[IC] Princess of Winterhaven

[Cilvyn]

[IC]Princess of Winterhaven[IC]
A short doable campaign

You are summoned to the dukes palace. A huge fortress although designed to look gracefully it is rather intimidating to stand near its great walls. You are escorted inside and have to wait in a pleasant decorated room. At the wall you can see a big painting. A fiercebut old with an even more snobbish looking face stand in the middle surrounded by four middle aged man with glossy black hair. On the ground at their feet play 4 boys with the same glossy black hair and one girl with oddly blonde hair. When you examine the painting more a man comes in. He must be a butler by the looks of his clothes.

"Please follow me, the duke will see you now"

You follow the man through the corridors. Everything looks expensive and you can't shake the feeling you are very out of place here. You stop at a heavy wooded door and the butler knocks on the door. you hair a voice that most likely tell the butler to come in, because the man opens the door and lets you in.

You enter a study with a man sitting behind a desk. He drips wax on an envelope, presses his ring in the clotting material and then handing the envelope to a servant before he gestures you to come closer. The man looks like on fo the young men on the painting, but older.

((OOC: again, don't ruin your and our fun, only read the spoilers with your characters name))

"welcome Jan I'or." the man extends his hand "A monk who left the temple, mh?" The man frowns and looks at you then a teasing smile appears on his face "worry not good man, it is not easy for an elf to just assimilate in the urban world of men. The fact that you are here tell me much about your character." The duke personally takes out a small leather bag. "It looks small but it can hold more than you can possibly immagine. Unfortunatly I do not have much time, I am a busy man as you can understand."

Bag of Holding
Wondrous item, uncommon
This cloth sack, roughly 2 feet in diameter at the mouth and 4 feet deep, has an interior space considerably larger than its outside dimensions. The bag can hold up to 500 pounds, not exceeding a volume of 64 cubic feet. The bag weighs 15 pounds, regardless of its contents. Placing an object in the bag follows the normal rules for interacting with objects. Retrieving an item from the bag requires you to use an action. The bag has a few limitations. If the bag is overloaded, or if a sharp object pierces it or tears it, the bag ruptures and is destroyed. If the bag is destroyed, its contents are lost forever, although an artifact always turns up again somewhere. If the bag is turned inside out, its contents spill forth, unharmed, but the bag must be put right before it can be used again. If a breathing creature is placed within the bag, the creature can survive for up to 10 minutes, after which time it begins to suffocate.



"welcome Abalard" the man extends his hand "I have heard of what you had to give up to volunteer for this mission. It moves me to see you are so eager to help those in need. I can only immagine the gods have great plans for you. I will have a talk with the high priest and see what I can do for you." The duke opens a drawer from his desk and takes out 2 vials with shining liquid. "This is for you, use it wel! Unfortunatly I do not have more time, I am a busy man as you can understand."

Potion of Greater Healing
Potion, uncommon
With the slightest agitation, this red liquid briefly blazeswith bright light.When you drink this potion, you regain 4d4 + 4 hit points.



"welcome Immeral" the man extends his hand "I am happy someone from the village itself volunteered to resque my niece, So thank you for coming all the way heren to speak with me. I understand it cost time to travel here, but you can understand it is of importance to me that I know who I recruit for this delicate task."
The Duke takes out a leather pouch from under his desk and hands it to you. "For someone of your...profession, this would come in very handy. "Unfortunatly I do not have more time, I am a busy man as you can understand."

Pouch of silent tools
Wondrous Item Rare
Property: When used to do the work it was designed for, a silent tool grants the user a +5 power bonus to Stealth checks made while using the tool. Any small mundane tool— a crowbar, a grappling hook, a hammer, , and so on—can be made taken out of this pouch. For example, a silent crowbar could aid attempts to open a locked door without alerting the sleeping monster on the other side, while a silent grappling hook has less chance of being heard by nearby guards. This property can be applied only to mundane tools. It cannot be placed on weapons, clothing, jewelry, or other
mundane objects.




"welcome Admymn" the man extends his hand "A farmer, but a special one. I am happy someone close to nature volunteered for this mission. I heard of your past and it is a very rare and special gift you have. I can only advice you use it for the good of yourself and others." The duke opend his drawer and takes out a very old looking scroll. "This scroll contains a powerfull spell you in particular should knlow good use for. Be wary, it has only one use, so use it wisely. Unfortunatly I do not have more time, I am a busy man as you can understand."

Scroll of Condtroll Weather
Casting Time: 10 minutes
Range: Self (5-mile radius)
Components: V, S, M (burning incense and bits of earth and wood mixed in water)
Duration: Concentration, up to 8 hours
You take control o f the weather within 5 miles o f you for the duration. You must be outdoors to cast this spell. Moving to a place where you don’t have a clear path to the sky ends the spell early. When you cast the spell, you change the current weather conditions, which are determined by the DM based on the climate and season. You can change precipitation, temperature, and wind. It takes 1d4 x 10 minutes for the new conditions to take effect. Once they do so, you can change the conditions again. When the spell ends, the weather gradually returns to normal. When you change the weather conditions, find a current condition on the following tables and change its stage by one, up or down. When changing the wind, you can change its direction.
PHB 228



"welcome Mathus" the man extends his hand "It is good to see you again. I know you served my father wel in times of need and I know the unjustice that has been done to you when you were very young. I hope this mission gives you a chance to cmoe at peace with your past" The duke stands up and takes a small lantern from the wall. "This is not an ordinary lantern. in times of need it will shine brightly. Let is be a symbol fr the light you seek and a guardian against the darkness of your pain. Unfortunatly I do not have more time, I am a busy man as you can understand."

Magic Lamp.
A lamp casts bright light in a 15-foot radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. Once lit with a magic word, it burns for 1 hours or untill told to extinguish, whichever comes first


The servant comes to you and hands you the envelope. In there you can read all the information about the village and the current situation. The duke nods and turns back to his desk. The servant shows you out through another door. There waits the butler again to your surpzie, this must be arranged. He nods at you and guides you through the corridors untill you are outside. There awaits a cart with 2 horses and a friendly looking fat monk. After a while through the same door come three other people. They all are guided by the same butler and must be your party members.

When you have all been assembled here, the monk speaks to you "I am going to winterhaven, unless you want to walk, hop on" His infectious laughter makes his belly shake. The cart is not big, but has enough room for you all to sit in. There is some food for the trip and some sacks with hay so you can make it at least a little comfortable.


This would be the perfect time to get to know eachother, you have 2 days to travel to the village of Winterhaven, so take your time and try to get to know eachother, trust eachother and also know OOC what the others can do, so you can work better as a team

[Galen]

Abalard pushes his lips together at the sight of the laughing monk. This is a serious rescue mission, not a matter to joke about. If their ride wants to make light of it, that's up to him, but Abalard will not allow such levity to permeate the group. Thank you, good man.
Abalard climbs the wagon and somberly takes his place at a position that will allow him all-around view of the surroundings. The road to Winterhaven is supposed to be safe, but you ever know...

[Mr White]

Admymn jumps on the cart with a big smile and turns towards his fellow party members: My name is Admymn, I'm a rather gifted druid. So what can you guys do?

[Sandviper]

Immeral walks towards the cart, greaseful on his movements, and surprisingly light on his feet,as he aproaches the cart, he removes his hood and nods at the monk. with one quick move he jumps into the cart, taking a quick look at the others...

Greetings... I´m Immeral, my line of work allows me to deal in the shadows, taking advantage of the weak spots of my enemies, learning your most valuable secrets given time necesary, and deal with trouble in the most stealty way possible... stay out of my busssiness and i´ll stay out of yours. and like that immeral gets in the back of the cart, against the corner and puts on his hood again.

[WrathOfLife]

Mathus Fairwater

Mathus strolls along in his heavy armour, carrying his shield in hand, but weapon holstered. He strikes an imposing figure of battle scars and cold eyes, his helmet covering the majority of his hair, but a few dark locks show through.

Looking at the group Mathus shrugs heavily and climbs into the cart, his bulk causing some issues for space.

As the others introduce themselves Mathus adds in his own introductions in a cold and sullen voice.

"I am Mathus Fairwater, my duties are to return the princess and bring those who did this to justice."

He looks at the few others who have thus far failed to identify their role and stares at them uncomfortably.

[Galen]

Abalard lets himself toss the word gifted in his mind for a while. He saw too many graves with gifted kids in them, and hopes the young man's cockiness doesn't put him in this long line of needless sacrifice. But the druidic magic is strong, he knew, and perhaps the kid had the skills to back his attitude... As two of his companions brag about their talents, he finds Mattus' humble approach far more to his liking.

I am Abalard, here to help whichever way I can. Stretching on the bench, he cranes his neck to make sure he has a good view of the surroundings.

[Mr White]

Admymn moved his gaze frantically between his fellow companions. Noone seemed to share his excitement over the upcoming adventure. The lack of reaction frustrated him without end.

Admymn leaned toward the monk. He seemed the least surly.
I haven't seen much outside my old village but I'm sure that'll change soon. Where are you from?

[Cilvyn]

Once you all got in the cart, the fat monk climbs with as much effort as you expect him to have, on the box of the cart.

He drives the horses and you ride through the city streets towards the gate. On the road people get out of the way to let you through.

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s64/Goddamngreeny/Wagon-1.jpg

When you get through the gate you get on a dirt road and head to the forest. The monk starts to talk and to laugh alot.
'So, you folks are going to winterhaven, nice village. I go there alot to bring them supplies. Those boxes you are sitting on are full with stuff. I even got some valuable materials for the smithy there, the duke wants a new sword, you see.'

'I don't open it, you know, I just deliver it and stay a day or too on the dukes expense' The monk laughs. 'He is a good man. I dont get paid if you think me being a selfish bastard. I am still a man of Pelor, I happily do these deliveries. It's just the road around Winterhaven is not that safe you know. I am happy I got some soldiers with me'

you ride for a few hours untill reach the forest where you keep following a small muddy road through the trees. Shortly after the sun begins to set and the monk stops the cart. "I think it is time to set up camp. We got oen full day to ride to the village. There are three tents in the cart as wel, I can set them up if one of you can get a fire going, I don't want to be fully in the dark you know?"

You can continue your conversation as you are o nthe road, you can ask the monk question if you like or eachother, I wrote this whole day in 1 post so feel free say anything you want in this entire timeframe. This is called timesplit, and will work fine as long as you are specific when you are saying things.

[WrathOfLife]

Mathus Fairwater

As the trip goes on Mathus starts to loosen up and join in the conversations more. "So you travel this road often then? Why do you say it isn't safe? Doesn't the Dukes men patrol this land?" Mathus seems curious beyond normal information gathering as if he was surprised to hear that any land so close to safety could be considered unsafe.

Later on in the evening Mathus helps set the tents up and announces proudly to the group "I shall take the first watch. I'll keep the fire burning throughout the night and make sure all is safe. Who shall I wake for the second?"

[Cilvyn]

"Oh yes they do patrol these roads now and then. But you see, Winterhaven is a village with only a few soldiers, they guard the village gate, but don't actually control the area around it, except some farm lands. There live kobolds in the hills to the north and west"

The monk looks at you while he talks a so long you fear the wagon will derail, but the horses seem to know the way even with the fat man not driving them.

"I make this trip now and then if needed, to bring materials or bring news to the brother of the Duke. A relative of me lives there as wel, so also because of religious reasons I do travel there sometimes."

[Sandviper]

Immeral keeps mostly quiet, just following the conversation trying to pick up any relevant info his new companions share. Nothing really catchs his attention until the monk mentions the kobolds.
have you ever had any troibles with this kobolds....? When was the last time anyone reported kobold activity....? Those nasty creatures...always plotting something..

If the ride goes smoothly immeral doesn't engage in conversation unless directly interacte with...

At the camping site... immeral offers to take the last watch.

[Galen]

During the trip Abalard listens more than he talks. The monk ... there seems something off with his behavior. He's trying too hard to ingratiate himself on us.

[roll0] Insight: does our driver know more than he's letting us on?

At the campsite Abalard offers to take the midnight watch. Maybe I can see a storm and keep the prayer schedule.

[Caimheul]

As the journey begins

"I appreciate your offer, but respectfully I must decline." Jan says with a bow to the offer of riding in the cart. "I am called Jan I'or, a student of Lze-fu." He walks along silently behind the cart for the most part, sweeping the road as they pass.


At the mention of kobolds

"Not all kobolds are foul creatures, my Master Isw'p is of that race. I would be happy to parlay with the creatures in their own tongue should the need arise."

At the campsite
"I would be more happy to take the first watch and second watch, as I only need four hours of meditation." Jan offers.

[Mr White]

Camp site:
I'll get a fire going. I'm after all best suited for this.
Wake me up when I need to take a watch.

[Cilvyn]

On the road
The monk seems utterly relaxed and whistles a tune while he sometimes glances over at the monk, shaking his head and continues to whistle.

"I haven't heard of any recent kobold activity, although those little monsters-" He laughs "-are always there, prying on merchants or anything they can get their hands on." "huuu! around it girls!" He drives the horses around a big puddle on the road. "I don't think they took the lords daughter though what can kobolds do with a young girl like her? I certainly don't know"

The monk laughs heartily "Oh no not all of them, I once encountered a small band of them on the road on the other side of these woods. I gave them something shiny and they ran of, except one who seemed a little more... intelligent, by Pelor, he could even speak a little common!" the monk breaks out in laughter again.

"They did find the cart of the lords dughter you know. Not really a trace of who could have taken her, but the man who drove her was dead, the poor bastard, slit his throat" The monk makes the sign of Pelor. "She was on her way to the Duke so she didn't even got far. Once she didn't arrive he sent a messenger back to the village so you can immagine it took a few days before they actually found out she was missing."

At the campsite
The monk takes out the tents and starts to make them ready to sleep in.
"If you don't mind I would like to sleep this night, I need to ride the cart so I need to be fresh in the morning."
The monk takes one of the bags with hay from the cart and gets in one of the tents around the fireplace. After only a few minutes you hear loud snoring implying the monk is already fast asleep.


You don't get the feeling the monk hides anything for you. How you see it, he is just a very friendly, a little naive monk.
Also nothing specific happens during the trip on the road. If you still want to continue the conversation there, feel free to timesplit.


It gets pretty dark and you are glad you got a fire going. In the forest you hear all kinds of nightcreatures make sounds. The wind lets the leaves rustle and an occasional owl makes a soft "ooh-hoo" sound. You don't hear anything out of the ordinary in a forest at night time. You can get some food out of the cart if you want and/or sit by the fire and talk untill you would like to go to sleep.

[Mr White]

On the road
Admymn noticed that the monk new a few things about the disapearance of the lord's daughter. He jumps from his seat and thrusts his head next to the monk's.
I have some questions as well. If you be so kind to try and answer them.
Who found the cart? Was there anything specific or odd about it or the surroundings that you know of? Does the duke or the lord of Winterhaven have any enemies? Perhaps the daughter herself had enemies? Are there any rumours concerning the poor girls disapearance?

[Cilvyn]

On the Road
"The messenger found the cart, I've been told, but I am just a monk. I haven not been informed with the details of this crime."
He chuckles at the word 'enemies'. "wel he is not exactly a loved lord. I mean people don't dispise him, but they are not extremely happy with this man reign, so to say. Although you will find lord Padraig quite the sympathetic man, I am sure."

"More about the mission you should ask the Lord or the townsfolk."

[Caimheul]

Jan sweeps a spot on the ground free of leaves, twigs, and other assorted woodland debris before reaching into the small pouch at his waist and pulling forth a bedroll. He carefully arranges the bedroll onto the ground before retrieving rations from the cart. "As my master was fond of saying, refusing the generosity of others is akin to leaving cobwebs in the corner of your soul."

[WrathOfLife]

Mathus Fairwater

Stubbornly refusing to accept that someone else had requested first watch after he had called it, Mathus stays late up into the night doing little but starring sullenly at Jan.

Finally as night had well and truly took hold, Mathus comments to the fire, and whoever is still up. "The man travelling with the princess had his throat slit. He was either attacked from behind, attacked by a friend or held hostage before his death. All of these situations suggest we should trust no one we encounter, and be on guard for ambushes." Mathus returns to staring at Jan sullenly after his insight into the situation.

After his "watch" is over, he'll head to bed, sleeping soundly.

[Sandviper]

Immera wasn't feeling very comfortable in the cart as the ride approached his destination... he was sitting in the corner trying to mind his own bussiness, thinking about the day he'll finaly return to his beloved lands.
But suddendly those dreams came obscured as he realize he was still riding in that cart bumping his head against it.

Finally arriving at the camp... Immeral starst to open up a little more, he offers to help with what evver is needed, and after everythinf is ready he excuses himself and starts his trances so he'll be ready to take the last watch.

[Caimheul]

"That depends upon the angle the wound. It is quite possible to slit a throat from the front. Your point does stand, that caution is called for. As my master was fond of saying:'Caution and skill makes for a cleaner floor than skill alone.' " Jan says as he continues to look into the darkness for any signs of danger, his back to the fire.

[Galen]

After the first watch is done, Abalard climbs out of his sleeping bag to take the midnight watch. He passes the time circling the campsite, gazing in the darkness of the woods, and scanning the horizon for signs of changes in the weather. After a few hours pass, if nothing happens, he will wake (is that even the right term?) Immeral from his trance to take the last watch.

[Mr White]

Content with the fire, Admymn took out his bedroll and made himself comfortable. At the moment he was to exited to sleep yzt.

[Cilvyn]

The Night

During the night nothing in particular happens. Sometimes your sleep is disturbed by a wolf howling in the distance. Once awake you hear the loud snoring of the monk. You suspected he would snore, but even these levels of noise surprize you.

You sit by the fire te warmth and light comforts you in this dark night. It makes long shades towards the treelines from the open space where you made camp. You suspect there must be all kinds of wild creatures in these forests, but you are happy you don't have the pleasure of finding out which ones exactly.

After several hours the sun rises and soon after the monk wakes up, walks yawning to the fire and starts his morning prayer to Pelor.
"Come on dear friends! We still got some hours to go to Winterhaven. let's get going, I rather don't have to travel the last part in the dark!"

Day
You ride throught the forest which seems very peaceful an not nearly as frightning as it was at night. After a while the trees are further apart and then you see a rolly countryside covered in high grass, Here and there are groups of trees, but i feels rather prairy like. on the one side you see mountains at the horizon.

You ride over the hills and when you are on a hilltop you can see a village in the distance. It takes another few hours to get there and when it is late in the afternoon you finally reach the village walls.

Winterhaven
Winterhaven is a not too big village. There is a stone wall that protects the village itself from the outside world. There are many farmlands outside of the walls though with farmers working on them. Some of them wave at the monk when you pass by. The monk smile at them, and waves back when waved at.
You pass through the gate. The two guards at their post salute at the monk.
Inside the walls to the right is small castle which must be the home of the lord. The gate of the inner wall seems to be closed though. Most people seem to pack their business and head inside the village walls. The sun is already setting when you enter the village. It is not dark yet, but it will be soon within the hour.


http://nentirvale.wdfiles.com/local--files/winterhaven/winterhaven-74.jpg

"I will bring you to the inn where all newcommers go. There is good food there and a place to sleep." I will go to the temple to speak with my far cousin and tomorrow I can show you some more of the village and meet Lord Padraig."
You ride through the streets untill you come come at a pretty big building. A sign at the door indicates it is an inn. It would be around dinner time, so a meal would be most welcome for you. Some warm yellow light already shines from the windows and a heavy wooden door is ajar. You hear laughter and music coming from inside.
"Here you go, c'mon don't be affraid you will see me tomorrow again at 8 o'clock in the morning" The monk laughs.
Once you all climbed off it except Jan who walked alongside the cart the whole time,the monks nods at you and then rides off leaving you at the door of the inn.


again feel free to do anything or say anything you like during the trip

[Galen]

On the road

Abalard queries the monk for names of all landmarks and localities they see or pass on their way. The mountains, the hills, the copses of trees, do they have local names associated with them? He wants to arrive at Winterhaven ready.

In Winterhaven

Methinks we should go see the lord with haste and not wait for tomorrow. He might have information for us, not to mention be relieved to know the search for his daughter is on.

[Mr White]

In Winterhaven

I agree. We have no time to lose and that poor kidnapped girl even less.
Amymn immidiatly walks towards the inner gate, not even waiting on a reply.

[Cilvyn]

The inner gate is just as massive stone as the outer walls. The gate is a 5 foot high wooden door reinforced with metal. The door is closed and it looks locked. Some people who pass by look at you questioning and then walk by.

A guard comes walking up to you:
"Hello uh sir, are you lost? you do not look familiar. Can I give you the directions to the inn? It is where most people who come here spend the night. It will be dark soon and there won't be anything to do in town after dark. I can walk with you if you like, I am on my way home anyway."

The friendly guard stands waiting for you to come with him.

[Mr White]

Oh, hello. We're here on official business. Says Admymn cheerfully as he points to his companions. Please show us in and let Lord Padraig know we're here about the kidnapping of his daughter. Not that we had anything to do with it, we're here to help.

[WrathOfLife]

Mathus Fairwater

Mathus nods along with Admymn and adds in his own words. "We are here on the Dukes orders."

He seems a little confused that the town was not forewarned of their arrive.

[Sandviper]

Meanwhile... immeral stays at the inn. getting to know the local folk, or difrent groups of adventurers in town, maybe.. we are not the only team in to this mission?...does the poeple know abou the missing girl?... we could do some inteligence before hand.

[Caimheul]

Jan enters the inn, trusting that everything would work out as it was meant to work out, as long as he kept his mind and heart free of dust and cobwebs.

[Cilvyn]

At the Inn
When you enter the inn you see a long counter right in front of you. A blond woman in a green dress stands behind it drying off some cups in her hand. She smiles friendly when you enter the inn and she hints one of the girls to take your coats.

http://oi57.tinypic.com/bzi1k.jpg

A peasant girl comes to you and nods.
"welcome at the in good sirs. Will you be staying here for the night? (if you say yes) "May i take your coat and belongings? I will bring them to your room.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y29/Stormonu/Inn1stfloor.jpg

On the left is a stairway and the entrence of the kitchen.
On the right you see several tables with maybe a dozen peasants. Both women and men sit at the tables drinking ale or enjoying a small meal. They do not stand out at first sight, most of them just look like ordinary commoners.
However an odd looking elf woman sits in a chair near the window. She occasionally takes a sip from her wine, but mostly seems to be lost in thought.

http://oi61.tinypic.com/dcvpzr.jpg

At the very end of the hall is a fireplace. A fire burns hot and lightens and warms the place.
near the fireplace at a very comfortable looking char sits an old emaciated man he smokes a pipe and wears an almost wizardlike robe. At his feet sits a small sleeping dog.

http://oi59.tinypic.com/zx49dt.jpg

Another woman who stands out is a young looking elf. She wears a yellow dress, wears flowers in her hair and sits at a table with 2 also young looking women. you estimate them in their early twenties.

http://cdn.obsidianportal.com/images/697938/6.jpg



At the Gate
"Ahh you are the mercenaries from the duke" The guard frowns and looks at the young druid form top to toe. "Lord Padraig is in mourning, because he beliefs his daugter is dead." he sniffs "If the lord would actually would take control of the situation, there might have been a chance he would have recovered the poor thing. But all he does is lock himself up in his pretty castle and cry, like that is going to help him, pah.."

The guardsman extends his hand to mathus.
"Rond Kelfem, captain of the village guard at your service. Forgive me my rude words about our ...Lord. You see, since his father past away things aren't the same anymore. he just stays in his fance house, collecting taxes and living like the duke himself while we work hard and barely stay alive."
You now notice the wealthy clothes of the man. He does not look like a lord, but he surely is not just another commoner.

"I doubt you will be able to see him, certainly at this late hour. I have been informed you would be accompanied by Monk Eliah? He's a good man, he wouldn't just let you wander the village on your own, did something happen to him?"

"Please let me show you the way to the inn, it is not far, I insist I take you there"

http://winterh.wdfiles.com/local--files/npcs/8.jpg



I will update the OOC with the new introduced personages when they appear IC, check them out :)

[Galen]

At the Gate

Abalard quietly listens to the guard describe his Lord. At the end of his speech, he nearly quivers in rage at the level of incompetence and apathy displayed by a ruler and a father. Gathering his composure, he addresses the officer by his proper rank.

Captain Kelfem, I know the hour is late, but we are not here to cry and mourn with your lord. We are here to rescue his daughter. The first days after the kidnapping are critical. If no progress is made at that time, the trail might go cold, and she might never be seen again. He may have already conceded her to be dead, but by the power of the Stormlord, we didn't. I understand you wish to serve your lord, we all do, but believe me, having us feast and drink at the inn is not the kind of service he needs right now.

persuasion [roll0]

[Sandviper]

at the inn
Immeral smiles back when the youngh human lady on the green dress, adresses him.
Well...if everything in this inn is as exquisite as your self, indeed my lady...i´ll be more than encourage, to expend the night in this accomodations. But for all the gods...such a fine lady as you, should not be carrying all this dirty equipment... but i do need you assitance, in one private matteri would like to discuse on a later hour... in a more private room, pleasestop by my room later.
Meanwhile... i have some bussiness to discuss.

Immeral gives a charming smile to the girl, kisses her hand and departs, you now know.. that has a weakness for the ladies.
Persuation [roll0]

after that... immeral aproaches to the female elf sipping on the glass of wine, as he signals someone to fetch another glass for him.

excuse me.. i couldn´t help but to notice, that glass is almost empty, would you mind if i join you?.... Immeralis the name, from the (insert generic name of elven woods in here). May we share i glassof wine?... Persuation: [roll1]
You seem like one that can handle herself, leather armor... quiver and arrows... lost in her own train of though... perhaps you are an adventurer?

[Mr White]

At the gate

Admymn let Abalard take the lead on getting more info out of the guard captain. Admymn knew he didn't have a way with people. He couldn't resist to nod with Abalard.

[Caimheul]

After being greeted
"I believe the intention is for us to stay at this establishment this evening." Jan replies to the young lady. "If you don't mind, I'd prefer to retain my possessions miss, and as for lodging, I was hoping to discuss an exchange of services for an unobtrusive corner to place my meditation mat. What is available in terms of food this evening?" Jan inquires.

[Cilvyn]

At the Inn

Immeral
The woman behind the counter (Salvana Wrafton herself) smiles when you compliment her. "Please take a table, first round is on the house." She blushes a bit when you ask her to come to your room later this night, you're not sure if it is because she is flattered or insulted. "Please, sir, my profession is innkeeper, if you are looking for company tonight I suggest you search for that somewhere else." she shakes her head and looks at Jan.

The young peasant girl giggle shyly when you kiss her hand. "Please sir, it is my job to take your goods and bring them to your room." She takes your things and walks off a bit clumsy looking back at you, but quickly avoiding eye contact, blushing heavily.

The elf lady near the window looks up when you appreach her. "A another elf" She sais rather bitter and takes another sip from her wine. "Not from here I see, otherwise I would have known... so the lord sent you?" she rolls her eyes. "Again, I had nothing to do with the girls dissapearance.. No I do not have an alibi, but please tell me in Ehlenestra name, what I have to gain from killing a young girl? So go tell your employer to leave me alone. Have a good evening sir.'

Jan
"You are a friend of his? wel, either way you are most welcome." She points at a big cardboard hanging at the wall. "There is the menu, sir. Take a table and let me know when you are ready to order."
"I do have enough people helping me out already, girls like katy" She nods at the young peasant girl who just took Immerals belongings "got to eat as wel you know, I don;t have a job opening at the moment, but I I am sure you can make some coin tomorrow at the market, so I can let yo ustay and trust you will pay me after?


Menu:
Breakfast (6 am - 10 am)
Platter of pancakes, bacon, sausage links, egg (sunny-side up) and 2 biscuits - 2 sp
Platter of ham, eggs and a biscuit - 1 sp
Stack of pancakes - 8 cp
Plate of scrambled eggs - 3 cp
Two slices of bacon or sausage link - 2 cp
Bowl of biscuits (6) - 1 cp

Lunch (10:30 am - 6 pm)
Platter of turkey leg and loaf of bread - 2 sp
Platter of Ham haunch, roasted vegetables and 1/2 loaf of bread - 1 sp
Turkey leg - 5 cp
Vegetable stew - 4 cp
Barley soup - 3 cp
Bowl of fruits - 3 cp
Loaf of bread - 2 cp

Dinner (6 pm - 9 pm)
Platter of beef haunch, spiced potatoes and loaf of bread - 2 sp
Platter of venison, roasted vegetables and 1/2 loaf of bread - 1 sp
Venison stew and 1/2 loaf of bread - 5 cp
Fruit salad - 4 cp
Platter of roasted vegetables - 3 cp
Platter of turkey dressing - 3 cp
Bowl of fruits - 3 cp
Loaf of bread - 2 cp

Drinks
Dragon's breath XXX, shot - 2 gp
Dwarven Stout ale, mug - 7 cp
Elvin honey wine, glass - 6 cp
Nerath bloodwine, glass - 5 cp
Winterhaven Golden Wine, glass - 5 cp
Honey mead, mug - 4 cp
Ale, mug - 4 cp
Sylvan juice (made of various berries and nectarines), glass - 3 cp
Milk, glass - 1 cp (breakfast only)


At the gate
"You got a point there.." The man thinks for a second "alright, I might as wel do it now, we got about half an hour before it gets dark.
He gestures you to come with him to the outer gate.
"Gerald open up, will ya?"
"yes Captain, what is going on? you know it will be dark soon, yes?
"Ger, just open up, these folks here come on the dukes orders. I need to show them about the girl"
"Ah the girl, yeah yeah, poor thing. here you go capt'n"
The guard opens the gate and Rond takes you outside. He walks alongside Admymn and starts talking "You know, the reason why the lord locked himself in his house. There was a real witch-hunt going on last few days. The lord even thought of torturing these poor townsfolk, like that will have any usefull results. So you understand I am not really fond of this man. I would be devastated as wel if I would lose my daughter, but blaming your subjects without valid evidence, is just an act of despair. For all we know the kobolds took her, but I cannot immagine why they would want her unless they would sacrefice her to some dragon god or something." Rond chuckles from his own joke.
Once you are over the hill, just outside the view of the village, not even a mile away from it he stops.
"This is where they found her wagon, poor drivers throat was cut, you can still see some blood on the grass although the crime scene is gone. We cannot let a corpse rot in the sun waiting for someone to investigate...


Feel free to ask any questions out of caracter, if you need more info or details about certain things.

[Caimheul]

"I would not be go so far as to describe us as friends, we have only become acquainted a few days ago. To be honest, I am not entirely certain, I may have sufficient coinage on my person, but I am unfamiliar with the price of lodging in this region. I am called Jan I'or a student of Lze-fu, the ancient art of Cleaning, and am not long out of the monastery. I appreciate your generosity and advice, but am presently tasked with discovering Elina Padraig's current whereabouts." Jan says giving a slight bow as he glances quickly across the menu.

[Galen]

At the crime scene

Abalard can't condone the torture, but he understands where the lord is coming from. What needs to be done, must be done. Did the Lord have anyone particular in mind to torture? He asks idly, before turning to examine the bloody grass. You know, he adds, there's a lot that can be learned from looking at blood stains and trampled vegetation. The direction of the attack, whether the victim was surprised and fought off his attackers, where did the attackers go afterwards.

Survival [roll0] to look for tracks
Investigation [roll1] to look for general clues

[WrathOfLife]

Mathus Fairwater - At the crime scene

Mathus had followed along quietly, he had little to add to the investigation but was curious about the location of the attack. Mathus asks a series of probing questions trying to work out how this attack took place.


"This seems remarkably close, are there normally kobold attacks this close? Is this road heavily travelled? Are there any other bandit attacks heard of? What else is near by this road? Where was the princess headed? Who has since benefited form her going missing? Has any one acted suspect in the lead up to, or after the attack?"

[Sandviper]

[QUOTE=Cilvyn;18191465]At the Inn

Immeral
The woman behind the counter (Salvana Wrafton herself) smiles when you compliment her. "Please take a table, first round is on the house." She blushes a bit when you ask her to come to your room later this night, you're not sure if it is because she is flattered or insulted. "Please, sir, my profession is innkeeper, if you are looking for company tonight I suggest you search for that somewhere else." she shakes her head and looks at Jan.

The young peasant girl giggle shyly when you kiss her hand. "Please sir, it is my job to take your goods and bring them to your room." She takes your things and walks off a bit clumsy looking back at you, but quickly avoiding eye contact, blushing heavily.

The elf lady near the window looks up when you appreach her. "A another elf" She sais rather bitter and takes another sip from her wine. "Not from here I see, otherwise I would have known... so the lord sent you?" she rolls her eyes. "Again, I had nothing to do with the girls dissapearance.. No I do not have an alibi, but please tell me in Ehlenestra name, what I have to gain from killing a young girl? So go tell your employer to leave me alone. Have a good evening sir.'

Immeral Smiles back at Salvana Wrafton... thank you my lady, looks at katy as she leaves, following her with his eyes, until he can no longer do it.

Then finally aproaching to the elf by the window. hmm i see... you are ¨just another elf¨ and people is trying to incriminate you... and that why you accuse anyone that aproaches you, of trying to blame you? .. hehe immeral laughs, well... i´m sorry if that´s the impression.
I´m indeed working fot the Duke, and definetly not from around here either... but right now, im just talking to another elf in the bar. trying to enjoy a cup of wine.
so why don´t we share and enjoy some wine... instead of bitterly sip it?

what´s your name?

[Mr White]

Admymn was out of his depth with the investigation that Abalard was conducting. Not that he would admit it though. Admymn followed Abalard around quietly and tried to copy him.

See this post (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=18197695&postcount=305)

[Cilvyn]

Admymn, Mathus and Abalard

"it is indeed close, at night kobolds get relativly close, you can even hear them outside the city walls, but luckily they never really come in. First they stayed away, although over the years they came closer and closer. because we as the villagers do not really go these roads, we work our fields and then go back inside the gate. Elina was heading to the her uncle, the duke, to visit him."

Rond looks as Admymn observing the crime scene. "I doubt there is anything to see still, but when we first came here there were some human footprints as wel with some kobold tracks. Although the kobold tracks might have been older, we suspect it must have been someone from the village. That is why Lord Padraig wanted to go to such extreme lenghts."

"Let's get back to the village, it will be dark very soon, I am sure you do not want to meet those little bastards."

Immeral
The woman winks at mis Wrafton and another peasant girl, this one is a little older and her face has a high resemblence with that of a dog, brings 2 glasses of the same red wine the elf woman is drinking. she kicks the empty chair away from the table and nods, so you can sit on it.

"Yera hasin, ne halea furoi take vermeni. Yeran jeska Niranan. Her ne vresidon presera hi preswasin se haluo geray se et presamia guardel se tudoi. Ei ne alan Padraig wrenan romai ne te ine Sera."

She takes a sip of her wine

"Her traganai preti e presulanai trag e. presig Koboldi ei vresai dania.

She gives you a knowing look.


"I see, wel there is no harm in just talking I guess. My name is Ninaran. You seem not too bad. If you want my opinion on the case, the captain of the guard did it. He doesn't like the lord and rumor has it he wants to be lord himself. I think he took the girl, he has the weapons and manpower to do it. They say the man on the cart got his throat slit? Kobolds don't do that.


Jan

Miss Wrafton comes to you.
"I see, you're from the Duke. You know Elina came here often, Her dad loved her but was very busy with his 'work'. She was such a sweet kid, had some troubles with getting older you know and her mom not being around. I have this tavern to run, but please when it quiets down a bit I am more than happy to help you out. I will tell katie to prepare some rooms for you, the first night is on me."

"What would you like to drink? I see your friend or partner already started the investigation."

[Galen]

Abalard squints at the setting sun. I hoped for more clues at the scene, but it was not to be. He looks questioningly at his companions. Unless they have a better idea, he's willing to go back.

[Caimheul]

Jan
Jan bows at the woman's hospitality. "Many thanks for your generosity. There are two others assisting in this endeavour, I believe they shall be along shortly. A glass of the Sylvan juice accompanying an order of the roasted vegetables and loaf of bread would be much appreciated miss. I look forward to discussing this matter with you further later." He says with another bow before glancing about the room and approaching the old man. "Good sir, would you mind if I joined you this evening?" Jan asks respectfully.

[Mr White]

Admymn nods. Going back putting together what everybody found out would probably be best. Suddenly he began to smile. Maybe hecould convince the others to go on a kobold hunt. After all they are the only lead so far.

[WrathOfLife]

Mathus Fairwater

With a sad shake of his head. Mathus comments "It would seem the crime scene is too old to be of much value. It does tell us much though. Kobolds come out here often and their tracks might be old. But the human tracks, fresh and fairly recent, on a road all but unused by the locals. That is very telling. I wonder if we have fallen for a ruse."

Mathus adopts the rear guard on the way back to the inn while musing outloud his theories. "It could well be that our princess performed the crime herself. A slit throat is an easy act to commit from behind. Although her motive is still called into question. Indeed any motive seems painfully lacking. Perhaps in learning who benefited from this crime, we would learn who performed it."

[Mr White]

So no kobold hunt then tomorrow? asked Admymn at least somewhat disappointed. He leaned towards Mathus At least with kobolds one knows what ahead. How do you propose we proceed?

[Cilvyn]

At the crime scene
"Yes I am sorry about that, normally news travels fast in Winterhaven, but beyond the walls it takes a while for news to arrive to and from the village. I however examined the crime scene myself when it was still fresh. I can tell you some details that might help you on the way back"

He starts walking to the village

"So it was 4 days back when we discovered it. So that is 2 days travel to the capitol and for you 2 days back to get here. When I first saw the cart, which is broken down and used as firewood unfortunatly. The lord couldn't bear to keep the cart after... wel it is understandable. The man on the cart was sitting to the side with his throat slit. It looked like someone did it without the man expecting it. there were no signs of a fight, so I doubt the kobolds did it. Most importantly the dagger of the man himself was missing so either his own dagger is the murder weapon or it was taken after the deed. I actually think someone in the village did it, but why? wel maybe because to upset the lord, but there has not been claimed a ransom for the girl. I fear for her life the girl is just sixteen years old."
The man shakes his head.
"As you can expect there was blood everywhere but no trail, since the body was still on the cart."

"To give you some more details about how the lord reacted. It was discovered close to the evening. I was on guard duty that evening and have seen who came through the gate that evening. Nothing out of the ordinary, I mean people go in and out the city every day. The lord however wanted me to make a list of everyone who went outside that day. I did, assuming he wanted to question them if they had seen something, but instead he imprisoned some of the townsfolk. Some people came to his house that evening. it was almost a revolt so he let most of them go. Most of them are just some farmers, poor folks really, nothing special. I think he just needed a scapegoat. He still has old Valthrun imprisoned. The old man has been a little weird lately, but I blame it to old age. Aparently for our lord it was enough reason to take him into custody"

"If you ask me who did it? Eiland the old has enough reason to do it. he seems like a good man, but his past is not exactly-" he coughs "-once a thief and murderer, always a thief and murderer, if you ask me. He sits at the inn most of the time, I would avoid him if I were you, don't let his smooth talks manipulate you"

At the Tavern

The innkeepster smiles. "Coming right up good sir."

The old mans eyes sprkle when you come sit with him.
"Mhh an adventurerer right? mh mh, looking for treasure, the great adventure, fame and fortune are you, mh? Wel you have come to the right person" The old man chuckles "I have seen some treasure in my life, especially in the time when the duke visited this place and transported taxes from the villages tot he capitol. Oh yes, those were times. You know those little kobols sometimes robbed those transport. When we heard of something like that we knew it was an oppertunity for us. Gehehe, one time I got caught by those little bastards. I infiltrated their lair you know. Some old watch tower near a road no longer in use. I knew they would bring their most precious posessions there. mh mhh. So I went there and they cauht me. One of the kobolds, I think it was their chief had this precious stone around his neck, a real beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Gehehe for some reason it started to glow when the moon shined on it and he shought he was cursed. So I took the chance and told him I knew a cure and if he would let me go I would get it for him. I even managed to take the necklace with me. Gehehe Ofcourse it was all rubbish and I was free. Lost the necklace in a game of gambling though, real shame. Those were the times, how I just own this small piece of land ouside this hole they call a village, to old to go on adventures like young man like you.

[Caimheul]

Jan

"It sounds as if you have lived a... full life, sir." Jan finishes hesitantly, unsure of the appropriate response to an individual bragging about defrauding a fellow sentient. "I supposed 'adventurer' would be the appropriate description of my present endeavours, however I do not desire neither fame nor fortune. My guiding desire is to achieve enlightenment through experiencing the world beyond the temple walls. Of more immediate concern however, is the present location of the missing young lady," Jan says plainly.

[WrathOfLife]

Mathus Fairwater

After listening to all the new information and Admymn, Mathus leans in towards him and mutters back "I see three leads;

First is the current prisoner Valthrun, he must be imprisoned for a reason or at least a suspicion of a reason,

Secondly is Eiland, a murderer in town is always a good person to look at after a murder

Lastly is the girl herself. No signs of a struggle, the man's own dagger missing, no ransom? Perhaps her friends might know of some motivate for her to try a murderous escape."

Mathus considers for awhile "We can acheive two of these outcomes by speaking to the local lord, we can ask to see Valthrun and ask to see the young ladies room and speak with her friends. That seems the best way forward to me. Do you see a fault with my logic?" he asks curious to see how his new companion thinks.

[Mr White]

I would've prefered an undisputable culprit and a clear course of action. I consider myself a man of action after all. Admymn rigths himself while saying the last sentence so as to appear every bit the hero he aspires himself to be.
However, I must agree with you. Hopefully we'll know more after our visit with the lord.

[Galen]

Well, it is late and the lord will not receive us anyway. I suggest we seek out this Eiland at the inn. But we want to take it easy on his, lest he's spooked. Better not mention the kidnapping at first at all.

[Cilvyn]

Jan
“No fame, no fortune?” the mans eyes widen. ‘No fortune? What happened to the youth these days” he mumbles a bit. “Mh yes the young lady, pretty little thing, wel I guess you have to find her, don’t you? Brave adventurers” he awkwardly pats you on your shoulder and looks at you making you very uncomfortable.

On the way back to the village
“Yes you should speak with the lord, if that would give you any answers at all”
The captain walks with you through the gate of the village again.
“Can I bring you fine gentleman to the Inn, I need to go to my house, my wife is waiting for me already. I hope dinner is still warm”

[Caimheul]

Jan

Jan clears his throat uncomfortably as he touches his belt pouch to ensure it is still in place. "Yes, well, thank you for your time good sir," he says as he rises, gives a slight bow, and makes his way to an unoccupied seat at the bar.

[WrathOfLife]

Mathus Fairwater

Mathus makes his way to the inn and gives a short nod to the others before retiring to the bedroom to prepare for the next day. He cleans his clothes and weapons in preparation for meeting the local lord, who by all accounts seems to have started to lose the plot.

Mathus reflected he didn't have any great ideas as to why the princess was snatched away either, other then a strong suspicion that meeting the girls friends would reveal important information, assuming they could be pressured in the right directions.

[Mr White]

Admymn didn't follow right away. A bit annoyed that this mission was not as straight forward as he had hoped. Against his beter judgement, Admymn search for what would be called Winterhaven's dark alleys. He signed up for adventure and he was going to find it.

No more than 10 minutes later, he entered the inn, made an inquiry about a room and went to bed. His companions would have to wait until morning.