Episode 4:
-Immersion-Gritty feel on an NPC- Q: Is it crowded? Very Unlikely Yes Q: Is lodging available? Likely No
Ep 4: Scene 15: Good Road (Threshing 6th)
Chaos Factor: 4
After boarding my horse, I enter the Hungry Ettin Inn, but the tapproom is surprisingly full and asking the bartender, I learn there is no loding available right now either. I shrug, and sit down for a meal, disgusted by the grit and grime on my skin, having been sleeping on dirt lately, and knowing I’ll need to speak at court tomorrow. I try to put it out of my mind as I drink from a tankard of ale.
-Taproom event-Adventurer’s recruiting-Tiebalt persuasion 15-
While I eat, I notice a pair of half orcs and a woman, all well armed. The woman and one of the half orcs wearing mail. The other in studded leather like myself, talking to several farm lads, “Look, it’s easy money. You come along, bring your levy spears. We’ll provide shields and supplies. You watch the camp, help us out if we get ambushed on the road. We go in, explore the site. You get a share of the plunder. Low risk. High reward,” the mailed half orc explains.
Two of the lads are nodding along, a third shakes his head, but mailed woman smiles as she works out details and shares with the two recruits.
Q: Is Helena enamored of Franc? Likely No
The other half orc is chatting up the tavern wench who should be refilling my tankard, but she rolls her eyes and slips away, eventually coming my way once more. “Do they do that often? Recruit here?” I ask.
Q: Do they recruit often? Unlikely Yes (random event, current event, innocent increase)
“Yes, they come around every season, try to hire a few men to replace those that split off, quit or,” she draws a finger across her neck. Thankfully, most lads get their fill and come home after a single expedition” she chats as the ale she is pouring into my tankard slowly overfills and spills onto the table. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” she exclaims as I jump back from the bench as ale pours down onto my lap.
“It’s alright,” I exclaim as she starts trying to pat me down with her apron.
Giggling and looking up at me, “I’m so clumsy sometimes!”
“Please, it’s nothing. Is there…can a bath be arranged? I know you are full up,” I ask.
She giggles, “You’re felt up! Oh, sorry!” She blushes.
“A bath?” I insist.
“Oh, um…yes. Out back. I’ll have a kitchen lad warm up some water and get it ready. Sorry?” she grimaces.
“It’s alright,” I sigh, then finish my meal while she cleans up the bench. I then head out back where a kitchen boy is pouring steaming water into the tub. As soon as he is done, I strip down, and wash myself.
Afterwards, I dress, pull my blade from its scabbard, and…realize I lost my whetstone. So I place it back in the scabbard, purchase a couple of rolls from the tavern, and a bottle of wine, then go back to the stables to retrieve my horse even as the sun sets. I lead it out towards the gate.
Q: Does the guard stop me as I leave? Likely No
“Leaving? At this hour?” the guard asks as he opens the gate for me.
“Inn’s full. I’ll pitch my tent in those woods instead. Not the village square. I can sleep in without worry of being in anyone’s way,” I explain.
The guard nods, “Must be nice.” I laugh, and lead the horse out, and into the woods, slowly making my way to where Giselle’s lean to is hidden.
“Giselle!” I call out, not too loud, but enough to perhaps wake her.
Q: Does she wake? 50/50 No
I spot her, laying still in her lean to, and old blanket draped across her. I carefully approach, and set the bread down near her, along with the silver Freian pendant I bought her. Then I set up my tent, some thirty feet way, tether the horse, and lay down to rest. Sleep overtakes me.
-Nighttime encounter-deer tracks (so no encounter, tracks will be noticed in the morning-
-Threshing 7th-
-Hot, cloudy, no rain, good wind-
-Smell of Flowers-
Q: Is Giselle awake? 50/50 Exceptional Yes
Ep 4: Scene 16: Good Morning (Threshing 7th)
Chaos Factor: 4
I wake to the whickering of the horse, and crawl out of my tent. There is a wreath of goldenrod sitting outside the entrance. I look up and see Giselle sitting in her lean-to, eating some of the bread I left her. She quickly looks away and pulls the scarf back across her face.
“Thank you for the crown,” I say.
“Thank you for the bread, and the pendant. And not forgetting me,” she whispers.
“I need to get going. I am leaving my tend, bedroll, and blanket here. You’ll need them out here, more than I will in Kiddimir. Thank you for letting me share your woods last night,” I say.
Q: Is she grateful? Very Likely Yes
“Thank you…why are you doing this?” she looks up at me, tears in her eyes.
“When one can, one should,” I reply. I pack up my gear, saddle the horse, and then pick up the wreath of flowers, letting the scent refresh me before I done it like a crown. “A woman’s favor is always appreciated,” I smile. “Fare well, Giselle,” I reply, and lead my horse back up to the road. It is slower than yesterday, but we should still reach Kiddimir by midday.”
-Morning-No Encounter- Q: Does it eat my crown? Likely Exceptional Yes
I chew hard tack, nuts and jerky as I walk, having skipped breakfast, and let the horse graze as we walk, bit removed and just led by a tether. It even snatches my crown of goldenrod and eats that! “Stupid horse,” I mutter, grinning and stroking its mane.
Q: Do the guards halt me? 50/50 No -No Encounter in city-
Returning to Kiddimir, I pay the four pennies to enter the city with a mount, then head over to the Red Whale Inn to check for stabling and lodging.
“Master Luc,” I greet the innkeeper as I enter, nodding towards Victoria, the wench. “I need lodging tonight, and stables.”
Q: Does he have space? Likely Yes
“I didn’t expect to see you back here for at least two weeks,” Luc replies.
“There are two kinds of luck, and Fate and Fortune weave strange tales,” I slap the coins on the counter, and accept the key to a room. I then stable the horse, and carry my gear upstairs, where I change into my courtly clothes before heading back out.
“You don’t want to eat first?” Victoria asks.
I nod, “I do, but…it has to wait.” Smelling myself, “As does a fresh bath.” Then I head towards the Chancellor’s palace.
-Encounter-Master Paupan-Fisher’s Guild-Reaction 19!-
As I approach the gate outside the Chancellor’s Palace, a well dressed man about twice my age is exiting. “Well! What have we here? Another gentleman of class arriving in our fair city? Master Paupan Bejou, at your service,” he smiles warmly.
“Senfry Talbot,” I nod my head and accept his handshake.
“Not lord? Not master? But a man of means?” he raises an eyebrow.
-Persuasion 15-
“A lord with no land is scarcely worthy of the title, but yes, lord, and hoping to make it worth mentioning,” I confess.
He studies me a moment, then says, “I think that you will. There is a great deal of opportunity found here in the west, for I can tell from your accent you are from our illustrious homeland. Just…watch yourself. These ancient lands are haunted. Ancient ruins filled with ghosts of a lost empire, but also ancient treasures. Even the coast is haunted by ships whose crews died centuries ago. Mark my words, there is a wide world to be tamed, and one that will resist those who would tame it. And reward those who succeed.”
“Thank you, Master Bejou,” I nod once more.
He starts to bow, then hesitates, “I’ll wait to regard you as a lord, until you regard yourself as such,” he grins.
I grin back. “Thank you, friend.”
“And you as well, friend,” he smiles, and we clasp each other’s hands then part ways.
-Immersion-See something beautiful, strangely lit-
Ep 4: Scene 17: The Palace (Th 7th)-Object removed from scene
Chaos Factor: 4
I approach the Chancellor’s Palace once more, just as I was the first time I saw it, I am struck by the beauty of the great tree at the center of the great fountain in the courtyard, and how it seems to wrap itself around a tremendous statue of Freia, the mother, suckling a child. The entire scene is bathed in a golden glow and one feels a divine presence from it all. I was told last time, that the statue and tree predate the constrution of Kiddimir, and that the entire city rests upon the ruins of some older town, long forgotten. I think back to Master Bejou’s words, and they suddenly carry more meaning to me.
“Hold!” comes a sharp voice as a couple of Norgard’s Shields approach me. “Announce yourself and your business at the Chancellor’s Palace?”
-Persuasion 15-
I face the guard, “Lord Senfry Talbot, requesting an audience with…I have a message from Fort Norgard. It requests immediate aid. Who should I speak to?” I shrug.
The soldier stops short, a member of the same order that garrisons the fort, “What sort of aid?”
“Immediate resupply. The garrison suffers the red flux and has destroyed its provisions rather than continuing to poison itself. I informed Sir Cortens in Gateway, but any significant relief will likely have to come from here,” I explain.
“Take over,” the soldier tells his fellow, and then escorts me into the palace.
I am astonished at the flameless candles we pass by, following the man through the hallways, and up the stairs, to…an office, where the soldier announces, “Knight General!” the soldier snaps to attention, “This man has urgent news from Fort Norgard.”
-Reaction 4-
The officer sighs and looks up at me, “What is it? Gnolls spotted nearby? A bandit, perhaps?”
-Persuasion 21-
I bow, then rise, “I was travelling south with a caravan three days ago. The escort from Gateway was three days overdue so we attempted to cross the highlands without. Arriving at the fort, we saw the plague banner. The sentry told us they were suffering the red flux, and had destroyed their provisions. They asked us to carry the message to Truestone. We left what supplies we could, and continued. The following morning, I was separated from the caravan, and returned north. I informed Sir Cortens of Gateway, then attempted to reach Kiddimir. My horse fouled, so…it took me longer than I had hoped. The garrison needs resupply, and has perhaps been without proper food for six days now.”
Q: Does he spring into action? Nearly Certain Exceptional Yes Q: Does he offer a reward? 50/50 No
The officer’s face grows pale, and he tells the soldier, “Alert the quartermaster and fetch a captain We need supply wagons ready within the hour and an escort assembled. Then he looks at me, “What’s your name?”
“Senfry Talbot,” I reply.
-Veyport’s Perception 8, misses the signet ring-
He looks me up and down, “Sellsword?”
“For now,” I reply.
“Enlist, and you’ll earn steady meals and lodging. Sounds like I’ll need some replacements before this business is done,” he scowls.
Q: Does he dismiss me? Likely No
I bow,”By your leave?”
“No. If this is a false report, I’ll have you hanged for sowing chaos and sapping morale. Understand?” he scowls.
-Intimidate 11-
I bite my tongue, then examine my fingernails, “Any thing else, Knight General?”
Q: Does he dismiss me now? Likely Yes
“Get out of my sight!” he scowls.
“You can find me at the Red Whale if you need to hang me,” I retort, then turn and leave without bowing.
-Encounter-Special Event-Innocent Open-
As I exit the palace, I head over to the grand square before the great cathedral, I see a vast throng of people. The patriarch speaks to the crowd, “Almighty Freia, mother off all, object of our devotion, sustainer of our needs! We beseech you to guide us, and shepherds us, and succor us from all ill. Grant your healing mercy to those most worthy of your compassion and lend your strength to those who must endure. For it is not your mortal servants who can truly judge who may be worthy of your most potent blessing, but you and your wisdom alone!”
I scan the crowd, and see people marred by all manner of infirmities struggling to approach the steps of the cathedra. Beyond, I see the statue of Freia, but where normally, the elements lie dormant, a line of stone for kneeling, a circle of water for crossing, braziers of light and warmth, and the open vault to let in the air, now the stones rise and seem to tremble in accordance with the patriarch’s words, The water cascades down from the vault of tales, flames dance high as the wind, strong enough to feel even here, swirls and buffets the flames and the robes of the patriarch and his acolytes. The goddess responds!
The patriarch folds the hood of his cloak down, covering his face, and two acolytes take him by the ars and guide him down the steps. The crowd falls completely silent, as he walks along the stones in front of the petitioners. Each one reaching towards him, whispering their prayers. Suddenly, he stops! His hand reaches out, and rests upon an the head of woman, who looks to be more than twice my age. He leans down an whispers something to her. Then he nods, his hands glow with a blue light. And I see her tears of joy. He then walks to another, a boy, maybe ten years old, he leans down, hears their petition, and then the child’s parents cry out in joy. A girl, maybe eight years, and a boy, maybe twelve. Then the patriarch is led to the bottom of the steps to those who cannot ascend them at all.
Here, there are blind and crippled people. Helped by their friends or family. A falcon circles down from the sky, and perches on the shoulder of a woman who seems to be close to my age. It screeches. The patriarch turns towards the woman, reaches out…”You’re sight is restored” he declares, then he collapses into the arms of his acolytes, seemingly exhausted. They carry him back up the steps and into the temple as his assistant priest declares, “The goddess has blessed us! Be grateful for what she has given. Persevere in hope! For beyond the hardship of this life, a great paradise awaits those who hold faith, and endure!”
The crowd begins to disperse as the clerics withdraw. Some weep, having not been chosen. The healed are jubilant, be reverently grateful. And none seem to begrudge them what they have received.
I watch the scene with interest, as I had only seen this ritual once before, in Norasset, while trying to book passage to cross the ocean. I walk up the temple steps, and approach a novice, “There is a girl in Good Road, afflicted with leprosy. How can she be healed?”
-Generate Sister Damate-Reaction, mildly negative- Q: Could someone be sent? Unlikely No
The long haired novice looks me up and down, “You are a man of means. You could pay for her healing if you love your mistress. Otherwise, you might cast her away and find another,” she sneers contemptuously.
-Persuasion 9-
“She’s not my mistress. Nor likely anyone’s. Just a child, alone and dying. What would it cost to heal her?” I press.
She looks around to ensure the masses have left, “A contribution of fifty crowns is required for a case to be considered. If the goddess allows, healing might possible. To restore your lover’s beauty and her touch, two hundred crowns, but only if the patriarch himself is so moved by the goddess to bless such…relations.”
“If I procure this coin, could someone come to her?” I press.
She shakes her head, “That is not done. You must bring her here, safely, infecting none, and shelter her in your own home, as you most certainly shared her bed, until the patriarch agrees to your petition. If that is all?”
“It is enough,” I reply, then walk over to the collection plate. The temple has returned to its normal status, no signs of miracles, no opening of the gates to the elemental realms, and I drop two tenpiece into the bowl. Then I turn and leave. Making my way to the Red Whale.
-see something fragile almost hidden from view-
Ep 4: Scene 18: Red Whale (Th 7th)
Chaos Factor: 4
Even though it is a market day, I skip the crowded plazas and their myriad shops and return to the Red Whale for dinner. I sit down at my usual table, if I can be said to have one already, and enjoy a bowl of chowder with my bread and ale.
The regular minstrel plays her flute, while Victoria circulates between the tables, distributing meals to eager patrons, and I wait, wondering how long until Mabile comes by again so I can complete our business together.
As I relax, and watch Luc serving patrons at the bar, I catch sight of an exotic looking bottle when he opens a cabinet to pull out an actual bottle of wine. “Elven?” I muse.
Q: Does anyone approach me? 50/50 Exceptional No Q: Does it get crowded? Very Likely Yes-taproom event customer vomits-
As the crowd grows tremendously after the markets fully close, I am amused that none ask to sit near me. A few people look askance in my direction, and I wonder if it had something to do with the incident with Wides before I left town. Then it occurs to me, I’m still dressed for court. Everyone else here is a sailor, or a modest journeyman. I smirk and shake my head at my mistake, dressing for court in a taproom where a rowdy seaman is vomiting from overindulgance two tables over!
Q: Does Mabile arrive? Unlikely Exceptional Yes Q: Alone? Unlikely No Q: Wides? Very Unlikely No (Generate her companion, a pilgrim needing escort) (Mabile Perception 21) (Sister Cedulia Reaction 20)
As I am about to retire to my room, I spot a familiar face. Mabile! And with her, a short young priestess, who on entering the Red Whale, pauses, raises one eyebrow, and sighs before following Mabile inside. In spite of, or perhaps because of the crowd and the fact that my table is the only one with any space available, Mabile’s eyes fall on me. She smiles, and guides her companion towards me. I rise to my feet, nod, and gesture for them to sit on the bench opposite me, “Mind the bench, they can be a bit wobbly here,” I advise.
“This one? He has a sword! And good manners! I mean, what is he even doing here?” the priestess stammers.
“I was about to ask the very same question,” Mabile raises an eyebrow, “I did not expect to see you again until the sixteenth at the earliest.”
“Fate and Fortune play many games, and while frowning on some, in this case, they smiled upon me, but I hate to bore your companion with things better discussed in another setting,” I suggest.
Q: Is Mabille pleased? Very Likely Exceptional No (Cedulia Insight 14)
Mabile furrows her brow. “Fate is fickle and Fortune deceives. You cannot possibly…”
“Upstairs then?” I interject. “My apologies,” I nod towards the priestess, “I am not usually so…curt. Or at least, I try not to be.”
Q: Will she go upstairs right now? Unlikely Yes Q: With sister? Very Unlikely No Q: Is the man she is supposed to meet here? Likely No
Mabille’s nostrils flare, and she takes a look around the tavern. Sighs and shakes her head, “Dear Cedulia,” she addresses the priestess, “I hate to be so rude, but if you don’t mind, I need to have a word in private with Senfry here. I will return shortly.”
“Isn’t this the man you were going to introduce me to?” Sister Cedulia raises an eyebrow.
“I’m afraid not. It appears that Sairs is running late. I should be back shortly to make introductions,” she explains, excusing herself. I rise as well, signal for Victoria to bring a cup of wine for the priestess, and put a tenpiece on the table for it. Then I gesture for Mabille to head up the stairs.
-Immersion Sidekick gives an order-
Ep 4: Scene 19: My Room (Th 7th)
Chaos Factor: 4
I open the door my room, and Mabille commands, “Explain yourself! There is no way you could have spoken to Master Treylor. You made a committment…”
“To Master R?” I flip open the pack on my bed, revealing the ironbound tome with gold and silver embellashiment. I then hand her the letter, “Unless Master Treylor is a book dealer, I assume this is the item I was sent to ask about? Regrettably, Brother Baldewin and his companions were lost to the highlands.”
Mabille grows silent as she studies the letter.
Q: Is she satisfied? Very Likely No (Mabille Deception 16, My insight 7)
“This book is intended for a Master Rodard. Master Treylor is a very well connected man with many friends in Kiddimir. You were told to deliver a letter and inquire about the status of a book that your employer had sent for, and you simply assumed this was the book? Where is the letter you were given?” Mabille demands.
Q: Does she relinquish the book? 50/50 No -Intimidate 5-
I scowl, and pull the letter from my pack, thrusting it into her hand as I attempt take the book from her grip, but she holds it tight. “Release the book,” I say firmly, “It is mine to do with as I see fit, right of salvage. Mine to deliver to this…Master Rodald, or to sell. I’ll need the coin if I am to head to Oldenfall.”
She smirks, “You don’t even now Master Rodald. Nor could you get an audience to request a reward from him.”
-Persuasion 13-(Mabille Insight 24)
“True. But I know the High Chancellor. His steward will likely be able to arrange a meeting for me, given the circumstances,” I reply nodding towards the letter I had shown her about the book’s provenance.
Q: Does she backpedal? Likely No
Mabille swallows, her eyes suddenly reassessing my manner of dress, and her eyes noticing the signet ring on my finger for the first time. Then her eyes narrow, “Penniless lords seeking their fortune in our land are a tenpiece a dozen… “
-Persuasion 23-
“My thoughts exactly, that’s why I sell my blade. It seems I have failed you and your mysterious friend. My honor is at stake, and it cost me my mule, and time I do not have. The book, please,” I insist.
Q: Does she yield? Likely Yes Move Toward a Thread: Return book to Master Rodald -meaning Arrive Hope
She releases the book, then smiles, “Lord Senfry Talbot? You have not lost your honor. Nor have you failed. You are correct. This is the book. It is destined for Master Rodald. And had I realized your status, I would not have allowed you to meet him, for you would eventually run into and recognize each other at the palace, and he wished discretion. Can I have your word, that you will keep this between us?”
“My word is all I have to give,” I reply with a nod.
She chuckles and shakes her head, “Very well, then.” Then she raises her now empty hands, “Alas, I have no ink, no parchment, no pen, and no means to discreetly carry such a valuable commodity home with me tonight. I will have to retrieve it from you in the morning and issues a letter of credit for it then.”
I snort in amusement as I secure the book and the relevant letters in my pack, then place the pack in the trunk at the foot of my bed. “Very well. Shall we return to your friend?” I gesture towards the door.
“Indeed,” she agrees, and we head out, with me locking the door behind me.
Q: Has Mabille’s man arrived? 50/50 Exceptional No Q: Are people troubling Sister Cedulia? Unlikely No
We return downstairs, where Sister Cedulia sits alone, unamused by the antics of the increasingly rowdy sailors. She glances up at us, “Where is your man? Is he here?”
Mabille scowls as she looks around the room, “No. He is not,” she responds curtly. “Very disappointing.”
-Persuasion 23-
“Perhaps he took a side street,” I suggest, with a smirk.
Q: Is Mabille amused? Likely Yes
Mabille tries, but she cannot help but giggle at that. “I….I think he could handle a side street,” she smiles, giving me side eye.
-Cedulia insight 18-(Roll the destination of her pilgrimage)
“A side street?” Cedulia asks, then purses her lips, “Well, if he is actually capable of getting me to Farhold, he should be more than capable of dealing with…side streets.”
“You are bound for Farhold? I have a friend in Farhold,” I reply, “Sort of, anyway. I have a horse that belongs to a man in Farhold and I need to return it to him.”
“Really?” Sister Cedulia smiles, then glances between Mabille and myself, before focusing once more on Mabille, “I told you that he would do. The goddess is generous in her guidance, if one but heeds her call.”
“Wait, what? I cannot depart this city until certain…other business is attended,” I protest.
Q: Is she in a hurry? Unlikely Yes (1d4= 2 days) Q: Does she make an immediate offer? Likely Exceptional No
“I must depart in two days,” Cedulia responds.
“Temple business?” I raise an eyebrow, “How much do you offer?”
“It’s a fortnight’s travel, barring mishap. One hundred crowns to get me there,” she replies.
“And then I am in…Farhold,” I chuckle, “Do you require escort home?
Q: Is she being transfered to Farhold? Likely No
“No. I just need escort there, more concerned about the safety of an emissary of the church than the state of some wagonload of linens or wine,” Sister Cedulia responds.
“You belong to the temple, here? Serve the patriarch, yes?” I ask.
-Cedulia’s Insight 17-
“Yes…” she responds hesitantly.
-Persuasion 10 (+5 for Friendly is 15)-
“Two hundred crowns and a favor from the church before we leave,” I reply.
“What favor?” she asks with a furrowed brow.
“There is a leper girl in Good Road, living in the woods outside the village. She won’t last the winter in lean to she sleep under, nor even my tent I left her. I saw the healing ceremony today. A long haired novice told me I could request healing for the girl, goddess willing, for fifty crowns. If the temple does that for the girl, I’ll get you to Farhold for one hundred crowns, and we’ll depart the morning after the sores scar over and she has a letter declaring her cured,” I glance at Mabille, “Assuming our business is settled in the morning.”
Q: Does she agree? Very Likely Exceptional Yes
Sister Cedulia smiles broadly, and eyes bright, she beams at Mabille, “Yes! This is the one I want to escort me to Farhold!” She looks at me, “Bring this leper to the temple as soon as you are able. She will be healed, Senfry?”
“Talbot, Senfry Talbot,” I nod.
“Lord Senfry Talbot?” Mabille suggests.
I shake my head, “Lord of nothing…just Senfry Talbot. For now,” I smirk.
Q: Is Cedulia noble born? Unlikely No Q: Does she linger? Unlikely No
“Senfry Talbot. I like that,” Cedulia replies. “Anyway, I must return to the temple while the watch is still patrolling. I prefer not to be out too late.”
“May I escort you to the temple?” I stand, offering.
Q: Will she allow it? Very Likely Yes
“I would be honored,” she smiles.
I nod, “Allow me a moment to change into…less conspicuous garments,” I suggest.
Q: Has Mabille already left? Likely No
A few minutes later, I return, properly dressed for travel, in my jerkin, blade on the hip and ring concealed as normal, and the two of us head into the night while Mabille remains behind, speaking to others with whom she has business.
-Encounter-Peasant bump-conversation, recent scene- Q: Does he apologize? Likely No
Walking through the street, there are still many people about, heading home from work, visiting ale houses, or otherwise enjoying a market day evening. On one crowded stretch of road, a man bumps into me, not looking where he is going, a farmer from the looks of him. “Oh, watch your step, friend,” I caution with a pleasant word and an amused scowl, checking my purse as I step away. He mumbles something incoherent.
“You endure it? Yet you are a lord? What was that about back at the inn? Your business with Miss Mabille?” Cedulia asks.
“A lord with no land is hardly worth calling a lord. I’ve not even earned my spurs…yet. As far as Mabille’s business with me? I had been hired to retrieve something for a friend of hers, and she did not believe that I had done so. I had. We agreed to settle up payment in the morning, as she was unprepared for my errand to be concluded as quickly as it was,” I explain.
Glancing at my blade, she asks, “And this retrieval? Did you have to kill to accomplish it?”
“That wasn’t the plan. I was supposed to deliver a letter to a man, and receive the…package. However, it turns out he had already sent it. But I unknowingly found the courier’s remains on the road, and the men I was travelling with, unknown to me, robbed him. And then…the following day, they tried to steal the horses from one of the caravan masters who was with us. And I helped pursue the thieves, killed one of them, put two more on the ground. Then they were killed by the caravan guards. And then, inspecting the dead’s possessions, I discovered the package. Three days from Kiddimir instead of two weeks distant. Thus, Mabille’s confusion,” I shrug.
-Cedulia insight 24-
“So…you are not a thief or robber?” she regards me with caution.
I laugh, “You might have started with that at the inn! I hear there a great many ancient ruins that dot the lands that I will happily explore and plunder, and the spoils of battle belong to the victor, but I am not a thief. I am not a murderer. I am a sellsword who chooses his buyers. I’ll get you to Farhold safely, and with as little bloodshed as possible. On my honor.”
Cedulia smiles, “Thank you, Senfry Talbot.”
Looking up at the temple, and then back to Cedulia, “Good night Sister Cedulia. I’ll strive to bring the girl here tomorrow, perhaps late afternoon, early evening. It depends on how long it takes to get the money I need from Mabille and hire a wagon with it.”
She nods, “I’ll make the arrangements. Leprosy, you say?”
“Yes, leprosy,” I nod. “Goodnight.” Then we part company, and I head back to the inn.
-Encounter-Barbarian recruiting for a mission- Reaction 19
“Hey, swordsman!” a wild looking tattooed man calls to me as we walk towards each other. He is tall, muscular, and wears a mail shirt. “For whom do you work?”
“Myself,” I reply, cautiously.
“Come work for me then!” the barbarian replies. “Let us seize glory! Punish the wicked! Steal back what they have stolen! Liberate those they have taken! And let our steel drink blood from the same pool, side by side!”
“Uh..mmm, what exactly are you proposing?” I ask the man, who looks to only be a few years older than me.
Q: Does he ask nicely? Likely Exceptional Yes
“Pirates plague these waters,” he gestures towards the gulf beyond the docks, “They raid the coastal villages, kidnap fishermen, and enslave all they take. Few escape. We can change that!,” he says, more solemnly now than before. “I have a patron, and a boat. I just need the warriors to fight by my side. Please,” he asks.
Q: Will he follow? Likely Yes
I sigh, and shake my head, “Friend? I would do this, but not an hour ago, I pledged to escort a priest to…Farhold? A two week journey there, she said. But, I know a woman, who might be able to find you the men you need. Come with me,” I urge.
We walk the rest of the way to the Red Whale Inn. Along the way, I learn his name is Keldran, and he is what they call, a Craglander from someplace called Twin Stones. I tell him a bit about myself as well.
Q: Is Mabille still here? Likely Yes Q: Did her guy ever show? Unlikely Yes
Keldran and I enter the Red Whale. The drinking has gotten heavier, but I spot Mabille talking to a man my age, wearing a mail shirt, with the bearing of a warrior, seated at the same table I was using earlier in the evening. I approach, “Mabille! Please allow me to introduce Keldran of Twin Stones. He’s looking for some reliable blades.”
Mabille looks the man up and down, and smiles. Then she turns to her companion, “See there, Siars? One opportunity fades, but another presents itself,” turning back towards keldran, she invites us to sit. He then explains once more his situation, and Siars and Mabille both listen intently
Q: Is Siars interested? Likely No Q: Can Mabille arrange a crew? Very Likely Exceptional No
“No. This sounds like a bad idea,” Siars leans back. “A single ship? Trying to conduct a rescue mission while hunting down pirates? Too many things can go wrong.”
Mabille shakes her head, “I know a couple of people who have the skill, but too much wit for this task. You need an entire crew of proven fighters, but in finding them, word of your goals will reach your foe. Surely, I can find a wiser way for you to put your life on the line.”
Q: Does he lay it all out? Likely No
Kedran leans back, “Then I shall keep searching, until I find the men I need.”
“Best of luck!” Siars responds.
Q: Does Mabille offer a name? Likely No
“Yes, good luck,” Mabille adds as the man gets up and leaves the table.
“So, Siars, is it?” I ask the man in mail.
-Reaction 1-
“You took a job that was meant to be mine,” Siars scowls, “What are you? A petty noble from across the sea who imagines himself a knight one day? Ever face down an orc in battle? Do you even know the way to Farhold? Have you ever seen the Gnoll Highlands?”
-Persuasion 9-
“I am a sellsword. Yes, I imagine myself a knight one day. No, I have never faced down an orc in battle. No, I do not now the way to Farhold. Yes, I have seen the Gnoll Highlands,” I reply with a yawn. Then I look at Mabille, “Perhaps twas the goddess herself that delayed your friend so the good sister would not have to endure tedious questions along the road.” Then I turn to Siars, “A drink perhaps? Whether to drown one’s sorrows or brighten one’s day, they actually have some decent wine here.” I signal drinks for our table.
Q: Does he do something stupid? Very Unlikely Exceptional No
“Pah!” Siars scoffs, rising to his feet, “I’ll talk to you tomorrow” he says to Mabille.
“Next time, don’t be late to a meeting,” Mabille chastises him. “Especially when it is with someone who feels guided by the goddess herself.”
Siars rolls his eyes, and leaves.
“Did he say what kept him?” I ask.
Q: Did he say? Likely Yes Q: Legit reason? Likely Exceptional No
“Yes,” she replies curtly, “He was enjoying the delights of a lovely young lady at the Posh Pillow, instead of ensuring he arrived here on time. Embarrassing me, and costing himself close to two hundred crowns, I’m sure. And here you are, offering to do the job he could have had, for half that amount, far less than the church would have likely paid, for the sake of a…leper girl?”
“A fortnight there, a fortnight back, for a hundred crowns? Not as much as I’d like, but more than sufficient. I have time to earn more. She does not have time. So…trading half for an immediate audience, and healing, gives the girl her life back,” I shrug.
“But why do you care? You just arrived in this land, what? Twenty days ago? You can’t possibly really know a leper girl in…Good Road, was it?” she asks.
We sip our wine as we talk, and I pour Siar’s cup, untouched by his departure, between our two lest it go to waste.
“What need have I to know her? She asked me for bread, after watching me pray, and allowed me to do so uninterrupted. I feel…compelled to help her,” I shrug.
-Mabille’s Insight 16- Q: Does she accuse? Likely No Q: Does she like it? Nearly Certain Exceptional Yes
“Hmmm. A sword with a compulsion towards mercy. Interesting. Seems an occupational hazard, but…well, safe travels. I will see you in the morning,” she abruptly sets her cup down, steps up, and heads towards the door.
“May I escort you home?” I ask.
Q: Will she accept? Very Unlikely No
She pauses, with that alluring smile of hers as she looks me up and down, then shakes her head, “No. I shall be safe. Have a nice evening Senfry. It sounds like you’ll need your rest. It’s a long road east.” She gives me a wink, then exits into the night.
I finish each of our cups, then go upstairs, undress and lie down to rest. “Oh, what have I gotten myself into?” I yawn as I slowly drift off.
Q: Is Mabille a caster? Likely Exceptional No Q: A secret badass? Very Unlikely No Q: TOO well connected to mess with? Likely No
-Threshing 8th-
-Weekly Event-Forces are marshalling to push Orcs out of Westhold, again-
-Memory from 5 years ago-
Ep 4: Scene 20: Breakfast (Threshing 8th)
Chaos Factor: 4
I wait in the taproom, enjoying breakfast, as simple as it is. And I think back to when I was accompanying my father and our lord on a boar hunt in the swamplands south of Conrelly. The hounds had cornered a large razorback and it had turned to fight.
It rushed our lord, tossing one dog to the side, and gutting another, when our lord drove his spear deep through the beast….and it kept coming, and it was so large, so strong, that it knocked the boar spear from his hands and would have cored him, had father not drawn his sword and decapitated the thing.
The boar’s head was hung on the wall in my father’s quarters. The hall ate well that night, better than this…how old were the apples before they were made into jam?
Q: Does Mabille arriver first thing? Very Likely Exceptional Yes
“Oh, how delightful! Apple jam,” Mabille announces, suddenly arriving at my table as I slipped from my reverie. “Well, I hope you enjoyed your rest.”
“Of course. You have my payment?” I raise an eyebrow.
Q: Did she bring a carriage? 50/50 Yes (Character Action: Senfry Talbot Foolish Oppose)
She rolls her eyes, and scans the room before replying, “Of course. May I…stop!” she gasps as I pull the book from my pack and covers it with her hands, pushing it back inside. She rolls her eyes again, “Never do that!”
I sigh, “Sorry. I am ready to be done with this affair.”
Q: Is there a bonus? 50/50 No
“Patience! Is a virtue,” she pulls a sealed envelope from her case. “Here, this is for you. Now, you, come with me. A carriage waits outside.”
“A carriage?” I asks.
She shrugs, “Yes. I’m not walking through town with my shopping. It’s undignified,” she winks.
Q: Is it a rental? Likely No Q: Borrowed? Likely Exceptional No Q: Ship captain’s wife? Likely Exceptional Yes
So I get up and follow her. Outside, a carriage waits and a footman holds her hand as she climbs inside. He continues to hold the door as I join her. “Leave the windows open. I enjoy the light,” she winks as the footman climbs onto the back and the driver cracks the reigns. The two horses take off at a gentle pace.
“I keep my money at the Argent Fire. You should do the same. But be aware, if you visit often enough, Pierre will begin asking you about his dreams. I find that giving him a pleasant interpretation will lighten his spirit, and a man in his health needs his spirits brightened,” Mabille suggests.
“You leave your money in the hands of a sickly man?” I raise an eyebrow.
-Encounter-Townsperson bump-
“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” a man yells out.
-Generate carriage driver, which leads to Q: Is it a fancy carriage? Unlikely No-
The carriage driver shouts back, “You couldn’t see and hear a team of horses coming? Or are you just too stupid to step clear?”
“Abris? Be polite!” Mabille calls up to the driver.
“He’s an idiot,” comes the reply, “Deserves to get run over.”
We both chuckle at his response, “Anyway,” she continues, Pierre’s son is honorable as well, and…here we are!”
The carriage stops, and the footman opens the door for us. He and I each take Mabile’s hands as she steps out, leaving the book I gave her, now shrouded in a black cloth, inside the carriage. She then leads me inside the Argent Fire.
Q: Is she greeted warmly? Very Likely Yes (dream: Frightening, Warning)
“Ah, miss Mabille,” a frail looking man about twice my age greets her, “I had the strangest dream last night. There was a tremendous storm at sea, and three ships were cast about like ragdolls. And the men were holding on for dear life…”
“Pierre,” Mabille interrupts, “You are dreaming of that story my beloved husband told you of his journey to Westmere last year. The big storm he encountered. Had you slept longer, you would have seen the clear skies beyond,” she smiles. “Now, this young man is Senfry Talbot. He is a close personal friend of mine and I trust you will treat him as a close personal friend of yours as well.” Then she looks to me, then back at Pierre, “And he has done me a favor but needs not carry a large sum of coin on him.”
I hand him the letter, which he breaks open. “Two hundred eighty crowns? A favor indeed. How much do you wish in coin?”
“Forty crowns. The rest, I suppose I should entrust to your care?” I reply.
“Most prudent, most prudent young man,” Pierre replies as Mabille smiles at me.
“Don’t worry. Sister Cedulia should have coin for your travel expenses along the road. If you have to buy food or lodging on the road, have her request reimbursement at each temple you visit. They take care of their own, and while escorting her, that includes you,” Mabille explains.
Coins are counted, and I notice the wide range of jewelry on display. “If I were to bring you a lamp, could you set new stones in it?”
Pierre chuckles, “Of course lad. Do you have it with you?”
“I am not ready yet. But thought I would ask,” I reply.
“Of course, of course,” Pierre replies.
“Well, thank you very much old friend. We must be off. A very busy day today,” Mabille smiles.
“With you, aren’t they all?” he replies.
She laughs as we leave the store, and the footman helps her back into the carriage. “Thank you,” I say.
“Get in!” she says, with a furrowed brow. “You have another errand to run, don’t you? Abris! To Good Road!”
-Encounter-Beggar harassed by thieves-
With a quick crack, the carriage heads towards the city gates. Out the window, as we pass by an alleyway, I notice a beggar being pinned against a wall by two men, “Leave it,” Mabille says as the carriage passes by.
“I wasn’t going to…” I start.
“Yes you would,” she grins with a wink, “Maybe not leaping out of a carriage, but on foot, you would have.”
I sigh, “Yes. I probably would have.”
She shakes her head, “Don’t get yourself killed.”
-Immersion-I shake my head at an NPC-
Ep 4: Scene 21: To Good Road (Th 8th)-Altered, add object, reduce activity
Chaos Factor: 4
I shake my head at Mabille, “And you are riding in a carriage to help me retrieve a leper? Don’t get yourself killed.”
She smiles, then she pulls out a small pendant from her purse. “I want you to wear this in your travels. If you would be so kind.”
I look at it. It is a small pin in the shape of a hare, “Electrum?” I ask. She nods. I thank her, open my armor, and pin it to my undershirt. She smiles and the carriage continues down the road.
-No Encounter-
“Good Road!” the driver announces.
“Stop outside the gate!” I advise. Mabille looks at me in confusion, “She doesn’t live inside the village.” I explain, and climb out.
Q: Does she come with? 50/50
“We will wait here,” Mabille says, as I dismount, and walk towards the wood lot.
Q: Do farmers watch me? Likely Yes Q: Do guards question Mabille? Likely Exceptional No
“Stay away from the woods! There’s a leper there,” a farmer warns, pausing from his work.
I nod towards him, then continue anyway.
Q: Is Giselle home? Very Likely Exceptional Yes, Move Away from Thread “Buy a mule” Q: Is Giselle glad to see me? Likely Exceptional Yes
I enter the woods, and see my tent has been used to help improve the lean-to, Giselle looks up, and her eyes seem to smile, “You…came back…again?”
-Persuasion 17-
“Yes. I have a carriage waiting to take you to the temple in Kiddimir. You are to be healed. Tonight. Let’s go,” I say.
Q: Is she shocked? Very Likely Yes
She clutches the silver falcon pendant around her neck, tears in her eyes, “Okay,” she stammers, and starts to pack her things.
“Leave it. Unless there is something truly precious, just leave it,” I explain. “Best to burn most of this after you are healed.”
Q: Does she have an heriloom or something to keep? Unlikely Exceptional No
She stops, and looks down at her camp, then turns, “Okay.” I gesture for her to come and she walks along with me.
The farmers stare as I lead her to the carriage.
Q: Is Mabille uneasy? Likely Yes Random event, current context, Reward Cooperation Q: Does she dress her anyway? 50/50
Mabille shifts a bit as she watches Giselle approach. “Stop!” Mabille says, and Giselle freezes in her tracks. Mabille then steps forward with a cloak to wrap around the girl, more fully covering her. “Alright, Senfry? Can you help her into the carriage?”
Q: Does Mabile ride inside? 50/50 Yes
I nod, and the footman looks relieved. Then I climb aboard and the footman, hesitantly, helps Mabille join us. She sits beside me. Giselle crowds into the far corner opposite us.”
“How long have you…” Mabille begins.
“Four months,” Giselle blurts out.
“And…” Mabille prompts.
Giselle casts her eyes down, “Thank you both. For everything.” she says.
-Afternoon Road, no encounter- Q: Are we questioned? Very Unlikely Exceptional No
Reaching the city gate, Mabille shuts the window of the carriage on her side, and I do the same on mine. The only light that enters is from the window towards the driver. The carriage scarcely even slows, and then I hear the sound of city around us as we ride in silence. The carriage then comes to a stop. Moments later, the door opens, and we are in front of the temple of Freia. The footman helps Mabille climb down. I follow, then I help Giselle, and the three of us walk towards the temple.
Q: Does she want the carriage for home? Unlikely No
Mabille pauses, and turns to her men, “Please take the carriage home and place the satchel in my study. I will walk home.” The men nod, and the footman mounts up once more, and the carriage departs.
-Immersion-smell of excrement-
Ep 4:Scene 22: Miracles (Th 8th)
Chaos Factor: 4
We enter the temple, where Sister Cedulia is waiting for us. She kneels before the great statue of the goddess, whispering a litany of names when she hears our approach. On looking up, she smiles, “Come this way.”
We follow her through the temple infirmary, where the sick and injured are treated with the best medicines that can be found. It smells foul, as a few of the patients must suffer the red flux. Beyond that, we are led through the temple gardens and towards the rectory. “Not much farther,” Cedulia assures us. I glance at Giselle, whose hopeful gaze meets mine.
Q: Does the patriarch attend us? Unlikely No
Cedulia knocks on one of the doors, and a man slightly older than Mabille steps out, “Sister Cedulia? Are these the guests you were expecting?” He looks us over, and then sets his eyes, on Giselle, “And this, the girl?” He lifts the hood from over Giselle’s head. “Freia’s blessings upon you, child. Fetch the tears of the goddess,” he nods towards Cedulia, who scurries away, and returns a short time later after the priest has gestured for Giselle to kneel among some lilies.
The long haired novice from yesterday follows Cedulia, carrying a gold bowl. Cedulia carries a gold vase, and a silken pouch. The novice kneels on the ground between the priest and Giselle, head bowed, holding up the bowl, and quietly praying to the All Mother for her blessed protection and healing of her most worthy servants. Cedulia hands the priest the silken pouch, and as he begins his prayers, she pours a silvery liquid into the bowl, to which, the priest adds the contents of the pouch, a glittering sand that, upon hitting the water, turns it gold, and then begins to glow with a pale blue light. The priest then sets his hand within the basin and the water seems to drift up within him and he lays his hands upon Giselle, “Please cure this child’s disease, save her from leprosy, guard her soul, and restore her life that she may live its full course under your watchful gaze.”
As I watch, the open sores close, and Giselle seems to tremble as tears stream down her face. The priest nods towards Cedulia, who begins to unwrap the facial scarf. “You may stand, child,” he says to Giselle, “The All Mother has healed you.”
Giselle stands, and with the Priest’s help, and Cedulia’s, begins to unwrap the wrist bandages, while the novice unwraps the ankle ones. “You might…want a bath,” the priest notes. “The scars remain, but…you will discover, the illness has passed. You are healed. I am Father Turulf. And you are?”
“Giselle. I am Giselle,” she replies.
And I smile, because she is Giselle once more, instead of long ago.
Then Father Turulf turns to me, “An interesting choice of payment. You will, of course, keep Sister Cedulia safe on her journey?”
“You have my word. And thank you,” I nod. Cedulia smiles.
Q: Does Giselle want to come along? 50/50 Exceptional No
“You are going? What do I do? Now?” Giselle stammers, suddenly confused.
Q: Is she invited to stay? Very Likely Yes
“One of my students is leaving. Perhaps you should remain and take her place as a novice,” Father Turulf suggests, “There is always work to be done, and you have seen first hand what many endure beyond our walls, and could help those within.”
Q: Does she choose to stay? Likely Yes
Giselle reaches up, feeling the pendant I had given her, and with tears streaming down her face, “Yes. I will serve.”
Father Turulf smiles, and places his hand upon her forehead, “Welcome, Sister Giselle. There is much to learn.” And he and the long haired novice walk away.
Cedulia shakes her head, “Well, she is going to get an earful from him. But he will take care of her. Your friend is safe now. We leave tomorrow, yes?”
“Yes. I need to purchase a mule, tent, and bedroll. Mine were lost, afterwards, we will set off. Likely spend the night in Shoalwatch.” I explain.
“Very good,” I will be waiting for you here.
With that, Mabille and I leave the temple. “Shall I walk you home?” I ask.
Q: Does she want an escort? Unlikely No Random Event, current context Close Depletion
Mabille, lost in thought, “No. I have other places to go. This has been…interesting. Hmmm…good night. Go get some rest.”
“It is early,” I reply.
“Good night,” she repeats. “It’s a long journey, and I am tired.”
Q: Is the livestock dealer still open? 50/50 No
“Good night, Mabille,” I nod to her. Then I head towards the Red Whale, where I too, retire for the evening.
Q: Is Torald imporessed? Unlikely Yes
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