Post here when between adventures. Looking for work.  Searching for the lost library beneath the city.  Shopping. Healing.  Hanging out at bars.  Etc.

After rescuing the Goddess and the scholars, Delta felt the need for some down time.

She purchased a second hand organ, and had it delivered to her parents house. She traveled along, and spent some time with them. She had considered inviting Vala, but the house was really too small for such an expansive figure.

She did tell her family and home-town friends about her though, showing them a full sized illusion of her, swinging her mighty blade. She also worked on her saga, her family always being a supportive audience.

After a week though she got the itch to travel again, and headed back to the coast to hang out with Jimma and Bre'al, trying to stay out of their way, but asking lots of questions about the temple and the goddess. She cooks for them, and plays music in the evenings.

After a few days there, she heads back to the mages guild, and studies thru their archives, both about the goddess, and in an effort to learn a new spell.

While out of danger, she keeps her little rat friend fed and entertained, though she still dreams of having a permanent place in Stormhaven where she can build him a really nice habitat.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:38, Sun 07 Mar 2021.

Vala spent her own down time recovering from her injuries, enjoying tavern life and searching for an armoursmith to craft her a suit of plate armour.

The warrioress was in two minds about this; she'd never worn armour quite that heavy before and though she considered herself strong enough to do so she'd have to adapt her fighting style. On the other hand there was much to be said for being hit less.

One thing Vala wanted to make sure was that she still looked distinctive and not simply like some random knight or paladin. The Drakesbane blood ran strong in her veins and she intended to honour it.

Tanyl takes advantage of his guild membership to see the cost for certain spells.

Matthias has spent the past several weeks attending to his spiritual well-being and working through some inner doubts. With each day that has passed, the young cleric has grown more resolved to resuming his fledgling adventuring career in the hopes of doing Erathis' good works.

One morning, after completing his assigned duties and rituals, Matthias departs the temple and heads toward the inn where his companions had taken up residence. The young cleric walks with a bit more confidence now, eager to learn what sort of escapades they had most recently been on, and more to the point, what sort of prospects they presently had...

Sitting in the main-room of the Inn, Delta plucked away on her instrument, and practised a few tunes quietly in the corner.

On the assumption that Matthias arrives accosted, she will hail him down, and call her over to the table.

"Welcome, good father, let me buy you an ale!" She hails the person who is waiting the tables and orders an ale for the cleric, as well as another stack of pancakes for herself.

Matthias smiles and accepts Delta's offer while taking up a seat at the table.

"I trust you have been well," he says more than asks while eyeing the empty plate in front of the gnome.

Once the ale has arrived, the you cleric raises his mug to toast his companion, says "well met, again", and takes a healthy drink.

He relishes the taste for a moment and then places the mug back onto the table, perhaps a little more loudly than he had meant to. A little bit of ale spills over the edge of the mug and onto the table, which causes him to whince a little before finally poking fun at himself to cover up his embarassment. "Easy there," he chides.

Finally, the cleric settles in and offers a brief explanation of how he has passed the past few weeks, which he glosses over because, "I would imagine temple business is not really that interesting, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bore you..."

Then, he turns the conversation, "So, what have you been into of late?"

The little gnomes eyes light up at the question.

"Oh, we had the most amazing adventure! We traveled to the coast, where we discovered an ancient temple to a forgotten goddess."

With some little effort she created a small two-dimential image of the sea, and then the cave.

"We rescued two scholars who even now study the caves, as we managed to eliminate the quite foul smelling creatures who guarded it, and had attempted to sacrifice one of the men we were sent to save."

Her eyes had gone hazy as she strove to remember every detail.

"Tanyl, clever man that he is, even convinced a hobgoblin to aid us in our quest! There was a fearsome battle, in which Vala's blade snicker-snakked her way thru the monsters, monsters whose stench was enough to turn a mans stomach, ugh!"

She created a fairly decent image of a Troglodyte, though the odor is, perhaps luckily, beyond her abilities.

"When we were done we discovered a princess of the seas, one who resembled the statue of the goddess, but she was friendly. Again Tanyl proved invaluable, as he managed to make it possible for us to speak to her."

The image changes to that of the goddess. As much as she enjoyed the kiss between Vala and the Goddess, she did not share that part of the story, out of respect for her friends privacy.

"We released her to the sea, and returned the scholars to town. It was all quite amazing. Sadly something in the adventure prompted Janek to leave us. I suspect, based on nothing at all, that time in the caves made him pine for home. I hope that he is well."

The (third? Nay, fourth) plate of pancakes arrived, along with a small platter of cheese. Her pet rat scurried down Delta's sleeve to nibble on the delights, ans the Gnome dug in to the pancakes.

"We are currently taking a bit of a break, but hopefully when a new task arrives, you will be able to join us... if, however, your studies extend to forgotten theologies, you might come with me to visit the lost temple, I have plans to go visit the scholars again today."

Matthias listens on, his mind racing with wonderment at the amazing things Delta was relaying to him. Her accounting of their most recent adventure sounded a lot more exciting than crawling around in old tombs looking for graverobbers...

And to think he spent the last few weeks alternating between sulking, soul-searching, and attending to menial tasks around the temple. About the most exciting thing that happened to him was when Brother Umbert accidentally served the good, strong wine, resulting in that old pruneface, Father Hester, breaking out into a spirited rendition of the bawdy tavern song, Ladies of the Night, Light your Lamp for Me!

A good ten seconds passes after Delta has stopped speaking before Matthias snaps back to the present. "Wow..." is all he can manage to say, quite dumbly.

Then quickly, "Yes, yes. I would like that very much." Whether he was referring to the new task or visiting scholars was perhaps a bit unclear.

If no one else has joined them by the time she finishes her pancakes, Delta will head out to the site, taking Matthias along if he wishes.

ooc: housekeeping post, more IC post to come later today!

Delta's new musical instrument she finds is of medium quality and costs her 10gp.  If she wants to learn a new spell, please indicate which one and I'll let you know if the guild has it and its cost.

Tanyl finds that the guild has knock and invisibility scrolls for sale for 300gp each.   To put those into his spellbook, will cost 1d6 x 50gp to scribe them over (each).  He will also have to roll his INT check to be sure he can learn them.   Scribing them over destroys the scroll.

Vala can find plenty of plate mail versions of armor, all are much heavier and less attractive than her own current armor though they do offer slightly better protection.  Most are clearly made for men.   These generally cost 400gp's.

Each member of the group finds ways to pass the time, occasionally meeting up for drinks or meals.  Delta visits family and spends time with her pet rat and visits the Temple of Beltza Atarabi and the many scholars who are now studying it.  Tanyl spends time studying at the Guildhall, and practicing his craft. Vala, the most injured in the battle enjoys some hot baths as her body recovers, and she seeks out new and better armor.  Matthias, after weeks praying, studying, and working with his Brothers, begins to venture out and learns much of what the others have been up to.

In fact, just today he accompanies Delta to the Temple.  It is a full day's round trip so unless spending the night, leaves only a few hours to explore and meet with the scholars.  Delta explains to him that the lower level once housed a great deep pool of water where the "goddess" was held.  The scholars have drained it now and have cleaned the place up a lot.  It is much brighter and certainly none of the stench remains.  There are dozens of areas where they have begun to dig, layer by layer into the floors in hopes of discovering more artifacts.

Delta spends time catching up with Jimma and Bre'al, who both look at her as both a friend and hero.  As time wears down towards needing to begin the trip back to the city, Delta and Matthias are approached by scholar.  They both have noticed this smallish person near them several times during the day, small figure and head covered by robes, but didn't feel worried about it and let it go.

Now, the figure comes directly to them.  When the figure speaks, it is a woman's voice. And is whispered.

"If I wished it, how could and where could I meet with you, in town, in private"

Unless Matthias specifically wishes otherwise, she will suggest they spend one night there. She really enjoys her time there, and learning about the history of the place.

As a smallish person herself, Delta will attempt to identify the race of the person who approaches them. Succeed or fail, she will direct the person to The Hogs Head Tavern, as that has been the source of all their jobs, and she felt the least she could do was return business to those who send business her way.

"Tell them there you wish to hire the party of Delta, Matthias, Vala and Tanyl if you specifically wish to hire us."

Disappointed at her armour search Vala returned to her lodgings empty handed for a relaxing bath. Clearly she'd either have to find suitable armour, have if gifted or save up enough to have a true smith make some from scratch.

Tanyl quickly learns that fulfillment of his short-term desires will require two things: money, and more experience with the arcane arts.  So . . .

. . . it's back to the Hogs Head Tavern, to loiter and look for a suitable job.

It is a few days after Matthias and Delta return from their trip to visit the seaside Temple when the four adventurers receive a notice that someone has requested them at the Hogs Head Tavern, it is nearly lunchtime which works out pretty well.

On arriving, a smallish figure in a robe is easy to spot at a large table, they look out of place, though they do have a goblet of wine sitting before them.

Thar is hovering in the hallway but nods to you when you enter in that direction.

Assuming you join the person at the table, they take a long look at each of you before pulling back their hood.  Long blond hair tumbles out and around the most innocent and lovely face of a woman you've almost ever seen.  Green eyes, she appears youthful, and small, but not a girl, she might be in her twenties, just very petite. She takes a nervous drink of wine.

"Thank you, uh, what do you call your team...." She takes a deep breath and starts again, "I am Minnow, and I think my sister, and her sisters, might be in danger, and I've no clue what to do about it".

Vala glances at Delta and silently mouths the words: 'Wait, what do we call our team?'

Then she turns back to Minnow and smiles sympathetically, taking a seat as she does so. "I am Vala. Please tell us everything."

Minnow nods and takes another drink.

"I don't know if you know anything about twins, identical twins, but I am one.  My sister and I are like many twins, we can feel each others thoughts, occasionally.  Not magic like they teach but its there, always is.   As much as twins look alike, often, they find ways to be different, even opposites sometimes.  Where I gravitated towards study, towards the university, Guppy....yeah, Minnow and Guppy, my mom had a weird sense of humor...Guppy was drawn to the spiritual.  So much so, she became a Nun.  I haven't seen her in years, not since she took her vows, but I knew she was safe, happy, at peace.  I just could feel it.  Now though, I feel only fear and worry".

Here she lowers her voice. "The problems are many, I have little wealth to offer anyone to hire, would anyone investigate this based on my feelings, and, well, her sect is controversial at best. Many in town, and even in the church, may feel its just as well they never be heard from again.  Oh, and they will only allow women inside their walls, so I had find some strong group with women in it.  You see, they worship Ehlonna, Goddess of Creation, Fertility, and the Wilderness".

Those of you with some religious knowledge know Ehlonna, a Goddess, is not a recognized diety by many as her followers claim her as a Creator, which many believe to be Moradin, a God.  Elves, though by a slightly different name, also revere Ehlonna.

Tanyl nods at the mention of the "controversial" deity; it's a name he's he's heard before . . . from his parents . . . long ago . . .

Inwardly, he groans; this isn't the lucrative endeavor he was hoping for.  Still, maybe it involves little effort . . .

"Was she in a nunnery here in Stormhaven?"

Pondering group names, 'Delta Force' comes to mind, but doesn't leave her lips.

She listens to the tale of woe, but feels concerned about fighting a temple full of nuns. Rather than offering any aid, she turns to Matthias to see how he feels about this business.

As the discussion continues, Thar's serving girl comes over and asks if anyone wants drinks or lunch,  they have sliced meat, cheese and fruit plate, cold, and a hot rabbit stew.  They just got in a special order of blueberry cider as well that isn't even for sale yet.

Minnow almost chokes on her wine at Tanyl's question.

"Sadly, no.  It is in the wilderness, and quite hidden.  But, I hear adventurous folks sometimes need research done, uh, puzzles solved, items researched, that sort of thing. I am quite good at that, and have all the university libraries at my disposal, I could maybe be of use to you in that way?"

Tanyl has a contemplative look as Minnow suggests payment in the form of useful services.  The offer holds enough interest that he continues asking questions about the task she proposes.

"While I don't question that we have powerful women in the group, they're only half the group.  I don't suppose you have any thoughts on what the other half of us are to do?  Is this
'no men' rule strict?  Or is this all in the category of 'figure it out when we get there'?"

"I guess we could make you up to look like women," Delta suggests, as she orders a full platter from the server, especially the blueberry cider.

The thought strikes a cord in Delta's mind, and she absent-mindedly pulls out her loot and silently ponders a tune.

"I found my freedom... la la la de da..."

She isn't really interested in the job offer, the sound of little to no payment sours her enthusiasm.

"Could you perhaps offer service in finding us magical scrolls? I, for one, am willing to be paid in knowledge and information..."

Matthias had been listening intently to Minnow's tale, trying to make sense of it all. The woman's tale is compelling, up until she mentions the strange bit about her sister being a worshipper of Ehlonna. Strange solely because Matthias did not consider worship of benevolent forest goddess as cause for concern, regardless of whether she claimed to be a creator or not. Unless, something else was going on.

When there is a break in the conversation, he inquires: "Do you know anything of this convent? Its name? The Headmistress?"  He further relates it would be helpful to have any information she might have, so that he can make some inquiries at his temple.

He is not sold on the party attempting to infiltrate the convent through disguises, but won't rule out the idea out of hand. Really, he needed more information to go off of. Right now all they had were the worries of a sister.

"I'm sorry, I know so little, they are secretive. There was a time they were hunted as heretics.  I only know there is a saltmarsh up the coast, past where we found the temple, some days ride away.  The river that feeds it comes down from the mountains and if you follow the river, the monastery is in in those mountains...it's ah..."

As food and drinks arrive, the diminutive woman looks lost, her eyes are teared up but pride holds them back.

"I'm afraid I hear how crazy this all sounds, and I have wasted your time, I am sorry. I have little money of my own, but my sister gave me this once, she seemed to think it was valuable, I hope it repays your lunch and time".

Quick as she is small, she stands, lays something on the table and heads out the door.

Stunned by the abrupt departure, it takes a second to notice that laying on the table is a small white spiraled bone, a horn perhaps, only about 4 inches long.  It is very smooth and, well, seems to be the shed horn of a unicorn colt.

"Well, that was . . . different."

The rash behavior of the scholar does not surprise Delta who has been spending time with them at the Temple.  They are all very smart, but somewhat skittish and emotional in not very social way.

Torn between the food and the little item left behind, Delta examined the horn with her eyes, but does not touch it.

"Isn't that the symbol of Elhonna?" She asked of Matthias. "I'm not touching it myself, legends speaks of those things being very potent, magically."

A natural cynic, the gnome turned to the food, pouring herself a healthy, darn near human sized glass of the blueberry cider. She also pulled out a small bit of cheese and a nut that she plopped into the pocket her pet is in, as she has learned it unwise to let him out in places that did not expect a rat on the table.
She had designed a pouch with a tiny bit of structural integrity to allow her friend a small room that wouldn't crush her when Delta was walking about.

"That, I am unsure of," he says while visually examining the apparent unicorn. "If this is what it appears, it would be quite rare indeed."

"What do you make of this?" he asks Tanyl. In his mind, an elf might know more about the woodland goddess.

Matthias is not fearful of the horn but has not touched it yet. He would like to hear the elf's counsel first.

Tanyl glances again at the symbol . . .

OOC: And waits for the DM to tell him if he recognizes it. :)

The unicorn is agreed upon to be associated with Elhonna, perhaps even her holy symbol.  Tanyl, mostly from his knowledge of apothecary, picks up and studies the small horn.  It's a shed, which is good, otherwise, it would be illegal to buy, sell, or own.  Unicorn horns are valued, but the killing of or cutting off of their horns, illegal. They are, after all, highly intelligent.  Like deer though, they shed and regrown their horns.

The value in them is that they can be used to make poison antidote to all known poisons, and also, can be used to break charms and other forms of influence.   This small one is probably worth nearly 400 gp.  An adult shed is worth nearly 1000gp.

Between bites and sips, Delta absorbs the information from Tanyl.

"Neat."

She quaffs another mouthful of the cider, which is delicious.

"Sounds pretty useful. Has anyone here suggested a strong urge to go on this mission? Or should we wait for another job. On the one hand, not a good thing to invade temples, on the other, if this ladies Twin-Magic is legit, they may be  in trouble, and we would get on the good side of a goddess, if we help out. Should we purchase a reading from a temple? Check out what a doves intestines say about all of this?"

Tanyl grunts once then sighs as he drums his fingers on the table.

"It doesn't sound lucrative.  But maybe having an ever-grateful scholar in residence would be useful in the long term.  I'd feel differently, maybe, if we had some other job to consider.  But we don't, and until then, maybe a reconnaissance mission would be worthwhile.  It's a couple days ride she said, and once there, we could find there's a benign explanation.  And if not, we can always decide to turn back."

Matthias had been weighing all they know and was a little concerned about the way their meeting with Minnow had ended. Why had she abruptly get up and leave?

"I agree with Tanyl," he puts in. "A couple day's ride outside the city would do us all well, for the fresh air alone," he adds with a smile.

"But I do think we should attempt to locate the girl again, to reassure her we will look into it. It's the least we can do since she gave us the unicorn shed. We can also make some iniquries around the city to see what we learn of the convent before departing. Thoughts?"

It takes a few moments for Delta to swallow the mouthful of ham, but when she does, she seems okay with the idea.

"Sure, if you want, we can go, while waiting for a paying job. No problem."

Thar finally has a moment during the lunch rush and comes over and pulls up a seat.


"The blueberry cider is going to be a smash. Mr. Branch still asks about you all, and you should drop by sometime.  He's still playing with a honey cider but its not quite there yet, not sure, missing something to my taste.   So, where'd the pretty lass run off to?"

"Turns out she wanted out help, but didn't have the resources to help. We might look in to it anyway. And yes, this cider is top notch!"

She takes another sip, with obvious delight.

"If nothing else comes up, I will drop by the Branch place soon, maybe I can help them with their new flavor. I have a few ideas on what to do with it. Cinnamon sounds good, and maybe a little mulling will give it an edge. Failing that, maybe some hot peppers?"

Vala had been silent, mulling over things.

"I love gold as much as the rest of you, but I agree we don't have much else going on and I do feel sorry for her."

Thar nods, "Feeling sorry for someone is a poor reason to die, but, I felt sorry for her too.  Wish I could help you out, but all the work I find these past weeks is below yourselves, except for one job, and its too far above.  But Gorblin Thar can smell opportunity, and danger, and this girl reeks of both.  Wish I had a cut in it, if you live, your are going to be rich, I can smell it".

"I guess it's comforting to know that something better's not likely to come along," Tanyl says, further adding to his position of "might as well."

Thar's intuition cheers up Delta a little bit, and she toasts to their potential success.

^^^^^^^^^^^
While at the priory, Delta spent time fishing, placing the fish she catches into a bag for eating later.

On returning to the town, she makes certain to deliver Minnow's letter to her worried sister, asking if any of the others wish to accompany her, but going alone if everyone is busy.

She will bring the fish to a food merchant she knows, offering them to him cheap if he wants them. Fresh river fish might be tasty, if not exactly exotic.

A day will be spent visiting the graveyards, if she can get in, to let her little rat companion spend time with its family.

She will also spend a few days at the guild, studying and hoping to find spells that might be useful to her. If she can find Chromatic Orb or Phantom Armor she will find out how much they cost and consider adding them to her repertoire.

If time permits, she visits her archaeological friends at the coast, cooking for them for two nights, and using them as a test audience for her latest saga about their adventures. She considers using the name of Tegroth, it was certainly fearsome enough, but her courage was not up to prodding the giants ego that way, and she simply called the foe 'The Nightmare Ogre'.

She had the Nightmare Ogre consider the battle a standoff and leave on his own, leaving out mention of any magical nudging she might have used to convince him. She had no interest in writing sagas about herself, but she respected Vala too much to make up a victory for her Star Blade, portraying her only as brave and valiant.

Kellen failed to appear in the tune. She felt he would prefer it that way.

Once she had spent a few days relaxing she considered a visit to her parents, and asked Vala if she would like to come along...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Thu 29 July 2021.

With yet another successful mission under their belts, Delta, Matthias, Tanyl, and Vala return to Stormhaven with their reputations on the rise.  Their fortunes as well.  Coin is no longer a concern except for the most expensive of possible purchases.

A few weeks pass as each party member pursues their own interests.  Resting, drinking, eating, writing songs, visiting friends and family, shopping, practicing their various crafts, praying, meditating.

Stormhaven is now in the middle of Summer, and things inside the city can be unbearably hot during the middle of the day.  It is the dry season, but the early crops were abundant this year and the markets are bursting with fresh produce.   In your favorite inn, the latest "Branch" family cider has arrived, and its black cherry flavored, and extremely popular given the heat!

One day whilst lunching in the inn, tucked away from the heat of the day, with good food and cold drinks, Minnow enters and quickly approaches the table.  She was so overjoyed with your return and the letter you brought her, that she swore she'd some day repay you.  Given the bright and excited look on her face, she seems about to burst.

Sitting down, the tiny woman smiles, "I told you I was a good researcher, I found the sewer grate you were looking for, from the amulet, it was numbered 767, and it doesn't appear on any of the city maps,  they all skip that number.   I can tell by the maps where it ought to be, but there is block of houses built in its place, its at the very Northern point of OldHaven.  Maybe the grate was built overtop of at some point".

Tanyl's steady rise in wealth has given him the opportunity to enjoy some things finer than he would have otherwise found attainable.  And to support his mother, but today he is in an "enjoying" frame of mind as he samples the new vintage.

He is mildly interested in what Minnow has to say; he's not more interested because he doesn't immediately see how her news will further fill his personal coffers.  Nonetheless (and because he has little doubt as to where this is headed), he inquires:


"Could the entrance be in someone's basement, then?"

Delighted at the sight of Minnow, Delta is even more excited at the news. The cherry wine has her in a better mood than usual anyway, this was just, as they say, the cherry on top?

Her visit to her parents had been what it always was, a time of love and laughter, but with that niggling itch to get out and adventure once more.

She had expected for another job to come along the old way, but the idea of following along on this old thread interested her even more!

"This is excellent news Minnow, that you ever so much for you effort!"

OOC: During the interim, I would like to try and find Chromatic Orb for my spell books. It is an UA spell.

Like Tanyl Vala is normally more interested in gold and glory than sheer mystery for the sake of it but she gives the young woman a courteous space to speak up. Truthfully the barbarian had been growing a twinge restless so perhaps this draws her attention more than it might.

She sips her cider and listens silently.

Tanyl, Delta, and Vala are enjoying a good meal and drinks at the inn.  Talking about their last few weeks, family, trainings, and considering the new information on the location of the possible entrance to the dreaded sewers.

A traveling bard has set up in the far corner and is playing some interesting, odd music.  Mostly using a variety of strange drums and occasional wind instruments.  Though a few songs are in common, most are in a foreign language which makes it hard to enjoy, exactly.

A one point, a man stands up and begins to yell at the bard in that same distant language.  Making quite a show of it, but to the bard's credit, he keeps steady with his performance. As the patron gets louder, two men in robes stand up and quickly grab him and drag him out of the place. Under their robes, it is clear they wear the colors and armor of the Stormhaven Black Guard.

In moments, the place is settled and the bard begins another song....

Tanyl leans forward a little and whispers to is comrades:

"Do any of you recognize that language?"

"Not I," Delta says, though she really wishes she did. She pulls out her lute and heads towards the stage, where she gestures in such a way as to make it clear she would like to jam with this guy, and his strange, other worldly music. If allowed, she will simply try to play background harmonies, if not, she will return to her seat.

The musician seems a bit surprised, but nods for Delta to join in.  It takes a few tries but eventually the two manage to play some together.  It is challenging but Delta seems to always enjoy a new challenge.

After a set of jams, the man sets down his drum, and speaks again in a foreign tongue, when he is met by a blank stare, he speaks in accented common,

"I am Doorin and I need a cold drink".

"Come Doorin, I will buy you a cool drink. My name is Delta. Thank you for the jam session."

Doorin has a seat and takes his drink and sips it slowly.  His eyes occasionally take in the whole of the room, as if he's looking for something or someone.   Or just nervous.

Tanyl, with his usual directness, asks: "Is everything alright?  You look anxious."

Bringing out her pet, though keeping the rat close, Delta feeds him bits of cheese and cracker, and even an olive.
Of course she was nibbling on her own snacks as well.
She half listens to the conversation, while humming at the odd foreign music she had just 'discovered'.
She wanted to write it all down, but her notebooks were back in her room.

Doorin shrugs, "Tis' hard to know who to trust in a city this large.  Damn guards are everywhere".

Tanyl shrugs as he lifts his glass.

"Seems like the guard was a good thing for you a bit ago, chasing out that guy who was interrupting your performance.  What was that all about?"

Doorin glances around again, "Ah, he was like as not harmless.  A member of wanderers of the fog, or sea gypsies as they are known also.  He was demanding I play a song.  His people are banned from setting foot anywhere in the Hinterlands.  Damned by two continents to sail the Trackless Seas until they restore their lost honor."

"I'll bet there are a lot of good songs about that, why are they cursed, do you know?" Curious as always, Delta leaned in, and took another sip of her cider.

Doorin finishes his drink, "Most have forgotten about it, and them to be honest. Long ago, war broke out between the Hinterland and Empire of Shifting Sands.  There was a race that lived along the coast of the Hinterlands that had long before been driven from the Empire, the Arayans, they were accepted but not trusted entirely.  When war broke out, many believed their loyalty might fall back with the Empire, but they were the greatest seamen on the coast, so valuable.  The tales vary, but all agree that a great symbol of the power of the Hinterlands was stolen, a diamond scepter, and ferreted away.  It is claimed the Arayans stole it sailed across the channel hoping to win acceptance back into the Empire, but a great storm sunk the ship that carried the scepter.  Untrusted by both kingdoms, the Arayans fled on ships into the Trackless Sea, and have existed there ever since.  The King of the Hinterlands made it illegal for any Arayan to set foot in the Hinterlands until such time as they returned the scepter".

The Gnome's eyes widen as the telling of the tale, and the sound of scepter made of diamonds, or even simply covered with them did nothing to reduce her interest.

"I imagine there would be quite a reward for anyone who could find that scepter. From several interested parties."

OOC: Is Minnow still at the table, or is this another time. I don't remember if that conversation ever got resolved.

Doorin orders a second drink and after a sip nods, "Rewards, to be sure, but they'd be heroes to a whole race of people, who are master seamen, I imagine a bright person could bend that into a fortune.  Not to mention the fame it would bring within the Hinterlands."  He takes another drink, "Fun tales, but impossible, finding something lost in the bottom of the sea..".

"Well if we couldn't find the treasure, there might be coin to be made is selling 'maps' to where it is, eh?"

With a chuckle, Delta pondered what a con that would be.

"You'd have to be a person on the move though, that isn't me."

OOC: Is Minnow still at the table, or is this another time. I don't remember if that conversation ever got resolved.

ooc: sorry, meant to answer, Minnow left earlier.

Delta offers to buy Doorin another drink, if he'll explain his odd and foreign looking instruments to her.

OOC: Did we get the info from Minnow re: the lost manhole cover, or are we expected to go find her?

"And where do you hail from, Doorin?"

Vala had been listening to all this eyes agog. Now for the first time the barbarian interupts, an idea entering her normally empty mind.

"We may know someone who could help us in an adventure beneath the waves," she says, turning to Tanyl and Delta. "Remember the 'goddess' of the Temple of Beltza Atarabi?"

At Vala's suggestion, Delta's nods in agreement.

"Certainly she could help us, good thinking, Vala!"

Dooring begins tucking away his instruments, luckily they are all smallish and fit together well in a single pack.

"I come from where the music begins, and go where it leads." He says this so flat it almost sounds like he's said it a million times.

"Thanks for playing with me Delta, few are brave or generous enough, and if you really know a sea goddess, finding the sceptre might have dangers beyond finding it.  Talk to Lady Ehridol, she has a soft spot for the Arayans..."

Confused at his sudden exit, and concerned that they had somehow insulted him, Delta struggled to find a nice way to end their encounter.

"Perhaps we could play again some time, do you intend to stay in the city awhile longer? I would enjoy the opportunity to learn from one of your talent, experience and clearly superior gifts."

"You are overly kind, my skills are no better than your own, only strange to thy ears.  My ship leaves in the morning, but I'll seek you out if I come back.".

The Gnome's eyes followed after him as he left, but she could think of nothing to say that might bring him back. All that knowledge, all that music... gone.

She sighed, and took another drink.

Turning to Vala and Tanyl, she sighs again. "So, any interest  in the lost sewer? Or the pursuit of lost sea treasure? Or should we just wait for more work to come up the usual way. Me, I'm interested in the lost sewer, but I'm an underground kinda of gal I guess. I'm open to anything though really."

OOC Did we get the info needed to pursue the mystery of the sewer from Minnow, or do we have to track her down if we decide to go that way?
This message was lightly edited by the player at 01:17, Fri 01 Oct 2021.

"Smells bad underground.  But,"

Tanyl sighs.

"I guess we should finish what we started."

ooc: Minnow gave you the number and general location of the missing sewer grate.  You'd still have to search for it but you have general idea.  It's also apparently been almost impossible to find, so there might be something more to it than just not knowing its number.

"Let's go look for it then, sound good Vala? Tanyl?" Delta wants something to get her mind off of finding and then losing Dooring, or more accurately, his music.

"D'ya think it's obscured with magical means?  And if so -- because it seems probable -- what do we do about that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Mon 04 Oct 2021.

"If I know the right place to look, I might be able to see thru such a subterfuge, with any luck."