Varielky helps Dolkum and Ednyss to get up. "You've still got a lot to improve, but that's true for all of us." It's not exactly clear who she was talking to. It could have been anyone around. "If you ever wish to spar again, just tell me. It's what I'm here for. Although, you,"she points at Ednyss, "should have known not to use Takal Demesh's powers against me. If you'd just hit me with that war pick of yours, you could have won the fight."
When Flint offers the armour, Varielky is a bit skeptical. Armour should be personally made to suit its user if one really wants to use it well. Although, even if uncomfortable, as long as it saves her life... But even if she used someone else's armour, she doubted the dwarves will have anything large enough that she could even wear. They may have been wider than her but she is taller than them. "You have armour my size? I would much appreciate it if you do. Hopfully, I could use the gold the master is paying me to buy a good breastplate armour by the end of Beauty but until then... even a thin layer of leather would be better than nothing."
Flint takes Varielky downstairs to the small armory. In it she finds a large Dwarven breastplate. With Benita’s help, you discover that wrapping your upper body tightly in a corseted manner allows the plate to fit on, (OOC: “Mulan - style”). It doesn’t go down quite far enough, and is not comfortable, but it looks fine under the livery. It offers breastplate protection -1, I.e., AC 13 + DEX mod.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
"Thank you." Varielky says full of gratitude. "I owe you one." She tries moving around with it. Not very comfortable but seems like it would stop a sword or a poisonous dagger. She then gets ready for leaving with the rest. "What? If it saves my life, it's worth it." She'll say if anyone makes a remark obout its unfitting look.
A Shian man, with long, dark, sandy hair falling in dreadnoughts over his shoulders under a leather hat with a large round brim, has brought a team of four strong Friesian geldings to pull the carriage, and two more mares which he stables in the long carriage house within villa Safi Meknes. His deep-set ice blue eyes peer out from a weathered face, and his age is anyone’s guess. 40s, perhaps. More laconic even than Wad and Flint, who you learn are not brothers, but rather are both distant cousins of the Master, the newcomer works methodically and silently, hitching the horses, pulling the carriage into the drive to await the rest of you just before 3 bells. Tuff introduces him as Amastan Aderfi.
Aderfi stands back and helps to open and close the gates after you as Flint drives the carriage slowly out onto the avenue. There is room for one more beside him on the driver’s bench. Benita (OOC: who also has animal handling proficiency) has borrowed a helm with the same gem-face cut as Wad and Flint, with a grill, and her hair is tied in a bun underneath it. Her face is protected, and in her livery, you hardly recognize her. Strewn sits within the closed carriage. There is room for two to stand on the rear board and a human could do so and look over the top of the carriage. You can also walk behind or ahead.
(OOC: I’m assuming you are all wearing livery. How do you arrange yourselves?)
(OOC: Benita looks to Varielky for instructions until otherwise stated.)
(Mittens & Ednyss please make perception rolls when you exit the villa and approach the Promenade)
Here are some maps and descriptive pictures:
The Queen’s Palace - illustration (looking at the palace itself from within the walls, from the far end of the reflecting pool. A flock of flamingos often stands in the pool.
(OOC: The route Blueschist has planned takes you uphill along the promenade for a long block, then through the big brass Palace Gates, into the parade ground facing the palace steps, then along a shallow pool with a slender roof, past the royal library to the reflecting pool, along it past the Temple of Ellosh, in front of the Amphitheater to drop off Flint, Benita and Granophyre, then around back to the carriage house. You four can park the carriage. When the concert is over, you four will get the carriage, pick up Granophyre, Flint, Benita, and two guests and exit the palace the way you came.)
Varielky stands on the rear board, looking to all directions in search of danger. Also, she tries to find any suspicious figures in the crowd. She... no longer even knows what she's searching for, but just in case someone decides to attack the carriage, or perhaps one of the prisoners comes to finish their job, she doesn't let her guard down.
I doubt a Perception check is needed here but, just in case: 21
(OOC: Yes, she's wearing livery on top of the wide armour, even though it makes it all even less comfortable and possibly also makes her look a little fat. Also, what does that mean that Benita looks for orders from Varielky? Orders for what? Especially when they split up during the concert and later at their next destination again?)
Dolkum feels very good about the turns in the courtyard. For he is a dwarf who finds value in the sparring itself for the comaraderie as well as the training. In the carriage he sits up front with Benita, his livery and cloak fitting as if tailored for his armour.
Perception 6
Everything appeared to be normal hurly burly of a big city.
Mittens follows behind the carriage, but he almost has to jog every once in a while to keep up with his short legs. As they enter within the walls, Mittens almost stumbles in awe at the sight of the Queen's Palace. It was so big. He recovers quickly and continues on, trying not to gawk at everything he sees.
Dolkum and Flint sit on the driver’s bench, with Varielky standing on the rear board and Mittens walking behind. Benita stands beside Varielky, and Ednyss falls in beside Mittens.
As the carriage pulls into the avenue at 3 bells, there are individuals and pairs of Ammahans out on the street walking, while a chimp acolyte of Sashia on a pony passes going the opposite direction. You see one small chaise with a single occupant pulled by one horse and led by a footman, and another chaise with a husband and wife seated in it and arguing loudly, going the same direction you are. You arrive at the Promenade, where huge statues of Ritha Demsha, Arapabiya, Bata Bell, and Piya stare down over the wide thoroughfare, which is busy at this time of afternoon. You wait for another large carriage to pass in front of you up the hill, footmen pushing from behind, and then take your place moving up the hill after them. (OOC: All, please roll Perception once again.)
Varielky:
Varielky can’t pin it, but the hackles are rising on the back of her neck as the carriage turns onto the Promenade. She senses danger, yet nothing overt occurs.
The horses need help on the incline so Flint says, “go on then, push,” and gestures for Varielky and Benita to step off of the rear board, lend a shoulder, and push up the long block to the Palace gates, which helps maintain a steady pace.
Arriving at the Gate, Palace Guards in ornate uniforms holding halberds stand watch, immobile. Palace footmen ask your destination, and upon a word from Flint, point your carriage around to the right. There is a procession of carriages, chaises, and individuals on foot heading not only to the Amphitheater, the Temple of Ellosh, and the great Library, but also crossing left across the parade grounds to the Bank, Imperial Administration, and the College. Likewise, there are many leaving the Palace grounds, heading to the Markets or other shops, or having finished their business in the Palace and returning to their homes.
(OOC: Words, actions, questions before continuing within the palace grounds?)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ednyss smiles at Varielky's reprimand and just responds, "Practice is not limited to weapons alone. I had not yet had a chance to try my powers before and I was at the very least I learned how effective they can be. Although perhaps you are right and I should have used my Pick instead in that instance, but that is what practice is for no?"
Ednyss also walks behind the carriage with Mittens keeping a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary. He has seen the Queen's Palace before, but only from afar and it is truly a wonder to witness so close and so he does his best to absorb the beauty of it, but makes sure to stay vigilant. As he walks, he also draws upon the blessings of Takal Demesh to aid his awareness.
Ednyss is awestruck and so he might make some small talk with Mittens commenting on the wonders of the Palace, but he would mostly just be looking around and watching for any dangers and attempting to immortalize the palace in his memory. Other than that, he continues on with the carriage into the palace grounds.
(OOC: Sorry for the late post everyone! Something came up IRL and I didn't have a chance to post for a day...)
As Varielky steps off the rear board to help push the cart, she quietly whispers to Benita: "Be wary. I'm not sure why but I feel like something might happen. If something does happen, remember: Your life is your top priority, got it? You're not ascending to Hallvala before me no matter what. Everything else is secondary. I'm not telling you to run away - I'm telling you not to sacrifice yourself for anyone else."
Other than that, Varielky is mostly silent and keeps looking for anything out of order. She's not impressed by the statues and other signs of wealth scattered around the palace. These were all signs of political power. A power that's as weak as a blade of grass. If you're relying on the power of wealth or position to save your life, you're as good as dead already.
I'm thinking 2 of us are to stay here with the carriage and the other 2 are to stay with our principals, yes?
You all can do as you wish, but Blueschist’s instructions from post #437 were:
“At the performance, you will stand guard outside the Theater, while Flint and...Benita...accompany the Master within. If anyone should ask regarding my whereabouts, you may let on that I had intended to accompany the Master, but was in urgent need of overseeing an issue regarding our forthcoming journey up the coast, let us say.
"Master Strewn will share a box in the Theater with an acquaintance, Adekite, Priest of Sashia, and the Priest’s acquaintance, Omar El Idrissid, historian at the College of Orraca u Shia. Following the performance, Master Strewn and the Priest will visit Mr. El Idrissid’s home, and you will accompany him within. Flint and Benita will stay with the carriage outside,
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Still absorbing the details of his surroundings, Mittens mutters a few words and performs a complicated hand motion. A suit of greenish-brown, monstrous armor appears around him. The armor is covered in barbs and jagged edges, and it doesn't seem to be made for anything humanoid in form. The armor fades from sight a few moments later, and he says, "I'm pretty sure we need to stick with the carriage."
((OOC: I added my free spells I should have learned for gaining level two and level three. Mittens casts mage armor on himself. I'm flavoring the spells to work with his backstory.))
((OOC: I added my free spells I should have learned for gaining level two and level three. Mittens casts mage armor on himself. I'm flavoring the spells to work with his backstory.))
(OOC: Perfect! How do you want to say you learned the spells? a) they were already in your spellbook, but their secrets were too deep to learn before now. b) you found clues to them in your readings in the Temple of Moeitu's library and figured them out for yourself; c)?.
If you get into a combat situation within the spell duration, please remind me that your spell is in effect.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
Benita attends carefully to what Varielky says, and after a moment nods assent, her face hard to read behind the grille.
You all continue on around the palace as the sun, low in the southwest, glints off of the Governor’s Dome, and you make your way down the wide lane bordering the reflecting pool. To your left, a flock of flamingos stand, many on one leg, knee-deep in the pool, some asserting dominance in the flock by flapping their wings aggressively at others which retreat squawking, but all seem oblivious to the passage of carriages, horses and people beyond the borders of their little haven. You pass the Library on your right, then the tall Temple of Ellosh, and as you reach the end of the pool a few minutes later, you arrive at the Amphitheater.
You wait in a queue to drop off passengers in front of the entrance, and when your turn comes, Flint pulls up, stops the carriage, carefully scans the area, and seemingly satisfied, gestures for one of you to flip down the steps and open the master’s door. Flint moves in front to take the lead gelding’s halter, feeding it a handful of raisins and clucking soothingly.
Poking his head out of the door, Strewn says “Thank you,” looks cheerfully around at the other arriving guests, then continues easily down onto the gravel lane. Another dwarf makes his way from the theater entrance to meet Strewn.
“Adekite, my old friend!,” says Strewn heartily in Jenghen. “I barely recognize you, it’s been too long!” The new arrival, middle-aged for a dwarf, answers, “Master Strewn! How great is the pleasure to see you again after these many years. Wild werebeasts couldn’t keep you away from hearing Kieu-Lan Trinh here on the central coast, so close to you, eh?”
“How could I not come!” replies Strewn. “And I’ll be following her up the coast too, for as we say in the Isles, ‘a diamond on your hand is fine, but owning the mine is more divine!’ Some luxuries MUST be enjoyed more than once.”
And so they continue, switching back-and-forth between Jenghen and Dwarvish, as others waiting to enter the theater look on, the booming exchange turning many heads.
While speaking with his friend, Strewn glances at Flint, whose posture seems to indicate readiness to continue on; they exchange a nod, and then Flint gestures to Benita to come with him to park the carriage. His head swivels around slowly and he glowers at you all as if to say, “should the Master receive one scratch before I return, you will know my wrath.” He and Benita, leading the carriage, continue on around the amphitheater. Benita looks over her shoulder at Varielky, discomfited perhaps at finding herself in the lone company of a dwarven man she has only just met, but continues on.
A few minutes later, an Orracan in a simple but elegant kaftan with a scarf thrown over his head, whiskered, a bit rough-looking, approaches the area with a young woman who has a large overhanging forehead and round nose, and Adekite, the dwarven friend of Strewn calls to him, “Omar, we are here!”
He and the young woman approach, and Adekite introduces the man to Strewn as “Omar el Idrissid, professor at the College of Ammah.” The professor continues, introducing the young woman as a student of his. She is plainly over the moon at meeting Granophyre, and gushes and blushes. Strewn shakes her hand warmly and agrees to sign a copy of one of his books which she is holding. She removes a quill from her satchel, and a small container of ink, which, looking around for a table top to place it upon and finding none, she puts on the ground and squats to dip into it. Standing, she drips ink upon her skirt, and then traces a line around her face accidentally while brushing an errant hair away. She hands Strewn the pen and holds the book open, and upon seeing the master’s signature, she beams, awestruck. She soon takes her leave.
The older men exchange glances, and Omar comments that though young and a bit overwhelmed, the student possesses a brilliant mind and they would all be reading her tracts with interest in days to come.
Benita and Flint -- his belt now holding a sheathed short sword and dagger -- return, and then follow Strewn, El Idrissid, and Adekite as they turn to enter the amphitheater.
Benita holds Varielky’s eyes for a moment, the meaning of which is hard to parse, but she then seems to brace herself and follows on Flint’s heels.
(OOC: any words, questions, or actions as this transpires/before they go in? What do you do after they go in?)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
All right, let us stay with the carriage. I shall be up front with the horses, making certain no one messes with them.
He kept scanning the crowds and the rooftops, looking for anything that might be out of place.
Perception 19
(OOC: to be clear, the carriage is now parked in the carriage house (the palace map I shared shows where that is). But you can certainly look for it and wait, on or in the carriage, if you want to?)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries //Dev Horndin Curious Critters
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Varielky helps Dolkum and Ednyss to get up. "You've still got a lot to improve, but that's true for all of us." It's not exactly clear who she was talking to. It could have been anyone around. "If you ever wish to spar again, just tell me. It's what I'm here for. Although, you," she points at Ednyss, "should have known not to use Takal Demesh's powers against me. If you'd just hit me with that war pick of yours, you could have won the fight."
When Flint offers the armour, Varielky is a bit skeptical. Armour should be personally made to suit its user if one really wants to use it well. Although, even if uncomfortable, as long as it saves her life... But even if she used someone else's armour, she doubted the dwarves will have anything large enough that she could even wear. They may have been wider than her but she is taller than them. "You have armour my size? I would much appreciate it if you do. Hopfully, I could use the gold the master is paying me to buy a good breastplate armour by the end of Beauty but until then... even a thin layer of leather would be better than nothing."
Varielky
Flint takes Varielky downstairs to the small armory. In it she finds a large Dwarven breastplate. With Benita’s help, you discover that wrapping your upper body tightly in a corseted manner allows the plate to fit on, (OOC: “Mulan - style”). It doesn’t go down quite far enough, and is not comfortable, but it looks fine under the livery. It offers breastplate protection -1, I.e., AC 13 + DEX mod.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
"Thank you." Varielky says full of gratitude. "I owe you one." She tries moving around with it. Not very comfortable but seems like it would stop a sword or a poisonous dagger. She then gets ready for leaving with the rest. "What? If it saves my life, it's worth it." She'll say if anyone makes a remark obout its unfitting look.
Varielky
POST #3
A Shian man, with long, dark, sandy hair falling in dreadnoughts over his shoulders under a leather hat with a large round brim, has brought a team of four strong Friesian geldings to pull the carriage, and two more mares which he stables in the long carriage house within villa Safi Meknes. His deep-set ice blue eyes peer out from a weathered face, and his age is anyone’s guess. 40s, perhaps. More laconic even than Wad and Flint, who you learn are not brothers, but rather are both distant cousins of the Master, the newcomer works methodically and silently, hitching the horses, pulling the carriage into the drive to await the rest of you just before 3 bells. Tuff introduces him as Amastan Aderfi.
Aderfi stands back and helps to open and close the gates after you as Flint drives the carriage slowly out onto the avenue. There is room for one more beside him on the driver’s bench. Benita (OOC: who also has animal handling proficiency) has borrowed a helm with the same gem-face cut as Wad and Flint, with a grill, and her hair is tied in a bun underneath it. Her face is protected, and in her livery, you hardly recognize her. Strewn sits within the closed carriage. There is room for two to stand on the rear board and a human could do so and look over the top of the carriage. You can also walk behind or ahead.
(OOC: I’m assuming you are all wearing livery. How do you arrange yourselves?)
(OOC: Benita looks to Varielky for instructions until otherwise stated.)
(Mittens & Ednyss please make perception rolls when you exit the villa and approach the Promenade)
Here are some maps and descriptive pictures:
The Queen’s Palace - illustration (looking at the palace itself from within the walls, from the far end of the reflecting pool. A flock of flamingos often stands in the pool.
Palace Ramparts - illustration
City Walls - illustration
The Palace - map
Tuff Blueschist’s Planned Route from Villa Safi Meknes.
(OOC: The route Blueschist has planned takes you uphill along the promenade for a long block, then through the big brass Palace Gates, into the parade ground facing the palace steps, then along a shallow pool with a slender roof, past the royal library to the reflecting pool, along it past the Temple of Ellosh, in front of the Amphitheater to drop off Flint, Benita and Granophyre, then around back to the carriage house. You four can park the carriage. When the concert is over, you four will get the carriage, pick up Granophyre, Flint, Benita, and two guests and exit the palace the way you came.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Varielky stands on the rear board, looking to all directions in search of danger. Also, she tries to find any suspicious figures in the crowd. She... no longer even knows what she's searching for, but just in case someone decides to attack the carriage, or perhaps one of the prisoners comes to finish their job, she doesn't let her guard down.
I doubt a Perception check is needed here but, just in case: 21
(OOC: Yes, she's wearing livery on top of the wide armour, even though it makes it all even less comfortable and possibly also makes her look a little fat.
Also, what does that mean that Benita looks for orders from Varielky? Orders for what? Especially when they split up during the concert and later at their next destination again?)
Varielky
(OOC: Varielky senses that Benita is looking to her for authority more than to Blueschist. Make of that what you will.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Dolkum feels very good about the turns in the courtyard. For he is a dwarf who finds value in the sparring itself for the comaraderie as well as the training. In the carriage he sits up front with Benita, his livery and cloak fitting as if tailored for his armour.
Perception 6
Everything appeared to be normal hurly burly of a big city.
Mittens follows behind the carriage, but he almost has to jog every once in a while to keep up with his short legs. As they enter within the walls, Mittens almost stumbles in awe at the sight of the Queen's Palace. It was so big. He recovers quickly and continues on, trying not to gawk at everything he sees.
Perception: 11
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Opera. Favoured by Idiwala as art. I shall remain outside with the carriage, for we are here to work.
POST #4
Dolkum and Flint sit on the driver’s bench, with Varielky standing on the rear board and Mittens walking behind. Benita stands beside Varielky, and Ednyss falls in beside Mittens.
As the carriage pulls into the avenue at 3 bells, there are individuals and pairs of Ammahans out on the street walking, while a chimp acolyte of Sashia on a pony passes going the opposite direction. You see one small chaise with a single occupant pulled by one horse and led by a footman, and another chaise with a husband and wife seated in it and arguing loudly, going the same direction you are. You arrive at the Promenade, where huge statues of Ritha Demsha, Arapabiya, Bata Bell, and Piya stare down over the wide thoroughfare, which is busy at this time of afternoon. You wait for another large carriage to pass in front of you up the hill, footmen pushing from behind, and then take your place moving up the hill after them. (OOC: All, please roll Perception once again.)
Varielky:
Varielky can’t pin it, but the hackles are rising on the back of her neck as the carriage turns onto the Promenade. She senses danger, yet nothing overt occurs.
The horses need help on the incline so Flint says, “go on then, push,” and gestures for Varielky and Benita to step off of the rear board, lend a shoulder, and push up the long block to the Palace gates, which helps maintain a steady pace.
Arriving at the Gate, Palace Guards in ornate uniforms holding halberds stand watch, immobile. Palace footmen ask your destination, and upon a word from Flint, point your carriage around to the right. There is a procession of carriages, chaises, and individuals on foot heading not only to the Amphitheater, the Temple of Ellosh, and the great Library, but also crossing left across the parade grounds to the Bank, Imperial Administration, and the College. Likewise, there are many leaving the Palace grounds, heading to the Markets or other shops, or having finished their business in the Palace and returning to their homes.
(OOC: Words, actions, questions before continuing within the palace grounds?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
Ednyss smiles at Varielky's reprimand and just responds, "Practice is not limited to weapons alone. I had not yet had a chance to try my powers before and I was at the very least I learned how effective they can be. Although perhaps you are right and I should have used my Pick instead in that instance, but that is what practice is for no?"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perception (Not sure if it is too late...): 18
Ednyss also walks behind the carriage with Mittens keeping a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary. He has seen the Queen's Palace before, but only from afar and it is truly a wonder to witness so close and so he does his best to absorb the beauty of it, but makes sure to stay vigilant. As he walks, he also draws upon the blessings of Takal Demesh to aid his awareness.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perception: 13
Ednyss is awestruck and so he might make some small talk with Mittens commenting on the wonders of the Palace, but he would mostly just be looking around and watching for any dangers and attempting to immortalize the palace in his memory. Other than that, he continues on with the carriage into the palace grounds.
(OOC: Sorry for the late post everyone! Something came up IRL and I didn't have a chance to post for a day...)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Perception: 12
As Varielky steps off the rear board to help push the cart, she quietly whispers to Benita: "Be wary. I'm not sure why but I feel like something might happen. If something does happen, remember: Your life is your top priority, got it? You're not ascending to Hallvala before me no matter what. Everything else is secondary. I'm not telling you to run away - I'm telling you not to sacrifice yourself for anyone else."
Other than that, Varielky is mostly silent and keeps looking for anything out of order. She's not impressed by the statues and other signs of wealth scattered around the palace. These were all signs of political power. A power that's as weak as a blade of grass. If you're relying on the power of wealth or position to save your life, you're as good as dead already.
Varielky
Perception15
I'm thinking 2 of us are to stay here with the carriage and the other 2 are to stay with our principals, yes?
You all can do as you wish, but Blueschist’s instructions from post #437 were:
“At the performance, you will stand guard outside the Theater, while Flint and...Benita...accompany the Master within. If anyone should ask regarding my whereabouts, you may let on that I had intended to accompany the Master, but was in urgent need of overseeing an issue regarding our forthcoming journey up the coast, let us say.
"Master Strewn will share a box in the Theater with an acquaintance, Adekite, Priest of Sashia, and the Priest’s acquaintance, Omar El Idrissid, historian at the College of Orraca u Shia. Following the performance, Master Strewn and the Priest will visit Mr. El Idrissid’s home, and you will accompany him within. Flint and Benita will stay with the carriage outside,
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
O I see, we all stand guard outside the palace. Are we to stand in one place, or shall we walk around the perimeter of the theatre?
Still absorbing the details of his surroundings, Mittens mutters a few words and performs a complicated hand motion. A suit of greenish-brown, monstrous armor appears around him. The armor is covered in barbs and jagged edges, and it doesn't seem to be made for anything humanoid in form. The armor fades from sight a few moments later, and he says, "I'm pretty sure we need to stick with the carriage."
((OOC: I added my free spells I should have learned for gaining level two and level three. Mittens casts mage armor on himself. I'm flavoring the spells to work with his backstory.))
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
(OOC: Perfect! How do you want to say you learned the spells? a) they were already in your spellbook, but their secrets were too deep to learn before now. b) you found clues to them in your readings in the Temple of Moeitu's library and figured them out for yourself; c)?.
If you get into a combat situation within the spell duration, please remind me that your spell is in effect.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
POST #5
Benita attends carefully to what Varielky says, and after a moment nods assent, her face hard to read behind the grille.
You all continue on around the palace as the sun, low in the southwest, glints off of the Governor’s Dome, and you make your way down the wide lane bordering the reflecting pool. To your left, a flock of flamingos stand, many on one leg, knee-deep in the pool, some asserting dominance in the flock by flapping their wings aggressively at others which retreat squawking, but all seem oblivious to the passage of carriages, horses and people beyond the borders of their little haven. You pass the Library on your right, then the tall Temple of Ellosh, and as you reach the end of the pool a few minutes later, you arrive at the Amphitheater.
You wait in a queue to drop off passengers in front of the entrance, and when your turn comes, Flint pulls up, stops the carriage, carefully scans the area, and seemingly satisfied, gestures for one of you to flip down the steps and open the master’s door. Flint moves in front to take the lead gelding’s halter, feeding it a handful of raisins and clucking soothingly.
Poking his head out of the door, Strewn says “Thank you,” looks cheerfully around at the other arriving guests, then continues easily down onto the gravel lane. Another dwarf makes his way from the theater entrance to meet Strewn.
“Adekite, my old friend!,” says Strewn heartily in Jenghen. “I barely recognize you, it’s been too long!” The new arrival, middle-aged for a dwarf, answers, “Master Strewn! How great is the pleasure to see you again after these many years. Wild werebeasts couldn’t keep you away from hearing Kieu-Lan Trinh here on the central coast, so close to you, eh?”
“How could I not come!” replies Strewn. “And I’ll be following her up the coast too, for as we say in the Isles, ‘a diamond on your hand is fine, but owning the mine is more divine!’ Some luxuries MUST be enjoyed more than once.”
And so they continue, switching back-and-forth between Jenghen and Dwarvish, as others waiting to enter the theater look on, the booming exchange turning many heads.
While speaking with his friend, Strewn glances at Flint, whose posture seems to indicate readiness to continue on; they exchange a nod, and then Flint gestures to Benita to come with him to park the carriage. His head swivels around slowly and he glowers at you all as if to say, “should the Master receive one scratch before I return, you will know my wrath.” He and Benita, leading the carriage, continue on around the amphitheater. Benita looks over her shoulder at Varielky, discomfited perhaps at finding herself in the lone company of a dwarven man she has only just met, but continues on.
A few minutes later, an Orracan in a simple but elegant kaftan with a scarf thrown over his head, whiskered, a bit rough-looking, approaches the area with a young woman who has a large overhanging forehead and round nose, and Adekite, the dwarven friend of Strewn calls to him, “Omar, we are here!”
He and the young woman approach, and Adekite introduces the man to Strewn as “Omar el Idrissid, professor at the College of Ammah.” The professor continues, introducing the young woman as a student of his. She is plainly over the moon at meeting Granophyre, and gushes and blushes. Strewn shakes her hand warmly and agrees to sign a copy of one of his books which she is holding. She removes a quill from her satchel, and a small container of ink, which, looking around for a table top to place it upon and finding none, she puts on the ground and squats to dip into it. Standing, she drips ink upon her skirt, and then traces a line around her face accidentally while brushing an errant hair away. She hands Strewn the pen and holds the book open, and upon seeing the master’s signature, she beams, awestruck. She soon takes her leave.
The older men exchange glances, and Omar comments that though young and a bit overwhelmed, the student possesses a brilliant mind and they would all be reading her tracts with interest in days to come.
Benita and Flint -- his belt now holding a sheathed short sword and dagger -- return, and then follow Strewn, El Idrissid, and Adekite as they turn to enter the amphitheater.
Benita holds Varielky’s eyes for a moment, the meaning of which is hard to parse, but she then seems to brace herself and follows on Flint’s heels.
(OOC: any words, questions, or actions as this transpires/before they go in? What do you do after they go in?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters
All right, let us stay with the carriage. I shall be up front with the horses, making certain no one messes with them.
He kept scanning the crowds and the rooftops, looking for anything that might be out of place.
Perception 10
(OOC: to be clear, the carriage is now parked in the carriage house (the palace map I shared shows where that is). But you can certainly look for it and wait, on or in the carriage, if you want to?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters