You find the Church of Saint Gili easily enough and you find yourselves at the corner of Seawatch Street and Shark Street in the Sea Ward before a three story building that looks like a cross between a temple and a workshop.  Saint Gili's symbol - a toothed cog with four spokes - is on prominent display on the building.  You hear the sounds of metal being struck, the bubbling of liquids, and other such noises that tell you this place might be a bit LOUD.


Outside the main entry stands a human man with dark hair and clean shaven face who is dressed in chain shirt, leather breeches and boots and his hands are resting on the grip on a rather large hammer. Around his neck is a chain which ends with a toothed cog.  He nods to the three of you and seems to make note Rani and Ironclad,  "How might dis servant of Saint Gili be of service tuh you?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:10, Tue 22 Feb 2022.

Filimena is somewhat taken aback by the sight - and the sound - of the building before her. This is a church? Then again, she shouldn't be surprised. She's encountered a few odd religions in her brief travels. Somewhere out there is a church whose congregants worship through the daily consumption of dry ciders and pork pies. That would be the theology for her.

"Greetings. My name is Filimena. This is Marik, and this is Ironclad," she begins, tentatively. "We're looking for information about someone. My brother, actually, whom I haven't seen in years. Apparently he was spotted at this temple a few weeks ago. We were wondering if we might ask around, to see if anyone remembers him, perhaps even spoke to him. Do you think that would be permissible?" She looks up at the man, and gives him a polite smile.

The man nods as he looks over the group "I am Gilas Mason, followuh of Saint Gili and guardian of those who have need. I believe I've heard of yuh two befawh  ... " he point to Filimena and Marik "Yes, some business about a dwarven enclave bein' found, cawhrect?""

Filimena grins somewhat sheepishly and shrugs. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, uh, Gilas," she says, tilting her head forward slightly in greeting. "That, uh, would be correct. That was indeed us. Quite the adventure. And rather remarkable how word has gotten out. Wasn't expecting that. In any case, we're taking a bit of a break now, and... looking for my brother, as I said. We were told he had been spotted here at this church, so we were just here to see if we might pick up any clues. And, uh, I suppose, to look around. You have a very interesting building." She smiles again.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Thu 24 Feb 2022.

Gilas nods, "Of cawhse, all may entuh de church of Saint Gili."

(assuming you go inside)

You step inside to what would be best described as the largest work shop you've ever seen.  There are dozens upon dozens of worktables which fill the church with the clamor of hammers, saws, and other work.  Along each row of stations you see what best can be described as monitors, all clad in similar heavy leather worker clothing with a toothed cog with four spokes embossed their shoulder, who walk along the row checking in with those who are work; sometimes they lend a hand, and other times attempting to stop something from going wrong.

In the center is a massive forge encircled with anvils where all sorts of artisans and smiths go about their work. A slight draft, or breeze comes from up high where you see a series of massive fans rotating very slowly via a belt and pulley system which crisscrosses the open space.


One of the monitors, a older human man with salt and pepper hair, a few days of stubble, and a pair of goggles over his eyes, approaches you. " 'Allo there, right, I 'aven't seen yer two 'round 'ere before. Wot can this servant o' Saint Gili do for yer today, then?"

Filimena lowers the hood of her cloak as she enters the church, partly out of respect for the sacred space, and but also the better to take in the glorious cacophony that surrounds her.

"Greetings," she says to the man approaching her, barely managing to tear her eyes from her surroundings. "My name is Filomena, and these are Marik and Ironclad - and Rani of course, sorry I forgot you just now. We're here looking for information about somebody. A halfling, like me, my brother actually. We were told he had been spotted at this temple a few years ago. We were wondering if we might speak to some of the people here, to ask if they might recall anything about him, that might help us find him."

With a big smile he says,  "Me name is Quinn Schofield, pleasure ter meet yer and yors."

Quinn glances back at the space rubs his knuckles on his cheek before saying, "I don't spot w not. Fough it if 'as been years as yer say then yor'd best ask the bloomin' uvver Makers o' Saint Gili, right, we 'ave these levver aprons, right?"

OOC: Ahahahaha. I read this and was really confused until I noticed my own typo. Will reply either tonight or tomorrow morning.

Filimena blinks in confusion before realising her error. "Oh, pardon me! I meant to say he was seen here a few weeks ago, not a few years ago," she chuckles, slightly abashed. "He looks a lot like me. Actually, Ironclad, would you mind conjuring that image of my brother again, which you showed us before?" She beckons towards the construct.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 04:17, Sun 06 Mar 2022.

Ironclad steps forward extending their hand, "Name is Filimena, the image as you requested."

The illusionary image appears is exactly what was displayed back in Windsalt's Trinket Emporium, that of a waving male halfling in a simple but nice set of traveler's garb in earthen hues with a worn satchel on his hip.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Thu 10 Mar 2022.

"Thank you, Ironclad," Filimena says, glad that they had agreed to come. "This is he. Do you happen to recall seeing this halfling here in this temple a few weeks ago?" She turns back to Quinn and gives him an enquiring looking.

In the meantime, Marik and Rani have mostly stepped aside to leave Filimena do the talking, trying to find a quieter corner in this hellish place. Anyway it's not like he feel he could be much use. He can't hear a thing in this place and barely pick up Filimena talk-shouting with a man in leather apron before her. His head ache from all that clanging and banging.

As Filimena talks, he keep his gloved hands on his ears (with Rani imitating him with her paws below), now missing dearly the relative quietness of the street and tavern (which he used to think were the most noisy and chaotic place he's ever been). He keeps looking at all these poeple working in leather apron, looking indifferent. Are they all deaf? How do people not go mad with all this sound?

Quinn watches the image intently, as though taking in all the details. He nods to himself before looking to Filimena "I do recall seein' the wee fellow 'round. 'e were workin' on sumfink, a music box or maybe a puzzle box, right, wiv Sanzir and Ricusi. Yor'll find them over in the Eastern wing ... it's a wee quieter there for the finer work."

The human glances to Marik, "I'm sure they would be more than 'appy ter 'elp wiv makin' them wooden bits better, if yor'd like."



[Private to GM: Sanzir: Male Dwarf Paladin, Good. Sanzir has curly red hair and dark green eyes, and walks with a limp. He wears plate armor and wields a maul. Sanzir is depressed and decisive.

Ricusi: Male Tiefling Cleric, Neutral Ricusi has blood red skin, with messy golden hair and gold eyes. He wears leather armor and wields a club. Ricusi has an animal companion, a ginger cat named Gudane.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:35, Fri 11 Mar 2022.

For the briefest moment, Filimena thinks she hears the man say her brother is here still, in the church, in the eastern wing. Her eyes widen in shock. Then, quickly, she realises that she has misheard, and she comes down a bit from her excitement. Still, the man remembers seeing him! He remembers seeing Finn! And he was right here, working on something, with these two others, Sanzir and Ricusi. If he was not only working here, but working here with somebody, they must have talked, right? She feels an desperate need to speak with these two right away, as if to delay even a minute or two might mean they forget everything.

"Thank you!" she says to Quinn. "You can't imagine how relieved it makes me to hear from you that he really has been here. We'll head over to the... Eastern wing then, to speak to your colleagues."

She looks behind her to give Marik an excited grin, but notices he has gone. Looking around, he sees him in a corner, covering his ears, clearly looking quite uncomfortable. Filimena blinks. Is it that loud in here? Maybe his elf ears are a little more sensitive than she thought.

Do you find it loud in here? She speaks to Marik telepathically. This man remembers seeing my brother. He was here working on something. In the eastern wing. Let's head over there now. It's a little quieter there, apparently, and they work on wood there. Maybe we can learn something for the tavern. She glances over at Ironclad, then at Quinn, motioning at where she imagines the East wing is and shrugging, as if to ask, Over there?

Marik looks up suddenly, locking eyes with Filimena. He nods enthusiatically, (not sure about which item, but could mean "all of the above") and quickly signals Rani. The big cat removes her own paws from her ears with a groan and moves quickly in the eastern direction.


As he moves, Marik can't help but perceive a certain giddyness in Filimena. Could it be they heard of her brother? Or something else? In any case, it feels good to see her happy. He looks forward to know what it is about.

Seeing Marik head off, Filimena glances back at Quinn and nods again in gratitude. Pausing a for a brief moment to see if he might have anything else to say, she turns to follow Marik towards the East Wing.

Edit OOC: At this moment I can't help but hear the West Wing theme song in my head. Hahaha
This message was last edited by the player at 14:21, Thu 17 Mar 2022.

Quinn points towards the left side of the Church, smiling as the group wanders off.

A pair of massive iron reinforced wooden doors greet you.  A long the center you see a series of symbol of Saint Gili which act as the door pulls.  Beyond is a twenty by twenty (6m x 6m) vestibule with an identical set of doors on the far side.  Set high on the wall facing the street is a stained glass window depicting a person with goggles toiling over a work table.

As the doors from the main room close behind the group, the vestibule becomes eerily quiet.

[Private to Filimena the Gentle:
Magical _silence
^Magical makers]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:32, Sat 19 Mar 2022.

Filimena halts in her track, head jerking downward and to the side as she winces in discomfort. Gradually looking up and opening her eyes again, she looks around the hall she has entered. Her ears seem to have popped. She feels the silence like a bubble inside her head. Opening her mouth, she pauses, wondering for a moment what to say. "Hello?" she ventures, finally.

OOC: Does Filimena hear anything?

The words can be heard as they are spoken, but they sound muffled as though you're hearing them at end of a long tunnel.  After that you can hear only the sound of your own heart thumping in your chest.

Marik let himself soak in the silence for a little time, letting in a silent thank you to Rauros, spirit of silent shadows, for this gift.

"[Language unknown: Pl, ck oulformen tate.]" says Marik. "Blissful... wonderful quiet. by the spirits, that place was loud."


He turns to Filimena, smiling. He start talking in whisper, feeling the place invite to hushed tone.

[Language unknown:
"Pr, tedas ll ain? Res innte ni ndplnt ng llriul ntetiosti nd ica. Conearoneday ssfomieset la io? Of lema pro plame loouic? "]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:01, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

Filimena blinks and looks up at the elf. [Private to group Elf: "My brother was here,"] she says. [Private to group Elf: "He was working on something in the Eastern Wing, apparently. A music box or a puzzle box, with two people, Sanzir and Ricusi, I think."]

Filimena remains still for a while, taking in the silence as well, then glances back at Marik and Ironclad. Motioning forward, she walks across the vestibule and pauses briefly before the doors at the other end, before reaching out to open them.

"Was there a problem in the previous space?" Ironclad inquires "It felt like home to Ironclad. This space is ..." The mechanical marvel pauses and their eyes shift to their golden color to a glow of white, "Yes, it has warding against sound."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:46, Wed 23 Mar 2022.

"It...definitely didn't feel....home..to me" respond Marik, while massaging his right temple and ear. He's about to pursue but stop as Ironclad reveals he can detect magic.

"Wait...what? How can...." start Marik, before shaking the head, looking at Filimena who is opening the door on the other side. "Not time...Later"

He goes to join the halfling with Rani.

Our quartet passes into the next room, which is about half the size as the large main workshop space but appears to be equality as busy if only in a much smaller scale.  Three rows of a dozen tables each line this space, each with a various sets of tools from alchemical to tinkering.

A trio of dwarves are working at a table each holding a liquid dropper which they use to oh so carefully dispense a single drop of liquid each into in a glass container. There is a dragonborn female is has a piece of crystal or glass which she is slowly heating then cooling with her breath.  This sort of things goes on and on in the room.  Each of you sees more of the priests of Saint Gili in their leather working cloths with the cog of their Saint on the shoulder.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:22, Wed 23 Mar 2022.

Filimena pauses at the entrance of the room, glancing briefly back to see at Marik and Ironclad to see what they make of the place. [Private to group Elf: "Let's see whether we can find Sanzir and Ricusi,"] she says softly. She looks around the room, trying to identify someone looking the least busy or occupied, whom she might speak to.

A ginger cat glances up from a nearby table towards the group and mews softly.

Filimena is about to step forward deeper into the room when she hears an odd mewing sound, and traces it to a cat looking at the group from a table a short distance away. She does a double-take, not quite sure what to make of this feline interloper. She leans forward, bringing herself marginally closer to the creature, and examines it through narrowed eyes. Then she straightens up and looks around again, to see if any of the priests and/or craftsman are reacting to this strange interaction.

Filimena sees the cat has a collar with a tag which reads Gudane in common.  The feline eyes Filimena for a long moment with unblinking eyes.

A deep rumbling purring sound followed by an unexpectedly high "meow" is heard behind Filimena, coming from a much larger cat. A curious Rani approaches the table, looking back at Gudane while purring, with a few occasional meows, as if she was engaging in dialogue. Marik gathers she must be quite curious and happy to finally see someone she can talk to in this city. He lets her socialize and turns to Filimena, speaking louder to be heard over the sound of blowers and machinery (which are thankfully a bit more tolerable in this smaller space).

[Language unknown: "Ch heriv Thuwasort oer Lefisa ellosise n sseve paset?" ]

Filimena frowns. She was so excited to head to the East Wing she didn't think to ask. "I don't actually know. Let's ask one of the priests," she says, pressing forward once again and approaching one of the priests.

OOC: Blahhhh... Filimena looks around to identify the priest who looks least busy, taking the opportunity to cast Guidance on herself. The final roll is a 7, not a 16, because I can only re-roll 1s once. So... not great.

18:42, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 16 using d20+3+1d4, rerolling ones with rolls of {1}{1}10,3.  Insight w/ Guidance.

In any case, regardless of the result, Filimena would have approached politely, and if they are doing something, she would make her presence known but hesitate to interrupt unless there was no response after a few seconds.

A older male tiefling with blood red skin, a messy golden hair and gold eyes dressed in the "priest" garb you've seen.  He pets the ginger cat on the table, "Now, now, Gudane don't bother these fine folks; you're lunch will be ready shortly"  He gives a slight nod to the trio and smiles, "What can this servant of Saint Gili do for you?"

"Good evening," Filimena says, with a slight bow, before repeating what she told Gilas and Quinn about looking for her brother.

"We were told by your... uh... colleague Quinn that my brother had been working with Sanzir and Ricusi. Do you think it would be possible for us to speak to them?

"Well of course you may miss, and it seems you are in luck as while Sazir isn't here today Ricusi is ... well I am here ... I being Ricusi ... if that wasn't clear." the tiefling says stumbling over his words and pointing to himself with his tail.


"Now who are you all, and who is this brother?"

"Ah! That's great!" Filimena says, excitedly but softly, not wanting to disturb the work happening around her. She motions again to Ironclad for his assistance conjuring up an image of Finneas. "We were told that my brother had been here some weeks ago working with you and Sazir on something, a music box, perhaps, or a puzzle box. As I mentioned, I have been looking for him for some years. If you have any information at all which might lead us to him, that would be incredibly helpful. What he's doing in the city, how long he's been here, whether he goes by a particular name, etcetera."

Ricusi looks at the image that Ironclad conjurs and nods for a moment before Filimena gives a list of demands,  "Whoa whoa there ... how do I know you're actually his sister?  No offence but if he is keen on keeping himself hidden he likely has a reason."

OOC: a persuasion check would be good I think
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:31, Mon 04 Apr 2022.

Filimena frowns slightly, but nods in understanding. "I don't really have any physical proof that I am his sister," she says with a sigh. "Except I have been told by some that I am the spitting image of him. I can also tell you about our family. If he's told you anything at all, it should match."

She pauses, thinking what to say, then continues, "We were born in Haldrim. Our mother was Filipa, our father Leksi. They were merchants, dealing in furniture and antiques. Quite successful. My brother and I were supposed to take over the business, but I... I didn't think I was suited to trade... I ran away from home when I was twelve. I went back secretly to sneak a look at my brother from time to time, but I never spoke to him again. And then one day a couple of years back, he disappeared too. I guess my brother didn't think he was suited to the trade either..."

Filimena bows her head, suddenly sad. It occurs to her that she's never thought about how her parents must feel with both their children gone. What will happen to the business when they grow old? She's always just assumed that at least her brother would be left to take over.

She looks back up at Ricusi sombre. "Please, won't you find it in your heart to help? Even if you won't tell me where to find him, couldn't you take him a message? I've been searching for him so long. To come so close, and then to fail..."

OOC: That's a 15. Not using Guidance cos I can't imagine Filimena would cast it right under Ricusi's nose. For that matter, I don't think she's even in the mood to consider it.

16:41, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 15 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones with rolls of 10.  Persuasion.

The tiefling nods, his tail swishing much like Gudane who is enjoying the gentle pets he is getting.  "I see. An interesting place you put me Ms..."  he pauses as he realizes that Filimena hasn't introduced herself or anyone with the group.

He waits a moment for her to make proper introductions before continuing, "... Ms Filimena.  On the one hand, I could assume you're honest souls in search of this wayward brother, but then again what if you wish him harm.  A tough place to be for one such as I."  Gudane purrs rather loudly, which causes Ricusi to stop and smile revealing the previous bit a jest, "Ah I see so do you trust them ... because of their large feline friend there ...  well yes that does seems as good a reason as any, I suppose.  Your brother was here going by the name Fastolm.  He is a rather crafty halfling was curious if he was part dwarf honestly.  Last we saw him was a few days ago; he did mention staying outside the city along the Great Road I believe."



Setting Lore note: The Great Road is the road leading north from Titan's Gate to Spineguard Keep and Pallem beyond; some call it Maw Road as well

Filimena blinks. Falstom. On first consideration, the name means nothing to her. Did Finneas have a reason for picking this name in particular for himself? No point speculating now.

"He was here, just a few days ago?" She frowns. "Does he come here often?"

Ricusi nods and says, "Yes three days I believe.  He had put the finishing touches on what he was working on, so I didn't think we'd see him again unless he was going to work on something else."

Filimena nods, then looks down at the ground solemnly. The Great Road, he said. Well that's the next place to look, then.

Filimena looks back up at Ricusi. "Did he ever mention..." she hesitates, and seems to change her mind about something. "Did he ever mention where along the Great Road he was staying, or what he was crafting?"

Marik stays silent but can't help but smile at the mention of the Great road "Great Road? Finally some fresh air! It will make a excellent change of pace from the city. And three days only since Filimena brother passed by? That would mean there will still be relatively fresh sign of his passage. Much easier to track then. Given the harshness of their last few outings, this sounds like a relaxing stroll so far. But there is the Ban'thuur that could be a problem, this could be close to their hunting grounds

Shaking his head, Ricusi says with a frown,  "He couldn't be too far outside of town as when he was here he spent most of the day here or perhaps he stayed in the city when he stayed late."  His tails swishes left and right as he drums his fingers on the nearby work table in thought. "It was some sort of box.  He didn't share much of the design, only giving a few bits and pieces to those here who could aid him.  It definitely had various gears some of which I made for him."

Filimena ponders this answer for a while and nods. It makes sense. She pauses, looking around a bit, wondering if there's anything else she would like to ask.

"I guess there's nothing to do but go look for him then," she says, finally. "I really appreciate your help. I'm not sure if there's anything I have I could give that would be of any value to you, but if you ever needed any help..." She pauses, not certain if she should be speaking for the entire party. "I can... try to see what I can do..."

Ricusi shakes his head, "I'm happy to help, and honestly it is one of the tenants of Saint Gili to help whenever one can."  The tiefling smiles as he pets the ginger cat.  "Also who would I be if I did NOT to help one who found Jzadirune?  That enclave's discovery has made quite a stir around here."

Filimena tilts her head in curiosity. "We've been hearing that a lot," she says, looking back at Marik and shrugging as if to say, Right? "How is it... uh... is it really that significant a discovery?"

A look of surprise lights up the tiefling's face. "You don't know?! The dwarves of Jzadirune were master crafters with the combined knowledge and skill of Kalazanbaar and Korim working together!  Saint Gili himself was a dwarf from that enclave - so some of the priesthood have been allowed to go there and we are work towards recovering the research that was happening."

"We did...experience those master craft for...ourselves" respond Marik, recalling the construct (and the resulting pain) they met below. "Hopefully, it was worth...the cost" he add, rethinking about the orphans they couldn't save. "Do you know...if they cleared the Dark....the hobgoblins from Malachite fortress below?" he ask Ricusi

"A group of guards accompany any down to the the Enclave, and Malachite Hold and its connection to the world below is guarded at all times by Dwarves of Korim," Ricusi says with a bit of a nod as though he understands what Marik means.

Filimena raises her eyebrows, impressed. She had an inkling, of course, of the historical significance of Jzadirune, given its sheer size, but it somehow hasn't occurred to her that it might be of significance to anyone today.

A thought occurs to her. "Do you think there might be other such... cities? Underground, waiting to be discovered?" she asks. "We, uh, happen to have come across another portal, a bit like the one that led to Jzadirune, except we haven't managed to locate the keys to this one. I suppose, one has to wonder where this one might lead."

Ricusi ponders for a moment, before pointing to a table and chairs off to one side of the workshop, "Let us sit.  As it seems you've lots of questions and standing around like we are is not the best use of this bench, which I'm sure has been reserved by someone."

As the group moves to the table, an elf man sets out a tea service.  The tiefling nods saying,"Thank you Ebrin." After pouring tea, Ricusi continues, "As you may well know Kalazanbaar's kept a firm hand on their lands, and their reach was long.  They were able to move forces faster than others but even that didn't prevent their down fall with the two front war they fought.  There have always been rumors of how they might have maintained such a reach.  Some believed that they magical means of traveling over large distances, so a keyed teleportation circle or door in this case would fit with that idea."

Filimena follows Ricusi over to the table.

"So then, it's quite conceivable that this other door we've found, might at least lead to another location within Jzadirune, if not an entirely different location altogether," she says, after hearing what the tiefling has to say. She hesitates for a moment, before continuing, "Would your temple have any interest at all in investigating such a door? Or else, would you know who might be?"

She looks over to Marik, and asks, "What do you think? Worth looking into?" Of course, the fact that a door might lead somewhere is not in itself mind-blowing. That's what doors do, after all - they lead places. And given they've already passed through one such door and seen where it's led, it's also not a stretch to imagine that the door in their basement might lead somewhere similar. Still, it gives her some satisfaction to hear somebody else support the idea. She can't help but think also that the door in the basement, and the illithid in the sewers, might somehow be connected, even if she can't imagine in what way exactly. Just the whole underground-ness of them both.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:14, Mon 02 May 2022.

Ricusi takes a moment to consider Filimena's offer, "I'm quite sure there are some in the Church who would love.  I can work on arranging an introduction if you'd like."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:19, Thu 05 May 2022.

Despite saying nothing (feeling a bit shy with his broken common), Marik listen with great interest. He hadn't thought the discoveries of these old ruins might interest the Church of Saint-Gili that much. Maybe they could be invaluable allies to crack the functioning of that door in their basement and allow them to mount expeditions to the old ruins of the Kalazanbaar. And they could be invaluable to try to pierce their secrets. Maybe then, he would finally find the answers he seek....thinking of it, maybe they already have.

"Yes...please...do so...." answer Marik at Ricusi. "That would...be...most appreciated." He goes on to ask another thing, struggle to find the words, and turn to Filimena.

[Language unknown: "Ie ineticher, oulughrut esne res tho nc weetad ain ssivck m con ted neiv llrine ri ilsi i nt reilch wa icaovende ioneneilli? Aveforyin, hernteeenear, icanceichhasrat iouallest n Hatillavenot ha ainredessest? I tha fo fios whntse k her celohi m terrearutven p romthuardearvor ndeviroun m mense Witenc'sain?" ]

Filimena nods at Marik and relays his question to Ricusi. "Indeed, it would be great to speak to somebody about the door. We're also interested in learning about the astronomy and the prophecies of the Kalazabaar. If any texts, artefacts, or inscriptions might have been found, in Jzadirune or elsewhere, we would love to hear more about them, if that's not too much trouble."

Filimena blinks as she speaks the words. We would love to hear more about them? Is that true? Would she? She is surprised to find that she would, even as a nagging feeling begins to build up inside her reminding her of her brother.

Ricusi shakes his head at Filimena's inquiry, "Not really Saint Gili's area of expertise.  We are builders and crafters, we are interested in the doors to understand the magics involved more than anything else."  He ponders for a moment before saying, "You'd be better off seeking followers of Saint Ellianth or Saint Sate Abet perhaps?"

Marik, having studied religion for a time, recognizes both names.  Saint Ellianth was a halfling who lost her right eye and became known for her visions of the future, she is followed by those who study divination magics. Her symbol is a milky white right eye on a black background.  While Saint Sate Abet was a human who lived in Zir, and they studied the stars and the heavens, and over the years wrote many works on them including ones that predicted celestial events which came to pass. His symbol is an astrolabe.

Filimena nods, absorbing the information, then turning to Marik to see if he's satisfied.

"Hmmm," she says. Turning back to Ricusi. "Thank you. We'll perhaps pay them a visit. As for the door... It's actually located in the basement of an old manor on Snake Skull Alley which has... somehow ended up our possession. Might you be familiar with the place? We could arrange a visit some time."

Marik nods. It was a long shot but it didn't harm to ask. Maybe indeed it would be worth a shot asking followers of Saint Ellianth or Saint Sate Abet, if only to ask them if any of them had similar visions to him. Would remain to see how much could be gathered from the followers of these churchs. Beyond the legend of both saints, which rightfully had a eye (hihi) for celestial events, there is also no shortage of two-bits soouthsayers and celestial charlatans trying to make a name on their legacy.

He turns to Filimena, speaking in Common so that Ricusi can hear as well.


"Right....Could arrange...with Glonain and the others...for a visit...while we search the road. Ready to go?  Could return....quick... with Rani, warn, gather things and...meet you as City Gate to start search...for Finneas"

Ricusi takes sip of tea, obviously listening as both of you speak, "Of course I'll talk to some of the others followers of Saint Gili and see who's working on the Jzadirune doorway then have them come see your findings.  Let's say the day after tomorrow?  Takes time to get folks around moving on something new."


Who are "Glonain and the others"?

The NPC composing our staff at the tavern. Gloinain (sorry typo in his name) is the master brewer :)

In reply to Marik (msg # 59):

OHHHHHHH! I was looking for Glonain everywhere! Y'all have a CREW btw - lots of folks needed to run a business

ah yes! Duly noted :D

Filimena nods. "Sounds excellent." she says. "We'll see you then."

Turning to Marik, she ponders for a moment. "Hmm... If we are only expecting a visit the day after tomorrow, I don't think there's a hurry to inform anybody. They're probably busy tending to the tavern now anyway, at this hour. Did you have a lot to pick up?"

Ricusi nods to the pair of you and leaves you to talk about your plans more privately.  The ginger cat, Gudane, however stay and rubs against Filimena's leg.


OOC: mostly want to give y'all space to plan before we move scenes
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:58, Tue 24 May 2022.

[Language unknown: "Mi elssen inin houlesess'ardany T hiswh"] Marik respond, looking at Rani and her saddle full of pouches and bags. [Language unknown:  "hasta ivekmo pre kor k...illoreainare a icek und...has nc lier ut ven aihaleta? Prohasrea a antanttra wi atibleure m een esurolun whioultra ngouon evnd oner lo al wait. Romthoare termenres hiwahoit ore tecon moinan aveforsom? Fo encsetons eeour whore her p kor avefo, usittoit er ousiv wit la ard ec outol whhi th. To undeentho aspael li o ofuntr der, earhaspro nowi atmock wi itader ll viriveall. St ulmoie, n men ho nc m ove thiatioerenc wh o Innt ro er res thiandwhi e day thitraill? Pro ncebleday sstr capa te un inel Venpe."]


OOC: Sorry for the late response! Arrived in Germany this week and didn't have access to Internet for a few days.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:39, Mon 30 May 2022.

Filimena ponders this for a moment. [Language unknown: "Ichis. Eau eraaveear,"] she says. [Language unknown: "Po, T butiouven korbleble tioonsortnteereati u hound ic horoha ughughlinive. Areeaufor nd o iv il, onlin sslo lar con liher elund. Tio, ameenttio cena th ie ngdi. Celes tiint olous ar nono fick, waal."]

She turns to Ironclad. "What about you. Do you have anything you need to get back from the tavern? Otherwise we could head out towards the gate together.

Ironclad shifts is gaze to Filimena directly, "Ironclad is ready to travel wherever Name is Filimena and I'm Marik wish to go." The strange construct has been standing perfectly still nearby the entire time, apparently just watching the events transpire.

Marik nods and then hops on Rani to make his way to the tavern. After exiting the building, the big cat run and crosses the distance with ease with long strides and jumps. Marik can't help but smiles as he leaps over traffic.

I don' know if you prefer roleplaying it, but since I didn't expect it to be a long trip, I would say that as he arrives to the tavern, Marik will assemble the staff for a few minutes, saying that he and Filimena need to go out for a time. He expects a few days but it could be more. He will tell them a group of clerics of St-Gili might come to inspect the runes in the cellar the day after tomorrow. He would then grab some rations, tea and some little beer barrels for the road before making his way back.

OOC: We can move along -- one question though ... who does Marik leave "in charge"?

In reply to DM5 (msg # 68):

OOC: Marik gives it some thought and thinks about leaving EFrix in charge, having a positive inclination toward her since she was recommended by Fala. Also the bar appears to him as a good place to have a overview of the tavern and what is going on. That being said, Marik would like if possible to do a Insight check into what he knows of the character and personality of each member of the crew, wanting to leave behind someone with a balanced mind and calm personality under pressure.

OOC: Marik would roll 23 for a Insight check if that is possible.

Marik knows a fair bit about the crew of the Snake Skull Tavern

• Efrix Cotte - rather chill and laid back, but enjoys her work and always helping others
• Daadashma - bit of a prankster but never in a mean way
• Cily - very motherly, always trying to feed others on staff
• Bryne Pethey - just wants to cook
• Amagnen - big hot headed but mostly when people insult his cooking
• Gloinain Strongbrew - dutiful and ever ready to aid around the tavern
• Kriemha - quiet and keeps to herself
• Athan - naïve

After giving it some thought, Marik decides to leave Efrix in charge. He trusts that given her personality, she would be able to face pressure with calm.  Plus, she was always quite open about her limits, namely her modest command of liquors, so he believe she wouldn't be afraid to ask the others for counsel on their specialties and that the others would be more than willing to help her, given how much she's appreciated for her help around here. With all of these qualities, Marik think he would be leaving the tavern n good hands.

Efrix os more than happy to look after the place while you are gone.  The others seems okay with your choice.

Btw that 23 Insight looks mighty fish
00:35, Tue 14 June: Marik rolled 23 using 20+3 with rolls of . Insight.

Oh, good eye! Just realized it too. Went to do some testing with a few rolls and I think I just wrote "20+3" instead of "d20+3" for the manual equation (I wrote the previous post pretty quickly as I needed to be somewhere). Apologies. So that Insight wouldn't count. Funnily enough, my test roll for Insight with the correct formula was a natural one. So we can use that instead. In that case, Marik will have absolutely no clue of who to leave in charge and will leave it to a dice toss (Let's pretend there is a d8 in the tavern)

1-Efrix Cotte
2- Daadashma
3- Cily
4- Bryne Pethey
5- Amagnen
6- Gloinain Strongbrew
7- Kriemha
8- Athan


Marik rolled 2 using 1d8. So Marik will leave it with Daadashma, it seems. That should be amusing XD