This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Deception for Varielky: 17
The old chimp smiles curtly, and says, "The Inn is that way," pointing over his shoulder, "Welcome. Keep your weapons sheathed while here." And ensuring you do so, he then turns to hobble back to his wooden chair and sits with a sigh, the children follow him and sit on the ground near him, drawing with small sticks in the dirt.
Amistan clicks his tongue, saying, "Easy," to the horses as a baby elephant lumbers past pulling an empty cart into the long tunnel to the outside. The carriage rolls forward slowly across the plaza in the direction the Chimp pointed, and you see a bright red and gold-painted sign hanging over the door of a similarly patterned carved wooden facade which states, "Hyewush Inn," whose doorway is the only one you see proportioned for human-sized beings to enter without stooping. Beside it is a small outdoors stable, which is almost completely filled by the carriage and team, as Amistan brings the carriage to a halt and sets to work seeing to the horses.
Tuff debarks, heading straight inside to arrange for lodgings. As an afterthought, he opens a pouch of platinum and pays each of you what is owed you so far, before pulling open the large door, the motion of which sets a small bell ringing, and heading within.
(OOC: How much are we each owed at this point (so that we can add it)? Or did you already add the totals to our inventory?)
On the carriage, as they are entering the town, Ednyss sleeps through the entire encounter with the elderly chimp (someone else might have given his name, or he would have stated it groggily) although he wakes up almost immediately after they arrive at the inn and sits up, refreshed. Once they arrive at the inn and disembark from the carriage, Ednyss looks around for anyone that might be loitering nearby or walking around. Walking up to that person, he asks, "Hello there. You wouldn't happen to have any jewelry shops around here would you?" If he can, he attempts to find a jewelry shop in this town and pay it a visit.
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“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Varielky takes the coins from Tuff with gratitude, though she doesn't have much to do with it. She knows just how expensive a fitted armour will cost, and that was the only thing she needed at the moment. For now, she digs deep into her pack to find the pouch that holds the little she had before. After everyone gets off the carriage, Varielky approaches Benita. "Earlier, that was too close. For a moment, I thought you were gone." Then, before it gets too sentimental or awkward, she heads into the inn after Tuff.
(OOC: How much are we each owed at this point (so that we can add it)? Or did you already add the totals to our inventory?)
On the carriage, as they are entering the town, Ednyss sleeps through the entire encounter with the elderly chimp (someone else might have given his name, or he would have stated it groggily) although he wakes up almost immediately after they arrive at the inn and sits up, refreshed. Once they arrive at the inn and disembark from the carriage, Ednyss looks around for anyone that might be loitering nearby or walking around. Walking up to that person, he asks, "Hello there. You wouldn't happen to have any jewelry shops around here would you?" If he can, he attempts to find a jewelry shop in this town and pay it a visit.
Ednyss immediately sees a table in the tented bazaar facing the inn on which are laid a few pieces of costume jewelry for sale. Not exactly what he’s looking for, but he heads there to get a closer look and to speak with the vendor.
With a resolute "Thank you," and, using the forms of the Southerner he is, Auger accepts the coin. The transactional form of accepting payment for work rendered is a longstanding thing that comes naturally to Auger. Smiling warmly, he accepts the coins into his left hand while his right hand touches his left forearm then smoothly bringing the coins in his left hand to his chest while shaking hands with his right. As the handshake ends Auger quietly says, "dịch vụ được cung cấp và khoản thanh toán đã nhận được"an old phrase from an old language that somehow is still used at times in the South.
(OOC: Tuff may or may not know the form or the phrase, which is some Google Translated Italian if you would prefer we use something else to represent an 'old tongue' [edit] - now Vietnamese!)
Auger brings his few things to his room, washes up a bit, cleaning his remaining wounds as much as he can. Thinking he should be just fine tomorrow he leaves most of his belongings in the room. His dagger, small knife, coin purse and small components bag at his belt, and his quarterstaff as walking stick, he heads over to the bazaar.
Py, how's it going out here? Anything interesting arise? If you want to rest I can send you away for a time.
Entering the bazaar Auger seeks a few specific things and spell components:
His adapted small knife not being up to the task, some woodcarving tools
A mica stone from which he could create small chips
Herbs, incense and a small brazier so he can re-summon Py if needed
If there are any special woods on display or used in the making of something he would examine the grain and ask after where it comes from. Any particularly great hardwoods or woods that are better at accepting stains and paints would be notable. If there are any engaged in obvious carpentry or wood-carving related trades Auger is happy to talk shop with them.
After everyone gets off the carriage, Varielky approaches Benita. "Earlier, that was too close. For a moment, I thought you were gone." Then, before it gets too sentimental or awkward, she heads into the inn after Tuff.
Benita replies to Varielky, “I know, bruiser, those flocking pig cowards! Can’t have us so no one can have us?! Here’s what I say. You and me. Sneak into their camp and take their supposed manhood with our blades?!” She laughs, vengefully, for a moment, then cools down a bit. “Do you think it’s true, that the Jenghens are paying for half-orc babies? Why can’t they make their own? The imperial nobility? Sitting in their palaces popping figs in their mouths all day, nothing better to do...and they can’t find time for making babies? Something must be wrong with them! Ay, ay, ay...” she falls silent for a moment. “I... you know...we talked about having a family. Bali. And me.” She shakes her head ruefully, then stands outside looking at the chimp kids play while Varielky heads inside.
(Are Jenghen known to make children themselves? Varielky surely wouldn't think of this, but should it be strange that they are buying babies, or is it common, the same way mules can't have offsprings?)
Varielky doesn't say her thoughts about sneaking into someone's camp and killing them in their sleep. She's sure Benita knows them already. Furthermore, she doesn't know what to say about the Jenghen reproduction abilities and doesn't feel like opening the Bali matter again. She stares at Benita for a moment, until Benita looks away. She opens the door to the inn and steps one step inside, then back. "Once we're back in Ishi Ammah, we'll take our revenge for those who were lost that day. That Abadolla has not heard the last of us. For now, however, we need to focus on our mission. Once we're done, though, that's my only priority." She says, then heads inside.
(Are Jenghen known to make children themselves? Varielky surely wouldn't think of this, but should it be strange that they are buying babies, or is it common, the same way mules can't have offsprings?)
Varielky doesn't say her thoughts about sneaking into someone's camp and killing them in their sleep. She's sure Benita knows them already. Furthermore, she doesn't know what to say about the Jenghen reproduction abilities and doesn't feel like opening the Bali matter again. She stares at Benita for a moment, until Benita looks away. She opens the door to the inn and steps one step inside, then back. "Once we're back in Ishi Ammah, we'll take our revenge for those who were lost that day. That Abadolla has not heard the last of us. For now, however, we need to focus on our mission. Once we're done, though, that's my only priority." She says, then heads inside.
(OOC: Varielky and Ednyss both served with Jenghen in the provincial brigades. Or rather, served under them, for the Jenghen were always in positions of authority. They joined into discussions regarding family, parenthood, lineage, in the same way as your comrades of other races. Yet, thinking back upon it, you do not recall seeing younger Jenghen. Although that makes sense too, since perhaps it would be the older, more experienced fighters who earned positions of command. Yet on the other hand, shouldn’t there have been more young enlisted and earning their way up the ranks? Or if the officers were granted their authority via imperial fiat, couldn’t young, as easily as older, Jenghen be given the rubber stamp and advanced without question? Yet there was not a single instance that either Ednyss or Varielky recall of fighting beside or under a young Jenghen. Yet, too, yours was a provincial brigade. Surely in the imperial army, rather than the provincial corps, Jenghen must have formed the majority? Neither of you are sure.)
You enter the Hyewush Inn. Within is a small tavern with tall, narrow, windows with colorful shutters flung open, which look out onto the plaza, where there is a patio seating area in front through which you walked, in which is seated one lone human, minding his own business and quietly drinking a pint of mead under the shade of an awning. He is dressed like a farmer or rancher.
Inside, the tavern is vacant, save for one male chimp standing at the bar, or at one end of the bar, rather, which is divided into two, the first 8 feet or so human sized, the rest proportioned for small folk. Behind the bar the floor is raised at the human end, so the chimp seems to stand at Varielky & Auger’s height as they enter.
“Hiya,” he says cheerfully, “‘m Seemily, and that’s Rhymme, my wife,” he continues, pointing his smiling face down toward a small door at the end of the tavern, through which you see, if you duck slightly, a second tavern room in which all the tables and chairs are small-folk-sized, and where a woman chimp wipes down tables with a cloth. She nods at you with a tight smile, and continues cleaning, which Seemily, the male chimp, is likewise doing at the big bar. After giving you a moment to take in the place -- which is neatly decorated in Orracan style -- he continues, “Mr. Tuff Greybeard has set you all up in the big-folk rooms up above, so feel free to relax, or come and go as you wish. We lock up at midnight, but just pull the chain if ya get locked out and one of us'll come.”
You see a narrow but well-joined set of stairs at the far end of the first tavern room, which you ascend up to the next storey, and the next, each of which holds rooms with small terraces - no more than two-feet wide, just enough room to stand-- facing out onto the plaza. Benita and Varielky have a room to share, as do Auger and Ednyss. Amistan has a small room to himself, while Tuff and Granophyre share a suite, and Wad and Flint share a room in back overlooking a rear yard.
Once you’ve gotten situated, Auger messages his query to Py, who flits to the little terrace and replies, ‘It is peaceful here. I shall remain on your terrace unless you wish me to do otherwise.’
Auger sets down his things, then returns out of doors to the plaza, and then to the bazaar and finds a variety of the usual things for sale, consumables, rugs and simple clothing, costume jewelry, produce, crafts and items for the home. After 30 minutes of exploration, he learns the following:
* Wood carving tools: “Try the Smithy, at the far end of the township -- not here in the plaza, but without, among the farms -- on the creek, just before the Mill.”
* A mica stone, incense, a brazier: “I don’t make or sell jewelry with mica,” says an eldery chimp woman at a table where costume jewelry is laid out. "But if you find Faturtensh, her healing stones look like what you describe. She lives on her own in a little place on the north side of the township”
* Various herbs: for sale in the produce stands in the bazaar
* Special wood, especially hard woods, or signs of carpentry: There is very fine carpentrywork in the plaza and the habitations lining its walls. Even today there is a scaffolding built up along a small portion of the inner wall, where workers are refacing a home with deftly worked siding and windows. Speaking with their foreman for a moment, Auger learns that he, Auger, might find various kinds of wood at the lumberyard at the Mill. It lies at the northern border of the township, just before the falls.
Varielky learns that The Smithy is where she might inquire about armor.
(OOC: for an ancient tongue, where Auger is from, Vietnamese would be a closer match.)
Varielky makes sure to ask Tuff, Granophyre or Amistan how long they'd be staying before she leaves for the smithy. When she gets there, she'll inquire about the cost and time it will take to fit the armour she wears for her, and will ask the smiths to do so if it doesn't take longer than they'd stay and won't cost more than she has.
Tuff, with Wad & Flint’s help, is settling Granophyre in on the top floor suite. In response to Varielky’s question, he says, “the master desires a two night stay here to recuperate and rest before the final leg of the journey to Kalahata. Take the remainder of today and tomorrow, Varielky, to relax. We...Greybeards...will keep our own company safely until then. And do see if you can find someone to modify that breastplate, it is not unseemly exactly, but....we dwarves do take pride in our metalworking. If the cost is more than you have, let me know, perhaps you may borrow from your expected future earnings.”
Enjoying the fine craftsmanship he sees, completed and in progress, Auger thinks a walk through town might be just the thing. If he was not mistaken, the Mill, the Smithy and the home of Faturtensh all are to the north and so he heads in that direction, asking for directions when needed and enjoying the (OOC: afternoon?) walk. Leaving the plaza Auger pauses for a moment, thinking of Py, his constant companion for more than a month now, and decides to leave the wooden dragonfly where he is. Hyewush seems quiet and friendly and so he doubts there will be any issues for either of them.
(OOC: My read on the timing would be that Varielky is probably 10 minutes ahead of Auger)
While on the walk he spends time again reviewing events that had brought him here.
The Gray Lady. The Grieving Gray Lady. Quý cô hối hận. Or perhaps, Phụ nữ của hồ. The Dowager. Thái hậu.
The Dowager of the Shining Lake of Ever. She, who had been connected to his family for generations. Bringing luck to the lakeside families. She, whose state of grief and loss were known. She whose reason for grieving was not known. She, who benefited and perhaps exchanged something with the family based on a deal with an ancestor long ago. She, the extent of whose powers were unknown. She, cloaked in mist and mystery. She, whose lake would shine on the darkest day. She, who worked in partnership with Piya, or so it was said. Or simply was Piya, it was also said. She, who grieved. She. She had passed on selecting Vint, his oldest child on his 15th name day, as Auger himself had been skipped at 15.
How was Vint taking his rejection? Probably not well if Vint was anything like Auger, and he usually was. Rejected by the Gray Lady and his father chosen instead. What must he be thinking? Deyranne would have much on her plate to help him. Too much. 4 children to raise and feed and Auger's income suddenly gone. Gone on a disc train. Gone to the west and then by ship to the north. The family would close ranks and support them, as the lakeside families would. He should be back soon, perhaps after Kalahata everything would be clear and Auger could return to her and to them. Py would know.
On Auger's 15th name day Brenneth had been chosen instead. Brenneth who had been training as a warrior, a rarity among the lakeside families. Brenneth Everlac, Fighter, Warlock and First Servant to the Dowager. Auger himself was not First Servant now. Or was he? Not unless Brenneth had passed. He was certainly a Warlock and servant to Phụ nữ của hồ now. Brenneth had left so quickly. Gone away and not heard from these last 20 years. Auger had done the same. Did Brenneth also meet up with a band of Dwarves trying to find keys to lost power? What had happened to him? Well, it would have to wait while he served these Dwarves.
Those who shared this journey had clearly already bonded before he came along. Varielky and Benita shared a friendship that pre-dated this trip, it was clear. He had heard them speak in reference to a military campaign in the north and some important events in an Arena. Ednyss was clearly an honored companion, though it had initially surprised Auger when it turned out he was not also related to the Strewns whether by blood or long-standing bond. He was also involved in the campaign. And the Arena. After Auger's own surprising appearance they had been quite friendly in fact. All of them. All of them trained warriors. And him, a carpenter, standing with them. A carpenter who can view the Sea of Stars and use what he finds. Oddly enough he thinks again, he had started this journey to Kalahata before any of them. Before any of them had even known they would be heading that way from what Granophyre had told him. What did the Dowager know? And the dangers they had faced together. The Hollow Ones, and then earlier, the Orcs.
The Orcs.
Suddenly it occurs to him, a cold sweat hitting him hard and even making him feel faint for a moment. He had reached into the Sea of Stars and sent the air away again, and when the thunder fell among the Orcs, one was no longer there, its Hyena pummeled and falling back, with no rider. This was the first time he had killed a living thing. He had killed. He, Dannel Fetherlac. Killer.
Still walking to the north side of town Auger pauses where he is and closes his eyes a moment, passing Chimps moving around him, some with slightly concerned expressions some annoyed with the strange human. What's wrong with this lumbering oaf?
Quietly, but out loud, Auger says, "Quý cô hướng dẫn tôi qua," and then after a moment he touches the symbol at his neck, "And you to Piya, you guide me too." Auger begins walking again. Eyes forward. Focus on these simple tasks. A brazier. Some woodcarving tools. Mica. Perhaps some fine wood. Obstinately thinking of the kinds of wood to anticipate being available, still feeling sick, Auger does not think of the Orc again or his journey's purpose.
Varielky leaves the room and heads outside the inn. Not sure where to go, she looks for the old Chimp they met earlier. "Excuse me, could you point me towards a smithy in the area? If there are multiple ones, could you recommend me the one which you believe isbest?" (Assuming he points her to a smithy.) Varielky follows the route that she was told. On the way, she considers the events that caused her to leave her old armour behind. So much has happened since then, yet so little as well. Was it even the right call? Would having it on her truly catch their attention? The encounter with the Chimps during the night back then proved she would have died if they found her without armour that night. When she reaches her destination, she looks at the place - is there an entrance for humans in there, or is it small-sized? Either way, in her height, it's not like she'd have to crawl. She opens the door and heads inside. Hopefully, she managed to reach the right place.
The Township of Hyewush, you learn, encompasses the entire 600 or 650 acres of the protected depression you noted when you passed the warding obelisk at its entrance. It is mostly farmlands, which slope gently upwards from the central mound in which the plaza and its surroundings, including the Inn, Keep, and Bazaar are built or exist, except that the whole area, like a large plate tilted at a slight angle, (perhaps with a small mound of porridge at its center representing the Hill, which is how the townspeople refer to the central area), slopes downwards toward the north. A creek cuts around the Hill, and wends its way northward, gaining speed, until at the northern edge of the plate or depression, it reaches the smithy and then the mill, and then cascades off of the northern edge of the township down a sixty-foot escarpment.
The earth is brown and rich now, not as rich as in Auger's home province, or even the farmlands around Varielky's first remembered home. It is sandy, there are rocks, and it is easy to imagine how difficult a farmer's life could be here if the rains were not to come one season. The land is mostly cleared and used for agriculture, but along the creek there is a line of green growth, juniper trees, and scrub. And, wending just east of the creek is a rutted path, well-worn, one of many which thread their way around the community.
Varielky
The old chimp points Varielky to the only smithy in Hyewush, down the creek towards the mill. A twenty minute walk, perhaps fifteen. She heads out, down the long warm, earthen corridor under the Hill, and finds the creek path and follows it north as it wanders through the trees beside the creek, and, it being late afternoon in Beauty, the sun is coming down at an angle from the west, throwing long shadows across her path as she walks. It is quiet, and not too hot, and the first bees of the season are awakening and exploring the first blossoms as they begin to poke up through the moistened earth. Yes, it is quiet, except for the bees, and the creek trickling along a few yards to the west, when Varielky hears a cheerful voice, a tenor both rounded and rough, call out from above her. "Whatcha. Whatcha. Whatcha doin'?"
Looking up, the shield maiden sees a creature unfamiliar to her. It seems to be a very small elephant, no more than three feet long, sitting in the crook of a Juniper tree bough, just a foot or so above her and across the path from the river. The little elephant's hide, by the way, is bright aqua-colored, and the creature's body is more like a human's than an elephant, more or less. Its wears Elvish-looking clothing, comprised entirely of intertwined leaves and vines, although the overall effect is of a green yeoman's outfit with a feathered cap -- although the feather is a leaf. The creature carries a small sword on its belt, and looks at Varielky with big, curious, innocent eyes.
The Southerner, after spending thirty minutes at the bazaar, and a little while more chatting with the construction foreman, turns toward the large archway, the entrance to the long tunnel under the Hill which leads to the outer township and his goals. It is getting late in the afternoon and much of the plaza is in shade and the older women at the bazaar tables are throwing shawls over their shoulders when he enters the warm earthen tunnel and begins what he was told is perhaps a 15-minute walk to Faturtensh's hillside Chimp house, which is the closest of his three goals.
The sorcerer finds and walks north upon the creek path for a few hundred yards, then he leaves the green juniper trees lining the creek as it sluices northwards, and the creek path which will lead to the Smithy and Mill, turning right onto a footpath. For the road to Faturtensh's home turns eastward, through an olive grove, over a slight rise, and then past a pond filled with toads and turtles. A few minutes later, Auger arrives at a low fence, protecting a garden, on the other side of which, in the round doorway to a little chimp mound, perhaps five yards beyond the gate, Auger finds an old chimp woman, dressed in Shian garb, with a veil and delicate gold chain leading from a gem-inset nose piercing to her earlobe. She is quietly snoring, seated on a small chair in the sunlight.
Politely clearing his throat Auger waits outside the gate and calls, "Excuse me, have I reached the home of Faturtensh?"Looking around Auger takes in any details of the place, what is growing in the garden, if there are any wares possibly nearby. It seems this place is more home than a shop. If the old lady stirs and says anything he continues, smiling.
"I am a traveler and was asking after rare stones in the bazaar and was told you may sell what I seek."
Although not particularly well-traveled Auger is not new to matters of trade. An old chimp lady may or may not know anything of a stone's value but it is common to take advantage of travelers. Auger seeks two things, some Mica and a fair price. Inwardly girding himself for a negotiation but outwardly calm, collected and smiling Auger starts by the forms he knows, asking after her day, her family's health and complimenting her garden.
(OOC: Forgot to say, Auger would have acquired the herbs he sought while still at the bazaar.)
The gods have created some wondrous creatures, Varielky thinks. "I was on my way to the smithy, I was told this is the way." She doesn't want to lose time at the moment, but the creature had her curious. Especially the sword it was holding. "And what about you? Do you sit there only to ask passengers about their business, or do you have a goal in here? Perhaps you're practising with that sword of yours? I must say it is strange, you're the only resident I've seen here with a weapon."
The chimp woman’s wet eyes slowly open, her face very droopy and tired-looking.
“Just a...minute, derling,” she says, in a breathy croak. “I just need to find my...BUTA...where are the...SUNUVA...hmmm. Hmmm?” She searches with tired hands in pockets and seems to come up empty.
“Where did I leave my specs now?,” she wonders aloud. Auger sees as she has shifted, that a pair of spectacles is hanging off of one ear. He also notes that, previously concealed among the folds of her long white cotton house dress covering her bosom, she wears a collection of necklaces on strings and thin chains, one of which is a mica stone pendant.
“One second, one second, I’m coming,” she sighs heavily, but although struggling to stand, doesn’t quite seem like she’s going to make it.
“Oh yes, the smithy is not far, you’re going just the way I would go.”
The creature blinks once, slowly, its eyes seemingly quite vacant.”Weapon? Oh yes!” It struggles for a moment to sit upright and with a gleam in its eye, draws its little sword and points it straight up, accidentally chopping a small branch. Leaves fall and flutter in its face, and it loses its balance, little arms flailing, and it falls off the bough into a tuft of soft grass at the base of the tree. Its little sword falls at Varielky’s feet.
It sits up right away, laughing joyfully, its laughter half in breathless silence, half with a high flatulent sound, not like a pikeman on a barstool, but more like a pretty bride who had eaten far too many chickpeas the prior night.
“I forgot, I’m not supposed to unsheath it,” says the creature. “May I walk with you?,” it asks as it rolls up onto its feet and clumsily returns the blade to its holder.
Seeing some sign of acceptance and hoping it not too presumptuous, Auger opens the gate to step through and, leaving his quarterstaff leaning against the fence, offers an arm to the Chimp to help her rise.
"I think the spectacles you are after are right here,"he says, smiling and indicating the item hanging from her ear.
Whether she accepts the help or not, seeing the pendant at her neck Auger re-thinks what he is after for a moment. Some mica stone as an oddity for sale on display is one thing. Something worn on her person is probably of great personal value.
Thinking how he had discovered that there were fewer small mica stone flecks in his pouch, he had not even realized his powers were consuming them until Py told him so. "Few things come without some cost," he had said. Momentarily shivering at the broader meaning of the statement Auger again refocuses on the task. While several flecks still remained he apparently would need to bring the destructive thunder with some frequency and so he needed this material.
Still though, his original plan in feigning interest in a few stones, mica just some trifle among them, had to be changed. There were ways to approach such matters, perhaps not too expensively.
"Oh. Oh my. The particular stone I had asked after was for some form of a mica. I was directed to you, but if it was to try and talk you out of a dearly held pendant,"he says pointing to the item at her neck, "then do forgive me for interrupting your nap. I would not presume to take a lovingly held item off your hands. Perhaps you could point me to a local quarry or even a likely rock formation nearby where I might find some of the flaking stones without bothering you."
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DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
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Deception for Varielky: 17
The old chimp smiles curtly, and says, "The Inn is that way," pointing over his shoulder, "Welcome. Keep your weapons sheathed while here." And ensuring you do so, he then turns to hobble back to his wooden chair and sits with a sigh, the children follow him and sit on the ground near him, drawing with small sticks in the dirt.
Amistan clicks his tongue, saying, "Easy," to the horses as a baby elephant lumbers past pulling an empty cart into the long tunnel to the outside. The carriage rolls forward slowly across the plaza in the direction the Chimp pointed, and you see a bright red and gold-painted sign hanging over the door of a similarly patterned carved wooden facade which states, "Hyewush Inn," whose doorway is the only one you see proportioned for human-sized beings to enter without stooping. Beside it is a small outdoors stable, which is almost completely filled by the carriage and team, as Amistan brings the carriage to a halt and sets to work seeing to the horses.
Tuff debarks, heading straight inside to arrange for lodgings. As an afterthought, he opens a pouch of platinum and pays each of you what is owed you so far, before pulling open the large door, the motion of which sets a small bell ringing, and heading within.
What do you do?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(OOC: How much are we each owed at this point (so that we can add it)? Or did you already add the totals to our inventory?)
On the carriage, as they are entering the town, Ednyss sleeps through the entire encounter with the elderly chimp (someone else might have given his name, or he would have stated it groggily) although he wakes up almost immediately after they arrive at the inn and sits up, refreshed. Once they arrive at the inn and disembark from the carriage, Ednyss looks around for anyone that might be loitering nearby or walking around. Walking up to that person, he asks, "Hello there. You wouldn't happen to have any jewelry shops around here would you?" If he can, he attempts to find a jewelry shop in this town and pay it a visit.
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Varielky takes the coins from Tuff with gratitude, though she doesn't have much to do with it. She knows just how expensive a fitted armour will cost, and that was the only thing she needed at the moment. For now, she digs deep into her pack to find the pouch that holds the little she had before. After everyone gets off the carriage, Varielky approaches Benita. "Earlier, that was too close. For a moment, I thought you were gone." Then, before it gets too sentimental or awkward, she heads into the inn after Tuff.
Varielky
Ednyss immediately sees a table in the tented bazaar facing the inn on which are laid a few pieces of costume jewelry for sale. Not exactly what he’s looking for, but he heads there to get a closer look and to speak with the vendor.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
With a resolute "Thank you," and, using the forms of the Southerner he is, Auger accepts the coin. The transactional form of accepting payment for work rendered is a longstanding thing that comes naturally to Auger. Smiling warmly, he accepts the coins into his left hand while his right hand touches his left forearm then smoothly bringing the coins in his left hand to his chest while shaking hands with his right. As the handshake ends Auger quietly says, "dịch vụ được cung cấp và khoản thanh toán đã nhận được" an old phrase from an old language that somehow is still used at times in the South.
(OOC: Tuff may or may not know the form or the phrase,
which is some Google Translated Italian if you would prefer we use something else to represent an 'old tongue'[edit] - now Vietnamese!)Auger brings his few things to his room, washes up a bit, cleaning his remaining wounds as much as he can. Thinking he should be just fine tomorrow he leaves most of his belongings in the room. His dagger, small knife, coin purse and small components bag at his belt, and his quarterstaff as walking stick, he heads over to the bazaar.
Py, how's it going out here? Anything interesting arise? If you want to rest I can send you away for a time.
Entering the bazaar Auger seeks a few specific things and spell components:
If there are any special woods on display or used in the making of something he would examine the grain and ask after where it comes from. Any particularly great hardwoods or woods that are better at accepting stains and paints would be notable. If there are any engaged in obvious carpentry or wood-carving related trades Auger is happy to talk shop with them.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Benita replies to Varielky, “I know, bruiser, those flocking pig cowards! Can’t have us so no one can have us?! Here’s what I say. You and me. Sneak into their camp and take their supposed manhood with our blades?!” She laughs, vengefully, for a moment, then cools down a bit. “Do you think it’s true, that the Jenghens are paying for half-orc babies? Why can’t they make their own? The imperial nobility? Sitting in their palaces popping figs in their mouths all day, nothing better to do...and they can’t find time for making babies? Something must be wrong with them! Ay, ay, ay...” she falls silent for a moment. “I... you know...we talked about having a family. Bali. And me.” She shakes her head ruefully, then stands outside looking at the chimp kids play while Varielky heads inside.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(Are Jenghen known to make children themselves? Varielky surely wouldn't think of this, but should it be strange that they are buying babies, or is it common, the same way mules can't have offsprings?)
Varielky doesn't say her thoughts about sneaking into someone's camp and killing them in their sleep. She's sure Benita knows them already. Furthermore, she doesn't know what to say about the Jenghen reproduction abilities and doesn't feel like opening the Bali matter again. She stares at Benita for a moment, until Benita looks away. She opens the door to the inn and steps one step inside, then back. "Once we're back in Ishi Ammah, we'll take our revenge for those who were lost that day. That Abadolla has not heard the last of us. For now, however, we need to focus on our mission. Once we're done, though, that's my only priority." She says, then heads inside.
Varielky
(OOC: Varielky and Ednyss both served with Jenghen in the provincial brigades. Or rather, served under them, for the Jenghen were always in positions of authority. They joined into discussions regarding family, parenthood, lineage, in the same way as your comrades of other races. Yet, thinking back upon it, you do not recall seeing younger Jenghen. Although that makes sense too, since perhaps it would be the older, more experienced fighters who earned positions of command. Yet on the other hand, shouldn’t there have been more young enlisted and earning their way up the ranks? Or if the officers were granted their authority via imperial fiat, couldn’t young, as easily as older, Jenghen be given the rubber stamp and advanced without question? Yet there was not a single instance that either Ednyss or Varielky recall of fighting beside or under a young Jenghen. Yet, too, yours was a provincial brigade. Surely in the imperial army, rather than the provincial corps, Jenghen must have formed the majority? Neither of you are sure.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
You enter the Hyewush Inn. Within is a small tavern with tall, narrow, windows with colorful shutters flung open, which look out onto the plaza, where there is a patio seating area in front through which you walked, in which is seated one lone human, minding his own business and quietly drinking a pint of mead under the shade of an awning. He is dressed like a farmer or rancher.
Inside, the tavern is vacant, save for one male chimp standing at the bar, or at one end of the bar, rather, which is divided into two, the first 8 feet or so human sized, the rest proportioned for small folk. Behind the bar the floor is raised at the human end, so the chimp seems to stand at Varielky & Auger’s height as they enter.
“Hiya,” he says cheerfully, “‘m Seemily, and that’s Rhymme, my wife,” he continues, pointing his smiling face down toward a small door at the end of the tavern, through which you see, if you duck slightly, a second tavern room in which all the tables and chairs are small-folk-sized, and where a woman chimp wipes down tables with a cloth. She nods at you with a tight smile, and continues cleaning, which Seemily, the male chimp, is likewise doing at the big bar. After giving you a moment to take in the place -- which is neatly decorated in Orracan style -- he continues, “Mr. Tuff Greybeard has set you all up in the big-folk rooms up above, so feel free to relax, or come and go as you wish. We lock up at midnight, but just pull the chain if ya get locked out and one of us'll come.”
You see a narrow but well-joined set of stairs at the far end of the first tavern room, which you ascend up to the next storey, and the next, each of which holds rooms with small terraces - no more than two-feet wide, just enough room to stand-- facing out onto the plaza. Benita and Varielky have a room to share, as do Auger and Ednyss. Amistan has a small room to himself, while Tuff and Granophyre share a suite, and Wad and Flint share a room in back overlooking a rear yard.
Once you’ve gotten situated, Auger messages his query to Py, who flits to the little terrace and replies, ‘It is peaceful here. I shall remain on your terrace unless you wish me to do otherwise.’
Auger sets down his things, then returns out of doors to the plaza, and then to the bazaar and finds a variety of the usual things for sale, consumables, rugs and simple clothing, costume jewelry, produce, crafts and items for the home. After 30 minutes of exploration, he learns the following:
* Wood carving tools: “Try the Smithy, at the far end of the township -- not here in the plaza, but without, among the farms -- on the creek, just before the Mill.”
* A mica stone, incense, a brazier: “I don’t make or sell jewelry with mica,” says an eldery chimp woman at a table where costume jewelry is laid out. "But if you find Faturtensh, her healing stones look like what you describe. She lives on her own in a little place on the north side of the township”
* Various herbs: for sale in the produce stands in the bazaar
* Special wood, especially hard woods, or signs of carpentry: There is very fine carpentrywork in the plaza and the habitations lining its walls. Even today there is a scaffolding built up along a small portion of the inner wall, where workers are refacing a home with deftly worked siding and windows. Speaking with their foreman for a moment, Auger learns that he, Auger, might find various kinds of wood at the lumberyard at the Mill. It lies at the northern border of the township, just before the falls.
Varielky learns that The Smithy is where she might inquire about armor.
(OOC: for an ancient tongue, where Auger is from, Vietnamese would be a closer match.)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky makes sure to ask Tuff, Granophyre or Amistan how long they'd be staying before she leaves for the smithy. When she gets there, she'll inquire about the cost and time it will take to fit the armour she wears for her, and will ask the smiths to do so if it doesn't take longer than they'd stay and won't cost more than she has.
Varielky
Tuff, with Wad & Flint’s help, is settling Granophyre in on the top floor suite. In response to Varielky’s question, he says, “the master desires a two night stay here to recuperate and rest before the final leg of the journey to Kalahata. Take the remainder of today and tomorrow, Varielky, to relax. We...Greybeards...will keep our own company safely until then. And do see if you can find someone to modify that breastplate, it is not unseemly exactly, but....we dwarves do take pride in our metalworking. If the cost is more than you have, let me know, perhaps you may borrow from your expected future earnings.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
(OOC: Vietnamese it is, and now corrected above!)
Enjoying the fine craftsmanship he sees, completed and in progress, Auger thinks a walk through town might be just the thing. If he was not mistaken, the Mill, the Smithy and the home of Faturtensh all are to the north and so he heads in that direction, asking for directions when needed and enjoying the (OOC: afternoon?) walk. Leaving the plaza Auger pauses for a moment, thinking of Py, his constant companion for more than a month now, and decides to leave the wooden dragonfly where he is. Hyewush seems quiet and friendly and so he doubts there will be any issues for either of them.
(OOC: My read on the timing would be that Varielky is probably 10 minutes ahead of Auger)
While on the walk he spends time again reviewing events that had brought him here.
The Gray Lady. The Grieving Gray Lady. Quý cô hối hận. Or perhaps, Phụ nữ của hồ. The Dowager. Thái hậu.
The Dowager of the Shining Lake of Ever. She, who had been connected to his family for generations. Bringing luck to the lakeside families. She, whose state of grief and loss were known. She whose reason for grieving was not known. She, who benefited and perhaps exchanged something with the family based on a deal with an ancestor long ago. She, the extent of whose powers were unknown. She, cloaked in mist and mystery. She, whose lake would shine on the darkest day. She, who worked in partnership with Piya, or so it was said. Or simply was Piya, it was also said. She, who grieved. She. She had passed on selecting Vint, his oldest child on his 15th name day, as Auger himself had been skipped at 15.
How was Vint taking his rejection? Probably not well if Vint was anything like Auger, and he usually was. Rejected by the Gray Lady and his father chosen instead. What must he be thinking? Deyranne would have much on her plate to help him. Too much. 4 children to raise and feed and Auger's income suddenly gone. Gone on a disc train. Gone to the west and then by ship to the north. The family would close ranks and support them, as the lakeside families would. He should be back soon, perhaps after Kalahata everything would be clear and Auger could return to her and to them. Py would know.
On Auger's 15th name day Brenneth had been chosen instead. Brenneth who had been training as a warrior, a rarity among the lakeside families. Brenneth Everlac, Fighter, Warlock and First Servant to the Dowager. Auger himself was not First Servant now. Or was he? Not unless Brenneth had passed. He was certainly a Warlock and servant to Phụ nữ của hồ now. Brenneth had left so quickly. Gone away and not heard from these last 20 years. Auger had done the same. Did Brenneth also meet up with a band of Dwarves trying to find keys to lost power? What had happened to him? Well, it would have to wait while he served these Dwarves.
Those who shared this journey had clearly already bonded before he came along. Varielky and Benita shared a friendship that pre-dated this trip, it was clear. He had heard them speak in reference to a military campaign in the north and some important events in an Arena. Ednyss was clearly an honored companion, though it had initially surprised Auger when it turned out he was not also related to the Strewns whether by blood or long-standing bond. He was also involved in the campaign. And the Arena. After Auger's own surprising appearance they had been quite friendly in fact. All of them. All of them trained warriors. And him, a carpenter, standing with them. A carpenter who can view the Sea of Stars and use what he finds. Oddly enough he thinks again, he had started this journey to Kalahata before any of them. Before any of them had even known they would be heading that way from what Granophyre had told him. What did the Dowager know? And the dangers they had faced together. The Hollow Ones, and then earlier, the Orcs.
The Orcs.
Suddenly it occurs to him, a cold sweat hitting him hard and even making him feel faint for a moment. He had reached into the Sea of Stars and sent the air away again, and when the thunder fell among the Orcs, one was no longer there, its Hyena pummeled and falling back, with no rider. This was the first time he had killed a living thing. He had killed. He, Dannel Fetherlac. Killer.
Still walking to the north side of town Auger pauses where he is and closes his eyes a moment, passing Chimps moving around him, some with slightly concerned expressions some annoyed with the strange human. What's wrong with this lumbering oaf?
Quietly, but out loud, Auger says, "Quý cô hướng dẫn tôi qua," and then after a moment he touches the symbol at his neck, "And you to Piya, you guide me too." Auger begins walking again. Eyes forward. Focus on these simple tasks. A brazier. Some woodcarving tools. Mica. Perhaps some fine wood. Obstinately thinking of the kinds of wood to anticipate being available, still feeling sick, Auger does not think of the Orc again or his journey's purpose.
Eyes forward. Focus.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Varielky nods. "Thank you, I think I will."
Varielky leaves the room and heads outside the inn. Not sure where to go, she looks for the old Chimp they met earlier. "Excuse me, could you point me towards a smithy in the area? If there are multiple ones, could you recommend me the one which you believe is best?"
(Assuming he points her to a smithy.) Varielky follows the route that she was told. On the way, she considers the events that caused her to leave her old armour behind. So much has happened since then, yet so little as well. Was it even the right call? Would having it on her truly catch their attention? The encounter with the Chimps during the night back then proved she would have died if they found her without armour that night.
When she reaches her destination, she looks at the place - is there an entrance for humans in there, or is it small-sized? Either way, in her height, it's not like she'd have to crawl. She opens the door and heads inside. Hopefully, she managed to reach the right place.
Varielky
The Township of Hyewush, you learn, encompasses the entire 600 or 650 acres of the protected depression you noted when you passed the warding obelisk at its entrance. It is mostly farmlands, which slope gently upwards from the central mound in which the plaza and its surroundings, including the Inn, Keep, and Bazaar are built or exist, except that the whole area, like a large plate tilted at a slight angle, (perhaps with a small mound of porridge at its center representing the Hill, which is how the townspeople refer to the central area), slopes downwards toward the north. A creek cuts around the Hill, and wends its way northward, gaining speed, until at the northern edge of the plate or depression, it reaches the smithy and then the mill, and then cascades off of the northern edge of the township down a sixty-foot escarpment.
The earth is brown and rich now, not as rich as in Auger's home province, or even the farmlands around Varielky's first remembered home. It is sandy, there are rocks, and it is easy to imagine how difficult a farmer's life could be here if the rains were not to come one season. The land is mostly cleared and used for agriculture, but along the creek there is a line of green growth, juniper trees, and scrub. And, wending just east of the creek is a rutted path, well-worn, one of many which thread their way around the community.
Varielky
The old chimp points Varielky to the only smithy in Hyewush, down the creek towards the mill. A twenty minute walk, perhaps fifteen. She heads out, down the long warm, earthen corridor under the Hill, and finds the creek path and follows it north as it wanders through the trees beside the creek, and, it being late afternoon in Beauty, the sun is coming down at an angle from the west, throwing long shadows across her path as she walks. It is quiet, and not too hot, and the first bees of the season are awakening and exploring the first blossoms as they begin to poke up through the moistened earth. Yes, it is quiet, except for the bees, and the creek trickling along a few yards to the west, when Varielky hears a cheerful voice, a tenor both rounded and rough, call out from above her. "Whatcha. Whatcha. Whatcha doin'?"
Looking up, the shield maiden sees a creature unfamiliar to her. It seems to be a very small elephant, no more than three feet long, sitting in the crook of a Juniper tree bough, just a foot or so above her and across the path from the river. The little elephant's hide, by the way, is bright aqua-colored, and the creature's body is more like a human's than an elephant, more or less. Its wears Elvish-looking clothing, comprised entirely of intertwined leaves and vines, although the overall effect is of a green yeoman's outfit with a feathered cap -- although the feather is a leaf. The creature carries a small sword on its belt, and looks at Varielky with big, curious, innocent eyes.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger
The Southerner, after spending thirty minutes at the bazaar, and a little while more chatting with the construction foreman, turns toward the large archway, the entrance to the long tunnel under the Hill which leads to the outer township and his goals. It is getting late in the afternoon and much of the plaza is in shade and the older women at the bazaar tables are throwing shawls over their shoulders when he enters the warm earthen tunnel and begins what he was told is perhaps a 15-minute walk to Faturtensh's hillside Chimp house, which is the closest of his three goals.
The sorcerer finds and walks north upon the creek path for a few hundred yards, then he leaves the green juniper trees lining the creek as it sluices northwards, and the creek path which will lead to the Smithy and Mill, turning right onto a footpath. For the road to Faturtensh's home turns eastward, through an olive grove, over a slight rise, and then past a pond filled with toads and turtles. A few minutes later, Auger arrives at a low fence, protecting a garden, on the other side of which, in the round doorway to a little chimp mound, perhaps five yards beyond the gate, Auger finds an old chimp woman, dressed in Shian garb, with a veil and delicate gold chain leading from a gem-inset nose piercing to her earlobe. She is quietly snoring, seated on a small chair in the sunlight.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Politely clearing his throat Auger waits outside the gate and calls, "Excuse me, have I reached the home of Faturtensh?" Looking around Auger takes in any details of the place, what is growing in the garden, if there are any wares possibly nearby. It seems this place is more home than a shop. If the old lady stirs and says anything he continues, smiling.
"I am a traveler and was asking after rare stones in the bazaar and was told you may sell what I seek."
Although not particularly well-traveled Auger is not new to matters of trade. An old chimp lady may or may not know anything of a stone's value but it is common to take advantage of travelers. Auger seeks two things, some Mica and a fair price. Inwardly girding himself for a negotiation but outwardly calm, collected and smiling Auger starts by the forms he knows, asking after her day, her family's health and complimenting her garden.
(OOC: Forgot to say, Auger would have acquired the herbs he sought while still at the bazaar.)
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The gods have created some wondrous creatures, Varielky thinks. "I was on my way to the smithy, I was told this is the way." She doesn't want to lose time at the moment, but the creature had her curious. Especially the sword it was holding. "And what about you? Do you sit there only to ask passengers about their business, or do you have a goal in here? Perhaps you're practising with that sword of yours? I must say it is strange, you're the only resident I've seen here with a weapon."
Varielky
Auger
The chimp woman’s wet eyes slowly open, her face very droopy and tired-looking.
“Just a...minute, derling,” she says, in a breathy croak. “I just need to find my...BUTA...where are the...SUNUVA...hmmm. Hmmm?” She searches with tired hands in pockets and seems to come up empty.
“Where did I leave my specs now?,” she wonders aloud. Auger sees as she has shifted, that a pair of spectacles is hanging off of one ear. He also notes that, previously concealed among the folds of her long white cotton house dress covering her bosom, she wears a collection of necklaces on strings and thin chains, one of which is a mica stone pendant.
“One second, one second, I’m coming,” she sighs heavily, but although struggling to stand, doesn’t quite seem like she’s going to make it.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky
“Oh yes, the smithy is not far, you’re going just the way I would go.”
The creature blinks once, slowly, its eyes seemingly quite vacant.”Weapon? Oh yes!” It struggles for a moment to sit upright and with a gleam in its eye, draws its little sword and points it straight up, accidentally chopping a small branch. Leaves fall and flutter in its face, and it loses its balance, little arms flailing, and it falls off the bough into a tuft of soft grass at the base of the tree. Its little sword falls at Varielky’s feet.
It sits up right away, laughing joyfully, its laughter half in breathless silence, half with a high flatulent sound, not like a pikeman on a barstool, but more like a pretty bride who had eaten far too many chickpeas the prior night.
“I forgot, I’m not supposed to unsheath it,” says the creature. “May I walk with you?,” it asks as it rolls up onto its feet and clumsily returns the blade to its holder.
“I’m Kotashin. Knight-defender of Hyewush.”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Seeing some sign of acceptance and hoping it not too presumptuous, Auger opens the gate to step through and, leaving his quarterstaff leaning against the fence, offers an arm to the Chimp to help her rise.
"I think the spectacles you are after are right here," he says, smiling and indicating the item hanging from her ear.
Whether she accepts the help or not, seeing the pendant at her neck Auger re-thinks what he is after for a moment. Some mica stone as an oddity for sale on display is one thing. Something worn on her person is probably of great personal value.
Thinking how he had discovered that there were fewer small mica stone flecks in his pouch, he had not even realized his powers were consuming them until Py told him so. "Few things come without some cost," he had said. Momentarily shivering at the broader meaning of the statement Auger again refocuses on the task. While several flecks still remained he apparently would need to bring the destructive thunder with some frequency and so he needed this material.
Still though, his original plan in feigning interest in a few stones, mica just some trifle among them, had to be changed. There were ways to approach such matters, perhaps not too expensively.
"Oh. Oh my. The particular stone I had asked after was for some form of a mica. I was directed to you, but if it was to try and talk you out of a dearly held pendant," he says pointing to the item at her neck, "then do forgive me for interrupting your nap. I would not presume to take a lovingly held item off your hands. Perhaps you could point me to a local quarry or even a likely rock formation nearby where I might find some of the flaking stones without bothering you."
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory