Looking around you, your wounds bleeding slightly, you gaze upon the remains of the battle with Iorin
GM: yah - not for you 
goofed up when I hit update
GM: The remains of your stalwart companions lay strewn amongst the remains of bandits, skeletons, and the vile Necromancer Iorin
GM: jep
Arianna: searches the body for clues
GM: All you find upon his person is a strange medallion, made of some strange blood red material, with the image of a closed door upon it.
Arianna: searches the around for any sign of the boy
GM: You look around, and despite an exhaustive search, you find no remains that would match those of a small child. However - you do find evidence that a young boy was being held captive here, along with several other markings, possibly those of other children
Arianna swears under her breath
GM: You going all the way back to HQ? Or just to the garrison in Rhion?
GM: Ok then - thus ends Part One
Karum: 
GM: yay
GM: For everyone but Arianna
Karum: Aye Gran’pa, seems we’ll have a chance for action
Wynn Tabris: Time to see the Sgt
Eric Vinard gets ready to meet the Seargent, making sure he is in presentable form.
One by one you file into the Seargent’s office - making yourselves ready and presentable for him. After a few minutes waiting, a grizzled Orc veteran comes in, and grunts, almost sounding like he wants you to be at ease.
Karum: lean on the wall, listening
Sgt. Guz: Well then, you lot are likely wondering why I brought you all here, especially as you’re all fresh off the farm.
Sgt. Guz: Well, seems the Dominion has been stirring up some trouble on the western Olaran border of late, and we’ve been requested to have a look see into it.
Sgt. Guz: Now normally we’d not do this, but Olara is busy keeping an eye out on her Northern borders as well, the Kal Empire is beginning to stir up trouble again, so the Olaran King has requested we send in a small force to investigate.
The deck has been initialized.
The deck has been shuffled.
Sgt. Guz: So basically - I’m going to request that you four head to Rhion, the largest city on the Olaran western border, and have a look around.
Sgt. Guz: Also - we sent a small force on an errand there a week back, and haven’t heard any news of them. So if possible, I’d like you to keep an eye out for them as well.
Wynn Tabris: Any detail on the type of trouble the Dominion has been causing?
Sgt. Guz: Not really. We have heard some reports of children disappearing in the area - bu whether or not this is linked to Dominion activity is hard to say.
Sgt. Guz: Wouldn’t be that far of a stretch though…the Dominion is home to more types of villainy than a Brin has fleas
Karum: seems to listen to someone
Wynn Tabris: And the missing Rangers? Who are we looking for?
Karum: Yes, I know, we can’t let someone hurt the children
Sgt. Guz: The leader of the group was an Alakarian Druid, name of Arianna.
Sgt. Guz: Bright girl - she left in the company of a member of the Jade Tower, on what seemed to be a simple errand.
Sgt. Guz: But nothing is ever so simple in these days
Taeva smiles.
Taeva: May we ask, what her “errand” was ?
Karum: Er, I we find some trouble, what are we allowed to do if we uncover something ?
Sgt. Guz: Well Taeva - her errand was to assist the Wayist in picking up a child who showed promise in The Way
Sgt. Guz: as for what you can do - it all depends on what you discover.
Sgt. Guz: Depending on the severity of what you discover, you can send a pigeon with news, or a courier - your choice.
Taeva nods.
Karum: Aye Sir !
Eric Vinard: Yes, Sir. Are they any Ranger contacts in the area?
Sgt. Guz: We don’t have any official garrison in Olara, however, a local inn keeper, name of Svend Sørensen, owner of the Smedjern Taven in Rhion, is a friend of the Rangers, and allows our members to reside there. Its as close to an official garrison as we have that close to Mlakar
-> Arianna: which is where you ended up going…
Arianna: gotcha
Eric Vinard: Thank you, Sir.
Taeva: Well …. I suppose we had better get moving, Sergeant, can you recommend a horse trader ? I badly need a new horse.
Sgt. Guz: A horse will be provided for you, just see the Garrison Quartermaster
Taeva: Ohh … many thanks … I confess, I was low on coin.
Taeva smiles.
(Unnamed): Hello, Vince (OOC: Sellars here)
GM: If there is anything you require, you are able to requisiton it for use on this mission - but please keep it within reason
GM: you can use /ooc or altç©» for OOC talk mate
Karum: Bah nothing more than some food and some warmer cloth
Sgt. Guz: Are there any other questions?
Taeva: I dont think so Sergeant …
Eric Vinard: Not here, sir.
Taeva looks at the others.
Wynn Tabris: I’m good.
Karum: Good for me.
Taeva: Then …. let’s go and find some horses !
Karum: If we must…
Karum: doesn’t seems hot on the equine specie
Eric Vinard: I’ll be at the stables with my gear as soon as possible.
Taeva: Well, it’s a long walk to Rhion.
Karum: Done longer, Gran’pa can prove it
Taeva: You have ? Oh my … where to ?
Karum: Maybe some day I’ll tell this story… for now just say Rhion is not north for me
Whisper recipient not found
Taeva frowns.
Wynn Tabris smiles at what an interseting group he is a part of
Taeva: I look forward to it Karum.
Taeva strolls off to towards the stables, humming.
Sgt. Guz: and we’ll hold a quick break to allow Travis to connect and come in - while I take a quick bio/nicotine break
Veritas Grey: *cough cough hack* test*sneeze*ing
Veritas Grey hangs head
-> Veritas Grey: btw - you get to advance to 10xp, meaning you get an advance
Veritas Grey: I know, sorry. Apparently I have a terribly advanced alarm clock that lets you pick the time AND day that you want to wake up… ain’t that nifty. /sarcasm
GM: LOL
GM: to catch you up quickly - you and Arianna are the only survivors from the last battle we played out.
-> Veritas Grey: Arianna found a medallion upon the corpse of the Necromancer, blood red steel with an image of a closed door upon it
Veritas Grey: GM testing some whispering… test test
Arianna: yeah, you tripped, knocked yourself out and spent the entire battle laying in a puddle
-> Veritas Grey: You also got the sense that your “friend” was there, and no sign of the boy could be found, although you did feel a trace of the boys presence with that of your friend
Veritas Grey <– worst psychic monk ever
Veritas Grey: At least they would have honor and a dependable player
GM: oh Trav - could you pick a portrait quick…I’ll see if I can find you a better one for next session
Veritas Grey: GM, did you get the whisper I sent? trying to remember how to work this thing
GM: yeps
Veritas Grey: that’s the pic I was using before so it’s all good
Karum: wonder if it’s that…
Veritas Grey: Excellent
GM: not yet
GM: we’re looking into it for the Shaintar ruleset tho
Veritas Grey: Do I know to throw anything to see if I recognize the amulet or is that a plot-related no?
GM: You can if you want - K: The Way or some such
GM: Magic would work
Veritas Grey: Knowledge (Magic) [Total: 3] [1d4 = 3]
Veritas Grey: [Total: 1] [1d6 = 1]
GM: that would be a no
Veritas Grey: Wild Die! [Total: 5] [1d6 = 5]
Veritas Grey: drat
GM: if you auto-toggle your wild die - could you make sure to type /damage swex
GM: that way no wild die gets tossed on damage rolls
Veritas Grey: aye
GM: sådan
GM: If everyone’s ready?
GM: alrighty then
The journey from Kythros to Rhion is long and quite uneventful, even with the horses
Veritas Grey: GM grabbing Alertness for my advance, if that’s okay.
-> Veritas Grey: np - and no need to type GM
-> Veritas Grey: right now only I receive whispers
Karum: I knew it we should have walked…
Veritas Grey: Ahhhh.. now I see. Annnnd back to our regular scheduled programming
Eric Vinard: I would rather not have to walk all the way in full armor.
GM: gah…damn wrong buttons
The journey, even on horseback, talks nigh on a fortnight. Although now with spring in full swing, you do see a fair number of travellers upon the road.
Karum: Bah, I’m not the one who choose to pack so much steel…
Arianna: Notice [Total: 1] [1d6 = 1]
Arianna: Wild Die! [Total: 1] [1d6 = 1]
GM: You’re heading almost due west for a full fortnight
GM: You do get a chance to perform at some of the inns along the way, as well as some people “pester” you to perform whilst you’re on the road
Eric Vinard: Heavy Cavalry doesn’t really have a good “Low Steel” option.
Karum: I’m beginning to pity the horse
Eric Vinard: Valor is a sturdy horse, from a fine lineage of War Horses.
Taeva: Horses like exercise Karum, really they do. Valor ’s a nice name, Eric.
Karum: Bah I better have the exercise myself, and Gran’pa agrees
Taeva: Karum, what is your horse called ?
Eric Vinard: Thank you, Taeva.
Taeva: Gran’pa ?
-> Veritas Grey: I think you need to update your powers…I didn’t see them on the old sheet either tbh :S
Karum: I don’t know, didn’t think to ask him
Veritas Grey: will do, I’m trying to find everything missing
Taeva: Say, we must be close to Rhion now. Do you think there will be a Fair or somesuch ?
Eric Vinard: So either we should do a little RP for the destination, or mabye just a quick group vote for the majority.
-> Eric Vinard: Just go with the flow - this is some good RP goin on
-> Eric Vinard: and you know I’m a big RP guy
Karum: Yeah Gran’pa, nobody hear him but he talk to me… in fact he’s my gran’gran’gran’…. father… something like that
Taeva: I have some new songs I’d like to try and, I could do with some coin.
Eric Vinard: Spirit calling? Are you sure that’s… healthy?
Taeva looks at Karum.
Karum: looks surprised
Karum: What ?
Taeva: Nobody can hear him except you ? Oh wait ! You mean like a spirit ! That is way cool !
-> Karum: emots are just /e bud
Wynn Tabris: I suppose we should stop at Smedjern Tavern and get the latest news?
Taeva nods.
Karum: oops forgot it 
-> Karum: no prob - you were close
Taeva: And some decent food … and a bath … a long deep hot bath !
Eric Vinard: Nevermind, Karum.
Wynn Tabris: I’m sure the tavern patrons would appreciate some songs
Taeva: Oh I hope so !
Eric Vinard: I need to go over the Shaintar book again.. I should’ve done it earlier, but I guess it didn’t sink in this was actually happening into I logged in and saw people…
-> Eric Vinard: LOL
Wynn Tabris: long journey into night
You arrive at the door to the inn early into the evening. The rich smells of Olaran food and drink assault your senses as you make your way into the inn’s courtyard.
Eric Vinard: A tavern sounds excellent at this point in time. Although I could wish for some bug free sleeping quarers sometime It’s either bug ridden grouns or bug ridden beds while you’re traveling.
Eric Vinard looks around for the stable and a stable-boy
Karum: At last, I will be able to sit on something that doesn’t move
Taeva giggles.
Veritas Grey has developed an unhealthy habit of staring into space. She occasionally pokes her food and seems either clinically depressed or lost somewhere in her own mind.
Taeva: Hoi ! Stableboy ! Horses to be brushed down and stabled please.
Arianna: looks over at Veritas. “What’s eating you? you look distracted?”
Stable Boy: Right away mistress!
Taeva (whispers): I think we should ask some of the patrons here about children, missing variety.
Taeva: Thank you lad.
Stable Boy looks up at Taeva, and his jaw drps…
Veritas Grey coughs and snaps out of it — momentarily.
Karum: Take this one also and get your tongue back
Taeva: looks at the stableboy …
Taeva: Yes ? Can I help you ?
Stable Boy wipes his chin, and tucks his tounge back in his mouth…
Veritas Grey: I’m sorry, Arianna. The temple was… a lot different than the real world. I understand why some teachers were harsher than others. They were trying to prepare us.
Stable Boy: Umm…j..j..just…you’re very pretty ma’am. I’ll take special care of all your mounts…
Taeva smiles.
Arianna: I hope you don’t blame yourself for the losses we suffered.
Karum: Seem you gained an admirator Taeva…
Taeva: That’s sweet, thank you boy.
Eric Vinard dismounts and holds the reigns, waiting for the stable boy to take the horse.
Veritas Grey: Have you.. *she looks down at the table abruptly, like a nervous tic* have you lost companions in battle before? You’re taking it a lot better than I am.
Taeva: And now …. fooood ! I’m hungry !
Karum shakes his head
Karum: … and I’m supposed to be the uncivilized on
Stable Boy takes hold of Wynn’s, Karum’s reigns, taking the two mounts to the stables, then returns for Taeva and Eric’s
Wynn Tabris: I’ll see if Svend Sorensen is around
Arianna: I guess growing up in olara gives me thicker skin when it comes to death
Eric Vinard: Thank you lad.
Karum: Thank boy, take this
Karum: hands the stableboy a coper
Eric Vinard head into the Tavern looking for a serving girl as he takes a seat at a table big enough for the party.
Wynn Tabris: heads to the bar
Veritas Grey nods slowing, considering the words
Entering the Inn, you make out the distinct smells of local Olaran dishes, especially one they call Brændende Kærlighed, and the local beers.
Karum looks around the tavern checking for a familiar cloak
Taeva walks purposefully to the bar.
Arianna is wearing her Ranger cloak
Veritas Grey: I can deal with suspicious looks and unkind words all day. Death, well.. *Veritas takes note of the new arrivals…* Hmm..
Wynn Tabris: Barkeep?
Svend looks up at the taller human.
Svend: Aye lad, what can I do fer ye?
Taeva: Notice [Aced 1 D6 for a Total: 7] [2d6 = 7]
Taeva looks around the tavern.
Eric Vinard: Some dinner and wine, girl. If you have something decent, bring it.
Wynn Tabris: We are travellers from the south. Told to see you when we arrived.
Taeva: [Total: 1] [1d6 = 1]
Taeva: Yes please me too …
Veritas Grey: I’ve added the Fighting Sticks that I know she had and the Korindian studded that I’m reasonable sure she had.. I put the powers on the Notes page unless there’s somewhere else you’d rather I put them. I know I had Healing and Armor before. Wasn’t sure about the third so I went with Speed.
Karum walks toward the woman in grey cloak
Svend: From the South eh? Whatver for?
Arianna: Cheer up Veri. Looks like we may have some reinforcements
Wynn Tabris: (whispers) on mission, ranger mission
-> Taeva: you don’t notice anything terribly out of the ordinary. Although the group in the corner seem to be watching you all carefully…
Taeva: kk
Veritas Grey nods, at least happy with how many of them there seem to be.
Serving Girl (eyeing up Eric approvingly): Aye sir, right away sir - best of the inn for you sir. *blushes and curtseys*
Serving Girl: Anything for you Ma’am? *smiling*
Taeva goes over to sit at the table Eric has “grabbed”.
Taeva: Oh yes please .. I’m famished ! What would you recommend ?
Svend (whispers): Why you whispering boy? Everyone knows this is a Ranger stopping point.
Wynn Tabris: Whispering
Karum: May I invite you to join us ladies, seems we have some talking to do
Serving Girl: Well ma’am, Svend serves up the best Brændende Kærlighed in Olara, and serves it with a nice dark dwarving beer
Wynn Tabris: I like the intrigue
Veritas Grey is sitting across from the woman in the grey cloak. She is a Korindian — somewhat obviously due to her silver hair — wearing Korindian studded armor under an oversized robe that marks her (for those who recognize it) as a Warrior Adept of the Jade Flame.
Svend lets out a hearty laugh.
Wynn Tabris: Just thought we’d check in
Taeva: Beer ? Hmm …. could I get that watered please ? It’s bad for the throat I hear and I’m a singer.
Arianna is a rather ordinary looking Alakar felmale, with blond hair and a tan that suggests time spent outdoors. Her eyes are her most stunning feature, they are a bright blue-gray. She wears the typical clothes of the Rangers.
Eric Vinard: (To Taeva) We seem to have scattered to the four winds. It looks like we have some more Rangers in the room.
Taeva pats her lute, gently.
Serving Girl: Ooo…a songstress! Well - then, mayhaps some mead or wine would be more to your liking?
Taeva: So I see Eric, well … I’m hungry and they can always join us.
Arianna (to Karum): Greetings. What news do you bring?
Svend: Well lad - why don’t you settle in first, get some food, and I’ll come join you all in a while then?
Taeva (whispering): Eric, don’t look but … the group in the corner … they seem pretty interested in us. Recognize any of them ?
Wynn Tabris: Sounds good
Veritas Grey nods slightly at Karum and gestures towards a chair.
Karum Karum is a battered looking orc, scars all over the face and a blood red tatoo on the right cheek. He wears the usual cloak over what seems pieces of armor.
Eric Vinard: It seems like they have a nice selection of drinks. It’s always nice to get some decent wine. Most Taverns have something cheap they then decide to water down.
Wynn Tabris Joins the table ands waits for Karum to introduce his new freinds
Karum: Your table won’t sit all of us, and I’m sure my companions will be equally interested in your story
Taeva giggles.
Eric Vinard: Joining us for Dinner, Wynn?
Serving Girl: I can assure you m’lord, our wine is not watered down. Svend would not allow that. Only the best for our customers!
Wynn Tabris: indeed
Serving Girl blushes as Wynn approaches the table…
Arianna (sighs): Just as I was geting comfy by the fire.
Eric Vinard: Just an observation. I’m sure your wines are of a good quality.
Eric Vinard (after spending some time looking at the other table): I don’t really know anything about them, Taeva.
Veritas Grey snatches an unoccupied chair and pulls over towards the rest of the congregating group.
Karum: sits, spots the serving girl, and ask for a beer
Eric Vinard: Now this is quite a group. Have you all had dinner?
Serving Girl nods towards Karum.
Arianna takes a seat and nods to the group
Taeva smiles at the newcomers.
Veritas Grey makes an affirmative noise
Arianna: I am Arianna. and my moody friend there is Veritas.
Svend moves off into the kitchen.
Taeva: Hello ! My name is Taeva and I can see that you are Rangers, just like my friends. My name is Taeva and I’m a bard.
Taeva: Who are you ?
Eric Vinard: It’s a pleasure to meet fellow Rangers. *After Taeva’s Introduction* I’m Eric Vinard, Knight of the Vine and our represinitive in the Rangers.
Wynn Tabris: Wynn Tabris
Wynn Tabris: Wynn is of average height and weight. In good shape for a “Sorcerer”. Short golden blond hair, a goatee, and fair skin. Dresses more like a rogue than mage. Always wears a touch of purple to compliment the trappings of his powers.
Veritas Grey: My name is Veritas Grey.. I am afraid I am not actually a member of your esteemed group but I believe our interests align at the moment. I am from the Order of the Jade Flame.
Revealing all die rolls
Hiding all die rolls
GM: Joachim: The Way [Total: 8] [1d10 = 8]
-> Veritas Grey: make a spirit roll plz
Veritas Grey: Spirit [Total: 4] [1d8 = 4]
Eric Vinard if it weren’t for his hair, ear, and his fair looks, it would be easy to think Eric was a normal human. He’s bulkier then his race tends to be and the armor adds to his visual mass.
Veritas Grey: [Total: 5] [1d6 = 5]
Players have requested permission to load ‘SW Player Rules’
-> Veritas Grey: as you mention your name, you feel a sharp pain in your head…something akin to a knife stabbing you in your skull..
Eric Vinard: A pleasure, Veritas.
Veritas Grey: Sorry about that Vince
Wynn Tabris: So you two are the missing Ranger party we were to look out for?
Arianna looks at herself and Veritas
-> Taeva: make a Notice roll mate…as you catch a glimpse of something from out of the corner fo your eye
Arianna: I hadn’t realized we were missing.
Taeva: Notice [Total: 3] [1d6 = 3]
Taeva: Wild Die! [Total: 4] [1d6 = 4]
Veritas Grey: Notice () [Total: 1] [1d6 = 1]
Taeva: Is the group still listening in on us ?
Arianna: Message may not have arrived back at HQ yet.
-> Taeva: as Veritas mentioned her name, you catch a glimpse of the man in red leaning in closer to the woman in the corner and whispering something
Eric Vinard: Well, at the very least we are here with different orders.
Wynn Tabris: Sgt. Guz hadn’t heard news from you in a while
Eric Vinard: We were probably dispatched before there was time for any report you sent to get back.
Wynn Tabris: Smarts Trick [Total: 8] [1d10 = 8]
Wynn Tabris: Wild Die! [Total: 4] [1d6 = 4]
Taeva (whispering): We have some interested company in the corner, can I suggest we take this conversation somewhere more private please.
Taeva stands.
GM: just be sure if you have it on, to also type /damage swex
Arianna: Regardless. I am glad ya’ll are here.
Taeva: You know …. I’d like to have look at Rhion before it gets too late, anybody coming ?
GM: Joachim: The Way [Total: 7] [1d10 = 7]
Eric Vinard (softly): I don’t think there’s too much space down here, we would probably have to adjorn upstairs.
-> Taeva: make a spirit roll plz
Veritas Grey: Sounds relaxing, Taeva.. *Veritas rises.*
Taeva: Spirit [Total: 6] [1d8 = 6]
Taeva: Wild Die! [Total: 1] [1d6 = 1]
GM: Wild Die! [Total: 4] [1d6 = 4]
GM: Wild Die! [Total: 3] [1d6 = 3]
Wynn Tabris: I’m in
Karum: Gran’pa never seen Rhion, neither had I
Wynn Tabris: Gets up
Eric Vinard: I suppose it would be good to see the place.
-> Taeva: you feel…dirty…as if something is slithering through your head…
Taeva: kk
Karum stands up quicly, sending his chair on the floor
Taeva shakes her head, absently.
Taeva frowning, rubs at her temples.
Taeva: Hmm … I need some air.
-> Veritas Grey: you got my whisper about feeling like your head got stabbed?
Taeva: Excuse me …
Veritas Grey: Yep.
Taeva walks over to the door, still shaking her head slightly.
-> Veritas Grey: okies
Serving Girl: Is everything ok mistress? *eyes Taeva*
Veritas Grey shoots a glance at Taeva and tries to follow her closely towards the door.
Veritas Grey: (softly) Headache?
Taeva: Yes … yes … I just need some air, I think the food was a little too much after a fortnight of trail rations.
Veritas Grey: (softly) I know it’s a strange question.. do you know when it started?
Karum: is it possible to have a good look at our neighbour while I pick up my chair ?
Taeva: Yes Veritas, it’s fading now but I think I need a little air. Those three in the corner … best not to talk to openly around them I think. They seem very interested in us.
Taeva: My headache ? A few moments ago … shortly after you arrived at our table. Why ?
Veritas Grey: (looks like she’s controlling an intense amount of worry) Was it when you gave your name?
Taeva frowns.
Taeva: No, no I don’t think so … shortly afterwards thoughh … why ?
Veritas Grey frowns and suppresses the urge to glance suspiciously at the other people in the tavern.
Veritas Grey: Probably nothing. (she sighs gently) You’ll have to excuse me, I hear a siren in every song these days. (despite her words she doesn’t seem particularly at ease)
-> Karum: yep - you see a man dressed in red robes, and two pale looking elves who could easily be brother and sister
Arianna keeps one eye on the group in the corner.
Karum: shayakar ?
Arianna: So how was the trip here?
-> Karum: hard to say from here - but possible.
Eric Vinard: Uneventful. It was a carefree trip.
Taeva (softly): You have seen much I guess ? And the Ranger’s calling is not an easy one. I will sing later, perhaps it will lift our spirits.
Veritas Grey: I would like that. I’ll let you get your air now. (she returns to the table)
Arianna nods.
Karum: Long and boring… and by horse, which is worse
Taeva pauses at the door and breathes deeply.
Wynn Tabris: So shall we go for a walk or stay here and dine?
Arianna: We can adjourn to someplace less crowded when you have finished eating. I wouldn’t pass up the food here.
Veritas Grey: The walk can wait.. you have been on the road and you should get your strength back. You never know when you’ll need it.
Eric Vinard (whispers to Arianna): I suspect he’s grumpy because he’s saddlesore.
Serving Girl: If you all wish it, we have a private dining area you may use…*makes it seem like a casual observation*
Eric Vinard: Words to live by, Veritas.
Wynn Tabris: That sounds wonderful and you will still be our serving girl?
Serving Girl blushes…
Karum: Wonderful, it’ll spare the other customers my orcish eating habits
Serving Girl: If that is masters wish…although I find I am not worthy of such esteemed company as yourselves
Wynn Tabris: I’d have it no other way
Eric Vinard: Then let us go take our dinner in the dining room.
Serving Girl: Very well then, I’ll inform Svend then. You’ll find the room on the second floor.
Taeva noticing her friends leave, follows.
Eric Vinard transfers locations, wishing it was easier to get in and out of armor. Dinner is nicer when you’re comfortable.
Serving Girl: Serving Girl
Veritas Grey hurries the last few steps up. “If everyone could be quiet for just a moment I would appreciate it…” Almost immediately she seems to fall into meditation, reaching out with her mind to see if she can detect the presence of any other users of the way… (let me know if I should roll Spirit instead Vince)
Veritas Grey: The Way [Total: 6] [1d8 = 6]
Veritas Grey: Wild Die! [Total: 2] [1d6 = 2]
-> Veritas Grey: you get a very strong sense coming from the Red Robed man in the corner
Veritas Grey: (softly) I do not believe that we can speak anywhere in this building without a strong likelihood of being overheard… unless this room has some protections on it I’m not aware of.
Arianna (quietly to Veritas): Same as before?
Wynn Tabris: Due to the three downstairs?
Veritas Grey nods at Wynn Tabris.
Veritas Grey: They’re listening with more than their ears, I’ve no doubt.
Eric Vinard: We should certainly consider that tour, although is it a good night for it, or should we wait until tomorrow?
Veritas Grey nods at Arianna.
Veritas Grey: Different user, but same risk.
Serving Girl walks into the room bearing a large tray of food and drinks, Svend is not far behind assisting her.
Svend: Well here ye be friends - finest food in Olara - I gurantee ye that
Svend eyes Veritas…
Svend: ANd ye need not worry bout anyone listening in here…these walls are…lets just say specially made
Eric Vinard: Excellent! Fine food and drink are always welcome after a long journey.
Veritas Grey nods. “That is good to hear.” She relaxes visibly and sinks into a chair.
Karum sips at his beer, waiting for the story to unfold
Taeva: THey are indeed. And … we can speak freely, Svend, the three people in the corner, regulars ?
Svend nods.
Svend: Aye, they been hanging out in town now these past several weeks.
Svend: Them, and another who looks much like the pale haired one there, *points at Veritas*
Eric Vinard eats, drinkgs, and listens.
Taeva: Several weeks, I see.
Veritas Grey: …
Svend: Ever since Tordel’s boy went missing acutally…sad that is what happened…
Veritas Grey: This other, is he… he has hair much the color of your serving girl’s cloak, maybe half a head taller than I? *describing Adela*
Svend: Aye…it could be him lass - though hard to say. He hid himself behind his hood more often than not.
Taeva: Tordell’s boy ? How old was he and how long ago was this ?
Arianna: Yes. too bad about tordel’s family as well
Svend: I think it best you ask your friends here mistress Bard…they were there when it happened
Taeva: Oh …
Taeva blushes
Veritas Grey gestures for Arianna to tell the story if she’s comfortable with it, as Veritas has her own parts to add at the end.
Arianna takes a sip of her beer.
Arianna: We were sent to retrieve the boy and bring him back to the jade flames. But when we arrived discovered the boy missing and his family brutally murdered.
Taeva frowns.
Arianna: We tracked them into the hills. We found little trace of the boy, but discoverd that he was not the first child to be kidnapped.
Arianna: We believe there is something Dark behind these abductions
Taeva: How many children have been abducted ?
Arianna: We don’t know for sure
Arianna: how many.
Eric Vinard: That’s horrible, Arianna. Where ther no further clues in the hills?
Arianna: None that we could find. So we returned her to wait for reinforcements. Our original bunch did not make it.
Arianna raises her beer. “To fallen comrades.”
Wynn Tabris: Sorry to hear that
Taeva: May I ask, and I know this is difficult, how they died ?
Veritas Grey raises her cider to Arianna sadly.
Eric Vinard: Well, I think that this fall well within the investigation we were charged with. It will be a pleasure to stop whatever is responsible for these abductions.
Arianna: did i miss anything
Veritas Grey: A necromancer and his.. servants.. killed the rest of our group. We were lucky to escape.
-> Arianna: aside from the medallion you found
Taeva: Is the necromancer still at large ?
Arianna: No. We did manage to remove that threat.
Taeva smiles.
Veritas Grey clears her throat.
Veritas Grey: There’s something I should tell you all.. that I should have told you well before now, Arianna, and I’m sorry for that.
Karum: Necromancers, missing children, some suspect looking people here, seems you are in deep trouble, and us as well of course
Veritas Grey: Since I arrived I’ve been getting.. feelings.. that someone I know is connected to all of this.
Veritas Grey: His name is Adelas Fel. He’s a Korindian and an adept like me. He’s the man who taught me how to fight with my fists and a fair amount of what I know about fighting with the mind.
Taeva: Why would a Korindian be tied up with necromancers and stolen children ?
Veritas Grey: He’s.. very capable. More capable than I realized, I guess.. I never would have expected that he would kill a whole family and kidnap a boy. Nor that he would ally himself with a necromancer. But it seems that as usual, I have a lot to learn.
Eric Vinard: Well, I think we have someone to look for, tomorrow. Do you have any idea where Adelas might be, Veritas?
Veritas Grey: (sighs) I’ve been asking myself that since I first felt his presence at the.. at the inn. It must have to do with this boy. I assumed that he was an adept who we were bringing in to explain his power and offer training.. but.. he must be more than that. Or he must be worth something to Adelas as a bargaining chip. He has truend almost everyone he has ever known against him by doing this.
Veritas Grey: No, I don’t. But the “other” man that Sven said sometimes associates with our friends downstairs would be a good place to start.
Eric Vinard: Should we accost them on suspicion alone?
Taeva: Hmm … would it not be better to follow them and see where they lead us ?
Eric Vinard: If we have someone capable of following them without being seen, that would be useful.
Taeva looks at her companions.
Veritas Grey: Shadowing them is a better idea. It takes a strong will to master the Way and at least one of them has some power. I doubt he’d give us anything willingly.
Taeva: Oh … well, it was an idea.
Taeva shrugs.
Taeva: Can anyone here follow those people ? Oh wait … couldn’t we hire someone ? A beggar maybe ? Beggars are never noticed, by anyone.
Arianna: that is a good idea. since they know what we look like
Eric Vinard: Svend, do you know anyone we could trust for a job like this?
Svend: Aye I might, I’ll see what I can arrange.
Wynn Tabris: So we shall send a begger to follow them and report back?
Eric Vinard: That sounds like a solid plan. Although is there anything we can personally do while this is going on?
Veritas Grey: I can think of no better idea. Perhaps Svend knows a Ranger around these parts that our friends aren’t familiar with who can take on the guise of a beggar.
Wynn Tabris: I feel sorry for the bugger if he gets caught.
Taeva: Well … maybe we should talk to some of the townsfolk and the parents. How many children, when … how were they abducted.
Karum: Hope it won’t happen
Svend: I know not of any Rangers right now in this area - last I heard most are out in the Wildlands trying to keep the peace
Svend: But I know some of the urchins in the area, I’ll see what i can do for you all.
Arianna: Thanks Svend
Eric Vinard: It is appreciated.
Karum: Thank you.
Veritas Grey: (sighs) But children?… I.. am hesitant to get anyone else involved in this. Let alone another child.
Eric Vinard: I believe inquring with the townsfold about the abductions is an excellent idea, Taeva.
Taeva: Svend, jut ask the urchins to find out where those folks head off too … tell them, tell them … they owe us some money or somethimng like that.
Svend nods towards Taeva.
Svend: I know my art lass - don’t ye worry, naught shall be traced back to you.
Taeva smiles.
Svend: Although if I were you lot, I’d stay out of sight for a while.
Karum: Great, after the horse, we’re to be secluded in our room… so much for the action
Svend: Whatever it is you’re involved in now - I doubt it’ll let you go about quietly…
Eric Vinard: I don’t know. They saw Rangers come into town. I think it best we act like Rangers. Possibly.. arrogent and incompetent ones.
Svend: Oh laddie - you’ll see action soon enough I’m sure. I doubt that lot downstairs will be lettin you go about too much, especially if what Veritas and Arianna have said is true.
Taeva: Well … I’m going to act lik a bard … Svend, do I need a licence or anything silly like that to perform later tonight ? Just a few songs I want to try out on an audience ?
Svend smiles towards Taeva.
Veritas Grey ponders and almost likes the idea of a direct confrontation better.. But her own argument defeats her. Those three are probably resistant to any form of persuasion. Beating them up would accomplish little, if anything.
Svend: That would be a great idea. The mid-evening crowd should be coming in soon.
Taeva: Oh good ! I’d better have a bath, tune my poor lute and get ready !
Svend: I’ll have Mæve here draw you up some water in the bathing chamber.
Taeva: Many thanks … lots of bubbles !
Taeva: Or are they extra ?
Taeva giggles.
Svend grins
Arianna smiles. Girlie-girl
Karum facepalm
Veritas Grey smiles in spite of the situation. She’s glad someone is an optimist… (Failing to notice that pretty much everyone but her is an optimist)
Eric Vinard: I believe I shall take my room and shed my armor. And draw up another bath after the bards. It is too long between baths while traveling in armor.
Taeva (more): seriously
Karum: No bath for me Svend, Gran’pa says it’s bad for me
Svend eyes Karum…
Taeva: Let’s just tread carefully for a day or so …. I think if we go about in pairs we’ll be safe enough in town, Arianna, Veitas ?
Svend shakes his head…
Eric Vinard: He’s afraid the smelling clean would clear your head, I’m wagering.
Wynn Tabris lost in thought
Veritas Grey nods at Taeve after some thought.
Karum: Can’t know, never smelt a clean orc
Eric Vinard laughs
Veritas Grey: It would draw less attention then all of us walking around like a cluster of sheep, although, it’s probably best to go out as little as possible.
Arianna: But not alone. No sense making it easy for them.
Veritas Grey: back
Svend: Alright then my friends - you have basically your pick of rooms on this floor. Taeva, give it a couple of hours, and I think the crowd will be good and ready for you.
Arianna is going to check up on this closed door medallion she found. Tomorow. Tonight she is going to drink.
Karum: Who wants to sleep with the smelly orc ? beware I snore
Taeva: Sven, are any of the parents of the missing children down below ? I thought I ‘d sing a song at some point about Children in general, to spark a response in our three antagonistic friends below ?
GM: Its possible. I know Tomas is likely to be in tonight…he’s been slowly drinking his soul away since his daughter was taken.
Svend: Its possible. I know Tomas is likely to be in tonight…he’s been slowly drinking his soul away since his daughter was taken.
Taeva: Hmm … maybe something else then. Ahh … I think I have something short that will do.
Eric Vinard: The poor man. Is his wife in the same way?
Svend: None have seen Ulla since young May was taken…
Eric Vinard: Maybe we should talk with Tomas and see if we can speak with his wife.
Taeva nods.
Wynn Tabris: I think I’ll be ok
Eric Vinard: So who should talk to Thomas?
Wynn Tabris: just took a nap and is now ready to rejoin his comrades
Taeva after restringing and tuning her lute, heads downstairs.
Wynn Tabris: If I go offline again I’ll just stay off and Wynn will go upstairs to bed
-> Wynn Tabris: ok
Veritas Grey: I believe I can speak to him..
Taeva pauses and surveys the tavern’s customers.
Taeva (muttering): They’d just better appreciate this or else …
Eric Vinard: Alright, Veritas. This sounds like a good start. Hopefully we’ll be able to do more then just wait around, tomorrow.
Arianna heads downstairs to refresh her drink and listen to Taeva perform
Svend: Well then friends, ifn ye not be needin me round for the moment, I best get back down stairs before hell breaks loose…
Veritas Grey nods at Svend in thanks for his assistance.
Eric Vinard leaves to find somewhere to remove his armor.
Karum heads downstairs to finish his drink and listen to Taeva
Wynn Tabris: Have the downstairs trio left already? And are the urchins following yet?
Taeva walks to the centre of the taproom and loudly hails the drinkers and servers.
Taeva: Oh hail good folk of Rhion. Oh hail all who are in need of cheer !
The crowd turns their attention towards Taeva.
Veritas Grey heads downstairs and looks for a lonely man who’s drinking too much. Hopes there aren’t too many.
Taeva: Oh hail … I’ve forgotten what I was going to say next !
Taeva smiles.
Taeva stums a chord and sings boldly …
Taeva: Can I see another’s woe,And not be in sorrow too ?Can I see another’s grief,And not seek for kind relief ?Can I see a falling tear,And not feel my sorrow’s share ?
Wynn Tabris Heads down to listen while worried about the street urchins
Taeva pauses.
Taeva (speaking): Be not downhearted my friends, for tonight Taeva is here ! And I shall sing you a tale of days that have been, days that are and maybe, better days to come !
-> Veritas Grey: you notice sucha man sitting alone in the SW corner of the common room
Taeva: First … this is rather naughty so … you of gentle disposition had best retire !
Taeva winks.
Wynn Tabris takes a seat at the bar
The crowd clap loudly, all save a lonely depressed looking man in the SW corner of the common room.
Taeva sings an improbable song about a milk maid, two churns of butter and a young shepherd. And his dog. And her cat.
Eric Vinard after getting into more casual wear then full armor, Eric heads downstairs to enjoy the evening.
Veritas Grey (who discarded her armor and robe before coming down and is now wearing simple clothing fit for a commoner) moves over towards the SW corner of the room.. Being glad that at least Taeva isn’t singing the one about the fair maiden who needs help repairing a broom…
The crowd laughs, and clap along in tune to the song…
Taeva smiles as the song ends.
Veritas Grey: there’s a difference between crowd participation and interpretive dance
Taeva: But now … I think something like this …
Veritas Grey waits for an appropriate time to approach Thomas.. Veritas was raised in a temple and is pretty sure she didn’t even begin to understand several stanzas of the last song but is pretty sure that “appropriate” hasn’t come along yet
GM: Overall the crowd are very appreciative of the music, clapping when appropriate, laughing, singing along
GM: Nope - unless you’re trying to do something specific
Veritas Grey makes her way over to Thomas’ table. “Can you offer a chair to a weary traveller, good sir?”
Tomas looks up at Veritas, shrugs his shoulders…
Tomas: Sit if it please ye, leave if it don’t…matters not to me anymore…
Veritas Grey sits, pasting what she hopes is a genuine looking smile on her face, and tries to get into character.
Taeva: Spirit -0 [Total: -2] [1d8-4 = -2]
Taeva: Wild Die! -0 [Total: 8] [1d6 = 8]
Veritas Grey: I’m Veritas Grey… I would offer you my hand, but I have the feeling that you would just stare at it and not take it, and then it would be awkward, and we’ve only just met and I hate to get off on the wrong foot. *she tilts her heas slightly as if appraising the man* or do I have you figured wrong?
Tomas: Speak plain woman…I haven’t the time nor inclination to speak with any…not since…
Tomas begins to get teary eyed, and sinks lower in his chair, staring into his beer…
Veritas Grey considers.
Veritas Grey: I don’t doubt your lack of inclination but you seem to have little else but time. I wager you’re here every night… I know the look in your eyes. I’ve seen it on many faces. Not always from drink, but often enough.
Tomas: And what look is that…Korindian?
GM: His words are VERY bitter…
Veritas Grey leans in, just a few inches and softens her voice, ignoring the reference to her race for now but filing it away.
Veritas Grey: You’re a broken man. *she leans back* And I make it my business to fix people.