When it is prudent to do so, Genesh will also add, "and why is it that you think the guardsmen have arrested and detained you? Do you feel that the guardsmen are not treating fairly to detain you without just cause or evidence? Why would they do this, is there bad blood or any ill-will?"
Over the next 15 minutes, the entire town comes to party with Olwer.
At first The construction workers came over on a break. Then the Guard Captain walked outside. The Banker and woman with the Banker stumbled out with some water for the construction workers. The tailor bummed some of the water and Alchemist brought some mushrooms. Everyone declines to take them except her, and she begins to clap in dance in a bit of circle around Owler, enhancing in harmonious synchrony.
They all very much enjoy it, and join the circle, clapping to the tune of his voice and the beat of her feet. They begin throwing various things at him of differing value as a dance picks up in speed and they all cheer and laugh.
Meanwhile, In the Guard Post...
(8:35)
Elisha & Irenia listen to Genesh ask the Woman about her situation. She is apprehensive, but in the moment of doubt she turns to see Irenia's honest intentions.
She relents, turns around and gives her account of what happened.
First, she has no idea what happened after Chris left the house that night. Catherine suggests that he may have left after she admitted her affair with John.
The truth about the argument, however, began as a result of a public confrontation much earlier that day. Chris was drinking heavily while wandering about the woods during the week and several of the towns folk had come to her about him trying to sell: squirrels, rabbits, and, even a rather old badger that had been shot with an arrow nearly half the size of the body. When such damage is done, the pelt is worthless, and extremely difficult to remove for cooking, and thus is only marketed as bait for animal traps-something extremely inexpensive and common. Thus she decided to walk into that afternoon town and confront him. Luckily for him, John payed for the butchered meat, and Chris was able to get insultingly drunk off free beer. And then She walked up and asked him if he intended to go fishing with a broadsword as his next venture and he ran off to the house in embarrassment.
They argued about his ability to do anything competently. She was frustrated that he couldn't just settle into a single skill or purpose, and that even when he attempted to do so he always had to try the most extreme efforts on the smallest goals. He began to grow indigent, explaining that other people believe different, that he a "Chris of All Trades" and she bemoaned at having to hear this. Fed up, she told him that she planned to leave, and he wasn't coming with her. She told him of her affair with John, and how happy she was to finally feel like someone was listening to her concerns. Unfortunately, he also wanted to solve all her concerns, and she wasn't really all that interested in owing anyone. He added it all up to "well I guess I'm just a loser then!" and stormed off.
She steadily packed all her things and planned to leave the next morning. When she noticed Chris hadn't come back even after the rain stopped (3AM), she went to the inn and found him slobbering on the floor at the other side of town as the inn burned. She took him up and tried to drag him home but was stopped on her way back.
She takes a pause.
At that point, her and Chris were attacked, bagged, and kidnapped. They'd been separated, and place in a dark place where no light entered. She ate, slept, and spoke with interrogators for long periods of time by candle light. They remained masked and covered well, but spoke her language perfectly with no accent. The interrogations were about the mass killings of small animal and at some point this morning they let her go. They explained they were going to need Chris for awhile, and that she should make good on her intents to leave this town and never return.
She ran into town immediately to confront the Guard, who claim she may have had a part in the fire, simply guilty by association with Chris.
She bows her head, having had a long, long few days. She did not have the strength to argue with the guards, who would have sent her up the river anyway where she would have been set free. Maybe she wouldn't have anything in her house but so what. she'd be free.
Bowing at the end of the performance, they all return to shops a bit happier, the construction workers moving quicker, and the guard captain a little less sour.
Genesh took everything in and then asked, "were aware of the innkeeper's business with the wood elves, what it was that he was doing for them that they would reimburse him with large precious stones? How might he have become so friendly with them to win their trust since they are not overly welcoming to non-Elves? Could those that held you prisoner had been wood elves? And are you aware that the innkeeper has fled the town with those stones towards the river, do know where exactly he taking them and why, is it the plan for you to eventually met up with him, and join him? Also if I may ask, did Chris ever mention to you running across a strange creature during his expeditions into the woods?"
Lastly, the tortle looked at the woman, "I am sorry for that you have been through, is there something perhaps that I can do for you? Is there something from your home that I can bring to you here that would make your stay more comfortable? From what you've said, I have no doubt the guards cannot hold you forever and will release you."
Earlier: Olwer graciously bows and thanks his audience, of course.
After the performance: Once the people have left, the bard gathers the objects of value they threw to him and places these in a sack.
He then strolls to the Alchemist's shop. If her finds her within,
he compliments her on her lively dancing and tries to strike up a friendly conservation. He won't ask any questions about crime or scandal, but instead mixes small talk with questions about her work in the shop and in the woods. If she knows much of the history and lore of the area, he's all ears for that. And he looks at her wares.
Inreia and Eisha believe Catherine is telling the truth.
Catherine responds briefly to Genesh that the Elves are always watching. They see who is a friend of nature and who is a menace to it. She explains that if John had Gems of that size, then it would only be obvious he'd want to take them to the Elves as they can exchange it for currency he can store in the harbor. The size is something of a wealth status symbol, but there is nothing nefarious about having such. She explains that the jeweler probably also has a large collection of such big gems.
She is saddened by the discussion as it means John likely intends to setup shop elsewhere in town. Even if the tavern is rebuilt, he can always hire another innkeeper but overall that means one less investor in the human settlement.
She also completely ignores the “strange creature” question. She heard you, and she isn't really dodging the question but its almost a joke to her that you would suggest it in the situation. She kind of just laughs and asks if you can bring her some Tea from the house or anywhere really. She's had a long couple of days.
Olwer's bounty:
-5 gold worth of various coins -a small white crystal -several flowers of varying types
The Alchemist is quiet pleased with Olwer's ability to perform, and openly converses with him about why she moved to the area...
Agatha moved here as apart of a clerical society expedition. She was among the first of the Human clerics to come to this land, and spent many years at the harbor trying to gain access to more of it. When the elves finally broke down and began allowing such expeditions, she immediately sought of the gods of this new world. The elves introduced her to trees, shrubs, herbs, and how she got started with being an alchemist. Eventually, however, her insistence that a physical god must be about gave way to another discovery about this land.
She once again closes the door, locks it, and pulls shade covers down. She beckons you into the basement. From the stairs, you can see its just a normal room, with a box in the middle and a faint florescent blue glow coming from it. “Don't worry I moved my bedroom back upstairs, this is now “the farm” once again.” A step down, and you can see that the box is filled with soil, and row upon row of small, but sturdy, softly purple colored mushrooms. Curiosity getting the better of you, you crawl up to the box, and she tells you to look at them very closely.
They're dancing. Slowly wiggling back and forth under the light of this blue glowing stone Agatha has suspended over the box. She grabs a device that looks like a fireplace bellow, and pulls from the air around it, squeeze the bellows back into another separate container.
“The dust they give off is hallucinogenic, with strong feelings of euphoria. As an Alchemist, they are very intriguing for pain relief and other medicinal properties. As a young cleric looking for a spiritual experience...” She laughs explaining that she believed she saw god in the mushroom haze, and spent years trying to be a druid. Once the order of Clerics she belonged too found out, she was booted from the position, and having never really lived in the forest, she never quiet adjusted to Druid life. Eventually, she settled here when it was announced the town was looking for humans who knew how to treat disease, and she was actually quiet a skilled alchemist.
Olwer stares for nearly a full minute, smiling as he observes the fungi dancing in the blue light.
He stands up straight. Looking at the container into which Agatha has placed the dust-laden air, he remarks, "The dust...it must be quite an experience."
He chats on about the woods and local history a bit and soon brings things back to the local elves.
"I would like to meet with some of them, if it's possible. Probably some of my companions, too... What would be the best way to go about that, Mistress Agatha?"
Elisha will ask Catherine: "Where did your captors turn you loose from? Any directions to where we can at least have a starting point to try and track them would be extremely useful."
Catherine states that she was let out on the South side of town in between the cobblestone path and the way to her house, the same place they abducted her. She said it felt as if they came from the East, but she was jumbled about in a bag and disoriented for 90% of the travel.
She does note that it didn't appear to take longer than about an hour to get to the place they were being held, even while carrying people in bags.
On the other side of the lantern post, in the alchemist shop, Agatha informs Olwer that they like to trade in precious stones. You get in contact with them by walking through the woods at Night, they'll find you.
Speaking for himself Genesh was finished with his questions. Before the tortle left, he looked at Catherine and reached into his pouch and pulled out a total of 5 Gold Piecesand placed them into her hand as he spoke politely, "thank you for answering our questions... please accept this as reimbursement for myself and my four companions for spending the night in your home without your permission. I do apologize, we had assumed that it was abandoned but I would feel better offering you both an apology and some sort of recompense. I wish I could offer more but I am but a humble tortle and at the moment that is all I can afford. Tonight I shall seek refuge elsewhere. Again, if you have need of anything at all, please ask for Genesh and I will endeavor to do what I can."
If Catherine has nothing else to say, Genesh will offer her a respectful bow and turn to leave the guard post to go outside to consider his options...
Note: FYI, the 5 GP above has been deducted from Genesh's character sheet.
Catherine states that she was let out on the South side of town in between the cobblestone path and the way to her house, the same place they abducted her. She said it felt as if they came from the East, but she was jumbled about in a bag and disoriented for 90% of the travel.
She does note that it didn't appear to take longer than about an hour to get to the place they were being held, even while carrying people in bags.
On the other side of the lantern post, in the alchemist shop, Agatha informs Olwer that they like to trade in precious stones. You get in contact with them by walking through the woods at Night, they'll find you.
Olwer thanks Agatha.
He will go to rejoin the group, but make a stop along the way to see the banker/jeweler, if the man is available.
He's curious as to the value, if any, of the white crystalline stone he was tossed by the music-lovers.
Catherine graciously accepts the gratitude and shouts out to you that there is no need for you to stay elsewhere. She has no intentions of returning to that place.
She mentions to those around that she merely wanted to ensure Chris didn't hurt himself on the way back before she was going to leave anyway. This place has nothing for her.
Walking up to the shop, you can hear the banker and the woman with him are discussing something you couldn't quiet make out. Perhaps it was another language, and it ceases when you creak open the door. The banker turns to address you as a friend and the woman walks into the back room after giving a pleasant wave to you and then a very business-like nod to the banker, which he acknowledged with a knowing smile.
The crystal is a common form of currency among the elves. You can split it down to its smallest fraction (the size of your palm, the one you currently possess) by leaving it out in the sun. When you do, It will divide itself down to that size, and then stop. Leaving them together for more than a moment will fuse them back till about the size of a small boulder, knee height and about a foot wide. They do not have a "going rate" that can be transferred to gold, its really at the discretion of the individual buying or selling them. Its value comes in the ability to trade with elves, who will not do business with gold except to buy back crystals.
For example, In the Harbor, a gem that small is worthless. Its simply not worth the effort to find enough of them to pool together for a boulder you could then take up river.
In this town, a gem that small is somewhat precious, as it could open a friendly dialog between the neighboring elves, who control local resources.
In the elf village, a gem that small could buy you a whole lot depending on who you are trading with. An elf smith who hasn't sold anything in awhile may sell you a fine elven dagger, made long ago but has never sold, for a fraction of its value.
Genesh pauses for a moment and turns back to Catherine, "thank you, that is most kind of you. I wish you the best of luck."Then the tortle continues outside to wait and consider his next move...
Genesh looked at Irenia and nodded, "yeah, it wouldn't hurt to check it out. For not much caring for other races the Elves around here seem to have a real knack for trading and keeping a close eye on things."
Olwer remains outside while the others question the woman.
He plays his dulcimer to pass the time. If any guards or passers-by make a request, he'll perform a piece of music for them.
24
Elisha will let Genesh do the talking and try to get a feel if she is telling the truth.
Irenia stares at the back of the woman's head. "Can you tell us what happened, from your perspective?"
Persuasion - 16
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
When it is prudent to do so, Genesh will also add, "and why is it that you think the guardsmen have arrested and detained you? Do you feel that the guardsmen are not treating fairly to detain you without just cause or evidence? Why would they do this, is there bad blood or any ill-will?"
(8:35)
Over the next 15 minutes, the entire town comes to party with Olwer.
At first The construction workers came over on a break. Then the Guard Captain walked outside. The Banker and woman with the Banker stumbled out with some water for the construction workers. The tailor bummed some of the water and Alchemist brought some mushrooms. Everyone declines to take them except her, and she begins to clap in dance in a bit of circle around Owler, enhancing in harmonious synchrony.
They all very much enjoy it, and join the circle, clapping to the tune of his voice and the beat of her feet. They begin throwing various things at him of differing value as a dance picks up in speed and they all cheer and laugh.
Meanwhile, In the Guard Post...
(8:35)
Elisha & Irenia listen to Genesh ask the Woman about her situation. She is apprehensive, but in the moment of doubt she turns to see Irenia's honest intentions.
She relents, turns around and gives her account of what happened.
First, she has no idea what happened after Chris left the house that night. Catherine suggests that he may have left after she admitted her affair with John.
The truth about the argument, however, began as a result of a public confrontation much earlier that day. Chris was drinking heavily while wandering about the woods during the week and several of the towns folk had come to her about him trying to sell: squirrels, rabbits, and, even a rather old badger that had been shot with an arrow nearly half the size of the body. When such damage is done, the pelt is worthless, and extremely difficult to remove for cooking, and thus is only marketed as bait for animal traps-something extremely inexpensive and common. Thus she decided to walk into that afternoon town and confront him. Luckily for him, John payed for the butchered meat, and Chris was able to get insultingly drunk off free beer. And then She walked up and asked him if he intended to go fishing with a broadsword as his next venture and he ran off to the house in embarrassment.
They argued about his ability to do anything competently. She was frustrated that he couldn't just settle into a single skill or purpose, and that even when he attempted to do so he always had to try the most extreme efforts on the smallest goals. He began to grow indigent, explaining that other people believe different, that he a "Chris of All Trades" and she bemoaned at having to hear this. Fed up, she told him that she planned to leave, and he wasn't coming with her. She told him of her affair with John, and how happy she was to finally feel like someone was listening to her concerns. Unfortunately, he also wanted to solve all her concerns, and she wasn't really all that interested in owing anyone. He added it all up to "well I guess I'm just a loser then!" and stormed off.
She steadily packed all her things and planned to leave the next morning. When she noticed Chris hadn't come back even after the rain stopped (3AM), she went to the inn and found him slobbering on the floor at the other side of town as the inn burned. She took him up and tried to drag him home but was stopped on her way back.
She takes a pause.
At that point, her and Chris were attacked, bagged, and kidnapped. They'd been separated, and place in a dark place where no light entered. She ate, slept, and spoke with interrogators for long periods of time by candle light. They remained masked and covered well, but spoke her language perfectly with no accent. The interrogations were about the mass killings of small animal and at some point this morning they let her go. They explained they were going to need Chris for awhile, and that she should make good on her intents to leave this town and never return.
She ran into town immediately to confront the Guard, who claim she may have had a part in the fire, simply guilty by association with Chris.
She bows her head, having had a long, long few days. She did not have the strength to argue with the guards, who would have sent her up the river anyway where she would have been set free. Maybe she wouldn't have anything in her house but so what. she'd be free.
Bowing at the end of the performance, they all return to shops a bit happier, the construction workers moving quicker, and the guard captain a little less sour.
Insight check Catherine's story: 4
Genesh took everything in and then asked, "were aware of the innkeeper's business with the wood elves, what it was that he was doing for them that they would reimburse him with large precious stones? How might he have become so friendly with them to win their trust since they are not overly welcoming to non-Elves? Could those that held you prisoner had been wood elves? And are you aware that the innkeeper has fled the town with those stones towards the river, do know where exactly he taking them and why, is it the plan for you to eventually met up with him, and join him? Also if I may ask, did Chris ever mention to you running across a strange creature during his expeditions into the woods?"
Lastly, the tortle looked at the woman, "I am sorry for that you have been through, is there something perhaps that I can do for you? Is there something from your home that I can bring to you here that would make your stay more comfortable? From what you've said, I have no doubt the guards cannot hold you forever and will release you."
Irenia will make an Insight check as well.
18
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Earlier: Olwer graciously bows and thanks his audience, of course.
After the performance: Once the people have left, the bard gathers the objects of value they threw to him and places these in a sack.
He then strolls to the Alchemist's shop. If her finds her within,
he compliments her on her lively dancing and tries to strike up a friendly conservation. He won't ask any questions about crime or scandal, but instead mixes small talk with questions about her work in the shop and in the woods. If she knows much of the history and lore of the area, he's all ears for that. And he looks at her wares.
(8:50)
Inreia and Eisha believe Catherine is telling the truth.
Catherine responds briefly to Genesh that the Elves are always watching. They see who is a friend of nature and who is a menace to it. She explains that if John had Gems of that size, then it would only be obvious he'd want to take them to the Elves as they can exchange it for currency he can store in the harbor. The size is something of a wealth status symbol, but there is nothing nefarious about having such. She explains that the jeweler probably also has a large collection of such big gems.
She is saddened by the discussion as it means John likely intends to setup shop elsewhere in town. Even if the tavern is rebuilt, he can always hire another innkeeper but overall that means one less investor in the human settlement.
She also completely ignores the “strange creature” question. She heard you, and she isn't really dodging the question but its almost a joke to her that you would suggest it in the situation. She kind of just laughs and asks if you can bring her some Tea from the house or anywhere really. She's had a long couple of days.
Olwer's bounty:
-5 gold worth of various coins
-a small white crystal
-several flowers of varying types
The Alchemist is quiet pleased with Olwer's ability to perform, and openly converses with him about why she moved to the area...
Agatha moved here as apart of a clerical society expedition. She was among the first of the Human clerics to come to this land, and spent many years at the harbor trying to gain access to more of it. When the elves finally broke down and began allowing such expeditions, she immediately sought of the gods of this new world. The elves introduced her to trees, shrubs, herbs, and how she got started with being an alchemist. Eventually, however, her insistence that a physical god must be about gave way to another discovery about this land.
She once again closes the door, locks it, and pulls shade covers down. She beckons you into the basement. From the stairs, you can see its just a normal room, with a box in the middle and a faint florescent blue glow coming from it. “Don't worry I moved my bedroom back upstairs, this is now “the farm” once again.” A step down, and you can see that the box is filled with soil, and row upon row of small, but sturdy, softly purple colored mushrooms. Curiosity getting the better of you, you crawl up to the box, and she tells you to look at them very closely.
They're dancing. Slowly wiggling back and forth under the light of this blue glowing stone Agatha has suspended over the box. She grabs a device that looks like a fireplace bellow, and pulls from the air around it, squeeze the bellows back into another separate container.
“The dust they give off is hallucinogenic, with strong feelings of euphoria. As an Alchemist, they are very intriguing for pain relief and other medicinal properties. As a young cleric looking for a spiritual experience...” She laughs explaining that she believed she saw god in the mushroom haze, and spent years trying to be a druid. Once the order of Clerics she belonged too found out, she was booted from the position, and having never really lived in the forest, she never quiet adjusted to Druid life. Eventually, she settled here when it was announced the town was looking for humans who knew how to treat disease, and she was actually quiet a skilled alchemist.
Olwer with Agatha the Alchemist
In the basement
Olwer stares for nearly a full minute, smiling as he observes the fungi dancing in the blue light.
He stands up straight. Looking at the container into which Agatha has placed the dust-laden air, he remarks, "The dust...it must be quite an experience."
He chats on about the woods and local history a bit and soon brings things back to the local elves.
"I would like to meet with some of them, if it's possible. Probably some of my companions, too... What would be the best way to go about that, Mistress Agatha?"
Elisha will ask Catherine: "Where did your captors turn you loose from? Any directions to where we can at least have a starting point to try and track them would be extremely useful."
(9:05)
Catherine states that she was let out on the South side of town in between the cobblestone path and the way to her house, the same place they abducted her. She said it felt as if they came from the East, but she was jumbled about in a bag and disoriented for 90% of the travel.
She does note that it didn't appear to take longer than about an hour to get to the place they were being held, even while carrying people in bags.
On the other side of the lantern post, in the alchemist shop, Agatha informs Olwer that they like to trade in precious stones. You get in contact with them by walking through the woods at Night, they'll find you.
Speaking for himself Genesh was finished with his questions. Before the tortle left, he looked at Catherine and reached into his pouch and pulled out a total of 5 Gold Pieces and placed them into her hand as he spoke politely, "thank you for answering our questions... please accept this as reimbursement for myself and my four companions for spending the night in your home without your permission. I do apologize, we had assumed that it was abandoned but I would feel better offering you both an apology and some sort of recompense. I wish I could offer more but I am but a humble tortle and at the moment that is all I can afford. Tonight I shall seek refuge elsewhere. Again, if you have need of anything at all, please ask for Genesh and I will endeavor to do what I can."
If Catherine has nothing else to say, Genesh will offer her a respectful bow and turn to leave the guard post to go outside to consider his options...
Note: FYI, the 5 GP above has been deducted from Genesh's character sheet.
Olwer thanks Agatha.
He will go to rejoin the group, but make a stop along the way to see the banker/jeweler, if the man is available.
He's curious as to the value, if any, of the white crystalline stone he was tossed by the music-lovers.
(9:15 AM)
Catherine graciously accepts the gratitude and shouts out to you that there is no need for you to stay elsewhere. She has no intentions of returning to that place.
She mentions to those around that she merely wanted to ensure Chris didn't hurt himself on the way back before she was going to leave anyway. This place has nothing for her.
Walking up to the shop, you can hear the banker and the woman with him are discussing something you couldn't quiet make out. Perhaps it was another language, and it ceases when you creak open the door. The banker turns to address you as a friend and the woman walks into the back room after giving a pleasant wave to you and then a very business-like nod to the banker, which he acknowledged with a knowing smile.
The crystal is a common form of currency among the elves. You can split it down to its smallest fraction (the size of your palm, the one you currently possess) by leaving it out in the sun. When you do, It will divide itself down to that size, and then stop. Leaving them together for more than a moment will fuse them back till about the size of a small boulder, knee height and about a foot wide. They do not have a "going rate" that can be transferred to gold, its really at the discretion of the individual buying or selling them. Its value comes in the ability to trade with elves, who will not do business with gold except to buy back crystals.
For example, In the Harbor, a gem that small is worthless. Its simply not worth the effort to find enough of them to pool together for a boulder you could then take up river.
In this town, a gem that small is somewhat precious, as it could open a friendly dialog between the neighboring elves, who control local resources.
In the elf village, a gem that small could buy you a whole lot depending on who you are trading with. An elf smith who hasn't sold anything in awhile may sell you a fine elven dagger, made long ago but has never sold, for a fraction of its value.
Genesh pauses for a moment and turns back to Catherine, "thank you, that is most kind of you. I wish you the best of luck." Then the tortle continues outside to wait and consider his next move...
Irenia will step outside to consider her next move as well. "Should we start from the east?"
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Genesh looked at Irenia and nodded, "yeah, it wouldn't hurt to check it out. For not much caring for other races the Elves around here seem to have a real knack for trading and keeping a close eye on things."
"I agree with East. Surly someone carrying another person would have left some pretty good tracks."