Having run into a dead end at Elixyr's shop, your party spends the rest of the day moseying around the city until the sun begins to fall. After spending some time at the Topaz Hammer, the aide you had met earlier eventually steps through the tavern door. He makes a face upon entering, clearly unaccustomed to being around more common folk. He signals you with a quick wave of his hand, stepping back outside.
After you all move outside to follow, he turns on his heel and begins to lead the way back to the keep, not saying a word. Passing through the gate into the bailey, Velyra would notice a fair bit of activity across the courtyard near the soldiers' quarters, as small groups of soldiers fully armed and armored go from barracks to barracks. Allen - the aide - takes you back into the keep, though instead of going straight after leaving the foyer, takes you down a long hall to the right. He opens to door to a banquet hall - though like much else, it is very barren in terms of decoration. A long grand table dominates the center of the room, with a dark gray cloth trimmed with silver threads hanging over it. You can see that only the far end of the table has been set, clearly only for your group and the Baroness. The Lady herself is nowhere to be seen at the moment, but you can see footmen and a few guards along the walls.
"Take your seats, not the head of the table. I presume you know that much at least." The aide says, standing in the door behind you now. "When the Lady enters, it is customary to stand out of respect. She will arrive shortly." He steps back, closing the door behind him, leaving you alone(besides the footmen and guards) for now.
Before arriving at the keep, Usul takes some time to pack up Muad's saddle and bags into a simple pack for his back, so that he looks more 'pet' than 'mount'. Once they approach the gate he refuses to go in if Muad isn't allowed to join for the night, as they are "Personal guests of the Baroness."He then pops Dib onto Muad, hiding in the bags, and has Muad led into the room where he will be sleeping, trusting that the guard will do so, knowing that Muad may look sweet (and is), but does have a bite to him. Occasionally he'll attempt to pop into Dib to see where they are going, and if he can still connect once they are in the dining room.
Arriving in the dining room, if there is any food set out, Usul doesn't wait, and immediately begins to help himself. If it's simply silverware that has been set out he instead starts looking to see what appears to be the 'shiniest' ;)
Silthras looks around the room admiring the simplicity of the features, while at the same time idly looking for spyholes or other features of interest. When he is done, he takes a seat near the head of the table and tries to compose his thoughts.
(( Just to be clear, he is NOT tapping the walls looking for hollows! He is merely feeling drafts and looking for signs of movement, dust, light, disturbance, noise etc ))
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
There is some unease about letting the dog into the castle itself, but a sharp look from the aide cuts through all opposition from other servants or guards. Muad, with Dib riding along, is lead down a hall opposite your direction, and up several flights of stairs before you're unable to see through the familiar's eyes due to the range.
Food hasn't been set yet, merely shiny silverware, porcelain dinner plates, empty(as of yet) wine glasses, and a line of candlesticks going down the table.
Silthras Perception: 11
Looking around the room, Silthras doesn't notice much of anything that seems to be out of order. There's aren't any spyholes or cracks in the wall for him to see. The eastern wall is taken up largely by a gigantic bay window that reaches towards the ceiling. Outside is an area that looks like it might have been a garden during the spring and summer time, though nothing but resilient grass and evergreen bushes grow there now.
Besides the one you came in, there are two others doors on the western end of the room, one on the south and one on the north wall. Several more minutes go by, and still the Baroness has yet to arrive.
Sylnora takes a seat at a prepared spot furthest from the head of the table. A bit nervously she looks about, taking count of the number of servants and guards in the room. "Was coming here a mistake?" She asks her companions quietly.
In total there are two guards in the room, armed with shortswords but with them sheathed. Three footmen stand with their backs against the wall, still as statues. They each hold a tray with brass pitchers, though none have made a move to fill your glasses.
The uncomfortable silence continues for another ten minutes before the the southwest door bangs open, and Lady Anet strides into the room. In place of the fine robes she wore earlier, she now has on a much more rustic gray tunic, with black tights and leather boots. A long dagger hangs from a belt on her hip, and her hair is pulled up into an unfashionable bun. "Sincere apologies for the wait, unexpected business." She says icily, waving for one of the footmen as she takes a seat at the table. The servant hurries up to the table, now filling the glasses at the table with a dark bitter red wine, starting with the Baroness.
As she takes a long drink from the glass the man scurries off to the northwest door. Setting the glass back on the table she leans back in her chair, massaging her temple as she looks you all over.
"There was a particular topic I'd had in mind for this evening, but that can wait. I know your names, and what you've done here, but nothing else. Where did you all even come from?"
Watching the lady arrive, Usul is surprised by what she's wearing. She looks much more approachable now, he thinks to himself, not nearly as hoity toity. As the wine is poured in front of him he takes a big sip and immediately puckers his lips, still not used to bitter alcohols, but trying to fit in with the older folk around him. He's already done a quick mental inventory of the silvers, though is guessing that everything is carefully accounted for.
He thinks about answering, but instead waits for one of the 'adults' at the table to answer, since she is asking about the group as a whole. He also quickly attempts to pop into Dib to see if he can reach his furry friends.
Velyra takes a small sip of the wine out of courtesy, but leaves it untouched for the rest of their time here. She's surprised by Baroness' dress, wondering if the more active attire had something to do with what she saw on her way in.
The question catches her off guard a bit. After glancing to see if any others would answer first, she shrugs and begins to speak. "Depends on what you mean by that question my Lady. I personally came to this area from the Astrium. I was...Am a researcher working there. I came to look for a research team that had gone missing and got sucked into things. Before that, from ((city to the south)), where it is frankly much warmer."
One of the other footmen comes over to refill the Baroness' already empty wine glass, topping off anyone else who needs it. A small splash of the red liquid falls on the table as she goes to take another drink, and she hurriedly scrubs at it with a napkin before passing it off to the servant. As her attention focuses in on the elvish woman, more servants emerge from the northwest door, bringing with them bowls of a thick pottage(think a stew-like dish with boiled grain and vegetables) and small plates of bread.
Lady Anet lets out a short laugh, "a harsh situation for a scholar to find herself in. The cold here isn't something one can get used to. You're either born to it or you aren't."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After finishing an experimental bite of the food, Kal waits for an opening to take his turn. "I'm from around here, though I don't normally spend so much time in the cities." He casts a self-conscious glance at the guards in the room, still feeling like something is off. "Was the business you had to attend something we should be worried about?" He asks, watching her reaction carefully.
Turning a critical eye towards the knight, taking note of the strangeness of his appearance - the almost translucent skin, cold eyes, and white streaks in his hair despite his relatively young age. "You're from that order. The Frozen Rose." She smirks, giving a slight nod. "When we were kids in the capital we used to tell stories about your kind. Like you were boogeymen."
There is an immediate steeliness in her eyes as you ask your question. "No. It was a small matter." It's hard to hear, but there's a definite higher-pitched strain to her voice as she says the words. You know she's lying.
Usul looks up at the talk of Kal being like a boogieman and stops chewing for a half second before shrugging as they continue talking. He then adds, his mouth still full of food, "w'r frm s'na'tai."Then with a big swallow adds, "but the others are upstairs. Anyway. We came to help since Mr. Kwiz couldn't. He's a busy guy after all."Taking another bite of food he adds, "This is really good! got more of that sauce? Ah... So is the town safe from zombies now? They're pretty scary. But these guys,"gesturing around him, "are really strong."Then remarking on her clothing asks with a big grin, "Are ya headed out on an adventure tonight? Can we come?"
He also quickly attempts to pop into Dib to see if he can reach his furry friends.
(I am so bad about missing some of your things)
Similar to when you were checking before, you find that you can't quite look through Dib's eyes. Based on the direction you saw them going, and all the stairs you saw them climb, you surmise that they're on the opposite end of the keep, and up several floors.
Lady Anet's eyes narrow for a moment on the small gnome, tilting her head to the side for a moment. "Sonatide? A native then.." She says, taking his rather poor table manners in stride, opposite the horrified looks of the servants. At his request, she twitches a finger at a servant to fulfill it. "The threat seems to have passed thanks to your efforts. We're still being cautious of course...But scouts report that the undead have scattered to the countryside."
His next question gives her pause, as she looks down at her own dress. "Unfortunately I don't leave the keep much these days. Such clothes are simply more comfortable to me." She leans forward, resting her chin in her hand. "An old preference from the wilder days of my youth."
Next her eyes turn towards the silver haired half-elf. With a shrug, she nods. "It's not typical to see your people anywhere else in the empire, least of all this far north. It must have been quite the calling to make you leave."
Servants begin to bring out the second course of the meal, a platter of different meats - venison, boar, and some type of salmon. They begin laying out new plates and napkins, picking up old ones to make room. Between Kal and Sylnora, a servant lays down a table napkin that hangs off the side of the table. You notice that it has red stains, as if from the wine that the Baroness had spilled earlier. There is a bit of scrawling on the piece that hangs off the table towards you.
'Never know when being watched. Divining magics.'
As the servants finish laying out the course and retreat, Lady Anet briefly glances at the napkin, then up to the pair sitting in front of it.
"I hope you find the meal good enough, it's not our best. The poor cooks have been run out of most of their spices. Let me know if there's anything wrong with it."
Kal spends as little time as possible looking at the note drawn into the napkin, only briefly looking back up at the Baroness. He pulls at his collar, taking a few deep breaths and placing a hand on the table as if to steady himself. "Forgive me my Lady but I'm having a bit of a dizzying spell. Would you allow me to step outside for some fresh air for a moment?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kal deception: 12
Lady Anet's eyebrows raise ever so slightly, and she jerks her head towards the northwestern door. "Through the kitchen." One of the footmen waiting on the wall takes the lead as you stand from your chair; he leads you through the doorway into the kitchen, which is abuzz with activity as cooks hurry to put finishing touches on the desserts planned for later. There is another door on the north end of this room, the servant opens it and lets you walk outside, closing it behind you.
You arrive in what looks to be a small garden, containing vegetables, spices, and herbs used for cooking. Save for the bugs, it looks like you're the only one out here.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kal takes a few minutes, and then when he's sure no one is watching, casts See Invisibility. He takes a quick look around to make sure there's nothing watching him personally, and then heads back inside. On his way through the kitchen he takes a few quick glances around before heading back through. Re-entering the dining hall, he looks over the entire room as he returns to his seat.
"I feel much better now Lady, thank you." He says, taking his seat and beginning to dig back into the meal.
Perception: 18
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(MoOoving right along ;) )
Having run into a dead end at Elixyr's shop, your party spends the rest of the day moseying around the city until the sun begins to fall. After spending some time at the Topaz Hammer, the aide you had met earlier eventually steps through the tavern door. He makes a face upon entering, clearly unaccustomed to being around more common folk. He signals you with a quick wave of his hand, stepping back outside.
After you all move outside to follow, he turns on his heel and begins to lead the way back to the keep, not saying a word. Passing through the gate into the bailey, Velyra would notice a fair bit of activity across the courtyard near the soldiers' quarters, as small groups of soldiers fully armed and armored go from barracks to barracks. Allen - the aide - takes you back into the keep, though instead of going straight after leaving the foyer, takes you down a long hall to the right. He opens to door to a banquet hall - though like much else, it is very barren in terms of decoration. A long grand table dominates the center of the room, with a dark gray cloth trimmed with silver threads hanging over it. You can see that only the far end of the table has been set, clearly only for your group and the Baroness. The Lady herself is nowhere to be seen at the moment, but you can see footmen and a few guards along the walls.
"Take your seats, not the head of the table. I presume you know that much at least." The aide says, standing in the door behind you now. "When the Lady enters, it is customary to stand out of respect. She will arrive shortly." He steps back, closing the door behind him, leaving you alone(besides the footmen and guards) for now.
Before arriving at the keep, Usul takes some time to pack up Muad's saddle and bags into a simple pack for his back, so that he looks more 'pet' than 'mount'. Once they approach the gate he refuses to go in if Muad isn't allowed to join for the night, as they are "Personal guests of the Baroness." He then pops Dib onto Muad, hiding in the bags, and has Muad led into the room where he will be sleeping, trusting that the guard will do so, knowing that Muad may look sweet (and is), but does have a bite to him. Occasionally he'll attempt to pop into Dib to see where they are going, and if he can still connect once they are in the dining room.
Arriving in the dining room, if there is any food set out, Usul doesn't wait, and immediately begins to help himself. If it's simply silverware that has been set out he instead starts looking to see what appears to be the 'shiniest' ;)
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Silthras looks around the room admiring the simplicity of the features, while at the same time idly looking for spyholes or other features of interest. When he is done, he takes a seat near the head of the table and tries to compose his thoughts.
(( Just to be clear, he is NOT tapping the walls looking for hollows! He is merely feeling drafts and looking for signs of movement, dust, light, disturbance, noise etc ))
There is some unease about letting the dog into the castle itself, but a sharp look from the aide cuts through all opposition from other servants or guards. Muad, with Dib riding along, is lead down a hall opposite your direction, and up several flights of stairs before you're unable to see through the familiar's eyes due to the range.
Food hasn't been set yet, merely shiny silverware, porcelain dinner plates, empty(as of yet) wine glasses, and a line of candlesticks going down the table.
Silthras Perception: 11
Looking around the room, Silthras doesn't notice much of anything that seems to be out of order. There's aren't any spyholes or cracks in the wall for him to see. The eastern wall is taken up largely by a gigantic bay window that reaches towards the ceiling. Outside is an area that looks like it might have been a garden during the spring and summer time, though nothing but resilient grass and evergreen bushes grow there now.
Besides the one you came in, there are two others doors on the western end of the room, one on the south and one on the north wall. Several more minutes go by, and still the Baroness has yet to arrive.
Sylnora takes a seat at a prepared spot furthest from the head of the table. A bit nervously she looks about, taking count of the number of servants and guards in the room. "Was coming here a mistake?" She asks her companions quietly.
Kal settles into his own seat, raising an eyebrow at Syl's question and lowering his voice. "Possibly. We'll find out soon enough."
In total there are two guards in the room, armed with shortswords but with them sheathed. Three footmen stand with their backs against the wall, still as statues. They each hold a tray with brass pitchers, though none have made a move to fill your glasses.
The uncomfortable silence continues for another ten minutes before the the southwest door bangs open, and Lady Anet strides into the room. In place of the fine robes she wore earlier, she now has on a much more rustic gray tunic, with black tights and leather boots. A long dagger hangs from a belt on her hip, and her hair is pulled up into an unfashionable bun. "Sincere apologies for the wait, unexpected business." She says icily, waving for one of the footmen as she takes a seat at the table. The servant hurries up to the table, now filling the glasses at the table with a dark bitter red wine, starting with the Baroness.
As she takes a long drink from the glass the man scurries off to the northwest door. Setting the glass back on the table she leans back in her chair, massaging her temple as she looks you all over.
"There was a particular topic I'd had in mind for this evening, but that can wait. I know your names, and what you've done here, but nothing else. Where did you all even come from?"
Watching the lady arrive, Usul is surprised by what she's wearing. She looks much more approachable now, he thinks to himself, not nearly as hoity toity. As the wine is poured in front of him he takes a big sip and immediately puckers his lips, still not used to bitter alcohols, but trying to fit in with the older folk around him. He's already done a quick mental inventory of the silvers, though is guessing that everything is carefully accounted for.
He thinks about answering, but instead waits for one of the 'adults' at the table to answer, since she is asking about the group as a whole. He also quickly attempts to pop into Dib to see if he can reach his furry friends.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Velyra takes a small sip of the wine out of courtesy, but leaves it untouched for the rest of their time here. She's surprised by Baroness' dress, wondering if the more active attire had something to do with what she saw on her way in.
The question catches her off guard a bit. After glancing to see if any others would answer first, she shrugs and begins to speak. "Depends on what you mean by that question my Lady. I personally came to this area from the Astrium. I was...Am a researcher working there. I came to look for a research team that had gone missing and got sucked into things. Before that, from ((city to the south)), where it is frankly much warmer."
5
One of the other footmen comes over to refill the Baroness' already empty wine glass, topping off anyone else who needs it. A small splash of the red liquid falls on the table as she goes to take another drink, and she hurriedly scrubs at it with a napkin before passing it off to the servant. As her attention focuses in on the elvish woman, more servants emerge from the northwest door, bringing with them bowls of a thick pottage(think a stew-like dish with boiled grain and vegetables) and small plates of bread.
Lady Anet lets out a short laugh, "a harsh situation for a scholar to find herself in. The cold here isn't something one can get used to. You're either born to it or you aren't."
After finishing an experimental bite of the food, Kal waits for an opening to take his turn. "I'm from around here, though I don't normally spend so much time in the cities." He casts a self-conscious glance at the guards in the room, still feeling like something is off. "Was the business you had to attend something we should be worried about?" He asks, watching her reaction carefully.
Kal Insight: 13
(Christ lol. I think that's Kal's first nat 20.)
Turning a critical eye towards the knight, taking note of the strangeness of his appearance - the almost translucent skin, cold eyes, and white streaks in his hair despite his relatively young age. "You're from that order. The Frozen Rose." She smirks, giving a slight nod. "When we were kids in the capital we used to tell stories about your kind. Like you were boogeymen."
There is an immediate steeliness in her eyes as you ask your question. "No. It was a small matter." It's hard to hear, but there's a definite higher-pitched strain to her voice as she says the words. You know she's lying.
Usul looks up at the talk of Kal being like a boogieman and stops chewing for a half second before shrugging as they continue talking. He then adds, his mouth still full of food, "w'r frm s'na'tai." Then with a big swallow adds, "but the others are upstairs. Anyway. We came to help since Mr. Kwiz couldn't. He's a busy guy after all." Taking another bite of food he adds, "This is really good! got more of that sauce? Ah... So is the town safe from zombies now? They're pretty scary. But these guys," gesturing around him, "are really strong." Then remarking on her clothing asks with a big grin, "Are ya headed out on an adventure tonight? Can we come?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
(I am so bad about missing some of your things)
Similar to when you were checking before, you find that you can't quite look through Dib's eyes. Based on the direction you saw them going, and all the stairs you saw them climb, you surmise that they're on the opposite end of the keep, and up several floors.
Lady Anet's eyes narrow for a moment on the small gnome, tilting her head to the side for a moment. "Sonatide? A native then.." She says, taking his rather poor table manners in stride, opposite the horrified looks of the servants. At his request, she twitches a finger at a servant to fulfill it. "The threat seems to have passed thanks to your efforts. We're still being cautious of course...But scouts report that the undead have scattered to the countryside."
His next question gives her pause, as she looks down at her own dress. "Unfortunately I don't leave the keep much these days. Such clothes are simply more comfortable to me." She leans forward, resting her chin in her hand. "An old preference from the wilder days of my youth."
Sylnora leans forward a little bit, sensing an opportunity to speak. "I um...I'm from Neloi. Far to the south. This is my first time leaving."
Next her eyes turn towards the silver haired half-elf. With a shrug, she nods. "It's not typical to see your people anywhere else in the empire, least of all this far north. It must have been quite the calling to make you leave."
Servants begin to bring out the second course of the meal, a platter of different meats - venison, boar, and some type of salmon. They begin laying out new plates and napkins, picking up old ones to make room. Between Kal and Sylnora, a servant lays down a table napkin that hangs off the side of the table. You notice that it has red stains, as if from the wine that the Baroness had spilled earlier. There is a bit of scrawling on the piece that hangs off the table towards you.
'Never know when being watched. Divining magics.'
As the servants finish laying out the course and retreat, Lady Anet briefly glances at the napkin, then up to the pair sitting in front of it.
"I hope you find the meal good enough, it's not our best. The poor cooks have been run out of most of their spices. Let me know if there's anything wrong with it."
Kal spends as little time as possible looking at the note drawn into the napkin, only briefly looking back up at the Baroness. He pulls at his collar, taking a few deep breaths and placing a hand on the table as if to steady himself. "Forgive me my Lady but I'm having a bit of a dizzying spell. Would you allow me to step outside for some fresh air for a moment?"
Kal deception: 12
Lady Anet's eyebrows raise ever so slightly, and she jerks her head towards the northwestern door. "Through the kitchen." One of the footmen waiting on the wall takes the lead as you stand from your chair; he leads you through the doorway into the kitchen, which is abuzz with activity as cooks hurry to put finishing touches on the desserts planned for later. There is another door on the north end of this room, the servant opens it and lets you walk outside, closing it behind you.
You arrive in what looks to be a small garden, containing vegetables, spices, and herbs used for cooking. Save for the bugs, it looks like you're the only one out here.
Kal takes a few minutes, and then when he's sure no one is watching, casts See Invisibility. He takes a quick look around to make sure there's nothing watching him personally, and then heads back inside. On his way through the kitchen he takes a few quick glances around before heading back through. Re-entering the dining hall, he looks over the entire room as he returns to his seat.
"I feel much better now Lady, thank you." He says, taking his seat and beginning to dig back into the meal.
Perception: 18