, bundling the cloak to put away. Hopefully if he can get the duke's favour, he might be able to get the cloak cleaned; he rather likes that colour.
Prior History & Insight checks: 7 / 7