The village of Havehollow is typical for this part of the realm. Livelihoods are made from farming and livestock with a few merchants and the Inn catering to travelers along the kingsroad. You are surrounded by good folk who know that hard work is what’s needed to make it through harsh times. As you finish your meal you notice a raven haired woman walk to the front of the common room with a lyre in hand. She plucks a few practice cords then breaks out into song.
Seasons come and go Moons wax and wane Time seems so slow To the spirits of Havehollow One is the spirit of Astabar A mage who travelled wide and far A collector of items of magic lore Seeker of secrets from times of yore Seasons come and go Moons wax and wane Time seems so slow To the spirits of Havehollow For Astabar, a dragon was an easier foe Than defeating his own pride and ego. Certain he was greater than any magic force He set to unravelling the eldritch source Of a wand most strange and chaos bound That the mind of the mage it did confound. Seasons come and go Moons wax and wane Time seems so slow To the spirits of Havehollow Astabar would not be denied With all his power he’d turn the tide Against the wand that refused to break Even if wisdom he did forsake. Upon the wand he cast all his might Eldritch light dancing in the night And the wands power was unleashed Its chaos and fury was released Power beyond his control The wand consumed the manor whole Sheathed in radiant magic fire Astabar was consumed on the ethereal pyre Seasons come and go Moons wax and wane Time seems so slow To the spirits of Havehollow.
“Somebody must have put Otyugh spit in their wine.” The woman laughs as she approaches your table, “Not that I’m surprised. The story of Astabar is not a popular tale in these parts. My name is Rivana Greywyre and the tale of Astabar is true. His manor is but an hour walk north of the village and has been abandoned for many years. Fortune and magic awaits those bold enough to risk it. I plan on heading there in the morning. Perhaps you would be interested in joining me?”
Rivana aproches each of you separately and and you all notice that no one else takes notice that she’s there but you. If you do except her offer she will ask you to wait right outside the inn.
Qit thinks for a long moment trying to decide if this is why he was sent, to help a lady get rich? But this is the first time someone has ask me for help since getting here. Better not be a trick from her cause of what i am, i hate when people do that to me.
"Sure i can assistant you on your endeavor inside the manor. What dangers you think we will encounter?"
Ramallo Olocyne, a milky-skinned elf with short brown hair sits at the table, deftly shuffling a deck of cards with one had while listening to Rivana's song. He appears to be rather young - relative to other elves, and is dressed in a redish-brown robe with gray sleeves. He has a book hanging at his side, and various pouches at he waist, for likely components for his spells.
He takes a sip of his tea and scans the room, looking for those how may have the same motivations for being here. As the lyre player approaches his table, he offers, "I enjoyed the song...and the story of this wizard manor is not one I am unfamiliar with. I can't say that the promise of riches interests me all too much, but there are many more things of value to me that I hope to find within."
Gralm gets excited! Of all the time he spent in the little village as a solider he never got to go chase down a lore, a myth, a story. It takes him but half a second before he leaps up out of his chair, looking down to the woman.
It is at another table that a shadowed figure lurks. Gray eyes glimmer in the light of an oil lamp. A foreigner, it is obvious, given the rather exotic nature of her garb -- a light red robe decorated along the lower hem with the sakura blossoms of a faraway land. Her distant, disconnected eyes regard the patrons around the room from her with a different sort of interest, not one that is engaged by the thought of wealth, but another motivation entirely...
...particularly, interest in the bardic woman, and the ghostly manner with which the other patrons seem to regard her -- or, rather, don't.
The smooth brow of the young girl quirks ever so slightly.
"Fortune," she answers in a practiced, Faerunian accent, "holds little value for me. The thought of magic, however, to be claimed by any bold enough to enter and take it concerns me greatly... particularly should it fall into the wrong hands." The girl takes a sip from a lightly-steaming teacup. She regards the woman with a difficult-to-read expression. "What are your interests in the manor, if you do not mind me asking?"
In the center of the tavern a group of commoners have gathered around a behemoth of a halfing standing above 1 meter tall clad in simple clothes, enjoying his ale and meat. To anyone paying attention it is the third time tonight he was asked to tell his story and he does so happily but with a hint of reluctance to all who care to listen. When Rivana approaches he struggles trying to maintain both conversations but solves his problem in the most elegant manner
Addressing Rivana "Well fair Lady, if you'll just let me finish my tale and my ale we can talk."
And with that he hastily downs his drink and turning to the crowd continues "...and then the wolves all died. Sorry lads that's it. I need to talk to the lady now."
Returning his attention to the lady "If you came looking for help, Flinn Berrybough is at your service. As they say fortune favors the bold and as it seems I'm rather fortunate as I didn't take that wine. The ale is quite good though, wanna taste some?"
Qit: she looks at you with an excited expression “oh that I do not know a lot about but I do know that fighting what ever may be in there will be fun!” She smiles and leads you outside, as the first person you don’t see any one there.
ramallo olcyne: she nods and leads you outside to wait. You notice another person waiting outside as you exit the inn
garlm: “thank you” she leads you outside to see already two people standing outside
Kinuko: she looks at you surprised “my only interests are to get in with a group of adventurers, and claim half of what they find. If that not to much” she points towards the exit “I already have people waiting outside for me, if you’ll join them in waiting I must talk to some people”
flinn: she looks at you impatiently as you tell your story, when you notice her and speak to her one of the people asks who you were talking to, he looks in the direction you had been speaking not noticing rivana at all. When you finish your tale and begin speaking with rivana again people walk way with the look of worry on your thier faces. She smiles at your offer of ale “unfortunately I will have to decline, but I’m shure it’s very good” she point at the exit “if your willing to help pleas stand outside and waits for me there.
Qit, being out in public and fearful of others covers up as much as possible trying to not show off his teifling, put up his hood and tucks his tail up into the cloak.
He nods to each new person outside that Rivana brings outside. Qit avoids small talk or eye contact as much as possible. If someone could look into his eyes they see his fear of social interaction. His only saving grace is there are no humans out and about to harsh him.
When he steps outside Flinn happily greets his fellow companions "Oh hello everyone. I'm Flinn. Are you hear to help the nice lady, too? Anyone know more about that Asta guy?"
He takes special interest in Gralm never having seen a Goliath before moving directly in front of him and gazing up "Wow, you are one big fellow." he admits impressed by the sheer size of him.
Gralm when he first walks out is excited to see other people waiting. He introduces himself to each of them and each one to follow. He ask each individual about where they are from as he has seen very little of the world and just wants to know more. He shows a kind of awkwardness over the excitement he is displaying. When Flinn speaks to him Gralm smiles and replies, "Hello little one. My name's Gralm. Where do you come from? Is it far from here? Do you live with others your size or do you come from a city with lots of different types of people?" He starts looking around for other sites he may not have seen before. During this time he finally notices, as most things ironically go over his head, ask Qit, "Why are you so covered? You have hardly spoken. Are you sick? I can try to heal you if you need it." Gralm starts patting his pockets to look for his holy symbol.
"Hi Gralm. I'm from Pinewood. It's a village a couple of days southward. It's mostly humans that live there, but our smith Frypegg is also a little one. I have to admit though he's somewhat strange. Alas he's a gnome you know so that's to be expected. Where do you come from and is everyone as large as you?"
When Gralm turns his attention to Qit Flinn will also join the conversion "Oh if he's sick we should get him out of the cold, into bed and let him rest a little bit. A cup of warm bitterleaf tea could help wouldn't you think Gralm?"
Gralm explained to Flinn before turning around and addressing Qit, " ownI hail from Waymoot. It is a small t to the West of here. 3 days travel for me. It is all human in this city. I originally grew up in a camp just south of it with other goliaths , but I wanted to see the world, so I joined the city and the army it had under the impression and promise travel would come with it. Sadly in the 6 years I watched the town. Not much traveling, so after my time I left."
After talking with Qit, Gralm agrees, "Yes Flinn, you may be right. Let us make you some tea Qit!"
Qit speaks at first sheepishly to Gralm "Umm i prefer my actions to do my speaking since most of the time humans tend to think me being alive is enough to end any of my speaking. Also i dont need healing" And then shows off his gold sun holy symbol from under his cloak, which shows off a bit of his teifling red marked skin.
After saying that he avoids looking over at Kinuko.
He turns back to look at Flinn, "But tea does sound nice since we are standing out here in the night cold."
Having been joined by the others outside the tavern, Ramallo give each a nod as a greeting. However, upon seening the presence of more magic users, his nose crinkles in disappointment, knowing he may need to share in some of the arcane knowledge they discover...if any is found. "Ramallo here. A pleasure I'm sure," he says to the others. He then begins to pat himself down and peaking inside his robes just make sure he didn't leave anything behind.
Seemingly hesitant to follow, the girl finishes her cup of green tea and stands from the table, laying aside a silver coin for the innkeeper as thanks. She then steps out into the night (?), regarding her fellow travelers with a gentle, silent nod.
She turns to the arranger of this "quest", and murmurs to her, "My benefactors are most interested in keeping harmful magic out of the wrong hands. Is there anything you can elaborate further upon with the former owner of this manor -- this 'Astabar?'"
Rivana walks out into the chilly night (3:00 am ish) “welcome my faithful adventurers, I hope your all up for an hour long walk!” She look at kinuko “hmmm, I will tell you more but only when we have arrived and are in the house” she nods once and head off towards a trail leading up to the looming mansion.
The foreigner regards the woman with a cant of her brow, but if she has any further objection, she does not voice it. She pulls the obi of her robe tight and laces her fingers in front of her, pausing only a moment to glance at her other... "companions" -- a rather haphazardly-formed group, to be sure -- before heading up the path after their guide.
"Rivana, is it?" she asks, falling into step alongside her. "I mean to ask, is it a common habit of yours to seek out complete strangers to accompany you on your treasure quests?"
<Insight check to look for any hints of an ulterior motive?>
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
The village of Havehollow is typical for this part of the realm. Livelihoods are made from farming and livestock with a few merchants and the Inn catering to travelers along the kingsroad. You are surrounded by good folk who know that hard work is what’s needed to make it through harsh times.
As you finish your meal you notice a raven haired woman walk to the front of the common room with a lyre in hand. She plucks a few practice cords then breaks out into song.
Seasons come and go Moons wax and wane Time seems so slow
To the spirits of Havehollow
One is the spirit of Astabar
A mage who travelled wide and far A collector of items of magic lore Seeker of secrets from times of yore
Seasons come and go Moons wax and wane Time seems so slow
To the spirits of Havehollow
For Astabar, a dragon was an easier foe Than defeating his own pride and ego. Certain he was greater than any magic force He set to unravelling the eldritch source Of a wand most strange and chaos bound That the mind of the mage it did confound.
Seasons come and go Moons wax and wane Time seems so slow
To the spirits of Havehollow
Astabar would not be denied With all his power he’d turn the tide Against the wand that refused to break Even if wisdom he did forsake.
Upon the wand he cast all his might Eldritch light dancing in the night And the wands power was unleashed Its chaos and fury was released
Power beyond his control The wand consumed the manor whole Sheathed in radiant magic fire Astabar was consumed on the ethereal pyre
Seasons come and go Moons wax and wane Time seems so slow
To the spirits of Havehollow.
“Somebody must have put Otyugh spit in their wine.” The woman laughs as she approaches your table, “Not that I’m surprised. The story of Astabar is not a popular tale in these parts. My name is Rivana Greywyre and the tale of Astabar is true. His manor is but an hour walk north of the village and has been abandoned for many years. Fortune and magic awaits those bold enough to risk it. I plan on heading there in the morning. Perhaps you would be interested in joining me?”
Rivana aproches each of you separately and and you all notice that no one else takes notice that she’s there but you. If you do except her offer she will ask you to wait right outside the inn.
Qit thinks for a long moment trying to decide if this is why he was sent, to help a lady get rich? But this is the first time someone has ask me for help since getting here. Better not be a trick from her cause of what i am, i hate when people do that to me.
"Sure i can assistant you on your endeavor inside the manor. What dangers you think we will encounter?"
Ramallo Olocyne, a milky-skinned elf with short brown hair sits at the table, deftly shuffling a deck of cards with one had while listening to Rivana's song. He appears to be rather young - relative to other elves, and is dressed in a redish-brown robe with gray sleeves. He has a book hanging at his side, and various pouches at he waist, for likely components for his spells.
He takes a sip of his tea and scans the room, looking for those how may have the same motivations for being here. As the lyre player approaches his table, he offers, "I enjoyed the song...and the story of this wizard manor is not one I am unfamiliar with. I can't say that the promise of riches interests me all too much, but there are many more things of value to me that I hope to find within."
Gralm gets excited! Of all the time he spent in the little village as a solider he never got to go chase down a lore, a myth, a story. It takes him but half a second before he leaps up out of his chair, looking down to the woman.
"I will help you!"
It is at another table that a shadowed figure lurks. Gray eyes glimmer in the light of an oil lamp. A foreigner, it is obvious, given the rather exotic nature of her garb -- a light red robe decorated along the lower hem with the sakura blossoms of a faraway land. Her distant, disconnected eyes regard the patrons around the room from her with a different sort of interest, not one that is engaged by the thought of wealth, but another motivation entirely...
...particularly, interest in the bardic woman, and the ghostly manner with which the other patrons seem to regard her -- or, rather, don't.
The smooth brow of the young girl quirks ever so slightly.
"Fortune," she answers in a practiced, Faerunian accent, "holds little value for me. The thought of magic, however, to be claimed by any bold enough to enter and take it concerns me greatly... particularly should it fall into the wrong hands." The girl takes a sip from a lightly-steaming teacup. She regards the woman with a difficult-to-read expression. "What are your interests in the manor, if you do not mind me asking?"
In the center of the tavern a group of commoners have gathered around a behemoth of a halfing standing above 1 meter tall clad in simple clothes, enjoying his ale and meat. To anyone paying attention it is the third time tonight he was asked to tell his story and he does so happily but with a hint of reluctance to all who care to listen. When Rivana approaches he struggles trying to maintain both conversations but solves his problem in the most elegant manner
Addressing Rivana "Well fair Lady, if you'll just let me finish my tale and my ale we can talk."
And with that he hastily downs his drink and turning to the crowd continues "...and then the wolves all died. Sorry lads that's it. I need to talk to the lady now."
Returning his attention to the lady "If you came looking for help, Flinn Berrybough is at your service. As they say fortune favors the bold and as it seems I'm rather fortunate as I didn't take that wine. The ale is quite good though, wanna taste some?"
(Sorry about the busy weekend, I’ll post around 11:30 ish tomorrow morning)
Qit: she looks at you with an excited expression “oh that I do not know a lot about but I do know that fighting what ever may be in there will be fun!” She smiles and leads you outside, as the first person you don’t see any one there.
ramallo olcyne: she nods and leads you outside to wait. You notice another person waiting outside as you exit the inn
garlm: “thank you” she leads you outside to see already two people standing outside
Kinuko: she looks at you surprised “my only interests are to get in with a group of adventurers, and claim half of what they find. If that not to much” she points towards the exit “I already have people waiting outside for me, if you’ll join them in waiting I must talk to some people”
flinn: she looks at you impatiently as you tell your story, when you notice her and speak to her one of the people asks who you were talking to, he looks in the direction you had been speaking not noticing rivana at all. When you finish your tale and begin speaking with rivana again people walk way with the look of worry on your thier faces. She smiles at your offer of ale “unfortunately I will have to decline, but I’m shure it’s very good” she point at the exit “if your willing to help pleas stand outside and waits for me there.
You are all now outside waiting for her to come back, of course you can continue conversing with her before leaving.
Qit, being out in public and fearful of others covers up as much as possible trying to not show off his teifling, put up his hood and tucks his tail up into the cloak.
He nods to each new person outside that Rivana brings outside. Qit avoids small talk or eye contact as much as possible. If someone could look into his eyes they see his fear of social interaction. His only saving grace is there are no humans out and about to harsh him.
When he steps outside Flinn happily greets his fellow companions "Oh hello everyone. I'm Flinn. Are you hear to help the nice lady, too? Anyone know more about that Asta guy?"
He takes special interest in Gralm never having seen a Goliath before moving directly in front of him and gazing up "Wow, you are one big fellow." he admits impressed by the sheer size of him.
Gralm when he first walks out is excited to see other people waiting. He introduces himself to each of them and each one to follow. He ask each individual about where they are from as he has seen very little of the world and just wants to know more. He shows a kind of awkwardness over the excitement he is displaying. When Flinn speaks to him Gralm smiles and replies, "Hello little one. My name's Gralm. Where do you come from? Is it far from here? Do you live with others your size or do you come from a city with lots of different types of people?" He starts looking around for other sites he may not have seen before. During this time he finally notices, as most things ironically go over his head, ask Qit, "Why are you so covered? You have hardly spoken. Are you sick? I can try to heal you if you need it." Gralm starts patting his pockets to look for his holy symbol.
"Hi Gralm. I'm from Pinewood. It's a village a couple of days southward. It's mostly humans that live there, but our smith Frypegg is also a little one. I have to admit though he's somewhat strange. Alas he's a gnome you know so that's to be expected. Where do you come from and is everyone as large as you?"
When Gralm turns his attention to Qit Flinn will also join the conversion "Oh if he's sick we should get him out of the cold, into bed and let him rest a little bit. A cup of warm bitterleaf tea could help wouldn't you think Gralm?"
Gralm explained to Flinn before turning around and addressing Qit, " ownI hail from Waymoot. It is a small t to the West of here. 3 days travel for me. It is all human in this city. I originally grew up in a camp just south of it with other goliaths , but I wanted to see the world, so I joined the city and the army it had under the impression and promise travel would come with it. Sadly in the 6 years I watched the town. Not much traveling, so after my time I left."
After talking with Qit, Gralm agrees, "Yes Flinn, you may be right. Let us make you some tea Qit!"
Qit speaks at first sheepishly to Gralm "Umm i prefer my actions to do my speaking since most of the time humans tend to think me being alive is enough to end any of my speaking. Also i dont need healing" And then shows off his gold sun holy symbol from under his cloak, which shows off a bit of his teifling red marked skin.
After saying that he avoids looking over at Kinuko.
He turns back to look at Flinn, "But tea does sound nice since we are standing out here in the night cold."
Having been joined by the others outside the tavern, Ramallo give each a nod as a greeting. However, upon seening the presence of more magic users, his nose crinkles in disappointment, knowing he may need to share in some of the arcane knowledge they discover...if any is found. "Ramallo here. A pleasure I'm sure," he says to the others. He then begins to pat himself down and peaking inside his robes just make sure he didn't leave anything behind.
(Sorry folks! Forgot about this this morning!)
Seemingly hesitant to follow, the girl finishes her cup of green tea and stands from the table, laying aside a silver coin for the innkeeper as thanks. She then steps out into the night (?), regarding her fellow travelers with a gentle, silent nod.
She turns to the arranger of this "quest", and murmurs to her, "My benefactors are most interested in keeping harmful magic out of the wrong hands. Is there anything you can elaborate further upon with the former owner of this manor -- this 'Astabar?'"
Qit start to shift around uneasy because Rivana is nowhere around to begin the trip to this house.
Rivana walks out into the chilly night (3:00 am ish) “welcome my faithful adventurers, I hope your all up for an hour long walk!” She look at kinuko “hmmm, I will tell you more but only when we have arrived and are in the house” she nods once and head off towards a trail leading up to the looming mansion.
The foreigner regards the woman with a cant of her brow, but if she has any further objection, she does not voice it. She pulls the obi of her robe tight and laces her fingers in front of her, pausing only a moment to glance at her other... "companions" -- a rather haphazardly-formed group, to be sure -- before heading up the path after their guide.
"Rivana, is it?" she asks, falling into step alongside her. "I mean to ask, is it a common habit of yours to seek out complete strangers to accompany you on your treasure quests?"
<Insight check to look for any hints of an ulterior motive?>