I awake for the third time still feeling groggy but much better than last night. It appears that everyone else has already left this morning and strangers are making use of some of the other bunks. Interesting, I met the others only last night but I no longer think of them as strangers. Quietly gathering my things, I make my way to the cavern entrance and out into the morning light. Finding a quiet, private spot I begin my morning exercises reveling in the stretch in my muscles as I move through my forms. I use the peace and relaxation they bring to my wild emotions to offer a prayer to Rao, asking for his help as I strive to bring peace to myself so that I can be worthy of being his envoy.

Once I am done, muscles loose and pleasantly sore, I make my way back to the well near the cavern entrance and I draw enough water to refill my waterskin and wash. I shiver as the cold water from the bucket flows over my head and down my back, chasing away any lingering sleepiness. Once I am thoroughly dry, I take the time to inspect and put on my armour and buckle my sword on my left hip. Alright, I am ready to face the day.

I enter the tavern once more and find that much of the damaged furniture has been repaired, I wonder if Sand had anything to do with that, and a pot of oatmeal has been prepared so I get in line. The sense of comfort from last night is gone and everyone casts nervous glances towards the damaged section caused by the tunnel collapse. I should see if there is something I can do to help restore their confidence in the safety of their home.

I ask a few of the locals and they tell me where I can find Sebastian, a private niche five caves down from the tavern. I thank them and make my way there. The curtain used to separate this cave from the the main cavern is much finer than the others I have seen here with intricate embroidery of running stags across a green field yielding to the yellows, oranges, and reds of a setting sun. However, as I get closer I can see how the colour has started to fade in places, small tears along one side, and smudges of dirt where it brushes the floor. I look around unsure of what to do when I see a tarnished silver door knocker in the shape of a leaping fish attached to a piece of wood nailed to the wall next to the curtain with a pair of pitons. I pause to draw on Rao's peace to help me center myself and strike the knocker against the wood three times. I can hear shuffling inside, and a familiar, nasal voice calls out, "Who is it and what do you want?"

"Andraste Giltris, I wish to speak with you about the weapon cache at your keep."

There is another pause before the voice calls out again, "Very well come in."

Taking a deep breath I push aside the curtain and step inside.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:17, Wed 22 July 2020.

Walking into Sebastian's niche is exactly what you expected. On the right side, the bed is covered with a large thick goose feathered filled blanket, neatly and completely covering the hay base of the bed and the bump where the pillow lays underneath.

A finely crafted cherry wood desk sits on the left, with a cushioned bench instead of a chair.  The center of the desk comes up like the roof of a house, inclined for ease of use and not having to slouch over it like a peasant.  A small drawer comes out of the left side of the desk, which contains ink and small holders for 3 quill pens.  A short shelf below the main part of the desk has a spot for paper.

Above the desk sits a nook in the cave wall that has a couple books and knickknacks, all of which are either crystal, laced with gold or silver, or just finely made.

Sebastian moves over and sits on the bed, pointing you in the direction of the bench, and you get the feeling it's so you don't soil his linens.

"So what questions do you have?"

"How old is your information regarding the keep and the cache? As I am sure you are aware, in the wilderness the situation can change quickly."

The information is about 3 months old, which is when the hunters spotted it up on a hill in the NW.  That's how long I've been arguing with Thorin over this.  Just think how different our situation would be IF we already had the weapons and our community was outfitted with them.

Yes, I'm aware that things can change quickly, I'm not a moron, however, since removing the weapons would take a larger effort, much as ours would be, there is a good chance that the cache is still there.  It is not as easily accessible as we would have hoped, given what happened in the cataclysm, but nonetheless, it is obviously important.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:28, Wed 22 July 2020.

"I see. How far is it to the NW? Are you aware of any difficulties we would have to overcome to reach it, say a river or steep elevation changes? Is there a map both of the keep and land between here and there? That would be very helpful in making our decision. Do you have any reports on the area itself more recently?

With an exasperated sigh, Sebastian says: It's up on a hill, from what the hunters told me, so I would say yes to the steep elevation and rocky terrain.  While I haven't seen it myself, the hunters have described it to me quite clearly and I'm sure it is my keep.

If by difficulties, you mean the local wildlife and roaming undead, then YEAH, there will be difficulties.  Sebastian rolls his eyes at your ignorance.

There is no map to the keep, as with the world changing, OBVIOUSLY all previous maps have become useless.  Not aware of a new map that has been made.  We DO have more important priorities these days you know, like just trying to survive day to day.  Perhaps the hunters have something.  You could ask them, but they haven't come back yet from their last trip.  They are usually gone a couple days at a time, in order to maximize their trips.

A map of the keep?  Honestly, why would you need one if I'm coming with you?  I'll just tell you where we need to go so we can get the hell out of there.  Unless....should I give you a map, will you have no need of me to accompany you then?  If that is the case, then I'll be happy to draw one up for you.

No, there are no reports more recently.  I've already told you how old the information is on the keep, so unless you mean in the last couple minutes of our conversation, then no, there is no new information.   If the hunters were here, they would tell you that they've moved more to the NE, as there seems to be more game in that area.

Anything else or can I go back to the much more important stuff I was doing?

"Thank you Sir, I will be sure to try and speak with the hunters before we depart." Hmm, I will need to discuss his attitude with him before we depart otherwise he may suffer an accident despite my efforts. I have to make sure I understand where he is coming from.

"A map of the keep will allow us to better plan before we reach the keep which will increase our ability to successfully retrieve the items and keep ourselves and you alive. It my also be necessary to split the group when we arrive at the keep so being able to give the group you are not with a map will be very useful." I am not sure what his coming with us will do but Thorin thinks it a good idea and he has not given me any reason to doubt his judgement.

"Now I just have a few questions regarding the cache itself. First, what exactly is in the cache? This will be very important so that we can make proper arrangements to bring it back to Vertigo. Second, is there anything here in the settlement that we can use to bring the weapons back with? Third, are there any items of particular importance that we need to be aware of. This will important in case we are not able to bring everything that we can prioritize those items the settlement needs the most. Fourth, was the cache secured in some way? Will we need a key or token to access it? And finally, who will we be giving the items to on our return?"  Explosion in three, two, one....

More questions....fantastic.

Personally, I think a map is unnecessary if I'm going with you.  If we should split, I can merely tell them what rooms they are headed to, could I not?  I don't see any reason to split either.  We are going in for the weapons and leaving quickly after.  It seems a waste of my time.

There are 86 swords, 42 suits of plate mail, 12 suits of chain mail, 14 suits of Scale Mail, 39 shields, 62000 arrows, and 1 really big I have no fucking idea.  I had a large contingent of about 40 guards, more than half of which made it alive with me here.  They wore only the lighter armor, as well as the weapons needed to survive.  Since it was a long time ago, I don't know exactly how much is there, nor do I have my inventory books with me.  It wasn't really a priority at the time the walls were shaking and we thought we were all going to die.

One of the reasons Thorin has given me a hard time about this and didn't want to take the time to do it, is because we really don't have a means of getting the weapons back easily that we know of. Plus the safety of the hunters, of course.  As it is now, it might have to be done in multiple trips, but it would be nice to not have to do that, even though I'm VERY much excited about our upcoming excursion.

Items of particular importance?  Not sure what you mean.  Feel free to draw up a list of items you would think important and I'll be happy to prioritize them for you, should there be any.

The cache was locked up pretty tight, but the keys required to open it were lost during the escape during the cataclysm.

The items will of course go to the good people of Vertigo, to better defend against the threats we face, including now the Drow.  Hunters are constantly running out of arrows, guards weapon and armor are damaged and hard to keep in appropriate repair.  Jacob just can't keep up.  He tries, but there is no one else with a skill as matched as his.  He may take a little longer, but it's always right.  Can't fault him for that.  That's just what he knows.

Is there anything else?  I grow weary of these endless questions.

"Thank you for your patience Sir. Just a few more questions. Is there anything else of import that you feel we should know?"

Nope, good day to you.

I move around the desk and sit on the bench facing Sebastien and lean back slightly so as to not crowd him my hands in my lap. "What was your position in the World-That-Was?" I ask keeping my tone light and curious.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:32, Wed 22 July 2020.

I was a MARQUIS and was trusted to defend and fortify against potentially hostile neighbors.  This is why I had a contingent of soldiers at my disposal and was thus MUCH more important and ranked higher than a count.  Why do you ask?

"What was that like?"

Stressful most of the time.  We had to constantly scout and gather intelligence to keep the borders safe.  Should I fail, well...I didn't fail luckily.  I was in the process of getting more troops, as a large group of goblins and orcs, with an ogre leader were seen within miles of the border, before the cataclysm hit.

"That is admirable. And what do you do now?"

Um...thank you.

Not much has changed really.  Still stressed, now just in a different location.  I manage the guards, the hunters, and Jacob is under my employ as well.  Where is this all going?

Ah I see.  You wonder where I get off with my attitude, is it?  I'll have you know that I've worked very hard to be where I am and the cataclysm doesn't change that.  I'm tired of people shrugging me off as some pompous pre-cataclysm noble, when I'm the one who brought all the guards and hunters here.  Jacob was the weapon smith who came with me. Hell, at least half of the people in Vertigo were from my keep. They were all treated very well and still are.  Thorin and I are partners in this, yet everyone looks up to him and at me in disdain.  If that's the way they want it, that's fine, I might as well embrace it then.  I'm tired of trying any more.

"I see. Please do not put words in my mouth. I am trying to understand the situation here. Why do you think the people here do not treat you with the same respect as Thorin?"

Listen, I know I'm not a personable person, but my job is to get things done.  We don't have the luxury to tiptoe around issues.  When we believe strongly about something, we need to hammer it home.  We need to be direct and forego the niceties.  This new world is brutal and unforgiving, and while I may not have the patience and understanding that Thorin does, I get things done.

"I think I understand where you are coming from. And how do you feel that hammering it home has worked for you? Has it saved time?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Wed 22 July 2020.

Most of the time, surprisingly it does work.  Other times, with those more strong willed, it ends up causing complications, but most people want a leader, even if it's one they fear.  Now, I know I'm not necessarily feared mind you, but fear of my power.  I do control the guard and the hunters.  There's nothing stopping me from leaving with them all and I've thought of it, but believe it or not, I am better than that.  I want these people to survive, I want more for them, but I'm tired of tolerating the bullshit Andraste.  Sometimes I speak the way I do to make sure I am heard, to get other's to really listen.

"I can see how that can be frustrating. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the people of Vertigo. I have walked a long way and I have not seen a settlement as strong as this since I left my home. It gives me hope to see people like you working so hard to better the world. Thank you again for your time. Perhaps we will speak more on the journey."

I stand up, bow slightly at the waist, and leave Sebastien's cave. He gave me much to consider and I will have to think long and hard to see if I can help reduce the conflict among Vertigo's leadership. It might be better if I leave it alone. Yes, I will have to think on it.

Thanks for listening Andraste.  It....was appreciated.

After my conversation with Alaric, I was feeling better than I had that morning, but there was a small ache in the pit of my stomach. How long would it be before I saw him again? I took a last longing glance at the curtain covering the opening to the niche before making my way out to the tavern. I was getting hungry and needed some breakfast.

I sat at a table by myself to eat. A short while later, Thorin entered the tavern. He glanced around noting most of the furniture that had been broken when he went to sleep was now repaired and the dirt from the explosion had been cleared out. His gaze finally met mine and he made a beeline for my table.

Good morning Althaea, I do believe you wished to speak with me.

I set aside my breakfast as it was no longer the most important thing on my mind. Yes, I do. In the matter of the expedition to Sebastian's keep. How long ago did the scouts come by this information? Did they make any maps or a record of their findings?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:56, Thu 23 July 2020.

Ah yes, that is a good idea.  How are you doing though Althaea?  It was a rough night for all of us.  Are you holding up ok?

The information on the cache is about 3 months old.  The hunters found it while scouting for food and when they described it to Sebastian in their report, he was certain it was their old keep.  With the landscape changing so much during the cataclysm, it's hard to tell about anything these days.

They haven't made any maps, mostly because they are the busiest group we have.  Constantly looking for and bringing back food, only to go back out again.  I truly feel for them.

I am doing much better now that I have spoken with Alaric. He might know what the amulet is from research he had been doing for his people on the titans prior to coming here. He has to travel back to the desert for a few days to find the passages he found the information in. I am sure he will speak to you about the venture soon.

I for one, cannot be certain the keep has not already been looted by bandits or others. Has anyone from Vertigo been to the keep since the Cataclysm?

Have the hunters mentioned any hazards or threats in the area we may have to face on the journey? I would like to speak to them before we depart. Are the hunters available for me to speak to? I feel they would be able to help me plot the safest course there and back.