Session 53.5
September 9-27, 2018
Campaign Timeline
The group finds the bar that Berthold Flavion, the Master of Beasts of the Umbra Carnival, had picked to have some drinks. The Two Waters Tavern is a nice enough establishment and appears to have an equal mix of patrons of both Chelish and Varisian heritage. There are a few Half-Orcs, two Dwarves and even an Elf sitting with a Catfolk woman in the corner. A quick look around the room shows that Berthold has not arrived just yet. The Human woman behind the bar shouts a welcome to the group as they enter, “Greetings friends, welcome to the Two Waters Tavern! I’m Noria, what is your pleasure?”
“Greetings Noria! It’s a pleasure to share a drink in your fine establishment this evening. I’ll take a glass of your finest wine. An elvish vintage would be most excellent.” Daellin bends his head slightly and flashes her one of his infamous grins. He’s confident that he looks his best tonight. He did after all make sure to use his brush just before entering the Two Waters.
The woman behind the bar smiles at Daellin, “My finest vintage of Elvish wine you say? I’ve got a bottle of etherwine from Sovyrian. 1000$ a glass. Let me run get that out of the vault… after I’ve seen the coin that is.” She leans over the counter, eyeing up the Elf carefully. She turns to the others, “You all seem like a fairly mixed lot, but just so you know, I don’t tolerate any type of bad talking or putting folk down because of who they are or where they come from, other than that, welcome and enjoy. I can take your drink orders as soon as your friend here counts out his coin.”
Daellin has trouble hiding his surprise. “Etherwine? I’m afraid, my dear, you absolutely must tell me the story about how you came to have a bottle of etherwine. I dare say that may be even more interesting than the wine itself.”
Daellin pauses for a moment assessing the bartender in front of him. “Perhaps you can bring us something a bit less exotic to sample while we discuss how you came to have such a rare and incredible spirit in your vault. Not that I question the authenticity of the wine but I'd hate to have your integrity questioned if that wine is something less than what's been advertised.”
She smirks at Daellin, “Once you pay for that glass, and buy me one as well, I just might tell you how I came to have it, but until then, keep dreaming, friend. How about a much more reasonable priced bottle of wine from out of the Mwangi Expanse far to the south. For you, I will sell a bottle for 150 silver, much more reasonable, don’t you think? Brewed by the Wild Elves of the Alijae tribe and transported over 3000 miles. Well worth the price. Will definitely be the most interesting and exotic wine you’ve ever tasted, I’ll wager. Of course, I can pour you a glass of Kyonin’s finest, which is what I’m sure you are accustomed to, for a mere fist of silver.” She arches an eyebrow at Daellin, waiting for an answer.
Calina stands at the bar listening to Daellin's banter with Noira, who looks more than capable of handling the Elf's gift of gab.
During a break in the conversation, Calina says quietly, “When you get a moment, I would love to have a glass of honey mead."
Noria nods and smiles, as Calina sits on the nearest bar stool, not too far from where Daellin is sitting.
Noria smiles at Calina. “Of course,” she says cheerfully as she pours her the drink. “I take it you'll be toasting to the Drunken Hero on his Ascension Day this cool evening? What a truly blessed moment this is, the Umbra Carnival is in town, it is the beginning of Winter Week and tonight we celebrate Cayden Cailean’s ascension to godhood. To good fortunes and the Lucky Drunk,” she says as she holds up her own streaming mug to Calina's and to anyone else nearby with a drink.
“Bah, wine, wine, wine is that all you Elves ever drink? How about some Oldlaw Whiskey?” Alistair proclaims.
“Ahh, that'll keep ya warm on a cold night,” Noria says add she pours Alistar a drink. “That's an interesting accent, friend. Where do you hail from? I'm guessing Mendev or Brevoy?” She passes him his drink.
“Barony Lordis in Egede of eastern Mendev. Sir Alistar Lourdis at your service my lady’” he replies.
Calina raises her glass for the toast and takes a small sip of the mead and smiles. This is a particularly good mead. She nods her thanks to Noira. As she takes another sip, she hears Alistar's proclamation. Lord Alistar? Calina studies the man for a moment. “Is he telling the truth?,” she wonders.
Kallin looks around. His eyes keep falling on a group of half-orcs keeping to themselves in the corner. He distractingly says to Noira, “I'll have a...umm, Dwarven Blood Stout? I guess?”
Noria smiles at Kallin and pours him a large, frosty mug of thick red liquid. “Hmm, there ya go, friend,” she says to Kallin with a nod. She turns back to Alistar and intimates a slight bow, “Milord, welcome to make your acquaintance. We are blessed to have you in our presence. Please inform me of how we can make your stay in Ilsurian more comfortable.” She smiles at Sir Lourdis and hands him a silken napkin that she produces from somewhere under the bar.
Alistair smiles, “Sorry, lady I did not mean to mislead. I’m the third legitimate son of Baron Lourdis and by Iomedae’s grace I hope to never inherit the barony. Just Sir Lourdis or Alistar if you like. I do hope to someday be granted a barony, or more, through force of arms and the Art.” Taking the napkin “but I do appreciate the finer things.”
She nods at Alistar and moves on to attend the drink orders of the others.
Calina glances across the room and sees the Catfolk woman sitting at the table with an elf. She's heard of their existence but never saw one till this evening. She could walk over and introduce herself. Calina turns away and looks into the deep gold color of the mead. "No," she thinks to herself. She could never get up the nerve, besides the two people look like they are sitting at the corner table having a private conversation. Still, she can not stop taking the occasional glimpse in their direction.
Kallin keeps looking over at the group of Half-Orcs. He doesn’t know why but feels like they are staring at him. Finally, he can’t help himself, he spins around in his seat and looks at the biggest one and yells, “What!?”
Layover in Ilsurian
Moonday 11th Kuthona
Meeting a Man for a Drink
The group finds the bar that Berthold Flavion, the Master of Beasts of the Umbra Carnival, had picked to have some drinks. The Two Waters Tavern is a nice enough establishment and appears to have an equal mix of patrons of both Chelish and Varisian heritage. There are a few Half-Orcs, two Dwarves and even an Elf sitting with a Catfolk woman in the corner. A quick look around the room shows that Berthold has not arrived just yet. The Human woman behind the bar shouts a welcome to the group as they enter, “Greetings friends, welcome to the Two Waters Tavern! I’m Noria, what is your pleasure?”
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| Noria |
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| catwoman |
“Greetings Noria! It’s a pleasure to share a drink in your fine establishment this evening. I’ll take a glass of your finest wine. An elvish vintage would be most excellent.” Daellin bends his head slightly and flashes her one of his infamous grins. He’s confident that he looks his best tonight. He did after all make sure to use his brush just before entering the Two Waters.
The woman behind the bar smiles at Daellin, “My finest vintage of Elvish wine you say? I’ve got a bottle of etherwine from Sovyrian. 1000$ a glass. Let me run get that out of the vault… after I’ve seen the coin that is.” She leans over the counter, eyeing up the Elf carefully. She turns to the others, “You all seem like a fairly mixed lot, but just so you know, I don’t tolerate any type of bad talking or putting folk down because of who they are or where they come from, other than that, welcome and enjoy. I can take your drink orders as soon as your friend here counts out his coin.”
Daellin has trouble hiding his surprise. “Etherwine? I’m afraid, my dear, you absolutely must tell me the story about how you came to have a bottle of etherwine. I dare say that may be even more interesting than the wine itself.”
Daellin pauses for a moment assessing the bartender in front of him. “Perhaps you can bring us something a bit less exotic to sample while we discuss how you came to have such a rare and incredible spirit in your vault. Not that I question the authenticity of the wine but I'd hate to have your integrity questioned if that wine is something less than what's been advertised.”
She smirks at Daellin, “Once you pay for that glass, and buy me one as well, I just might tell you how I came to have it, but until then, keep dreaming, friend. How about a much more reasonable priced bottle of wine from out of the Mwangi Expanse far to the south. For you, I will sell a bottle for 150 silver, much more reasonable, don’t you think? Brewed by the Wild Elves of the Alijae tribe and transported over 3000 miles. Well worth the price. Will definitely be the most interesting and exotic wine you’ve ever tasted, I’ll wager. Of course, I can pour you a glass of Kyonin’s finest, which is what I’m sure you are accustomed to, for a mere fist of silver.” She arches an eyebrow at Daellin, waiting for an answer.
Calina stands at the bar listening to Daellin's banter with Noira, who looks more than capable of handling the Elf's gift of gab.
During a break in the conversation, Calina says quietly, “When you get a moment, I would love to have a glass of honey mead."
Noria nods and smiles, as Calina sits on the nearest bar stool, not too far from where Daellin is sitting.
Noria smiles at Calina. “Of course,” she says cheerfully as she pours her the drink. “I take it you'll be toasting to the Drunken Hero on his Ascension Day this cool evening? What a truly blessed moment this is, the Umbra Carnival is in town, it is the beginning of Winter Week and tonight we celebrate Cayden Cailean’s ascension to godhood. To good fortunes and the Lucky Drunk,” she says as she holds up her own streaming mug to Calina's and to anyone else nearby with a drink.
“Bah, wine, wine, wine is that all you Elves ever drink? How about some Oldlaw Whiskey?” Alistair proclaims.
“Ahh, that'll keep ya warm on a cold night,” Noria says add she pours Alistar a drink. “That's an interesting accent, friend. Where do you hail from? I'm guessing Mendev or Brevoy?” She passes him his drink.
“Barony Lordis in Egede of eastern Mendev. Sir Alistar Lourdis at your service my lady’” he replies.
Calina raises her glass for the toast and takes a small sip of the mead and smiles. This is a particularly good mead. She nods her thanks to Noira. As she takes another sip, she hears Alistar's proclamation. Lord Alistar? Calina studies the man for a moment. “Is he telling the truth?,” she wonders.
Kallin looks around. His eyes keep falling on a group of half-orcs keeping to themselves in the corner. He distractingly says to Noira, “I'll have a...umm, Dwarven Blood Stout? I guess?”
Noria smiles at Kallin and pours him a large, frosty mug of thick red liquid. “Hmm, there ya go, friend,” she says to Kallin with a nod. She turns back to Alistar and intimates a slight bow, “Milord, welcome to make your acquaintance. We are blessed to have you in our presence. Please inform me of how we can make your stay in Ilsurian more comfortable.” She smiles at Sir Lourdis and hands him a silken napkin that she produces from somewhere under the bar.
Alistair smiles, “Sorry, lady I did not mean to mislead. I’m the third legitimate son of Baron Lourdis and by Iomedae’s grace I hope to never inherit the barony. Just Sir Lourdis or Alistar if you like. I do hope to someday be granted a barony, or more, through force of arms and the Art.” Taking the napkin “but I do appreciate the finer things.”
She nods at Alistar and moves on to attend the drink orders of the others.
Calina glances across the room and sees the Catfolk woman sitting at the table with an elf. She's heard of their existence but never saw one till this evening. She could walk over and introduce herself. Calina turns away and looks into the deep gold color of the mead. "No," she thinks to herself. She could never get up the nerve, besides the two people look like they are sitting at the corner table having a private conversation. Still, she can not stop taking the occasional glimpse in their direction.
Kallin keeps looking over at the group of Half-Orcs. He doesn’t know why but feels like they are staring at him. Finally, he can’t help himself, he spins around in his seat and looks at the biggest one and yells, “What!?”
One of the Half-Orcs starts to stand but one of his companions puts a hand on his shoulder then calls out, “Sorry, no problem here.” He glances at Noria then at a pair of Humans, a man and a woman sitting at the end of the bar. The Half-Orcs turn back to their drinks, ignoring Kallin, though one of them, the big one that started to stand, keeps looking back in Kallin’s direction. By their looks, the group looks like some kind of mercenaries or adventurers as they are armed and armored similarly to Kallin and his friends.
Ehlyna drinks her beer quickly, belches, and excuses herself back to the boat. Everyone is well aware that Ehlyna has just not been herself since those last moments in the upper reaches of the Lady's Light. Her fire had just gone out. Hopefully her return home to Janderhoff will do her good.
The group drinks and finds themselves relaxing a bit after a tiring week on the Lucky Jenny. After the first round, Jo offers to go find lodging for the group, asking how many rooms she should book.
Thoroughly convinced now that the barkeeper is either lying about her wine or misled about its authenticity; Daellin orders a glass of Kyonin’s finest. He takes a seat with the rest of the party and tries to relax a bit. “Perhaps three rooms would be the best Jo. We can all double up for the evening. I for one will enjoy sleeping on something that isn't swaying and rocking around all night.”
“Double up? No sir I would like a room to myself, ask if it has a bathhouse or do the servants bring the water up? Also who should I see about getting my clothes and gear clean?”
Noria brings a delicate glass wine glass filled with a sparkling blue liquid. Little bubbles float to the top of the liquid, then become a faint pink as they float out of the glass, popping just above the rim of the glass. Daellin takes a drink, noting it is a fine vintage of traditional Elvish wine. Jo nods at his suggestion for 3 rooms and heads out to find appropriate lodging. Jo takes careful notes of Alistar’s requests. Noria suggests the Crossed Blades Inn over on Brightsceptre Avenue. “It is a high quality establishment that should be able to accomodate all of your needs and is on the other side of town, away from the hubbub of the carnival and the bustle of the docks,” Noria explains. Jo nods and heads out. Noria tells Alistar that the Inn will be well equipped to deal with his dirty laundry.
After a short while, Berthold Flavion arrives. With him are a few carnival workers, including the Ulfen man that awarded Kallin with the King of the Carnival crown. Berthold greets the group and suggests they take a recently vacated table nearby so they can all sit and talk. Noria brings another round of drinks at Berthold’s request and everyone drinks. The Ulfen, who Berthold introduces as Narthi Vangkot, is pleased to see that Kallin still has his King of the Carnival crown on. Kallin reaches up and touches the paper crown on his head. Instantly he looks over to the group of Half-Orcs and notices them chuckling quietly as Kallin realizes he has been wearing a paper hat all evening. The group is also introduced to Stitch, a Chelish man whose skin is covered by thousands and thousands of stitches from “wounds so many you couldn’t even count!” The other carnival worker that Berthold has brought along is an older woman with whitening hair and a well weathered, almost gray complexion. She introduces herself as Denetha, the Sword Swallower. Her voice is raspy and seems to fluctuate from high to low as she speaks. She explains this as the side effect of swallowing swords for so long. She smiles a lot but mostly only speaks when spoken to. Berthold continues to be gracious, thanking the group for helping rescue and secure the escaped baby dragon. He gives everyone a small wooden token that he says will grant them admission to the carnival, zoo, and sideshow area for the rest of the week.
Kallin realizes he is kind of tired. He decides that a nice walk would be good for his soul before he heads to bed. He wishes all a good night, thanks Noira for her hospitality and jokingly tells her, “Watch the elf, he is a crafty one” and gives her wink as he heads out the door. He walks proudly with his paper crown. He realizes it is silly looking but he has never won anything, so he is proud. He meanders around, he realizes he standing in front of a cemetery. He enters to see who he may meet.
A short time after Kallin leaves, it seems like the tavern gets considerably busier, and Noria finds herself running herself ragged trying to serve all the patrons. The pair of Humans that had been sitting and drinking at the end of the bar get up and help Noria with serving drinks. The conversation with the carnival folk is pleasant, if not a bit strange. It seems that they have a very unique take on the world, one even an adventurer can find different.
After a while, Jo finally returns to the establishment and says that she has procured rooms at the Crossed Blades Inn and that she has convinced the proprietor to keep the kitchen open a little bit longer for the group. “It smelled wonderful. It was almost too much for my nose to take in,” Jo gushes. She seems truly excited about the food, in a way the rest of the group has not seen her excited before. “Cottob says he has freshwater shrimp, goose and even Dragon on the menu tonight.” She turns to Alistar. “Alistar, I mean, Sir, or Lord Alistar,” bowing slightly now that she knows that he is a knight. “The Innkeeper, Cottob, is very interested in meeting you. He says he is always happy to serve visiting nobility but when I mentioned that you were also a mage, his little face lit up. He says he knows all the mages within a week’s travel and would love to make your acquaintance. Oh, and I was not able to fully secure your lodgings, as I did not have enough coin to pay for the suite, but he said he would hold it for you for the next hour.” She turns to the others, “I was able to secure two other rooms, one with three beds and the other with two beds. He gave me a deal since we were associates of Sir Alistar.” She looks around at the remaining group. “Oh, yea, Ehlyna went back to the boat? Where has Kallin gone off to? Calina, will you be sleeping back at the boat as well? I know you don’t prefer in town lodgings when you can avoid it.” Calina nods and Daellin explains that Kallin went for a walk and would head to the inn later. “That works. I can take the smaller room and share with the Priest if you three,” motioning to Daellin, Samad and Thim, “want to take the other room. But really, we should get a move on to the Crossed Blades if we want a hot dinner, and I am not joking when I say it smelled amazing!”
Berthold smiles at her review of the Crossed Blades, “I have not been there, but it sounds like a wonderful place. It is getting late, and we have a lot of work to do in the morning before the carnival opens, so we will take our leave of you as well. Thank you again for your help earlier today. We hope to see you tomorrow at the carnival!” Everyone says their goodbyes and the carnival folk leave.
As the remaining companions finish their drinks, their attention is drawn to the bar where Noria is yelling at a group of sailors trying to pay for drinks. “Spear and Bow! You think you can pass those worthless chits as payment for the finest liquor on Lake Syrantula? Your Chelish coin is no good here! Payment in Shields and Sails here, Abadar minted or nothing!” The man and woman that had been helping her earlier once again get up from their stools at the end of the bar and make their way quietly toward the disturbance, hands on their weapons, but not making a sound or drawing attention themselves.
Getting up Alistar says “We should leave before the riff raff start a brawl and we never get to supper.” As he tosses some coins down to pay for his drink and gratuity, then rapidly heads toward the exit.
“I believe you are correct Alistar. It does seem like things will get a tad more exciting around here rather quickly. I'm ready for a hot meal and a warm bed. Neither of which we will get if we get caught up here in a ruckus and have to spend the night with the magistrate.” Daellin quickly finishes off his wine and moves to follow Alistar out the door.
Upon entering, the group is met by an astute and well-mannered Halfling that introduces himself as Cottob Oldbubb, the owner of the Crossed Swords. He smiles at Jo and then turns to Alistar. “It is a pleasure to have a guest of such noble standing, Sir Alistar. Your suite is being prepared just now, there is only the matter of payment. The rest of you as well. If we can handle the payment, then please, have a seat in the dining room and I will have my staff bring your supper out. The dining room is empty but filled with highly ornate tables and chairs. Numerous tapestries cover the walls between the windows and several fireplaces. It has a very homey, comfortable feel about it.
After a hearty meal, everyone settles in for the night. Daellin, Thim and Samad share the larger room and Jo bunks in the smaller room with the 2nd bed for Kallin, whenever he returns from his evening stroll.
Kallin places himself in front of the man and says to him, “Stop what is it that is troubling you. Maybe I can help?” Kallin feels the coolness of the spirit as it rushes through him and says, “I can’t stop.! They are coming!”
The man, or spirit, is well dressed. Kallin thinks he looks to be of Chelish descent, though most of the townsfolk here in Ilsurian seem to be of that stock. Whatever it is he is fleeing from, it does not allow him to stop and talk to Kallin and the portly ghost continues running through the cemetery, now away from Kallin. He looks back several times, a look of complete terror on his face.
Kallin yells, “Seriously, I might be able to help. I’m priest of Pharasma!” He watches as the spirit moves farther away. Kallin starts to feel the chill in the air and thinks about heading back to Noira’s to find out the sleeping arrangements but something is holding him here.
The spirit stops and turns, looking at Kallin. “Oh, hello, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there. Are you interested in any of our more modestly priced pieces?” He waves his hand out in front of him, as if showing something to Kallin.
Kallin surprised, looks down. Then he says as looks back at the spirit, “You are a merchant? May I ask your name?” Kallin reaches down as if pick something and comes up with something that looks like a spirit version of a pen. He smiles at the object since this is a new experience for him.
“Well, my good man, a fine choice. And my name is Archivin Walder, proprietor here at the Locked Box. I can’t say I’ve seen you around town. You must be new. Welcome to make your acquaintance.” He bows slightly to Kallin, then looks back over his shoulder, then back to Kallin, “would you please excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right back.” He turns as if to go then disappears. He does not reappear. Kallin waits for him for some time, but he doesn't return, nor do any further spirits manifest in the area.
Eventually, he decides to go find out where his friends secured lodging for the evening. A quick stop at the Two Waters Tavern points him in the direction of the Crossed Blades, a very nice inn on the northside of town. He finds his way to his room and is surprised to see that he is set to bunk in a small room with the former Grey Maiden, Jo. She appears to be sleeping when he comes in, so he is as quiet as he can be. He notices that all of her gear, as well as some of his, has been thrown on the empty bed that would be his. As he puzzles over this, Jo rolls over and says sleepily, “Oh, you’ve returned.”
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by Carol C
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben L
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by JeCorey H
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K
Thim Westerdale, Half-Elf rogue - played by Malcolm G
The group drinks and finds themselves relaxing a bit after a tiring week on the Lucky Jenny. After the first round, Jo offers to go find lodging for the group, asking how many rooms she should book.
Thoroughly convinced now that the barkeeper is either lying about her wine or misled about its authenticity; Daellin orders a glass of Kyonin’s finest. He takes a seat with the rest of the party and tries to relax a bit. “Perhaps three rooms would be the best Jo. We can all double up for the evening. I for one will enjoy sleeping on something that isn't swaying and rocking around all night.”
“Double up? No sir I would like a room to myself, ask if it has a bathhouse or do the servants bring the water up? Also who should I see about getting my clothes and gear clean?”
Noria brings a delicate glass wine glass filled with a sparkling blue liquid. Little bubbles float to the top of the liquid, then become a faint pink as they float out of the glass, popping just above the rim of the glass. Daellin takes a drink, noting it is a fine vintage of traditional Elvish wine. Jo nods at his suggestion for 3 rooms and heads out to find appropriate lodging. Jo takes careful notes of Alistar’s requests. Noria suggests the Crossed Blades Inn over on Brightsceptre Avenue. “It is a high quality establishment that should be able to accomodate all of your needs and is on the other side of town, away from the hubbub of the carnival and the bustle of the docks,” Noria explains. Jo nods and heads out. Noria tells Alistar that the Inn will be well equipped to deal with his dirty laundry.
After a short while, Berthold Flavion arrives. With him are a few carnival workers, including the Ulfen man that awarded Kallin with the King of the Carnival crown. Berthold greets the group and suggests they take a recently vacated table nearby so they can all sit and talk. Noria brings another round of drinks at Berthold’s request and everyone drinks. The Ulfen, who Berthold introduces as Narthi Vangkot, is pleased to see that Kallin still has his King of the Carnival crown on. Kallin reaches up and touches the paper crown on his head. Instantly he looks over to the group of Half-Orcs and notices them chuckling quietly as Kallin realizes he has been wearing a paper hat all evening. The group is also introduced to Stitch, a Chelish man whose skin is covered by thousands and thousands of stitches from “wounds so many you couldn’t even count!” The other carnival worker that Berthold has brought along is an older woman with whitening hair and a well weathered, almost gray complexion. She introduces herself as Denetha, the Sword Swallower. Her voice is raspy and seems to fluctuate from high to low as she speaks. She explains this as the side effect of swallowing swords for so long. She smiles a lot but mostly only speaks when spoken to. Berthold continues to be gracious, thanking the group for helping rescue and secure the escaped baby dragon. He gives everyone a small wooden token that he says will grant them admission to the carnival, zoo, and sideshow area for the rest of the week.
Kallin realizes he is kind of tired. He decides that a nice walk would be good for his soul before he heads to bed. He wishes all a good night, thanks Noira for her hospitality and jokingly tells her, “Watch the elf, he is a crafty one” and gives her wink as he heads out the door. He walks proudly with his paper crown. He realizes it is silly looking but he has never won anything, so he is proud. He meanders around, he realizes he standing in front of a cemetery. He enters to see who he may meet.
A short time after Kallin leaves, it seems like the tavern gets considerably busier, and Noria finds herself running herself ragged trying to serve all the patrons. The pair of Humans that had been sitting and drinking at the end of the bar get up and help Noria with serving drinks. The conversation with the carnival folk is pleasant, if not a bit strange. It seems that they have a very unique take on the world, one even an adventurer can find different.
After a while, Jo finally returns to the establishment and says that she has procured rooms at the Crossed Blades Inn and that she has convinced the proprietor to keep the kitchen open a little bit longer for the group. “It smelled wonderful. It was almost too much for my nose to take in,” Jo gushes. She seems truly excited about the food, in a way the rest of the group has not seen her excited before. “Cottob says he has freshwater shrimp, goose and even Dragon on the menu tonight.” She turns to Alistar. “Alistar, I mean, Sir, or Lord Alistar,” bowing slightly now that she knows that he is a knight. “The Innkeeper, Cottob, is very interested in meeting you. He says he is always happy to serve visiting nobility but when I mentioned that you were also a mage, his little face lit up. He says he knows all the mages within a week’s travel and would love to make your acquaintance. Oh, and I was not able to fully secure your lodgings, as I did not have enough coin to pay for the suite, but he said he would hold it for you for the next hour.” She turns to the others, “I was able to secure two other rooms, one with three beds and the other with two beds. He gave me a deal since we were associates of Sir Alistar.” She looks around at the remaining group. “Oh, yea, Ehlyna went back to the boat? Where has Kallin gone off to? Calina, will you be sleeping back at the boat as well? I know you don’t prefer in town lodgings when you can avoid it.” Calina nods and Daellin explains that Kallin went for a walk and would head to the inn later. “That works. I can take the smaller room and share with the Priest if you three,” motioning to Daellin, Samad and Thim, “want to take the other room. But really, we should get a move on to the Crossed Blades if we want a hot dinner, and I am not joking when I say it smelled amazing!”
Berthold smiles at her review of the Crossed Blades, “I have not been there, but it sounds like a wonderful place. It is getting late, and we have a lot of work to do in the morning before the carnival opens, so we will take our leave of you as well. Thank you again for your help earlier today. We hope to see you tomorrow at the carnival!” Everyone says their goodbyes and the carnival folk leave.
As the remaining companions finish their drinks, their attention is drawn to the bar where Noria is yelling at a group of sailors trying to pay for drinks. “Spear and Bow! You think you can pass those worthless chits as payment for the finest liquor on Lake Syrantula? Your Chelish coin is no good here! Payment in Shields and Sails here, Abadar minted or nothing!” The man and woman that had been helping her earlier once again get up from their stools at the end of the bar and make their way quietly toward the disturbance, hands on their weapons, but not making a sound or drawing attention themselves.
Getting up Alistar says “We should leave before the riff raff start a brawl and we never get to supper.” As he tosses some coins down to pay for his drink and gratuity, then rapidly heads toward the exit.
“I believe you are correct Alistar. It does seem like things will get a tad more exciting around here rather quickly. I'm ready for a hot meal and a warm bed. Neither of which we will get if we get caught up here in a ruckus and have to spend the night with the magistrate.” Daellin quickly finishes off his wine and moves to follow Alistar out the door.
The Crossed Blades
Everyone else agrees and the group heads off through the night to the Crossed Blades for a hot meal and a soft bed. The air is quite cold and everyone’s breath shimmers in the moonlit air. Jo leads the way through town to the Crossed Swords Inn. It is a nice looking establishment, 3 stories tall with a large barn out back and what looks to be a space for a garden as well. About half the windows in the building glow with a warm firelight. Numerous chimneys have dark smoke billowing out of them and the place just seems to give off the feeling of warmth and comfort.Upon entering, the group is met by an astute and well-mannered Halfling that introduces himself as Cottob Oldbubb, the owner of the Crossed Swords. He smiles at Jo and then turns to Alistar. “It is a pleasure to have a guest of such noble standing, Sir Alistar. Your suite is being prepared just now, there is only the matter of payment. The rest of you as well. If we can handle the payment, then please, have a seat in the dining room and I will have my staff bring your supper out. The dining room is empty but filled with highly ornate tables and chairs. Numerous tapestries cover the walls between the windows and several fireplaces. It has a very homey, comfortable feel about it. Kallin Visits the Cemetery
A little earlier in the evening… Kallin finds that he has wandered through town and up the hill. Looking back, he has a good view of the town laid out before him. The flickering lights of torches and lanterns stop abruptly at the edge of the large lake below. Occasionally the bright moon will peek through the clouds and shine off the dark waters of the lake. He turns back to the cemetery nestled in between some wooded areas. The horned bow and arrow of Erastil can be seen perched over the iron gate. Pharasmin symbols are prominent as well. Everyone prays to the Lady of Graves in the end, he thinks to himself. The cemetery is quiet and peaceful and initially he does not sense any spirits around. Instead, he wanders between the headstones for some time, sometimes stopping to read an inscription or running his hands across the rough stone edges. Finally, close to what he this is midnight, he hears the sound of someone panicked, breathing heavily. Kalling turns and sees the spirit of a man rushing toward him, looking back over his shoulder.Kallin places himself in front of the man and says to him, “Stop what is it that is troubling you. Maybe I can help?” Kallin feels the coolness of the spirit as it rushes through him and says, “I can’t stop.! They are coming!”
The man, or spirit, is well dressed. Kallin thinks he looks to be of Chelish descent, though most of the townsfolk here in Ilsurian seem to be of that stock. Whatever it is he is fleeing from, it does not allow him to stop and talk to Kallin and the portly ghost continues running through the cemetery, now away from Kallin. He looks back several times, a look of complete terror on his face. Kallin yells, “Seriously, I might be able to help. I’m priest of Pharasma!” He watches as the spirit moves farther away. Kallin starts to feel the chill in the air and thinks about heading back to Noira’s to find out the sleeping arrangements but something is holding him here.
The spirit stops and turns, looking at Kallin. “Oh, hello, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there. Are you interested in any of our more modestly priced pieces?” He waves his hand out in front of him, as if showing something to Kallin.
Kallin surprised, looks down. Then he says as looks back at the spirit, “You are a merchant? May I ask your name?” Kallin reaches down as if pick something and comes up with something that looks like a spirit version of a pen. He smiles at the object since this is a new experience for him.
“Well, my good man, a fine choice. And my name is Archivin Walder, proprietor here at the Locked Box. I can’t say I’ve seen you around town. You must be new. Welcome to make your acquaintance.” He bows slightly to Kallin, then looks back over his shoulder, then back to Kallin, “would you please excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right back.” He turns as if to go then disappears. He does not reappear. Kallin waits for him for some time, but he doesn't return, nor do any further spirits manifest in the area.
Eventually, he decides to go find out where his friends secured lodging for the evening. A quick stop at the Two Waters Tavern points him in the direction of the Crossed Blades, a very nice inn on the northside of town. He finds his way to his room and is surprised to see that he is set to bunk in a small room with the former Grey Maiden, Jo. She appears to be sleeping when he comes in, so he is as quiet as he can be. He notices that all of her gear, as well as some of his, has been thrown on the empty bed that would be his. As he puzzles over this, Jo rolls over and says sleepily, “Oh, you’ve returned.”
Characters Present:
Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by Dan ECalina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by Carol C
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben L
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by JeCorey H
Alistar Gavin Lourdis, Human Mageknight- played by Don K
Thim Westerdale, Half-Elf rogue - played by Malcolm G
and +Jason GURPS as the DM
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