DM Jelani's Carrion Crown

Game Master Brian Minhinnick

Roll20


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There are people all over the place, including the other guest rooms. Tell me where you want to look and I'll tell you who/what you find.


retired (arc completed)

As the party gathers for breakfast, Dantrian eats his food with his typical precision and tightness. Eating little other than bread and fruit while having yet another cup of his powerful and bitter tea, he mostly just listens unless presented any direct questions. As the meal wends on and conversation shifts to the note and the group's pursuits within the Lodge, he breaks his silence and states, "I intend to see what might be gleaned from the Lodge's surprisingly impressive library. With Mosswick's help, perhaps I might turn up some useful information."


There are two libraries. The reading library (D29) and the research library (D30).


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

Agreed. Anton says as he dresses. I'd be no use to you there Dantrian, I'd be asleep before I turned the tenth page. I think I'm better suited asking around, people tend to open up to me.

Not knowing anyone else in the Lodge thus far, Anton simply heads down for breakfast to see who else is around.

On the way he stops by his friends' rooms, showing each the note and letting them know that Dantrian will likely be in the library most of the day


retired (arc completed)

Research Library for me! History of the region and anything they've got on lycanthropy will be my two main focuses of study.


Male Fetchling (World Walker) Swashbuckler (Inspired Blade) 8 [ HP 65/76 | AC 29/18T/22FF | Fort +6, Ref +13, Will +3 | Init +7 (+2 with panache) | Perception +10 | Panache: 4/4 ]

Drosil looks at the note and sighs, a wry grin on his face. "I don't suppose there's any chance of that, is there?"

As the others announce their intentions, Drosil speaks up, "I will be joining Anton - as much fun as I'm sure the library would be, I'm not nearly patient enough for that sort of task. If I didn't doze off as fast as Anton, I'd bother the rest of you with my pacing the room, waiting for the chance to leave."


Female Human (Chelaxian) Bard (Diva) 8 | HP 51 | AC 19 FF 17 T13 | Saves +3/+8/+6 | Init + 8 | Percep +11

Predictably, B'yelka delights in the showmanship cloak and dagger. "Oh, my, what a world! My only question is whether this is 'I am worried for your safety' or if it is a 'I a worried for my own safety'? You know we do tend to make a mess of people that come too close to us." The Diva frowns. "Well, that sounded like we're nothing more than leg breaking Hellknights." Regardless she brightens immediately. "Like in Rizzy Vicornae's recent opera, "Winds of the New Dawn", we should have a public fight about whether we should stay or go. If someone is thinks they are helping us leave, they may contact those that are saying they want to leave. As dark as the passages here are, we should be at least as mysterious." She looks at everyone and asks, "So, who wants to stay here with me? Who would flee?" Her grin is better than a sign showing her excitement over this new game than gaslight lanterns on the marquee.


Male Elf
Baseline Stats:
Max HP: 39 | AC: 14 (14 T / 10 FF) [varies w/abilities] | F/R/W +2/+6/+6 | CMD 22 | Ini +6 | Perception +11

Through the night Ashan kept to himself, more ephemeral than usual in such crowded environs. When he is found the next morning, it is with his robes freshly laundered, though the outer-most layer still looking threadbare and ancient. Gone is the stink of several days on the road, replaced by the distinct aroma of dried flowers and incense intended to evoke more plesant reactions but instead seems more like the perfume used to mask the smell of a corpse, though lacking that pungent undertone.

The faces of hunters, nobility, and other very human distractions fail to catch Ashan's attention. He—like the others—is here to track down the Whispering Way, and the delicate subtleties and caution presented by his comrades earlier are lost on this old ghost. Instead of burying his face in books or carousing with the locals, Ashan finds himself once more outside of the door to the Warden's quarters, a firm gloved-hand knock on the door with four solid beats presaging his introduction.

"Warden Lozorov," Ashan asks through the closed door. "I would have words with you." The werewolf business is a dangerous and terribly unfortunate distraction. To Ashan's mind, if anyone were to know if the Whispering Way had come through the area, the man in charge of the lodge would.

____________
Ashan is going to pester Lozorov for some info. If he isn't in his office I'll have him ask around as to where he is so that they can talk. Ashan is hoping to catch him first thing in the morning.

Spirits
Since we're back at the lodge and investigating instead of potentially fighting off werewolves, Ashan is going to bind his Lore spirit for the day and choose the Arcane Enlightenment hex, granting him 4 spells from the Sorc/Wiz list. On reading this ability it sounds like I should pick spells that this hex always grants when in use, swapping out 1 spell every time Ashan levels. I'll add this list to Ashan's profile tonight:


Lore Spirit: Arcane Enlightenment Spells
Scrying
Blood Biography
True Strike
Scorching Ash Form


retired (arc completed)

As Ashan departs, Dantrian offers a parting warning, "Take care, Ashan. Our quarry might have any number of those here in their employ. It would be best to keep any details that might reveal the nature or identity of our prey to ourselves for the time being."


Male Elf
Baseline Stats:
Max HP: 39 | AC: 14 (14 T / 10 FF) [varies w/abilities] | F/R/W +2/+6/+6 | CMD 22 | Ini +6 | Perception +11

- - - -

Dantrian's brief warning as Ashan had passed was met with only an askance look and silence. Recognition of the concern, to be certain, but no visible agreement. Ever the cipher, Ashan's response is a subtle wave of one hand towards his chest, followed by a slow splaying of his fingers; almost a wave or a beckoning gesture. Then, departure.

Archaic elven custom; maybe history or local DC 10?:

The hand gesture implies wordless thanks with the subtleties of the thanks not needing to be vocalized, a symbol of trust tinged with polite disagreement.

- - - -


retired (arc completed)

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
"This is an opportunity to work with us, Ashan; to cooperate; to earn some measure of our trust. If you wish to have our aid and fellowship, do not squander it." His words chase after the departing figure as he turns his attention back to his tea and those still at the table. He arches an eyebrow at Janos, "I presume you mean to call upon Delgros again today?"


Half-Elf Spirit Ranger 8 (HP 33/68; F+8, R+8, W+4 (+1 vs. Arcane); AC 25/12/23; Perception +18, Sense Motive +2, Initiative +2)

Knowledge, Local: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The Ranger barely glances at Ashan as the mysterious man rises. He looks over to Dantrian as he sips on some tea and then takes a bite of a biscuit. He chews and swallows before attempting to answer. "Yes, I think so. The man seemed to be in no mood to chat last night. Hopefully, he can tell us something about these packs. He seems knowledgeable about the surrounding area, though I question his judgement about allowing these nobles to actually go hunt werewolves." He shakes his head.

"If he seems helpful, maybe I'll broach a question about stranger visitors recently." Janos sips his tea for a few more minutes until it's cool enough for him to drain the entire cup. Then he stands. "And you Dantrian? B'yelka, perhaps Duristan knows more too."


Dantrian

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 4 = 13

Dantrian spends a long and frustrating day in the 'research' library. While there is a great deal of information in the library, it is not organized, and he has no luck locating any useful information about the lycanthropes of the Shudderwood.

Sorry bub, bad roll.

=====================

Janos

This time Janos arrives at Delgros's shack to the smell of coffee and bacon. When he knocks, a grunted "Wha?" answers him. When Janos greets Delgros, the door opens a moment later. The huntman's hut is small and rustic compared to the rest of the lodge.

"Don't waste any time do you kid?" the huntsman asks. He is shirtless, and his dirty hair and beard are still mussed from the bed. He holds a full clay mug of coffee. "Come on in," he says. He points to a small wooden tripod stool, and then sits on the edge of his meager bed. "What d'ya want to know?" he asks, leaning over to move the cast iron pan of boar bacon off the hearth.

=====================
Ashan

Ashan goes to the Warden's room, but he is already gone. When he asks the servants about the Warden's whereabouts, they point up to the tower over the south wing of the lodge. "Warden spends most his time locked up there with his work. Normally doesn't see anyone. I'd speak to Belik if you need him."

=====================

Anton & Drosil

The light and dark brothers find their way to the small dining room, on the hopes of locating some fellow guests to interact with. They find the room (D18) relatively empty at such an early hour. There is a young, golden-haired nobleman sitting at the table with a quill and some paper. He stops his scribbling to look up at Anton and Drosil when they come in. He scoffs aloud, chuckling at them. "Well, hello! I heard you boys had to run away from some wolves last night. Tell me, did you wet your breeches too?"


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

Inwardly, Anton takes a moment to think how the rest of the group would react to such a question.

Dantrian, with some acidic but logical statement, B'yelka with flair and grace - she would have him eating out of her hand in about five minutes. Janos and Drosil, could be liable to force him to shut his mouth and Ashan? Who the Hell knows?

Anton, despite a quizzical look to his friend as if to say; Is this guy serious? simply decides to kill him with kindness.

Wolves indeed. And werewolves to boot. They killed two of Duristan's men and could have killed the rest. The sensible thing was to retreat when there was nothing to be gained by further violence.

So to answer your question, no. We didn't run, nor did we wet our breeches. Though if you have suggestions on how we might have faced down a pack of werewolves I'd be more than happy to hear them, Mr...?


retired (arc completed)

Back at breakfast
"As I said, I intend to see what information the library here might reveal." As Janos mentions Duristan, Dantrian nods, "Speaking of Duristan, he had mentioned something called a 'scar ward' or somesuch. While I am sure it is little more than a theatrical hoax to part nobles from their coin, it is still worth investigating nonetheless. If you do speak with him before the rest of us, B'yelka, it might be beneficial to see if he would be willing to arrange a meeting with the witch he had mentioned."

The library
Dantrian spends the bulk of the day methodically searching through the research library, only to gradually discover how poorly indexed and maintained it all seems to be. Even with Mosswick's help in fetching books and hunting down old maps and regional surveys, the alchemist spends more time trying to track items down than he does reading.

Still, it is a welcome change of pace from the violent experiences on the road and in Caromarc's schloss, and even though the day is largely fruitless, Dantrian finds the day almost enjoyable; or, at least as near to enjoyable as the taciturn alchemist is able to get.

Is it just one check per day in the library, Jelani or is it more like gather information where it's one check per block of time? I think gather info is 1d4 hours?


Anton Klasnic wrote:

Inwardly, Anton takes a moment to think how the rest of the group would react to such a question.

Dantrian, with some acidic but logical statement, B'yelka with flair and grace - she would have him eating out of her hand in about five minutes. Janos and Drosil, could be liable to force him to shut his mouth and Ashan? Who the Hell knows?

Anton, despite a quizzical look to his friend as if to say; Is this guy serious? simply decides to kill him with kindness.

Wolves indeed. And werewolves to boot. They killed two of Duristan's men and could have killed the rest. The sensible thing was to retreat when there was nothing to be gained by further violence.

So to answer your question, no. We didn't run, nor did we wet our breeches. Though if you have suggestions on how we might have faced down a pack of werewolves I'd be more than happy to hear them, Mr...?

"Mr. Tergsvor. Corvin Tergsvor," the man says. "I would never stoop to something as coarse as fighting a werewolf, much less a pack of them. I wouldn't even be in their proximity if I had any choice in the matter. What brings you rough and ready peasants to this gods' forsaken hellhole?"


I think it's pretty much one per day. There are other avenues to gain the same information, and stuff and things. So a failure is not plot ending.


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

Again, Anton bites back a response. It isn't the first time he has been mistaken for a peasant.

The name is Anton. As for our business, we are looking for some riders who came this way not long ago. All in black, I think they would have made an impression if you've seen them?

Anton takes a seat opposite the man.

You don't speak very highly of the Lodge Mr Tergsvor. Why do you stay if you hate it so much?


Anton Klasnic wrote:

Again, Anton bites back a response. It isn't the first time he has been mistaken for a peasant.

The name is Anton. As for our business, we are looking for some riders who came this way not long ago. All in black, I think they would have made an impression if you've seen them?

Anton takes a seat opposite the man.

You don't speak very highly of the Lodge Mr Tergsvor. Why do you stay if you hate it so much?

"I am exiled here for daring to love another man's wife," he replies melodramatically. "There may have been people like you describe. I'm not really sure to be honest. I go through phases of communion with absinthe where my outward faculties aren't at their best."


Male Elf
Baseline Stats:
Max HP: 39 | AC: 14 (14 T / 10 FF) [varies w/abilities] | F/R/W +2/+6/+6 | CMD 22 | Ini +6 | Perception +11

The tower. Looming above Ascanor lodge, Warden Lozorov's respite now earns Ashan's attention. Having departed the lodge for its exterior surroundings, the masked elf paces the grounds of a well-kept hedge maze, peering up over the manicured tops of the verdant walls to spy the shape and silhouette of the tower against the sky. Something about the hedge maze draws Ashan's presence, each circuitous path keeping him retained as he meanders from corner to corner, until eventually making his way out only after having explored every single corner. On exiting the maze, Ashan's masked face turns towards the compound's western wall, then lifts his gaze to the forest beyond.

Warden spends most of his time up there with his work.

Ashan looks over his shoulder to the tower.

...with his work.

Black eyes narrow behind his mask, scrutinizing the tower.

...with his work.

Some time ago...

"It will have to wait, Ashan. Aledrius is busy with his work." Falesha Irovordel hates disappointing her students. Brows furrowed, lips downturned, hands clasped together she leans forward to level her height with the mousy brown-haired charge standing in front of her. The boy, Ashan, alights pale eyes up to the gold-gilded tower looming behind Falesha, his own expression as plainly stated as her own; both equal in their disappointment. "Why don't you go to the pond and practice identifying herbs with Isulia?"

"I don't want to identify herbs," Ashan sharply protests, lips pursed and eyes now downcast to the grass underfoot. "When will Alderius be done?" The question elicits a tilt of Falesha's head and a faint sound in the back of her throat that almost becomes a sigh, but patience diminishes.

"He's meeting with Councilor Rasi, so... It won't be today." As much as Falesha wants to try and smile, to be supportive, the most she can muster is something more like a grimace. Rolling his tongue across the inside of his cheek, Ashan exhales a sigh and turns to walk away without so much as a goodbye. Falesha lays a hand on his shoulder before he can get too far, squeezing gently. Ashan looks at the hand, then turns enough to regard her in profile. "Why is it so important you use the aiudara today?"

Ashan looks down to the ground, brows furrowed and silence his answer. Falesha can tell his silence isn't out of anger, but more disappointment and embarrassment at his own impatience. Taking a knee at the boy's side, Falesha raises a hand to run through his hair, tracing one thumb across the sepia-colored tattoo on his right cheek. "Maybe when they break for mid-day meal, I can get the key from Alderius and take you myself?" Ashan's surprise is immediate and palpable.

"But," Falesha dangles the proposition of an aiudara trip between the pause in her sentence, "you have to tell me why you want to go." Ashan struggles with the request for a moment, briefly looking up at the observatory tower again, then back to Falesha with a softer expression than before.

"Butterflies," is Ashan's mumbled answer, and Falesha doesn't seem to understand at first. He can tell, and isn't willing to risk staying in the town all day studying roots just to seem more mature. So, he confesses. "The pond near the aiudara... it—there's always butterflies around it. Not like the ones here in Celwynvian."

For all his presumed maturity and age, Falesha knew that Ashan was still a child at heart. Spirits or no, the boy was still a boy, and hearing him admit that he wanted to travel halfway across the continent to see butterflies was both reassuring and endearing. "We can go see them together," Falesha explains in a hushed, faux-conspiratorial tone as she cups Ashan's cheek in one hand again. "We'll see the butterflies, and stay out until the stars come to visit. I hear you can see them well from those woods."

Ashan looks away from Falesha, face warm with embarrassment, gaze settling on the observatory tower.

Present Day

Staring up at the tower, Ashan curls one gloved hand into a fist with a creak of old leather. "Sahlin tu sulevin," he mutters into his mask, heading back into the lodge.

____________
Ashan is going to continue his focus on the Warden. He's pretty sure that the Warden is would know something but is unattentive and lazy and preoccupied with his own personal nonsense, so he's going to head to the entrance to the tower and try to get the Warden's attention. He's going to walk around the outside of the tower, follow the path to the front of the lodge, come in through the front doors, then head directly to the ground floor tower entrance. Ashan will just see himself in if things are unlocked. Once he finds a locked entrance he'll knock and call out politely to the Warden. We'll see where that goes.


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

A wounded poet and a drunk. Dantrian would eat you alive

Exiled. A family affair I take it? There is nothing worse than a wounded heart caused by a blade of longing. the paladin says, trying to charm the noble. Still, there could be worse places to be 'trapped' believe me. What about your fellow inmates, can you tell me anything about the others in this lodge?

Anton looks around for service and assuming there is anyone serving orders coffee for himself and Drosil and whatever Corvin would like.

Take ten on diplomacy for 23


Half-Elf Spirit Ranger 8 (HP 33/68; F+8, R+8, W+4 (+1 vs. Arcane); AC 25/12/23; Perception +18, Sense Motive +2, Initiative +2)

Janos smiles and closes the door. "My companions are a bit excited about the encounter with the werewolf. My apologies for coming so early."

He glances around the hut, nodding. If he hadn't met the others, especially Kendra in Ravengro, perhaps he'd be living similarly. How our fates change. Now you have someone to go back to.

"I assume you've heard of what happened. Honestly, I doubted the stories that werewolves were really in the Shudderwood. But it seems I was wrong. So I thought I needed to hear from the expert. I suppose they're organized in packs? One spoke of the Silverhide pack. What else do you know about how they're organized and where they hunt?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 + 2 = 20


"Heh. No werewolves in Shudderwood? You're a fool," Delgros says. He pushes a thick piece of burnt bacon onto a wooden platter, grabs a knife and half waves, half flings them at Janos. "Over a dozen distinct werewolf packs live within the Shudderwood. Most packs trace their lineages to one of five tribes native to the region. Most of these tribes have two names: that which they call themselves, and a more common one by which most outsiders know them."

Delgros downs the rest of his coffee, and searches a wooden pipe out from one of the leather pockets on his trousers. He continues speaking as he starts to meticulously thumb it full of some kind of pungent leaf. "This is gonna take a while, kid. Best start eating. First, you got the Dorzhanevs, or Broken Ones. They settle in remote or isolated territories, building small communities near the wood’s edge. For the most part, they pose as simple farmers or trappers, occasionally traveling to larger communities to sell or trade for goods. They live and hunt in small packs, targeting lone travelers or those who stray from larger groups. Physically smaller than the other tribes, the Broken Ones transform into red wolves. Their pack structure is matriarchal. I'm pretty sure their current tribe leader is the druid Cybrisa Dorzhanev."

Delgros pauses to draw a twig from the fire and use it to light his pipe. After a few puffs to get a cherry going, he continues, "Then you got the Jezeldans or Demon Wolves. They're the smallest and most recently formed pack in the Shudderwood. The Demon Wolves are a mix of newly cursed werewolves, and exiles from other tribes. They all worship the demon lord Jezelda, Mistress of the Hungry Moon. Their current tribe leader, is an antipaladin named Adimarus Ionacu. I heard he was once in fact an afflicted werewolf who willingly contracted the disease in devotion to his demonic patron. As a boon, Jezelda transformed him into a natural lycanthrope, and bade him convert more werewolves to her worship. Adimarus’s missionary zeal has been worked. Those black-furred demon lovers are multiplying like rabbits in spring."

Delgros pauses to cough a bit and hack some sputum into the fire. "Let's see...there's the Mordrinacht or Silverhides you'se askin' about. The Mordrinacht are known as the Silverhides for their gray-white fur. They are more aggressive than the Broken Ones, but they're more canny and subtle than the other tribes. The Mordrinacht don't make packs so much. They tend to live their lives as lone wolves. Only in times of great importance do they come together."

"More so than all the others, the Mordrinacht have been successful at blending in with us normal humans and living secretly within our communities. I've even heard of some ballsy ones settling in some of the major cities. They say they are descended from those afflicted with lycanthropy by the ancient high priest of Desna. I've heard they gather at a place called the Stairs of the Moon to pay homage to the spirit of their ancestor, the vilkacis. It is no secret that the Silverhides’ current leader, Mathus Mordrinacht, has had designs on the position of packlord over all the packs of the Shudderwood for some time."

"You get all that? There's two more packs I know of yet. Don't want to overwhelm you with all the nonexistent werewolves," Delgros chuckles.


Anton Klasnic wrote:

A wounded poet and a drunk. Dantrian would eat you alive

Exiled. A family affair I take it? There is nothing worse than a wounded heart caused by a blade of longing. the paladin says, trying to charm the noble. Still, there could be worse places to be 'trapped' believe me. What about your fellow inmates, can you tell me anything about the others in this lodge?

Anton looks around for service and assuming there is anyone serving orders coffee for himself and Drosil and whatever Corvin would like.

Take ten on diplomacy for 23

"Unfortunately, I can," Corvin says drolly. "There is that werewolf hunter Duristan. He's a bit naive perhaps, but seems to know what he's doing well enough. He's always yammering on about the werewolf tribes, and how he's going to end their tyranny over Shudderwood. He's a fool if you ask me, but he has brought back three wolf pelts since he's been here," Corvin replies. He pauses to fill a cup with wine, and begins drinking.

"Then there's Cilas Graydon, the Margrave of Sturnidae. He's a brutal old butcher, hiding in this county same as me. His past involves a less pleasant kind of swordplay through. They say he was as cruel as Asmodeus during the civil war between Barstoi and Ardeal. Now he's an advisor to the Palatine council in Lozeri. He comes here often to hunt quite often though."

"Then there's the Markiza. Markiza Welgory that is. Though she's more of a old horny cougar than a noblewoman. She's here with her current toy, the Hound Ostovach, "hunting fox". They spend as much time in her room as out in the woods though. If I had a fat old gouty coinpouch for a husband I'd be doing the same though," Corvin laughs.

"Those are the only guests of note at the moment. Well, besides yourselves that is. If you've come all the way out here chasing some men in black they must have done something terrible...or terribly exciting anyway. Pray, do tell!"


Ashan Eilathul wrote:

The tower. Looming above Ascanor lodge, Warden Lozorov's respite now earns Ashan's attention. Having departed the lodge for its exterior surroundings, the masked elf paces the grounds of a well-kept hedge maze, peering up over the manicured tops of the verdant walls to spy the shape and silhouette of the tower against the sky. Something about the hedge maze draws Ashan's presence, each circuitous path keeping him retained as he meanders from corner to corner, until eventually making his way out only after having explored every single corner. On exiting the maze, Ashan's masked face turns towards the compound's western wall, then lifts his gaze to the forest beyond.

Warden spends most of his time up there with his work.

Ashan looks over his shoulder to the tower.

...with his work.

Black eyes narrow behind his mask, scrutinizing the tower.

...with his work.

Some time ago...

"It will have to wait, Ashan. Aledrius is busy with his work." Falesha Irovordel hates disappointing her students. Brows furrowed, lips downturned, hands clasped together she leans forward to level her height with the mousy brown-haired charge standing in front of her. The boy, Ashan, alights pale eyes up to the gold-gilded tower looming behind Falesha, his own expression as plainly stated as her own; both equal in their disappointment. "Why don't you go to the pond and practice identifying herbs with Isulia?"

"I don't want to identify herbs," Ashan sharply protests, lips pursed and eyes now downcast to the grass underfoot. "When will Alderius be done?" The question elicits a tilt of Falesha's head and a faint sound in the back of her throat that almost becomes a sigh, but patience diminishes.

"He's meeting with Councilor Rasi, so... It won't be today." As much as Falesha wants to try and smile, to be supportive, the most she can muster is something more like a grimace. Rolling his tongue across...

On his way to the south tower, Ashan passes Dantrian in the library while he is busy researching. Shelves lining the walls of this circular tower room contain hundreds of reference books on such diverse topics as botany, demonology, geology, history, and religion. Cubicles in the center provide areas for reading, and a fireplace in the eastern wall heats the room. An ascending flight of stairs curves around the southern wall, leading to a trap door that opens into the tower. It is locked. When he knocks there is a pause of several seconds, and then an irritated sounding reply. "Yes..? What is it, Belik? I'm quite busy," Estovian says.


Dantrian - I've changed my mind. To avoid you being stuck in limbo and bored for too long, I'm going to say your initial researches take you until the afternoon. After lunch, let's say. Then your familiarity gained with this library will allow you to take 10 on future knowledge checks when using it if you want.


Female Human (Chelaxian) Bard (Diva) 8 | HP 51 | AC 19 FF 17 T13 | Saves +3/+8/+6 | Init + 8 | Percep +11

B'yelka takes a long morning in her room, Oh, Tibi, this would have been so much easier with you here. Rather than wallow in self pity she gets herself out of bed summons the maid and busies herself with a light breakfast and then getting dressed. How big a splash can I make in this little pond? She pesters the maid about the other guests in the lodge, trying to get a feel for the Great Game's microcosm playing field in the Shudderwood. After a couple of hours, she is ready. Her black gown on, hair styled and feline eyes she begins her tour of the lodge.


The maid mentions the same guests that Corvin tells Anton and Drosil about (including Corvin of course).


Male Elf
Baseline Stats:
Max HP: 39 | AC: 14 (14 T / 10 FF) [varies w/abilities] | F/R/W +2/+6/+6 | CMD 22 | Ini +6 | Perception +11

"That is incorrect," Ashan crisply responds through the door. "My comrades were coy with regards to our intentions, I would speak to you plainly of our goals and who it is we seek. There is no time for distractions, Warden." Impatient as he is, the masked elf waits close to the other side of that closed door. "I do not abandon my quarry, and your lodge has enough troubles as it is."


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

They are evil men who killed a friend of mine. Anton says, grimly. And more besides. I take it you've seen no one of that description? In that case, can you tell me anything about the werewolves, Duristan seems obsessed with them. he asks Corvin


Half-Elf Spirit Ranger 8 (HP 33/68; F+8, R+8, W+4 (+1 vs. Arcane); AC 25/12/23; Perception +18, Sense Motive +2, Initiative +2)

Janos takes out his own pipe and fills it with leaf from the Count's stores. He borrows Delgros' burning twig to light it. A few puffs later, he has a nice glow on the pipe and the Ranger sits back. "Please, continue. It's a lot to take in, but I need to hear all of it. This werewolf did speak of Mathus Mordrinacht, though not in a good way. Her pack seemed to be rivals. I believe she said that they would fight before 'Mathus the Betrayer' sat upon 'Highthrone.' Do you know what that is? and why would this Mathus be called a Betrayer?"

Janos pauses, thinking about what Delgros had said,"Wait, Mathus and his wolves walk among human settlements? Is there anyway to tell? Does any know what he looks like in human form?"


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

Anton sips his coffee as he awaits an answer. He doubts this noble knows anything about the werewolves but he has learnt that the key to a problem can sometimes come from an unlikely source


Female Human (Chelaxian) Bard (Diva) 8 | HP 51 | AC 19 FF 17 T13 | Saves +3/+8/+6 | Init + 8 | Percep +11

Still think'n it's too early for B'yelka to be up and about :)


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

Anton will come and find you after he's done with Corvin.


retired (arc completed)

As Ashan passes through the library, Dantrian nods, acknowledging the man. He starts to turn back to the tedious task of re-cataloguing and indexing all he's pulled from the library's shelves, then stalls and glances up as Ashan walks brusquely past. "Take care to remember our words from earlier, Ashan. If our quarry is tipped off to our pursuit because of your impatience or impertinance, we will not be quick to forgive you."

Not expecting a reply, nor caring to enter into a discussion of the matter, he then returns to the task at hand as Mosswick runs his hands through the tuft of fur atop his head in frustration.


Ashan Eilathul wrote:
"That is incorrect," Ashan crisply responds through the door. "My comrades were coy with regards to our intentions, I would speak to you plainly of our goals and who it is we seek. There is no time for distractions, Warden." Impatient as he is, the masked elf waits close to the other side of that closed door. "I do not abandon my quarry, and your lodge has enough troubles as it is."

"Uhm...well, I suppose that's ok. One moment, please," the warden replies. There is the rattling of a lock and then he emerges from the trapdoor into the top of the research library stairwell, shutting the door behind him. Dantrian can easily hear them from the floor below. "So?" the warden prompts Ashan.


Anton Klasnic wrote:
They are evil men who killed a friend of mine. Anton says, grimly. And more besides. I take it you've seen no one of that description? In that case, can you tell me anything about the werewolves, Duristan seems obsessed with them. he asks Corvin

"I'm sorry, I really don't know. I concentrate deeply on my poetry. I would ask Duristan about the wolves, and maybe the staff about the men in black?" Corvin replies.


Janos Ardeal wrote:

Janos takes out his own pipe and fills it with leaf from the Count's stores. He borrows Delgros' burning twig to light it. A few puffs later, he has a nice glow on the pipe and the Ranger sits back. "Please, continue. It's a lot to take in, but I need to hear all of it. This werewolf did speak of Mathus Mordrinacht, though not in a good way. Her pack seemed to be rivals. I believe she said that they would fight before 'Mathus the Betrayer' sat upon 'Highthrone.' Do you know what that is? and why would this Mathus be called a Betrayer?"

Janos pauses, thinking about what Delgros had said,"Wait, Mathus and his wolves walk among human settlements? Is there anyway to tell? Does any know what he looks like in human form?"

"Nah, far as I know there's no way to tell who's a wolf without seeing them change. As for highthrone and that, I don't know. I just know what the other woodsmen and people of the forest have told me over the years. The wolves have been more aggressive lately, but that's all I can tell you."

Delgros takes a moment to gather his thoughts. "The last two tribes I know of are the Prince’s Wolves and the Vollensag or Primals."

"The Prince’s Wolves were created by Prince Andriadus Virholt’s to help rid his lands of the agents of the Whispering Tyrant centuries ago. They are Varisian werewolves with ties to the Sczarni crime families. The Prince’s Wolves maintain a tight pack structure and spend much of their time traveling in small family groups, performing or pickpocketing to support themselves before moving on to do it again somewhere else. They transform into wolves with brown or gray fur."

"The Vollensag are the smallest of the Shudderwood’s tribes. They keep pure blood, descended from the ancient Kellid tribes who once inhabited these lands before they were driven out by the invading Varisians. I'd guess there are less than 30 Vollensag left, settled deep in the woods and traveling in small migratory hunting packs. They live much as their ancestors did, hunting and living off the land. They may be few, but the Primals' ability to transform into large gray dire wolves makes them an influential force among the wolves of the wood. Far as I know the Vollensag tribe leader, Kvalca Sain, is packlord over all the wolves of the Shudderwood."


Half-Elf Spirit Ranger 8 (HP 33/68; F+8, R+8, W+4 (+1 vs. Arcane); AC 25/12/23; Perception +18, Sense Motive +2, Initiative +2)

"What does that mean, packlord over all the wolves? The other packs seriously follow another tribe's bidding? If the Vollensag are a small tribe, I'm surprised they have the packlord. This female was large and gray, so she could have been from Vollensag, especially if Mathus taking the packlord title would be a threat to their tribe."

"Do you know why the werewolf would be delivering this message to us? She obviously thought we were involved in whatever power struggle is going on with the packs. Has there been anything going on here at the lodge recently? Or even with Duristan?"


"Well, if it's anything like our lords it probably means they have to do what he says and kiss his arse, dunnit?" Delgros replies. "As far as I know, there haven't been any odd goings on though. Just that fool Duristan thinking he can take on a whole forest full o' wolves by himself."


Male Elf
Baseline Stats:
Max HP: 39 | AC: 14 (14 T / 10 FF) [varies w/abilities] | F/R/W +2/+6/+6 | CMD 22 | Ini +6 | Perception +11

Seeing the trapdoor shut and the Warden waiting outside, Ashan's head subtly tilts to the side like a dog that isn't sure what it just saw. "You're a very busy man," Ashan infers from the Warden's absence at his office earlier. "I am not much of a woodsman, I cannot imagine what administrative tasks might occupy the hands of a man in a location as remote as this." Folding his gloved hands behind his back, Ashan takes another step forward to close some of the distance between he and Warden Lozorov. "But, I also presume being so remote you do not often leave this estate—leave your duty."

"A group came ahead of my comrades, of what makeup I am not certain, but they would have likely been accompanied by a number of arcane spellcasters carrying implements native to their craft. Heavy books, unusual reagents. They would have acted with haste, kept to themselves, and carried an air of secrecy about them." Dantrian's words are daggers in the back of Ashan's mind, an unwelcome presence that has kept him from speaking their name aloud. "That you and everyone else at this lodge is still alive in spite of an encounter with them implies that you were either ignorant of their true nature–which is what my companions are intent on keeping you—or you were given reason to stay quiet." Ashan's hands lift to his sides, spreading in a whatever the case may be gesture.

"Quiet is smart," Ashan quietly intones, a notion coming to him. The group's uncertainty about his allegiance, their paranoia, their caution. "If you, or anyone else, may have seen or perhaps... spoken with them, I would be keen to..." Ashan's voice drops to a whisper, "continue" then subtly raises, "that conversation. In private."

_______
So I'm pretty sure that this guy is just a lazy pencil-pusher who is playing ostrich and doesn't want to get involved. But if the Whispering Way did come up here they might've talked to somebody. Ashan's going to sorta take Dantrian's advice to heart, but he's going to play on his creepy-ass aesthetic and try to play himself off as a spy for the Way and see if he can get anyone to admit to having talked to them while they were here.

That said, here's Ashan's bluff check to pose as a Way agent (which was totally inspired by Dantrian's insistence on not name-dropping the Way. I think this is actually a cooler idea. I don't know what kind of modifiers this might have based on his demeanor.

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24


Male Elf
Baseline Stats:
Max HP: 39 | AC: 14 (14 T / 10 FF) [varies w/abilities] | F/R/W +2/+6/+6 | CMD 22 | Ini +6 | Perception +11

Oh god. Dantrian is going to hear this and were-hulk all over Ashan...


retired (arc completed)

Dantrian's face darkens as his keen ears hear almost all of Ashan's words. He takes a few breaths, swallowing his emotions and exerting his will over the curse that churns just beneath the surface, forcing himself to maintain his self control. After a few moments of internal struggle, his breaths ease once more and some of the stiffness leaves his shoulders and neck. Still, his irritation remains apparent as he pinches the bridge of his nose.

That arrogant fool! Ashan dances upon the edge of a knife, Mosswick. Perhaps you should quietly follow him and see what you might learn of our masked companion. His words with the Warden worry me.
Mosswick can help, master! Mosswick can be quiet; can be hidden!
Good, do so. In the meantime, I will consider how best to address this with the others; if at all.

With that, Mosswick looses a soft, raspy giggle before vanishing from view behind a bloated shelf of books. Quiet as a whisper and soft as shadow, the tiny homunculus moves with otherworldly silence to help and serve Dantrian as best he can.

Stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

Well, I shall leave you to your poetry, Corvin. Good day to you.

Anton takes his leave of the young man and decides to seek out someone else who might have better knowledge of the riders. Corvin recommended he speak to the staff and he decides that it is not a bad idea.

The porter, Belik, was quick enough to confront them on their arrival so perhaps he did the same with the Way.

Anton wanders through the wooden lodge, taking in the smell of oiled wood and gazing up at the various heads of creatures mounted on the walls. He wondered how many of these nobles had occasion to fire a bow at a creature when it wasn’t run ragged and cornered.

Not sure where Belik might be, going to wander around until Anton finds him or anyone else engages him.


Half-Elf Spirit Ranger 8 (HP 33/68; F+8, R+8, W+4 (+1 vs. Arcane); AC 25/12/23; Perception +18, Sense Motive +2, Initiative +2)

Janos shakes his head and sighs. "Duristan is going to get himself killed, isn't he? Does he have something against werewolves or is it just some fool dream of his?"

"Is the Lodge protected somehow? Why don't the werewolves just pick a night and slaughter everyone here? Or like I said, maybe Mathus and his group have already infiltrated the Lodge."

He sits back and watches Delgros' reaction. He tries to judge theman's truthfulness and whether he should ask about any encounters with the Way.

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 14
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 + 2 = 17


Ashan Eilathul wrote:

Seeing the trapdoor shut and the Warden waiting outside, Ashan's head subtly tilts to the side like a dog that isn't sure what it just saw. "You're a very busy man," Ashan infers from the Warden's absence at his office earlier. "I am not much of a woodsman, I cannot imagine what administrative tasks might occupy the hands of a man in a location as remote as this." Folding his gloved hands behind his back, Ashan takes another step forward to close some of the distance between he and Warden Lozorov. "But, I also presume being so remote you do not often leave this estate—leave your duty."

"A group came ahead of my comrades, of what makeup I am not certain, but they would have likely been accompanied by a number of arcane spellcasters carrying implements native to their craft. Heavy books, unusual reagents. They would have acted with haste, kept to themselves, and carried an air of secrecy about them." Dantrian's words are daggers in the back of Ashan's mind, an unwelcome presence that has kept him from speaking their name aloud. "That you and everyone else at this lodge is still alive in spite of an encounter with them implies that you were either ignorant of their true nature–which is what my companions are intent on keeping you—or you were given reason to stay quiet." Ashan's hands lift to his sides, spreading in a whatever the case may be gesture.

"Quiet is smart," Ashan quietly intones, a notion coming to him. The group's uncertainty about his allegiance, their paranoia, their caution. "If you, or anyone else, may have seen or perhaps... spoken with them, I would be keen to..." Ashan's voice drops to a whisper, "continue" then subtly raises, "that conversation. In private."

_______
So I'm pretty sure that this guy is just a lazy pencil-pusher who is playing ostrich and doesn't want to get involved. But if the Whispering Way did come...

"As I told your friends yesterday, I'm unaware of anyone suspicious coming through here in the past few weeks. I do have a lot of work to occupy me, administering a place such as this is neverending," Estovian says. "I'm sorry I can't help you further."


Anton Klasnic wrote:

Well, I shall leave you to your poetry, Corvin. Good day to you.

Anton takes his leave of the young man and decides to seek out someone else who might have better knowledge of the riders. Corvin recommended he speak to the staff and he decides that it is not a bad idea.

The porter, Belik, was quick enough to confront them on their arrival so perhaps he did the same with the Way.

Anton wanders through the wooden lodge, taking in the smell of oiled wood and gazing up at the various heads of creatures mounted on the walls. He wondered how many of these nobles had occasion to fire a bow at a creature when it wasn’t run ragged and cornered.

Not sure where Belik might be, going to wander around until Anton finds him or anyone else engages him.

What exactly are you asking Belik?


Janos Ardeal wrote:

Janos shakes his head and sighs. "Duristan is going to get himself killed, isn't he? Does he have something against werewolves or is it just some fool dream of his?"

"Is the Lodge protected somehow? Why don't the werewolves just pick a night and slaughter everyone here? Or like I said, maybe Mathus and his group have already infiltrated the Lodge."

He sits back and watches Delgros' reaction. He tries to judge theman's truthfulness and whether he should ask about any encounters with the Way.

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+2+2

"I'm not sure why Duristan is so obessed. Maybe he just wants to prove himself a hero," Delgros speculates. "The wolves would have a hard time of it. We've got high walls, a strong guard and many of the guests are experienced warriors or hunters. They would lose many, and gain nothing. As long as they leave us in peace, we leave them in peace. Duristan trying to hunt them all down is making me nervous. Might piss them off. Then again, maybe you're right and Mathus is already here. I'm just a simple tracker...I try not to worry about these things too much."

He seems to be being honest and open.


retired (arc completed)

As the morning hours pass and Dantrian has little to show apart from having properly indexed portions of the library's accumulated books, scrolls, and maps, he rises from his seat and retreats from the library in search of food.

Finding some of the others of a similar mind, he joins them at the table. "I must confess, my time in what those here at the lodge refer to as a 'research library' has born little fruit so far. What books and resources it does contain are horribly indexed and sloppily sorted. It has taken the bulk of the morning just to track items down. It will likely take the rest of the day, perhaps even longer, to find anything of use; provided there is even worthwhile information to be found." With a shake of his head, he then shreds a few pungeant herbs in his fingers and sprinkles them into a steaming bowl of broth before dipping the corner of a day old roll in after. As he holds the bread in place, allowing it to soak in a good bit of the savory liquid, he looks up and asks, "I trust some of you have had more enlightening mornings? Have we learned anything new about the Lodge or the packs throughout the wood beyond its walls?"


Male Human Paladin 8 | HP 36/53 (68)| AC 18 FF 15 T13 | Saves +11/+10/+10 | Init + 4 | Percep + 2 | Dip +14 | SM +10 | KR +6 | Heal +3 | HA +7 | HePo =0

Belik. Anton calls, seeing the porter hurrying about his duties. Spare me a moment?

When he catches up he falls into step with the halfling and looks down on him with a cheerful smile.

Must be busy work, keeping this place running smoothly. So many nobles to keep happy, so little time. The place is wonderful, so spotless! You and your staff are to be commended.

Diplo take 10: 10 + 13 = 23

I was wondering if you might remember a group that came through here recently, dark riders, probably made people nervous if they encountered them. Anyone like that ring a bell?

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