Israth's father is a shepherd who watches over his own, and three other families' sheep and goats.  His fields are basically east-north-east of Crim, closer to the village than the burial site was.  Travel by moonlight is easy even though the sky has clouded up a little (still mostly clear).

Activity here has wound down for the night but you can see smoke wafting up from the longhouse hearth.  You bang on the doors like barbarians and it is answered by none other than Israth himself.

A youthful man opens the door, his eyes adjusting to the darkness outside. "Um, can I help you all?" he asks curiously, having not been expecting visitors.

Outside the doors are two men and a woman.  They are dressed in the style of the Triplefang and are accompanied by a large floating eye.  I will leave it to everyone to describe their appearance.

"Are you Israth?" Holly asks, as she stands in the light of the lodge so he can see her. She had placed some greenery in her hair and is twiddling with a twig as she stands besides Glumr and Farden. "These are my cousins Glumr Triplefang, Farden Triplefang and I am Hollykahn Triplefang. We were sent by Leon, as he thinks you might be of help to us."

Although she is slightly battered in appearance, Holly stands proudly for Israth's inspection, the only think worrying her is that they had got so used to the Eye, that for others it might appear very unusual. "Oh, and this is a travelling companion of ours. He once had a connection with the Harpers, and does play rather lovely music at the most opportune moments!" WIth that, Holly makes a slight bow to the Eye in recognition of its help in battles past. She also hoped the mention of the Harpers might tweak Israth's curiosity.

On cue the eye summons up a quick brass fanfare out of thin air.

"Yes, I am Israth Triplefang. Are you all friends of Leon's?" he asks curiously, looking at the eye with a curious glance. "The Harpers, you say? Hm, how... interesting. Oh! Where are my manners. Come in, come in!" he welcomes, ushering them inside the house. It was starting to get cold, and letting all the heat out would surely upset his family.

It's summer.  Cold is not an issue, but you let your visitors in none-the-less.

Farden is the most heavily armed and armored of the trio. His armor and shield and his short, powerful build makes him look like a small walking fort.

He bows politely to Israth and murmurs a greeting, but seems otherwise content to let Holly do the talking.

"Thank you Israth." Holly says as she quickly moves inside. She had already instructed Moonlight to amuse himself while she was inside, and as she moved into the lodge she bows to the elders in the room, showing the respect she had been taught.

"You know Leon then?" Holly asks as they get comfortable. "He says that you might be interested in a proposal we have. It seems we need to visit Silvergate, and he suggested you might like to come with us." She wasn't trying to deliberately offend the elders, but as Israth had opened the door, she assumed he was open to being talked to directly, rather than asking his parents their permission. Looking him over, she saw someone who was comfortable in himself, and that on top of Leon's recommendation made the proposal more digestable from her point of view. Only Glumr was left of those she had grown up with in Volge. She knew she had little to fear from a Triplefang male, as they were taught tradition. However, being the only female was likely to be taxing.

Giselle wonders what's happening at the door that's keeping Israth's attention.  It was doubtful that it was trouble, but you never knew.  Patting her thigh she attracts the attention of her two hunting dogs, as she appears behind Israth to peer over his shoulder to the newcomers.

She nods politely to the new comers giving them curious looks, leaving the talking to Israth.  "Hello.", she says with a curt nod as they file in.

"He said that? That I might like to come with you? How... interesting." Israth commented, bringing his hand up to stroke his non-existent beard (it was more stubbly then anything actually). Looking over at his sister as she came up, he introduced them all in turn, filling her in to the situation. "My only concern is that it's late and I might be a little hasty to make such decisions. We have extra room here; why don't you three, er, four stay here for the night, and I can get you my answer in the morning? You won't get much traveling in tonight anyway, unless you can see in the dark." he chuckled.

Holly looked at the other two and then back at Israth, "Thank you Israth, we will accept your hospitality. I have a guide in the night, but as you say, we should let you make your decision in the light of day."

To Holly it was nice to be within a lodge of friendly faces again, and the night sky showed it was an auspicous meeting indeed. When she had an opportunity, she went outside to meet with Moonlight, and perform the required ritual of the new full moon. It was her moon really, the one that always linked to the special times in her life. So far it had not failed her. Leaving Moonlight to watch over the outside of the lodge, she returned to her friends, and looked forward to a quiet nights sleep.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:44, Wed 06 July 2011.

Giselle just manages to refrain from rolling her eyes.  She hated when Israth played with his chin fuzz as if it were a full grown beard.

"We have a stable for your horses if you'd like me to show you?", Giselle doesnt bother to see if any of them follow, she just leaves patting her thigh and making a kissing sound, that seems to attract her two dogs to follow her along out the door at a trot.

It was about time to give Tempest his feeding, and a good brushing and rub down so it worked out.

Glumr looks a little ragged.  He's beat, hurt, and bloodies, but still has an air of good spirits around him.  He's covered in a cloak made of dark woodland colors with a floppy hat to match.  This hangs around him, breaking up his lines to make him less noticeable in the wilds.

The cloak covers Glumr's leathers, which are worn in and also colored with earth tones and greens.  An exotic scimitar is on his hip and each boot has a throwing dagger strapped to the side.  On his back is his pack with a bow and quiver as well.  He's holding some rolled leaf in his teeth, sweet smoke wisping around his head.

Glumr flicks the smoke away before entering the dwelling.  Listening to everyone make introductions as Holly handles the interaction.

Glumr takes his hat off and speaks up "Aye... There's no need to rush and we could all use a good nights rest."  It's obvious that Glumr's comment is a statement on their current ragged condition.  "sleep on it and decide tomorrow.  But we could always use another good person to join us on our adventures.  On the way, I'll tell you about our journeys and what we've been working towards long term and maybe you'll decide to travel with us beyond silvergate."

Glumr answers Giselle as she walks out the door.  "Appreciated, the horses would welcome a night in your stable. I'll give you a hand once we're finished speaking with Israth."

OCC - Dont forget to update the cart as I took my potion back into my possession.

DM: It has already been updated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:20, Tue 05 July 2011.

"Much appreciated." says Farden, as he leads his horse over to the stables.

"So, Giselle, was it? Are you a bard like Israth?" he asks, obviously making small talk.

"Bard?  No.  I do a honest days work for my meals.  I don't sing for them.", she comments no nonsense.

Giselle leads Farden out to a barn nearby.  Giselle, helps any who follows to get their mounts settled in on the barn.  She'll take a moment to show them where the stable feed and the water pump are located before tending to her own horse.  Samson and Delilah nip and play about nearby in the yard since they're not needed for anything pressing at the moment.

She's a little wary of the strangers.  It's not in her nature to be immediately trusting, though to be honest, theres little here anyone would really want.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:18, Tue 05 July 2011.

Holly is glad that she can give the Dun a little attention, which of course soon brings Moonlight in for his fare share. When Holly ignores him, he surprises her and goes over to Giselle and nudges her, as if asking for something.

"Sorry Giselle, he gets a little frisky on the new full moon." Holly says before quickly finishing with the Dun. "I'll take him for a quick run, and he'll be fine." With that, Holly moves out into the grassland and whistles to Moonlight. Once out into the open, she runs alongside him, jumping onto his back a few times for the fun of it. Finally leaving Moonlight out in the night, she returns to the lodge, her duties done.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:41, Wed 06 July 2011.

Since Farden followed Giselle outside, and Holly went to give attention to her horse, Glumr is left alone with Israth. "Let me take this moment to tell you about our current quest" Glumr says to him.

"The group of us have come a long way, meeting new faces and saying good by to others.  In these travels we've been tasked to return a songbook that was taken from the harpers.  Well not so much taken as it was given in a dupe.  The person who took it is named Jacob and I fear that my friends and I are no match for him.  We tried to best him and only escaped with our lives because he wanted us to.  Which is why our ragged appearance."  Glumr gestures to his numerous injuries.

"Since we cant best him, we are waiting for his sale of this song book so that we might take it from the merchants he is doing business with in Silvergate.  They are selling it to someone from the Empire and we are going to take the book once it leaves Jacob's possession.  That is why we need your help."

Glumr goes on "Flavious and Claudious are the merchants.  Claudious seems to be the more legitimate and public figure of the two, where Flavious does the secret deals behind closed doors.  We will know Flavious from his bodyguard.  The guard will have metal armor and a red cape and seem out of place.  Once they have the book they intend to sail it to the Empire on an Empire ship.  We need to get that book and return it to the harpers." Glumr takes a breath.  This is a lot of talking.

"If you help us, then you can accompany us on our true quest.  There is a book held by a proctor of a city and he will sell us a book that when we write our names in it, it will transform us into legends.  The book will empower us and record our deeds by magic until our deaths, where it is wiped clean and waits the next signature.  If we posses this book, it will add to our abilities and I think will give us the strength we need to help clear the lands from the goblin threat and keep our lands safe.  Think of all the good we can do by taking advantage of its powers.  This was told to me by the Champion of Goldenpoint after we saved his life.  Being who he is an a man of the church, I believe his word.  But that's a story for the road. I want to add that if you came with us you'd be an equal entitled to equal share. But that being said, we're pulling what we earn together so that we can purchase this artifact, so we intend to spend only on what we need for our travels.  Any items we may find"  Glumr gestures at his scimitar "would be split up as fairly and equally as we can.  Now I hope I've told you enough to convince you to come with us. Do you have any questions before you sleep on it?"

Listening to the odd-looking man's story, Israth nodded along with what he was saying, memorizing key parts for later retelling. He was, after all, a bard, and what were bards without stories to tell? "At the very least, my friend, this seems like a very interesting adventure that will produce many good tales to retell. In the morning, I will talk to my sister to see if she wants to join us, if I decide to go... which I likely will." he admits, looking at the bow on the wall that he used for hunting. It could be used for more... useful ends, as well, if one needed to. "She is quite handy with a sword, and has bested me more then once with wooden sparring weapons. I would hate to face her in real combat."

"Sounds good to me.  We can always use another sword and friend on the trails." Glumr nods in agreement.

Farden continues chatting to Giselle while Glumr and Holly jaw inside. "Most bards I know would claim singing and playing an instrument is hard work." he says with a slight smile.

"Show me callousous on thier hands, and dirt beneath their nails, and i might be inclined to concede agreement.", Giselle comments without looking away from her chore of brushing her horses coat.

"So I see you're an archer then?" Israth asks as he eyes the bow on Glumr's back. "I'm a bit of a bowmaker myself. Made that beauty over there by hand." he commented, pointing to a rather well treated bow hanging on the wall, which he walks towards and pulls off the wall. Smiling a little, he adds quietly, "Adventuring again will bring some excitement to this drab life I have been experiencing lately."

"oh, they get calluses all right. Especially the string players."

"I am.  I've played with a bow in youth, but I'm just beginning to polish my skills.  That is a nice bow.  Maybe someday I'll ask you to make me one. "  Glumr says with a wink.  "But it will be nice to have another archer around to discuss our skills and help each other improve.  And yes...  I do love adventuring.  I expect that the road will be my home more than Volge from now on.  I can't wait to see where the trails all lead."

"I grew up in the wilds around Volge and love being in the wilds much more than in a city or town.  It's much more peaceful out there.  I've been learning the ways of nature since I started traveling and have found that my spirit lies with Ehlonna.  What about you?  Do you follow a particular deity?  And how did you learn your skills?"  Glumr enjoys talking with Israth.  They seem to have a bit in common.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:01, Wed 06 July 2011.

At some point everyone returns inside.  It sounds like Israth is interested in joining our heroes, but no one has really mentioned anything to Giselle yet.  We'll assume that Giselle's player knows the basics of what's going on already from playing Snow, so you can gloss over the details if you'd like.

After that are you planning to leave right away the next morning?
Do you want to show nathan the cottage site first?
Holly recovered her spells at some point this evening and can take whatever mix she'd like.  She can do some more healing.  She and Glumr are still injured. (both need 9 points of healing)
Do you need any supplies or equipment?  Don't worry about food or water.  Crim will supply those for free.
Is there anything you'd like to ask around town about?

If asked, Giselle will simply nod, and agree to come along.  She doesnt need too much convincing, especially if Israth has already been convinced.

I do not want to waste time, but leave first thing in the morning. As Farden says -

"It is possible Jacob is expecting us to follow and has more tricks up his sleeve. I don't care. I do NOT want to take on his customer.

Jacob and his stooges are a known quantity, and I would much rather go up against them. Jacob is a crook, we rob him no one will blink. If we rob his buyer, we will be ticking off an unknown government. I don't want some king or duke after me, do you?"

"Jacob beat us easy! Real easy Farden. I will not chase him. The buyer we might find easier target, and thats a possibility we should chase down before anything else. As to an empire hunting us, we are Triplefang. I always thought we feared no Empire!" Holly said vehermently, aware her traditional upbringing was coming to the fore.

"My mother and father were raiding the empire when I was still not born. Triplefang is our clan!" With that, Holly walks off to calm down. She had thought they had decided against trying to outwit Jacob and his gang. Whistling for Moonlight, she was pleased to see come over and nuzzle her. Taking out a well hidden apple, she fed him his treat, and wrapped her arms around his head as she felt herself gain control. Why was it that the new moon, her moon, made her feel like this sometimes...

"I agree with Holly... from talking with Leonardo and Elias, I think it would be much easier to get the book after it's changed possession.  And as for the kind or duke, dont forget this isnt property bought legally."  Glumr shrugs at Holly's dramatic exit.  "Either way, I need to show Nathan the spot for the cottage before we ride out.  I could also use some tending to these wounds.   Maybe I should head back to the shrine in the morning for another round of healing."  After a pause Glumr asks "You wouldn't have a spare pint of ale or two would you?"

Israth is, for once, at a loss for words. "Perhaps if I understood the scenario better, I would be able to intuit some advice. And that ale all depends on whether or not my father has drank it all. Let me go check." he states, heading out of the main room to go look for some beverages. Coming back, he's carrying a small tankard over his shoulder with a few mugs in his other hand, handing them out to whoever wants them. "Might as well have a drink before we go. It's home-brewed, so my apologies if it isn't the greatest draft you have ever had." he explains as he pours himself a cup and takes a rather hearty gulp of it.

"Jacob beat us because we fought him on a ground of his choosing. We shall not make that mistake again."


Farden is speaking adamantly. He is clearly convinced that it is better to go after Jacob, with taking on the buyer being Plan B. He sits back and glares at the others in annoyance, then says, in a cruel mockery of Holly's tone " We fear no empire!"

He shakes his head in disbelief. "Does she even listen to herself? She'd take the risk of annoying an unknown power rather than deal with a clever thief, just because the thief got the better of us once. And then accuses us of lacking courage!"

He takes a drink of the ale offered by Israth, then scowls for a bit, then says, "You know what? Even if Jacob sells off the book before we get there, it still makes sense to go after him! Want me to explain why?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:47, Fri 08 July 2011.

Glumr takes a mug and thanks Israth. "Any brew shared among friends is a good brew in my opinion"

Farden says the even ground comment.

Glumr disagrees with him.  "I dont follow what you mean.  Jacob is the kind of person who is always on the ground of his choosing.  It's how he makes his living, by always having the advantage.  Maybe if we get him to Volge we could hold the advantage... I just dont think we can outsmart his network of trickery."

Farden then mocks Holly.

"As for the empire, they would simply see this as petty thievery.  All we need to do is make it known the book is being return to it's proper owners who it was illegitimately taken from.  The empire is purchasing stolen good and it was taken back.  They would be mad a Jacob for causing the situation, not the nameless group who took the item back.  I do not fear the empire.  But I'm not looking for trouble with them."

Then, as Farden finishes, Glumr is confused.  "What?  Why?  We need the book.  It belongs to the harpers and they should have it back so that they may share it's music with everyone.  More so it puts the coin in our pockets.   I dont see why we would want to go after him if he no longer has the book.  I dont understand."

Glumr waves aside concerns regarding the empire

Farden sighs and shakes his head at this display of naivety, but doesn't waste his breath on this any more.

Glumr asks the question

"You forget, Glumr, we need the book only because of the money. Well, Jacob will have money once he sells the book. I don't give a fuck whether the Harpers get their book back, only that we get the money to continue our mission."

Farden sits back and considers. "But, here is the thing Glumr - I am, in the end, willing to take on Flavius and Claudius and their backers if we have no choice. But you must remember, the buyers are based in Silvergate. Their home ground advantage will be equal to that of Jacob. I am not so confident of our chances against these people, that I am willing to ignore Jacob entirely. Especially since Jacob could easily warn them about us, wrecking what little chance we have."

"This is my point Glumr: We need to plan for every eventuality. That means we need to be prepared to take on Jacob or Claudius, or whoever that gives us an opening. Which means we need a careful plan, not this haphazard stumbling we've been doing.

Now, I have a plan, or the beginnings of one. Do you want to call Holly so she can be in on the discussion?"

Farden turns to look at Israth and Giselle:

"The first part of the plan relies heavily on the two of you. And, be sure, it will be dangerous. So, answer carefully - are you willing to risk your lives to serve the clan? I will not blame you if you back out."

OOC: Seriously guys, we need to sit down and hammer out a plan, not just rush off. Especially since I have a plan which I think improves our chances. It is, after all, only early evening, we have quite a few hours before we need to rest for the night.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Sat 09 July 2011.

"You do realize, Farden, that I myself am a member of the Harpers, yes? I advise you not do anything that would cause them to get upset, or you'll have something much worse then the Empire to deal with... Before we get into throwing around threats and whatnot, however, or the divulging of 'plans', tell me more about this book you spoke of before. Perhaps I've heard of it?" Israth interjects, hoping Glumr, who seems to be much less hot-headed and arrogant then Farden, would be able to answer his question.

Farden grins at Israth. "Ah, so you are willing to risk your life in this endeavor. Good, good. As for the book, it is called Eburacon's Songbook. Heard of it?"

OOC: If I am annoying Israth, I am roleplaying my 8 Cha right... damn it, does anyone here have a decent Int and a passable Cha?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Sat 09 July 2011.

OOC: Israth was designed for CHR and INT.  Other than him CHR and INT are not this group's strong suits.

 OOC: Good, he'll need them to play his part of the plan :D

"Well, I've heard of Eburacon, but not his songbook. He was a very famous Harper, so him naming a book after himself isn't surprising." he nodded, thinking a bit more. "When you say 'Jacob', do you mean, Jacob, the Harper? Surely you can't be talking about the same man I met in Rancor Heights. He is a great man, a friend of mine whom I met in my time with the Harpers! He wouldn't steal one of their prized possessions... I sense foul play afoot. Who was it that told you of his treachery?" Israth asks the others.

Farden snorted amusement at this. "The leader of the Harper's Guild in Rancor Heights set us on him. Although your reaction is not surprising - the guy did manage to fool the entire guild.

And he certainly didn't act innocent when we ran into him. Had a goon squad, poisoned weapons, traps, the works.

Now, can we get back to planning our trip to Silvergate?"

Holly comes back into the lodge, and sits at the back letting the boys get on with what they were doing. She listened, and decided to keep quiet. Her only real tie to this little group was Glumr, and the two of them were like two sides of the same coin sometimes. Listening to Farden she could see him making a move for the leadership of the group, and Holly reckoned unless someone opposed him he'd do it. That someone wasn't going to be her though.

Hearing Farden's plan, she considered it for a moment, and decided that splitting the group didn't make sense. Perhaps if Mord was here she would feel happier. Shaking the next images out of her head, she concentrated on what was being discussed.

"I see what you are saying Farden.  You say you're doing it for the money, but are you sure you're not doing it out of pride?  It sounds like you dont want to have to say you were bested by Jacob.  I dont see what going after him will give us more than going after the book after it's left his possession."  Glumr takes a paper and some leaf out of his belt pouch and starts rolling a smoke between his fingers.

"I've given my pledge to help the harpers get their book back and I'm not going to let that go simply so we can dupe jacob.  I'll agree to whatever course of action you want as long as you promise that we're going to make sure we return the book."  Glumr puts the rolled leaf in his mouth and gives it a few test puffs without lighting it to make sure the roll is good.

"All right, makes no difference to me. I'm just saying, we need to have a plan to take on Jacob. After all, we really don't know how easy a mark his customers will be. Once we get more information, we can make a final decision as to our target.

Now, what of my idea to set Giselle and Israth to tailing Bittan. It's a long shot, but it might pay off."

"It's as good as any I guess.  My vote still lies with taking the book from the merchant, but if you think we can get it from Jacob and that is the best course, then I'll help you.  What do the rest of you say?"  Glumr asks the rest of the group.  "Which course do you think best?"

"Um, that's kinda my point - we don't know which is the best route. Giselle and Israth will be tailing Bittan to try and get info on Jacob's location. We will be gathering information on Flavius and Claudius, and Jacob as well if we can. And once we know how the land lies, we can decide."

OOC: Also, I just realized - Flavius and Claudius... will we be seeing Cinna and Casca as well? Will someone we meet in Silvergate be described as having "a lean and hungry look" ? :D

"We are making an assumption that Bitten will run back to Jacob. Perhaps, perhaps not. Taking on the merchant sounds better, but as I'm merely a woman, I don't expect the opportunity to vote, such is Triplefang tradition on going to war!" Holly says from her position behind the others.

Realising how petty her last comment sounds, she adds, "My apologise to your family Israth. I have had a long day and recently lost a friend."

"Lost as in she went home to Volge, not lost as dead."  Glumr pipes in.  "But we're not going to war, and we're not with the clan.  We are on the road and working together and sharing the dangers.  I say anyone part of our group has equal rights in deciding what we do next.  Man or Woman."

"Yes, I know Bittan might not run back to Jacob. Like I said, long shot. If it is clear Bittan is heading somewhere other than Silvergate, Israth and Giselle will break off and catch up with us.

I don't care who comes up with the ideas, as long as they are good ones. Now, does anyone have a plan other than what I have proposed? I know Holly thinks we should focus solely on the merchant. I think we need more information before making that decision, and this is my plan to get it."

"I am all for this as it will give us the most information to make a decision on our next move.  I see a problem with your plan my friend.  Israth and Giselle dont know Bittan.  More so they have not been on the road and Bittan could spot them if there are close enough to tail him.

Let me follow Bittan.  I can track behind him or easily hide if I'm close.  This is what I am good at.  Israth and Giselle should go with you to Silvergate.  Jacob does not know them and you could somehow leverage that to get close to him and the merchants.  At least more so than just us who Jacob has met."

Plus, Glumr's player will be out of communication for a while.  We could split him off from the group with minimal disruption to play.

"I have to agree. As good as I am with people, I am not so great at going unnoticed., and I would likely be more use trying to gather information about the person who will be buying the book from Jacob then tailing, and potentially getting caught, by Bittan." Israth agreed.

Farden ponders, then shrugs. "Very well, we'll do it that way. But we need to enter Silvergate in two different groups - me and Holly in one and Israth and Giselle the other. If Jacob is so smart he'll have someone watching the gates, looking for us. Me and Holly enter first and draw their attention, Israth and Giselle enter after, hopefully unnoticed."

OK, it sounds like we have a plan.  In the morning Glumr will shadow Bittan.  The rest of the party will make for Silvergate.  A couple of quick questions.  There some possible zigs and zags on the way there.

1) There's the straightest route, which will be a touch shorter, but will take you through woods near the end of the trip.  There's nothing scary or dangerous about the woods, they're just slower to travel through on horseback.

2) Crim to Volge to Silvergate.  This is a little out of your way, but is a very sensible route.  You can accompany Snow back to Volge, and you can sleep in Volge instead of camping that night in the wilderness.  Plus you'll be traveling on a road on the final day, which is always easier.  This is the standard way to get from Crim to Silvergate or vice-versa.  It's 3 days on horseback to Volge, then one or two days to Silvergate.  That last leg is 36 miles, which will wear your horses down but can be done.  If you split it up there's a nice Inn between Volge and Silver.

3) Stop at Glumr's Uncle's farm on the way to Volge.  This is out of the way and might add a day to your trip.  It's a nice comfortable safe place to stop, but might not be worth the extra time and distance.

Does Holly want to heal Glumr before he breaks off on his own?  He's still pretty seriously injured.  For that matter, so is Holly herself.  Want to heal yourself to?


Lets move the game forward to the next morning.  If there's more you'd like to discuss tonight you can use the In Character Side Conversations.  I encourage you to use that item to get Giselle and Israth caught up to speed on our heroes' adventures and future plans too.

Holly quickly suggests that they join Snow on her journey back to Volge, if only because that company would be good for her. Before Glumr leaves, Holly uses her spells to return him to full health, asking him to be careful and wary of being caught out on the road ahead.

[Holly uses one CLW to see what effect that has, and then will either use other CLW or two CMW's to get Glumr up to full strength.]

With the coming dawn, Holly welcomes Giselle to the group, after finding out she will be joining them. Glad to have another female with her, even a warrior type as Giselle is, Holly tries to get to know her.

The prospect of something to do away from home was both exciting and a little daunting to Giselle, it wasnt anything she would ever admit to Israth.  Triplefang cousins from afar to fight the good fight with.  Was there more to life than this?

She was pretty quiet, and let Israth do most of the talking for them.  If he was going, she was too, it was that simple.  Israth, bright person that he was, probably knew it would be no simple task to disuade his little sister from tagging along.

Giselle gathers her things and is ready the next morning to deal with whatever may come.

"We're ready to go then?", she says simply looking about and doing a mental head count.

Israth offers Glumr his potion of Cure Light Wounds, wanting to make sure the only new face he had something in common with to come back to them rather then be lost to the winds. "I suggest we stock up on whatever we can before we leave, mainly healing scrolls or potions, since I suspect this will be a dangerous mission." the young Harper suggests thoughtfully.

Holly cast two healing spells on Glumr to bring him back to full health.

"Thank you, Cousin," he says to Holly sincerly.  "Keep them on the right path while I'm gone."

"That's a kind offer, friend, but I already have a few of Goldenpoint's finest in my pack.  Hold onto yours," Glumr says to Israth clapping him on the shoulder before departing.

"Oh...  just one question.  Where are we meeting back up?  Volge?  Someplace specific in Silvergate?"


As for stocking up on healing potions and scrolls.  You can pick up potions in Goldenpoint at very reasonable prices.  The group does not currently have a lot of spare coin, though, and it sounds like that's not a scheduled stop (but it could be).  As for scrolls, that might be something to arrange with a priest.  It takes a little time to write one out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:26, Thu 14 July 2011.

"Is there a public place in Silvergate we can meet up in? Hopefully some place large and crowded enough that Israth and Giselle can meet with the rest of us without making it too obvious? Afraid i don't know Silvergate very well."

08:59, Today: Farden rolled 5 using 1d20+2. knowledge: local.

"The horse market is a good place, and perhaps less likely for the merchant or his guard to be around. Busy enough for people not to assosciate two groups together at least." Holly says, trying not to think on what GLumr had said.

"Or for busier, use the main market. More watching eyes I suspect."

In reply to Farden (msg #58):

"We could meet up at the trader's market.
 Buyers, Merchants, Suppliers, Vendors, and anything else you might think of gather there at one time or another to do business."

---

(Presuming the above is okay, if not Fritz can modify as needed)

This is a good time for me to plug the wiki again.

http://triplefang.yoyo-pete.com/doku.php?id=silvergate

There are two markets in Silvergate - the open air market, denoted by 16 on the map, and the merchants' quarter which is 19.

The open air market has temporary stalls that go up and are taken down daily.  It's right on the main road through the middle of town and often has music and barkers to get your attention.  It's public, and often busy, but if anyone were watching for someone in Silvergate this is where they'd do it.  It's a small area so there's nowhere to hide or be inconspicuous.

The merchants quarter is mostly permanent buildings with a few semi-permanent stalls at corners and wherever there's extra room.  Much of it is away from the main road and there are some twists and turns.  Glumr suggests meeting near the alchemists shop.  That's one of the few places he knows.

About 45 minutes after Glumr leaves Giselle and Israth are packed up and ready to go.  You load the cart up with fresh food, and you're on your way.  It's a hot one.  Today is the hottest day of the year so far.  There's a light breeze, but generally no shade out on the grassland.  This is no problem for hardened Triplefang travelers.  You make one more water stop at a small pond to drink and let the horses cool off than you would've normally, but that doesn't cut into your distance covered.

Mid-afternoon Holly spots a white wildcat in the distance.  She lets everyone else know and it's some cause for alarm, since our heroes have been attacked twice already by strangely acting wildcats bearing the mark of Krammishir.  However, this wildcat appears to be out hunting alone, which is normal behavior.  It wants no part of 5 armed humans, 7 horses, 4 dogs, and a floating eye playing classic music to wander by.  It gives you lots of space and isn't seen again.  It's nice to know that there are still regular wildcats still out there untainted by Unnature.

You camp at a spring source with a nice copse of trees as the sun sets.  You're deep within Triplefang lands here.  Are you setting up the usual campfire?  (Note that you don't have Glumr's magical light sources any more.)  Are you taking watches tonight?  If so, what's the watch order?

"I think we better keep a watch tonight. That cat may not be alone, and they see better than us at night. I'm happy to take either end watches with Moonlight as a companion. He will let us know if there is anything close by." Holly says as they begin to set up camp. So far there had been little tension, and she had gotten to spend some time with Israth and Giselle, and introduce Moonlight to the dogs and the people. From his reaction, she gets he must have been impressed as he had even allowed the odd scratch and contact.

"I'll take the graveyard shift for the watch rotation." says Farden.

Israth and Giselle, I know you're new to the group, but it's OK to weigh in on things like where in the watch order you'd like be.

How does Holly / Glumr /  Farden / Giselle / Israth sound?
Until Volge Snow will double up with Israth.

Well, once night sets fully and the other party members have gone to sleep whoever has the first shift sees the barely visible flickers of a distant fire.  This is not too unusual, but I know you're on the lookout for Jacob and his crew.  There's no particular reason to think it's them other than sheer chance.

Holly is up first, and catches the glimmer of the fire in the distance.

PM

Holly and Moonlight wake Snow and go to investigate the distant fire.  When they start getting close enough to make out activity and humanoid shapes Moonlight gets very agitated and then bolts off the opposite direction.

Understanding the warning given by Moonlight, Holly quickly returns, intent on letting Glumr know that the fire may provide danger to the group that night, and during the next days travel, when it is his watch next.

Israth was right that Glumr is not currently in camp with you guys.  He's tailing Bittan.  Farden has the next watch shift.

When is her time to wake Farden, Holly does it gently, and points out the fire in the distance. "They are humanoid, and upset Moonlight, so I suspect they are a threat. Maybe tonight, more likely tomorrow." She says, before rolling into her blanket and looking up into the face of the full moon for a while before sleep overtakes her.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Wed 20 July 2011.

Farden nods in response to Holly's words, and takes up a guard position. He doesn't bother to investigate, since he is no scout, but is content to keep his eyes and ears open for trouble.

It's hard at times to even see the dim, distant fire.  About 15 or 20 minutes after Farden begins his shift the fire flickers and dies out.  It isn't seen again for the rest of the the night.  In fact, the other rest of the night passes uneventfully.

Snow cooks breakfast in the morning and there's talk about who will be your cook once she's gone.  There's also talk about the mysterious campfire.  Moonlight seems plenty calm now even with the dogs all running around bark and nipping at each other.

Press on, or try to investigate the fire from last night?

"The site of the fire, whatever it is, will only take a short time to investigate. Want to detour for it?"

OOC:I'm assuming the fire was pretty close by.

It's not going to delay you much if any unless you run into trouble of the time consuming sort.  Farden and Holly think they can probably find the site.  You know the direction for certain and you have a reasonable guess on the distance.

"I think it would be worthwhile. Moonlights reaction means they were not Tripelfang, so we owe the clan to investigate and report it to Volge." Holly says, hoping they won't find anything other than tracks. At least out on the plains she is prepared for combat.

Giselle is more or less pretty quiet about her opinion.  She'll take her watch and is rather amused as Samson and Delilah deal with the novel concept of socializing with Mutt and Jeff.

Giselle shrugs regarding Farden's comment, "It wont cost us much time.  It might be worth investigating."

The party mounts up and Holly leads them in the direction of last night's fire.  You're far enough away from Crim that there are no farms or ranches out here.  It's a quite wild section of the Triplefang lands.  In fact you're more likely to run into nomads out here than Triplefang.  The terrain is pretty standard - grasslands with occasional small hills and shallow valleys.

You slow down and spread out when you get near the approximate location of the fire, with everyone still within visual and often shouting range of each other.  Most of the group actually overshoots the site without noticing it, but Giselle notices some strange wooden device in the tall grass just before her horse would've stumbled over it.

She stops and climbs down off her horse to examine the device.  It's long and low and solid, driven into the ground with long metal spikes and bound with an unusual type of rope.  She calls everyone else over, careful to instruct them to ride carefully and keep their eyes on the ground, or to dismount altogether.  The device seems to be designed to lame horses.  The others find several more of these scattered around a vague, wide perimeter.  Farden locates a clear area and a filled-in fire pit.

Snow takes an interest in the area around the fire pit.  Everyone may make a search roll.

"It looks like a trap or some such for the unwary.  Cowardly.", she comments throughly disgusted.

"We shouldnt linger, who knows what else is around.  It could be dangerous wandering about."

---

Giselle notices the obvious.
15:05, Today: Giselle rolled 10 using 1d20+1. Base search/spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:08, Fri 22 July 2011.

"Maybe they put it out to protect themselves through the night. But it certainly is sloppy of them to leave the things lying around."

Farden is more interested in studying the devices and seeing if they can be removed, rather than searching.

23:14, Today: Farden rolled 5 using 1d20+2. search.

Israth looks curiously at the odd things in the ground, trying to figure out what they may be.


13:49, Today: Israth rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Searching.

Yes.  They can be pried out of the ground using any sort of long lever like the haft of a long weapon or a branch.  They could also be pulled up using rope and horse power.  It's just a matter of getting the iron spikes out of the ground.

Holly looks around, and then considers for a moment.

"I think I would suggest we wait for a moment, and let me see if we can't find someone who can tell us what happened, and who happened, here." With that she begins looking for someone to talk to, and calls Moonlight in to help her.

Turning back she says, "We need to remove these traps, as best we can. It might take us time, but we should look after the land as well as the people who use it." With that she takes some rope and begins to use the Dun to pull up the wooden stakes.

[Holly rolled a 5 for Search]

Luck is not on the Triplefang's side during this search of the site.  You turn up little of any interest.

Holly, please make a Survival roll.

Farden is going to use his sword as a lever to pry up the spikes. "Can't leave these lying around, they're a menace to travelers."

OOC: How much does each trap weigh?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:14, Sun 24 July 2011.

Hmmmm...  They're about 20" high (short enough to be hidden in the grass), and about 8 feet long on average.  I'd say about 20 to 30 pounds.  Does that sound about right?

They probably aren't worth taking, but uprooting them will make the area safer for riders.  There's still a tiny chance someone or something will hurt itself on the protruding wooden spikes after the traps are pulled up, but there are a lot more dangerous naturally occurring hazards than some wooden spikes lying on the ground.

"Why not just cut the ropes and be done with it?" Israth asks curiously, wondering why they had to pull all the stakes out of the ground individually and waste time.

Everyone takes a slightly different approach to tearing down the traps.  There are plenty of them around for everyone to work on and they aren't too hard to find once you're on foot and looking for them.  It feels good, like smashing enemy fortifications.

After pulling up the device closest to her, Holly turns her attention to something else, slipping away quietly in the tall grass.

[09:38, Today: Holly rolled 16 using 1d20+4. Survival check. ]

Holly catches the movement, and looks over at the others a moment, before moving off to track it, using her skills to not leave any trace of her passing.

Holly finds a little field mouse about to scurry off.  I assume you'd like to Speak with Animals and Wild Empathy.  If so go ahead and make a Wild Empathy roll (d20 + druid level (3) + CHR bonus (0) + Animal Affinity (2) + Speak with Animals (2))  Then ask your questions.  You may ask in private or public, whichever you prefer.  Worst case is the mouse will remain frightened and run off.

Farden will finish tearing down the traps on his side. Finding them too heavy to be portable, he leaves them where they are. "Well, this was a good thing to do, but isn't getting us any closer to Silvergate. Shall we be going now?"

[15:02, Today: Holly rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Wild empathy check.  ]

"Hold on" Holly says, casting a spell on herself and then moving quickly to pick out the field mouse without frightening it more than it already is. Gently picking it up, and holding it in her hands, she tries to see if it knows anything of what had gone on here that night.

Shaking his head, Israth mounted his horse, watching as everyone blatantly ignored his suggestion. It didn't matter though, if everyone wanted to do it the hard way, then so be it.

Holly feeds a few grains and seed to a mouse while quietly chittering with it.

Farden will finalize preparations to leave and then waits for Holly to get done talking to the mouse.

Holly took the moment to call out, "Goblins, and what sounds like a troll are here often, so our work will be noticed. I'm trying to find out what direction they took. Anyone got any berries?"

In reply to Israth (msg #93):

Giselle slaps Israth lightly on the back and grins at his perturbed expression.

"There you see?  Its not just me.  Other people dont listen to you too."

Holly continues her mouse conversation.

Israth chuckles a little, looking down at his sister. "You didn't tell them to ignore me, did you? That sounds like something I wouldn't put past you doing." he laughed lightly, pulling out his lyre and casually strumming out a jaunty tune to pass the time.

The eye floats over to Israth and joins in, filling in the percussion and brass parts of the song.

Holly looks over her shoulder and considers yelling at the dual balladeers to keep it down.  Talking to a mouse is quiet work.  However, she's just about done, and the music isn't really hurting anything, so she let's it go.

Are we ready to move along?

After taking a moment to thank the mouse for its time and patience, Holly gently puts it down and tips out a handfull of grain onto the ground as a thankyou.

Moving to the others, she stands beside Giselle, and comments, "I think they need more practice!".

When they had stopped, she passed on what she had gathered. "This appears to be a regular meeting place for goblins and something big leading them. Having checked with our friendly local inhabitant I don't think it was a troll though. He didn't understand the concept of giant against just big, so could be an orc leading them. i don't know what direction they took, but Glumr could probably find them if he was here. I could get Moonlight to follow a trail if we are interested. He'd need a scent mark, which shouldn't be difficult."

"No, trolls and goblins are not our present concern. Let's get out of here before they come back, I'd rather not arrive in Silvergate already wounded."

In reply to Israth (msg #99):

Giselle shakes her head with the closest thing Israth sees to a mischevious smile on her lips, "No.  I won't take credit for your natural talent."

---

When Holly makes her report Giselle shrugs, "They're vermin and vermin is everyones problem.  If you think we need to move n we need to move on."

"I think we get on to Volge and report it there. They are best suited to sort this I think." Holly says, willing now to move out to Volge.

Continue on towards Volge is just what you do.  It's hot and clear, but not as hot as before, and there's a light wind.  Travel is easy and you push to make up for time spent at the goblin campsite.  In fact the night's  watch and next day's travel goes quietly and uneventfully.  You' and the horses are tired when you ride into the village just after nightfall.  You could probably go visit Elana right then, but it seems like a better idea to sleep (in your own bed, in Holly's case) and visit her in the morning before you leave for Silvergate.

Farden would prefer to finish talking during the evening, and hit the road first thing at dawn, and he tells the others so. "We don't travel at night, so let's make the most of the time and conclude our business, I don't want to waste daylight."

"It's been a long day. We need our rest, and it won't waste much time. If it's so important to you, Farden, then you can get up early and fix our horses for us before we wake." Israth chuckles lightly as he looks around for an inn.

Farden seems to take Israth's statement at face value. "I suppose we could do that. I'd still prefer to wrap things up tonight, though."

"Don't worry, I will go and see Elana and explain what we found and what information the mouse could give us. You lot sort out a room and enjoy a quiet night. We will meet an hour after dawn, so I can have breakfast with my family." Holly says, knowing she can pass on all of the information they had found, and also ask about things within the town.

"Snow, would you join me?"

Snow's spirits are up being back home where she won't have to take a watch or sleep out in the rain or get stabbed by ghost swords.

"Sure.  I've got some new plants to show Elana," she says.

It has been more than a month since you last left Volge.  A lot has happened since then, but it doesn't feel like you're much closer to owning the Tome.  You go over the events of your travels in your head and sort through what to tell Elana and what to skip.

The windows to Elana's cottage are thrown open wide, cooling after a hot day.  You can seem dim firelight inside.  A good sign that she's still awake.  You knock on the door, also thrown open and wait for her to come greet you.

"Snow and Hollykahn, good to see you again.  How was your journey to Rankor Heights?  Are the others with you?" she asks looking around.   "Do you mind if a bring a chair and stools out front?  It's rather warm inside."

Holly accepts the invitation to sit down, and begins to tell Elana of their adventures to Rankor Heights, and the request of the Harpers to help retrieve the book. With that came the story of Jacob, and the new members of the party. "Mord stayed around Crim. I suspect he is hoping to help out against the goblins."

That brought out their latest findings, and the information the mouse had been kind enough to pass on to her. "It's only a long day away from here, and with Heinrich down around Crim, I thought you better know."

Snow offers to show Elana the map she has been drawing, aware that Snow has been doing the same for other reasons.

Overall, Holly does not leave out anything in her story to Elana.

Elana listens to your tales of travel, battle, bargaining, and questing.

"Even just going from one place to another can be dangerous and troublesome," she says regarding your trip to Rankor. "The goblins building something down in the swamps and this god Krammishir rearing his ugly head both worry me.  They're getting ready for something and we haven't an idea of what that is.  We can't just stick our heads in the dirt and hope everything will turn out well.  You should still have the falcons I gave you.  If you discover more clues as to what the goblins are up to do not hesitate to send me a short message."

Actually, the goblin campsite is a long day's journey from Crim, and two days from Volge.  Also, Heinrich is still in Volge.  Tora is leading the warriors in Crim.  Holly knows all this stuff, so she'll relate the correct information to Elana.

Elana examines the map Holly shows her.  It feels like there is a vast stretch of nothing between Volge and Crim.  Really those rolling grasslands are home to migrating herds, predators, many nomadic clans, goblins, and others.  It's not hard to imagine more farming villages sprouting up where the land is good.  How will this map look when your children draw it?

Soon Holly and Elana move on to discussing Silvergate.  When the subject comes up of whether to take the songbook from Jacob or Flavius Elana frowns.

"Perhaps the fewer details I know about this the better.  You are getting the book back to the Harpers and that's good.  We don't want it shipped away far from our shores.  How you go about it sounds messy and complicated.  That is your own business.  It is not truly a concern of the clan."

Snow steers the conversation to food.  She shows Elana some notes she took along the way on various plants and animals with regards to cooking and eating them.  Elana listens with interest.  A cook, an herbalist, and an alchemist - all three Triplefang women see the plants in a different light.  In the end Snow proudly displays one of the starchy tubers she picked up in Rankor Heights.  Snow is keen to add this plant to someone's crops or gardens so she can use it in her own dishes in future years.

"That's a fine idea.  I'm not much of a farmer myself, but there's a fellow in Silvergate by the name of Galm Triplefang who has mastered many of the Empire's farming techniques.  Take your vegetable to him.  He'll know what to do with it."

"Silvergate?" says Snow.  The notion of traveling more instantly takes the wind out of her sails.  "but I only just got back."
She sighs.  This is how it is for her in this clan.  Duty duty duty.  Very well, she will take the tuber to Galm in Silvergate.

While Snow and Holly do their thing, Farden will oversee the stabling of the horses, and then see to getting some food and ale into himself. After that, spend the time before sleep performing maintenance on his gear.

Holly likes the idea that Snow will be with them a little longer, still aware that some of the good reasons for starting this adventure were slowly slipping away.

"I will of course pass on anything of interest back to you as best I can." Holly says as she considers a few things. Happily distracted by the talk of Snow's plants, she relaxes a little, aware of someone in the shadows watching them. Seeing her "aunt" waiting in the shadow, she smiles and waves. Aunt Beth would stay there until their meeting was over, and then Holly could get a good nights sleep.

You all get a good night's sleep in Volge, and set out bright and early the next morning.  The ride to silvergate is a along a good road.  It's not as busy as the road from Rankor Heights to Utsk, but it's still a pretty stark contrast to riding through the central grasslands where your bound not to run into any other travelers.  You get some friendly waves and even stop briefly to talk to a young couple on their first trip to Goldenpoint.

For those of you who haven't been this way yet in game, there's a nice inn/pub called the Lion half way between Silvergate and Volge.  It's a natural overnight stopping point for most travelers on foot or with loaded wagons.  You choose to have a short lunch of vegetable stew, bread, and ale there before continuing on.  On horseback on a long summer day like this one, you reach Silvergate about an hour before daylight gives out.

"Lets find a place to stay, and then see if Glumr is around." Holly says, also saying she will help Snow find Galm Triplefang if she wants to start tonight.

Long before they reach Silvergate, Farden slows down. "Wait Holly. This is where we split up for the moment. Any guards Jacob set will recognize you and me, but not Israth and Giselle. The two of us will go ahead, and hopefully any watchers will follow us. Israth and Giselle will enter an hour after us. We will meet up later, in a public place, where we can hide the fact that we are connected."

Silvergate is surrounded by fields and fields of farms.  They are much more numerous than anywhere else in Triplefang lands, but not so densely packed as around Utsk and Rankor.

When you see the outer farms come into view you stop and discuss the plan to split up.  Holly, Farden, Snow, the floating eye, and the cart go on ahead while Israth, Giselle, and the dogs cool their heels until sunset.

The farms all look quite similar.  Sometimes it's hard to tell where one ends and another begins when two farms' edges bump up against each other.  Soon you see the actual gates of Silvergate.  The city is surrounded by a lightly reinforced wooden wall about 12 feet high with a few stone towers.  These are not much taller than the wall, but allow for a watch guard or an archer.  The wooden gates here on the east side are wide open.  In fact, none of you have ever seen them closed.

The road continues through the middle of the city from east to west.  It first passes between two neighborhoods of homes.  The city has grown rapidly and almost none of these houses, cabins, cottages, and hovels are even as old as you are.  If you knew a family in town you'd probably stay with them in this part of town, but this traveling to Silvergate thing is still new to the lot of you, so Snow leads you further into the city.

She was here some 40 some-odd days ago to sell treasure found in the Harl temple and buy horses.  You pass the bustling merchant quarter on your right.  Business looks like it's winding down for the day, but there are still plenty of folks about.  On your left you pass some large fancy houses with yards and gardens.  Snow also points out the temple of Pelor, not that any of you are followers.  Finally you come to the open air market, which has closed down and been packed away for the day.  There's an argument going on over by the well that seems to be drawing in a small crowd.  Snow calls your attention away from it to point out the inn across the street.

"Here's where I stayed," she says gesturing to the inn.  "It's drafty and dirty.  There's no privacy to speak of.  At night you can hear noise from all over town.  I swear there's no peace in this city, even in the middle of the night.  The food was all fresh... good basics, even if they don't know how to prepare it properly.  And it doesn't smell like animals have relieved themselves like most places in Silvergate."

It's not the most glowing review ever.  You find yourselves wondering if maybe there's another option. Then as if reading your mind she adds

"There's another inn somewhere around here.  Giselle and Israth can stay there."

Giselle and Israth find a small pond near the road to water their horses.  They lie around, happy enough to be resting after 3 days of travel, but not really certain what their part will be in the upcoming confrontation over this harper's songbook.  They watch the sun set and get back on the road to Silvergate.

Who should they happen to meet there on the road, but Todrick Triplefang.  Todrick is a hardy, stocky man brimming with plenty of confidence to handle any situation.  He is a butcher by trade in Crim whose wife Clara raises goats.

"Well well, Irsath and Giselle, finally joining in on the raids?"

Farden looks over the inn with a critical eye. "I've stayed in worse places. As long as no one's going to make off with our horses in the night, I'll take it.

Snow, keep an eye out for the others. Make sure they stay in the other inn, let them know we'll meet them in the merchant quarter tomorrow morning."

Holly understood Farden's concerns about the horses, but knew at least Moonlight was going to be ok. This time he had almost gotten to the gates, before snorting and stopping where he was. It had almost made Holly laugh at his posture as he had caught the sent of the city. She had quickly slipped off the Dun and given him a cuddle round his neck, before he had run off into the grasslands again.

Aware of the familiar feelings of being trapped inside a city, she shrugged them off, aware that she could easily escape this one, and that no-one would be bothered what she did. "Lets get a room, and sort ourselves out."

For the evening, she planned to either help Snow search for the gardener, or to search for her own people, both of her blood and her vocation.

"It was bound to happen sooner or later." the younger man chuckled, patting his horse to a stop. "What brings you out this way, Todrick?" he asked curiously.

Inside Silvergate:

"You don't need to worry about the horses.  There's a public stables just over here," Snow says, pointing.

She nods to Farden.  "I'll go wait near the east gate for them to arrive.  I'll tell them to meet us tomorrow after lunch at the alchemist's.  That should give Holly and I time in morning to find this Galm fellow.  Then I can go home.  Finally."  Snow lets out a deep sigh and sounds like she doubts that fate will leave her be in Volge.

She hands her horse over to Holly with a smile and starts down the road.  The eye floats along with her.

'Listen you!" Snow scolds the eye.  "You are staying right here.  How am I supposed to inconspicuously meet up with our Crim kin with a fascinating oddity like you tailing along blaring a popular march?   No, let Farden use you as a diversion or something."
She shoos the eye back toward Holly and the cart.

You have no trouble stabling your horses and getting a place to sleep for the night.  It's not your own room, though.  It's a typical common hall.  The good news is that the stabling, room and board, and storage of the cart is all free for Triplefang.

Holly and Farden, you can either call it a night or spend some time using gather information, or just strolling around getting familiar with the city, or something.

Outside Silvergate:

"Glory, valor, conquest..." answers Todrick puffing out his chest.

Todrick was probably better known as an experienced raider than as a butcher.  He has returned with wonderful stories, fabulous treasures, a few slaves, and sometimes a crippling injury or two.  He has always recovered and gone back out for more.  Raiding has made him a rich and very well respected man amongst the Triplefang.  It's not impossible to imagine him becoming the Warchief some day if something were to happen to Heinrich.

He takes Israth's answer to mean that he and his sister were joining Todrick on his upcoming raid.

"This is fine news indeed.  With Giselle looking out for you, you'll probably survive.  It's an experience you'll never forget, youngsters.  You'll mature more in weeks than you would in years, and you'll grow as close to your fellow raider as you are to your very own sister."

"Or brother," he adds nodding respectfully to Giselle.

Griselle nods with a faint up turn smile at the edges of her lips, "I couldnt rightly let him wander off and get killed.  I'm not fond of being an orphan, and i enjoy being the youngest way too much to let something happen to him."

Griselle nods, "Better even.  I doubt they'll have a perchane to sing useless ballads or Odes to everything under the sun."

"Hey, my ballads aren't useless!" Israth complained good-naturedly, chuckling a little about how much his trade offended his sister. "At least I don't go around stabbing everything." he retorted with a smirk, crossing his arms, almost tempted to pull out his lyre and start strumming right then and there.

"Anyway, that all sounds well and good, Todrick, but we're here on official business, as it were. You wouldn't have happened to hear anything about Jacob, the Harper, have you?" he inquired with a raise of his eyebrows and an inquisitive glance at the older man.

"Raids are official business, my friend.  The officiallest," he says with a grand sweeping gesture.

Then he laughs.

"Now you asking me about a harper doesn't sound right.  It'd be like me asking you which side of the ox's leg bone to strip the meat from first.  The harpers are purely your department, Israth."

He's not quite done yet.

"I'll tell you what.  I shall ask the first man I see in Silvergate playing a silly pipe what his name is and report to you with haste if I turn up a Jacob.  How's that?"

"That sounds like a grand idea. And I shall return the favor by asking the first ox I see where it has the leanest meat, then I shall buy the fastest horse I can find and ride straight to your house with a detailed explanation." Israth replied with a grin, obviously getting a kick out of the banter.

Farden is going to go into the bar and order a drink, and ask the bartender if anything unusual has been happening in town lately.

"As usual, Israth is having visions of grandeur.
 How can he write an epic ballad without experiencing one first hand.
 He doesnt realize how dangerous these things can be.", Giselle fishes out her whetstone, and and hones the tip of her spear as she watches Israth fish for information.

"Some cousins were asking about the information."

Holly offers to keep the eye company, as she is neither going to sit drinking with Farden, as it is just not her scene, and also because she wants another good nights sleep. She would quite happily spend some time with the Eye, and listen to a little of its light music before going to sleep.

Inside Silvergate

The inn Snow guided you to has a taproom.  Dasha, a barmaid maybe 10 years your elder is doing the serving.  Farden takes a seat in the midst of a pack of heavy drinkers and asks Dasha for the Silvergate lowdown.

"The way I hear it, a merchant from Alm shipped in with a load of livestock, or in the case of his ducks, deadstock.  Every single one of them stone dead on arrival.  Some is saying it's a duck blight, but it's caused a bit of a scare.  His wares is off in quarantine just to be safe."

She pats Farden on the shoulder from behind him.

"But don't you worry.  We's not serving you any infected ducks.  This is classic boiled crow - rest assured."

Anything else is going to require a Gather Information roll.


Holly retires to a quieter part of the inn to unwind.  The eye plays gentle soothing music, which is enjoyed by a couple of other early-to-bed patrons.

"Where in the world did you buy such a thing," asks a man dressed in a striped bib for sleeping.

Entering Silvergate

Giselle and Israth wander along with Todrick to the city gates.  He and Israth banter back and forth playfully.  You learn that the raids always have a bard on board.  Todrick claims they've already got one signed on, but there's always room for another.

As you enter Silvergate, Giselle and Israth are immediately whisked off the main road by the sleeve.  They wave goodbye to Todrick and say hello to Snow.  She keeps hush-hush for a while, weaving them through a twist maze of paths and roads between tightly packed houses.  They're both basically lost by the time Snow gets to explaining.

"Here's the plan," she says softly, glancing around. "I'm going to lead you to the Lead Weight Inn, or whatever it's called.  The rest of us are staying someplace else.  You meet us at high noon tomorrow near the alchemist's shop.  Got it?"

Snow points subtlety in a direction.  Neither of the new party members is  sure which way it is.  About then the trio breaks free to the closely clumped homes and are facing several very nice houses with tended grounds and oil lamps.  Snow circles around this upscale neighborhood and takes Israth and Giselle to the town's outer wall.  This appears to be the very southernmost part of Silvergate.  Snow takes you all the way around nearly to the west entrance.

"Here we go.  The Lead Weight, or Dead Weight.  Go on in, tell them you're from Crim.  Everything will be OK."

With that Snow turns on her heel and slips off into the darkness.

The place looks like a run-down heap built from discarded flotsam.  The brother and sister blink at each other blankly.  With a shrug from Giselle they hitch their horses temporarily and go inside The Weight.

"Ah, my friends, there you are.  Good to see you again!" they are greeted by Todrick mere minutes after being stealthily separated from him at the gates.

"Oh, he found us! Up by Volge. He seems to like me and my colleagues, and the music is so soothing when I want to sleep. I am Hollykahn Triplefang by the way." Holly says, aware that the eye was always going to draw attention, either by its size or by its lyrical music. She was happy enough to stand and talk for a while, but was in the end wanting an early night.

The man seems a little disappointed that there's not a merchant selling musical eyes someplace.  He's otherwise friendly enough, but can see that Holly wants to go to sleep.  He's pretty keen to get to sleep early himself.

Letting the man go off, Holly considers what someone might pay for a musical eye, and wonders if that would be something that would interest a merchant from the empire. Telling the eye what she is thinking, she wished he could pass on some words of wisdom to her.

Giselle nods, with a smirk.

"You know Israth.  All it takes is a pretty face, and his head turns as his mind turns to spinning a fanciful song to woo her, or was that woe her Israth?"

Farden figures that Jacob would be expecting them to ask around about him anyway. So he decides to give detective work a shot, and asks around after any Harpers who'd come into the city of late. He soon gives up though... it's clear to him that he really sucks at this sort of thing.

11:23, Today: Farden rolled 2 using 1d20-1. gather info.

Eventually you all make it to bed.  The Crow turns out to be a nice restful place, whereas The Weight ends up a lot less so.  There are three types of people in there tonight, raiders, foreign sailors, and suspicious unsavory types.  Israth and Giselle don't really fit in.  After Todrick passes out for the night a group of drunken toughs start hassling the brother and sister from Crim.  Neither is frightened.  They are very capable of handling themselves, but they didn't come here to fight misguided thugs.  A well placed threat by Giselle gets them to back off for the night, but she and Israth don't sleep as well as they had been on the trip there, seemingly sleeping with one eye open.

In the morning Holly and Snow discuss finding Galm.  Being a PC, Holly, you can take the lead in this and plot out a plan, or you can just tag along if you prefer, and I'll gloss it over with a short narrative.

Holly woke up slowly, happily snuggled up, although aware she was not at home. Slowly she rose and dressed, before turning to Snow and asking her, "I was a little distracted when we visited Elana. Did she say where we might find Galm? We have til midday, so perhaps we can sort this out before we meet with Giselle and Israth."

Farden comes clanking up to breakfast, all armored up and ready for the day. "Sure, let's talk to this Galm character. The more local help we can muster, the better. Though if the elder at Crim is anything to go by, we can't count on them for much."

"He's not the elder here. The elder would be easier to find.  His house is right in the middle of town.  Galm is some sort of master farmer.  I was thinking of going out to the fields and asking a farmer about Galm.  As for the elder, he'd probably be able to tell you a few things about this Flavius guy you're looking for," suggested Snow.

After finishing her meal she does just that, mounts up and rides outside the walls with Holly and Farden if he'd like to join them.  The crops seem to be growing very well this year.  With a little luck there will be more than enough for everyone again this year.  It could be that Galm himself is partly to thank for this.

"Excuse me cousin," Snow addresses a woman in a straw hat out tending her plants.  "I'm Snow Triplefang from Volge.  Eldress Elana sent me and my fellow Triplefang to see Galm about a new plant we've discovered.  Would you be able to point us in his direction?"

The woman is suitably impressed by riders sent by an Elder.

"Good to meet you Miss Snow.  People here call me Aunt Vera."

She raises a hand up and gives you each a wave.

"I'll go round up the kids and send them out for him.  Would you and your friends like to stay and have some cool tea while we wait?"

It sounds pleasant.  You hitch your horses and follow the lady.  She yells for 4 children and gives them short instructions before they run off in different directions.  The bunch of you go sit on some benches in the shade of the house and drink some tea that turns out to be more warm than cool.

Farden is clearly fidgety, constantly scanning his surroundings, and every so often going up and gazing out the windows. Those who know him (Snow and Holly) would recognize his paranoia at work - he hates being in an unprotected situation while in what he considers hostile territory.

"What's the matter, dear?" Aunt Vera asks Farden.  "Are you afraid of bees?"

Holly has to smile at Aunt Vera's concern about Farden, and the mention of bee's. She is happpily sat astride the Dun, but still notices Moonlight stiffen at the mention of bee's. She can still remember the poor animals pain when he had wandered into a swarm of them when on a few months old. It had taken Holly two weeks to remove the scars from his skin, and they both remembered well that it was one of the key bonding moments in their relationship.

"He is just wary of open spaces Aunt Vera, I am Hollykahn, although most call me Holly. And some tea sounds very nice, don't you think Farden?"

"Might as well have something while we wait. My thanks, m'lady. And yes, I don't care for bees."

"Well don't wander north of here much.  Dyson's a beekeeper and that means more bees around here too.  His hives keep getting more 'n bigger.  The honey is real good, but the buzzing of that place will drive you bonkers."

You chat with Aunt Vera a while.  One of the kids comes back empty handed.  In fact enough time passes that you start to consider going back to make sure you don't miss meeting your new friends, but just when you are about to politely excuse yourselves and leave Snow to wait for Galm on her own a girl shows up with a blond man in robes.

"Hello Vera.  What's this about a new plant?" he asks.

"Don't ask me, Galm.  Ask the young lady here.  Snow Triplefang, meet Galm Triplefang, our master of crops."

Snow nods and half bows to Galm.  Both she and Holly have seen this man before, but neither put the name to a face until now.  After Aunt Vera introduces Farden and Holly, Snow explains her purpose for coming to Silvergate.

"While we were staying in Rankor Heights not too long ago, our hostess served us dishes made from a plant I'd not seen nor heard of before.  It was both filling and quite tasty.  I'm told it grows well in these lands and I'm looking forward to making a few dishes of my own with it this fall."

Snow pulls a few of the tubers out of her shoulder pouch and hands them to Galm.

"Elana said that you were the man to entrust them to.  Do you think it's too late to put them in the ground?"

Galm rolls them around in his hands examining them as Snow takes several more out of her pouch.

"Why don't we give them a try?  If they fail I'll just take a trip down to Rankor myself and gather up more for next year."

Merchants' Quarter - Silvergate:

Time is not an exact measure.  While noon is pretty simple for most to estimate on a sunny day like today there is still a lot of leeway to either side for waiting around.  That's just what Giselle and Israth find themselves doing in the merchants' quarter.  It wasn't hard to find the Alchemist's shop.  The first person they met in the open air market showed them the way.  Since then they've just been waiting around, trying not to look to suspicious, and watching for Holly and Farden, or possibly Glumr.  Neither of of the siblings is exactly sure what the plan is.  Israth took to shooting the breeze a bit with a barrelwright.

But then Giselle notices something unexpected.  Two men walk into the alchemists shop.  Neither is dressed in the style of the Triplefang, which in itself was not uncommon with all the outsiders trading and traveling through Silvergate, but one of the two men is armed and armored and wearing a red cape.  Didn't Glumr say something about a bodyguard in a red cape?

Giselle nudges Israth with her elbow and nods towards the red cloaked man.

"You want to ply that silvered tongue of yours or, shall i beat some information out of him instead?", she comments quietly to her big brother

Looking over at whoever his sister was talking about, he looked a little confused, before nodding with a slight grin. "And just how, exactly, should I broach the subject of our.... search?" Israth asked in a low tone.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Thu 18 Aug 2011.

Farden's politely waits for Snow to get done chatting with Galm. After Galm and Snow conclude their business, he will ask, "I don't suppose you know of any musicians who've come into town recently? This one will have his own entourage, and he's pretty good. Great voice, fantastic on the fiddle. Gave us a performance a while back, and we'd like to see if we can get a second show. He'd have come from the direction of Crim or Volge."

"You know, I don't spend that much time in the drinking halls, and I'm afraid I tend to get my stories from country folk for the most part."

Galm rubs his chin a moment to think.

"But I'll tell you who knows that sort.  There's a balladeer by the name of Anton.  He's a sharp one who remembers everyone he meets.  Anton might know your fiddler.  There's also a dancer that the boys talk about.  I think her name is Rana.  She knows all the musicians.  She'd be a good one to ask.  Both should be easy enough to find in Silvergate.  They aren't exactly the shy type, either one of them."

"Thanks." replies Farden, then looks around, asking silently if they should get going

What would Israth and Giselle like to do about the armored, red caped man and the other guy?  Just watch?  Go talk to them?  Wait 'til they leave and ask the alchemist about them?  Follow them?  Ignore them?  Something else?

Holly bites her tongue, as she imagines Farden being quite willing to try and find the dancer Rana. For that matter, she imagined Israth would probably like to heck her out as well. Typical men, she thought to herself.

Thanking Galm for his time, she calls Moonlight in, and rides the Dun back to their meeting in the market place.

Seeing his sister didn't have any ideas, Israth shrugged and walked up to the caped man, admiring the red fabric. "This is an interesting cape you have, sir. It has quite a nice weave to it, something you don't often see in Triplefang villages. Might I ask where you got it?" he asked curiously.


15:50, Today: Israth rolled 10 using 1d20+3. Assuming this is a Bluff.

If he could use Diplomacy instead of Bluff, then add 5 to the roll.

Snow gives Holly a hug before she leaves.

"I'm heading back home."

She beams, liking the sound of those words.

"Don't forget to stop in and say Hi when you can...  tell me all about your adventures.  Keep the boys out of trouble, if that's even possible."

Farden and Holly saddle up and go back into town.  Snow rides off the other direction.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Thu 18 Aug 2011.

Giselle grins, if he didnt want to try, she was more than wiling to try a more physical approach to answers.  Past efforts have taught her that while the answers were usually not forth coming it was alot of fun to try.

She decides to linger close, in case Israth does something stupid.  If he does, she'll get her brawl, and it wont be her fault.  How nice would that be?

(Giselle cracks her knuckles and tries to look at ease.)

"You are right," says the armored man.  "You are not this cape on this island."

His accent is strange.  Not just foreign-to-Triplefang-lands strange either.  You've met several slaves brought back from raids on edge of the empire towns and villages and he speaks in an entire different manner.  His words are choppy and awkward.

"It's appropriate that we stand at the threshold of an alchemist's emporium.  The crimson dye for his mantle is distilled from lamp tar. Is it not vibrant?"  adds the other man.  He has a similar accent but smoother and milder.

Israth, can you summarize your planned interaction with these two?  I'd like to take the actual conversation to the side conversation item so we can get 4/5ths of the group back together.

Basically I just want to get their names and such, what they're doing around here, since they're obviously foreigners, keeping his demeanor and questions on the side of nice and curious rather then rude and demanding.

Holly tries hard not to cry when Snow declares she is leaving to go back to Volge. Holly almost wishes she was going back as well, but knows that the spirit of adventure is still within her, and matches her desires to progress in her chosen profession. Giving her cousin a big hug, she promises to drop in on her when they next pop through Volge. Finally she drags herself away, and joins Farden when they head back to Silvergate.

Nearly a quarter hour after Israth finishes talking to to the two foreigners Farden and Holly arrive, leading their horses.

It's time to start discussing a plan.  You need to get the dirt on Jacob and Flavius in order to recover the songbook.

It's possible that Israth will turn up some useful information in his conversation.  There are also a few leads.  Galm suggested that Farden talk to Anton and or Rana, a couple of bards who might know about Jacob.  Snow suggested that Elder Eloy might know about Flavius.  His home is one of the large estates near the center of Silvergate.

Besides that there are plenty of other ways to go about this.  Israth has a high gather information bonus.  He could ask around for information on one or both of your targets.  You know that Flavius has a connection to Empire Free Merchant Claudius.  You could stake-out and observe him to discover more.  You could head out of town to the docks and ask around about Claudius and Flavius there.

It's also possible that Glumr has turned up something about Jacob's crew, but so far there's no sign of him in Silvergate, so you'll need to wait on that.

I'm sure you can think of other actions to further the plot that I haven't mentioned yet.  Who wants to do what?

Farden is first going to lookaround and make sure they are not being watched, before entering into any sort of discussion with Israth and Giselle. Assuming we're clean, Farden suggests that they split back into two teams. Israth and Giselle will try and collect information in a low-key fashion, while Farden and Holly do it more aggressively.

Israth and Giselle will ask about new performers in town of Anton and Rana (Israth's Harper connections should help) while Farden and Holly will gather info on Flavius, and also ask about Jacob in likely places. Farden and Holly will not try any concealment, in hopes of distracting attention from Israth and Giselle.

Maybe we should discuss a plan instead of just assuming people will do what you want? Just a thought. Israth doesn't even know who those two people are.

Holly listens to Farden's suggestion, and nods, "Sounds good. We don't know where Anton and Rana are, but they are well known in the city apparently, so you should be able to find them easily enough, and your bardic connections will help there Israth. Are you happy to go with that Giselle? We had agreed to try and keep you and Israth out of Jacob's sight, and this should do it. Hopefully if Jacob sees us two, he will ignore us as no longer a threat. That and Farden here is good at getting himself noticed!" With that Holly gives Farden a cheeky smile.

"If anyone asks, tell them you have business with the foreigner and are looking for information on whether he is trustworthy. The same goes for Jacob of course."

OOC: Well, yes, Farden was just outlining his ideas. He's far too pessimistic to assume they will be agreed to without objection, or followed properly even after agreement =P

Farden waits patiently to see if anyone has a better idea or modification to offer.

"Who are these two bards anyway? And why might they know of Jacob? Does the farmer assume because they are bards, they must be connected to him?" Israth asks curiously.

Farden shrugs. "The farmer says they're very connected. And since Jacob is a skilled musician, he may be known to them if he has been here before."

Farden looks around nervously, but doesn't see any immediate threats in the area.  He ushers the others off the street to a more private cul-de-sac behind and between shops.  It's both literally and figuratively shady here and someone has painted a crude owl on the stone side wall of on of the shops. It's quiet enough that you can speak in hushed tones, but there's still enough background noise to cover your conversation.  Farden suggests a plan.  Holly and Israth comment on it and essentially agree.  Giselle has nothing to add.  She remains silent, but gives her tacit consent to the plan.



Some quick questions.  Will Israth and Giselle go see Anton or Rana first?  Where are Farden and Holly going to find out about Flavius?  Ask Elder Eloy?  Scope out Claudius?  Check the docks?  Some other method?

Honestly there's probably time to do all of the above, I'm more interested in which you're doing first.

It would also be a good idea to agree to a time and place to meet back up.

Holly suggests they try the Elder first, and then go to less connected people, like the shop owner Israth had seen them visit.

Farden agrees with Holly, then asks about their next meeting. "It won't do to meet too often. How about tomorrow, right after breakfast, at the fish market?"

Elder Eloy's manor is a very pleasant high-roofed two story estate with a field of purple wildflowers behind it.  It's directly off the main road in the center of town.  His house is not as large the other homes in the estate district and exudes an air of practically over luxury.  There's a bustle about the place with people often coming and going.

When Farden and Holly arrive Eloy is just saying farewell to a couple dressed in traveling garb with elements of Empire origin.  Eloy is a stocky man whose build hints at a time when he was strong and mighty, but recent years have reduced his physique somewhat. He is happy to sit down and spend some time getting to know two more clanmates.

After introductions and small talk they ask Eloy what he knows about Flavius.

"Ah yes, I know this man.  He's been here well over a year, maybe two.   He's a friend of one of the Empire's free merchants.  Maybe even came here it his request, but he's not really a merchant himself. He does tend to buy and sell on occasion.  Goods by request mostly, individual items."

"The free merchants have been a great boon to Silvergate.  They pay well and their imported goods are excellent.  Not to mention the knowledge they share with us.  They bring in a lot of travelers too, so I try to go out of my way to make sure they feel welcome and can conduct their business in a reasonable manner."

"That said, I don't really trust Flavius.  I find him arrogant and elusive.  True the man has a vast store of knowledge on many subjects.  That might make any man act and feel superior to those around him.  There are other things that bother me about him, though.  He is nearly always accompanied by a warrior named Dothorex.  Flavius claims this man is his guard, but I know he uses him to strong-arm others in deals and agreements they wouldn't come to on their own merits."

"Oh well, you take the good with the bad.  The world is far from perfect."

Farden stays silent, looking to see if Holly has anything particular she'd like to ask about.

Both Eloy and Farden wait for Holly's questions and or comments.


Would Giselle and Israth like to look for Rana and Anton first?

Unless anyone can come up with something else to do, honestly that's the only option I can think of right now.

Oops.  lol  My bad.  I meant "look for Rana OR Anton first?"  Which one?

That makes considerably more sense. I think Anton might be easier since I'm pretty sure he's the musician, correct? And Rana is a dancer?

Israth moves off to talk to the musician as Giselle lingers across the room.  Close enough to help if theres trouble, way way way far away to avoid 'crimping' his style.

If Anton was a deadend, there was always the dancer.

Israth and Giselle stroll off to the open air market to ask about Anton.  Israth scans the crowd on merchants and customers to pick out someone who look both knowledgeable and receptive to questions.  Clanmates are usually forthcoming with information like this so it should be a simple task.  Israth picks out an attentive fruit vendor who isn't busy making a sale at the moment, but before he can even take a step towards him, Giselle literally grabs the nearest townsperson.  She pulls him back sharply by his collar and off balance.

"We're looking for Anton.  Where is he?"

"What?" he stammers.  Taking a moment to get his bearings.  "The singer?"

Giselle nods.

"You'll find him with the raiders - out at the docks, the armory, or at The Lead Weight."

"Thanks," Giselle says letting go of the man's leather tunic.


It turns out that Anton is none other than the raid's bard Todrick had mentioned yesterday.  Giselle and Israth finally track the raiders down at the tournament field by the armory outside of town.  The armory doubles as a temple of Harix.  Most of the raiders are Harix worshippers.  Several of the raiders are wrestling or practicing for battle while Anton keeps them entertained with songs of past and future glory.  You both remember him from last night and he remembers you as well.

"Kin of mine, what brings you to the fields of mock warfare?  Are you joining us this trip out?" he asks, but you can tell by his tone (with no hint of being condescending) that he doesn't think you're here for the raid.

Walking up to the fellow bard with a winning smile, Israth replied, "I wish we were! The ballads we would sing of our glorious raids would reach far and wide, I'm assured of it. No, today is not the day we join a raid, today, we have questions. Questions about the Harper, Jacob. Have you heard anything of him lately?" As much as the young man loves talking, he gets straight to the point today; his sister is there, after all, to make sure he doesn't take too long, and gods forbid he does that.

"Oh Jacob," he says aloud.

"JACOB!" the raiders call out ethusiastically in unison.

"Yeah, we know him.  Great guy," Anton says smiling.  "I keep hearing that he's coming to Silvergate, but he sure isn't here now.  He is not a man who likes to keep a low profile.  No no.  A grand entrance is more his style.  You'll know when he arrives."

"Wait..." Todrick interrupts.  "This is the Harper you asked about?" he asks Israth.

Maybe not all the raiders know him after all.

"Yeah Todrick.  You should know Jacob.  He's been down in our parts for a few weeks," says a raider you recognized from Crim.

"If that's the case, it wrecks your theory about grand entrances and low profiles."

Anton laughs.

"What do you want to know about this Harper?  Are you looking to join up with him?  He's got himself quite a bunch of followers."

"Well, I... would like to talk to you, in private if you don't mind?" he asks Anton, looking to Todrick with an apologetic smile. "It's Harper business, I assure you, it has nothing to do with you or your raids, my friend." he adds, giving the older man a firm slap on the shoulder to solidify his response.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Tue 30 Aug 2011.

"Sorry men, you'll to have to brutalize each other in relative silence for a while," says Anton, standing up to walk with Israth.

"Finally a little peace!" jokes one of the raiders.

Anton and Israth wander off into the woods, probably the only decent place out here to speak in private.

"This sounds serious.  Are you in some sort of trouble, son?"

"Me? Oh, no, not at all. But Jacob... he might be. Before I continue, however, I have a question for you. Do you know of Eburacon's Songbook?" he asks curiously after giving a quick look around.

"I only know the minimum.  He was a musical genius, or so I'm told.  Never performed for a soul, but he wrote it all down. That could be an enlightening read.  What else can you tell me about the book?"

"Honestly, not very much. My knowledge is just about as basic as yours. However, that is not what I came here to talk to you about. The book is important, as you probably know, to the Harpers in Rankor Heights. According to what I have been told by a group of people who came straight from Rankor Heights, Jacob has reportedly stolen Eburacon's Songbook, and plans to sell it to a wealthy merchant from the Empire." Israth explains carefully, judging Anton's reaction as he talked. "I would be very grateful if you could offer any type of assistance in finding Jacob and getting the book back to the Harpers. Perhaps later we could talk about a reward...?" he added with a slight smirk at the end, knowing money drove people to help more than simple camaraderie.

Since Holly seems reluctant to speak, Farden steps up. "You say Flavius isn't really a merchant? Then what does he do? Simply a socialite, or a facilitator of some sort?"

"Stolen Songbook?" Anton rubs the side of his face.  "That doesn't sound right, but you must have your reasons to believe it.  I'll be sure to let you know if I or any of the boys see him or hear anything.  Last time he was around I think he and Betty stayed with a spirits merchant by the name of Kulbart.  I could show you where he lives later on if you're interested," he offers.

"That would be perfect. Just one thing though. Don't tell anyone that I was looking for the songbook. I do not know whether or not Jacob has any idea that we know of his theft, and if it gets said publicly, then it will only be a matter of time before he finds out." Israth replies, thanking him for his assistance, before continuing, "If that's all? I need to go in search of a dancer named Rana... You wouldn't know where she frequents, would you?"

Holly will have limited RPoL access until the 4th.

"The free merchants all have their own ships to bring in goods and bring loads back to the Empire.  Some come and go with the ships.  Some, like Zjord, stay here in Silvergate, relying on others to handle trade in Empire ports.  Flavius doesn't have a ship, so he's not a Empire Free Merchant.  He still sells a few big ticket items.  For instance, he sold one of the raiders something called a Bladesharp.  Some sort of a magical battleaxe.  Something like that can't be cheap, but raiders come back with so much gold.  Why not invest in a an enchanted weapon?  You can hand that down to your first born."

"Flavius probably pays Claudius to transport his wonderous items.  He's definitely here on business, not for the sights.  I doubt he even likes it here.  Often talks down about the Triplefang lands.  Is he working for someone or just here to cash in?  I don't know.  What is your business with Flavius?"  Eloy asks.

"We heard from our travels up to Rankor Heights about someone buying items of worth, and we were wondering if they commissioned young adventurers to go looking for them. My cousin and I have a couple of other friends, and we thought it would be useful way to make money while adventuring." Holly gives Farden a glance and then continues, "Seems this Flavius is one who might consider our offer. Can you tell us how best to contact him? I'm sure he'd not like it in the open, or he might get dozens of groups asking for commission from him to bring him items."

Farden stays silent and waits for Eloy's response.

Anton nods.

"That's a good idea.  That Rana is tight with Jacob, like real close.  I'm surprised she didn't leave with him when he went down south.  She'll know more about what he's up to than I.  I'm sure they've kept in touch."

"You clearly haven't been in town long if you haven't met Rana.  She's everywhere."

Anton stops, leans against a tree trunk, and looks idly around at the swaying leaves.

"But that's not much help to you.  Where can she be found specifically?  There are two clubs in the merchants quarter where she's likely to be in the evening or night.  One's a gambling hall called Danny Silver's.  You might think there's a Danny around someplace who owns it, but there's not.  He's just a story.  Gunder is the real boss.  He's real selective about the entertainment, but Rana's always welcome.  She likes the place because someone has got to be winning, and winners tend to be generous with their coins."

"The other club is the Red Veil.  The girls there will wear whatever you like, which is usually nothing.  If Rana's there on a given night she'll probably steal the show.  She's real popular."

"She'll sometimes be out drinking at The Weight with us too."

"By the way Israth, you're in luck," he says with a wink. "She likes lyre players..."

"and singers," he adds with a big smile.

"Well that certainly is lucky then!" Israth chuckles as looks over his shoulder at the beautiful lyre he bought a few months back before he left Rankor Heights. "I am rather thankful of the assistance you've given me today. If you ever need anything, and I'm around, feel free to ask. I owe you one." he states firmly, offering his hand to shake, as if making the 'agreement' formal.

Once that's settled, he walks back to the clearing with the other man, finding Giselle and bidding Todrick and his men farewell and good luck on their raids, filling her in on the information he received as they walked.

"That's not a half bad idea," says Eloy, nodding to himself.  "Adventure is in the Triplefang blood.  You can bring back a dragon's egg or a basilisk's horn for him to send back to the Empire's trophy walls.  Put Flavius to some good use.  I'll tell you what.  Two days ought to be enough to set up a meeting right here for you.  Lets make it mid morning.  I'll let you know if things change before then."

"Thank you Elder. On another point, do you know where I might find anyone of the druidic order? I promised a friend I would pass on a map to them, and would like to clear that debt from my lists", Holly knew some of the elders did not appreciate the influence the druidic order cast across the clan, but needed contact with them again, and to pass on the map she had drawn, and the information she had gathered.

"Looks like you had a productive little talk.  Is it time to scoot and meet up with our cousins to compare notes?"

Farden sits looking polite and friendly while Holly does the talking.

"As I'm sure you know, Hollykhan, Druids are a mysterious and secretive cabal.  You hear whispers here and there.  Some who are said to be druids are not.  Some who are unknown turn out to be druids.  I think what I mean to say is I'm not sure who is and who isn't, but the farmers sometimes call in a hedge witch when they have trouble with the crops.  She's not Triplefang, but she's as likely to be a druid as anyone I could recommend," says Eloy.

"I thought we were supposed to find Anton and Rana first? If you want to wait for the others, I suppose we could do that as well. We have some free time anyway; Rana mostly 'operates' at night." Israth replied.

Israth is right.  You've got several hours to kill until sunset, at which time you can look for Rana.  Then tomorrow is when Farden and Holly will meet back up with you at the fish market.  (Lets say that's down by the docks.)

If Israth and Giselle don't have anything pressing to do before sunset I'll just gloss it over and skip right to the finding Rana part.

"Thank you Elder. I was out in the farms this morning, so I may ask out there tomorrow if I have time. For the moment, thank you for your time. I think Farden and myself will go have a look around the city and let you get on with other things than youngsters like us. Again, thank you for your time." With that, unless Farden has anything to add, Holly moves back outside.

To Farden she says, "Is there anything you need to do before tonight? Shopping or gathering information? I would like to check up on Moonlight before sunset, and then I think I will return to the inn."

"Shopping? With what? This whole trip has my purse emptying faster than a dwarf with a tankard of ale." replies Farden with bitter amusement. "I'll just stick with you. It's possible Jacob's crew has spotted us by now, no need to tempt fate by splitting up further. We can continue gathering information when we return to the inn."

"I doubt Jacob would waste the time of day on us, but we did hurt some of the others, so you are right. We need to be wary. Right then, Moonlight it is and then we can go window shopping until it starts to get dark." With that, Holly leads back out towards the gate, picking up some apples on the way, and on to the wide open spaces of Triplefang lands. This city at least doesn't seem to want to hem her in like Rankor Heights. She offers Farden one of the apples as they leave the city.

When she is far enough away from the city, she whistles to get Moonlights attention, and then feeds him an apple. Talking in a low voice, she strokes his head and neck, and then feeds him the last apple. Shaking his head, Moonlight trots off and is soon heading away from them.

"Right, lets see what they have on offer and then see what awaits us tonight." Holly says, before heading back to Silvergate.

It's true.  Coins are few in our heroes' pockets.  It will be nice to get the songbook back to the harpers and collect that reward.  Farden and Holly wander around the merchant's quarter browsing some of the shops to pass time.  Sure there are things an adventurer would want, but there are also a lot of stores just selling mundane items. You hear from the merchants that the raiders buy supplies before a raid, but it's when they come back that business really booms.  Raids often bring back lots of coins and loot.  The raiders sell cheap and spend freely.  It's a big party for everybody.

One merchant actually brings up the subject of Flavius without prompting.  Of course you both encourage her to keep talking on the subject.  She evidently doesn't like him and feels he cheated her on a deal, but won't go into details.  You don't think she's staying mum to be polite either.  She suggests that if you're going to set up a deal with Flavius have Eloy in the room as a witness.

She also talks a bit about his business with Claudius and the other Empire Free Merchants.  You ask her a bit more on the subject and she offers to have a kid show you their warehouses and ships.

Israth will spend the time gathering information about Jacob and what he's been up to in town for the past 2 weeks, making it sound like he's a friend rather than someone who wants to steal back a book from him.

Farden whispers to Holly, "You want to call on Flavius tonight itself, or wait till the morning?"

Holly looked at Farden and replied, "I think we let Elder Eloy organise things as he suggested, for two days time. Less obvious. And gives us a chance to find out more about him if we can. The woman told us to make sure Eloy is in the room as well, so I suspect we'd be in trouble trying to contact him direct. I doubt he'd appreciate it. It might take longer, but it is safer to use the cover the tribe offers us in this case."

"Works. What do we do till then? I'm for furthering our inquiries after our friend."

Farden and Holly take the merchant up on her offer.  A young Triplefang messenger and errand runner name Kolb shows you around.  He's about Dain's age, but smaller.  Kolb's hair is wild and messy.  He wears fur lined sandals and short robes.

First Kolb takes you over to the west side of Silvergate, still inside the gates.

"These two warehouses are Claudius'," he says.  "The third one is some other Empire merchant's."

The warehouses are of different construction than you're used to seeing in Triplefang lands.  They're taller and have a loft area that can be accessed via stairs and a balcony outside the warehouse.  The warehouses also have large, secure sliding doors that are different from stable or barn doors you've seen before.  Farden notices a couple of guards watching over the warehouses.  One at a bench across the street and one lounging up on the balcony.  He assumes there are others around someplace.

"Flavius lives up there, and so does a foreman, and maybe some other people.  Probably some girls too," Kolb adds with a nod.

Next he takes you out to the docks.  It's a lengthy hike along a good road through more farmland.  Kolb points out a branch in the road and says it leads to the armory, but doesn't take you that way.

There is a deep and shallow area of the shore.  The only ships in the deep docks right now are three Triplefang raider ships and a large strange looking merchant vessel.  Kolb says it isn't one of Claudius' ships.  There are a few small dockhouses and fishing huts out by the docks as well as the fish market where you plan to meet Giselle and Israth tomorrow.   There are plenty of small boats scattered along the shallow part of the shore here.  They're good for fishing within sight of land or traveling along the Ventach River, the mouth of which is not too far north of here.

Israth, please make a gather information roll.

Farden takes it all in, trying to memorize streets and landmarks so he can find his way around by himself later.

"Interesting." Holly says aloud, and looks around as they stand there. "Do you think we might ask his doormen if he is a good employer?" Holly asks, fully aware she doesn't intend to do any such thing. At least they know where to come if Jacob has already parted with the book. Looking around for somewhere to sit a while, perhaps in an drinking house or such place, she considers how best to approach this. The Elder would arrange the meeting with the man, but it would be expected that if they were offering their services as treasure hunters that they would go asking about their potential employer. Holly just wanted to do that without running the chance of meeting the man or his bodyguard with the Elder there to provide some protection.

When they get to the docks, the sight of one ship is pleasing, as it means the book would still be in the city. That that meant it could already be in the hands of Flavius was something they needed to find out. "Mmmmm. Perhaps a drink Farden before we go back to our lodgings. Kolb, do you know anywhere close, and safe."

22:34, Today: Israth rolled 8 using 1d20+7. Gather Information.

Wow. Gonna get some great info with that roll. >.>

Among the people Israth asks, he finds that Jacob is a popular, well liked fellow here in Silvergate.  It's the opinion of most that he's not around and they wish he was.  However, a customer of a tool vender has a different story to tell.  He says that Jacob IS in town, disguised as an elderly retired cobbler.  This strikes Israth as hard to a bit fanciful, but the customer gives a detailed description of this cobbler.  Maybe he's onto something.  What's more, Israth comes across a lady with 4 kittens who says she's also heard that Jacob is hiding in Silvergate in disguise, but she can't confirm or deny the retired cobbler part of the story.  Intriguing!  But how to find this not-so-elderly cobbler?

"There are lots of places to drink in town, but they usually shoo me away.  The Crow is safer than The Weight."

Evidently, Kolb doesn't know that you're staying at The Crow Inn.

"There's a brewmaster in the Merchants Quarter near ma's shop, but he's all fancy.  And there's a gambling place.  Others too," says Kolb.



Compared to Rankor Heights, Silvergate is pretty simple.  The warehouses are in the south west part of town between The Lead Weight Inn and the school and just south of the open air market.

We lost some of the entries on the wiki recently, but I've reposted Silvergate.
http://triplefang.yoyo-pete.com/doku.php?id=silvergate
If you scroll down to the map you can get a feel for what the city is like inside the gates.  The warehouses Kolb showed you are in the middle of the row of 6s.

Farden is going to tell Holly softly, "I think we should get away from our guide before proceeding further. No need to drag him along."

That night Israth and Giselle go in search of the dancer Rana.  The easiest first place to check is with the raiders at your inn.  She's not there so you move on to Danny Silver's.  You're newcomers, which could be awkward in a close knit establishment like this, but you're both clearly moneyed individuals and money is certainly welcome here.

There's only one game going on right now at the main table.  It's some sort of bones variant.  There are other club member sitting around the room enjoying drink, some scraps of food, smoking pipes, and a bit of quiet conversation.  A lute player strums steadily, providing pleasant background music for the club.

Other than Giselle there are only 3 women in the club, so it's not hard to pick Rana out.  She's small and lithe, not as stunning as you expected, but cute.  She's dressed in small strip of a top, loose flowing diaphanous pinkish-red pants that Israth finds hard to take his eyes off, and a pair of soft slippers.  Rana is flitting around the main table, socializing with the players and sharing their drinks.

Turning to his sister, Israth comments, "Well, I've got two choices as far as I can see. I can either try my luck at that game, or, like Anton said, simply start playing my lyre. Apparently Rana really likes lyre players. Which do you suggest?"

In the spirit of moving this along...

Giselle points out, rather pragmatically, that there's already someone playing string music.  That person and the others listening to him might not take too kindly to you busting in with your own song to show off for a girl.

As for the gambling game, it has elements of game strategy (INT), countering other's strategy (sense motive), and luck.  If you want to sit down and put some of your own money on the line (lets say a bankroll of 50 silver) we can take a measure of your success with a d20+INT bonus+ Sense Motive bonus.  I think this comes out to D20+6.  Keep in mind you'll be competing with 3 other players who will have the advantage of ranks of experience with the game.

Or you could find some unobtrusive way to work the lyre angle.

Israth nods at his sister and gives her a pat on the shoulder, heading over to the gambling table and sitting down, dropping a gold piece on the table to start off. "Hello, gentleman. Might I enter into your fine game? I must say, I've never played before, so please, go easy on me..."


If that's false, here's a Bluff check; if it's true, I don't see why I would need one.

22:37, Today: Israth rolled 13 using 1d20+3. Potential bluff check.

You've played the game this is based on, but never this variant of it.  This version has more sophistication.  While the basic game is little more than luck this brings skill into the mix.  No wonder they fancy it in a gambling club as opposed to out around a rowdy campfire was guzzling swill ale.  Early on you spend most of your time adjusting to the rules and judging the players.  You are happy to discover that you are not badly overmatched.  In fact you're able to play at about the average level of the experienced players.  Not bad.

Please make a d20+6 roll.

Seriously? Two out of the last three rolls have been 1's.

22:41, Today: Israth rolled 7 using 1d20+6. Rolling.

Holly nods and turns back to their guide. "I think we can find our own way back. Thank you for your time." She says, before handing over a copper as payment for his time. Not a lot, but she was willing to pay him for his time.

When the young lad had left, Holly said, "So what do you want to do now?"

In reply to Israth (msg #225):

I don't know why the dice roller hates player characters.  The same thing used to happen to me when I was a PC.

"Take a closer look at those warehouses, see if we spot any familiar faces."

Israth ingratiates himself with the other players by playing reasonably well and yet losing big at every important juncture.  If Rana gravitates towards the winner this is no way to go about getting her attention.  It doesn't take long before you're down 5 gold.  However, she's not ignoring you.  In fact you think she's curious, but not approaching you.  She, you, the players and some other idle spectators are always making idle small talk during the game.  You expected her to be more suave and engaging, but she's sort of quiet.  She comes off as rather plain, verbally, but she does have a way of slipping welcomely inside two of the other players' personal space, and she's very hands on.

You can say anything you'd like to her as long as you don't mind it being completely public.

Trying to stay chipper while losing money, Israth gives Rana appreciating looks every now and again, occasionally winking at her. "I think that beautiful girl you have over there is distracting me... not that I mind." he says with a grin at whoever Rana is currently gravitating towards, as he keeps rolling, taking the betting a little higher.

Israth would be willing to lose upwards of 20 more gold on this game before bowing out.
16:09, Today: Israth rolled 15 using 1d20+6. More potential rolling.

It doesn't come to that.  Your losses level off as you end the night.  (just remove 5 gold total from your sheet if you haven't already.) You banter a little, but never really get a chance to ask Rana anything about Jacob.  Now at least she knows you and you can recognize her if you run into each other around town.  You tell yourself that this gambling trip wasn't a complete waste.

The game of bones folds up and you and Giselle depart Danny Silver's club.

You're not even out of view of the club when Rana appears (not literally) on the street ahead of you.

"Hello Israth.  So much for beginner's luck," she says referring to your losses.

"Who's this?" looking at Giselle.  "Your sister?"

"Actually, yes.  She is my sister.  How'd you know?" asks Israth a little surprised at the guess.

"Magic.  I'm a fairy, don't you know?" she chuckles,holding her hands near her shoulders and fluttering them like fairy wings.

Farden and Holly decide to scope out the warehouses that evening.  Neither of them has any training in the subtle arts of observation-without-being-seen, so they choose distance to be their cover.  They take up a position on the far side of the schoolyard nearby the warehouses.  The school is shut down for the day so there's no one around to become suspicious.  There's a wall around the schoolyard that completely blocks their view of ground level, but they can still see coming and going on the balconies.

Less than an hour after dark you see two men up on the balcony.  Even in the dim lighting and at this distance you can make out that one of the to men is in metal armor and wearing a bold red cape.  That must be Flavius' bodyguard.  He tends to stand out.  It's reasonable to assume the other man is Flavius.  They go into the warehouse loft.

The two of you notice a few other people go up on the balcony, separately, still later in the evening.  Farden is impressed by Holly's keen attention.  She tends to notice things he misses and he prides himself on vigilant awareness.  The first person is a woman, who enters a different door than Flavius did.  Next, someone just wanders along the balcony before leaving.  Much later another man enters the door the woman entered earlier.

After a length of nothing happening Holly and Farden figure the show is over for the night.  Time to head back to The Crow and get some sleep.  They find that the floating eye has become rather popular with the night drinking crowd at The Crow, playing festive music for all to enjoy.

"Well, you certainly have an... unearthly beauty." Israth commented with a coy grin, not hiding the fact that he was looking up and down her body, admiringly. "So what was it that made you decide to follow me? Trying to get some of my money too?" he chuckled lightly.

"I'm surprised you have any coins left."

"Who says I'm following you?  Maybe we're just walking the same path."  She hops around to the other side of the stoically quiet Giselle.  "Maybe you're following me.   Yes, I think that's more likely."

"You are worth following, so had I known where you were going, I might have followed you, but therein lies the problem; I wasn't aware of which way you went after we parted ways, so I couldn't have followed you." he replied, giving her a quirk of his eyebrow as he watched her flit around. Clearly she was enjoying herself... and he wasn't about to complain. Maybe he could get her more comfortable and get some good info out of her.

Holly considered the danger that would bring them into, and decided it was worth a shot. Nodding her head she said, "OK. But if there is any sign of danger we retreat. Two of us is not enough to take on much." With that, Holly began making her way back to the warehouses to see what she and Farden could see.

Israth, Giselle, and Rana walk out of the merchant quarter and along the main road, Rana and Israth quipping cheekily the whole way.

"Here we are," says Israth upon reaching the inn. "This is where we're staying.  I think this proves it's you who is following me."

Rana just grins without responding.

When you enter the main drinking hall of the inn Rana is loudly greeted by the raiders and other rowdy revelers.

"RANA!"

She turns back to Israth.  "You might be staying here, but I was here first."

Still looking back at Israth, she skips over to one of the drinking crowd and gives him a hug.

Sitting down with the raiders (assuming there's a spot) near Rana if at all possible, Israth grabs his lyre and asks somewhat loud so everyone can hear, "Does anyone mind if I play a tune? Perhaps we can get Rana to dance for us!" He chuckles a little, getting ready to play a song assuming nobody has any complaints (the barkeep being the most important one to have convinced it's a good idea).

18:39, Today: Israth rolled 13 using 1d20+9. Possible lyre playing.

Farden backs Holly up as they continue their investigations.

Israth sits down and plays a passable melody.  Music was just what this group needed and it's well received.  It doesn't take much to get Rana to dance.  She quickly steals the show, swishing around the hall like a small pink feather on the wind.  Rana manages not just to dance for the raiders but actually with them, picking out partners to lead around with her before sitting each back down and choosing another.  It looks like she imparts more grace to her partners than they'd ever have dancing on their own or with a lesser artist.

During her breaks she guzzles an incredible amount for her size.  She easily keeps pace with all but the heaviest, more serious drinkers.  Israth thinks this is a perfect chance to pry secrets about Jacob from the dancer's lips.   She is clearly very fond of the fiddler.  Then again, who have you met in this town who isn't?  She tells Israth that Jacob and Black Betty are not a couple.  They are more like teammates.  She also says that Jacob is a better harper than Genessa (the master of the harper's guild), probably the best alive now.  High praise.  Israth isn't quite sure he agrees.

Rana flirts shamelessly with Israth and is commonly all over him distracting him from his questions.  At the end of the night, when she leaves with someone else it begins to dawn on Israth that Rana was elusive and far from forthcoming whenever he asked about Jacob's plans.  All he got were vague bits about travel and cunning, but never anything useful.  By the next morning he's pretty sure she was hiding something.  She knows what Jacob is up to.  He also has a nagging worry.  Did he tell her something he shouldn't have?  Maybe.

I going to do something I wouldn't normally and say that the next day passes uneventfully.  Investigations and such yield little of interest.  Nothing is gained or lost.  This helps get us closer to the real action.

The morning after that brings two noteworthy events.  When the party rendez-vous near the alchemist's shop, Glumr is there, back from nearly a week tailing Bittan.  Secondly, Holly and Farden have a meeting with Flavius at the Elder's home to discuss quests for profit.  But first it's time to compare notes and plot in the shady market cul-de-sac.

Farden is going to look around and make sure no one is watching them, before speaking.

"We got an appointment with Flavius, we located his warehouse and place of business, but not much headway locating the book. What news on your end?"

"Honestly, not much. Anton said that the last time Jacob was in town, he stayed with a spirits merchant named Kulbart. Also, he's been in Silvergate for weeks, but hasn't made a very big deal of it like usually he does. Anton didn't even know he was in town. And I think Rana is too close to Jacob to give us anything important... and I hope she didn't give anything up to him, now that I think about it." Israth replies, scratching his head.

Israth arrived without Giselle, which struck you all as odd.  She stayed back at the inn complaining of splitting headaches.  Israth is not worried, chalking it up to a brutal hangover.

Farden noticed a fellow out of sight around the corner playing spoons.  He didn't appear to take any interest in you when you all walked past into the cul-de-sac.  You doubt he can hear anything you're saying over the rythmic noise he's making.

In the interest of moving this along again I'll post for Glumr.

"Bittan was on foot, which is what took me so long.  He's not much of a man of the wilds if you know what I mean.  He was heading for Silvergate, I think, or Volge, it's hard to tell.  He didn't have a very good sense of direction.  Then two nights ago he camped out alone as usual and got himself ambushed by goblins."

Glumr sucks a few breathes in through his rolled smoking leaf and blows a small cloud of smoke off to the side.

"By the time I got there he was a goner.  He should've known better.  All us Triplefang get told as kids not to travel through there alone."

"Well, that gives you something to say to Jacob if he decides to find out why you are interested in him. Tell him his man is dead, Israth." Holly says, worried a little that someone died through their actions, but aware that that someone was not a good person and was not skillful enough to realise the dangers of travelling alone.

"So perhaps we need to find out where this spirits merchant Kulburt lives, in case Jacob is there." Sighing a little, she adds, "And i think we need to assume Jacob knows we are here. We do not want to confront him. Remember that. At least not until after we talk with Flavius, and offer him our services as treasure hunters. Stay safe Israth."

"Sounds like a plan." says Farden. He then bends close and whispers to Glumr. "Guy around the corner. Could be nothing, but tail him just to be safe, we'll meet you at our tavern tonight. Don't take risks."

After their secret alleyway gathering near the alchemists shop Farden and Holly go to Elder Eloy's estate to meet with Flavius.  Both parties arrive at about the same time.  Eloy meets the four of you out in front of his house and leads you into a comfortable sitting room.

"Flavius, I introduce to you Holly and Farden Triplefang," says Elder Eloy.  "Young Triplefang, this is Flavius and his guard Dothorex."

You exchange greetings, and Eloy gets quickly to the point.

"Holly, Farden, and their friends have heard of your trade and would like to offer their services hunting for lost treasures."

Flavius nods.  The Empire broker is dressed in an elaborate outfit ill-suited, in your eyes, to the hot summer weather.  His overcoat is a base of dark fabric with flashy decoration and embroidery.  Perhaps it is practical in that it conceals weapons or armor, but it could be just for vanity or some sort of tradition. A serious look comes over his face as he prepares to speak.

"Preparatory to any discussion of dealings, let me be clear about my aim.  I intend to procure ancient lost items from here on this island, as opposed to the scavenged or stolen gains of your ocean borne raids.  Is that understood?"

Holly agrees.  That was her understanding too.

"Good.  We can move forward then.  Typically I prefer to deal with known elements - adventurers with history and reputation for reliability.  I wish to work with personnel who can produce.  To this end I have looked into your reputation and well..."

Flavius looks to Eloy and over his shoulder to Dothorex during his pause before shaking his head.

"Lets say that you don't have a very impressive sum of past achievements yet.  I'm not implying that you have done bad work, just that you are somewhat of an untested quantity.  Word has it that Hollykhan Triplefang was involved in a heroic rescue of a holy man.  This did yield a few small but valuable trinkets, but that is your only adventure of note as far as I have been able to tell.  A bit thin, wouldn't you say?"

"I am rather restricted in what I can offer you.  If I grant you a lead on a fabulous score, what reason would I have to believe you would bring it back to share the profits with me?  I need something with minimal risk to establish your worth."

Flavius goes on in this vein of reason longwindedly, before eventually making his way back around to specifics.

"Have you ever heard of golems?  They are crafted of metal and magic in the image of men and granted life through occult alchemical rituals.  There are said to be a number of them scattered about your lands.  Some are still active, while others are dormant but alive.  The dormant ones would be the easiest to bring back to me..."

At that moment there was a loud crash outside and a few screams and yelling.

"What's going on out there?!"   Flavius exclaims, rising to his feet.  He and Dothorex head towards the door.

As soon as he hears the noise, Faren readies his shield and takes a firmer grip on one of his javelins, and moves out to investigate.

Holly looks ocer to Elder Eloy, wondering what is going on, and asks, "Should we prepare for trouble?" She half expects Jacob, or one of his to come through the door, but even he wouldn't likely be stupid enough to cause trouble at an Elder's house.

"I can cast a fog, if your man Dothorex can fight blind", she informs Flavius, but has few spells that could help unless it was an animal making its way inside.

"I'm not sure," Eloy says heading to the front door.  "It sure sounds like trouble."

Flavius doesn't respond to the mention of fog.

When you get out onto Eloy's front lawn you can make out a little of what's going on.  It looks like a wagon has smashed into something and broken open.  There are feathers EVERYWHERE and people lying in the street.  You see a birdman lurching about.  He waves his arms a yells something you can't understand and another passerby falls to the ground.

Eloy looks dumbstruck by what he sees.  He charges out ahead of you.

Farden and Holly, please roll initiative and make a perception check (WIS bonus, spot, or listen whichever is better)

The scene is frantic and confused right now, so I don't want to go to a tactical just yet.

[21:41, Today: Holly rolled 18 using 1d20+8. Spot Check.]

Holly takes a moment, and then seeing Elder Eloy moving forward, calls out, "Hold Elder. Let us deal with it." Hoping he listens, she prepares a spell, hoping it would allow her to communicate with it.

[Prepare to cast Speak with Animals
Giving chance for Farden to act as well.]

16:10, Today: Farden rolled 19,16,21 using d20+2,d20+4,d20+1. initiative, spot, listen.

Keeping alert and moving fast, Farden tries to figure out what is happening, his shield on guard and his javelin ready to intervene.

Eloy stops and looks back at Holly bewildered.  Farden runs past the elder to position himself in between possible threats and the others.  Squinting over his shield he hesitates to throw his javelin.

Holly calls upon the forces of nature to let her communicate with the beasts.



Farden, please make a reflex save DC 13

Farden rolled 23 using 1d20+3. ref dc 13.

For whatever reason....

Farden steps forward, taking in more of the scene.  His feet slip out from under him, but he regains his footing without falling.  The main street is totally covered with tiny metal balls.  They are very slippery.  This is got to be why there are so many people lying around on the ground or trying to scrabble to their feet.  Included in the fallen and injured masses, not too far away, is Israth.

Israth, who is bleeding from a wound on the back of his head, very slowly and carefully gets to his feet.  He brushes at the ground to clear space to stand safely.  Israth very deliberately (taking only 5 foot steps each round) makes his way into the mess of chickens, feathers, metal balls, and fallen confused people to help one of the people who is covered in feathers.

"What's going on here?" Israth asks.

Holly stifles a laugh as Farden goes over, and moves carefully to Eloy's side. "I am sorry Elder, but I thought it best to find out what is going on. There are marbles on the ground, which is why Farden fell, and the man covered in feathers may need our help."

[DM note: Farden didn't fall down.]

With that, Holly makes a quick look around to see if this is a distraction to allow others to carry out an ill deed, and then prepares to move forward.


21:17, Today: Holly rolled 19 using 1d20+8. Spot troublemakers. 
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:27, Wed 12 Oct 2011.

Farden frowns. "This many marbles could not possibly have fallen in the street by accident." He looks around for a source of the balls, or get an idea as to which direction they originated from. If he doesn't find one, he's going to try and find a back way or alley which will allow him access to the street without having to wade through the slippery stuff - he's basically trying to find a position from which he can look for suspicious sorts leaving the scene of the accident.

"I...  I don't *pffftthh*" says one of the birdmen, trying to spit feathers away from his mouth.  "We were walking away from the market when this cart full of angry birds smashed and exploded.  That sort of thing really grabs," he stops to cough a couple times and wipe at his arms, which does little more than move feathers stuck one place to another place.  "...gets your attention.  The next thing I knew I'd tripped and fallen face down.  Somehow I got this gunk poured all over me.  I heard some yelling.  It was happening to other people too."

He seems to be covered with something sticky under the feathers.

There are two others who have been covered in a sticky substance and feathers, and many more who have fallen on the metal marbles.  All the commotion attracts more people, which in turn causes more commotion.  Overall, no one seems too badly hurt other than Israth.



It certainly would be an effective distraction, but a quick look around the area doesn't turn up any evidence of ill deeds.  Holly figures that any perpetrators have either fled the scene already or are blending in as victims or bystanders.

"Please please everyone," Eloy calls out to the crowd.  "This area is dangerous.  Please back away from the wagon and watch your step.  There are tiny slippery balls all over the street.  Tell others that arrive to keep their distance."

The balls have more or less settled.  The area they cover isn't growing anymore.  Farden regards them as he scoots around the edge.  They extend a good 30 or 40 feet from the wagon.  That many marbles would fill a large barrel.  They'd be too heavy for someone to stealthily carry, but it could've been onboard the wagon.  They also could've been dropped from the rooftop of the building the wagon crashed into, except there probably would've been a lot more bouncing and scatter.

Farden darts down a side street in the merchant quarter, eyes peeled for signs of late fleeing bad guys.

Farden, you may make another spot check if you'd like.

Israth tries to help out anyone else who has fallen, calling out to the crowd to help Eloy with crowd control. "There's nothing to see here, folks! If anyone has a broom or a bucket of water, it would be much appreciated!" he calls out, hoping the villagers will be willing to help.

Farden looks around carefully for any sign of malicious cause behind the accident.

12:18, Today: Farden rolled 22 using 1d20+4. spot.

Glumr arrives on the scene and looks around at the mess.  Townspeople are slowly forming an unofficial perimeter where the can safely gawk.

"Hey lookout," a lady says to Glumr as he gets close.  She holds an arm out in front of him to block him from getting closer to the wagon.  "There are marbles all over the street.  You have to stand back - Elder Eloy's orders."

Slowly, everyone is cleared from the wagon crash zone.  There are mostly just bumps and bruises with only 4 real injuries.  An older woman has injured her leg, a fellow with blonde hair hurt his arm, a farmer is bleeding from the ear and side of the face, and Israth has a nasty knot and is bleeding from the back of his head.  Eloy has one of the market merchants take the three sap and feather covered people to the bath to scrub down.  A few kids are given sacks and told to round up and bag any chickens that stray from the marble-strewn area.  After a while some brooms and shovels are brought to start clearing the feathers and marbles.

After his thorough scan of the area Farden is sure that there are no longer any troublemakers around to be found, but he has puzzled out part of the mystery in his head.  There is a glob of feathers concentrated in a certain area near the wagon.  The elder has asked that no one go near the wagon for now, so Farden will have to wait to investigate this area in more detail.  For now he figures that the glob of feathers is where a bunch of sap was dumped down on the people, thus the extra sap left on the street there is collecting more feathers than other areas where the feathers can just drift around.  He figures the sap would've had to have been dumped from the nearby rooftop, and that job would've probably required 2 or 3 people unless there is some sort of trap mechanism up there that could've been triggered from below.  He's anxious for the cleanup to progress enough that he can investigate more closely.

"I can take a look at the wounded Elder, if that would help." Holly says, hoping to get a chance to ask those injured some questions on what had happened.

Farden has seen enough. He will now move away and try and approach the building which seems to be the most likely source of the spilled stuff. He'll be checking the exits, looking for anyone leaving. Then he'll see if he can gain access to the roof to look for further clues.

Holly examines and treats the wounded.

Things have calmed down and there is clearly no threat.  It's a perfect time to apply the take-10 rule.  10 + 8  Heal skill.

The old woman's leg injury will heal on it's own.  She should stay off it for a couple of days and rest lying down.  A relative will see that she gets home.  The arm injury is a broken bone.  Holly fashions a sling for the man.  (A Cure Minor would help too.)  both head injuries just require bandaging, which Holly takes care of.  (A Cure Light Wounds would be sure to return Israth to perfect health.) People are impressed with the quick efficiency of Holly's medical care.


The building the chicken cart ran into houses two shops, a butcher and a leatherworker.  This is a prime location, right on the main street.  The building is a nice one and both business are doing quite well.  Right now, no one is coming or going from either shop, as Eloy has closed the area off until the marbles and feathers can be cleared away.  The butcher is actually out in the crowd.  He has taken an interest in buying some of the chickens at cut rates from the kids who bagged them.  Farden asks him about roof access.

"I go up on the roof once or twice a year to clean crud out of there after storms and such.  I borrow a ladder from the stables.  Even so it's a little tricky getting back down.  Be careful," says the butcher.

There's a short wall at the front edge of the roof.  Farden thinks it would make a reasonable hiding place.  The butcher says it's to keep rain or snowmelt from falling on customers at the entrance.  The wall redirects the runoff from the roof to the sides.

Farden heads off to the stables to borrow a long ladder.  He leaves his shield there, partly as collateral and partly because it would be awkward to lug up the ladder.  He brings the ladder around the the opposite corner of the building from where the cart crashed into it, to avoid the all the commotion.  Even so he picks up a couple of gawkers.  The roof is pretty easy to climb up onto and walk around on if you're careful (which he is).  Up on the roof near the front wall Farden finds a sticky ring almost 2 feet in diameter, a few small spills, and the front part of a foot mark.  Farden puzzles at it a moment, but he's not sure what to make of it.

Farden knows what to make of it - someone had been up here, with the stuff that had caused the accident. Seeing Holly and Israth occupied in the crowd, Farden decides to continue investigating on his own, and continues climbing up to the roof. Before going all the way up, though, he draws his dagger and holds it in his teeth, in case he needs a weapon close to hand.

Holly used her magic to heal the broken arm, and checked on Israth to ensure he would live. She wondered where Farden had gone off to, but suspected he was carrying out a little investigation to see what had happened.

With the wounded seen to, she looked around to see what had happened to Flavius and his guard.

OOC:  *laugh*  No love for the Player Character?

Yes, Israth will certainly live.  It's a nasty blow, but he's a pretty tough guy.  Nature will put him right in a couple of days.

A quick look around turns up no sign of Flavius or his bodyguard.  Holly asks Eloy if he knows where they are.  He shrugs and says he hasn't seen them since all the trouble began.  She strolls inside to the sitting room, but they're not there either.


Farden was already up on the roof.  Let me describe it a little better.
The front of the shop building faces south onto the main central street through Silvergate.  In order to avoid all chaos, Farden set up the ladder on the west side of the building at the northern end.  He then climbed onto the rooftop and made his way up over the apex of the roof and down to the front of the building.  There on the southern side of the roof is a short wall to keep runoff water from fall on customers entering the shops.  On the roof near the wall, close to but not directly above the crash site Farden found signs of the goo employed to get feathers to stick on certain victims.  Though he is a worldly and knowledgeable man, he does not posses the specific skill set necessary to tell anything about the perpetrator(s) or where they went based on these clues.

However, there are about a half dozen buildings all clustered together in this section of the merchants quarter.  They are each pressed up against their neighbors.  The buildings a little different in height due to being constructed in different styles by different builders, but they are all about two or two and a half stories tall with the exception of the innermost building that's  only 1 story tall.  Someone arriving or fleeing could do so for a ways by going rooftop to rooftop.  There are also various ways to climb up to or down from the rooftops using posts, pipes, windows, ledges, etc.  A daring and acrobatic sort could even leap off the roof, but I wouldn't suggest it.  Farden is the only person up on this set of rooftops.  I'll leave it to him to decide if he needs to have a weapon drawn or not after all.

From up here Farden sees Holly bandaging Israth's head, Eloy discussing clean up plans with a couple of merchants, and Glumr standing at the edge of the crowd.  Farden must not be too obvious up on the roof since people in the crowd aren't looking up or pointing or anything.

OOC: Sorry for not posting here more often. Been busy with work and life.


Israth thanks Holly for the bandages, making sure to grab a pouch-full of the little metal balls for later use. Seeking out the pile of goo and feathers, he puts a finger in it and sniffs - then possibly licks (if it doesn't smell too rancid) - whatever it is to try to figure out what the wrong-doer had used (if it's not obviously something he already knows).

Since he has a bird's eye view, Farden is going to take a circuit of the roof while looking down into the streets, looking around, trying to spot anything amiss. See if he can maybe spot the perps, or anything else of interest.

OOC: Keeping the dagger in my hand just in case, and now taking a look down into the streets from my vantage point.

Glumr walks forward towards the balls.  This is obviously a distration.  For what though he isnt sure.  Glumr takes a pouch out of his pack and empties out the wintergreen, refilling it with the balls.  Maybe these will come in handy for him someday.

Glumr scans the crowd and sees Farden on the roof and his other friends in the crowd.  Being a natural at climbing, Glumr decides to go up the ladder and talk to Farden instead of trying to navigate the marbles.

After asking Farden what he's been able to deduce from the vantage point (if anything), and noticing the sticky substance, Glumr takes a closer look to see what he can deduce.

Glumr rolled 22 using 1d20+8. Deduce from the Roof.

Israth pokes and licks the pile of goo.  He thinks it's some sort of tree sap - harmless, common, and cheap.

Glumr, with his extensive knowledge of nature is able to tell a little more from the spilled bits up on the roof.  It's a type of pine sap that's been boiled some and had a powder mixed in to make it stickier.  There's a partial footprint on the roof where Farden was looking.  It's the right size and shape for a soft-booted female.  There might have been a second person up here with her, but it's hard to tell.  The roof's surface is very hard to get information from, but Glumr does manage to find a few recent scuff marks that were not made by Farden.  He follows them along the rooftops north and east.  Both men are good climbers and they make their way down the wall to look for more clues.  Glumr finds boot impressions here where the female must've jumped down to the street level.  It looks like she went east from here.  Farden knows from his previous visual searches that this woman was long gone before he climbed up onto the roof.

OOC: Help me out here - the warehouses where Flavius does his thing, is that to the east. If not, what part of the city lies to the east?

Holly took the opportunity to ask the Elder, "Elder, have there been similar instances like what has happened outside today? It seems like an extreme way of playing a practical joke, but I know some youngsters are prone to letting ideas like that come to fruition."

She also asks, "Do you know anyone who might be able to answer questions on Golems, like the ones Flavius is looking for?"

The warehouses are southwest.

There's a map of Silvergate on the wiki  http://triplefang.yoyo-pete.com/doku.php?id=silvergate
Claudius' warehouses are a few of the 6s near 10.  20 is Eloy's estate.  You were on the roof of the building on the southeast corner of the merchants quarter (19).  To the east there's more shops and then it's residential the rest of the way.

"This is a new one to me.  I hope whoever's behind it doesn't make a habit of making a mess of our streets," says Eloy.



"I've heard of them.  Stuff of legends and stories, mostly.  I never thought about whether they were real or not, and I sure don't know where to start looking for them.  Karden might know.  Maybe talk to Elena or Heinrich.  They might know something about golems at Goldenpoint too.  Didn't you say you were working with the Harper's guild?  I'm told that the guild knows just about everything there is to know."

Karden is Pliffa's Elder.  Holly also knows of a few sources of long lost occult knowledge that Eloy didn't mention.

Farden collects his shield, and heads back to the house. Once he is reunited with the others. "No doubt about it, this was deliberate. The question remains why.... one of the people involved seems female, and one of Jacob's fellow rogues was a woman.... Israth, if you're up for it, let's make a few inquiries."

Unless anyone objects, Farden suggests he and Israth go east, and ask people if they have seen anyone matching the description of one of the female members of Jacob's party.

OOC: Relying on Israth for the Gather Info check.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:42, Thu 20 Oct 2011.

"Rana seemed very light on her feet, something that would be necessary for traversing roofs... Perhaps she did this, as a distraction so Jacob and Flavius could meet up while we were busy?" he mused aloud, nodding as he went along with Farden asking around.

Finally got a decent roll.

08:41, Today: Israth rolled 22 using 1d20+7. Gather information check.

Glumr and Farden get off the roof.  "This was obviously a diversion for something.  I want to know what for.  And all I can say for sure it that these foot prints are a little too big to be Jacob's friend Betty.  It's defiantly female though.  I'm going to see if I can continue to follow where she want and see if the destination sheds some light on the situation."

"Israth, do you want to go inform the others?  I'll meet up with you once I find where the tracks lead, or I loose them.  The city isnt what I'm used to, but I know what to look for."

"Thank you for your help Elder, and for your introduction to Flavius." With that, Holly checks there is nothing else she can help with, and then goes and tries to find the others.

After returning the ladder and getting his shield back, Farden meets up with Israth and Holly.  They follow as Israth questions some of the locals.

There are actually four females that you know are involved with Jacob's crew.  First off there's Betty, his enforcer.  Glumr has ruled her out as being too small to have made the prints.  That leaves Rana, and two rogues whose names you don't know, who you battled in the tomb - a blonde and a black haired woman.

Israth quickly eliminates Rana as a suspect.  She's pretty well known in town and someone surely would've noticed her.  She tends to stand out.  Someone also points out that she's rarely seen in the daytime and it's not even noon just yet.  Now that you think of it she's also quite small.  Israth has never seen Betty and Holly and Farden have never seen Rana, so it's a bit tricky to determine who is smaller.

This leaves the two mystery rogues from the tomb battle.

Israth has to rely on Holly and Farden's descriptions of the rogues.  A couple in the residential area think they saw something a few streets north of the main road.

"It was a golden haired girl like the one you described.  She was hurrying past with a friend.  I wouldn't say they were really running.  Neither was winded," tells the woman.

"I don't think the two of them were from here.  Silvergate, I mean.  We get a good deal of outsiders in town what with the port and all.  They were dressed in a way to blend, but their features weren't exactly like yours and mine.  Ya know?" adds the man.

"They were both women for sure."

The woman nods.  "They went that way," she points eastish.  "I'll bet they were heading for the gates."

The three of you go over to the gates next.

There's a warrior sitting outside the gate who Israth remembers seeing before the wagon came barreling past.

"That's quite somethin', innit?," says the warrior.  "I saw that cart come chargin' in like someone bin whipping the horses.  I stood up and said 'Hey now' but I weren't about to step in front of that cart.  I'd be trampled sure.  I don't think no girls was drivin' it.  Maybe no one was sittin' atop."

"Since then people come and go.  Mostly go.  Yeah your blondie and her dark girl left through here.  They were with some guy, but he didn't mind them flirtin' at me, so he weren't a husband or nothin'.  One thing I did see.   That guy had swords 'n knives."

After the finished interviewing the guard, Farden says quietly to the others: "If they're leaving town, then it probably means they've mostly finished what they came to do. And I seem to recall Flavius disappeared pretty quick during the chaos. You think Jacob started the mess in order to have cover for a quick swap? We'd better find Flavius again and see if we can get more clues."

Holly gives the guard as good a description of Jacob as she can, hoping the guard would confirm it was him with the two women.

Other than that, she agreed with Farden, and suggested they go and seek out what might be happening around Flavius, if they could find him.

"Nah Miss, swords and knives, not a fiddle and a satchel.  It's like the difference between him 'n him," the warrior inoffensively notes the difference between Israth and Farden.  "This guy weren't no performer."

Farden gives the guard a description of Jacob's face and physical stature, and asks the guard if there were any similarities. Clothes and gear, after all, were only superficial things.

"He didn't happen to be wearing a red cloak, did he?" Israth asked curiously, trying to remember if Flavius was carrying any weapons; his bodyguard likely was, however.

The warrior at the gates listens to your detailed description of Jacob, then shakes his head.

"Not the same fella."

He sounds like he's said about all he wants to on the subject before Israth asks about the red cloak.

"No, but I know that red cloak chap.  He's a serious one, innit?"


Where was Holly thinking of looking for Flavius?

Israth tosses the man at the gates a gold piece and thanks him for his time before heading off with Holly and Farden.

The warrior is frankly stunned when you give him the gold coin.

"What's all this for?  You want I should go round up those three for you?"

"Good information deserves a good reward. And maybe next time you see them, you'll be able to give us a more detailed description... maybe even tell us which way they go." Israth comments with a smirk. "I'm new in town, and making friends with the guard is always a good way to start."

Holly frowns, wondering what Israth is up to. She doesn't interfere, but wouldn't have done that herself. Perhaps with Israth being brought up within a different environment than herself in Volge, she assumed the traditions were therefore a little more different than those taught her.

"So, we think Jacob might have slipped the book over already, so Flavius is our best target. I think we might check out his home first, and then do some more asking. We have at least until the next Empire ship arrives before he can get it out of Clan lands. We should use that time wisely." She says to the others when they are all back together.

By the time Farden, Glumr, Holly, and Israth return to the site of the wagon crash the clean up is almost complete.  The wagon has been taken away.  The marbles have been swept off.  The chickens have been rounded up.  There is still a feathery splotch of sap, which has been covered over with straw, but it looks like things on the main road have returned to business as usual.

"Israth, a gold piece is like three days' wages for the guard, no wonder he thought you were trying to bribe him. If you wanted to tip him, a silver would have sufficed." points out Farden mildly, as they head back.

Once they are back at the starting point, Farden suggests, "We need to find Flavius. Shall we check out the warehouse me and Holly found earlier?"

"A silver would have sufficed, yes, but a gold piece goes way beyond 'sufficing'. He's going to remember me much more because of it, as well, which is the whole point. Trust me cousin, it will likely be a worth-while investment." Israth retorts with a grin, slapping Farden on the shoulder.

"If I was an important rare items dealer, would I really want to hang out around a warehouse after successfully purchasing something? Well, that would depend on what it was, and if the warehouse was guarded enough to be considered 'safe'. When you found it, were there any guards outside? Did you go inside, or did you just investigate the outside?" he inquires thoughtfully, trying to think like Flavius would, which is somewhat hard because he doesn't know the Empire's people very well.

Glumr chimes in with "I followed the trail from the roof to a farmhouse out to the east of town.  All I could gather was they are hungry and that one of the two ladies at the farm were the culprits."

Glumr tells the story about what happened and what he saw and this was the take away.

• Glumr tracked them to a farm on the east side of town.
• Two ladies where there from the battle with Jacob,  the blonde and the raven-haired girl (not betty), one of them was the sappy assailant for sure.
• Man and Woman who owned the farm were there.
• There was a girl about Alma's age.
• There were two male farm hands about Glumr's age
• There were 3 armed warriors dressed in leathers
• There was also a female archer
• There was no sign of Jacob nor the people Bittan spoke about

Glumr also adds (to follow up on what to do) "We need to figure out where things are.  I've just more or less got situated in town (a little less than more).  As you know, one of the things I'm good at is hiding.  What should I watch tonight?  The warehouse sounds like a place we should keep eyes on or get eyes into."

"I'd prefer you went back to watching Jacob's people. If they start to move, we'll need eyes on them.

Since Holly and I are known to Flavius, we'll go take a closer look at the warehouses. After all, it is the literal truth that we are concerned as to what happened to Flavius after the chaos earlier, so it shouldn't be too suspicious.

"And what about myself? Flavius has seen me, and we had a brief talk, but he doesn't know I'm connected to you two. At least, he shouldn't." Israth comments, looking around absently to see if anyone of interest is around.

"From what you say Glumr, there are perhaps more people connected to Jacob than we thought. We discussed and agreed it would gain us nothing, other than perhaps our deaths, if we took Jacob on directly. Let us all make our way to Flavius and Farden and myself could perhaps go inside, and ask about how much he would pay for the prize he mentioned. You two can find a local inn or viewing point and see whether there is anything we can learn from the outside." Holly says, hoping that the others would forget Jacob. He was beyond their capabilities at the moment she believed, and even more so if he had another four or five people on his side.

Farden shrugs. "I agree that Jacob is looking like a dicey proposition, but we do need to keep tabs on them. At the very least, we need to know where they are if we are to avoid them. Just because we ignore them doesn't mean they'll do us the same favor, and I'd prefer not to be blindsided."

"I agree.  Jacob is not one we can take on directly.  We dont have enough information to be able to take him by surprise.  Should I got back to the farm and tail the ladies?"