Tuff and Granophyre listen closely to Varielky and Auger’s admissions regarding secrecy. Tuff is quite annoyed with Varielky and says so.
“I must insist to all here, that the goal of our journey remain secret. You agreed in the contract you signed with me, and I warn you that breaking that agreement will come with severe repercussions. Your lives and that of Master Strewn, are at stake!”
Granophyre picks up, “Of course it was not intentional, but neither might it be intentional for a soldier to fall asleep while on guard duty, an offense which is in most organized armies considered punishable by death. Now,” he hastens to add, “this is different, and there will be no punishment per se. but we mustn’t let it happen again, must we?”
Regarding Kotashin and the dinner invitation, Granophyre shows those assembled a written note. “I received this yesterday, delivered by the Innkeeper to my door. It is an invitation to us all to join the Mayor, Anafora lenna Volubelle, Myhrr Hyewush na, in the Keep for supper this evening. Were this journey not what it is, I am sure I would be delighted. However, I shall offer my apologies and demure. Yet, I admit to being curious about the warding obelisk, and also the fey creature you describe. Perhaps the two are linked.”
“Do any of you believe such a social visit, in order to find out more about the magic in Hyewush, but without revealing more of our company’s goals, would be both wise and within your ability to undertake?”
Ednyss glances at the others, "I'm not the most adept liar, but I can usually read the intentions of others quite well. If we go and ask the right questions, I'm sure we could learn something about the magic of this city. However, the mayor is very persuasive, and I alone may not be able to deceive her. If I watch my words, I am sure that I could prevent her from learning anything concrete about our mission. On the other hand, she will likely still be suspicious of us unless someone else can better divert her attention." Ednyss looks at the Varielky and Auger for input.
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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.”
"I think avoiding the invitation only creates more suspicion. I did not join this party until Ednyss' trial at the dead temple so I think there is little to obviously connect me to the great Granophyre and his quests," Auger says bowing slightly towards the famous dwarf. "I would be happy to join any who want to meet the mayor." Thinking a moment, Auger goes on, "For them I can speak the truth. I am a carpenter who has been recently touched by the fey," Auger says, gesturing at Py, "my abilities have helped here some, but my curiosity about Kotashin and the strange behavior of the warding obelisk... well at this point, this is my tradecraft. Why wouldn't I be curious?"
"We should come to agreement on what parts of our story can and cannot be told. Using the truth is very useful in negotiations where one must hide it. Have we told any here that our goal is Kalahata, and the Vale? Why does Clan Greybeard travel this road?"
Auger continues trying to clarify the group's cover story until he is confident that he can repeat it as needed.
(OOC: Things Auger wants to clarify:
The "goal" of the Clan's travels
Auger's role as an attendant to those travels. Those connected to magic, such as he is now known to be, are probably unusual as hired help. What is he to the Clan?
Any little details some in the party might have shared that we should know so as not to set off suspicions
)
Auger itches to be done with this meeting and to see to a broken windlass, but if there is a part for him to play, he would know what that part will be.
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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
"I am aware. It is a mistake I will not repeat." Varielky responds with remorse.
"Well, I had given my armour to the local smith to get it fitted, but they'll need me from this afternoon into the night. Besides, I'd rather not lie to people when there's an option to avoid it. I understand we can't tell the mayor the truth, but perhaps I can be excused of the dinner? I'm sure it isn't my company the mayor wants. Lastly, if trouble arises, and Ednyss and Sharp-Eyed here aren't enough, perhaps Sharp-Eyed can have his pet call me? I'll come running at a moment's notice."
Tuff finds it odd that such a small community would possess what appear to be potent magical defenses. Also, recalling the entry sign which designated Hyewush as an Imperial community, he wants to try to assess and mitigate damage. Will the question of the "lost core" reach the Governor through arcane means?
In answer to Auger's questions, Tuff suggests these answers:
The "goal" of the Clan's travels: "Business dealings with Kalahata. We have heard that a new casino is being planned, and that gold is flowing freely into Kalahata from the Vale. We had thought the direct route from the coast would be easier than it is, and would appreciate guidance striking out across the steppes."
Auger's role as an attendant to those travels. Those connected to magic, such as he is now known to be, are probably unusual as hired help. What is he to the Clan? "Magic users are not unusual as mercenaries in this part of the Empire. The Imperial military makes heavy use of Warlocks, and particularly, Sorcerers."
Any little details some in the party might have shared that we should know so as not to set off suspicions. "If there is any question about a lost core, remember that the legend of core of Dacite is not completely unknown. Many more Cores existed before the Fall, which were either smashed into oblivion, or are now at the bottom of the sea. Dwarves have tried over the centuries to rediscover them, but to my knowledge, none have ever been recovered."
The invitation is for supper, to begin at sunset, at the Keep across the plaza from the Inn. What do you do before then?
Auger agrees to the stories that Tuff indicates could work and then sets out to the farm of Ma and Pa Garther to attempt to fix their windlass and perhaps help with repairing their barn a little bit. This time when he leaves he brings his carpentry tools in his pack. If an excuse to head to the mill to pick up some extra wood comes up, Auger will head there as well and attempt to acquire some small wood samples to practice his carving while on the road. He will also stop by the bazaar to try to find a pouch or case that might work to keep his woodcarving tools organized. Py stays nearby, open and visible, throughout the day.
While with Ma and Pa, Auger may ask after Kotashin, expressing his curiosity about the little fey creature. Is he always at hand to help when there is trouble?
The morning is grey and a very light rain is falling, which looks like it might grow into a rainstorm at any time. Yet for the moment, it stops no one from going about their business, and the bazaar has set up just as it was the prior day, and the builders in the plaza continue with their work.
Auger
When he arrives at the little farm, Auger's offer to fetch wood from the mill is gratefully accepted by Garther. At the mill, Auger may buy a few pieces of brown, spotted hardwood Thuya burls, which can be used to craft objects 4x4x4" or smaller. He's never seen Thuya before -- it doesn't exist in the south -- and after examining a couple of pieces which have been carved as small boxes, Auger sees the wood is very fine for his purposes. The mill will sell him up to 3 pieces at 2gp per piece.
Back at the farm, Auger's carpentry set and assistance with the windlass is helpful, and within two hours, the well at the little farm is functioning admirably. As Auger is getting ready to leave, small drops of rain continually plopping down upon him and everything he sees, the warlock spots the two small children -- twins, he's come to realize -- playing quietly in the dry woods between the house and the road. Auger sees that their faces, in the grey light, are illuminated by firelight, perhaps a candle.
Ednyss's first order of business is to find some materials for a ritual that he wants to conduct later in the day**. After that, Ednyss will likely just go back down to the ground floor of the inn to see if anyone has any games of cards running. If they don't, then he will ask Varielky if he can accompany her to the smithy. It's been a while since he has been near a forge, but it's almost like riding a bicycle, and at the very least he has some magics that could also probably expedite the process. This could also perhaps free her up earlier than the evening so that she can come to dinner if she would like. If she declines, then he will ask to help Tuff and Granophyre with any preparations that they need to do regarding disguising or altering the wagon so that they are more incognito. Regardless of what he ends up doing for most of the day, he will want to cast Augury, using a ritual, 20 minutes before sunset to receive an omen from Takal Demesh regarding their decided visit to the mayor's keep.
(**OOC: I'm not really sure how the material components for this spell could be collected because I'm not sure anyone in their sane mind would sell sticks for 25 GP... but this is how they are listed in the spell description: "specially marked sticks, bones, or similar tokens worth at least 25 gp." Is this something specific that I would need to purchase? Or is this something that I can just take a stick from the ground, carve the shield of Takal Demesh into it, and subtract 25 gp from my inventory?)
Entranced by the wood, Auger opts to buy 2 of the 3 pieces and attempts to negotiate the price down. Persuasion: 23
Seeing that he can fix the windlass without magics, Auger is nonetheless interested in experimenting with his new abilities and attempts to magically improve some of the joins he makes, so that a break cannot happen as easily again.
Seeing the children again possibly playing with fire in the dry woods Auger is concerned. Py, can you go tell their parents about their play?Auger strides over to see if they are safe or not. Along the way he attempts to catch water droplets from the rain to see if he can collect them and bring them along to douse the fire, if needed. He discovers a limitation in the process. While he can direct water itself, he needs something to hold it if he wants a large mass of it. Perhaps he can redirect some of this rain if needed, otherwise a few simple handfuls floating about him is all he can manage. Perhaps he will figure something out in time, Auger thinks.
When coming to the children Auger tries to be as friendly as possible as he warns them about fire in dry places. Remembering they did not speak Jenghen, Auger may resort to simple water tricks and perhaps some dancing lights to keep their attention until Ma or Pa arrives.
"Well, that's not what I wanted to do... but sure. I'll accompany you to the inn first, and then you could come with me if you'd still want to." Varielky responds to Ednyss. She had planned to look for Kotashin and challenge him to a duel once again if she finds him. That sword... she must see it in action at least once. Varielky will walk with Ednyss to the inn, then leave, with or without Ednyss, looking for Kotashin. If she fails to find the Knight-Defender after looking for a good hour or so, she'll give up and head for the smithy.
Ednyss's first order of business is to find some materials for a ritual that he wants to conduct later in the day**. After that, Ednyss will likely just go back down to the ground floor of the inn to see if anyone has any games of cards running. If they don't, then he will ask Varielky if he can accompany her to the smithy. It's been a while since he has been near a forge, but it's almost like riding a bicycle, and at the very least he has some magics that could also probably expedite the process. This could also perhaps free her up earlier than the evening so that she can come to dinner if she would like. If she declines, then he will ask to help Tuff and Granophyre with any preparations that they need to do regarding disguising or altering the wagon so that they are more incognito. Regardless of what he ends up doing for most of the day, he will want to cast Augury, using a ritual, 20 minutes before sunset to receive an omen from Takal Demesh regarding their decided visit to the mayor's keep.
(**OOC: I'm not really sure how the material components for this spell could be collected because I'm not sure anyone in their sane mind would sell sticks for 25 GP... but this is how they are listed in the spell description: "specially marked sticks, bones, or similar tokens worth at least 25 gp." Is this something specific that I would need to purchase? Or is this something that I can just take a stick from the ground, carve the shield of Takal Demesh into it, and subtract 25 gp from my inventory?)
For the spell, Ednyss takes three platinum pieces down to Seemily, the chimp Innkeeper, who is washing breakfast dishes in a wooden, and Ednyss asks him to exchange platinum for gold, which Seemily is happy to do. Now, with 30 pieces of Shian gold in hand, Ednyss will be able to cast the spell using 25 of them. The dwarf has seen it done by His Excellence, Malike Sabir, High Priest of Takal Demesh in Ishi Ammah. He must lay out the gold pieces on the ground, outlining the shape of a kite shield. He must then kneel within the outlined shape, and pray for an omen. The gold will float and take a shape, whose form Ednyss must read as a sign of the near future. The gold will then evaporate.
There are no games of cards taking place, but as he walks through the bazaar, Ednyss is greeted by the one-earringed jeweler who sold him the platinum rings the prior day. "So...," the chimp asks, smiling. "What did she say? Yes, I hope!" He, the jeweler, then goes on to say that he'd heard that Ednyss won at cards the prior night, and asks if he would like to play now, "to pass the time?" Within a few minutes, a game is organized in the plaza among the sellers, who are not very busy. (The ante is only 2SP, not 1GP, but there is time for up to 3 games.) A light rain trickles down intermittently under grey, cloudy skies, but awnings on strong poles keep everyone mostly dry.
Later, when Ednyss undertakes his ritual casting for an augury of the near future, the gold pieces carefully placed on the floor of his room in the outline of a shield, Ednyss himself kneeling at its center, the gold pieces begin to shine brightly, melting, and trickling upwards, gravity reversed for a moment. The strands intertwine, those to Ednyss's right forming into the figure of a dwarven warrior bearing an axe and shield, and on his left, the strands twist and join into the shape of a minotaur. The two shapes bow to one another and begin to duel. The minotaur bests the dwarf, striking her with its glaive. But she stands again, they bow again, and they fight a second round. This time, the dwarf warrior beats the minotaur, slashing its legs then smashing it with her axe. The monster stands again. They bow to each other, and transform to a puff of metallic smoke which drifts gently out of the window.
Entranced by the wood, Auger opts to buy 2 of the 3 pieces and attempts to negotiate the price down. Persuasion: 23
Seeing that he can fix the windlass without magics, Auger is nonetheless interested in experimenting with his new abilities and attempts to magically improve some of the joins he makes, so that a break cannot happen as easily again.
Seeing the children again possibly playing with fire in the dry woods Auger is concerned. Py, can you go tell their parents about their play?Auger strides over to see if they are safe or not. Along the way he attempts to catch water droplets from the rain to see if he can collect them and bring them along to douse the fire, if needed. He discovers a limitation in the process. While he can direct water itself, he needs something to hold it if he wants a large mass of it. Perhaps he can redirect some of this rain if needed, otherwise a few simple handfuls floating about him is all he can manage. Perhaps he will figure something out in time, Auger thinks.
When coming to the children Auger tries to be as friendly as possible as he warns them about fire in dry places. Remembering they did not speak Jenghen, Auger may resort to simple water tricks and perhaps some dancing lights to keep their attention until Ma or Pa arrives.
The price of the wood, already very modest, drops to 1GP, 6SP each, and the miller scratches his head, wondering why he brought it down so far and knowing his wife will be very displeased with him. There at the mill, which is perched at the edge of the concave depression which contains the township of Hyewush, Auger is held for a moment by the grey sky peeking in below the overhanging branches where the creek pond at the mill cascades away, as he looks out across the wandering plains, northward. It's just a moment, and then he catches himself daydreaming and continues on with what he was doing.
Back at the farm, when Auger steps off of the path to the children, he crunches through last year's fallen leaves, and twigs rustle and pop under his feet. The children do not seem to notice. It is only when he is nearly standing above them that he discovers the flame has no source. It is hovering between them, and they both seem to be entranced by it, and also, they seem to have brought it into being. For when Auger opens his mouth to speak, they are completely surprised, their little brows lose the furrow of concentration, and they look at him innocently, if a bit guardedly, and the flame poofs away into nothing. They say something in Chimp, and then take each others hands and scamper off into the round door of the half-underground farmhouse.
"Well, that's not what I wanted to do... but sure. I'll accompany you to the inn first, and then you could come with me if you'd still want to." Varielky responds to Ednyss. She had planned to look for Kotashin and challenge him to a duel once again if she finds him. That sword... she must see it in action at least once. Varielky will walk with Ednyss to the inn, then leave, with or without Ednyss, looking for Kotashin. If she fails to find the Knight-Defender after looking for a good hour or so, she'll give up and head for the smithy.
Varielky walks up and down the creek path, but does not find Kotashin there or in the plaza. When she arrives at the smithy, the smith and his assistant are quietly and efficiently reworking the breastplate. Since she's early, they measure her again, then the smith frowns deeply. Apparently, something was not working out well and the smith has to redo the placement of the harness. He gets to work. Etonime is there, cleaning the pens, and another pair of chimps is reworking the armor's padding with needle and thread, and a bolt of wool and some balled cotton.
However, with Varielky there for fitting, and enough hands at work, the smith seems very pleased. "The dwarven steel," says his apprentice, "it's gotta get hotter than usual before it'll bend. We thought that'd slow us down. But once 'ts there, its easy to mold and to work with. 'S good steel." And by late in the afternoon, everything is done.
The smith stops his final tinkering, cools the steel form in cold water, buffs it, and then attaches the skirt. The padding is done already, and fits Varielky perfectly, and over it, the breastplate is now comfortably fitted and straps on easily. The runes the smith's assistant said would be destroyed are indecipherable to be sure, but look like symmetrical etching. The sun has not yet set, and although the rain seems to be getting heavier, Varielky can get back to the inn in time to change and attend the supper, if she wishes.
Seeing the children clearly engaged in a form of magic leaves Auger excited and concerned in equal mix. Perhaps these young children have discovered their own connection to a source, like his own. Or perhaps there is another connection with an entity not unlike the Dowager who watches over this town. Yes, very interesting. Auger walks back to the farmhouse and talks to Ma and Pa Garther about their children, telling them about the magical fire he just observed one or both of them making. "... They will need extra watching and perhaps some level of tutoring or the fire yesterday will be just the start of problems to come. Perhaps there is someone around here who can help them with training? I would try to assist but my group does not plan to stay here for very long. In fact I must take my leave soon."
Auger hangs out long enough to ensure that the Garthers understand the need and to answer any questions they have, though lacking any training himself, he may not have great answers.
Once that is taken care of Auger heads back to the plaza, after getting a bit wet he tries to redirect water, so that the rain no longer falls upon him. It is not a perfect shield, but it does help. As he approaches the plaza itself, he stops shifting the water away. His magics are known, but there was no need to flaunt it.
Seeing the children clearly engaged in a form of magic leaves Auger excited and concerned in equal mix. Perhaps these young children have discovered their own connection to a source, like his own. Or perhaps there is another connection with an entity not unlike the Dowager who watches over this town. Yes, very interesting. Auger walks back to the farmhouse and talks to Ma and Pa Garther about their children, telling them about the magical fire he just observed one or both of them making. "... They will need extra watching and perhaps some level of tutoring or the fire yesterday will be just the start of problems to come. Perhaps there is someone around here who can help them with training? I would try to assist but my group does not plan to stay here for very long. In fact I must take my leave soon."
Auger hangs out long enough to ensure that the Garthers understand the need and to answer any questions they have, though lacking any training himself, he may not have great answers.
Once that is taken care of Auger heads back to the plaza, after getting a bit wet he tries to redirect water, so that the rain no longer falls upon him. It is not a perfect shield, but it does help. As he approaches the plaza itself, he stops shifting the water away. His magics are known, but there was no need to flaunt it.
Garther and Ma seem utterly shocked by this news, and, scratching their heads, regard their young twins with worry written on their faces. Auger answers questions such as, "will they grow out of it," and, "training...?," and they thank him wanly, once again, for his help. The warlock leaves the pair in confused silence.
Auger does not feel particularly good about where he left things with the Garthers but he cannot take his focus off the Dowager's instructions which would treat this as a side issue. Or does it?
Py, should I do more to help that family? I am hard-pressed to think of any reasonable steps I can take and still stay with the company. Does... the Dowager have any instructions pertaining to them?
Regardless of Py's response Auger decides he can perhaps mention something about it to the Mayor at the function tonight. He wanders through the bazaar to find a suitable case for his woodcarving tools and then retires to his room before heading to the dinner.
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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
Ednyss chuckles a bit at the jeweler before asking, "Do you always assume your client's intentions?" Regardless of the answer, Ednyss explains, "The woman that the ring was for is more of a daughter to me. I apologize for not saying anything yesterday, but your conclusions were entertaining, to say the least."
"I would love to," Ednyss says when the sellers offer to play a game of cards. The ante is relatively low, so Ednyss plays much more relaxed than usual. Regardless of the results, he thanks everyone for the game, and in the small talk as they play, he asks about the mayor of the town with small questions like, "So what do you think of Anafora? How long as she been Mayor?" He isn't asking for anything specific, just trying to see what the shopkeepers think about her in general. After winning the first two games by a landslide, he sits out of the third game and just makes small talk with the shopkeepers. He then retires back to the inn to get ready for supper and conduct his Augury.
Varielky moves around with the armour on her, delighted to find how perfectly it all fits. "Such fine work, in so little time. Thank you, all of you."
Varielky leaves after thanking the smiths and everyone once again, with her armour on her to get used to it. It is such a perfect fit, however, that it takes no time before she doesn't even feel it's on. She heads back to the inn, looking for Kotashin on the way, though not searching for him (she doesn't go out of her way to find him, just looking around, hoping to ses the little Knight). Once she reaches the inn, she'll doff her armour - with a little bit of disappointment - and wears her livery before looking for the others.
In response to Auger’s question (“Py, should I do more to help that family?...Does... the Dowager have any instructions pertaining to them?”), the fey alyasub makes a motion which Auger interprets as a shrug. ‘When the Dowager has instructions, you will know,’ it responds. The warlock finds a flat leather implement-holder which rolls into a sort of scroll, with ties sewn into it. An economic solution to holding his tools.
Ednyss
There are 4 chimps playing with Ednyss when he wins at Slaughterhouse in the bazaar. A few of the chimps whistle with appreciation at his careful reading of the other players.
He learns this about the mayor:
Born in Hyewush into a guild family.
Her mother, retired, is now a fortune-teller with a tiny garden a few plots to the north of the Hill up the creek. Anafora has no children and is unmarried.
Traveled abroad for a long time. Ten years? Fifteen? Left when still a teenager. Gained a taste for foreign clothes & style. During that time, Hyewush was subject to orc raids and it was a dark time.
Returned to Hyewush when her father was on his deathbed. The banker’s guild chair was up for election. Maybe twelve years ago? Was elected chair, started really leading the town. Ran for mayor the next year, at the then-mayor’s behest. Has been mayor for over ten years.
Everyone loves her.
The town has seen no orcs in years, and people have been happy. There was a drought a few years ago, that was tough. But they all stuck together and made it through. Nothing like that recently. Except for the earthquakes a few days ago...
Varielky
Sees no sign of Kotashin.
Dinner at the Hyewush Keep
The rain has picked up, and the various sellers in the bazaar have closed shop, so to speak, to avoid the ruining of their wares. Not having actual doors to close, they pack their inventories into carts and bring them into the ground floor of the keep, the guildhall, where there are side doors leading to storage rooms, overseen by the same old man you first saw when you entered the town, with his cane and striped coat and cap. Or, they load their wares into carts and cover them with heavy oilcloth and canvas, and push or pull them home outside the plaza and its long, warm tunnel. Just at sunset, a brisk breeze picks up, and a potted plant rocks loose and crashes down from a high terrace to splatter on the plaza below. At the inn, Seemingly lashes the patio chairs in place, and furls the awning.
When the three of you head across the plaza, wrapped in travel cloaks, the lamplighters are carefully illuminating the lanterns in the plaza and having a hard go of it at that, as puddles form in the plaza’s gravelly floor. It’s not particularly cold, but the wind is, for the moment, formidable. Yet it’s only a quick run across the plaza to the big wooden doors to the Keep, whose portcullis has remained in its raised position so long that vines have grown around its bars. The thick wooden doors are unlocked, and you find yourselves in a large chamber on the ground floor, with a hearth and a low stage set up at one end, and as I mentioned, various storage rooms around the perimeter. A handful of townsfolk standing near the stage are donning cloaks and putting down instruments, saying goodbyes. Ednyss recognizes them as the dancers from yesterday, apparently wrapping up another rehearsal.
There is a stairway which spirals downstairs, which Ednyss recalls leads down to various guild offices, and, to one side, another wide staircase leading up to a terrace overlooking the chamber, and then to more stairs continuing upwards. Hallways branch off once you reach the third floor, leading into the Hill and away from the open plaza, and soon, walking up the lantern-lit stairway, which is carpeted and the walls decorated with a few paintings and tapestries, you arrive at the location described in the invitation: a round, brightly and artfully painted wooden door, inset with just a bit of gold leaf, with a large doorknob in its center and a pull-cord doorbell to one side. Lanterns on either side of the door throw light into the entry vestibule, which has an unoccupied desk at one end. You hear rain coming from above, and Ednyss notes a skylight above the staircase, which, due to the hour, is dark. You notice a faint odor of spicy food, and can hear music and voices coming from behind the door. One of you is just about to pull the ringer when the door opens.
Its opener is the chimp woman Ednyss spoke with yesterday, and whom the rest of you have seen from a distance and know to be the Mayor, Anafora lenna Volubelle, Mhyrr Hyewush na. She is wearing a simple, long, rather slinky silk dress, red, with what we would call a Mandarin collar, a very light gauzy scarf draped just over her shoulders and around her arms, and subtle platinum and amber drop-shaped earrings. She wears makeup outlining her eyes and highlighting them with a golden sheen, and she has a small gem adhered to her forehead in Kingdoms style. She is radiant, and, smiling warmly, welcomes you inside, where the food fragrance now embraces you in a savory grip. The ceilings are quite high for a chimp home, in other words, at a tolerable height for humans, and you walk into an entrance hallway, and then into a long parlor with windows looking out over the plaza, comfortably furnished, inhabited by two guests who just finish playing and singing an Orracan folk song as you enter, at which time Anafora claps joyfully, and then she introduces the pair to you.
First, a casually dressed human wearing silken kaftan and pants from the Kingdoms, whom you recognize as a fellow guest at the Inn. He is short and unhandsome but, seemingly, smart and good-humored and still taller than a chimp, and Anafora introduces him as Kushagra Lal, with a gentle pat on the chest, seeming to indicate that they are, perhaps, lovers. He stands up from the hurdy-gurdy he was playing, and bows his upper body gently forward, smiling and tipping his chin down before stepping back and keenly scoping you all out as introductions continue. The other guest, who was singing with Kushagra’s accompaniment, is called Litho Hasha, and Anafora introduces her as the head of Hyewush’s Doctor’s Guild and devotee of Sashia. A middle-aged chimp woman, her eyes are subtle, her lashes very long, and she wears a puffy long blouse and long skirt in duns and whites, over embroidered leather boots.
They await your introductions, and then ask if you’d care to join in a song, or perhaps offer some other form of entertainment while dinner is set in the next room. Anafora says, “Kusha, they’re from Core of Onyx...don’t you know a Dwarven tune or two?” And he begins to play and sing, in Dwarvish, welcoming you three to join in. (OOC: Please introduce yourselves, and roll History saves to recognize the song. Auger DC22, Varielky, DC15, Ednyss DC5. Tuff will have instructed you to attend without arms or armor, but to confirm...is anyone wearing armor or bearing arms?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Though reluctantly, Varielky leaves her arms behind as well, including her shield. Considering her last mishap, she doesn't even argue. It feels very wrong to her, however, as if she had left her actual arm behind. Before leaving, however, she spends a moment braiding her hair in the usual way.
The fact that she couldn't find the Knight-Defender saddens her as well. She won't get to see the sword in action, it seems. Moreover, she wonders where Benita and everyone else are. She thought they'd be coming with them.
Varielky will present hersalf as Varielky, though she doesn't really feel like her entire self is there, after leaving everything behind, and it shows. She doesn't talk unless addressed to abd doesn't show much presence overall.
Tuff and Granophyre listen closely to Varielky and Auger’s admissions regarding secrecy. Tuff is quite annoyed with Varielky and says so.
“I must insist to all here, that the goal of our journey remain secret. You agreed in the contract you signed with me, and I warn you that breaking that agreement will come with severe repercussions. Your lives and that of Master Strewn, are at stake!”
Granophyre picks up, “Of course it was not intentional, but neither might it be intentional for a soldier to fall asleep while on guard duty, an offense which is in most organized armies considered punishable by death. Now,” he hastens to add, “this is different, and there will be no punishment per se. but we mustn’t let it happen again, must we?”
Regarding Kotashin and the dinner invitation, Granophyre shows those assembled a written note. “I received this yesterday, delivered by the Innkeeper to my door. It is an invitation to us all to join the Mayor, Anafora lenna Volubelle, Myhrr Hyewush na, in the Keep for supper this evening. Were this journey not what it is, I am sure I would be delighted. However, I shall offer my apologies and demure. Yet, I admit to being curious about the warding obelisk, and also the fey creature you describe. Perhaps the two are linked.”
“Do any of you believe such a social visit, in order to find out more about the magic in Hyewush, but without revealing more of our company’s goals, would be both wise and within your ability to undertake?”
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Ednyss glances at the others, "I'm not the most adept liar, but I can usually read the intentions of others quite well. If we go and ask the right questions, I'm sure we could learn something about the magic of this city. However, the mayor is very persuasive, and I alone may not be able to deceive her. If I watch my words, I am sure that I could prevent her from learning anything concrete about our mission. On the other hand, she will likely still be suspicious of us unless someone else can better divert her attention." Ednyss looks at the Varielky and Auger for input.
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
"I think avoiding the invitation only creates more suspicion. I did not join this party until Ednyss' trial at the dead temple so I think there is little to obviously connect me to the great Granophyre and his quests," Auger says bowing slightly towards the famous dwarf. "I would be happy to join any who want to meet the mayor." Thinking a moment, Auger goes on, "For them I can speak the truth. I am a carpenter who has been recently touched by the fey," Auger says, gesturing at Py, "my abilities have helped here some, but my curiosity about Kotashin and the strange behavior of the warding obelisk... well at this point, this is my tradecraft. Why wouldn't I be curious?"
"We should come to agreement on what parts of our story can and cannot be told. Using the truth is very useful in negotiations where one must hide it. Have we told any here that our goal is Kalahata, and the Vale? Why does Clan Greybeard travel this road?"
Auger continues trying to clarify the group's cover story until he is confident that he can repeat it as needed.
(OOC: Things Auger wants to clarify:
)
Auger itches to be done with this meeting and to see to a broken windlass, but if there is a part for him to play, he would know what that part will be.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
"I am aware. It is a mistake I will not repeat." Varielky responds with remorse.
"Well, I had given my armour to the local smith to get it fitted, but they'll need me from this afternoon into the night. Besides, I'd rather not lie to people when there's an option to avoid it. I understand we can't tell the mayor the truth, but perhaps I can be excused of the dinner? I'm sure it isn't my company the mayor wants. Lastly, if trouble arises, and Ednyss and Sharp-Eyed here aren't enough, perhaps Sharp-Eyed can have his pet call me? I'll come running at a moment's notice."
Varielky
Tuff finds it odd that such a small community would possess what appear to be potent magical defenses. Also, recalling the entry sign which designated Hyewush as an Imperial community, he wants to try to assess and mitigate damage. Will the question of the "lost core" reach the Governor through arcane means?
In answer to Auger's questions, Tuff suggests these answers:
The invitation is for supper, to begin at sunset, at the Keep across the plaza from the Inn. What do you do before then?
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger agrees to the stories that Tuff indicates could work and then sets out to the farm of Ma and Pa Garther to attempt to fix their windlass and perhaps help with repairing their barn a little bit. This time when he leaves he brings his carpentry tools in his pack. If an excuse to head to the mill to pick up some extra wood comes up, Auger will head there as well and attempt to acquire some small wood samples to practice his carving while on the road. He will also stop by the bazaar to try to find a pouch or case that might work to keep his woodcarving tools organized. Py stays nearby, open and visible, throughout the day.
While with Ma and Pa, Auger may ask after Kotashin, expressing his curiosity about the little fey creature. Is he always at hand to help when there is trouble?
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
The morning is grey and a very light rain is falling, which looks like it might grow into a rainstorm at any time. Yet for the moment, it stops no one from going about their business, and the bazaar has set up just as it was the prior day, and the builders in the plaza continue with their work.
Auger
When he arrives at the little farm, Auger's offer to fetch wood from the mill is gratefully accepted by Garther. At the mill, Auger may buy a few pieces of brown, spotted hardwood Thuya burls, which can be used to craft objects 4x4x4" or smaller. He's never seen Thuya before -- it doesn't exist in the south -- and after examining a couple of pieces which have been carved as small boxes, Auger sees the wood is very fine for his purposes. The mill will sell him up to 3 pieces at 2gp per piece.
Back at the farm, Auger's carpentry set and assistance with the windlass is helpful, and within two hours, the well at the little farm is functioning admirably. As Auger is getting ready to leave, small drops of rain continually plopping down upon him and everything he sees, the warlock spots the two small children -- twins, he's come to realize -- playing quietly in the dry woods between the house and the road. Auger sees that their faces, in the grey light, are illuminated by firelight, perhaps a candle.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Ednyss's first order of business is to find some materials for a ritual that he wants to conduct later in the day**. After that, Ednyss will likely just go back down to the ground floor of the inn to see if anyone has any games of cards running. If they don't, then he will ask Varielky if he can accompany her to the smithy. It's been a while since he has been near a forge, but it's almost like riding a bicycle, and at the very least he has some magics that could also probably expedite the process. This could also perhaps free her up earlier than the evening so that she can come to dinner if she would like. If she declines, then he will ask to help Tuff and Granophyre with any preparations that they need to do regarding disguising or altering the wagon so that they are more incognito. Regardless of what he ends up doing for most of the day, he will want to cast Augury, using a ritual, 20 minutes before sunset to receive an omen from Takal Demesh regarding their decided visit to the mayor's keep.
(**OOC: I'm not really sure how the material components for this spell could be collected because I'm not sure anyone in their sane mind would sell sticks for 25 GP... but this is how they are listed in the spell description: "specially marked sticks, bones, or similar tokens worth at least 25 gp." Is this something specific that I would need to purchase? Or is this something that I can just take a stick from the ground, carve the shield of Takal Demesh into it, and subtract 25 gp from my inventory?)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Entranced by the wood, Auger opts to buy 2 of the 3 pieces and attempts to negotiate the price down. Persuasion: 23
Seeing that he can fix the windlass without magics, Auger is nonetheless interested in experimenting with his new abilities and attempts to magically improve some of the joins he makes, so that a break cannot happen as easily again.
Seeing the children again possibly playing with fire in the dry woods Auger is concerned. Py, can you go tell their parents about their play? Auger strides over to see if they are safe or not. Along the way he attempts to catch water droplets from the rain to see if he can collect them and bring them along to douse the fire, if needed. He discovers a limitation in the process. While he can direct water itself, he needs something to hold it if he wants a large mass of it. Perhaps he can redirect some of this rain if needed, otherwise a few simple handfuls floating about him is all he can manage. Perhaps he will figure something out in time, Auger thinks.
When coming to the children Auger tries to be as friendly as possible as he warns them about fire in dry places. Remembering they did not speak Jenghen, Auger may resort to simple water tricks and perhaps some dancing lights to keep their attention until Ma or Pa arrives.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
"Well, that's not what I wanted to do... but sure. I'll accompany you to the inn first, and then you could come with me if you'd still want to." Varielky responds to Ednyss. She had planned to look for Kotashin and challenge him to a duel once again if she finds him. That sword... she must see it in action at least once.
Varielky will walk with Ednyss to the inn, then leave, with or without Ednyss, looking for Kotashin. If she fails to find the Knight-Defender after looking for a good hour or so, she'll give up and head for the smithy.
Varielky
For the spell, Ednyss takes three platinum pieces down to Seemily, the chimp Innkeeper, who is washing breakfast dishes in a wooden, and Ednyss asks him to exchange platinum for gold, which Seemily is happy to do. Now, with 30 pieces of Shian gold in hand, Ednyss will be able to cast the spell using 25 of them. The dwarf has seen it done by His Excellence, Malike Sabir, High Priest of Takal Demesh in Ishi Ammah. He must lay out the gold pieces on the ground, outlining the shape of a kite shield. He must then kneel within the outlined shape, and pray for an omen. The gold will float and take a shape, whose form Ednyss must read as a sign of the near future. The gold will then evaporate.
There are no games of cards taking place, but as he walks through the bazaar, Ednyss is greeted by the one-earringed jeweler who sold him the platinum rings the prior day. "So...," the chimp asks, smiling. "What did she say? Yes, I hope!" He, the jeweler, then goes on to say that he'd heard that Ednyss won at cards the prior night, and asks if he would like to play now, "to pass the time?" Within a few minutes, a game is organized in the plaza among the sellers, who are not very busy. (The ante is only 2SP, not 1GP, but there is time for up to 3 games.) A light rain trickles down intermittently under grey, cloudy skies, but awnings on strong poles keep everyone mostly dry.
Later, when Ednyss undertakes his ritual casting for an augury of the near future, the gold pieces carefully placed on the floor of his room in the outline of a shield, Ednyss himself kneeling at its center, the gold pieces begin to shine brightly, melting, and trickling upwards, gravity reversed for a moment. The strands intertwine, those to Ednyss's right forming into the figure of a dwarven warrior bearing an axe and shield, and on his left, the strands twist and join into the shape of a minotaur. The two shapes bow to one another and begin to duel. The minotaur bests the dwarf, striking her with its glaive. But she stands again, they bow again, and they fight a second round. This time, the dwarf warrior beats the minotaur, slashing its legs then smashing it with her axe. The monster stands again. They bow to each other, and transform to a puff of metallic smoke which drifts gently out of the window.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
The price of the wood, already very modest, drops to 1GP, 6SP each, and the miller scratches his head, wondering why he brought it down so far and knowing his wife will be very displeased with him. There at the mill, which is perched at the edge of the concave depression which contains the township of Hyewush, Auger is held for a moment by the grey sky peeking in below the overhanging branches where the creek pond at the mill cascades away, as he looks out across the wandering plains, northward. It's just a moment, and then he catches himself daydreaming and continues on with what he was doing.
Back at the farm, when Auger steps off of the path to the children, he crunches through last year's fallen leaves, and twigs rustle and pop under his feet. The children do not seem to notice. It is only when he is nearly standing above them that he discovers the flame has no source. It is hovering between them, and they both seem to be entranced by it, and also, they seem to have brought it into being. For when Auger opens his mouth to speak, they are completely surprised, their little brows lose the furrow of concentration, and they look at him innocently, if a bit guardedly, and the flame poofs away into nothing. They say something in Chimp, and then take each others hands and scamper off into the round door of the half-underground farmhouse.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Varielky walks up and down the creek path, but does not find Kotashin there or in the plaza. When she arrives at the smithy, the smith and his assistant are quietly and efficiently reworking the breastplate. Since she's early, they measure her again, then the smith frowns deeply. Apparently, something was not working out well and the smith has to redo the placement of the harness. He gets to work. Etonime is there, cleaning the pens, and another pair of chimps is reworking the armor's padding with needle and thread, and a bolt of wool and some balled cotton.
However, with Varielky there for fitting, and enough hands at work, the smith seems very pleased. "The dwarven steel," says his apprentice, "it's gotta get hotter than usual before it'll bend. We thought that'd slow us down. But once 'ts there, its easy to mold and to work with. 'S good steel." And by late in the afternoon, everything is done.
The smith stops his final tinkering, cools the steel form in cold water, buffs it, and then attaches the skirt. The padding is done already, and fits Varielky perfectly, and over it, the breastplate is now comfortably fitted and straps on easily. The runes the smith's assistant said would be destroyed are indecipherable to be sure, but look like symmetrical etching. The sun has not yet set, and although the rain seems to be getting heavier, Varielky can get back to the inn in time to change and attend the supper, if she wishes.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Seeing the children clearly engaged in a form of magic leaves Auger excited and concerned in equal mix. Perhaps these young children have discovered their own connection to a source, like his own. Or perhaps there is another connection with an entity not unlike the Dowager who watches over this town. Yes, very interesting. Auger walks back to the farmhouse and talks to Ma and Pa Garther about their children, telling them about the magical fire he just observed one or both of them making. "... They will need extra watching and perhaps some level of tutoring or the fire yesterday will be just the start of problems to come. Perhaps there is someone around here who can help them with training? I would try to assist but my group does not plan to stay here for very long. In fact I must take my leave soon."
Auger hangs out long enough to ensure that the Garthers understand the need and to answer any questions they have, though lacking any training himself, he may not have great answers.
Once that is taken care of Auger heads back to the plaza, after getting a bit wet he tries to redirect water, so that the rain no longer falls upon him. It is not a perfect shield, but it does help. As he approaches the plaza itself, he stops shifting the water away. His magics are known, but there was no need to flaunt it.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Garther and Ma seem utterly shocked by this news, and, scratching their heads, regard their young twins with worry written on their faces. Auger answers questions such as, "will they grow out of it," and, "training...?," and they thank him wanly, once again, for his help. The warlock leaves the pair in confused silence.
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Auger does not feel particularly good about where he left things with the Garthers but he cannot take his focus off the Dowager's instructions which would treat this as a side issue. Or does it?
Py, should I do more to help that family? I am hard-pressed to think of any reasonable steps I can take and still stay with the company. Does... the Dowager have any instructions pertaining to them?
Regardless of Py's response Auger decides he can perhaps mention something about it to the Mayor at the function tonight. He wanders through the bazaar to find a suitable case for his woodcarving tools and then retires to his room before heading to the dinner.
DM of RotFM | AUGER the Warlock (Archfey & the Chain) / Shadow Sorcerer in Age of Resurgence | Rahui & Javier in Sea of Memory
Ednyss chuckles a bit at the jeweler before asking, "Do you always assume your client's intentions?" Regardless of the answer, Ednyss explains, "The woman that the ring was for is more of a daughter to me. I apologize for not saying anything yesterday, but your conclusions were entertaining, to say the least."
"I would love to," Ednyss says when the sellers offer to play a game of cards. The ante is relatively low, so Ednyss plays much more relaxed than usual. Regardless of the results, he thanks everyone for the game, and in the small talk as they play, he asks about the mayor of the town with small questions like, "So what do you think of Anafora? How long as she been Mayor?" He isn't asking for anything specific, just trying to see what the shopkeepers think about her in general. After winning the first two games by a landslide, he sits out of the third game and just makes small talk with the shopkeepers. He then retires back to the inn to get ready for supper and conduct his Augury.
Game 1:
Rolls:
Insight: 20
Investigation: 8
Sleight of Hand: 15
Deception: 18
Perception: 16
Insight (Repeat): 11
Inspiration: 2
Guidance: 3
Total: 93 (Success)
Game 2:
Rolls:
Insight: 25
Investigation: 16
Sleight of Hand: 6
Deception: 3
Perception: 18
Insight (Repeat): 27
Inspiration: 1
Guidance: 3
Total: 99 (Success)
Winnings: (2SP) x (1) x (# of Players)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Varielky moves around with the armour on her, delighted to find how perfectly it all fits. "Such fine work, in so little time. Thank you, all of you."
Varielky leaves after thanking the smiths and everyone once again, with her armour on her to get used to it. It is such a perfect fit, however, that it takes no time before she doesn't even feel it's on. She heads back to the inn, looking for Kotashin on the way, though not searching for him (she doesn't go out of her way to find him, just looking around, hoping to ses the little Knight). Once she reaches the inn, she'll doff her armour - with a little bit of disappointment - and wears her livery before looking for the others.
Varielky
Auger
In response to Auger’s question (“Py, should I do more to help that family?...Does... the Dowager have any instructions pertaining to them?”), the fey alyasub makes a motion which Auger interprets as a shrug. ‘When the Dowager has instructions, you will know,’ it responds. The warlock finds a flat leather implement-holder which rolls into a sort of scroll, with ties sewn into it. An economic solution to holding his tools.
Ednyss
There are 4 chimps playing with Ednyss when he wins at Slaughterhouse in the bazaar. A few of the chimps whistle with appreciation at his careful reading of the other players.
He learns this about the mayor:
Varielky
Sees no sign of Kotashin.
Dinner at the Hyewush Keep
The rain has picked up, and the various sellers in the bazaar have closed shop, so to speak, to avoid the ruining of their wares. Not having actual doors to close, they pack their inventories into carts and bring them into the ground floor of the keep, the guildhall, where there are side doors leading to storage rooms, overseen by the same old man you first saw when you entered the town, with his cane and striped coat and cap. Or, they load their wares into carts and cover them with heavy oilcloth and canvas, and push or pull them home outside the plaza and its long, warm tunnel. Just at sunset, a brisk breeze picks up, and a potted plant rocks loose and crashes down from a high terrace to splatter on the plaza below. At the inn, Seemingly lashes the patio chairs in place, and furls the awning.
When the three of you head across the plaza, wrapped in travel cloaks, the lamplighters are carefully illuminating the lanterns in the plaza and having a hard go of it at that, as puddles form in the plaza’s gravelly floor. It’s not particularly cold, but the wind is, for the moment, formidable. Yet it’s only a quick run across the plaza to the big wooden doors to the Keep, whose portcullis has remained in its raised position so long that vines have grown around its bars. The thick wooden doors are unlocked, and you find yourselves in a large chamber on the ground floor, with a hearth and a low stage set up at one end, and as I mentioned, various storage rooms around the perimeter. A handful of townsfolk standing near the stage are donning cloaks and putting down instruments, saying goodbyes. Ednyss recognizes them as the dancers from yesterday, apparently wrapping up another rehearsal.
There is a stairway which spirals downstairs, which Ednyss recalls leads down to various guild offices, and, to one side, another wide staircase leading up to a terrace overlooking the chamber, and then to more stairs continuing upwards. Hallways branch off once you reach the third floor, leading into the Hill and away from the open plaza, and soon, walking up the lantern-lit stairway, which is carpeted and the walls decorated with a few paintings and tapestries, you arrive at the location described in the invitation: a round, brightly and artfully painted wooden door, inset with just a bit of gold leaf, with a large doorknob in its center and a pull-cord doorbell to one side. Lanterns on either side of the door throw light into the entry vestibule, which has an unoccupied desk at one end. You hear rain coming from above, and Ednyss notes a skylight above the staircase, which, due to the hour, is dark. You notice a faint odor of spicy food, and can hear music and voices coming from behind the door. One of you is just about to pull the ringer when the door opens.
Its opener is the chimp woman Ednyss spoke with yesterday, and whom the rest of you have seen from a distance and know to be the Mayor, Anafora lenna Volubelle, Mhyrr Hyewush na. She is wearing a simple, long, rather slinky silk dress, red, with what we would call a Mandarin collar, a very light gauzy scarf draped just over her shoulders and around her arms, and subtle platinum and amber drop-shaped earrings. She wears makeup outlining her eyes and highlighting them with a golden sheen, and she has a small gem adhered to her forehead in Kingdoms style. She is radiant, and, smiling warmly, welcomes you inside, where the food fragrance now embraces you in a savory grip. The ceilings are quite high for a chimp home, in other words, at a tolerable height for humans, and you walk into an entrance hallway, and then into a long parlor with windows looking out over the plaza, comfortably furnished, inhabited by two guests who just finish playing and singing an Orracan folk song as you enter, at which time Anafora claps joyfully, and then she introduces the pair to you.
First, a casually dressed human wearing silken kaftan and pants from the Kingdoms, whom you recognize as a fellow guest at the Inn. He is short and unhandsome but, seemingly, smart and good-humored and still taller than a chimp, and Anafora introduces him as Kushagra Lal, with a gentle pat on the chest, seeming to indicate that they are, perhaps, lovers. He stands up from the hurdy-gurdy he was playing, and bows his upper body gently forward, smiling and tipping his chin down before stepping back and keenly scoping you all out as introductions continue. The other guest, who was singing with Kushagra’s accompaniment, is called Litho Hasha, and Anafora introduces her as the head of Hyewush’s Doctor’s Guild and devotee of Sashia. A middle-aged chimp woman, her eyes are subtle, her lashes very long, and she wears a puffy long blouse and long skirt in duns and whites, over embroidered leather boots.
They await your introductions, and then ask if you’d care to join in a song, or perhaps offer some other form of entertainment while dinner is set in the next room. Anafora says, “Kusha, they’re from Core of Onyx...don’t you know a Dwarven tune or two?” And he begins to play and sing, in Dwarvish, welcoming you three to join in. (OOC: Please introduce yourselves, and roll History saves to recognize the song. Auger DC22, Varielky, DC15, Ednyss DC5. Tuff will have instructed you to attend without arms or armor, but to confirm...is anyone wearing armor or bearing arms?)
DM for Candlekeep Mysteries // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Eclipse Faraway in Gallows Dancer
Though reluctantly, Varielky leaves her arms behind as well, including her shield. Considering her last mishap, she doesn't even argue. It feels very wrong to her, however, as if she had left her actual arm behind. Before leaving, however, she spends a moment braiding her hair in the usual way.
The fact that she couldn't find the Knight-Defender saddens her as well. She won't get to see the sword in action, it seems. Moreover, she wonders where Benita and everyone else are. She thought they'd be coming with them.
Varielky will present hersalf as Varielky, though she doesn't really feel like her entire self is there, after leaving everything behind, and it shows. She doesn't talk unless addressed to abd doesn't show much presence overall.
History: 5.
Varielky