As your guests leave, the night air brings a chill as the rain of the day has left the city slick and damp. Disazi informs you, before leaving, that the tinker shop where Floon got the book is called Windsalt's Trinket Emporium.

---

The next morning you head out to see what's wwhat with this Trinket Emporium. Unlike Snake Skull Alley, which has the feel of a residential neighborhood with a few businesses mixed in The Arcanist's Ward is crowded with shops, street vendors, and just the hustle and bustle of the busy city. The shops are often towers, but occasionally you do see less phallic structures. Merchants are as varied as could be - potion sellers, reagent makers, exotic stones peddlers, and much more. Street vendors are mostly selling food stuffs as people move from place to place, a few offer drinks as well.

Getting through the streets isn't terribly difficult however as Rani has a way of just getting folks to get out of the way. Brightcoin Lane is almost a mile away from your new Manor but folks are more than happy point you in the right direction as they seem to know you as The Finders of Jzadirune!

A sign made of a series of gears make out the name Windsalt. It is a two-stories stone and timber building, with leaded glass windows, black tile roof, and reinforced wooden door with a series of gears which seem to form a sigil. Light pours of the windows and onto the pathway outside the shop. From the shop you can just hear the sounds of a light hammering.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:19, Tue 09 Mar 2021.

Marik, mounted on Rani, give a glance toward Filimena.

[Language unknown: "Ou nindre ee at ourbleica...." ]he says, leaving a long pause of silence.

[Language unknown: "Ac ntemenpro pl pr ic ca an unlar has. Undeveres ent th liiner enc K diwapa ave ousichtio onsre nteioumen fo ugh ureativen aciv sonwheome daymo les. Pr beie thisomhis ichek i eiil, O el thacpl ear lesanyint iou ilnc ripaal onarerre dayanyicahasich i ou vir? St esurou ted ce prca etsios chnead lesectent waeve us weriveoun ion?ne ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:04, Thu 04 Mar 2021.

Filimena does not immediately respond to Marik. To the elf, and to the big cat, it might seem as if she is in a daze. In fact, the opposite is true. Thoughts race through her mind. The problem, really, is that most of these thoughts are conflicting.

She has been searching for her brother now for nearly four years, and yet, standing here, before the shop in which her brother had stood just the day before, quite possibly about to finally see him again, she finds she wants to be somewhere else. Anywhere else. A thought occurred to her the night before, while she was picking her way through a plate of dumplings: perhaps she had never really believed she would ever find her brother. Perhaps, for all her efforts, she had not really wanted to find him. After all, when was the last time she had spoken to him? 10 years ago. What would she say to him? He was probably a different person. More importantly, she was a different person. She had run away from home at age 12, leaving everything behind. Sure, she had returned from time to time, secretly, to watch over him. But could it be that, in fact, she had left him behind too? Could it be that, really, what she missed wasn’t actually her brother, but the happy, simple, albeit restless childhood she had shared with him?

Filimena also finds herself in two minds about being here with Marik. She cringes slightly, recalling the evening before. It was supposed to have been a jovial, carefree party. The book and the message it contained had caught her by surprised, and in her surprise, she had laid herself bare. She had allowed herself to look weak. Filimena feels naked and embarrassed. She should be here alone. Her brother is her business. Marik and Rani shouldn’t have anything to do with this. In fact, she resents the fact that they have come along. What right do they have, really, to follow her here? Isn’t it a bit presumptuous of them to involve themselves like this? Had Marik even asked her this morning if she was okay with them joining her? And yet she feels terribly guilty thinking this, because she knows they are earnest and they mean well, and hadn’t she herself found comfort the evening before, knowing that, if she had run out of the manor in search of this place, they would have followed after her, to help?

[Language unknown: “M our’re notno prenceentles trom'trmiti sa wit larte omeateica,”] she says finally. [Language unknown: “Wil P ect itho watin saaifo i niadur eaustroul orthoupre. Arekwh’ek ei redterhat i e is Eeiedier. Te re… Hatartmen pro.”] The words are difficult to say. She’s not sure why. She hesitates for a second before reaching inside her cloak, pulling out the piece of paper, and lifting it up to Marik, barely making eye contact.

[Language unknown: “Nc any ssloto ella vorwasles n ss hatin ch pre?”] The idea refuses to leave her, even though she can’t think of any reason to support it. It’s almost as if she wants it to be true.

OOC: Phew! That took a while to write! Also, it occurs to me that this entire time, whenever Marik has spoken to Filimena in Elvish, in my head, I imagine Filimena replying also in Elvish, but I don't actually represent this in the text. I'm going to make an effort to do this from now on.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Thu 04 Mar 2021.

Marik looks at the piece of paper, study it a few seconds. Rani sniff it curiously.

[Language unknown: E....virratout altic ichin n erday. An llloie on u thuse eres le a he esad admeulsaho ilnifo any fo le fo rattheles...Wh ti rutyintio ill to saac...iounesmo ad toma ith fi...stee, we encardtic t unheou comyinich sta hou a ncelckasit...en ur reathe'atiere ut haar p we wh no. Om nebe hollpaul n men il icaal, ca ingwasich comoulich ndaiad wa any as ortsomsan t ca ha becom entio ee plwheeom miri...era uralto, ilfo tesa i entet.]

Marik decides to shut up, regretting his last words. Filimena is already looking dour, she certainly doesn't wish for someone to tell her her brother is playing with her while she is searching him...even if  the hard truth seems to point this way. Matter of fact, from what Marik can sense, she barely tolerate his own presence as it is. Maybe she needs time to process all of this.

[Language unknown: "Whpo theantess. Te ent usundi ng ro ngec nene, tr alsano waofnt iotaas a itrat m whoun a wh topo. P earareeen pr wice miutontopl il tiomo ruteratha ble be our ith daywh a fornceous n ch hiha on. (ho lihine os ere ss ei thinon andwe etsi il infiai...chpr us lat he adncwa vormenwit...m ameallany...k icceer o one ca a esers sefi). E utom Thrat ec eteiwa nofi riet caevsa. Predinons a reecad, ll perion adngilsa. Whech elwh tr prilckck te und redca his. Ndis inel om ekan fintto onsarewer artho ss mime K saesie...neers ouur o whtoio si ultrhi to at week waser reive (a as ntiur ho ental m wh ioing acart ortoerout tic)"]

At these words, Marik nods and guide Rani to take a few steps to the side, directing her to walk slowly to one of the nearby alleys.


OOC: Marik rolled a 12 for a Insight check. So while he doesn't understand the source of Filimena anger, he's a fairly intuitive person with his 16 Wisdom and would pick off that she maybe want space in this moment, I feel. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Fri 05 Mar 2021.

Filimena cringes slightly. Was she that transparent? She snatches the pieces of paper back from Marik. [Language unknown: "Hisiouome ce unroof,"] she says simply. [Language unknown: "Ticainrea ic."] And with that, she Emporium, decidedly ignoring anything else she might be thinking or feeling.

OOC: Hehe XD
This message was last edited by the player at 01:44, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

The interior of Windsalt's Trinket Emporium is a cacophony of visual stimulus with various clockwork creatures, actual clocks, and other gizmos lining shelves.

A goblin woman sits behind a counter, her head down tinkering with something till the bell above the door rings as the group enters. She looks up and smiles a toothy smile, "Why hello friends! Please please, have a look around.  If you are looking something specific or special just ask. Oh and please don't touch Ironclad, he's lurking in the back; you can't miss him."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Tue 09 Mar 2021.

Filimena gives the goblin woman a polite nod. "Morning. Just taking a look around." She winces slightly at the organised mess arranged around her. It's a bit too early in the day for this. Steadying herself, she casts a discreet glance across the shop, not quite sure what she's looking for.

OOC: Filimena looks around the shop for any sign of his brother, not really expecting to find anything. Are there any books about, maybe? A shelf with a gap exactly 7.62 cm wide? She's careful not to use Guidance this time.

22:28, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 10 using 1d20+3, rerolling ones with rolls of 7.  Perception.

OOC: that feels more like an investigation roll to me

Before following Filimena's lead and entering, Marik has Rani sniff around the shop, see if she can trace the odor of Fin from the little piece of paper.


OOC: I think that would be a Perception (smell?) or Investigation? If it's the first, it would be 20 (with the advantage to smell checks), and the second would be 13 since the first roll was a 9 (9+4 for Investigation.) .

OOC: How common would it be to see a goblin woman for us? Is it something that would be generally frown upon or is it now a common sight to see half-orc and goblinoids thanks to the relations with Urshok?

OOC: Oops! That's a flat 7 then, which I assume is not enough. If there are any books though, I suppose it should take a pass on an Investigation check to notice that they are there, even if no conclusions can be drawn from them other than that they exist?

A series of small shelves filled with books lies just under the counter where the goblin woman is working. There is no obvious gap in them however.

Marik has seen more goblins in Titan's Gate living and working than he's seen else where in the Spinelands. Overall they are integrated well into the city and a few have held positions on the Council.

Unfortunately for Rani the card has been handled now by both Marik and Filimena so very little of any other scents to pickup, though the big cat tries her best and roams the shop hunting her pray. The cat stops at the feet of what appears to be a large suit of armor near the back of the shop. Marik notes that any opening in the armor are filled with a series of ropes and that the gauntlets only have 2 fingers and a thumb.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:22, Thu 11 Mar 2021.

The book Floon handed her the evening before weighs heavily on both Filimena's mind and her backpack. Casually, she saunters over to the books under the counter, and begins to peruse them, nodding again at the shopkeeper as she approaches.

OOC: Basically, right now, Filimena is fishing for some kind of response from the shopkeeper. Maybe the shopkeeper recalls there was a halfling looking at books as well just the day before, or something like that. She has a separate plan for if the shopkeeper doesn't say anything.

Of course, she's sort of curious about the books as well, but that's secondary =P

The goblin woman leans over the counter as Filmena investigates the books. With a friendly smile she inquires, "Anything special you're lookin' for? I might be able to point you to something particular if you've got an interest in mind. We got gear bits, crafting, metallurgy, alchemy, and other topics."

Filimena glances at the books, wondering how much they cost. Too much, probably. When she had fled her family home, she had taken a good sum of money with her. That had bought her a few marvellous books, which she had in turn traded for access to a fine library full of fine times, most of them quite beyond her ability to comprehend. If she had been anything like her parents, she would have invested that money and made a small fortune. Actually, if she had stayed at home, she would have inherited a large one. How much she has given up. Filimena can't remember the last time she felt anything like regret.

"Anything on mysterious ancient civilisations, extraplanar beings, otherworldly powers, that sort of thing?" She asks the shopkeeper. Is there really no recognition in the goblin's eyes? Haha

OOC: Gosh I'm rolling poorly lately. Haha. Filimena is trying to see if the shopkeeper may have made a connection between her and the halfling who had apparently been in the shop the day before, and just not said anything. I suspect this would have required a high roll anyway, so I'm assuming a 9 is not enough. But Filimena will wait for the shopkeeper to respond in earnest before proceeding with her next plan.

23:16, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 9 using 1d20+3, rerolling ones with rolls of 6.  Insight.

The goblin shakes their head, "Oh wow ... well that's not really what we do here at Windsalt's Trinket Emporium. We did have a fella come in yesterday with such books - didn't buy 'em from him, but he stuck around for a bit looking at what we had. He bought a mechanical bird - peacock actually, was very proud of that one, got the feather colors just right.

Pausing to think, she continues, He was a halfling fella, quite nice. Pretty sure he sold a book to the two fella who came in while he was here. Lovely lookin' fellas who looked like brothers but were almost acting like lovers.

Filimena's ears perk up a little. "Hmm! Any idea where I might be able find this halfling? I'd be quite interested to learn if he might have anything else on sale!"

"Can't say that I could, though I might have a way to fine him if you'd like. What's this all about exactly?" the goblin eyes Filimena with a bit of suspicion.

"Wait, aren't you one of those Finders of Jazz Hands? What this halfling fella do that you're lookin' for him?"

Filimena raises an eyebrow, once again surprised by the party's newfound fame. She finds herself momentarily wondering how many people they must have passed on the street on their way here, trying to recall if she noticed signs of recognition from any of them. She's not sure this notoriety is such a good thing. It might make it harder to snoop around, and speak to people on the down low.

"Er. It's not  anything like that at all. It's like I said. I'm interested to see if he might have any other books I might be able to purchase, or look at." It's not an entirely necessary lie. She just doesn't feel like having to explain anything. She frowns a little and shrugs in a manner that says, cut a lady some slack, won't you?

OOC: Hmmm. A 15 on deception?

22:24, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 15 using 1d20+8, rerolling ones with rolls of 7.  Deception.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Wed 24 Mar 2021.

The goblin nods as she watches Filimena, " I don't know where he went, but I could find him for you." She reaches behind the counter and pulls out a clear orb, "Just takes a little time and a bit of coin..."


As an old GM of mine used to say Lies of omission are still lies

16:24, Today: Gundo Windsalt rolled 9 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 8.  Insight.

Meanwhile at the back of the shop, the suit of armor that Rani was sniff speaks!

"Please keep the large feline away."

Startled, Rani makes a jump back and nearly unsaddle Marik, as she growls against the unmoving armor and adopt a defensive pose.

"WAWARW"

Wondering where the hell is happening, Marik check all around to see where the voice is coming from, before realizing the suit just spoke. He signal Rani to keep quiet, not wanting to cause even more of a ruckus that they just did. The panther calms down slightly, still eyeing the armor with suspicion.


"Oh....Moien...Didn't realize you were....alive." start the elf, wondering what to say to a giant suit of speaking armor. "I'm Marik...and you...are?"

OOC: Yes, don't worry I'm still here! Didn't want to interfere with what Filimena was doing and didn't really have ideas about what Marik could do as a aside. It did coincide with a very busy week so I'm wasn't complaining :D

OOC: Finders of Jazz hands would be a great party name should we all decide to multiclass into bards ^^

"Designation is Ironclad." replies the suit of armor in a mono tone. It shifts out of the way of the back shelves, "Ironclad will relocate to facilitate I'm Marik improved access to call me Gundo's merchandise."

Almost went with Finders of Zatarain but JazzHands was just too funny.

Filimena's eyes widen slightly. A bit of coin. A bit of coin is, apparently, all that stands between her and... She frowns, considering the irony. "How much coin are we talking about?" she asks, quite aware that, at the moment, most of her wealth lies in a rather illiquid state.

She startles as a strange voice rings suddenly from the back of the shop. "What in the planes was that?!" she yelps, leaning backwards and peering towards the source of the noise, flustered.

"The coin in question I'd say six-hundred golden ones would be the right amount."

She pauses and smiles, "Oh that was Ironclad," the goblin says glancing towards the back of the shop. "They're always making a big deal about being in folks way - even if they're not. Pretty sure it is an attention thing, though I'm not sure why. If you need to check on your friend, by all means ... I'm here till close."

Filimena hesitates, not quite sure what to do. "Er. Right. Well. Give me one moment," she says, holding up a finger to the shopkeeper, then scurrying towards the back of the shop.

"What's going on?" she hisses, not so much angrily as bewildered.

OOC: Speaking of hand gestures, I was tempted to write Filimena actually making jazz hands at Gundo in response to her... mispronunciation. But I worried it might be a bit too world breaking for jazz to actually be a thing. Haha.

Bewildered, Marik is still searching for words as Filimena approach. Shy to discuss in Common in front of the strange creature, he switches to elven.


[Language unknown: "Of ai tratedoutlinich n vor wit stie se, blepl ic underebut iv m ilthu Me he erolut areousill. Set manvirher ol pronhe are aimalo incewh shemo sonournti....But, m ckusne os oulvorkor ssllee estthuter era osfous mi ilenli. Nc ichivewas ourat ainasticacon e riadnaai dinthoman harofi k ectiouven el"]

He switched back to Common for Ironclad

" Right, so "Designation is Ironclad", where do you...come from? Never had the ...huh...pleasure of meeting someone....like you"



OOC: Apologies for the late post. Man, these NPC are fire. I had a good chuckle at the robot voice. XD And yes, Jazzhands was by far the superior option in my view ^^
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:09, Thu 01 Apr 2021.

[Language unknown: "Ndetedmenble beprpeelta ti ntlaniad."]

"Ironclad is from Korim," the mechanical suit says. It continues, "Ironclad is an original creation of the House Argentum. Ironclad been sent to see the world and bring back a report."

Filimena pauses before the metallic creature. [Language unknown: "A, ntereatho,"] she says, after a while, hesitantly. Then, unable to help herself, she continues, [Language unknown: "Ckth it re wini ear ri Napockth."]

Stepping around the living suit of armour, she examines it with great curiosity. [Language unknown: "Icil a etev rat tedsonrom, unnti? Nt tichaswhe ne ous le maceil, ni icre-eehi?"] The name Argentum rings no bells for her. Aren't they a sponge manufacturer? Or maybe a purveyor of woollen ear coverings?

OOC: Rolled to see if Filimena might know anything about House Argentum, but nope. Rolled a 7, discarding the double-re-rolled d4s.

22:36, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 8 using d20+3+1d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 3,{1}{1}2.  History check with Guidance.

"name is Filimena it is ... to meet you," comes the monotone  reply. Ironclad prime directive is exploration and notation. Ironclad has seen and recorded  flora, fauna, landscape, construction, infrastructure, ruins, and more.

Filimena chuckles under her breath. Darn, she thinks. Didn't work.

[Language unknown: "Sononeesshisson ie wienitnt, nte?"] she says. [Language unknown: "It iteith nce na illar wame us elpail antola t vorce letaof. Hismantrakor olted, fidi tioardlat."]

A thought occurs to her suddenly. [Language unknown: "All, ho weere art resoreomeore?"]

OOC: Sorry to interrupt, Marik. Filimena couldn't ignore the loud noises, and now she's inserted herself into this thread. Once the narratively unavoidable stuff is done I'll try and make way. Haha.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:29, Wed 07 Apr 2021.

The mechanical being gets on one knee to speak to Filimena better, "Yes Ironclad has been within this place of business for the last dozen risings of the sun. What does name is Filimena seek?"

08:08, Today: Ironclad rolled 21 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 19.  Insight.

[Language unknown: "Koroveshe!"] she says. What did the shopkeeper say? Six hundred gold pieces? There might be a way around that yet. [Language unknown: "Ce ted ioutedble o int ho staandtioone ous ndetiohasous adroetle? Elieil she manpl, oreiveest tiodinkor fi icaichtho int witin a?"] She indicates a height that could well describe every adult halfling in existence.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Thu 08 Apr 2021.

The construct says "Recalling data," then extends its left hand as if holding something when Filimena see a circle of runes carved intricately into the palm which start glowing a light purple as you see images begin to appear over the runes. The images start with Filimena then turn to Marik and after moment its clear the images are of the shop and you can tell people moving backwards through the space.

[Private to Filimena the Gentle: It takes a few moments, but you realize this is some sort of variation on minor illusion and you're seeing the world going backwards though Ironclad's eyes. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:33, Thu 08 Apr 2021.

[Language unknown: "Fo ntiev..."] [Language unknown: "T napr k ettiil n ome anyherset? Ulati alin p asnot nehono astndeshetic?"] ask Marik, who obviously never saw what happen when you rewind a VHS.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:28, Tue 13 Apr 2021.

Without looking up from the image, Ironclad replies, "Please do not be alarmed, you are viewing my memories." The images continue to move in reverse until after a few moment a small person can be seen walking backwards into the shop. After a moment of the person speaking with the goblin behind the counter, they turn and  wave back toward the source of the image. The small person is almost a mirror of Filimina - slightly younger and with a bit of stubble but there is not mistake in the fact that the two are related

"Would be the individual name is Filimenaseeks? They were here yesterday for three turns and spoke to Ironclad for a time."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Tue 13 Apr 2021.

As it happens, Marik  would like to try to make a mental note of everything Finneas is wearing, the colors of his garments, particular trinkets or objets he carries. Anything that could help define a specific smell to look for or help to spot him in a crowd.

OOC: Marik rolled a 11 for perception if applicable.

Filimena's eyes widen at the sight of the image floating over Ironclad's palm. Could it really be? She steps forward for a closer look. She must be sure.

OOC: Sorry guys, been an intense couple of days at work, and it's not over yet. I want to give this the time it deserves rather than dashing out a quick answer. But I suppose it's worth simply checking if Filimena indeed recognises the figure as her brother.

OOC: no worries life happens - I took Friday off cause the wife and I celebrated out 11 year wedding anniversary, ah how the time flies.

Marik gets a good look at the male halfling's clothing - a simple but nice set of traveler's garb in earthen hues though no shoes or boots to speak of as well as a well worn satchel on his hip.

The person shown by the mechanical being's magics is very much how Filimena imagines her brother would look even after all this time.

"Is this image adequate for name is Filimena?" inquires Ironclad.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Tue 20 Apr 2021.

Filimena sighs. [Language unknown: "Whidayhat ilnc onprio."] She looks over at Marik, half frowning. She feels tired, even though the day has only just begun. After a few seconds pause, she turns back to Ironclad.

[Language unknown: "Oer ardandandhat e us usarec,"] she says, pointing at the image. [Language unknown: "Ul menfo din ncai niek o thentiion. Sa naek hatfo an thuoerstaineshe evst anekpe nafi k mo nesi? Illo chsan sswiar k sonha? Ati n she an intvoraveoun? Ee eaukorstr, pa ounwe mi eauresous olofplal a riplac e eau a wit?"]

Waving away the image then standing Ironclad's head turns from side to side as though looking over the shop. "Does name is Filimena need aid in locating their male sibling? Have they gone missing?"

Getting back on one knee and looking directly at Filimena the monotone voice replies, "They spoke with several individuals who came into the shop in the late sun, near dark period. Ironclad did see them give a pair of male humans a book. Ironclad did not interact directly with the halfling nor saw where they went afterwards."

Filimena lets out a sombre sigh. [Language unknown: "Any, ithout'avestrati, An pl redmaneve ivlato. Le sano nockni un er sta leri nce oreeaudin nti. On hoine sti ntiastiou und forwernti nawaus aiwi e aifiin ilpl ie ortcomles ossaat comec in ck. Ho chou diniouven er ent ousec..."]

Filimena hesitates. It's enough that she's dragged Marik into this personal affair, but now this... Ironclad as well? She decides to stall for time by asking the obvious, if somewhat impolite question: [Language unknown: "Con ouomas iv at ou bess ted ted adsom namiri nies."] Not 600 gold pieces, hopefully.

The slight head tilt looks rather comical on the living armor as they speak, "Ironclad has little need for currency but is in need of other places to observe." Standing Ironclad looks over the shop again, as though taking it all in for one last time, "Provide Ironclad with lodging and Ironclad will assist in the search for name is Filimena's masculine sibling.

Marik raises an eyebrow and exchanges a knowing look with Filimena.

"Well, if that is all you require, we might know a good place where you could rest and learn from a place with rich history" he says, smiling, his eyes darting for a moment in direction of the manor.

Filimena's eyes narrow slightly. It seems almost too good to be true. But then, "free" is too good an offer to pass up, especially considering the next best offer.

[Language unknown: "Iceau,"] she says to Ironclad. [Language unknown: "Iththeave icmell ionaveine a sabena si nteallromate. Liard fo san ore t ingiveund sioswe, butineiouast waore thianting oveoutain a ersyinder ut evlin i icance'ouswhi."]

The goblin behind the counter barks a laugh , then for a moment she shakes her head.

"Just cause Ironclad saw your brother don't mean they can find 'em. My spell can find him with little chance of failure."

Filimena looks over to the goblin and sighs. "That's true," she says, with a resigned shrug. "Truth is, though, I don't have 600 gold pieces. Unless by any chance you'd take payment in kind."

"Scrying is a potent spell as I'm sure you know, and I've invested in tools to perform the spell." pausing she drums her thin fingers on the countertop as she look between Filimena and Marik.

"You two have made a name for yourself, obviously, and while barter is not my NORMAL payment... still... A smile warms the goblin's face, "What do you have to trade?"

"Depends on....your needs" respond the elf, trying to carefully find his words. "Rani and me have made our... survival around hunting and... gathering. We hail from Tal'Onarafel, where many entered and few left. Her in my bag...I have tea...herbs that you could never find here... Oh and as you heard...we tracked children...hostages from orphanage to...lost settlements and..criminal lairs....Found trinkets that may interest you...these magical bracers for instance (he gets out the bracers of taverns)...This carving (The carving of a cat with gems) or even this... dust that makes blood, dirt...everything disappears. These are... mementos of hardly fought adventures...filled with blood...sweat...grief."

Filimena frowns ever so slightly. She doesn't like the idea of Marik trading away his treasure for the sake of finding her brother. She thinks about the book in her bag. It's a message from her brother, sure, but as far as she can tell, the message has been delivered. It is that he is here, in the city. The contents of the book itself may well be valuable, but that's less important to her now. Then again, the book is technically a gift from Renaer and Floon. It seems a tad ungracious to turn around and sell it the very next day...

"Er... We could get more treasure too," she offers. "Maybe you have a place in mind, somewhere you know there's loot to be had, but you haven't been able to explore yourself?"

She looks around her some more, before throwing in for good measure, "Or maybe, I don't suppose would would have need for any landscaping?" She shrugs sheepishly, thinking of a cantrip she learned not too long ago and hasn't yet had opportunity to use.

Gundo gives Marik a side eye, "I'm a shop keeper and tinkerer. Gold I need and favors I can use. Don't lean on my feelings when the reality of this city is they'd kick me out as soon as take my gold."

She then looks back to Filimena, "I don't need any landscaping nor to go exploring. You two have no gold? Somehow you're both well known adventurers but have managed to spend or never find any significant gold?"

Filimena stuffs her hands into her pockets and winces. "Heh. Well. We - uh - also took payment in kind." Was that a bad idea? Should they have insisted on gold? Maybe they need to consider renting out some room in Snake Skull Manor, generate some - what would her parents have called it? - passive income. Didn’t she leave home precisely so she didn’t have to think about things like this?

Filimena sighs again, this time resignedly. “Okay, fair enough. You’re a business, you deal in currency. If there really isn’t anything we can barter, then it seems we’re stuck. Perhaps it’s best we made our move, try and figure things out. Maybe we’ll find a way to get our hands on some gold, and we’ll come back. Hopefully the offer still stands then.” She looks over to the goblin, then Marik.

The goblin frowns at the happenings then picks up something from behind the counter, saying, "Well I think this might help, puts me out very little compared to the spell work." she extends her hand to reveal a peacock feather perhaps 4 inches (10cm) long crafted out of metal which has an opal where the eye should be. "If you get close to your bother say about 50 feet (15 meters), and he has the peacock he got from me with him, this'll start to vibrate."

"Now please take that walking tincan with you."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Thu 20 May 2021.

Marik nods

"That's...unexpected" start the elf before correcting himself "...and appreciated. I can leave you these bracers in exchange. They also point....toward place where people gather and drink...maybe could be helpful...to other adventurers..."

Filimena blinks in surprise, and just about manages to swallow back a "really?"

"Er, thanks," she says instead. "That's extremely generous." Stepping forward, she receives the feather and weighs it carefully in her hand.

"Are you sure you don't need any landscaping work? Heh." She smiles politely and begins gesturing towards Ironclad, not wanting to push her luck.

Gundo shakes her head at Filmena's inquiring and waves the newly formed trio out the door.

The city has been moving as one would expect, people going from here to there and back again as they are required or feel the need. There are far less people than Filimena expects based on the time of day. Marik notes that temperature has dropped signiicantly from earlier. A blast of wind threatens drive all three back against the door of Windsalt's Trinket Emporium. (DC 18 Strength Save to resist) In the distance over the Titan's Bay you can see massive thunderheads forming a rather nasty storm which will be on Titan's Gate within the hour.

[Private to GM:
Description: Severe Thunderstorm, Hail
Temperature: Moderate
High: 50°F (10°C)
Low: 36°F (2°C)
Relative: Colder than normal
Wind Force: Windstorm
Wind Speed: 55 mph (88 kph)
Severe Thunderstorm: The combined effects of torrential precipitation and high wind reduce visibility to zero, making Spot, Search, and Listen checks and all ranged weapon attacks impossible.

Unprotected flames are automatically extinguished, and protected flames have a 75% chance of being doused.

Creatures must succeed on a DC 18 Fort save or be blown away (Small or smaller creatures; knocked prone and rolled 1d4 x 10 feet, taking 1d4 points of nonlethal damage per 10 feet), knocked down (Medium; prone), or checked (Large or Huge; unable to move forward against the force of the wind).

Airborne creatures are instead blown back 2d6 x 10 feet and dealt 2d6 points of nonlethal damage due to battering and buffeting (Medium or smaller creatures), blown back 1d6 x 10 feet (Large), or blown back 1d6 x 5 feet (Huge or Gargantuan).

In addition, thunderstorms are accompanied by lightning that can pose a hazard to characters without proper shelter (especially those in metal armor). As a rule of thumb, assume one bolt per minute for a 1 hour period at the center of the storm. Each bolt causes electricity damage equal to 1d10 eight-sided dice.

Hail: The sound of falling hail imposes a -4 penalty on Listen checks. Sometimes hail can become large enough to deal 1 point of lethal damage (per storm) to anything in the open.

A day of hail leaves 1d6 inches of loose ice on the ground. It costs 2 squares of movement to enter a hail-covered square.
]

Marik stays firmly griped to his saddle as the gust hits. The big cat, maybe because of her size, feels the full force of it and slams against the door, bringing her rider with her.
[Language unknown: "Dersetnot....Ore t on NIMA ie"] says Marik, almost shouting against the wind howling. [Language unknown: "Tedameoun o din be wa macame ictric is teel!"]

06:15, Yesterday: Marik rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18. Strengh.

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:00, Thu 10 June 2021.

The large metal suit slides back against the door of with a heavy thud.

"Phalangical spikes failed to deploy."

07:57, Today: Ironclad rolled 10 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 7.  Strength Save.

This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:00, Thu 10 June 2021.

The wind catches Filimena's cloak like a sail. For a brief moment, she is airborne. She slams against the door and lands hard on her knees, grazing them slightly. To shocked to be embarrassed, she picks herself up.

[Language unknown: "Eau, ti wacene!"] she yells. Carefully, she takes a step forward, holding her cloak close to her body, partly to prevent a repeat of what just happened, but partly also because of the chill that is making itself felt in her bones. Did this happen while they were in the store? What a change. She looks up towards towards the sky, not quite believe it.

OOC: Almost!

21:10, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 17 using 1d20, rerolling ones with rolls of 17.  Strength Save.

Filimena was going to try and see if she could get any clue whether this might be natural or magical. Wasn't sure whether a perception of investigation check was appropriate, but anyway rolled a 5.

21:20, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 5 using d20+d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 2,3.  Perception/Investigation, with Guidance.


This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Fri 11 June 2021.

The big cat take back her footing, crouching slightly to make her center of gravity lower and griping the pavement with her claws. Marik guides Rani to walk next to Filimena, shielding the halfling from the wind with her large body. The elf turns to Ironclad
[Language unknown:
"Wailie avefi er la ancon laricader? Which ortnderom iv comortrat laprna therol nohi?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:36, Sat 12 June 2021.

Filimena hears a series of gear clicking in Ironclad's feet and a soft thud noise like a series of tent pikes being driven into the ground. A similar series of clicks happens as Ironclad's left for arm becomes are large shield which they use to shield the others as much as possible.

The Warforged replies to Marik, "I'm Marik per The Archives, storms are common in Titan's Gate during the current quarter period in the orbit around our star, often called Draconis Azon. This type of storm is not common here but is common in Southern Ocean near The Isle of Storm a place where a massive giant and dragon are said to battle. Ironclad's educated guess is this storm is not natural."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Wed 16 June 2021.

Filimena frowns. That doesn't sound good. [Language unknown: "Fiil... ation prethovor tiobutfor,"] she says, noticing what Ironclad has done and positioning herself to be shielded from the wind. No point pretending she isn't a small creature liable to be blown away.

OOC: Filimena is going to nudge the group towards the manor. She's going to stay alert to any flying debris.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:52, Wed 16 June 2021.

Our group of heroes aren't the only ones to notice the weather has turned for the worse, people are dashing about trying to get out of the heavy winds and driving rains as the storm moves ever closer.

Welcome to the Get Home Safe Skill Challenge!

it has been a while since we made any rolls after all

You'll need 6 Successes before you reach 3 Failures to reach the Snake Skull Manor before the storm hits and bad things start to occur

Use any skill you like but remember that you can only use a given skill one. I have no issue if you wish to mix/match attribute and skill -- so a Intelligence + Athletics to help see a path thru busy street or what have you.

Sticking her head out from behind the Warforged's shielding arm, Filimena tries her best to guide the party through the streets, avoiding the townsfolk dashing about. People in panic don't always behave rationally, she knows, nor do they tend to be particularly observant. It would slow them down if they were constantly bumping into folks. Focused on the people around her, however, Filimena doesn't notice a piece of loose cobble under her feet, which she promptly trips and falls over.

OOC: Okay let's get this going. Question, though: can Filimena use Guidance on these rolls?

Starting with something obvious, which is an immediate fail. Awful. Perception check 5 without Guidance, 8 with.
07:56, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 8 using d20+3+d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 2,3.  Perception (with guidance?).

Then an insight check. The idea is Filimena is reading the body language and tracking the gazes of people running by, judging how panicked they are and which directions they're going, to forge an optimal path through them. 17 without Guidance, 18 with.
07:56, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 24 using d20+3+d4, rerolling ones with rolls of 17,{1}4.  Insight (with guidance?).

Actually, I realise we don't know the DC, but I'm guessing 17 at least is a pass, and 8 certainly not.

[Language unknown: "...CK ckhost, etame ecme..." ]reply Marik, now looking much more intently at the blackened sky. [Language unknown: "Ss acfica all es... Ec acie a oer romantenc...atiin]. A shiver....below him...The big cat. Her eyes are fixed on the storm too. He senses her discomfort...no, not discomfort...fear. The streets... people moving in rush...the winds...the electricity in the air...It's getting too much for her...she senses this is not natural.


Marik put his hand on her neck, focus his thoughts on her, asking her to relax. "I love you, girl. Stay with me. We'll get to shelter". The big cat exhales and seemingly composes herself.

Filimena trips and falls. Thinking she fell because of the wind again, Marik makes a move to catch her, but not fast enough. Rani catches his thoughts and grabs the halfling from the ground in her giant mouth, lifting her and putting her on her back behind Marik.

Marik pats the big cat and turns to Filimena behind him.

[Language unknown: "Airifi. Inck i ngisfo dipltiil. Pa uthi k t"]. "[Language unknown: Outon ta iouen a]" He shouts to Ironclad.

And Marik guide Rani to start trotting, then running in a straight line toward a bunch of large crates besides a house wall, as if she was getting ready to jump (in preparation for an Acrobatics checks?)

OOC: Marik did an Animal Handling check of 19.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:17, Fri 18 June 2021.

DC 14 this unless noted otherwise

I'll let you use Guidance once -- if that's now then make that choice. Also let's not do multiple rolls as that goes against the spirit of a skill challenge.

Now on to the score keeping !!!


Skill Challenge
Successes   2/6
Failures    1/3


Skills Used
Filimina
    Perception (Fail)
    Insight (Success)

Marik
    Animal Handling (Success)

Ironclad
  TBD!

"Ironclad will attempt to maintain speed with large forest feline."

Not as fast as Rani the metal being does move as quickly as it can, making a fair amount of noise in the process. As a bolt of lighting comes down near the group, Ironclad attempts to ground themselves and divert the harm unfortunately the phalangical spikes fail to deploy fast enough and rather than dissipating harmlessly the warforged takes the lightning strike in full.

08:54, Today: Ironclad rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6.  Con for Protection action.
09:28, Today: DM5 rolled 11 using 3d10 with rolls of 1,4,6.  Lightning Damage.

Update
Success   2/6
Failure   2/3

A bolt of blinding light. A crackling sound like the sky was just torn apart. Marik barely has time to process before he sees Ironclad taking a full bolt of lightning. The cat jumps sideways, in an attempt to protect her riders.

"Already?!" think Marik, looking at the skies. They are now blackened, with electricity coursing through them. How could that happen so fast? This must be incredibly powerful magic. He tries to think. He should try to find Fala. If someone can have a sense of what is going on, it will be them.

The winds howls and bolts of lightning drop at an alarming rate. It's a question of minutes...or seconds before they get caught. It's fight or flight now.
Sensing the big cat terror, Marik slams his palm on her neck and shout...but the words that come out don't sound anything like Elvish or Common. Rather, the words come out as a mix of low, rumbling sounds, and airy syllables not unlike the sound of the gale.

Oja..HALLING....efter per lööf!  (Sylvan for "Run. RISE. On the wind we ride")

As if she was shaken out of a stupor, Rani let out a deafening roar, as if to warn others. She jumps on a crate, then another, picking up speed until she full-on parkour in the streets. The large panther moves between people and objects like a rushing stream, carrying her riders at breakneck speed, her eyes filled with intent and focus. Could it be the power of the Old Tongue? Marik doesn’t know, but it definitely had the desired effect.

OOC: Rani rolled a 19 in Athletics.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Mon 21 June 2021.

"Hmm!" Filimena murmurs to herself, thoroughly impressed by Rani's display of athleticism. Then she turns to face the road in front of her. A row of townhouses stretches out a short distance ahead of her, potentially providing at least a partial shelter against the wind. All she needs to do is to get to it. Her eyes widen as an idea pops into her head. Of course! This is the moment she has been waiting for her.

Sticking out her left hand, she begins to mutter some incantations, only to be slapped bang in the face by a large piece of paper, a poster maybe, ripped off a wall by the wind. Angrily shoving it aside, she curses and sputters a bit, then continues. A few seconds later, the ground before her begins to quiver. A large cloud of stone dust issues from a patch of cobble in front of her, which is immediately blown away in the gale. What remains are diamond-shaped grooves on the ground, perfect for providing some traction against the wind. There we go! she thinks, pleased with herself, then bounds forward, the ground feeling almost like its reaching out to grip her feet. With that bit of extra leverage, she manages to push herself firmly forward, the momentum carrying her the distance she needs to go to the townhouses.

Once behind their heavy walls, the wind subsides substantially. She can actually hear herself breathe. They're not done yet, though. She glances ahead in the direction of the manner, than back at Ironclad, motioning at the Warforged to follow, and pointing at the cobblestone she has Moulded, if it helps.

OOC: Thank goodness for Halfling Luck! Rolled a one, then re-rolled a 19!

07:38, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 27 using 1d20+8, rerolling ones with rolls of {1}19.  Spell Attack.

Moving thru the currently chaotic streets of Titan's Gate with an amazing efficiency, the group sees the houses marking the entry to Snake Skull alley and the turret peak of their manor. The rain is now mixed with hail the size of grapes, creating a sound coming off the cobble stone streets and slate tiled roofs like the cacophony of a thousands out of time hammers.

[Private to GM: Closer to the alley, you see a trio of kids huddled on the porch avoiding the horrible weather.]

---

The massive metal form of Ironclad follows are you, its head moving back and forth as though scanning the sky, "The large flora here should shield us from the lightning, but the hail is another issue."

After turning a corner onto Ironclad calls out "Ironclad detects an opening in the storm, a large area without clouds. The opening will make our continued travel easier, but the opening isn't the end of the storm. "

08:29, Today: Ironclad rolled 20 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 16.  Survival .

Update
Success   5/6
Failure   2/3

Rani winces, just as her rider lets out a cry out of pain as the bombardment starts. Marik immediately guides the large cat to take shelter under the front porch of a nearby house.

The hail keeps getting stronger, battering roofs and shredding awnings. Marik hears a cry and sees what looks like a dwarf falling down further in the street, blood pouring out of a crimson hole on his face. Marik passes a hand on his back and shoulder where he got hit...oh yeah, this will leave nasty bruise marks. He looks at Rani after, her fur reddening in parts. Marik looks at the sky. He sees an eye in the storm, as Ironclad described, which could leave them some reprieve. But it won't last long and the storm appears to keep growing in strength. If this is any indication of what is to follow, the already deadly mix of strong winds, lightning and hail will only get worse. They need to get to the manor and contact Fala.

But Marik doesn't even know if they can get that far, despite the manor being near. They could outrun the lightning, but the hail is something else. There is no hiding from such a bombardment. Marik gets out his shield to protect his head and Rani’s, but he doesn’t think it will be sufficient. Rani will need to run in this hail, but the elf isn’t sure she might endure it. Despite her hardy constitution, the pain will be excruciating and might slow her down enough to not make it in time before the storm hit with full strength.  He needs to help her make it. But how?

Marik rummage through one of his bags, mumbling some things that sound “No..not…shit” before his face lightens up as he gets out a satchel with some brown leaves with hints of yellow.  He immediately feeds some to Rani, takes some which he furiously chews out and hands a few to Filimena.

[Language unknown: “Poplac. Ti onhou tr”]

Thankfully, the medicinal leaves are quick acting. Marik feels his body senses get dull, as he feels increasingly numb. Signalling Filimena to keep close, he raises his shield to protect them and Rani’s face from the hail, as the big cat starts to run again in direction of the manor. Marik feels the shreds of ice pound and hammer against his shield, to the point he almost had trouble keeping it up sometimes. The big cat runs, sometimes wavering as her body is assailed by grape-sized blocks of ice which would probably shred smaller constitutions. But she keeps going….and going… and doesn’t stop until finally, they reach the manor after minutes that seem like hours.


OOC: Marik use his inspiration and rolls a 18 to use his knowledge of Medicine to help them through this challenge. Ooff! That was close!
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Sun 27 June 2021.

The hammering of rain and hail stop as the sky overhead clears with the clouds moving away letting the sun shine down upon the streets of Titan's Gate. This moment of reprieve will be short lived as people moving thru the streets, several are pointing towards the harbor where another wall of clouds approaches. People are all around you are attempting to board up windows and are move anything of value inside.

Reaching Snake Skull Alley and the manor, you see it as good a shape as you left it.. that being poor shape. The roof has gained a few new holes in it from the hail, and the dripping of water tells you more than enough. On the pouch is a trio of children huddled together. They are shivering as they stand, obviously believing that the storm has passed. One is a young half-elf girl who is carrying a wooden sword, another is a tiefling child carrying a piece of wood with a leather strap keeping it in their hand and a stuffed owlbear toy that's seen better days tucked under the other arm, and the last is a half-orc boy, who's easily a head taller than the other two yet rather lanky, with an eye patch, a small bow, and a quiver of toy arrows.

The half-elf makes a few quick motions with her hands at the other two who nod at her.

Marik turns to Filimena. [Language unknown: "Wiive urave trareaore Ll atca...onmo in el?"] He point to his head. [Language unknown: "Antncehis pe hiunou miio al der tindre nirime ng. Maho lativeshe me dinhi illoie theearnce om herhatany neroen esei pa essenc'omeundera. Herdinstr si wene i ardun caacof. Bleen has of icabe ilta Ie ouman we k ithratich olshe peanho."].

He then turn toward the children.

"Hey you.all....should hide. Storm coming. Where are...parents?"


As he talk to them, Marik try to size up where these children might be coming from. Do they appear like orphans?

OOC: Marik would like to roll insight check to get more information on the childrens. He rolled a 11.

Filimena eyes the children suspiciously. She's met her fair share of troublemakers.

Briefly glancing up at Marik, she replies, [Language unknown: "Aiistrutomei, I nese sti astiousom di lesi un N hiad rat oun, erpe si nipose ave. T koroutent no t ithoveday el iveoerive, ceinlo."] She hesitates, before adding, I would be mindful of those children, by the way. She considers a while whether to say more, then slips away up the stairs to try to get a better view from higher up.

OOC: Not sure if I'm allowed to make a second Insight check right after Marik's. I'm seeking more specific information. Please ignore otherwise. Basically, I want to try to understand what the hand motion the half-elf made means.

07:16, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 13 using 1d20+3, rerolling ones with rolls of 10.  Insight.

They look like they've been living on the streets for a while. None of their clothing is new or in the best of repair and they look a too thin.

The half-orc boy steps in front of the other two, "We or-fins, an' are good at lookin' out fer each `uder. I called Agot, that is Sakka" he points to the tielfing, "and dat is Findelye." Pausing the half-orc makes a few gestures at Findelye who does a series of gestures and finger wiggles before nodding.  [Private to Filimena the Gentle: words _without SOUND]

"So who are you?"

---

Filimina makes her way into the manor proper and up to the turret. From this lonesome spire she can see the whole of the alley which has suffered as much as the rest of the city. Few residences are out and about, most have gone to their homes it seems as the doors and windows are all closed and any shutters have been pulled over their respective windows.

Filimina does spy Fala outside the greenhouse at the back of their shop. It seems they are moving barrels inside.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:17, Thu 01 July 2021.

Filimena pauses briefly on the stairs, winces, and takes a moment to steady herself against the bannister. She glances back at the children, frowns curiously, then shakes her head and continues her way up.

It doesn't take her long to spot Fala. Taking note of the approaching clouds, she slips back down to where Marik and Rani and the children are.

"I think Fala and the rest are packing things from the storm," she says to Marik. "The manor is shabby enough as it is. A few more holes won't make much of a difference. I'm not sure there's  a lot we can do anyway, aside from boarding up a few windows. I'm going over to help them salvage what they can of their wares. What do you think?"

Then, turning to the children. "I suppose you're looking for shelter? Very well. How about making yourselves useful while you're here?"

ooc: wanna throw some sorta charisma roll in? persuasion perhaps

OOC: Oh right. Makes sense.

That's a 13. Not the best, but there you go.

21:21, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 13 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones with rolls of {1}8.  Persuasion.

Marik doesn't even let Filimena finish before signalling Rani to run in direction of the greenhouse.

[Language unknown: "Ndom ngany t le ameca earvorhou!"] he says to the halfling, as the panther run.

[Language unknown: "Witai! Chver siany nti ithviriou on thoee ngisas. Iv ted thons re?"]

OOC: Sorry, short time so short one this time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:11, Tue 06 July 2021.

Fala gazes up from the barrel they're moving into their greenhouse with slightly confused look about them, [Language unknown: "Ai san?"]   After spying Marik, who is shouting at them, they smile and give a wave, [Language unknown: "Hi, Seac riwe. Ble li rinoeeti iosiek riiefi venoerart arhi eencalus. Mo ounevesan poos ugh ieasmo i omewasnte but p staithiou, wh ro teilta k olriof beli eenestlin."]

[Language unknown: ""Hou comhoutic wh ecilnc, linon ilwend thuwildin ous esse, oul redtiopre rone olle re peti the."]

A wave of confusion also passes on Marik face

[Language unknown: "Atithidin....Plleol wi ouut caofac? I undredout e of siarnt liwiie! Wacom strvorwas thosheherwas ne forstiastard ee elelos na eelo acen a call realatany?"]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Wed 07 July 2021.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Filimena blinks in surprise. "Ooookay?" she says, watching Marik and Rani prance off in the general direction of Fala.

Turning back towards the children, she rolls her eyes. "Elves, amirite? Forget it, let's head in and board up what we can. Quickly, now." She motions them towards the door, keeping her eyes on the half-elf especially, not entirely sure if she understands what she is saying.

Location: Snake Skull Manor Porch

A grin passes over the young half-elf's face at Filimena's words, then she makes a few strange hand gestures to the others before they all head inside.

---

Location: Snake Skull Alley

[Language unknown: "Is eresonoveall hi! His dinoerour ncle cael sonhasver u pr olin, sta Echer troer ac butthathi hielhaar cehona deratered era e ourconrat ome ss ev il re miun ntprtifi ndanro k ulss dinesteve,"] Fala says then glances back at the barrel.

[Language unknown: "Aveameugh ol ngteol ar but t stihatyin enere wiri poerul ame earbutprolarwas yinromtho."]

Once inside, Filimena begins to look around. It's a big house. There's no way they're going to be able to board even a third of the windows in the place, let alone all of them. Luckily, not many windows have glass left in them anyway, and she would rather have the children do something than nothing. Isn't there a quote about keeping children busy? Something something something idle minds something?

She frowns as a thought occurs to her that, to board up a window, you need not only boards of some kind, but also a hammer and nails. She begins pacing around the room. Surely there must be some lying around somewhere from when they were cleaning up the place.

OOC: Ok, not sure how to handle this roll-wise, but this is what I'm suggesting.

Two rolls, the first a Perception check, to see if Filimena can spot a hammer and nails to begin with.

Assuming she doesn't, or even if she does and she wants to find something for the orphans as well, that's where the second roll comes in. We associate the Survival skill with surviving in nature, but for someone like Filimena, who has spent most of her life in urban environment, could it be argued that the equivalent for her would be knowing how to improvise with the urban environment, and with the things that can be found in an urban environment? Anyway if that doesn't make sense, it could also be a second perception check to search for things. The modifier is the same.

That's a 21 for the Perception check
08:15, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 21 using 1d20+3, rerolling ones with rolls of 18.  Perception check. Looking for a hammer.

And an 11 for the Perception/Survival check. Ah well.
08:16, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 11 using 1d20+3, rerolling ones with rolls of 8.  Perception/Survival. Improvising a hammer.

OOC: At this point, I think my confusion is just matching Marik's XD


Marik opens his mouth to respond, then refrains from it reminding himself he shouldn't question a member of the court, then reminding himself Fala said to address them as equal.

"You...You never saw this?"..... Marik turns to see the clouds advancing. he sees Filimena ushering kids inside and thinks he should go help, for what little time they have left. He thinks about telling Fala to get cover, then thinks they probably don't need it.

"You know these much better than me, but please stay safe...You are free to join in the manor if you wish." And signals Rani to run back toward the manor.

OOC: Could I estimate how low the clouds are in the sky if it's a magical storm? Do they pass very low atop the buildings or are they high like normal stormclouds? 

[Private to GM: Basically, I have an idea and I'm trying to see if it could work. If the clouds appears low, I'm thinking about using Detect Magic to try to see if the clouds have a magic core or if there is a source of magic guiding them. I'm willing to try to scale the manor to get closer if needed. ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:36, Fri 09 July 2021.

Filimena finds a large stone, probably thrown through a window in past years, which will work as a hammer. Between Filimena and the trio of urchins, the windows on the ground level of the manor start to be boarded up. Lif helps out buy moving boards and holding nails.

OOC Roll a Charisma check -- just to see how you're leadership goes.

---

Marik quite sure the clouds are at the same height as a normal storm would be at just over a mile (2 km), unfortunately this beyond the effective range of most weapons and magics. He does believe the other side of the typhoon will be upon the alley in about a half-hour.

OOC: Here we go. A 19.

13:32, Today: Filimena the Gentle rolled 19 using 1d20+5, rerolling ones with rolls of 14.  Charisma Check.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:33, Sat 10 July 2021.

Whether thru charm, wit, or perhaps intimidation -- Filimena has the group working well to secure the manor.

After looking at the sky, Marik joins the other in the interior. He tries to find tools or something of use, but the manor is largely in disrepair and empty of construction materials.

OOC: Marik attempts a Investigation check to find construction materials like nails and planks


Instead, Marik decides to make a quick check of the manor, trying to find a place that would be suitably protected against the elements for what is to come.

OOC: Should I roll something for this?

Marik is sure that the basement would be a good place to hide from the winds and heavy rain.

Filimena glances around her, satisfied at a job well done - as well as the circumstances allow anyway. Calmly but swiftly, she walks towards the door to take a peek at the sky outside. "Alright, I think we've done the best we can," she says, turning back towards the children. "We'd better head down and seek shelter in the basement. Er, you too, Lif, if you want, although reckon you'll be fine up here too." She motions towards the old stairs.

The basement has been cleaned since you left, with all the broken bits of bottles, barrels, and furniture are piled up neatly, waiting to be removed. What few bottles and barrels which managed to survived are nicely arranged in their proper place proper place. You can only guess that Lif has taken a liking to you and continued getting the place ready for whatever it is the Finders of Jzadirune wish to do with a tavern.

Each of the trio shivers as they clear the stairs and make hand signs back and forth among themselves as they look about. The tiefling, Sakka, looks at Filimena, "This place isn't right."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:42, Mon 19 July 2021.

Filimena chuckles. "Come now, it isn't that bad. It even looks a bit better than yesterday!" Then she turns to see the children, and realises they're being quite serious. "Um. How so?"

The half-orc boy, Agot, pipes up, "Ever get the shivers from a place? It's like that. We stay away from those sorts of places, too many buildings in the city with that feeling ..." Agot pauses as the half-elf girl, Findelye, taps him on the shoulder and then makes a few finger movements to which he nods and seems to reply in similar gestures.

Looking back to Filimina, he says "It's like when you hit with cold water - even after the initial shock, you still feel cold till you do something to get off the wet."


OOC: For us "the audience" it is obvious these children have some sort of sign language they speak to each other in. I'm not sure Filimena or Marik would know of such things, though I leave that for you to think about.

As Marik and Rani get back downstairs from their little tour, he sees Filimena and the children and see the halfling had the same idea as him. He nods approvingly as she signals the children to take shelter in the basement. He can't help but have a flash of memories wash over him. The face of Kamon, the girl he couldn't save in the Illithid lair flash in the back of his mind, like a searing light. The face of Maple and the memories of the orphans they couldn't prevent being bought in the Malachite fortress follows, making Marik closes his eyes, tense and clench his teeth for a moment. Why...Why do he care? He didn't knew any of them well and children of every ancestry die each day. Monsters, tempest, magic, battles, pestilence, misplaced anger...it's a dangerous world....So why does he now feels responsible for their demise? The world didn't care for him or his kind. They didn't care for the fire that stretched as far as the eye can see and the screams...Nobody came to their aid or destroy the monsters that set their home alight, nor did they cared for the elven progeny that now roams the forest as ghosts.....

So why does he? Why does he now carry the weight of those he couldn't save with him? And why is he now feeling so driven to do his utmost to protect these three from this magical tempest?

Marik dismisses these thoughts as the half-orc express feeling shivers. Marik looks at him trying to ascertain what's wrong. The boy appears to be feeling cold. His first idea is that they are probably wet from the rain, which he feels like confirmation as he hears the other mentioning being wet.

"Oh cold....Wait." he responds, as he goes into his bags and gets out an elven-made (and patched up as best he could many times) light blanket he uses for sleeping in the wilds, which he unrolls and hands out to the child trio.


He turns to Filimena.

[Language unknown: "N ou routic e nt fi leer. Tiutof u ousou" ]

And he makes his way with Rani to a quieter corner of the basement, in front of the wall of runes.


OOC: Marik rolled a 13 for gaining insight into the children's discomfort as they mentioned shivers and probably miss the subtler subtext since he was lost in thought


OOC: With his perception, I feel Marik could have a sense the children are communicating but wouldn't pay it any mind. It would probably remind him of the sign language he had with his own sisters many years back when she learned him to hunt. All children communicate this way for him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:06, Wed 21 July 2021.

Filimena nods slowly. She wonders if the children have any inkling at all about what happened here in this manor. Or maybe this has nothing to do with that at all, and instead, it's whatever is lying behind that rune-inscribed wall. She glances furtively in its direction, then looks back at the children.

"Well, we're here now, and there's nowhere else to go, at least until this storm blows over," she says quietly. She gestures around her, inviting them to settle down, careful to steer them away from where she sees Marik out of the corner of her eye, but also from the portal.

She watches them for a while, she herself standing still at the bottom of the stairs. "You said there were other places in the city like this, that give you... the shivers. What sort of places?" She wants to speak to them like equals, not like children. They have probably seen more in their few years than some - like her parents perhaps - have seen their whole lives. And yet they are children. She glances over at the half-elven girl. If she speaks to her, will she be able to hear?

OOC: Filimena would definitely be interested in the the sign language, although up till now she's been focused on getting to safety, so I've been waiting for just such a lull to bring it up narratively. I  rolled a history check to see if she knows enough about sign languages to tell whether this is a standard language, or more of a pidgin cobbled together by the children out of need. I got a 9, which I guess isn't enough, but I think with her Sage background Filimena would at least have some awareness of such things.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Thu 22 July 2021.

Moving away from the others, Marik finds the poorly carved series of dwarven runes on a incomplete wall, exactly where they were previously.

---

Agot thinks for a moment and makes gestures to the others who reply in kind before saying, "All over the place. A few taverns by the docks, there's a locksmith shop off Middle Tome, the busted warehouse on Candle Lane, a several churches, and this place till recently ... we avoid all of 'em as much as possible. Always seems to be trouble in those places."

Filimina recognizes the locksmith shop as Ghelves Locks and the warehouse as where you fought The Hawk and found Renaer Buchanan.

Marik disembarks from Rani and sits in a meditation pose in front of the runes. Rani lay just behind him, close enough that he can feel the warmth from her large body.

Marik takes a deep breath and looks at the runes, not really to study them, but to use them as a point of focus. He tries to empty his mind, recalling images of the moments he managed to contact the spirits.

He thinks for a moment which he should contact. The Warden of the Wildwoods? The skies would be more the domain of Zephyr, Herald of the Storm. But Marik never contacted them and a basement doesn't seem like the best place to start. He also thinks of the magical nature of the storm. Yes, that's it. It's not the storm itself he wants to understand or influence, it's seeing hints of what sent it. He needs a hunter, something that preys on the supernatural. Cihnhenal, it is. He tries to think beyond the stars where the great beast dwells.

[Language unknown: "Intthudin Thaortfor a Dinhisand, Manicaund sa ntisa Ntiintthaven ieted Osngil ch Wheingredart. Hasounthuons ternotons ess haic rotrng ncss I iv our tooer ai wa a. "]

Feeling no response, Marik feels a bit anxious and attempts

[Language unknown:
"T Ncetioles Prooreint. Ereen hetipe ho n notonsing etecat wi ar si stek iou ou ho a" ]


OOC: Marik rolls a 7 in Religion and a 8 in Persuasion, if any was applicable to contact and attempt to sway the spirit to help him find .

Filimena narrows her eyes and frowns slightly. Had there been any walls bearing runes at the warehouse on Candle Lane? She doesn't recall seeing any, but then again, they hadn't exactly been looking one specifically, and it's always possible it's another busted warehouse the children are referring too, although the coincidence is intriguing to ignore. She considers showing the children the wall after all - they'll spot it themselves sooner or later anyway, if they haven't already - but notices that Marik is still meditating before it, and decides to do the next best thing.

"Have you ever seen anything like this?" she asks, calmly, reaching into her backpack and once again retrieving the pair of strange clay tablets they'd found at the warehouse. "Do these mean anything to you? Give you the shivers as well?"

Findelye, the half-elf girl, gestures to the other two who simply nod in response and move back. She takes few steps closer to Filimena, pushing her curly silver hair out of her eyes as she does. Her eyes narrow and starts making a few of the gestures. She looks at the clay tablets though it is obvious that she is very careful not to actually touch them. After studying them for a minute or so, she shakes her head.

Filimena's knowledge of magic (Arcana +3) allows her to recognize that the girl was casting a spell to determine if the tablets are magical (Detect Magic).

Filimena raises an eyebrow and crosses her arms. That spell has a vocal component, she thinks at the girl.

OOC: I rolled Arcana to see whether Filimena knows only sorcerers can cast with Subtle Spell, and rolled a 6, so… I guess Filimena doesn’t know. On the other hand, I assume if she recognised the Detect Magic spell, she also knows the spell has vocal and somatic components.

I’ve been having a crazy few days at work, unfortunately. Too tired to think. This is just a short one to move things along hopefully.

Findelye's eyes go wide for a moment before she smirks then gives a slight shrug.

Not receiving any responses from the spirits, Marik lowers his head. Either they didn't hear him or he wasn't convincing enough to warrant their attention.

As they wait for the storm to hit, he hears Filimena and the children talking together, not paying them much mind as Filimena seems to have things under control. Not much to do else than wait now. To occupy his thoughts, Marik gets Aiwenor Crist from his back and studies the large composite bow in his hands, peering over every detail of the wood. He can't explain why a thought passes through his mind.

"Sky Cleaver, huh....wonder they called you this" he thinks for himself

OOC: Just by curiosity, does Sky Cleaver react in any way to the approach of the storm?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:24, Fri 30 July 2021.

OOC: Won't lie, I had to look thru the other threads to find out what Aiwenor Crist / Sky Cleaver was! :)

The bow Aiwenor Crist, for all of the remarkable time and effort put into it is still just wood, leather, and string.

Interesting, Filimena thinks, tucking the knowledge away from when it might come in handy.

"Right," she says, aloud this time, so she doesn't exclude the other two children. She assumes the girl reads lips too. "So it's not magical. But you haven't seen anything like this before? This writing. How about that?" She points towards the wall where the portal is, taking the chance that Marik is done with whatever he's doing.

Marik turns as Filimena is pointing in his direction and get up.

[Language unknown: "Le str wiie u dinhasare. Caet u elhiacul?"] he ask the halfling.




OCC: Awww, and me who thought I had finally pierced the secret of a galaxy-brain storyline! ;) (Not really, was mostly poking around but thought the coincidence was too good to pass up)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:28, Mon 02 Aug 2021.

Findelye shake her head to Filimena's question about the runes, then she gestures to the others.

The half-orc boy speaks up, "She says they looks dwarvish and ..." Agot pauses a confused look on his face then gestures to Findelye who replies in kind to which he nods, "Conjuration. We've never seen 'em though."

Filimena nods at the children to acknowledge that she has hear what they said.

[Language unknown: "K plun arngmimi i onit wauninic. Hatlesver mo siurplch fiarar matra ekngne ratit manratvir nteri ri... tha witndeous. Ecek ca prhe ent ine ad wisien somesthat llpa ntec be ofati ernd inisie, setrutredwhe Taleitmo Routse ieli evmo trabutresard t Lauswi Taany. A blewitdin isfock erehisard unec fo eventiticcon ughvenate,"] she says to Marik, giving him a dark look. [Language unknown: "A outti itchpl ss nc hat t any p ainthioun Oveoulwitcom?"] she begins rummaging in her own backpack, forgetting whether she might have kept it herself.

OOC: I don't think we actually said what we did with the key. Is it safe to assume one of us had simply held on to it?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:45, Tue 03 Aug 2021.

I said here (link to a message in this game) that an

quote:

A envoy dwarves from Korum inquires as to what was found and begin preparing to mount an expedition to get return to their ancestral home.

They pay well for the information as well as the keys found during the exploration.

But I'm okay with y'all keeping a key.

16:02, Today: DM5 rolled 89 using 1d100 with rolls of 89.  who has key? 50+ Filimena.


Filimena rummages thru her pack and finds the key that Keygan Ghelve gave her what feels like a lifetime ago. The metal of the key is cool almost cold to the touch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:30, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

Filimena frowns, looking down at the key in her hands. It seems unlikely, but perhaps still worth a try. "What about this?" She turns to the children to ask. "Seen one of these before?"

Each child takes to look at the key and one by one they shake their heads.

Agot pipes up, "Can't say I've ever seen one of those before." The half-orc glances back to the others, and they communicate in their sign-language. Is it is dwarf made? The carvings look like some we saw at the locksmith shop."

Filimena nods. "You're right. It's dwarven. This is a key. And that," she says, tapping the metal bar, then pointing back at the carvings on the wall. "Is a door, a portal. There is one at Ghelve's Locks as well. We used this key to enter the portal there. It took us to a place called Jzadirune. Does that mean anything to you?"

The children may or may not know anything. At this point, Filimena is merely fishing for information. She continues tapping the key, pondering. Surely this same key wouldn't work with the portal here in this basement, would it? There's no reason to assume it leads to the same place. Perhaps there is another key like this somewhere in this mansion. They hadn't really searched that hard. Was there even a need to try entering the portal? Not really. Nothing was leading them there. Only curiosity. Surely they should focusing on the Illithid in the sewers. That is a far more immediate danger. And yet... could there be a link?

The children once again look at each other and talk among themselves for a moment. There does seem to be some heated back and forth between the trio before Agot looks back to you. "We saw one a tenday or so back, was a fella who had one. He was near the church of St Gili, coulda been coming out but we didn't stick around to find out."

Filimena knows St Gili as a Saint of creation and invention.

Filimena looks over at Marik. She wants to ask him what he thinks, but isn't sure how much she should be saying in front of the children.

"What do you think? We might go back down into the sewers, but we don't have much of a lead in that direction. On the other hand, this thing is in our basement," she waves towards the portal. "Maybe we can ask Ironclad if he's seen a key himself, and pop by the Church of St Gili with him to ask, do a bit of poking around in the meantime."

Filimena glances upward, wondering what's happened with the storm. Heading towards the trap door and nudges it open ever so slightly, to see if she can hear anything.

OOC: Oops. If I'm honest, I'd forgotten Ironclad was with us. Got a bit caught up with the orphans.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:31, Mon 06 Sept 2021.

Filimena can hear the found of Ironclad thudding about the main level of the manor.

"Buckets are filling. Ironclad will dump water outside. Perhaps elvish apparition would assist by putting down another water retention vessel?"

Marik seems to snap back to reality as Filimena adress him.

[Language unknown: "Oer. Ouiven. Ic nceforast a es setsheing na we dindinare? Reasce ei nobe of allillbut? Ersme prethioul th ad u not tr? I yinyinyin llch ssthfoto, onethuone hi, ore Acss ulpo ughateeraove tioanyfor ek she acli n canihe ilfita i moreplst menratvor whi pech anwit ha. Ionom etac-seenbe, red hoev a orestrill stma lema us eramenent tin ll tha ulout re. Yin indiev day p no ntrefi his he ripldi? Les onsncetho n u p e beasle oun me stich lesessres, erosur foteri'ioev pe nce rutrut'earwasrut"] says Marik with a grin, as if he wasn't still himself a young elf easily distracted by new interestings things each day.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:57, Tue 07 Sept 2021.

Filimena frowns. Marik is right. What is she doing? She seems to have lost her direction. Is she merely being curious, and distracted? Maybe. But that idea doesn’t sit right with her. She begins pacing, back and forth, agitated.

[Language unknown: “Ca no’ev il com reei paure setsonughareers pa ithkorhasher,”] she says, still pacing, staring at the ground. [Language unknown: “Fient enalelbepo ll intcomven sontinted i ons latwilnte wh u omch tr er le hi sheainill oreof… ous ersantnte beac n iouio therai. Ieic nackiv nt ich tr ol derainted hoess ereatitic ni ditodi a ofceat hopro whe st u houithoreineeau o Ndewervir’e Wertiotho. O ithse ssear ad san meneartio pass lomi undastout e wa ni onat redsan-bleest fo dayanyred, dinereeau ee iv ughne thutraany ivecac wasatiave n taenck hoar. Towa wiloulder lo“] and here she stops to gesture anxiously up at the ceiling [Language unknown: “t linohe ut e asheli, ivni St estanyted’ti te aiwhwaan e ch naomch eau n ck aiwinani areratest ei es.”]

It’s almost as if everything that has happened so far has been the work of some Arranger, putting things together, laying down a path for them. Algabassadur? They have never done anything like this before, and no, they can’t be powerful enough to do this, or they wouldn’t need her. Her brother? No, she shakes her head. That’s just absurd. The thought occurs to her they never really pressed Floon and Ranaer on how they looked so similar. Was Ranaer adopted?

[Language unknown: “Sswi k nceiev. O p hisnteate derch as io riiv ha, il ncllun’t se capl unesfi enriel. Ceek e thionswhi plon yince hoosla p reddinint wa p but prmi. Virundromest ceecth’om sonac alldershe, wies’ac repe. Ti reio pl lin entomeher it, ourwhilesromomeich trahe Nceiripe t art itheverea, ncebutthuunderssan peol hotrno, whevirers neen u noulri, entmenany her conromone arto le ureal weplck.”]

She turns and slumps against the wall, tired. She realises she’s been on edge since the last evening and isn’t thinking straight. She glances over towards Ironclad, and considers going over to help with some buckets herself.

OOC: Haha ok, the truth is I’ve accidentally fallen into the meta-gaming trap of thinking that because something has appeared in the narrative, it must somehow be a clue, or otherwise related, in the same story arc. But I do also think that this is something Filimena would consider in-character. She’s not in a decent frame of mind, and there do seem to be a few too many coincidences about.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Thu 09 Sept 2021.

OOC: Ooops, time past fast. :/ I didn't thought the last post was last wee. Sorry, something came up that took all my attention. Apologies for the delay! I don't have a clear idea of what Marik would do except respond this for the moment, but i'll try to think up something tonight or tomorrow to progress!


[Language unknown: "Ovelo Hasiveons elheckic k ilwas ce wineenpawa al, ac t in our Tiasac. Ers ortsetich o san estallven anycomhou ons el entoventi. Pr U thfi haspa. Astle waom m hatatithuverion ul firiet ai unnt." ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:56, Wed 15 Sept 2021.

Marik hears the thudding sounds coming from Ironclad up top. Thoughts are crashing in his head and he needs to collect his thoughts.

[Language unknown: "His u ndouno nd evta io ek ich p ri usnong ta aierei."] and he steps up with Rani to do exactly that. What does the situation look like outside?
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:25, Mon 20 Sept 2021.

Filimena sighs deeply, looking over at the children to see what they are doing, the following slowly after Marik. She also wants to know what’s happening with the storm.

What should she do? How much had the goblin said she would charge to scry for her brother? 600 gold pieces? She shakes her head. That’s a lot of gold. They would have to sell the house. She has to admit she is feeling attached to the place now that they’ve put so much work into cleaning it up, and the neighbours have welcomed them so warmly. It’s true that up till now she has had very little use for a permanent place of residence, but she’s coming up to the age now where halflings typically settle down. She has no intention of settling down just yet, but having a place to come back to promises a nice feeling of stability. She shakes her head, annoyed at herself for having such thoughts. It doesn’t matter. The house isn’t only hers to sell. It belongs to Marik too.

But the what? Perhaps they could turn to treasure-hunting. Or perhaps she could take up story-telling in taverns, leveraging her unsought for celebrity status as one of the Finders of Jzadirune. She does have a certain knack for performance. She cringes. This thought doesn’t please her much either.

She frowns slight, recalling the book in her bag. Perhaps it’s worth a second look. She hadn’t found much the first time, but then she had been in shock. Now that she’s calmed down, maybe she’ll spot something she missed then. There had been something familiar about the book. And she had hardly investigated the note itself. She nods, coming to a decision. There’s really no harm giving the book a second chance. What’s the worst that can happen? It’s like she said to Marik, if her brother had wanted her to find him so easily, he could have showed up himself at the party. Instead, he sent her this book. Surely, then, the book must mean something. She’ll try again, and then, afterwards, she’ll search the city, and Marik and Ironclad can come along if they wish.

She looks up to see that she's still following behind Marik, and speeds up to catch up to him.

OOC: Ok, so Mr GM sir, not sure what your stand is on retrying a failed check. Regardless whether the book actually contains anything, and regardless what I as a player might think about the book, there are obvious in-character reasons why Filimena would want to try again. I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion to her that the book really contains nothing. And as she’s feeling desperate, I’m not sure it’s an option she would ignore.

Ironclad spins in place, bucket in hand, as Marik and Rani enter the main level.  Without looking they throw the contents of the bucket out the open sidedoor, "I'm Marik, greetings.  Ironclad recommends watching out for falling liquid as large felines often do not like becoming moist without their consent."

Marik believes that the storm is passing from the wind and angle of the rain hitting the windows.  The general direction means the storm is going farther inland likely along the river that feeds into the sea.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Tue 21 Sept 2021.

As Filimena joins them, Marik and Rani will get up and peek through the window, see the storm's aftermath. How does the city look like?

Filimena shakes off her thoughts, feeling rather overwhelmed. She steps up to the window, peering outside with Marik, wondering what kind of damage the storm might have wrought.

moving to here : link to a message in this game