The morning after their meal Garryn will seek out Hau'dn. "Good morning, Hau'dn, I was wondering if you'd care to breakfast with me and share any knowledge that you've gleaned from the items?"

After Spending the better part of the day - and his gold - gathering information, Villhalas searches out the Group.  Once found, he will call them into the Great Room of the S&B, - and invite each of them to break bread with him..

OOC:  #7 is of particular interest to me.  We should seek this "survivor" out..  Also - 3 & 11 are good little tidbits.  A meeting w/Caddis would be interesting.  And - I wonder if Lord Karr's Ceremonial Dagger bears a distinctive "V" etched into the pommel end of the hilt...  ;)

Jas

_________________

Supper Debriefing --

1.  Overland trade routes are increasingly dangerous, and no caravans have hailed from east of Deuxchay or Arkenhem for 9 months now.

2.  The last caravan to arrive was carrying a load of fine woolens from Arkenhem, a type of viscous, flammable oil from Narvil (Vil has, in fact, purchased some of this very stuff), and dried guano (highly regarded as excellent fertilizer) from the vast volcanic caves east of Deuxchay.

3.  The elves of Emnia have been raiding far to the north of their ancient forest home, but have not bothered the caravan routes so far.

4.  The Torn Tongue tribes have been active west of Borderton this summer, but the Imperial forces have stepped up their presence and fought a number of minor battle and skirmishes with the orcs.  The route to the west is safe...relatively.

5.  Caddis Mournlake has returned from the campaigns to the east, passing through Borderton and saying that he was headed for retirement.

6.  Tinker Dan was rumored to be headed to Rimsedge, in order to form a one-gnome caravan to bring goods back to the west.  That guy...

7.  A caravan was ambushed and taken not far from Borderton--according to a so-called survivor who is currently being questioned by authorities.

8.  There may be a whiskey shortage this season--stock up now.

9.  Some group of Lord Karr's men, led by the lord himself, defeated an orcish death priest and leader of an orcish army.  Lord Karr has the orc's head and his ceremonial dagger on display in his castle.

10.  The guy who plays dice in the corner runs a loaded game.

11.  Pyribrotos the Red--or another red dragon--has been seen, high in the sky near the caravan routes passing through the plains northeast of the Emnian forests.

12.  Several loads of good, well-cured lumber from the Leaflock are expected out of Cameron any day now—should go a ways to repairing some of the fire damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Sat 26 Mar 2005.

Seated at the table in the Sparrow and Briar, Dominique nods reflectively at Villhalas' information.  Upon Villhalas' termination of his revelations, the priest brings forth the dagger and the wand--both remanded to him as part of the identification process.  "My friends.  The pastors here at the Mithran shrine and library were able to persuade a wizard to use his arcane talents to glean information  on these items.  The wand, apparently, is able to cast the spell 'Suggestion', as if by a mage of the Fifth Circle.  My brothers tell me that there are six such opportunities to cast this spell within this wand.  The dagger, it was revealed to me, is enchanted and of a surpassing edge."

OOC:  Waiting on Hau'dn for the ring.  The wand is a Suggestion wand, caster level 5, DC 14, with 6 charges.  The dagger is a +1 Keen Edge dagger.

"Excellent.  - Thank you Dom.."

Pondering the information provided, Vil looks to Totmacher and the rest of the Group - "So what do you think?  Were any of you able to get any other information than what my 8 hours of buying rounds at the local pubs was able to produce??"




OOC:  Make sure you chk the OOC boards Scott..  =)

OOG: Retconning just a touch, this takes place at the Inn still.

Having ignored most of the conversation except for Vil's comments he glances up at the man, "I gather then, that is an invitation to continue our rather abrupt acquaintance with the possibility of turning into something not so hastily drawn together by need?"

He listens politely and then interjects as Vil affirms the invitation, "That is acceptable.  I cannot say much about the dagger or the pendants though I will continue my investigations later tonight.

"This ring though, see these etchings of the grasshopper and the kangaroo rat, the stag and here the frog and the salmon." He points to each in turn.

"I once heard a tale and given the similarity of the item I was shown and the gnomish workmanship it seems to be marked by, I believe it is a sister ring to that which I saw.  It was a ring as explained to me that made your leaps into bounds, magicked if you will to truly improve one's grace and stride while jumping.

"A very mighty find, especially if one finds a need to suddenly vacate from a second story window after a night of certain delicate attentions." Hau'dn smiles briefly, chuckling at what is probably an old memory.

"Either way it will have its uses.  I will confirm that it is indeed magicked later though."

OOG: The Ring is a ring of greater jumping.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:53, Wed 30 Mar 2005.

Hau'dn glances at Garryn for a moment, then seemingly makes up his mind, smiling pleasantly he nods, "It would be my pleasure.  Please lead on."

OOG: Just need a confirmation from K on something and it will all be good.

Hau'dn smiles at the mention of Tinker Dan's name, shaking his head in silent mirth.  "No, most of my day has been spent exploring the various wares available for purchase."

After hearing Totmacher share his recent prison experience with the group - and Garryn making the possible connection between Mahatmer and the Caravan Contact - Villhalas speaks up:

"Aine, Hau'dn - If this Prisoner - Mahatmer - is indeed our Caravan Contact, he would have a 5-day lead time on us.  What are the odds either of you will have any success in tracking him into the Blackthorn Hills?"

V
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Fri 01 Apr 2005.

"Maybe he's still in town? We should at least ask around at some taverns since he might have tried to recruit some companions before leaving town. At the very least we could pick up a little info," Garryn suggests.

Totmacher responds--"Totmacher thinks it is very unlikely that he would stay in town or try to recruit anyone.  He was not too fond of Borderton (or its folk) and was a marked man.  He stated that he was going to get out--fast."

"While I agree with Garryn that we should make inquires, it would seem a waste of time to follow him into the hills." Adding in his characteristically "monkish" shorthand, "I would not walk North to find the sunrise."

OOC: IMHO I think our tracking efforts would be better spent trying to track the stolen caravan along the road between Duexchay and Borderton. But Asher will follow the group on this one, even if it means taking the "Dirk Gently" approach.

Pondering the group's comments, Villhalas adds:

"I am open to going out and gathering more information.   However, I think Totmacher may be right.  Given his description of the events, I believe it would be highly unlikely that Mahatmer would have stuck around - or given anyone any indication of what his plans were.  I think - should we choose to pursue him - we have a 'More is Less' situation here.  The More time we spend here lolly-gagging in Town, the Less of a chance we'll have of finding him.  But.  Let me defer to our Trackers in the Group.  Aine, Hau'dn??"

V

OOC:  FYI - Kevin hit me w/8 hours of game time to glean the information Vil obtained earlier from the patrons of the S&B and Giant's Head Tavern.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Sat 02 Apr 2005.

"As long as he is not attempting to hide his trail and if one of us assisted the other, I believe it would be difficult but possible on one condition.  Unfortunately, that one condition is where luck plays a far greater role than either of our skill.

"For to track him we have to find and properly identify his trail, with the passage of time and the various other signs that would be left by the population in and around Bordertown that would cover up his trail, I have my doubts about our chances to truly discover the appropriate trail.

"If he was smart he'd suggest or allow someone to see him going one way and then double back at some point to take another direction.

"To answer your question though Villhalas, more is indeed less."  Hau'dn paused, scratching the now healed skin of his recent wound absently.

Nodding his head in affirmation (although he has no real clue of what Hau'dn is describing..) - Vil adds:

"Understood.  Given that, I recommend we pack up & leave Borderton w/in the hour.  Let's see if we can't pick up his trail - on the North side of town, headed for the Hills.  If we can, great.  If not - let's consider making that Trip to the Central Wilds.." 

V

OOC:  Thoughts?  Other Suggestions??

Totmacher nods in approval.

"What was the origin of the caravan?"

Unshouldering his Rucksack in preparation to begin the packing process, Vil looks to Totmacher with a shrug and adds - "The only detail Arillatoris provided was that it was headed from 'The East'.  Asher - do you have more information than this?"

V

OOC:  Narrative 15:  Arillatoris:  "..There is a caravan bearing, among other things, a load of spices from the East--one of only a scant few caravans expected this year."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:33, Sat 02 Apr 2005.

"Arkexis and I parted company in Duexchay, he would be coming from there."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:29, Sat 02 Apr 2005.

The morning light has slanted its way through the smoke-tinged, thick-paned windows of the Sparrow and Briar--the early summer day promises to be both bright and hot.  The companions are seated in the inn's common room...an increasingly familiar locale to them all over the past few days.  Villhalas has indicated his desire to depart by nine bells in the morning.

The female ranger leans back in her chair.  "Yeah, well...  Not me, sorcerer.  No offense an' all, but you're not goin' where I want to go, an' your crazy talk 'bout headin' east leads me t' think you took a header in that last fight.  I've already come a helluva lot further than I'd counted on, and this ain't th' most...umm...reliable bunch o' folks I've known.  No offense, again, but that's how I see it."

Dominique clears his throat a bit, clearly preparing to speak.  Aine cuts him off, tersely.  "Th' priest's comin' with me.  We got some issues in th' towns along the east-west Imperial highway through the Leaflock, an' Dom's just th' guy t' give me a hand with some of 'em."  The ranger, blunt as ever, continues.  "Tried t' get th' archer t' come with us, but he said somethin' 'bout makin' sure th' big man don't fall into some dragon's mouth accidentally, an' that Garryn needs some lookin' after, too.  Couldn't understand th' half of it."

"That's 'cause ye're a tad short on th' *listenin'* skills, gal...yer uncanny *hearin'* aside," mutters the halfling.

Taking advantage of the brief lull in the conversation, Dominique quickly interjects.  "My friends.  I...I am sorry that I will not accompany you, but my duties lie elsewhere--both to Church and Empire.  However,"  here the little Palonish priest positively beams.  "I will not leave you completely abandoned, my friends!  My cousin...a good man and true...has come into this town as part of a request from a Captain Garlings of the Sword.  Perrato...my cousin...was dismissed from this request."   Dominique smiles again.  "Apparently, the good captain's request for my cousin was in response to concerns raised by Alderman Perysinos about this Zante Barbaras!  And we have managed to both capture this madman, and to free this town of the scourge of those fires."  The little priest clasps Asher's shoulder.  "So, my friends, the Captain has released Perrato from any service required, and I have informed my cousin that a party of good and true comrades," here Aine rolls her eyes and Caylin coughs discreetly, "require the doughty aid of a man of Mithras!"

The little Palonish priest takes a large breath and sighs happily.  "Perrato is currently staying near the shrine for the Death Maiden.  I have informed him that you wish to depart soon, and he awaits you.  I..."

"Come on, priest.  Enough talk...let's move."  The ranger grates out her imperative, but her voice is slightly amused.  "If you manage to survive," Aine shakes her head, "look for me...an' th' priest, I guess...back in th' regions of the forest--Woodshead or Greenbough, or near enough."  Aine stands, and offers her hand to the members of the party, her tone softening.  "Best o' luck to you, an' whatever gods you look to...well...may they look to you, as well."

Listening to Aine's departing speech, Vil nods with an understanding smile.  He had a sense that this day was coming.

"Aye - we understand Lass.  I will say though - your sword will be sorely missed.  The Best of Luck to you - in whatever Path you choose."  To Dom - "Dom, you've managed to keep us alive - through more than one messy encounter.  We are in your debt.  May Mithras look over you and guide you on your Journey."

To the Remaining members of the Party - "Well then, let's find this Perrato and be on our Way.."

At this, Vil returns to tighten up his gear while the rest of the Party says their Goodbyes to Dom and Aine..

V
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Sat 02 Apr 2005.

"Dom, if your cousin is half the priest you are you have done us a mighty service with your recommedation. I wish you both a safe trip and may Vagroni smile upon you," Garryn says to his parting companions with some trepidation, Dominique, more than anyone, had kept the party together and Aine had developed into a solid force beside Tot, it would be hard to replace them.

Totmacher approaches Aine and extends his arm in position for a Half-orc farewell arm "shake."

"Totmacher will remember you as a worthy fighter, female" Half-orc good-byes are typically final.  Either due to a death or seperation caused by failed loyalties (which usually results in revenge and some more death), this departure puts Tot in an awkward position.  He continues, "bred from choice stock.  Totmacher expects that we will meet again, fighting side-by-side leading Da' Nogra to victory in the battle for the underworld."

He then pulls away a portion of his blood stained studded leather near his right shoulder revealing a jagged bulbus keloid left by Korkus."

"Totmacher does not forget."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Sun 03 Apr 2005.

Asher clasps the clerics hand, "It has been an honor meeting you Dom. Perhaps we'll meet again on another road." Then adds with a nod to Aine, "I hope you both find what it is you are looking for."

Aine looks at Totmacher's extended arm, and then grasps it--somewhat awkwardly--in the fashion of the hill tribes.  She snorts a bit at Totmacher's words, and replies, "'Choice stock? ' Yeah, well, no one's dragged me out t' th' glue-maker's yet.  Be careful on your journeys east...that ain't a road I'd be thrilled t' take.  An' watch that fuckin' axe of yours--sometimes, just a pop to th' jaw or an elbow smash to th' nose will getcha what you want...without goin' to prison for it."

Aine shoulders her pack, nods to the rest of the group, and is out the door to the inn.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Sun 03 Apr 2005.

Dominique smiles as he shakes the monk's hand.  "The honor was mine, my friend."  He turns to Garryn and Villhalas, and inclines his head, saying, "You give me too much credit and praise, my friends.  I merely acted as best I could see, in a capacity I hoped would benefit us all."


The little Palonish priest turns his smile on the party, and says, "Farewell, my friends.  May Mithras and Vagrani watch over you and bear you to fortune and health."  Dominique sketches a brief benedictory gesture with his hands, and follows Aine out the door and into the street.  The voice of the priest floats back on the morning air.

"You will find my cousin Perrato lodging with the Mithran brothers in the rectory just north of here.  Farewell again, my friends."

Villhalas, Rucksack on his back, lets out a low chuckle - and says:

"Well.  Let's get moving.  Before my Brother here gets all choked up with all this mushy Good-bye Business.."

With that, Vil flips a Silver Griffen into the air - destined for the breakfast table - and makes for the front door.   Once outside, he looks to the roofline of the Inn - and silently calls for Mal'ach to join him.  Familiar in tow, Vil then steadies his horse, and mounts up...

V
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Sun 03 Apr 2005.