With the information they had found, the group decided to head to Kalaman overland through the Rugged Coast. This would include a lot of travel through Ogre-controlled lands. And the biggest threats to travelers, other than ogres, were spotted lions and packs of wild dogs. But they tended to stay away from the roads.

About an hour or so after they had left the ruins, the dirt road turned into a pre-Cataclysmic paved road with stones stamped with the mark of Istar. The road would take them to the village of Rockhorde and bypass Ogreshield completely in less than a day. And in another day and a half, it would take them to the capital of Ogrebond, which was about twice the size of Flotsam. And perhaps they could find a library there. Or some merchants. It was their largest trade center after all. And the group had picked up some gear and a dozen horses that would be worth a nice sum of money.

And they could feel the temperature lowering as they traveled north, some caused by the winds that were picking up. For as they had left the forest behind, they were now riding on the plains. And the morning passed without incident.

Caitlin rode in the front of the group, Athena, her owl, sat securely on the horn of her saddle. The eyes of the familiar were closed but she heard just as well, a fact that her human friend relied upon. The mercenary was concerned with the threat those ogres posed, fortunately the flat countryside made an ambush difficult, yet not impossible. The group had shown they were very capable of handling dangers on and off the road, but never had they faced giantkin in larger numbers, this was why she was a little tense, an emotion that transferred to her feathered companion. Occasionally the owl turned her head 180° and hooted as if she was trying to reassure her friend to relax and trust her.

Perhaps, the mercenary thought, she should find a name for her horse, something she still had not done. "Should we rest for a while? The horses seem a little tired?" the woman asked, not looking at anyone in particular.

Kora says "let me know if you are uncomfortable in this weather. I picked up a wand that can keep us Warded from the weather, but using charges on everyone daily will mean it only lasts 10 days or so."

"Thy concern speaks well of thy character, Caitlin, and there is much wisdom in ensuring the hooves beneath you are well-tended - goodness knows I do," the centaur laughed broadly at his own jest, not so much in thinking the wit sparkling, but simply in broad strokes as seemed his nature.  "Tho most horses are notoriously prone to exaggeration of their maladies.

"But keeping them rested in case speed is required seems wise enough.  If the group wishes, I can take wing to scout ahead to suss out potential troubles along the roadway, or remain if my presence is preferred for security."  Talrand seemed a creature used to movement, especially across wide open plains that permitted him to properly stretch his legs, but he was also mature enough an equine to be considering the rest of his herd-er company.

"Please, be my guest. I could ask Athena, but during the daytime she is usually a little grumpy." the sorceress replied, slightly amused at Talrand's jest. The owl turned her head towards Caitlin, hooting agitatedly at the accusation. "See? That's exactly what I mean!" the mercenary huffed, then grinned and gently scratched Athena's favorite spot. "And it means you can rest a little longer."

"I have some experience with tracking, Perhaps I could join the scouting efforts, or explore a different area," Tavion proposed considerately. "Or, if it's preferred, I'm willing to hang back."

"That is not a bad idea, Tavion. Perhaps you could establish a safe perimeter around our resting site. Talrand can fly ahead and check if there's anything or anyone near the road that may become a threat." the mercenary suggested, offering both men an option to be helpful. "In the meantime we can get a fire started."

Upon receiving the nod of approval to scout the area, Tavion mounted his horse with a sense of purpose. His eyes meticulously scanned the ground for tracks or any signs of disturbances. Although quite far from where the group was going to rest, there was a noticeable ease and satisfaction in his demeanor, he clearly enjoyed applying his skills to the task at hand.

As the group stopped for a break and a meal, Tavion continued forward on his scouting mission.

Caitlin gathered some wood and put together a fire site that would not run the risk of accidentally starting a wildfire. Starting the fire with a simple cantrip, the sorceress held out her hands in order to warm up.

Tavion made his way back to camp, comforted by the welcoming glow of a fire. "Nothing out of the normal," he reported as he got close.

Talrand flew off as he had said he would, scouting the party's path ahead.

Talrand changed shape and took off. Rising in the sky to his preferred altitude and then following the road north for over half an hour.

"Thanks for taking a look." Caitlin said, nodding in thanks. "Tavion, how did you come to serve Majere, if I may ask? - At least I figure you serve him, given that symbol you are wearing around your neck." the sorceress asked politely, curious about the man's background.

Talrand's galloping form returned to sight within the hour, having a pleasant jaunt, with a sprint at the end for the sheer pleasure of movement.

"Plains beith such a pleasant environ - far nicer, far nicer.

"Ah, salutations, mine companions.

"The road ahead appears clear of troubles, with nary a creature stirring.  The city of Rockport indeed lies within sight of an hour's good ride, tho methinks it shall take a few hours for the party's travel to reach it.  I chose not to approach it too closely lest they have concern over mine flying atop the walls, ho ho!"  The centaur chuckled at his jest, and chewed a bit of trail ration before he pulled the worn journal from his backpack.

<Brown>"I was looking at this tome this morning.  If there are booksellers or antiquaries, it might doeth us well to find materials to clean and restore it... there is much information within, and I suspect the writer of great insight and noble character, by how he speaketh of his journeys and his companions, but it is the information he appears to have at hand about the Key that speaketh with greatest volume to mine ears."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:51, Sat 27 Jan.

"It's nice to know that Rockport is so close," Tavion replied to Talrand when he made his report. "It would be nice to restore such an important text, and to hopefully find out more information on what exactly the key is."



When Caitlin asked about his journey to becoming a follower of Majere, Tavion's eyes took on a distant, reflective quality. "It was during a dark time in my life. Before embracing Majere's teachings, this was a tale I kept hidden, even from myself," he confessed. "I escaped Tarsis right before it fell. The experience is seared into my memory: the turmoil, the loss, and the harrowing choices that one should never have to face..."

He paused, collecting his thoughts. "In the aftermath, I found myself adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The world as I knew it had crumbled, and with it, my purpose seemed to have vanished.  There was a void within me, a yearning for something to make sense of the senseless, to answer if I had made a horrible decision when faced with one of those harrowing choices."

"I dedicated myself to making up for my mistake, if it indeed was one. That's when I found solace in the teachings of Majere. In the midst of ruin and sorrow, Majere's tenets of discipline, order, and inner strength spoke to me. They enabled me to get up in the morning and not be a waste of a life. Day after day I would wake up and help with something, anything. Most recently it was rebuilding the temple of Shinare in Flotsam. I learned that even in the face of great turmoil, one could find peace and purpose within themselves."

Tavion's expression softened. "And how about you? How did you find your calling?"

Caitlin nodded thoughtfully at Tavion's tale, he had been careful not to reveal too much, avoiding details but she agreed some things were better left in the past. "Not sure if I would say it is a 'calling', it is more a way to make a living in this messed up world." she remarked, admitting that she did not feel her pursuits were particularly noble. "Well, my father was a town guard in Flotsam and after an incident, that cost my cousin's life, he started teaching me how to fight. My uncle taught me how to control the ambient energies of the land and after he passed away I tried to find my own path in life." the mercenary summarized, leaving out her brothers or her dad intentionally. "At least that is the gist of it, nothing special or spiritual. No intervention from the gods when I might have needed it the most." she shrugged, having no code of honor save for keeping innocents out of harms way and always try to get the maximum reward.

Tavion listened intently to Caitlin's story, nodding as she spoke of her journey. He paused for a moment, considering her words about her family and her choice to also leave certain details unspoken. "The absence of a spiritual or divine guide doesn't diminish the significance of your path. You've honed your skills and instincts to protect -- as the rather large explosion of fire outside the tomb proved. That in itself is admirable."

Tavion's expression softened slightly. "And sometimes, the gods do intervene, but not always in ways we expect or recognize immediately."

Turning his attention to Talrand, Tavion asked, "I am rather curious about your path as well. Your wisdom and perspective seem rooted in a rich and varied past."

Talrand nodded in response to Tavion's question/observation, and turned to have the breeze wash across his face.  He gestured a powerful arm across the distant vista.

"Mine people travel swiftly, and across many great miles, but it is the openness of the plains that speaketh best to the heart of flying grains and fierce breath of the world.  Mine own herd beith many, many miles away, being tended by one of mine mates.  I range farther and further than mine peoples, to help support the herd in kinder meadows, especially the younglings and aged, and to ferret out great troubles that might rise to threaten the herd... fierce though we are, there is always something greater and darker, and beith one of mine own tasks to bring warning of such a treat."  Unsaid, tho expressed in the fierce intensity of his brow, and unconscious flexing of a head-sized fist, was that he likely brought word after the threat was extinguished...

"But heavy words.  The plains beckon, and the strangeness of the ogre city awaits."

Kora nods in agreement. "I must agree that the concept of an Ogre city, or even a village, is mind-boggling. I had believed them to not be a gregarious people. Creating a hub such as a village or city attracts visitors. Perhaps my assessment is wrong, though if we find an Ogre library I'll definitely suspect the presence of a gnomish God."

They talked, they ate, and they rested for a little while before they continued their journey north. The road they were following was edged by loose gravel and overgrown by weeds in places. It curved around the base of a grassy hillock. To the east, the gravel formed a side trail that headed towards the coast. A milestone carved out of a single block of granite indicated that the trail led to Rockhorde. At the point at which the trail departed from the road were the skeletal remains of a large rodent the size of a dog. Some kind of note, rolled and tied with string, stuck out of the skeleton's ribs.

Tavion listen to Talrand's account of his life with keen interest, fascinated by the centaur's experiences. He was also curious about the Kora's story, though that conversation would have to wait for another time.

As their journey continued, Tavion kept a vigilant eye on their surroundings for anything unusual. When they arrived at the fork in the road, he was immediately noticed the skeletal remains with a note sticking out of its ribs. He pointed towards it, although it was hardly something he expected anyone could overlook.

Kora states "such a note is just along to be read. Makes me wonder if reaching for it triggers a trap. Anybody able to determine that?"

Caitlin enjoyed the ride through the countryside, for once nothing and no one was trying to kill them. Athena was seemingly asleep, the continuous rocking motion of the horse having a calming effect on the familiar. Until they reached the milestone. The mercenary smirked when both Tavion and Kora pointed out the obvious but did not actually make a move to retrieve the parchment. "Guys, don't make this so complicated." she told the men and looked around to ensure nobody else was watching before she cast a simple spell. Using the magic permeating the air, the parchment lifted from the bones all by itself and leisurely drifted towards the armored sorceress.

ooc: Cast 'Mage Hand'. Lift the scroll from thirty feet away.

Caitlin cast a spell and the magic hand picked up the rolled note and brought it to her.

Inspecting it briefly for anything out of the ordinary, Caitlin did not hesitate long and unfurled the parchment...

Caitlin unrolled the note and looked at both sides of the page.

The centaur looked to Cailin, inquiry written all over the former's face...

Caitlin frowned slightly, not sure what to make of the note, understanding only half of the message. "Well, the note on this side is a call for help. The other side I cannot read. Does anyone of you know what language this is?" she said, presenting the parchment to anyone interested... Talrand in particular, if only to answer his inquiring face.

Kora pulls out a wand and discharges a spell. "Let me try it now" he suggests, reaching out his hand for the document.


Using 1 charge of Comprehend Languages.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:33, Tue 06 Feb.

Kora took a look at both sides of the note.

Kora says Two notes. First  “I am being held prisoner by cultists please rescue me.”
Long message: “You are respectfully invited to attend a great gathering in the North… forces loyal to the Lord of Bones… skills and experience will be of great service… the usurper, Lothian, and all who stand against… …Qwes, ruined city.” Chemash is the Lord of Bones, God of Death, murderers, and crazed cultists. Probably the same cultists holding the other writer. 

Tavion walked over to the bones and examined them.

"I wonder how they managed to get the note here," Tavion wondered out loud as he walked over to the bones.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:19, Wed 07 Feb.

As they took their time to look over the note and get it magically translated, the skeleton started moving after a while. It scrambled to its feet and skittered off along the trail towards Rockhorde.

As the skeleton got up and moved towards town, Caitlin merely shrugged "Looks like we just found the answer to the last question. Lets follow it to its destination." she told her companions. "Any bets we will find both authors where it's heading to?" the sorceress added on a lighter note.

Talrand considered Kora's words, complimenting skills as the former rubbed his chin, and wandered about in thought.  "Qwes...  Qwes... that makes me think Solamnic? Feeleth like a fallen Solamnic place to mine memory.  I'm trying to remember just where - north or east of Kalaman, I want to say, so likely enough somewhat along our way... No, I cannot place it.  I remember hearing the name once, but where exactly, I don't recall.

"Interesting, though, that the Lord of Bones is gathering forces when we find word of the 'Bones of the Past' being important.  Beyond the goodly deed of rescuing a captive, there might therein lie more answers to the items we have discovered."  He raised his brows meaningfully.  "And perhaps time moves a touch more swiftly in need then thought we of the issue."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:19, Wed 07 Feb.

GM passing a message.

The centaur's musings were not quite complete, however, for his mind turned over the other names mentioned in the letter as well.

"Lothien.   Hmmm...

"The only Lothien that cometh to mind was a Silvanesti cleric of Mishakel, tied to Kayleigh Starfinder of the royal house of Silvanesti, if mine memory of the tales is accurate.  Back, back, before the War of the Lance.  The pair worked together to cleanse Silvanesti of the morass causethed by the Nightmare King Lorac, when he was tricked and betrayed, and spread horrors unnamed across their lands."  The centaur pursed his lips, half-closing his eyes as he cast his mind back upon some tome or scroll he had read, or a recounting he had heard.  "As I recall, they were interrupted in their efforts.  She was slain - by a powerful Death Knight, I believe it was.  A sad tale of two proud people forced together, finding a love and common purpose, only to then be riven apart.

"I cannot recall mention of her past that point, which is troubling to mine ear to hear suggestion that she remains now, but as a -usurper, thou said?  To an evil god as Chemosh?  Troubling, indeed.  A possibility there is another by the same name... but something within feeleth 'tis not a separate personage."

The centaur waved away the cobwebs of stories of yesteryear, and gestured ahead to the ogre city.  "In any event, if none here beith familiar with its location, we may yet findeth its location within the city - perhaps with what we seek of the Alignment magics, or unguents or cleaning agents to restoreth this most excellent work of history."

Tavion halted as the skeleton reassembled itself, his initial shock quickly giving way to curiosity. Grasping his horse's reins, he cautiously trailed behind the animated bones.

"These seem to be the remains of a dire rat," he observed to his companions, unsure if this detail was worth mentioning as he voiced it.

As they continued on their path, Tavion mulled over Talrand's recounting. "A tragic tale," he reflected, allowing the story to sink in. After taking some time to consider the story, he eventually added, "The possibility of another bearing the same name cannot be dismissed lightly, yet I believe the circumstances suggest we're dealing with entangled destinies across the ages. It speaks to the importance of our quest: to unravel these mysteries and confront the shadows they cast. However, I'm inclined to think our guide may not intend for us to linger in the city to restore that tome. Furthermore, this peculiar manner of guiding us raises concerns about whom, precisely, we're endeavoring to save."

"Perhaps the ogre libraries will shed some light on what lies in the dark." Caitlin commented, trying to sound ominous. In reality she was just too curious to see where the skeleton would lead them, perhaps the one who wrote the note could tell them more about the skeletal staff she lugged around. Who knew, it might become useful after all.

Kora points out "that skeleton staff might well be an artifact of Chemash. Carrying it might lend weight to our demands, should we present any."

They continued onward to the hamlet of Rockhorde. It was an excavated quarry with buildings at the bottom. Maybe 700 feet across. The road abruptly ended at a set of iron gates flanked by two squat wooden structures at the edge of the quarry. Each structure had a single window. Two ogres stood in front of the gates, armed with enormous clubs. Beyond, the ground literally dropped away, revealing a settlement below the surface and open to the sky.

They could see a temple and a large pen with animals. Though at this distance, it was difficult to say who was worshipped or what animals they had. A sloping pathway began on the other side of the gates and it led down through the village proper and then up the other side of the quarry. The quarry walls were staggered with a ledge running around the outside of the quarry about 50 feet down the cliff face, which in turn was about 25 feet above the quarry floor.

The buildings came in two distinct sizes. Those along the main street were sized for ogres. While the buildings closer to the walls were much smaller. But all of them had stone foundations, timber walls, and sloping tile roofs.

As the group approached, the ogres said something to whoever were in the buildings. And then they stepped forward, clearly planting themselves in the way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:18, Fri 09 Feb.

As the skeleton tried to pass the ogres, they closed ranks and attacked it, and the skeleton ran away to the side. And the ogres let it go. Remaining in between the group and the gates.

Caitlin followed the skeleton dog, or whatever it was, and noticed the ogres getting in the way. Briefly she wondered how to proceed but aggression seemed the least sensible approach. Stowing her spear the sorceress presented her empty open hands as she slowly got close enough to talk to the ogre guards. "Hello fellas, can you understand what I'm saying?" she asked, testing if they understood the common tongue.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Mon 12 Feb.

The two ogres laughed and made derisive comments about small people. And as they were about 10 feet tall, that meant all of them, except Talrand.

"We understand you," one of the guards said. "What brings you here to Rockhorde?"

"The little folk seeketh information; a bit over their head, they are - hoho," the similarly-mighty centaur chuckled from the back of the group, bringing up the party's spare horses.  "And supplies, of course, if their travels taketh them beyond the great plains.

"Thou art more than mere carriers of knowledge, but only the wisest and best defenders wouldst beith defending the city gates: might thou direct this party to places of lodging, with room for their mounts?  Or of places or folk within to whom they should seeketh with their questions?"  The centaur fished a handful of steel coins from a belt push.

"How lieth word of trails north and west?"

As Talrand talked with the ogre guards, Tavion rode after the dire rat.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:24, Tue 13 Feb.

"Come, come," one of the ogres said. "You should talk to Kokoscha or Klimt. "But we don't really have any lodgings. So you would have to sleep under the stars or in tents."

"And I would not recommend sleeping under the stars," the other ogre said. "And we have no word on what the trails are like."

"But we have tents if you need to buy some," the first ogre said.



Tavion rode after the skeleton, but as he pursued, it picked up the pace.

[As you are faster than it on horseback, you can catch up if you want.]

Tavion rejoined the group, not wanting to get locked out of the town. He was unsure how he'd calm an undead dire rat anyways.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 48):

The minotaur says "I love sleeping in the open, but I do have a tent among my equipment. At least large enough for four. We will likely need to buy an additional one and general supplies. I wonder if your weaponsmith makes greathammers? They're very popular back home." He shakes his shaggy head in fond memory.

Caitlin looked at the disappearing skeletal creature and sighed, of course she believed they should follow further, however, finding shelter was equally important, as much as gathering information. Her eyes fell on Athena and immediately the owl ruffled her feathers. "Be a dear my friend, follow the skeleton for a maximum of two hours, then return to me." the sorceress instructed her feathered friend. Athena hooted a couple of times, somehow communicating with Caitlin. A moment later the bird was up in the sky on silent wings...

"You must have a pub or similar place, right?" she asked, "Where can we find it, please?"

Tavion decided not to pursue the skeleton.

"You would have to check with our smith."

The owl quickly took to the air and pursued the animated dire rat and the ogre's disposition changed immediately. "We will gladly help you find one of our cells."


[OOC: Kora, where did you find the greathammer?]

[OOC: Caitlin, please make a Persuasion check.]

OOC It's from MM 4 or 5. The Minotaur entry has the minotaur greathammer listed as a standard use weapon. No worries, just adding the line for flavor.

[OOC: I don't have access to that volume, so it won't be available. But flavor is cool.]

"We have instructions to arrest all wizards," the first ogre said and both of them looked at Caitlin. "But you have a lot of horses. If you give us two horses, we didn't see anything."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Fri 16 Feb.

ooc: Persuasion check 40. nat. 20

Caitlin frowned at the change in attitude towards her "Now now, where's a wizard here?" she asked, looking around at each of her companions. "What makes you think I'm a wizard? Do I wear robes?" she asked in return, knocking against her breastplate. "If you wish we can settle this in an old fashioned duel with sword or spear if you need more convincing I'm not a wizard." the mercenary insisted, telling the truth since she was a sorceress, not a wizard.

"Oh, you think because of Athena that I must be a wizard? She's just a very smart bird, like you are some very smart ogres." she deflected with a beaming smile, glad that the owl was out of earshot or she might have protested at Caitlin's last words.

"No duel needed," the first ogre said. And they invited the group and their small caravan inside.

Tavion passed through the gate, his gaze fixed ahead, deliberately avoiding eye contact with the guards.

"Thank you, I was certain you would figure out the truth." Caitlin remarked with a smile. "Have a splendid day." the battle sorceress added and passed through the gate. "I wonder what their inn looks like. They probably serve huge platters of food and kegs instead of normal sized mugs."

The group rode down the street into the hamlet at the bottom of this quarry. There were a lot of ogres, but not as many as they had expected. Most of the inhabitants were kobolds of all things! And as they were nocturnal creatures, there were probably even more of them waiting for sunset. The inhabitants all went about their business and there didn't seem to be any children around. This place was dry, dusty, and anything other than bustling.

In reply to Caitlin Merrywick (msg # 59):

The Minotaur cleric chuckles. "Define 'normal'" he says with a smile. He looked like he could handle a keg or two himself.

Caitlin just grinned at Kora's comment and looked around for anything that looked like stables or an inn.

"I think I'd prefer an ogre-sized portion over a kobold-sized one. I've worked up quite an appetite."

"Definitely not as I envisioned, for an ogre city, but interesting nonetheless," Talrand observed as he took in the bustling sights.  "More a gathering place, akin to tent cities on the plains, but with the rock surrounding to cut the wind, as it were, hoho!"

The centaur had not changed to a smaller form, enjoying the ogre-sized spacing requirements, but he appeared more mindful of the small folk skuttling about many feet below his head height... not something that appeared new or novel, but much in keeping proper footing.

There didn't seem to be anything that looked like an inn nearby, but there was a pen about 200 feet away. The creatures in it looked human-sized though. Still four-legged, but clearly not as large as horses.

Tavion nodded in agreement with Talrand's observation.  "I'm hesitant to label this a city by any standard," he remarked. "It seems I may find myself beneath the open sky tonight, just beyond the gates. It could provide an opportunity for the skeleton to locate us. What are our intentions concerning that matter?"

"We had someone follow that thing. Once we know where it went we can casually leave although I am curious about what facilities they have here." Kora says.

Caitlin thought about it all for a moment "How about we find out who runs this place and ask him a few question to shed some light on all of this. Why they gave the order to attack wizards on sight in particular." the mercenary suggested, curious and worried at the same time.

The centaur rubbed his chin in thought.  "It hath crossed mine mind that seeking information of magical scrolls or spells from a ruler seeking to gaol those of wizarding persuasion hath perhaps less than idyllic scenarios of resolution.  Might it be prudent to explore about the environs, seeking word of this ruler, and the wisdom of such approach.  Alternatively, of other sources here, or wisdom in early departure, and seeking word farther along our journeys."

Tavion listened intently to Caitlin's suggestion and Talrand's cautious considerations. He stroked his chin thoughtfully before adding his perspective to the discussion. "I wonder if the hostility towards wizards could be connected to the necromancy we encountered upon our arrival. Such dark magic might have left a deep-seated distrust of all arcane practitioners in its wake. If that's the case, our inquiries might need to be approached with even greater care."

Caitlin nodded at each of her companion's words of wisdom "Indeed, it could be the case - but that is only an assumption." the sorceress agreed, "However, clarification would be wise, would it not? If our motivation is questioned we could always claim we're looking for a bounty on wizard heads, so we need to be sure which we are supposed to hunt to get paid." she said with a wink, yet being serious about the cover story. "Any ideas who to interrogate?"

Tavion looked around and replied, "I don't exactly see a governor's mansion or a palace, but there can't be that many options for the leader to be hiding... if there is one. Should we ask the guards? You seemed to have a friendly rapport with them."

The young mercenary pursed her lips and looked over her shoulder at the two ogres standing guard "Nah, those two are already engaged to their maximum intellectual capacity looking out for threats to the town." she commented with a smirk, then looked about to find somebody who was not obviously working "Hey you! - Who is the boss around here and where do we find him?" she asked, wondering what creature would be able to control such a gathering of monstrous humanoids.

The ogre she addressed turned to Caitlin. "Kokoscha and Klimt are the bosses and they are in the temple." He pointed at a structure that looked like a forge and continued on his way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:08, Mon 11 Mar.

Caitlin gave the ogre an appreciative nod and turned back to her companions "You heard him, that way." she informed them, gesturing towards the indicated structure. "It does sound a lot like those two are priests, so I'd be happy if one of ours could take the lead, talking to them." the mercenary suggested, not keen on putting her foot in her mouth in case her antipathy towards the gods would show itself.

Tavion looked to where the ogre pointed.

They continued forward to the forge/temple. The forge was attached to the end of the building and sheltered from rain by a wooden roof held up by timber supports. Two kobolds were near the forge and the coal in it was glowing as if it was ready to go. One of them in a chain shirt with a staff and a crossbow. The other in a breastplate with a shield and Warhammer. Both wore aprons and medallions of faith and their weapons were suitable to their size.

They looked at all of them and spent more time watching Kora than any of the others.

"Welcome," the one with the warhammer said. "From which direction did you arrive in our beautiful village?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:16, Tue 12 Mar.

Kora responds "we came up from the south. Spotted a sign proclaiming Rockholde at the trailhead and I found myself intrigued enough to want to visit."

The kobolds watched them warily for some time after Kora had answered their question.

"Excellent," the kobold with the staff said. "Welcome to our village. You will be our guests of honor at tonight's Ritual of the Forge!"

Kora looks at the kobolds Medallions of Faith to identify the God that they worship.


08:15, Today: Kora rolled 14 using 1d20+13.  Knowledge Religion. – 14

08:15, Today: Kora rolled 34 using 1d20+17.  Perception. – 34

GM passing a message.

"Greetings, skilled artisans of the forge. May the strength and fire of Reorx guide your hands and hearts in all your endeavors." Tavion said with a bow. "Can you tell us more about tonight's ritual?"

Talrand closed his lips as Tavion asked the question he had been about to air.

How to approach these two, and their events, had hefty differences depending upon the nature of their faith, this ceremony, and the genuineness of the welcome v. outsider/mage suspicion.  Everything appeared above board, but the wildness of the herd on the plains was always wary when near cities, and especially in uncertain lands.

"It is a blessing of the tools and the materials of the forge," the kobold with the shield said. "Where are our manners? I'm Klimt and this is Kokoscha." Klimt pointed at the kobold with the staff. "We are the leaders of this village. And you are?"

Kora bows his head. "I am Kora of the Blade. My father wanted me in the forge, to follow in his footsteps. Unlike steel, I didn't have the right temperament."

With a respectful nod, Tavion responded, "I am Tavion, a follower of Majere. It's a privilege to meet you, Klimt and Kokoscha, and to be introduced to your customs. The discipline required to work a forge echo Majere's teachings. I would be honored to witness your ritual and gain insight into your craftsmanship and dedication to Reorx."

He took a step back, giving room to his companions to introduce themselves as they saw fit.

Caitlin was glad Kora and Tavion stepped in, starting the conversation. She herself didn't have a particular liking of the gods, so she was happy to see the two found the right words among peers it seemed. "Caitlin, I'm just a mercenary lending them another sword arm." the green-eyed woman said as an introduction, intentionally downplaying her role. She was itching to ask about the bann on mages and whether it had anything to do with the animated animal skeleton but was wise enough to withhold any questions for now.

Talrand, of the plains," the centaur boomed jovially, finding a liking in the polite smallfolk.  "Mine aid cometh in helping the group with counseling and working through emotional issues with their mounts," he jested, chuckling at his own humour, before adding on, matter-of-factly, "Similarly to Cailtlin, helping protect the group's travel.

"Actually, speaking of aid, haveth thou knowledge of path to Qwes, the ruined city northish of here?  We cameth upon a note along our travels that bespoke of undead gathering at the place - it might be well for us to seek it out, and dispatch the evil therein, to preserve the trails and travellers both.  A fearsome and persistent plague, beith those of undeath."

"Welcome, welcome, welcome," Kokoscha said. At Talrand's question, the two kobolds looked at each other. "We have never heard of that place," Klimt said. "Either it is small, insignificant, far away, or forgotten. We support your efforts to deal with said undead. Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to support them with anything but words, well wishes, and prayers."

"The ritual is still a few hours away," Kokoscha said. "Perhaps you want to relax some after your journey?"

Caitlin inwardly groaned and looked away from the priests, she wasn't really interested in participating in a ritual but she stayed quiet. Just another hired muscle, not her place to comment on anything said here.

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 89):

Kora asks "as guests of honor, what role will we be playing in this ceremony? I ask to be certain I do not cross my own strictures. And I am curious. Do you have the means of constructing a Steelbone frame for heavy armors? "

"You will be there to watch," Kokoscha said. "The whole village will be there to watch. You do not have to do anything that goes against your beliefs."

"Perhaps if might thy lips impart what beith contained within thy event," the centaur gently prodded, when details were not forthcoming. "Mine friends might assuage their concerns, and we might all be attired and prepared for the event, rather than risk startlement or concern - lands and cultures new can cause confusion or concern, better managed enobled with knowledge."

Talrand raised his brows, including himself within the realm of those seeking more information of the event, and involvement of parties.

"I'm not sure what you want to know," Klimt said. "As I mentioned before, we will be blessing our tools and our forge. What about that do you want to know more about? And in regards to your attire, you can wear what you are wearing now."

Talrand nodded, and gestured thankfulness for the information.  "Very well then, and mine thanks for thy words of knowledge."
The centaur's concerns about setting a wrong hoof inadvertently seemed less a worry, and he made a 'as you would' gesture.

"We will go thence, speak to a few parties, and relax until thy ceremony.  Perhaps we will find other word of this Ques place from other lips."

---

OOC: I'm fine with advancing if we don't need to abstain from eating/drinking certain things, or have cert attire/wep restrictions, and there is no skill-testing session or blood-whetting to the ceremony :)

We can ask at resting hall about Qwes, see if others have more details.

The ritual started a couple of hours later. Kokoscha and Klimt started blessing the materials the smiths worked with at the forge. By that time, everyone in the village seemed to have gathered around it to witness this blessing. Of water and fire. Of herbs and prayers. Of light and flickering shadow.

[What do you do?]

As the ceremony begins, Kora turns to the others and says "with so many being drawn to this place, now would be the ideal time for someone skilled in not-being-seen to find out where guards are staying put. Possibly finding out who or what they are guarding?" he inquires.

Caitlin had done her best impersonation of a mercenary guard, which was not too far from the truth. She refrained from making much contact with the townsfolk, not wishing to spoil the image she was presenting as and carefully avoiding of saying too much. After all, the ogres seemed to think little of smaller folk and arcanists were being hunted. The mercenary was not keen to find out what they would do to wizards if they were found out.

Talrand made a quip about doing so, but his grinning acknowledgement of his size and standing out nature...

"On a more serious, thy point is well-taken.  If others wouldst do so, mine thoughts are the rest of us will be more than memorable enough to draw away concern.

"If we are seeking company for the scouting, I canst change mine form for more discrete work, but such wouldst be best done under night's veil.  It is not to be saying mine side profession is light-fingering, but there are forms more subtle than the beauty of a centaur frame."