"The Absent-Minded Sage"

One of Everlund's oldest and most repected sages, Persis Volk, has gone missing.  His daughter reports that he was last seen near Loudwater, just on the edge of the southeastern part of the High Forest.

He was supposed to be looking into a rumored ancient divination magics located in an ancient tower.

The sage's daughter fears not only for her father's safety, but also for his sanity.  Of late he has been mumbling to himself and has forgotten more things than usual.  One thing he forgot was a map showing the location of the tower he was looking for.

A hefty reward of magic items or gems will be given to the party if they can locate the mage and help him return safely home to Everlund.

Locations: Everlund, then Loudwater and the southern part of the High Forest.


PS, C, R

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:42, Fri 05 May 2006.

The jolly dwarf leads you from Fendric's place to the squat tower tome of Persis Volk and his daughter Anlith.

Surrounding the old tower is a wooden fence, more for decoration that any real defense of the place.  Gardens of herb and flowers were well-tended when the weather was nice, but now that winter approaches, they have been left go to the weeds.

The air is chilly and crisp, and you realize that to make the journey, you will need some fur-lined cloaks and other cold weather gear.

You pass a store named "Grisolm's Outfitters" that looks like they will have what you need.  They are closed now, but will be open in the morning.  From the looks of the shop, items may be pricey, but if you go to the shop of the fat and sloppy dwarf you met at Fendric's Place, you may have to wade through his bull and attitude to get the items you'll need.

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Knocking hard on the front door, Ufgrur whispers SHe is downright upset, let me tell you.  Her old man is her world.  Well, that and her gardens and books.  But since he's taken missing, she--

He stops in mid-sentence as Anlith opens the door.

She is glad to see Ulgrur and also that he has brought a party of adventurers with him.

Oh, Uf!  Are...are these hearty souls going to find my papa?

Err...I think so, Anlith.  Can we come inside, warm up, and talk a bit?

Of course!

Anlith opens the door wide and shows you all in, greeting each of you as you enter.

She is a short woman, little over five feet tall.  Her brown hair is pulled back in a messy bun, and her pale skin is beginning to show wrinkles.  She is dressed in a plain pale green dress and wears a wool scarf to ward off the chill.

Please, sit here in the meeting room.  I'll light a fire.

She does, with little difficulty, and the room soon glows and warms with a pleasing fire from a large fireplace.

She shows you to seats and sits down near the fire herself.

Well, I do hope you'll be able to find my papa.  He's...getting on in years and though he will never admit it, I think he's...well...not as sharp as he used to be.  Oh, he's not a dottering fool.  By no means!!  But he is just a bit slower to give answers, seems to forget things like where he left this book or that pen.  Once he forgot he had a pot on the stove and the thing caught fire!  He even forgot the map he was supposed to take with him, showing where he
thinks this tower he wanted to find may be..

I...I tried to get him to retire, but he refuses and now...now I think he's terribly lost and maybe worse in the High Forest.

It's such a big place...

She starts to sob and Ufgrur goes to her side to comfort her.

He picks up the story.

Old Persis is mostly interested in magic items, srcying things, Elven magics and the sort. He used to live in Silverymoon, but...well...he came to live here about 20 years ago for personal reasons.

It was so unfair!  The way they accused him, kicked him out of the academy! What mother did after that!!

Anlith cries harder now, her face buried in her hands.

Ulgrur looks embarrassed and nods with an expression that you take to mean he'll tell you about all that later.

Anyay, Persis was doing research over the summer and fall and he thinks he found evidence there's this ruined tower down there, north of Loudwater.  It's about 2 or so miles into the forest.  He has this ring that lets him teleport, so he packed some stuff, told Anlith where he was going and...well...

I didn't want him to go.  I thought it was too dangerous and that he should just hire some people like you to go find this tower -- if it exists at all! -- and he should stay safe at home.

We argued and he went off in a huff.  Said he couldn't trust others to do his work.  That...that was so long ago, and now...that was the last I saw or heard from him.

He forgot his pack, his wand of magic missles...

People saw him come to Loudwater and enter the woods.  I hired a scout to find that out.  But that's all...that's all...

She has another sob, then clears her throat and presents her offer to you.

I will help pay for horses if you need, and may basic gear you may need.  Go to Loudwater, go into the woods, find my father.

If you return him safely home to me, I can promise you potions, scrolls, some magic items he no longer uses...coin or gems if you'd rather.

An, shouldn't we ask them more about their experiences, their training?

I want Papa home safe with me!  Please...please go and find him!

It is clear Anlith will not listen to reason and she rises, gives you the map her father meant to take and his wand of magic missiles.

The command word is "Ziff".  I think the wand is well-charged.

Please...go to Loudwater and find him.

He is tall, bald, but has a full white beard.  He was wearing a tan robe and brown cape.  He smokes a pipe with cherry tobacco in it.  His sigil looks like two X's in a row.

With that, she goes to a small table.  She gets ink, a pen, and a sheet of parchment from its drawer, then sits down.

Tell me what you may need to make the trip.  I'll see it is delivered here in the morning.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:56, Sun 25 Dec 2005.

Amalith takes the map from Anlith and begins to study it. After a few minutes he rolls it up and puts it into a pocket in his cloak.

"Thankyou for the offer of supplies," he says to Anlith, "But I will need no more than what I have in my current possession."

He then turns to his allies: "The wand: we need to decided who should keep hold of it. Firstly, we'll need to work out who can actually USE it. Frankly, I propose we give it to Alec, as he obviously has an aversion to carrying weapons.

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FROM DM

The map is easy-to-follow with landmarks indicated or drawn in on it.

It looks like the tower is about 2 to 3 miles north of Loudwater.  No trails are indicated, but then NO trails are indicated, and surely there would be some from Loudwater into the High Forest.

However, hand-drawn maps like this one, done by someone who is a skilled amateur at best, tend to have inaccuracies to their scale and some features may be missing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:49, Mon 26 Dec 2005.

Spydunn approaches Anlith with a soft and comforting voice, he clasps her hands in his, very softly as he speaks. "We will return your father, safe and sound. Rest at ease my child."

"We may find we want for food and supplies if the expedition wears on long, but I cannot think of any specialized equipment.  At any rate, we will find your father, I promise you."

Oswydd listens to Anlith’s tale quietly and gravely without interrupting her.  She is obviously distraught and he will gain little by trying to learn more through interrogation.  Instead, he lets her finish her tail and hopes the words of his fellow adventurers bring her some measure of peace.

”Your offer to help supply us is a generous one, and will not be forgotten.  There is something…”, he pauses for a moment, lost in thought, before finding his point and continuing onward, ”Oh, yes. I am new to these parts and have found that the cold northern nights do not agree with me. I would like a warmer set of traveling clothes to ward off the worst of the chill, if such is possible, m’lady.”


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FROM DM

Anlith is glad for all the kindness from the party.  It seems she is almost surprised by it, in fact.

She sniffles, and quietly asks Ufgrur to take the group to get fitted for what they need either tonight or tomorrow.  She tries to pass him some coins, but he shoos it away.

Your pop did me some favors, and I'll be ownin' them for a while yet to come, An.  Don't worry none.

======================================

Leaning over, Oswydd tugs Alec on the sleeve. And whispers”I would have a look at that map as well when we have a free moment, friend.”




OOC: I have no idea how far we are planning on going, so I am not sure if we need mounts, food and the like. Can someone that grew up in the area step up and let us out-of-towners know what we are in for?


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FROM DM

You look over to the map and it's clear you'll need horses.  You should be on the road for a good 3-5 days, depending on the weather.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:59, Mon 26 Dec 2005.

Elden listens to the story in silence, and nodded when she handed the map over.

"I do not need anything, m'lady. I have sufficient funds as it is. We will do our best to get your father back, I promise."

Alec sat quietly through Anlith's story, watching her and glancing casually around the room. It all seemed okay, but Alec had grown to be naturally suspicious and cautious.


OOC: Something odd?
OOC: Whichever is relevant.
Alec Schmeezle rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Sense Motive.
Alec Schmeezle rolled 8 using 1d20+3. Search
Alec Schmeezle rolled 9 using 1d20. Spot

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FROM DM

OOC: I'll say the Spot and Sense Motive can occur, but a Search will require a bit of time, and you getting up and looking around for something, which would draw much attention.

Both Anlith's and Ulgrur's intentions seem honest and sincere.

You spot nothing you would not expect to find in the sitting room of a modest man's home.  The carpet is a bit old and faded, the furnature is comfortable, if getting a big old.  There are a good number of books and rolls of parchment and some indoor plants.  The oddest thing would be a statue of a dragon standing at a pool.  The dragon looks like a silver dragon, but the statue itself is brass.  The pool is a mirror that shimmers now and again.

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Alec mentally scratched his head and wondered if he had of this incident before.


OOC: Trying to work out if he knows something about the incident at the academy.
OOC: Again, whichever is relevant
Alec Schmeezle rolled 12 using 1d20+3. Know: Silver Marches Local
Alec Schmeezle rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Bardic Knowledge

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FROM DM:

OOC:

Green is used for OOC comments, so I'll switch your PC's voice color to dark green below.

You raise your eyebrows as you remember hearing a story of an older man scrying on younger students of an academy in Silverymoon -- both male and female ones -- whilst they were asleep, supposed to be sleeping but were doing other bedtime activities, or bathing.  The name was never mentioned, but it fits time-wise that it could have been Persis...

Wait!  That's what those little kids were giggling about one day ini the market at Silverymoon!  "Persis the Pervert!".

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"Its the strangest thing. I see other people carry a crossbow or a knife for protection, no problems. I carry one, people yell at me and chase me away. I can't think why..."

With great care, and no sudden movements, Alec takes the wand. "Thank you." He examines it, and looks down the end. "I think I can make this work. Push this, pull that, a little jiggle over here.". Fortunately, he stops short of actually triggering it. "Hmm. Does a blast of eldritch fire make it any less of a weapon?" Alec carefully tucks the wand into his belt.

Alec turned to face Anlith. "Ma'am? May I ask a few questions? My grandfather Rarnd lived to a great age, and I imagine he grew to be something like your father. He became quite confused, and would often forget where he was, or when. Once he even threw a rock at me. But the smell of my mum's pie would always clear his head. So, may I ask: what is your father's favourite food, and his favourite song?"

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FROM DM:

Anlith answers after thinking for a few moments <pink>Well, he loves fresh lemonade in the summer and gingerbread this time of year.  And he loves Elven music.  There is a some some bards know called "Lady's Leap" that he likes.

OOC: You know the song.  It is probably the most common Elven song translated to Common.  To sing it in Elven is a test of a true bard, but the Common version is...well...common.

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"Amalith's got the map."

OOC: Local knowledge?
Alec Schmeezle rolled 9 using 1d20+3. Know: Silver Marches Local
Alec Schmeezle rolled 24 using 1d20+4. Bardic Knowledge

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FROM DM

TO get to Loudwater will take 3-5 days, depending on the weather.

Beyond that, you think it would take a few hours to get to the tower in the forest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:29, Mon 26 Dec 2005.

Amalith takes the map out of his pocket, and passes it to Oswydd.

Replies in most posts above.

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The tall dwarf escorts you out of the tower home of the sage and his daughter and you all look over the map.

It is clear that it will take 3 to 5 days by horse to get to Loudwater.

The tower and other landmarks are indicated on the simple map drawn by Persis.

Ufgrur says Well, shops are closed now, but let's say we meet here at 8 bells, when they open.  Have breakfast done by then, and I'll help get you what you need from the shops.

I won't be making the trip with you, much as I'd like.

My brother Gruhil is coming to visit and do some trade in a few days, and I need to be here to meet him.

Like I said in there, I owe Peris, and if you owe a man, you owe his kin, too.  I can offer advice and what little help to you tomorrow, but that is all. For my brother is thicker blood than my debt to Persis, so...

He stops, as if no other explanation is needed.

=======================================================

I'll give you some time to post replies/plans/discuission and then we'll say the night passes and you're here again.

Mark off a gold from your character sheets to take care of food, a room, etc. for the night and breakfast.

Silifrey listens and nods.  "Very well, 8-bells tomorrow.  I will be there.  If no one has anythign else right now, I think I'll get some sleep in the mean time."

 Spydunn inspects the map, looking over Oswydd's shoulder. After a brief moment Spydunn begins to trace a route from Everlund to Loudwater across the High Forest. He speaks very softly as to not interrupt Anilth's grieving. ”We could cut across the forest, and perhaps save time …” he trails off as he traces another route, this time around the High Forest. ”… But I think it would be safer for us to travel around the Forest.  Less we get lost somewhere in the Forest, or worse yet the monster infested Star Mountains. Wouldn’t you agree?” His statement is soft yet still very matter-of-fact.

"Given the urgency of the situation, I am tempted to chance it, but you're pribably right," Silifrey sighs, seeming almost dissapointed to be cheated of teh chance to venture through uncharted monster-infested woods, "our best bet is to take the extra time and go around."

"Shall we purchase horses then? Or are we going to do this on foot? Either way is fine with me." Elden looks slightly uncomfortable with the thought of going through the forest, but he is willing, if that's what it takes.

"I agree. We should not chance getting lost in the forest- however," replies Amalith, "We should probably take horses- if we walk we may lose the sage."

Spydunn, still speaking very quietly looks over to the group that has formed as they discus their course of action. "Yes, Horses and warm clothing will be a must. Although, I loathe the painful horseback ride. Horses always seem to be so hard on my haunches." Spydunn starts to chuckle but quickly catches himself, remembering the sad state that their host is in.

Oswydd nods silently and looks over the map as Spydunn discusses the possible routes to Loudwater.  ”I had a look at the High Forest on my way up here from Waterdeep; it is an ancient wood that holds many secrets under it’s dark boughs. The caravan guards told me more than I saw, as well.  I too would rather take the longer road around the forest if only to avoid the fey I heard live within it.”  Oswydd pauses as if considering something privately and then adds, ”Though, time may be of the essence in this case.  If we had a guide that knew the forest well, we might save time by passing through.”

OOC:

eh..... to quote your silly old DM:  "It should take 3-5 days to reach Loudwater".  Yeah...

Try 7-10 days.

Sorry about that.  Not a big issue, since you're not footing the bills for food, horses, etc.  But I wanted to clarify that before setting out.



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8 bells:

After a restful sleep and a filling breakfast, the party gathers in front of the missing sage's tower.

Ufgrur is there and he takes you to a few shops where he gets good deals on horses, saddles, tack, blankets, feed, extra rations and water, and some cold weather bedding and clothes.

All told the bill would be enough to pay for an adventure for a young party like yourselves, but seeing as you are not paying for it and are promised even more at the successful end of your adventure, it all feels right to you.

You set off for the town of Loudwater to the south of Everlund and the wind is calm, the air pleasingly warm on the road, and your moods are good.

----------------------------------------------------------

Your first day of travelling is a fast one.  You pass several caravans coming to or leaving from Everlund.

Talking to the drivers and guards of the caravans, you hear only one alarming thing, repeated by three of the in-coming caravans:  The wreck of a small caravan a day south of Noanar's Hold, on the eastern-most part of the High Forest.  Black arrows with white and red fletching were retrieved from the scene, and these are traditionally used by a renegade band of wild elves living in the High Forest.  They last attacked a caravan three years ago, but have been peaceful ever since.

Your first night under the stars is quiet, if a bit chilly.  Your new blankets and furs help ward the cold well.

The second day is a bit cooler than the first was, the sky clouding up from the west.  That generally means rain from the Sea of Swords, and if it does rain, it will be a cold one.

Travel is fast, but you slow to help a band a pilgrims with a broken wheel.  They thank you with loaves of spiced bread that, when warmed, are a great addition to any meal.

That second night, you're a bit alarmed to find the bread was a bit underdone, and trips to the latrine are a bit too frequent for your comfort and most of you do not get good rests.

Your third day out is slow-going due to sleepiness, having to stop to go to the bathroom some more, and just general bad moods.

And that night the rain starts...

Even with your cold weather gear, the night is chilly and unpleasant.  Your campfire is the only warming and bright spot of the night.

On the fourth day of travel you come to the site of the wrecked caravan.  There is little left, but you can tell where bodies of the caravan's dead were buried -- a mound about 10 by 20 feet can be seen about 30 feet from the road.  Mist rises from it, as the chilly rain strikes the loose earth.

Many tracks and prints have been trampled over, but the signs of battle are there for all to see plainly.

=================================================

OOC: I'll stop at this point to see if anyone wants to post.

OOC: Wow, that was quick!

Silifrey looks stricken as they come upon the violent scene.  She makes a perfunctory search through the wreckage, but she obviously does ntoe xpect in teh least to find anything (neither valuables nor survivors).  "I... hope this does not bode ill for our query.  I wish to take a moment to say a prayer for those slain.  I suggest those of us with tracking skill look over the ouskirts and attempt to pick up a trail."

Oswydd looks over the wreckage silently, at first seemingly not hearing Silifrey’s words.  After several more moments of reflection, he snaps out of his introspection and mutters ”Yes, m’lady. I will see what I can find. I cannot promise much though for the battle is days old and the rain will have ruined some of details.”

Oswydd dismounts and circles the area where the worst of the fighting occurred, examining the ground that has not been completely churned with the battle and the burial of the dead.


OOC: 10:55, Today: Oswydd rolled 17 using 1d20+6. Survival (track) roll for caravan battle.


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FROM DM

Oswydd can see that at least 4 caravan's worth of tracks have trampled the tracks and marking of the battle here on the road.

A good number of tracks can be seen around the site, as well.

Two sets of tracks lead off into the High Forest, one being fresher by about 2 days than the first.  The first was probably those of whoever attacked the caravan.

But would wild elves even leave tracks?
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:51, Fri 30 Dec 2005.

"We cannot expect miracles, I supose."  From the lgiht and ironic tone of her voice, she is perfectly accustomed to expecting mericles, and getting them too, but in any case, she heads to the burial mounds, kneels, and begins to pray softly, under her breath.