The journey from Elredd to Wintershiven was expected to take nearly three long months aboard a total of eight different vessels.
Firstly it was a ship up to Fax, then another to Harby at the far northern end of Wooley Bay. After a frustrating day there, you secured passage up the
Selintan River to Greyhawk City on a Rhennee barge, where once again you were forced to halt your journey and seek another vessel.

More to come....
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:30, Sat 05 Dec 2009.

Ah, Greyhawk. Smell the rich air of the city. Breath in the pollution.
This looks like a place where someone could use some righteous smiting.
Onwards lads!!! Lest Evil flees afore we have the chance to stay its cowardly minions!

Uh... Yes, Jeremiah. Yes indeed. It's been a while, hasn't it? Good to see your Paladin talk isn't rusty.

Nothing is rusty, ever!
<At this point our brave and noble Paladin draws his longsword with a dramatic flourish, to prove a point>

<Note the dice log, Jeremiah's natural roll of 19 Awesomeness, plus weapon of choice, plus one longsword, plus 3 for style...>

He flourishes his sword dramatically and successfully. Everyone is suitably impressed, a light applause ripples through pleasant company, a hat is passed round by Natasha and a collection of twenty silvers, eight coppers and two gold pieces is returned.

Note that anyone paying particular attention to the display notes that when the sun glints bright and golden from the tip of Jeremiah's sword at the apex of its flight, the *Ting!* is an actual, audible sound, and not imagined, as most people assume. This is a special talent exclusive to Jeremiah on a good roll. Noone knows exactly how or why he does it, but it makes him happy, and it certainly is a cool effect.

Brutus rolls his eyes at the show-off paladin.

"That is gonna be real useful. Better put that away before you hurt someone."

Brutus was sad to see that his father was no longer on the throne, and to be truthful was actually looking forward to leaving.

OOC, What had he heard about his family in his time there, after the mob...?

Joan, had enjoyed the trip both through her old capital and through her old village as well. She had caught up with several ond friends, including the old priest who had sent her to the capital to serve the then king oh so many years ago. Even though that king was no longer king, she had given her oath before Celestia to watch over the Kings son, and her travelling did not make the task burdensome. Indeed, the old cleric who sent her seemed a little jealous of all her travels as they sat regaling late into the one night they spent in that hamlet.

Greyhawk was also a city of great size and considerable power, however, and this new adventure also sated her curiosity.

The journey from Eldredd has been long, made all the longer by your transport barge running aground several miles short of Greyhawk city and forcing you to either walk to find lodgings, or camp for yet another uncomfortable night.

Finally, tired and footsore, you see the end of the road. Flanked by heavily fortified towers embedded in the 30 foot tall granite walls stands Greyhawk city’s Marsh Gate. Twelve feet tall and eight wide they stand open allowing a steady stream of farmers, fishermen and the occasional trader both ways. Seven chainmail clad men armed with either broadswords of clubs search random people as they enter the city, virtually ignoring those leaving.

”What have you to declare?” One asks Jeremiah eyeing off the sword hanging from his belt and expecting an immeidate answer...

Brutus speaks, "I am the son of  <insert name of Father here. What was the kings name?> of Elredd. As my father was deposed unjustly, I seek to right wrongs, and these are my escorts."

He glances at the paladin, and then looks back to the gaurd and adds in a softer tone, almost a mumble. " Though not all of them have learnt thier proper places yet. "

Resuming his previous tone, he adds " Naturally, they carry the tools of thier trade, and our supplies. I also carry small items for self protection. "

He opens his grey robe to reveal a number of daggers in a belt across his chest. It should be noted that not all daggers are clearly visible.

"Yeah, sure you are," comes the rather sarcastic reply, the guardsmans eyes not leaving the man he was talking to.
"And I'm Nerof Gasgal!"

'I am Jeremiah, paladin of Heronius, and these are my companions, Natasha, monk of Heronius, Brutus of the big mouth, whom you now know, and Joan Ofdark, a cleric of Celestia of some renown. We are here on a mission of significance to the greater good. We have to declare numerous arms <displays an impressive array of nasty pointy things>, and would enquire as to the laws in this city pertaining to bearing said tools.'

Brutus calmly produces his old family signet ring. It is no longer an official Elredd item, but it is something he was able to get from one of the few close friends of his family left.

" Here is the evidence I am who I say I am. Petty troops such as yourself may be unlikely to recognize this, but anyone familiar with the last 100 years in Elredd can certify that. " His tone becomes subtly more sarcastic as he continues." Regardless, Nerof, is it of no consequence now anyway. Consider us as travellers if the truth is too complicated for you. "

<This is why I was saying that he wanted to find out what he could about his father, and what was left. He would want evidence of who he was, and also want to know what happened to his father. I assumed that he has found a signet ring or some identifiable family item, as those who deposed of the king would only really want the position, and to get rid of anyone who would challenge them. The items of the previous court would become worthless, and would only be wanted and kept by those who wanted to remember such days.>

"Ok then, that's more like it."
"Each bladed weapon attracts a three gold peice "freesword" tax. You each also need to sign the roster before entering."
The guard pointed towards a very large book atop an equally solid pedestal, a quill and ink pot chained along with the book to prevent theft.
"Are you carrying any precious metals or stones?"

'Naturally we will provide lawful taxes. My associate Brutus here deals with all such matters of mundane calculations and material goods. I fear, though that he may be regretting the possession of all those little daggers of his right now though...' <this last said with a completely straight face>

OOC: DO we have any metal or gems? I'm not sure if I have character sheets with items here... should I be searching my emails or are there new ones?

Brutus removes a belt of daggers, offering them to passerbys for a gp each.

"I am afraid my daggers are not worth that much. I will keep just 2 for self protection, and Joan here has 3 weapons, making it 15 gp in total for the two of us. We do have some cheap gems, though I am not sure they would be called precious.

Joan and Brutus will also sign in once the taxes are taken care of.

OOC: Brutus will keep an extra dagger hidden in each of his boots.

Nat and Jer pay their taxes and sign the book promptly and boringly.

'Anything else or shall we continue then? Nerof Gasgal, was it? Could you direct us to a temple of Heronius and a temple of Celestia?'

OOC: If Greyhawk has a group/castle/order or other organisation of paladins, Jeremiah will be asking directions to their company and asking for lodgings for the group as is due.

'Nerof? Neeerof? Yoohoo? You in there friend? Directions?'

"Heironeous? What you want to go there for? It's clear across the city near the Dukes gate," the guard with the obviously fake name replied after relieving Jeremiah and Natasha of a total of 10gp.
"That'd take you hours to get there."

Further questioning of the clearly uninterested guard(s) reveal that although there are a handful of Paladins in the city, most are not affiliated with either Heironeous or Celestian. Additionally, the current rulership of the city is not noble in nature, but consists of an elected group of between 12 and 18 people (currently 16).

'Alright then, direct us to the nearest den of stinking evil. We will purge the place of its nefarious denizens, enhancing this great city, and make it our own for the duration of our stay.'

The guard is already dealing with the next traveller and so you turn inward to enter the city and seek a bed for the night.

You see a bustling, busy city, shops and homes line the streets, tended by merchants and housewives. Children play and tend to their chores, and animals are led by farmers and butchers. The sounds and smells of dinner being prepared fill the air, enhancing your hunger and weariness.

The first inn you come to lies barely a stone throw from the gate. Even without entering you can see there will be no rest found there - it seems a popular rest stop for farmers and merchants planning for an early start the next day.

The second inn, The Green Watchtower, appears on first inspection to be suitable for your needs. Entering however you're met with a less than welcoming impression...
"No, we're full up tonight. Booked solid for a week to come," is the reply to your query of temporary lodgings.

Enquiries at the third inn, apparently called the Hobbled Goat according to the badly faded sign outside, results in no joy either.
"Sorry, I'm expecting the Kettish trade delegation shortly..."

And then, just as the lanterns are being lit, the road on which you travel branches into a four way crosroads, forming an elongated X. Various shops and stores line these streets, but your attention is drawn to a large well kept inn on one of the triangular parcels formed by the crossroads. A freshly painted sign in the shape of a plump fish bears the name of this odd establishment - The Whistling Fish, Potentiate of Potations.

The inn is built of the half timber construction common to Greyhawk. It's size however makes it unique. From the positions of the windows, the building appears to have two floors, but the structure looks far too tall to be an average two story inn. It's roof, made of wooden shingles towers above the other buildings in the neighbourhood. Even the front door seems unusually tall....

A shaggy lawn surrounds the inn, the grass peculiar to Greyhawk - the blades are a deep green along the edges but dark red down the centre. Natives of the area can tell you that although the colour is unusual, this grass has one distinct advantage - it has a bitter taste that only the hardiest of goats can tolerate. This prevents it from being chewed away to nothing by other animals.

Gravel paths lead to the front door and the adjoining stable. A long hitching rail runs along the front of the building. Although seven horses are tethered here, there is room for at least another dozen animals.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:45, Fri 05 Feb 2010.

'Seems the occupants may well be quite ponderous in this establishment. Shall we see what beings of stature lie within and finally get some rest? There are things to be done, armour to polish.'

'Yeah let's get in there and hope it isn't booked. Looks like it caters to giants or ogres, so if they don't have room for us I think I'm going to need to do some serious meditation'

We all step inside.

You enter the inn through the ten foot tall door to find a spacious barroom. You feel dwarfed by the large proportions of the entire establishment - the ceilings here are twelve feet high.

The perimeter of the room is divided into small alcoves, each of which has it's own table and benches. The bar forms a three sided rectangle, beginning at the right wall and making two square corners until it eventually ends at the same wall from which it began. A doorway and a window to the kitchen are visible behind the bar.

Round and rectangular tables with stools and chairs fill the rest of the room. To the right of the bar, a wide staircase leads upstairs. Two fireplaces and two round wood-burning stoves are straegically placed to provide heat to the entire room.

Already busy although dinner service hasn't yet started, you are nonetheless greeted on entry by delicious aromas and a cosy (although noisy) atmosphere. Within minutes you're able to find a table and a waitress arrives moments later. Although no beauty, she could not be described as "unpleasant" to look upon.

Towering over the patrons the barman can be seen dispensing drinks to the thirsty. Unless he's standing on a very large crate, he must be at least 9 feet tall, a believe borne out by his massive four foot breadth across massively muscled shoulders.

OOC: Does the bartender look like a known race to us? Ogre, Giant, or just a carbon copy of Ai?

Natasha called for the waiter's attention and ordered - 'Four plates of whatever's good and hearty please miss, surprise us!'

This last was met with blanched expressions on the part of her more well traveled companions, who nonetheless remained silent on the issue.

While meals were being organised, Jeremiah strolled up to the bar and alerted the barman wearily; 'Hello there good sir. How much is a bed in this fine establishment? We need temporary lodgings for four, and please don't say you're booked, or expecting a diplomatic party. We don't want to have to look elsewhere after we've already ordered the evening meal.'

In less time that you had expected, a large platter of mutton slices, roast chicken, a selection of vegetables and steaming fresh bread is deposited upon your table by the efficient watress.
"Will you be wanting any drinks?"

Jeremiah meanwhile moved through the crowd to the bar to speak with the huge man tending it.
"Yes, of course. Standard nightly rate is two orbs for a twin share, three and fifteen nobles for a quad, and five and twelve for our largest six bed room."

"Gruenab," another waitress calls out to the huge man.
"Three ales, two stout and a rusty nail."

Brutus eyed the meal warily. It looked fine, but he was not sure. Joan saw this, and moved forward and said a quick prayer over the meal, almost under her breath...

"For what we are about to consume, may we be completely immune..."

They then began to quietly eat, keeping a close eye on their belongings and the rather bigmouthed paladin.

OOC, what time of day is it? I did not get to post after the gate due to a dying computer, but would we have had a chance to do any shopping first?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Mon 08 Feb 2010.

Jeremiah asked for a quad share to be readied, went back and organised change with Brutus, paid the man in advance and sat down to eat with gusto. Steaming hot bread is always a pleasure, and you don't get much of that on the road.

During the meal, Jeremiah and Natasha made a quick scan of the room, to see if anyone or anything looked out of the ordinary, a tall order indeed (pun intended) with a bartender of such proportions...

After the meal was finished, and if all looked regular, Nat and Jeremiah decided to enquire (probably in vain) as to bathing facilities, then pack it in for the night.

Meal over (which was positively delicious), you sit back with full bellies and take in the crowd. There is a mixture of sailors, dockworkers, farmers and shopkeepers. A few are enjoying the fine food the kitchen produces, but most are more interested in the drinks Gruenab the barman is serving. A generally friendly crowd, there are still the occasional voices raised in arguement over some small piece of trivia, but just a glance from the HUGE Gruenab soon calms things down again - nobody is willing to tangle with the man mountain.

Conversations are typical of any bar, anywhere. Tales are told of men who are drunkards, cheaters, and hen pecked husbands. There is news of one mans son becoming engaged to the daughter of a moderately well to do merchant (a match most appear to agree with), another couple having a child, and the accidental death of a reputedly shonky salesman - there is an implication the "accident" was arranged by somebody referred to only as "the cleaner".

There is even mention of a vampire apparently sighted stalking the streets of the old city (wherever that is), but the speaker is quickly howled down (apparently he has a reputation for exaggeration).
"I swear it's true! My wife's cousin saw it!"

Another tells the tale of magical creatures who sneak out of the northern hills at the new moon to steal children away and teach them magical powers.


A tall, well built man pushes gently through the crowd, stopping every so often for a quick friendly word with members of the crowd. At over six feet tall, his feathered hat is easy to keep track of.

"Hello strangers!" he declares happily on reaching your table.
"Welcome. I see by your dress and the dust you have yet to wash off your boots that you have come some great distance before reaching our fair city of Greyhawk."
"My name is Talasek, Talasek Thraydin."

"Greetings" Brutus replies, extending his hand in a friendly manner.

"Brutus, formerly of Elredd,but now just Brutus. These are my travelling companions and ..." he glances quickly at the paladin at this point before continuing "our armourbearer. How can our travels interest you, Taladek?"

"Oh, just looking for a little idle chat, pass the time and have a few drinks with new friends."
Grabbing a chair from a nearby table, he dragged it over and sat himself down.
"Tell me all about who you are, where you've come from and what you've seen along the way..."

Joan looks over Talasek, looking for signs of religion or creed that might share a little information on this new character, while Brutus orders drinks for all. He is not yet comfortable enough to be drunk here, so he orders juice for those that prefer it, including himself and Joan. The wine he had with his meal was enough for now.

"Well, we are seeking to deal with a mysterious plague. But as it is not here in Greyhawk, we are only passing through here, stopping just long enough to get magical supplies, hopefully. Do you know where we could get magical spears or daggers?"

'We have come through a fair way chasing this plague, seen many strange things, made unexpected allies and fought some equally unexpected perils. We are also of course, here to offer help to anyone in a cause for good along the way. And apart from that, we are in posession of some pieces of historical and cultural significance by a Bard famous to Elredd. Do you perhaps know of someone wishing to provide a suitable home for such items in return for an item or two my friend Brutus wishes to acquire?'

Jeremiah liked the look of Talasek; he had a very nice hat indeed.

Natasha decided to join in in the crowd swamping the poor man with queries, adding some more practical concerns;

'And Talasek, do you know how we can most quickly get to Wintershiven? Our search indicates we will come closer to finding the answers we seek there. Possibly you would like to join us on the road? The more the merrier...'

'Sorry to  play 20 questions, but we like to be well informed about where we are, where we are going and who can help or hinder our goals.'

"No, not really. I have little need to seek out such places as most of my coin goes directly to the needy. What little I require the Church provides."

"My best guess may be with a pawn broker. I think there may be a few in the Old City but rumour has it the place is overrun by theives and scoundrels."

"By ship I would imagine, but it would be a long journey taking many weeks."
"I regret however that I would be unable to accompany you. My duties here prevent me from journeying any great distance away from the city."
"But Greyhawk isn't the way it used to be. It's hard to know anymore who can be trusted."

""Ayye. Sounds like Elredd." Brutus has almost a dreamy look in his eye, as if remembering something. But a moment later he snaps out of it.

"Sounds to me like a like you are concerned for your life. At least, in Elredd when people start to talk that way, that is the reason. Why do you most of your coin to the needy, as they cannot manage thier finances? Better to build a home for them, and manage thier finances for them, providing food and protection so they can earn thier own coin, and break the cycle of poverty. But it is nonetheless noble to help them. Tell us more..."

Brutus was wanting to know more about why he helped the poor in the way he did, but he deliberately left the question open to see how it would be answered. Meanwhile, Jean just quietly observes, looking for signs that Talasek is a priest, paladin or monk, and if so who he serves.

"My life? No, but I am concerned for where this city might end up."
"This town used to have laws about certain thins, but now ther laws are still there but no one will enforce them. I never thought I'd see the law turn their back on the lawful citizens and look the other way for the lawbreakers."

His voice drops in volume and his tone becomes distresed.
"I sense a growing evil but cannot pinpoint it. I've been getting this feeling for many months now," he tells you.

"City officials seem indifferent to the problem. I can't tell them where I think the problem is, so they just tell me they can't deal with a problem that isn't there. But I've seen some strange things."

"We've had some strangefolk move into town. They're not the ordinary families of farmers or merchants. They're too quiet and aloof. Sure there'll always be people like that, but there has been too many lately. They always come alone, and they always seem to find others of their kind. I don't know where they live, I've tried to find them but they seem to just disappear into the city."

"Greyhawk used to see a lot of adventurers like yourselves but lately they leave town soon after they arrive. I've heard that their rooms have been rtansacked, they've been ambushed and they've been threatened."

He falls silent for a while, then adds appologetically, I'm not trying to scare you folks, I just thought you should know some of this so you can watch your backs. But I'm raining on your good time and for that I appologise. I've said too much. Tell you wat, let me show you around the city tomorrow. It reallyis a great place and I promise I'll bemore fun and show you some really interesting things. This city has treasures you won't find anywhere else."

"What do you say? I'll meet you here right after breakfast."

'Absolutely. We'd be delighted to have the company.' Natasha said with a warm smile. It was good to see that strangers could still be friendly to one another.

Both Joan and Brutus are interested in his offer of showing them around, but for different reasons. Talasek strikes Brutus as someone who can help him find some useful weapons in this quest, but Joan wished to discuss his concerns further. Despite his interesting language, Brutus glances at the others, and after hearing Natasha's comment and seeing approval in Joan's eyes, he also confirms his interest. In fact, he suggests that Talasek may stay with them the night so they might share stories, or perhaps strategies.

"After all, we don't know how far you will have to travel to meet us here. Where do you live, after all?

"Then I shall see you all in the morning," he says cheeringly, standing and stretching out his hand to be shaken.
"No, no," is his reponse on the suggestion he stay.
"My lodgings aren't all that far away and I'm afraid my landlady would worry if I wasn't to return."
"On the eighth hour of the morning then. Sleep well."
A quick bow and a flourish of his feathered hat and he was off through the crowd.
A few hours later you head up to bed having made a few more aquaintances in the inn and shared a few rounds.

The room, inspite, or perhaps because of it's extraodinately high ceiling proves quite comfortable. Fresh linen sheets cover soft, yet supportive matresses providing ample distraction from the raucous sounds of drunken sailors, the odd barking dog and the occasional distant scream.

In the morning you wake refreshed, your clothing laid out already cleaned and pressed and an invitation fo breakfast with Gruenab and the staff downstairs, along with a handful of other guests. As with the meal the night before, the food is simple yet delicious and especially in Gruenabs case, served in plenty.

The eigth hour comes and goes without sign of Talasek. Although he seemed eager the night before, he is now more than an hour late....

Natasha calmly suggests 'Let's ask Gruenab where Thraydin lives. He seemed popular here and said he lived near, so we can go and see what he's doing so late.'

'Gruenab, remember the tall man in the feathered hat from last night? The local? He's late to show us around. Doyou know where he lives?' Jeremiah asked.

"Talasek?" The giant man's voice booms, rattling the windows and shaking dust from ledges.
"Of course, he's a regular. Afraid I can't say where he lives though besides somewhere up closer to the citadel."

" So who would know his address? He said he helped the poor...does he work with a Temple?" Joan was not sure that he was not simply unreliable, but she wanted to be sure.

"I think he's with the church of Saint Cuthbert, but I'm not really sure."
"Nice man he is, always helping people. Gets himself in a bit of trouble from time to time just by being too nice, but his hearts always in the right place."

Brutus thought to himself that he must be a cleric, because he didn't know of any Paladins who were so nice. But he kept that thought to himself and simply asked Gruenab where the church of St Cuthbert was.

Joan noticed something about the look on Brutus face, brief though it was, and commented "Not enough nice people in the world. We really should check on him then. Let's head for the temple, but via the market. Perhaps he is there getting something to help the poor in some sudden emergency."

Brutus asks Gruenab if he has a safe place to store thier meagre things while they go in search of the missing nice person. Once they have an answer, they both go to thier room to gather everything that they will take, and to secure what they will not.

Natasha was suspicious of the way Joan and Brutus kept giving each other funny looks 'on the low low', as it kind of stood out, and even more suspicious of anyone in the market buying stuff for poor people because that's what they did for fun. She kind of liked Talasek,so she hoped that they wouldn't find him there.

Regardless, she and Jeremiah (quiet for once, oddly enough) grabbed their gear and stowed the shovels and other miscellaneous useless-in-the-city stuff.

Like plate mail for instance. Jeremiah is a special case and his constitution allows him to wear plate in the city should he choose to do so. He is also wise enough to realise that he doesn't have to and maybe this should be reserved for when there are actual signs of danger, a good reason to show off, or it is cool enough to not worry.

They then said their goodbyes and thanks for breakfast to Gruenab, and made to leave.

"Your rooms are quite safe," Gruenab assured you.
"Even should somebody be stupid enough to try getting past me, the rooms have solid locks."
"Feel free to use the chests under the beds for any valuables, just don't loose the key anywhere."

And so you prepare to head out into arguably the greatest city in the Flanaess...

As you are coming back down the stairs and about to head to the door, a pounding eachos through the nearly empty common room.
"We're closed!" Gruenab bellows in reply, only to be answered by more pounding.

Grumbling under his breath, the huge barman moves over the the door, slides open a peephole about 8 feet from floor level and peers through. A little more grumbling and muttering later and he unbars the door, allowing the early callers inside.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:01, Fri 26 Feb 2010.

Four armed and armoured guardsmen enter, their faces showing little amusement at the delay.

"Everyone please take a seat and this will all be over quickly," the sergeant commands.
"Firstly, each of you tell me your names, then how long you've been in the city, where you come from and why you are here."
"Then I want to know if you know a man by the name of Talasek Thraydin."

From the man's stance and tone of his voice, not to mention the three armed men backing him up and countless more to be heard outside, it is clear his questions will not go unanswered.

Joan leaves her spears behind, but carries her short sword under her cloak, not really concealed but not advertised either. She sees no reason to leave anything else behind, and takes time to don her armour as well, as no travelling cleric of Celestian would ever leave home unprepared.

Brutus does not see the need for rations, but carries all else, including his shield on his backpack where it was usually carried. All else is as usual, and they are all ready to go by the time they head downstairs to see what all the noise is about.

Brutus quickly gives thier names, stating that they arrived yesterday and intended on passing through when they met Talasek, who offered to show them around the city. His tone is polite and his sentences short and to the point.
"We were just on our way to meet him now, actually. He is late, and there are some items we were wanting to find. Do you know where we could find him, by any chance? I presume you are the city gaurd, yes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:06, Sat 27 Feb 2010.

"I'm the one asking questions."
"Where did you come from?"
"What is your purpose in the city?"

"I can see you are asking questions. But in civilized lands I get to know who is asking before I answer. Are you the city gaurd?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:10, Sat 27 Feb 2010.

'Let's not have issues here. We came from Elredd, and our business is to chase the cause of a plague specific to regions known to us. We are just passing through Greyhawk though, no need to panick about any such plague here.'