As a newbie to the group, I'll be focusing on learning what each member has to offer to the party and working at learning my potential place in the group.

Tarron has been in the Glen for a short period already so he's acclimatised with what the glen has to offer I would assume.

If we're going to be here a couple of months, Kitheras could take our new members on a field trip.  In addition to going hunting to learn the patrol signs (audible as well as visual), we could see Ashabenford, Oakengrove Abbey, and maybe a monster hunt in the Barrowfield.

Corym

I'm assuming that you're working the equivalent of seven full days each tenday. Whether those are all full days or some of them are half-days doesn't particularly matter.

((OOC:  I had tea with Neldor the Sage and he'll be stopping by later to speak with Talindra.  Purely a social call.  I'm sure the DM will post the logs when he's able.))

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

I don't know what Talindra's study schedule for Kora is but on my three available days per week I want to make sure to teach a lesson once a week (apparently lesson take all day).  If Kora learned perfectly (given the Sha'ir's book as guide she would need 67 days of instruction.  She needs to successfully learn 67 lessons would be another way of thinking about it.  It's possible that Talindra's Intelligence is higher than mine, though, and that Kora would have earned EXP more quickly.

On the second day, I want to set aside time to make social calls.  With Talindra, with Neldor, local stone masons, engineers, and artists.  Explore the town, meet the shop keepers, take note of the building methods and designs here.  Make sketches. Most importantly, I want to start looking for a few remarkable undeveloped building sites. One of these days will be set aside for a farewell feast for Elorfindar, Karilla, and Sirenya.

On the third day, I want to focus on physical training.  Wrestle with Kora, sparring with Tarron, Blindfighting training, rock climbing to keep my skills in check. If the weather is inclement I'll try to go through each room on each story without touching the floor.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:31, Mon 06 Sept 2021.

Kitheras will take the new recruits (and any old members that care to) on some ranging hunting trips to teach the patrol signs--audible and visual. Whatever Kitheras harvests will intentionally be 'management' bucks.  Animals that are too old, malformed, or diseased.  The pelts should have their thick winter coat and could be valuable and make good winter cloaks--so he'll try to harvest those as appropriate.

He thinks the idea of training blindfighting could be very helpful and once he gets back in town he will see if Tarron can help him work out the technique.  Probably there are some dwarf fighters around here that learned the technique for dealing with Drow globes of darkness and so if its too troublesome he'll seek one of those out.

He'd like to take a trip to Oakengrove Abbey and may stop over in Ashabenford to carouse for a couple of days.

He'll try and get some information on the Barrowfields and see if a short expedition with three would be practicable.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Mon 06 Sept 2021.

Corym

Corym goes to Neldor's house in his new tailored dwarven clothing and brings along some cookies and a sketch of a typical dwelling in Glen and knocks on the door.

The door opens promptly. But instead of Neldor, he's met by a smiling dwarven lass. "Welcome!" She bows and steps back, waving him into the store. "I am Rethusra, of Clan Honedaxe. I am Neldor's factor. How can I help you?"

"Greetings, Rethusra!  I'm Corym Ildroun and I've sometimes conducted business with Master Neldor.  I was hoping to make a social call."

Rethusra shuts the door and steps back over to the desk. She has several locks spread out on top of it, and seems to be in the process of taking them apart, or putting them back together. "Of course. You were going to Myth Drannor, yes? Neldor mentioned your group to me. He didn't expect to see you again." She grins. "Was the city as magnificent as the songs say?"

"It certainly was once.  Its magnificence is now somewhat more macabre. He'll be glad to know, I'm sure, that not only did we all survive, we managed to rescue and return a few travelers to safety."

"Indeed he will." Rethusra has a force of personality that is very uncommon for a dwarf, and when she grins it lights up the room. "People who respect the past and don't treat it like an open gold mine are too rare, in his opinion." She glanced at the door into the back. "Neldor was working on some tricky alchemy, but I think he should be about done. Wait here, and I'll see when he can see you."

"With such company, waiting will be no burden.  And I well believe that we have a similar valuation on the past."

Rethusra gave him a little wave and disappeared into the back. She reappeared a short song later with Neldor just behind her. The older elf smiled when he saw Corym. "Well! Not even an open grave can keep ahold of you. Congratulations."

"Indeed not.  The impossible is my trade, and your words resonate more deeply than you know.  I'll be in town for a couple of months uncovering some mysteries we brought back with us, and I could use like minded company.  I thought that we could sample some of the local confections over a hot cup of tea or whatever they go best with.  I also brought this for you."  He extended the rolled parchment with both hands. "To better remember Glen when your career takes you elsewhere."

Neldor took the drawing and smiled at the rendition of the tall buildings contrasted with the gray stone of the incline down into the ravine. "You have an eye for detail. Winter is always a slow time for me. Fewer adventurers wanting me to identify strange magic and fewer merchants looking to buy my potions. I would welcome a chance to leave my laboratory and talk with a knowledgable traveler."

"I'm afraid that most of my life has been spent acquiring on behalf of the knowers rather than knowing on my own.  After I was--ahem--excused from the Academy my parents had me learn several related trades.  Stone masonry, Architecture, and Engineering. I daresay that I may have more in common with these dwarves as a result as any elf alive!  They were uncertain that my mother's Yuirwood magical mentorship would take me far.

"Thankfully for my siblings the elders revised their rulings on the blood status of our family and allowed their entry to the Academy. In any case, that's how I attained my eye for detail."

"Academies can be like that," Neldor agreed. "There used to be all kinds of stories about the antics the students used to get up to in Myth Drannor. We didn't have any at home; I learned from my mother and my aunts and uncles."

"As a matter of fact we sheltered in a private academy in Myth Drannor while we investigated the surrounding neighborhood house-by-house.  Does the name Elaethen Bhepel sound familiar?"

Neldor's eyes lost focus for a moment, then he shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. I'm not familiar with either the person or the family. Was the academy at least partially intact?"

"Oh, remarkably intact.  Untouched.  There was even a noble efreet still bound in a summoning circle that we had to--er--release in order to make the place safe for us.  We only exited or entered under the power of invisibility, and obscured the opening and closing of the door with illusions.  The walls were made entirely of a crystalline substance and the windows were all sound-proofed one-way glass-steel. It would be amazing to convert it to an Instant Fortress, but that level of craft will be beyond me for centuries."

"Remarkable. Untouched? How?" Neldor shook his head. "For once I almost wish I had gone to the city with you. It sounds remarkable. Do you know how it survived the Fall?"

"There are a number of mysteries pertaining to that tower. For instance there is a crypt beneath it with the most ornate door.  Apparently when Master Bhephel acquired the tower he sealed it and warned his apprentices that what lay beyond the door was too dangerous to trouble. Also, there were several spells that had become sentient and self-sustaining.  The Living Lightning Bolt would surely have caused us more trouble if we had not been accompanied by a servant of Marthammor."

Neldor sighed. "We must talk about this further. Myth Drannor was always a city of mystery. It seems some of those mysteries have only deepened since its destruction." He glanced over his shoulder. "Though perhaps we can speak on a day when I am not needing to keep watch on a particularly fickle potion."

"Well, there is a matter on which I wanted to get your opinion.  A relatively sensitive matter that the Forgemaster is keen that I see to. You see, both of Master Bhephel's senior apprentices were still present and sentient in the tower.  Lianthorn was some violent undead apparition full of wild spells.

"But Talindra was alone in the dark, spectral, and weeping--unaware that she had even died.  Between Kitheras' bardic abilities and some magical improvising on my part we were able to restore her sanity.  She's been tutoring my human apprentice for the better part of a month now.

"To find and restore her sanity was very much a sort of religious experience for me.  Especially to find her so vulnerable.  I swore to her that I would find a way to see her restored--to undo what had been done to her. We know from our priests' testimony that the date of her death precludes a Resurrection--short of a direct divine intervention.  But her connection to Arvandor is severed now, and I fear that to end her consciousness now would not bring her the release we would wish for her. Moreover, she is a wealth of knowledge and a true manifestation of my philosophy that we may find the virtue of the past and use it to restore and revive our People in the present."

"So if the gods are out of the running--that leaves Wishes.  Djinn, Luck Blades, Rings, or Archwizards. "I have an item that I think may be of sufficient interest for you that may convince you to lend us your aid in spite of the taboos involved, but it will require two more months of labor to decrypt I've recently discovered.  Until that time, the Foregmaster has given Talindra leave to remain in Glen until we can arrive at a definitive solution for her situation.

"I was hoping that you might also consider coming over and meeting with her.  I love her well, but I fear she considers me--provincial.  I think she might like the company of a fellow academic from time to time. Which is really shocking to me--I've always considered myself cosmopolitan.  But I guess that counts for little when the lady hails from the origin of cosmopolitanism."

Neldor's eyes widened. "She is a survivor? And not a baelnorn? Yes, of course I will come and visit her." Giving himself a shake, he grinned at you. "I must say, your trip to Myth Drannor has far out-stripped my hopes for you. Well done. Very well done. This potion ought to be done tomorrow. Shall I come by the day after, and give her my greetings?"

"That should give us time to clean things up a bit.  Our warriors have been sparring out of boredom on the ground floor while Talindra tutors Kora."

"That sounds about right. Give a wizard a book and he disappears for days. Give warriors an empty room and they'll turn it into a battlefield."  Neldor smiled and shook his head, clearly amused.

"I'm afraid that we'll have to go back by the time I have this scroll deciphered.  It's incredibly long--sixteen feet!  And the cipher is like nothing I've ever seen.  Even Kitheras is stumped, and he worked in cryptography.  But we've finally wrapped our heads around it.  Two months.  I had wanted to research a new spell for our return, but I think it will have to wait. But I know this--no one would have encrypted a shopping list this way.  This must be something special. We have to be able to use it to help Talindra."

Neldor nodded. "I look forward to speaking to you more about it. But for now, I really do need to get back to this potion." Giving you a bow, Neldor disappeared through the door he'd come through, leaving Corym alone with the smiling Rethusra.

Corym looked to Rethusra. "We never even had tea. Sages, am I right?"

"Sages and alchemists," Rethusra agreed. "But he likes you. Stop by whenever you like; usually I'm here, even if he's neck deep into beaker fumes."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:30, Tue 07 Sept 2021.

Krackor can do training for you.

Hammer 1, 1361 DR

After spending a restful night sleeping in proper beds for the first time in over a month, you awake to welcome in the new year. For your first day back in civilization you take things slowly. Backpacks are emptied. Clothes are washed, food is bought, including an lot of cheap of fresh fruit and vegetables that would be almost as expensive as their weight in gold anywhere else in the middle of winter. Plans are made, and what furniture and bedding the house is missing is tracked down.

In the evening, everyone comes together for a farewell meal. Elorfindar and Karilla are leaving to visit the healing waters in Deepingdale, and Sirenya has also decided to move on to other adventures. All of you push several tables together in the Dark Door and order a farewell feast. Tomorrow you split up, but for the moment you can all toast each other.

((ooc: I know that one of the things the group wanted to do was have a farewell dinner for the three who are leaving. So while we wait for the sparring to finish up, I'm opening the farewell dinner for roleplaying as well.))

In reply to DM (msg # 47):

Krackor had spent the night doing his Rituals, explaining what and who Gorm was to those drinking and eating at his prepared table outside the tavern where he kept Guard.  He would say a Prayer to The Bronze Mask or the Vigilant Host, the Ever Watchful One and Old Fire Eyes, any inquisitive eyes or ears, he would intone the name Gorm as though that explained things.

As the last of those partaking in his offering to the Community and his God, departed, Krackor said one last prayer to Gorm, returned the table and anything else that came from the Tavern, then went inside.  He thanks the Tavern Staff and went to his room where he dropped straight off to bed, as usual, without removing all of his armour.

Krackor woke when he should, it didn't matter what time it was, his Lord had set that rest period, not that he needed it but it was important that it happened this way, this time.  Important because of what had been achieved and the people he had helped along the way, important because of his Oath to The Company to keep them safe if he was able to and if not, then Alive would have to do.  He had kept that Oath and his Rituals were to reaffirm to himself and The Vigilant Host that he had fulfilled his word.

He washed, he cleaned, he almost polished every part of his armour, shield and helmet included; then he prayed to the Bronze Mask offering his thanks and his Open Faced Helmet as sacrifice to his God, the Helmet he had worn since he started his training in service to the Ever Watchful One.  He then went downstairs to break his fast with food and drink.  He talks to anyone not quick enough to leave, speaking of his dedication to duty and how it kept him and his family alive, a family that included Humans, Elves and a Gnome.  He doesn't embellish for his word means more to him than frivolous self-indulgences and self-glorification.

Once he had finished, he gathered his things, paid his tavern bill and started walking down towards the house that they had been given to live in for the moment. Greets and well Met his words as he passed each person, he was wearing his Full Armour, his weapons where they should be when in town and his Shield in full display, his Helmet carried in the arm of his weapon hand, it was after all, to be sacrificed to Gorm and a new one commissioned.  He acknowledged every single person with his most precious of cheery grins, he felt at home again and shared that joy with everyone that cared enough to be near him.

He would stop on his way should anyone address him, offering what assistance he could and accepting comments with non-judgemental appreciation.  When he got to the house, he went in and checked it out, claiming a location where he could watch and where he could sleep.  Comfort wasn't something he enjoyed but he enjoyed that others did.

Later that day and the next, Krackor could be found about town, finding out what happened there over the Winter months, who ran the place and if there was a Watch or Militia.  He wanted to know as much as he could and to help where he could.  He had a project to do but he needed help and if that meant sacrificing his own time to help others first, then he would do that.

"Let's say it's a combination of all three."

Kali took the blows with a slight flinch, but overall she was just generally confused.

"I didn't realize that you spent time kissing blades. Don't take offense, it's nought but metal." As Kali landed another blow, the sword cursed at Tarron again.

"Methink’st thou art a general offence and every man should beat thee.”


((ooc: Attacking back again
Initiative: 19:26, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 3 using 1d10 ((3)).
Weapon speed:5
Total:8
Modified THAC0: [From combat sheet, show situational modifiers separately]
Attack: 19:27, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 12 using 1d20 ((12)).
19:27, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 12 using 1d20 ((12)).
Damage: 19:29, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 4 using 1d8+3 ((1)).
19:29, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 3 using 1d8+1 ((2)).

10:25, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 15 using 1d8+8.  Damage 2. – [roll=1631327152.5018.359800]
10:25, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 11 using 1d8+8.  Damage 1. – [roll=1631327147.10874.359800]
10:25, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 18 using 1d20.  Attack 2. – [roll=1631327131.50557.359800]
10:25, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 15 using 1d20.  Attack 1. – [roll=1631327124.80603.359800]

Tarron takes the blows from Kali, but within seconds he is back in her face and twirling his single blade with deft strokes. As the blows hit Kali easily, he seems re-energized and ready to go once more.

He ignores the insults as they lend additional weight to his efforts...

First attack hits AC -7 for 11 damage, second attack hits AC -11 for 15 damage

11:13, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 14 using 1d20 ((14)). Kali attack 1
11:14, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 1 using 1d20 ((1)). Kali attack 2
11:14, Today: Kali Xilrora rolled 9 using 1d8+3 ((6)). Damage

Kali deeply feels the effects of the hits and knows that she can't do much more before falling. This thought was further compounded when she missed horribly with her second swing. Her sword now turned its ire on Kali's failure to land a blow.

"There’s no more faith in thee than in a stewed prune!”

She rolled her eyes at the insult and muttered under her breath.

"I know, I know. Shut up before he kills me."

Tarron took the blow with a wince, it was a solid hit. However, he used the pain to elevate his own endeavours and he swung so fast and hard that he near clean took Kali's head. Stopping at the last moment, the sword was lightly pressed to her throat....

"You're a tough nut to crack. When that sword of yours stops distracting you, you'll be a force to be reckoned with." he says.

Tarron sheathes his blade and offers his hand. "Well fought. I look forward to sharing a battlefield with you."

09:35, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 11 using 1d8+8.  Damage 2. – [roll=1631496916.28494.359800]
09:35, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 16 using 1d8+8.  Damage 1. – [roll=1631496911.04845.359800]
09:35, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 10 using 1d20.  Attack 2. – [roll=1631496902.01952.359800]
09:34, Today: Tarron Ianfiel rolled 15 using 1d20.  Attack 1. – [roll=1631496896.84803.359800]

AC -2 for 11 damage
AC -8 for 16 damage

I started writing several things.  Its odd to RP with a PC that isn't present and the other one is just leaving so the player can play someone new.

I don't think we need to RP this.  It just needs to be said that we had a nice dinner, there were toasts, and they can move along and we can get on with things as far as I'm concerned.

IC its necessary to honor the bonds.

OOC, its unnecessary.  I'd be happy to move along.

Sparring

Kali pauses, giving Tarron a nod to acknowledge her loss. Then her sword bellows, "Avast! Six hundred repetitions, you scallawag!" It pauses a moment, then adds, "Oh, uh, Fie! Fie on you, thou boar-pig!"

((ooc: Sparring is now complete, good job, everyone.))

Actually, we need to elect a captain and ACTUALLY do the divinations on Syndra

Glen Breakdown

Since several people have mentioned wanting to get a better lay of the land, here are some additional details on the town of Glen that you're able to glean over the next few days.

Population: Somewhere between 150 and 250. As to be expected in a dwarven population, men significantly outnumber women. There is one halfling family, and Neldor and his daughter Merialeth. Everyone else is a dwarf.

Clans and Families: There are three clans in Glen: Boldenbar, Foehammer, and Honedaxe. Some of the more noteworthy families are: Battlewake, Duraxe, Frostbeard, and Stoneshaper.

Town Leaders: Glen does not have a single leader. The three most influential dwarves, who tend to be consulted on matters of import, are:
* High Forgesmith Lynar Boldenbar: Priest of Moradin
* Vorn Duraxe: Smith Guildmaster
* Garn Foehammer: Quarrymaster

Other People of Note:
* Uldred Honedaxe: Guildmaster of the Masonry Guild (the Masonry Guild is responsible for all new construction as well as repairs, so they know woodworking, plastering, painting, etc.)
* Jhax Battlewake: The town's sole dry goods merchant
* Zarna Frostbeard: Best weapon and armor smith in town
* Nandae Foehammer: Responsible for day-to-day operation of The Deep Mine (which is actually a quarry for granite, slate, and statue-quality marble). Also the town's main architect
* Yuth Redbeard: A highly charismatic former adventurer
* Captain Luella Boldenbar: Head of the watch

Town Watch: Glen does not have a dedicated watch. Instead, 6-8 people take it in turns each day to keep watch on the surrounding area (this would generally be a once a month duty, but there are several greybeards who enjoy the work and take shifts every other day or so, so it's closer to once every 2 months for everyone else). The watch are look-outs and general first responders around town. They are led by Captain Luella Boldenbar, a retired adventurer, who is also in charge of weapons training for anyone who wants it.

Inns and Taverns:
* The Dark Door (inn and tavern): Run by Urthos Forkbeard
* Undercellar (tavern only): Run by Borin Stoneshaper
* Beard of the North (alehouse): Run by Thurm and Dorna Frostbeard. Serves a variety of good beers and ales, and soft, salty pretzels

Town Products
Food: Out of season fruit and vegetables, mushrooms, beer. Also serves as the market town for the eastern end of Mistledale
General metalwork, weapons, armor
Stone: Granite (used locally), slate (sold in Mistledale and nearby dales), marble (sold widely)
Gold and silver work

We've only just arrived, we have time.

In reply to DM (msg # 58):

Once he is aware of a number of people, Krackor makes plans to visit them in the days to come.  Having time and a send off to prepare for means he is able to work around visits, negotiations and divinations.
Krackor makes a list, he intends to see all the important people but has a priority list:

1) People to visit first in no particular order:

• Uldred Honedaxe - To discuss possibilities of Temple
  
• Vorn Duraxe - Introduction as Priest of Gorm
• Garn Foehammer - Introduction as Priest of Gorm
• Captain Luella Boldenbar - As Guardian Priest, he feels it is his duty to protect the community he lives in and the lives of Dwarves.
• Some of the Greybeards

2) Company Work:

• Divinations
• Protecting Lodgings
• Ensuring the company is in good standing
• Elect new Captain

This message was last edited by the player at 19:01, Sun 19 Sept 2021.

For Corym, all that changes is that some of the "Social Call" time will be spent with Uldred Honedaxe and Nandae Foehammer.

With Uldred, if time allows (but it probably won't) Corym will attempt the Masonry Guild's entrance exam.

With Nandae he'd like to share some ideas about Gnomish and Halfling architecture that he's studied and get her thoughts on some scenic pieces of land nearby.

The town's denizens don't really alter Kitheras' plans.  He'll take Tarron and Kali on a hunt to teach them the patrol signs.  He'll limit his kills to 'management' bucks.  He doesn't have leather working, but Survival should allow him to skin them effectively and he'll make a gift of the hides to the town elders.  With the meat, he'll sponsor a hearty night's eating.

He'll range as far as Oakengrove Abbey, and try to get some information about the Barrowfields.

Krackor

Uldred Honedaxe

Most mornings, Uldred can be found in the first floor of his house, which has been converted into a large workshop. Here the mason guildmaster plans the day's repairs, directing teams of dwarves to fix things throughout Glen, while other apprentices and journeymen work in the shop shaping wood and stone for upcoming projects. He greets you warmly, and listens as you describe your desires for a temple.

"A temple, eh?" Uldred scratches his beard while he thinks. "We've only ever had Moradin's forge here. But with the elves leaving, and the forest growing dangerous, mayhap it wouldn't be a bad idea to have the Bronze Mask's faithful nearby. Wouldn't you want it up on the plain, though? If fiends come for Glen out of the woods, fat lot your boys will be down here on the valley floor."

Vorn Duraxe and Garn Foehammer

Garn spends most of his days underground in the Deep Mine, working his clan's quarry business. But he generally takes evenfeast at the Undercellar, and is often joined by Vorn Duraxe. You approach the two dwarves a few days after your arrival and introduce yourself. They both stand and bow, with all the solemnity your clerical rank deserves. "Be welcome in Glen, brother," Vorn says, gesturing for you to take a chair with them. "It is always a pleasure to know that Fire Eyes and his people are keeping watch. Will you be staying, or leaving with the rest of your group?"

Greybeards

You spend a morning in the attic of a house on the northern edge of the cliff. It was originally built for storage, like most attics, but at some point someone realized that it had the best view of the plain north of the village and it was converted into a watch post. There are wide windows, each with a comfortable stool in front of them. Four bell pulls snake down to alarm bells mounted above the front door. Each bell is a different size, so people can tell immediately between the alarms for, say, a fire or a monster attack. There's also a speaking tube down to the ground floor that can carry a shouted conversation.

The attic is the favored post of Garren Duraxe, a great uncle of Vorn and one of the oldest people in Glen. His old bones appreciate the warmth of the attic. His eyes, still remarkably keen despite his age, miss little. He enjoys watching the folk of Glen tending their glass-enclosed crops, and the waving grass and flying birds beyond them.

Garren is happy to share his watch and chat with anyone who joins him. He spends most of his off days being social in the Beard of the North, so he doesn't feel a need for company during his attic shifts. But he's not going to turn anyone away, either.

Divinations

The morning you spend trying to scry for Syndra is a well of frustration in an otherwise tranquil time. Nothing you do works. You try to find her in a reflecting pool. It fails. You try to scry on her surroundings. Nothing. You try divining to determine whether approaching the city from a particular direction would lead to finding her. A blank. Scrying Myth Drannor is less useful than scrying a rock. At least you'd be able to see the rock.

The most you're able to determine is that Syndra is probably still alive, and that's only because when you ask whether it would be possible to speak with her corpse, you get a terse, "No."

((ooc: Going to pause here to give Krackor a chance to respond. I'm going to try to do Corym and Kitheras tomorrow, and will also soon be jumping forward to the scroll's decipherment.))

Corym

Uldred Honedaxe

The guildmaster takes some time to warm up to you. He is very proud in Glen in particular and dwarven stonecraft in general. But the seventh or eight time you respond intelligently (and correctly) to his not-so-subtle quizzes about the finer points of stone working he seems to mollify slightly and admit that perhaps the tree dweller knows a bit about how to handle a hammer. Maybe.

You're good at reading people, and even you aren't certain whether Uldred is actually such picture-perfect dwarf-stubborn, or just playing the part to perfection to jerk your chain. Either way, he's willing to talk wood and stone with you, and allow you to hire his folks if you had a project that needed labor. So at least the aggravating days had a decent outcome.

Nandae Foehammer

You have better luck with Nandae. Like many architects you've encountered, she's stuck in a town with a whole lot of brick layers and quarreymen with as much artistic knowledge, or interest, as the stones they work with. When you show her some of your sketches of Hardbuckler, she nearly tackles you in her eagerness to finally talk architecture with someone who understands.

Much of your time is taken up with decrypting the scroll, and Nandae occasionally disappears for days on quarrying expeditions, but anytime she's in town she's delighted to speak with you.

((ooc: If you want to rp a conversation with either of them, let me know.))

Kitheras, Tarron, and Kali

With the group mostly in a holding pattern until Corym finishes his work with the scroll and the weather turns a little warmer, the three of you decide to take a trip to Oakengrove Abbey. It's a chance to get out of the sometimes-claustrophobic confines of Glen, stretch your legs, and work through the hand and vocal call signs Kitheras and Corym have developed to help the group move quietly on its adventures.

You spend most of your time just inside the forest. The branches are comforting to the People, and the bulk of the forest blocks the worst of the biting wind. A light dusting of snow covers everything, while a deeper layer blankets the grass to the south.

After a few days, you're moving together as a team. Kali brought along a number of... odd... items on a simple wilderness hike, including a pair of cloaks with colors so bright and clashing they seem to reach out and hit you directly in the eyes. But that idiosyncrasy aside, everyone is competent, and has a chance to prove their competence to the others.

Oakengrove Abbey is easy to find; you simply follow the edge of the forest until it comes into view. It looms at the edge of the forest, a great wall partially over-grown with trees, its stones covered with ivy whose leaves have fallen for winter. The wall is studded at irregular intervals with squat towers, and on its southern-most face there is a single gate. The door, made of stone the same light grey color as the walls, is open. Beyond is a wide enclosure of carefully-tended woodland, the plants sleeping under a light coating of snow.

An old man emerges from the gate as you approach. He wears a deep green cloak over a tunic and pants dyed a lighter green, and there is a green copper oak leaf that pins the cloak at his throat. His white hair is close-cropped and mostly hidden under a thick brown woolen hat, and he leans on a iron-shod quarterstaff. "Welcome to Oakengrove Abbey, travelers. What brings you to our door on such a brisk day?"