Sabrik informs you all that the weather looks like it's going to be rainy within a couple of days.
You set out from Largo the next morning and continue up the Baravos. Around midday you reach a narrower part of the river where another barge is moving down river. As the barge comes closer, a krimir yells: "Ohoy! We got apples, fresh bread, cheese and mead, if you want to buy!"
Bhalur takes great interest at the another barge but sighs afterwards as he informs others I do not posses at the moment any gold to buy extra supplies but if someone else, he is welcome to do so. Otherwise I will living off from my rations
Magnes had been a bit mysterious last night, disappearing early into the morning to sit on the roof of the Inn. A song under his breath and the clink of bottles and strange glass accompanying him.
On arriving back on the boat the Dhouvarr took out an iron flask and offered a smell of the contents to the captain of the boat. The liquid's contents potent enough to be smelled across the boat.
"Nae, I ain' the coin however I'll gladly trade this here cask of 'shine fer somea' yer apples bread an cheese enough to satisfy this crowd we got on tha' boat. Captain can attest to its potency an' purity." The Dhouvarr brewmaster calls back.
Sitting on one of the larger collections of cargo the Cat-with-no-name relaxes in the sun. The huge ball of fluff inducing a slight bow in the box it was sitting on top of.
"Mao" says the cat as it enjoys the weather.
"Aye. A proper brewmaster that one!" The captain yells.
"It's a deal." says the krimir, throws rope from his barge to yours. Hreskar ties the two barges together, and the goods are exchanged. "May Oghludar make your journey a swift one," The krimir bids you and the two barges are untied and depart each way.
Titles: The Rover, The Walking Man, Lord of the
Roads, The Tailwind.
Symbol: A walking man with a walking stick wearing a
brown hooded cape and sturdy boots.
Alignment: Chaotic Good.
Domains: Travel, Exploration, Rivers, Wind.
Oghludar is the god of travel and exploration, and he is
a god who is often favored by adventurers. He is also
the god of rivers and wind, as rivers and wind
constantly travel. Roadside shrines dedicated to
Oghludar are scattered all over Myrndur and it is
common for anyone who is about to travel to pray to
Oghludar for a safe trip.
A few hours later the skies become grey and the rain starts pouring.
Late in the afternoon, after hours of rain, the Sabrine finally reaches Nelphent. Nelphent is a large walled town of dark-grey stone buildings on each side of the river, and a stone bridge tall enough to allow river barge passage connects the two halves of the town. The river barge docks are below the bridge. The weather is still grey and rainy. It doesn't look like the rain is going to stop soon, and you are all soaked.
"Here we are." Luthweg says. "Nelphent." He helps Hreskar tie the ropes to the wharf. "It's been a pleasure sailing with you. Now get yourselves to somewhere dry and warm. I suggest Jabela's Taphall. That's where we'll be going, soon as we've unloaded this cargo."
"That sounds like a good idea." He turned to Magnes and the others. "The couple most likely went through here as well. Might get yet another impression on how they behaved."
Koija takes his belongings and gets of the barge. He tries to find the most direct route to Jabela's Taphall.
OH! I forgot the obligatory date. It's:
Talsday, Ambran 4th, 1247 DE
After navigating Nelphent's narrow copplestone streets, which are just wide enough for a wagon to pass through them, for fifteen minutes, you find Jabela's Taphall, a white two-story building with a dark blue slate roof. The sign is swinging in the wind, and the cold rain is falling heavy, plip-plopping on the cobblestones. You can hear music from inside and see orange light in the windows. When you enter the Taphall you are met by the smell of tobacco smoke, stew and mead, and the lively chatter of the tavern patrons mixes with the merry tunes of a duo of minstrels, one playing a mandolin and the other playing a fiddle.
Magnes grins at the riverboat captain and gives the man a hearty handshake on completing the transaction "Name's Magnes, appreciate tha' trade." With his small bit of chat done the Dwarf saunters off with his bushel of apples loaves of bread and fantastic aged cheese.
On getting back to the river boat the Dwarf casually tosses the captain an apple and glances at the rest on the boat.
"Now, who fancies some lunch? Shame we don' have any cinnamon for these apples."
Magnes then glances to the horse onboard "He alright ta have some apples? Can't imagine he's been terribly pleased ta be on tha boat either."
-----------
"Mao." says the Tabby pitifully, soaked fur sticking close to its body. The cat doing its best to hide from the rain under a box. The great beast having been entirely asleep by the time the storm rolled in and had been immediately soaked.
Magnes snorts and leans a it further up on a box, resulting in the collected rainwater on top to fall down his collar.
"Bah suppose I can't laugh too hard at ya. Pitiful sight right now.
-------
Magnes nods to the captain and steps off the boat with his gear and box of food. The unnamed Tabby goes charging off the boat and into the town disappearing behind a building.
"Appreciate the advice, thin' i'll do jus that." Magnes says to the captain before turning to his companion "Sounds like a plan."
--------
Magnes Looks up at the sign and nods in appreciatation "Now this looks like a proper place fer one ta get drunk in." The Dhouvarr says with a tinge of regret as he glances to his belt and absent one cask of moonshine.
"Mah, I'll just have to see if they've an interest in some cheese an apples as trade. Who knows perhaps we can get you an'Koija can get up on the stage an'sing fer our supper eh?"
The dwarf says with a teasing grin as he looks to Bhalur and Koija.
With that the Brewmaster enters the Tavern and looks for an empty place to sit, Taking his coat and rain soaked hat and putting them close to the fire to dry.
think I'll sit here long as the barkeep permits me til I've dried out a bit. Harder to convince someone to buy something they don' need when you're still wearing the chill of the rain.
Bhalur nods at sight of Nelphents and welcomes the chance of getting back to land after the river trip.
Hopping out and following others to Jabela's Taphall to get inside next to fire and especially get Shaer out of cold to dry her. Checking out the surroundings and listening with interest at the played music Bhalur is popping his head along the rhythm.
- "Mah, I'll just have to see if they've an interest in some cheese an apples as trade. Who knows perhaps we can get you an'Koija can get up on the stage an'sing fer our supper eh?"
The dwarf says with a teasing grin as he looks to Bhalur and Koija. - Bhalur just smiles at the notion and thinks for a moment about it. Why not if it will help us pay our stay here or save our gold Getting up and approaching the barkeeper [/ooc]owner perhaps or nearby[ooc] Would it be possible to borrow a table for couple of minutes. I would like to play something traditional from Bhakiri's
Jabela, an aratheël woman with long braided brown hair, and brown almond-shaped eyes in a green apron, who gives off an air of experience and confidence, smiles kindly and says: "That would be lovely, my dear. What's your name?"
Kevroth haggles a bit with the gunsmith, talking about the obscure qualities of chemicals, lead, and paper. In the end he turns away with three empty powder horns, and a somewhat weighty bundle of supplies.
Kevroth relaxes quite a bit after they leave town, and he sits on the deck with his back propped up against the mast, watching the countryside slide by.
Kevroth sits up quite late happily combining precise measurements of various powders, ensuring they are ground finely enough for his liking, and carefully combining 20 bullets with 20 measures of the finished product into cunningly wrapped twists of paper. If Magnes is interested in watching, Kevroth would welcome the company. Though he does not have time to cast the lead, he carefully packs it all away in his backpack.
When the other boat comes near, Kevroth discretely cocks the hammer on his musket, but leaves it propped next to him. When the trade is concluded he relaxes and very carefully uncocks the hammer. He welcomes an apple and happily crunches away on it.
Kevroth takes a waterproof bag out of his backpack and carefully packs all of the powder and the paper cartridges into it, wraps it tightly, and puts it back in the backpack. He shrugs slightly as he places the powder horns inside the waterproof bag, "They should be able to keep the powder dry on their own, by why take the chance to ruin it?"
Kevroth follows the others off the boat, his wide hat keeping the rain out of his eyes.
Kevroth hangs his coat and hat in the corner and sits beside Magnes. His stomach rumbles loudly, "I do not know about the rest of you, but I sure could use something hot for dinner." He gestures for a serving maid and orders a round of the taphall's best ale and five of whatever the dinner is for the evening.
Bhalur, Bhalur Blackthorn. Thank you for your understanding Bhalur speaks slowly and does a small bow towards Aratheël woman.
Moving towards the location of the duo minstrels, Bhalur politely ask them to move aside as he graps nearby table for his performance. Yelling over the conversations and noise to Sabrik SABRIK, Would you like to help me out here?
Clearing his throat and then bellowing from deepwithin Dear travelers and patrons, tonight I would like to present for you some traditional music from Bhakiri's. Please, enjoy
[dice=Performance: Bhakiri's Beats of the Wild]1d20+3[/dice]
As Bhalurs begins the beat, he begins to humming along with increasing volume as if great bass being played
Magnes spends some of the time in the bar speaking to the people in it, but eventually he drifts over to the table Kevroth has occupied for his craft.
"seems a lot of work for weapon. Can see why few'd be interested in them. The amount of maintenance seems impressive. What made ya' become interested in such a decive in tha' first place anyway? An odd fit aratheël with such a complex device, not the sort of thing you;d find lying around anywhere at least." Th Dhouvarr asks with genuine interest to the devices arrayed on the table.
Magnes counts the few remaining coins in the bag, buoyed by a few of his own personal stash. He looks back to hi rain soaked companions and gives the pouch a wry smile. "You do have a point, ale and something warm would be satisfying with all this rain."
Magnes looks over to Bhalur looking to be moving to a table for something
"Heh, I said it in jest but it ought to be interesting to hear something of Bhalur's language and culture. I'll just hope he can carry a tune, drunk folks don't require much to enjoy a song after all." the dwarf says to those still at the table.
Edit: after the first few bars
"Certainly never heard somethin'like that before but damn'd if it isn't impressive looking" the dwarf says at the Lion man continues his percussive song.
___________
Kevroth
The maid brings you five tankards of ale and five portions of stew.
____________
Sabrik shakes his head.
After Bhalur finishes his exotic performance, the tavern patrons gives him a big round of applause.
Jabela joins Bhalur on stage. "Bhalur Blackthorn, everyone!" The tavern claps and cheers, and the minstrel duo starts playing their usual tunes again.
Jabela follows Bhalur down to the party's table. "That was quite a performance, Mister Blackthorn. Have a round of drinks on the house for you and your friends." She signals to a maid and goes back to the bar.
Only a brief moment passes before a woman with long platinum blonde hair hanging in a ponytail revealing a charming and naturally beautiful face approaches your party's table. Her almond shaped eyes glimmer an impossible green diamond as they excitedly greet you. At first glance she appears to be an aratheel, but something otherworldly runs in her veins and she looks regal simply by the way she carries herself. She wears a necklace with a golden harp set on a heart.
"That was an amazing performance, bravo! I haven't heard such a great rhythmic creation since almost beyond my recollection. So primal, yet beautiful! I felt so energized that I simply had to come meet you. My name is Rhialla, what fate has brought your paths to us?
Bhalur looks at the new face and for a second there is a small delay with his hearth beat
Ah.. yes, thank you for your kind words Rhialla. I am Bhalur Blackthorn. These people here are my companions and we are currently just passing by before continueing our journey tomorrow Bhalur speaks with pleasure. A small whip against his ear and adding to that and my lovely companion Shaer as she open her eyes and hisses at the woman
The necklace with the golden harp set on a heart that Rhialla is wearing signify her as a member of the Paladins of the Golden Harp.
Paladins of the Golden Harp
The paladinic order called the Paladins of the Golden Harp are devoted to Larafae Ilana. They dedicate themselves to spread peace and harmony wherever they are, and if the peace and harmony is threatened, they do whatever they must do to deal with whatever threatens it.
Larafae Ilana
The Loving Lady
Titles: The Loving Lady, The Queen of Art
Symbol: A golden harp on a red heart.
Alignment: Chaotic Good.
Domains: Art, Love, Pleasure, Song.
Larafae is an old aratheël goddess of passion, beauty
and creativity, but already in the Age of Iltaan, humans
began to worship her too. It is said that people fall in
love when she plays her harp.
Larafae Ilana is worshipped by lovers and artists,
especially musicians.
"Pleased to meet you Bhalur Blacktorn, does Shaer mind being petted? Rhialla asks smiling. " I'm just passing through as well. I'm headed to Dalkalar on word that people have gone missing there. A disproportionate number of disappearances... I'd warn most about heading there, but from the looks of it, you can probably handle all sorts of life's dangers."
Um, usually she likes when I scratch her head or chin. Of course you can Bhalar readily agrees he gently graps Shaer and brings her against his chest
About Dalkalar, well, we are heading to Blackrock Castle. But you said about people disappearing. Do you maybe have more information you could share with all of us? Bhalur ask curiously
An inquisitive look flicks across Rhialla's gaze, as she reaches to pet Shaer "Perhaps. What specifically would you like to know about it?" she pauses a moment, "The Blackrock Fortification has a reputation, why would you be going there?"
"Work" Magnes interjects "Some nobles daughter eloped, he wants us to go 'slay' the 'vile mystweaver' who has obviously bewitched his daughter and return her home. Apparently the gentleman in question makes the Blackrose castle his home." The dwarf states with all the interest of a man parroting a story. Making quotation marks to match his words. "Much as I hate to break up a couple they will need to deal with the father sooner or later. If we just don't complete the job all he is going to do is send a group with less qualms and more swords."
Well, as Magens said, this couple has or has not elopaded with or without help of "Charms". I... cant really say yes or no, but I am here with them plus with a bit of guidance from Dragon Matron, whom I serve Bhalur emphasis his neutrality parts. However, this disappearance of people really intriques me. When did people disappear or when people actually noticed the disappearances? Are they from small area or widespread? Where exactly did these people disappear? as Bhalur started his questions, a serious note appeared on his way of speaking and even his whole behaviour started to take more direction towards more of a inquisitor than acolyte
How did you come to this information actually? We did not hear about these disappearences before
Kevroth smiles shyly at Rhialla when she comes to the table, but he remains quiet, continuing to eat slowly and neatly, obviously minding his table manners.
"That's quite a few questions, I am sorry I may not be able to address them to your liking. The disappearances have been going on long enough for my brothers uncle to have received word of it from his friend and then for the request to make it to my gallery where my matron then sanctioned an investigation. Exactly how long that took I can not speak to but I imagine at least several months." Rhialla began as she appraised Magnes a moment before returning to address Bhalur's queries.
"The scope depends on one's perspective, but Dalkalar is a mining town not known for vast amounts of precious metals; small enough to have an abandoned fortification but not so small as to not garner the attention of both the common and noble born." Rhialla continues, shifting her weight to one leg and propping her arm on her hip.
"Where exactly is one thing I hope to discover by going there, as the missive I was given failed to mention such. However, Blackrose is 'supposed' to be an abandoned castle. Anyone brazen enough to be living there would be concerning."
Rhialla pauses a moment, making eye contact with everyone at the table before saying, "I hate to impose on you and your associates, Blackthorn, but since we are headed in the same direction, would it be too much of an inconvenience for me to tag along with you? I am well trained with a bow, and can handle my own; it is just safer in numbers and your concern for the disappearances speaks to your character."
Magnes takes a long draw of an ale seeming to think for a small moment.
"Mah, disappointing family is something I can sympathize with. I myself hail from Mountain high, Battlement strewn Pheombar. The last of the true Dhouvar culture, uncorrupted by those above ground. Lest as those in its heights would say." The dwarf says ruefully as he reaches into a pocket and pulls a stone graven with an intricate crest. "Coalbrow is an old family in the city, they've raised smiths and sons of smiths fer' longer generations than most races have known difference between hammer'n anvil."
The brewmaster gives a grin and pockets the coin back into his pocket.
[b]"Suffice ta' say they wen't terribly pleased when I told em' I wanted ta'be a Brewmaster like meh' black sheep of an uncle. I expect with the amount of devotion to yer'craft you demonstrate you will be able to make a beauty of that weapon once you find the supplies."
Magnes nods to the female "Then' s' been goin'on longer than this elopment. Hope we don' blunder into somethin' truely dangerous."
The Brewmaster gratefully drinks some of his ale while giving a moment of thought.
"Though, I did ask an investigator the Noble hired to track down his wayward spawn. He said this fellow's father was a true vampire, burned at the stake a few decades back. 'parrently was somethin' important cuz if the detective has it right he's reclaimed his birthright an' made the castle his home."
"as to your other question I dont have issue with traveling together. We could likely use someone knowledgeable in the areas quirks. Like say what the particulars law issues are fer' a group of commoners attacking a noble on the orders of another noble two cities away."
It would be lovely to have more companions among us. May I ask as what do you actually excel at and what does that necklace represent? as Bhalur politely agrees and then points at the spoken item
Our group does consist, well, manliness for most part and the tail whips again except of course Shaer so having an another female with us would be our pleasure Bhalurs lets out small yips out as Shaer whipped a bit more sharply this time
Magnes looks with amusement to the Psudodragon "fir's ya lose out as a mascot to a mangey barn cat, then your gender gets questioned. Guess you'll show em' all when you grow up eh?"
The Dhouvar says with a teasing tone as he drink his ale.
"Lady said she was handy with a bow. We haven't really come up against anything to test our skills so I can'really say wha' my companions specialties are. Thou Sabrik seems skilled with a sword, Koija is our resident Mystweaver an' Kevroth over there has his gun. I supply the group with enough liquor ta'get a horse drunk an' i'm handy with meh spear. No, not that spear. An Bhalur's got a dragon."
Well, I am able to handle myself in melee as well take hits although I haven't yet received the honor from the Dragon Matron to use her spells Bhalur admits in a humble tone
and when it comes to Shaer, she is taking care of herself although she is not really suited for frontlines Bhalur adds as Shaer keeps tail whipping Bhalur head.
Turning her head towards dwarf
Magnes glances at the tiny dragon in amusement. "Bet tha'd be insulting if I knew draconic." The dwarf then looks over to Bhalur
"You sure do have patience ta' deal with that. If that furry hanger-on was like that I'd skinned him and turned him into a hat by now."
"Mao Says the cat, lazing about near the fire turning its head to look in the tiny dragons direction. Eyes dark with the fire behind its face as the creature almost seems to smirk before resuming its lazy lounging.
Rhialla touches the necklace caringly, "Larafae, the Loving Lady, it is kind of a long story to explain the why, but my faith in her and my devotion to the order has been wonderful."
"Many think Larafae to be only concerned with matters of art, beauty and passion, but the order of paladin's devote's their efforts towards maintaining peace and seeks to thwart effots to disturb it by any means necessary."
It is good to hear that there are others who are promoting goodness and taking care of those who cant take care of themself in this world Bhalur agrees
I havent been a long time Acolyte of Dragon Matron so I still have a lot to learn about other religions, but during my short time I have already experienced and heard so much. Bhalur speaks as he looks at Shaer with distant look Nature and balance is holy for us, Bhakiris, and as an Acolyte I am supposed to seek goodness, promote and take care of Dragons or assist in their needs
Turning his gaze again towards Rhialla I would gladly have you coming along us. There might be unexpected situations and when we are off against Dhampir, its more than reassuring. More than that since you are follower of Larafae, our mission are excatly in your alley with all of this love, beauty and goodness. Only thing, I am afraid, that we are not able to divide our credits later from this mission since it was offered to our group. I can however divide my share from it with you if necessary -Bhalur speaking with sincerity in his voice
"Worry not, I am not headed there for the money. I am sure things will work out one way or another, but you are far too generous to offer an acquaintance, barely a stranger, any share of your earnings. You are kind as you are rhythmically gifted Blackthorn."
Magnes glances to the parties deflated pouch of gold. "Not tha' we have hardly anythin' ta share ta begin with." The Dhouvarr sighs before glancing to the barkeep.
"Anyway, I'm off ta go see if these fine folk have any tales to tell of a beautiful Noble and a white haired man coming to this place." The Dhouvarr says as he down's the last of his ale and walks toward the bar.
"Greetin's Was hopin' ta ask you about somethin' however it looks like yer busy at tha' monemt. Would ya send one of your employees ta' let me know when you've a free moment?"
-----------
"Hi there, names Magnes. I'd been lookin' ta ask about a few folks that mighta' come through here few weeks ago. A young couple, a woman of noble bearing and a man with white hair. We've been asked ta' bring news to em an' they've become unreachable in the mountains apparently so gotta walk ta wherever they got off to. Anythin' ya can tell me would be of a great help."
"I am Jabela. Jabela Galbaer. Pleased to meet you, Magnes." The strangely beautiful aratheël, who looks old and young at the same time, dries her hand in her apron and extends it to Magnes.
"Say such a couple did come through, I wouldn't be able to tell with all the guests I have here everyday, but let's say I did remember them. There's a thing called confidentiality. Say I did talk to such a couple, and they asked me not to tell anything about them to anyone who might come asking... Now what kind of news, did you say you was bringing again?" You feel as if Jabela's eyes look right through you.
Evening miss, my name is Rhialla, sorry to intrude on your conversation. We should be upfront with you... the father worries for this woman's well being, and we might not look it but we are worried too. You may have heard, there has been a number of disappearances not more than a days travel from here. We just want to make sure she is safe and in good hands. Any information you could give us could potentially save this woman's life and put a worried father's mind at ease for his daughter .
She looks at your necklace and bows. "Good evening Rhialla. I am honored to have a servant of the Loving Lady in my Taphall, and I will trust you with what information I have on the couple you're seeking... They came through about a week and a half ago. I warned them not to go to Dalkalar. Something's wrong with that place, and it's not just the disappearances I mean. People there are... strange. But they insisted. The man said he was the heir to Blackrose Castle. They stayed here one night, and took a wagon to Dalkalar the next day. That's all I know." Jabela sighs. "I do hope they're safe. They seemed like such a sweet young couple. But if anyone can ensure the safety of a young couple in love, it'd be a Paladin of the Golden Harp."
Magnes nods to the elf "Tha' leads into the next question. the disappearances, have ya' heard anything concrete on it? Don' much fancy finding out whatever is lurking they by blundering into it."
Jabela leans closer to you over the counter. "Rumor has it that the disappearances began shortly after a mysterious preacher came to the town. I've heard people say that he has started some sort of cult. Now I don't know anything for certain, but I am inclined to think that the disappearances have something to do with this cult business. If you go to Dalkalar, don't trust anyone!"
Magnes's brow twiches upward again "Well that doesn't sound ominous at all." The dwarf says with some annoyance before turning to his companions
"Suppose I can't be surprised that there is something going on. Yer' help is appreciated. Do ya' know a place where a group of travelers might be able to stay fer a cheap price? Our funds have been running low as our employer failed ta' mention the price of travel around here."
"You can stay here." Jabela says. "I have a large room with bunks upstairs. It'll only cost you two thalen each. That's as cheap as it gets, unless you wanna be sleeping in the rain."
"Fair enough, we can afford that." The dwarf says as he reaches into the purse and hands the woman coin enough to stay.
"Well, I would say our lives are getting more interesting by the moment."