"Maybe." says Bryx with another shrug of his large shoulders. "If any of them decide they don't want to cause trouble, you'd think they'd do what goblins do and just run away. Find somewhere they feel safer than stuck with their kind, if that's where they don't want to be. As for the kobolds...well, they're not something you really see in these parts. If they've been wherever they are for a while, they're safe enough - goblins been around a long time. They're pretty much part of the Southlands, the way they are. They've never been more than we can handle, even when most of us had other important things to be dealing with..."
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:57, Mon 03 Sept 2018.

"Perhaps some of the leaders are the problem" remarked Kaelynn, her voice quiet and hesitant at first, as if uncertain about speaking up.  "The lesser goblins want to be with their own kind, but the cost of that is being used as expendable troops by more ambitious and stronger ones."


OOC: Just like human society's problems, the folks in charge cause all the trouble! ;)

"Who knows," said Mortaar, clearly having reached his limit of deep thoguht for the time being. He looked to Bryx. "What of your people? Are the minotaurs of this place located solely in the Northlands?"

Bryx seems somewhat unconcerned at the reasons behind goblin behaviour.

"They're goblins." he says. "They do what they do, and if that involves messing with the rest of us, we make sure they stop it and leave us alone. At least till they think it's a good idea to start messing again."

At the question regarding his own kind, he seems rather more interested.

"Mostly." he replies. "But some of us live down here, as you see. Wasn't born here, though - born up near Marneth. Good places there. Good people. Strong. Of course, there's good people here too..."

He gestures with a shaggy arm at the room.

"Different kind of strong, that's all. North, you have monsters wanting to hunt you, eat you, just because it's what they do. South, they had a monster come and destroy much of what they had just because he could. And look what's happened since. They grew back, strong and not afraid. Grouping together, like any good minotaur clan. Helping each other. Some clans think it's only physical strength that matters, but some of us know better. And we have stronger clans for it."

He eyes  in an appraising sort of way.

"And I'd like to see your strength some time." he adds. "Not so many minotaurs down here. Got Lenka, true, and some others. But it's been a long time since anyone new showed up. You have bullclashes where you come from?"

"I wish my people understood that sort of strength," said Mortaar. "Each tribe has its own ways, but most fight and hunt and live with weapons, and understand that strength alone. My position was to mediate troubles between tribes, in a trial by combat if necessary. I have matched my skill and strength to uphold what is right, but when two strong tribes are both in the wrong, and the weak do nohing rather than seize their own strength by banding together, what does one do?"

Mortaar shrugged off his consideraitons by thinking on an example. He actually seemed happier and animated to be speaking about it. "There was one minotaur, who fought with no weapon, just his enormous horns. He was a giant of a bull anyway, but each horn was curved like a scythe and as large as any sword. He fought me unarmed, but it was I who was disadvantaged. He had height on me, and with a twist of his neck could bring one of the blades against my own. I foguht him to a standstill for a while, then had to take a charge on one of my shoulders, near breaking that arm. I had one hand to weild my two handed battleblade, and he was not weakeneing and had obviously not lost his twin weapons." Mortaar tapped on the upper area of his chest. "Of course, his height and horns did not matter as much when I went right in to his body. I had one good hand if I dropped my blade, and went for stopping that neck from twisting, and squeezing that throat. It was then a race between my hand on his neck, and his arms crushing my chest. I had beenfaster, and my ribs were stronger - just - and he passed out before I did."

Mortaar nodded happily at the victory, and took a drink.

Kaelynn looked up at Mortaar, a hint of fascination in her eyes at his story.  She winced noticeably at the mention of the blow to his arm and quickly took a drink.


OOC: Just to note that I'm still following this, between busy times.  Kaelynn doesn't really have much in the way of stories of battle and glory to share, so seems appropriate for her to be keeping quiet.
Also she's more the type to downplay her own achievements rather than brag about them anyway :)

Yes, I didn't think Kaelynn would have much to share in the Drake (but I made sure you were suitably informed by NPCs beforehand ;)), but that's okay - she wanted to go to a library at some point, right? ;)

Bryx listens with clear interest to this tale of distant minotaur clans.

"Ha!" he says, slapping his hand on the table in approval at the description of how the fight ended. "Sounds like a good clash, alright. But a bullclash here, you have no weapons save those you were born with. And you need to be careful even with some of those, else risk the world losing a warrior when there's no need."

He reaches up and taps one of his large horns meaningfully.

OOC: I'd assumed it was nearly night for now, and we were just here because Mortaar got invited, before we called it a night and went in search of our respective intellectual and physical pursuits in the morning.  May have lost track of time, hehe.


Kaelynn took another drink, her gaze wandering around the bar.
"Are there a lot of those things around these lands?" she asked, pointing towards the stuffed large red reptilian head mounted on the wall.  "The goblins we encountered had something like that held captive."

Yeah, it is evening now. I can't remember what time, actually. I really need to start making notes but I still haven't got round to it, and every day the backlog just gets bigger, lol...

"Hrmm?" Bryx looks around  "Oh, ha! Yes, that's a drake. You don't have drakes where you come from? You get a chance later, go take a closer look - you seen the name of this place, haven't you? Ah, but I best not be the one to tell you..."

He looks around and bellows into the crowd.

"Hey, Orrom!"

A broad-shouldered dwarf with a dark beard and wearing work clothes pokes his head out from the small cluster of people standing near the fire. He sees Bryx wave an arm to get his attention and come over to your table.

"Somethin' I can do fer ya, Bryx?" he asks.

The minotaur gestures to the two of you.

"Some new folks here don't know why the Drake's called what it is." he says.

The dwarf looks at you and beams.

"Ah, no? Well. That we can't have, eh? Well, my brother an' me, we own this place, y'see. Weren't always the case, though. This were just some buildin' not bein' used. But that were a long time ago - we was younger back then. But we wanted ta own some place. Some kinda tavern folks could come to an' ferget their worries an' all that. Sit around an' 'ave a good ol' drink an' some good times. Tha's me brother over there, runnin' the bar."

He jerks a thumb over his shoulder to indicate such - the dwarf at the bar is busy serving customers and isn't looking your way, so doesn't see.

"Stennek, his name, if 'e's not told ye. Anyway, 'e's the elder one, an' while I'm a dwarf, I got me pride, I know how ta drink, 'e's always been able ta put it away more'n me."

He sighs.

"But anyway, just 'cause 'e's often last under the table, it don't mean 'e don't feel the effects. Out drinkin', 'e was. Outside the city. we'd been meetin' some friends, y'see. Had ourselves a good ol' time in the local woods. Anyway, 'e's standin' there all 'appy, like, drink in 'is 'and, while we're all standing some way away. An' then we look around an' there's this drake standin' over 'im. An' 'e 'asn't noticed it yet 'cause 'e's lookin' the wrong way, probably thinks that growlin's bein' made by a dragonborn or somethin' - there was a few o' them with us, y'see. But then 'e turns round, sees this big ol' drake, and gives a scream like...well, like no dwarf I ever 'eard..."

Meek chuckles slightly and Bryx gives a snort of amusement, though surely they've both heard this tale before, and Orrom himself seems greatly amused as well. He picks up Bryx's tankard, which by now is empty, and waves it around.

"An' 'e just swings 'is tankard like this..."

He spins around, swinging the tankard and turning it sideways in a manner that would send any contents flying out.

"An' o' course, it goes all over the snout o' this drake. I must say, I didn't reckon them things could ever look surprised, but I swear this one managed it. Well, we was all fallin' about ourselves laughin', but we know this area an' we never set foot without our weapons. So the drake went down easy enough afore Stennek had a chance to lose his head or such. Not that he didn't help, o' course - chucked 'im 'is weapon, 'e helped down the beast pretty sharpish. Even full o' drink, ya don't wanna be angerin' a dwarf, leastways makin' 'im spill 'is drink. And somewhere out o' that we got ourselves a name for our tavern, somethin' that'd been puzzlin' us right strong for quite a time. An' some decoration for it too. So it all turned out alright in the end."

He gives a chuckle and folds his arms, apparently waiting to see your reaction.

Mortaar laughs dutifully along with the story, nodding with approval at the prepared dwarves and their ability to protect themselves. "I remember chancing on a wild boar once. It grunted and made a display at me. It did not feel sporting to simply attack it, but clearly it was making to attack. I put my blade to one side, and moved to charge at it with horns alone." He tapped his own head, in an imitation of Bryx earlier. "Of course, it had not been bristling at me, but the Ankheg that had emerged behind me. I unfortunately did not emerge from that with a trophy nor good name for a tavern, just a patch of skin on the side of my chest where hair will not grow. Still, a small price to pay for learning a lesson on paying attention to your surroundings. And no ale needed to be spilled."

Kaelynn chuckled along with the others' laughter.

"We didn't have any drakes where I'm from.  I saw pictures of them in a book once, but until we saw that one the goblins were keeping, I'd never actually seen one up close before" she said.  "I was glad it was more angry at the goblins than at us though."

Orrom seems to find amusement in the comment about no ale being spilt, and further at the reference to the goblins.

"Ha, ya managed to get some goblins 'tween you an' a rage drake, eh?" he says. "Sounds like a plan. Ha, good one."

He nods with approval, then looks around.

"Hm, well, sadly it's a busy evenin' an' I've not the time to spare swappin' stories of drakes an' the like." he says. "I best get back to 'elpin' customers. Good to meet that two o' ya and maybe we can swap more stories some other time, if ya stay round 'ere a while."

He gives a farewell nod and moves away to assist with other customers. Bryx, who had returned the nod, looks back at you.

"And something else to learn from that," he says, "is to never sneak up on a dwarf."

He gives another snort and goes to pick up his tankard, realises Orrom took it with him (and it was empty anyway), and grunts.

"Hmph. Back in a moment." he says, and rises to go over to the bar. You can see him gesturing to attract the attention of Stennek, the dwarf behind the bar.

"Intesting place, no?" says Meek, raising an eyebrow.

Mortaar gives a small wave to Bryx to indicate his fellow minotaur's brief exit. He then nods to Meek's. "Interesting place, interesting people, as advertised." The minotaur sounded satisfied. "Do the brothers have any further interesting stories, other than the naming of this place?"

Meek considers the question.

"Hmm, none so interesting as that one, I think." he says. "A few broken tables here and there, like tonight...perhaps the occasional incident of things ending up in strange places after a scrap, but that's the main one, for sure. Still, one person's fascinating tale is another's reason to find an excuse to leave, eh?"

He grins and takes a swig from his mug.

"Don't worry - I'm sure there are plenty of folks around these parts who'll be happy to share tales of various past adventures. And as someone from outside Embrachal, I'm sure there'll be plenty you can share yourself."

"I don't really have many tales of adventures" replied Kaelynn thoughtfully.  "I did get involved in the exploration of some old ruins back home, and sometimes had to deal with ancient magical defences, but I doubt that could compare to tales of facing down rage drakes and everything else that's happened in this land over the years.  I would like to learn more about it."

Bryx soon returns with a fresh tankard of ale and sits back in his seat. He takes a long drink, then looks around at the two of you.

"So. You planning on doing much now you're here?" he asks. "Just exploring the place, eh? I hope whatever you had to tell ol' Roo wasn't anything the rest of us really need to worry about."

Mortaar considers the question. "Earning our way, for a start. And not just by cleaning stables. I had come this way chasing something that had waylaid myselfand a previous companion, but that seems to have become a dead end. The Komtor did not seem to have any worries in that regard, and my own leads literally came to a dead end through their own actions." He looked to Kaelynn. "I suppose for the moment trying to help my friend here work out where her own homeland is, in relation to this place." Mortaar nodded to Meek. "And there sounds like there are interesting stories and people in this place. Getting a feel for it would not be the worst."

Kaelynn nods, taking another drink.
"Mostly I'm just looking to help out Mortaar here for now.  I can't fight anywhere near as well as he can, but I can help him with magic."


OOC: *waits for the room to go silent and everyone to turn and stare silently at her, before Bryx goes: "You use MAGIC to fight?!"* :)

"Ah, I see, you're a rogue and backstab those filthy mages when they're concentrating on the figher?"

Lol...to be fair, she's an Eladrin in a robe and wearing a pair of specs, with no visible weapon (well, I can't remember if she left her sword at the inn, so maybe she's carrying that, at least), and she's hardly gonna be carrying herself like a warrior so it's pretty obvous that whatever her specialty, it doesn't involve the kind of thing that people who frequent the Drake tend to favour ;).

Bryx gives Kaelynn a curious look.

"Still fighting, isn't it?" he says. "You don't need to know how to hold a sword in order to best someone. At the end of it, if you clash with someone and do something that ends up with them going down and you still standing, that's a fight. Well, that's winning a fight. Who cares how you get there? Just do whatever works."

He finishes with a shrug and now looks to Mortaar.

"And hopefully whatever gave you trouble won't be doing it any more. What was it? Goblins?"

"Mages. Powerful ones, causing trouble. But they also enlisted help of a goliath with a semblance of honour, and when they tried to take him out after it all started going wrong...well, they clearly weren't that powerful. I had worried there might still be some mischief being caused by them or their kind, but... I've found nothing myself."

Mortaar kept his own council regarding the rumblings from the elves. If the Komtor had thought it important and wanted others to know, he would tell them himself.

"Hmm, goliath?" muses Bryx. "Don't see many of those. Got a few up in the Northlands, couple of old clans I think, but don't think I've seen any down here. Well, if this one had some bad folks tryin' to cause him trouble, I'm not surrpised he handled it. I wouldn't fancy messing with a goliath myself. Strong folks, them. Hmm, but I wonder what kind of mages might be doing wrong. Nothing to do with the Circle, at least, that's for sure...still, I'm no magic-user myself. Can't really help with such."

"The goliath was going towards the Northlands. I should have perhaps tried harder to persuade him to stay, in case there was anything more. But at the time I was wary of his past misdeeds, rather than considering his more nobler actions. Still, I have mentioned my past encounters to the Komtor. I presume if anything more comes of it, he will be able to act. For now I suppose I am free to help Kaelynn."

"Hm." Bryx snorts, looking between the two of you. "So you each have the same goal right now, to help the other. So...you plan on helping each other help each other?"

He seems amused by this. Meek chuckles slightly too.

"Well, that's something that'll be interesting to see, no doubt." he says. "But I'm sure there's plenty you can do outside of that."

Mortaar snorted in good nature regarding how their words had ended up. "Let us just say then that we are both awaiting external guidance or lucky chance to move us forwards with our own individual problems. And whoever's srikes first, the other will lend a hand. And until then, we both seem to be predisposed to be helpful, at a loose end, and looking for others to help?"

Mortaar looked between Meek and Bryx. "While I understand there are public notice boards, if either of you have any work that you do not have the time or inclination to do something with, let us know. And the ver least to repay the hospitality."

"Hm. Well, no doubt some of us'll be heading out to deal with goblins some time soon." says Bryx. "Don't need to be in the Circle to come and help with that. The more of us that go, the quicker it gets done."

Meek is nodding along with Bryx's words, but then shrugs.

"Don't look at me." he says. "I'm something of a helper myself, as I'm sure you can tell by now - if people want information, they tend to come to me. Well, some of them do."

He gives a wry sort of grin but then looks between the two minotaurs.

"Anyway, if you two are planning on having one of those bullclash things some time soon, let me know when so I can come and watch."

"I would be happy to come over to the training grounds tomorrow, while perhaps Kaelynn checks out the library of the city," says Mortaar, looking to his more studious companion.

Kaelynn nodded at the mention of the library.
"I would like to learn more about the history of this land, among other things" she replied.

Both Bryx and Meek seem amicable to this.

"Ha, I'll look forward to it." says the minotaur with a nod.

"Perhaps I can escort you to the library first, then," says Meek, "drop off Kaelynn and head with Mortaar to the training ground...so Kaelynn, you don't want to see whether or not your friend gets beaten?"

He gives you a somewhat mischievous grin, while Bryx snorts again in amusement.

"It sounds like a plan," said Mortaar. "And it is probably best if Kaelynn doesn't see her protection lose in a fight. Assuming that it what will happen?" Moraar said it with a tinge of good natured rivalry to Bryx.

"Well, if you want to think that already, that probably is what'll happen." replies Bryx with a shrug. "But I reckon we'll have a good one. A few bruises each, at least. We'll have a decent audience, at least - anyone nearby with some free time between training and working will likely turn up to watch the show."

"Mortaar is very strong, I think he'll win" replied Kaelynn with a cheerful smile in Mortaar's direction.


OOC: *ponders Kaelynn dressed as a cheerleader...*

"Ha, well, we'll see..." says Bryx. "Maybe I'll just end up flattening you, eh? But I don't think you'd have come through the things you've talked about to be here if you didn't have any fight in you. So I'll look forward to it. Tomorrow morning, yes?"

"Good natured contests line up too closely with my previous duties as a feudlord. It is seen as unseemly to speculate on the outcome of the contest. I will just assure you that yes, I am sure it will be an interesting contest. Tomorrow morning sounds good."

"Good, then!" says Bryx, with another approving thump of the table with the flat of his hand. "Don't be late, and don't expect me to go easy on you. It's no good a bullclash if neither of us get a few bruises!"

He gives a final snort and rises from his seat.

"Till then." he says with a nod, and moves away toward the other side of the room, leaving the two of you once again with Meek.

You have time for a parting comment before Bryx moves away, if you want.

Sorry, didn't realise it was a week already

"Bruises, no breaks, I'll try to remember," Mortaar called back good naturedly and waved his fellow minotaur off.

No worries :). Generally, if either of you have anything more to say or do at this point, feel free, otherwise I can skip to Meek leading you back to the inn or something if you would prefer :).

OOC: Nothing more to say for now.  Unless Mortaar needs more cheerleading ;)

Yeah, we can offscreen have a pleasant sitting around relaxing, then head back :)

Alrighty then :).

You spend a little longer enjoying your drinks while general conversation and laughter emanates from the other people in the room. There are no more spontaneous wrestling matches and the ruined table from Lenka and Damtarn's little exchange is eventually dragged away somewhere.

Eventually, having decided to return to the inn, you make your way out and Meek leads you back through the streets. Though night has now fallen, there are lights here and there, whether hanging lanterns or the windows and doorways of occupied houses. There are still a fair few people out and about, though mostly they appear to be workers and merchants heading to homes or taverns. After a while, you arrive back at the entrance of the Arms of Sehanine.

"Well, then." says Meek. "I'll stop by here tomorrow then, shall I? How early do you plan on heading out? As early as dawn, or perhaps an hour or two after? The Library's a fair walk from here, so if you wanted to go there first then we probably shouldn't leave it too late - don't want to keep Bryx waiting..."

"Early is fine by me," said Mortaar, looking to his companion. He had seen she barely needed 'sleep', but perhaps she would have another reason to not go right away.

"Early is fine by me too" replied Kaelynn.  "Any time that's good for you two."


OOC: Technically she could probably pull an all-nighter without too much trouble, although the library is probably closed at night :)

Well, you do still need to have a rest, even if you only meditate instead of sleep - you'd still suffer the effects of exhaustion and stuff if you stayed up too long ;).

"No worries." says Meek. "I'll be here shortly after dawn, then. Have a good night!"

He turns and, with a wave, starts walking away down the street.

Meek will disappear off down the road unless you have any last minute things to say to him. Otherwise...back into the inn to get your keys and go to bed?

"Thank you for your time today. Until tomorrow!" said Moraar, waving their guide away.


Keys and bed sounds good!

"Thanks" added Kaelynn with a wave.

She looked back at Mortaar and then to the inn.
"Well, guessing you'll want to be well rested before tomorrow, eh?" she remarked with a grin.

I'll give Mortaar a chance to reply to that before I move you inside ;).

Mortaar nodded noncommittally, not giving away if he was worried about the clash in the morning.

Nothing really to add!

Fair enough :).

You head on inside the inn and see that Aleira is still behind the desk. She looks up and smiles as you enter.

"Ah, welcome back." she says. "I hope you enjoyed your evening. I have your keys here..."

She reaches under the desk (or perhaps into a container behind it, it's hard to tell) and pulls out two of the smooth, black, rounded stones similar to that which Gwyll used earlier, each with a silvery crescent moon symbol on it. Aleira places these on the desk.

"You just need to touch the stone to the spot at the edge of the door, where the keyhole would be." she explains. "You may have seen Gwyll do so earlier when he showed you the room. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Keep meaning to post as it's been several days now...so assuming there was nothing else you wanted to say to Aleira, you can go up to your room and have any amount of RP before you go to bed - I'll leave it to you if you want to have a conversation before going to sleep/meditation. But then...dun dun dun...finally, several IRL months after deciding this would happen on your first night in Raevin, you can level up! Woohoo!

OOC: Argh, sorry, for some reason I thought I'd already posted here and was waiting for an update.  I keep losing track of things :(


Kaelynn picked up the stone, studying it for a moment.
"Thanks" she replied with a smile.

Then she looked to Mortaar as if to see if he had anything to ask, or perhaps wondering if he was ok with using the magical key.

Yeah, sorry, did mean to post, losing track of days and stuff!

Mortaar picked up the stone as it if was an egg that might hatch out something of pure, unrelening evil, but had the good grace to give a wan smile and a nod of thanks.

"Nothing other than perhaps an early call if we are not obviously up? I would not want to keep Meek waiting again!"


Yay, leveling!

Aleira shows no reaction to Mortaar's apparent discomfort at handling the key-stone, and instead nods and smiles at the wake-up-call request.

"I'll ensure you are sent for within a few minutes of his arrival." she says. "What time can we expect him?"

Have we stalled again? We seem to be getting through about a post a week, if that, right now. Are you guys busy or bored or...?

"Don't worry, that enchantment seems harmless enough" remarked Kaelynn in a low voice, gesturing towards the key stone.


OOC: Haven't really got much to add at the moment, mostly just following Mortaar around.  Could always try another 'trance vision' type of post later...

I'm just busy at work and busy at home when I get back. You wouldn't know it but I stepped out of the main thread on Rebirth for the same reason.

Things have calmed down a little, so should be able to post more regularly again.

Mortaar looked to the key suspiciously for a moment longer despite Kaelynn's reassurances, then let his hand dangle more relaxed to his side.

"Just after dawn, I believe," Mortaar said of Meek. "I hope that's alright."

Okay, just making sure you're both still actually interested in playing ;).

"Of course, that's fine." replies Aleira, nodding.

So feel free to do any RP you may want to do involved in going up to your room and settling down, or we can just skip over and get your level-ups sorted before continuing the next day. I can't remember if you guys need your choices listing out for whatever stuff you get at each level?

I'm still a little busy so happy to move on to the next day and levelling up if Kaelynn is. I have Mortaar loaded in to the character builder so I can advance him easily. I'll PM you about my choices to make sure it all seems fine :)

OOC: Yep, I think I had an idea of how I was going to advance Kaelynn, but if I have I've lost any record of it somewhere.  I remember wanting to swap out one of my lower level powers for another one though...
Happy to move on anyways :)

That's cool. Yeah, let me know your level-up choices (I'm pretty sure I have a PM thread for each of you where that kind of stuff can go) just so I can see what you're picking, update my own versions of your sheets (I have copies in my own Char Builder), and make sure everything you picked is okay...which I'm sure it will be since you guys know how to RP ;). I've just looked in the Builder and you both get stat increases and a Feat choice. So, no new powers to choose from but there's about a billion Feats so I'm sure you'll have plenty to look through ;).
Meanwhile is there anything specific you wanted to RP or shall I just skip to...hmm, would you be up on time? I suppose Kaelynn would since she only meditates for four hours and then can presumably sit in her little room and read her spellbook while she waits for the big lump Mortaar to wake up ;).

Happy to skip I reckon?

OOC: Yep :)
Kaelynn will probably be awake and just quietly reading her spellbook.

Okies then :).

The night passes peacefully and uneventfully. Your accommodation is comfortable, and a nice break from being on the road. As the light quality within the room starts to change with the imminent rising of the sun outside, there is a light knocking at the door.

Mortaar woke with a start, forgoetting where he had been for the moment. He walked over to the door, and glared at it trying to recall if there were any special magic to open it. Eventually he openeed it, looking outside.

Ha, didn't think of that. Okay yeah, let's say the doors are only locked from the outside :D. Really they have turned out exactly the same as actual IRL hotel doors that have a magnetic key-card thing to open them :D.



"Well, good morning!" he says brightly. "The sun is rising, the land is warming, and Aleira notified me that the two of you had requested a visitation such as this at that particular time. So, here I am, delivering upon you said visitation in order to ascertain that you are both awake and ready to go about whatever business you had planned this fine morning. Will you be requiring anything at this time or would you prefer that I now return to my other duties?"

Kaelynn glanced up at the sound of the knock on the door.  Closing the spellbook she had been reading, she carefully packed it away again in her backpack.
Getting to her feet and pulling it and her sword over her shoulders again, she approached the door behind Mortaar, offering a cheerful wave to Gwyll.


OOC: Sorry for the delay, seems the offline world just won't leave me in peace any more.

Mortaar shook loose the aches of a strange bed, and looked to Gwyll. "We have our guide Meek coming back soon to guide us around the city more. I'm not sure if there's time and if we've earned enough for a quick breakfast for ourselves and him?"

"Oh, I'm sure we can manage to produce something sufficient to lay your hunger to rest for the time being." Gwyll assures you. "Simply head downstairs to the common room when you're ready and something can be provided for you."

Mortaar gave a simple nod and looked to Kaelynn to see if she was ready to go downstairs.

OOC: Yep, ready to go :)
She's definitely more of a morning person than I am.  (Then again there are nocturnal creatures that are better morning people than I am!)

You head downstairs and enter the common room. It is mostly empty, apart from a small group sitting in the far corner - a dragonborn couple with two young children, one of which is another dragonborn while the other is a tiefling.

Behind the bar, one of the tiefling workers from last night is currently tidying the glasses. She looks around at you and nods but waits for you to find a table before approaching to take your orders for food. You have time to sit and enjoy a decent enough breakfast before a blue-eyed, familiar-looking elven head peeks into the room and grins at you.

They have general breakfasty-food stuff here, plus drinks, so whatever you want, you can just pick a table and get something. The tiefling will bring you whatever you ask for, provided it's nothing too extravagant or weird ;). Feel free to converse over breakfast or just react to Meek's reappearance if you want to skip that part ;).

Mortaar grabs what he considers a modest breakfast, only double what the eladrin would eat. He looks across to the teifling child with interest, wondering if there was any any reason that this was the second teifling that seemed to have forged a strong relationship with a dragonborn. However, wisely Mortaar kept his thought to himself rather than ask the server, and instead turned to Kaelynn.

"Sleep well?" he asked, out of courtesy as he was still trying to wake up without the benefit of his usual martial exercises.


When Meek finally did emerge, Mortaar gave him a small nod of greeting.

"Well enough" replied Kaelynn with a hint of a smile, apparently deciding not to correct him on her lack of need for sleep.  "Spent some time studying some spells I'd been learning the basics of back home.  I think they'll be handy if we run into any more trouble.  Though I doubt we will around town here."

She nibbled thoughtfully on her food, following Mortaar's glance to the tiefling child, but then looking back at him.
"How about you?" she asked.

She offered a smile and a wave to Meek on spotting him.

Meek strolls casually into the room and gives a friendly wave.

"Well, good morning, you two." he says cheerfully as he approaches. "All ready to pursue your quests for knowledge and bruises?"

"We might actively seek out trouble to pay our way," said Mortaar to Kaelynn's choice of spells. "I slept alright, but I'm hoping this morning's training will work out the rust. A warrior should not spend too long idle..."


Mortaar gestured for Meek to come join them. "Does the knowledge and bruising come from the expected places, or should Kaelynn worry?" asked Mortaar lightly, finishing off the food in front of him.

Meek gives a light chuckle.

"Well, if the bruises come from the library, I'm sure you should be worried." he says. "Still, some of the tomes they have there can be pretty weighty - I suppose you might accidentally drop one on yourself in some way. But I suppose you'll be gaining some knowledge of your own, Mr Mortaar, in learning something of Bryx's unarmed combat techniques. I've seen him in action before and he tends to avoid holding back as much as possible...at least, he generally tries not to inflict any lasting damage. But he'll have greater respect for you if you can give as good as you get."

"Well, I prefer gaining knowledge to gaining bruises" replied Kaelynn with a grin.  "Although my master once said that some knowledge can be more dangerous."
Her cheerful manner faltered slightly at the memory of her master, perhaps remembering he was gone now, but she recovered quickly, at least outwardly.

"Well, I'm ready to go when Mortaar is.  And I'll try and be careful of those weighty tomes" she added.


OOC: Half-expecting to roll for a knowledge check, get a 1, and not only fail to find what I'm after but also accidentally fumble on a ladder and pull a heavy bookshelf down on top of myself!
(O.o)'
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Fri 30 Nov 2018.

Mortaar nodded thankfully. "You can only learn so much if your opponent is holding back. A real enemy never gives you such an opportunity, nor are they so accomodating in giving you a second chance to learn from your mistakes. I'm glad Bryx respects his opponents enough to give them a good fight."

Mortaar looked back regretfully to his battleblade, realising that of course he would not be likely to be able to use it in combat with Bryx. He idly flicked his horns instead. He seemed to take a moment to hear Kaelynn. "Ready when you are," he said to the others.

Meek nods and leads you out of the inn, back into the tangle of streets which are starting to fill once more as the last of the night fades away and the day starts to wear in. Meek takes you into an area you've not yet visited, the streets growing wider as you go. You pass the occasional building which looks clearly much more recently-built than its neighbours, something which happens with more frequency the further you get. At one point you pass a large space with no buildings, though it seems that some did once stand there. Given what you've learned of Raevin in recent days, it's not hard to guess what might have happened here.

Eventually you come to a fairly large stone building. It looks perhaps a little worn around the edges but certainly sturdy. A low wall runs around the outside, giving it a little space from the surrounding city, though this wall has clearly seen better days and looks in something of a state of disrepair. It looks in one part to have been destroyed completely. Again, it can be guessed at what might have caused such damage, in which case giving it lower priority than things such as homes and orphanages seems only fair. A set of strong-looking, wooden double doors etched with various strange symbols forms the entrance to the building, a few wide and shallow steps leading up to it.

Meek gestures to the building.

"Well, here we are." he says. "The head librarian is a chap called Arandor. Decent enough fellow, but doesn't have much time for people who mistreat books or show a lack of respect for knowledge. So I don't imagine you'll have anything to worry about. You may not even see him, anyway - he has plenty of assistants who'll be happy to help you out, I'm sure. Feel free to ask them any questions. I don't spend much time here myself, I must admit, so I can't really give you much more information than that."

He looks up at the sky.

"But time is passing - Mortaar and I should head to the training grounds for the bullclash."

Kaelynn looked up at the building, then back to Meek.
"Thanks, I'll be fine" she replied.

She looked over to Mortaar.
"Be careful, and good luck" she said.
"Not that you'll probably need much" she added with a smile.

With that, she turned to head for the library entrance...


OOC: Yep, Mortaar's got this one.  Easy.  No worries!  (Last bit of cheerleader-like inspiration) :)

Mortaar gives a small nod, giving no indication of if it's a goodbye, or agreement that he won't need luck.

Good luck getting stabbed in the library!

After his brief adventure, Mortaar headed in to the common room, looking for Kaelynn.

Hello again!

Yaaaay, reunited! Kaelynn, you can post here - Mortaar has caught you up at last :D.

Kaelynn had settled down at a seat, reading through the parchment sheet she had been writing on in the library.
Reading it through a few times, she placed it on the table and looked around the room, seemingly thinking.  On seeing Mortaar though, she smiled and waved cheerfully to him.


OOC: Yay, we're back!  Does he look like he has any new bruises/scars/missing limbs? :)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Tue 19 Feb 2019.

Maybe one or two red looking bruised areas as if being head butted by a minotaur, though mostly in tact :)

Mortaar nodded to Kaelynn and walked over. "We went to look for you at the library but you had already left," he said in greeting. "Did you find anything you were looking for?" he asked, looking to the parchment on the table.

Meek follows  into the room and sits down at the table, but seems content to leave the conversation to the two of you.

"Well, I met with another member of the Circle, Arandor, who runs the library here.  He helped with my research quite a bit.  Found out a lot about the history of this land and the Circle, and before them."

She glanced over Mortaar, apparently checking for injuries.
"How did things go at the training ground?"

Mortaar looked interested regarding the history of the circle, but answered Kaelynn's question for the moment. "The bullclash went well. I suspect Bryx could have gone harder on me, but he and the crowd seems satisfied with my showing, at least. I may be a little stiff for some time, but thankfully I didn't embarrass myself. It is just strange to compete without a weapon. However, not without merit to see Bryx's skills in action..."

Mortaar looked across to Meek. "I'm sure out friend over there could speak better of it as an outside observer."

Mortaar then looked back to Kaelynn. "Also, Bryx and the group are going on a goblin hunt tomorrow, and we are invited. It will be an opportunity to earn some much needed coin. I presume you are up for the challenge?"

Mortaar asked the last hopefully.

Meek merely gives an amused expression and raises an eyebrow at the comment aimed at him, but doesn't interrupt your conversation.

Kaelynn looked a little uncertain about the goblin hunt suggestion, but nodded anyway.
"Well, might be best to earn some money somehow.  Still have to pay for our rooms tonight in fact.  I asked earlier about helping out with magic, so will have to wait and see if that's available."


OOC: Kaelynn is all: "Goblin Hunt?  EEK!  Bleh, well, we need the money, so I suppose so!" :)

Mortaar didn't appear to notice the hgesitation, and nodded happily. "Good, good. So, what did you learn about the circle?"

Totally no secret messages here...

Mortaar then fished in to his belt pouch, with a tiny little jingle. "Oh, as for our food and lodgings tonight... our generous friend here has provided for that."

Mortaar walked over to Kaelynn and showed her three gold pieces, offering them to her to see if she wished to keep them for safe keeping.


Money! For nothing!

"Well, I might still help out if I can anyway.  I don't need as much sleep, and I like helping out around here" she replied, waving a hand to indicate he could keep the coins.

Kaelynn then glanced over the parchment, raising the spectacles from her eyes briefly then looking back at Mortaar.
"Mostly learning of their history, of the old king and the original Five who opposed him and who would eventually form the Circle, Komtor Sarumi among them.  I doubt if much of it will help us, but I want to understand this land and its people, and learning their history goes a way towards that."

She frowned thoughtfully at the tabletop.
"From the records in the library, it appears that the old king, a human named Raxis, was once relatively fair in his rule.  Yet as time passed he kept more and more to himself, and it seems that someone or something drove him mad.  He seemed to consider that, as the king, the people and resources of the land were his, to do whatever he wished with them.  He also had an army of strange magical constructs, made of some indestructible material, yet these ceased to function when Raxis died, and so their remains were sealed away.
To this day, no-one knows where those constructs came from, or what might have caused Raxis to lose his reason and turn to evil.  I have no idea if this is related to the mages Durneg spoke of, yet it's something to keep in mind perhaps."

She carefully folded up the parchment and returned it to her pack.
"I had thought of looking for any accounts of animal controlling mages, considering the snake.  Yet I couldn't find anything in that direction.  And when I mentioned that to Arandor, he suggested that might be a false lead of sorts.  Did you actually hear of any of them directly controlling snakes?  I think snake symbols were mentioned, and it's possible that Durneg connected an attack by a natural snake to the mages because of that symbolism.  Given his situation, I think he could be forgiven a little paranoia."


OOC: Could retype the whole story I suppose, but it's a little on the long side...  :)

Just to let you guys know, Meek is just gonna sit there and let you chat unless you specifically address him. So don't worry about my not posting much right now - this one of those "DM sits back and watches the players interact" times :D. I'll join in when there's something I actually need to do ;).

That's me back properly! :)

Mortaar considered the matter. "Unfortunately not much was clear to me regarding the mages. I did not see any snakes or serpent symbols directly on the ones that captured us, just my comrades and I found one on the necromancer that had been working his 'trade' ten year before. There had been serpent attacks on a caravan closeby though. That, and Durneg's own attack, were perhaps what solidified some connection. Perhaps not though. Still, the elfs we encountered seem to feel some evil was brewing  somewhere, in this general direction. Still, we did not find out more before continuing onwards."

"Well, maybe I can find out more, if we happen to find a larger library or someone who recognises the descriptions of those mages" remarked Kaelynn.
"Or if we should encounter one of them ourselves, maybe we can ask."


OOC: Yep, if we find one of those mages, maybe we can sit down with a cup of tea and have a pleasant polite chat with them :)

"The leader of the heart is outside the city - one called Bear. Well, not really. Perhaps they might know, when we go looking for Ishkiri. Or perhaps we should seek out the leader of the Arc connected with mages?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:50, Fri 08 Mar 2019.

Kaelynn nodded.
"Perhaps.  Well, do you have any plans on where to go next?  I'm happy to follow and help if I can."

Mortaar shrugged. "Unless one of the other leaders of the arcs here can give us more information, then my own quest seems to be at a dead end for the moment. I may leave a message for my previous companions should they come through here though. I think that seeking more information on your own mission may well be a better idea. Perhaps we can gain some goodwill after the hunt tomorrow, and ask more questions of the other leaders in this city?"

"Sounds like a good idea" replied Kaelynn, to the idea of speaking with the other leaders.  "If these mages are a significant threat, then it would be as well that the Circle knew of their existence anyway, if they don't already."

"It could be that the mages that were killed by Durneg were all of that group. But the elves felt something evil growing. Maybe the mages were just one group that is becoming bolder for some reason. But it seems odd that a second group of mages attacked your master, that he had you flee here. We would be wise to at least rule out the coincidence first."

Kaelynn gave a slight flinch at the reminder of her master's fate, but otherwise didn't seem to react beyond that.
"I'm fairly sure he didn't intend to send me here, well, not in particular.  I think he just tried to send me somewhere far from the attack.  Normally, such long-range teleportation is extremely inaccurate without some kind of focus, like a teleportation circle or a magical artefact enchanted with a teleportation ritual to act as an anchor at each end of the journey.  And I doubt he really had time to direct it much beyond ensuring I didn't land in the sea or something."

She sighed, looking down at the tabletop, tracing her finger idly around the grain patterns in the wooden surface.
"I don't know who or what attacked us.  I didn't get a look at them, just heard... sounds, screams, explosions.  It was something powerful though, very powerful.  No normal mage could have fought their way past the city's guardians and overcome the Tower's master arcanists so easily..."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:51, Thu 14 Mar 2019.

Mortaar was silent for a moment, then looked to change the subject, in whatever small way. "At the library did you find any maps or information regarding where your own home might be, in relation to here?"

Kaelynn shook her head.
"Arandor had never heard of it, and he seemed like someone knowledgeable enough to have heard of such a place if it were within reasonable travelling distance.  I did look around for some information on rituals such as scrying, but I doubt a public library would be the place to find ritual knowledge.  Magic as powerful as that could be dangerous if the untrained were to dabble in it."


OOC: Surely nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that her player forgot about that in eagerness to dig into Embrachal's backstory! :)

To be fair while the characters are well within their rights to still be thinking of Embrachal as a temporary place to be walking around, as players there's no reason to push our characters in to leaving or looking for such things. I presume there might come a time when it's a character beat whether they've stayed long enough and decided to stay.

"Well, for the moment we have work tomorrow, and once we have some money under us, we can perhaps make some more dedicated moves to investigate...whatever we feel best needs investigated."

Kaelynn nodded.
"Well, as I said, I'm content to keep helping you in any way I can while I'm here.  Whether that be against your enemies, or in finding your former allies again."


OOC: Pondering meeting up with Mortaar's buddies again and us all controlling multiple characters now, hehe. :)

We can have two times the conversations about doing something, maybe! :p

"While my allies may have found something, I would assume they would come find me if they did. I fear they have hit the same dead end, or perhaps walk a path for some other reason." Mortaar shrugged. "For the moment, I think we can look to our short term comforts and use this time to research."

Kaelynn nodded in agreement.
"Well, we'll see what tomorrow brings then" she replied with a smile.


OOC: Not much more to add unless there's anything else Mortaar wants to ask her about (or if her ditzy player has forgotten something...)

"Well we still have a decent amount of the day, and we lose Meek after today. Is there anywhere else you wish to see? I think it safest we go together if so, to avoid losing time meeting up again!"

"I can't think of anything" replied Kaelynn.  "How about you?"


OOC: Could go shopping for magical shinies, but no money yet.

"Perhaps we should ask our guide if there is some little visited part of the city we would otherwise ignore?"

Happy to maybe squeeze any last bit of insider knowledge from our guide and see some sleezy/hidden part of Raevin. Maybe get in to trouble, who knows!

"Good idea" replied Kaelynn, looking towards Meek.


OOC: Yep, wouldn't be a proper game if we didn't get into trouble in some dark corner of every big city we visited :)

Meek raises an eyebrow.

"Little-visited?" he repeats. "Hmm...well, I'm sure some places are less well-frequented than others, but was there anything in particular you had in mind?"

"It has been interesting seeing some of the Northlanders who have settled here. Are there any other places they gather? Those who don't seem to have other duties during the day like those at the training ground."

"Hmm, not as such..." says Meek, thinking it over. "Perhaps the Drake, but you've been there. It tends not to matter so much where people are from, just what they do. They're not all rough-tough types in the Northlands - Arandor, for example, is from up there but he's more of a scholar. At least unless you damage any of his books."

He shrugs.

"But most people who came down here to help ended up going where they were needed. Plenty of them assisted in more military matters but there were various crafters and such as well. And not all of them stayed in Raevin - some went to Domarin to help there while others probably returned home once they felt they'd done what they came here to do."

Mortaar looked to Kaelynn. "Not that I wish to spend money before we have it, but perhaps we could see the wares of some of the artificers? If there is something we may need, it might be an idea to know before we try to budget our time and earnings for living in the city."

Window shopping trip! Look for Meri like characters!

Kaelynn nodded enthusiastically.
"Sounds like a good idea" she replied.


OOC: Always like poking magical items :)

Meek nods.

"If it's magical or enchanted goods you're after, you're probably best off heading to the northernmost area of the city." he says. "One of the shops with the best wares is probably the Arcana Infinitum. Its proprietor is...well, his name is Aeverillius. He's an eladrin and is...hmm...quite certain in the mental superiority of his race over most others."

He looks at  and grins.

"So he should like you, at least. It's probably best to just overlook his attitude and be polite and get what you want. He probably won't have much time for you, I'm afraid, Mortaar. But his wares are good - he certainly knows his stuff when it comes to magic. Just...smile and nod. I'm afraid I can't provide with too many details on the kinds of things he tends to sell - not really my area of expertise, you understand, even if he was the kind of person with whom I could hold a ready conversation."

He taps his fingers together in thought.

"If you're after things like armour or weaponry, your best bet is back toward the training ground - that being the area of the city most creatly occupied by those of the Arc of the Body, most of the smiths have set up around there, where their wares are more likely to sell. Most of the other crafters are east of here, outside of the main trading district."

Mortaar brows knitted in to a scowl when he heard about the possible uppity demeanour of the arcane shopkeeper. "I will take no offence, if he possesses such interesting items," said Mortaa, and perhaps the minotaur even believed what he was saying.

Mortaar looked to his blade and armour. "These have been in my family for generations, and it was with trust that I allowed one of the potential members of the circle to inscribe runes upon them. For now I am fine with them, though perhaps I may get to speak with one who could augment the enchantments further when we hunt tomorrow."

Mortaar looked to Kaelynn. "I am happy to look to more unusual magical items, if you are. Who knows what might be useful, that I might otherwise not think of with my more martial upbringing."

Kaelynn looked a little uncertain at the idea of the shopkeeper liking her, but said nothing.

She glanced to Mortaar's sword with an interested look.
"Well, I can see what they have there" she remarked.  "I don't pretend to have the expertise of a member of the Circle, though part of my studies was in runic magic."

Kaelynn took up her own longsword, tapping her fingers on the silver symbols inlaid into the green scabbard.  They looked like musical notes, although anyone trained in the musical arts might consider them odd looking, bearing little resemblance to actual notes they would be familiar with, perhaps symbolising something more than mere sounds.
"Funny enough, it was a wandering Skald who told me the meaning of these, not an arcanist" she mused.  "There are always things in the world that remain mysterious it seems."

"Well, I can show you where the Arcana Infinitum is if you like." says Meek. "Or just give you directions. It's not particularly difficult to find. Aeverillius was sure to set up his shop in a place that would be easy to notice, at least. He's just...a little picky about the kind of people he chooses to serve. There are plenty of others who trade in magical trinkets and components and the like, of course, it's just that his tend toward being of higher quality. And he knows it."

Mortaar nodded. "You have been more than generous to us, including with your time. Unless your presence might...mitigate the shopkeeper's exentricities, then giving us directions would be fine."

Meek chuckles.

"Well, he doesn't particularly trust me." he says. "He tends not to have too much time for those he deems intellectually inferior, but I think Kaelynn will be fine. And getting there is easy - just head up the main road toward the North Gate and eventually you'll start seeing shops that sell arcane things. You'll know what I mean when you see them. The Arcana Infinitum is quite big and noticeable, and the signage is written primarily in Elven, with the Common translation written underneath. Aeverillius likes to use a deep, rich blue in his colour scheme, which at least is unique amongst the shops surrounding it."

"Well, I grew up among humans, rather than my own kind.  So I can't guarantee he won't find me inferior too, if he's as... 'particular' as you say" remarked Kaelynn.  "Still, no harm in looking around at least.  We can always just leave if he becomes too abrasive."

She glanced towards Mortaar, as if slightly worried about his ability to back down before an insult...


OOC: This could be fun :)  Potentially violent destructive fun, but still fun.

Bull in a china shop, minotaur in an eladrin shop...

"Indeed," says Mortaar, though his eyes narrow a little at Kaelynn's supposition that she might also be the brunt of the eladrin's attention.

He turned to Meek. "That seems to be quite easy to find then. Many thanks! Will we see you around while we stay here?"

Lol, see, Mortaar can easily handle someone being mean about him with silent disdain... but if someone comes at one of his companions, well, we'll see :p

Happy to say a maybe temporary goodbye to the NPC and go shopping!

"You may do." replies Meek. "Perhaps I'll seek you out myself in a few days, see how you're getting on. But if I don't see you again, enjoy Raevin!"

He stands from the table and offers a handshake.

Mortaar offered a very firm handshake, and an appreciative nod. "Thank you once again for your warm welcome to us. We shall look out for you in the coming days, hopefully with stories to share. An an ability to treat you to a round of drinks!"

Kaelynn nodded, reaching out to shake his hand too, her own grip enthusiastic but likely weaker than Mortaar's.
"Thank you for all your help, and I hope we do meet again" she replied.


OOC: Ready to go looking for trouble! :)

Meek nods and smiles, and turns to stroll out of the room - you see him wave a farewell to Aleira as he enters the main lobby, then he turns to head for the exit. As you make your way in that direction too, Aleira looks up at you.

"Oh, Miss Kaelynn." she says in an apologetic tone. "I'm sorry, but there is nothing we need done at the moment. I'm afraid I will have to ask for payment in coin for your stay tonight."

Sorry, since Kaelynn was namechecked I had it in my head she needed to respond.

Mortaar produced some coins. "Our new friend Meek was kind enough to provide some coin for the night. After tomorrow, we hope to be able to pay our own way with our own coin."

Offer whatever coin is needed for the room!

OOC: Sorry, I probably should have responded first, but stuff happened and I forgot (;~;)


Kaelynn glanced up distractedly.
Before she could reply though, Mortaar offered the coins he had been carrying.

"Well, if there is anything I can help with while I'm here, feel free to ask" she added.


OOC: Dangling one last side-quest lure in the water :)
This message was last edited by the player at 11:00, Thu 09 May 2019.

No worries - I was thinking of posting to ask, but I figured you guys were just busy with stuff as the other games seem pretty quiet as well.

Aleira smiles, seeming almost relieved that you can produce the money to pay - perhaps she would've felt bad about kicking you out, had you been unable to do so. She nods.

"Well, thank you for the payment." she says. "One moment while I fetch your change. I will be sure to inform you if we have anything that requires doing but I must confess it is a rare thing - usually we have the staff to manage all that needs doing. But thank you for the offer."

She reaches under the desk and fiddles with something - it sounds like a samll box being opened and some coins jingling, then the sound of the box being closed again.

"Here is your change." she says, holding out some coins. "I hope you enjoy your day."

As a reminder, the room was one gold, plus two silver each for meals for a total cost of one gold and four silver, so you have one gold and six silver left :).

Mortaar nods thanks, and hands the gold coin to Kaelynn, while keeping the silver coins for himself.

How late is it in the day?

It's around early afternoon, like 1pm-ish if I remember rightly.

Mortaar turned to Kaelynn. "So, time to find that shop?"

Presume we'll just eat later :)

Kaelynn pocketed the coin and stood up, taking up her sword and backpack again.
"Ready" she replied.


OOC: Let's go cause some trouble explore and make new friends! :)

You're already standing up - you're at the reception desk, remember? ;)

You head out into the streets once more - it is busy with people going about their business, talking, buying, selling, that kind of thing. The general hustle and bustle of a busy city in the middle of the day when activity is in full swing, and experience that has been somewhat lacking so far in your life.

So, now all that remains is to navigate your way to the correct region of the city and find this magic shop Meek spoke of...

Okay then, so it's a busy city, people everywhere, middle of the day and all that. Normally navigation on the surface uses Nature but this isn't really a "natural" environment so can you roll Streetwise to try and work your way to the correct part of town. Kaelynn, you can have a +2 bonus as you have at least been in the right section of the city so for you it's more a case of remembering the way back there.

OOC: oops, thought we'd found a table.  Bit stressed at the moment, I lose track of stuff when I'm stressed (also things sometimes explode, but that's another story!)


Outside, Kaelynn looked around the streets, trying to recall the various landmarks she had seen before.
"That way I think" she remarked, pointing...


OOC: Streetwise navigation roll: 18 (14 + 2 + 2) - Was hoping to save the higher rolls for Goblin fighting...

Mortaar nodded and followed Kaelynn without hesitation.

12 (9+3) for Mortaar!

You set out, heading northward through the city.  The streets are crowded so it takes you a while but you find yourself up to the main, wide north-south road that runs through the city.

It is very noisy here, full of hustle and bustle - people chatting, calling out to each other, merchants selling their goods from various carts and stalls, the occasional wagon pulled by the large sturdy mammalian creatures you've seen before serving in such a capacity. As you get further north, the nature of the goods on the various stalls changes somewhat - there are still some selling snacks and random knick-knacks but soon you see a lot more potions, herbs, runestones, and other arcane paraphernalia. Likewise the actual buildings around you take on a different flavour, the displays and shop names having a definite leaning toward magical things. You can tell it by the smells as well - the occasional waft of some strange perfume or herb or other such thing can be smelt on the air, perhaps from some nearby stall or similar display.

Mortaar maintains polite interest looking around, but mostly settles in to a bodyguard roll for Kaelynn, to let the swordmage browse at her leisure without having to worry about people and carts being an issue. Mortaar also keeps a look out for the obvious blue building Meek had described.

OOC: eep!  Sorry.  Spent all week with my nose buried in the Dungeon Master's Guide translating my NPC notes into stat blocks, I keep forgetting which of these I've updated and which are still waiting on me.


Kaelynn seemed distinctly at home in this place, glancing around at the surroundings with clear interest.
After a while though, she pointed to one of the buildings ahead of them.
"There it is!"

Quickening her pace, she headed towards the building she had pointed out...

No problem! Books are absorbing, and getting a game ready is a lot of work!

Mortaar nodded, looking briefly but clearly trusting his companion. "After you. I suppose you should be in the lead for this anyway. I will just...be silent and hopefully disuade him from being too...intolerant."

You approach the building.  The door is in the centre of the front wall, with large windows either side. Both the door and the windows have faint symbols traced on them which look arcane in nature. You can't see much through the windows, either, as though the shop is dark inside, and there don't seem to be any displays visible. The door itself doesn't look like anything too special other than that it has these runes/symbols on its surface - it has a handle on it like any other door.

OOC: Out of curiosity, trying an Arcana check on the runes around the doors and windows, and the ones on the door itself.  Guessing they're protective to stop folks breaking in, but Kaelynn knows enough to be cautious around possibly-unknown magic :)
32 (15 + 17) - Woah.  I can feel the turn of the universe! (@.@)

Haha yeah, see, that's what happens when you have a really high Skill - you make even an average roll (okay 15 is above average, but still...) and score really high :D.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 09:08, Mon 27 May 2019.

Think your formatting went squiffy and there's half a message to either both of us or just Kaelynn.

"I presume the runes don't keep out prospective customers the owners knows are beneath him?" asked Mortaar. He seemed to say it with a jovial tone, but he also didn't appear to be in any hurry to open the door, either.

"Just checking, given what Meek told us about him" replied Kaelynn quietly.  "They're mostly protective wards though, probably meant to guard against thieves."

Moving into the doorway, she reached for the handle...


OOC: Going in, hoping I don't get zapped :)

"Mostly?" said Mortaar, and paused for a second looking again at the wards before following Kaelynn.


What do I need to roll to stop Mortaar's fur from being on fire due to arcane intolerance spells? :p

Oops yes, that was the other half of Kaelynn's Arcana results, I just messed up due to some italicisation mid-sentence and accidentally put a couple of things the wrong way around. Fixed now :D.

You enter the shop - nothing happens around you, you aren't zapped by anti-burglary magic or anything. The interior of the shop is stangely lit - light does some in through the windows but there are also glowing orbs of pale yellow light on the ceiling in a few places and around the walls. There are numerous shelves lining the walls, as well as closed cabinets and display cases. All manner of arcane paraphernalia can be seen - scrolls, jewellery, staves, ceremonial-looking blades, all protected from the grasping fingers of customers by glas panels (and probably more). There is also a section of shelving that holds various plants and small pouches, alchemical ingredients which give off a variety of smells that merge in the air to fill the entire place with a cacophony of nose-noise.

At the opposite side of the room, which is of a decent size but hardly huge, is a glass counter which looks to hold more things inside it. Standing behind said counter is a tall figure with tapered ears and a slightly elongated face framed by long-ish silvery hair - an eladrin. He is male, and has eyes of pale green which are matched by the well-fitting robes he wears, which also have various patterns in other colorus embroidered through them. He is sitting at the counter, writing something on some parchment using an elaborate-looking purple-ish quill pen, but looks up as the door opens and closes and a faint ringing chime sounds throughout the shop, though there is no bell visible.

Kaelynn's eyes widened slightly as she looked around the shop with an air of interest at the items displayed.  As the voice of the shopkeeper suddenly broke into her concentration, she looked at him.
A hint of puzzlement crossed her face, as if she hadn't understood something, then it became a look of realisation as she glanced back at Mortaar.

She hastily replied in the same language the shopkeeper had used.
[Language unknown: "It, ni onssfi p ioeietst, acll, o eenestfor ho ulpeteol.  Illta fi k ur unseckisck reaeraoneion, cano ncit E moutil Ai essiveestven nenc lase i nc nearho."]


OOC: He might still get his fur set on fire, just not immediately! ;)

Mortaar grumbled slightly, but did move. Behind Kaelynn, as if to show she was in charge of negotiations. The fact Mortaar could loom over her perhaps showed he was not going anywwhere, especially if he suspected she was going ot be swindled in a deal.

The eladrin shopkeeper gives  a further brief glance before resuming conversation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:56, Wed 29 May 2019.

Just for fun rolling insight (19, 17+2) to see if the shopkeeper is really ignoring Mortaar, or is suitably intimidated to be polite :p

Kaelynn's smile remained in place, despite faltering ever so slightly.
She replied again in the same language.
[Language unknown: "E utwecaer tinerearesta oreandsan pl heaifi pl atssla, houyinherint Tr asles wi siceal for mefosi i si plpro.  Waecca arnot pentnt whistathu lalo caan ul, ro eveortrut ut roma noevtiiv ome Allithkor Onwete, pr a acerprli e a dermensom ai chtoisevsa il le e mo ei manmencon il yinthaove virrom'erssom.  Atihi wil nt se lathasome of outa entrli, poos oulhasnte p conmenoulast nde k eauardore ck onshouout."]

This post totally not full of PMs to everyone...


The eladrin raises a slender eyebrow, but does not seem to display any particular kind of reaction to what he is being told. He replies.

OOC: Not much pleasing this guy is there? :)
Hmm, did we actually come here looking for anything in particular?  Been so distracted lately I forgot...

Don't think so - you don't have any money, for starters ;). It seemed like you just wanted to spend the afternoon doing something and poking around for cool stuff in magic shops seemed to be the idea you came up with, perhaps with an idea to actually buying something when you can afford it? I don't remember anything more specific than that being mentioned, anyway...

That was about it really. Scout out the shinies before the literal thousands of gp the surely lucrative goblin splatting industry will provide us in only a day or two :)

Plus maybe shinies come from people and places that might be of an interest to us later on.

[Language unknown: "Ckcell m risspoioos"] replied Kaelynn.  [Language unknown: "K sanvenoun sti wihe casidi whai ut diove hou, i terbleate si willesich osted es ion sefo som enwit on llseeent dertr ive iv e rutreslin ofom."]


OOC: Sorry for the delay.  Got the weekend to myself now, so should be a bit more active, as long as I don't find something shiny online :)

Hehe, "Shiny"? Weirdly, I have that song in my head right now :D. Also, ooh, forgot about language tags - just been using secret text this whole time. But that works too :D.

[Language unknown: "To, T urint."] replies Aeverillius, nodding. [Language unknown: "Noton, Se i pe taine ca itshe wh yinmenbuteau chhe wer yin re ounare omeete a unpr ous houthetin ek ss ncon, oreithart paun. Un ekoul o, foilho oreundill ti ev illherred t as ul weadhami ave ioudayear, is fo lesom hahis on adicil o terom li diut'esto toonngon? M metana O tha nifimead ce ceere iou esspl."]

OOC: I wasn't sure if Mortaar could actually understand the language.  Hard to tell secret text apart from the normal text.  Only way I can tell what's secret is to open up a new post quoting the previous one, then the secret text doesn't appear in the quoted part :)
Also I mostly have 'Daymare Town' stuck in my head.  Not a song, it's a series of puzzle games made by the same guy behind the 'Submachine' series, but much more difficult.  I love the weird places it's set in though, giving me ideas :)  Also I'm a lucid dreamer, so if I play it before going to sleep I end up exploring places like it in my dreams, awesome source of inspiration!


Kaelynn glanced around the shop uncertainly before replying.
[Language unknown: "Ti, Hi ssek ofivol ettiss whisar e tipane on adalli i echeng in oul ntilut icawitncence.  N eemi hetatasana ndhe ad tiaiurng encth our, ss Ulof for is us p witntithe n uresom'undine lepre fo wesear io, ai allencare oul ere ressetred riekfo...  Plmaho o ha menderall ngchpo, I setkoroutere ove st ic laol waswe ek.
Iouratous acel waman, Ek hatoveera der nimace dihowa, ecacnt antha th hatourtinons ate ssstr traantbut te sieril t neho lerewh ughhasyinore."]

I believe that is the purpose of Secret text, so you guys don't know who's getting what information ;).

Aeverillius seems to think over the matter for a few moments before replying.

[Language unknown: "Ainpo," wi ent olsiertrnien, "ivelinwil It ho ectencsta e aithe strnteith ome t poncfo reastrday oules oulstimen maplca ul pawhic outwi encverlat, uros th ar miriwe allnceoun ro anterathi plomtr an ssecat pa chter wheis conkorble le ho stres naivic tallholi."]

OOC: B...B... But... But that's so... SNEAKY! :o  hehe.


Kaelynn nodded slowly as if thinking something over, then replied again.
[Language unknown: "Oun whe esand si?  Me tinourine ngncpa m ndpoof e A un k celoro le aifoiour ereameica.  Fi K unpo, St peoer pe tha ulchfi er, kor Al of k pr wevir shehouure lateveman tote."]

Naturally ;).

[Language unknown: "Ers," nde Intvoringthiant, "artthawil ameee olse andkorstr i lo un ectinende o Notvorundout Rativeear, latectore setencive thang utadti no leom ortsanore ad iveichore n lleili som thvir but ca avees the sanver-tioast a m popefous ofofis isomet ho dindinare e adhe ughartstr, ntiantthe arehasset haad artithhas te we his essll po laerac ith oueve ngch-ulre tiostithe. K ndtiai i eralateve i t poiehehach oulecteau teutanfi ie prwh int wit hisom omebe, notineere t somandear o ort moio, asme n pa tetrio asave for rounle ta setima fo aromon el orterecom ai ni n theain'strany. Ce strherpro u k he thitedentonehis he o setlinbut tant ro earasture nana podimi seckevsi proromast forineset ousevelin ofdiev ar li reta n aletri, aiha atceta ing m ichund'virhasvir eaubutratoer cante a wasessiouhou Ne ousti but n eiwefion esill isinut il ncurar oulol."]

Kaelynn looked thoughtful, as if considering something, then responded.
[Language unknown: "Inehi arance rutsetrat acoure, en Ck iockca nde it eero ithkorpro e p losepren, ichsoneratic Si men neure fiom herbutour on ivkor ti e atindeest esngpl inntes caou.  Is He pa, n M ofat earndeven rom ecieho on dinoveart are, ouil Outsa mall mo."]

Aeverillius nods.

[Language unknown: "A usekun, n uleelo." ck ble. "Ng sti elour conur hi tedsheard histhawhe lo, M a os fo notticich m ek e call beusaite andvenhou rut ai torola m u. E esev orethuess, prnape a onme wheallast."]

Kaelynn smiled and nodded.
[Language unknown: "Som T whseis asar the prte set, trpe atehe ol os etossi" tiomo te.]

Turning back to Mortaar, she switched to Common.
"Well, let's head back" she remarked.


OOC: Ready to go :)  Before Mortaar starts thinking we're saying horrible things about him...

Mortaar gives a raised eyebrow, but nods and follows Kaelynn out, deciding it would be better to be out of earshot before asking his companion about what had occurred.

Aeverillius gives a polite bow of his head and turns back to whatever he was doing before you entered.

Outside, it seems much louder after the quiet of the magic shop - the streets are still busy, people are still moving about, talking and calling out to each other.

"So, did that go well?" asked Mortaar above the din, trying to make sure he shielded Kaelynn from the general flow of people so they could talk. "Will we be able to come back later when we have money?"

"It went better than I expected, after what Meek told us about him" she replied with a wry smile.  "He thought you were my bodyguard and wanted me to tell you to wait outside initially, but I told him we were travelling together and he seemed to accept you waiting in the shop.  Other than that he seemed polite.
I just asked him about scrying rituals for now, it did occur to me to try to see if there was anything left for me to return to, but the ones he has can't see over that kind of range.  Would need something exceptionally powerful to do that I think, but thought I'd check.
Anyway, it might still be worth checking back if there was something in particular you wanted me to find or do to help.  His wares are expensive though, advanced magic usually is, depends how much we managed to make."


OOC: Wondered idly what he'd have made of Meri...
Then again the difference between Meri and Kaelynn is that Kaelynn would just have walked out if he was rude to her.  Meri would have told him to shut up before he got forcefully inserted head-first into one of his own display cases!  :)

Meri also isn't a fellow eladrin, which might have had something to do with it ;).

"As long as we know our options, it was as much an excuse to explore the city more. Until we find more information on the dangers that both of us have seen, or a way to get you back to your old place, we really are simply explorers."

Kaelynn nodded, looking around at the surrounding town.
"Well, I suspect I have little left to return to my old place for.  My master dead, my home for much of my life probably in ruins, I would have to scry it to be sure of that though, so I can only hold out some hope for now, that whatever attacked the Tower would have at least left the city itself more or less alone.  If there is anyone left, then healers would be of far more use than a fledgeling arcanist.  My birthplace, nothing more than a dim remnant of memory.  My master always promised to tell me everything when he believed I was ready to know, but it seems that, through no fault of his own, he took that secret to his grave."

She lowered her gaze to the ground at their feet, remaining silent for a moment, then looked up at Mortaar again.
"If I can be of any help to you, then I'm happy to remain so for as long as needed.  Everyone needs a purpose, and maybe this is mine now.  Especially if your friend somehow predicted my arrival when no-one else even knew I would be sent here before it happened, I could have landed anywhere, but maybe I'm here for a reason."


OOC: In other possible character scenarios with the rude shopkeeper, my Skald character would have remained perfectly calm and cheerfully smiling while politely relating a story of a rude shopkeeper who later ended up falling on hard times when he offended one blessed by Avandra.
My Goblin character would have tried to sweet-talk Meri into disabling his magical traps and distracting him so she could loot his stuff :)
Also working on a somewhat ill-fated Witch character with a rather sarcastic familiar which would probably have enjoyed trading verbal abuse with him while she just stood there and facepalmed, wondering how a simple shop visit went so horribly wrong, hehe.  :)

Mortaar gave a sympathetic grunt. "Perhaps your master was only going to tell you that which is within your mind already. But it does not seem like something you will find out soon. Maybe if I find my companion again you could ask her..."

Mortaar seemed troubled. "Thank you for your offer of help. However, though my companion did indeed foretell your arrival, it seems my purpose is less clear than before. The ones I was following have fallen without other clues. So far no one else has felt the evil that I was warned about. I feel that telling the Komtor of what we learned should be the end of our purpose, for he should have more resources than us. But perhaps he and those under him have too many responsibilities and are stretched thin. Still, I am not sure what to do next. It would be a shame to leave this city, but perhaps after we have earned some coin and looked around, we should reuinted with Ishkiri and move on again away from civilisation. That is most likely where the danger lies..."

Mortaar considered something for a moment. "I suppose this 'bear' from the Heart is someone we should speak to tomorrow or the day after, once we have fulfilled our obligation to help with the goblins."

Kaelynn glanced back in the direction they had come then up at the sky.
"Maybe.  I'd like to meet your other friends anyway, they sound interesting" she remarked with a smile.  "Maybe they've found out more on their own too."


OOC: Not sure whether they'd be NPCed or if we get to play multiple characters.  (Tempted to bring my Goblin character in if so.  Then again, considering Mortaar seems to end up killing goblins a lot...)

"Maybe. My friend from the old lands, Gregg, was a wizard and adventurer. He was intelligent and personable, so I am sure he may have found out things. And Shiraka was the shaman whom we met and freed, who foretold the coming of you and Nova to me. Hopefully she may have had more luck than me in sensing the evil, or spoken with others who knew. And Mirrip was a more recent companion. He was a friend to the Murafu I spoke of with the kobolds. The Murafu are an inquisitive people. If he met any on his travels, he may well have gotten some information that others may not have access too."

Mortaar seemed lost in thought for a moment, but then came back to himself. "Still, you are no less a companion than they were. I have every confidence that together we can find out what goes on in our own ways. I just have no ideas other than seeking rumours with the fighters tomorrow, and this member of the heart, on what to do next. Perhaps we should see to our own monies and comforts for a while. If we need to travel again, it would be best to be prepared for the road and any dangers."


Forget how much I'd mentioned of the previous companions. Gregg was my other character, the other two were NPCs Ameena controlled. Mirrip was a ranger/rogue hybrid, henace he was a rague / roger :p

"I hadn't heard of Murafu before coming here" replied Kaelynn thoughtfully.  "Would be interesting to encounter one of those."

She shrugged and looked up at Mortaar again.
"Still, everything in its own time.  Let's head back for now then, unless you want to look around anywhere else?"


OOC: "Roger the Rague" sounds like an interesting character :)  Also I keep pronouncing "Rague" like "Ragu", maybe he has a liking for Italian food (or whatever location passes for Italy in D&D World).
This message was last edited by the player at 10:02, Mon 24 June 2019.

Oh yes, I completely pronounce it light the cooking sauce whenever I think about it :)


Can Mortaar have a lats look around for a shop or shop owner that may be a little more like Mortaar? Like some form of warrior artificer or blacksmith or something, just to see if there is a more proactical magic shop they could come back to if they have more money?

Perception (if that's the roll) 16 (13 + 3)

Otherwise, Mortaar will be happy to head back for the moment.

Hehe, Ranger/Rogue Hybrid was kind of cool, it meant I got extra damage regardless of which attack I was using - if I had Combat Advantage, I could use a Rogue attack and get my Sneak Attack bonus. If I didn't, I woud use a Ranger attack instead and get the Hunter's Quarry bonus >:). Well, on a Hybrid the bonuses are only one extra die of damage instead of two, but still...

Mortaar looked around but apparently didn't find anything that took his attention. "Yes, let's," he grumbled, trying to create a space in the crowd so that Kaelynn and himself could join the flow of foot traffic back to the inn.

Kaelynn nodded and moved closer behind Mortaar, using the gap he created in the crowd to follow him easily.


OOC: Pity Kaelynn isn't a Pixie, could just ride around on top of Mortaar's head :)

You head back toward the inn, a trip that takes perhaps an hour in the heavy afternoon traffic which mostly consists of various individuals walking around on foot but on the main, wide road there is the occasional wagon pulled by one of the large creatures you've seen around the place.

By the time you draw near to the Arms of Sehanine once again, it is around mid-afternoon or so.

What's the plan?

Seems like killing time until goblins tomorrow! Was there any advertised entertainment or anyone interesting hanging around?

Nothing specific that you've seen but there are plenty of taverns and other places that you might be able to go which have entertainment. If you can let me know what specific kind of things you're looking for and make a Streetwise check for asking around about such stuff, I'll see what you can learn about :).

OOC: Hmm, could go looking for a tavern brawl? :)

I think it's more the sort of thing you find yourself in rather than seek out :p

Kaelynn, any preference for anything to do that doens't involve having our heads caved in?

OOC: Hmm, can't really think of anything, with or without the caving-in of heads involved.
Still yeah, if in doubt, find a tavern.  Pick up local gossip, other side-quests, and potential plot hooks :)

Streetwise check for taverns and entertainment: 12 (9+3)

Looking around this district, you don't see much by way of entertainment facilities, as this area seems to be home to those focused more on the arcane. You see the occasional street performer doing minor magical tricks for passers-by (especially those with children, naturally), but for the most part, nothing resembling a tavern. But asking around quickly gets you pointed back south and you are told that most of those kinds of places are in the more mercantile district that largely takes up the central area of the city. There are plenty of places depending on what you're looking for - many tavern host musical performers of various types. There is also the occasional open-air stage set up by small troupes of actors, musicians, and the like.

I suspect that Mortaar's definition of "entertainment" is probably somewhat different to Kaelynn's, but music and stuff is generally what you get directed to if you ask random people, and there are plenty of taverns and stuff for that.

Something open air seems nicely non-commital, with the option to wander for a tavern or head back to the taproom at the inn later.

Kaelynn continued to follow Mortaar through the crowd, her attention drifting to the street performers doing magical tricks.
She seemed more at peace here, a hint of a smile lingering on her face as her eyes followed their hand movements with an intrigued look, and after a moment, she began subtly making her own movements, colourful lights and illusory shapes flickering around between her fingers...


OOC: Hmm, wonder if they have a vacancy for a street magician around here? :)
Happy to go with Mortaar's preference here anyways.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:26, Fri 05 July 2019.

You return southwards down the main road and head back into the central district of the city, leaving behind the odd colours and smells of the more arcane region of Raevin. Finding some form of entertainment isn't too hard - at this time of day there is plenty to see, with the streets so busy not just with merchant stalls but with the occasional musician or small group of such sitting to the side of the wider roads or in the middle of small plazas playing to small crowds that tend to gather around them. There are usually numerous small stalls nearby, selling snacks and sweets to passers-by.

Did you want to find some specific kind of entertainment or are you just randomly wandering around to try and encounter multiple such scenes as you generally explore?

I presume a single entertainment thing would be easier for you, rather than us devouring all your good ideas for encounters in one go :)

Mortaar stopped occasionally to make sure Kaelynn was still following him, and had not found anything interesting.

He spotted her aping the magicians, and paused, saying quietly, "We can always find a reasonably quiet spot to stop, if you want to see if you can attract an audience yourself? I daresay I can do some feats of strength to break up such endeavours."

Lol, no harm in offering :p

Kaelynn paused and looked up, her magical effects dissipating as her concentration on them lapsed.
"Oh, I just noticed the magic they were using to create those effects is similar to the kind I'd learned, so wondered if I could do that too."

She raised a hand, creating a tiny glowing green bird that flew circles around her hand then turned into a butterfly and settled on a fingertip.
"I've never tried street illusions to earn money before, but I can try if you think it would work" she offered.


OOC: Not sure if that would count as using Prestidigitation to directly affect things though, if I remember right it's restricted in how much it can have a big effect on events?

It's more that you can't really use it to manipulate physical objects or cause harm/hindrance to other people. It's basically worded that you can't use it (or any other cantrip) as a means of combat. There's nothing about using it to attract attention or cause reactions in other people who see it ;).

Anyway, if you were looking more to observe than to perform, what would you be looking for? A musician? Singer? One of the magic-users? Something else? I would imagine that Mortaar prefers things that end in bruises but you wouldn't really be seeing any of that here - indication would show you'd need to go back to the training grounds for that ;).

Mortaar gave an apprciative smile at the demonstration. "We should be able to earn money with honest work tomorrow. Perhaps simple entertainment is enough for today? Though I would not stop anyone showing appreciation."


Mortaar would actually rather do the real physical stuff than see it (unless it's martial and he can learn from it), so would be far happier to observe something he doesn't normally do. It having a practical aspect to it (like a magician, acrobat) I guess would be more interesting than pure performance (singer).

Okay then, let's see...

You walk the streets for a while, observing the activity around you, and at one point follow the sound of music until you come to an open area, like a small plaza, lined with stalls. A small crowd has gathered around the centre, where there seems to be a makeshift stage set up. Dancing and tumbling on the stage are a pair of halflings dressed in brightly-coloured costumes. Seated at one end of the stage is a tiefling, similarly dressed, playing a quick, merry melody on a small flute. A couple of other instruments sit nearby - a drum and some kind of stringed instrument, perhaps a lute.

The halflings are performing an acrobatic sort of dance to the music provided by the tiefling, leaping over one another, doing handstands and somersaults, lifting and flipping each other in time to the music. A fourth member of this little troupe stands toward the back of the stage, in the centre - an imposing-looking dragonborn with scales the colour of tarnished bronze, though dressed no less decoratively than the others. The dragonborn seems to serve partly as a kind of combined platform and springboard for the halflings, helping to fling them high into the air as they perform their dance.

People of various ages are watching, some clapping along to the music.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 14:24, Tue 09 July 2019.

Kaelynn followed Mortaar along the street, the illusionary butterfly on her finger taking to the air again and following her, occasionally changing back into a bird again momentarily in a small flash of coloured sparks and flying in circles around her.

As they arrived at the stage, she stopped and watched the performance, smiling and tapping her foot in time to the music.
The illusory butterfly changed back into a bird, shifting colours in time to the music and flying in erratic patterns that seemed to match the beat in some subtle way...


OOC: Kids and music seem to bring out Kaelynn's playful side :)  Feywild influences still lurking in there somewhere perhaps :)

A few people around you seem to notice the little display, a couple of small children laughing and pointing excitedly.

Meanwhile on the stage, the two halflings perform a kind of twisting, leaping somersault from the outstretched arms of the dragonborn, landing neatly on their feet, side-by-side on the stage. The tiefling's music finishes as the halflings bow deeply to the audience, which applauds.

"And now, pray permit us a few minutes to take a break." calls out one of the pair. "But rest assured, we shall dance once again for you soon!"

The crowd begins to disperse as the four performers move toward each other on the stage, exchanging a few words apparently congratulating each other on their latest performance.

Mortaar stops when they see the stage, and watches the display of agility with appreciation. Though he as much looks to the dragonborn to see what skills he is using as a platform. "I wonder what Nova is doing just now...?" he muses to himself, perhaps loud enough for Kaerlynn to hear.

Mortaar notices the interest Kaelynn temporarily generates, and gives a small clap and smile towards the mage along with the laughing of the children.

Kaelynn blushed slightly at the notice.
Encouraged, she raised her other hand, creating a second illusory bird which looped around her in the opposite direction to the first.
Eventually they both flew upwards and collided in a flash of colourful sparks, three of which turned into smaller birds which resumed orbiting rapidly around her...


OOC: Showing off a bit :)

Several nearby children laugh and squeal with delight at the display. A few adults look around too, and the foursome on the stage also seem to notice.

"A fine display!" calls one of the halflings. "Perhaps we should see about getting someone with similar talent to join our little group!"

The two halflings laugh merrily, and the tiefling smiles. The dragonborn seems preoccupied with rummaging around behind the stage.

Kaelynn looked a little surprised at the offer, but continued, seemingly enjoying herself now.
The three smaller illusory birds flew up into the air, changing into spherical shapes as they did, like thrown balls.
One appeared to catch fire, trailing realistic looking flames, another seemed to freeze into a solid chunk of ice, leaving a pale white mist behind as it flew, while the third glowed brightly, crackling with lightning and scattering small sparks behind it that quickly dissipated again.

As these dropped back down, she neatly 'caught' them and tossed them back up again, juggling with them...


OOC: Making up for the absence of Nym in our lives perhaps...  :)

Haha yeah, it's a very Nym-style display, although hers would probably be a bit more rainbow-coloured :D.

Some of the crowd that had previously been dispersing now starts to gather around this new display - even the four performers on the stage seem happy to stand and watch, the dragonborn having also now noticed. There are a few "oohs" and "aahs" from the crowd, and laughter from the children.

As the firey ball was thrown back into the air again, this time it remained high above hovering there.  The ice ball immediately followed, colliding with it and merging the two together in a crackling and hissing of steam, forming a small cloud in the air while Kaelynn caught the lightning ball and tossed it lightly from hand to hand.
As the cloud finished forming above her, she then spun around and threw the lightning ball upwards where it struck the cloud, emitting a flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder, as though a miniature storm was suddenly brewing overhead.

Forming a small green glowing sphere between her cupped hands, Kaelynn threw this upwards to strike the cloud, causing it to explode into a dazzling multicoloured shower of firework-like lights and sparks which dissipated as they floated downwards.
Grinning slightly, she took a bow and looked around.


OOC: End with a bang, as they say :)  Back home, Kaelynn never really got to show off like this before, seems to have found a new hobby :)
This message was last edited by the player at 10:55, Sat 20 July 2019.

Mortaar had stood back, almost as if to be simply part of the crowd, and gave a small smile at the energetic display.


No, he's not stepping back because of the mention to Nym and concern for the immediate vacinity and stray magical energies, nooooo.

Hey, at least Kaelynn is a Wizard and not a Sorc ;). And presumably she really is actually an eladrin as well ;).

There is applause from the gathered crowd. The two halflings on the stage also applaud quite enthusiastically while the tiefling does so in a more polite fashion whilst smiling. The dragonborn settles for a nod of acknowledgement before returning to the back of the stage to continue rummaging around in whatever is there.

"Marvellous!" calls one of the halflings.

"I'm glad you waited for us to finish before you did that!" calls the other, grinning.

OOC: Presumably...  ;)


Kaelynn blushed noticeably at the reaction.
"Glad you liked it" she replied.


OOC: And that was the night we chose to abandon our quests and join the world of travelling theatre, and the rest is history! :)  hehe.

Mortaar decides to leave Kaelynn to her moment of adulation, and moves across to the dragonborn.

"I think my companion deserves her moment in the spotlight," says Mortaar to the dragonborn in the way of an opening greeting. "Can I help you in any way while I wait?"


Yep, goblins boring, spotlight ... soaring?

I'm gonna assume you kind of walk around the side of the stage rather than stepping onto it and walking past the three other occupants ;).

"Hrmm?" grunts the dragonborn, seeming surprised at the approach. "Oh, no, no help needed. We're taking a break. You want to see another performance, you need to wait till we're done. Or you can just watch your friend, there - she seems pretty decent at attracting a crowd."

Meanwhile, on the stage, the tiefling gathers up her instruments and starts walking over, while the two halflings seem about to join her. The gathered crowd, on seeing that this second, unexpected performance seems to be done, starts once again to disperse.

Kaelynn gave a cheerful wave to the crowd then moved to follow Mortaar to the stage.


OOC: May as well have a chat with them :)

The halflings, who are both male, look over in surprise. The rust-scale dragonborn, meanwhile, produces some small packages of food which she hands to them as they walk across the stage. The tiefling also arrives and is handed food, which she takes with a nod and watches the gathering curiously.

"Something we can do for you?" inquires one of the halflings. "I'm afraid we're not going to be performing for perhaps another hour."

Mortaar seems bemused to be in a circle of attention, and gives a small disarming smile - at least disarming for a minotaur. "No, just giving my friend a moment to herself to enjoy the attention. Since she seems to be done, I suppose we can find some other way to amuse ourselves for another hour until you come back on."

Kaelynn moved closer to Mortaar and gave a cheerful smile to the performers.


OOC: Hmm, might be suspicious Kaelynn is going to steal their audience :)  hehe

Well, one of them did say they were glad you wait till they were done ;).

The halfling nods.

"Oh, fair enough." he says. "Well, enjoy the day!"

He raises a small chunk of bread in a mock salute before turning away with his companions to enjoy his lunch.

Mortaar turns around to Kaelynn. "Did you want to stay here, or look around elsewhere?" he asks, after giving a nod of farewell to the performers.

"Up to you" she replied.  "Might be interesting to see what else is around here though."


OOC: May as well see what else is here, before Kaelynn gets lynched by angry street performers :)

They didn't seem angry - they seemed to enjoy your performance as much as most of the people who stood around to watch ;).
Anyway, we don't need to fully RP every last detail of your afternoon if there's nothing more specific you guys wanted to do - there's plenty to see and do in the city but without money I suppose your options are somewhat limited for now ;).

Happy to move on and be generally entertained unless Kaelynn the player wanted to see / do anything with the time.

OOC: Nah, can't really think of anything to do for now.

Okies...so the rest of the day is pretty uneventful - feel free to get in any more RP you want between you, if you want to go back to the inn, have some food, go to your room, whatever you want to do before you get some sleep/meditation :).

Mortaar enjoyed the relative stress-free day, seeing the various sights in Raevin. However, he did have a distracted air, especially as the day wore on. He was probably getting more focused on - or excited for - the goblin hunt with fellow warriors tomorrow.

By the time they ate that evening, he seemed to be deep in thought.

Kaelynn also seemed to enjoy the sights of the city.
She didn't pause to try more magical performances, perhaps retreating back into her usual more shy attention-avoiding side.  Although she did occasionally try conjuring a small illusory shape briefly, as if experimenting further with her cantrips out of interest.

That evening, she was studying some notes in the spellbook she carried with her while eating.
At one point though, she looked up at Mortaar, as if his silence had become more noticeable to her.
"Everything ok?" she asked.


OOC: Sorry for inactivity lately, too much stuff to deal with...  Running low on Sanity Points!
(@.@)'

Please look after yourself and keep yourself above 0 San so you don't become an NPC! Even if it would be a fun mad inventor using Cthuluian technology to build rifts in reality with interesting applications.

Mortaar came out of his revelry slowly, taking a moment to recall the question. He shrugged without apparent concern. "Yes, yes. Just thinking of past experiences. Future opportunities. I wondered if Nova and the kobolds were doing well. I wondered where Durneg and my old companions might be at the moment. I'm still trying to process if we've seen the last of the wizards that captured Gregg and myself, or if their evils still continue. Thinking on what we've seen of Raevin and the Komtor and the rest of the people here. Just wandering on what is to come in our investigations, if there is anything we can find. And of course just preparing myself for the goblin hunt tomorrow." Mortaar paused a moment as if to say more about that, but then stopped himself.

He shrugged again. "You? Are you enjoying the peace? No second thoughts about the hunt tomorrow?"

"Can't say I'm as enthusiastic about it as others" she replied after a short pause looking at the tabletop.  "I only have the word of others that the Goblins here are a threat, though the ones we encountered before do prove it to some extent.  But I don't personally have much reason to consider them all as enemies, so can't really enjoy the idea of killing them."

She looked back up at Mortaar again.
"Still, I promised to help you where I could, and I trust your judgement.  And those of the Circle I've encountered and read about so far seem noble-minded enough to want to lend my aid to them too.  So you can count on me to back you up, whatever you choose to do."


OOC: Basically "not really much for killing, but I trust you and I'll help you out anyway" :)  What are friends for, if not decimating the local goblin population alongside you?

Now I'm envisioning a Call of Cthulhu investigator version of Mollie.  Distant ancestor studying weird magitech stuff at Miskatonic University perhaps? :)  Always wanted to try playing that game someday.

Kill 'em all or drive 'em insane, the battle cry of all players and game masters!

Mortaar again seemed to have something to say regarding the goblin hunt, and this time after a debate with himself decided to speak up. "Before we ran in to each other, when I first moved on to these lands near Raevin, my party was set upon by a goblin warband. They seemed to be interested in nothing but attacking us for the sake of it. While perhaps there may be other tribes similar to the kobolds we met, I can imagine the ones makiing their presence known are more likely to be the ones similar to those who were torturing those drakes."

Mortaar seemed almost about to leave it there, but then with a sigh carried on. "During that battle I fell. I had challenged the leader of the goblins, but of course he would not fight honorably and had other around. It should not have been an issue, it was perhaps a lucky blow... still, it was not something I expected to happen. Of course, I had companions around, but I had rushed off to the challenge. It is perhaps my training and my people. I trained for fighting one on one, and even in battle there is less tactics and more...well, bullclash I suppose. Out in my adventuring in the other lands, I developed a rapore with Gregg, who I could count on to watch my back, though in return I suppose I may have stayed closer to him to protect him. Hmm..."

Mortaar thought agian for a moment. "I suppose I am not as proficient in fighting with a group. And yet, I suppose that I should learn more discipline in that regard. This rage spirit that is supposed to power me seemed to need focus. And I suppose there is a possibility if I become stronger I may be a danger if I cannot control it."

Mortaar struggled to find the right words. "What I am trying to say is that I suppose I have some small nerves that I would not normally have for tomorrow. I do not want to let a group down again, but am not quite sure how to adapt my fighting style." He then nodded his head to Kaelynn. "Also, I do not want to neglect my duty to watching your back, as you I know will watch mine. I do not normally have to...think... about battle. It is my purpose, and in my blood. It is quite unsettling."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:11, Wed 14 Aug 2019.

Kaelynn nodded.
"That's understandable.  I'd like to help, although I don't understand spirits as much as someone like Ishkiri might.  For now, I'll help as much as I can during battle.  I can cast the protective ward against arrows and thrown spears as I did before.  I can't move it once it's established, but if you want me to save it for a tactically-significant area or a fall-back point, just let me know.  Beyond that, I can attack enemies from a distance, so don't worry too much about me."


OOC: Well, don't worry about me, unless something actually comes after me! :)

Hehe yeah, squishy wizard is squishy :D.

Sorry, my mum was down right after this and I guess I forgot I hadn't finished the scene!

Mortaar nodded though didn't indicate whether he had been entirely reassured or not. Instead, he grunted and looked around. "Well, I suppose I should take advantage of Meek's generocity and the lack of chores, and get in some weapon practice before tomorrow. We should probably get to the training ground early tomorrow to meet with the rest for the hunt."

Mortaar stood, and gave another small head nod as a brief farewell.


Mortaar will go to whatever place around would be private enough to swing a sword for a while and do other martial-y things :)

Kaelynn nodded and got up from her seat.
"I think I'll get some rest too" she replied.  "Until tomorrow then."

She gave a smile and a returning farewell nod.


OOC: Yep, will go rest a bit and do magic-nerd things like read spells :)

There's not really any martial-type places in this district, as this is more kind of commercial and shops and stuff. So unless you wanted to try swinging your sword around in your room whilst trying not to hit anything, that may be tricky ;).

The idea was more go to the stables if it was empty, a back area, etc. Just basic drills, nothing requiring equipment (which he can do at the training ground in the coming days). Basically just what we he do before sleeping before a big day of battle! :p

"Oh, it might have been the gate we were supposed to meet at," Mortaar said, recalling something. "Until then, good night."

It's okay - this game has been going slowly enough that I've forgotten a bunch of stuff and am gonna need to read back over things anyway - I don't have nearly as many notes for this campaign as for the one I'm running at tabletop...but then again, I can get away with it here because it's forum-based so answers aren't needed right now this second :D.

The night passes uneventfully and you are able to complete your sleep/meditation in the reasonable comfort of your room in the Arms of Sehanine.

Since Kaelynn hasn't posted yet, I presume I can go and wake up first... seems like it's setting a pattern anyway!

Mortaar woke up from a restful night, feeling better for the martial drills of last evening and the otherwise untaxing relaxation.

He walked up to Kaelynn's door, and tried the tricky balance of knocking loud enough to potentially wake his companion, while not waking anyone who might still be asleep in other rooms.


And I'll leave it to Kaelynn to decide upon which side of that line Mortaar landed. I think it's an easy answer :p
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Wed 11 Sept 2019.

OOC: Eep, sorry!  Never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done any more, must be getting old!  (;~;)


Kaelynn woke immediately from her trance at the knocking on the door.
Quickly grabbing her equipment, she hurried out of the room.

"Ready to go" she remarked, her usual morning cheer a little less bright than usual, no doubt considering their planned activity that day...


OOC: On a semi-related note, I'm also quite envious of Eladrin and their ability to go without actual sleep and still remain active in a world where caffeine probably hasn't been invented yet! :)

Eladrin are filled wiht natural caffeeine in a world where coffee hasn't been invented you say? Hmm... did you have an alternative character for when if some unscrupulous person sells your character to the nearest wizard who can extract caffeinne extract from creatures? Just asking out of concern for when in case such a thing ever happens...

If Mortaar noticed his companion's less than enthusiastic response, he didn't mention it. It was very possible he did not notice it as he seemed in good spirits. Or as much as could be seen on a hairy minotaur face by a non-minotaur.

"We should probably eat first," he pronounced, "we should have the time."

Happy to make that a formality and move on to getting near the gate if Kaelynn is though.

"Ok, if you like" replied Kaelynn, to the suggestion of food.  "Best to eat something before we go out anyway.  My master always used to say the first meal of the day was the most important."


OOC: Waiting for me?  Sorry if so! (O.O)'

No worries :). I don't mind letting you guys chat for a bit until you announce you're actually going downstairs :D.

"A wise man," said Mortaar sadly, nodding a small generally sympathetic nod, then turned to go downstairs.

Sorry, happy to move on.

OOC: Also happy to move on :)

You head downstairs, where you see Aleira manning the front desk. The common room isn't particularly busy so it's easy to find somewhere to sit and one of the tieflings working there is quick to bring you whatever you ask for.

Mortaar was conscious of the day's work, and asked for as much meat and vegetables as he thought they could afford. However, reluctantly he washed it down with water, to keep his senses sharp.

Kaelynn asked for the same, though in smaller quantities.
"Hope this goes well today" she remarked.

"You will be with a group of skilled warriors, and I daresay that others more of your persuasion may also be in on the hunt."

"Maybe" replied Kaelynn thoughtfully.  "I'm more used to fighting in a defensive capacity with other arcanists."


OOC: Sorry for the delay again.  Life just isn't giving me a break this year.

No worries - I still haven't got round to reminding myself of stuff I need to know for your upcoming activities with this goblin hunt and all that :D.

"That seems a good role to take this time around, given the goblins may well be more numerous and try to use underhand tactics. Anything you can do to protect the group where it is vulnerable I am sure will be welcomed."

"I'll do what I can" she replied, with what she hoped was a reassuring smile.


OOC: I know the feeling, been spending half the year so far figuring out how to avoid making battles in my own game too easy or impossibly difficult.  Still not sure I've got it yet, so there's a very small possibility I might accidentally TPK everyone.  I think I've added in enough ways to nudge the difficulty up or down mid-combat.  So hopefully no rocks falling and everyone dying! :)

Mortaar gave a good-natured nod, and then lifted his plate off the table to tip the last of the food in to his waiting mouth. A small, restrained belch followed, and then he nursed his ale while waiting for Kaelynn to finish.


Sorry, were you waiting for me? Been busy over the last few weeks, or I guess month? Happy to move on unless there's any more questions, etc first?

OOC: No worries, I can understand busy things. NaNoWriMo is eating my brain at the moment (kind of wishing I'd skipped it this year actually, but now I've started it I can't stop!)
Also happy to move on :)

Oh yeah, I kept meaning to give this place a poke but kept forgetting (tabletop DnD requires much more note-taking and setup as I have to do it in advance of each session, so that has been using a fair amount of my brain space :D). Were you guys just gonna head to the gate you were told to meet at, then?
Crap, I need to remind myself who was actually gonna be there :D.

Gate seems good? :)

OOC: Yep, gate :)