-Episode 15-
-29th Great Harvest (sunday)
-Warm, Clear Skies, Gentle Breeze-
-Immersion, smell of rust-
(Bumper Crops for Irongate, add 1 month to reserves)
(No seepage)
Ep 15: Scene 8: Great Harvest 29th
Chaos Factor: 4
Pleased with yesterday’s success, Eveline and I are eager to continue building our inventory for the coming winter months. “Ivor’s up to something suspicious,” I casually tell Eveline, “but he was very defensive when I asked him about it.”
-Eveline’s insight 13-Q: Does Eveline know what Ivor is doing? Unlikely-Yes Q: Did she confront him? Unlikely-No
“He’s selling Fey Wander. I notice him doing it at the Princely Prankster the other day” she shrugs
“Did you try to stop him?” I ask.
“Why? We sell Fey Wander too. Sold some yesterday,” Eveline replies as she and I dress for the field.
-Persuasion 15-
“But we explain to people how it works, warn them about what it does,” I protest.
Q: Does she want to get involved? Very Unlikely-No (Her persuasion 17)
She considers my words, then replies, “Yes…I can see your point, and I agree with you that it is a very different thing, us selling it and explaining the drug and him, just promising a bit of fun, but…I don’t think it’s a good idea to meddle. We already have Defris to worry about, why get on Ivor’s bad side?”
I sigh, “I suppose you are right. Let’s just…steer clear, and not supply him with anything.” I suggest. She smiles and gives me a hug and a peck on the cheek, then we head downstairs for breakfast.
Q: Is everyone at breakfast? 50/50 No (1d4, 1 person missing, Ivor) (Discussion topic, experience)
Dorak, Defris and Gavin are already enjoying the usual breakfast of bread, cheese and eggs, with a sliver of ham for good measure when Casia and I join them. Mini brings out our plates then sits down at Ivor’s empty chair. Dorak asks, “So how long have you two been selling herbs on your own?”
-My deception 11, Eveline’s Deception 18- (Mini is the only one that suspects something off about the story) Q: Does Mini press? 50/50 No
“A couple of years, now. After our mother died, we struck out on our own. Spent some time wandering the rest of Hamerfel, then went to Oldenfall for a bit, then Truestone, Faithstone, spent a lot of time in Farhold. Then a went up to Westhold where we decided it might be nice to settle. That went awry, and we ended up here.” I explain. Eveline embellishes the story memories about the market in Hammerfel, and reminiscing about the sorrow we felt as we laid our mother to rest in the tiny cemetery on the hillside south of Plowstump, and then wandering the rest of the barony before heading south, where I talk about gathering herbs in that countryside and spending time at Baron Kirn’s court when they were in need of a healer. Then about our travels west. Mini raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything.
Q: Does Dorak tell his story? Likely-No Q: Does Gavin tell his story? 50/50-No Q: Does Defris tell his story? Nearly Impossible-No
I ask the men about their experiences, but they all excuse themselves. Dorak heading down to the cellar to brew his ale, while Gavin leaves for the quarry and Defris heads out to wherever he goes during the day, leaving the three of us women behind.
“Well, I think I’ll go clean up the kitchen,” Mini excuses herself. We thank her for breakfast as we take our bowls to the kitchen, then Eveline and I head out for the day with Princeling and Warren close behind.
-City Encounter-Unusual weather-fog-
Stepping outside, there is a thick fog and the smell of the river fills the air, and I also notice there is a stack of old hammers and chisels piled up near the door to Dorak’s place. Rust and corrosion visible on the old tools. “Can you imagine swinging those things all day?” I ask Eveline.
She shakes her head and tries to pick up a hammer, then laughs, “I can barely lift it!”
She drops it back to the pile and we continue on our way. “I don’t like this. I hope it will burn off when the sun comes up,” I complain of the fog.
“I like it,” Eveline shrugs.
“Not if we split up to forage. Harder to keep eye on each other,” I warn.
“Well, I’ll keep Warren with me then,” she teases, “unless you don’t dare part with your enamored?”
“Ugh! You can keep Warren!” I groan, scratching the dog behind the ears. Princeling looks back towards us to remind us we are all beneath him.
—
-Immersion-Singing-
Ep 15: Scene 9: The Countryside (29th)
Chaos Factor: 4
Eveline and I pass through the fields where farmers finish up their wheat harvest, a familiar song in the air:
“Don’t waste the dawn or linger long,
Else you find your day is gone.
Cut the grass and mow the wheat,
Then you’ll have your bread to eat…”
Eveline sings with them, and waves, as we pass beyond towards the pastures. I know the tune, but not the words. The animals trot alongside us as I adjust my gathering bag on my shoulder.
Q: Does she protest? Unlikely -No
“You have a pretty good voice,” I grin at her, she blushes, but continues singing. Soon, we reach an area I have not yet scouted and split up. She calls for Warren to follow her, which he does with reckless abandon, while I start my gathering. Princeling soon wanders off, hunting mice and lizards.
-Now tracking herbs as “Day’s Inventory” rather than individual listing, starting at 4 days inventory from previous gathering attempts, also, two rolls for success each time block (one per gatherer), each success is a half day’s inventory, and two encounter tests per time block (two parties exploring)- Yseldra-nothing found, Eveline 1/2 day-encounters- Both characters meet a local patrol (Reaction to me-neutral) (generate leaders)-
As I work, I notice a squadron of soldiers approaching led by a mounted knight in plate. “Hail there!” I call out with a wave.
“Who are you?” calls out the knight in a thick Craglander accent that catches me off guard.
“Talia Evenbough, my lord,” I drop to one knee, remembering I am the one to bow under these circumstances.
Q: Does he bid me rise? 50/50 Yes
“Get up, woman,” the knight responds. As he draws close, I can see the tattoos on his face. He’s not too much older than Eveline, and definitely a Craglander. “What are you doing out here?”
“Gathering herbs for our booth in the market place. My sister is over there somewhere,” I gesture in the direction where Eveline went. “Not having much luck this morning though,” I shrug. “I think the sheep went through or something. All of the good plants are gone.”
Q: Is he looking for anything in particular? Unlikely-No Q: Does he press any further? Unlikely-No
“Hmmph,” he nods, “Carry on then.” He spurs his horse onward and the rest of his squadron follows in his wake. I nod to some of the men as they pass, they respond in kind.
(Reaction to Eveline-Very positive)
Later in the day, Eveline tells me the Craglander’s name is Sir Karg, and the sergeant’s name was Maxus, and that Warren took to the sergeant like a cat to milk!
-Afternoon, both succeed, 1 day supplies gained-Yseldra-mosquitos (no disease contracted), Eveline-Fox, Warren catches it!-
Afternoon is much more successful as I gather a great deal of herbs near a small boggy area I find. Unfortunately, the place is thick with mosquitoes and I end up having to rub some mosquito balm on me to keep them at bay! Thankfully, I have some in my pouch. Princeling catches his second mouse of the day, and toys with it mercilessly before finally putting it down and eating it. “Vicious little bastard aren’t you?” I chastise the cat, who seems nonplussed by my critique.
Eveline returns with a whistle to catch my attention. “Hey there sis!” she calls out, drawing close. I see a fox dangling from Warren’s jaws.
“He hasn’t been carrying that thing around all day, has he?” I ask.
“No, he just caught it. Seems to want to bring it back to you. Which is good! I don’t want to skin it!” she laughs.
I shake my head and get to work. “Did you see the patrol?”
“Yes, nice fellow that Sergeant Maxus. Warren loved him! And that craglander lord? Sir Karg. I…I’m not really sure I want tattoos on my face like that, even if it would block the…” she looks around to make sure nobody is within earshot, “magic.”
“I don’t think that much would be required. We’ll know more as we continue our studies,” I reply.
“When will that be?” she asks.
-Survival 10, skinned it fine-
“When I learn to unravel other people’s spells. That knowledge is still beyond me,” I sigh, pulling off the fox’s hide, then cutting a chunk of meat from it’s thigh to feed to Warren as a reward for his good work. I scratch behind his ear as he eats his prize. “I didn’t find much this morning, just evidence sheep passed through.”
She nods, “That’s alright, my satchel is nearly overflowing!” she beams, and the two of us head back towards Oldenstone.
Q: Any problems at the gate? Unlikely -Exceptional No Q: Does the sergeant apologize? 50/50 No
Arriving at Oldenstone, we are waved through the gate with ease. The sergeant who searched me is there, but he simply looks aside, seemingly ashamed of the incident, as Eveline and I pass through.
-Encounter-children playing in the street- Q: Do the children bother us again? Unlikely No
Walking towards our lodging, we once more see children playing in the street. Eveline calls Warren to her side and I scoop up Princeling as well, but the children are too caught up in their game to cause us trouble.
Q: Is Haggi at her place? Likely Exceptional No Q: Are the kids there? Unlikely No
As I pass by the quarry gate where I often see Haggi, I am somehow discomforted by her unusual absence. Then I notice her wooden bowl.
“Hmmm…take my satchel,” I hand it over to Eveline. “I’m going to look around for Haggi.” I worry as I pick up the bowl.
Q: Does Eveline insist on helping me? Likely Exceptional No
“Why? She’s a beggar. They wander around all the time,” Eveline looks at me in confusion.
I glance back at her, “No, she’s a friend. Sort of, and she wouldn’t just leave her bowl here. I’ll be home later. Save me some dinner,” I drift off, wondering how best to find the woman.
“Suit yourself,” Eveline replies, “Come along, Warren,” she commands as she slings my satchel over hers. “Glad you didn’t find much!” she calls back with a laugh. I grin and wink at her as she departs.
—
-Immersion-See something round above me (not the moon, Fortune is a new moon, Fate is Waning Crescent)
Ep 15: Scene 10: Quarry District (29th) Expected Scene
Chaos Factor: 4
Confused by Haggi’s absence, I wedge her wooden bowl inside my herb bag, and start wandering down Quarry Street considering where she might possibly camp out, then I turn on Tanner Lane towards the boarding house, but then ghea up along Palisade, thinking perhaps…maybe she camps somewhere along the wall there, it would be simple enough to build a modest shelter where the cliffside rises up from the quarry district to the wooden palisade above.
I begin scanning the cliff face, looking for any sign of habitation built up against it. As I do, the fluttering of Lord Pond’s banner above the watchtower catches my eye, the circular symbol of his house at its center. A single sentry stands watch, overlooking the docks and quarry below.
-Perception 9- (encounter-pothole-)
Failing to spot anything along the slope, I continue walking. Unfortunately, looking up, I fail to notice the broken cobblestone and once more, fall to my knees! But this time, Haggi isn’t there to remind me to watch out. I shake my head and dust myself off, “Where are you, woman?”
Q: Is anyone on the street nearby? Unlikely No
I follow Palisade all the way down to Wharf Lane, where I see fishers have already abandoned their boats for the evening. Even the dockhands have all turned in for the night as far as I can tell. I head back up Palisade, this time watching my step more carefully.
-Perception 17- Q: Do I spot a hovel on the slope? 50/50 No Encounter-Local Character-Torna! Q: Is she with friends? Likely Yes Q: Does she try to start something? Very Likely No
Heading back up, I still don’t spot anything, and decide that perhaps I should follow the stone wall along the low district instead. Somehow, I am certain she has no regular home. Though perhaps, that’s not the case.
“Oh, it’s you,” the tall skinny woman from last muster scowls as she and several of her friends walk past me coming up from the Quarry.
-Persuasion 5- Q: Does she know Haggi? Unlikely No (not that she would say if she did)
“Hey, do you know Haggi, the beggar woman who sits by the quarry gate at night? Her bowl was on the street, but I can’t find her,” I ask, hoping she’ll forget our quarrel.
The skinny woman spits at my feet in reply, and she and her companions continue on their way, laughing, “That’s the cheat I told you about,” I hear her complain as they walk away into the night.
-Perception 21-
I start walking up along the wall side, looking for signs of tents.
Q: Do I spot a beggar camp? Likely No
After awhile, I give up, and head back down to quarry street and return home for the night.
-Rumormonger-offers to sell info-
“Hey there,” A woman calls out to me from the porch of her home where she sits rocking a young child, “Just come from Tesler’s?”
“No, but do you often sit out here at night? I’ve not seen you before,” I note.
“I’ve seen you,” she smirks, “Come home at dusk usually, down through the Quarry Gate then you head down Tanner Lane. Live down that way?”
I nod, “So…you know Haggi then? The beggar by the quarry gate?”
Q: Does Haggi stay with her? Unlikely Q: Does Haggi have a place still? 50/50 Exceptional Yes
“What do you want with Haggi?” she raises an eyebrow.
-Persuasion 20, vs Betris’ Insight 17-
“I saw her bowl by the gate, but she wasn’t there. She wouldn’t just leave her bowl there,” I shrug, “I’m worried.”
The woman stops rocking for a bit, regarding me intently, then she resumes rocking in her chair, “She lives on Stone Haul, one of the thatched huts.” Then she smirks, “You give her a coin every time you pass. Share the wealth?” she asks, holding out her hand.
-Persuasion 22-
“Walk me to her place, and I will,” I smirk in return.
Q: Does she have a roommate? Likely No
The woman considers, then gets up, opens the door to her home, “Get up Oliver, come along son,” she says, as she steps inside for a moment. Soon she comes out leading a four year old boy by his hand, the child is sleepy.
I then walk with her, but pause outside the boarding house, “I need to get something, did you see Haggi at all today?” I ask as I lead her inside.
Q: Did she see Haggi at all? Unlikely Yes
“I did, but she wasn’t out for long. Coughing fits,” she laments. “You live here? At Dorak’s?”
Q: Are people still in the dining room? Unlikely Exceptional Yes!
“Yes,” I admit, opening the door to see everyone still eating dinner. “Oh, hey! I am here to pick up fetch my dinner and maybe an extra roll or two if we have anything.” Then glancing back at my companion, “This is…”
-Insight 18, vs Defris Deception 11-
“Betris. My name is Betris,” the woman says, receiving greetings from most everyone in the room, but I notice Defris glances away, and Betris’ face falls on seeing him. On seeing the stew made for dinner, I decide to leave it as I have no extra pot to carry it in, but take a couple of loaves and some apples instead. Then leave with Betris.
-Persuasion 16-Insight 10-
Outside, I ask her, “You know Defris, don’t you?”
-Betris Deception 22-
“I know everyone in the quarry,” Betris replies with a laugh, betraying no hint of fear or awareness of his true nature.
-Encounter-chuckhole-
As we walk, I step into yet another chuckhole! I shake my head and laugh at myself once more, and Betris and her son laugh to. “You’ll twist your ankle that way.”
“I know! But I am not used to watching my step like this,” I lament.
“From a place with even streets then?” Betris asks.
“Plowstump certainly didn’t have cobblestone roads with holes in them. Just dirt and wheel ruts,” I laugh.
Soon, she has led me to a thatched hut, greeting a few people along the way, women sitting on their porches rocking newborns, or old men sharing a pipe with their neighbors under the fading moonlight.
“I…shouldn’t wake them,” I hesitate.
“Well, you are the one who wanted to come here at this late hour,” she smirks, holding out a hand. I pass her a tenpiece, and the boy an apple. “A pleasure” she laughs, walking back home.
-Perception 20 (using the cat familiar advantage)-Q: Is Haggi still awake and coughing? Likely Exceptional No Q: Snoring? Likely Q: Deathly silent? 50/50 Yes Q: Does anyone answer? Likely Q: Is it Haggi? Likely Yes
I listen at the door for a moment, and hear nothing. Even after shifting to Princeling’s ears for the moment, so I knock on the door.
Q: Is she mad? Likely Yes
“What are you doing?” Haggi exclaims with a cough as she flings open the door.
-Persuasion 24-
I stand on the porch, ashamed and a little embarrassed, “I was worried, that’s all.” I hold out the loaves of bread.
She blinks in surprise, then her usual stoneface returns, “Talia. Please. Come in,” she gestures for me to enter her small home. It is nearly pitch black as very little light comes in through the window on a night like this, and there is no lamp, or more likely, no oil if there was one.
“I saw your bowl at the gate, but you weren’t there. I looked for a lean to against the walls, then I met Betris and she told me where to find you,” I explain. “Are you unwell?”
“Stonelung,” Haggi replies. “Sometimes, I just can’t stand to be outside, breathing that dust anymore, so I came back home,” she coughs.
I nod, “How long?”
“A year now. Got it after I tried to dig my husband out of a landslide. Breathed in too much of the glassrock he was digging up. The men wear masks, but I…I was in a panic. Not thinking…I couldn’t save him. And I’ve orphaned my girls. They just don’t know it yet,” she laments.
“Have you a candle?” I ask, “I want to examine you, if I can.”
Haggi reaches for an old half melted candle on a table by the bed where she and her children sleep, and starts fiddling with the flint and steel, but I take the candle from her, pass my hand across the wick, lighting it with a word, “Ign.”
Q: Is she afraid? Very Unlikely No
Her eyes flick from the flame and then up to me, “How did you do that?”
-Persuasion 16 (rolled with advantage after revealing I have elven magic)-
“Elven magic. Don’t tell anyone. Let me examine you,” I nod for her to disrobe so I can listen to her chest.
-Medicine 23-
Haggi takes off her tunic and night robe and I press my ear against her chest, “Take slow, deep breaths,” I instruct her. Pulling away, I sigh, “Get dressed.”
“How long do you think I have?” Haggi asks.
-Persuasion 11 (rolled with advantage as she desperately does not want to die), success for a taks with no risk or sacrifice-
“A lifetime,” I smile sadly as I pull a pouch from the medicine bag into which I had tucked her bowl. I set her bowl on the table and walk over to her fireplace, starting a flame to light it. “Have you and empty pot and some water?” I ask, and she nods. I let the water boil, then pour the contents of the ouch into it.
“What are you making?” she asks.
“Elvenwood tea,” I reply, “The leaves, coated in the sap can sometimes…work wonders if Freia allows it. But the tree is very rare in this region, and the sap nearly impossible to come by. But I came across such a tree a short time ago in my travels. I was able to make two teabags from it. This is the second one.” I pour the tea into the cup from her bedstand. “Drink this.”
(Con save passes when I use my spark to let her reroll)
She gingerly reaches out to take the vial, and brings it to her lips. With tears in her eyes, she drinks it. She coughs hard, twice, and spits out a huge glob of pleghm. Dust and stoneglass sparkle amidst the bloody mucous. She stares at it on the floor. Princeling sticks his nose in it. “Get away, stupid cat,” I nudge him away with my foot, but he hisses and scratches at me. “Twit!”
Haggi laughs, then looks at me in shock, “That…didn’t hurt.” She coughs lightly.
-Persuasion 22-
I smile at her, “You need some rest.” I then mutter the word “Porus”, and the mucous glob slowly vanishes from the floor, leaving it clean once more. “Tell nobody of this.” I beg her, “For I cannot work miracles, and I wish none to learn I possess magic.”
“I swear it,” Haggi replies.
With that, I get up and return home.
-Encounter-Drunk and rowdy townsperson-
Along the way home, I pass by a couple of men drunkenly staggering down the street engaged in some deep conversation that neither will likely remember in he morning. Giving them a wide berth, I return home, and going upstairs, find cold stew waiting for me on our work bench.
“You certainly took your time getting home,” yawns Eveline. “I was worried you might have forgotten me.”
“Never,” I smile, lighting our lamp and eating the cold stew. “I bet this was good a couple of hours ago.”
“Yes,” Eveline yawns, “Mini is a good cook. I take it you found Haggi?”
I nod, “Yes. She was dying. Slowly, but surely.”
“Was dying?” Eveline asks.
“Yes. I had it within my means to prevent that,” I respond softly, “So…I did.”
“The Blue Leaf?” Eveline raises an eyebrow.
Q: Is she upset? Very Unlikely Yes
I nod, “Yes, I used it for her.”
“That could have saved one of us! Do you understand what you’ve done?” Eveline protests.
-Persuasion 12-
“Gave two children their mother back,” I reply softly. “At risk to ourselves, we may have saved two innocents. Is that not worth it?”
Q: Does she cede the point? Likely No
“No. People live and die all the time. We can’t save them all, but you and I…we can save each other! But not without the tools. That was too valuable to surrender for…a stranger!” Eveline protests.
“Well, I disagree,” I set my bowl town and walk over to her, sitting beside her in bed. I lean in to kiss her.
Does she accept it? 50/50 No
She pushes me away, “You can’t just charm your way out of this. Admit you were wrong!”
“I don’t think I was,” I protest. “She needed help. I possessed the means to help. So I helped.”
“But you don’t even seem to grasp the potential cost!” Eveline insists.
-Persuasion 8-
“I may have cost one of us our lives! I get that. And I pray to the goddess that if it comes to that, it is my life that is forfeit, not yours!” I retort. “Don’t you understand? I cannot let someone die while I have the means in my hands to prevent it! She’s not a soldier choosing to fight. A quarryman in a risky job. She’s just…a mother…with two children so young they cannot possible fend for themselves. And I can’t let that happen. Not when there is a chance to save them!”
Eveline throws up her hands, “Sometimes you are just impossible!”
“Yeah, and you aren’t?” I retort, then pin her down onto the bed, “Now take your medicine lest something bad happen overnight!” I warn her and press my lips to hers.
Q: Does she yield? Yes Exceptional No
She throws me off her, “Not tonight!” and she gets up and storms out of the room.
I chase after her, “Casia!”
Q: Do others wake? Likely Exceptional No
I follow her downstairs where she is sulking in the dining hall, “Leave me alone,” Eveline warns.
“Alright. But know this. I love you more than life itself.
Q: Does she respond in kind? 50/50 (Relationship test DC 10, both pass)
“Goodnight,” she says. Deflated, I retire to our room, and lay down. Princeling lays across my chest.
-30th, Great Harvest-
-Warm, Clear Skies, Gentle Breeze-
-Immersion-NPC bites my lip-
-Seepage 1 on d8-(no action yesterday, rolled an 8, no seepage) (Romance status is 3 each, Enamored still)
Q: Did Eveline come back to bed? Likely No (so let’s add to Chaos, that was a bad scene!)
Ep 15: Scene 11: Great Harvest 30th (Expected Scene)
Chaos Factor: 5
I wake to Warren licking my face, laying where Eveline normally does, his teeth brushing against my lips and his breath strong enough to wake the dead! “Ugh! Get away, dog,” I push him aside and he joyfully bounds to the floor, wagging his tail, while Princeling regards us both with disdain from his perch on the workbench.
Sighing, I get up and dress, then head downstairs to look for Eveline.
Q: Is Eveline downstairs at breakfast? Likely Yes Q: Are other people there? Likely (Roll d6, get a 5…that’d be everyone) (Topic-Enemy, generate something from hill country)
“I heard there are bandits up in the hill country. Robbing and murdering prospectors,” Gavin worries.
“Well, wander up there in the wilds, alone, lucky if it’s dangerous men that find you. Not some ogre that’s crush your skull and split your bones,” Ivor notes.
“Best advice if someone corners you in an alley is just hand’em your purse without a fight!” Dorak notes.
Q: Does Defris comment? Unlikely
“You lot are a bunch of cowards,” Mini laughs, “Gotta rap’em upside the heads and show’em who’s boss!”
“Right!” Gavin laughs, “Not outnumbered by men with spears and murder in their eyes!”
“Mark my words, Dorak as the right idea. Give’em what they want, and just walk away,” Ivor agrees.
Q: Does Eveline contribute? 50/50 Yes Q: Aggressive? 50/50 Yes
Eveline interjects, “I’d make ’em pay. With men, it’s easy. They just want your coin. With women, well…I’d rather go down fighting than give ‘up.”
Q: Does she ask my support? 50/50 Exceptional No
I take my plate and sit beside her, but she nudges her chair away. She’s clearly still angry.
“What about you, Talia? What would you do?” Gavin asks. I notice Defris raise his eyebrow.
“I’m with my sister,” I reply, “I won’t go down without a fight.”
“Damn straight!” Mini cheers, “Better men than you lot!” she laughs.
“You really think you could take someone?” Gavin asks incredulously.
“Most bandits and thieves are cowards, looking for easy prey. Make it clear you’re more trouble than you’re worth, and the smart ones move on,” I reply.
“And the dumb ones?” Ivor asks.
Q: Does this amuse Defris? Likely Yes Q: Did he overhear our argument last night? Unlikely Yes
“Die young,” I reply. Defris chuckles.
“What? I think she’s got something there,” Dorak questions Defris.
Defris shrugs, “The sisters certainly have enough fight in them,” he agrees, then gets up, “To work. See you all this evening.”
I watch as he leaves, then turn to Eveline, “Casia, we need to talk.”
Q: Does she agree? 50/50 Yes
“Yes. We do,” she agrees, then heads upstairs. I follow her and we collect our satchels.
“I’m sorry,” I say, “Not that I helped Haggi, but that I didn’t talk it over with you first. Ask your opinion, consider more fully your point of view. You should have been part of the decision.”
“What if I objected? Would it matter?” Eveline fixes me with her gaze.
-Persuasion 18-
“I don’t know. I hope so, but I don’t know,” I sigh. “I think I did the right thing.” I shrug. “Can you forgive me?”
Q: Does she forgive me? Very Likely Yes (I would not have rolled at all had I rolled a 20 on persuasion)
Eveline softens a little, then shrugs, “Well…I guess that’s the best I can hope for. It’s not like I don’t know my own sister. Your questionable judgement and compassion are…kind of why we’re together.” I open my arms, and we embrace.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper as I kiss her ear.
“I know,” she replies, kissing me in return.
Then we collect our satchels and head back outside to start our day.
-Encounter-A group of children bullying another child-
Heading out, we come across a gang of five little boys harassing a girl about their same age, “Go away, you can’t play!” they tease.
“Well? Are you going to stick your nose in this business as well?” Eveline sighs.
“No. I don’t have a switch on me,” I shake my head, and we carry on.
“Finally! Someone you aren’t trying to save,” Eveline laughs. I glance back at the children and shake my head, then we head out the gate through the village and into the pastures where we split up once more-.
-Gather Rolls, both succeed, another day of supplies gathered-Encounter-Mosquitoes, and prairie dog tracks- Afternoon rolls, both succeed, so a second day of supplies gathered, plus some darkwater algae, and Eveline encounters a local patrol (generate leaders, and this is funny!), while Eveline spots wild cattle-
Once more, I end up having to use mosquito balm to keep the pests away while Princeling and I are gathering roots, leaves and buds. After lunch, I continue my efforts, pushing further into a boggy area and recovring some darkwater algae. Then once again, I notice a group of soldiers passing nearby. I wave, and the mounted leader halts his company and heads my way.
-Immersion-see somethign brightly colored above me (that makes sense)-
Ep 15: Scene 13: The Bog in the Pasture (30th) -Expected Scene-
Chaos Factor: 5
The squadron of soldiers approaches, and I recognize the colorful banner on the leader’s lance tip as Sir Karig’s! My eyes meet his as he draws close. I drop to one knee…in the bog, embarassingly enough. Several of the soldiers chuckle at this.
-Perception 5, I don’t notice the sergeant from the other day-
Q: Is Sir Karig happy to see me? Likely Yes
Sir Karig teases, “There’s my missing good luck charm! Talia…Evenbough. I did not see you at my second match, and was so distracted by your absence, I lost.”
“Forgive me, milord,” I blush, “I was compelled to gather from the wilds in order to sustain my livelihood.”
Q: Did he see the incident with Lord Callum and Sir Dallian? Unlikely Yes
“Truly? Or did those men from Farhold trouble you the day before?” Sir Karig asks in a serious tone.
-Deception 22-
I sigh in resignation, “Milord. Those two men….lords…knights…they must have mistaken me for someone else. One even suggested I might be a witch of all things.”
Q: Does Candrill recall the book and the wand? 50/50 Yes
“Milord,” the sergeant interjects, and suddenly I recognize the man. “This one carries a wand and a strange book in her satchel, along with her herbs.”
Q: Does Sir Karig press the issue? Likely Yes
“Sergeant Candril says you carry a wand. And a book? Is this true?” Sir Karig raises an eyebrow.
-Deception 12 vs Karig’s insight 21, my insight comes up 6-
“A carved stirring stick, a gift from a friend,” I explain, pulling out the wand, “And a recipe book” I open the satchel. “Do you wish to see them?” I offer, climbing out of the bog towards him.
-Karig rolls a 9 for Arcane, I don’t think he knows what he’s looking at- Q: Is he going to take them from me? 50/50 No
He climbs down from his horse, and takes the wand from my hand, turning it over, then opens the book. “I…don’t know,” he admits. He glances back at the sergeant, then at me once more. “Are you a witch?”
-Persuasion 6-
I take a slow breath and ask, “Are you a friend?”
“I asked you a question,” Sir Karig repeats.
-Persuasion 20-
I stand proud, and confess, “I practice elven magic. I am bound to none but can weave words arcane when I must. I cause no harm to your land, your lord, or his people.”
Q: Does Karig let me go? Very Likely (from the 20, I can’t give Nearly Certain, he’s too noble for that)-Yes
“A witch?” he chuckles, “But not a dangerous one? Somehow, I believe you. So, were those men right about you?”
-Deception 18 vs his insight 11-
“Well, about the witch part, yes,” I admit, leaving off that they were right about the other part as well.
“Well…that’s…something. I will have to let my lord know that Talia Evenbough is…a witch. And what about your sister?” He raises an eyebrow.
I smile, “Yes, she is as I, and neither will cause harm.” I bow, “Milord.”
Q: Are they fearful? 50/50 No
He nods, then steps back to his horse, mounting back up, “Carry on,” he commands, and the company continues its patrol. The men now regarding me not with laughter but with…curiosity it seems. I smile, and nod to them as they pass by, before abandoning my work to join Eveline and tell her of the incident.
–
“Casia! Casia!” I call out as I approach.
“What’s wrong?” she asks.
“So…Sir Karig and that sergeant who searched me the other day were on patrol together, and Sir Karig asked about Lord Callum and Sir Dallian interrogating me. I let slip that they accused me of witchcraft. That’s when the sergeant told him about finding my wand and spellbook. Sir Karstag asked if I was a witch and…I admitted it,” I blurt out.
“What? What…and…you’re still free?” Eveline stammers in disbelief.
I nod excitedly, “Right! He…let me go. The men didn’t seem afraid, they were just…curious. So…they know that you and I are witches. They’ll tell Baron Pond, and…well, he already knew, but now he has an excuse to know. So…” I smile, “We don’t have to be as careful now. Careful, yes, but it will be known that we are…sanctioned.”
Q: Is Eveline relieved? Vey Likely Yes
Eveline starts to giggle, “Remind me never to run away with you, assume a new identity and try to conceal the fact that I’m a witch. You are horrible at keeping secrets!”
“I know!” I laugh, “Never been good at it!” Then we continue gathering, working close together, laughing about our good fortune, the pressure of the last few weeks finally starting to let up. As we work, we spot some wild cattle in the pasture. We pause and study the animals carefully from a distance, looking for orc markings or herdsmen, but seeing none, we continue our work.
—
Q: Are we stopped at the gate? Very Unlikely No (Encounter-Town Watch, generate members) Persuasion 24-
We return to Oldenstone and head back down towards the quarry district as people are heading home from work. While nearly half of the general labor lives in the district, the masons and many senior laborers live in the low district, or even the ledge. It is in this traffic that I am bumped by a member of the town watch. I glance at the man, pale, and sinister looking, “My apologies, master.”
“Think nothing of it,” he replies, then he and his comrade continue on their way.
–
Q: Is Haggi at the gate? 50/50 (d6, takes 2 days to fully heal, so, tomorrow!)
Approaching the Quarry gate I spot Haggi and her children, still sitting there begging. “It is good to see you up and about,” I smile as I place a tenpiece in her bowl.
Q: Is she grateful? Nearly Certain Yes
She put her hand on the coin, then hesitates, and looks up at me, “You’ve…given more than anyone should.” The older child looks between her mom and I in confusion. I smile, and then continue on my way.
“That’s…it?” Eveline asks in confusion.
I nod, smiling “That’s it.”
“She’s still begging,” Eveline throws up her hands.
“Hopefully for a few weeks longer, before she takes other work, so there are no whispers of sudden recovery and none tied to me. Perhaps she lies better than I do,” I shrug with a teasing smile.
Q: Does Eveline finally get it? Likely No
“You’re incorrigible,” Eveline shakes her head
–
Q: Are the boarders there for dinner? Likely Exceptional No Q: Tavern crawl? Likely Yes (roll which one)
Arriving home, only Mini is there, she has food waiting for us. “Where is everyone?” I ask.
“Sorrow’s Moon,” Mini replies.
“Why?” Eveline asks, wrinkling her nose, “Sounds boring!”
“It is!” Mini agrees, “It’s where people go to drink all night or wallow in misery. I mean, at least go to the Gluttonous Gorgon if you don’t want to go all the way to Prankster. But not the Moon!”
“Hey! Want to come with us?” Eveline urges, “Mini and I are going to the Princely Prankster!” she winks at the housekeeper, who is already grinning in excitement.
As much as I just want to stay home and enjoy the quiet, I relent. Eveline and I go upstairs and change clothes, joining Mini downstairs and following her up to the White District as our guide.
-No Encounter on the Way-
-Immersion-Music (duh!)
Ep 15: Scene 14: The Princely Prankster (30th)
Chaos Factor: 5
-Altered, reduced in scope or intensity-
Arriving at the Princely Prankster, I follow Eveline and Mini inside and my senses are immediately assaulted by the sound of music. Though the place seems to have space cleared for dancing, everyone sits at table, enjoying each other’s company, or their ale. A thick bodied wench weaves her way between tables, while a well dressed man serves at the bar. A colorful bird sits on a perch behind him, echoing the names of drinks as patrons order them. A parrot?
“I thought it would be wilder than this,” I observe.
-Persuasions 17 and 6, Eveline gets some people up off their chairs!-
“Well, I’m here now,” Mini laughs, and pulling Eveline along with her, the two women are soon in the center of the dance floor, Mini whipping up the crowd and Eveline joining forces with her to start dragging men from their drinks as the musicians pick up the tempo. I wander over to the bar. Glancing back over my shoulder, I see Mini pulling two of the men Eveline roused from their chairs after her and onto the dance floor, so now they each have two or three men to dance with and…tease.
“A pint,” I shrug at the barkeep.
“A friend of Mini’s?” the Prince asks.
“Talia Evenbough. That’s my sister, Casia,” I explain, nodding towards Eveline.
Q: Does he recognize me? Unlikely No
“She’s a wild one, that girl. Are you?” he asks.
“Hardly,” I laugh. “So, the Princely Prankster? I’ve not heard that princes were known for their pranks.”
“Ah, then you know nothing of the great courts of the west!” he grins.
“Pray tell,” I shrug.
Q: Does he shoot the breeze? 50/50 Yes
“Once upon a time, in the distant land of Northgard, there was a handsome young prince named Pavel,” he points to himself, “and this prince was called a wastrel and fop for all he enjoyed was wine, women and song. And for that he was never trusted at all, and scarcely was welcomed at princeliest halls. Yet he know that those whose blood’s cold and blue, could warm up and take on a redlier hue! So he snuck into his majesty’s ball, secreting minstrels and acrobats all. Unleased a reverie never fore seen, so great it was that his mother did scream! Yet father outraged soon cast him aside, made him flee for his life, or at least for his hide! So he sailed for west, from home got away, and game to a land where he could just play! And now he is here and spreading good cheer, now refill your tankard once more, my dear!” He finishes up, topping off my ale.
“Princeliest? Redlier? You certainly know how to mutilate a word or two,” I laugh.
“What about you, Talia Evenbough?” he winks.
-Deception 12 vs Insight 17-
“Just a couple of girls from Plowstump. Wandering the land, selling herbs like our mother once did, now setting up shop here in Oldenstone,” I shrug. “No great kings angry at us for ruining their parties.”
He raises an eyebrow, but his smile does not fade, “No…there’s more to you than that.”
-Persuasion 21- (taproom event)
“Women are mysterious creatures then, are we not?” I ask with a wink.
He laughs, and allows me to keep my secrets as we continue to chat while he pours out more ale for other patrons who come and go.
Suddenly, a bird flutters down from the chimney, and flying around inside the tavern, it scatters soot about to the amusement and consternation of everyone in the place. The tavern wench grabs a broom and chases it out as a patron holds open the door. “Dumb bird! Dumb bird!” the parrot caws as people laugh and the festivities continue.
Q: Does anyone approach me? 50/50 No
After several hours, the place begins to wind down, and I walk home with my companions, both exhausted from dancing and half drunk from ale. I am still quite sober, having spent my evening in conversation with Pavel, who I am quite certain may actually be a prince, of sorts. The son of some major lord in the east, though I did not press for his family name, nor did he offer it.
-No nighttime encounter-
We arrive home with no incident, and I help Eveline up to our room while Mini retires to hers. Then I help Eveline undress, and provide her the relief she denied herself last night, though, perhaps she drank enough not to need it after all.
–
-31st, Great Harvest-
-Warm, clear skies, steady winds-
-Immersion-Feel the curves of an NPC (kinky!)-
-Seepage 1 on d8-(no action yesterday, rolled an 8, no seepage) (Romance status is 3 each, Enamored still)
(Generate 2d4-2 new friends for Eveline that she’s met at the Princely Prankster during her two visits, and there is a very libertine thread that keeps cropping up in their character descriptions, no wonder she clicked with them!)
Q: Did Callum and Dallian report their encounter with me to Baron Faust on the 28th? Very Unlikely-Yes (Craptastic!)
Q: Does the baron send someone to retrieve me? Likely Yes
Q: Doe he send Mical? Likely Yes (Arrives on Threshing 1st)
Ep 15: Scene 15: Great Harvest 31st (as expected)
Chaos Factor: 5
Laying beside Eveline in the morning light, I cannot help but caress the curve of her cheek. Slowly, she wakes. “What?”
“You’re so beautiful,” I smile softly, then kiss her as she breaks into a grin.
Q: Does she return the compliment? Likely No
“Thanks!,” she beams, then yawns, “Let’s get dressed. We’ve got work to do, as you are so fond of reminding me.”
-Persuasion 6-
“You don’t want to…linger?” I kiss her again.
“Now who’s being irresponsible?” she laughs getting up from the bed and starting to dress.
I pout for a moment, then sigh and follow her good example. Soon we are dressed and downstairs.
Q: Anything of interest at breakfast? 50/50 Yes Q: Are the other boarders here? 50/50 Q: Did they come back last night? Likely Q: All sleeping in? Likely No
Going downstairs, Mini smirks, “Sleepy heads. Everyone else has already gone for the day. Did you have fun last night, Talia? I don’t think you left the bar even once.”
“Pavel is a fascinating man, what can I say?” I shrug.
-Mini Persuasion 19-
Turning to Eveline, Mini says with a wink, “Reignold stopped by this morning, and asked if we might like to…” she glances at me then back at Eveline, “come see something at his place that he thinks we might both enjoy.”
“He’s that stone mason, right? He’s like…twice our age?” Eveline considers, then catching a subtle hint from Mini, bites her lip and nods, “Sure, I’ll go with.”
“Casia?” I raise an eyebrow.
“You wouldn’t enjoy it” Eveline says at the same moment Mini points out I’m not invited.
-Insight 6-
“Oh! Oh? Why not?” I ask.
Mini laughs, and Casia gets a devilish look in her eyes, “Because my sister is a very good girl. Sweet and innocent!”
“Sweet? Bah!” Mini laughs. “Innocent? I’d say prudish.”
Q: Does Eveline defend me? 50/50 Yes
“Hey! Don’t talk about Talia that way. She’s not a prude. She’s just not as…adventuresome, lets say,” then she smiles at me, “But you might not wait up for us tonight.”
“Oh,” I suddenly realize what they intend. “Well…have a good time then,” I sigh, returning to my breakfast.
After breakfast, we gather our gear and then Warren and Princeling follow us out of the city.
-No encounter exiting city-
After passing through the village, I ask, “So you and Mini plan on what…seducing this man or something? Letting him seduce you?”
Eveline shrugs, “Sure. Seems like he’d be fun. Mini says he is.”
“What about you and I?” I turn to Eveline and ask point blank.
Q: Does she say she loves me? 50/50 Q: Does she tell me the truth? Very Likely Yes
She stops, “What about us? We are still the same. I love you…Talia. But, you know this won’t last forever. Love never does. And when you go back to your family, marry, and lie warm in bed beside your wedded husband. I won’t be left cold and alone. Nor should I cling to some dream of the two of us that will never come true and can never come true. Instead…I’ll enjoy life as it comes. My time with you, and…my times with others.”
-Persuasion? 5 anyway-
I close my eyes, saddened by her words. “I…will never leave you behind, or unloved. But what you say,” I shrug, “Maybe you’re right. I don’t know. I cannot divine the future. If you need this…go do it. I…won’t hold you back.” I sigh.
-Eveline Insight (disadvantage due to enamored)-4-
She steps forward and kisses my forehead,”Thank you. I knew you would understand.” Then she steps back with a smile, “Let’s go! Daylight’s burning!”
She nearly skips ahead while I follow more slowly, Warren rubs up against my leg briefly before Eveline calls to him and he bounds after her. I glance at Princeling, who immediately looks away, “Some help you are!”
-Morning Forage and Encounters- Both succeed in their checks, 1 day of market goods added, encounters are a stream and a hamlet-
-Afternoon Forage and Encounters-both succeed, and Eveline finds another blue tree-burrows, rabbit holes, abandoned birds nests-
We forage throughout the morning and afternoon. I follow a shallow stream for much of the day, spotting plants and animal tracks, harvesting what’s worth taking and marking the rest in my mind for the future. As the day grows long, I seek out Eveline, and passing a small hamlet that lay between us, I find her some distance away at the edge of a small grove of trees. “Found another one!” she beams holding three vials, which I take to mean blue leaf sap. “let’s go home and…not waste this!”
“It wasn’t a waste,” I sigh.
“Agree to disagree?” she laughs.
“Agreed,” I relent as I shoulder my bag and return home.
Q: Stopped at the gate? Very Unlikely No, -Street Encounter-Peasants chasing a con man-
We pass through the village and then the town gate, and as we head towards the quarry gate, there is a shout, “Stop that man!” as a man runs past us, pursued by half a dozen others. Eveline and I both step aside, she holding back Warren who wants to join the chase, and me scooping up Princeling lest he be trampled. We then continue on towards the Quarry Gate
Q: Is Haggi there? 50/50 Exceptional Yes Q: Is Haggi taking regular work once more? 50/50 No Q: Is she leaving? Very Likely No Q: Is she embarassed? Unlikely Exceptional Yes
Approaching the gate, we see Haggi begging as usual, but when she spots me, she cast her eyes down, almost in shame. “How do you feel, Haggi?”
She looks up at me, pain in her eyes, “Never better, but now what? If I do not beg, people believe I lied this last year. And if I work the laundry, who watches my children?”
Eveline scoffs, “See? Wasted. You helped no one!”
-Intimidate 11-
My eyes flash with anger, “You don’t understand! Go…go see Reignold! Go with Mini! Go have your fun! I’ll deal with this!”
Q: Does she apologize? 50/50 Yes
“Hey…I’m sorry,” Eveline backs down. “I was out of line,” she glances at Haggi, pain in both of there eyes, then looks at me, “You did give the girls their mother back. And…I’m sorry I said it was a waste. Some things…some things can’t be fixed like magic. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth trying,” she puts her hand on my shoulder, “I’m sorry.”
I take her hand in mine, and smile, anger softened to tears, “It’s okay. Let’s go home,” I suggest, then look down at Haggi, and drop a coin in her bowl, “Do what you must. I won’t cast judgement, for I don’t know what I would do either.”
—
Q: Are Boarders there for dinner? Likely Yes (d6=2 (plus Mini is a freebie)
Arriving home, Dorak and Ivor are sitting at table eating bowls of stew. There is an older man there as well chatting with Mini, they both look up at Eveline when we enter, “Talia! It is good to see you,” the man exclaims as Talia greets him with a smile.
“Reignold! I will be ready to go in a few minutes,” she says bounding upstairs. I follow up with her. She hands me her satchel to unload and immediately starts changing clothes.
“Rosepaste lotion? Mint leaf?” I suggest to her. She grins and applies the lotion then tucks the mint away for after dinner. “I won’t wait up, you know.”
She smiles, “I know. Enjoy a quiet, peaceful night without me. I’m sure you miss the quiet.”
-Eveline perception 9-she misses it- Q: Are the men still around? Unlikely Yes
“No…not really,” I whisper to myself. I put the herbs up for drying, then take the tree sap and my tools downstairs. Setting them on the table while I eat my soup. Eveline and Mini are long gone by the time I go downstairs for my…not quite warm anymore stew.
-Dorak Insight 9, and Ivor doesn’t like me so he’s not going to check-Topic, Wealth-
“So my father is high up in the guild, and that’s how I was able to afford this place,” Dorak explains to Ivor. “After the accident, I needed another livelihood, so he suggested I open a boarding house. Full up, I can make ends meet, but it’s the alehouse that allows me to afford a few of the finer things in life.”
Ivor nods, “Quarry work is a dead end anyway, unless you are guild trained as a mason. Most of these lads, they’re just muscle. May as well hire mules, or orcish…slaves if they would actually call them that. Worked hard, then cast aside once broken. A brutal life.”
“But you have other earnings besides the quarry, don’t you?” I ask him directly.
Q: Is he in a boastful mood? Unlikely Yes
“Yeah, and I won’t be here much longer. Just fattening my purse before I move to greener pastures, but it’s not like you and your sister are honest women. What’s the real story about those guards that arrested you the other day, and brought you back? Do you work for the Baron now or something?” Ivor sneers.
Q: Does Dorak leave? Very Likely Yes
“Do you work for Defris? Give him a cut?” I smirk. Dorak immediately gets up and heads down to his ale cellar.
-Ivor Deception 14, My insight 13-
“What?” Ivor asks in apparent confusion, “I’m my own man, and I don’t need partners. Though, if you and Casia were to help me out, I could make a lot more money a lot faster, but Casia said you wouldn’t think of it and not to bother asking. Where is your sister anyway? Maybe you should have gone with her and learned how to have fun? Or I could show you?”
I give a sigh of disgust as I get up from the table, “Not a chance.”
I head into the kitchen and start setting up.
Q: Does Ivor follow? Very Unlikely Exceptional Yes
“I thought you only had the kitchen on Dames Day? That’s what Mini told me,” Ivor smirks.
“If you are going to be in here with me, be useful and fill that pot with water,” I reply giving him sideeye.
Q: Does he help? Likely Yes
“Here you go,” he replies, setting it down over the slowly growing flames. I set up the double boiler. “What’s that?” he asks.
“Blue Tree sap,” I reply.
“What’s it for?” he asks, intrigued.
“Perhaps…saving a life, if I don’t scorch it. You’ll help, right?” I ask.
Fascinated, he agrees and helps set out the three vials as I stir in the other ingredients, explaining each step as I go.
-As Ivor has Herbalism as well, rolling with advantage, all three doses succeed-Persuasion 23-
As the brew cools after boiling, it produces a rich blue liquid that we quickly pour into the three vials before any of it has a chance to scorch. I smile up at Ivor, eyes alight, when I am done, “Thank you! You were…magnificent!”
“What? Really?” Ivor stammers.
“Yes, really. You have some real skill. I just wish you would sell Fey Kiss instead of Fey Wander. Don’t sell people lies and madness, when all they need is help from their aches and pains,” I sigh, “but it’s your decision to make. And this is mine,” I extend one of the vials to him, “Blue leaf cure all. It can end any disease, and often…undo its effects. Stone lung. Leprosy. Use it wisely. It’s hard to craft, and even harder to find the ingredients.”
“This must be worth a fortune, and…you’re just giving it to me?” Ivor asks skeptically.
I nod, “Usually I burn more than I make. I was hoping for one good dose, you helped me brew up all three. Giving you one, I still have twice what I dared hope for. Friends?” I offer my hand.
Q: Friends? Very Likely Yes
“Friends,” he clasps my hand in his. We smile, and then clean up. I then retire to my room for the night, writing in my journal and studying my spellbook by lamplight until I grow tired, blowing out the lamp, and hoping that Eveline is finding whatever it is that she needs and cannot find in me.
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