Subject: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:02 pm
Zeiss wrote:
9:08 AM, 28th of April The Coins' outpost of the city of Highwind, in the Free Feathers
The three of you were recently assigned to the 113th Adjunct of the Coins and ordered to present yourselves at their outpost in Highwind. You first met each other in the waiting room, but there was no time to introduce yourselves as the secretary immediately informed you that your handler was waiting in his office. Once you entered the room, you saw a man in his late forties sitting at his desk, scribbling notes on a piece of paper. He looks up to you.
"Ah, you're here. Good, good."
He closes an open book, puts down his quill and picks up a file which he opens and starts to read while walking in your direction.
"Steve Oldturn... black mage. Konrad Granger, red mage. And Mihai..."
He stops in front of you.
"...enforcer. No last name given."
His eyes appraise the three of you, from head to toe.
"You'll do. My name is Sonlake Dermold, and I'll be your handler for this mission."
He goes back to his desk, throws the file on it and picks up a single sheet of paper. He faces you again.
"An important object was stolen from an Oracle of Lofell; a journal in which the Oracle recorded confidential information about the clients she advises." The old bureaucrat frowns at his own use of the pronoun she. "The Oracle hired us to retrieve this journal, and neutralize these thieves. You can either kill them or bring them to me, but whatever you do, do not let these people escape. And more importantly, we need this journal intact, so keep that in mind. I also have some info which our agents retrieved."
He reads directly from the sheet of paper he is holding.
"The thieves have stopped just outside the city of Waterglass and are camping in an abandoned fort, presumably waiting for a buyer. There are at least four of them, and they might have placed traps around their camp to prepare for any eventuality. If the buyer doesn't show up, they plan to leave by the morning of May 2th."
He takes out a lighter from his pocket and burns the piece of paper after placing it in an ashtray. You get the feeling he doesn't smoke.
"I will let you borrow three of our horses to travel to Waterglass. It's around 50km due east, so you should get there by tomorrow afternoon if you do not dawdle. Also, managing to extract the name of the thieves' client from them would reward you a substantial bonus."
Silence fills the room for a few seconds.
"Any questions?"
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:03 pm
Kolson wrote:
Steve raises his hand to get Dermold's attention. "What do we know about these thieves? Any names? Or anything you could tell us about them, like how many and what they are armed with? Do they have any mages?"
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:03 pm
Zeiss wrote:
"I forget you three are new at this."
Sonlake Dermold turns to Steve, then flatly says:
"I do not have any other information to share except what I just told you. The thieves were followed by our agents, and there wasn't enough time for an investigation. There were four of them when they arrived in the Free Feathers, but other colleagues might have joined them in Waterglass. Besides that, the intel given to me was labeled "standard operation", which means that your targets will be geared with the equipment you would expect any thug to have; swords, daggers, etc. Our agents didn't notice any use of magic, or they would have made note of it. Any other info is gathered on-site."
OOC:
You all notice your handler is worried about this mission, for whatever reason. However, he does not seem to be hiding anything.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:04 pm
Rory wrote:
Abandoned fort near Waterglass, 1 day east on horseback. Four thugs, maybe more. Traps. One intact journal. Perhaps the people of Waterglass may be able to divulge information pertaining to the abandoned fort, and the thieves if they've spotted them.
Smiling, Konrad interjects, "I don't know what you've been told, Mr. Dermold, but I appreciate the Coins giving me this chance to prove my loyalty, and I promise you that we'll do whatever is necessary to retrieve the Oracle's journal and neutralize the thieves who stole it."
The smile fades. "Something's off, though. Something's not standard about this job, and it seems to have you occupied. Should I be worried, Sonlake?"
In spite of his bold attitude, Konrad's charm is directed at their handler's sensibilities to coax the man into opening up about his concerns.
Diplomacy
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:05 pm
Zeiss wrote:
OOC:
Barely succeeded this roll, but you still did it. Here it is.
Sonlake hesitates for a second, but then answers Konrad's question.
"...Sending the three of you on this mission is what I find unusual. This is too important for an adjunct's first assignment, but my superiors made the decision, so I will defer to their judgment."
He sighs.
"Anything else?"
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:05 pm
Rory wrote:
Uh huh...he doesn't trust us. Perhaps we shouldn't trust him either...or perhaps I should keep an eye on the others? He scratches his head, finding almost no resistance from the short caramel tufts of his buzz cut hair. "That was all I had. How about you guys?"
Underneath his scale male, Konrad wears a pair of wool breeches and a loose shirt. Over that, he wears a black vest and a dyed gray leather jacket. Black boots (the best kind) go up to mid calf, fastened with shiny metal buckles and straps. On his left forearm is a red armband, indicating he practices a mix of different magics as a Red Mage.
As he turns to face each of you with his azure gaze beneath his widow's peak, you are able to appraise his pronounced features close up for the first time: earlier, you may have noticed that the right side of his face, particularly starting at his temple, covering and going down his cheek and the posterior of his jaw, is mottled with a texture that unsettles you to think of what it might feel like to run your hand across it. Now that you've got a closer look, you quickly realize that the right side of his face, and very likely the right side of his upper body(as it continues down the right side of his neck), is scarred from what must have been a nasty encounter with something hot.
Aside from his right cheek, a scarred ear and scarred bare skin around it up to the edge of the crown of his head on the right side appear to be the sum damage suffered by his otherwise *very* handsome face. Thankfully, his (currently)cheerful demeanor more than makes up for it.
*not really*
For the Lore Codex:
What's an Oracle and why is it capitalized?
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:06 pm
K wrote:
Mihai is all mild manner and friendliness, with nothing behind the eyes. If he were a cartoon character, he'd probably have them shut all the time.
"They... didn't catch my last name? What on Earth..."
He shrugs. "Well, certainly the gentlemen up top know what they're doing." - he quips cheerfully - "Either way, time's a-wasting. Maybe we should speculate on the way, before our horses get bored. It's sure to be a long trip anyway."
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:07 pm
Kolson wrote:
Steve is tapping his quarterstaff on his right shoulder and chewing on his lower lip as he mulls over the briefing. Or lack thereof. The real thing was much different than his books so far. But is that a bad thing?
The young man, clearly in his late teens or early twenties, is a local by both dress and accent. His clothes are new if not fine. A white hemp shirt, some green hemp breaches, functional leather boots, and a brownish-green cloak--all traditional travel clothes for those on the cheap in the Free Feathers. Steve's dark brown hair is kept in a tasteful twist-in bun, the kind popular in Highwind right now, and his beard and mustache are neatly groomed. His dark brown eyes smolder with intelligence and a kind of pleasant focus, projecting a trustworthy and handsome countenance.
"Eh, may as well. I'm out of questions anyway." He hefts the quarterstaff from his right shoulder and, with a cheeky smile, adds, "Shall we gentlemen?" in not quite a sarcastic manner. It's pretty damn close though.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:10 pm
Zeiss wrote:
For Konrad and Mihai:
When I say Oracle, I mean the prestige class Arch came up with. You guys know that these people often use their powers of divination to advise those who can afford to pay for their service.
For Steve:
You knowledge arcana tells you that an Oracle has the power to predict certain events of the future. They have other abilities that are very random, but you don't know what else exactly.
"One last thing."
Sonlake takes a folded piece of paper from his desk and hands it to Steve.
"This is your warrant. To prove you're there on official business."
The warrant has an official look to it, and along the bureaucratic spiel, there are also two signatures; one written by a representative of the Free Feathers' government and the other by your handler himself.
"I'll be waiting for your return. Virginie, please escort them out."
His eyes remain on Konrad for a few seconds, but he quickly goes back to his desk and resumes his work. The secretary comes in to do as she was asked and to inform you of which stable you must visit to find your horses. The three of you are now left by yourselves in the waiting room.
OOC:
If you wish to talk, or formally introduce yourselves, please do so. Please tell me when you are done and we'll have a fade to black so you can reappear near Waterglass. If you ride at a normal speed, you'll sleep one night on the road and you'll get to the village tomorrow afternoon. There is an inn on your way, so you can sleep there instead of outside; if you opt for the bed, I'll tell you how much it cost. There will be no event until you reach Waterglass.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:11 pm
Rory wrote:
Konrad parts with a very genial smile - wide, toothless, and merry. The secretary gets the same treatment.
Once they're out in the waiting room, he turns to size up Steve. Does this kid even know what he's doing here? I'm a man who appreciates style, but...
"You're a Free Feathers man, eh Steve? You look like you just graduated from mage college."
Diplomacy Secretary: raise disposition
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:11 pm
Kolson wrote:
Steve nods. "Yes. Graduated and immediately shipped off to the Coins. It's a...new experience for me. How about you guys? Where are you from?"
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:11 pm
Zeiss wrote:
The secretary, a woman who wears an elegant gray attire which contrasts with her dark long ponytail, is momentarily disarmed by Konrad's finesse, but she brushes back an errant lock of hair and returns the smile before going back to her post.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:11 pm
Rory wrote:
"Myrzen, born and raised. Clan trained me to use magic."
After Mihai* answers, Konrad asks, "So, you think you're cut out for the merc life, why's that? I'm not exactly the soldier type myself, but there must be a reason. Something about it that calls to you."
* - Would like a description of Mihai.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:13 pm
K wrote:
description:
Mihai is dressed a bit like a pulp gangster - white shirt with black jacket and pants, and black shoes. Jacket is unbuttoned, just like the collar button on his shirt, and the whole outfit looks like it's been slapped on in three minutes, but the lack of care might be only apparent.
If you look at his shoes, you might notice they've been reinforced - the soles are thicker than normal, maybe some kind of rubber, and the leather seems flexible enough to make these into practical footwear, rather than formal. His clothes also seem maybe half a size above, which might be him just liking loose clothing, but then again, one might be able to conceal some kind of light armor under those, and his jacket is long enough to almost double as a cloak.
He looks to be in his mid-to-late twenties. His hair is not quite messy, but hangs loose in a manner that might indicate it used to be slicked back for a long time until just recently. His expression is friendly but slightly mechanical, as if practiced, and there's no menace in his voice whatsoever.
"Uh, me?" - he looks thoughtful - "Well, i used to be in the company of a few rufians who did some nasty business, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. So i'm here now. I'm mostly hoping it'll pay. Mostly."
Zeiss:
I might eventually have to give the name of my former syndicate. I don't want to go against lore, so do you have any in mind?
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:14 pm
Zeiss wrote:
Mihai:
The chuchoteurs, which is Lofellian for "whisperers".
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:15 pm
Kolson wrote:
"I wouldn't say I was called so much as saw an opportunity to pay off my student debt. And I'm looking forward to the travel. I didn't get much of an opportunity for it during my studies."
Steve frowns a little at Mihai's explanation but decides not to push. Instead he changes the subject. "Since we are going to be working together let's discuss our strengths and weaknesses.
"I'm a black mage and don't have much training in hand-to-hand combat. I make up for this with my mastery of black magic spells. My control is such that I can refrain from killing if I wish, which should be useful if we need to capture anyone."
He effortlessly switches from Imperial to Wytrwaly, though he speaks with an academic accent (a little too formal, a little too perfect),
Message in Wytrwaly:
"I also speak multiple languages though no one will mistake me for a local."
He switches back to Imperial. "I'm also educated in a variety of subjects from the various cultures to arcana but unfortunately I'm hopeless at politics. If there is anything more boring and banal than politics I haven't experienced it." He gives a self-depreciating shrug. Steve then looks expectantly at his comrades, clearly expecting them to share in kind.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:15 pm
K wrote:
Mihai gets a tad uncomfortable. His eyes gain focus for just a second as he glances sideways to his right while scratching his head, then go vacant again, but his speech becomes slightly more provincial, and his voice slightly lower.
"Uh, right. I can sneak and infiltrate, have more or less of a way with people and am handy with my hands, what with locks, traps and the like. I'm a decent shot with a bow and can use a sword." (in short, he's a Rogue)
His manner then goes back to his standard mild politeness, and he adds with a shrug.
"Then again, most people can use a sword; so long as you where the sharp end goes. I wouldn't say that makes me good at fighting." - he concludes with a humble, almost apologetic smile. His tone lacks the characteristic meekness that would otherwise suggest that he'd normally shy away from a fight, though.
"Ah, i also speak a few languages and know a smidge about history and politics, though i don't really see how that'll help us in the foreseeable future. And my blood type is A." - he adds, as an afterthought.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:16 pm
Rory wrote:
Oh, so I guess we're doing this now.
"Oh? I'm relieved to hear that, Steve. The part about killing, I mean. Good to know you're prepared. And if anything you've learned from school should be applicable in any situation we find ourselves in, don't hesitate to speak up. And I agree, politics are boring."
He looks at Mihai. "Don't worry, mate! We're in the Coins, and every outfit has need of it scouts and saboteurs. You'll be both, and you'll most certainly be handy."
"You both see what color I wear. I'll let you know when my skills and spells will come in handy. None of us are hardy warriors, so we'll all need to step up and use every advantage we have to beat the odds of a straight-up fight. Shall we go see to our horses now?"
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:16 pm
Kolson wrote:
Steve nods agreement with Konrad's suggestion. He'll follow him out, letting the man with the armor take point.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:21 pm
K wrote:
Mihai will happily follows suit.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:23 pm
Zeiss wrote:
The journey to Waterglass is peaceful and boring.
The three of you ride along the main road, which puts you between the forest and the sea. You encounter many travellers, mainly merchants and farmers who come and go to Highwind to do business. The snow has now completely melted and a cool breeze is sweeping across the land. Far on the horizon, you can recognize the tip of the Dome, its surface reflecting the light of the sun.
Around 6:00 PM, you stop at the Storming Maiden, a popular inn which marks the halfway point of your trip. Well, the inn is popular because it's the only one in these parts, but it still offers good accommodations. Once you leave your horses at the stable and go in the building, you are welcomed by the innkeeper's son who show you around and tells you the prices of the services they offer. While the weather is clear enough to let you sleep outside, you can still pay for a room and enjoy the warmth of a bed. As for entertainment, there is a bard from Lofell who has been here for a few days and who will sing this evening.
Cost:
Don't pay attention to Weight. Pleas subtract anything you buy. I trust you to keep track of your money.
Ale
Gallon
2 sp
8 lb.
Mug
4 cp
1 lb.
Banquet (per person)
10 gp
—
Bread, per loaf
2 cp
½ lb.
Cheese, hunk of
1 sp
½ lb.
Inn stay (per day)
Good
2 gp
—
Common
5 sp
—
Poor
2 sp
—
Meals (per day)
Good
5 sp
—
Common
3 sp
—
Poor
1 sp
—
Meat, chunk of
3 sp
½ lb.
Wine
Common (pitcher)
2 sp
6 lb.
Fine (bottle)
10 gp
1½ lb.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:24 pm
Rory wrote:
Oh so sorry, forgot about the inn! I almost skipped out on the fun.Before we go any further, here's what I'll be doing at the inn.
a) Food, etc. b) Gather Info for any suspicious people who've been passing through over the last...three days, we'll say? Talking to the innkeeper, his son, the regulars, the wife of either if they're married, and lastly the innkeeper's daughter. c) Suffice to say I'll be looking for someone to spend the night with.
d) Diplomacy and Deception where applicable. Read "finding company".
Expenses:
2(3?) Good Meals, 1(2) for dinner and 1 for breakfast. 1 bottle of Fine Wine. 1 Good Room.
Just me: 12gp, 15sp If my friend wants something to eat: 12gp, 20sp
Kolson: I'll offer to spot young Steve's rounds on alcoholic proclivities with 1gp and try to persuade him to have a drink if he's not into it, or unsure.
Finding company for the night...:
Whoever I end up sitting next to, I order a bottle of wine and offer to spot her meal. I start embellishing the heroics of my "adventures" on the seas and romanticizing my lifestyle(as a privateer), let it slip my Blessed nature in a story about my scar, and let on without having to say much that whatever she's been told about the Blessed is true. If I'm caught in a lie, I turn it around and compliment her for being smart, among other things, and go on about my adventures as scary, yet fascinating exploits.
We eat and drink(or I eat while we both drink, depending on whether she's had anything to eat already), then I ask if she would like to see the whole scar on my body, and say that we should find somewhere private where I can show her so not to freak anyone out. And that, sirs, is when I take her to my room.
Mihai Before I go to my room with one of the patrons, I'll ask Mihai to tail us up the stairs when we do, and put his ear to my door when it shuts. And wait there listening. If he hears no cries for help or sounds of any unplanned struggles after the 10 minute marker, he can go down stairs again. "Or stay and keep listening. Whichever floats your boat, mate, you'll hear no judgment from me!"
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:26 pm
Zeiss wrote:
We will focus on the events at the inn until they are over; I just figured you guys would prefer to get to the village faster, but I don't mind a roleplaying stop if you guys want to do it. If not, just tell me. Either way, I'm in no hurry.
The bard is given free board and lodging since his performances are always very well received. Here's the song which gathered the most applause from the inn's patrons.
Jacques' song:
Inn - For Konrad:
After talking to the innkeeper, a man in his fifties with a rough beard and a charming attitude, he informs you that he remembers a group of travellers who kept to themselves and made a point not to mingle with the other patrons. Not suspicious per say, but their weapons and professionalism made them stand out. There were four of them, and the innkeeper has seen enough in his life to know they were probably mercenaries. They left two days ago, heading east.
The innkeeper's son, a young teenager in the middle of puberty, reveals that he's the youngest child of the family and that all his siblings have left for greener pastures. He plans to take over his father's business when he gets older, and hopes to be as good of an entrepreneur as him.
The Storming Maiden is a big inn, and Konrad has no difficulty to find an attractive damsel: Eralda, the bard's apprentice, a dainty young brunette with shoulder length hair to which she added nifty braids. Once the pretty amazing performance is over, many people go to praise the apprentice's musical accompaniment, to which Konrad adds his own compliment and invite her to dinner. She quickly accepts Konrad's invitation, and is charming enough that he doesn't realize until later that she was only after a free meal. The wine was but a bonus. His retelling of his adventures catch her attention though, and as time goes on, she gets more and more engrossed into Konrad's exploits. She admits she always wanted to explore the world, which is why she worked so hard as a musician so that one day, a bard would accept to take her as an apprentice and then travel across the Archipelago. Soon enough, the dishes are taken away and the bottle of wine is but empty; and even though Eralda does hold her liquor well, she is getting some ideas herself. Once Konrad invites her to his room, she visibly hesitates for a few seconds, and slightly fidgets on her chair, but it stops once she makes her decision and says with a smile: "I am tired of sleeping in the common room..."
Konrad spends a good portion of the evening eating and drinking with the bard's apprentice, until they both leave at the same time and go upstairs.
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:27 pm
K wrote:
At Konrad's request, Mihai's smile doesn't even fade when he replies in his usual friendly manner.
"And if i do hear cries for help, shall i bust in and cut you to ribbbons?"
RorytheRomulan
Posts : 7109 Join date : 2017-05-17
Subject: Re: 1st Aventure: The Fey One (Archive) Mon 26 Nov 2018, 4:28 pm
Kolson wrote:
OOC:
Good catch Rory. Thanks for the generous donation of 1 gold. I'll spend it well.
"Thanks Konrad, don't mind if I do." Steve sits at the bar and opens a tab, ordering a mug of ale and a bowl of the house stew. He'll knock mugs with his new comrades if they so wish, but otherwise he wolfs down the food while enjoying the music. He'll drink two more mugs before settling up and going to bed.
Money Spent:
3 Mugs of Ale: 1 sp, 2 cp Common Meal: 5 sp Good Room: 2 gp Total: 2 gp, 6 sp, 2 cp