Gar sat at the table slowly, his weight testing the chair before his full weight went in it and looked at the group. “I suppose your wondering what a tortle is doing so far inland, as well as my capabilities.” He waited and took a drink of water. “From what I can gather, my egg was snatched from the coast and brought inland, luckily landing near a lake to the north. I hatched knowing only fresh water of the lake, and grew. Maybe it was the cooler temperature, but it seems I’m a little smaller than my kin and not as strong, but the isolation led me to a man who taught me much - language, words and magic.”

He again paused, almost as if finished the story, but again continued. “My master, a high elf, taught me the basics and gave me the will to follow my own path of magic….,you see I never truely followed a single school of magic, but my spells seem to be orientated in the manipulation of time and speed….I can speed up and slow down things quite well. I have some other spells, of course, but it seems my talent lies in chronurgy.”

He looked at the others. “Through my master I met infused, a truely unique individual. He has a keen mind, yet skills of a warrior at heart. We traveled here when I heard there may me magic here that could help me improve my skills.”

He sighed, taking a drink. “..and Lo and behold, we arrive and we see a half demon fly away….it seems my skills may be of use, and at your disposal if required.”

By the Gods, Sand, what are you doing?

Lifting his head from his spell book, Sand looked at Jacob, that had just came back from the Better times.

Sand does not understand, is something wrong?

You have scales, you never had those before!

The man approached the warforge, triggering the protective instincts of Clacker, and Sand had to calm his construct. The artificer then looked at his body, effectively seeing the scale mail he had incorporated years ago popping out.

Sand is fine, Jacob is seeing Sand change his armor.

He pointed to the repaired breastplate he had scavenged from the Goliath's full plate mail.

Sand will be wearing this now. Does Jacob want to keep the scale mail?

Would I? I'll have to examine it for damages and repair it, before I can present it to the militia. Do you know how long that can take?

Sand can help.

We'll see, don't make a mess, I need to work. Does the other one like you also change his armor that way?

Sand would assume so.

Sand plunged back in his book, fascinated that he could read a little more now. After the scale mail finished extruding from his body, Sand, helped by Jacob, put on the breastplate and the reverse process started, fascinating the blacksmith, the metal of the armor fusing with the construct's body, leaving no traces that Sand had changed anything...

But he was not clanking as much as he walked now, going to the better times, to see if his companions where still there.

Why would I wonder about a Tortle being inland, where are they usually found? I have seen many different creatures in my life but I have never seen, nor heard, of giant intelligent turtles. It must have been hard never meeting another of his kind; it was difficult enough being a half-elf in a largely human society but I was never alone. I am glad he found someone to bond with, who taught him so much; I am surprised it was an Elf but there must be some who are more open minded.

My thoughts spins considering the implications of using magic to influence the flow of time. What wonders and disasters would result from playing with that fundamental aspect of the multiverse. A steadily growing ache begins behind me temple as I try to think it through; I am not to proud to admit that such things are beyond my capabilities and will leave such matters to others better suited to them.

His comment about finding magic here is puzzling, "Pardon me, but I thought magic was everywhere, what makes Vertigo special? If there was a collection of magical knowledge here I would understand but I have neither heard nor seen such."

"As to the daemon I have no idea where she came from or what she was doing here. Althaea, did Thorin or Sebastien mention her when you and Thorn spoke to them earlier?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Fri 06 Aug 2021.

Infused followed the owlforged to the inn, where he sought out the ones that Sand had directed him to. ~"Andrasta presented Althaea. Althaea knows Alicia. Alicia might be Mistress Alicia."~ Infused was still not entirely sure what to think about Sand. He was clearly a warforged, but also one of an entirely different design, and had either not received knowledge of the common language, or it had been lost to him in whatever injury he'd sustained that left him scarred and rusted in the head.

As he arrived at the inn, Infused nodded to Scamp, "Thank you, Scamp."

He looked around for signs of how people handled themselves and their things here, trying to get an idea of whether or not he should walk through the door was a giant sword resting over his shoulder, or if something else should be done with it. He certainly wasn't going to just leave it sitting around, but he wasn't sure what he should do instead. "I think I will allow them to correct me if necessary. It is less awkward to ask forgiveness than permission."~

Stepping through the doors, he looked for the familiar faces that he had met at the gate earlier, hoping one of the females were present and able to direct him toward Alicia.

Turning to face Andraste as she addressed me, "The demon was with Thorin and Sebastian when we went to speak with them. She had disguised herself as a human and was treating those sick with the mushroom plague. She seemed anxious when I saw her, but I could not ascertain as to why. I merely asked Thorin how the hunters were faring and the demon, posing as Victoria Blackwater, overheard. As Thorn was present, she asked for the two of us to help with the ritual to cure them; however, Thorn refused. I was told I could not perform the ritual alone and to find another fey or elf for assistance. Being one of the hunters herself, I thought Aleena might be willing to help. Had I known what would befall her, I would have come asked you for help instead. We were given a fairly easy set of instructions to follow. The first step was to hold the bottle she took from me when she left. The other was to keep our eyes closed for the duration of the ritual. Aleena opened her eyes before the ritual was complete. At least, that's what I was told when she started screaming. I did not wish to meet the same fate so I kept my eyes closed. There might be more to this that I am not aware of, or it might be just as she told me. I cannot say with certainty either way."

Gar looked at the two women with a neutral stare, nodding. At Andraste's query, the tortle nodded. "It isn't likely to be well known. An ancient manuscript spoke of a once proud sect of magic users who held some power long ago and an ancient ruin that may hold information about said magic. Not much to go on, i know, but i've traveled for worse information. Plus, i've heard of the great mountain that was upside down and wanted to see it myself."

as Althaea spoke, he tapped his snout with his finger. "Given her deception with her heritage, it could stand to reason the ritual she spoke of, as well as how your friend died wasn't entirely truthful. But if she actually healed people, then maybe there was something in it for her."

He saw infused come in the door and nodded to the warforged, getting his attention. "Did you learn anything from your new friend?"

"I learned many things from Sand, yes. He tells me there is a female here named Alicia. This is the name of Master Kraelix's wife, so if this Alicia is Mistress Alicia, then I would much like to meet with her and see that she is safe. Sand tells me that Andrasta, who knows Althaea, knows this Alicia, so I wish to find her. If I could smile, as other races smile, then I would be doing so now, I feel. But, it is only a chance, statistics being what they are, that this female is the Alicia that I know from before."

Scamp had brought the other mechanical being to the tavern, where it had had so much fun before. But today it was almost boring, with no one making music to dance too, and the place was half empty, with humanoid eating and leaving. The fey familiar flew up to the rafters and perched itself on his favorite beam, trying to decide what to do.

Oh, it knew! Sand's instructions were to bring the other one to the rock lady! It took flight and circled about the main room of the tavern, looking for Alicia, but didn't find her there. Landing on the bar, where Corsica chased it away as she was cleaning the counter, it remembered about the rooms in the back, and flew there, poking its head in each room until it hopefully found Alicia.

Corsica overheard the warforged that was similar, yet so different to Sand, speaking about Alicia just as she came back out of the kitchen.

Haven't seen her here for at least a day now, which is unusual for her; well, that's unusual for just about everyone.  I mean, where else CAN you go, right? Corsica said.

I don't really get in anyone's business, but she's been asking for extra dried fruits and nuts the past couple days.  She's been taking some back with her, which I had only assumed was to eat in her room.  Maybe she is there?  Just needs some time away from the crowds? Rory added.

Yeah, she was asking me for the same, as well as some extra bread.  Maybe she's pregnant!?!  Eating for 2!  Corsica smiled with a playful grin.

I wonder who the suitor is?  Any guesses fam?  Corsica said as she looked around hoping for a juicy response.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:03, Mon 09 Aug 2021.

If Infused had possessed eyebrows, they would have risen at the possibility of Mistress Alicia being pregnant; instead his head and shoulders jerked back in surprise. Infused knew what it meant and how things worked, but the cycle of life was still a strange and wonderful thing to him. It was a joy that he would never be able to fully take part in himself, being of a race that was, supposedly, crafted rather than capable of reproduction. When he was alone, he would sometimes think about that fact and feel a sense of...loss. It was not something that he had ever possessed, or that he ever would, and yet it was a thing that completely separated him from all other forms of life. Being made of metal and wood instead of flesh and bone was no big deal, but this? This was an insurmountable difference.

Infused banished those thoughts, bottling them up for processing later when he was alone once more. For now, he needed to focus on Alicia, ~A new Master, or a new Mistress?~

"I must know if your Alicia is my Mistress Alicia. Can you seek her out? Or lead me to her room?"

The tortle, Gar, expanding upon the points I had been considering myself gave me much to ponder. Before I could respond I heard his companion mention Alicia, Andraste, and myself.

Upon hearing my name, I turned to the warforged that had entered the inn, "Yes, I know Alicia. I have spoken with her on occasion. I know where her room is, I can take you to her if you wish."

I stood up from my seat and began walking to the door. About halfway there, I turned back to address Corsica, "She did not speak of being with child to me, but perhaps while I am there I can find out the reason for her absence."

Gar had a furrowed eye ridge as he looked at infused. The tortle knew Kraelix, even met him a few times, and knew he had a wife Alicia. The odds this was one in the same would be remarkable, but even gar knew that there was worse. The tortle stood up with a groan, looking at Corsica. Lmaybe she was preparing for a trip, or helping someone in need….there are many explanations for the extra food. The only way to know is to ask. And speaking of asking - would you have a room for myself and my friend here where we can rest.”

He looks at infused and snorts. “…well, for me anyway. He really doesn’t need much rest - quite a handy thing. Myself, a place of quiet where I can sleep and research is still needed.” He starts to follow the others. “If you prepare, I will pay you once my friends problem is answered.” He looked at the others and smiled.

“I do love a good mystery.”

Infused had no hesitation in nodding his head in the affirmative, "Please. Yes."

We don't have any rooms available at the inn right now, as they are all being currently lived in by other residents here, but I believe some new spots have recently opened up in the cave down the main tunnel.  I'll speak with Thorin get that all sorted out for you.  Don't you worry your pretty little heads about it.  Corsica said as she jubilantly whipped off into the kitchen, carrying a plate of dirty dishes and mugs.

Althaea leads the newcomers down the main passage to where Alicia's room was, a small niche covered by a simple tattered blue curtain; materials were harder and harder to come by these days and pickings were slim.  Althaea called out to Alicia, but when she heard no response, peeked in to make sure she wasn't sleeping, but found an empty room.

Pushing the curtain fully open, the side of a simple bed faces you with a pink and white flowered quilt that looks like it was made for a young girl.  A small wooden nightstand sits next to the bed; it's in rough shape but seems to be in working condition.  A small strip of a battered carpet lays on the ground, used as a barrier to the cold stone floor of the cave beneath.  The room is bare bones, like most of the others here in Vertigo.

Sand arrived at the Better Time at the trailing edge of the conversation and nodded when he saw that Infused was talking with the Eladrin.

Sand happy to see Infused found Althaea. Did Infused find Alicia? Sand hopes Scamps did not cause troubles.   

Not seeing his familiar in the common room, he stopped moving, as he was falling into his trance to try to see what the mischievous fey was doing.

Gar smiles at the : Gar rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Perception check woman as they pass her. “Your so kind….thank you.” The tortle follows after infused and as the curtain is drawn, he’s surprised by the sparseness of the room. Stepping in the doorway, he cuts to the side and looks around. “It appears no one is home. It’s a shame - I woul…”

His words trail off as something catches his eye and he steps over near the bed stand, and crouches, looking at something. People then notice  the tortle is looking as drops of red on the carpet. Laying his staff down, he looks around, then to the few little spots. “Was your friend in trouble?”

As the others leave the room to search for Alicia I stand up and leave the inn, moving along the main cavern wall until I reach Sebastien's office.

"Sebastien, I know this is not a good time but I would like to speak with you."

Infused saw the drops of blood as well, and went to join Gar in having a closer look. Hearing Gar call it out as being blood, and realizing the same for himself, Infused did his best to find where the trail of blood had started, and where it had gone. Somehow, the fact that she was gone and the presence of the blood seemed to confirm that it was Mistress Alicia in the warforged's mind. He could not explain why, but he could almost feel that it was true.

The sense need to find her increased. Bits of elemental energy began arc out along his torso as emotions became heightened.

19:56, Today: Infused rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Wis Check.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Wed 11 Aug 2021.

Sand had followed Althaea and the newcomers towards Alicia's room, asking himself why he wanted to go see the woman. She had been a friend to the dwarves that had found him in the ice but she didn't really represent anything for the warforged. The spartan room was  bare and Sand almost got his tools out to repair the ripped fabric curtain when Gar kneeled and looked at something on the carpet. With some anxiety, he asked if Alicia had troubles, and Sand could only shrugged. His eyes turned to the red splashes that had attracted the Tortle and he cocked his head, intrigued.

Please excuse Sand, Sand needs to see closer. Something is not right here.

As soon as he could, he also kneeled and his right thigh opened up on his secret tool compartment, from where he took a pointed piece of steel. Getting as close to the carpet as he could, he examined the red dots for a minute or two before nodding and getting back up.

This is no blood. These red splashes are wax. Sand could not determine for how long it was there. Is Alicia known to write? This could be wax from a seal. Sand does not know much about Alicia.

He started to look around for signs that could confirm or infirm his seal theory.

Sand Int check : 20
Sand investigation check : 9 (rolled a f...ing 1)
Sand perception check : 8 (another 1.... two in a row, the dice roller hates me tonight!)

"Shortly after my arrival to Vertigo, the village was attacked by Drow looking for an amulet that Alicia carried. She discovered the amulet in a tower belonging to a long-dead wizard about a week's travel to the north and slightly east of here. She mentioned traveling through a fishing village between there and here. Before the devil woman came to Vertigo and my companions and I were trying to find a cure for the plague brought by the mushrooms, Thorn mentioned speaking to Alicia was important. Perhaps there is some correlation between one of the places she visited and where Rolland and the others were infected? We should gather everyone and decide what we are going to do. If Alicia is in trouble, the faster we find her, the better."

I need to find Andraste and Thorn.

In reply to Andraste Giltris (msg # 50):

There is nothing you have to say, that I want to hear right now.  I mourn over the loss of someone very dear to me.  What could possibly be more important than that, Andraste?  Sebastian says angrily, while emphasizing Andraste's name, knowing full well that she prefers to be called Giltris.

Gar, still crouching, looks at the marks and nods at sands observation. "You have keen eyes friend sand, this is indeed wax, red in color...but like you I don't know how long it's been here."

He stands slowly, the weight of his shell obvious. "a magical amulet you say, belonging to a wizard." The tortle mused the information. "Unless there is an obvious trail, then we start at the beginning."

"I understand, loss is very difficult and personal. Even though it may feel that way, you are not alone; there are others who share your loss and are willing to help. Those who choose to suffer alone often find they regret the decisions they make when burdened with guilt and grief. Finally, I offer you my services when it comes time to lay her to rest, to give her a fitting farewell and ensure her remains cannot be befouled by undeath."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 22:58, Wed 11 Aug 2021.

I...I appreciate that Giltris.  I would very much like that.  I'm having...well trouble figuring out...I just dont know what I should be doing right now.

"I wish I had the answer but I do not. I do not think there is one. I do have some suggestions that helped me. First, take some time to process what happened, you have good friends and competent subordinates, let them help you. I know you take your responsibilities here very seriously but you need to look after yourself too. Second, do not make any major life decisions right now, let your emotions settle down first. And third, do not shut yourself off from those around you. You do not have to talk to anyone if you do not want to but do not withdraw from those who care about you. And there are those here who care about you."